UBRARY  OF  PRINCETON 


Jli  3  I  2003 


I 


THEOLOGICAL  SEMINARY 


^        rrHE*^<>l»»'  l>rockiiii*i*^ir<*^ 


HOLY    BIBLE 


CONTAINING   THE 


OLD  AWD  NEW   TESTAMENTS, 


ACCORDING  TO  THE  AUTHORIZED  VERSION ; 


WITH 

EXPLANATORY  NOTES,  PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS, 

AND 

COPIOUS  MARGINAL  REFERENCES, 


THOMAS  SCOTT, 

RECTOR  OF  ASTON  SANDFORD,  BUCKS. 


STEREOTYPE  EDITION, 

FROM  THE  FIFTH  LONDON  EDITION,  WITH  THE  AUTHOR'S  LAST  CORRECTIONS 

AND  IMPROVEMENTS. 


VOL.  III. 


BOSTON: 


PUBLISHED  BY  SAMUEL  T.  ARMSTRONG, 

AND  CROCKER  AND  BREWSTER. 

NEW- YORK,  J.  P.  HAVEN. 


THE 


BOOK  OF  JOB. 


That  division  of  the  holy  scriptures  upon  which  we  now  enter,  is  called  by  the  Jews  Chethuhim, 
writings;  or,  in  Greek,  Hagiographa,  or  holy  writings.  The  book  of  Job,  the  Psalms,  and  the 
writings  of  Solomon,  are  properly  classed  in  this  division;  but  the  Jews  include  several  other 
books,  without  reason  or  propriety.  In  these  parts  of  the  sacred  oracles  there  is  greater  depth 
and  apparent  difficulty,  than  in  those  which  precede:  but  the  instruction  is  in  general  more  imme- 
diately prepared  for  use;  and  the  real  benefit  of  perusing  the  scriptural  history,  much  depends 
upon  the  degree  of  our  previous  acquaintance  with  the  books  before  us.  In  like  nrauner,  we  shall 
read  the  records  of  our  Savior^s  miracles  and  discourses  to  edification,  in  proportion  as  we  have 
understood  the  epistolary  part  of  the  New  Testament;  which,  though  more  difficult  in  many  re- 
spects, conveys  instruction  in  more  direct  and  explicit  terms. — We  begin  with  the  book  of  Job, 
which  some  learned  men  have  employed  much  pains,  ingeniously,  but  very  unwarrantably,  to  in- 
terpret as  an  allegory.  The  prophet  Ezekiel  mentions  Job,  Noah,  and  r3aniel,  as  three  persons 
of  eminent  piety:  [Ez.  14:I4,2J.)  and  the  apostle  James  illustrates  the  advantages  of  patience  by 
the  example  of  Job,  as  he  had  before  done  his  doctrine  of  faith  and  works  by  the  examples  of 
Abraham  and  Rahab.  [Jam.  2:21—23.  5:11.)  No  reasonable  doubt  therefore  can  remain,  that 
tlie  narrative  of  this  book  is  historical  truth;  though  we  may  safely  aiiow  that,  as  the  discourses  of 
Job  and  his  friends  are  recorded  in  poetical  language,  their  sentiments  and  arguments  alone  are 
transmitted  to  us,  and  not  the  exact  words  which  they  used  in  conversation.  But  there  is  no 
sufficient  ground  for  questioning,  whether  the  transactions  relating  to  the  world  of  spirits,  good 
and  evil,  actually  for  substance  occurred.  It  is  indeed  evident,  that  this  could  not  be  known, 
except  by  revelation:  but  as  the  book  itself  records  several  supernatural  visions,  and  a  glorious 
appearance  of  God  himself  speaking  from  the  whirlwind;  this  creates  no  difficulty  to  those  who 
consider  it  as  true,  and  as  a  part  of  the  sacred  canon.  As  such,  the  Jews  have  always  regarded 
it,  though  not  favorable  to  Job,  because  he  was  a  Gentile,  that  is,  not  an  Israelite,  or  descendant 
of  Abraham,  Isaac,  and  Jacob:  [J^ote,  1:1.)  and  St.  Paul's  manner  of  quoting  it,  with  "It  is  writ- 
ten," shews  that  he  considered  it  as  a  part  of  the  oracles  of  God.  (Comp.  Job  5:13,  with  1  Cor. 
3:19.) — A  very  high  antiquity  is  generally  ascribed  to  this  book;  nay,  some  think  it  the  most  an- 
cient work  now  extant  in  the  world.  The  long  life  to  which  Job  attained;  the  great  remains  of 
patriarchal  religion  in  the  land  of  Uz;  the  worship  of  the  sun  and  moon  being  the  only  idolatry 
mentioned  in  it;  and  no  express  allusion  being  made  to  the  Mosaic  law,  or  the  wonderful  works 
of  God  towai-ds  Israel;  with  several  peculiarities  in  the  style  and  composition  of  the  work,  give 
sanction  to  this  opinion.  Some  learned  men  indeed,  perceiving  a  similarity  of  sentiment  between 
some  parts  of  this  book,  and  passages  in  the  Psalms  and  Proverbs,  wouli  assign  it  a  much  later 
origin:  but  wise  and  pious  persons  will  often,  without  copying  from  each  other,  give  the  same 
instructions,  and  be  of  the  same  opinion;  and  it  is  at  least  as  probable,  that  David  and  Solomon 
alluded  to  the  book  of  Job,  as  that  the  writer  of  that  book  alluded  to  their  works,  if  any  intended 
reference  be  supposed. — Indeed  the  date  of  the  events  which  it  records  cannot  be  exactly  ascer- 
tained: but  it  is  very  likely,  that  Job  was  in  his  first  prosperity,  between  the  time  when  Joseph 
died,  and  (he  appearance  of  Moses  in  Pharaoh's  court  as  Israel's  deliverer;  and  the  language  used 
by  God  himself,  that  "there  was  none  like  him  in  all  the  earth,"  seems  to  give  probability  to  this 
opinion;  for  there  is  no  other  eminent  character  mentioned  in  Scripture  as  flourishing  during  that 
period. — It  is  not  agreed,  who  wrote  this  book.  Some  ascribe  all  of  it  to  Job  himself,  except  the 
conclusion.  Some  to  Elihu,  who  in  one  place  seems  to  address  the  reader  concerning  his  auditor}'. 
(JVf;<e,  32: 15 — 17.)  But  others  think  that  Moses  was  the  author  of  it.  The  style  has  likewise 
induced  an  opinion,  that  it  was  written  in  the  Arabic  language:  perhaps  EHhu  wrote  it  in  Ara- 
bic, and  Moses  rendered  it  into  Hebrew. — The  first  two  chapters  are  in  prose;  the  style  of  them 
is  very  plain;  and  they  form  an  introduction  to  the  poetical  part,  which  is  in  many  places  pecu- 
liarly figurative  and  sublime,  and  consequently  more  difficult  to  be  interpreted.  The  latter  part 
of  the  last  chapter  is  a  historical  conclusion  of  the  whole. — It  cannot  be  clearly  shewn,  that  this 
book  contains  any  prophecies,  properly  so  called;  because  the  passages  %vhich  might  be  adduced 
as  prophetical,  may  also  be  considered  as  a  profession  of  faith  in  the  promised  Redeemer,  and  con- 
cerning a  future  resurrection:  but  few  parts  of  the  Old  Testament  declare  more  explicitly  the 
grand  outlines  of  revealed  truth,  and  even  of  evangelical  doctrine;  so  that  they  who  speak  of  it, 
as  consisting  chiefly  of  natural  religion,  seem  to  have  entirely  mistaken  the  scope  of  it. — It  opens 
with  an  account  of  Job's  piety  and  prosperity,  the  charge  of  hypocrisy  and  selfishness  which  Satan 
brought  against  him,  and  the  permission  which  he  obtained  from  God  to  reduce  him  to  the  deepest 
distress,  as  a  trial  of  his  integrity.  It  proceeds  to  relate  how  his  former  friends,  witnessing  hia 
unprecedented  sufferings,  were  led  to  condemn  him  as  a  wicked  man.  This  gave  rise  to  a  warm 
controversv,  whether  heavy  afflictions  prove  anv  person,  who  is  apparently  pious,  to  be  a  hypo- 
crite. In  disputing  this  point,  the  principles  of  true  religion  were  argued  from  by  all  parties  as 
undoubted  truths,  and  many  excellent  things  were  spoken;  but  the  whole  had  in  it  a  sad  mixture 
of  human  infirmity.  When  they  could  by  no  means  come  to  an  agreement  upon  the  subject, 
Elihu,  who  had  heard  the  debate,  with  great  modesty  and  solemnity  interfered;    and,  having  first 

[3 


B.  C.   1550. 


JOB. 


B.  C.  1550. 


censured  the  other  disputants  for  groundlessly  condemning  Job,  he  proceeded  to  reprove  him  for 
his  improper  eagerness  in  justifying  himself,  by  which  he  liad  reflected  on  the  justice  of  God. 
While  he  was  discoursing,  the  Lord  himself  spake  out  of  a  whirlwind,  and,  by  a  discovery  of  his 
incomprehensible  majesty  and  glory,  made  Job  sensible  of  his  presumption,  and  brought  him  to 
humble  himself  before  him  as  a  vile  and  polluted  sinner.  This  being  effected,  he  justified  Job 
from  the  charge  of  hypocrisy,  and  condemned  the  conduct  and  language  of  his  friends;  and,  hav- 
ing decided  the  controversy  in  favor  of  Job,  he  appointed  llim  to  sacrifice  and  intercede  in  their 
behalf,  that  they  might  be  forgiven.  The  whole  closes  with  an  account  of  Job's  deliverance,  and 
redoubled  prosperity,  honor,  and  comfort. — It  is  a  book  full  of  caution  and  encouragement  to  the 
tempted  and  afflicted,  and  of  warning  to  those  who  hastily  judge  their  brethren.  It  throws  great 
light  upon  the  doctrine  of  Providence,  and  upon  the  agency  and  influence  of  evil  spirits  under  the 
control  of  God.  We  see  in  Job  an  eminent  type  of  the  suffering  and  glorified  Savior;  and  a 
pattern  of  the  believer's  "passing  through  much  tribulation  into  the  kingdom  of  God."  In  short, 
the  whole  is  replete  with  most  important  instruction;  and,  among  the  rest,  we  are  reminded  of  the 
ill  effects  of  acrimonious  religious  dispute.  These  four  pious  men  argued  together,  till,  becoming 
angry,  they  censured  and  condemned  each  other,  and  uttered  many  things  irreverent  about  the 
divine  character  and  government;  and,  having  lost  their  temper,  would  have  also  lost  their  labor, 
and  have  been  more  at  variance  than  ever,  if  another  method  had  not  been  taken  of  deciding  the 
controversy 


CHAP.  I. 

The  uprightness,  piety,  prosperity,  and  numerous  family  of  Job, 
and  his  religious  concern  for  his  children,  1 — 5.  Satan  ap- 
pearing before  God,  accuses  Job,  and  obtains  leave  to  try  him, 
6 — 12,  Job,  receiving  successive  accounts  of  calamities, 
■which  deprived  him  of  all  his  substance,  and  all  his  children, 
mourns  -with  humble  resignation,  and  worships  God,  13 — 22. 

THERE  was  a  man  in  the  land  of 
^Uz,  whose  name  was  *'Job;  and 
that  man  was  •=  perfect  and  upright,  and 
''one  that  feared  God,  and  eschewed 
evil. 

2  And  there  were  born  unto  him 
•^  seven  sons  and  three  daughters. 

3  His  *  substance  also  was  ^  seven 
thousand  sheep,  and  three  thousand  cam- 
els, and  five  hundred  yoke  of  oxen,  and 
five  hundred   she  asses,  and  a  very  great 

a  Gen.  10.-23.  22:21.     Huz.    36: 

28.   1  Chr.  1:17,42.   Jer.  25:20. 

Lam.  4:21. 
b  Ez.  14:14,20.    Jam.  5:11. 
C8.  2:3.  23:11,12.  3]:I,&c.  Gen. 

6:9.  17:1.  2  Kings  20:3.  2  Chr. 

31:20,21.  Luke  1:6. 
d  Gen.  22:12.    Prov.  8:13.  16:6. 


1  Pet.  .3:11. 
6  42:13.   Esth.  5:11.  Ps.  107:38. 

127:3—5.  128:3. 
*  Or,  cattle.     Gen.   12:5.   13:6. 

34:23.    2  Chr.  32:29. 
f  42:12.    Gen.  12:16.    Num.  31: 

32—34.  Judg.  6:3.     1  Sam.  25: 

2.    2  Kings  3:4.    Prov.  10:22. 


NOTES. 
Chap.  I.  V.  1.  The  land  of  Uz  seems  to  have  ] 
been  a  district  of  Arabia,  to  the  south-east  of 
Canaan;  though  some  suppose,  that  it  was  situ- 
ated in  Idumea,  and  that  Job  was  descended  from 
Esau.  {Marg.  Ref.B..)  Others  think  that  he 
descended  from  ^ibraham  by  Keturah;  yet  it 
seems  more  probable  that  he  was  of  the  posterity 
of  Huz,  the  son  of  Nahor.  (Gen.  22:21.)  He  is 
supposed  to  have  lived  before  any  part  of  the 
scriptures  was  written:  but  he  was  acquainted 
with  the  truths  and  will  of  God,  by  tradition  and 
immediate  revelation;  and  so  he  was  not  a  gen- 
tile, at  least  not  a  stranger  to  revealed  truth,  as 
many  seem  to  suppose.  "The  religion  of  Job  and 
of  his  friends  was  evidently  the  same  as  that  of 
the  patriarchs.  He  was  a  man  of  most  eminent 
piety,  upright,  fervent,  and  stedfast  in  religion, 
and  exemplary  in  his  whole  conduct;  one  who 
regarded  the  authority  of  God,  reverenced  his 
majesty,  and  habitually  worshipped  and  obeyed 
hini.  So  that  he  carefully  avoided  sin  and  temp- 
tation, and  "exercised  himself  to  have  a  con- 
science void  of  offence  towards  God  and  man." 
His  subsequent  trials  tended  to  his  greater  hu- 
miliation; but  he  was  previously  an  eminent 
4] 


t  household;   so    that    this  man   was  the 
8  greatest  of  all  the  ^  men  ^  of  the  east. 

4  And  his  sons  went  and  feasted  iw 
their  houses,  every  one  his  day;  and 
*  sent  and  called  for  their  three  sisters,  to 
eat  and  to  drink  with  them. 

5  And  it  was  so,  when  the  days  of  their 
feasting  were  gone  about,  that  Job  sent 
and  ^  sanctified  them,  and  '  rose  up  early 
in  the  morning,  and  "^  offered  burnt-offer- 
ings, °  according  to  the  number  of  them 
all:  for  Job  said,  °  It  may  be  that  my 
sons  have  sinned,  and  p  cursed  God  ^  in 
their  hearts.  "■  Thus  did  Job  { contin- 
ually. 

t  Or,  hushandry.    2  Chr.  26:10. 

g  29:9,10,25. 

X  Heb.  sons  of  the  east.    Judg. 

6:3.  7:12.  8:10.     1  Kings  4:30. 
h  Gen.  25:6.  29:1.    Num.  23:7. 
i  Ps.  133:1.    Heb.  13:1. 
k  41:25.     Gen.  35:2,3.     Ex.19: 

10,14.    1  Sam.  16:5.     Weh.  12: 

30.  John  11:55. 
1  Gen.  22:3.   Ps.  5:3.    Ec.  9:10. 
ra  42:8.    Gen.  8:30.     Ex.  18:12. 


[Practical  Observations.] 


Lev.  1:3—6. 
n  1  Kings  18:31.     Acts  21:26. 
o2Cor.'^ll:2. 
p  11.  2:9.      Lev.  24:10—16.     1 

Kings  21:10,13. 
q  Gen.  6:5.     Jer.  4:14.    17:9,10. 

Mark  7:21—23.    Acts  8:22.     1 

Cor.  4:5. 
r  27:10. 
§  Heb.  all  the  days.  Luke  1:75. 

18:7.   Eph.  6:18. 


believer,  and  an  excellent  character. — 'True, 
'blameless,  just,  godly,  abstaining  from  every 
'evil  deed.'     Sept. 

V.  2,  3.  [Marg.  Ref. ) — When  the  earth  was 
but  thinly  inhabited,  it  was  much  easier  to  ac- 
quire land,  than  to  cultivate  it,  or  to  procure  cat- 
tle to  feed  on  it;  (as  the  case  still  is  in  several 
parts  of  America,  and  in  newly  discovered  coun- 
tries;) so  that  Job's  wealth  is  reckoned  by  the 
number  of  his  cattle,  not  by  the  extent  of  his 
lands.  He  was  the  principal  person  in  that 
country;  had  abundance  of  every  thing  which 
constituted  riches  among  them;  and  acted  as  a 
magistrate,  or  ruler:  though  it  does  not  appear 
that  he  was,  properly  speaking,  a  king,  as  many 
suppose  him  to  have  been,  [^vyevrn,  JVohle.  Sept.) 

V.  4.  The  sons  of  Job,  now  grown  up  and 
settled  in  houses  of  their  own,  cheerfully  enjoyed 
their  abundance;  and,  as  they  lived  in  brotherly 
love,  they  were  accustomed  at  certain  seasons  to 
entertain  each  other  alternately.  It  does  not  ap- 
pear, that  Job  made  one  at  these  feasts;  (2  Sam. 
13:24,25.)  but  whenever  his  sons  met,  they  invited 
their  sisters  to  join  iheir  company,  which  both 
shewed  a  proper  affection  for  them,  and  evinced 
that  no  indecency  or  riot  attended  their  feasting. 

V.  5.     As  Job  had,  no  doubt,  piously  educated 


B.  C.   1550. 


CHAPTER  I. 


B.  C.  1550, 


6  IF  Now  ^  there  was  a  day  when  ^  the 
sons  of  God  "  came  to  present  themselves 
before  the  Lord,  and  *  Satan  ^  came  also 


t  among  them. 

S  2:1. 

t  33:7.    Dan.  3:25.     Luke  3:38. 

u  Ps.  103:20.    Matt.  18:10. 

*  Heb.  the  adversary.  1  Kings 


22:19— 23.  1  Clir.  21:1.    Zecl 

3:1.    Rev.  12:9,10. 
X  John  6:70. 
j  Heb.  in  the  midst  of  them. 


his  children,  and  set  tliem  an  excellent  example, 
and  offered  many  prayers  for  and  with  them;  we 
may  suppose  that  they  were  well  affected  to  re- 
ligion. Indeed,  nothing  is  intimated  to  the  dis- 
advantage of  their  characters,  and  no  feasting 
could  be  more  inoffensive  than  theirs  seems  to 
have  been.  Yet  while  their  pious  father  could 
not  but  behold  their  harmony  and  comfort  with 
satisfaction;  his  knowledge  of  the  human  heart 
suggested  a  jealous  fear,  lest  their  cheerfulness 
should  betray  them  into  some  levity  or  excess, 
some  vain  conversation,  or  some  injurious  thoughts 
of  God,  either  tending  to  infidelity,  to  dislike  of 
his  holy  worship  and  service,  or  to  idolatrous  love 
of  worldly  enjoyments.  When  therefore  their 
feastings  were  ended,  acting  as  the  priest  of  his 
family,  "he  sent  and  sanctified  them,"  reminding 
them  to  examine  themselves,  to  confess  their 
sins,  to  seek  forgiveness,  and  to  prepare  their 
hearts  to  attend  the  ordinances  of  God  with  se- 
riousness and  humble  devotion;  and  he  offered  a 
burnt-offering  for  each  of  them.  [J^otes,  1  Sam. 
16:5.  2  Clir.  29:5.)  Thus  he  taught  them,  that 
even  the  secret  unbelief,  ingratitude,  and  rebel- 
lion of  the  heart,  merited  condemnation,  and 
could  only  be  expiated  by  the  shedding  of  blood, 
and  the  offering  of  sacrifice,  in  repentance  and 
humble  faith.  As  he  did  this  continually,  we  may 
thence  understand  his  unremitting  care  of  his 
famil)^  the  tenderness  of  his  conscience,  his 
knowledge  of  the  fallen  state  of  man,  and  the  de- 
pravity of  human  nature;  his  entire  dependence 
on  the  mercy  of  God  in  the  way  which  he  had 
appointed,  and  his  believing  regard  to  the  prom- 
ised Redeemer. 

Cursed  God.']  The  word  rendered  "cursed," 
in  this  and  several  subsequent  passages,  in  its 
usual  meaning  signifies  to  bless:  yet  it  must  be 
understood  in  a  bad  sense  in  this  place,  and  when 
employed  by  Satan  concerning  Job.  It  is  the 
same  Avord  as  is  used,  when  Naboth  was  accused 
of  "cwrsm^  God  and  the  king;"  and  consequently 
stoned  as  a  blasphemer  and  traitor.  'Lest  my 
'sons  in  their  mind  have  thought  evil  against 
'God.'  Sept.  Some  think  this  was  substituted  in- 
stead of  the  word  which  more  generally  signifies 
to  curse,  from  reverence  to  God.  Others  suppose 
it  signifies  to  salute,  as  men  do  when  they  meet, 
or  part  with  others,  and  thus  is  used  to  denote, 
departing  from  God,  or  renouncing  him.  But 
the  learned  Mr.  Leigh  brings  a  quotation  from 
Mr.  Selden,  which  seems  more  satisfactory,  and 
which  I  shall  therefore  translate.  'It  is  most  cer- 
'tain,  that  the  verb  Barak  signifies  to  execrate,  or 
'to  curse,  as  well  as  to  bless;  and  this,  as  I  think, 
'not  by  antiphrasis  as  some  will  have  it;  but  al- 
'most  from  the  very  idiom  of  the  sacred  language, 
'it  may  signify  either  way,  according  to  the  con- 
'nexion  in  which  it  is  used,  as  among  the  Latins 
'■sacrare  and  imprecari.  For,  as  the  first  signi- 
'fies  at  some  times  to  devote  any  one  by  curses  to 
'destruction,  and  at  others  to  consecrate  any  thing- 
'to  God;  and  as  we  call  for  either  good  or  evil 
•upon  others;  so,  Barak  denotes  what  a  man 
'wishes  or  calls  for,  with  an  ardent  mind,  whether 
'it  be  salvation  or  perdition.  And  when  applied 
'to  the  Deity,  it  either  signifies  addressing  him  by 
'praises  and  thanksgivings,  (which  is  more  com- 
'mon,)  or  with  revilings  and  reproaches;  and  the 
'difference  is  to  be  collected  from  the  nature  of 


7  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Satan, 
y  Whence  comest  thou.''  Then  Satan  an- 
swered the  Lord,  and  said,  ^  From  going 
to  and  fro  in  the  earth,  and  from  walking 
up  and  down  in  it. 


y  2:2.    2  Kings  5:25. 

z  Zech.  l:]0,n.  6:7.    Matt.  12: 


43.   1  Pet.  5:8.  Rev.  12:9,12— 
17.  20:8. 


'the  case,  and  from  the  context.' — 'Bless  the  gods, 
'in  their  hearts.'  El.  Smith.  But  no  mention  is 
made  in  the  book  of  Job,  of  any  other  god,  or 
gods,  except  the  true  God;  or  any  other  idolatry, 
but  the  worship  of  the  sun  and  moon.  The  ori- 
ginal has  not  the  article,  and  must  be  rendered 
either  God,  or  gods,  not  the  gods;  and  the  clause 
is  exactly  the  same  as  is  used  of  the  true  God,  in 
the  next  chapter.     (JVo^e,  2:9.) 

V.  6.  The  holy  angels  no  doubt  are  here 
meant  by  "the  sons  of  God;"  because  they  love 
him,  and  are  beloved  of  him,  as  his  children, 
{.Marg.  Ref.  t — JVb^e,  38:4—7.)  They  are  here 
introduced  to  our  notice,  as  on  some  special  oc- 
casion presenting  themselves  before  the  Lord,  to 
give  an  account  of  their  late  services;  and  to  re- 
ceive further  commands,  in  delightful  obedience 
to  which  their  happiness  greatly  consists:  and  Sa- 
tan, the  adversary  of  God  and  of  his  whole  crea- 
tion, is  represented  as  intruding  himself  among 
them.  Without  determining  any  thing  about  the 
place  or  way,  in  which  this  evil  spirit  appeared 
before  God,  or  associated  with  his  angels;  or 
whether  the  transactions  of  the  invisible  world  be 
not  described  in  language,  adapted  rather  to  our 
conceptions  than  to  their  real  nature;  we  hence 
learn,  that  Job's  extraordinary  afilictions  origi- 
nated from  the  malice  and  agency  of  Satan,  by  di- 
vine permission  for  wise  and  holy  purposes:  and 
many  truths,  respecting  the  character  and  in- 
fluence of  the  devil  and  his  angels,  are  thus  em- 
phaticall}'  proposed  to  our  attentive  considera- 
tion. These  apostate  spirits  are  continually  in- 
truding into  the  company  of  the  children  of  God 
on  earth,  especially  when  they  meet  in  his  ordi- 
nances, or  approach  his  mercy-seat.  And  they 
would  dare  to  intrude  even  into  heaven,  the  hab- 
itation of  God's  holiness,  if  access  were  allowed 
them,  to  join  tlie  company  of  his  holy  angels:  yet 
this  would  not  in  the  least  degree  change  their 
evil  nature;  for  wherever  they  go,  they  are  in- 
stigated by  malice,  and  seeking  to  do  mischief. 
But,  as  God  is  every  where  present,  (though  in 
heaven  his  glory  is  especially  displayed,)  all  that 
is  spoken  upon  these  subjects  may  be  literally 
understood,  without  supposing  that  they  are  ever 
admitted  into  that  holy  place.  [Mote,  1  Kings 
22:19 — 23.) — 'The  sons  of  perdition  came  to  set 
'themselves  against  Jehovah,  and  the  Satan  (en- 
'emy)  also  came  among  them.'  E.  Smith.  This 
most  adventurous  alteration,  made  on  untenable 
grounds,  even  by  the  confession  of  Dr.  Randolph 
the  editor,  contrary  to  the  concurrent  opinion  of 
all  preceding  versions,  critics,  and  expositors, 
shews  the  dangerous  extent  to  which  the  sacred 
oracles  may  be  altered,  by  an  attachment  to  new 
notions,  and  a  slight  consideration  of  the  subject. 
— The  LXX  read  'Oi  ayyiXoi  m  Bta-  "The  angels 
of  God." 

V.  7.  When  the  holy  angels  had  given  an  ac- 
count of  their  services;  Satan  is  represented  as 
interrogated,  Whence  he  came,  and  what  he  had 
been  doing.''  And  his  answer  seems  to  have  im- 
plied an  arrogant  claim  to  be  "the  god  and  prince 
of  this  world;"  and,  in  the  spirit  of  pride  and  self- 
vindication,  he  avowed  that  he  had  been  travers- 
ing his  dominions,  without  exceeding  the  bounds 
assigned  him.  It  also  denoted  his  restless  malice, 
and  unwearied  endeavors  to  do  mischief.  [JVotes, 
1  Pet.  5:8,9.) 


B.   C.   1550. 


JOB. 


B.  C.   1550. 


8  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Satan, 
Hast  thou  *  considered  ^  my  servant  Job, 
that  there  is  ^  none  hke  him  in  the  earth, 
^  a  perfect  and  an  ^  upright  man,  ®  one 
that  feareth  God,  and  ^  escheweth  evil.'' 

9  Then  Satan  answered  the  Lord, 
and  said,  ^  Doth  Job  fear  God  for 
nought.'' 

10  Hast  not  thou  made  ^  an  hedge 
about   him. 


his    house,    and 
on  every    side.^ 


and    about 
about  all  that  he  hath 
^  Thou  hast  blessed  the  work  of  his  hands, 
and    his  t  substance  is  increased   in  the 
land: 

1 1  But  •  put  forth  thine  hand  now, 
and  "  touch  all  that  he  hath,  i  and  he  will 
°  curse  thee  to  thy  face. 

—  ■  -  -  "'  -"      Ps.  5:12.  80:12. 


*  Heb.  set  thy  heart  on.  2:3.  34 

14.    Ez.  40:4. 
a  Num.  12:7,8.     Ps.  89:20.     Is. 

42:1. 
b  Num.  12:3.     1  Kings  4:30,31. 

2  Kings  23:25. 
C  1.    8:20.   9:22,23.      Ps.    18:23. 

John  1:47. 
d  12:4.  17:3,9.  23:11,12.     Ps.  84: 

11. 
e  Neh.  5:15.  Ps.  36:1.    Prov.  8: 

13.     Luke  23:39,40. 
i  Ps.  34:14.  37:27.  Is.  1:16. 
g  21.  2:10.  21:14,15.     Mai.  1:10. 

Matt.  16:26.     1  Tim.  4:8.  6:6. 
hGen.  15:1.     Deut.   33:27—29 


1  Sam.  25:16. 

Is.  5:2,5.     Zech.  2:5,8.    1  Pet. 

1:5. 
i  Gen.    39:5.       Deut.   28:2—6. 

Ps.  71:21.  123:1—4. 
k  42:12.     Gen.  26:12.  30:30.  49: 

25.    Deut.  7:13,14.  33:11.      Ps. 

90:17.  107:33.     Prov.  10:22. 
t  Or,  cattle.    Gen.  30:43. 
1   12.  2:5.    Is.  5:25. 
m  4:5.  19:21.     Gen.  26:11.     Ps. 

105:15.      Zech.  2:3. 
J  Hcb.  if  he  curse  thee  not.  21. 
n  5.  See  on  2:9.- Is.  8:21.  Mai. 

3:13,14.    Rev.  16:9,11,21. 


V.  8.     Satan  seemed  to  advance  a  claim  to  the  ^ 
earth  as  if  it  had  been  all  his  own;  but  the  Lord 
gave  him  to  understand,  that  he  had  a  remnant 
of  servants  there:  and,  as  this  accuser  had  ahva3's 
something-  to  urge  against  every  believer,  he  was 
asked,  whether  he  had  fully  considered   Job's 
character  and  conduct.     [Mtes,   Zech.    3:1 — 4. 
Rev.  12:7—12.) — The  express  attestation  of  God 
to  Job's  integrity  and  piety,  as  the  most  faithful  | 
servant  he  had  at  that  time  on  earth,  is  sufficient  j 
to  demonstrate,  that  he  was  not  a  self-righteous 
Pharisee  before  his  afflictions;  as  some  persons, 
from  undue  regard  to  system,  have  ventured  to 
speak  of  him. 

V.  9 — 1 1.  Satan  could  not  deny  the  excellen- 
cy of  Job's  conduct:  but  he  artfully  insinuated, 
that  he  was  mercenary  in  his  religion,  and  serv- 
ed God,  not  from  love  to  him  or  his  ways,  but 
for  what  he  could  get;  or  at  least,  that  in  his 
present  circumstances  the  contrary  could  not  be 
demonstrated.  It  was  worth  his  while  to  keep 
up  a  regard  to  religion;  for  he  grew  rich,  pros- 
perous, and  honorable  by  it.  He  had  no  tempta- 
tion to  fraud  or  oppression;  for  he  had  all  that  he 
could  wish,  in  a  more  safe  and  creditable  man- 
ner. He  had  nothing  to  ruffle  his  temper,  or  to 
render  him  distrustful  or  discontented;  and  there- 
fore the  reality  of  his  faith,  meekness,  and  acqui- 
escence in  the  will  of  God,  might  fairly  be  ques- 
tioned. In  short,  if  duly  tried,  he  would  be  found 
a  different  man:  and  if  the  Lord  would  himself 
"put  forth  his  hand,  and  touch''''  (that  is,  take  from 
him,  or  imbitter  to  him,)  "all  that  he  had;"  he 
would  not  only  murmur  and  fret,  which  a  true 
believer  might  be  tempted  to  do;  not  only  in- 
dulge hard  thoughts  of  God,  as  Job  suspected  that 
his  sons  might  have  cursed  God  in  their  hearts; 
but  he  would  openly  blaspheme  God  and  renounce 
religion.  [Mote,  5.)  The  last  clause  is  literally, 
"If  he  curse  thee  not  to  thy  face;"  which  implies 
that  more  was  meant  than  expressed:  'If  it  be  not 
'so,  I  am  greatly  mistaken,  or  I  will  consent  to 
'be  punished  as  a  false  witness.' — God  had  de- 
clared Job  to  be   the  most  eminent  saint  upon 

6] 


12  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Satan, 
°  Behold,  all  that  he  hath  is  in  thy  5  pow- 
er; P  only  upon  himself  put  not  forth  thine 
hand.  ^  So  Satan  went  forth  from  the 
presence  of  the  Lord.  [Practical  obserz^atics.] 

13  IT  And  there  was  a  day,  "^  when  his 
sons  and  his  daughters  jvere  eating,  and 
drinking  wine,  in  their  eldest  brother's 
house: 

14  And  there  came  a  ^messenger  unto 
Job,  and  said.  The  oxen  were  plowing, 
and  the  asses  feeding  beside  them; 

15  And  the  '  Sabeans  fell  upon  them, 
and  took  them  away;  yea,  they  have  slain 
the  servants  with  the  edge  of  the  sword; 
"  and  I  only  am  escaped  alone  to  tell 
thee. 

16  While  he  was  yet  speaking,  ^  there 
came  also  another,  and  said,  II  The  fire 
of  God  is   fallen   from   heaven,  and  hath 


0  1  Kings  22:22.    Luke  8:32.  22: 

31,32.  John  19:11.  2  Cor.  12:7. 
§  Heb.  hand.     Gen.  16:6.    Jer. 

38:5.    John  3:35,36. 
p  2:4—6.   Ps.  76:10.  Is.  27:8.     1 

Cor.  10:13. 
q  2:7.   Luke  8:33. 
r  4.   Prov.  27:1.  Ec  9:12.  Luke 

12:19,20.  17:27—29.21:34. 
3  1  Sum.  4:17.      2   Sam.    15:13. 


Jer.  51:31. 
t  Gen.  10:7,28.  25:3.    Ps.  72:10. 

Is.  45:14.    Ez.  23:42.    Joel  3:8. 
u  16,17,19.      1  Sam.  22:20,21. 
v  Gen.    19:24.       Lev.   9:24.       1 

Kings  18:38.     2  Kings  1:10,12, 

14.  Amos  7:4.    Rev.  13:13. 
II  Or,  .4  great  fire.  Ex.  9:28.    1 

Sam.  14:15.  MarS- 


earth;  and  if  Satan  could  have  succeeded  in  this 
attempt,  he  would  really  have  made  out  his  claim 
to  the  dominion  over  the  whole  human  race:  and 
though  he  failed,  he  yet  had  an  opportunity  of 
gratifying  his  malice  in  Job's  sufferings.  But 
with  inward  anguish  he  was  constrained  to  con- 
fess, that  he  was  not  able  to  break  through  the 
hedge  of  continual  protection,  which  God  had 
placed  round  the  person,  substance,  and  family 
of  his  servant;  or  to  give  the  least  disturbance 
to  the  peace  and  blessings  which  Job  enjoyed  in 
his  favor,  and  under  the  watchful  care  of  his 
over-ruling  providence. 

Curse  thee.  (II)  'Whether  to  th}'  face  he  will 
'not  bless  thee.'  E.  Smith. — 'Certainlj'  to  thy 
'face  he  will  bless  thee.'    Sept.     [jYote,  5.) 

V.  12.  Thus  the  Lord  gave  Satan  permission 
to  deprive  Job  of  all  those  comforts  and  posses- 
sions, for  the  sake  of  which  he  was  supposed  to 
serve  him.  But  he  would  not  allow  the  enemy 
to  wound  or  to  kill  his  body;  or  even  to  assail 
his  soul  with  those  horrid  temptations,  which 
evidently  formed  a  principal  part  of  his  subse- 
quent trials.  This  permission  was  granted,  not 
because  Job  had  any  special  need  of  chastise- 
ment; but  that  liis  integrity,  and  the  power  of 
divine  grace  in  him,  might  be  manifested  to  Sa- 
tan's confusion,  the  real  benefit  of  Job,  the  edifi- 
cation of  the  cliurch  in  future  ages,  and  the  glo- 
ry of  God  in  all  these  respects. 

V.  13.  Satan  knew  how  fearful  Job  was  lest 
his  sons  should  sin  amidst  their  festivity;  and  he 
seems  to  have  chosen  this  day  for  his  purpose, 
that  the  calamities  might  be  construed  into  di- 
vine judgments. 

V.  1 4,  1 5.  One  messenger  was  spared  to  carry 
the  tidings  of  each  calamity,  that  the  sudden  and 
certain  information,  which  Job  received,  might 
overwhelm  his  mind  at  once;  and  that  he  might 
not  have  time  to  recover  himself  from  his  con- 
sternation, or  to  seek  support  from  God,  of 
which  a  more  gradual  information  would  have 
admitted. — The  servants  were  at  their  work, 
and  lost  their  lives  in  defending  their  master's 


B.  C.   1550. 


CHAPTER  I. 


B.  C.   1550. 


burnt  up  the  sheep,  and  the  servants,  and 
consumed  them;  and  I  only  am  escaped 
alone  to  tell  thee. 

17  While  he  was  yet  speaking,  there 
came  also  another,  and  said,  "  The  Chal- 
deans made  out  three  bands,  and  *  fell 
upon  the  camels,  and  have  carried  them 
away,  yea,  and  slain  the  servants  with  the 
edge  of  the  sword;  and  y  1  only  am  es- 
caped alone  to  tell  thee. 

IS  While  he  twa^  yet  speaking,  ^  there 
came  also  another,  and  said,  *  Thy  sons 
and  thy  daughters  were  ^  eating,  and 
drinking  wine,  in  their  eldest  brother's 
house: 

19  And,  behold,  there  came  *-'  a  great 
wind   t  from  the   wilderness,    and   smote 


X  Gen.  11.23.     Is.  23:13.     Hab, 

1:6. 
*  Heb.  rus/ird. 
y  15.  2  Sam.   1:3. 
z  0:%^.  16:14.  19:0,10.  23:2.    Is. 

23:10.   Jer.  51:31.    Lam.  1:12. 


Amos  4:6 — 11. 
a  8:4.  27:14.   Ps.  34:19.   Ec.  9:2. 
b  2  Sam.  13:28. 
c  Jer.  4:11,12.    Eph.  2:2. 
f  Heb.  frottt  aside,  &c. 


property. — The  Sabeans  were  a  tribe  of  the  Ara- 
bians, who  were  freebooters,  and  infested  those 
regious;  but  it  is  uncertain  whether  descended 
from  Abraham,  either  by  Ishmael,  or  Keturah. 
(c¥ar-.  Ref.  t.) 

V.  16.  Tliis  servant  naturally  called  the  ex- 
traordinary lightninjj,  which  consumed  all  the 
flocks  of  sheep,  "tlie  fire  of  God;"  and  the  ex- 
pression might  aid  Satan's  temptation,  as  it 
seemed  to  imply  that  God  fought  against  .Tob, 
and  was  become  his  enemy.  If  this  fire  had  de- 
stroyed the  Sabeans  with  their  ill-gotten  booty, 
the  divine  justice  would  have  been  manifest:  but 
that  ihci/  should  escape,  while  the  servants  of 
pious  Job  were  slain,  and  the  flocks  destroyed, 
from  which  so  many  burnt-offerings  had  been 
sacrificed  to  the  Lord,  seemed  very  mysteri- 
ous and  perplexing. — We  cannot  determine,  in 
what  manner  this  and  other  effects  were  produc- 
ed bv  Satan,  who  is  "the  prince  of  the  power  of 
the  air;"  [JVote,  Eph.  2:1, 2.)  and  is,  no  doubt, 
able,  when  permitted,  to  cause  any  such  phe- 
nomena. [jYutc,  Dent.  13:1 — 5.)  It  is  generally 
agreed  that  tlie  tremendous  appearances  on 
mount  Sinai  were  produced  by  the  ministration 
of  holy  angels:  and  thougli  fallen  angels  have 
lost  their  holy  dispositions  and  moral  powers, 
they  retafn  their  natural  capacities;  and  doubt- 
less could,  if  they  were  allowed,  produce  similar 
effects:  at  least,  it  is  impossible  to  prove  the  con- 
trary, seeing  we  cannot  explain  the  manner,  or 
ascertain  the  boundaries,  of  their  operations. 
But  tliey  are  absolutely  in  the  I.iord's  hands,  and 
can  exercise  their  powers  only  b)'  his  permission; 
and  this  alone  is  the  security  of  our  bodies, 
minds,  relatives,  friends,  and  possessions. 

V.  17.  The  Chaldeans  seem  at  this  time  to 
have  been  an  inconsiderate  roving  tribe;  but 
(hey  afterwards  became  a  powerful  nation.  [Js''otes, 
Js.  23:13.   Huh.  1:.5— 7.) 

V.  1u,  19.  This  greatest  affliction  was  reserv- 
ed for  the  last,  that  it  might  drive  Job  desperate, 
when  the  hand  of  God  seemed  to  be  thus  gone 
forth  against  him.  The  loss  of  one  child  has 
often  been  more  than  an  affectionate  parent  could 
support  with  decent  resignation:  but  for  a  whole 
flourishing  family,  educated  with  pious  care,  and 
for  years  insinuating  into  their  father's  affections; 
who  were  all  now  grown  up,  living  in  harmony, 
affluence,  and  credit,  and  likely  to  perpetuate 
his  name  and  prosperity;  to  be  all  cut  ofl'  at  once, 


the  four  corners  of  the  house,  and  '^  it  fell 
upon  the  young  men,  and  ^  they  are  dead; 
and  I  only  am  escaped  alone  to  tell  thee. 

20  Then  Job  arose,  and  ^  rent  his 
^  mantle,  and  shaved  his  head,  and  s  fell 
down  upon  the  ground,  and  worshipped; 

21  And  said,  ^  Naked  came  I  out  of 
my  mother's  womb,  and  naked  shall  I 
return  thither:  'the  Lord  gave,  and  ''the 
Lord  hath  taken  away;  •  blessed  be  the 
name  of  the  Lord. 

22  ™  In  all  this  Job   sinned    not,    nor- 
j  charged  God  fooUshly. 


dJudg.   16:30.     1  Kings  20:30. 

Matt.    7:27.       Luke     13:1—5. 

Acts  28:4. 
e  Gen.  37:32,33.  42:36.    2  Sam. 

18:33. 
f  Gen. -37:29,34.   Ezra  9:3. 
t  Or,  7-obe. 
g  Deut.  9:18.  2  Sam.  12:16—20. 

2  Chr.  7:3.  Matt.  26:39.  1  Pet. 

5:6. 
h  Gen.  3:19.    Ps.  49:17.    Ec.  5: 

15.  12:7.    1  Tim.  6:7. 
i  2:10.     Gen.   30:2.     Ec.   5:19. 


.7am.  1:17. 
k  Gen.  45:5.     2  Sam.  16:10.     t 

Kings  12:15.    Ps.  39:9.    Is.  42: 

24.  45:7.    Amos  3:6.    Matt.  20: 

15.  Acts  4:28. 
1  11.   1  Sam.  3:18.    2  Kings  20: 

19.     Ps.  34:1.    Is.  24:15.    Eph. 

5:20.     1  Thes.  6:18. 
m2:10.  Jam.  1:4,12.   1  Pet.  1:7. 
§  Or,  attributed  folly  to  Ood. 

34:10,18,19.40:4—8.     Rom.  9: 

20. 


suddenly,  and,  as  it  appeared,  by  the  immediate 
hand  of  God,  when  thej-  were  feasting,  and  not 
at  their  sacrifices; — this,  added  to  all  the  preced- 
ing unprecedented  misfortunes,  was  sufiicient  to 
drive  most  men  distracted,  or  to  urge  them  to 
bitter  complaints,  or  even  desperate  impreca- 
tions. When  we  have  endeavored  to  conceive 
ariglit  of  Job's  circumstances,  comforts,  and 
prospects,  on  the  morning  of  this  eventful  day, 
and  of  the  dreadful  change  which  took  place  be- 
fore evening;  and  when  we  realize,  from  expe- 
rience and  observation,  the  feelings  of  the  human 
heart  under  trials  comparatively  trivial;  we  shall 
be  able  to  form  some  faint  idea  of  the  immense 
load,  which  was  at  once  laid  upon  this  eminent 
servant  of  God:  and  the  strength  of  his  faith  and 
grace  appears,  in  the  manner  in  which  he  sup- 
ported it.  And  though,  afterwards,  the  still  ac- 
cumulating weight  extorted  from  him  some  im- 
patient expressions,  which  many  have  inconsider- 
ately objected  to  the  scriptural  commendation  of 
his  patience;  yet>  probably,  no  mere  man  ever 
suffered  so  much  and  so  long,  with  equal  resig- 
nation and  constancy. 

V.  20 — 22.  Job  acted  as  one  who  felt  the 
weight  of  his  afflictions;  but  he  did  not  sfnk  un- 
der them,  or  lose  possession  of  his  soul.  (JVo/c, 
Z,Mfce  21:19.)  He  expressed  his  inward  anguish 
in  the  customary  manner;  and  behaved,  not  like 
one  furious  or  distracted,  but  with  silent  and  re- 
flecting sorrow.  Having  rent  his  mantle  and 
shaved  his  head,  he  prostrated  himself,  and  wor- 
shipped the  Lord.  He  acknowledged,  that  he 
came  into  the  world  naked  and  indigent,  and 
was  no  poorer  after  all  his  losses,  than  when  he 
was  born.  He  recollected  that  he  should  soon 
leave  the  world,  and  restore  his  body  to  the 
earth,  from  which  it  was  taken,  as  the  common 
parent  of  all;  and  that  he  could  carry  nothing 
away  with  him.  He  had  received  all  from  the 
unmerited  bounty  of  God,  who  had  seen  good  to 
remand  his  subsi.ance  and  his  children,  a  little 
before  the  time  when  otherwise  he  must  have 
left  them:  and  his  body  and  soul,  his  faith  and 
hope,  his  heavenly  inheritance  and  his  God,  still 
remained  to  him.  Whoever  were  the  instruments, 
the  Lord  was  acknowledged  as  the  Author  of 
his  calamities:  he  had  no  heart  to  revile  the  Sa- 
beans and  Chaldeans,  and  others  concerned  in 
his  losses.  He  was  assured  in  his  judgment, 
whatever  his  feelings  were,  that  God  had  a  sovc- 

[7 


B.  C.  1550. 


JOB. 


B.  C.  1550. 


reig-n  rig-lit  to  dispose  of  him  and  his,  as  he  pleas- 
ed; and  that  he  had  done  nothing'  inconsistent 
with  his  infinite  wisdom,  justice,  truth,  and  g-ood- 
ness.  Instead  therefore  of  blaspheming-,  as  Satan 
had  predicted,  he  praised,  blessed,  and  thanked 
the  Lord,  in  faith,  love,  and  humble  resig-nation. 
— Thus  far  he  stood  the  trial  most  honorably,  and 
did  not  even  utter  a  single  expression,  which  in 
any  measure  reflected  upon  the  divine  conduct. 
[Marg.  reading.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
V.  1—5. 

"In  every  nation  he  that  feareth  God,  and 
worketh  righteousness,  is  accepted  of  him:" 
(JVbte,  Acls  10:34,35.)  and  he  will  have  some 
even  of  the  wealthy  and  prosperous  of  the  world 
to  serve  him;  "for  with  God  all  things  are  possi- 
ble." {J^ote,  Matt.  19:23— 26.)— When  the  heart 
is  upright  and  devoted  to  God,  the  general  con- 
duct will  be  holy,  and  he  will  be  served  with  the 
whole  man;  forthe  genuine  fear  of  his  name  will 
produce  habitual  hatred  of  sin,  and  watchfulness 
against  it. — We  receive  our  children,  as  well  as 
every  other  comfort,  from  the  Lord:  we  ought 
therefore  carefully  to  train  them  up  for  him,  and 
to  keep  them  from  the  contagion  of  this  evil 
world:  and  we  cannot  but  rejoice  to  see  them 
grow  up,  living  in  peace  and  love.  We  should, 
however,  be  careful  not  to  set  our  hearts  too 
much  upon  them,  as  we  know  not  how  soon  they 
may  be  torn  from  us,  or  made  the  occasions  of 
our  deepest  distress;  but  we  ought  to  commit 
them  to  God  by  constant  prayer,  and  seek  his 
grace  to  enable  us  to  be  submissive,  however  he 
may  dispose  of  them. — It  cannot  be  expected, 
but  that  young  people  will  pay  attention  to  things 
not  directly  sinful,  for  which  their  pious  parents 
may  have  no  rehsh;  it  is  not  evil  in  itself  to  re- 
joice in  the  bounty  of  Providence,  and  to  use 
hospitality  towards  our  friends  and  relatives;  and 
it  is  a  pleasant  sight  to  behold  the  several  branch- 
es of  a  family  love  and  enjoy  each  other's  com- 
pany. Yet  every  indulgence  disposes  us  to  un- 
watchfulness,  and  forgetfulness  of  God:  and  we 
seldom  feast  together  in  the  most  friendly  and 
decent  manner,  without  having  cause  to  repent 
of  some  part  of  our  conduct  and  conversation;  or 
at  least  of  the  thoughts  and  temper  of  our  hearts. 
All  that  of  which  we  are  thus  conscious  must  be 
washed  away  in  the  atoning  blood  of  Christ,  or 
it  will  rise  up  against  us  in  judgment  at  the  last 
day.  We  have  therefore  cause  for  continual 
self-examination;  and  after  every  social  inter- 
view, we  must  bestow  pains  to  bring  our  hearts 
into  due  frame  for  the  ordinances  of  God.  Pa- 
rents also  should  watch  over  their  children,  and 
exhort,  instruct,  and  assist  them,  in  thus  seeking 
an  interest  in  the  great  Redeemer,  and  in  pre- 
paring to  commemorate  his  death  at  the  Lord's 
table.  The  higher  men  are  advanced  in  rank  or 
authority,  the  more  important  is  it,  that  they  pay 
regard  to  these  duties,  for  an  example  to  their 
inferiors:  but  alas!  how  few  of  our  nobles  and 
rulers,  in  this  Christian  land,  imitate  Job,  in  this 
open  profession  of  godliness,  and  this  strict  at- 
tention to  religion  in  his  family!  Yet  the  con- 
sistent believer  will  attend  on  these  things  con- 
tinually. 

V.  6—12. 

No  man  is  proved  to  be  a  true  Christian  by 
being  found  in  company  with  the  children  of 
God,  even  when  they  appear  before  him  in  his 
house,  or  at  his  table.  Could  Satan  enter  heaven, 
and  associate  with  angels,  he  would  still  remain 
a  liar  and  a  murderer,  ambitious,  subtle,  envi- 
ous, and  malignant:  and  while  holy  spirits  de- 
lighted in  the  service -of  their  God,  he  would  be 
plotting  mischief  against  his  cause  and  people. 
We  should  therefore  inquire,  not  only  whither  we 

8] 


go,  and  what  company  we  keep;   but  also,  what 

our  intentions  and  dispositions  are We  ought 

likewise  to  expect  temptations,  and  that  offences 
will  continue  in  the  church:  and  we  should  chiefly 
look  to  ourselves;  for  we  must  every  one  give  an 
account  of  himself  to  God. — May  we  then  imitate 
those  holy  and  loving  angels,  who  are  "all  wor- 
shipping spirits,  sent  forth  to  minister  unto  them 
who  shall  be  heirs  of  salvation!" — Satan  claims 
this  earth  as  his  domain;  and  alas!  he  has  hitherto 
had  too  much  ground  for  his  arrogant  pretensions: 
and  as  he  continually  "goeth  about  seeking  whom 
he  may  devour,"  we  ought  to  be  always  sober 
and  vigilant.  But  there  is  a  remnant  who  are 
rescued  from  his  tyranny,  and  are  the  servants  of 
God,  in  whom  he  is  glorified,  and  over  whom  he 
rejoices. — Those  who  are  disposed  to  represent 
the  most  blameless  professors  of  godliness,  as 
hypocritical  or  mercenary;  to  put  a  bad  construc- 
tion upon  harmless  or  even  good  actions;  and  to 
insinuate  some  suspicion  or  objection,  in  order  to 
detract  from  the  commendations  bestowed  upon 
pious  and  useful  men;  may  easily  know  whose 
children  they  are,  whose  example  they  follow, 
and  whose  work  they  do.  For  they  resemble,  in 
every  feature,  Satan,  the  envenomed  slanderer 
and  "accuser  of  the  brethren."  It  is  indeed  true, 
that  God  will  not  suffer  his  people  to  serve  him 
for  nought.  Their  best  interests  are  secured;  no 
good  thing  they  do  shall  lose  its  reward;  and  he 
will  give  them  as  manj'  worldly  comforts  as  he 
sees  good  for  them.  Yet  every  believer  serves 
God  from  love,  gratitude,  and  zeal,  and  delights 
in  his  holy  commandments.  When  called  to  it, 
he  will  part  with  every  temporal  possession  for 
his  sake:  and  it  is  impossible  that  he,  who  loves 
God  above  all  things,  should  fail  of  being  eternal- 
ly happy  in  the  enjoyment  of  him.  But  untried 
faith  is  not  much  to  be  depended  on.  If  ease, 
wealth,  and  pleasure  uniformly  attended  piety;  if 
there  were  no  cross,  self-denial,  or  temptation,  to 
serve  as  a  touchstone,  or  a  furnace;  it  would  be 
very  difficult  to  distinguish  the  believer  from  the 
hypocrite:  and  therefore  Satan  is  often  allowed 
to  sift  and  prove  the  people  of  God,  that  he  may 
be  the  more  confounded.  [J^otes,  23:8 — 12.  Luke 
22:31—34.  Jam.  1:2—4,12.  1  Pe<.  1:6,7.  4:12—16.) 
He  means  to  destroy,  defile,  or  distress  them:  but 
the  Lord  intends  to  demonstrate  the  reality  and 
power  of  his  grace  in  them,  for  his  own  glory  and 
their  important  good. — Little  do  we  know  what 
plots  are  forming  against  us  in  the  invisible  world; 
nor  are  we  sufficiently  sensible  of  the  number, 
power,  malice,  and  subtlety  of  our  unseen  adver- 
saries. We  bolt  and  bar  to  keep  out  a  few  ruffians 
of  our  own  species,  who  might  come  to  plunder  or 
murder  us  while  we  sleep;  but  there  ai-e  legions 
of  infernal  spirits,  whom  we  can  by  no  means  ex- 
clude, and  who  are  able  in  a  moment  to  distract, 
torment,  or  destroy  us.  Blessed  be  the  Lord,  his 
power  limits  the  operations  of  these  malicious  foes; 
and  the  protection  which  he  affiDrds  to  ungodly 
men  against  their  destructive  rage,  is  a  most  won- 
derful instance  of  his  patience  and  loving-kind- 
ness. Yet,  as  they  generally  disbelieve  or  disre- 
gard the  being  and  agency  of  evil  spirits,  they  are 
"taken  captive  by  them  at  their  will,"  and  are 
hurried  on  in  rebellion  against  God.  But  they 
who  love  the  Lord  are  assured  of  protection. 
Their  enemies  can  never  break  through  the 
hedge,  which  the  Almighty  God  hath  made  around 
them;  and  even  when  he  permits  them  to  be 
tempted,  neither  the  devil  nor  his  emissaries  can 
exceed  the  limits  assigned  them. 
V.  13—22. 
It  is  the  delight  of  Satan  and  of  all  his  servants 
to  do  mischief:  they  will  go  to  the  full  length  of 
their  chain;  and  we  do  not  know  how  far  they 
may  be  permitted  to  practise  and  prosper  against 
us.    We  see  in  the  example  before  us,  to  what  an 


B.  C.  1550. 


CHAPTER  11. 


B.  C.  1550. 


CHAP.  n. 

Satan  again  appears  before  God,  and  obtains  permission  still  far- 
ther to  try  Job,  1 — 6.  He  smites  him  with  sore  boils  from 
head  to  foot,  7,  8.  His  wife  moves  him  to  curse  God  and  die; 
but  he  rebukes  her,  9,  10.  Three  of  his  friends  visit  him;  and, 
overwhelmed  with  surprise  and  grief,  they  keep  silence  seven 
days,  11—13. 

AGAIN  "  there  was  a  day  when  the 
sons  of  God  came  to  present  them- 
selves before  the  Lord,  and  Satan  came 
also  among  them,  to  present  himself  be- 
fore the  Lord. 

2  And  the  Lord  said  mito  Satan, 
''From  whence  comest  thou.^  And  Satan 
answered  the  Lord,  and  said,  *^  From  go- 
ing to  and  fro  in  the  earth,  and  from 
walking  up  and  down  in  it. 

3  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Satan, 
^  Hast  thou  considered  my  servant  Job, 
that  there  is  none  like  him  in  the  earth, 
a  perfect  and  ®  an  upright  man,  one  that 
feareth  God,   and    escheweth   evil?    and 


a  See  on  1:6 — Is.  6;1,2.  Luke  1: 

19.    Heb.  1:14. 
b  Gen.  16:8. 
c  1:7.     John  14:30.     2  Cor.  4:4. 

1  Pet.  5:8. 


d  See  on  1:1,8.-9:20.   Gen.  6:9. 
•  Ps.  37:37.      Phil.  3:12.     1  Pet. 

5:10. 
e  Prov.    11:3.    13:6.    14:2.    15:8. 

16:17. 


extent  they  may  be  successful;  and,  though  they 
are  seldom  allowed  to  proceed  so  far,  we  should 
be  thankful  that  they  can  go  no  farther,  and 
should  prepare  for  the  worst.  One  calamity  may 
succeed  another,  and  each  be  heavier  than  the 
preceding;  they  may  come  on  us  from  all  quar- 
ters, with  every  circumstantial  aggravation;  we 
may  be  entirely  impoverished  and  bereaved;  in- 
deed, none  can  say  all  that  we  may  suffer;  and 
yet  our  grand  interest  may  be  safe,  and  all  things 
working  together  for  our  good.  But,  if  in  all  our 
troubles  we  look  to  our  gracious  God,  he  will  re- 
press our  murmurs  and  support  us  under  our  af- 
flictions. However  unjust  the  instruments  of  our 
correction  may  be,  he  is  righteous  in  all  that  is 
laid  upon  us.  Our  all  is  from  his  gift,  we  have 
forfeited  it  by  sin,  and  ought  not  to  complain  if  he 
take  any  part  of  it  from  us.  We  have  received 
all  our  possessions,  since  we  "came  naked  into 
this  world;"  and  we  must  leave  every  earthly 
comfort  and  advantage  when  we  go  out  of  it:  for 
they  were  only  imparted  to  bear  the  expenses  of 
our  journey,  and  to  assist  our  fellow-travellers. 
Soon  will  our  bodies  be  conveyed  to  the  earth 
whence  they  were  taken,  and  our  souls  into  the 
eternal  world:  and  should,  we  be  spoiled  of  all, 
and  bereaved  of  our  beloved  children  or  fiiends, 
befoi'e  we  depart;  we  shall  not  live  long  to  feel 
our  loss,  and  the  hopes  and  earnest  of  heaven  will 
support  us  under  it.  May  we  then  be  enabled  to 
"choose  the  good  part  which  shall  never  be  taken 
from  us;"  to  "set  our  affections  on  things  above," 
and  to  "possess  our  souls  in  patience."  Maj'  we, 
after  the  example  of  Job,  learn,  under  our  lighter 
trials,  to  repress  every  i-ebellious  passion;  to  hum- 
ble ourselves  before  God;  to  adore  his  wise  and 
righteous  sovereignty,  and  to  praise  him  for  re- 
maining mercies  and  prospects;  and  by  all  our 
troubles,  to  get  nearer  to  his  mercy-seat,  in  com- 
munion with  him.  Tlien  Satan  will  miss  his  aim, 
and  not  be  able  by  affliction  to  prevail  with  us  to 
sin,  or  "charge  God  foolishly."  And  may  the 
malice  and  power  of  these  our  enemies  render 
more  precious  to  us  that  gracious  and  condescend- 
ing Savior,  "who  came  to  destroy  the  works  of 
the  devil,"  and  who,  in  order  to  effect  our  salva- 
tion, was  willing  to  suffer  from  that  enemy,  far 
more  than  Job  suffered,  or  than  we  can  possibly 
conceive. 

Vol.  m.  2 


still  he  '  holdeth  fast  his  integrity,  al- 
though s  thou  movedst  me  against  him, 
to  *  destroy  him,  ''  without  cause. 

4  And  Satan  answered  the  Lord,  and 
said.  Skin  for  skin;  yea,  '  all  that  a  man 
hath  will  he  give  for  his  life: 

5  But  J  put  forth  thine  hand  now,  and 
touch  his  bone  and  his  flesh,  and  ''he 
will  curse  thee  to  thy  face. 

6  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Satan, 
'  Behold  he  is  in  thy  hand;  t  but  "  save 
his  Hfe. 

7  So  °  went  Satan  forth  from  the  pres- 
ence of  the  Lord,  and  smote  Job  with 
°  sore  boils,  p  from  the  sole  of  his  foot 
unto  his  crown. 


f  1:21,22.  13:15.  27:5,6.    Jam.  1: 

12.    1  Pet.  1:7. 
gl:ll. 
*  Heb.   sioallovi    him    up.      2 

Sam.  20:20. 
h9:17.    John  9:3. 
i  Esth.  7:3,4.    Is.  2:20,21.    Jer. 

41:8.    Matt.  16:26.  Acts  27:18, 

19.     Phil.  3:8—10. 
j   1:11.  19:21.   1  Chr.  21:17.    Ps. 

32:3,4.  38:2—7.  39:10. 


k  9.  1:5,11.     Lev.  24:15.     Is.  8: 

21. 
1  See  on  1:12. 
I  Or,  only. 
m  38:10,11.      Ps.  65:7.    Luke  8: 

29—33.22:31,32.   1  Cor.  10:13. 

Rev.  2:10.  20:1,2,7. 
n  1  Kings  22:22. 
0  30:17—19,30.       El.    9:9—11. 

Lent.  2o::7..35.    Rev.  16:11. 
pis.  1:6.  3:17. 


NOTES. 

Chap.  II.  V.  1—3.  {JVotes,  1:6— \9.)— Still  he 
holdeth  fast,  &c.  (3)  Satan  had  been  permitted  to 
prove  Job's  sincerity,  by  the  most  overwhelming 
and  sudden  loss  of  his  whole  substance,  and  of  all 
his  children.  But  instead  of  cursing,  he  blessed 
and  worshipped  God.  Thus  he  held  fast  his  in- 
tegrity, and  shewed  the  simplicity  and  piety  of  his 
heart.  [JVote,  1:20—22.)  Satan  had  "without 
cause,"  moved  the  |^ord  tlius  to  afflict  his  servant: 
for  there  was  not  the  least  ground  for  the  charge 
of  selfishness  which  he  had  lodged  against  him: 
and  nothing  in  Job's  character  rendered  such  se- 
vere afflictions  necessary,  either  to  preserve  him 
from  ruin,  or  to  vindicate  the  honor  of  the  divine 
government:  yet,  doubtless,  the  Lord  had  wise 
and  good  reasons  for  his  conduct;  and  Job,  as  a 
sinner,  deserved  worse  than  any  temporal  afflic- 
tions — The  word  rendered  destroy,  signifies  to 
swalloiv  up;  and  may  refer  to  Job's  substance  and 
family:  but  Satan  aimed  to  destroy  his  soul  also. 
— 'But  thou  spakcst  to  destroy  his  substance  in 
'vain.'    Sept. 

V.  4,  5.  Satan  construed  Job's  holy  resigna- 
tion into  an  evidence  of  his  insensibilit}';  as  if  he 
had  been  destitute  of  affection  for  his  children, 
and  regard  for  his  servants.  His  life  and  health 
were  preserved,  and  he  would  give  any  one's  skin 
to  preserve  his  own:  he  was  willing  therefore  to 
compound,  and  part  with  all  to  save  his  life;  so 
that  he  still  kept  up  his  religion,  expecting  that 
his  other  losses  would  be  made  up.  Nothing  could 
be  more  unreasonable  and  malignant  than  this  in- 
sinuation: yet  it  illustrates  tiie  subtlety  of  that 
enemy,  who  was  able  plausibl}'  to  put  a  bad  con- 
struction on  Job's  most  unexceptionable  conduci:, 
and  to  impute  to  the  basest  principles,  what 
sprang  from  the  noblest  of  which  the  human  heart 
is  susceptible. 

V.  6.  To  prove  the  falsehood  and  malice  o.r 
Satan's  insinuation,  God  granted  him  permission 
to  afflict  Job  in  his  body,  in  any  way  he  chose; 
only  he  was  to  "save  his  life.""  Tlie  word  is 
often  rendered  soul,  and  probably  means  that  he 
was  to  preserve  to  him  the  possession  of  his  un- 
derstanding; for  if  he  were  driven  distracted,  and 
in  his  frenzy  blasphemed,  it  would  not  be  a  fair 
trial.  [JTotes,  1:9—12.  Ps.  76:10.  Luke  22:31— 
34.) 


B.  C.  1550. 


JOB. 


B.  C.  1550. 


8  And  he  i  look  li'nn  a  potsherd  to 
scrape  himself  withah  and  ""  he  sat  down 

among   the    ashes.  [Practical  observations.-] 

9  ^  Then  said  ^  his  wife  unto  him, 
Dost  thou  still  ^  retain  thine  integrity? 
"  curse  God,  and  die. 

10  But  he  said  unto  her,  ^  Thou 
speakest  y  as  one  of  the  foolish  women 
speaketh.  What?  ^  shall  we  receive  good 
at  the  hand  of  God,  and  shall  we  not  re- 
ceive evil?  *  In   all  this  did   not  Job   sin 


with  his  lips. 

q  19:14—17.    Ps.  38:5,7.    Luke 

16:20,24. 
r  4-2!6.   2  Sara.  13:19.    Is.  61:3. 

Es.  27:30.  Jon.  3:6.    Matt.  11: 

21. 
3  Gen.  3:6,12.     1  Kings  11:4. 
t  3.    21:14,15.       2   Kings   6:33. 

MaJ.  3:14. 
u  5.  1:11. 
X  Gen.  3:17.  2  Sam.  19:22.  Matt 


16:23. 
y  2  Sam.  6:20,21.  13:13.  24:10. 

2Chr.  16:9.  Prov.  9:6,13.  Matt. 

25:2. 
z  1:1—3,10,21.     2   Sam.    1—28. 

Lan..   3:33 — 41.     John  18:11. 

Rom.    12:12.     Heb.   12:9—11. 

Jam.  5:10,11. 
n  1:22.     Ps.  39:1.  59:12.     Matt. 

12:3-;— 37.   Jam.  3:2. 


V.  7,  8.  No  doubt  the  diiease,  which  Satan 
inflicted  on  Job,  was  as  painful  and  loathsome  as 
it  could  be  made.  [J^otes,  Matt.  8:28,29.  Luke 
13:10 — 17.  P.  O.  10—21.)  Sore  boils  or  ulcers, 
(one  of  which  is  often  found  sufficient  to  exercise 
all  our  patience,)  covered  Job  from  head  to  foot: 
so  that  his  excessive  torture  must  have  been  in- 
capable of  relief  from  chang;c  of  posture;  and  he 
%vould  be  so  offensive  that  fe,"  would  come  near 
him.  Being-  deprived  of  other  relief,  he  took  a 
•potsherd  to  cleanse  his  sores:  or  perliaps  when 
any  of  thf  boils  began  to  die  awaj,  the  itching 
became  as  intolerable,  as  the  pain  before  had 
been;  so  that  "he  took  a  potsherd  to  scrape  him- 
self withal:"  and  b}'  this  improper  treatment,  his 
disease  was  probably  increased  and  prolonged, 
and  one  kind  of  misery  alternately  exchanged  for 
another.  {JVotes^  30:15 — 31.) — He  also  "sat  down 
among  ashes."  The  Septuagint  renders  it  'upon 
'a  dunghill,'  and  he  is  generally  represented  in 
that  situation:  the  original,  however,  only  means 
that  he  assumed  the  posture  of  a  mourner  and  a 
supplicant.  [J^Ia7'g.  Ref.  r.) 

V.  9.  When  Satan  deprived  Job  of  his  children, 
he  reserved  his  wife  to  be  his  tempter;  perhaps 
knowing  her  to  be  a  woman  of  an  impatient  spirit, 
who  had  great  influence  with  her  husband.  She 
had  shared  the  former  afflictions  with  him;  yet  it 
is  probable  that  sh  3  was  full  of  hard  and  rebellious 
thoughts,  though  she  did  not  openly  give  vent  to 
them.  Bui  when  this  additional  calamity  oppress- 
ed Job,  she  was  driven  to  despair  of  help,  and  to 
upbraid  him  as  prenosterous  in  adhering  to  his  re- 
ligion, seeing  God  rewarded  his  fidelity  and  resig- 
i.«ation,  with  nothing  but  one  dire  calamity  after 
anothei". — The  meaning  of  her  advice  has  been 
much  disputed,  for  the  Hebrew  word  signifies 
both  to  bless  and  to  curse.  [JYbte,  1:5.)  But  her 
counsel  was  evidently  suggested  by  Satan,  who 
spake  by  her,  as  he  had  spoken  by  the  serpent  to 
Eve,  and  by  Eve  to  Adam:  and  it  was  therefore 
coincident  with  his  temptation:  [A'otes  and  P.  O. 
Gen.  3:1 — 6.)  and  both  her  preface  and  Job's  an- 
swer prove,  that  it  was  desperate,  and  not  pious, 
advice  which  she  gave.  It  is  probable  therefore, 
that  our  translation  gives  the  true  sense:  and  that 
Job's  wife,  being  herself  driven  desperate,  insti- 
gated him  to  despair  and  blasphemy,  to  "curse 
God,"  though  he  should  die  for  so  doing;  or  even 
in  order  to  provoke  the  Lord  thus  to  terminate 
his  sufferings;  or  as  an  introduction  to  suicide,  to 
which  Satan  no  doubt  would  tempt  him. — It  is 
well  known,  that  the  Gentiles,  under  great  calam- 
ities, frequently  vented  their  rage  by  curses 
against  the  gods,  whom  at  other  times  they  wor- 
shipped. 
lOj 


1 1  IT  Now  when  Job's  three  ^  friends 
heard  of  all  this  evil  that  was  come  upon 
him,  they  came  every  one  from  his  own 
place;  Eliphaz  the  '^  Temanite,  and  Bil- 
dad  the  '^  Shuhite,  and  Zophar  the  Naa- 
mathite:  for  they  had  made  an  appoint- 
ment together  to  come  *  to  mourn  with 
him,  and  to  '  comfort  him. 

12  And  when  they  hfted  up  their  eyes 
afar  off,  and  s  knew  him  not,  ^  they  lifted 
up  their  voice  and  wept;  and  •  they  rent 
every    one    his    mantle,    and  "^  sprinkled 


b6:14.     16:20.     19:19,21.    42:7. 

Prov.  17:17.  18:24.  27:10. 
c  6:19.  15:1.  Gen.  36:11,15.  Jer. 

49:7. 
d  8:1.  18:1.  Gen.  25:2.  1  Chr.  1: 

32. 
e  42:11.    Gen.  37:35.    Is.  51:19. 

John    11:19.      Rom.  12:15.     1 

Cor.  12:26.    Heb.  13:3. 


f  13:4.  16:2. 

g  19:14.    Ruth  1:19—21.    Lam. 

4:7,8. 
nGen.  27:34.      Judg.   2:4.       1 

Sam.  11:4.  30:4.    2  Sam.  13:36. 

Ksth.  4:1. 
i   1:20. 
k  Neb.  9:1.  Lam.  2:10.  Ez.  27: 

30.     Rev.  18:19. 


V.  10.  Considering  Job's  situation,  nothing 
can  be  more  admirable  than  this  reply.  He  re- 
proved his  wife  with  firmness,  yet  with  temper; 
and  neither  the  anguish  of  his  mind,  nor  the  base- 
ness of  her  suggestion,  dictated  any  opprobrious 
language.  He  did  not  even  address  her,  as  a 
foolish',  or  wicked,  woman;  for  he  would  not  for 
one  crime,  however  great,  condemn  her  as  a 
hypocrite.  She  spoke  indeed  "as  one  of  the 
foolish  women:"  but  he  would  hope  it  was  the 
eff"ect  of  violent  temptation,  and  tlie  exceeding 
distress  of  her  heart;  and  that  she  would  repent 
of  this  her  heinous  sin.  "What''"  says  he,  in  as- 
tonishment at  her  desperate  language,  "shall  we 
receive  good  at  the  hand  of  God,  and  shall  we 
not  receive  evil.'"'  'Shall  we,  guilty,  polluted, 
'worthless  creatures,  receive  so  many  unmerited 
'blessings  from  a  just  and  holy  God;  and  shall  we 
'refuse  to  accept  of  the  punishment  of  our  sins, 
'when  we  suiTer  so  much  less  than  we  deserve, 
'and  are  yet  allowed  to  hope  for  a  happy  event? 
'Rather  let  us  receive  the  evil  also,  with  patient 
'submission,  and  even  as  a  pledge  of  his  love,  and 
'a  means  of  our  good.' — Thus  far  he  most  honora- 
bly stood  the  trial,  and  appeared  the  brightest  in 
the  furnace  of  affliction:  and  the  testimony  here 
borne  to  his  conduct,  shews  that  he  did  not  speak 
the  language  of  passion,  as  many  seem  to  think; 
but  that  of  soberness  and  piety. — It  is  not  said, 
what  reception  his  reply  met  with:  but  the 
temptation  was  repulsed  and  the  tempter  baf- 
fled; and  we  read  little  more  of  his  wife.  (19: 
170 

V .  1 1.  These  friends  of  Job  seem  to  have  been 
persons  eminent  for  their  rank  in  life,  as  well  as 
for  their  wisdom  and  piety.  The  Septuagint  call 
them  kings,  but  no  evidence  can  be  adduced  thr.t 
they  were  so.  Eliphaz  is  supposed  to  have  de- 
scended from  Teman,  the  grandson  of  Esau,  by 
Eliphaz,  whose  name  this  his  descendant  bore; 
(Gen.  36:11.  1  Chr.  1:36.J  and  Bildad,  from 
Shuah,  Abraham's  son  by  Keturah.  [Gen.  25:2. 
1  Chr,  1:32.)  Zophar  also  sprang-  from  some  of 
the  families,  descended  from  Abraham.  For  true 
rehgion  seems  to  have  continued  a  considerable 
time  in  the  different  branches  of  that  favored 
family,  even  among  those  who  were  excluded 
from  the  covenant  made  with  Abraham,  Isaac, 
and  Jacob. — These  persons,  having  heard  of  Job's 
great  affliction,  made  an  appointment  to  go  to  visit 
him  and  sympathize  with  him.  Their  intentions 
were  humane,  friendly,  and  pious;  and  they  had 
doubtless  been  the  associates  of  his  religion  in  more 
prosperous  days:  yet,  by  their  mistake  of  his  case, 
they  :ict  only  greatly  increased  his  anguish;  but 
uninteutiouaiiy  concurred  with  Satan,  in  tempt- 


B.  C.  1550. 


CHAPTER  II. 


B.  C.  1550. 


dust  upon   their    heads   toward    heaven. 
13  So   '  they  sat  down  with  him  upon 
the  ground  ^  seven  days  and  seven  nights, 


1  E!!ra9:3.    Neh.  1:4.    Is.  3:26.  47:]. 


m  Gen.  1:5,3. 


and  "none   spake   a  word  unto  him:  for 
they  saw  that  his  grief  was  very  great. 

ri  4:2.   Ps.  77:4. 


inff  him  to  despair,  and  to  blasphemy  as  its  never 
failing  effect. 

V.  12,  13.  Job  seems  to  have  been  at  this  time 
in  the  open  air;  when  his  friends,  astonished  at 
what  they  saw,  and  perceiving-  him  so  altered 
that  they  could  not  know  him,  expressed  their 
grief  by  eveiy  emphatical  token,  and  burst  out 
into  loud  lamentations.  It  should  not,  however, 
be  concluded  from  the  language  here  used,  that 
he  and  his  friends  remained  together  in  the  same 
place,  all  the  time  preceding  their  debate,  and 
during  its  continuance.  At  proper  seasons  they 
came  to  Job,  and  sat  by  him  as  mourners;  but 
they  were  so  aifected  by  a  view  of  his  misery, 
that  they  remained  silent  before  him.  It  is  prob- 
able, they  suspected  that  his  unprecedented  ca- 
lamities were  judgments  on  him  for  some  enor- 
mous crimes,  which  he  had  veiled  under  a  hypocrit- 
ical profession  of  religion:  but  they  did  not  choose 
■to  augment  his  grief,  by  abruptly  bringing  this 
charge  against  him;  yet  they  could  not  use  the 
ordinary  topics  of  consolation.  Perhaps  they 
conferred  among  themselves  on  the  subject,  and 
agreed  to  wait  and  observe  his  conduct,  and  to 
take  an  opportunity  of  speaking,  as  circumstances 
might  appear  to  them.  Perhaps  also  J  ob  suspect- 
ed the  cause  of  their  silence;  and  his  anguish  on 
that  account,  might  give  Satan  an  occasion  of 
tempting  him  to  use  the  passionate  language  re- 
corded in  the  ensuing  chapter,  which  confirmed 
his  friends  in  their  harsh  suspicions,  and  gave  rise 
to  the  subsequent  debate. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
V.  1—8. 
Holy  angels  are  not  more  unwearied  in  serving 
God  and  in  doing  good,  than  evil  spirits  are  in 
rebellion  and  mischief:  and  when  baffled  in  their 
attempts,  they  are  pushed  on,  by  pride  and  enmity, 
to  still  further  disappointment  and  disgrace. — As 
Satan  persists  in  accusing  the  people  of  God,  not- 
withstanding the  evidences  which  they  give  of 
piety  and  integrity:  so  will  his  servants  upon 
earth  persist  in  slandering  them,  in  defiance  of 
demonstration  itself.  From  "their  father"  they 
learn  to  put  a  bad  construction  upon  the  best  ac- 
tions of  good  men,  and  to  ascribe  them  to  base 
motives.  (^JVotes,  John  8:37—47.)  The  piety  of 
believers  is  called  hypocrisy;  their  self-denial, 
affectation;  their  liberality,  ostentation;  their  re- 
signation, want  of  natural  affection;  their  meek- 
ness, want  of  spirit;  and  their  contempt  of  world- 
ly pleasure,  and  dislike  to  trifling  and  profane 
company,  are  ascribed  to  want  of  taste,  and  to  a 
morose,  unsociable  disposition.  But  the  Lord 
will  vindicate  the  character  of  his  servants;  and 
he  delights  in  their  constancy  and  submission 
amidst  trials  and  temptations,  because  they  glorify 
the  power  of  his  grace.  He  will  therefore,  at 
some  times,  without  any  other  peculiar  cause, 
give  their  enemies  permission  to  prove  them  in 
various  ways.  They  mean  to  destroy  them;  but 
he  intends  to  purify  their  hearts,  to  exalt  their 
graces,  and  to  enhance  their  glorious  recom;  ;se: 
and,  though  the  trial  may  be  severe;  yet  it  is  the 
post  of  honor,  and  the  event  will  be  unspeakably 
happy.  {JVotes,  Gen.  50:20.  Is.  10:7.  Hab.  1: 
12—17.  Rom.  8:35—39.  1  Pet.  4:12— 16,)— The 
insinuations  of  Satan  and  his  factors  are  most 
dangerous,  when  most  plausible,  and  when  they 
are  sophistical  inferences  from  undoubted  truths. 
Men  are  indeed  naturally  selfish,  and  prone  to 
disregard  all  others  in  comparison  of  themselves, 
their  own  ease,  interest,  or  indulgence.  Hence 
it  is  evident  we  all  need  an  inward  and  gracious 


change,  that  we  may  learn  to  love  God  and  pur 
neighbor.  And  as  men  will  give  all  they  has'o  to 
save  their  lives;  we  should  argue,  that  it  k  true 
wisdom  to  part  with  our  property,  or  liberty,  or 
country,  nay,  with  our  very  lives,  to  secure  the 
salvation  of  our  in.mortal  souls.  But  to  infer, 
that  all  men  are  alike  mercenarj',  and  tiiat  the 
most  excellent  actions  of  pious  persons  spring 
from  the  same  carnal  and  selfish  principles,  as 
the  most  atrocious  crimes  of  the  profane;  mani- 
fests the  malice  of  Satan  himself,  tends  to  render 
the  vilest  characters  contented  in  their  wicked- 
ness, subserves  the  cause  of  infidelity,  and  insin- 
uates that  aU  religion  is  pretence  and  imposture. 
Yet,  who  does  not  often  hear  such  suggestion.?, 
from  those  who  would  not  be  thought  to  stand 
forth  as  the  avowed  advocates  of  impiety  or 
atheism.''  To  confute  such  accusations  by  stub- 
born facts,  the  Lord  is  pleased  to  give  leave  to 
malice,  to  exert  her  utmost  power,  in  putting  this 
matter  to  the  trial;  in  the  midst  of  afHictions  and 
persecutions  he  enables  the  believer  to  retain  his 
integrity;  and,  while  the  men  of  the  world  give 
up  honor,  conscience,  and  their  souls,  to  save 
their  lives,  the  servant  of  God  rcnoun«  .s  all,  and 
even  lays  down  his  life,  rather  than  disobey  and 
dishonor  his  Lord.  Thus,  in  innumerahre  m- 
stances,  have  the  patient  and  constant  sufi'erings 
of  godly  men  confounded,  rather  than  gratified, 
the  malice  of  their  slanderous  persecutors;  and 
proved  to  a  demonstration  an  ^sential  difference 
between  those,  who  are  only  "born  of  the  flesh," 
and.  those  who  "are  born  again  oS'  .he  Spirit." — 
We  cannot  kno%v  how  far  tlie  L  rd,  in  his  un- 
searchable  counsels  may  see  fit  to  suffer  our  ene- 
mies to  prevail.  They  may  be  permitted,  not 
only  to  tear  from  us  all  earthly  comforts,  and  to 
fill  our  bodies  and  souls  with  most  exquisite 
agon) ;  but  even  tc  seduce  our  beloved  friends 
to  become  our  tempters,  or  accusers:  we  should 
therefore  stand  prepared  for  trials,  and  "rejoice 
with  trembling"  in  every  external  advantage. — 
When  we  are  most  healthy  and  vigorous,  we 
should  remember  to  what  loathsome  diseases  our 
bodies  are  liable;  and  that  they  may  shortly  be- 
come a  mass  of  putrefaction,  which  could  scarce- 
ly be  known  or  endured  by  our  most  affectionate 
friends.  Instead  then  of  being  vain  of  them,  or 
bestowing  pains  in  decorating  or  pampering  them; 
let  us  seek  for  the  incorruptible  ornaments  and 
unfading  beauties  of  holiness.  Let  us  be  thank-"^ 
ful  for  our  present  measure  of  health,  or  the  at- 
tendance which  we  receive  in  sickness:  and  let 
us  look  through  the  grave,  to  the  risen  and  glori- 
fied Jesus,  and  expect  his  second  coming,  when 
"he  shall  change  our  vile  bodies,  that  they  may 
be  fashioned  like  unto  his  glorious  body,  accord- 
ing to  the  working,  whereby  lie  is  able  even  to 
subdue  all  things  unto  himself." — In  humiliating 
circumstances,  a  humble  deportment  shcidd  be 
observed:  and  when  we  are  in  great  pain  and 
sickness,  deserted,  insulted,  destitute  of  neces- 
saries or  convenient  attendance,  or  laboring  un- 
der a  complication  of  every  distress;  we  should 
meditate  on  the  suflV-rings  of  Job,  on  his  patience, 
on  the  love  of  God  to  him,  and  on  his  happy  de- 
liverance: and  we  should  also  look  unto  the  suf- 
fering Savior,  and  compare  our  light  afflictions 
with  his  unknown  sufferings,  "lest  we  be  wearied 
and  faint  in  our  minds."  [J^otes,Heb.  12:2,3.  Jam. 
5:7—11.) 

V.  9—13. 
The  temporal  comforts  reserved  to  us,  when 
others  are  removed,  often  prove  the  sources  of 
our  severest  anguish.     The  enemy  knows  how  tc* 


B.  C.  1550. 


JOB. 


B.  C.  1550. 


CHAP.  III. 

Job  vehemently  curses  the  day  of  his  birth,  1 — 10.  He  com- 
plains, because  he  died  not  from  the  womb;  and  expatiates  on 
the  quietness  of  the  grave,  11 — 19.  He  lougs  for  present 
death,  and  bemoans  his  misery,  20 — 26. 

^  A  FTER  this  ^  opened  Job  his  mouth, 
_ZjL   and  •=  cursed  his  day. 

2  And  Job  *  spake,  and  said, 

3  '^  Let  the  day  perish  wherein  I  was 
born,  and  the  night  in  ivhich  it  was  said. 
There  is  a  man-child  conceived. 

4  Let  that  day  be  ®  darkness;  let  not 
^  God  regard  it  from  above,  neither  let 
the  light  shine  upon  it. 

5  Let   darkness   and  s  the   shadow  of 


a  1:22.  -2:10. 

b  35:16.    Ps.  39:2,3.  106:33. 
c  3.  1:11.  2:5,9.  .Jer.  20:14,15. 
*  Heb.  answered. 
d  10:13,19.    Jer.  15:10.  20:14,15. 
e  Ex.  10:22,23.    .Joel  2:2.    Am. 
5:13.   Matt.  27:45.    Acts  27:20. 


Rev.  16:10. 
f  Deut.  11:12. 
g  10:21,22.     16:16.    24:17.   28:3. 

38:17.     Ps.  23:4.  44:19.  107:10, 

14.     Is.   9:2.     Jer.   2:6.    13:16. 

Am.  5:8.   Matt.  4:16.    Luke  1: 

79. 


suit  his  temptations  to  our  circumstances,  and 
to  send  them  by  those  persons  that  possess  most 
influence  over  us:  we  should  then  consider,  not 
who  proposes,  but  what  is  proposed  to  us.  [JVote, 
Jlatt.  16:21—23.  P.  O.  21— 28.)— No  temptation 
is  so  dangerous  to  the  afflicted,  as  that  to  despair. 
When  a  man  is  induced  to  regard  God  as  an  ir- 
reconcilable enemy,  his  heart  naturally  rises  in 
enmity,  and  vents  this  in  blasphem3';  every  means 
of  grace  is  neglgcted,  any  crime  ventured  on 
with  eagerness,  and  suicide  may  probably  close 
the  horrid  career.  Let  us  then  "watch  and  pray, 
that  we  enter  not  into  temptation."  [J\rotes,  1 
Sam.  28:12—25.  31:3—6.  Matt.  27:3—5.  2  Cor. 
2:5 — 11.) — We  ought  not  to  judge  of  the  Lord's 
love  to  us,  by  outward  events  or  present  feelings, 
but  should  rest  our  hopes  upon  his  holy  word;  and 
consider  every  hard  thought  of  God,  as  a  "fiery 
dart"  of  the  enemy,  which  must  be  "quenched" 
without  a  moment's  delay,  by  whatever  means  it 
may  have  been  excited.  It  is  also  desirable,  to 
possess  our  souls  in  meekness,  and  to  answer  even 
our  tempters  with  calmness  and  reason,  as  well 
as  with  decided  abhorrence  of  sin. — None  but 
t.he  foolish  will  habitually  say,  that  there  is  no 
ground  for  hope  in  God,  nor  any  benefit  in  serv- 
ing him:  none  but  the  ungodly  can  deliberately 
persuade  us  to  despair,  blasphemy,  or  self-murd6r. 
But  if  any  one  who  has  appeared  to  be  a  pious 
Christian,  should  once,  under  urgent  distresses, 
drop  a  hint  which  tends  to  such  conclusions;  we 
should  remind  him,  whose  work  he  is  doing,  and 
whose  language  he  speaks. — Did  we  duly  re- 
member our  sins  against  God,  we  should  not 
wonder,  that  amidst  our  many  blessings,  we  had 
also  heavy  afflictions:  we  should  rather  say,  "It 
is  of  the  Lord's  mercies  that  we  are  not  con- 
sumed;" and  receive  the  severest  of  them  with 
thankfulness  as  well  as  patience:  and  thus  they 
would  become  our  richest  gain. — Those  friends, 
who  crush  the  afflicted  believer  with  hard  cen- 
sures and  suspicions,  are  as  real  tempters,  as  those 
who  persuade  him  to  blasphemy  and  apostacy. — 
It  is  an  indispensable  duty  of  the  Christian  to 
visit  and  comfort  his  afflicted  brethren,  as  he  has 
ODPortunity;  for  it  is  equally  useful  to  him,  as  to 
them-  and  the  greatest  as  well  as  tlie  meanest 
should  attend  upon  it,  without  shrinking  from  in- 
conveniences, or  disagreeables.  But  alas!  we 
often  prove  miserable  comforters  of  each  other, 
augmenting  instead  of  alleviating  one  another's 
grief.  So  that  our  whole  dependence  for  conso- 
lation, must  be  placed  on  God  alone. 
NOTES. 
Chap.  III.  V.  1.  Here  the  style  of  the  book 
12] 


death  t  stain  it;  ''  let  a  cloud  dwell  upon 
it;  }  let  the  blackness  of  the  day  terrify  it. 

6  As  for  that  night,  let  darkness  seize 
upon  it:  k  let  it  not  be  joined  unto  the 
days  of  the  year;  let  it  not  come  into  the 
number  of  the  months. 

7  Lo,  let  that  night  be  '  solitary;  let 
no  joyful  voice  come  therein. 

8  Let  them  curse  it  that  curse  the  day, 
^  who  are  ready  to  raise  up  ||  their  mourn- 
ing. 

9  Let  the  stars  of  the  twilight  thereof 
be  dark;  let  it  '  look  for  light,  but  have 


t  Or,  challenge. 

h  Deut.  4:11.     Ez.  30:3.  34:12. 

Joel  2:2.    Heb.  12:18. 
X  Or,    let    them    terrify   it,   as 

those  v7ho  have  a  bitter  day. 

Jer.  4:28.    Am.  8:10. 
^  Or,  let  it  not  rejoice  among 


the  days. 
i  Is.  13:20—22.  24:8.    Jer.  7:34. 

Rev.  13:22,23. 
k  2  Chr.  35:25.  Jer.  9:17,18.  Am. 

5:16.     Matt.  11:17.   Mark  5:38. 
II  Or,  a  leviathan.  41:1,10. 
1  30:26.  Jer.  8:15.  13:16. 


is  changed  to  poetry,  which  is  adorned  by  bold 
figures,    according   to   the   genius  of  the   East. 
For  seven  days  Job's  friends  had  come,  and  sat 
by  him,  without  either  speaking  consolation   to 
him,  or  mentioning  their  suspicions:    but  doubt- 
less   their   distant    and    reserved    behavior   in- 
creased his  inward  anguish.     At  the  same  time, 
we  may  suppose,  Satan  assaulted  his  mind  with 
all  possible  temptations,  to  fill  him   with   hard 
thoughts  of  God,  as   if  he  were   severe,  unjust, 
and  his  enemy;  to  shake  his  confidence  and  hope; 
and,  by  filling  him  with  horror  and  disma}',  to 
urge  him  to  "curse  God  to  his   face."     His  per- 
mission seems  to  have  extended  to  this,  as  well 
as  to  the  torturing  of  his  body;  provided  he  did 
not  kill  him,  or  deprive  him  of  reason. — In  this, 
Job  was  an  especial  type  of  Christ,  whose  inward 
sufferings,  both  in  the  garden  and  on  the  cross, 
are  generally  allowed  to  have  been  far  the  most 
dreadful,  and  in  a  great  degree  occasioned   by 
the  assaults  of  the  devil  in  that  hour  of  darkness: 
[JSTotes,  Matt.  26:36—39.  Lnke  22:39—53.)   and 
when  Job's  trial  was  come  to  its  extremity,  we 
may  conclude,  that  he  was  deprived  of  all  com- 
fortable  sense   of  God's   favor,  and   filled  with 
dread  of  his  wrath.     Unless  we  bring  these  in- 
ward trials  into  the  account,  we  shall  not  readily 
comprehend  the  change  which  took  place  in  his 
conduct,  from  the  entire  resignation  of  the  pre- 
ceding  chapters,    to  the  impatience  which    ap- 
pears here,  and    in  the   subsequent  part   of  the 
book.     But  this  consideration  solves  the  difficul- 
ty: Job's  inward  conflict   and   anguish,  added  to 
all   his  outward   sufferings,   caused  in-dwelling 
sin  to  work  powerfully,   and  at  length  it  burst 
forth   in   many  improper   expressions.     He  had 
long  repressed  the  thoughts  of  his  heart:  but  at 
last  '.'he  opened  his  mouth;"  not,  (as  that  expres- 
sion generally  imports,)  to    utter  wise  instruc- 
tions, deliberately  and  gravely,  but  bitter  exe- 
crations upon  the  day  of  his  birth.     For  he  vain- 
ly hoped  to  ease  his   mind  by  giving  vent  to  the 
fire  which  burned  within. — The  experienced  be- 
liever, however,  knows  that  a  few  drops  of  this 
bitter  cup  are  more  dreadful  than  the  sharpest 
afflictions,  under  which  he  is  preserved  from  in- 
ward  temptation,   and   favored  with   the   sweet 
sense  of  the  love  and  presence  of  God.     He  will 
not  therefore  be  much  surprised,  to  find  that  Job 
proved  himself  "a  man  of  like  passions"  with 
others,  and  prone   to  folly  and  impatience;  but 
will  rejoice   that   Satan   was   disappointed,   and 
could  not  prove  him  a  hypocrite:  for  though  he 
cursed  the  day  of  his  birth,  he  did  not  curse  his 
God.     (JVoff,"  1:9—11.) 


B.  C.  1550. 


CHAPTER  III. 


B.  C.  1550 


none;  neither  let  it  see  *  the  dawning  of 
the  day: 

10  Because  ■"  it  shut  not  up  the  doors 
of  my   mother''s  womb,  nor  °  hid  sorrow 

from   mine    eyes.  [Practical  observations.] 

11  IT  Why  °  died  I  not  from  the 
womb.''  why  did  I  not  give  up  the  ghost 
P  when  I  came  out  of  the  belly.'* 

12  Why  did  ^  the  knees  prevent  me.'' 
or  why  the  breasts  that  I  should  suck.'' 

13  For  now  should  I  have  lain  still, 
and  been  quiet:  I  should  have  slept;  ■"  then 
had  I  been  at  rest, 

14  With  ^  kings  and  counsellors  of  the 
earth,  which  ^  built  desolate  places  for 
themselves; 


*  Heb.    ihe     eye-lids    of    the 

moining.  41:18. 
■s  10:18,19.     Gen.  20:18.  29:31, 

3i.     I  Sam.  1:5.      Ec.  6:3—5. 

Jer.  20  17,18. 
n  ti:2,3.  10:1.  ■:3:2.   Ec.  11:10. 
cPs.  58:8.     Jer.  15:10.    Hos.  9: 

14. 
pPs.  22.9,10.  71:6.   139:13—16. 


Is.  46:3. 
q  Gen.  30:3.  50:23.     Is.  66:12. 

Ez.  16:4,5. 
r  Ec.  6:3—5.  9:10. 
s  30:23.       1   Kings  210.    11:43. 

Ps.  49:6—10,14.  89:48.     Ec.  8: 

8.    Is.  14:10— 16.     Ez.  27:18— 

32. 
t   15:28.   Is.  5:8.   Ez.  26:20. 


V.  2 — 10.  Here  we  find  Job  giving-  utterance 
to  his  anguish,  by  a  variety  of  curses  on  the  da)^ 
of  his  birth,  (a  day  generally  remembered  on  its 
annual  return,  with  tokens  of  joy,)  because  he 
would  thus  declare  a  vain  wish  that  he  had  never 
been  born.  He  would  have  the  dav  and  night, 
on  which  he  was  born,  to  the  joy  of  his  parents, 
expunged  from  the  year;  or  at  least  to  be  one 
continued  and  dreary  night.  He  would  have  it 
marked  with  tokens  of  God's  abhorrence,  and  bj 
every  terrifying  appearance;  that  men  might 
dread  its  approach,  spend  it  in  solitude,  and  re- 
joice when  it  was  over;  that  it  might  even  be 
such  a  season,  as  the  Egyptians  experienced 
during  the  plague  of  darkness.  [J^otes,  Ex.  10: 
21,23.  Ps.  78:46—49.)  He  would  have  it  cursed 
by  those,  who  superstitiously  marked  certain 
days  as  ominous;  and  employed  in  waitings,  by 
those  who  were  engaged  to  mourn  at  funerals; 
or,  as  some  interpret  it,  spent  in  horrid  incanta- 
tions, by  those  who  dealt  with  Satan,  and  brought 
him  up  by  their  witchcrafts:  for  the  original  is 
literally,  "those  who  are  ready  to  raise  up  Levia- 
than." (JVb<e,  Is.  27:1.)  And  all  this,  because 
the  day  did  not  prevent  his  being  born,  and,  by 
making  his  mother's  womb  his  grave,  preserve 
him  from  his  present  misery.  [J^ote,  Jer.  20:14 
— IB.) — The  wildness,  absurdity,  and  impossi- 
bility of  these  wishes,  denote  the  tempest  of  his 
soul:  the  cruelty  to  his  mother,  whose  miserable 
death  should,  as  he  thought,  have  prevented  his 
wretched  life;  and  the  ill  will  to  mankind  to 
whom  he  would  bequeath  such  a  dreadful  day, 
may  properly  be  noticed:  but  such  exclamations, 
being  the  language  of  passion,  cannot  be  measur- 
ed by  the  standard  of  reason.  They  imply,  how- 
ever, an  ungrateful  contempt  of  God's  gifts,  and 
rebellion  against  his  will;  and  are  utterly  unbe- 
coming a  sinner  under  a  dispensation  of  mere}',  or 
a  believer  in  a  state  of  grace.  But  during  inward 
darkness  and  temptation,  Satan  so  stirs  up  the 
corruntion  of  the  heart,  that  the  plainest  truths 
and  promises  are  forgotten;  former  and  present 
mercies  are  disregarded;  future  prospects  are 
clouded;  and  the  soul  verges  to  despondency  and 
blasphemy.  Yet  it  is  held  back  by  the  counter- 
acting efficacy  of  divine  grace,  which  subsists 
and  operates,  though  it  does  not  decidedly  pre- 
vail; and  thus  the  more  dreadful  effects  are  pre- 


15  Or  with  princes  that  had  gold,  who 
°  filled  their  houses  with  silver: 

IG  Or  as  ^  an  hidden  untimely  birth  I 
had  not  been;  as  irifants  which  never  saw 
Hght. 

17  There  ^  the  wicked  cease  from 
troubling;  and  there  t  the  weary  be  ^  at 
rest. 

18  There  the  prisoners  rest  togeth- 
er; *  they  hear  not  the  voice  of  the  op- 
pressor. 

19  •'The  small  and  great  are  there; 
•^  and  the  servant  is  free  from  his  master. 

20  ^  Wherefore  is  •=  light  given  to  him 
that  is  in  misery,  and  life  unto  '  the  bit- 
ter in  souP 


u  22:25.  27:16.     Num.  22:18.      1 

Kiuijs  10:27.  Is.  2:7.    Zeph.  1; 

18.  Zech.  9:3. 
X  Ps.  58:8.    1  Cor.  15:8. 
y  14:13.   Ps.  55:5—8.    Matt.  10: 

28.    Luke  12:4.  2  Thes.  1:6,7. 

2  Pet.  2:8. 
t  Heb.  ■wearied  in  strength. 
z  Is.  67:1,2.  Heb.  4:9,11.    Rev. 

14:13. 


a  Ex.  5:6—8,15—19.  Judg.  4:3, 

Is.  14:3,4. 
b  30:23.  Ps.  49:2,6—10.    Ec.  8: 

8.  41:5,7.  Luke  16:^2,23.  Heb. 

9:27. 
c  Ps.  49:14—20. 
d  6:9.  7:15,16. 
e  16.  33:28,30. 
f  7:15,16.   1  Sam.  1:10.  2  Kings 

4:27.    Prov.  31:6. 


vented,  and  in  time  the  soul  recovers  its  com- 
posure. {J^ote,  Gal.  5:16— 18.)— Doubtless,  Job 
was  afterwards  heartily  ashamed  of  this  language: 
but  what  must  his  judgment  of  it  be  now,  in  the 
full  enjoyment  of  unchangeable  felicity!  Does 
he  now  curse  the  day  of  his  birth.''  Does  he  now 
wish  that  he  had  never  been  born.?  His  own  re- 
proof of  his  wife  belonged  also  to  himself,  though 
not  in  the  same  degree:  for  on  this  occasion  he 
spake,  as  "one  of  the  foolish  men,"  (JVb/e,  2:10.) 
and  thus  he  confirmed  his  friends  in  their  unfa- 
vorable opinion  of  him. 

V.  11—19.  When  Job  had  exhausted  his 
rhetoric  in  cursing  the  day  of  his  birth,  he  next 
inquired,  why  he  did  not  die  as  soon  as  he  was 
born:  and  thus  he  not  only  murmured  against 
God  for  sparing  his  life;  but  expostulated  with 
those  who  were  present  at  his  birth,  as  if  now 
before  him,  for  their  tender  attention  to  him  in 
that  helpless  state!  For  had  none  nursed  and 
suckled  him,  when  a  new-born  infant,  he  should 
not  have  lived  to  endure  his  present  sufferings. 
The  event  of  his  afflictions,  to  himself,  and  to 
the  church,  through  successive  ages,  fully  re- 
solves his  questions,  and  shews  for  what  impor- 
tant purposes  he  was  preserved.  But  under 
this  temptation,  he  thought  of  nothing  but  relief 
from  anguish  and  distress:  he  knew  that  in  the 
grave  no  pain  was  felt,  and,  for  the  moment,  he 
scarcely  looked  any  further;  though  in  m.ore  lu- 
cid intervals,  he  expressed  a  faith  and  hope  con- 
cerning the  eternal  world.  [J^otes,  14:7 — 12. 
19:23 — 27.)  His  present  misery  made  him,  at 
the  time,  think  insensibility  most  desirable:  and 
he  amused  himself  with  imagining,  that  if  he  had 
died  from  the  womb,  he  should  have  lain  as  quiet 
in  the  grave,  as  the  most  mighty  monarchs,  con- 
querors, or  politicians;  or  as  the  most  wealthy 
princes,  who  retained  nothing  of  their  acquisi- 
tions but  a  desolate  tomb,  and  were  not  a  whit 
superior  to  a  still-born  infant:  he  considered  la- 
borers, prisoners,  and  slaves,  as  there  rescued 
from  their  oppressors,  free  as  their  masters,  and 
at  rest  from  their  labor  and  pain.  His  words  in- 
deed contain  important  truths:  but  if  exemption 
from  present  suffering  were  all  that  can  be  ex- 
pected, there  would  be  little  reason  to  look  for- 
ward to  death  with  comfort,  or  to  want  deliver- 
ance from  the  sorrows  of  this  present  life. 

[13 


B.  C.  1550. 


JOB. 


B.  C.  1550. 


21  e  Which  *  long  for  death,  but  it 
Cometh  not;  and  ^  dig  for  it  more  than 
for  hid  treasures: 

22  Which  rejoice  exceedingly,  and 
are  glad  when  they  can  find  the  grave? 

23  Why  is  light  given  to  a  man  '  whose 
way  is  hid,  and  whom  God  hath  ^  hedged 
in? 

1  miT    sighing    Cometh    before 

19:4 


24  For  '  my 


gNum.   ]1:15.     1    Kin 
Jon.  4:3,8.    Rev.  9:6. 
*  Heb.  nait. 
h  Prov.  2:4. 


i  Is.  40:27. 

k  12:14.  19:8.  Ps 

7,9.    Hos.  2:6. 
1  7:19.    Ps.  80:5.  102:9. 


1:8.  Lam.  3: 


Built  desolate  places,  Sijc.  (14)  Many  explain 
this  of  the  sepulchres,  which  princes  and  nobles 
often  built  for  themselves.  [Jfotes,  Is.  22:16. 
Matt.  27:57—61.) 

V.  20 — 23.  Finding  the  vanity  of  his  impossi- 
ble wishes,  Job  next  complained  that  he  was  still 
forced  to  live,  though  weary  of  life:  and  he  in- 
quired the  reason,  why  light,  that  is,  life,  was 
given  to  the  miserable.  He  did  not  mention  the 
.name  of  God,  perhaps  out  of  reverence  to  him, 
for  his  better  judgment  checked  the  vehemence 
of  his  passion;  but  he  evidently  reflected  upon 
him  as  unkind,  in  not  at  once  terminating  his 
sufferings  by  death.  He  dared  not  rush  uncalled 
into  the  presence  of  his  Judge,  by  an  act  of  des- 
perate rebellion  and  murder:  {J^otes,  2:9,10.) 
but  he  should  exceedingly  rejoice,  if  the  Lord 
would  cut  him  off,  and  be  more  glad  of  a  grave 
than  of  hid  treasures;  and  he  supposed  that  many 
others  were  of  the  same  judgment.  (JVbie,  6:8 
— 13.)  He  could  not  conceive,  that  any  good 
end  could  be  answered  by  the  continuance  of  his 
life:  for  every  thing  in  Providence,  and  in  the 
frame  of  his  mind,  was  so  dark  and  dismal,  that 
he  was  like  a  maa  who  had  lost  his  way,  or  who 
was  so  enclosed  by  powerful  enemies  on  every 
side,  that  he  had  no  prospect  of  escape. — The 
tempter  seems  to  have  kept  the  thought  of  the 
eternal  world  from  his  mind:  but  the  event 
fully  shewed,  why  the  Lord  continued  his 
life,  both  for  his  own  good,  and  for  that  of  mil- 
lions. 

V.  24 — 26.  By  way  of  apology  for  his  vehe- 
ment complaints.  Job  at  length  mentioned  the 
excess  of  his  sufferings.  Nothing  but  sighs  and 
groans  occupied  his  time:  his  very  food,  which 
prolonged  his  miserable  life,  was  mingled  with 
groans,  and  even  roarings;  [JVof.es,  Ps.  22:1.  32: 
3 — 5.)  and  they  flowed  forth  incessantly,  like 
waters  from  a  fountain.  He  was,  however,  con- 
scious, that  in  prosperity  he  had  not  indulged 
carnal  security;  he  had  feared  a  change,  and 
watched  against  those  sins,  in  himself  and  his 
family,  which  might  provoke  the  divine  displeas- 
ure: [JVote,  1:5.)  yet  his  solicitude  had  not  pre- 
vented his  calamities,  which  equalled  the  worst 
of  his  fears. — His  former  expectation  of  trials, 
and  preparation  for  them,  should  have  been  a 
comfort  to  him  under  his  sufferings:  but,  through 
the  power  of  Satan  and  the  prevalence  of  corrup- 
tion, this  seemed  an  aggravation  of  his  misery. 
{j^ote,  27:7—10.) 

/  was  not,  &c.  (26)  This  is  rendered  by  some 
interrogatively;  "Was  I  not  in  safety.'  had  I  not 
rest.'  was  I  not  quiet.'  yet  troublp  came." — This 
«      is  very  pathetic. 


PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1—10. 
There  is  an  essential  difference  between  the 
true  believer,    and    every   hypocrite;    and    the 
former  will  not  finally  apostatize  or  despair:  yet 


1 1  eat,   and  •"  my  roarings   are  poured 
out  like  the  waters. 

25  For  *  the  thing  which  I  greatly 
feared  is  come  upon  me,  and  "  that  which 
I  was  afraid  of  is  come  unto  me. 

26  I  was  not  in  safety,  'neither  had  I 
rest,  neither  was  I  quiet;  "yet  trouble 
came. 


t  Heb.  my  tneat. 

m  Ps.  22:1,2.  32:3.  38:8.     Is.  5 

11.  Lam.  3:8. 
X  Heb.  /feared  a  fear  and 


came  upon  me. 
n  1:5.  31:23. 
o27:9.    Ps.  143:11. 


under  urgent  troubles  and  temptations,  the  evil 
of  the  heart  frequently  bursts  forth  in  very  cul- 
pable words  and  actions.  None  but  the  Savior 
ever  endured  the  extremity  of  anguish  and  temp- 
tation, without  any  abatement  of  his  love,  any 
mixture  of  sin,  or  any  indications  of  impatience. 
The  pious  reader  will  doubtless  recollect  sea- 
sons when,  under  afflictions  comparatively  light, 
his  heart  has  risen  into  the  same  kind  of  peevish- 
ness, ingratitude,  rebellion,  and  despondency, 
which  Job  discovered.  Many  will  with  shame 
remember,  that  they  have  conceived  and  uttered 
rash  and  foolish  wishes  not  wholly  dissimilar  to 
those  of  Job:  nay,  some  will  be  conscious,  that 
half  the  burden  which  was  laid  on  Job  would 
have  extorted  from  them  still  more  desperate 
complaints;  and  these  reflections  should  lay  us 
low  in  humiliation  before  God.  We  should  also 
take  shame  to  ourselves,  when  we  consider  the 
folly  and  impossibility  of  those  things,  for  which 
we  have  often  wished.  In  our  sober  moments 
we  should  meditate  on  the  consequences  which 
would  have  resulted,  had  our  vain  and  impatient 
wishes  been  granted,  to  ourselves,  our  relatives, 
and  our  neighbors;  and  we  shall  often  find  that 
they  were  unnatural  and  cruel,  as  well  as  impi- 
ous, and  destructive  to  our  own  happiness.  In- 
deed, the  habit  of  wishing  is  altogether  foolish 
and  sinful.  Those  wishes  which  respect  the  past, 
can  only  express  our  impatience:  and,  if  the  ob- 
ject of  our  desires  at  the  present,  or  for  the  fu- 
ture, be  lawful,  we  should  make  it  the  subject  of 
our  prayers;  if  not,  we  should  silence  ourselves 
and  the  tempter,  by  saying,  "It  is  written, 
Thou  shalt  not  covet." — When  our  passions  over- 
power reason,  the  soul  becomes  as  a  ship  in  a 
violent  storm,  without  compass,  rudder,  or  pilot; 
and,  if  it  be  possible,  we  ought  to  cast  anchor 
till  the  storm  subsides.  Profound  silence,  inter- 
rupted only  by  ejaculations,  should  be  observed: 
as  we  can  in  such  a  case  do  no  good,  but  must 
get  harm,  by  either  speaking  or  acting;  though 
we  shall  naturally  be  very  earnest  in  both. — In- 
deed, we  are  born  in  sin,  and  to  sorrow;  and,  if 
left  to  ourselves  and  the  tendency  of  our  own 
corruptions,  without  remedy  or  mercy,  it  "had 
been  good  for  us,  if  we  had  not  been  born:"  yet 
even  in  that  case  it  would  be  diabolical  rage  and 
enmity,  to  charge  our  guilt  and  misery  upon  God, 
from  whom  "every  good  and  perfect  gift,"  and 
nothing  else,  can  proceed.  But,  blessed  be  his 
name!  even  "the  earth  is  full  of  his  goodness." 
This  present  life  may  be  made  very  tolerable,  if 
we  accommodate  ourselves  to  our  circumstances, 
and  attend  to  our  duty:  and  we  are  under  a  dis- 
pensation of  mercy,  and  may  hope  for  the  favor 
of  God  and  eternal  felicity,  whatever  our  former 
lives  have  been,  if  now  willing  to  accept  of  Jesus 
Christ,  as  our  Savior  from  wrath  and  from  sin. 
By  "giving  diligence  to  make  our  calling  and 
election  sure,"  we  may  obtain  good  evidence 
that  we  are  "born  of  God:"  and  his  children  are 
heirs  of  everlasting  glory.  In  that  case  we  cer- 
tainly can  have  no  cause  to  "curse  the  day  oi 


B.  C.   Io50. 


CHAPTER  IV. 


13.  C.  1550 


CHAP.  IV. 

Eliphaz  reproves  Job  for  impatience,  and  want  of  confidence  in 
God,  1 — 6.  He  states  that  divine  judgments  come  not  on  the 
righteous,  bnt  on  the  \vicked,  7 — 11.  He  relates  his  vision, 
confirming  this  doctrine,  12 — 21. 

THEN  ""  Eliphaz  the  Temanite  ''  an- 
swered and  said, 

2  If  we  assay  *  to  commune  with 
thee,  *=  wih  thou  be  grieved?  but  who  can 
^  withhold  himself  from  speaking? 

3  Behold,  ^  thou  hast  instructed  many, 


».  2:11.  15:1.  22:1.42:9. 

b  3:1,2.  6:1.  8:1. 

*  Heb.  a  word. 

c  2  Cor.  2:4—6.  7:S— 10. 

f  Heb.    refrain  from   vsords. 


32:18—20.  Jer.  6:11.  20:9.  Acts 
4:20. 
d  Gen.  18:19.  Prov.  10:21.  15:7. 
16:21.      Is.   50:4.      Eph.  4:29. 
Col.  4:6. 


our  birth;"  and  if  a  thought  of  that  kind  intrude, 
we  should  treat  it  as  a  temptation  of  the  enemy, 
and  reject  it  immediately. — But  what  a  da;/,  or 
rather  what  an  eterrml  night,  will  that  be  which 
awaits  impenitent  sinners!  Condemned  to  outer 
darkness,  where  is  weeping  and  g'nashing  of 
teeth;  banished  for  ever  from  the  favor  and  pres- 
ence of  God;  surrounded  with  horror  and  de- 
spair; employed  in  curses  and  imprecations; 
wearied  of  existence,  and  in  vain  longing-  for 
annihilation;  and  associated  with  the  devil  and 
his  angels!  That  day  "God  will  not  regard  from 
above,"  no  light  will  shine  upon  it  for  ever. 
Who  then  can  help  feeling  the  propriety,  yea 
the  necessity,  of  praying,  'From  this  destruction, 
'g'ood  Lord,  deliver  us!'  May  all,  who  read  these 
remarks,  take  warning  "to  flee  from  the  wrath 
to  come,  and  lay  hold  for  refuge  on  the  hope  set 
before  us"  in  the  gospel! 

V.  11—26. 
If,  in  this  accepted  time  and  day  of  salvation, 
we  in  good  earnest  seek  and  serve  God,  we  may 
regard  the  formation  of  our  bodies,  the  gift  of  our 
immortal  souls,  the  care  taken  of  us  in  infancy 
and  childhood,  and  all  the  Lord's  protection  of 
us  and  long-suffering  towards  us  ever  since,  as 
being  in  order  to  our  everlasting  happiness. 
Then  indeed  we  may  well  cease  to  envy  kings 
or  princes,  and  all  the  wise  and  wealthy  of  the 
world;  who  will  soon  be  levelled  in  the  grave, 
with  the  infant  which  died  from  the  womb,  but 
who  will  have  an  awful  account  to  render  of  their 
stewardship,  before  the  tribunal  of  God.  [JVotes 
and  P.  O.  Lwfce  16:1— 13.)  We  should  indeed 
habituate  ourselves  to  view  the  grave  without 
terror;  for  we  shall  there  feel  no  pain  or  uneasi- 
ness, and  be  out  of  the  reach  of  every  oppressor 
and  persecutor.  But  "there  remaineth  a"  bet- 
ter "rest  for  the  people  of  God;"  a  rest  from  sin, 
temptation,  and  conflict,  and  from  sorrows  and 
labors,  in  the  immediate  presence  and  ineffable 
enjoyment  of  God.  Thence  both  wicked  men 
and  evil  spirits  will  be  excluded,  and  cease  from 
troubling  us  for  ever;  "there  the  weary  will"  in- 
deed "be  at  rest,"  and  the  poor  slave  and  pris- 
oner enjoy  "the  glorious  liberty  of  the  children 
of  God."  Nay,  as  far  as  we  trust  and  obey  the 
Lord  Jesus,  we  here  find  rest  to  our  souls;  though 
"in  the  world  we  have  tribulation."  It  is  indeed 
far  "better  to  depart,  and  to  be  with  him:"  but 
we  must  not  undervalue  life,  though  snent  in 
sufferings;  seeing  they  will  work  for  our  good  at 
last,  and  some  way  or  other  subserve  his  glory 
and  the  good  of  our  brethren.  Let  us  then  learn 
to  keep  the  eternal  world  more  constantly  in 
view;  that  we  may  not  be  much  disconcerted 
about  temporal  things. — And  should  auy  take  up 
these  pages,  who  are  longing  for  death,  and 
tempted  to  suicide;  let  them  compare  their  pres- 
ent sufferings,  not  witli  the  quiet  of  the  grave,  but 


and  ®  thou   hast  strengthened  the  weak 
hands. 

4  Thy  words  have  *"upholden  him 
that  was  falling,  and  thou  hast  strength- 
ened the  ^  feeble  knees. 

5  But  now  s  it  is  come  upon  thee, 
and  ''  thou  faintest;  '  it  toucheth  thee,  and 
thou  art  troubled. 

6  Is  not   this  J  thy    fear,  ^  thy    confi- 


e  16:5.    Deut.  3:28.    Ezra  6:22. 

Ez.  13:22.  Luke  22:32,43. 
f  Ps.  145:14.     Prov.    12:18.    16: 

23,24.  2  Cor.  2:7.  7:6.    1  Thes. 

5:14. 
I  Heb.  bowing  knees.    Is.  35:3, 

4.    Dan.  5:6.    Heb.  12:12. 


g  3:25,26. 

h  Prov.  24rlO.     2  Cor.   4:1,16. 

Heb.  12:3,5. 
i   1:11.  2:5.  19:21. 
j   1:1,9,10.    2  Kings  20:3. 
k  13:15.     Prov.  3:26.  14:26 


with  the  scriptural  declarations  of  the  state  of  the 
damned;  which  must  be  the  lot  of  all,  who  die  in 
rebellion  and  despair,  and  by  an  act  of  delibe- 
rate murder.  [J^ote,  Ex.  20:13,  conclusion.)  Let 
them  remember  that  this  desperation  is  the  sug- 
gestion of  the  "old  liar"  and  "murderer  from  the 
beginning:"  it  is  the  very  object  at  which  he 
aimed,  in  respect  of  Job,  by  all  his  temptations. 
Let  them  stop  their  ears  to  his  suggestions,  and 
hearken  to  the  Savior's  inviting  voice:  let  them 
come  to  him  with  their  burdens  and  sorrows;  and 
they  shall  find  rest  to  their  souls,  and  learn  to 
bless  God  for  temporal  life  as  the  means  of  eter- 
nal salvation. — Finally,  in  prosperity  let  us  all 
watch  against  carnal  security:  and  under  trials 
let  us  pray  for  patience;  looking  to  him,  "who 
suffered  being  tempted,  that  he  might  be  able  to 
succor  them  that  are  tempted."  Then,  though 
for  a  season  our  way  seem  stopt,  and  our  hope 
lost;  we  shall  ere  long  be  enabled  to  declare 
from  our  own  experience,  that  "they  who  wait 
for  the  Lord  shall  never  be  ashamed." 

NOTES. 

Chap.  IV.  V.  1.  It  is  probable,  that  Job»s 
friends  had  previously  conferred  upon  his  case; 
and  suspected  from  his  extraordinary  sufferings 
and  impatient  wishes,  that  he  was  a  wicked  man: 
they  therefore  thought  it  incumbent  upon  them 
to  charge  this  home  on  his  conscience,  in  order 
to  induce  him  to  repentance;  and  Eliphaz,  who 
seems  to  have  been  the  senior  of  them,  under- 
took to  open  the  matter  to  him.  [JVote,  2:12, 
13.) — Thus,  when  Satan  failed  of  proving  his 
charge  against  Job,  he  suggested  to  his  friends 
this  suspicion  of  his  hypocrisy,  that  they  might 
grieve  and  tempt  him  by  it.  For  the  argument 
between  Job  and  his  friends,  was  precisely  on 
the  sam%^  point,  which,  at  Satan's  instigation, 
was  to  be  decided  by  his  behavior  under  afflic- 
tion; namely,  whether  he  was  a  truly  pious  man, 
or  a  hypocrite.  Satan  undertook  to  prove  him  a 
hypocrite  by  afflicting  him;  and  his  friends  con- 
cluded him  one,  because  he  was  afflicted,  and 
shewed  impatience  under  his  extreme  sufferings. 
This  we  must  keep  continually  in  mind,  if  we 
would  clearly  understand  the  ensuing  debate. 
{J^otes,  Luke  13:1—5.) 

V.  2.  Eliphaz  introduced  his  discourse  with 
apparent  modesty;  yet  the  abrupt  manner,  in 
which  he  addressed  Job,  shewed  that  he  was 
about  to  censure  and  reprove  him.  He  purpos- 
ed to  converse  with  Job  on  the  subject  of  his  ex- 
traordinary sufferings,  and  his  despondency  un- 
der them;  but  he  was  afraid  he  would  be  grieved 
at  his  words.  The  case,  however,  was  urgent; 
for  who,  in  such  circumstances,  "could  refrain 
from  words.''"  [Jilarg.)  This  intimated,  that  he 
thought  Job  extremely  culpable,  nay,  in  danger 
of  final  destruction. 

[15 


B.  C.  1550. 


JOB. 


B.  C.  1550. 


dence,  ^  thy  hope,  and  "  the  uprightness 
of  thy  ways.^ 

7  Remember,  I  pray  thee,  °  who  ever 
perished,  being  innocent.''  or  where  were 
the  righteous  cut  off.'' 

8  Even  as  I  have  seen  °  they  that 
plow  iniquity,  and  sow  wickedness,  reap 
the  same. 

9  By  P  the  blast  of  God  they  perish, 
and  *  by  the  breath  of  his  nostrils  are 
they  consumed. 

10  The  roaring  of  the  lion,  and  the 
voice  of  the  fierce  lion,  and  i  the  teeth 
of  the  young  lions  are  broken. 

1 1  The  '  old  lion  ^  perisheth  for  lack 

*  That  is,  by  his  avger.   15:30. 

Is.  11:4.  30:33.      2  Thes.   2:8. 

Rev.  2:16. 
q  29:17.       Ps.   3:7.   57:4.   53:6. 

Prov.  30:14. 
r  38:39.     Gen.  49:9.     Num.  23: 

24.«4:9.      Ps.  7:2.      Jer.  4:7. 

Hos.  11:10.    2  Tim.  4:17. 
s  Ps.  34:10. 


1   17:15.    1  Pet.  1:13,17. 

m  1:8.    16:17.    23:11,12.    27:5,6. 

29:12—17.  31:1,&C. 
n  9:22,23.    Ps.  37:25.    Ec.  7:15. 

9:1,2.   Acts  23:4.    2  Pet.  2:9. 
oPs.  7:14— 16.   Prov.  32:8.  Jer. 

4:13.       Hos.    8:7.    10:12,13.     2 

Cor.  9:6.   Gal.  6:7,3. 
p  Ex.   15:8,10.      2  Kings   19:7. 

Ps.  18:15. 


of  prey,  and  *  the  stout  lion's  whelps  are 


scattered  abroad. 


[_Practical  Observations.'] 


V.  3 — 6.     It  seems   that  Job  had  possessed  a 
singular  talent  of  giving  seasonable  counsel  and 
encouragement,  as  circumstances  required.     He 
knew  how,  by  animating  exhortations,  to  strength- 
en and  comfort  the  desponding,  that  with  renew- 
ed alacrity  they  might  resume  their  work.     He 
was  also  capable  of  giving  suitable  cautions  to 
those,  who  were  ready  to  fall  into  sin,  and  to  ex- 
cite them  to  resist  the  temptation.     And  he  had 
assiduously  improved  his  talent;    thus  becoming 
a  blessing  to  many.     [J^otes,  29:7 — 17.  Prov.  10: 
20,21.     15:4,7,23.     25:11,12.    Is.   35:3,4.)       This 
Eliphaz  allowed:    and,  along  with  due  commen- 
dation, he  might  very  properly  have  given  Job  a 
plain,  but  gentle  reproof,  for  his  present  impa- 
tience,  and   for  seeming   to  abandon   all   hope. 
But  his  application  of  it  was  too  harsh;  and  more 
suited  to  dishearten,  and  even  exasperate,  one  in 
Job's  situation,  than  to  convince  and  humble  him. 
He  certainly  made  much  too  light  of  Job's  afflic- 
tions, as  if  not  much  greater  than  those,  under 
which  he  had  comforted  others.  "It  is  come  upon 
thee."    "It  toucheth  thee."    He  seems  to  have 
also  spoken  too  strongly  of  Job's  impatience.    He 
indeed   bitterly  complained,  and  uttered  many 
vain  and  rebellious  wishes:  but  he  did  not  faint; 
for  then  he  would  have  yielded  to  Satan's  tempta- 
tion, and  followed  the  counsel  of  his  wife.  [JVotes, 
2:9,10.)    And  in  the  question  Eliphaz  proposes: 
"Is  not  this  thy  fear,  &c.."'  he  appears  to  have  ex- 
pressed himself  in  a  manner  suited  to  gi^  Job  the 
idea,  that  he  considered  his  former  reputation  for 
piety,  confidence  in  God,  and  integrity  of  life,  as 
unmerited:  seeing  he  had  now  cast  off  all  rever- 
ence of  God,  and  hope  in  his  mercy;    and  had 
broken  out  into  the  language  of  despair  and  re- 
bellion.    {JVotes,   Prov.    24:10.    Rom.   2:17—24. 
Heb.  12:2— 8.)— Some  indeed  think,  that  Eliphaz 
only  meant  to  expostulate  with  him  on  the  incon- 
sistency of  his  conduct;  and  to  exhort  him  to  re- 
duce to  practice  the  counsel,  which  he  had  given 
others;    and  in  this  emergency  to  support  the 
character  that  he  had  before  acquired,  but  was 
now  in  danger  of  forfeiting:  but  the  language  em- 
ployed, and  the  subsequent  speeches  of  him  and 
ins  "friends,  by  no  means  favor  this  interpretation. 
V.  7 — 11.    Most  expositors  suppose,  that  Eli- 
phaz intended,  in  this  passage,  to  bring  a  direct 
charge  of  hypocrisy  and   iniquity  against  Job; 
which  he  had  only  insinuated  in  the  preceding 
verses.     'Eliphaz,  incensed  at  the  complaint  of 
161 


12  IT  Now  "  a  thing  was  t  secretly 
brought  to  me,  and  mine  ear  received  *  a 
little  thereof.  .=. 

13  In  y  thoughts  from  the  visions  of  / 
the  night,  when  ^  deep  sleep  falleth  on  / " 
men,  ) 

14  ^  Fear  ^  came  upon  me,  and  trern-  J 
bhng,  which  made  5  all  my  bones  to  / 
shake.  i 

15  Then  ^  a  spirit  passed  before  my  ^ 
face:  *^  the  hair  of  my  flesh  stood  up: 

16  It  stood  still,  but  I  could  not  dis- 
cern the  form  thereof:  an  image  was  be- 


t  1:19.  8:3,4.27:14,15. 

u  Ps.  62:11. 

j  Heb.  6y  stealth, 

X  1  Cor.  13:12. 

y  33:14—16.  Gen.  20:3.  28:12. 
31:24.46:2.  Num.  12:6.  22:19, 
20.   Dan.  2:19,23,29.4:5. 

z  Gen.  2:21.  15:12.  Dan.  8:18. 
10:9. 


a  7:14.      Ps.   119:120.      Is.  6:5. 

Dan.  10:11.    Hab.  3:16.    Lulie 

1:12,29.  Rev.  1:17. 
J  Heb.  7net  me. 
§  Heb.  the  multitude  of.  33:19. 
b  Ps    104:4.  Matt.  14:26.    Luke 

24:37—39.   Heb.  1:7,14. 
c  Is.  13:8.  21:3,4.  Dan.  5:6. 


'.lob,  instead  of  condoling  with  him,  and  pitying 
'the  miseries,  which  had  put  him  into  this  agony, 
'and  applying  fit  lenitives  to  his  anguish;  bluntly 
'rebukes  him  for  not  following  the  good  advice  he 
'had  given  to  others  in  their  adversity:  and  tells 
'him  he  had  reason  to  suspect  his  piety,  because 
'the  innocent  were  not  wont  to  suffer  such  things; 
'but  only  wicked  oppressors,  whom,  though  never 
'so  mighty,  God  had  always  hunibled.'  Bp.  Pat' 
rick. — 'Is  not  this  thy  storming  and  fretting  at  the 
'hand  of  God  a  plain  argument,  that  all  thy  re- 
'ligion,  or  pretended  fear  of  God,  was  only  upon 
'a  confidence  that  he  would  still  bless  and  pros- 
'per  thee.' — I  have  seen  and  observed  that  men 
'speed  according  to  their  actions,  and  reap  the 
'fruit  of  their  evil  doings,  in  evil  sufferings.'  Bp. 
Hall.  Some  however  think,  that  he  did  not  mean 
to  decide  on  his  character,  though  his  language 
was  harsh,  and  implied  strong  suspicions;  but  to 
shew  him,  that,  if  he  was  not  a  wicked  man,  he 
had  no  occasion  to  despond,  as  the  innocent  and 
righteous  were  never  left  to  perish;  and  indeed 
the  counsel  he  afterwards  gives,  favors  this  in- 
terpretation. (5:8,17,18.) — By  "innocent,"  and 
"righteous,"  Eliphaz  meant  believers,  godly  men, 
in  opposition  to  the  profane  or  hypocritical.  But 
his  questions  seem  to  imply  that  no  such  persons 
ever  were  cut  off  by  sudden  judgments,  so  as  to 
perish  even  in  this  world:  and  thus  the  restoration 
of  Job  to  health  and  prosperity,  was  made  the  test 
of  his  sincerity,  or  hypocrisy!  Doubtless,  the 
righteous  never  finally  and  eternally  perish:  but 
righteous  Abel  had  been  slain  by  wicked  Cain, 
and  many  godly  men  had  been  greatly  afflicted 
in  this  world:  so  that  his  general  rule  admitted  of 
numerous  exceptions.  {JVotes,  9:22 — 24.  24:1 — 
12.  27:13—23.  Gen.  4:6—9.  Ps.  73:2—14.  Ec.  9: 
1-3.  Jer.  12:1 — 4.  Ez.  21:2— 5.)— It  is  indeed 
often  seen  "that  they  who  plow  iniquity  and  sow 
wickedness,"  (that  is,  who  labor  to  be  rich  and 
great  by  fraud,  oppression,  and  iniquity,)  meet 
with  a  recompense  in  this  world:  the  breath,  or 
anger,  of  the  Lord  blasting  all  their  prosperity, 
and  consuming  all  their  substance.  And  though 
they  have  been  strong,  courageous,  and  fierce  as 
lions;  yet  they  have  been  strangely  defeated  of 
tlieir  aim,  and  brought  to  ruin,  with  their  poster- 
ity, whom  they  sought  to  exalt  by  cruelty  and 
rapine.  But  it  is  not  ahcays  so;  nor  are  they  the 
only  persons  who  meet  with  grievous  calamities 
in  this  life:  and  therefore  it  was  uncandid  to  in- 


B.  C.  1550. 


CHAPTER  IV. 


B.  C.  1550. 


fore   mine  eyes;  *  there  tvas  silence,  and 
I  heard  a  voice,  saying, 

17  "^  Shall  mortal  man  be  more  just 
than  God.^  ®  shall  a  man  be  more  pure 
than  his  Maker.'* 

18  Behold,  '^  he  put  no  trust  in  his 
servants;  t  and  his  angels  he  charged 
with  folly: 

19  How  much  less  in  them  that  °  dwell 


*  Or,  /  heard  a  still  voice.     1 

Kings  19.12. 
A  8:3.  9.-2.  35:2.  40:3.     Gen.  13; 

25.      Ps.  143:2.  145:17.     Ec.  7: 

90.  Jer.  12:1.    Rom.  2:5.  3:4— 

7.  9:20.  11:33. 
r.  9:30,31.  14:4.  15:14.  25:4.  Jer. 

17:9.   Mark  7:-20— '3.  Rev.  4:8. 


f  15:15,16.   25:5,6.     Ps.    103:20, 

21.  104:4.     Is.  6:2,3. 
t  Or,  nor  in  his  angels  in  whom 

he  put  light.    2  Pet.  2:4.  Jude 

6. 
g  10:9.  13:12.  33:6.    Gen.  2:7.  3: 

19.  18:27.  Ec.  12:7.  2  Cor.  5:1. 


in  houses  of  clay,  whose  fouodation  is  in 
the  dust,  which  are  ''  crushed  before  the 
moth! 

20  They  are  +  destroyed  '  from  morn- 
ing to  evening:  ^  they  perish  for  ever 
'  without  any  regarding  it. 

21  Doth  not  their  "■  excellency,  tvAtcA 
is  in  them,  go  away.''  they  °  die,  even 
without  wisdom. 


h  13:28.  14:2.  Ps.  39:11.  90:5— 
7.  103:15,16.  14G:4.  1  Pet.  1: 
24. 

X  Heb.  beaten  in  pieces.  2  Chr. 
15:6.  marg. 

i  Is.  38:12,13 


k  14:14.  15:22.    Ps.  39:13.  92:7. 
1   18:17.  20:7.  2  Chr.  21.-20.   Ps. 

37.36.   Prov.  10:7. 
mPs.  39:5,11.  49:44.     Is.  14:16. 

Luke  16:22,23.  Jam.  1:11. 
n  36:12.  Ps.  49:20.    Luke  12:20. 


sinuate,  without  any  proof,  (as  Eliphaz  evidently 
did,  though  in  figurative  language,)  that  Job  got 
his  wealth  by  wickedness;  and  was  spoiled  of  it, 
and  bereaved  of  his  children,  by  the  just  judgment 
of  God  upon  him.  [JVotes,  8:4—7.  18:5—21.  Ez. 
19:2—9.  22:27,28.) 

V.  12 — 16.  Before  there  was  any  written  word 
of  God,  believers  received  their  knowledge  in 
divine  tilings,  either  by  tradition,  or  immediate 
revelation:  and  there  is  reason  to  conclude,  that 
when  necessary,  they  were  generally  directed  in 
the  latter  way,  either  personally,  or  by  their 
brethren.  [JJarg.  Rcf.—jXote,  33:\4—\ii.)  Ac- 
cordingly Eliphaz,  perhaps  while  meditating  on 
the  case  of  Job,  had  a  remarkable  vision,  which 
he  supposed  to  be  a  divine  confirmation  of  his 
doctrine:  for  the  instruction  was  brought  to  him 
unexpectedly,  and  seemed  apposite  to  the  present 
case,  as  far  as  he  was  enabled  to  receive  it. — 
When  musing  in  retirement  on  various  subjects, 
or  on  former  visions  with  which  he  had  been  fa- 
vored, at  a  time  when  others  were  asleep;  he  was 
suddealy  seized  with  excessive  consternation  and 
amazement  at  what  he  saw  and  heard;  for  a  spirit, 
or  angel,  passing  before  him,  stood  still  in  his 
presence.  He  could  not  indeed  describe  what  he 
had  seen;  but  he  remembered  the  words  which 
were  distinctly  uttered,  amidst  the  silence  of  the 
night. — It  is  observable  that  the  verj^  idea  of  ap- 
jjearances,  from  the  world  of  spirits,  is  terrifying 
to  the  heart  of  fallen  man:  sin  has  broken  ofl'our 
original  communication  with  it;  and  we  instinct- 1 
ively  dread  evil  £;-om  that  quarter.  1 

V.  17 — 21.  These  verses  seem  to  contain  the  i 
precise  words  of  the  spirit,  who  appeared  to  Eli- 1 
phaz. — If  God  should  punish  those  uho  did  not: 
deserve  it,  the  innocnit  sufferer  would  be  more  | 
just  than  his  Judge,  and  man  would  be  more  pure, 
or  free  from  blame,  than  his  Maker.  Some  ren- 
der it,  "just  before  God:"  but  that  idea  is  differ- 
ently expressed  in  the  original.  (9:2.  25:4.  Heb. — 
..Voif,  32:2 — 5.) — And,  as  this  supposition  u-ould 
be  blasphemy,  it  must  be  allowed,  even  when  we 
cannot  pei'ceive  it,  that  every  one  deserves  all 
that  he  does  or  shall  suffer,  on  earth  or  in  hell.  It 
is  therefore  evidentlj'  very  wrong  to  complain  un- 
der afflictions,  as  if  we  were  unjustly  dealt  with; 
or  to  justify  our  whole  conduct  before  God,  \\h6 
has  condemned  us  as  sinners:  and  on  this  ground 
Eliphaz  might  fairly  have  reproved  Job's  impa- 
tience; and  exhorted  him  to  submit  to  the  justice 
of  God,  and  to  hope  in  his  mercy,  under  his  suffer- 
ings. Again,  he  was  shewn,  that  God  put  no 
trust  in  any  of  his  servants,  but  even  "charged  his 
angels  with  folly."  Though  glorious  and  holy 
creatures,  they  are  fallible  and  mutable,  except 
as  upheld  and  "confirmed  by  the  Lord.  They  ex- 
ecute his  wise  and  righteous  counsels;  but  would 
soon  shew  theirwant  of  wisdom,  if  trusted  (o  man- 
age any  part  of  the  government  of  the  world,  ac- 
cording to  their  own  mind.    Nay,  compared  with 

^^0L.  HI.  3 


the  infinite  knowledge  and  wisdom  of  God,  thev 
are  chargeable  with  ignorance,  being  utterly  un- 
able to  comprehend  the  vast  designs  of  the  great 
Creator  and  Lord  of  the  universe;  except  as  he 
pleases  to  unfold  them.  How  much  less  then  may 
man  be  trusted!  How  much  more  may  he  be 
charged  with  ignorance  and  folly!  He  dwells  im- 
prisoned in  a  body  of  clay,  chained  to  tlie  earth 
from  whence  it  was  taken,  and  to  which  it  must 
soon  return;  as  a  poor  cottage  which  is  moulder- 
ing to  the  mean  materials  of  which  it  is  built,  and 
about  to  mingle  with  the  dust  on  which  it  has  its 
foundation.  (J\o<e,  2  Cor.  5:1— 4.)  The  feebleness 
of  mankind  should  also  be  considered:  they  may 
be  crushed  as  easilj'  as  a  moth,  or  destroyed  by 
the  meanest  insect:  the  destruction  of  the  "species 
is  perpetual;  men  perish  from  the  earth  for  ever, 
without  any  one  greatly  noticing  so  common  an 
event.  Then  all  their  excellency  v:;iiishes:  rnj 
they  die  without  having  had  time  to  make  much 
observation,  or  acquire  extensive  knowledge, 
compared  with  that  of  other  intelligent  beings; 
and  ver}'^  commonly  without  being-  made  "wise 
unto  salvation."  And  shall  such  creatures  pre- 
sume to  fathom  t}:e  mysteries  of  Providence,  to 
arraign  the  appointments  of  God,  to  charge  him 
with  injustice,  or  to  venture  an  opinion  on  sub- 
jects, of -which  they  can  know  little  or  nothing! — 
The  vision  Was  full  of  instruction;  but  the  use 
Eliphaz  seemed  disposed  to  make  of  it  was  con- 
trary to  its  leading  design.  Instead  of  condemn- 
ing Job  because  of  his  sufferings;  he  should  have 
inferred,  that  he  and  his  friends  were  incompetent 
to  decide  upon  the  case,  or  to  understand  the  deep 
designs  of  God  in  this  mysterious  dispensation. 

lie  put  no  fritsf,  &.c.  ( 18)  '■If  not  in  his  ser- 
'vants  he  will  confide,  and  not  even  to  liis  angels 
'he  will  ascribe  praise:  how  much  less,  &:c.'  Ev. 
Jlng.  Dec.  1809,  p.  490.  As  the  word  rendered 
folly,  differently  pointed,  is  generally  translated 
praise,  perhaps  this  might  be  supported. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
V.  1—11. 
We  ought  not  needlessly  to  grieve  the  afflicted; 
yet,  if  we  wisely  love  them,  wc  cannot  refrain 
from  speaking  those  things,  which  we  judge  con- 
ducive to  the  good  of  their  souls.  In  attempting 
this,  however,  we  should  aim  to  unite  tenderness 
with  faithfulness. — Just  commendations  exccl- 
lentl}'  introduce  needful  reproofs,  by  preparing 
the  mind  to  receive  them  as  the  result  of  love,  and 
as  forming  a  striking  constrast  between  different 
parts  of  a  man's  behavior.  But  if  the  application 
is  overcharged;  or,  if  that  is  imputed  to  impiety, 
which  springs  from  infirmity,  it  will  lose  its  effect. 
It  requires  therefore  much  heavenly  wisdom,  to 
instruct,  encourage,  and  repro^e  lho.se,  who  are 
tempted  and  perplexed,  who  have  fallen  into  sins 
or  sufferings,  and  who  are  ready  to  faint,  or  turn 
aside,  or  yield  to  despondency,  through  disap- 

[17 


B.  C.  looO. 


JOB. 


B.  C.  1550. 


pointments  aud  dkcouraging  trials.  Those  who 
possess  gifts  suited  to  this  work,  should  be  diligent 
m  it,  as  they  have  opportunity,  whatever  be  their 
circumstances  or  employments:  and  the  commu- 
nication from  the  treasure  of  wisdom  and  knowl- 
edge, which  God  has  committed  to  some,  for  the 
instruction  and  consolation- of  many,  is  at  least  as 
useful  and  acceptable,  as  the  wealth  that  is  be- 
stowed in  providing  for  the  destitute.  Yet  it  is 
more  easy  to  counsel  tiian  to  practise:  and  we  all 
find,  that  our  own  arguments,  encouragements, 
and  exhortations  to  others,  are  sometimes  insuffi- 
cient to  calm  and  support  our  own  souls,  in  sea- 
sons of  darkness  and  distress.  It  behoves  us 
therefore  to  watch  and  pray,  that  we  may  not  by 
our  conduct  defeat  the  effect  of  our  instructions, 
and  expose  ourselves  and  the  truths  of  God  to  re- 
proach and  contempt.  For  men  will  expect  from 
us  in  proportion  to  our  profession;  and  make 
fewer  allowances  for  those  who  have  instructed 
many,  than  for  others.— Even  pious  friends  will 
not  always  enter  into  our  feelings,  under  distress- 
es and  temptations;  b-Jt  will  count  that  a  touch, 
which  we  feel  as  g^ mortal  wound:  and  our  infirm- 
ities may  give  occasion  to  those  of  our  brethren, 
whom  we  most  love,  to  suspect  and  censure  us  as 
hypocrites.  This  is  one  of  the  sharpest  trials  that 
can  befal  a  true  believer;  but  we  should  prepare 
to  meet  it.  The  best  are  fallible,  and  often  de- 
fective in  judgment  and  tenderness;  Satan  can 
easily  poison  their  minds  with  suspicions,  and  the 
Lord  may  permit  it  for  our  humiliation.  When 
this  is  the  case,  all  apparent  good  in  a  man's  con- 
duct will  be  ascribed  to  corrupt  motives;  and  all 
that  is  evil,  aggravated:  an  irreverent  expression, 
dictated  by  sudden  passion,  will  be  deemed  a  de- 
liberate "casting  off  the  fear  of  God;"  an  angry 
word  will  be  termed  revenge  or  hatred;  a  de- 
sponding wish  will  be  construed  into  rebellion  and 
despair;  and  the  apparent  uprightness,  and  pro- 
fessed hope  in  God,  maintained  for  years,  will  be 
at  once  considered  as  presumption,  selfishness,  or 
hypocrisy.  We  should  surely  be  very  cautious 
not  to  concur  with  Satan,  in  thus  "accusing  our 
brethren,"  and  urging  them  to  renounce  their 
confidence  in  God.  But  if  it  be  our  trial  to  be 
thus  suspected  and  condemned,  we  need  not  won- 
der: better  men  than  we  have  been  so  treated; 
and  if  we  are  conscious  of  sincerity  in  the  midst 
of  our  infirmities,  the  Lord  will  at  length  plead 
our  cause,  and  "make  our  righteousness  as  the 
noon-day."  {jYotes,  23:8—12.  Ps.  37:5— P,.)— Our 
most  dangerous  mistakes  are  occasioned  by  our 
deducing  false  inferences  from  undeniable  truth. 
It  is  certain  that  none  ever  perished  being  inno- 
cent; that  no  godly  person  was  ever  finally  mis- 
erable, no  impenitent  sinner  finally  happy;  that 
according  as  a  man  sows,  so  shall  he  reap;  [jyote, 
GaL  6:6—10.)  and  that  r idiiy  tyrants  and  oppress- 
ors, and  their  posterity,  have  been  wonderfully 
destroyed.  But  it  is  equally  true  that  many 
righteous  men  are  heavily  af&icted  through  life, 
and  are  suddenly  cut  off,  and  taken  to  heaven: 
while  numbers  of  the  wicked  live  long  and  pros- 
per, die  in  outward  peace,  and  leave  their  riches 
to  their  children;  being  "themselves  reserved  to 
the  day  of  judgment  to  be  punished."  It  is  there- 
fore as  absurd  to  judge  of  a  man's  character  by 
Ids  outward  circumstances;  as  to  decide  upon  it 
from  one  single  action,  which  is  contrary  to  the 
general  tenor  of  his  life. 

V.  12—21. 
The  written  word  of  God  speaks  to  us  without 
those  terrifying  circumstances,  which  would  at- 
tend an  immediate  communication  with  the  world 
of  spirits,  and  which  even  faith  and  communion 
with  God  would  not  enable  us  entirely  to  over- 
t;ome:  aud  we  can  review  it  from  day  to  day, 
that  we  may  fully  receive  the  instruction  contain- 
ed la  it.  We  naay  therefore  be  thankful  for  this 
18} 


method  of  knowing  the  will  of  God;  nor  should 
we  regret,  that  we  may  not  expect  immediate 
revelation,  and  do  not  witness  those  wonders 
which  holy  men  of  old  did.  Yet  the  knowledge 
of  divine  truth  is  of  such  vast  importance,  that  no 
terror  could  counterbalance  the  advantage  of  it; 
and  they  who  lay  aside  their  Bibles,  or  forsake 
the  preaching  of  the  gospel,  because  these  make 
them  tremble  at  the  prospect  of  their  guilt  and 
danger,  seem  to  think  it  better  to  feel,  than  to 
fear,  the  wrath  of  God. — Retirement  is  favorable 
to  our  intercourse  with  heaven:  and  though  we 
must  now  judge  of  every  thing  by  the  scriptures; 
yet  if  a  dream  suggest  a  profitable  hint,  we  should 
receive  it  with  gratitude.  Assuredl)  ,  were  our 
hearts  more  holy,  both  our  waking  and  sleeping 
thoughts  would  be  more  pure  and  heavenly. — 
Revelation  from  God  is -not  intended  to  satisfy 
curiosity,  but  to  excite  our  attention  to  those 
truths  and  duties,  which  before  we  knew  not,  or 
neglected.  Among  other  important  lessons  we 
are  peculiarly  concerned  to  understand  the  scrip- 
tural declarations  of  the  infinite  majesty,  wisdom, 
justice,  and  goodness  of  God;  of  the  comparative 
ignorance,  meanness,  and  weakness  of  the  most 
exalted  creatures;  and  of  the  guilt,  pollution,  fol- 
ly, and  frailty  of  fallen  man;  the  shortness  of  his 
continuance  here,  and  the  future  consequences 
of  his  conduct  in  this  world.  These  truths,  if 
well  digested,  will  cause  us  to  adore  with  profound 
reverence  the  glorious  Lord  of  all,  and  to  abase 
ourselves  in  the  dust  before  him.  We  shall  then 
learn  to  cease  from  all  dependence  on  our  own 
wisdom,  strength,  and  righteousness,  and  become 
calm  and  resigned  under  afflictions:  our  objec- 
tions and  excuses  will  be  silenced,  and  we  shall 
be  teachable  and  simple  as  little  children;  being 
disposed  gladly  to  trust  the  Lord's  mercy,  to  ac- 
cept of  his  salvation,  to  yield  ourselves  to  his  will, 
to  take  the  place  and  do  the  work  assigned  us, 
to  prepare  for  death  and  judgment;  and  not  to 
meddle  with  those  deep  matters,  which  are  out  of 
our  reach,  and  beyond  our  scanty  comprehen- 
sion. But  for  want  of  this  knowledge,  how  dar- 
ingly do  men  impeach  the  wisdom,  justice,  and 
goodness  of  God!  How  do  they  object,  murmur, 
justify  themselves,  quarrel  with  Providence,  and 
reject,  or  explain  away,  the  truths  and  precepts 
of  revelation;  as  if  they  were  more  wise,  right- 
eous, and  holy  than  their  Maker!  Yet  it  would 
be  presumption  in  an  arch-angel,  to  deem  himself 
competent  to  decide  on  the  propriety  of  God's 
unfathomable  counsels,  or  to  comprehend  his 
vast  designs;  much  more  to  find  fault  with  his 
dispensations,  and  to  dictate  what  it  is  right  for 
him  to  do.  "He  putteth  no  trust  in  his  angels," 
and,  instead  of  making  them  his  counsellors,  or 
submitting  his  conduct  to  their  judgment,  he 
charges  them  with  folly.  How  awful  then  is  the 
pride  and  presumption  of  man!  How  great  the 
patience  of  God! — But  let  us  leave  the  infidel  and 
the  proud  reasoner  to  dispute  against  their  Ma- 
ker, and  the  men  of  the  world  to  heap  up  their 
treasures;  and  to  obtain  those  supposed  excellen- 
ces, and  climb  those  eminences,  from  which  death 
will  soon  hurry  them.  They  with  these  perish 
for  ever,  and  die  without  wisdom,  while  scarcely 
any  duly  regard  it.  And  let  us  consider,  what  we 
are,  where  we  are,  and  whither  we  are  going; 
and  let  us  act  accordingly:  that  when  our  houses 
of  clay  fall  into  the  dust,  our  souls,  having  ob- 
tained true  wisdom  in  the  knowledge  and  expe- 
rience of  God's  salvation,  and  the  excellency  of 
holiness,  may  ascend  to  the  world  of  angels  and 
"the  spirits  of  just  men  made  perfect:"  and  there 
at  the  fountain-head,  satisfy  without  danger  our 
appetite  for  knowledge,  by  contemplating  the 
works  and  perfections  of  God,  with  unceasing 
delight,  and  with  further  discoveries  of  his  glory, 
through  the  countless  ages  of  eternity. 


B.  C.  1550. 


CHAPTER  V. 


B.  C.  1550. 


CHAP.  V. 

Eliphaz  proceeds  to  shew  the  close  connexion  between  wicked- 
ness and  misery,  and  that  man  is  born  to  trouble,  1^ — 7.  He  re- 
commends seeking  to  God  in  alBiction,  by  declaring;  his  power 
and  wonderful  works,  8 — 16.  He  speaks  of  the  benefit  of  correc- 
tion; and  the  privileges  of  those  who  duly  improve  it,  17 — 27. 

CALL  now,  if  there  be  any  that  will 
answer  thee;  *  and  to  which  of  ^  the 
saints  wilt  thou  *  turn? 

2  For  =  wrath  killeth  ''  the  fooHsh  man, 
^  and  t  envy  slayeth  the^  silly  one. 

3  I  have  seen  the  foolish  s  taking  root: 
but  suddenly  I  ^  cursed  his  habitation. 

4  His  *  children  are  far  from  safety, 
and  ^  they  are  crushed  in  the  gate,  '  nei- 
ther is  there  any  to  dehver  them. 

5  Whose  ™  harvest  the  hungry  eateth 
up,  and  taketh  it  even  out  of  °  the  thorns, 
and  "  the  robber  p  svvalloweth  up  their 
substance. 


a  15:8—10,15.     Is.  41:1,21—23. 
•     Heb.  12:1. 
b  4:18.  15:15.   Deut.  33:2,,^    Ps. 

16:3.  106:16.     Eph.  1:1. 
*  Or,  look. 
c  13:4.    .Ion.  4:9. 
d  Ps.  14:1.  75:4.  92:6.  94:3.  107: 

17.  Prov.  1:22,23.  S:5.     Ec.  7: 

9. 
c  Gen.  30:1.     1  Sam.  18:8,9. 
t  Or,  indignation.    Rom.  2:8. 
f  Hos.  7:11.    2  Tim.  3:6. 
g  27:8.  Ps.  37:35,36.  73:3—9,18 

—20.  92:7.    Jer.  12:1—3. 


h  Deut.    27:15,&:c.       Ps.   69:25. 

Acts  1:20. 
1  4:10,11.  8:4.   18:16—19.  27:14. 

Ex.  20:5.     Ps.  109:9— 15.    119: 

155. 
k  1:19.    Lrtike  13:4,5. 
1    10:7.    Ps.  7:2.  50:22. 
m  Deut.  23:33,51.  Judg.6:3— 6. 

Is.  62:8. 
n  Judg.  6:11.    2  Chr.  33:11. 
o  1:15,17.  12:6.  18:9.    Hos.  8:7. 
p  2:3.  marg.  20:15.     Jer.  51:34, 

44.  Lam.  2:5,16. 


NOTES. 

Chap.  V.  V.  1.  Call  now,  &c.]  Eliphaz  here 
challenges  Job  to  refute  his  arg-urnents,  or  the 
doctrine  of  his  vision,  by  the  example  or  opinion 
of  any  of  the  saints  and  servants  of  God.  Let 
him  call  forth  his  evidence,  who  mig'ht  answer  for 
him  in  this  cause;  but  to  what  saint,  who  ever 
lived  on  earth,  would  he  appeal.''  Had  any  of 
them  been  so  visited  by  divine  judgments,  or  be- 
haved so  rebelliously  under  affliction.^ — 'Naj',  if 
'an  angel  should  appear  to  tliee,  (says  Eliphaz.) 
'as  one  did  to  me,  thou  wouldst  have  no  other  in- 
'formation  but  this.'    Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  2.  The  wrath  and  jealousy,  or  indignation, 
of  God  bring  destruction  on  foolish  and  wicked 
men,  and  not  on  the  righteous.  (JVofe,  Prov.  27: 
4.  Jam.  3:13 — 16.)  Or  perhaps  Eliphaz,  per- 
ceiving Job  to  be  greatly  agitated  by  his  dis- 
course, intimated  that  his  wrath,  envi/,  and  fret- 
fulness,  would  only  increase  his  torment  and 
shorten  his  days;  as  they  often  produced  these  ef- 
fects on  foolish  and  wicked  men.  {Marg.  Ref. 
.Yotes,  18:2—4.  Jon.  4:9—11.) 

Envy.^  nNjp,  indignation,  {jnarg.)  This  word  is 

rendered  jenlousy;  Jfum.  5:14,  &c.  2.5:11.  Prov. 
6:34.  and  in  most  other  places: — envy;  Prov. 
14:30.  27:4.  Ec.  4:4.  marg.  &c.:  and  zeal;  JYum. 
2.5:11.  marg.  2  Kings  19:31.  Is.  59:17,  &c.— The 
LXX  usually  render  it  by  ^>;Xof,  which  is  in  the 
N.  T.  translated  by  various  word.s;  and  among 
the  rest  by  indignation;  Jlcts  5:17.  marg.  Heb. 
10:27.  2iQAjealA)usy;  2  Cor.  11:2. 

V.  3 — 5.  In  these  verses,  Eliphaz  declared 
the  result  of  his  former  obser\>ations.  He  had 
seen  wicked  men,  who  foolishly  despised  the  fa- 
vor, and  defied  the  wrath,  of  God,  very  prosper- 
ous for  a  time:  but  "suddenly  Eliphaz  cursed,"  or 
predicted  the  ruin  of,  "their  habitation:"  and  ac- 
cordingly he  had  witnessed  the  destruction  of 
their  families,  and  the  spoiling  of  their  substance 
by  hungry  free-booters,  notwithstanding  all  their 
care  to  fence  it  around  and  preserve  it. — An  al- 
lusion was  evidently  made  to  Job's  former  pros- 
perity, to  the  death  of  his  children  by  the  falling 


6  Although    t  affliction    cometh     not  / 
forth   of  the  dust,  neither  ^  doth   trouble 

■■  spring  out  of  the  ground; 

7  Yet  ^  man  is  born  unto   trouble,  as(': 
lithe  sparks  fly  upward. 

[Practical  Observations.] 

I  would  *  seek  unto  God,  and  "  unto 
od  would  I  commit  my  cause: 
9    Which     *  doeth    great    things    and 
unsearchable;  ^  marvellous  things  "^with- 
ut  number: 

t.  10  Who  ^  giveth  rain   upon  the  earth, 
and  sendeth  waters  upon  the  tt  fields: 

11  To  "set  up  on  high  those  that  be 
low;  that  ^  those  which  mourn  may  be 
•=  exalted  to  safety. 


J  Or,  iniqviiy. 

q  34:29.  Deut.  32:27.  1  Sam.  6: 

9.     Ps.  90:7,8.    Is.  45:7.    Lam. 

3:38,39.     Am.  3:6. 
r  Hos.  10:4.  Heb.  12:15. 
s   14:1.    Gen.  3:17—19.    Ps.  90: 

8,9.   1  Cor.  10:13. 
5  Or,  labor.    Ec.  1:8.  2:22.  5:15 

—17. 
II  Heb.  the  sons  of  the  burning 

coal  lift  up  to  Jly. 
t  8:5.  22:21,27.     Gen.  32:7—12. 

2  Chr.  33:12,13.    Ps.  50:15.  77: 

1,2.  116:3,4.    Jon.  2:1—7. 
II  Ps.  37:5.  2  Tim.  1:12.     1  Pet. 

2:23.  4:19. 
X  9:10.  11:7—9.  37:5.    Ps.  72:18. 


86:10.  145:3.    Rom.  11:.33. 
11  Heb.  and  there  is  no  search. 

Is.  40:28.     Eph.  3:8. 
y  26:5—14. 
**  Heb.  till  there  be  no  «7',j;i- 

ber.   Ps.  40:5.  139:18. 
z  23:26.       Ps.    6.5:9—11.    147:S. 

Jer.    5:24.    10:13.   14:22.   51:16. 

Am.  4:7.     Acts  14:17. 
t+  Heb.  out  places.   38:26—28. 
a  1  Sam.  2:7,8.     Pa.  91:14.  107: 

41.  113:7,8.    Ez.  17:24.    Luke 

1:52,53. 
b  Luke  6:21.    Jam.  1:9.  4:6— iO. 

1  Pet.  5:10. 
c  Deut.  33:27—29.    1  Pet.  1-3  — 

5. 


of  the  house  upon  them,  and  the  ruin  of  his  sub- 
stance by  the  Sabeans  and  Chaldeans.  (JVb/e.v, 
1:13 — 19.  4:7 — 11.)  But  the  most  notorious  wick- 
edness does  not  prove,  that  temporal  calamities 
will  befal  the  perpetrator:  and  the  application 
certainly  was  unfair  and  severe.  (JVbfes,  12:6 — 
10.  24:2— 20J 

V.  6,  7.  These  verses  may  be  rendered,  ^'■For 
affliction  cometh  not  forth  of  the  dust;  ...  Although. 
man  be  born  to  trouble." — Man  is  born  to  labor 
and  sorrow,  as  certainly,  and  from  as  natural  a 
cause,  as  the  sparks  of  fire  mount  upward  into  the 
air:  yet  the  measure  and  duration  of  them  result 
neither  from  chance,  nor  necessity,  nor  second 
causes;  but  from  the  wise  and  righteous  appoint- 
ment of  God.  This  is  a  certain  truth:  but  it  does 
not  follow  that  heavy  afflictions  are  a  proof  of 
great  wickedness:  for  the  future  world  is  the  state 
of  retributions;  and  afflictions  in  this  world  in 
general  are  merciful  corrections,  and  not  the  ef- 
fects of  vindictive  wrath.  [JVotcs,  17.  2PeL  2:4— 9.) 

V.  8— 11.  [Marg.  Ref.)  Whatever  Eliphaz 
suspected  concerning  Job's  previous  character, 
it  is  evident  he  did  not  mean  that  his  case  was 
hopeless:  and  the  advice  here  given  was  salutaiy 
and  seasonable;  though  the  manner  of  introduc- 
ing it  implies  a  censure,  and  savors  of  self-prefer- 
ence. Instead  of  complaints  and  vain  wisher, 
Eliphaz,  if  in  Job's  case,  would  seek  unto  God, 
and  commit  his  cause  to  him.  This,  on  any  sup- 
position, was  Job's  duty  and  wisdom:  and  the  sub- 
sequent discourse  on  the  %vorks  of  God  was  suit- 
ed to  remind  him,  tlrat  the  great  Lord  of  all  cojiid 
easily  restore  him  to  peace  and  prosperity.  From 
the  unsearchable  and  wonderful  operations  of  God 
in  the  natural  world,  which  are  without  number. 
Eliphaz  selected  his  giving  rain  unto  tlie  earth. 
This  is  so  common  that  it  is  scarcely  noticed:  and 
yet  the  manner,  in  which  the  water  is  convpyeJ, 
originally  from  the  briny  ocean,  and  distilled  in 
small  drops  fit  for  use  all  over  the  earth,  and  thi^ 
effects  wliich  are  thus  produced,  are  worthy  of 
our  highest  admiration  and  most  ardent  gratitude. 
(J^otes,  36:22—33.  37:1—13.    Gen.  1:9.    Ps.  6,5:0 

[10 


B.  C.   1550. 


JOB. 


B.  C.  1550 


12  He  i^  disappolnteth  the  devices  of 
the  crafty,  so  that  ®  their  hands  cannot 
perform  *  their  enterprise. 

1 3  He  ^  taketh  the  wise  in  their  own 
craftiness;  and  the  counsel  ^  of  the  fro- 
ward  is  carried  headlong. 

14  They  tmeet  '' with  darkness  in  the 
day-time,  and  grope  in  the  noon-day  as 
in  the  night. 

1 5  But  '  he  saveth  the  poor  from  the 
sword,  from  their  mouth,  and  from  the 
hand  of  the  mighty. 

16  So  ''the  poor  hath  hope,  and  'ini- 
quity Sioppeth  her  mouth. 

[Practical  Observatio7is.] 

17  Behold,  ™  happy  w  the  man  whom 
God  correcteth:  therefore  despise  not 
thou  the  chastening  of  the  Almighty: 

18  For  "  he  maketh  sore,  and  bindeth 
up;  he  woundeth,  and  his  hands  make 
whole. 


d  li;16,]7.    Neh.  4:15.     Ps.  33: 

10,11.     Prov.  21:30.     Is.  8:10. 

19:3,11—14. 
e  Ps.  21:11.  76:5.  Is.  37:36.  Acts 

12:11.  23: 12,&c. 
*  Or,  any  thing, 
f  2  Sam.  15:31,34.  17:23.    F.sth. 

6:4—11.  7:10.   9:25.     Ps.  7:15, 

16.     9:15,16.     35:7,3.      141:10. 

Luke  1:51.     1  Cor.   1:19,20,27. 

3:19,20. 
g  Ps.  18:26.    Prov.  3:32.  8:13. 
■(  Or,  run  into. 


h  12:25.    Deut.  28:29.    Prov.  4: 

19.   Is.  59:10.  Am.  8:9. 
i   Ps.  10:14,17,18.  35:10.  72:4,12, 

13.  107:41.  109:31.  140:12. 
k  1  Sam.  2:3.    Ps.  9:13.     Is.  14: 

32.     Zech.  9:12.    Luke  4:18. 
1  Kx.  11:7.      Ps.  63:11.   107:42. 

Rom.  3:19. 
mPs.  94:12.  Prov.  3:11,12.  Jer. 

31:18—20.        Heb.     12:5 11. 

Jam.  1:12.  5:11.     Rev.  3:19. 
n  Deut.   32:39.       1    Sam.    2:6,7. 

Ps.  147:3.  Is.  30:26.     Hos.  6:1. 


— 13.)  By  this,  the  barren  earth,  being  made  to 
yield  a  large  increase,  the  poor,  and  those  who 
are  mourning  throug-h  the  dread  of  starving,  are 
supplied,  placed  in  safety,  and  even  exalted. 

V.  12 — 16.  The  speaker  next  noticed  espe- 
cially the  surprising  method,  in  which  the  politic 
counsels  of  worldly  wise  men  are  disappointed 
by  divine  providence;  and  their  craft}'  devices, 
instead  of  accomplishing  the  end  proposed,  are 
turned  against  themselves.  Being  carried  head- 
long by  some  unexpected  incident,  they  involve 
them  in  utter  ruin;  so  that  they  are  taken  in  a 
net,  and  plunged  into  darkness  or  despair,  just 
when  they  think  success  is  sure:  nay,  they  hesi- 
tate, and  are  bewildered,  or  fall  into  fatal  errors, 
in  the  plainest  matters,  as  if  they  had  lost  their 
senses.  [Marg.  Ref.—J^otes,Esth.  5:13,\4.  6:7: 
1  Co',\  3:18—23.)  By  thus  infatuating  or  ruin- 
ing proud  oppressors,  God  preserves  the  poor 
who  are  about  to  be  devoured,  and  gives  them 
hope  of  better  days;  while  their  oppressors  ar.? 
silenced,  confounded,  and  dismayed,  at  behold- 
ing his  work.  As  therefore,  such  interpositions 
accorded  to  the  ordinary  method  of  Providence, 
Job  might  with  confidence  expect  deliverance, 
if  he  ceased  from  his  rebellious  murmurs,  and 
humbled  himself  before  God. 

V.  17.  To  take  vengeance  on  a  criminal^  for 
a  warning  lo  others,  and,  to  correct  an  offender 
for  his  own  good,  are  very  distinct  things,  which 
Eliphaz  had  not  before  expressly  distinguished. 
Job's  extraordinary  calamities  had  led  Eliphaz 
to  speak  as  if  he  had  been  visited  in  judgment: 
but  here  he  indulged  a  hope,  that  he  was  correct- 
ed of  God  for  his  good;  and  if  so  he  was  a  happy 
man,  and  ought  not  to  despond  under  his  afBic- 
tions.  He  exhorted  him  therefore,  "not  to  de- 
spise the  chastening  of  the  Almighty."  He,  who 
appointed  his  sorrows,  was  able  to  destroy  and 
to  deliver,  as  he  pleased:  Job  ought  therefore  to 
consider  the  hand  of  God  in  these  chastisements, 
20] 


19  He  shall  °  deliver  thee  in  six  trou- 
bles: yea,  in  seven  there  shall  p  no  evi! 
touch  thee. 

20  In  ''  famine  he  shall  '  redeem  thee 
from  death:  and  ^  in  war  from  the  ^  pow- 
er of  the  sword. 

21  Thou  shall  *  be  hid  5  from  the 
scourge  of  the  tongue:  "  neither  shall  thou 
be  afraid  of  destruction  when  it  cometh. 

22  At  destruction  and  famine  thou 
shall  ^  laugh:  neither  shall  thou  be 
y  afraid  of  the  beasts  of  the  earth. 

23  For  ^  thou  shall  be  in  league  with 
the  stones  of  the  field;  and  ^  the  beasts 
of  the  field  shall  be  at  peace  with  thee. 

24  And  ''thou  shall  know  that  II thy 
tabernacle  shall  be  in  peace;  and  "^  thou 
shall  visit  thy  habitation,   and    shall  not 


sin. 


oPs.  34:19.  91:3— 7.     Prov.  24: 

16.  2  Cor.  1:8- 10.  2  Pet.  2:9. 
p  Ps.  91:7—10. 
q  G.;n.  45:7— Jl.     1  Kings  17:6, 

9,14,15.    Ps.  33:19.  34:9,10.  37: 

19.      Prov.    10:3.      Is.    33:16. 

Hab.  3:17,18. 
r  Ps.  49:7,15.  103:4.  IIos.  13:14. 
s  Ps.  27:3.  91:5.   1-44:10.      Matt. 

24:6. 
+  Heb.  hands. 
t  Ps.  31:20.  55:21.  57:4.     Prov. 

12:18.       Is.  54:17.     Jer.   18:18. 

Jam.  3:5—8. 
^  Or,  when  the  tongue  scourg- 


eth. 
u  Ps.  91:5—7. 
X  2  Kings  19:21. 
y  Is.  35.9.    Ez.  34:25. 
z  Ps.  91:12,13.  Hos.  2:18.  Rom. 

3:38,39. 
a  Lev.  26:6.  Ez.  14:15,16.  Dan. 

6:22. 
b  18:6,15,21.  21:7— 9i      1  Sam. 

30:3.   Is.  4:5,6. 
II  Or,  peace  is  thy  iabemacte. 

Ps.  25:13.  marg. 
c.  Deut.  28:6.   Ps.  91:10.  121:7,8. 
IT  Or,  err.    Ps.  107:4,40. 


and  thankfully  receive  them  as  a  token  of  love, 
and  seek  to  profit  by  them.  {^^JSTotes,  Ps.  94:12 
—14.  Prov.  3:1 1,12.  Heb.  12:4— II.)— Almighty.} 
Jfote,  Gen.  17:1—3. 

V.  18,  19.  Eliphaz  next  shewed  the  benefits, 
which  would  result  from  a  proper  behavior  under 
afflictions,  and  mentioned  the  happiness  of  God's 
people,  in  language  similar  to  that  used  in  other 
parts  of  the  Old  Testament.  {Marg.  Ref.—J^ote, 
Lev.  26:3,4.)  He  observed  that  every  wound 
was  from  the  hand  of  God,  and  he  alone  could 
effectually  heal  it:  as  the  skilful  and  tender  sur- 
geon probes  and  cuts  in  order  to  heal,  and  then 
binds  up  the  wound  with  emollient  ointments. 
When  God  smites  his  servants  with  afflictions, 
he  heals  them  with  consolations,  or  by  returning 
ease  and  prosperity;  and  when  he  wounds  sin- 
ners with  deep  convictions,  he  binds  up  the 
wound  by  a  sweet  sense  of  forgiveness,  after  he 
hath  prepared  them  for  so  great  a  mercy. 
[J^otes,  1  Sam.  2:4—8.  Hos.  6:1—3.)  If  then 
Job  humbly  sought  to  God  under  his  troubles,  he 
would  certainly  be  delivered:  and  though  he 
might  be  tried  repeatedly,  yet  he  would  still  find 
relief;  so  that  no  evil  would  eventually  come 
upon  him. — Six  troubles,  and  seven,  denote  many, 
one  succeeding  another.     [Prov.  6:16.  Ec.  11:2.) 

V.  20 — 23.  In  famine,  war,  or  perils  from 
false  witnesses  and  malicious  slanders  against  his 
life  or  reputation,  or  amidst  the  ravages  of  wild 
beasts,  Job  might  be  assured  of  support  and  pro- 
tection, and  might  smile  in  the  midst  of  the  most 
terrifying  appearances:  for  God  would  so  order 
every  dispensation,  that  the  whole  animate  and 
inanimate  creation  should  appear  to  be  in  league 
with  him.  [Marg.  Ref—Jfotes,  Ps.  91:3—13. 
Hos.  2:18—20.  Rom.  8:28—39.) 

V.  24.  'Wheresoever  thou  pitchest  thy  tent, 
'thou  shalt  find  it  safety:  and  when  thou  takest 
'an  account  of  thy  estate,  all  things  shall  answer 
'beyond  thy  expectation.'     Bp.  Patrick.— The 


B.  C.  1550. 


CHAPTER  V. 


B.  C.  1550 


25  Thou  shall  know  also  that  ^  thy 
seed  shall  he  *  great,  and  thine  offspring 
^  as  the  grass  of  the  earth. 

26  Thou  shalt  come  to   thy  grave     in 


d  42: 13— 16.    Gen.  15:5.     Lev. 

26:9.     Deut.   28:4.      Ps.  112:2. 

127:.3— 5.  123:3—6. 
*  Or,  much. 


e  Ps.  72:16. 

f  42:16,17.       Gen.    1.5:15.  25:3. 
Ps.  91:16.    Prov.  9:11.  10:27. 


word  rendered  "sin,"  may  mean  wander,  or  be 
disappointed:  and  perhaps  the  verse  may  imply, 
that  when  the  believer  goes  from  home,  he  may 
commit  himself  and  family  to  the  care  of  God, 
assured  that  no  tempests,  fires,  or  robbers  shall 
come  near  his  habitation;  and  that  he  shall  be 
bruught  back  in  peace,  without  losing  his  way, 
or  being  disappointed  at  his  return,  by  finding 
his  family  ruined,  or  murdered,  or  fallen  into 
calamity.     {Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  25 — 27.  In  case  Job  committed  his  cause 
to  God,  he  might  also  be  confident  that  his  pos- 
terity would  be  prosperous,  that  he  would  live 
long,  and  die  in  peace,  when  fully  ripe  for  heaven. 
(JVo/e*,  42:10— 17.  1  Chr.  29:26—28.)  These 
principles  Eliphaz  recommended,  as  the  result 
of  his  own  experience  and  observation,  and  those 
of  his  friends,  and  concluded  with  admonishing^ 
Job  to  regard  them  for  his  good,  and  to  make 
them  his  own  by  a  practical  use  of  them. — They 
are  indeed  good  general  rules,  but  they  admit  of 
many  exceptions:  for,  though  the  believer  is  un- 
der the  peculiar  protection  of  God  in  his  person, 
character,  family,  and  all  relating  to  him,  and 
should  commit  all  to  his  keeping;  the  Lord 
often  sees  good  to  withhold  the  temporal  com- 
fort, in  order  to  confer  a  spiritual  blessing  of 
greater  value.  Indeed,  Job's  sufferings,  so 
far  from  being  proofs  of  hypocrisy,  were  not 
so  much  as  corrections  for  any  particular  of- 
fence; but  trials  of  his  singular  faith,  piety, 
and  constancy:  so  greatly  did  his  friends  mistake 
his  case!  They  spoke  general  truths  according 
to  the  light  of  that  dispensation;  but  they  erred 
in  their  application  of  them.  The  Holy  Spirit  has 
recorded  that  debate,  as  infallibly  true  in  point  of 
matter  of  fact:  but  we  must  decide  from  the 
general  tenor  of  the  scripture,  whether  the)-^ 
maintained  right  principles,  and  deduced  legiti- 
mate consequences;  and  whether  their  arguments 
were  or  were  not  conclusive.     (J^-'b<f,  42:7 — 9.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
V.  1—7. 
It  is  generally  dangerous  to  deviate  from  the 
sentiments  and  practices  of  the  saints  of  God, 
and  it  is  very  discouraging  to  be  constrained  to 
act  contrary  to  tlieir  judgment.  But  it  is  com- 
mon for  men  to  boast,  as  if  believers,  in  all  ages 
and  nations,  were  of  their  mind,  when  they  are 
far  from  having  even  a  majority  in  their  favor. 
And'at  last  the  word  of  God  is  our  all-sufficient 
rule,  and  not  the  sentiments  of  any  number  of 
fallible  men:  so  that,  in  fact,  they  have  some- 
times been  found  right,  who  seemed  not  only  to 
have  all  the  world,  but  almost  all  the  church, 
against  them. — We  should  watch  ourselves,  and 
caution  others,  against  the  tormenting  and  ma- 
lignant passions  of  envy  and  anger;  which  rule 
in  the  hearts  of  weak  and  foolish  men  with  most 
fatal  energy,  and  not  only  expose  them  to  the 
wrath  of  God,  but  to  the  temptations  of  Satan, 
and  to  various  snecies  of  guilt  and  misery.  But 
we  must  not  rashly  represent  everv  gust  of  pas- 
sion or  agitation  of  spirit  under  trials,  reproaches, 
and  temptations,  as  an  evidence  of  a  malevolent 
disposition:  for  we  should  not  choose  to  have  our 
own  infirmities  treated  with  such  severity;  and 
we  might  reasonably  expect  that  they  would  not. 
— We  may  predict  the  final  ruin  of  wicked  men. 


a  full  age,  like  as  a  shock  of  corn  t  com- 
eth  in  in  his  season. 

27  Lo  this,  s  we  have   searched  it,  so 
it  is;  hear  it,  and  know  thou  ii  +  for   thy 


good. 

t  Heb.  ascendeth.  I  |  Heb.  for  thyself.  22: 

g  8:8—10.    13:2.    15:9,10,17.  32:        10:13. 
11,12. 


Deut. 


as  exposed  to  the  awful  curse  of  God,  even  in  the 
zenith  of  their  prosperity,  when  all  around  are 
congratulating  and  envying  them.  Their  tem- 
poral success  will  soon  vanish:  and  what  is  got 
by  fraud,  oppression,  or  cruelty,  commonly  en- 
tails a  curse  on  their  families  and  estates.  Yet 
a  man's  wickedness  must  be  very  notorious,  to 
authorize  us  to  interpret  his  afflictions,  or  those 
of  his  posterity,  into  divine  judgments  upon  him. 
— As  we  are  born  in  sin,  and  soon  run  into  actual 
transgression,  we  are  naturally  exposed  to  al- 
most innumerable  troubles:  biit  they  are  all  di- 
rected by  the  unerring  hand  of  God,  for  some 
wise  and  righteous  purpose;  and  v/e  should  regu- 
late our  conduct  accordingly. 
V.  8—16. 
It  is  easy  to  say,  what  we  would  do  in  trying 
circumstances;  but  perhaps  we  should  find  it 
more  difficult  to  observe  our  own  rules,  than  we 
now  imagine.  We  ought,  however,  to  give 
proper  advice,  and  to  leave  the  event  to  God:  and 
it  becomes  us  under  all  our  trials  to  seek  unto 
him,  and  to  commit  our  cause  into  his  hands. 
Whatever  difficulties  may  be  in  our  case,  the 
Lord  knows  how  to  extricate  us,  by  a  thousand 
ways  that  we  never  thought  of.  All  his  works  are 
wonderful  and  unsearchable:  we  see  what  is 
wrought,  and  can  discover  his  wisdom,  power, 
and  goodness,  in  the  connexion  of  causes  and 
effects  in  nature;  but  we  cannot  comprehend 
how  he  works.  And  too  often  the  great  Author 
of  all  our  comforts,  and  the  manner  in  which 
they  are  conveyed  to  us,  are  alike  unnoticed, 
because  they  are  received  as  things  of  course. 
He  exalts  or  depresses,  afflicts  or  comforts,  as 
he  pleases,  witli  irresistible  power,  but  in  perfect 
justice,  wisdom,  and  goodness. — Those  who  are 
perverse  and  ungodly,  and  proud  of  their  abili- 
ties and  sagacity,  are  generally  made  to  feel,  or 
to^expose,  their  own  folly  and  iinpotency.  "Pro- 
fessing themselves  wise,  they  become  fools:'^ 
they  are  often  bewildered  by  their  own  fancies, 
and  rendered  the  dupes  of  their  own  false  rea- 
sonings or  refined  politics;  they  run  into  the 
grossest  absurdities,  commit  tlie  most  egregious 
mistakes,  are  bewildered  in  uncertainty  iy  the 
plainest  matters,  and  grope  at  noon  day  as  if  it 
were  midnight;  for  "God  takes  them  "in  their 
own  craftiness,"  and  makes  "foolish  the  wisdom 
of  this  world."  Idolaters  and  atheistical  philoso- 
phers of  old;  skeptics,  infidels,  and  materialists 
of  modern  days,  are  awful  proofs  of  the.se  truths: 
and  so  are  politic  persecutors  and  oppressors  of 
the  church,  in  every  age. — In  vain  have  learning, 
wisdom,  authority,' cruelty,  and  every  device  of 
men  and  devils  united,  to  subvert  the  church  of 
God,  and  extirpate  his  poor  despised  people. 
The  schemes  of  these  enemies  have  been  fru.s- 
trated,  "their  hands  have  not  been  able  to  per- 
form their  enterprise;"  their  "counsels  have 
been  carried  headlong,"  and  they  have  been 
taken  in  their  own  snare,  infatuate"d,  and  driven 
to  destruction;  and  all  their  successors  may  ex- 
pect the  same  fate.  For  the  poor  and  despised 
people  of  God,  though  deemed  weak,  foolish,  and 
defenceless,  can  neither  be  overcome,  nor  as- 
saulted with  impunity.  The  church  still  sub- 
sists; "the  poor"  in  spirit  "have  hope,"  and  ex- 
pect to  triumph  at  the  destruction  of  thqjj-  ene- 
mies, when  the  boastings  and  blasphemies  of  the 

[21 


B.  C.  1550. 


JOB. 


B.  C.  1550. 


CHAP.  VI. 

Job  shews  that  his  sufferings  were  very  great,  and  his  complaint 

natural,  1 7.     He  prays  for  death,  as  the  only  comfort  which 

)ie  could  hope  for,  S — 1:3.      He  reproves  his  friends,  as  unkind 
and  unfaithful,  H— 30. 

lUT  Job  *  answered  and  said, 

2  Oh,  that  my  grief  were  ''thor- 
oughly weighed,  and  my  calamity  *laid 
in  the  balances  together! 

3  For  now  it  would  be  *=  heavier  than 
the  sand  of  the  sea;  therefore  t  my  words 
'^  are  swallowed  up. 

4  For  ^  the  arrows  of  the  Almighty 
«re  within  me,  the  poison  whereof  ^  drink- 
eth  up  my  spirit:  ^  the  terrors  of  God  do 
set  themselves  in  array  against  me. 

5  Doth  the  wild  ass  bray  +  when  be 
hath  grass?  or  ''  loweth  the  ox  over  his 
fodder? 


a  4:1. 

b  4:5.  53:2. 

*  Heb.  lifted  up. 

c  Prov.  2'7:3.    Matt.  11:=:8. 

I  That  is,  J  mant  -words  to  ex- 
press my  grief.     Ps.  77:4. 

d  37:19,20.  Ps.  40:5. 

e  16:1J— 14.  Deut.  30:23,42. 
Ps.  7:13.  18:14.  21:12.  38:2.  45: 


5.   Lam.  3:12,13. 
f  Deut.  32:24.  Ps.  143:7.  Prov. 

18:14.    Mark  14:33,34.  15:34. 
g  9:17.  30:15.  31:23.     Ps.  88:15, 

16.    2  Cor.  5:11. 
I  Heb.  at  grass.    Vs.  104:14. 
h  Ps.  42:1.    Jer.  14:6.  Joel  1:18 

—20. 


wicked  will  be  for  ever  silenced,  or  turned  into 
shame  and  ang-uish. 

V.  17—27. 
"Happy  is  the  man,  whom  God  correcteth!" 
We  should  therefore  consider  our  afflictions,  as 
so  many  kind  warnings  to  examine  ourselves, 
confess  our  sins,  seek  mercj'  from  God,  and  walk 
more  diligently  in  his  ways:  we  should  humble 
ourselves  before  him,  and  neither  despise  his  rod, 
nor  seek  help  or  relief  from  any  one  else.  He 
alone  can  effectually  remove  temporal  afflictions, 
and  g'ive  peace  to  the  wounded  conscience,  or 
relief  to  the  troubled  spirit.  And  when  we  have 
found  pardon,  peace  with  God,  and  deliverance 
from  the  power  of  sin,  we  may  without  reserve 
venture  our  all  in  his  hands.  He  will  provide 
for  our  real  wants,  and  protect  us  in  the  way  of 
duty,  so  that  no  evil  can  hurt  us;  and  deliver  us 
froiii  all  the  troubles  with  which  he  may  please 
to  prove  us.  Our  reputations  may  be  torn  by 
the  scourge  of  the  slanderer's  tongue;  but  he 
will  hide  us  from  the  effects  of  such  accusers, 
and  clear  up  our  characters  in  due  time.  Our 
habitations,  families,  and  the  time  and  circum- 
stances of  our  death,  may  be  safely  trusted  to 
him;  all  creatures  shall  be  instruments  of  g-ood  to 
ns,  though  perhaps  contrary  to  their  nature  or 
intention;  all  events  will  benefit  us;  and  we  may 
smile,  nay  exult,  when  others  tremble.  We 
may  go  out  and  come  in,  lie  down  and  rise  up, 
without  distrustful  fear,  assured  of  the  special 
care  of  heaven,  till  the  Lord  see  good  to  call  us 
liome.  We  are  not  authorized  to  expect  great 
wealth,  long  life,  flourishing  families,  or  exemp- 
tion from  tribulations:  but  we  are  assured  that 
all  will  be  ordered  in  the  best  manner  possible, 
and  that  we  shall  not  be  summoned  by  death  till 
we  are  ripe  for  glory,  and  have  lived  as  long  as 
it  is  good  for  us  in  this  world.  This  has  been 
the  confidence,  observation,  and  experience  of 
godly  men,  in  all  ages:  may  we  hear  it  and  know 
it  for  our  good! 

NOTES. 
Chap.  VI.  V.  1 — 4.     Job,  conscious  of  integ- 
ritj"^,  aod  displeased,  rather  than  convinced,  by 
the  reasonings  of  Eliphaz,  replied,  bv  wishing 
22] 


6  Can  '  that  which  is  unsavory  be 
eaten  without  salt.^  or  is  there  any  ^  taste 
in  the  white  of  an  egg.'' 

7  The  things  that  my  soul  refused  to 
touch  are  '  as  my  sorrowful  meat. 

8  Oh,  that  I  might  have  my  request, 
and  that  God  would  grant  me  n  the  thing 
that  I  long  for! 

9  Even  ■"  that  it  would  please  God  to 
destroy  me:  "  that  he  would  let  loose  his 
hand,  and  cut  me  off! 

10  Then  "should  I  yet  have  comfort; 
yea,  p  I  vi^ould  harden  myself  in  sorrow: 
1  let  him  not  spare;  for  I  ■"  have  not  con- 
cealed the  words  of  ®  the  Holy  One. 

1 1  *•  What  is  my  strength,  that  I  should 


i  25.  16:2.  Lev.  2:13.  Luke  14: 

34.   Col.  4:6. 
k30.  12:11.  34:3.      Ps.    119:103. 

Heb.  6:4,5. 

I  1  Kings  17:12.  22:27.  Ps.  102: 
9.  Kz.  4:14,16.  12:18,19.  Dan. 
10:3. 

II  Heb.  my  expectation.  11 — 13. 
17:14—16.     P.s.  119:81. 

m  3:20 22.      7:15,16.       14:13. 

Num  11:14,15.     1  Kings   19:4. 

Jon.  4:3,8.     Rev.  9:6. 
n  19:21.   Ps.  32:4.  Is.  38:10— !3. 


o  3:22.  21:33. 

p  9:4. 

q  Deut.  29:20.     Rom.   8:32.     2 

Pet.  2:4,5. 
r  23:12.     Ps.  37:30.  40:9,10.  71: 

17,18.  119:13.     Acts  20:20,27. 
s  Lev.  19:2.     1  Sam.  2:2.      Is. 

30:11,12.    57:15.       Hos.     11:9. 

Hab.  1:12.  3:3.     Rev.  3:7.  4:8. 
t  7:5—7.    10:20.    13:25,23.    17:1, 

14— 16.       Ps.   39:5.    90:5—10. 

102:23.  103:14—16. 


that  his  miseries  might  be  impartially  balanced 
against  his  complaints,  assured  that  he  should 
not  have  been  so  harshly  censured,  if  his  sor- 
rows had  not  been  made  too  light  of:  for,  in  fact, 
they  were  so  numerous  and  weighty,  that  he 
could  find  nothing  adequate  with  which  to  com- 
pare them;  and  all  his  Avords  fell  very  short  of  ful- 
ly describing  them.  In  addition  to  his  external 
troubles,  the  inward  sense  of  the  wrath  of  God, 
and  the  dread  of  his  almighty  vengeance,  like 
poisoned  arrows,  infected  his  soul,  and  exhausted 
his  courage  and  resolution;  or,  like  a  powerful 
army  placed  in  array  against  him,  they  cut  off 
his  hope  of  escape,  and  almost  drove  him  to  dis- 
traction. [Jlarg.  Ref.) — Doubtless,  this  was 
the  effect  of  Satan's  temptations,  who  endeavor- 
ed, by  every  horrible  impression  on  his  imagina- 
tion, to  drive  him  to  curse  God,  or  blaspheme,  as 
he  had  declared  that  he  would,  if  fully  tried; 
[JVotes,  1:9—11.  2:4,5,12,13.)  while  the  Lord 
was  pleased  to  favor  the  trial,  by  withholding 
from  him  all  sensible  comfort,  and  leaving  him 
in  darkness  and  dismav — In  this  he  was  a  type 
of  Christ,  when  agonizing  in  the  garden;  and 
when  upon  the  cross  he  exclaimed,  "My  God! 
my  God!  Avhy  hast  thou  forsaken  me.-"'  (jVotes, 
J\iat.t.  26:30—39.  27:46.) 

V.  5 — 7.  In  these  verses  Job  intimated,  that 
his  friends,  being  free  from  trouble  and  tempta- 
tion, did  nothing  more,  in  being  contented,  than 
the  wild  ass  or  the  ox  does,  when  at  ease  and 
plentifully  fed.  But  he  must  be  allowed  to  ex- 
press his  anguish  by  groans  and  complaints; 
which  were  no  more  to  be  censured,  than  the 
braying  of  the  wild  ass,  or  the  lowing  of  the  ox, 
when  destitute  of  provender.  And  indeed  the 
discourse  of  Eliphaz  had  so  little  of  the  savor  of 
wisdom  and  kindness,  and  was  so  unsuitable  for 
the  occasion,  that  it  was  impossible  he  should 
relish  it:  yet  this,  as  "sorrowful  meat"  was  all  he 
had  to  feed  his  soul  upon,  under  his  affliction  and 
depression;  though  at  any  time  he  should  have 
entirely  disregarded  it. — Some  think  he  meant, 
that  it  was  as  natural  to  expect  encouraging 
words  under  heavy  trials,  as  it  is  to  ask  for  salt 
to  eat  with  the  white  of  an  egg;  whereas  the  dis- 
course of  Eliphaz  tended  to  render  his    trials 


B.  C.  1550. 


CHAPTER  VI. 


B.  C.   1550. 


hope?  and  what  is  mine  end,  that  I  should 
prolong  my  hfe? 

12  Is  my  strength  the  strength  of 
stones?  or  is  my  flesh  *  of  brass? 

13  "/s  not  my  help  in  me?  *  and  is 
wisdom  driven  quite  from  me? 

14  To  i'him  that  tis  afflicted  pity 
should  be  shewed  from  his  friend;  but  ^  he 
forsaketh  the  fear  of  the  Almighty. 

[Practical    Observations.'] 

15  IF  ^  My  brethren  have  dealt  deceit- 
fully as  a  brook,  and  ^  as  the  stream  of 
brooks  they  pass  away; 

.  16  Which  are   blackish   by  reason  of 
the  ice,  and  wherein  the  snow  is  hid: 

17  What  time  they  wax  warm,  they 
^vanish;  Hvhen  it  is  hot,  they  are  con- 
sumed out  of  their  place. 

18  The  paths  of  their  way  are  turned 
aside;  they  go  to  nothing,  and  perish. 


Heb.  iraren.  40:18.  41:24, 

II  19:28.    2  Cor.  1:12.    Gal.  6:4. 

z  12:2,3.    13:2. 

y  4:3,4.  16:5.  19:21.  Prov.  17:17. 
Rom.  12:15.  1  Cor.  12:26.  2 
Cor.  11:29.  Gal.  6:2.  Heb.  13: 
3. 

t  Heb.  melteth. 

z  Gen. 20:11.  Ps.  30:1—3.  Luke 


23:40. 
a  19:19.     Ps.  38:11.  41:9.  55:12 

—14.88:13.     Jer.  9:4,5.  30:14. 

Mic.  7:5,6.    John  13:18.  16:32. 
b  Jer.  15:18.    Jude  12. 
\  Heb.  art  cut  off. 
^  Heb.  in  the  heat  thereof  they 

are  extinguished.   1  Kings  17: 

7. 


more  burdensome  than  they  were  before.  It  is 
plain,  however,  that  he  rejected  and  undervalued 
the  g-ood  advice  which  had  been  given;  because 
of  the  injurious  reflections  on  his  character,  with 
which  it  was  introduced.     (J^Totes,  5:2 — 7.) 

V.  8 — 13.  The  passionate  earnestness,  with 
which  Job  here  requested  to  die,  and  the  ve- 
hement language  which  he  used,  were  very  un- 
becoming. It  seemed  as  if  God  could  bestow  on 
him  no  greater  favor  than  instantaneous  death, 
in  whatever  manner  it  should  come.  {Jfotes, 
JVum.  11:11  —  15.  1  Kings  19:3,4.  Joh.  4:1— 8.) 
This  was  his  chief  desire  and  request,  and  almost 
his  only  one:  but  it  was  very  rash  in  him  to 
speak  of  God's  "destroying,"  or  crushing.,  or 
"letting  loose  his  hand"  and  "cutting  him  off," 
and  "not  sparing  him;"  and  of  his  "hardening 
himself  in  sorrow,"  and  beirg  "comforted"  in 
the  prospect  of  immediate  dissolution.  Alas!  he 
knew  not  what  he  said;  for  who,  during  a  single 
hour,  could  endure  the  wrath  of  the  Almighty, 
if  he  spared  not,  but  let  loose  his  hand  against 
him.-' — Relief  from  lingering  miserj^  was  Job's 
great  object;  j^et  he  evidently  thouglit  of  a  future 
world,  when  he  declared  that  "he  had  not  con- 
cealed the  words  of  the  Holj^  One."  He  meant, 
tliat  he  was  no  hypocrite;  but  as  he  had  professed 
the  words  of  the  holy  God,  so  he  had  believed 
and  obeyed  them,  as  the  avowed  and  real  rule 
of  his  conduct.  He  seems,  however,  to  have 
spoken  too  much  in  a  way  of  self-justification, 
and  despondency;  and  not  simply,  as  stating  the 
ground  of  his  desire  to  leave  this  world,  and 
go  to  a  better. — He  added  that  he  had  no  strength 
left,  which  could  inspire  a  hope  of  a  termination 
to  his  afflictions,  except  in  death;  and  if  he  had 
the  strength  of  stones  or  brass,  his  sufferings 
would  soon  wear  it  out:  but  his  understanding, 
and  the  testimony  of  a  good  conscience,  were 
continued  to  him;  he  knew  what  he  was  dis- 
coursing of,  and  his  wisdom  was  not  quite  driven 
from  him;  yet  his  friends  despised  his  words. — 
Though  Job  thus  longed  and  prayed  for  death, 
lie  did  not  think  that  he  was  authorized  to  com- 
mit suicide:  a  heathen  philosopher,  or  a  modern 


are  "^  nothing;  s  ye 


19  The  troops  of  '^  Tenia  looked,  iho 
companies  of  "^  Sheba  waited  for  them. 

20  They  ®were  confounded,  because 
they  had  hoped:  they  came  thither,  and 
were  ashamed. 

21  For  now  ||ye  ^ 
see  7ny  casting  down,  and  are  afraid 

22  Did  I  say,  ''  Bring  unto  me?  or, 
Give  a  reward  for  me  of  your  substance? 

23  Or,  Dehver  me  from  the  enemy's 
hand?  or,  '  Redeem  me'  from  the  hand 
of  the  mighty? 

24  ^  Teach  me,  and  '  I  will  hold  my 
tongue:  and  ™  cause  me  to  understand 
wherein  I  have  erred. 

25  How  "  forcible  are  right  words! 
but  °  what  doth  your  arguing  reprove? 


c  Gen.  25:15.  Is.  21:14.  Jer.25: 

23. 
d  Gen.  10:7.  25:3.   1  Kings  10:1. 

Ps.  72:10.   Ez.  27:22,23. 
e  Jer.  14:3,4.  17:13.     Rom.  5:5. 

9:33. 
II  Or,  ye  are  like  to  them.  Heb. 

to  it.  15.  13:4. 
f  Ps.  62:9.   Is.  2:22.  Jer.  17:5,6. 
IT  Heb.  not. 
g  2:11— 13.      Ps.    38:11.     Prov. 

19:7.     Jer.  51:9.     Matt.  26:3], 

56.  2  Tim.  4.16.  Rev.  18:9,10, 

17,18. 


12:3.    Acts  20. 


Neh.  5:8. 
Jer.    15: 


h4:;il.    iSa 

33. 
i  5:20.     Lev.  25:48. 

Ps.  49:7,8,15.  107:2 

21. 
k  6:27.  32:11,15,16.  33:1,31- S.J 

34:32.   Ps.  32:3.    Prov.  l'.9.  25 

12.  Jam.  1:19. 
1  Ps.  39:1,2.   Jam.  3:2. 
m  10:2.    Ps.  19:12. 
n  4:4.  16:5.     Prov.    12:18.  16:21 

—24.  18:21.  25:11.      Ko.  12:10, 

11. 
0  13:5.  16:3,4.  21:34.  24:25.  32:3. 


unbeliever,  would  not  have  been  so  scrupulous. 
(JVo<c*,  2:9,10.  3:20— '23.) 

V.  14.  He,  who  docs  not  compassionate  his 
afflicted  friend,  but  reproaches  him,  casts  off  his 
regard  to  the  authoritj"  of  God,  as  well  as  love  to 
his  brother.  [J^Iai-g.  Ref.) — Some,  however, 
understand  the  verse,  as  Job's  representation  of 
the  behavior  of  his  friends  to  him;  in  which  sense 
it  may  be  rendered,  '■•They  say  of  him  tliat  is  af- 
flicted more  than  his  neighbor.  He  hath  forsaken 
mercji^,  and  the  fear  of  the  Almighty."  {J\~otc, 
4:3—6.) 

V.  15 — 23.  The  friends  of  Job  had  appeared 
very  affectionate  to  him,  when  prosperous;  and 
in  his  calamity  he  had  lioped  for  support  and 
consolation  from  their  visit:  but  he  had  been 
miserably  disappointed.  This  he  represented  by 
an  appropriate  simile.  In  those  countries,  the 
ice  and  snow,  melting  upon  the  mountains,  at 
certain  seasons  filled  the  brooks  with  water,  so 
that  they  appeared  like  rivers,  swelled  and  dis- 
colored with  the  inundati/y>.:  and  the  Arabian 
companies,  or  caravans,  travelling  through  tlic 
deserts,  marked  the  course  of  these  brooks, 
which  were  full  of  water  wlien  it  was  not  wanted. 
But  when  in  the  heat  of  summer,  they  were 
parched  with  thirst,  and  resorted  thither  in 
hopes  of  a  supply,  they  found  that  these  brooks 
were  entirely  dried  up,  and  this  filled  them  with 
distress  and  confusion.  (JVbie,  Jer.  15:15 — 18.) 
Thus  Job's  expectations  from  his  friends  came  to 
nothing,  and  he  was  ashamed  of  his  former  con- 
fidence. [jXoies,  Is.  28:16.  45:15—17.  Joel  1:11.) 
For  when  his  friends  looked  on  his  miseries,  they 
seemed  afraid  lest  he  should  become  a  burden  or 
a  disgrace  to  them;  and  therefore  they  treated 
him  with  unkindness.  But  had  he  ever  request- 
ed them  to  make  up  his  losses  by  presents.''  to 
rescue  or  ransom  his  sub!5tance  from  the  Sabeans 
?nd  '"haldeansr'  or  even  to  protect  him  from  fur- 
ther violence.''  indeed  he  chiefly  wanted  conso- 
lation to  his  soul. 

V.  24,  25.  Job  was  unwilling,  that  his  friends 
should  suppose  he  refused  to  receive  instruction, 
or  reproof.     If  therefore  they  would  mildly  teach 

[23 


B.  C.  1550. 


JOB. 


B.  C.  1550. 


2G  Do  you  imagine  to  ^  reprove  words, 
and  the  speeches  of  ^  one  that  is  desper- 
ate, which  are  ^  as  wind.'' 

27  Yea,  ye  *  overwhelm  ^  the  father- 
less, and  *  ye  dig  a  pit  for  your  friend. 

28  Now  therefore,  be   content:   look 


p  2:10.    3:3,&c.    4:3,4.    34:3—9. 

38:2.  40:5,8.  42:3,7.     Matt.    12: 

37. 
q  4,9.  10:1. 

r  8:2.  Hos.  12:1.    Eph.  4:14. 
*  Heb.  cause  to  fall  upon. 


s  22.9.   24:3,9.   23:12.   31:17,21. 

Ex.  22:23—24.  Ps.  82:3.  Prov. 

23:10,11.    Ez.  22:7.    Mai.  3:5. 

Jam.  1:27. 
t  Ps.  7:15.  57:6.     Jer.  18:20,22. 


liim  any  useful  lesson,  or  point  out  his  mistakes, 
he  would  silentl}'  hearken.  For  "rig-ht  words," 
or  salutary  truths,  proposed  with  conclusive  proofs 
and  fair  application,  were  powerfully  convincing; 
but  the  unfounded  suspicions  and  uncandid  cen- 
sures of  Eliphaz  could  not  be  received  as  just  re- 
proof. 

V.  26.  Eliphaz  had  nothing  explicit,  for  which 
he  could  reprove  Job,  except  some  passionate 
words,  which  excess  of  anguish  had  extorted  from 
him,  %vhen  almost  driven  to  desperation.  [JVotes, 
2:12,13.  3.)  These  ought  therefore  to  have  been 
no  more  regarded,  than  a  sudden  gust  of  wind, 
Av  hich  is  soon  followed  by  a  calm:  or,  as  some  un- 
derstand the  passage,  the  rest  of  his  discourse 
sliould  not  on  that  account  have  been  treated 
with  contempt,  as  empty  sound. — Had  Eliphaz 
calmly  shewed  Job,  that  his  passionate  language 
was  unbecoming  his  character  for  piety,  in  the 
manner  that  the  latter  had  reproved  his  wife,  he 
might  have  submitted  to  the  rebuke:  {J^ote,  2: 10.) 
but  his  intimations,  that  Job  had  been  a  hypo- 
crite, entirely  defeated  this  end,  and  made  Job 
think  himself  excusable. 

V.  27 — 30.  In  Job's  opinion,  his  friends  acted 
as  cruelly,  as  if  they  had  oppressed  a  fatherless 
child,  who  had  none  to  defend  him;  and  as  un- 
gratefully and  unfaithfully,  as  if  they  had  digged 
a  pit  for  their  friend  to  fall  into  and  perish.  He 
therefore  entreated  them  to  be  content  with  his 
sufferings,  which  they  might  perceive  to  be  verj' 
great,  and  not  to  aggravate  them  by  reproaches; 
and  to  favor  him  by  reconsidering  his  cause,  ex- 
amining it  more  accurately,  and  deciding  upon  it 
more  candidly.  If  he  had  spoken  any  falsehood, 
Ihey  migut  easily  confute  him:  if  he  were  a  wick- 
ed man,  they  might  detect  him.  If  they  could  not 
do  either  of  these,  let  them  retract  their  sentence, 
and  not  impute  his  sufferings  to  liis  iniquity;  for 
he  was  conscious  that  lie  was  upright  in  the  sight 
of  God,  which  would  be  made  evident  by  fuller 
investigation.  He  4'jought  he  could  savor  what 
was  true  and  good,  and  distinguish  what  was  per- 
verse and  profane:  and  though  he  allowed  he  had 
spoken  ra.sh  words,  he  Avas  not  conscious,  tliat 
there  had  been  iniquity  in  his  tqngue. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
V.   1—14. 

In  deciding  on  the  conduct  of  those  who  seem 
imjjatient,  we  should  carefully  consider  the  num- 
ber and  aggravations  of  their  distresses,  which 
often  appear  to  the  sufferer  even  greater  than  his 
heaviest  complaints,  and  beyond  the  power  of 
words  to  express.  A  heart,  wounded  witli  the 
fear  or  sense  of  the  wrath  of  God,  assaulted  with 
grievous  temptations,  filled  with  horror,  and  verg- 
ing to  despair,  is  far  more  dreadful  and  intoler- 
able, than  any  external  afflictions:  yet,  these 
"pjiins  of  hell"  have  oft(  n  taken  hold  of  the  most 
beloved  servants  of  God.  [.N'otes,  2  Sam.  22:5,6. 
Ps.  116:3.)  Mere  spectators  cannot  estimate 
trials  of  this  kind;  and  few  pious  men  have  suffi- 
cient wisdom,  experience,  and  tenderness,  to  deal 
24]  • 


upon  nie:  for  it  is  t  evident  unto  you,  "  if 
I  lie. 

29  *  Return,  I  pray  you,  let  it  not  be 
iniquity;  yea,  return  again,  ^  my  right- 
eousness is  t  in  it. 

30  Is  there  ^  iniquity  in  my  tongue.^ 
*  cannot  my  i  taste  discern  perverse 
things.'* 


t  Heb.  before  your  face. 
u  11:3.  13:4. 
X  17:10.    Mai.  3:18. 
y  27:4—6. 


t  That  is,  in  this  tnalter. 
z  33:8—12.  42:3—6. 
a  6.  12:11.  34:3.  Heb.  5:14. 
5  Heb.  palate. 


properly  with  those,  who  are  thus  deserted,  op- 
pressed, and  overwhelmed. — What  then  did  the 
Savior  endure  in  the  garden  and  on  the  cross, 
when  "he  bare  our  sins,"  and  his  soul  was  made 
a  sacrifice  to  divine  justice  for  usi  and  what  will 
sinners,  who  neglect  so  great  salvation,  for  ever 
endure  in  the  regions  of  darkness  and  despair! 
There,  indeed,  "the  arrows  of  the  Almighty  are 
within  them,  the  poison  whereof  drinketh  up  their 
spirit.  The  terrors  of  God  set  themselves  in  array 
against  them,"  and  they  can  neither  escape  nor 
endure  them. — Those  who  know  no  want,  and 
feel  no  pain,  may  easily  be  composed,  and  criti- 
cally comment  on  the  words  and  actions  of  such, 
as  are  in  overwhelming  trouble:  but  their  dis- 
courses are  generally  insipid,  and  often  distress- 
ing. Indeed,  these  in  general  appear  worse  than 
they  really  are:  for  in  anguish  a  man  loses  his 
relish  for  truths  which  before  were  palatable;  he 
is  disposed  to  be  fretful  and  fastidious;  and  a  little 
which  galls  him  sets  him  against  all  that  might 
comfort  him.  This  should  be  well  considered  by 
those,  who  discourse  with  persons  in  great  dis- 
tress: and,  except  they  can  command  evident  af- 
fection, sympathy,  and  caution,  it  is  better  to  let 
the  storm  subside  before  they  speak  at  all,  lest 
they  cause  it  to  rage  with  still  greater  impetuos- 
ity.— Furious  passions  are  peculiarly  culpable 
when  the)'  dictate  prayers;  for  men  seldom  wish 
or  pray  for  death,  except  when  they  are  in  a  re- 
bellious frame  of  spirit.  We  should  indeed  be 
habitually  ready  and  willing  to  depart;  and  indif- 
ferent about  earthly  objects,  v/hich  may  so  soon 
render  life  itself  a  burden.  But  surely  we  may 
find  something  more  excellent  to  request  of  God, 
than  to  be  delivered  from  present  suffering:  and 
it  ill  suits  our  state  and  character,  to  speak  of 
hardening  our  hearts  under  the  strokes  of  the  Al- 
mighty, if  he  should  "not  spare,"  but  "let  loose 
his  hand  to  cut  us  off."  Rather  we  should  humble 
ourselves  under  his  mighty  hand;  bow  down  in 
submission  to  his  will;  hope  in  his  mercy;  and  en- 
treat him  to  lighten  the  weight  of  his  chastiiec- 
ments,  and  to  consider  how  frail  we  are.  In  his 
favor  we  may  yet  have  comfort,  let  our  outward 
condition  be  ever  so  bad;  whether  he  please  to  be 
with  us  in  the  furnace  of  affliction  on  earth,  until 
he  take  us  unto  himself,  or  to  restore  us  to  peace 
and  prosperity:  for  "the  things  that  are  impos- 
sible with  man,  are  possible  with  God." — We  may 
easily  see  that  we  ought  to  ad  thus  under  every 
possible  trial;  but  if  we  were  tempted  as  Job  was, 
we  know  not  how  we  should  behave. — The  testi- 
mony of  conscience  to  our  integrity  in  our  past 
conduct,  as  professed  Christians,  may  properly  be 
our  rejoicing:  yet  it  may  be  so  pleaded,  as  to  sa- 
vor of  pride,  rebellion,  and  despondency.  It  is 
also  a  mercy  under  severe  diseases  to  retain  the 
exercise  ofour  reasoning  faculties:  but  sometimes 
men  use  them  with  perverse  ingenuitj',  to  argue 
against  their  own  comfort,  and  to  vindicate  their 
unbelief  and  impatience.  Persons  of  this  descrip- 
tion, however,  are  entitled  to  our  peculiar  com- 
passion; their  wounds  require  healing  balm,  not 
sharp  corrosives:    and  if  we  do  not  behave  with 


B.  C.  1550. 


CHAPTER  VIL 


B.  C.  1550. 


CHAP.  VII. 

Job  excuses  his  desire  of  death,  by  repn-seiUiinj  the  vanity, 
misery,  and  uselessness  of  his  life,  1 — 6.  He  expostulates 
Avith  God,  in  a  mixture  of  complaints  and  petitions;  and  con- 
cludes with  confessing  that  he  had  sinned,  and  asking  forgive- 
-ness  before  his  death,  7 — 21. 

^S  "  there   not  *  an  appointed  time  to 
man   upon  earth?  are  not  his   days 
also  ^  like  the  days  of  an  hireling? 

2  As  a  servant  +  earnestly  desireth 
<=  the  shadow,  and  as  *^  an  hireling  look- 
eth  for  the  reward  o/his  work: 

3  So  am  I  made  to  possess  ^months 
of  vanity,  and  wearisome  nights  are  ap- 
pointed to  me. 

4  When  1  lie  down,  I  say,  ''When 
shall  I  arise,  and  ^  the  night  be  gone? 
and  I  am  full  of  ^  tossings  to  and  fro, 
unto  the  dawning  of  the  day. 

5  My  ^  flesh    is    clothed  with   worms 


a  14:5,13,14.  Ps.  39:4.    Is.  38:5. 

e  29:2.   Ps.  39:5.    Ec.  1:14. 

John  11:9,10. 

f  13,14.30:17.  Deut.  28:67.  Ps 

*  Or,  a  waifare.    Kc.  8:8. 

6:6.  77:4.  130:6. 

b  11:6.     Lev.  25:50.      Oeut.  15: 

X  Heb.  the  evening  he  measur- 

18.  Is.  2]:lti.  Matt.  20:1— 15. 

ed. 

t  Heb.  gapeih  after.     Ps.   119: 

gPs.  109:23.   Is.  54:11. 

131.  H3:t). 

h  2:7,8.    17:14.   19:26.  24:20.30 

c  Jer.  6:4. 

18,19.  P3.38:5— 7.    Is.  1:6.  14 

d  Lev.  19:13.  Deut.  24:15.  Mai. 

11.  Acts  12:23. 

3:5.    Jam.  5:4. 

tenderness  to  the  afflicted,  we  despise  the  author- 
ity of  God,  and  fail  of  our  dut}-  to  him. 
V.  15—30. 
It  is  our  duty  and  wisdom  to  "cease  from  men:" 
[J^'otes,  Ps.  146:3,4.  P.  O.  Is.  2:22.  P.  O.  10— 
22,  close:)  the  nearest  friends  and  relatives, 
thoug-h  wise  and  pious,  throug'h  mistake  and  pre- 
judice, often -disappoint  our  expectations.  They 
may  be  exceedingly  kind  and  attentive,  while  we 
are  at  ease  and  in  affluence;  yet,  in  adversity,  we 
shall  find  most  of  them  like  the  brook,  which  by 
the  land-flood  became  a  torrent,  but  in  the  drought 
of  summer  proves  a  dry  channel,  and  disappoints 
the  hopes  of  the  fainting  traveller.  But  they  who 
trust  in  God  shall  never  be  ashamed  of  their  con- 
fidence; for  he  will  be  peculiarly  helpful  to  them, 
when  all  other  helpers  and  comforts  fail:  yea, 
tliough  "flesh  and  heart  fail,  he  will  be  the 
Strength  of  their  hearts,  and  their  Portion  for 
ever." — When  men  see  their  friends  cast  down, 
they  too  commonly  fear  being  involved  with  them, 
and  exposed  to  danger,  expense,  and  trouble;  and 
so  they  appear  shy  of  them,  and  perhaps  unjustly 
criminate  their  conduct,  to  excuse  their  own. 
Yet  sometimes  the  afflicted  suspect  their  friends 
without  cause. — It  is  our  duty  to  help  others  to 
the  utmost  of  our  ability;  but  it  is  generally  our 
wisdom  to  bear  our  own  losses  and  difficulties  as 
well  as  we  can,  and  to  avoid  becoming  a  burden 
to  our  friends.  Prudence  therefore  requires  us, 
v/hen  prosperous,  to  avoid  needless  indulgences, 
and  to  inure  ourselves  to  some  degree  of  hardship; 
that  if  a  change  should  take  place,  (and  none  can 
know  "what  a  day  may  bring  forth,")  we  may  not 
have  to  say,  "the  things,  that  my  soul  refused  to 
touch,  are  become  as  my  sorrowful  meat." — A 
wise  man  will,  at  all  times,  be  glad  to  be  coun- 
selled, and  convinced  of  his  errors,  by  right  words, 
which  forcibly  rectify  his  judgment  and  impress 
his  heart.  But  most  of  us  are  apt  to  be  too  impa- 
tient, when  we  hear  men  argue  inconclusively, 
especially  when  their  discourse  bears  hard  on  our 
sentiments  and  conduct.  Indeed  rash  expres- 
sions, dictated  by  anguish  of  spirit,  should  not  be 
severely  criticised:  "but,  though  they  do  not  prove 
ns  hypocrites,  they  evince  that  we  are  far  from 
humbly  acquiescing  in  the  divine  will.  It  is,  bow- 
VoL.  III.  4 


and  clods  of  dust;  my  skin  is  broken,  and 
become  '  loathsome. 

6  My  days  are  ^  swifter  than  a  weav- 
er's shuttle,  and  are  spent  '  without 
hope. 

7  Oh,  ""  remember  that  °  my  Hfe  is 
wind:  mine  eye  shall  j  no  more  see 
good. 

8  The  "  eye  of  him  that  hath  seen  me 
shall  see  me  no  more:  p  thine  eyes  are 
upon  me,  and  III  am  not. 

9  As  '^  the  cloud  is  consumed  and 
vanisheth  away;  so  "■  he  that  goeth  down 
to  the  grave  shall  come  up  no  more. 

10  He  ^  shall  return  no  more  to  his 
house,  neither  shall  his  place  know  him 
any  more. 


i  9:31.    Is.  66:24.    Ez.  20:43. 
k  9:25.  16:22.  17:11.     Ps.  90:5,6. 

102:11.  103:15,16.144:4.   Is.  38: 

12,13.40:6,7.    Jam.  1:11.  4:14. 

1  Pet.  1:24. 
1  6:11.  17:15.    Prov.  14:32.  Jer. 

2:25.    Eph.  2:12.    1  Pet.  1:13. 
m  10:9.   Neh.  1:8.     Ps.  74:13,22. 

89:47,50.  Jer.  15:15. 
n  Ps.  78:39.  Jam.  4:14. 
^  Heb.  not  return  to  see,  that 


is,  to  enjoy.  10:21,22. 
o20:9.   Ps."  37:36. 
p  13:27.  14:3.     Ps.  39:1 ).  90.8,9. 
II  That  is,  I  can  live  7io  longer. 

21. 
q  37:11. 
r  10:21.    14:10—14.     10:22.       1 

Sam.  12:23.  14:14.     Ps.   39:13. 

Is.  33:11. 
s  8:18.  20:9.     Ps.  103:15. 


ever,  still  more  unbecoming  to  retaliate  on  re- 
provers, and  to  charge  them  with  malice,  when 
perhaps  they  spoke  from  genuine  love.  Yet,  if 
we  have  rashly  condemned  any  one,  we  ought  to 
review  the  evidence  with  impartiality  and  candor, 
and  to  I'etract  our  censure  if  found  unmerited. 
We  do  not  love  to  be  treated  as  hypocrite.9,  con- 
trary to  evidence,  or  the  testimony  of  our  con- 
sciences; and  we  shouldnot  thus  condemn  others. 
But  it  is  best  to  commit  our  character  to  him  who 
keeps  our  souls:  and  to  appeal  to  that  day,  when 
he  will  "bring  to  light  the  hidden  things  of  dark- 
ness, and  make  manifest  the  counsels  of  all 
hearts;"  and  then  shall  every  upright  believer 
"have  praise  of  God." 

NOTES. 

Chap.  VII.  V.  I — 6.  Job  here  represented 
the  life  of  man  on  earth,  to  be  like  the  appointed 
time  of  warfiire  to  the  soldier,  (for  so  the  exprcr- 
sion  may  be  interpreted,)  or  the  laborer's  dry  for 
his  work.  The  one  earnestly  wished  for  his  di.i- 
charge,  that  he  might  be  exempted  from  furtlier 
labors  and  perils;  the  other  looked  with  desire  for 
the  shadows  of  the  evening,  when  he  should  re- 
ceive his  wages  and  go  to  rest:  and  %vhy  miglit  not 
Job  wish  for  death  to  terminate  his  sorrows,  and 
bring  him  to  that  happier  state  for  which  he  yet 
hoped.?  (JVofe,  2  Tim.  4:6—8.)  This  was  the  more 
allowable,  as  his  life  was  now  both  joyless  and 
useless,  and  full  of  tedious  sufferings,  without  any 
remission  even  by  niglit;  for  that  season  which 
brings  rest  to  others,  was  spent  by  him  in  ag-ony, 
and  in  longing  for  the  dawning  of  the  dUy:  [Dcuf. 
28:67.)  nay  his  disease  was  so  noisome,  that  it 
made  liim  like  a  putrefied  corpse  even  before  his 
death.  (JVol!e.9,  2:7,8.  30:15—19.)  All  thie  had 
come  upon  him  so  suddenly,  that  his  happier  days 
were  gone  instantaneously;  and  his  remnant  of 
life,  which  in  itself  was  exceedingly  short  and 
transient,  was  vanishing  without  hope  of  return- 
ing health  and  comfort. 

Spent,  &c.  (6)  'Finished  for  want  of  thread.' 
E.  Smith. — The  original  will  admit  this  transla- 
tioa,  and  several  critics  have  adopted  it  as  keep- 
ing up  the  siroile. 

[25 


B.  C.  1550. 


JOB. 


B.  C.  1550. 


1 1  Therefore  ^  1  will  not  refrain  my 
mouth:  I  will  speak  in  "^  the  anguish  of 
my  spirit;  I  will  complain  in  ^the  bit- 
terness of  my  soul. 

1 2  Am  y  I  a  sea,  or  ^  a  whale,  that 
thou  settest  a  watch  over  me? 

13  When  I  say,  ^  My  bed  shall  com- 
fort me,  my  couch  shall  ease  my  com- 
plaint; 

14  Then  ^  thou  scarest  me  with 
dreams,  and  terrifiest  me  through  vis- 
ions: 

15  So  that  my  soul  choosetb  stran- 
gling, and  death  rather  than  my  *  life. 

1 6  *"  I  loathe  it;  I  would  not  live  alway: 
*  let  me  alone;  for  ^  my  days  are  van- 
ity. 

17  s  What  is  man,  that  thou  shouldest 


t  6:26.    10:1.    13:13.    16:6.   21:3. 

Ps.  39:3.  40:9. 
II  Gen.  42:21.     2  Kin^s  4:  J7,-28. 

Matt.  26:37,33.      Luke  22:44. 

2  Cor.  2:4. 
X  21:25.    1  Sara.  1:10.    Is.  38:15, 

17. 
y  17.  33:6—11.    Lam.  3:7. 
z41:l,&c. 
a  3,4.  9:27,28.  Ps.  6:6.  77:4. 


b  Gen.  40:5—7.  41:3.  Judj.  7: 
13,14.     Dan.  2:1.    Matt.  27:19. 

c  2  Sam.  17:23.  Matt.  27:5. 

*  Heb.  bones. 

d  3:20—22.  6:9.  10:1.  Gen.  27: 
46.    1  Kings  19:4.    Jon.  4:3,3. 

e  10:20.  14:6.     Ps.  39:10,13. 

f  Ps.  78:33.  144:4.    Ec.  6:11,12. 

S  Ps.  8:4.  144:3.    Heb.  2:6. 


V.  7 — 11.  In  the  middle  of  this  discourse  with 
•liis  friends,  Job  seems  to  have  lifted  up  his  thoughts 
to  God,  and  ming-lcd  some  actings  of  faith  and 
hope  with  his  fretfulness  and  despondency.  He 
desired  the  Lord  to  remember  how  fleeting-  his 
life  was  at  best;  and  either  to  abate  his  anguish, 
or  release  him  from  it,  as  he  had  no  hope  of  see- 
ing any  more  comfort  here.  A  single  look  from 
God  would  end  his  days:  and  as  the  clouds  vanish, 
and  others  are  formed  in  their  places;  so  men  die 
and  never  return  to  occupy  their  former  stations, 
but  others  succeed  them  from  age  to  age. — This 
does  not  by  any  means  imply  a  denial  of  a  future 
state,  or  the  resurrection  of  the  dead;  but  it  mere- 
ly describes  the  condition  of  mankind  respecting 
this  present  lift.  {J\'^ole,  Ec.  1:4 — 11.) — As  there- 
fore Job  could  get  no  relief  from  his  sufferings,  he 
resolved  to  relieve  his  mind  by  venting  his  com- 
plaints.— If  he  had  poured  out  his  soul  before 
God,  that  indeed  would  have  abated  the  anguish 
of  his  spirit;  but  his  expostulations  only  increased 
his  vexation,  and  seemed  to  reflect  on  the  divine 
justice  and  goodness.  {J^otes,  1  Sam.  1:9 — 16. 
Ps.  39:1—4.  77:1—3.  142:1—3.  Matt.  26:36—46.) 

V.  12.  Again  addressing  God,  as  the  Author 
of  his  sufferings.  Job  inquired  whether  he  were 
like  a  tempestuous  ocean,  or  some  whale,  or  un- 
ruly monster,  that  it  was  needful  he  should  be  re- 
strained from  doing  mischief  by  such  heavy  af- 
flictions; wliich  confined  him  like  chains,  a  prison, 
and  a  guard,  so  that  he  could  not  move. 

V.  13,  14.  It  may  be  supposed  that  Satan  was 
the  author  of  these  terrifying  dreams  and  visions. 
Job,  indeed,  supposed  that  they  were  sent  from 
God  to  enhance  his  distress;  but  God  only  per- 
mitted them  for  the  trial  of  his  faith.  [JVotes,  Gen. 
40:6.41:1—8.  Dan.  2:1.  4:4^1.  Jl/««.  27:19— 23.) 

V.  15,  16.  Job  was  so  weary  of  life,  that 
he  would  have  preferred  any  violent  death  to  its 
continuance,  while  wasted  to  a  skeleton,  and  fill- 
ed with  pain.  Nay,  he  so  loathed  life,  that  he 
besought  God  to  withdraw  his  supporting  hand, 
and  then  he  should  expire  of  course.  This  at  least 
.seems  to  have  been  his  meaning*.^ — He  would  not, 
however,  destroy  his  own  life.  [J^olc,  6:8 — 13.) 

V.  J  7 — 1 9.  Why  should  the  almighty  God  naag- 
nifv  such  a  poor  worm  :is  man,  in  thus  contending 
20] 


'•  magnify  him.^  and  that    thou   shouldest 
'  set  thine  heart  upon  him.'* 

18  And  that  thou  shouldest  ^  visit  him 
every  morning,  aiid  ^  try  him  every  mo- 
ment.^ 

19  ""How  long  wilt  thou  not  depart 
from  me,  nor  let  me  alone,  till  I  swallow 
down  my  spittle.'* 

20  I  °  have  sinned:  what  shall  I  do 
unto  thee,  ^  O  thou  Preserver  of  meni* 
P  why  hast  thou  set  me  as  a  mark  against 
thee,  so  that  ^  I  am  a  burden  to  myself? 

21  And  'why  dost  thou  not  pardon 
my  transgression,  and  ^  take  away  mine 
iniquity?  for  now  shall  I  '  sleep  in  the 
dust;  and  thou  shalt  seek  me  "  in  the 
m  or  nine:, 

p  12.  6:4.  16:12—14.    Ps.  2M2. 

Lam.  3:12. 
q  11.3:24. 
r  10:14.  13:23,24.  Is.  64:9.  Lam. 

3:42 — «.  5:20—22. 
s  2    Sam.    24:10.       Hos.     14:2. 

John  1:29.    Tit.  2:14.     1  John 

3:5. 
t  3:13.  17:14.  21:32,32.     Ec.  12: 

7.  Is.  26:19.   Dan.  12:2. 
u  18. 
X  Ps.  37:36. 


5,  ^  but  I  shall  not  be 

h  12.   1  Sam.  24:14. 

i  34:14,15. 

k  Ex.  20:5.  32:34.    Is.  26:14.  30 

12,13. 
1  Gen.  22:1.     Deut.  8:16.     Jer 

9:7.    Dan.  12:10.     Zech.  13:9 

1  Pet.  1:7. 
m  9:18.     Ps.  6:3.   13:1—3.  94:3 

Rev.  6:10. 
n  9:29—31.   13:26.    14:16,17.  22 

5.  31:33.  33:9,27. 
0  Neh.  9:6.    Ps.  36:6. 


with  him,  and  setting  his  heart  upon  subduing 
him;  watching  his  opportunities  of  afflicting  him, 
or  making  continual  trial  how  much  he  could 
support,  without  allowing  him  a  moment's  respite.'' 
(JVbfe*,  34:10— 1.5.  P*.  8:4— 9.  144:3,4.)— It  is  dif- 
ficult to  expound  the  language  of  one,  who  spoke 
the  dictates  of  passion,  rather  than  of  reason,  and 
whose  soul  was  engaged  in  a  continued  conflict 
between  temptation  and  divine  grace;  which  al- 
ternately prevailed,  and  reciprocally  defeated  the 
effects  of  each  other.     (j\b/e,  Gal.  5:16 — 18.) 

V.  20,  21.  Job  would  not  allow  that  he  was  ct 
wicked  man,  or  a  hypocrite:  yet  he  confessed  be- 
fore God,  that  he  was  a  sinner;  he  acknowledged 
that  he  could  do  nothing  to  recover  his  favor;  and 
he  inquired  for  what  cause  the  Lord  marked  him 
out  from  among  his  fellow-sinners,  as  the  object 
of  liis  particular  displeasure,  by  such  unprece- 
dented calamities  as  rendered  him  "a  burden  to 
himself."  {JVote,  16:6—16.  iam.  3:10— 13.)— He 
called  God  "the  Preserver  of  men."  He  is  the 
Preserver  of  our  lives,  and  the  Savior  of  the  souls 
of  all  that  believe:  but  probably  Job  meant  "the 
Observer  of  men,"  for  his  eyes  are  upon  the  ways 
and  upon  the  hearts  of  all  men,  to  render  to  every 
one  of  them  according  to  their  deeds. — .Job  was 
also  assured,  that  God  was  merciful,«innd  that  he 
could  consistently  with  his  glory,  pardon  his 
transgressions  and  take  away  liis  iniquity;  and  he 
was  very  desirous  of  some  token,  that  this  inesti- 
mable favor  was  granted  him.  Indeed,  he  could 
not  understand  why  God  did  not  forgive  him;  and 
he  apprehended  that  this  mercy,  if  not  granted 
soon,  would  come  too  late:  for  that  he  should, 
during  the  night,  be  laid  in  the  dust,  and  when 
the  Lord  in  the  morning  sought  for  him  to  shew 
him  favor,  he  should  not  be  found. — These  con- 
cluding verses  contain  a  very  singular  intermix- 
ture of  faith  and  unbelief;  and  this  renders  it  the 
more  difficult  to  explain  them. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  appointed  term  of  our  lives  is  known  to 

God,  but  to  us  it  is  uncertain:  while  it  continues, 

we  have  a  warfare  to  accomplish,  and  a  work  to 

do;  and  our  eternal  state  will  be  decided  accord- 

'ingly  as  we  acquit  ourselves.     The  believer,  by 


B-  C.  1550. 


CHAPTER  VIII. 


B.  C.   1550. 


CHAP.  VHI. 

Bildad  blames  Job  for  reflecting  on  the  justice  of  God,  1 — 3. 
pie  intimates  that  his  children  had  been  cast  off  for  their  sins; 
yet  encourages  Job  to  SL;ek  unto  God,  '1 — 7.  He  appeals  to 
the  ancients,  to  prove  the  certain  doom  of  hypocrites,  8 — 19. 
He  appli'-s  the  argument  to- the  case  of  Job,  20 — \!J. 

THEN   answered  ^  Bildad  the  Shu- 
hite,  and  said, 

2  "  How  long  wilt  thou  speak  these 
things?-  and  how  long  shall  '^  the  words 
of  thy  iTiouth  be  like  a  strong  Avind? 

3  '^  Doth  God  pervert  judgment.'^  or 
doth  ^  the  Almighty  pervert  justice.^ 

4  If  thy  children   have   sinned  against 


a  2:11. 

b  11:2,3.  16:3.  18:2.  19:2,3.    Ex. 

10.3,7.    Prov.  1:22. 
c  6:9,26.  7:11.  15:2.   1  Kings  19: 

11. 
A  4:17.  9:2.  10:3.  19:7.  34:5,17— 


19.  40:8.  Gen.  18:25.  Deut. 
32:4.  2  Chr.  19:7.  Ez.  18:25. 
33:17,20.  Dan.  9:14.  Kom.  2: 
5.  3:4—6. 
e  21:15,20.  34:10—12.  35:13.  40: 
2.    Ps.  99:4.     Rev.  15:3.  16:7. 


the  grace  of  God,  "%hts  the  good  fig"ht  of  faith," 
and  performs  his  appointed  service;  then  rests 
from  his  labors,  and  receives  the  conqueror's 
crown,  as  a  gracious  recompense  from  the  hand 
of  his  merciful  Savior. — When  conflicting  with 
sore  temptations,  and  burdened  with  weighty  af- 
flictions, we  may  properly  long  after  the  promis- 
ed rest,  and  welcome  the  shadows  of  the  evening, 
the  assaults  of  sickness,  the  inroads  of  old  ag'e, 
and  the  prospects  of  dissolution:  yet,  like  valiant 
soldiers,  or  patient  laborers,  we  should  be  willing 
to  endure  fatigue  and  hardship  a  little  longer, 
and  not  impatiently  desire  release  from  suffering. 
— "Wearisome  months  and  years  indeed  may  be 
appointed  for  us:''  and  some  eminent  servants  of 
God  have  had  such  complicated  sufferings,  by  day 
and  by  night,  as  to  deprive  them  of  all  ease  and 
respite.  Nay,  Satan  has  been  permitted  so  to 
harass  them  with  temptations,  when  asleep  as  well 
as  when  awake,  that  the  horror  and  anguish  of 
their  dreams  have  given  them  an  idea  of  hell  it- 
self.— In  such  circumstances  it  cannot  be  expect- 
ed, that  the  tempest-tossed  sufferer  should  avoid 
all  improper  expressions:  and  as,  if  this  were  our 
own  case,  wc  should  need  tenderness  and  for- 
bearance from  our  brethren;  we  should  learn  to 
make  allowances  for  them,  and  behave  toward 
them,  when  in  distress,  with  candor  and  compas- 
sion. We  should  also  pray  earnestly  not  to  be 
"led  into  temptation;"  and  we  may  well  loathe 
such  an  evil  world  as  this,  and  be  unwilling  to 
remain  in  it  for  ever:  yet  life  with  all  its  sorrows, 
is  valuable,  if  improved  to  glorify  our  God,  to 
serve  our  generation,  and  to  secure  our  own  sal- 
vation. Though  the  Lord  will  prove  his  people, 
and  Satan  may  tempt  them,  and  they  may  pas- 
sionately "choose  strangling  rather  than  life;"  yet 
grace  will  restrain  the  actings  of  indwelling  sin, 
and  preserve  them  from  presumptuous  and  des- 
perate wickedness;  and  divine  consolations  will  in 
general  counterbalance  outward  sufferings. — But 
now  wretched  is  sinful  man  without  the  knowl- 
edge of  a  Savior!  Accumulated  miseries  may 
render  life  intolerable,  and  fears  of  future  ven- 
geance make  tlic  thought  of  death  unspeakably 
tremendous;  or,  being-  hardened  in  infidelity  or 
despair,  a  poor  sinner  may  be  tempted,  as  "choos- 
ing strangling,  and  death  rather  than  life,"  to 
plunge  himself  from  temporal  into  eternal  misery. 
— How  loathsome  may  disease  render  our  sinful 
bodies,  even  while  we  live!  and  death  will  surely 
return  them,  by  putrefaction,  to  the  dust  whence 
they  were  taken.  To  that  state  we  are  all  hasten- 
ing; our  days  pass  away  swifter  than  a  weaver's 
shuttle,  our  lives  are  vanishing  like  the  unstable 
cloud,  and  our  earthly  possessions  will  soon  be  in 
other  hands.     Let  us  then  despair  of  seeing  good 


him,  and  *"  he  have  cast  them  away  *  for 
their  transgression; 

5  If  6  thou  wouldest  seek  unto  God 
betimes,  and  make  thy  supplication  to  the 
Almighty; 

6  If  "^  thou  xvert  pure  and  upright; 
surely  now  » he  would  awake  for  thee, 
and  ''make  the  habitation  of  thy  right- 
eousness prosperous. 

7  Though  '  thy  beginning  was  small, 
yet  ™  thy  latter  end  should  greatly  in- 
crease. 

f  1:5,18,19.  5:4.  18:16—19.  Gen. 

13:13.  19:13—25. 
*  Heb.  in  the  hand  of. 
g  5:8.  11:13.  22:21—23.     2  Chr. 

33:12,13.   Is.  55:0,7.    Matt.  7:7, 

8.  Heb.  3:7,8.    Jam.  4:7— 10. 
h  1:8.4:6,7.  11:14,15.  16:17.   Ps. 

26:5,6.     Prov.  15  8.     Is.  1:15— 


19.   1  Tim.  2:8.    1  John  3:19— 

22. 
1  Ps.  44:23.  59:4,5.  Is.  51.9. 
k  22:23— 30.    Is.  S:10. 
1  42:12,13.   Prov.  4:18.  Zech.  4: 

10.     Matt.  13:12,31,32. 
m  Dent.     8:16.       Prov.    19:20. 

Zech.  14:7.  2  Pet.  2:20. 


on  earth,  except  in  the  hope  of  heaven;  let  us 
without  delay  "seek  those  things  nhich  are  above;" 
and,  instead  of  rebelliously  murmuring  at  the  ap- 
pointments of  God,  and  speaking  "in  the  bitter- 
ness of  our  souls,"  let  us  pour  out  our  hearts  in 
humble  confessions  of  our  sins,  and  in  fervent 
prayers  for  forgiveness,  and  that  we  may  be  spar- 
ed till  fitted  for  a  better  world. — Whatever  may 
be  thought  in  the  hour  of  temptation,  the  Lord  is 
kind  to  his  people;  and  he  is  doing  them  impor- 
tant good,  when  perhaps  they  are  ready  to  con- 
clude, that  he  is  waiting  an  occasion  to  destroy 
them.  His  condescension  and  compassion  to 
such  worthless  worms  are  infinite:  he  could  crush 
us  in  a  moment,  and  we  all  deserve  it;  but  he 
I  visits  and  chastens  us  for  our  good,  to  exercise 
and  prove  our  graces,  to  subdue  our  iniquities, 
and  to  restr:.in  us  from  sin:  and  his  mercies  are 
far  more  numerous  than  the  stripes  of  his  correct- 
ling  rod. — The  Lord  is  our  constant  Observer;  but 
;he  is  also  the  gracious  Savior  of  all  who  trust  ii: 
him.  As  we  can  conceal  nothing  from  him,  let 
lus  plead  guilty  before  his  throne  of  grace,  that 
jWe  may  not  be  condemned  at  his  judgment-scat. 
(And  we  should  do  this  earnestly;  because  in  the 
grave,  it  will  be  too  late  to  repent  and  seek  his 
.face.  But  if  we  wait  upon  him  in  the  appointed 
;way,  the  tokens  of  his  love  will  in  due  time  be 
j  vouchsafed;  and  we  may  then  look  forward  to  the 
hour  of  death,  with  patient  submission  and  joy- 
iful  hope. 

!  NOTES. 

j  Chap.  VIII.  V.  1 — 3.  As  the  messengers  had 
jcome  one  after  another,  to  inform  Job  of  his  ca- 
llamities;  [J^olcs,  1:13 — 19.)  so  his  friends  followed 
I  each  other  in  their  censures  of  him:  and  thus 
j  they  inadvertently  aided  Satan  in  tempting  him 
to  blasphemy  and  despair.  [J<J'otes,  1:9 — 11.  4:1.) 
It  seems  that  they  were  agreed  in  their  judg- 
ment, concerning  the  case  and  character  of  Job; 
jso  that  it  next  devolved  on  Bildad  to  answer  him, 
land  confirm  tlie  doctrine  of  EUphaz. — Job  had 
spoken  important  truths,  though  intermingled 
witli  many  sallies  of  passion:  but  Bildad  abruptly 
and  harshly  condemned  the  whole,  as  boisterous, 
unreaso!iable,  and  pernicious,  like  a  tempestuous 
wind;  and  charged  him  with  stating,  that  God 
perverted  justice  and  judgment,  which  Job  cer- 
tainly did  not  mean  to  do.  (JVb/ei-,  34:10 — 1.). 
Gm.  18:23—26.) 

V.  4 — 7.  Perhaps  Bildad  intended  to  distin- 
guish between  the  case  of  Job,  and  that  of  his 
children,  in  order  to  shew  that  there  was  yet  hop«.' 
for  him,  though  not  for  them:  but  many  think  he 
designed  to  warn  him,  b}-  the  example  of  sudden 
vengeance  thus  set  before  him.    It  was,  however, 

[27 


B.  C.  1550, 


JOB. 


B.  C.  1550. 


8  For  °  inquire,  I    pray    thee,  of  the 

former  age,  and   prepare   thyself  to   the 

search  of  their  fathers: 

j      9   (For  °we  are  hut  o/ yesterday,  and 

/know   *  nothing,    because   our  days  upon 

earth  are  a  shadow:) 

10  P  Shall  not  they  teach  thee,  and 
tell  thee,  and  i  utter  words  out  of  their 
heart? 

11  Can  the  rush  grow  up  without 
mire?  •■  can  the  flag  grow  without  water? 

12  Whilst  it  is  ^yet  in  his  greenness, 
and  not  cut  down,  it  withereth  before 
any  other  herb. 

13  So  are  the  paths  of  all  '  that  forget 
God;  and  "the  hypocrite's  hope  shall 
perish: 

14  Whose  hope  shall  be  cut  off,  and 
whose  trust  shall  he  a  spider's  tweb. 


n  ]a:12.  15:10,18.  32:6,7.    Deut. 

4:32.  32:7.  Ps.  44:1.  78:3,4.  Is. 

38:19.     Rom.  15:4.     1  Cor.  10: 

11. 
0  7:6.  Gen.  47:9.    1  Chr.  29:15. 

Ps.  39:5.  90:4.  102:11.  144:4. 
*  Heb.  not. 
p  12:7,8.32:7.    Deut.  6:7.  11:19. 

Ps.  145:4.    Hab.  11:4.  12:1. 
q  Prov.  16:23.  18:15.     Matt.  12: 

35. 


r  Is.   19:5—7. 

s  Ps.  129:6,7.     Jer.  17:6.    Jam. 

1:10,11.     1  Pet.  1:24. 
t  Deut.  6:12.  8:11,14,19.    Ps.  9: 

17.  10:4.  50:22.  Is.  51:13. 
u  11:20.  13:16.  15:34.  20-5.  27:8 

—10.36:13.   Prov.  12:7.   Is.  33: 

14.     I-am.  3:13.     Matt.  24:51. 

Luke  12:1,2. 
t  Heb.  koxi.se.   Is.  59:5,6. 


very  unfeeling  thus  to  introduce  so  distressing'  a 
subject;  and  still  more  so  to  intimate  that  his 
children  had  been  cut  off  for  their  sins,  and  had 
perished  in  them.  (JVbto,  1:5,13,18,19.  4:7 — 11. 
5:3 — 5.) — The  language  also,  in  which  Bildad 
conveys  his  good  counsel,  seems  to  imply,  that 
Job's  integrity  and  piety  must  at  least  remain 
dubious,  unless  manifested  by  his  returning  pros- 
perity: whereas,  had  he  died  of  his  disease,  or  worn 
out  many  years  in  penury  and  pain,  it  would  have 
been  no  just  impeachment  of  his  character;  cspe- 
■  cially  if  he  had  recovered  the  composure  of  his 
mind,  in  submission  to  the  will  of  God.  It  was 
right,  however,  to  exhort  Job  without  delay,  to 
seek  and  pray  unto  God;  and  to  encourage  him 
to  hope  for  the  recovery  of  his  health  and  com- 
forts, from  the  goodness  of  the  Almighty;  who 
was  able  to  raise  him,  from  very  small  beginnings, 
to  a  great  increase  of  wealth,  honor,  and  happi- 
ness."   (JVoies,  5:8—16.  a^:^!— 30.) 

V.  8 — 10.  Job  had  slighted  the  discourse  of 
Eliphaz  as  insipid,  and  his  arguments  as  incon- 
clusive. (JVbie,  6:5 — 7.)  Bildad  therefore  allow- 
ed that,  by  reason  of  the  comparative  shortness 
of  their  lives,  they  did  not  know  so  much  as  their 
fathers  did,  who  had  had  longer  time  for  making 
observations,  and  could  speak  more  decidedly 
from  their  own  heart.,  or  experience.  To  tlieir 
testimony  therefore  he  appealed,  and  desired  Job 
to  bestow  pains  to  examine  the  traditions  or  rec- 
ords, which  they  had  preserved  of  their  senti- 
ments. [J^ote,  5:1.)— Some  think  that  Bildad, 
being  descended  from  Abraham  by  Kcturah,  had 
especial  reference  to  the  eminent  piety  and  pros- 
perity of  that  patriarch. — It  has  been  observed, 
that  Job  and  his  friends  actually  possessed  all 
that  superiority  of  knowledge  on  every  useful 
subject,  especially  on  things  relating  to  true  re- 
ligion, which  has  been  groundles-sly  ascribed  to 
the  Egyptians,  and  others:  and  that  they  traced 
this  knowledge  back  to  the  tradition  of  the  fa- 
thers, or  patriarchs;  that  is,  to  traditional  reve- 
lation. 

V.  11—19.  It  seems  to  have  been  Bildad's 
28] 


15  He  shall  lean  upon  his  house,  but 
^  it  shall  not  stand:  he  shall  hold  it  fast, 
but  it  shall  not  endure. 

16  He  is  y  green  before  the  sun,  and 
''his  branch  shooteth   forth  in  his  garden. 

17  His  ^  roots  are  wrapped  about  the 
heap,  and  seeth  the  place  of  stones. 

18  If  ^he  destroy  him  from  his  place,\j 
then  it  shall  deny  him,  saying,  I  have^ 
not  seen  thee. 

19  Behold,  •=  this  is  the  joy  of  his 
way,  and  ^  out  of  the  earth  shall  others 
grow. 

20  Behold,  ^  God  will  not'  cast  away 
a  perfect  man,  neither  will  he  +  help  the  j 
evil  doers:  ~"'        " 

^2T"nil  f  he  fill  thy  mouth  with  laugh- 
ing, and  thy  lips  with  \  rejoicing. 

22  They  that  hate  thee  shall  be  s  cloth- 

dl   Sam.  2:8.      Ps.  75:7.  1 13^7. 

Ez.  17:24. 
e  4:7.  9:22.    Ps.  37:24,37. 
\  Heb.  take  the  ungodly  hy  the 

hand.   Is.  45:1. 
f  Gen.  21:6.  Ps.  126:2,6.    Luke 

6:21. 
^  Heb.  shouting  for  joy.    Ezra 

3:11—13.    Neb.  12:43.    Ps.  32: 


X  18:14.  27:18.  Ps.  52:5— 7.  112: 
10.  Prov.  10:28.  Matt.  7:24— 
27.    Luke  6:47—49. 

y  21:7—15.   Ps.  37:35,36.  73:3— 


r.  5:3. 

a  13:16.  29:19.     Is.  5:24.   40:24. 

Jer.  12:1,2.    Mark  11:20.  Jude 

12. 
b  7:10.  20:9.   Ps.  37:10,36.  73:18, 

19.  92:7. 
c  20:5.  MaU.  13:20,21. 


11.  98:4.  100:1.    Is.  65:13,14. 
r  Ps.  35:26.   109:29.    132:13. 
Pet.  5:5. 


design,  in  this  passage,  to  represent,  by  various 
similitudes,  the  apparent  piety,  and  the  fading 
i  prosperity,  of  the  hypocrite;  and  to  insinuate  that 
this  was  applicable  to  the  case  of  Job. — A  rush, 
or  flag,  growing  by  the  river's  side,  or  in  a  fenny 
soil,  flourishes  while  well  watered:  but  when  tlie 
mire  and  water  fail  through  drought,  it  needs  not 
be  cut  down,  but  withers  of  itself,  more  speedily 
than  other  herbs.  Thus  the  hypocrite's  professetl 
religion,  and  confldence  in  God,  are  maintained, 
while  worldl}'  interests  nourish  them;  but  they 
come  to  nothing  when  these  supports  fail.  Having 
no  root  of  faith  and  grace,  his  piety  d^es  away  in 
persecution  or  tribulation:  and,  in  like  manner, 
God  may  often  expose  his  hypocrisy  by  taking 
awa}''  his  prosperity.  [Jfotcs.,  Matt.  13:20,21. 
Jude  11 — 13.)  This,  indeed,  is  the  proper  em- 
blem of  all  tliose  who  forget  God;  but  especially 
of  the  hypocrite. — His  vain  confidence  may  also 
be  compared  to  the  spider's  web,  spun  by  the  in- 
sect from  its  own  resources,  with  great  ingenuity, 
and  suited  to  answer  its  present  purposes;  but 
easily  swept  away  at  once,  as  though  it  had  never 
been.  (JVbfe, /s.  59:3 — 8.)  Thus  suitable  temp- 
tations destroy  the  hypocrite's  religion;  sudden 
judgments  tear  from  him  all  his  transient  pros- 
perit}';  and  all  his  endeavors  to  maintain  either 
liis  character  for  piety,  or  his  worldly  consequence, 
by  means  of  powerful  frFeuds  and  relations,  prove 
unsuccessful.  Indeed  he  may  be  compared  to  a 
tree  growing  in  the  garden,  and  striking  root 
even  into  the  rock;  yet  after  a  time  cut  down 
and  thrown  aside,  while  another  is  planted  in  its 
place.  So  wicked  men,  when  they  seem  most 
firmly  established,  are  suddenly  thrown  down, 
treated  with  neglect,  and  sink  into  oblivion  and 
contempt;  while  others,  from  the  lowest  stations 
and  of  the  same  disposition,  come  in  their  place, 
whose  joy  in  their  wicked  ways  is  equally  tran- 
sient and  unstable. — In  general,  the  hypocrite's 
religion,  and  the  ungodly  man's  prosperity,  hav- 
ing no  firm  support,  are  precarious  and  of  shoi-t 
duration:  yet,  as  to  this  present  world,  every 
general  rule  admits  of  many  exceptions:  and  the 


B.  C.  1550. 


.CHAPTER  IX. 


B.  C.  1550. 


ed  with  shame;  and  the  dvveUing  place  of 
the  wicked  shall  *  come  to  nought. 

CHAP.  IX. 

Job  acknowledges  and  celebrates  God's  juslioe,  wisdom,  power, 
and  wonderful  works,  1 — 13.  He  disclaims  all  attempts  to 
justify  himselt",  14 — '21;  but  insists,  that  a  man's  innoconcy 
"should  not  be  judged  of,  by  what  befals  him  in  this  world,  -22 
— -24.  He  alleges  his  sufferings,  but  will  not  presume  to  dis- 
pute with  the  Author  of  them,  23 — 33. 

THEN  Job  answered  and  said, 
2  I  know  it  is  so   of  a  truth:  but 
■''how  should  man  be  just  twith  God? 

'*  Heh.  not  be.  13.  7:21.  I     143:2.     Rom.  3:20. 

a  4:17.    14:3,4.  23:4.  32:2.  33:9.     |  Or,  before. 
34:5.   1  Kings  8:46.    Ps.  130:3. 


illustrations  adduced  were  wholly  inapplicable  to 
the  case  of  Job. 

.^  V.  20 — 22.  If  Job  were  indeed  a  sound  char- 
^acter,  without  guile  or  hypocrisy  in  his  j)rofessed 
piety;  [Jfotes,  1:1.  John  1:47 — 51.)  Bildad  was 
assured  that  his  prosperity  and  comfort  would  re- 
turn, and  his  enemies  would  be  put  to  shame: 
(J\larg.  Ref.)  but  if  he  were  a  wicked  man,  he 
would  never  oe  raised  above  his  calamities,  but 
would  sink  under  them. — Bildad  seems  to  have 
formed  in  his  mind  a  fixed  rule  of  Providence 
concerning-  this.  Yet  there  was  a  fallacy  in  his 
reasoning,  and  that  of  his  friends,  arising  fi'om 
their  not  distinguishing  between  the  jpresent  state 
of  trial  and  discipline,  and  the  future  state  of  rct- 
Hbutions.  Hence  they  concluded,  that  Job  de- 
nied the  justice  of  God  and  the  advantages  of 
piety;  because  he  maintained  that,  in  tliis  v.orld, 
wicked  men  often  prospered,  and  godly  men  were 
afflicted. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

Even  in  religious  controversies,  it  is  common 
for  men  to  treat  each  other  with  acrimony,  and 
their  opponents  with  contempt;  to  overlook  wiiat 
is  evidently  good;  to  make  the  worst  of  v.'hat  is 
apparently  faulty;  and  to  charge  horrible  conse- 
quences upon  very  inoffensive  tenets. — There  is 
a  Avay,  which  some  have,  of  bringing  odium  on 
the  sentiments  of  those  who  oppose  them,  by  at- 
tempting to  shew  that  they  impute  injustice,  cru- 
elty, or  tyranny  to  the  Almighty,  which  is  calcu- 
lated to  shock  every  pious  mind.  Truth  needs 
not,  and  error  ought  not,  to  be  thus  defended. 
We  are  not  competent  to  judge  in  most  cases, 
what  it  becomes  the  universal  and  everlasting- 
Sovereign  to  do.  We  should  believe  assuredly 
that  he  is  just,  wise,  and  good,  in  thosp  dispensa- 
tions which  exceed  our  comprehension;  and  wait 
for  the  "day  of  the  revelation  of  his  righteous 
judgment"  to  the  assembled  world.  Nay,  even 
when  doctrines  may  evidently  be  proved  incon- 
sistent with  the  divine  perfections,  as  well  as  with 
Scripture,  it  becomes  us  to  treat  such  subjects 
with  great  reverence,  modesty,  and  caution. 
We  are  sure  God  will  "not  pervert  judgment:" 
he  can  have  no  inducement  to  it,  and  it  is  impos- 
sible in  itsel;".  But  we  must  not  judge  of  charac- 
ters by  providential  dispensations,  or  concur  with 
those  who  condemn  the  afflicted.  When  we 
mention  the  remarkable  deaths  of  others,  we 
should  not  consider  them  as  divine  judgments,  or 
decide  on  the  state  of  their  souls;  except  upon 
the  most  undeniable  evidence  of  their  presumpr 
tuous  impenitent  wickedness:  and  it  is  cruel 
needlessly  to  mention  a  case  of  this  kind,  how- 
ever striking,  in  the  presence  of  a  sorrowing 
parent  or  relation.  On  every  occasion,  however, 
waving  all  topics  foreign  to  the  subject,  we  should 
exhort  the  afflicted  to  "seek  the  Lord,"  without 
delay,  by  earnest  prayer;  and  we  should  encour- 
age them  with  tlie  prospect  of  returning  comfort 
Irom  his  power  and  mercv.     He  will  awake  for 


3  If  t)  be  will  contend  with  him,  ^  he 
cannot  answer  him  one  of  a  thousand. 

4  He  is  '^  wise  in  lieart,  and  mighty  in 
strength:  ^  who  hath  hardened  himself 
against  him,  and  hath  prospered.'*- 

5  Which  •"  removeth  the  mountains,  and 


b  20,32,33.  10:2.  23:3—7.  31:35 
—37.33:13.34:14,15.40:2.  Is. 
37:15,1().     Rom.  9:20. 

c  Ps.  19:12.40:12.  iJohn  1:8. 
3:20. 

d  19.  36:5,  Ps.  104:24.  136:5. 
Dan.  2:20.4:34—37.  Rom.  11: 
33.  Eph.  1:8,19.3:10,20.  Jude 
24,25. 


e  6:10.  15:23—27.  40:9.     Ex.  !>: 

14—17.14:17,18.    Prov.  28:14. 

29:1.     Dan.  5:20—30.     1  Cor. 

10:22. 
f  28:9.  Vs.  46:2.  68:8.  114:6.  \s. 

40:12.  Hab.  3:6,10.   Zech.  4:7. 

Matt.  21:21.   1  Cor.  13:J.  Rev. 

6:14.  11:13. 


those  who  sincerely  repent  and  believe:  and, 
though  their  "beginning  be  small,  their  latter 
end  will  greatly  increase." — We  should,  indeed, 
prepare  diligently,  to  inquire  into  the  sentiments 
of  wise  men  in  other  ages  on  these  important 
subjects;  especially  that  we  maj'  become  ac- 
quainted with  the  experience  and  observations  of 
those  "elders,  who  through  faith  obtained  a  good 
report,"  and  which  are  recorded  for  our  instruc- 
tion and  warning.  And,  notwithstanding  the 
shortness  of  our  lives,  we  may  thus  obtain  true 
Avisdom  for  our  present  and  eternal  good.  But 
all  human  authority,  whether  of  ancient  fathers 
or  modern  reasoners,  must  be  submitted  to  the 
decision  of  the  sacred  oracles. — Forgetfulness  of 
God,  and  false  apprehensions  of  him,  his  trutii, 
and  his  will,  render  men  either  hypocrites  or 
openly  imgodl}'.  These  evils  spring  from  a  cor- 
rupt and  carnal  mind;  and  wicked  men,  of  every 
description,  will  find  that  their  joys  and  hopes 
must  soon  wither  like  the  worthless  rush,  and  be 
swept  away  as  the  spider's  web,  and  they  them- 
selves cut  down  like  the  barren  fig-tree.  [JK^olcs, 
.Matt.  3:7—10.  Luke  13:6—9.)  To  these  eartlily 
jo}-s  and  false  confidences  one  generation  suc- 
ceeds after  another;  Avliile  millions  perish  witliout 
any  regarding  it!  Thus  men  deceive  themselves 
and  others,  and  are  deceived  by  Satan:  yet  every 
object  in  nature,  when  duly  attended  to,  warn* 
them  not  to  lean  on  failing  supports,  to  adopt  self- 
devised  expedients,  or  to  rejoice  in  perishing 
comforts — But,  thuugh  the  upright  soul  may  be 
severel}'  tried,  God-  will  never  cast  him  away; 
and  at  lengtli  he  shall  be  filled  with  satisfying  and 
unfailing  joy,  to  the  confusion  of  his  enemies  who 
shall  "perish  for  ever."  May  we  choose  the  por- 
tion, possess  the  confidence,  bear  the  cross,  and 
"die  the  death  of  the  righteous;"  and  in  the  mean 
time,  let  us  be  careful  neither  to  wound  otliers  by 
rash  judgments;  nor  greatly  to  distress  ourselves 
about  the  opinion  of  our  fcliow-sorvanls,  however 
eminent  they  may  be  for  wisdom  and  discern- 
ment. 

NOTES. 
Chap.  IX.  V.  1 — 3.  In  this  answer.  Job 
paid  no  regard  to  Bildad's  severe  reflections,  but 
confined  himself  more  to  the  jioint  in  liand  than 
before.  He  declared,  (referring  to  Ivldad's  as- 
sertion that  God  did  not  "pervert  justice,"  o:3.) 
that  he  had  no  doubt  concerning  the  righteous- 
ness of  God  in  all  his  dispensations;  nor  did  lie 
mean  otherwise,  when  he  denied  himself  to  he  a 
hypocrite:  "lor  how  should  man  be  just  with 
God.^"  .  Before  him  he  "pleaded  guilty  of  numer- 
ous transgressions;  and  should  God  contend  with 
him  in  judgment,  ho  could  not  justify  one  out 
of  a  thousand,  of  all  the  thoughts,  words,  and  ac- 
tions of  his  life:  so  that  he  deserved  worse  than 
all  his  present  sufferings.  But  he  evidenUy 
meant,  that  this  was  common  to  him  with  the 
best  of  men,  and  did  not  prove  him  a  hypocrite, 
or  an  atrocious  criminal;  though  his  afilictions 
were  great  beyond  example. 


B.  C.  1550. 


JOB. 


B.  C.  1550. 


they  know  not;  °  which  overturneth  them 
in  his  anger; 

6  Which  ''  shaketh  the  earth  out  of 
her  place,  and  '  the  pillars  thereof  trem- 
ble; 

7  Which  ^  commandeth  the  sun,  and 
it  riseth  not,  and  ^  sealeth  up  the  stars; 

8  Which  ™  alone  spreadeth  out  the 
lieavens,  and  "  treadeth  upon  the  *  waves 
of the  sea: 

9  Which  °  maketh  t  Arcturus,  Orion, 
and  Pleiades,  and  p  the  chambers  of  the 
south; 

10  Which  doeth  i  great  things  past 
finding  out;  yea,  and  ''wonders  without 
number. 

1 1  Lo,  ^  he  goeth  by  me,  and  I  see 
him  not:  he  passeth  on  also,  but  I  per- 
ceive him  not. 

12  Behold  *  he  taketh  away,  who  can 
+  hinder  him.^  who  will  say  unto  him, 
"  What  doest  thou.^ 

13  If  God  will  not  withdraw  his  anger, 
^  the  6  proud  helpers  do  stoop  under  him. 


g  Nah.    1:5,6.       Zech.    14:4,5. 

Matt.  27:51.  Luke  21:11.  Rev. 

lt):18_-20. 
h  Is.  2;]9,21.    13:13,14.   24:1,19, 

20.    Hag.  2:6,21.    Heb.  12:26. 

Rev.  20:11. 
i  26:11.   38:4—7.       1   Sam.  2:8. 

Ps.  75:3.  114:7.  Jer.  4:24.  Joel 

2:10. 
k  Ex.  10:21.22.   Dan.  4:35.  Am. 

4:l.^.  8:9.    Matt.  24:29. 
1  37:7.  33:12—15,19,20.     Is.  13: 

10.     Ez.  32:7.     Luke  21:25,26. 
m  37:18.    Gen.  1:6,7.     Ps.  33:6. 

104:2,3.     Is.  40:22.  42:5.  44:24. 

Jer.  10:11.     Zech.  12:1. 
n  33:11.   Ps.  93:3,4.    Matt.  14:25 

—30.    John  6:19. 
*  Heb.  Ae,V/Us. 
o  33:31,32.   Gen.  1:16.     Ps.  147: 


4.    Am.  5:8. 
t  Heb.  ^sh,  Cecil,  and  Chnah. 
p  Ps.  104:3,13.    Acts  23:13. 
q  5:9.  26:12— 14.  37:23.     Ps.  71: 

15.72:18.     Ec.  3:11.     Is.  40:26 

—28.   Rom.  11:33.    Eph.  3:20. 
r  Ex.  15:11.  Ps.  136:4.  Dan.  4: 

2,3. 
s  23:8,9.   35:14.      Ps.  77:19.      1 

Tim.  6:16. 
t  23:13.  34:29.  Dan.  4:35.  Eph. 

1:11. 
%  Heb.  turn  him  aviay7    11:10. 
u  33:13.       Is.  45:9.      Jer.    18:6. 

Matt.  11:26.  20:15.    Rom.  9:18 

—20.  11:34. 
X  26:12. -10:9— 11.      Is.  30:7.  31: 

2,3.  Jam.  4:6,7. 
^  Heb.    helpers    of  pride,    or, 

streu<rth. 


1 4  y  How  much  less  ^  shall  I  answer 
him,  a7id  ^  choose  out  my  words  to  rea- 
son with  him? 

15  Whom,  '^though  I  were  righteous, 
yet  would  I  not  answer,  but  •=  I  would 
make  supplication  to  ''  my  Judge. 

16  If  ^I  had  called,  and  he  had  an- 
swered me;  yet  ^  would  I  not  beheve  that 
he  had  hearkened  unto  my  voice. 

17  For  she  breaketh  me  with  a  tem- 
pest, and  "^  multiplieth  my  wounds  '  with- 
out cause. 

1 8  He  ^  will  not  suffer  me  to  take  my 
breath,  but  '  filleth  me  with  bitterness. 

19  If  i  speak  of  strength,  lo,  '^  he  is 
strong:  and  if  of  judgment,  °  who  shall 
set  me  a  time  to  plead? 

20  If  I  °  justify  myself,  p  mine  own 
mouth  shall  condemn  me:  if  1  say,  ^1 
am  perfect,  ""  it  shall  also  prove  me  per- 
verse. 

21  Though  I  ivere  perfect,  yet  ^  would 
I  not  know  my   soul:  ^  I    would  despise 

my   llie.  [Practical  Observations.] 


y4:19.  25:6.    1  Kings  8:27. 

z  U:4.:j. 

a  23:4,7.  33:5. 

b  10:15.      1  Cor.  4:4. 

c  5:8.  8:5.  10:2.  22:27.  .34:31,32. 

1  Kings  8:38,39.    2  Chr.  33:13. 

Jer.  31:9.     Dan.  9:3,18. 
i  23:7.     1  Pet.  2:23. 
e  Ps.  18:6.  66:13—20.  116:1,2. 
f  29:24.     Ex.   6:9.     Juilg.  6:13. 

Ps-  126:1.     Luke  24:41.     Acts 

12:14—16. 
g  16:14.     Ps.  29:5.  42:7.  83:15. 

Is.  28:17.    Jer.  23:19.    Ez.  13: 

13.  Matt.  7:27.  12:20. 
!h  1:14—19.  2:7,13. 
|i  2:3.16:17.34:6.   Ps.  25:3.  John 

9:3.  15:25. 
k7:19.     Ps.  39:13.  88:7,15— 18. 


Lam.  3.3,8. 
1  3:20.  Lam.  3:15,19.    Heb.  12: 

11. 
m  See  on  4 36:17—19.    40:9, 

10.     Ps.  62:11.    Matt.  6:13.     1 

Cor.  1:25.  10:22. 
n  32,33.  31:35.  33:5—7. 
o  2.  4:17.  32:1.2.   Ps.  130:3.  143: 

2.    Luke  10:29.  16:15. 
p  15:5,6.  34:35.  35:16.   Prov.  10? 

19.     Is.  6:5.      Malt.    12:36,37. 

Jam.  3:2. 
q  1:1.   Phil.  3:12— 15. 
r  33:8—13.   Prov.  17:20.  iTim. 

6:5. 
s  Ps.   139:23,24.      Prov.   28:26. 

Jer.  17:9,10.  1  Cor.  4:4.  iJohn 

3:20. 
t  7:15,16,21. 


If  he  will,  &c.]  ysni-cx,  if  he  shall  be  pleased: 

— tan  fivXijrai.      Sept. 

V.  4 — 13.  Instead  of  cursing-  God  to  his  face, 
(as  Satan  falsely  asserted  he  would,)  Job  set 
liimself  to  celebrate  his  perfections  and  wonder- 
ful works.  He  was  as  fully  assured  of  the  wis- 
dom and  power  of  God,  as  of  his  justice:  he 
knew  that  none  could  finally  prosper  or  be  hap- 
py, who  hardened  themselves  in  rebellion  against 
iiiin.  Indeed,  opposition  against  him  mu.st  be  as 
foolish  as  impious:  the  Almighty,  without  any 
previous  notice.,  is  able  to  overturn  the  deep-root- 
ed mountains,  to  shake  the  nations  with  earth- 
quakes, and  to  remove  or  destroy  the  earth  in  a 
moment;  he  can  forbid  the  sun  or  stars  to  shine, 
or  at  once  extinguish  their  fires;  he  spreadeth 
out  the  heavens  as  his  canopy,  and  walketh  upon 
the  stormy  waves  of  the  sea  as  subjected  to  his 
authority;  (J\o<e,  Matt.  14:25—27.)  and  he  ar- 
rangeth  the  coustellations  of  the  heavens,  and 
the  seasons  of  the  year,  as  he  pleaseth.  In  short, 
his  works  are  incomprehensibly  great,  and  innu- 
merable. In  all  these  things  he  acts  invisibly, 
and  on  every  side:  he  is  present,  though  unper- 
ceived;  and  can  crush  his  opponents  ere  they  are 
aware.  He  can  also  take  away  children,  wealth, 
health,  or  life;  and  none  can  hinder  him,  or  call 
him  to  account:  and  if  his  anger  be  not  pacified, 
the  stoutest  and  proudest  helpers  must  sink  under 
his  powerful  vengeance.  It  would  be  madness 
30] 


therefore  for  feeble  man  to  resist  his  will. — No 
allusion  appears  to  be  made  in  this  passage,  lo 
the  miraculous  displays  of  the  divine  power  re- 
corded in  Scripture,  except  it  be  to  the  convul- 
sions of  the  deluge. — The  names,  "Arcturus, 
Orion,  and  Pleiades,"  are  taken  from  the  Greek, 
and  arc  supposed  to  correspond  with  the  original 
words.  ''The  chambers  of  the  south,"  may  mean 
those  stars,  which  are  seen  in  the  southern  hem- 
isphere, but  not  in  the  northern,  or  those  which 
only  appear  in  the  soutli  at  certain  seasons  of  the 
year.     (JVb/e.?,  38-31— 41.  Am.  5:7—9.) 

The  LXX  in  this  place  render  u-'j',  Sioa,  and 

n.D^3i  by  ■n'Xcmba,  iaircpov,  and  apKTvpov,  respectively. — 
But  in  38:31,  they  have  rendered  nn-ia  by  TT^eialoi, 
S'oa  by  upiwvos,  and  r^p  by  i<nrtpov.  Hence  it  ap- 
pears that  these  ancient  translators  had  no  very 
exact  ideas  of  the  ineaning  of  the  original  words. 
V.  14 — 21.  If  therefore  no  man  could  justify 
himself  before  God,  or  withstand  his  power. 
Job,  in  his  present  abject  condition,  thought 
himself  peculiarly  unfit  for  so  bold  an  attempt; 
for  his  mind  was  confused,  and  he  could  not  se- 
lect apt  words  to  express  his  meaning,  in  what  he 
desired  to  speak  concerning  him.  Even  if  he 
had  been  completely  righteous,  he  would  rather 
supplicate  the  favor  of  his  Judge,  than  claim  de- 
iliverance  from  his  justice.  Indeed,  he  was  so 
!  entirely  disheartened,  that  an  immediate  answer 


B.  C.  1550. 


CHAPTER  IX. 


B.  C.  1550. 


22  This  is  one  thing,  therefore  I  said 
it,  "  He  destroyeth  the  perfect  and  the 
wicked. 

23  If  ^  the  scourge  slay  suddenly, 
y  he  will  laugh  at  the  trial  of  the  inno- 
cent. 

24  The  ^  earth  is  given  into  the  hand 
of  the  wicked:  ^  he  covereth  the  faces  of 
the  judges  thereof;  ''  if  not,  where,  and 
who  is  he? 

25  IT  Now  my  days  are  *=  swifter  than 
a  post:  ^  they  flee  away,  they  see  no 
good. 

26  They  are  passed  away  as  the 
*  swift  ships:  ^  as  the  eagle  that  hasteth 
to  the  prey. 

27  If  I  say,  ''  I  will  forget  my  com- 
plaint, I  will  leave  off  my  heaviness,  and 
comfort  myself; 

28  I  am  ^  afraid   of  all  my   sorrows. 


u  Ec.  9:1,2.    Ez.  21:3,4.    Luke 

13:2—4. 
■X.  1:13—19.  2:7. 
y4:7.   8:20.      2  Sara.  24:15,17. 

Ps.  44:22.     Ez.    14:19— 21.  21: 

13.   Heb.  11:36,37. 
«  12:6—10.  21:7—15.  Ps.  17:14. 

73:3—7.    Jer.  12:1,2.     Dan.  4: 

17.  5:18—21.  7:7,&c.     Hab.  1: 

11—17. 
a  2  Sam.   15:30.  19:4.     Esth.  6: 

12.  7:8.    Jer.  14:4. 


b  24:25.  32:2. 

c  7:6,7.   Esth.  8:14. 

d  Ps.    39:5,11.    89:47.     90:9,10. 

Jam.  4:14. 
*  Heb.  ships  of  desire,  or  ships 

of  Kbeh. 
e  39:27—30.  2  Sam.  1:23.  Prov. 

23:5.      Jer.  4:13.      Lara.  4:19. 

Hah.  1:8. 
f  7:13.    Ps.  77:2,3.    Jer.  8:18. 
g2]:6.    Ps.  88:15,16.  119:120. 


to  his  prayer  could  not  embolden  him  to  hope, 
that  God  would  return  to  him  in  mercy.  For 
though  conscious,  that  he  had  not  given  cause 
for  it  by  any  gross  wickedness,  or  hypocrisy; 
yet  God  had  so  overwhelmed  him  with  the  tem- 
pest of  his  wrath;  had  so  wounded  him  in  body 
and  soul,  with  reiterated  strokes,  without  giving 
him  the  least  breathing  time;  and  had  so  filled 
him  with  bitterness;  that  he  could  not  but  re- 
gard him  with  terror.  [jYofes,  16:6 — 16.  Ps. 
77:2,3.)  At  the  same  time,  he  knew  that  it  was 
impossible  to  resist  his  almighty  power,  or  to  es- 
cape his  omnipresence:  and  it  would  be  equally 
absurd  to  think  of  deciding  the  controversy  by  a 
judicial  trial;  for  who  had  authority  to  act  as 
judge,  and  to  appoint  the  time  and  place  of  hear- 
ing.' Nay,  were  that  possible,  it  would  be  in 
vain:  for,  if  no  other  guilt  should  be  charged  on 
him,  his  attempt  to  justify  himself  before  God, 
and  every  argument  which  he  should  use  in  such 
a  cause,  would  condemn  him  as  a  perverse  and 
rebellious  creature.  Even  if  not  conscious  of 
any  guilt,  he  would  not  think  himself  free  from 
criminality;  for  he  did  not  know  his  own  soul,  as 
his  heart-searching  Judge  did:  and  therefore  he 
would  despise  his  own  life;  and  submit  to  any 
sentence,  rather  than  contend  with  the  Majest)' 
of  heaven.  [JVote,  I  Cor.  4:3 — 5.) — There  is  in 
this  passage  a  great  deal  of  truth,  as  well  as 
sound  reasoning  and  honorable  thoughts  of  God; 
yet  there  is  also  a  considerable  tincture  of  unbe- 
lief and  despondency.  Some  hope  in  the  divine 
mercy  seems  implied;  but  that  attribute  is  not 
mentioned, and  Job  was  only  just  supported  from 
sinking  into  despair. — Tho.ie  who  know  some- 
thing of  Satan's  dark  temptations,  when  the  soul 
is  filled  with  horrible  thoughts  of  God,  which 
tend  to  subvert  the  foundations  of  hope,  will, 
from  their  own  distressing  experience,  better 
understand  Job's  meaning,  than  from  any  unex- 
perienced commentator.  Had  they  at  such  times 
been  urged  to  speak,  their  discourse  ivould  liave 
contained  a  similar  conflict  between  hard  and 


^  I  know  that  thou  wilt  not  hold  me  inno- 
cent. 

29  Ifl  'be  wicked,  why  then  labor  I 
in  vain.f* 

30  If  "^  I  wash  myself  with  snow-water, 
and  make  my  hands  never  so  clean; 

31  Yet  *  shalt  thou  plunge  me  in  the 
ditch,  and  ™  mine  own  clothes  shall  t  ab- 
hor me. 

32  For  he  is  "  not  a  man,  as  I  am, 
that  I  should  answer  him,  and  °  we  should 
come  together  in  judgment. 

33  Neither  p  is  there  any  t  day's-man 
betwixt  us,  that  i  might  lay  his  hand  upon 
us  both. 

34  Let  him  take  his  rod  away  from 
me,  and  "■  let  not  his  fear  terrify  me: 

35  Then  would  I  speak,  and  not  fear 
him;  5  but  it  is  not  so  with  me. 


h  2,20,21.   14:16,17.      Ex.  20:7. 

Ps.  130:3. 
i  22.     10:7,14—17.    21:16,17,27. 

22:5,&c.     Ps.  73:13.  Jer.  2:35. 
k  Ps.  26:6.     Prov.  28:13.     Is.  1: 

16-18.  Jer.  2:22.  4:14.    Rom. 

10:3.    1  John  1:8. 
1  20.  15:6. 

m  Is.  59:6.  64:6.     Phil.  3:8,9. 
t  Or,  make  me  to  be  abhorred. 
n  33:12.  35:5—7.      Num.  23:19. 

1  Sam.  16:7.  Ec.  6:10.    Is.  45: 


9.    Jer.  49:19.     Rom.  9:20.     1 
John  3:20. 

0  13:18—23.  23:3—7.   Ps.  143:2. 
p  19.    1  Sam.  2:25.   1  John  2:1,2. 

1  Heb.  one  that  should  argue, 
or,  uinpire. 

q  1  Kin?s3:l6,&c. 

r  13:11,20—22.  23:15.  31:23.  33: 

7.  37:1.    Ps.  39:10.  90:11. 
6  Heb.    but  I  am   not  so  viilh 

myself.  29:2,&c. 


honorable  thoughts  of  God;  between  gloom)'  de- 
spondency and  feeble  hope;  rebellious  murmurs 
and  a  desire  to  submit,  conscious  that  it  was  their 
duty  so  to  do.  {JSTotes,  Jer.  20:10— IS.)— With- 
out cause.     (17)     .Vo^ey,  1—3.  P*.  25:2,3. 

V.  22 — 24.  Here  Job  laj's  down  the  precise 
subject,  upon  which  he  was  at  issue  with  his 
friends,  and  on  which  the  Lord  at  length  decid- 
ed in  his  favor.  (JVo^e,  42:7 — 9.)  He  main- 
tained against  them,  that  the  dispensations  of 
Providence,  in  this  world,  make  no  exact  dis- 
crimination between  the  righteous  and  the  wick- 
ed; that  when  God  scourges  guilty  nations,  by 
war,  famine,  or  pestilence,  those  who  are  com- 
paratively innocent  and  truly  pious,  are  often  in- 
volved in  the  common  calamity;  and  that  in  these 
sudden  desolations  the  Lord  does  not  wait,  so  to 
speak,  to  try  their  causes.  Or  Job  may  be  un- 
derstood to  speak  figuratively  of  the  scourge,  as 
laughing  at  distinctions  in  the  characters  of  the 
sufferers.  (JVbfe*,  8:20—22.  Ec.  9:1—3.  Ez. 
21:2 — 5.)  Indeed  the  earth  is  chiefly  possessed 
and  governed  by  wicked  men;  and  the  judges  of 
it  are  commonly  blinded  by  tiieir  lusts,  or /loofZ- 
winked  by  bribery,  so  that  they  frequently  op- 
press and  persecute  the  righteous.  Yet,  God 
gives  them  their  power,  and  allows  them  to  pros- 
per in  their  crimes,  by  whicii  they  are  still  fur- 
ther blinded  and  hardened.  And  who  is  he,  that 
can  deny  these  facts.''  or  maintain,  in  the  view  of 
them,  that  this  is  a  state  of  exact  retribution.' 
(JVoie*,  12:6—10.  21:7—22.  Ps.  17:13--15.  73:1 
—14.  Jer.  12:1—4.  Mai.  3:13- 18.) 

V.  25 — 35.  Here  Job  again  renewed  his  com- 
plaints, with  the  same  incohereucy  and  conflict 
of  contending  passions  as  before.  He  i-egarded 
his  life,  as  having  suddenly  come  to  a  wretched 
end;  and  with  a  velocity  that  surpassed  the  speed 
of  the  swiftest  runner,  who  hasted  to  convey  im- 
portant tidings,  [JVote,  2  Chr.  30:6 — 9.)  of  the 
swiftest  ships,  and  even  of  the  eagle  hasting  to 
the  prey.  All  his  efforts  to  rise  superior  to  the 
tumult  of  his  passions  were  unavailing;    he  could 

[3J 


B.  C.  1550. 


JOB. 


B.  C.  1550. 


not  but  fear  even  worse  than  he  suffered;  and  as 
he  was  indeed  a  sinner,  and  his  friends  condemn- 
ed him,  he  was  alarmed  lest  God  should  finally 
reject  him.  If  indeed  he  were  a  wicked  man,  it 
would  be  labor  in  vain  to  vindicate  his  charac- 
ter: for  when  he  had  done  all  in  his  power  for 
that  purpose;  God  would  detect  his  secret  in- 
iquities, and  thus  thrust  him  as  it  were  into  the 
mire,  till  his  very  garments  rendered  him  abhor- 
red. Nay,  though  he  were  not  a  wicked  man, 
yet  the  discovery  of  all  his  former  sins,  and  of  the 
defects  of  his  present  obedience,  would  shew  him 
to  be  "as  an  unclean  thing,  and  his  righteousness 
as  filthy  rags."  (JVbfe, /*.  64:6 — 8.)  Indeed,  his 
loathsome  disease,  and  his  other  afflictions,  were 
interpreted  by  liis  friends  as  proofs  of  his  guilt, 
and  as  God's  plunging  him  in  a  ditch,  and  ren- 
dering him  abominable;  notwithstanding  all  the 
proof  which  he  could  give  of  his  integrity.  So 
that  there  was  nothing  to  be  attempted  in  so  un- 
equal a  contest  with  God:  there  was  no  "day's- 
man,"  or  umpire,  to  decide  upon  the  merits  of 
the  cause,  whose  authoritj'  might  induce  sub- 
mission to  his  award:  and  as  to  himself,  he  was 
so  confused  and  terrified,  that  he  could  not  make 
the  best  of  his  cause.  If  his  afflictions  and  ter- 
rors were  removed,  he  could  then  speak  without 
fear:  but  as  the  case  now  stood  he  might  as  well 
hold  his  peace. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
V.  1—21. 
The  justice,  wisdom,  truth,  and  goodness  of 
God,  must  be  taken  for  granted,  whatever  senti- 
ments we  defend  or  oppose;  for  "shall  not  the 
Judge  of  all  the  earthdo  right?" — But  "how  should 
man  be  just  with  God?"  If  he  enter  into  judg- 
ment with  us  according  to  his  holy  law,  not  one 
action  in  a  thousand  can  stand  the  test. — The 
wisdom,  power,  and  sovereignty  of  God  are  dis- 
played in  the  works  of  creation  and  providence: 
we  maj'  collect  what  he  can  do  from  what  he  has 
done;  and  Avhen  tliese  subjects  are  duly  consider- 
ed, those  who  harden  themselves  against  him  in 
presumptuous  wickedness  appear  to  be  perfectly 
infatuated.  How  can  those,  who  despise  the  favor 
and  defy  the  vengeance  of  tlie  Almighty,  expect 
to  prosper,  or  to  escape  final  misery?  But  they 
are  no  less  infatuated,  who  proudly  attempt  to  jus- 
tify themselves  before  that  God,  who  possesses 
infinite  purity  and  justice,  and  wlio  knows  us  far 
better  tlian  we  know  ourselves.  He  will  prove 
every  indictment  which  he  has  brought,  and  vin- 
dicate every  sentence  which  he  has  denounced, 
against  any  of  his  creatures.  It  is  therefore  our 
only  wisdom  to  "supplicate  mercy,"  and  not  to 
demand  justice,  from  our  Judge.  Ever)^  attempt 
"to  establish  our  own  righteousness,"  forms  an 
additional  demonstration  of  our  pride,  perverse- 
ness,  and  rebelliuu.  (JVbfe,  Rom.  10:1 — -1.)  The 
Lord  can  produce  against  us  innumerable  trans- 
gressions, which  have  escaped  our  own  notice  or 
recollection:  he  views  us  with  an  impartial  eye, 
while  we  flatter  ourselves  in  our  own  sight:  he 
sees  our  iniquity  to  be  hateful,  when  we  are  at- 
tempting to  palliate  it.  (JVo/e,  Ps.  19:12—14.)  If 
then  "we  know  nothing  bj'  ourselves,  we  are  not 
thereby  justified:"  and  it  is  far  better  to  submit 
to  the  rig!',teousncssof  God,  than  to  argue,  either 
against  the  sentence  of  his  law,  or  the  appoint- 
ments of  his  providence,  which  unitedly  testify 
against  us.  In  like  manner,  all  endeavors  to 
vindicate  our  character,  if  indeed  we  are  hj'po- 
crites,  must  be  in  vain:  we  shall  soon  appear  as  if 
newly  plunged  in  the  mire,  and  be  exposed  to 
shame  and  condemnation,  without  being  able  to 
plead  anj  thing  in  our  own  behalf.  But  if  con- 
sciously sincere,  we  may  humbly  maintain  our 
integrity  before  our  fellow-creatures:  yet  it  is 
often  lost  labor,  except  as  "bv  well  doing,  we 
32] 


put  to  silence  the  ignorance  of  foolish  men."  And 
it  is  commonly  best  to  leave  our  cause  with  God, 
and  patiently  to  bear  the  unjust  suspicions  of  our 
brethren,  till  he  sees  good  to  remove  the  painful 
trial. 

V.  22—35. 
We  should  be  very  careful  not  to  be  offended, 
either  b}'  the  tribulations  with  which  we  meet,  or 
the  prosperity  of  the  wicked:  they  have  their 
short-lived  pleasures,  we  our  transient  sorrows. 
Life  is  hasting  to  a  close  with  unobserved  swift- 
ness, and  soon  the  joys  of  the  world  and  our  tears 
will  be  for  ever  done  away.  Yet,  under  severe 
trials  and  sharp  temptations,  it  is  very  difiicult  to 
repress  murmurs,  to  keep  out  liard  thoughts  of 
God,  or  to  hold  fast  our  confidence  in  him. 
When,  through  Satan's  influence  on  the  mind,  the 
Lord  appears  as  an  enemy;  when  his  power  and 
justice  are  more  distinguishable  than  his  mercy; 
and  when  a  sense  of  his  displeasure,  and  slavish 
fears  of  condemnation  preponderate;  the  soul, 
even  of  a  believer,  is  filled  with  inexpressible 
confusion,  and  verges  to  melanchol)'  and  despair. 
It  is  easy  to  counsel  those  who  are  in  such  a  case; 
but  who  can  then  practise  as  he  ought?  Every 
object  enhances  terror;  every  topic  suggests  new 
disquietude:  the  trembling  and  tempted  soul  for- 
gets the  promises,  or  dares  not  appropriate  them; 
every  precept,  threatening,  warnmg,  and  exam- 
ple, seems  to  be  pointed  against  him;  and  he 
scarcely  ventures  to  approach,  or  knows  not  how 
to  speak,  before  the  mercy-seat,  where  once  he 
communed  with  his  God  in  the  spirit  of  adoption, 
with  confidence  and  comfort.  "This  is"  indeed 
"the  time  of  Jacob's  trouble,  but  he  shall  be  de- 
livered out  of  it."  We  may  be  thankful,  if  we 
have  not  known  these  waves  and  billows  of  dire 
temptations;  yet  we  shall  scarcely  know  how  to 
sympathize  with  those  that  are  conflicting  with 
them,  or  to  make  proper  allowances  for  them. 
But,  poor  tempest-tossed  soul,  consider  Job,  and 
notice  that  others  have  passed  tliis  dreadful  gulph 
before  thee:  and  though  they  could  not  believe 
tliat  God  would  hear  or  deliver  them  any  more; 
yet  he  rebuked  the  storm,  and  brought  them  to 
the  desired  haven.  And  look  to  Jesus,  who, 
though  free  from  sin,  once  "suffered  being  tempt- 
ed, that  he  might  be  able  to'succor  those  who  are 
tempted."  "Resist  then  the  devil,  stedfast  in  the 
faith;"  give  not  place  to  hard  tJioughts  of  God  or 
desperate  conclusions  about  thyself;  repress  as 
much  as  possible  every  passionate  wish  or  expres- 
sion, which  arises  in  thy  mind.  Come  to  him, 
who  invites  "the  weary  and  heavy  laden;"  and 
has  promised  "in  no  wise  to  cast  out  those  who 
come,"  but  "to  give  rest  to  their  souls:"  plead 
guilty;  cast  thyself  upon  unmerited  mercy,  as  if 
this  were  thy  first  approach  to  a  forgiving  God, 
without  deciding  any  thing  about  thy  former  ex- 
perience or  character:  acknowledge  that  thy  suf- 
ferings are  less  than  thy  sins  have  deserved:  cry 
for  repentance,  for  faith,  for  patience,  for  inward 
support;  and  wait  thus  at  mercy's  gate.  There 
can  indeed  be  no  superior,  who  as  um.pire,  can 
lay  his  hand  on  both  parties:  yet  remember  that 
there  is  an  appointed  Mediator,  "an  Advocate 
with  the  Father,"  who  "is  able  to  save  toJ;he  ut- 
termost all  them  who  come  to  God  by  him;  seeing 
he  ever  liveth  to  make  intercession  for  them," 
according  to  the  will  of  God:  and  that  those  wlio 
believe  on  him,  are  washed  and  justified  from  all 
their  sins,  and  will  soon  be  saved  from  all  their 
troubles.  In  this  way,  thou  shalt  ere  long  find, 
that  the  tempter  is  rebuked,  the  storm  is  over, 
thy  sun  breaks  forth;  yea,  thou  shalt  yet  sing,  "O 
Lord,  I  will  praise  thee;  though  thou  wast  angry 
with  me,  thine  anger  is  turned  away,  and  thou 
comfortest  me."  [J^otes,  Is.  12:1—3.)— Oh,  how 
happy  is  a  believer  even  in  these  trymg  circum- 
stances, compared  with  those  prosnerous  sinners, 


B.  C.  1550. 


CHAPTER  X. 


B.  C.   laoO. 


CHAP.  X. 

Job  entreats  God  to  shew  on  what  account  he  contended  with 
him;  and  pleads  for  compassion  as  from  his  Creator,  1 — 13. 
He  states  that  his  sins  were  strictly  marked  and  rigorously 
punished,  1*1 — 17.  He  repines,  that  he  had  ever  been  born,  or 
had  not  died  immediately  after;  and  craves  respite  from  pain 
to  prepare  for  death,  18 — '22. 

MY  ^  soul  *  is  weary  of  my  life;  *>  I 
will  leave  my  complaint  upon  my- 
self; "  I  will  speak  in  the  bitterness  of 
my  soul. 

2  I  will  say  unto  God,  '^  Do  not  con- 
demn me:  '^  shew  me  wherefore  thou 
contendest  with  me. 

3  Is  it  ^  good  unto  thee  that  thou 
shouldest  oppress,  that  thou  shouldest 
s  despise  ''  the  t  work  of  thine  hands, 
and  '  shine  upon  the  counsel  of  the  wick- 
ed.? 

4  Hast  thou  eyes  of  flesh.''  or  ^  seest 
thou  as  man  seeth.'' 

5  Are  ^  thy  days  as  the  days  of  man.'' 
are  thy  years  as  man's  days, 

6  That  ™  thou  inquire st  after  mine  in- 
iquity, and  searchest  after  my  sin.'' 

a  3:20— -33.  6:8,9.  7:]5,]6,20.    9: 

21. 14:13.  Num.  11:15.   1  Kings 

19:4.  Jon.  4:3,3. 
*  Or,  cut  off  while  I  live. 
b  7:11.  19:4.  21:2—4. 
c  15,16.  6:2—4,26.   7:11.   16:6— 

16.     Ps.  32:3—5.    Is.  38:15,17. 
d  Ps.  6:1 — 4.  25:7.  38:1—3.  109: 

21.  143:2. 
6  8:5,6.34:31,32.    Ps.  139:23,24. 

Lam.  3:40— 42.     1   Cor.  11:31, 

32. 
f  34:5—7,18,19.     36:7—9,17,18. 


Is. 


40:2,8.  Lam.  3:2— IS. 
g  Ps.  69:33. 
h  14:15.  34:19.      Ps.  138:8. 

64:8.   1  Pet.  4:19. 
t  Heb.  labo?:  , 
i  8:20.  Jer.  12:1—3. 
k  9:32.    1  Sam.  16:7.     Luke  16: 

15.  Rev.  1:14. 
1  Ps.     90:2—4.     102:12,24—27. 

Heb.  1:12.    2  Pet.  3:8. 
m  14—17.    Ps.  44:21.  Jer.  2:34. 

Zeph.  1:12.    1  Cor.  4:5. 


to  whom  it  will  shortly  be  said,  "Remember  that 
thou  in  th}'  lifs-time  receivedst  thy  good  things, 
and  Lazarus  evil  things;  but  now  he  is  comforted 
and  thou  art  tormented!" 

NOTES. 

Chap.  X.  V.  1,2.  The  vehemence  of  Job's 
passions,  excited  by  his  exquisite  suffering's,  here 
again  broke  though  his  better  purposes;  and  he 
was  urged  to  seek  relief  by  complaining  "in  the 
bitterness  of  his  soul,"  whatever  the  consequence 
might  be:  he  would  cease  from  silently  musing 
on  his  misery,  and  would  give  utterance  to  his 
inward  anguish. — Perhaps,  "his  soul  being  weary 
of  life,"  he  wished  to  bring  some  sudden  judg- 
ment on  himself,  which  might  at  once  end  his 
days.  Yet  he  would  still  beg  of  God  not  to  ac- 
count him  a  wicked  man,  or  finally  to  deal  with 
him  as  such;  but  to  shew  him  on  what  account 
he  acted  with  such  extreme  rigor  towards  one  of 
his  upright  worshippers. 

V.  3.  It  may  be  supposed,  that  Job  was  at  a 
loss,  what  to  think  of  the  divine  dispensations  to- 
wards him.  He  could  not  conceive  that  God  would 
oppress  his  creatures,  by  punishing  them  without 
cause;  as  if  he  despised  tlic  Avork  of  his  own 
hands,  and  took  pleasure  in  destroying  or  dis- 
gracing it:  yet  he  was  not  able  to  understand, 
how  these  things  could  consist  with  the  goodness 
and  mercy  of  God;  and  he  supposed,  that  his  re- 
markable afflictions  would  tend  to  encourage  the 
counsels  and  practices  of  wicked  men,  who  often 
argue  that  there  is  no  advantage  in  religion,  and 
therefore  seek  happiness  in  the  world  by  an  un- 
godly life.     {J^ote,  21:7—16.) 

V.  4 — T.  JVIan's  eyes  see  partially,  and  super- 
ficially, and  discern  objects  one  after  another; 
Vol.  III.  5 


7  t  Thou  "  knowest  that  I  am  not 
wicked;  ^  and  there  is  none  that  can  de- 
liver out  of  thine  hand. 

[Practical    Observations.] 

8  Thine  p  hands  ^  have  made  me  and 
fashioned  me  together  round  about:  i  yet 
thou  dost  destroy  me. 

9  •■  Remember,  I  beseech  thee,  that 
^  thou  hast  made  me  as  the  clay;  and  wilt 
thou  bring  me  ^  into  dust  again.'' 

10  Hast  thou  not  "  poured  me  out  as 
milk,  and  curdled  me  like  cheese.? 

11  Thou  hast  ^  clothed  me  with  skin 
and  flesh,  and  hast  H  fenced  me  with 
bones  and  sinews. 

12  Thou  hast  granted  me  ^  life  and 
favor,  and  thy  visitation  hath  preserved 
my  spirit. 

13  And  these  things  hast  thou  ''hid  in 
thine  heart:  *  I  know  that  this  is  with 
thee. 

14  If  I  sin,  ''then  thou   markest   me, 

t  Heb.   It  is  upon  thy  knovil-    t  17:14.  Ps.  22:15.  90:3.   Ec  12: 

edge. 
n  23:10.  31:6,14,35.    42:7.       Ps. 

1:6.  7:3,8,9.  17:3.  26:1—5.  139: 

1,2,21—24.  John  21:17.  2  Cor. 

1:12.    1  Thes.  2:10. 
0  23:13,14.  Deut.  32:39.   Ps.  50: 

22.  Dan. 3:15.  Hos.  2:10.  John 
■  10:28—30. 
p  Ps.  119:73.   Is.  43:7. 
^  Heb.  took  paijis  about  me. 
q  3.   Gen.  6:6,7.    Jer.  18:3—10. 
r  7:7.    Ps.  25:6,7,18.  89:47.  106: 

4. 
s  Gen.  2:7.  3:19.    Is.  45:9.  64:3. 


u  Ps.  139:14—16. 

X  2  Cor.  5:2,3. 

II  Heb.  Aei/g-fd.  40:17,18.     Ez. 

37:4—8.   Eph.  4:16. 
y  Gen.  19:19.    Matt.  6:25.  Acts 

17:25,28. 
z23:9.   Ec.  8:6,7.        Is.    45:15. 

Rom.  11:33. 
a  23:13.     Deut.  32:39.    Is.  45:7. 

46:9-11.   Lam.  3:37.    Eph.  3: 

11. 
b  13:26,27.  14:16,17.    Ps.  1303. 

139:1. 


and  his  days  are  transient,  so  that  he  must  make 
haste,  or  he  may  not  find  time  to  effect  his  pur- 
poses: but  the  case  is  entirely  different  with  the 
everlasting,  omniscient,  and  holy  God.  He  could 
have  detected  Job's  iniquity  if  he  were  guilty, 
without  putting  him  to  torture  to  extort  a  confes- 
sion: and  he  had  space  to  bring  him  to  the  trial, 
and  to  convict  him,  before  he  proceeded  to  pun- 
ish. He  could  not  therefore  comprehend,  what 
God  meant  by  thus  afflicting  him;  as  he  could  ap- 
peal to  him  that  he  had  not  been  wicked,  that  is, 
an  impenitent,  unconverted  sinner;  a  hypocrite  in 
religion,  and  one  who  used  it  as  a  cloke  to  cover 
his  iniquities.  If,  however,  God  was  pleased  in 
sovereignty  to  punish  him,  he  kncAV  it  was  ia 
vain  to  contend  with  him;  for  none  could  deliver 
him  out  of  his  hands. 

V.  8 — 13.  In  these  verses  Job  expostulates 
with  God,  as  if  he  had  created  him  only  for  mise- 
ry. The  very  hands  which  had  fashioned  him, 
(as  the  potter  moulds  the  clay  en  all  sides,  till  he 
has  formed  the  vessel  which  he  intended,)  now 
heavily  afflicted  him;  and  were  about  to  destroy 
him,  and  reduce  him  to  his  original  dust.— Ho 
then  gave  an  accurate  account  of  his  wonderful 
formation  in  the  womb.  From  his  original  liquid 
form  he  was  gradually  coagulated,  rs  milk  is 
curdled  into  cheese;  and  then  the  skin  and  the 
flesh  covered  him,  till  at  length  he  was  support- 
ed and  braced  by  bones  and  sinews.  To  this 
material  substance  God  had  given  life,  and  a  ra- 
tional soul;  and  thus  he  had  been  born  into  the 
world,  and  had  ever  since  been  protected,  and 
favored  with  a  variety  of  comforts:  and  could 
the  Lord  have  created,  preserved,  and  prospered 
him,  only  to  render  his  downfal  the  more  dread- 
ful, and  his  miseries  the  more  extreme.^  Yet  all 
his  sufferings  must  have  been  the  result  of  a  se- 


B.  C.  1550. 


JOB. 


B.  C.  1550. 


and  "^  thou  wilt  not  acquit  me  from   mine 
iniquity. 

15  If  "^I  be  wicked,  woe  unto  me; 
and  ^  if  1  he  righteous,  yet  will  I  not  lift 
up  my  head.  ^  /  am  full  of  confusion; 
therefore  ^  see  thou  mine  affliction; 

16  For  it  increaseth:  ''  thou  huntest 
me  as  a  fierce  lion;  and  again  thou  shew- 
est  thyself  '  marvellous  upon  me. 

17  Thou  renewest  thy  *  witnesses 
against  me,  and  increasest  thy  indignation 
upon  me;  ''  changes  and  ^  war  are  against 
me. 

18  Wherefore  then  ™  hast  thou  brought 


c7:2I.     Ex.  34:7.    Num.  14:1S. 

7,8.  Am.  3:8. 

d7.   9:29.27:7.     Ps.  9:17.   Is.  3: 

i  Num.    16:29,30.     Deut.  28:59. 

11.     Mai.  3:13.    Rom.  2:3,9. 

*  That  is,  plagues.  16:8.    Ruth 

e  9:15,20,21.     Is.  64:5,6.     Luke 

1:21. 

17:10. 

k  Ps.  55:19.    Jer.  48:11.    Zeph. 

f  21:6.23:15. 

1:12. 

gEx.  3:7.     Ps.  25:18.   119:153. 

1   16:11—16.  19:6—11. 

Lam.  1:20.  5:l,&c. 

m  3:10,11.  Jer.  15:10.  20:14— 18. 

his.  38:13.  Lam.3:10.  Hos.  13: 

Matt.  26:24. 

cret  purpose  thus  to  overwhelm  him,  and  the 
event  in  like  manner  was  known  to  God  alone. 

V.  14 — 17.  Job  did  not  deny,  that  as  a  sinner 
hs  deserved  his  sufferings;  but  he  thought  that  jus- 
tice was  executed  upon  him  with  peculiar  rigor, 
that  every  sin  was  noticed,  and  that  God  would  not 
mercifully  acquit  him  from  his  iniquity.  If  in- 
deed he  were  a  wicked  man,  a  notorious  sinner, 
and  hypocritical  in  hi.s  religion,  his  case  must  be 
dreadful:  nay,  if  righteous,  or  an  upright  wor- 
shipper of  God,  he  was  so  crushed  and  dismayed, 
that  he  should  not  dare  to  look  up  for  mercy. 
Indeed  he  was  full  of  confusion,  and  knew  not 
what  to  think  of  his  extraordinary  case:  yet  he 
begged  of  God  to  notice  his  increasing  affliction; 
and  no  longer  to  pursue  him  with  his  judgments 
and  terrors,  as  the  fierce  lion  hunts  the  trem- 
bling fugitive;  nor  to  act  toward  him  in  so  won- 
derful a  manner.  For  every  affliction  was  a 
witness  of  the  divine  indignation  against  him; 
and  nothing  but  changes  of  one  misery  for 
another,  awaited  him,  against  whom  God  him- 
self, and  the  whole  creation,  seemed  to  be  at 
war. — The  gloom,  unbelief,  and  hard  thoughts  of 
God,  which  are  here  discernible,  ought  to  be 
ascribed  as  much  to  Satan's  temptations  and  Job's 
inward  anguish  of  soul,  as  to  his  outward  trials 
and  remaining  depravity. — The  words  rendered, 
"I  am  full  of  confusion,"  (15)  may  be  translated, 
"Oh,  be  satisfied  with  my  confusion,"  or  "dis- 
grace." 

V.  18 — 22.  Job  here,  more  directly  than  be- 
fore, expostulated  v»'ith  God  for  giving  him  his 
being,  and  for  net  cutting  him  off  by  death  in  the 
womb,  or  as  soon  as  bom.  [JVotes,  3:)  He  con- 
sidered death  as  at  haind;  and  he  begged  a  little 
respite  from  his  anguish,  that  he  might  prepare 
for  that  closing  scene;  and  for  removing  to  the 
countrj%  whence  he  should  not  return.  The 
description  that  follows,  seems  to  be  only  intend- 
ed for  the  grave,  and  not  to  relate  to  the  invisible 
world. — Coherency  or  exactness,  in  the  dis- 
course of  one  who  spoke  "in  the  bitterness  of 
his  spirit,"  was  not  to  be  expected;  yet  it  is  evi- 
dent, that  Job  believed  that  there  "would  be  a 
futur^  state,  and  had  some  hope  of  happiness  in 
it,  though  now  exceedingly  clouded  and  dis- 
couraged. But  he  here  described  the  state  of 
dead  bodies  in  the  grave,  as  darkness  and  disor- 
der: and  he  used  many  repetitions;  meaning  in 
general  that  they  know  nothing  of  the  vicissitudes 
of  day  and  night,  or  of  the  orders  established 
among  the  living;  and  that  .men  are  cited  thither, 
34] 


me  forth  out  of  the  womb.''  Oh,  that  1 
had  "  given  up  the  ghost,  and  no  eye 
had  seen  me! 

19  I  should  have  been  °  as  though  I 
had  not  been;  I  should  have  been  carried 
from  the  womb  to  the  grave. 

20  Are  not  p  my  days  few.''  i  cease 
then,  and  let  me  alone,  that  I  may  take 
comfort  a  little, 

2 1  Before  ''  I  go  whence  I  shall  not 
return,  even  to  ^  the  land  of  darkness  and 
*  the  shadow  of  death; 

22  A  land  of  darkness,  as  darkness 
itself;  and  of  the  shadow  of  death,  with- 
out any  order,  and  where  the  light  is  as 
darkness. 


n  11:20.  14:10. 

o  Ps.  53:8. 

p  7:6,7,16.    8:9.    9:25,26.      14: 

Ps.  39:5.   103:15,16. 
q  7:17—21.  13:21.    Ps.  39:13. 


r  7:8—10.  14:10—14.  2  Sam.  12: 
23.  14:14.     Is.  38:11. 
s3:5.   Ps.  88:6,11,12. 
t  See  on  3:5.— Ps.  23:4.  Jer.  2:6. 


and  arranged  there,  without  respect  to  age,  rank, 
or  character. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
V.  1—7. 

As  afflictions  may  speedily  render  us  weary  of 
life,  how  needful  is  it  to  have  our  treasure  in 
heaven,  and  to  be  prepared  for  death!  Yet  we 
should  not  indulge  a  wish  to  quit  our  post  before 
the  appointed  time. — We  are  apt  to  think  that 
we  have  a  right  to  complain  when  we  are  greatly 
afflicted,  and  to  imagine  that  it  will  be  a  relief  to 
us.  But,  when  we  "speak  in  the  bitterness  of 
our  souls,"  we  generally  increase  guilt  and  vexa- 
tion, and  our  complaints  rebound  upon  ourselves. 
— In  every  affliction  we  should  examine,  "where- 
fore God  contendeth  with  us;"  assured,  that  he 
has  good  and  wise  reasons  for  his  conduct:  and 
when  we  do  not  readily  perceive  his  meaning, 
we  ought  most  earnestly  to  entreat  him  to  shew 
it  to  us;  that  we  may  repent  of  our  sifls,  fall  in 
with  the  designs  of  his  corrections,  reap  the  bene- 
fit of  them,  and  escape  final  condemnation. — We 
may  not  be  able,  in  some  cases,  to  understand 
the  reason  of  his  appointments:  but  we  ought  not 
for  a  moment  to  suppose  that  he  punishes  without 
cause,  or  that  his  sovereignty  resembles  the  arbi- 
trary will  of  selfish  and  wicked  men.  SucIj 
thouglits  originate  from  Satan,  brooding  on  the 
enmity  of  our  carnal  hearts;  and  they  commonly 
mingle  with  our  discontent  and  impatience.  In- 
deed the  sovereign  authority  and  irresistible 
power  of  God  should  be  terrible  to  all  the  im- 
penitent workers  of  iniquity,  and  to  them  alone: 
but  if  we  be  conscious  that  we  truly  repent,  ac- 
cept of  proffered  mercy,  and  desire  to  serve  him, 
he  will  in  due  time  end  our  trials  and  give  us 
comfort. 

V.  8—22. 

The  wisdom,  power,  and  goodness  of  God,  dis- 
played in  the  wonderful  formation  of  our  bodies, 
and  in  giving  us  reasonable  and  immo];tal  souls, 
and  in  all  the  mercies  of  our  infancy,  childhood, 
and  riper  years,  demand  our  admiring,  grateful 
praise;  but  in  a  gloomy  hour,  when  corruption 
prevails,  Satan  can  induce  even  a  believer  to  ad- 
mit the  dishonorable  apprehension,  that  God 
created  and  preserved  him  only  to  make  him 
miserable!  Yet  all  the  miseries  of  man  arise 
from  his  own  voluntary  wickedness:  and,  what- 
ever maj'  be  hid  in  the  decrees  and  counsels  of 
God,  most  certain  it  is,  that  none  shall  eventually 
perish,  but  the  finally  impenitent:  and  our  Crea- 


B.  C.  1550. 


CHAPTER  XI. 


B.  C.  1550. 


CHAP.  XI. 

Zophar  sharply  rebukes  Job  for  justifying  himself,  and  earnestly 
desires  that  God  would  answer  him,  1 — R.  He  shews  that 
God  is  unsearchable,  and  man  ignorant  and  presumptuous,  7 — 
12.  He  reminds  Job  that  repentance  is  the  only  way  of  re- 
covering comfort  and  prosperity,  13 — 20. 

THEN  answered  ^  Zophar  the   Naa- 
mathite,  and  said, 

2  Should  not  ''  the  multitude  of  words 
be  answered?  and  should  a  man  *  full  of 
talk  be  justified? 

3  Should  '  thy  ^  lies  make  men  hold 
th>eir  peace?  and,  when  thou  '^  mockest, 
shall  no  man  *  make  thee  ashamed? 

4  For  thou  hast  said,  ^  My  doctrine  is 
pure,  and  ^  I  am  clean  in  thine  eyes. 

5  But,  ''  Oh,  that  God  would  speak, 
and  open  his  lips  against  thee; 


a  See  on  2:11.  20:1. 

b  16:3.  13:2.     Ps.  140:11.     Prov. 

10:19.    Acts  17:18.    Jam.  1:19. 
*  Heb.  of  lips- 
c  13:4.  13:2,3.  24:25. 
t  Or,  devices. 
d  12:4.  13:9.  17:2.  34:7.     Ps.  35: 

16.  Jer.  15:17.  Jude  18. 


e  Ps.  33:16.  2  Thes.  3:14.    Tit. 

2:8. 
f  1  Pet.  3:15. 
g  6:29,30.  7:20.  9:2,3.  10:7.  14:4. 

34:5,6.  35:2. 
h  23:3—7.  31:35.  33:6—13.  38:1, 

2.  40:1—5,8.  42:7. 


tor  (being'  in  Christ  become  our  Redeemer  also,) 
will  "not  destroy  the  work  of  his  own  hands"  in 
any  humble  believer;  but  will  renew  him  unto 
holiness,  that  he  may  enjoy  eternal  life.  But 
Satan  plunges  the  tempted  soul  into  one  abyss 
after  anotlier:  and  when  one  blasphemous 
thouglit  is  rejected,  another  will  be  suggested  to 
the  mind.  VVhen  any  one,  engaged  in  this  con- 
flict, is  made  sensible  of  the  Lord's  righteous- 
ness in  present  sufferings,  or  even  in  the  sen- 
tence of  eternal  misery  denounced  against  sin- 
ners; he  will  be  tempted  to.  question  tlie  divine 
g-oodness,  or  to  despair  of  mercy;  to  conclude 
that  he  is  an  exception  to  ordinary  rules,  pre- 
cluded from  the  forgiveness  reserved  for  others, 
and  marked  out  to  be  treated  with  exact  and 
rigorous  justice.  But  the  terror  and  confusion 
of  those  who  are  thus  buffeted  by  Satan,  is  inex- 
plicable, even  by  such  as  have  had  painful  expe- 
rience of  it.  Every  thing  then  wears  a  gloomy 
aspect:  all  seems  to  testify  that  God  is  become 
their  enemy,  and  is  pursuing  them  to  destruction; 
while  one  vain  and  foolish  wish  succeeds  to 
another;  and  they  relapse  into  those  sallies  of 
passion,  which  they  have  just  before  seen  to  be 
rebellious  and  vain;  longing  to  be  in  any  other 
circumstances  than  those  in  which  they  are 
placed.  Yet  if  true  grace  possesses  the  heart,  it 
will  glimmer  forth  a  little  in  their  darkest  hours; 
some  feeble  actings  of  faith  and  hope  will  be  dis- 
cernible; and  they  will  be  restrained  from  the 
desperate  language  and  behavior  of  an  ungodly 
man,  in  similar  circumstances. — But  if  anguish 
of  mind  on  earth  may  render  the  gloomj^  grave 
a  desirable  refuge;  what  will  be  the  condition  of 
those  who  shall  be  condemned  to  the  blackness 
of  darkness  for  ever!  There  unrestrained  enmity, 
unmingled  wrath,  and  absolute  despair,  eternally 
reign:  light  only  serves  to  shew  their  misery, 
and  knowledge  to  augment  their  anguish.  Let 
every  sinner  then  seek  deliverance  from  this 
dreadful  state,  and  every  believer  be  thankful 
to  "Jesus,  who  delivereth  us  from  the  wrath  to 
come."  Let  all  our  troubles  warn  us  of  the 
shortness  of  life,  remind  us  to  pray  to  be  spared 
till  ready,  and  excite  us  to  prepare  for  death, 
and  to  welcome  its  approach. — Having  obtained 
the  earnest  and  hope  of  heaven,  we  need  not 
look  with  horror  upon  the  dark  and  silent  grave; 
for  it  cannot  in  the  least  degree  harm  us:  and 
"if  the  Spirit  of  him,  who  raised  up  Jesus  from 


6  And  that  he  would  '  shew  thee  the 
secrets  of  wisdom,  that  they  are  double 
to  that  which  is!  Know  therefore  that 
^  God  exacteth  of  thee  less  than  thine  in- 
iquity deserveth. 

7  Canst  'thou  by  searching  find  out 
God?  canst  thou  find  out  the  Almighty 
unto  perfection? 

8  It  is  t  as  •"  high  as  heaven;  what 
canst  thou  do?  "  deeper  than  hell;  what 
canst  thou  know?    . 

9  The  measure  thereof  w  "longer  than 
the  earth,  and  broader  than  the  sea. 

10  If  P  he  I  cut  off,  and  i  shut  up,  or 


i  15:8,11.  28:28.  Dent.  29:29- 
Ps.  25:14.  Dan.  2:28,47.  Matt- 
13:35.  Rom.  16:25,26.  1  Cor. 
2:9—11.   i:ph.  3:5. 

k  Ezra  9:13.  Ps.  103:10.  106: 
43 — 16.  Lam.  3:22. 

1  5:9.  26:14.  37:23.  Ps.  77:19. 
145:3.  Kc.  3:11.  Is.  40:28. 
Matt.  11:27.  Rom.  11:33.  1 
Cor.  2:10,16.   Kph.  3:8. 

J  Heb.  the  heights  of  heaven. 

m  22:12.  35:5.    2  Chr.  6:18.    Ps. 


103:11.   148:13.     Prov.  25:2,3. 

Is.  55:9. 
n  26:6.    Ps.  139:6—8.    Am.  9:2 

Eph.  3:18,19. 
0  28:24,25.    Ps.   65:5—8.  139:9, 

10. 
p5:18.    9:4,12,13.    12:14.   34:29. 

Is.  14:27.  Dan.  4:35. 
d  Or,  make  a  change. 
q  33:8.     Deut.  32:30.     Ps.  31:3. 

Rev.  3:7. 


the  dead,  dwell  in  us,  he  will  also  quicken  our 
mortal  bodies,"  and  raise  them  up  immortal  and 
glorious. 

NOTES. 

Chap.  XL  V.  1 — 4.  Zophar,  probably  the 
youngest  of  Job's  three  friends,  instead  of  being 
softened  by  his  pathetic  complaints,  took  up  the 
argument  against  him  with  greater  vehemence, 
than  Eliphaz  and  Bildad  had  done.  He  repre- 
sented him  as  a  man  who  loved  to  hear  himself 
speak;  and  who,  by  affected  eloquence,  aimed  to 
run  down  the  most  evident  truth  in  his  own  vin- 
dication; and  as  one  who  maintained  palpable 
falsehoods,  and  treated  the  most  sacred  subjects, 
and  most  solid  reasonings,  with  contempt  and 
mockery.  It  was  therefore  highly  proper  that 
he  should  be  answered,  rebuked,  and  put  to 
shame. — But  what  ground  was  there  for  these 
high  charges.'  Job  had  said  tliat  "his  doctrine 
was  pure,"  which  his  friends  could  not  disprove: 
and  he  was  accused  of  saying,  "I  am  clean  in 
the  eyes  of  God."  He  had  indeed  said  that  God 
knew  he  was  not  wicked,  or  one  who  concealed 
gross  iniquities  under  the  mask  of  hypocrisy; 
but  he  had  also  confessed  himself  a  sinner,  and 
implored  forgiveness.  And  though  he  was 
tempted  to  question,  whether  God  would  be 
merciful  to  him,  and  had  unadvisedly  asserted 
that  justice  was  rigorously  exercised  towards 
him;  yet  he  had  never  supposed  that  God  dealt 
unjustly  with  him.  [J^oten,  6:27—30.  7:20,21. 
9:1—3,14—2^1.  10:3—17.  34:.5— 9.  35:1—3.) 

V.  5,  6.  Zophar  despaired  of  convincing  Job; 
and  therefore  wished  that  God  would  interpose 
to  vinxiicate  his  truth,  and  the  justice  of  his 
providence:  for  if  God  should  shew  him  the 
secret,  wise,  and  righteous  reasons  of  his  dispen- 
sations; or  the  extensive  and  spiritual  nature  of 
true  holiness,  and  consequently  the  number  and 
heinousness  of  his  sins,  all  of  which  were  vastly 
more  than  he  had  any  conception  of;  he  would 
acknowledge  that  God  exacted  less  punishment 
of  him  than  he  deserved. — This  Job  would  not 
have  denied:  and  when  God  afterwards  did 
speak,  it  was  in  behalf  of  Job,  and  not  against 
him.  (JVofes,  23:3— 7.  31:35—37.  33:1—11.  42: 
l—<i.)— Secrets.  (6)  J\Iarg.  Ref.—.Yute,  Ps.  25: 
]4.— Double,  &c.]  'For  in  the  wisdom  and  jus- 
'tice,  or  according  to  the  law  of  God,  thou 
'mightest  suffer  double  to  what  tliou   now  dost; 

[35 


B.  C.  1550. 


JOB. 


B.  C.  1550. 


gather  together,    then    who  can   "^  hinder 
liim.^ 

1 1  For  ■■  he  knoweth  vain  men:  ^  he 
seeth  wickedness  also;  will  he  not  then 
consider  il'J  \ 

12  '  For  t  vain  man  '^  would  be  wise,! 
though  "  man  be  born  like  ^  a  wild  ass's 
colt.  .    I 

i  3  If  thou  ^  prepare  thine  heart,  and 
"  stretch  out  thine  hands  toward  him:        ' 

14  If  'Mniquhy  be  in  thine  hand,  *^  put 
it  far  away,  and  ''let  not  wickedness 
dwell  in  thy  tabernacles. 

1 5  For  then  shalt  thou  ^  lift  up  thy 
face  without  spot;  yea,  ^  thou  shalt  be 
stedfast,  and  shalt  not  fear: 

IG  Because    ^  thou    shalt    forget    thy 


i  misery,  and  remember  it  ''  as  waters  that 
pass  away: 

I  17  And  thine  '  age  shall  +  be  clearer 
than  the  noon-day;  ^  thou  shalt  shine 
forth,  thou  shalt  be  as  the  morning. 
,  18  And  thou  shalt  be  secure,  '  because 
{there  is  hope;  yea,  thou  shalt  dig  about 
Jhee,  and  ""  thou  shalt  take  thy  rest  isi 
safety. 

!  19  Also  thou  shalt  lie  down,  and  none 
shall  make  thee  afraid;  yea,  "  many  shall 
5  make  suit  unto  thee. 

20  But  "  the  eyes  of  the  wicked  shall 
fail,  and  |1  they  shall  not  escape,  and 
P  their  hope  shall  be  as  "^^  the  giving  up  of 
the  ghost. 


*  Heb.  turn  hhn  art:ay? 
rVs.  94:11.    Jer.  17;9,l0.  John 

2:24,25.  Heb.  4:13.   Rev.  2:23. 
S  22:13,14.     Ps.  10:11,14.  35:22. 

Ec.  5:8.   Hos.  7:2.    Hab.  1:13. 

Heb.  4:13. 
t  Ps.  62:9,10.  73:22.  92:6.     Ec. 

3:13.  Rom.  1:22.  Jam.  2:20. 
t  Heb.  empty. 
u  5:13.  12:2,3.  28:28.     Prov.  30: 

'2—4.   Rom.  12:16.   I  Cor.  3:18 

—20.    Jam.  3:13— 17. 
X  15:14.   Ps.  51:5.    Eph.  2:3. 
y  6:5.  39:5—8.  Jer.  2:24. 
z  5:8.  8:5,6.  22:21,>2.   1  Sam.  7: 


3.  2  Chr.  12:14.  19:3.  Ps.  78:8.  1 

Luke  12:47.  I 

a  Ps.  68:31.  88:9.  143:6. 
b  4:7,8.  22:5.    Is.  1:15. 
c  22:23.    34:32.       Kz.    13:30,31. 

Jam.  4:8. 

d  Ps.  101:2,3.    Zech.  5:3,4. 
e  10:15.  22:26.    Gen.  4:5,6.    Ps. 

119:6,7.  2  Cor.  1:12.   1  Tim.  2: 

8.   1  John  2:28.  3:19—22. 
f  Ps.    27:1,2.    46:1,2.     il2;6— 8. 

Prov.  14:26.  28:1. 
gGen.   41:51.  Prov.  31:7.  Ec. 

5:20.   Is.  54:4.  65:16.    John  16: 

21.    Rev.  7:14—17. 


'and  know  thou  that,  &c.'     [Ezra  9:13.     M)tes, 
Ps.  103:10.    Lam.  3:21—23.') 

V.  7 — 12.  These  animatea  interrogations  were 
intended  to  convince  Job,  that  the  nature  of 
God  is  incomprehensible,  and  his  judgments  un- 
searchable; since  there  is  an  infinity  in  his  per- 
fections, and  in  his  counsels,  which  no  similitude 
can  represent  to  our  imaginations,  and  no  rea- 
sonings or  researches  fully  explain  to  our  under- 
standings. But  this  important  truth,  instead  of 
militating  against  Job's  doctrine,  condemned  the 
rashness  of  his  friends,  who  inferred  his  guilt 
from  his  calamities,  as  if  they  had  found  out  the 
secrets  of  the  divine  wisdom  to  perfection,  where- 
as they  had  not  the  least  conception  of  the  real 
reason  of  his  unprecedented  sufferings!  [JVofes, 
4:17 — 21.) — Zophar  added,  that  if  God  were 
pleased  to  cut  off  a  man's  family,  (or  rather,  to 
niter  the  course  of  things,)  to  shut  him  up  in  prison, 
or  to  gather  armies  against  him,  none  could  hin- 
der liim;  that  he  knew  the  vanity  and  folly  of  men, 
and  saw  and  considered  the  most  secret  wicked- 
ness of  their  lives  or  hearts;  and  so  had  good  rea- 
sons for  punishing  even  those  who  appeared  to 
be  righteous.  He  declared  that  man,  ignorant 
and  short-sighted  as  he  is,  has  an  ambition  of  be- 
ing wise  and  knowing,  is  curious  and  presumptu- 
ous, and  proud  of  his  understanding,  and  the 
deptVi  of  his  penetration;  though  in  fact  he  is 
born  as  uninformed  as  the  wild  ass;  and  like 
tiiat  animal,  he  fiercely  scorns  subjection  and 
confinement,  aims  at  independence  and  liberty 
in  indulging  his  appetites;  and  is  therefore  very 
incompetent  to  the  acquisition  of  divine  wisdom 
and  knowledge.  Or,  being  obstinate  and  head- 
strong like  the  wild  ass's  colt;  nothing  can  make 
him  wise  to  know  his  place  and  duty,  but  severe 
di.scipline  and  painful  experience.  The  closing 
verse,  however,  is  variously  interpreted,  and 
does  not  necessarily  imply  all  that  is  suggested 
by  our  version  of  it;  but  may  literally  be  render- 
ed, "That  empty  man  may  become  considerate: 
(hough  man  be  born  as  the  colt  of  a  wild  ass." 
'But  a  vain  man  (a  fool,)  will  become  wise,  when 
'the  wild  ar-s's  colt  is  born  a  man.'  E.  Smith. 
36] 


h6:15.  Gen.  9:11.  Is.  12:1,2. 
54:9. 

1  42:11—17.  Ps.  37:6.  92:14. 
112:4.  Prov.  4:13.  Is.  58:8— 
10.  Mic.  7:8,9.  Zech.  14:6,7. 
Mai.  4:2.     Luke  2:26—32. 

X  Heb.  arise  above  the  noon- 
day. 

k  1  Chr.  29:10,&c.    Hos.  6:3. 

1  6:11.  7:6.  22:27—29.  Ps.  43:5. 
Prov.  14:32.  Rom.  5:3—5.  Col. 
1:27. 

m  Lev.  26:6.  Ps.  3:5.  4:8.  Prov. 


3:24—26. 
n  42:3,9.    Gen.  26:26— 31.    Ps. 

45:12.     Prov.  19:6.     Is.  60:14. 

Rev.  3:9. 
^  Heb.  entreat  thy  face. 
o  31:16.    Lev.  26:16.     Deut.  28: 

65.   Ps.  69:3.    Lam.  4:17. 
II  Heh.Jiight  shall  perish  from 

them.     Am.   2:14.  5:19,20.9:1 

—3.  Heb.  2:3. 
p  8:13,14.  27:8.   Prov.  10:24.  20: 

20.   Luke  16:23—26. 
Tf  Or,  a  puff  of  breath. 


V.  13 — 20.      Here  Zophar,  after  the  example 
ofEliphaz  and  Bildad,  exhorted  Job  to  repent- 
ance, and  gave  him  grf-at  encouragement,  yet 
'mixed  with  irritating  insinuations.     (JVb/e*,  5:17 
—27.  8:20—22.)     If,  instead  of  vindicating  him- 
self, he  would,  with  due  preparation    of  heart, 
humble  himself  before  God,  and  stretch  out  his 
hands  in  fervent  prayer  to  him;  if  he  repented  of 
his  wickedness,  and  did  "works  meet  for  repent- 
j  ance;"  he  might  obtain   forgiveness,  and   stand 
j  with  confidence  before  God,  who  would  clear  his 
I  character,  restore  his  health,  and  establish  him 
in  prosperit)':  so  that  his  misery  would  be  for- 
I  gotten,  or  only  remembered  as  a  cause  of  grati- 
'  tude.      Then   his  old   age  would   shine  with   a 
I  brighter  light  of  divine  favor  and  felicity,  than 
either  his  youth  or  more  mature  years  had  done: 
secure  of  the   protection  of  God,  and  rejoicing 
in  hope  of  future  blessedness,  he  might  order  all 
his    affairs   with    comfort    and   confidence,    and 
j  would  close  his  life  in  reputation  and  usefulness. 
!  But  disappointment,  vexation,  and  ruin,  inevita- 
bly  awaited   all   wicked   men:    and   their   Yery 
hope  would  soon  expire,  as  a  dying  man  gives  up 
j  the   ghost. — There    was,    however,    no    certain 
ground  on  which  to  conclude,  that  Job's  deepest 
I  repentance  and  the  Lord's  most  gracious  forgive- 
;  ness,  must  be  followed  by  outward  prosperity; 
nor  any  reason  to  regard  him  as  a  hypocrite,  if 
I  he  died  in  his  present  calamitous  condition. 

! 

I  PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

I  Nothing  is  more  unbecoming,  or  more  com- 
!mon,  than  acrimony  and  reviling  in  religious  con- 
troversy. Opposition  stirs  up  pride  and  resent- 
!  ment  in  the  hearts  even  of  godly  men;  the  credit 
of  the  victory  insensibly  becomes  the  object; 
land  an  opponent  must  be  represented  as  a  dan- 
gerous and  wicked  man,  that  he  may  without 
censure  be  exposed  to  ridicule  or  hatred.  But 
in  fact,  a  multitude  of  empty  words  neither  re- 
quire nor  deserve  an  answer;  and  specious  rea- 
sonings are  best  opposed  by  conclusive  arguments. 
Those  who  accuse  others  of  falsehood  and  deceit, 
are  commonly  the  first  to  transgress-  and  meii 


B.  C.  1550. 


CHAPTER  Xlf. 


B.  C.  1550. 


CHAP.  XU. 

Job  retorts  on  his  friends,  censures  their  pretensions  to  sj^iperror 
knowledge,  and  complains  of  their  unkindness,  1 — b.  He 
shews  that  God  often  permits  the  wicked  to  prosper  in  this 
world,  6 — 1).  He  disconrses  on  the  perfections  and  works  of 
God,  li— 25. 

AND  Job  answered  and  said, 
2  No  doubt  but  ^  ye  are  the  peo- 
ple, and  wisdom  shall  die  with  you. 

3  But  ^  I  have  *  understanding  as 
well  as  you:  ^laiii  not  inferior  to  you: 
yea,  +  who  knoweth  not  such  things  as 
these.'' 

4  I  am  as  '^  one  mocked  of  his  neigh- 
bor, ^  who  calleth  upon  God,  and  he  an- 

a  6:24,25.    8:8—10.    11:2,3,6,12. 

15:2,10.     17:4.  20:3.    32:7—13. 

Prov.   28:11.  Is.  5:21.     1  Cor. 

4:10.  6:5. 
b  13:2—5.     Prov.  26:4.     2  Cor. 

11:5,21—23. 
*  Heb.  an  heart. 
■f  Heb.   /  Jail  not  lower  than 


you. 
^  Heb.  ztiith  li^hom  are  not  such 

as  these.  6:6,7.  26:2,3. 
c  11:3.  16:10.  17:2,6.  21:3.  30:1. 

Ps.  22:7,8.  35:16.     Matt.  27:29, 

30,41,42.  Heb.  11:36. 
d  16:20.     Ps.  91:15.     Jer.  33:3. 

Mic.  7:7. 


often  shame  themselves  by  their  invectives  and 
misrepresentations,  in  attempting  to  put  others 
to  shame;  or  they  manifest  their  own  pride,  when 
they  would  represent  the  sentiments  of  others, 
as  mockery  of  the  truth.  Such  as  maintain 
error  are  often  most  ready  to  appeal  to  God,  and 
to  express  a  liigh  confidence  that  they  are  plead- 
ing his  cause:  and  in  the  eagerness  of  dispute, 
the  most  important  truths  will  be  adduced  in 
support  of  those  very  principles  of  which  they 
are  subversive.  Yet  we  sliould  endeavor  to 
profit  by  truth,  though  we  disapprove  of  the 
spirit  with  which  it  is  maintained. — We  ought 
often  to  meditate  on  the  incomprehensible  per- 
fections and  works  of  God,  that  we  may  be  made 
sensible  of  our  own  meanness,  ignorance,  and 
vileness.  Some  little  of  his  wisdom,  justice,  and 
goodness  in  the  government  of  the  universe,  we 
may  discover  by  faith,  from  revelation;  enough 
indeed  to  shew  us  sinners,  that  our  severest  tem- 
poral sufferings  are  "less  than  our  iniquities  de- 
serve," and  so  to  render  us  patient  and  thankful 
under  them;  but  the  secrets  of  his  wisdom,  which 
we  can  never  search  out  to  perfection,  infinitely 
exceed  our  narrow  capacities.  [JVotes,  26: 14. 
28:23—28.  Deut.  29:29.)  In  this  abyss  our 
thoughts  and  reasonings  are  swallowed  up:  the 
height,  and  depth,  and  length,  and  breadth  of  all 
liis  attributes  pass  knowledge:  and  our  province 
is  to  believe,  adore,  and  love.  It  is  in  vain  for 
us  to  dispute  against  his  omnipotent  sovereignty; 
nor  can  we  escape  his  omnipresent  and  infinite 
knowledge:  but  it  behoves  us  to  consider  who 
and  what  we  are,  and  to  remember  that  we  are 
born  in  sin,  and  children  of  wrath,  and  in  some 
respects  resemble  the  untractable  wild  ass.  We 
should  then  give  up  our  proud  desire  of  compre- 
hending the  deep  things  of  God;  and  of  measur- 
ing his  truths,  judgments,  and  decrees,  by  the 
rule  of  our  short-sighted  reason.  Our  wisdom 
consists  in  preparing  our  hearts  to  seek  his  mer- 
cy and  favor;  to  repent  of  our  sins;  to  accept  of 
his  mercy  and  salvation;  and  to  pray  earnestly 
for  his  sanctifying  grace,  that  we  may  "cast 
away  all  our  transgressions,"  and  devote  to  him 
our  bodies,  our  souls,  and  substance,  and  rule  our 
families  in  his  faith  and  fear.  Thus,  "being  jus- 
tified by  faith,  we  shall  have  peace  with  God,"  and 
confidence  before  him:  and  a  quiet  conscience, 
"joy  in  the  Holy  Ghost,"  an  afliance  in  a  wise 
and  kind  providence  ordering  all  for  our  good, 
with  the  lively  hope  of  eternal  felicity,  will  give 
comfort  and  stedfastness  to  our  souls.     So  shall 


swereth    him;  ^  the  just   upright  man  is 
laughed  to  scorn. 

5  He  that  is  ''  ready  to  slip  with  Ms 
feet,  is  as  ^  a  lamp  despised  in  the 
thought  ^  of  him  that  is  at  ease. 

6  IT  The  '  tabernacles  of  robbers  pros- 
per, and  they  that  provoke  God  are  se- 
cure; into  whose  hand  God  bringeth 
abundantly. 

7  But  ^  ask  now  the  beasts,  and  they 
shall  teach  thee;  and  the  fowls  of  the  air, 
and  they  shall  tell  thee: 

8  Or  speak  to  the  earth,  and  it  shall 
teach  thee;  and  the  fishes  of  the  sea  shall 
declare  unto  thee. 


ProY.  14:2.  Mark  5:40.    Luke 

16:14.  Acts  17:32. 
f  Deut.  32:35.      Ps.  17:5.  94:18. 

Jer.  13:16. 
g  18:5.   Prov.  13:9.  20:20.  Matt. 

25:8. 
h  6:5.  16:4.  Ps.  123:3,4.   Am.  6: 


1—6.    Luke  12:19.  16:19,20. 
i  9:24.  21:7—15.     Ps.  17:14.  37: 

1,35.  73:11,12.  92:7.     Jer.  5:27, 

28, 
k  21:29,30.     Prov.  6:6.     Is.  1:3. 

Jer.  8:7.  Rom.  8:20—22. 


we  forget  our  miserj',  as  waters  that  pass  away; 
the  light  of  God's  countenance  will  render  our 
declining  years  more  pleasant,  than  those  early 
days  that  were  spent  in  youthful  gaiety;  we  may 
then  rest  in  safety,  and  the  work  of  our  hands 
shall  be  established  unto  us.  Trials  may  inter- 
rupt our  happiness,  but  cannot  destroy  it;  nay, 
they  will  tend  to  increase  it:  we  shall  become 
truly  honorable  and  useful;  and  may  at  length 
lie  down  in  the  grave  without  fear,  and  bid  an 
eternal  farewell  to  pain  and  sorrow,  at  that  pe- 
riod, when  the  expectation  and  enjoyment  of  the 
ungodly  shall  eternally  expire.  For  "the  wick- 
ed is  driven  away  in  his  wickedness;  but  the 
righteous  hath  hope  in  his  death."  [Mote,  Prov. 
14:32.) 

NOTES. 

Chap.  XII.  V.  2,  3.  Zophar  had  treated 
Job's  discourse  as  futile  and  erroneous,  and  his 
other  friends  were  of  the  same  judgment;  Job 
therefore  ironically  retorted  upon  them.  'Doubt- 
less,' says  he,  'you  three  are  the  only  men  of  un- 
'derstanding  in  the  world,  and  when  you  die,  no 
'wisdom  will  remain  on  earth;  but  men  will 
'sustain  an  irreparable  loss,  being  bereaved  of 
'such  oracles  of  divine  knowledge!'  Yet  he 
thought  that  he  had  some  understanding  of  these 
matters,  and  did  not  fall  below  them:  and  indeed 
any  body  might  know  such  things  as  they  had 
advanced,  as  far  as  there  was  truth  in  them. 

V.  4.  Here  again  Job  retorted  upon  Zophar, 
who  had  spoken  of  him  as  a  mocker:  but  indeed 
his  friends  treated  his  sufferings,  character,  and 
discourse  with  contempt,  and  reviled  an  upright 
man,  who  had  long  been  an  accepted  worshipper 
of  God,  as  if  he  were  a  hypocrite. — 'You  deride 
'your  friend,  when  you  bid  him  call  upon  God, 
'that  he  may  answer  him:  but  this  is  no  new 
'thing,  for  the  best  of  men  have  been  mocked  on 
'this  fashion.'    Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  5.  Though  a  man  have  shone  "as  a  light 
in  the  world,"  by  wisdom,  piety,  or  usefulness, 
while  in  afHuence;  j'ct  as  soon  as  he  sinks  into 
poverty  or  distress,  he  will  generally  be  despised 
hy  the  rich  and  prosperous:  and  they  will  mark 
every  one  of  his  mistakes  or  faults  with  severity, 
to  justify  their  neglect  of  him.  'He  that  is  near 
'to  his  ruin,  (as  I  now  am,)  is  (to  those  that  pros- 
'per  and  are  at  ease)  like  unto  a  lamp  that  is  near 
'burning  out  unto  the  snuff;  and  therefore  despis- 
'ed  by  them  for  the  present,  however  it  have  for- 

'merly   shined.'      Bp.    Hall [Jfofe,    Ps.    123: 

3,4.1 


B.  C.  1530. 


JOB 


B.  C.  1550. 


wrought 


9  *  Who  knoweth  not  in  all  these,  that 
^  the   hand  of  the   Lord   hath 
this? 

1 0  In  "  whose  hand    is  the  *  soul   of 
every  living  thing,  and  °  the  breath  of  all 


t  mankind. 


[Prnciical  Observations.] 


1 1  Doth  P  not  the  ear  try  words?  and 
the  ^  mouth  taste  his  meat? 

12  With  <ithe  ancient  is  wisdom;  and 
in  length  of  days,  understanding. 

13  With  5  him  is  ^  wisdom  and 
strength,  he  hath  ^  counsel  and  under- 
standing. 

14  Behold,  ^  he  breaketh  down,  and 
it  cannot  be  built  again:  "  he  shutteth  II  up 
a  man,  and  there  can  be  no  opening. 

15  Behold,  ^he  withholdeth  the  wa- 
ters, and  they  dry  up:  also  ^  he  sendeth 
them  out,  and  they  overturn  the  earth. 

16  With  ^  him  7*5  strength  and  wisdom: 
^  the  deceived  and  the  deceiver  are  his. 

17  He  ^  leadeth  counsellors  away 
spoiled,  and  maketh  the  judges  fools 


1  3.  Acts  19:35. 

m  92:18.   Deut.  8:17,18.    1  Sam. 

'3:7.  Jer.  27:5,6.    Dan.  4:17.  5: 

13.  Rom.  11:36.    Jam.  2:5 — 7. 
n  Num.  16:22.   Dan.  5:23.   Acts 

17:25,28. 
*  Or,  life. 
0  27:3.34:14,15.   Gen.  2:7.  6:17. 

Ps.  104:29.  146:3,4. 
f  Heb.  Jiesh  of  man.    John  3:6. 
p34:3.    1  Cor.  10:15.  Phil.  1:10. 

Murg.  Heb.  5:14.     1  Pet.  2:3. 
+  Heh.  palate.  6:30. 
^  3:8.  15:10. 

ii  That  is,  Ood.  32:6—9. 
r  16.  9:4.  28:20—23.   36:5.     Ps. 

147:5.    Pro V.  2:6,7.  Jer.  10:12. 

Dan.  2:20.  Luke  21:15.    1  Cor. 

1:24.     Col.  2:3.    Jam.  1:5. 


s  Prov.  8:14.     Is.  40:13,14.  46: 

10.    Rom.  11:34.    Eph.  1:8,11. 
t  9:12,13.  11:10.    Is.  14:23.  Jer. 

51:68,64.    Mai.  1:4. 
u  16:11.   1  Sam.  17:46.24:18.26: 

8.  Marg.  Is.  22:22.    Rom.  11: 

32.  Marg. 
II  Heb.  upon. 
X  10.  Gen.  8:1,2.     1  Kin^s  8:35, 

36.  17:1.  Jer.  14:22.    Nah.  1:4. 

Luke  4:25.  Jam.  5:17,18.  Rev. 

11:6. 
y  Gen.  6:13,17.  7:23.     Ps.  104:7 

—9.  Am.  5:3. 
z  13.    Matt.  6:13. 
a  1  Kings  22:22,23.  Ez.  14:9. 
b2Sam.  15:31.      Is.  19:12—14. 

1  Cor.  1:19,20. 


V.  6 — 10.  Job  here  opposes  yocis  to  hypothe- 
sis. It  cannot  be  denied,  that  audacious  robbers 
and  oppressors,  and  the  most  impious  wretches, 
are  often  prospered  in  Providence,  and  have  riclies 
abundantly  in  possession.  [Motes.,  9:22 — 24. 
21:7 — 16.)  The  matter  is  so  plain,  that  the  whole 
creation  testifies  it.  The  animal  tribes  g'eneral- 
ly  subserve  the  pride,  luxury,  and  indulgence  of 
ung-odly  men:  the  earth,  and  its  richest  produce, 
is  their  property;  and  all  nature  drudges,  as  it 
were,  to  pamper  their  lusts.  [Mote,  Rom.  8:18 — 
23.)  Yet  this  is  not  to  be  ascribed  to  fortune,  or 
chance:  but  the  Lord  orders  these  things  as  he 
pleases;  seeing  the  life  and  breath  of  man,  and 
of  every  creature,  are  entirely  at  his  disposal. 

V.  11,  12.  The  ear  of  man,  (that  is,  the  un- 
derstanding to  which  tlie  report  of  the  senses  is 
made,)  was  formed,  that,  by  attention  to  what  is 
spoken,  it  might  distinguish  truth  from  falsehood, 
and  right  from  wrong;  as  the  palate  distinguishes 
tastes.  But  Job  probably  thought,  that  the  dis- 
tinguishing faculty  of  his  friends  must  be  obtuse, 
or  vitiated  by  prejudice;  otherwise  they  could 
never  reject  truths  so  obvious  as  those  which  he 
had  stated  to  them.  Indeed,  aged  men,  who 
have  had  long  opportunity  of  making  observa- 
tions, are  supposed  to  be  wiser  than  others;  but 
he  intimated,  that  his  friends  had  lived  long  to 
little  purpose,  as  they  were  egregiously  mistaken 
in  so  plain  a  matter. 

V.  13 — 25.  The  transition  from  the  foregoing 
verse  to  this  subsequent  discourse  seems  as  fol- 
lows. The  consideration,  that  "length  of  days" 
38] 


18  He  c  looseth  the  bond  of  kings, 
and  girdeth  their  loins  with  a  girdle. 

19  He  **  leadeth  princes  away  spoiled, 
and  overthroweth  the  mighty. 

20  He  removeth  away  "^  the  speech  of 
the  trusty,  and  ^  taketh  away  the  under- 
standing of  the  aged. 

21  He  ^  poureth  contempt  upon  prin- 
ces, and  **  weakeneth  the  strength  of  the 
mighty. 

22  He  s  discovereth   deep   things  out 
of  darkness,   and  •'  bringeth 
the  shadow  of  death. 

23  He  '  increaseth  the  aations, 
destroyeth  them:  he  enlargeth  the 
tions,  and  tt  straiteneth  them  again. 

24  He  ^  taketh  away  the  heart  of  the 
chief  of  the  people  of  the  earth,  '  and 
causeth  them  to  wander  in  a  wilderness 
where  there  is  no  way. 

25  They  ™  grope  in  the  dark  without 
light,  and  he  "  maketh  them  to  ^^  stagger 
like  a  drunken  man 


out  to  light 


and 


na- 


c  2  Chr.  33:11— 14.     Jer.  52:31 

—34.    Dan.  2:21.    Rev.  19:16. 
d  Josh.  10:24,42.     I  Sam.  17:45, 

46.    Is.  37:36—38.  45:1.     Rev. 

17:14.  19:19—21. 
IT  Heb.  the  lip  of  the  faithful. 

Prov.  10:21.  12:19,22. 
e  24.  17:4.  32:9.  39:17. 
f  Ex.  8:2,16,24.    1  Kings  21:23, 

24.    2  Kings  9:26,34—37.     Ps. 

107:40.     Is.  23:9.  24:21,22.  37: 

38.    Dan.  4:32,33.    Matt.  2:12, 

13.  Acts  12:23. 
**  Or,  looseth  the  girdle  of  the 

strong.     Is.   5:27.   11:5.  22:21. 

Eph.  6:10,14. 


g  11:6.  28:20—23.  2  Kings  6:12. 

Ps.  44:21.   139:12.     Dan.  2:22. 

Matt.  10:26.    1  Cor.  2:10.  4:5. 
h  3:5.  24:17.   34:22.      Am.    5:8. 

Luke  1:79. 
i  Ex.  1:7,20.     Is.  9:3.26:15.27: 

6.  51:2.  60:22.     Jer.   30:19.  33: 

22.     Zech.  10:8. 
ft  Heb.  leadeth  in. 
k20.  17:4.  Is.  6:9,10.  19:1.  Hos. 

7:11. 
1  Ps.  107:4,40. 
m  5:14.     Gen.  19:11.     Is.  59:10. 

Acts  13:11.     1  John  2:11. 
n  Ps.  107:27.   Is.  19:14.  24-20. 
it  Heb.  wander. 


among  men  was  supposed  to  increase  wisdom  and 
understanding,  led  Job  to  think  of  the  everlasting 
God,  whose  wisdom  and  knowledge  are  infinite: 
and  thus,  without  mentioning  him,  he  proceeded 
to  expatiate  on  his  perfections  and  dispensations; 
shewing  that  he  believed  the  same  general  truths 
as  his  friends  did,  and  could  discourse  upon  them 
with  cogency  and  fluency.  (JVb^es,  5:8 — 16.  11: 
7 — 12.)  He  declared  God  to  be  the  Fountain  of 
knowledge,  wisdom,  and  power;  and  that  his 
providence  rules  the  world  with  irresistible  au- 
thority. He  destroys  cities  and  imprisons  the  in- 
habitants: he  afflicts  the  land  with  drought;  or 
overflows  it  with  a  deluge,  as  he  did  the  earth  in 
the  days  of  Noah.  [Motes,  Gen.  7:)  The  crafty 
deceivers,  and  those  who  are  deluded  by  them, 
fall  in  with  his  universal  plan  for  his  own  glory; 
and  even  Satan,  the  great  deceiver,  accomplishes 
the  purposes  of  God  by  his  malignant  endeavors 
to  defeat  them!  Kings  and  legislators,  conquer- 
ors and  orators,  are  disgraced,  overthrown,  and 
infatuated,  beyond  all  expectation,  as  the  Lord 
pleases:  and  they  are  sure  to  be  at  length  ren- 
dered contemptible  when  they  oppose  his  cause. 
[Motes,  Is.  2:10—18.  23:8,9.  Dan.  4:34—37. 
Acts  12:20—23.)  He  detects  the  most  secret 
conspiracies,  and  the  deepest  intrigues  of  prin- 
ces: he  disposes  of  nations  with  absolute  authori- 
ty; and  when  any  stand  in  his  way,  he  throws 
them  into  such  confusion,  that  they  are  perfectly 
bewildered,  as  if  lost  in  a  desert,  or  groping  in 
the  dark,  or  staggering  from  drunkenness;  and 
thus  they  become  incapable  of  the  least  effectual 


B.  C.  1550. 


CHAPTER  Xin. 


B.  C.  1550. 


CHAP.  xm. 

Job,  confident  of  his  knowledge,  appeals  to  God;  disdainfully 
and  peevishly  reproves  his  friends,  for  pleading  against  him, 
with  false  reasonings  and  partiality;  and  warns  them  to  fear 
the  judgment  of  God,  1 — 12.  In  extreme  suffering,  and  ex- 
pecting death,  he  professes  confidence  that  God  would  justify 

him,  13 19.     He  craves  respite,  and  desires  to  know  his  sins, 

and  why  God  dealt  so  rigorously  with  him,  20 — 28. 

LO,  *mine    eye    hath   seen   all   this, 
^  mine   ear   hath  heard  and  under- 
stood it. 

2  What    ^  ye   know,    the    same    do    I 
know  also:  I  am  not  inferior  unto  you. 

3  Surely  ^  I  would    speak  to  the  Al- 


a  5:9—16.  12:9,&c.  42:3—6. 
b  4:12.    5:27.  8:8—10.    15:17,18. 

Ps.  78:3,4.     1  John  1:3. 
c  12:3.  15:8,9.  34:35.  35:16.  37:2. 


40:4,5.  42:7.      1    Cor.   8:1,2.     2 
Cor.  11:4,5,16—18.  12:11. 
d  22.  9:34,35.  11:5.    23:3—7.31: 
35. 


exertion. — These  important  truths  were  suited  to 
convince  the  over-confident  disputants,  that  they 
had  gone  out  of  their  depth,  in  attempting  to  as- 
sign the  Lord's  reason  for  afflicting  Job;  when 
"his  judgments  are  unsearchable,  and  his  v(fays 
past  finding  out."    [J^ote,  Rom.  11:33 — 36.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
V.  1—10. 

Reviling,  raillery,  and  boasting,  commonly 
prove  infectious:  and  v^hen  we  over-rate  our- 
selves and  court  admiration,  others  will  be  dis- 
posed to  undervalue  us,  and  treat  us  with  con- 
tempt. Whatever  some  men  may  think  to  the 
contrary,  there  certainly  was  good  sense,  sound 
reasoning,  true  knowledge,  and  heavenly  wis- 
dom in  the  world,  before  they  were  born;  and 
the  world  will  not  be  left  in  the  dark,  when  these 
luminaries  are  set,  and  their  labors  also  consign- 
ed to  oblivion.  Nay,  when  wise  and  good  men 
die,  blessed  be  God,  wisdom  does  not  die  with 
them,  but  others  are  raised  up  in  their  places. — 
We  have  all  a  right  to  judge  for  ourselves,  being 
endued  with  understanding  as  well  as  others: 
and  we  should  neither  claim  superiority  over 
them,  nor  in  this  respect  yield  it  to  them;  for  we 
are  cautioned  by  our  Lord  on  both  sides,  when 
he  says,  "Call  no  man  father  upon  earth;  ...  nei- 
ther be  ye  called  masters;"  but  in  other  matters 
our  rule  is,  "in  honor  to  prefer  others,"  and  to 
"sit  down  in  the  lowest  place;"  and  it  is  seldom 
wise  or  becoming  to  deviate  from  it.  {JVotes, 
JV/a«.  23:8—10.  Luke  14:7— 11.)— The  most  pious 
and  conscientious  men  have  generally  been 
treated  with  contempt  by  worldly  persons;  and 
sometimes  by  their  brethren,  who  ought  to  have 
sympathized  in  their  sorrows,  borne  with  their 
infirmities,  and  helped  them  with  their  prayers. 
But  if  men  despise  them,  let  them  but  call  upon 
God  and  he  will  answer  them. — Adversity  and 
poverty,  in  this  evil  world,  eclipse  the  light  of 
wisdom  and  piety;  and  many,  who  once  were 
honorable  and  useful,  have  sunk  into  contempt, 
when  fallen  under  misfortunes  and  become  indi- 
gent.— Yet  worldly  prosperity  is  of  small  value 
in  the  sight  of  God.  He  has  superior  blessings 
for  his  children;  and  commonly  he  gives  carnal 
things  abundantly  into  the  hands  of  those,  whose 
pride,  luxury,  and  impiety  are  increased  by  them. 
The  whole  creation  groans,  as  in  unnatural  bon- 
dage to  the  lusts  of  men.  Every  creature 
preaches  the  goodness  of  God,  and  the  ungrate- 
ful abuse  of  man;  and  testifies  that  this  is  a  state 
of  probation,  and  not  of  retribution. 
V.    11—25, 

The  faculties  of  our  souls  were  originally  form- 
ed, as  capable  of  discerning  truth  and  falsehood, 
as  our  bodily  senses  are  of  discriminating  their 

objects Observation    and    experience    sliould 

teach  us  wisdom.    But,  through  the  effects  pro- 


mighty,    and  ^  i    desire    to    reason    with 
God. 

4  But  ''ye  are  forgers  of  hes,  ye  are 
all  s  physicians  of  no  value. 

5  Oh,  ''  that  ye  would  ultogether  hold 
your  peace!  •  and  it  should  be  your  wis- 
dom. 

6  Hear  ^  now  my  reasoning,  and 
hearken  to  the  pleadings  of  my  lips. 


e  9:3,14,15.    Is.  1:18— 20.  41:21. 

Jer.  12:1,2.  marg. 
f  4:7—11.    5:1—5.    8:3,4.     13:5, 

&c.  21:27—34.   22:6,&c.     Ex. 

20:16.  Ps.  119:69. 
g  16:2.     Jer.   6:14.    8:22.  30:13. 

46:11.     Ez.  34:4.      Hos.  5:13. 


Mark  2:17.  5:26. 
h  13.  11:3.  16:3.  18:2.  19:2.  21-3, 

3.32:1. 
i  Prov.  17:28.    Ec.  5:3.    Am.  5- 

13.    Jam.  1:19. 
k  21:2,3.  33:1—3.  34:2.  Judg.  9: 

7.  Prov.  8:6,7. 


duced  on  the  powers  of  the  mind  by  the  fall  of 
man,  connected  with  our  prejudices,  and  the  in- 
fluence of  our  sinful  passions,  we  draw  wrong 
conclusions,  make  a  perverse  choice,  and  often 
wander  farther  from  God  and  true  wisdom  as  our 
years  increase.  Yet,  when  being  renewed  by 
the  Holy  Spirit,  we  begin  to  use  our  faculties 
aright;  we  receive  wisdom  from  the  Fountain- 
head  by  faith  and  prayer;  we  learn  useful  lessons 
from  all  we  see  and  experience;  and  acquire  a 
spiritual  taste,  which  savors  truth  and  holiness, 
and  is  of  use  every  hour  of  our  lives.  (JVb/e,  Heb. 
5:1 1 — 14.)  May  we  seek  more  and  more  to  have 
"the  eyes  of  our  understanding  thus  enlighten- 
ed," and  "our  senses  exercised,  by  reason  of 
use,  to  discern  both  good  and  evil!" — It  is  a 
main  point  of  wisdom  to  set  God  always  before 
us,  to  observe  his  working  in  every  thing,  and  to 
feel  our  own  absolute  dependence  on  him.  "He 
doeth  what  he  will  in  the  armies  of  heaven,  and 
among  the  inhabitants  of  the  earth,  and  none  can 
stay  his  hand,  or  say  unto  him,  What  doest  thou.?" 
He  creates  or  destroys,  he  exalts  or  depresses, 
kings  or  nations,  as  hd  pleases.  (JVb<es,l  Sam. 
2:3—8.)  All  the  power  and  policy  of  earth  and 
hell,  cannot  conceal  any  thing  from  him,  or  carry 
one  point  against  him.  All  creatures  subserve 
his  purposes,  and  assist  in  accomplishing  his  vast 
designs.  But  those  who  break  his  command- 
ments, and,  depending  on  their  power,  wisdom, 
or  dignity,  exalt  themselves  against  his  cause, 
and  rebel  against  his  authority,  after  having  been 
constrained  to  subserve  his  plan,  shall  be  cast  off 
with  indignation,  and  rendered  contemptible  and 
miserable:  while  such  as  submit  to  his  authority, 
and  trust  in  his  mercy,  obey  his  precepts,  and 
aim  to  promote  his  cause  and  honor  in  the  world, 
shall  be  taken  care  of  by  the  way,  and  at  the  end 
shall  be  graciously  received  with,  "Well  done, 
good  and  faithful  servant,  enter  thou  into  the  joy 
of  thy  Lord."  May  this  be  our  choice,  our  con- 
duct, and  our  felicity! 

NOTES. 

Chap.  XIII.  V.  1,  2.  With  manifest  self- 
preference.  Job  here  declared,  that  the  discove- 
ries of  God's  providential  dealings  with  men, 
which  he  had  stated,  were  the  result  of  his  own 
exact  and  careful  observation;  and  that  he  un- 
derstood these  matters  at  least  as  well  as  his 
friends  did,  and  therefore  he  did  not  want  their 
instructions.     [JVole,   12:2,3.) 

V.  3 — 6.  An  improper  boldness  is  discernible 
in  the  discourses  of  Job,  for  which  Elihu  after- 
ward justly  reproved  him:  [Jfotes.  33:8 — 13.  34: 
5 — 9.)  yet  he  did  not  mean  to  justify  himself  be- 
fore God,  but  only  to  obtain  from  him  a  verdict 
in  his  favor  against  his  friends,  who  treated  him 
as  a  hypocrite;  accusing  him  of  crimes  which  he 
had  never  committed,  and  arguing  from  false 


[39 


B.  C.  1550. 


JOB. 


B.  C.  1550. 


7  Will  ye  '  speak  wickedly  for  God? 
and  talk  deceitfully  for  him.'' 

8  Will  ye  ■"  accept  his  person.^  will  ye 
contend  for  God.'' 

9  Is  it  good  that  he  should  °  search 
you  out.''  or  °  as  one  man  mocketh  anoth- 
er, do  ye  so  mock  him.^ 

10  He  will  surely  p  reprove  you,  if  ye 
do  secretly  accept  persons. 

1 1  Shall  ^  not  his  excellency  make 
you    afraid.^    and  "■  his   dread    fall    upon 

you.'' 

12  Your  ^  remembrances  are  like  unto 
*  ashes,  your  bodies  "  to  bodies  of  clay. 

[Practical  Observations.] 

13  *Hold  your  peace,  *let  me  alone, 
tliat  I  may  speak,  ^  and  let  come  on  me 
what  ivill. 

1 4  Wherefore  do  ^  I  take  my  flesh  in 
my  teeth,  *  and  put  my  life  in  mine 
hand.'' 


14:7.11:2—4.17:5.36:4.    John 

16:2.   Rom.  3:5—8. 
m  32:21.    34:19.        Ex.    23:2,3. 

Prov.  24:23.    Mai.  2:9.    Marg. 
n  34:36.    Ps.  44:21.  139:23.  Jer. 

17:10. 
o  17:2.    Is.  28:22.    Gal.  6:7,8. 
p  42:7,8.       Ps.    50:21,22.    82:2. 

Jam.  2:9. 
q  Ps.  119:120.    Jer.  5:22.  10:10. 

Matt.  10:28.    Rev.  ]  5:3,4. 
r  21.    Ex.  15:16.     Is.  8:13. 


s  18:17.    Ex.  17:14.    Ps.  34:16. 

102:12.  109:J5.    Prov.  10:7.  Is. 

26:14. 
1  Gen.  17:27. 

u4:19.   Gen.  2:7.    2  Cor.  5:1. 
*  Heb.  Be  silent  from  me. 
X  See  on  5.  7:11.  10:1.  21:3. 
y  6:9,10.  7:15,16. 
z  18:4.  Ec.  4:5.    Is.  9:20.  49:26. 
a  Judg.  12:3.     1   Sam.  19:5.  28: 

21.   Ps.  119:109. 


principles,  respecting  the  divine  g-overnment  of 
the  world.  They  visited  him  indeed  as  physi- 
cians, in  his  distress;  but  by  their  improper  treat- 
ment they  irritated  his  disease.  They  would 
therefore  do  him  the  greatest  favor  in  their  power, 
and  most  shew  their  own  wisdom,  if  they  would 
hold  their  peace;  and  attend  to  his  reasoning's, 
from  which  they  might  learn  to  correct  their  own 
errors. 

V.  7 — 12.  The  disputants  meant  to  vindicate 
the  Lord's  dealings  with  Job,  and  to  plead  his 
cause:  but  they  bore  false  witness  against  their 
friend,  and  used  deceitful  reasonings  in  the  argu- 
ment. Now,  if  such  practices  were  admitted,  in 
pleading  for  a  king  against  one  of  his  subjects; 
■  it  would  be  called  "accepting  his  person,"  and 
be  a  reproach  to  the  character  of  the  king,  and 
a  disgrace  to  the  cause.  But  God  wanted  not 
such  advocates,  nor  did  his  conduct  need  vindi- 
cating by  such  means.  Job  therefore  reminded 
his  friends,  that  when  their  conduct  should  be 
searched  out,  it  would  appear  very  wicked,  and 
dishonorable  to  God;  and  that  he  would  certain- 
ly rebuke  them  for  condemning  the  innocent.  If 
indeed  they  duly  considered  the  majesty  and  ex- 
cellency of  God,  they  would  be  afraid  of  his  in- 
dignation, while  under  pretence  of  pleading  his 
cause,  they  acted  so  contrary  to  his  example:  and 
it  would  better  become  them  to  consider  them- 
selves as  sinful  dying  creatures,  whose  bodies 
would  speedily  return  to  the  earth,  and  whose  re- 
membrance would  be  buried  in  obscurity  or  ob- 
livion.— Bishop  Patrick  thus  paraphrases  the 
concluding  verse,  perhaps  according  to  the  true 
meaning  of  the  original:  'Whose  remonstrances 
'on  his  belialf  are  no  better  than  dust;  and  the 
'arguments  you  accumulate,  but  like  so  many 
'heaps  of  dirt.' 

y.  13,  14.  Perhaps  Job's  friends  seemed  about 
to  interrupt  him;  or  shewed  apprehensions,  that 
divine  judgment  would  come  upon  him  for  so 
40] 


15  Though  ^  he  slay  me,  yet  will  I 
trust  in  him:  •=  but  I  will  t  maintain  mine 
own  ways  before  him. 

16  He  also  shall  he  ^  my  Salvation: 
®  for  an  hypocrite  shall  not  come  before 
him. 

17  Hear  *"  diligently  my  speech  and 
my  declaration  with  your  ears. 

18  Behold  now,  ^I  have  ordered  my 
cause;  ^  I  know  that  I  shall  be  justified. 

19  Who  is  he  Uhat  will  plead  with 
me;  for  now,  "^if  I  hold  my  tongue,  1 
shall  give  up  the  ghost. 

20  Only  '  do  not  two  things  unto  me: 
then  will  I  not  ™hide  myself  from  thee. 

21  "Withdraw  thine  hand  far  from 
me:  and  "let  not  thy  dread  make  me 
afraid. 

22  Then  Pcall  thou,  and  I  will  an- 
swer: or  let  me  speak,  and  answer  thou 
me. 


b  18.  19:25—23.  23:10.  Ps.  23:4. 

Prov.  14:32.     Rom.  8:38,39. 
c  10:7.   16:17,21.   23:4—7.    31:35 

—37.  40:2,4,5,8.    1  John  3:20. 
t  Heb.  prove,  or  argute. 
d  Ex.    15:2.      Ps.  27:1.    62:6,7. 

118:14,21.    Is.  12:2.    Jer.  3:23. 

Acts  13:47. 
e  8:13.  27:8— 10.  36:13.     Is.  33: 

14. 
f  6.33:1. 


g  16:21.  23:4.  40:7. 

h  9:2,3,20.    40:7,3.       Is.    43:26. 

Rom.  8:33,34.     2  Cor.  1:12. 
i    19:5.  33:5—7,32.    Is.  50:7,8. 
k  13.  7:11.    Jer.  20:9. 
1  9:34,35. 
m  Gen.   3:8—10.      Ps.     139:12. 

Rev.  6:15,16. 
n  10:20.  22:15—17. 
oil.    See  o?i  33:7.    Ps.  119:120. 
p  9:32.  38:3.  40:4,5.  42:3—6. 


pertinaciously  attesting  his  innocence.  'Well,' 
says  he,  'keep  silence,  let  me  speak,  and  I  will 
'risk  all  consequences;  for  my  anguish  is  so  ex- 
'cessive  that  I  could  even  gnaw  my  own  flesh: 
'and,  as  I  am  not  conscious  of  any  great  crime 
'for  which  I  am  thus  punished,  I  would  even  ven- 
'ture  my  life  to  have  this  matter  cleared  up.' 
[J^otes,   6:8—13.  7:7—11.) 

V.  15 — 19.  The  first  clause  in  this  passage 
may  be  properly  rendered  as  an  interrogation, 
"Lo,  he  will  slay  me,  shall  not  I  trust.'"'  or, 
'though  he  should  slay  me,  shall  not  I  trust.'" 
Our  version  is  formed  from  a  change  in  the  text, 
on  the  authority  of  the  Jewish  writers,  which  in 
this  case  seems  not  at  all  necessary. — Even  if 
left  to  die  of  his  diseases,  or  to  be  cut  off  by  a 
sudden  stroke.  Job  determined  not  to  give  up  his 
confidence. — His  friends  had  intimated,  that  the 
return  of  his  prosperity  would  evince  !iis  former 
integrity,  and  his  present  repentance:  (JVo/es,  5: 
18— 27.^8:20- 22.  11:13—20.)  but  he,  conscious 
that  he  had  walked  uprightly  before  God,  and 
having  an  assured  belief  of  his  faithfulness  and 
mercy,  would  confide  in  him  as  his  Salvation, 
even  though  he  slew  hirri;  and  would  maintain 
before  him,  that  he  had  not  been  a  wicked  dis- 
sembler, though  he  well  knew  that  no  hypocrite 
could  escape  detection,  or  condemnation  in  his 
sight.  He  desired  his  friends  to  attend  to  his  ap- 
peal, and  to  observe  how  he  ordered  his  cause: 
he  did  not  deny  that  he  was  a  sinner;  but  he 
pleaded  that  he  was  not  a  hypocrite.  From  the 
charge  of  hypocrisy  he  knew  that  ,God  would 
justify  him;  and  he  challenged  them  to  bring  for- 
ward the  proofs  of  their  allegations.  He  had  lost 
all,  except  his  character,  the  testimony  of  his 
conscience,  and  his  hope  in  God,  which  they  en- 
deavored to  rend  from  him;  and  it  would  be  death 
to  him,  not  to  vindicate  himself  from  their  cruel 
aspersions. — "For  now,  I  shall  be  silent,  and  ex- 
pire." 


B.  C.  1550. 


CHAPTER  XIII. 


B.  C.  1550. 


23  How  1  many  are  mine  iniquities 
and  sins?  "■  make  me  to  know  my  trans- 
gression and  my  sin. 

24  Wlierefore  Miidest  thou  thy  face, 
and  ^  boldest  me  for  thine  enemy.^ 

25  Wilt  thou  "  break  a  leaf  driven  to 
and  fro?  and  wilt  thou  pursue  the  dry 
stubble? 

26  For    thou    ^  writest   bitter    things 


q  22:5.   Ps.  44:20,21. 

r  36:8,9.    Ps.  139:23,24. 

s   10:2.  29:2,3.    Teut.  32:20.  Ps. 

10:1.    13:1.  44:24.   77:6—9.  83: 

14. 
t  16:9.   19:11.  30:21.   31:35.   33: 


10.      1  Sam.  28:16.     Lam.  2:5. 

2  Thes.  3:15. 
u  14:3.   1  Sam.  24:14.    Is.  17:13. 

Malt.  12:20. 
X  3:20.      Ruth   1:20.      Ps.  88:3, 

&c. 


V.  20 — 23.  Job  here  addressed  himself  to  God, 
and  beg-g-ed  of  him  to  try  his  cause.  Provided 
his  outward  pains,  and  his  inward  horror,  were 
removed,  so  that  the  divine  majesty  did  not  over- 
whelm him,  he  was  confident  he  could  plead  ef- 
fectually in  his  own  behalf;  and  he  would  either 
propose,  or  answer,  questions  relative  to  his  case, 
as  the  Lord  pleased.  In  the  first  instance  he  de- 
sired to  know,  "how  many  his  iniquities"  were; 
and  especially  he  wished  to  discover  what  that 
transgression  was,  which  had  brought  his  present 
calamities  upon  him.  It  is  probable  that  Job  in- 
tended this  merely  as  an  appeal  to  God,  that  it 
was  not  hypocrisy,  or  gross  oppression;  yet  the 
address  was  querulous  and  passionate,  and  when 
the  Lord  actually  spake.  Job  found  he  could  not 
answer  him.  [J\'otes,  40:1—5.  42:1— 6.)— 'O 
'God,  I  cannot  accuse  myself  of  wilful  wicked- 
'ness  against  thee:  but  if  there  be  any  secret  in- 
'iquity  that  I  am  not  privy  to,  do  thou  make  it 
'known  to  me,  and  convince  me  of  it.'  Bp.  Hall. 
—JVote,  10:1,2.     Ps.  139:23,24.) 

V.  24 — 28.  As  the  Lord  neither  removed  Job's 
pains,  nor  vindicated  his  character,  nor  comfort- 
ed his  soul,  he  considered  him  as  hiding-  his  face 
in  anger,  and  holding  him  as  an  enemy.  And  he 
pleaded,  that  this  was  beneath  the  infinite  Majes- 
ty of  Heaven;  seeing-  he  was  so  mean  and  frail, 
and  at  the  point  of  death,  as  a  withered  leaf  or 
dry  stubble,  the  sport  of  the  winds  and  fuel  for 
the  flame.  {J^ote,  7:17—19.)  He  thought  that 
God  framed  more  severe  decrees  against  him, 
and  inflicted  on  him  more  bitter  things,  than  on 
any  one  else:  and,  as  he  was  conscious,  that 
during  his  maturer  years,  he  had  uprightly  serv- 
ed the  Lord;  he  supposed  that  his  youthful  in- 
iquities, previous  to  his  conversion,  were  now 
remembered  against  him,  and  that  he  possessed 
them  in  their  painful  effects.  For  it  was  evident, 
that  divine  judgments  confined  him,  as  a  prisoner 
in  the  stocks,  till  his  conduct  had  been  examined, 
and  evidence  against  him  sought  after:  and  that 
•  the  prints  of  God's  displeasure  were  marked 
upon  his  whole  body,  even  to  the  soles  of  his  feet; 
(2:7.)  insomuch  that  hs  was  consuming,  as  a  pu- 
trefying carcass,  and  wearing  away,  as  a  moth- 
eaten  garment.  (Abie*  2:7,8.  30:15—31.  JVum. 
12:11 — 13.) — In  tnese  complaints  we  discern  the 
effects  of  strong-  temptations,  and  remaining  de- 
pravity: yet  in  this  chapter  Job  expresses  a  re- 
gard to  God  in  every  thing;  shews  lively  exer- 
cises of  faith,  hope,  and  confidence  in  him;  and 
gives  many  evidences  of  a  sound  judgment  and  a 
tender  conscience. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
V.  1—12. 
It  is  very  difficult  for  man  to  possess  superior 
talents,  without  some  appearance  of  ostentation 
and  self-preference:  yet  to  be  "clothed  with  hu- 
mility" confers  a  peculiar  gracefulness  upon  wis- 
dom, knowledg-e,  and  every  shining  quality. —In 
Vol.  III.  6 


against  me,   and  ^  makest  me  to  possess 
the  iniquities  of  my  youth. 

27  Thou  ^  puttest  my  feet  also  in  the 
stocks,  ^  and  *  lookest  narrowly  unto  all 
my  paths;  thou  **  settest  a  print  upon  the 
t  heels  of  my  feet. 

28  And  '^  he,  as  a  rotten  thing,  con- 
sumeth,  •*  as  a  garment  that  is  moth- 
eaten. 


y  20:11.  Ps.  25:7.  Prov.  5:11^ 
13.  ,Ier.  31:19.    John  5:5,14. 

z  33:11.  2  Chr.  16:10—12.  Prov. 
7:22.    Acts  16:24. 

a  10:6.  14:16,17.  16:9. 


*  Heb.  observes!. 

b  2:7. 

f  Heb.  roots. 

c  30:17— 19,29,30.     Num.  12:12. 

d4:19.   Ps.  39:11.    Hos.  6.12. 


troubles  of  mind  and  conscience,  we  frequently 
find  men  to  be  "physicians  of  no  value."  They 
often  either  mistake  our  case,  or  attribute  our 
distress  to  a  wrong  cause,  or  prescribe  perni- 
cious remedies,  and  by  one  means  or  other  in- 
crease our  malady.  But  when  the  conscience  is 
wounded,  and  the  heart  dismayed  with  the  fear 
of  wrath,  the  prevalence  of  sin,  the  force  of 
temptation,  or  the  weight  of  affliction,  we  should 
apply  to  the  Physician  of  our  souls;  whose  knowl- 
edge, power,  and  love  are  infinite,  who  never  re- 
jects any  sincere  application,  and  who  never 
leaves  any  case  uncured.  To  him  we  may  speak , 
and  before  him  we  may  spread  our  case,  at  all 
times;  which  is  a  peculiar  comfort  when  we  meet 
with  harsh  treatment  from  man:  and,  though  wo 
are  sinners,  and  have  committed  numberless  of- 
fences; yet,  "if  our  heart  condemn  us  not"  of 
hypocrisy,  we  may  have  humble  confidence  bo- 
fore  him.  [JVote.,  1  Jo/in3:18 — 24.) — Sometimes 
the  greatest  comfort  that  we  can  afford  the  af- 
flicted, consists  in  patiently  attending  to  their 
complaints:  and  when  we  do  not  understand  the 
subject  in  debate,  or  see  that  others  know  more 
of  it  than  we  do,  or  are  eager  to  be  heard;  it  i:s 
our  wisdom  altogether  to  hold  our  peace,  in  hopes 
to  get  some  good,  when  we  cannot  do  anj^ — 
Deceit  and  iniquity  are  doubly  base,  when  em- 
ployed in  the  professed  cause  of  truth  and  piety; 
because  they  seem  to  imply,  that  religion  needs 
to  be  supported  by  such  disgraceful  means.  But 
the  God  of  truth  and  love  can  never  approve  the 
conduct  of  those  who  slander,  deceive,  or  perse- 
cute their  brethren,  under  pretence  of  doing  him 
service.  Such  conduct,  when  searched  into, 
appears  an  impious  mockery  of  God;  and  springs 
from  the  basest  motives,  liowever  secret  they  are 
kept.  He  will  therefore  surely  reprove  the  of- 
fenders: and  a  due  attention  to  llie  holy  excel- 
lency of  his  character  would  fill  with  terror  of 
liis  vengeance,  all  those  who  ignorantly  hope  for 
his  favor  in  any  unhallowed  attempts  to  serve 
him. 

V.  13--28. 
In  this  evil  world,  considering  how  frail  we  are, 
and  how  short  our  time  is,  we  may  find  enough 
to  employ  us,  without  falsely  accusing  and  re- 
viling our  brethren. — Under  every  atlliction  we 
should  aim  to  keep  up  a  confidence  in  the  divine 
merc}^  which  will  preserve  us  under  the  most 
exquisite  agonies,  from  doing  ourselves  any  harm. 
— Though  outward  evils  and  inward  distresse.s 
should  unite  in  our  case,  and  continue  unabated 
till  death;  a  strong  and  active  faith,  an  acquaint- 
ance with  the  scriptural  ground  of  a  believer's 
hope,  arid  conscious  integrity,  may  enable  the 
poor  tempted  soul  to  trust  in  the  Lord,  and  to  ex- 
pect salvation  from  him.  The  upright  may  main- 
tain his  cause  before  him,  and  be  assured  that  he 
will  be  justified;  but  no  hypocrite  can  come  with 
acceptance  before  him,  or  find  admission  into  his 
kingdom.     Yet  it  is  best  to  repress  our  vehement 

[41 


B.  C.  1550. 


JOB. 


B.  C.  1550. 


CHAP.  XIV. 


Job  pleads  with  God  for  relief,  because  of  the  shortness  and 
misery  of  life,  and  the  sinfulness  of  human  nature,  1—6. 
Viewin-'  death  ss  destructive  to  all  earthly  hopes,  he  yet 
desires  to  be  hid  in  the  grave,  and  determines  to  wait  the  time 
appointed  for  his  change,  7—15.  He  complains  that  God 
dealt  severely  with  him;  and  shews  that  all  things  on  earth, 
and  men  especially,  are  subject  to  corruption,  16 — 22. 

MAN  that  is  *  born  of  a  woman  is  *  of 
^  few  days,  and  •=  full  of  trouble. 

2  He  Cometh  forth  ^  like  a  flower,  and 
is  cut  down:  he  ^  fleeth  also  as  a  shad- 
ow, and  continueth  not. 

3  And  ''  dost  thou  open  thine  eyes 
upon  such  an  one,  and  s  bringest  me  into 
judgment  with  thee? 

4  t  Who  ^  can  bring  '  a  clean  thing 
out  of  an  unclean.'*  not  one. 

Ps.  51;5.     Malt 


a  15:14.  25:4 

11:11. 
*  Heb.  short  of  days. 
b  7:1,6.  9:25.     Gen.  47:9.      Ps. 

39:5. 
c  5:7.  See  on  Ec.  2:17,-33. 
d  Ps.    90:5—7.    92:7,12.    103:15, 

16.     Is.  40:6—8.  Jam.  1:10,11. 

J  Pet.  1:24. 
€  3:9.    9:25,26.       1    Chr.    29:15. 


Ps.  102:11.  144:4.    Ec.  8:13. 
f  7:17,13.  13:25.     Ps.  144:3. 
g  9:19,20,32.    13:27.     Ps.    143:2. 

Rom.  3:19. 
t  Heb.  fVko  -aill  give? 
h  15:14 — 16.25:4—6.    Gen.  5:3. 

Ps.  51:5.  John  3:6.  Rom.  5:12. 

8:3,9.    Eph.  2.3. 
i  Luke  1:35. 


5  Seeing  J  his  days  are  determined, 
^  the  number  of  his  months  are  with  thee, 
'  thou  hast  appointed  his  bounds  that  he 
cannot  pass; 

6  "  Turn  from  him,  that  he  may  h'est 
till  he  shall  accomplish,  °  as  an  hireling, 
his  day. 

7  For  there  is  hope  of  a  tree,  if  it  be 
cut  down,  °  that  it  will  sprout  again,  and 
that  the  tender  branch  thereof  will  not 
cease. 

8  Though  the  root  thereof  wax  old  in 
the  earth,  and  the  stock  thereof  p  die  in 
the  ground; 

9  Yet  through  the  scent  of  water  it 
will  bud,  "i  and  bring  forth  boughs  like  a 
plant. 


j  14.  7:1.  12:10.  Ps.  39:4.  Dan. 
5:26,30.  9:24.  11:36.  Luke  12: 
20.    Acts  17:26.    Heb.  9:27. 

k  21:21. 

1  23:13,14.  Ps.  104:9,29.  Dan. 
4:35.    Rev.  1:18.  3:7. 

m  7:16,19.  10:20.  Ps.  39:13. 

J  Heb.  cease. 


a  7:1,2.   Matt.  20:1—8. 

o  14.  19:10.  Is.  11:1.27:6.  Dan. 

4:15,23—25. 
p  Is.  26:19.  John  12:24.    1  Cor. 

15:36. 
q  Ez.  17:3—10,22—24.19:10,11. 

Rom.  11:17—24. 


passions,  and  to  wait  his  time  of  clearing  our  as- 
persed characters;  though  to  sit  down  under  some 
slanders,  without  attempting  our  own  vindication, 
be  almost  as  the  pangs  of  death  to  us:  and  indeed 
it  is  very  cruel  to  bereave  an  afflic^^d  man  of  his 
reputation,  or  to  endeavor  to  discourage  his  hope 
in  God,  without  any  evidence  of  his  guilt. — It  is 
very  desirable  to  have  a  clear  conscience  and  an 
assurance  of  God's  favor:  yet  great  humility  and 
reverence   becomes   us   in  appealing  unto   him. 
He  knows  us  better  than  we  do  ourselves;  and 
we  should  humbly  beseech  him  to  bring  us  ac- 
quainted with  our  sins,  that  we  may  repent  and 
seek  forgiveness.     But  he,  who  duly  considers 
the  number  and  heinousness  of  his  transgressions, 
will  not  wonder  that  God  hides  his  face  and  afflicts 
him:  nor  would  he  have  cause  to  complain  of  in- 
justice, if  he  treated  him  as  an  enemy.     And, 
"though  we  are  mean,  as  the  dry  leaf  or  the  stub- 
ble;   yet,   being   also  guilty   and   polluted,   and 
proper  fuel  for  the  fire  of  the  Lord's  indignation, 
it  would  not  be  dishonorable  to  him,  if  he  were  to 
pursue  us  to  destruction.     Sins  long  since  for- 
gotten by  us,   stand  recorded  in  his  book;  the 
guilt  of  which  no  time  can  obliterate:  while  old 
age  often  possesses  the  iniquities  of  youth,  by 
bodily  diseases,  ruined  circumstances,  bad  habits, 
a  guilty  conscience,  or  rebellious  children:  and 
it  is  a  mercy,  if  final  condemnation  be  escaped. — 
Should  God  observe  our  steps,  and  narrowly  ex- 
amine our  paths,  we  could  in  no  wise  stand  before 
him  in  judgment:  he  would  indeed  "write  bitter 
things  against  us;"  and  both  body  and  soul  would 
eternally  be  filled  with  the  marks  of  his  righteous 
vengeance.     This  will  be  the  awful  case  of  un- 
believers: yet  there  is  salvation,  provided  and  re- 
vealed, not"  from  temporal  sorrows,  (for  our  bodies 
must  still  return  to  the  dust,  and  perish  as  a  gar- 
ment that  is  moth-eaten,)  but  "from  the  wrath  to 
come."    For  when  the  mortal  body  of  the  be- 
liever, whose  sins  are  washed  away  in  the  blood 
of  Christ,  shall  be  laid  in  the  grave,  his  soul  will 
find  admission  into  tTie  realms  of  glory,  and  his 
body  also  shall  at  length  arisg  incorruptible  and 
immortal.     Seeking  first  this  eternal  salvation, 
let  us  bear  our  present  trials  without  a  murmur; 
let  us  often  humble  ourselves  anew  for  sins  long 
since  committed  and  repented  of,  and  look  for- 
ward to  death  as  the  period  of  all  our  sorrows. 
And  let  young  persons  beware  of  indulging  them- 
42] 


selves  in  sin;  for  even  in  this  world  they  may  so 
possess  the  iniquities  of  their  youth,  as  to  have 
months  of  sorrow  for  moments  of  pleasure. 
[JSTote,  John  5:10 — 14.  F.  O.  1 — 14,  conclusion.) 
Their  wisdom  and  duty  therefore  consist  in  re- 
membering their  Creator  in  tlieir  early  days,  that 
they  may  have  assured  hope  and  sweet  peace  of 
conscience,  as  the  solace  of  their  declining  years- 
[J^ote,Ec.  12:1.) 

NOTES. 
Chap.  XIV.  V.  1 — 6.  Job,  perhaps  perceiv- 
ing that  his  friends  disregarded  him,  continued 
his  discourse,  by  descanting  upon  the  condition 
of  man,  and  interspersing  addresses  unto  God. 
He  observed,  that  eveiy  man,  born  of  Adam's 
race,  is  short-lived  and  exposed  to  manifold  af- 
flictions: all  his  beauty,  felicity,  splendor,  and 
gaiety,  fall  before  the  stroke  of  sickness  or  of 
death,  as  the  gaudy  flower  before  the  scythe;  or 
they  pass  away  like  the  fleeting  shadow.  [JVuteSy 
Ps.  90:3—6.  92:6,7,12.  103:15—18.  Is.  40:6—8. 
Jam.  1:9—11.  I  Pet.  1:23—25.)  He  then  ex- 
postulated with  God,  for  noticing,  or  judging  with 
such  severity,  a  poor  creature  beneath  his  regard. 
[jYotes,  7:17—19.  13:24—28.)  He  was  indeed  a 
sinner,  being  descended  from  sinful  parents,  as 
all  other  men  were:  even  as,  in  the  whole  course 
of  nature,  the  progeny  partake  of  the  propensi- 
ties and  qualities  of  the  creature,  from  which  it 
sprang.  For  "who  can  bring  a  clean  thing  out 
of  an  unclean.^  Not  one."  Or,  how  could  it  be 
possible  for  his  conduct  to  be  sinless,  when  his 
heart  was  by  nature  polluted  and  unclean.''  la 
either  sense,  this  forms  a  decisive  testimony,  that 
Job  understood  and  believed  the  doctrine  of 
original  sin:  and  though  he  did  not  apply  it,  in 
so  humble  and  pious  a  manner,  as  David  after- 
wards did;  [Jfote,  Ps.  51:5,6.)  yet  he  seems  to 
have  intended  it  as  a  plea,  why  the  Lord  should 
not  deal  with  him  according  to  his  own  works, 
but  according  to  his  promised  mercy  and  grace. 
— Job  proceeded  to  observe,  that  man's  days 
were  determined,  and  he  could  not  exceed  his 
appointed  term  of  life;  therefore  he  prayed  that 
he  might  have  a  little  rest  from  his  exquisite  an- 
guish, till  the  wearisome  work  of  life  was  over, 
and  death  should  end  his  sorrows;  which  would 
be  as  welcome  to  him  as  night  to  the  fatigued 
and  worn-down  day-laborer. 


B.  C.  1550. 


CHAPTER  XIV 


B.  C.  1550. 


10  But  man  dielh,  and  *  wasteth 
away:  yea,  "■  man  giveth  up  the  ghost, 
and  ^  where  is  he? 

1 1  ^5  the  waters  fail  from  the  sea, 
and  *  the  flood  decayeth  and  drieth 
up: 

12  So  "  man  Ueth  down,  and  riseth 
not:  ^  till  the  heavens  he  no  more,  they 
shall  not  *  awake,  nor  be  raised  out  of 
their  sleep. 

13  Oh,  that  thou  wouldest  ^  hide  me 
in  the  grave,  that  thou  wouldest  keep  me 
secret,  ^  until  thy  wrath  be  past,  that  thou 
wouldest  ^appoint  me  a  set  time,  and 
''remember  me! 

14  If  a  man  die,  '^  shall  he  live  again9 
"*  all  the  days  of  my  appointed  time  will  I 
wait,  till  ^  my  change  come. 

15  Thou  •■  shalt  call,    and    I   will   an- 


*  Heb.  IS  weakened,  or,  cut  off. 
r  3:11.   10:18.   11:20.   17:13—16. 

Gen.  49:33.   Matt.  27:50.  Acts 

5:10. 
C   12.  7:7—10.   19:-26.     Prov.  14: 

32.    Luke  16:22,23. 
t  6:15—18.  Jer.  15:18. 
u  10:21,22.  30:23.   Ec.  3:19—21. 

12:5. 
V  19:25—27.   Ps.  102:26.    Is.  51: 

6.   65:17.   66:22.     Matt.  24:35. 

Acts  3:21.     2  Pet.  3:7,10—13. 

Rev.  20:11.  21:1. 
»  3:13.  7:21.  Is.  26:19.  Dan.  12: 

2.  John  11:11—13.   Eph.  5:14. 


1  Thes.  4:14,15. 
V  3:17— 19.     Is.  57:1,2. 
z  Is.  12:1.  26:20,21. 
a  Mark  13:32.     Acts  1:7.   17:31. 
b  Gen.  8:1.  Ps.  106:4.  Luke  23: 

42. 
c  19:25,26.  Ez.  37:1—14.  Matt. 

22:29—32.    John  5:28,29.  Acts 

26:8.     1  Cor.  15:42 — 44.    Rev. 

20:13. 
d  5.  7:1.  42:16.     Ps.  27:14.  40:1, 

2.     Lam.  3:25,26.     Jam.  5:7,8. 
e  1  Cor.  15:51,52.   Phil.  3:21. 
f  13:22.    Ps.  50:4,5.     1  Thes.  4: 

17.   1  John  2:28. 


V.  7 — 12.  Though  a  tree  be  cut  down,  and  the 
stomp  seem  decayed  in  the  earth;  yet,  if  it  be  in 
a  moist  and  fruitful  situation,  it  may  be  expected 
that  tender  branches  will  shoot  forth,  and  grow^ 
up  as  a  newly  planted  tree,  or  as  if  the  old  tree 
again  revived.  But  when  a  man  is  cut  off  by 
death,  he  is  for  ever  removed  from  his  place  in 
this  world;  no  one  expects  to  see  him  again;  and 
his  body  returns  to  the  earth  whence  it  was  taken, 
and  mingles  with  it;  even  as  the  waters  return  to 
the  sea,  whence  they  first  came.  Thus  he  lieth 
down,  till  the  consummation  of  all  things,  when 
he  shall  awake  at  the  general  resurrection. — All 
these  expressions  imply  Job's  belief  of  that  great 
doctrine;  though  both  ancient  and  modern  Sad- 
ducees  have  contrived  to  misunderstand  him. 
Why  else  should  he  speak  of  death  as  "*/eep," 
and  mention  a  period  to  it  when  he  shall  awake, 
even  "when  the  heavens  are  no  more.'"'  [Marg. 
Ref.  u — X.) — Either  Job  meant  by  these  consid- 
erations to  comfort  himself  with  the  hope  of  having 
soon  and  for  ever  done  with  this  wretched  world; 
or  he  used  them  as  a  plea,  why  God  should  grant 
him  respite  from  trouble  to  prepare  for  death,  the 
consequences  of  which  are  irreversible. 

V.  13 — 15.  Job  here  earnestly  prayed,  that 
God  would  speedily  terminate  his  sorrows,  and 
hide  him  in  the  grave,  till  his  fatherly  displeasure 
were  past,  or  the  present  storm  subsided:  that  he 
would  set  a  time  when  he  would  release  him;  or 
at  present  dismiss  him,  till  the  appointed  period 
of  the  resurrection,  and  the  general  judgment, 
and  then  remember  him  in  mercy.  As,  however, 
death  would  soon  remove  him  hence,  he  determin- 
ed to  wait,  in  patience  and  hope,  "all  the  days  of 
his  appointed  time,"  till  that  change  should  take 
place;  and  to  look  forward  in  believing  expecta- 
tion to  the  resurrection,  when  God  would  call 
him  forth  out  of  the  grave,  and  he  would  gladly 
answer;  when  he  would  come  to  try  his  cause  and 
justify  him,  and  take  delight  in  the  work  of  his 


swer  thee:  ^thou   wilt  have   a   desire   lo 
the  work  of  thine  hands. 

[Practical  Observations.'\ 

16  For  now  ^  thou  numberest  my 
steps:  do.st  thou  not  watch  over  my  sin.^ 

17  My  transgression  is  '  sealed  up  in 
a  bag,  and  thou  sewest  up  mine  iniquity. 

18  And  surely  ''the  mountain  falling 
t  Cometh  to  nought,  and  '  the  rock  is  re- 
moved out  of  his  place. 

19  The  waters  wear  the  stones:  thou 
\  washest  away  the  things  which  grow  out 
of  the  dust  of  the  earth;  and  thou  ™  de- 
stroyest  the  hope  of  man. 

20  Thou  "  prevailest  for  ever  against 
him,  and  he  passeth:  thou  °  changest  his 
countenance,  and  sendest  him  away. 

21  His  sons  come  to  honor,  and  p  he 
knoweth  it  not;  and  they  are  brought 
low,  but  he  perceiveth  it  not  of  them. 

22  But  1  his  flesh  upon  him  shall  have 
pain,  and  "■  his  soul  within  him  shall  mourn. 


g7:21.  10:3,8.    Ps.  138:8.   1  Pet. 

4:19. 
h  10:6,14.  13:27.  31:4.  33:11.  34: 

21.  Ps.  56:6.  139:1 — 4.  Prov.  5: 

21.    Jer.  32:19. 
121:19.    Deut.  32:34.    HoS.  13: 

12. 
k  Ps.  102:25,26.  Is.  40:12.  41:15, 

16.  54:10.  64:1.  Jer.  4:24.  Rev. 

6:14.  8:8.  20:11. 
t  Heh.fadeth. 


1    18.4.    Matt.  27:51. 

J  Heb.  overfloziiest.   Gen.  6:17. 

7:21—23. 
m  19:10.  27:8.    Ps.  30:6,7.    Ez. 

37:11.  Luke  12:19,20. 
n  Ec.  8:8. 

o  14.  2:12.    Lam.  4:8. 
p  1  Sam.  4:20.  Ps.  39:6.    Ec.  2: 

18,19.  9:5.     Is.  39:7,8.  63:16. 
q  19:20,22,26.  33:19—21. 
r  Prov.  14:32.     Luke  16:23,24. 


hands. — The  change,  or  renovation,  which  shall 
take  place,  at  the  resurrection,  seems  principally 
intended.     {JVote,  Phil.  3:20,21.) 

Wait  till,  Sac.    (14)   Y?ro/x£vu  twf  iraXiv  yn'O/zai.     "I 

will  wait,  till  I  shall  exist  again."    Sept. 

V.  16 — 22.  In  the  preceding  verses  Job  spoke 
in  some  degree  of  faith  and  hope;  but  here  de- 
spondency again  prevails.  He  represents  God  as 
strictly  scrutinizing  his  whole  conduct;  and  col- 
lecting evidence  against  him,  which  he  preserved 
as  a  treasure  sealed  or  sewed  up  in  a  bag,  that  he 
might  be  punished  with  the  utmost  rigor.  [J>l^otes^ 
Deut.  32:34,35.  Rom.  2:4—6.)  He  would  not  say 
that  God  did  him  injustice;  but  he  thought  that 
he  carried  matters  to  extremity  against  him:  and 
in  that  case  he  would  certainly  bring  him  to  de- 
struction without  remedy.  For  his  indignation 
must  ruin  the  happiness,  and  the  hope,  of  the  most 
prosperous  and  powerful;  as  an  earthquake  sub- 
verts the  strongest  mountains,  or  removes  the 
solid  rocks:  or,  if  more  gradually,  yet  effectually, 
as  the  waters  wear  away  the  stones,  or  wash  away 
the  earth  and  its  productions  from  the  high  to  the 
low  grounds.  Indeed,  God  irresistibly  prevails 
pgainst  all  who  contend  with  him;  by  sickness  or 
death  he  changes  their  countenances,  and  sends 
them  away  into  misery:  and  when  the  body  is  full 
of  pain,  or  the  soul  of  terror  at  the  approach  of 
death,  the  poor  sufferer  cannot  notice  either  the 
prosperity  or  the  adversity  of  his  family. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
V.  1—15. 
It  is  very  useful,  seriously  to  reflect  on  the 
shortness  and  uncertainty  of  human  life;  on  the 
vanity  and  vexation  of  all  human  enjoyments; 
and  on  the  fading  nature  of  all  worldly  splendor, 
which  has  neither  substance  nor  continuance: 
that  we  may  cease  to  expect  happiness  from 
earthly  objects,  and  learn  to  "lay  up  our  treasure 
in  heaven."    But  it  is  still  more  interesting  to  ad- 

[4-> 


B.  C.  1550. 


JOB. 


B.  C.  1550. 


CHAP.  XV 

Eliphaz  sharply  reproves  Job,  as  arrogant  and  Impious,  1 — 13. 
He  declares  God's  holiness  and  man's  sinfulness,  l"! — 16.  He 
appeals  to  observation  and  tradition,  in  proof  that  the  wicked 
are  miserable  in  this  world,   17 — 35. 

THEN   answered  ^  Eliphaz  the   Te- 
manite,  and  said, 
2  Should  "  a    wise    man    utter  *  vain 
knowledge,  and  "=  fill  his  belly  with  the 
east  wind? 

a  2:11.  4:1.  22:1.42:7,9.  I     26.8:2. 

b  11:2,3.  13:2.  Jam.  3:13.  c  Hos.  12:1. 

*  Ileb.  knowledge  ijf  -wind.  6:  [ 


vert  properly  to  the  cause  and  the  remedy  of  these 
evils.  "By  one  man  sin  entered  into  the  world, 
and  death  by  sin;  and  so  death  passed  upon  all 
men."  We  receive  our  nature  through  this  cor- 
rupted channel,  and  all  the  powers  of  our  soul  are 
contaminated  by  it:  for  who  can  produce  a  holy 
offspring-  from  an  unholy  stock.'  The  almighty 
power  of  God,  indeed,  once  formed  the  holy  hu- 
man nature  of  the  Savior,  in  the  womb  of  a  sinful 
woman;  but  that  was  above,  and  contrary  to,  the 
established  order  of  nature,  that  he  might  appear 
"in  the  likeness  of  sinful  flesh,"  and  yet  be  with- 
out sin.  All  else  are  conceived,  and  shapen  in 
iniquity;  and  we  all  early  manifest  an  aversion  to 
God  and  his  holy  service,  and  our  actual  trans- 
gressions soon  become  numerous.  So  that  unless 
we  be  "born  of  the  Spirit,"  no  spiritually  good 
thing  dwells  in  us  or  can  proceed  from  us:  and 
even  the  little  good  of  the  regenerate  is  greatly 
defiled.  We  should  therefore  learn  to  abase  our- 
selves before  God,  as  abominable  and  polluted 
creatures:  we  should  cease  from  all  dependence 
on  our  own  works;  deprecate  the  strictness  and 
severity  of  the  divine  judgment;  and  cast  our- 
selves wholly  on  the  mercy  of  our  God,  according 
to  the  new  covenant  of  grace,  through  the  media- 
tion of  our  divine  Surety:  and  we  should  daily 
seek  the  renewing  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  and  look 
forward  to  heaven  as  the  only  place  of  perfect 
holiness  and  felicity. — As  the  number  of  our  days 
and  months  is  appointed,  which  we  cannot  exceed; 
we  should  both  seize  the  present  moment,  and 
pray  for  the  preservation  of  our  faculties,  and  tlie 
composure  of  our  minds,  that  we  may  prepare  for 
eternity,  and  finish  our  measure  of  trials  and  ser- 
vices with  comfort  and  acceptance;  relying  on 
the  tender  compassion  of  our  heavenly  Father, 
who  remembereth  that  we  are  but  dust.  A  span 
of  life  alone  remains  unto  us;  our  duties  are  ex- 
ceedingly important,  in  their  consequences  to  our- 
selves and  to  others:  and  if  the  opportunity  be 
slipped,  it  will  be  irrecoverable  for  ever*  What- 
ever then  we  find  to  do,  let  us  do  it  heartily  and 
immediately.  (JVbfe,  £c.  9:10.)  If  our 'trials  be 
heavy  and  many,  they  will  not  here  last  long; 
death  will  finally  terminate  all  our  earthly  sor- 
rows and  comforts:  yet  even  that  is  but  a  sleep; 
the  soul  will  continue  to  live  and  act;  and  the 
body  will  awake  and  live,  when  "the  heavens 
shall  be  no  more."  {J^otes,  Dan.  12:2,3.  1  Thes. 
4:13 — 18.)  If  our  sins  be  forgiven,  and  our  hearts 
renewed  unto  holiness,  heaven  will  be  the  rest  of 
our  souls,  while  our  bodies  will  be  secretly  hid  in 
the  grave  from  the  malice  of  our  enemies,  and  we 
shall  then  feel  no  more  pain  from  the  corrections 
of  our  God.  At  the  appointed  time,  he  will  again 
remember  us;  and  then  we  shall  find  every  cloud 
dispersed,  and  every  frown  removed.  Then  the 
Lord  will  call  his  sleeping  saints,  and  they  will 
answer  him;  they  will  arise  incorruptible  and 
glorious;  they  will  be  publicly  justified,  and  mani- 
fested to  be  his  children  and  heirs;  he  will  shew 
his  love  to  them  and  his  delight  in  them,  as  the 
creatures  of  his  power,  and  the  subjects  of  his 
44] 


3  Should  ''  he  reason  with  unprofita- 
ble talk.^  or  with  speeches  wherewith  he 
can  do  no  good.'' 

4  Yea,  =  thou  t  easiest  off  fear,  and 
•"  restrainest  ^  prayer  before  God. 

5  For  thy  mouth  5  uttereth   thine  ini- 

d  13:4,5.  16:2,3.  26:1—3.     Mai.  |  f  5:8.  27:10.     1   Chr.    10:13,14 


3:13—15.    Matt.  12:36,37.  Col. 

4:6.     1  Tim.  6:4,5. 
e  4:5,6.  6:14.  Ps.36:l— 3.  Zeph. 

1:6. 
\  Heh.  makesl  void.     Ps.   119: 

126.  Rom.  3:31.     Gal.  2:21. 


Hos.  7:14.     Am.  6:10.     Luke 

13:1. 
{  Or,  speech. 
^  Heb.  teacheth.  9:22—24.    12: 

6.     Mark  7:21,22.     Luke  6:45. 

Jam.  1:20. 


grace;  and  death  shall  be  "swallowed  up  in  vic- 
tory." A  {ew  more  days  of  conflict  and  difficulty, 
and  this  change  shall  begin  in  death;  when  the 
soul,  released  from  sin  and  sorrow,  and  perfected 
in  hohness,  will  joyfully  wait  for  the  re-union  ot 
the  body,  and  that  last,  complete,  and  eternal 
change,  when  "mortality  shall  be  swallowed  up 
of  life."  For  this  appointed  period  let  us  wait 
with  godly  fear,  with  realizing  faith  and  cheerful 
hope,  with  diligent  preparation  and  patient  con 
tinuance  in  well-doing;  neither  desirous  of  living 
nor  impatient  of  the  troubles  of  life. 
V.  16—22. 
We  should  on  no  account  yield  to  the  sugges- 
tions of  Satan,  or  the  dictates  of  unbelief,  to  con- 
clude, that  the  Lord  can  deal  even  in  rigorous 
justice  with  a  sinner.,  who  has  a  hope  of  everlast- 
ing life;  or  tliat  he  intends  the  misery  and  con- 
demnation of  those  who  trust  in  his  mercy,  and 
who  desire  to  know  and  do  his  will. — ^We "ought 
to  numlier  our  own  steps,  watch  over  our  sins, 
and  keep  an  exact  account  of  our  transgressions, 
that  we  may  humbly  seek  forgiveness  of  them, 
and  more  highly  value  the  salvation  of  the  gospel: 
and  if  we  thus  "judge  ourselves,  we  shall  not  be 
condemned  of  the  Lord."  He  may  afSict  us  with 
salutary  chastisements;  disease  may  fill  our  flesh 
with  pain,  change  our  countenance,  and  wear  us 
aAvay;  we  may  lose  the  comfort  of  our  families  and 
connexions,  and  every  hope  of  earthly  felicity: 
but  our  God  will  not  send  the  believer  away  into 
the  regions  of  darkness  and  despair;  nay,  he  will 
receive  him  into  tlie  realms  of  eternal  felicity. — 
But  what  a  change  awaits  the  prosperous  unbe- 
liever! When  the  appointed  period  arrives,  a  state 
of  unmixed,  unalterable,  and  eternal  misery  will 
succeed!  How  will  he  answer,  when  God  shall 
call  him  to  his  tribunal.^  Then  indeed  will  he  find, 
though  now  he  will  not  beheve  it,  that  God  num- 
bered all  his  steps,  and  watched  over  his  sins,  and 
kept  an  exact  account  of  all  his  iniquities,  which 
are  sealed  up  as  evidence  to  be  produced 
against  him  at  the  day  of  trial.  And  if  the  light 
afflictions  that  are  but  for  a  moment,  and  which 
God's  own  children  suffer  here,  be  so  wearying 
and  distressing,  what  will  the  vengeance  be  that 
he  reserves  for  his  determined  enemies!  The 
strength  of  mountains  and  rocks  cannot  "stand 
before  his  indignation,"  or  shelter  sinners  from  it. 
Their  hope  will  then  be  destroyed  for  ever. 
Where  will  then  be  their  possessions,  pleasures, 
and  distinctions.''  All  past  away  and  come  to 
nought!  Their  countenance  will  then  change, 
when  the  Judge  shall  bid  them  "depart  accursed 
into  everlasting  fire,  prepared  for  the  devil  and 
his  angels:"  and  when  body  and  soul  are  thus  fill- 
ed with  anguish,  what  comfort  can  they  derive 
from  the  consideration,  that  their  crimes  immor- 
talized their  names,  and  aggrandized  tlieir  fam- 
ilies, and  that  their  estates  descended  to  their 
posterity.'' — But  the  Lord  is  yet  upon  a  mercy- 
seat,  ready  to  be  gracious:  "Oh,  that  men  were 
wise,  that  they  understood  these  things,  that  they 
would  consider  their  latter  end!" 


B.  C.  1550. 


CHAPTER  XV. 


B.  C.  1550. 


quity,  and  e  thou  choosest  the  tongue  of 
the  crafty. 

6  Thine  ''own  mouth  condemneth 
thee,  and  not  I:  yea,  '  thine  own  hps  tes- 
tify against  thee. 

7  Art  thou  J  the  first  man  that  was 
born?  ^  or  wast  thou  made  before  the 
hills? 

8  Hast  thou  heard  '  the  secret  of  God? 
and  dost  "  thou  restrain  wisdom  to  thy- 
self? 

9  What  "  knowest  thou,  that  we  know 
not?  what  understandest  thou,  which  is 
not  in  us? 

10  With  us  are  both  °  the  grey-head- 
ed, and  very  aged  men,  much  elder  than 
thy  father. 

1 1  Are  P  the  consolations  of  God  small 
with  thee?  ^  is  there  any  secret  thing  with 
thee? 

12  Why  doth  'thine  heart  carry  thee 


gPs.    50:19,20.    52:2—4.    64:3. 

120:2,3.  Jer.  9;3— 5,8.  Jam.  3: 

5—8. 
h  9:20.     Ps.  64:8.     Matt.  12:37. 

26:65.    Luke  19:22. 
i  33:8—12.  34:5—9.  35:2,3.   40: 

8.  42:3. 
j  10.  12:12.  Gen.  4:1. 
k  38:4,&e.  Ps.  90:2.   Prov.  8:22 

—25. 
1   11:6.    Deut.  29:29.     Ps.  25:14. 

Prov.  3:32.   Jer.  23:18.   Am.  3: 

7.  Matt.  11:25.  13:11,35.    John 


15:15.    Rom.  11:31.  16:25,26.   1 

Cor.  2:9—11,16. 
m  12:2.  13:5,6. 
n  13:2.  26:3,4.     2  Cor.  10:7.  11: 

5,21—30. 
o  8:8—10.  12:20.  32:6,7.     Deut. 

32:7.    Prov.  16:31. 
p  5:8—26.  11:13—19.  2  Cor.  1:3 

—5.  7:6. 
q  8.  13:2.     1  Kings  22:24. 
r  Ec.  11:9.  Mark  7:21,22.  Acts 

5:3,4.8:22.    Jam.  1:14,15. 


NOTES. 
Chap.  XV.  V.  1 — 13.  Instead  of  being-  con- 
vinced by  Job's  reasoning',  or  softened  by  his  pa- 
thetic complaints,  Eliphaz,  with  increasing'  se- 
verity, led  on  a  second  attack  against  him.  Job 
had  been  reputed  a  wise  man:  but  Eliphaz 
asked,  whether  it  consisted  with  that  character, 
to  propagate  notions  so  empty,  and  to  satisfy 
his  conscience  with  them;  when  they  were  as 
unfit  for  the  purpose,  as  the  unwholesome  east 
wind  would  be  to  appease  his  hunger.  Would 
any  wise  man  reason  with  such  inconclusive 
arguments.'' — Thus  contemptuously  did  he  speak 
concerning  Job's  discourse.  Yet  in  fact  his 
doctrine  was  true,  his  cause  was  good,  and 
many  of  his  observations  very  wise  and  pious. — 
Eliphaz  next  charged  him  with  casting  off  the 
fear  of  God,  and  restraining  prayer  before  him: 
either  because  he  concluded  from  some  hasty 
expressions,  that  Job  had  no  reverence  for  God, 
and  proudly  refused  to  call  upon  him  in  his 
trouble;  or,  that  his  doctrine  would  embolden 
others  to  ungodliness  with  the  hopes  of  impunity, 
or  discourage  them  from  prayer  by  representing 
religion  as  unprofitable.  "Truly  thou  makest 
void  fear"  (that  is,  the  fear  of  God;)  and  dimin- 
ishest  meditation  (or,  worship)  "before  him." — He 
further  accused  him  with  choosing  craftily  to 
cloke  his  iniquity  with  the  semblance  of  piety; 
observing  that  there  needed  nothing  more  than 
his  own  words  to  convict  and  condemn  him. — 
He  next  inquired,  whether  he  were  the  first  of 
men,  or  had  existed  before  the  creation;  whether 
he  were  of  the  secret  council  of  God,  or  had  en- 
grossed all  wisdom  to  himself.  If  not,  why  did 
he  presume  to  know  more  than  any  of  his  friends; 
when  they  were  themselves,  or  had  on  their  side, 
much  elder  men  than  he,  or  even  than  his  father. 
And  he  demanded,  "whether  the  consolations  of 


away?  and  what  do  '  thy  eyes  wink  at, 

13  That  thou  *  turnest  thy  spirit 
against  God,  "  and  lettest  such  words  go 
out  of  thy  mouth? 

14  What  ^is  man,  that  he  should  be 
clean?  and  he  which  is  born  of  a  woman, 
that  he  should  be  righteous? 

15  Behold,  ^  he  putteth  no  trust  in  his 
saints;  yea,  the  heavens  are  not  clean  in 
his  sight. 

16  How  much  more  ^  abominable  and 
filthy   is  man,  which  *  drinketh  iniquity 

like   water.  lPra:tical  observations.^ 

17  IF  I  will  shew  thee,  ''hear  me;  and 
that  tvhich  I  have  seen  I  will  declare; 

1 8  Which  wise  men  have  told  "^  from 
their  fathers,  and  have  not  hid  it: 

19  Unto  •*  whom  alone  the  earth  was 
given,  and  no  stranger  passed  among 
them. 

20  The  wicked  man  ®  travaileth  with ' 
pain  all  his  days,  and  ^  the  number  of 
years  is  hidden  to  the  oppressor. 


s  17:2.  Ps.  35:19.  Prov.  6:13. 

t  25—27.  9:4.     Uom.  8:7,8. 

11  10:3.  12:6.    Ps.  34:13.  Jam.  1: 

26.  3:2—6. 
X  9:2.  14:4.  25:4—6.    1  KingfS  8: 

46.      2  Chr.   6:36.      Ps.   61:5. 

Prov.  20:9.    Ec.  7:20,29.  John 

3:6.      Rom.   7:18.     Gal.   3:22. 

Eph.  2:2,3.     1  John  1:8—10. 
y  See  on  4:18.-25:5.  Is.  6:2—5. 


z  4:19.  42:6.  Ps.  14:1—3.  Rom. 

1:23-30.3:9—19.     Tit.  3:3. 
a  34:7.     Prov.  19:28. 
b  5:27.  13:5,6.  33:1.  34:2.  36:2. 
c  10.  8:8.  Ps.  71:18.  78:3— 6.  Is. 

38:19. 
d  Gen.  10:25,32.  Joel  3:17. 
e  Rom.  8:22. 
f  Ps.  90:3,4.     Luke  12:19- 21- 

Jam.  5:1 — 6. 


God  were  small  with  him:"  that  is,  whether  the 
consolations,  which  they  proposed  to  him,  if 
penitent,  were  so  small,  that  he  should  contemn 
them  as  "phj-^icians  of  no  value."  Or,  whether 
he  had  any  better  method  of  comfort  and  deliver- 
ance, which  he  kept  secret  from  them.  In  short, 
Eliphaz  expostulated  with  Job,  for  letting  his 
own  heart  carry  him  into  such  arrogant  behavior 
to  them,  and  into  so  daring  impiety  against  God, 
as  he  had  just  uttered. — Temptation  and  anguish 
indeed  had  extorted  several  improper  expressions 
from  Job:  but  Eliphaz  was  evidently  angry,  be- 
cause he  did  not  confess  himself  a  hypocrite;  but 
argued  against  the  decision  of  him  and  his  friends, 
and  treated  their  discourses  with  peevish  neglect, 
as  either  false,  or  inapplicable  to  the  case. 

V.  14—16.  UVotes,  4:17—21.  9:1—3,14—21. 
14:1 — 6.)  The  holy  God  puts  no  trust  in  his 
saints,  his  holy  ones,  or  holy  angels:  nay,  he  sees 
defect  and  mutability  in  the  heavens  themselves; 
as  well  as  in  its  inhabitants,  some  of  whom  kept 
not  their  first  estate.  How  "abominable  then 
and  filthy"  in  his  sight  is  man,  even  every  one 
who  is  born  of  woman!  For  it  is  evident,  tliat  he 
naturally  craves  sinful  indulgences  with  a  greedy 
appetite,  and  seeks  his  satisfaction  in  them,  as 
one  who  is  thirsty  desires  and  drinks  down  water 
with  greediness  and  delight:  and  that  he  quenches 
his  perverse  thirst  as  often  as  it  returns,  even  by 
the  commission  of  the  most  atrocious  crimes. — 
This  text  forms  a  conclusive  proof,  that  these 
disputants  were  deeply  convinced  of  the  doctrine 
of  original  sin,  and  the  total  depravity  of  human 
nature,  as  far  as  man  is  left  to  his  own  innate  pro- 
pensities. But  that  doctrine  could  not  fairly  be 
made  to  bear  on  the  point  at  issue;  because  Job 
did  not  attempt  to  justify  himself  from  the  charge 
of  sinfulness,  but  merely  from  that  of  hypocrisy, 
or  gross  wickedness. 

[45 


13.  C.  1550. 


JOB. 


B.  C.   1550. 


j>^  21  A  *  dreadful  sound  is  in  his  ears: 
s  In  prosperity  ''  the  destroyer  shall  come 
upon  him. 

22  He  '  believeth  not  that  he  shall  re- 
turn out  of  darkness,  ^  and  he  is  waited 
for  of  the  sword. 

23  He  '  wandereth  abroad  for  bread, 
saying,  Where  is  if)    he   knoweth  that 

I  "  the  day  of  darkness  is  ready  at  his  hand. 

'  24  Trouble  and  °  anguish  shall  make 
him  afraid;  they  shall  prevail  against 
him,  °  as  a  king  ready  to  the  battle. 

25  For  P  he  stretcheth  out  his  hand 
against  God,  and  i  strengtheneth  himself 

!  against  the  Almighty. 

26  He  ''  runneth  upon  him,  ^  even  on 
his  neck,  upon   the   thick  bosses   of  his 

j  bucklers: 

27  Because  he  covereth  his  face  with 
his  fatness,  and  maketh  collops  of  fat  on 
his  flanks. 

1        28    And    he    dwelleth    in    "  desolate 
'    cities,  and  in  houses  which  no  man  inhab- 


*  Heb.  sound  of  fears.   18:11. 

Gen.   3:9,10.      Lev.  26:36.     2 

Kings  7:6.     Pro  v.  1:26,27. 
g  1:13—19.    20:5—7,22—24.       1 

Sam.  25:36 — 38.  Ps.  73:18—20. 

92:7.  Acts  12:21—23.    1  Thes. 

5:3. 
h  1  Cor.  10:10.    Rev.  9:11. 
j  6:11.9:16.    2  Kings  6:33.     Is. 

8:21,22.   Matt.  27:5. 
k  20:24,25. 
130:3,4.    Gen.  4:12.    Ps.  59:15. 

109:10.    Lam.  5:6,9.    Heb.  II: 

37,38. 
m  18:5,6,18.  Ec.  11:8.  Joel  2:2. 

Am.  5:20.    Zeph.  1:15.     Heb. 

10:27. 


n  6:2— 4.    Ps.  119:143.  Prov.  1 

57.     Is.  13:8.     Matt.  26:37,38 

Rom.  2:9. 
o  Prov.  6:11.24:34. 
p  Lev.  26:23.  Ps.  73:9,11.  Dan. 

5:23.    Mai.  3:13.    Acts  9:5.  12: 

1,23. 
q  9:4.  40:9—11.  Ex.  5:2,3.  9:17. 

1  Sam.  4:7—9.  6:6.     Ps.  52:7, 

Is.  8:9,10.  10:12—14.  41:4—7. 
r  2  Chr.  28:22.  32:13-17. 
s  16:12.  Gen.  49:8.    Ps.  18:40. 
tDeut.  32:15.     Ps.   17:10.  73:7. 

78:31.     Is.  6:10.  Jer.  5:23. 
u3:14.  18:15.  Is.  5:8— 10.    Mic. 

7:13. 


iteth,  *  which  are  ready  to  become  heaps. 

29  He  shall  not  be  rich,  ^  neither 
shall  his  substance  continue,  neither  shall 
he  prolong  the  perfection  thereof  upon 
the  earth. 

30  He  shall  not  '  depart  out  of  dark- 
ness; *  the  flame  shall  dry  up  his  branch- 
es, and  ^  by  the  breath  of  his  mouth  shall 
he  go  away. 

31  Let  '^  not  him  that  is  deceived 
'^  trust  in  vanity:  for  ^  vanity  shall  be  his 
recompense. 

32  It  shall  be  t  accomplished  before 
his  time,  '  and  his  branch  shall  not  be 
green. 

33  He  shall  e- shake  off  his  unripe 
grape  as  the  vine,  ''  and  shall  cast  off"  his 
flower  as  the  olive. 

34  For  '  the  congregation  of  hypo- 
crites shall  he  desolate,  and  tire  shall  con- 
■^ume  ^  the  tabernacles  of  bribery. 

35  They  'conceive  mischief  and  bring 
forth  ^  vanity,  and  their  belly  prepareth 
deceit. 


X  Jer.  9:11.  26:18.  51:37.     Mic. 

3:12. 
y  20:22— 23.    22:15—20.    27:16, 

17.     Ps.  49:16,17.    Luke  12:19 

—21.  16:2,19—22.     Jam.  1:11. 

5:1—3. 
z  22.  10:21,22.  18:5,6,18.    Matt. 

8:12.  22:13.   2  Pet.  2:17.    Jude 

13. 
a  20:26.    Is.  30:33.  Ez.  15:4—7. 

20:47,48.  Matt.  25:41.  Mark  9: 

43 — 19.    2  Thes.  1:8,9. 
b  4:9.   Is.  11:4.   Rev.  19:15. 
c  12:16.     Is.  44<20.     Gal. 6:3,7. 

Eph.  5:6. 
d  Ps.  62:10.    Is.  59:4.    Jon.  2:8. 


e  4:8.    Prov.  22:8.    Is.  17:10,l'k 

Hos.  8:7.  Gal.  6:8. 
I  Or,  cut  off.  22:16.     Ps.  55:23. 

Ec.  7:17. 
f  8:16-19.     14:7—9.     18:16,17 

Ps.  52:5—8.  Is.  27:11.  Ez.  17 

8—10.       Hos.    9:16.    14:5—7 

John  15:6. 
g  Is.  33:9.  Rev.  6:13. 
h  Deut.  28:39,40. 
i  8:13.  20:5.  27:8.  36:13.    Is.  33- 

14,15.    Matt.  24:51. 
k  11:14.    1?:6.    22:5—9.  29:12— 

17.  1  Sam.  8:3.  12:3.  Mic.  7:3. 
1  Ps.  7:14.  Is.  59:4,5.  Jam.  1:15. 
I  Or,  iniquity. 


V-  17 — 35.  Eliphaz  here  again  labored  to 
confirm  his  position,  that  the  righteous  prosper, 
and  the  wicked  are  miserable,  in  this  world.  He 
stated,  that  this  was  not  merely  his  own  opinion, 
but  a  tradition  received  from  their  fathers:  and 
one  which  wise  men  had  alwaj's  approved  and 
taught;  and  they  especially,  whose  exclusive  au- 
thority and  prosperity  were  the  reward  of  their 
singular  piety.  It  was  their  uniform  observation, 
that  wicked  men  passed  through  life  in  pain,  and 
in  constant  dread  of  death:  that  if  they  prospered 
for  a  little  time,  some  spoiler  or  murderer  soon 
came  upon  them:  that  when  they  began  to  be 
distressed,  they  were  driven  to  despair;  and  that 
in  general  they  were  speedily  reduced  to  want 
and  beggary;  and  had  their  trouble  4nd  anguish 
imbittered  by  the  dread  of  impending  vengeance, 
which  would  prevail  against  them  as  a  victorious 
potentate.  He  did  not  mean  that  this  was  the 
case  of  every  transgressor;  but  of  the  presumptu- 
ous rebel,  who  opposed  the  authority  of  God, 
arraigned  his  providence,  and  hardened  his  heart 
in  defiance  of  his  wrath;  who  was  rendered  inso- 
lent and  secure  by  prosperity;  and  who  became 
outrageous  in  adversity,  as  if  he  would  run  upon 
the  Almighty  like  a  desperate  warrior,  who 
rushes  upon  certain  death,  that  he  may  attempt 
revenge  upon  his  enemy.  He  meant  the  man, 
whose  impiety  was  connected  with  rapine  and 
oppression;  by  whom  whole  cities  had  been  deso- 
lated, and  then  occupied.  The  ill-gotten  wealth 
of  such  a  person  would  never  continue,  nor  the 
perfection  of  his  prosperity  be  prolonged.  The 
46] 


wrath  of  God,  like  a  consuming  fire,  would  de- 
stroy him  root  and  branch;  or,  like  a  tempestuous 
wind,  would  drive  him  away  into  darkness  and 
despair.  Let  not  then  any  one,  who  had  gloried 
in  such  false  confidences,  continue  to  deceive 
himself;  since  disappointment  and  vexation  would 
be  his  recompense,  and  his  prosperity,  and  off- 
spring, would  come  to  an  untimely  end.  For 
hypocrites,  however  numerous,  would  be  exposed 
and  ruined;  and  unjust  judges,  who  had  amassed 
riches  by  bribery,  would  be  consumed.  They 
had  conceived  mischief  and  contrived  deceit 
and  fraud;  and  they  would  find  themselves  de- 
ceived and  cheated,  with  the  shadow  of  happiness 
and  the  reality  of  misery. — Many  important 
truths  were  contained  in  this  discourse:  but,  as 
far  as  it  related  lo  temporal  prosperity  or  adver- 
sity., it  admitted  of  numerous  exceptions;  and  it 
implied  an  invidious  application  to  the  case  of 
Job.  It  was  evidently  intimated,  that  he  was  the 
prosperous  sinner,  the  presumptuous  offender,  the 
desperate  rebel  against  God,  the  oppressor,  the 
hypocrite,  the  corrupt  judge:  the  ruin  of  his  sub- 
stance and  family,  with  his  inward  terror  and 
anguish,  were  so  many  demonstrations  of  his 
guilt;  and  his  vindication  of  himself  completed  the 
evidence,  and  almost  constituted  him  a  blas- 
phemer, as  if  he  charged  the  Lord  with  injustice, 
and  set  himself  in  array  against  him. — Thus  Eli- 
phaz inadvertently  took  the  part  of  Satan;  and 
brought  in  a  verdict  against  Job,  as  if  he  had 
actually  and  openly  cursed  God.  {J^otes,  1 :9 — 
11.  4:1.) 


13.  C.  1550. 


CHAPTER  XVI. 


B.  C.  1550. 


CHAP.  XVI. 


I 

Job  reproves  his  friends,  for  their  conduct  towards  him;  and  j 
shews  how  he  would  have  acted,  if  they  had  been  afflicted  as , 
he  was,  I— J.  He  pathetically  describes  his  heavy  and  varied  j 
sorrows,  6 — Iti.  As  a  dying  man,  he  appeals  to  God  to  attest  | 
his  integrity,  17 — -22.  j 


HEN  Job  answered  and  said, 
2     I    have    *  heard    many     such 
miserable  comforters  are  ye  all. 
o"  Shall  tvain  words  have  an   end?  or 


T 

things 


a  6:6,25.  11:2,3.  1J:5.  19:2,3.  26: 
2,3.  Jam.  1:19. 
*  Or,  troublesome.  13:4.  Ps.  69: 


26.  Phil.  1:16. 

t  Heb.  words  of  wind.  6:26.  8: 
2.  15:2. 


PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.   1—16.  _  I 

It  is  easier  to  answer,  than  to  convince,  an  op-  i 
ponent:  yet  when  arg'uments  fail,  contempt  and ' 
railing'  generally  most  abound;  for  far  more  are"! 
capable  of  slander  and  declamation,  than  of  rea-| 
soningwith  cogency  and  temper. — "The  wisdom! 
which  is  from  above,"  teaches  us  to  consider  the  | 
tendency  and  effect  of  our  knowledge,  and  ren- 
ders us  careful  not  to  satisfy  ourselves,  or  amuse ; 
others,  with  unprofitable  notions,  empty  words,  j 
or  delusive  arguments.  Every  investigation  of; 
divine  truth  should  be  conducted  in  tho  fear  of 
God,  and  with  fervent  prayer:  and  whatever  en- 1 
courages  men  in  sin,  or  discourages  their  ap-  [ 
proach  to  the  mercy-seat  of  God,  must  be  false ; 
and  pernicious.  Yet  prejudiced  and  angry  dis- ; 
puters  frequently  charge  consequences  upon : 
their  opponents,  which  are  not  fairly  deducible 
from  their  tenets;  and  accuse  them  of  those  i 
crimes  which  they  abhor. — IMen's  own  mouths 
often  proclaim  their  iniquity;  and  even  betray 
the  secret  hypocrisy  of  their  hearts:  yet  they, 
who  are  forward  to  make  others  "offenders  for  a 
word,"  are  commonly  found  most  guilty,  and  in 
judging  others  condemn  themselves;  and  we 
should  carefully  distinguish  between  the  language 
of  infirmity  and  temptation,  and  that  of  delibe- 
rate impiety.  It  is  common,  for  men  to  exclaim 
against  the  pride  of  others,  when  their  own  pride 
most  manifestly  prevails:  and  this  is  evidently 
tlie  case,  when  they  grow  angry  on  being  con- 
tradicted; and  charge  those,  who  dissent  from 
them,  with  arrogance,  with  pretending  to  be 
wiser  than  all  mankind,  or  engrossing  all  knowl- 
edge to  themselves;  and  when  they  would  decide 
controversies  by  authority,  and  by  their  own  su- 
perior age  and  experience.  We  should  watch 
and  pray  against  this  indecent  and  self-sufficient 
spirit;  and  that  we  may  not  misrepresent  men's 
words,  nor  accuse  them  without  evidence.  In 
the  worst  estate  of  man  on  earth,  he  has  many 
unmerited  comforts  from  God.  No  consolations 
can  be  had  in  trouble,  but  in  the  Avay  of  faith 
and  prayer;  no  other  secret  can  be  found  to  heal 
a  wounded  conscience,  and  a  broken  heart,  than 
the  encouragements  of  the  gospel;  and  however 
proposed,  they  are  worthy  of  our  acceptance. 
Yet  unmerited  reproach  and  unseasonable  severi- 
ty may  so  imbitter  a  man's  spirit,  that  he  cannot 
receive  them  from  those,  who  have  thus  discom- 
posed him.  But,  alas!  "what  is  man,  that  he 
should  be  clean,"  or  righteous!  Indeed,  pious  men 
in  every  age,  and  nation,  who  have  differed  and 
engaged  in  controversy  in  other  things,  have 
unanimously  agreed,  that  our  fallen  nature  is 
abominable  and  polluted,  delighting  in  iniquity, 
and  drinking  it  down  with  greediness.  We  may 
well  then  admire  the  patience  of  God  in  bearing' 
with  us;  and  still  more  his  love  to  us,  in  "the  re- 
demption which  is  in  Jesus  Christ,"  and  the  mer- 
cy and  grace  through  him  vouchsafed  to  all  who 
believe. 

V.   17-35. 
We  should  not  despise  the  wisdom  and  expe- 


*'what  emboldeneth  thee   that  thou    an- 
swerest.'' 

4  I  also  could  speak  as  ye  do;  •=  if 
your  soul  were  in  my  soul's  stead,  I 
could  heap  ^  up  words  against  you,  and 
«  shake  mine  head  at  you. 

5  But  ^  I  would   strengthen    you  with 


b  20:3.  32:3—6.      Matt.   22:46. 

Tit.  1:11.  2:8. 
c  6:2—5,14.    Matt.  7:12.    Rom. 

12:15.   1  Cor.  12:26. 
d  11:2.  35:16.  Prov.  10:19.   Ec. 

10:14. 


e  2  Kings  19:21.     Ps.  22:7.   44: 

14.  109:25.  Jer.  13:16.  Lara.  2: 

15.  Matt.  27:39,40. 

f  4:3,4.  6:14.  29:25.  Ps.  27:14. 
Prov.  27:9,17.  Is.  35:3,4.  Gal. 
6:1. 


rience  of  pious  persons  in  former  ages,  or  the  re- 
sult of  their  observation:  but  neither  authority, 
reputation,  antiquity,  nor  greatness,  renders  men 
infallible. — The  word  of  God  evinces,  that  sin- 
ners are  and  will  be  miserable,  in  proportion  to 
their  crimes,  unless  they  repent  and  obtain  for- 
giveness. Yet  the  most  wicked  may  sometimes 
live  long  in  outward  prosperity,  and  die  without 
any  remarkable  catastrophe:  [J\'otes,  Ps.  73:4 — 
9.)  but  the  vexations  of  the  world,  and  the 
thoughts  of  death  and  judgment,  must  fill  them 
with  pain  and  terror.  Sometimes  they  are  cut 
off  by  premature  death,  reduced  to  unexpected 
poverty,  or  beset  with  dangers  on  every  side;  or 
their  departure  is  attended  with  horror  and  an- 
guish. Commonly  a  curse  corrodes  their  ill-got- 
ten treasures,  and  their  families  speedily  decay 
and  sink  into  obscurity:  at  all  times,  the  wrath 
of  God,  as  a  consuming  fire,  is  ready  to  fasten 
upon  the  dying  sinner,  and  as  a  tempestuous  wind 
to  hurry  him  into  the  regions  of  darkness  and  de- 
spair. This  must  be  the  case  of  all,  who  live 
and  die  forgetful  of  God,  and  neglecting  his  sal- 
vation: but  what  will  be  the  doom  of  those  dar- 
ing rebels,  who  strengthen  themselves  in  direct 
opposition  to  his  known  will,  his  cause,  and  glory; 
and  who  prosecute  their  covetous,  sensual,  ambi- 
tious, or  revengeful  purposes,  in  contempt  of  his 
authority,  and  defiance  of  his  vengeance;  who 
grow  insolent  in  prosperity,  and  desperate  in  ad- 
versity; and  whose  blasphemous  impiety  is  con- 
nected with  the  most  cruel  oppression!  Were  it 
not  notorious,  it  could  scarcely  have  been  con- 
ceived, that  men  could  be  so  infatuated  in  their 
enmity  against  God.  But  "can  their  hands  be 
strong,  or  their  hearts  endure,"  when  he  shall 
call  them  to  his  judgment-seat.' — On  the  other 
hand  the  righteous  may  be  destitute,  afflicted^ 
and  tormented,  even  until  death:  yet  they  shall 
be  supported,  comforted,  and  delivered;  and  the 
perfection  of  their  felicity  shall  be  prolonged  for 
ever.  Let  none  then  deceive  themselves  and 
trust  in  vanity:  as  a  man  sows  so  shall  he  also 
reap;  and  the  whole  company  of  the  wicked, 
however  numerous  and  distinguished,  notwith- 
standing all  their  power  and  sagacity,  shall  perish 
for  ever.  But  let  us  apply  these  truths  to  our 
own  hearts  and  consciences,  examine  our  own 
state  and  character  by  them,  and  cease  uncandid- 
ly  to  judge  and  condemn  our  brethren. 

NOTES. 
Chap.  XVI.  V.  1 — 3.  Job  here  reproved 
Eliphaz,  for  repeating  what  was  in  itself  unhi- 
teresting  and  inapplicable:  and  he  decided  that 
all  his  friends  had  proved  themselves  comforters, 
who  increased,  instead  of  diminishing  his  distress; 
for  they  had  reproached  him  without  ceasing,  in- 
stead of  giving  him  any  suitable  encouragement. 
He  was  surprised,  that  they  would  proceed  with 
such  empty  discourse:  and  that  Eliphaz  should 
have  the  courage.,  or  rather  harshness,  to  reply, 
after  he  and  his  associates  had  been  so  complete- 
ly refuted. — If  we  consider  the  speech  of  Eliphaz 
abstractedly.  Job  undervalued  it:  but  as  it  relat- 

[47 


B.  C.  1550. 


JOB. 


B.  C.  1550. 


my  mouth,  and  the   moving   of  my    Hps 
should  assuage  your  grief. 

6  ^  Though  I  speak,  ^  my  grief  is 
not     assuaged:    and    though    I   forbear, 

*  what  am  I  eased.'' 

7  But  now  ^  he  hath  made  me  wea- 
ry: thou  '  hast  made  desolate  all  my 
company. 

8  And  thou  hast  filled  me  with  wrin- 
kles, which  "^  is  a  witness  against  me: 
and  '  my  leanness  rising  up  in  me  bear- 
eth  witness  to  my  face. 

9  He  •"  teareth  me  in  his  wrath,  who 
hateth  me:  "  he  gnasheth  upon  me  with 
his  teeth;  °  mine  enemy  sharpeneth  his 
eyes  upon  me. 

10  They  have  p  gaped  upon  me  with 
their  mouth;  ^  they  have  smitten  me  upon 
the  cheek  reproachfully;  ■■  they  have 
gathered  themselves  together  against  me. 

1 1  God  hath  +  delivered  me  ^  to  the 
ungodly,  and  '  turned  me  over  into  the 
hands  of  the  wicked. 

12  I    was    "  at     ease,     but    he    hath 

*  broken  me  asunder:  he  hath  also  taken 


g  10:1.     Ps.  77:1—9.  88:15—18. 
*  Heb.  ■what  goethfroin  7rte? 
h3:17.  7:3,16.    10:1.     Ps.   6:6,7. 

Prov.  3:U,U.     Is.  50:4.     Mic. 

6:13. 
i   1:15—19.  29:5,&c 
k  10:17.   Ruth  l.il. 
1  Ps.  106:15.     Is.  10:16.  24:16. 
m  10:16,17.    18:4.       Ps.    50:22. 

Lam.  3:10.     Hos.  5:14. 
nPs.  35:16.  37:12.      Lam.  2:16. 
o  13:24,27.  19:11.    Mic.  7:8. 
p  Ps.  22:13,16,17.  35:21.     Luke 

23:35,36. 


q  1  Kings  22:24.     2  Chr.  18:23. 

Is.  50:6.  Lam.  3:30.    Mic.  5:1. 

Matt.  26:67.    John  18:22.  Acts 

23:2.    2  Cor.  11:20. 
r  Ps.  35:15.  94:21.     Acts  4:27. 
t  Heb.  shut  tnt  up.  1  Sam.  24: 

18.  marg.  Ps.  31:8.    Rom.  11: 

32.  marg. 
s  1:13—19.  2:7.    Ps.  7:14.  John 

19:16.    2  Cor.  12:7. 
t  Ps.  27:12. 

u  1:2,3.  3:26.29:3,18,19. 
x4:l0.     Ps.  44:19.     Lam.  3:4. 

Matt.  21:44. 


ed  to  the  matter  in  debate,  he  must  be  allowed  to 
have  had  some  reason  for  what  he  said. 

V.  4,  5.  A  very  pathetic  turn  is  here  given  to 
tVie  discourse.  Had  Job  been  in  health,  at  ease, 
and  prosperous,  and  his  friends  sick,  bereaved, 
destitute,  and  tempted,  he  could  have  despised 
and  reviled  them  very  readily:  but  how  would 
tkey  have  taken  it.^  He  would,  however,  have 
scorned  to  behave  in  such  a  manner:  on  the  con- 
trary, he  would  have  sug-g-csted  topics  of  conso- 
lation to  strengthen  their  faith  and  patience,  and 
to  assuage  their  grief,  with  the  encouraging  hope 
of  a  happy  event  to  their  afflictions.  [Ji'ote,  4: 
3—6.) 

V.  6 — 16.  These  verses  contain  most  grievous 
complaints,  and  many  harsh  expressions,  which 
may  easily  be  accounted  for,  but  cannot  be  jus- 

titied Job  began  by  observing  that  he   could 

obtain  no  relief,  either  by  silence  or  by  speak- 
ing; as  all  he  said  was  misrepresented,  and  ex- 
posed him  to  further  reproach.  He  declared 
that  He,  God  himself,  "had  made  him  weary," 
even  of  his  life:  and  then,  turning  his  discourse 
to  him,  he  further  complained,  that  he  had  de- 
stroyed his  family,  dispersed  all  his  companions, 
and  left  his  friends  so  to  mistake  his  case,  that 
they  had  become  his  tormentors.  He  had  like- 
wise disfigured  and  wasted  his  body  with  dire 
diseases,  so  that  his  wrinkles  and  leanness  were 
witnesses  against  him.  Job  next  spoke  of  "his 
enemy,  who  hated  him,  tare  him,  and  gnashed 
upon  him"  with  insulting  rage,  and  looked  upon 
him  as  about  to  devour  him.  But  it  is  not  cer- 
tain,- whether  he  intended  this  of  the  severity, 
48] 


me  >'  by    my    neck,   and  ^  shaken  me  to 
pieces,  and  ^  set  me  up  for  his  mark. 

13  His  ^  archers  compass  me  round 
about;  '^  he  cleaveth  my  reins  asunder, 
and  ^  doth  not  spare;  he  ^  poureth  out 
my  gall  upon  the  ground. 

14  He  ^  breaketh  me  with  breach 
upon  breach,  ^  he  runneth  upon  me  hke 
a  giant. 

15  I  have  ^  sewed  sackcloth  upon  my 
skin,  and  '  defiled  my  horn  in  the  dust. 

16  My  J  face  is  foul  with  weeping, 
and  ^  on  mine  eye-lids  is  the  shadow  o^' 
death. 

17  Not  'for  any  injustice  in  mine 
hands:  also  ™  my  prayer  is  pure. 

18  "  O  earth,  °  cover  not  thou  my 
blood,  and  p  let  my  cry  have  no  place. 

19  Also  now,  behold,  ^mj  witness  is 
in  heaven,  and  my  record  is  +  on  high. 

20  My  friends  ^  scorn  me;  hut  mine 
eye  "■  poureth  out  tears  unto  God. 


y  15:26.    Rom.  16:4. 

z  Lam.  3:11.    Ez.  29:7. 

a  7:12,20.     Lam.  3:12. 

b  6:4.    Gen.  49:23.     Ps.  7:12,13. 

c  19:27.    Lam.  3:13. 

d6:l0.    Deut.  29:20.     Ez.  5:11. 

Rom.  8:32.    2  Pet.  2:5. 
e  20:25.     Lam.  2:11. 
t"  Lam.  3:3—5. 
g  Judg.  15:8. 

h  1  Kings  21:27.     Is.  22:12. 
i  30:19.     1  Sam.  2:10.     Ps.  7:5. 

75:5,10. 
j   Ps.  6:6,7.  31:9.  32:3.  69:3.  102: 

3—5,9.    Is.  52:14.    Lam.  1:16. 
k  17:7.   Ps.  116:3.  JoD.  2:   Mark 

14:34. 
]   11:14.  15:20,34.  21:27,28.  22:5 


—9.    27:6,7.    29:12—17.    31:1, 

&c.     Ps.  7:3 — 5.  44:17—21, 
ra  8:5,6.   Prov.  15:8.   1  Tim.  2:3. 
n  Jer.  22:29. 
o  Gen.  4:11.    Keh.  4:5.     Is.  26: 

21.     Ez.24:7. 
p27:9.     Ps.  66:18,19.     Is.  1:15. 

53:9,10.    Jam.  4:3,4. 
q  1  Sam.  12:5.     Rom.    1:9.    9:1. 

2  Cor.  1:23.  11:31.     1  Thes.  2: 

10. 
J  Heb.  in  the  high  places.  25:2. 

Ps.  113:5. 
<J  Heb.  are  tny  sconters.  4.  12: 

4,5.  17:2. 
r  Ps.  109:4.  142:2.    Hos.  12:4,5. 

Luke  6:11,12.  Heb.  3:7. 


with  which  Eliphaz  had  treated  him;  or  whether 
he  meant  Satan,  who  doubtless  assaulted  him 
with  every  horrid  and  terrifying  temptation  to 
drive  him  to  despair;  or  whether  he  thus  spoke 
of  God,  as  become  his  enemy.  [Marg.  Ref.  m 
— o.)  He  however  meant  his  friends,  when  he 
spoke  of  those,  who  "gaped  upon  him  with  their 
mouth,  smote  him  on  the  cheek  reproachfully, 
and  gathered  themselves  together  against  him;" 
(or,  "filled  themselves  against  him,"  that  is,  fully 
gratified  their  ill-will;)  referring  to  their  unani- 
mous accusations,  by  which  they  wounded  his 
spirit,  and  exposed  his  character  to  disgrace. — 
He  then  complained  that  God  had  delivered  him 
into  the  hands  of  wicked  men:  the  Sabeans  and 
Chaldeans  had  seized  his  substance;  and  his 
friends  persecuted  him,  as  if  they  had  been  un- 
godly men;  nor  could  he  obtain  the  least  re- 
dress. Nay,  the  Lord  himself  brake  him  asun- 
der, seizing  upon  him,  and  shaking  him;  as  a 
strong  man,  when  greatly  enraged,  would  seize 
and  shake  one  that  was  feeble  and  helpless:  he 
had  set  him  up  as  a  mark,  at  which  all  the  exe- 
cutioners of  his  vengeance  were  required  to 
shoot  their  arrows;  so  that  he  was  wounded  in 
his  vitals,  and  broken  with  renewed  afflictions; 
and  the  Almighty  seemed  to  run  upon  him  with 
irresistible  force  and  fury,  as  a  giant  or  a  mighty 
warrior  upon  one  who  dared  not  to  oppose  him. 
He  had  therefore  assumed  the  garb  of  a  mourn- 
er and  a  penitent;  and  the  sackcloth,  which  he 
had  put  on,  r,tuck  to  him  as  if  seived  to  his  skin: 
his  honor  and  authority  were  turned  into  deep 
disgrace;  he  was  disfigured  with  incessant  weep- 


B.  C.  1550. 


CHAPTER  XVll. 


B.  C.  1550. 


21  Oh,  that  one  might  ^  plead  for  a 
man  with  God,  as  a  man  phadeth  for  his 

*  neighbor! 

22  When  t  a  few  years  are  come, 
then  I  shall  go  the  way  ^  whence  I  shall 
not  return. 

CHAP.  xvn. 

Job  continues   his   complaints;    and   shews   that   his   sufferings 
would  astonish  the  righteous,  but  not  discourage  them,  1 — 10. 
His  hope  is  not  in  life,  but  in  death,  U — 16. 
s  9:34,35.    13:3,22.  23:3 — 7.   31:  |  +  Heb.  jreow  of  number.   14:5, 
35.40:1—5.  Ec.  6:10.  Is.  45:9.       14. 

*  Ot.Jriend.  t  7:9,10.  14:10. 


M 


Y  *  breath  is  '^  corrupt,  ^  my  days 
are  extinct,  '^  the  graves  are  ready 
for  me. 

2  Are  there  not  *•  mockers  with  me? 
and  doih  not  mine  eye  f  continue  in  their 
^  provocation!^ 

3  Lay  down  now,  '^put  me  in  a  surety 


*  Or,  spirit  is  spent. 
a  19:17. 

b  6:11.42:16.    Is.  57:16. 
c  13,14.     Ps.  88:3—5.    Is.  33:10 
—14. 
d  12:4.  13:9.  16:20.  21:3.   Ps.  35: 


14—16.     Matt.  27:39—44. 
t  Heb.  lodge.     Ps.  25:13.  91:1. 

marg. 
e  1  Sam.  1:6,7. 
f  9:33.    Gen.  43:9.  44:32.    Prov. 

11:15.  20:16.     Heb.  7:22. 


in^;  and  death  seemed  ready  to  close  his  eyes. 
(Ab<e«,  1:16— 22.  2:7—13.  6:1—4.  10:14—17.  13: 
24—28.) 

V.  17 — 22.  It  should  be  recollected,  that  Job 
<lid  not  mean  to  deny  he  was  a  sinner;  but  he 
solemnly  protested  that  he  had  not  been  an  wn- 
just  oppressor,  or  a  hypocrite:  and  if  he  had  shed 
any  innocent  blood,  he  called  upon  the  earth  no 
longer  to  cover  it,  but  to  disclose  it,  that  he  might 
be  openly  convicted.  In  that  case  he  allowed, 
that  he  should  have  no  right  to  compassion  from 
man,  or  to  expect  that  God  would  regard  his  cry 
for  deliverance.  But  he  was  assured  that  He,  who 
dwelleth  in  the  heavens,  knew  his  innocency,  and 
would  be  a  witness  in  his  behalf.  His  friends, 
indeed,  "despised  him,"  but  he  prayed  with 
weeping  before  a  merciful  God:  and  he  wished 
greatly  that  he  could  have  access  to  him;  and 
have  his  cause  pleaded  before  him,  as  one  plead- 
€lh  for  another  before  the  tribunal  of  earthly 
princes;  that  he  might  have  his  injured  character 
vindicated,  before  the  appointed  years  of  his  life 
were  ended,  which  had  been  but  few,  and  were 
now,  as  he  thought,  very  soon  to  be  closed. 

My  friends  scorn  me.     (20)    iy\  ^j)>'?n.     The 

word  yi'?D  is  rendered  an  interpreter;    Gen.  42: 

23.  Job  33:23.  And  the  plural  is  translated  am- 
hassadors;  2  Chr.  33:31.  and  interpreters;  Is. 
43:27.  marg.  and  it  occurs  nowhere  else,  except 
in  this  place.  Hence  man)'  think  it  may  signify 
11  mediator. — Thus  the  passage  may  be  render- 
ed, "My  Mediator  is  my  Friend;  my  eye  pour- 
eth  out  tears  unto  God.  And  one  is  pleading  for 
man  to  God;  and  the  Son  of  man  for  his  neigh- 
bor." By  a  trivial  change  of  the  vowel  points, 
tlie  singular  number  may  be  admitted;  and  thus 
the  sentiment  expressed  may  be  considered  as  an 
additional  proof  of  Job's  faith  in  a  Redeemer. 
{JVotes,  19:23—27.  33:19—26.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

We  are  all  very  incompetent  judges  of  our 
own  performances;  and  often  suppose,  that  we 
have  spoken  things  pertinent  and  excellent, 
wlien  others  deem  them  trite  and  inapplicable, 
and  wonder  that  we  should  dwell  on  topics  not 
worth  hearing,  or  be  emboldened  to  speak  at  all. 
In  fact,  while  the  speaker  is  partial,  the  hearer 
is  often  prejudiced;  and  both  parties  should  watch 
over  themselves,  if  they  would  amicably  settle 
controversies,  profitably  conduct  conversation, 
or  even  preach  and  hear  the  word  of  God  in  a 
becoming  manner. — We  are  not  suitably  affect- 
ed with  the  sufferings  of  others,  because  we  "do 
not  love  our  neighbor  as  ourselves."  It  is  natu- 
ral to  those  who  are  at  ease,  to  give  sage  advice, 
grave  reproofs,  or  solemn  warnings  to  the  afflict- 
ed; and  even  to  censure  and  condemn  them: 
but  we  ought  to  consider  how  ive  should  feel,  if 
thus  treated  in  similar  ciixumstances.  Indeed, 
the  prosperous  are  commonly  troublesome  com- 
forters of  the  afflicted;  sympathy  and  tenderness 
of  spirit  are  seldom  learned,  except  in  the  school 
of  tribulation;  and  the  experienced  believer, 
Vol.  III.  7 


who  can  make  allowances  for  the  anguish  of  dis- 
ease, and  the  force  of  temptation-,  and  recollects 
what  topics  have  proved  consolator)-  to  himself, 
best  "knows  how  to  speak  a  word  in  season  to 
the  weary,"  which  may  strengthen  his  faith  and 
hope,  and  assuage  his  grief. — In  great  distress, 
when  we  can  get  no  relief,  we  are  apt  to  yield  to 
repining:  and,  as  the  believer  may  then  be 
tempted  even  to  think  hardly  of  God's  dealings 
with  him;  he  may  well  be  borne  with,  if  he 
speak  peevishly  and  harshly  of  his  fellow-crea- 
tures.— The  consideration  of  the  variety  of  com- 
plicated miseries  that  a  godly  man  may  endure, 
from  the  frown  and  correction  of  God,  the  rage 
and  malice  of  Satan,  and  the  ingratitude  and 
cruelty  of  men,  in  his  conscience,  reputation, 
connexions,  soul  and  body,  should  teach  us  to 
prepare  for  trials,  and  excite  our  gratitude  for 
our  man}'  mercies;  while  it  should  warn  the  sin- 
ner to  "flee  from  the  wrath  to  come." — How 
weary  and  desolate  will  the  wicked  be  in  the 
eternal  world!  How  will  the  rage  of  Satan,  the 
company  of  the  damned,  mutual  enmity  and  con- 
tempt, and  the  irreconcilable  wrath  of  God, 
unite  with  the  reproaches  of  conscience,  and  the 
horrors  of  despair,  to  fill  them  with  inexpiessible 
misery!  There  they  will  be  the  mark  of  all  the 
arrows  of  divine  vengeance,  and  incessant  weep- 
ing, wailing,  and  gnashing  of  teeth,  will  be  their 
dreadful  employment! — But  should  not  the  same 
reflection  lead  the  believer  to  Gethsemane  and 
Golgotha.'  The  divine  Savior  had  far  more  cause 
than  Job,  to  complain  that  "he  was  made  weary;" 
that  all  his  company  of  followers  was  desolated; 
that  his  enemy  who  hated  him  was  permitted  to 
assault  and  tear  him;  that  he  was  delivered  into 
the  hands  of  the  ungodly,  who  gaped  upon  him, 
[gathered  themselves  against  him,  reproached, 
insulted,  smote,  and  crucified  him;  yea,  that 
I  "it  pleased  the  Lord  to  bruise  him,"  and 
inflict  upon  him  agonies  unknown;  yet  "not  for 
I  any  injustice  in  his  hands:  also  his  prayer  was 
pure."  He  was  "wounded  for  our  transgres- 
sions," and  suffered  for  our  sins,  that  he  might 
deliver  us  from  the  wrath  to  come,  and  bestow 
on  us  the  gift  of  eternal  life.  Should  he  not  then 
be  precious  to  our  souls.'  and  ought  we  not 
promptly  to  obey  him,  and  suffer  for  his  sake.' — 
If  our  conscience  be  sprinkled  with  his  atoning 
;  blood,  and  testify  to  our  integrity;  if  "our  wit- 
ness be  in  heaven,  and  our  record  on  high,"  that 
we  are  not  living  in  iniquity  or  hypocrisy; — 
though  our  afflictions  abound,  our  enemies  tri- 
]  umpli,  and  our  friends  despise  us;  yet  God  will 
receive  our  prayer,  and  regard  our  tears,  and  in 
due  time  plead  our  cause,  clear  our  charac- 
,  ters,  and  assign  a  period  to  our  trials.  And 
[■  when  we  "go  the  way  whence  we  shall  not  re- 
turn," it  will  be  a  release  from  prison,  and  an 
entrance  into  unalloyed  glory  and  felicity. 
I  NOTES. 

1  Ch.if.  XVII.  V.  1,2.  The  nature  and  vio- 
1  lence  of  Job's  disease  rendered  it  painful  to  him, 
[!  and  oifensive  to  others,  when  he  drew  his  breath; 

[49 


B.  C.  1550. 


JOB. 


B.  C.  1550 


with  thee:  who   is   he   that    will  s  strike 
hands  with  me? 

4  For  *"  thou  hast  hid  their  heart  from 
understanding;  therefore  shalt  thou  not 
exalt  them. 

5  He  '  that  speaketh  flattery  to  his 
friends,  even  J  the  eyes  of  his  children 
shall  fail. 

6  He  hath  made  me  also  '^aby-wordofthe 
people,  and  *  aforetime  I  was '  as  a  tabret. 

7  Mine  "  eye  also  is  dim  by  reason 
of  sorrow,  and  all  my  t  members  are 
"  as  a  shadow. 

8  Upright  men  shall  be  °  astonied  at 
this,  and  the  innocent  shall  p  stir  up  him- 
self against  the  hypocrite. 

9  The  righteous  also  shall  i  hold  on 
his  way,  and  he  that  hath  •■  clean  hands 
shall    +  be  stronger  and  stronger. 


g  Prov.  6:1.  11:15.  viarg.  17:1 

■22:26. 
h  2  Sam.   15:31.   17:14.     2  Chr. 

35:16.    Is.  19:14.     Matt.  11:25. 

13:11.   Rom.  11:3.    1  Cor.  1:20. 
I  32:21.22.  Ps.  12:2,3.   Prov.  20: 

19.  29:5.    1  Thes.  2:5. 
j  Ex.   20:5.      Deut.   28:65.      1 
"  Kings  11:12.     Lam.  4:17. 
k  30.9.     1  Kings  9:7.    ?s.  44:14. 
*  Or,  before  them. 
1  Gen.  31:27.    Is.  5:12. 
m  16:16.   Ps.  6:7.  31:9,10.  Lam. 


5:17, 

t  Or,  thoughts.  11. 
n  Ps.  109:23,24.     Ec.  6:13. 
o  Ps.  73:12—15.  Ec.  5:8.  Hab. 

1:13.  Rom.  11:33. 
p  34:30.  Acts  13:46. 
q  Prov.  4:18.       Is.  35:S— 10.      1 

Pet.  1:5.    ]John2:19. 
r  Gen.  20:5.  Ps.  24:4.  26:6.  73: 

13.   Is.  1:15,16.    Mark  7:2. 
+  Heb.  add  strength.    Is.  40:29 

—31.    2  Cor.  12:9,10. 


and  he  concluded  that  his  days  were  expiring', 
and  that  the  sepulchres  of  his  ancestors  were 
ready  for  him.  In  these  doleful  circumstances 
he  was  surrounded  with  professed  friends,  who 
were  indeed  "mockers;"  as  they  insulted  over 
his  misery,  and  despised  instead  of  comforting' 
him:  nor  could  he  turn  his  attention  from  their 
reproaches  to  view  more  encouraging  objects,  or 
think  of  any  thing  else  during  whole  nights. 
[Jlarg.) 

V.  3 — 7.  Again  Job  entreated  the  Lord,  to 
give  him  some  assurance,  that  he  would  soon  try 
his  cause,  or  appoint  some  impartial  judge,  to 
whom  he  could  confidently  refer  the  decision; 
UTotes,  16:17—22.  23:3—7.  33:1—7.)  for  his 
friends,  being  judicially  infatuated,  would  never 
be  honored  in  such  a  service.  He  supposed  that 
i.'^2:r  former  professions  of  affection  for  him  were 
mere  flattery;  or  that  their  doctrine  flattered  the 
prosperous,  as  if  they  were  the  favorites  of 
'leaven:  or,  he  assured  them,  that  though  he  de- 
sired fair  treatment  from  them,  he  did  not  wish 
them  to  flatter  him;  being  sensible  that  God  ab- 
horred flattery,  and  that  those  who  aimed  to  ad- 
vance themselves  by  it,  would  heap  up  disap- 
pointment and  misery  for  their  children. — 'I  must 
'speak  the  truth  of  them,  (though  it  displeases 
'them,)  and  not  soothe  them  in  their  errors:  for  he 
'that  flatters  his  friends,  when  he  should  reprove 
'them,  may  look  long  enough  before  either  he, 
'or  his  children,  find  one  that  will  deal  sincerely 
'with  them.'  Bp.  Patrick. — Indeed,  God  had 
so  reduced  and  afflicted  his  servant,  that  he  was 
become  a  proverb  and  an  object  of  derision,  even 
to  those,  who  before  professed  greatly  to  respect 
and  delight  in  him.  (jYofe*,  29: 18—25.  30:1—14. 
Ez.  33:30—33.) 

V.  8,  9.  Upright  believers,  in  different  parts 
and  ages  of  the  %vorId,  would  hear  how  tliis  con- 
scientious servant  of  God  had  been  afflicted,  and 
how  his  friends  had  treated  him;  at  which  they 
would  be  greatly  astonished.  But  this  would 
excite  them  to  distinguish  themselves  from  hj'po- 
crites,  and  set  themselves  against  them;  especial- 
50] 


10  But  as  for  you  all,  ^  do  ye  return, 
and  come  now:     ^  for  I    cannot  find  one  . 
wise  man  among  you. 

1 1  IT  My  "  days  are  past,  ^  my  pur- 
poses are  broken  off,  even  the  k  thoughts 
of  my  heart. 

12  They  ^  change  the  night  into  day: 
the  light  is   "  short  because  of  darkness. 

13  ^  If  I  wait,  ^  the  grave  is  mine 
house:  ^  I  have  made  my  bed  in  the 
darkness. 

14  1  have  ^  said  to  '^  corruption,  Thou 
art  my  father:  ^  to  the  worm.  Thou 
art  my  mother,  and  my  sister. 

1 5  And  where  is  now  ®  my  hope.''  as 
for  my  hope,  who  shall  see  it.'* 

16  They  shall  go  down  to  ^  the  bars 
of  the  pit,  when  our  '  rest  together  is 
in  the  dust. 


s  6:29.    Mai.  3:18. 

t  4.  15:9.  32:9.  42:7.      1  Cor.  1: 

20.  6:5. 
u  7:6.  9:25,26.     Is.  38:10. 
X  Ec.  9:10.  Is.  8:10.  Lam.  3:37. 

Rom.   1:13.     2  Cor.   1:15—17. 

Jam.  4:13— 15. 
^  Heb.  'possessions. 
y  7:3,4,13,14.  24:14-16.     Deut. 

28:67. 

II  Heb.  near. 
z  14:14.    Ps.  27:14.   Lam.  3:25, 

26. 


a  Set  on  1 — 10:21,22.  30:23. 

b  Ps.  139:8.  Is.  57:2. 

IT  Heb.  cried,  or,  called. 

c  21:32,33.        Ps.    16:10.    49:9. 

Acts   2:27—31.    13:34—37.      1 

Cor.  15:42,53,54. 
d  19:26.  24:20.    Is.  14:11. 
e4:6.  6:11.  13:15.  19:10. 
f  18:13,14.  33:18—28.     Ps.  88:4 

—8.  143:7.    Is.  38:17,18.    Jon. 

2:6. 
g  3:17— 19.     Ez.  37:11.    2  Cor. 

1:9. 


ly  against  such  as  condemned  others  merely  be- 
cause they  were  afflicted.  And  when  God 
should  make  known  Job's  real  character,  and  the 
reason  of  his  extraordinary  trials;  his  example 
would  be  an  adjudged  case,  that  no  adversity 
could  prove  a  man  to  be  wicked,  or  an  object  of 
divine  wrath.  This  would  be  a  great  encourage- 
ment to  the  righteous,  to  hold  on  their  way,  in 
the  midst  of  difficulties,  reproaches,  and  suspi- 
cions; nay,  to  grow  stronger  in  faith  under  those 
very  trials,  which  detected  and  turned  aside  the 
hypocrite.  Some  explain  the  passage,  as  a  wish, 
"Let  the  upright,  &c."  but  in  fact,  these  have 
been  the  effects  of  Job's  sufferings  in  numberless 
instances;  and  this  was  one  grand  design  for 
which  they  were  permitted.  "Ye  have  heard  of 
the  patience  of  Job;  and  have  seen  the  end  of  the 
Lord,  that  the  Lord  is  very  pitiful  and  of  tender 
mercy."  {Jam.  5:11.) — Here  a  glimpse  of  di- 
vine light,  and  a  lively  exercise  of  faith  and  hope, 
broke  forth  in  the  midst  of  the  despondency  of 
Job's  discourse.     {Jfotes,  19:23—27.  23:8—12.) 

V.  10.  Do  ye  return.,  &c.]  That  is,  'Re-ex- 
amine my  cause,  and  alter  your  unjust  decision; 
for  I  cannot  find  one  among  you  who  has  spoken 
on  this  subject,  as  a  wise  man  would  have  done.* 
{J^otes,  6:27—30.  J\Ial.  3:13—18.) 

V.  11,  12.  The  old  translation  seems  here  to 
be  both  more  literal  and  intelligible.  "My  days 
are  past,  my  enterprises  are  broken,  and  the 
thoughts  of  my  heart  have  changed  the  night  for 
the  day,  and  the  light  that  approached,  for  dark- 
ness."— All  the  purposes  which  Job  had  formed, 
however  wise,  pious,  or  benevolent,  were,  as  he 
supposed,  finally  come  to  nothing,  as  his  days 
were  past.  {JS'otes,  Ps.  146:3,4.  Ec.  9:10.)  And 
now  the  thoughts  which  possessed  his  heart  turn- 
ed the  night  into  day,  by  preventing  his  rest. 
Yet  when  the  light  approached,  it  was  turned 
into  darkness  by  the  gloom  of  his  disquieted 
mind. — 'My  thoughts  will  not  let  me  sleep  in  the 
'night,  nor  enjoy  pleasure  in  the  day.'  Bp.  Pat- 
rick.    (J^otes,  7:1—6,13,14.) 

V.  13—16.      Whenever  Job  thought  of  wait- 


B.  C.  1550. 


CHAPTER  XVIII. 


B.  C.  1550. 


CHAP.  XVIII. 


Bildad  sharply  reproves  Job  for  presumption  and  impatience,  1 — 
4.     He  enlarges  on  the  miseries  of  the  wicked,  5 — 21. 

THEN  answered  '^   Bildad  the  Shii- 
hite,  and  said, 

2  How  ^  long  will  it  be  ere  ye  make 
an  end  of  words?  <=  mark,  and  after- 
wards we  will  speak. 

3  Wherefore  '^  are  we  comited  as 
beasts,  and  reputed   vile  in  your  sight? 

4  He  ^  teareth  *  himself  in  his  anger: 
'  shall  the  earth  be  forsaken  for  thee? 
and  shall  ^  the  rock  be  removed  out  of 
his  place? 

5  Yea,  ^  the  light  of  the  wicked  shall 
be  put  out,  and  the  '  spark  of  his  fire 
shall  not  shine. 

6  The   Hght  shall  be  dark   in  his  tab- 
Mark  ais.   Luke  9:39. 

*  Heb.  his  sold. 

f  40:8.   Ez.  9:9. 

g  14:18.   Is.  54:10.    Matt.  24:35. 

h  20:5.     Prov.  4:19.  13:9.  20:20. 

24:20. 
i  Is.  50:11. 


a  2:11.  8:1.  25:1.  42:7—9. 
b  8:2.  11:2.  13:5,6.  16:2,3. 
c  13:5,6,17.  21:2.  33:1.  Prov.  18: 

13.  Jam.  1:19. 
d  12:7,3.  17:4,10.  Ps.  73:22.  Ec. 

3:18.    Rom.  12:10. 
e  5:2.    13:14.     16:9.       Jon.    4:9. 


iug,  in  hope  of  his  sufferings  being'  terminated, 
that  thought  was  associated  with  the  idea  of 
lodging  in  the  dark  and  silent  grave.  His  dis- 
ease, and  his  daily  reflections,  familiarized  his 
mind  to  corruption  and  the  worms;  and  he  was 
induced  to  claim  kindred  with  them,  through  the 
present  loathsomeness  of  his  disease;  and  to  ex- 
pect more  relief  from  them,  than  from  his  friends 
and  nearest  relations. — He  had  indeed  no  hopes 
of  temporal  good;  nor  would  they,  who  flattered 
him  with  these  expectations,  ever  witness  such  a 
change  in  his  circumstances.  All  his  hopes 
would  soon  descend  with  him  into  the  grave; 
when  he  and  his  friends  also  would  rest  together 
in  the  dust.    [Jfotes,  6:8—13,15—23.  9:14—21.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
If  constrained  to  dwell  with  mockers  and  re- 
vilers,  we  should  endeavor  to  withdraw  our  at- 
tention from  them,  by  meditating  on  the  blessed 
society  in  heaven;  that  our  tempers  may  not  be 
ruffled  by  "continuing  in  their  provocation." — 
Through  our  divine  Surety,  the  believer  shall  not 
only  be  justified  from  his  sins  against  God,  but 
from  all  the  false  accusations  of  man. — To  be  so 
judicially  blinded,  that  the  Lord  hides  the  heart 
from  understanding,  forms  a  most  dreadful  case, 
and  forebodes  everlasting  shame  and  misery:  but 
this  never  befals  those  who  humbly  trust  and 
serve  him;  nor  should  we  rashlj'  conclude  it  to  be 
the  case  of  any,  merely  because  they  mistake  in 
some  things,  which  appear  to  us  of  great  import- 
ance.— The  Lord  abhors  the  flattering  of  the 
prosperous,  and  the  contemning  of  the  afflicted: 
we  should  therefore  study  godly  simplicity,  and 
candid  compassion. — Vain  is  the  praise  of  men: 
they  extol  a  person  one  day,  and  insult  him  the 
next;  they  idolize  and  then  execrate,  perhaps 
without  any  otlier  cause,  than  a  change  in  a  man's 
outward  circumstances.  Let  us  then  be  indif- 
ferent about  human  applause,  and  "seek  the 
honor  which  cometh  from  God." — As  we,  at  this 
distance  of  time,  may  derive  encouragement  and 
instruction  from  the  sufferings  of  Job,  so  may 
others  from  our  lighter  afflictions;  and  this  may 
serve  to  reconcile  us  to  them.  Indeed,  the  up- 
right believer  will  extract  benefit  from  every 
event.  The  falls  of  those,  who  once  seemed  to 
run  well,  will  teach  him  humble  watchfulness 
and  jealous  fear;  and  stir  him  up  to  ^uard  against  | 


ernacle,    and   his    t  candle   shall  be  put 
out  with  him. 

7  The  J  steps  of  his  strength  shall  be 
straitened,  and  ^  his  own  counsel  shall 
cast  him  down. 

8  For  '  he  is  cast  into  a  net  by  his 
own  feet,  and  he  walketh   upon   a  snare. 

9  The  ™  gin  shall  take  him  by  the 
heel,  and  "  the  robber  shall  prevail 
against  him. 

10  The  °  snare  is  Uaid  for  him  in  the 
ground,  and  a  trap  for  him  in  the  way. 

11  P  Terrors  shall  make  him  afraid 
on  every  side,  and  shall  k  drive  him  i  to 
his  feet. 


^OT,lamp.  21:17.  marg.     Ps. 

18:28.  Rev.  18:23. 
j  20:22.  36:16.  Ps.  18:36.  Prov. 

4:12. 
k  5:12,13.     2  Sam.  15:31.  17:14. 

Ps.  33:10.  Hos.  10:6.  1  Cor.  3: 

19. 
1  22:10.    Esth.  3:9.  6:13.  7:5,10. 

Ps.  9:15.  35:8.     Prov.  5:22.  29: 

6.    Ez.  32:3.     1  Tim.  3:7.  6:9. 

2  Tim.  2:26. 


m  Is.  8:14,15. 
n  1:15,17.  5:5. 
o  Ps.  11:6.  Ez.  12:13.  Rom.  11: 

9. 
X  Heb.  hidden. 
p6:4.  15:21.    Ps.  73:19.    .Ter.  6: 

25.  20:3,4.  46:5.  49:29.     2  Cor. 

5:11.    Rev.  6:15,16. 
5  Heb.  scatter. 
q  Lev.  26:36.      2  Kings  7:6,7. 

Ps.  53:5.     Prov.  28:1. 


hypocrisy,  and  protest  against  hypocrites:  the  afflic- 
tions of  the  godly  will  teach  him  the  nature  of  hi.-i 
warfare,  and  warn  him  to  prepare  for  the  conflict: 
and  the  heaviest  affliction  which  is  laid  upon  him, 
will  eventually  tend  to  strengthen  his  faith,  in- 
crease his  patience,  and  encourage  his  hope, 
while  he  is  walking  in  the  ways  of  God  and  doing 
his  work. — We  should  always  be  open  to  con- 
viction, and  ready  to  retract  our  erroneous  sen- 
timents and  unmerited  censures;  for  this  is  a  good 
proof  of  wisdom.— The  purposes  and  thoughts  of 
our  hearts  are  soon  broken  off,  by  sickness  or  the 
prospect  of  death;  and  they  often  break  our  sleep, 
and  darken  our  days  with  solicitude  to  no  purpose. 
Let  us  then  learn  to  renounce  carnal  hopes  and 
anxieties,  to  execute  immediately  every  wise  and 
useful  design,  and  "to  cast  all  our  care  upon  him 
that  careth  for  us."  Let  us  remember,  how  near- 
ly our  bodies  are  allied  to  corruption,  tlie  worm, 
and  the  dust;  and  seek  for  that  lively  hope  which 
shall  be  accomphshed,  when  the  hope  of  the 
wicked  will  be  put  out  in  darkness;  that,  when 
our  bodies  are  confined  in  the  grave,  our  souls 
may  enjoy  "the  rest  reserved  for  the  people  of 
God."  ^ 

NOTES. 
Chap.  XVIII.  V.  2—4.  Bildad  had  before 
given  Job  good  advice  and  encouragement; 
{JVotes,  8:4—7,20—22.)  but  here  he  used  nothing 
but  rebukes,  and  presages  of  approaching  ruiii. 
He  speaks,  as  if  there  were  persons  present, 
during  the  debate,  some  of  whom  favored  Job 
and  took  his  part,  when  he  says,  "How  long  will 
it  be  ere  ye  make  an  end  of  words.?"  (JVo/f,  35: 
4 — 8.)  He  thought  it  long,  before  his  own  time 
came  to  speak;  and  he  calls  upon  Job,  and  all 
who  were  of  his  sentiments,  to  7nark  with  atten- 
tion, that  they  might  understand,  what  was  spoken 
by  him  and  his  friends.— It  must  be  allovved,  that 
Job  had  spoken  contemptuously  enough  concern- 
ing the  discourses  of  his  friends,  declaring  that 
"God  had  hid  their  hearts  from  understanding," 
and  that  "he  could  not  find  one  wise  man  among 
them;"  for  he  had  been  too  much  moved  by  their 
unjust  suspicions  and  erroneous  principles.  Bil- 
dad, however,  seems  to  have  been  much  more 
angry;  as  if  Job  had  counted  him  and  his  friends 
senseless  as  beasts. — And  because  he  had  said, 
that  he  "took  his  flesh  in  his  teeth,"  (JVbUe,  I'J: 

[51 


B.  C.  1550. 


JOB. 


B.  C.  1550. 


12  His  strength  shall  be  "■  liunger- 
bitten,  and  ^  destruction  shall  he  ready 
at  his  side. 

13  It  shall  devour  the  *  strength  of 
his  skin:  even  *  the  first-born  of  death 
shall  devour  his  strength. 

14  His  "  confidence  shall  be  rooted 
out  of  his  tabernacle,  and  it  shall  bring 
him  to  ^  the  king  of  terrors. 

1 5  It  shall  y  dwell  in  his  tabernacle, 
^  because  it  is  none  of  his:  ^  brimstone 
shall  be  scattered  upon  his  habitation. 

16  His  '^  roots  shall  be  dried  up  be- 
neath, and  above  •=  shall  his  branch  be 
cut  off. 


r  15:23, 

34:10. 
S  Ps.  7: 

Pet.  2: 
*  Heb. 
t  Gen. 

8. 
u  8:14. 

10:28. 
X  24:17, 

14:32, 


24.     1  Sam.  2:5,36.    Ps. 
109:10. 

12—14.    1  Thes.  5:3.    2 
:3. 

tors.  17:16.  Jon.  2:6. 
49:3.  Is.  14:30.     Rev.  6: 

11:20.  Ps.  112:10.  Prov. 
Matt.  7:26,27. 

.  41:34.  Ps.  55:4.  Prov. 

1  Cor.  15:55,56.  Heb. 


2:15. 
y  12,13.    Zech.  5:4. 
•z  20:18—21.  31:38,39.     Jer.  22: 

13.  Hab.  2:6—11. 
a  Gen.  19:24.   Deut.  29:23.    Ps. 

11:6.     Is.  34:9,10.    Rev.  19:20. 

21:3. 
b  29:19.     Is.   5:24.     Hos.   9:16. 

Am.  2:9.    Mai.  4:1. 
c  5:3,4.  15:30. 


13,14.)  alluding  to  his  exquisite  pain;  Bildad  as- 
cribea  it  to  his  furious  anger,  which  prompted 
him  to  do  himself  a  mischief:  and  as  he  would  not 
allow  himself  to  be  a  wicked  man,  Bildad  con- 
cluded that  he  wished  to  alter  the  fixed  laws  of 
God's  rig-hteous  government,  in  order  that  he 
might  be  exempted  from  punishment. 

V.  5 — 21.     The  remainder  of  this  chapter  is  a 
rhetorical  declamation  on   the   miseries  of  the 
wicked.     There  is  indeed  a  great  deal  of  trutli 
and  animation  in  the  description;  but  the  appli- 
cation of  it  to  Job  was  unjust  and  cruel.     It  does 
not  contain  a  single  proof  of  the  doctrine  main- 
tained by  Bildad,  namely,  that  the  wicked  are 
uniformly  exposed  to  peculiar  calamity  in  this 
world;  or  one  evidence  of  the  wickedness  of  Job. 
For  the  former,  Bildad  appealed  to  facts  which 
by  no  means  would  bear  him  out;  and  the  latter 
he  thought  undeniable   from   Job's   remarkable 
calamities. — Yet  if  we  include  the  state  of  retri- 
bution, as  well  as  that  of  probation,  we  may  de- 
dace  from  this  passage  much  useful  instruction. — 
Job  had  said,  that  "his  light  was  short  because 
of  darkness."     (JVbie,  17:11,12.)    Yea,  answered 
Bildad,  it  is  always  so  with  a  notoriously  wicked 
man.     A  glimmering  of  prosperity,  and  a  spark 
of  hope  may  be  given  him;  but  both  shall  soon 
f^o  out,  and  his  family   will   sliare   his   misery. 
\.mtes,  5:3—5.    8:4—7,11—19.    15:17—35.)     His 
most  vigorous  efforts  to  escape  destruction  will 
be  unavailing,  and  his  craftiest  projects  will  en- 
tangle  him.     He  is  like  one  who  ventures   on 
forbidden  ground,  where  nets,  and  snares,  and 
traps,  are  placed,  which  he  cannot  escape  wher- 
ever he  sets  his  feet:  or  like  a  man  in  a  danger- 
ous road,  where  robbers  meet  and  plunder  him. 
In  short  he  lives  amidst  alarms  and  terrors,  and 
is  always  ready  to  flee  as  from  an  enemy;  famine, 
penury,  or  other  calamities  speedily  befal  him; 
afflictions,  as  it  were,  greedily  devour  him;  dis- 
eases prey  upon  his  strength  and  comeliness;  and 
some  one  more  dire  than  the  rest,  like  "the  first- 
born of  death,"  fastens  upon  him  and  cannot  be 
removed.     Thus  all  his  confidences  fail  him;  and 
death,  as  "the  king  of"  all  the  "terrors"  which 
have  assailed  him,  stares  him  in  the  face,  and 
affrights  him  with  the  near  prospect  of  approach- 
ing misery.     Nay,  destruction  takes  up  his  abode 
in  his  tabernacles:  divine  judgments,   like  the 
fire  and  brimstone  which  destroyed  Sodom,  des- 
52] 


17  His  '^  remembrance  shall  perish 
from  the  earth,  and  he  shall  have  no 
name  in  the  street. 

18  t  He  shall  be  ®  driven  from  light 
into  darkness,  and  ^  chased  out  of  the 
world. 

19  He    shall    e  neither  have  son  nor* 
nephew    among    his   people,    •"  nor   any 
remaining  in  his  dwellings. 

20  They  that  come  after  him  shall 
be  •  astonied  at  ^  his  day,  as  they  that 
+  went  before  k  were  affrighted. 

2] 
the 
that  ^  knoweth  not  God. 


3nt  beiore  k  were  attrignted.  ^ 

Jl    Surely  *  such  are  the  dwellings  of  ?  ' 
wicked,  and  this  is  the  place  of  him  M 


d  13:12.  Ps.  34:16.  83:4.    Prov. 

2:22.  10:7. 
I  Heb.  Xhey  shall  drive  him. 

11,14. 
e  3:20.  10:22.    Is.  8:21,22.  Jude 

13. 
f  20:8.     Prov.  14:32.     Is.  17:13, 

14.    Dan.  4:33.  5:21. 
g  1:19.  8:4.  42:13—16.    Ps.  109: 

13.    Is.  14:21,22.  Jer.  22:30. 
h  20:26—28.  Is.  5:8,9. 
i  Deut.  29:23,24.     1  Kings  9:8. 


Jer.  18:16. 
k  Ps.  37:13.   137:7.     Ez.  21:25. 

Ob.  11—15.    Luke  19:42,44. 
I  Or,  lived  with  him. 
^  Heb.  laid  hold  on  horror.  2: 

12,13.  19:13—19. 
1   11—16. 
m  21:14.     Ex.  5:2.     Jud?.  2:10. 

1  Sam.  2:12.    1  Chr.  28:9.     Ps. 

79:6.  Jer.  9:3.  10:25.    Rom.  1: 

28.     1  Thes.  4:6.     2  Thes.  1:8. 

Tit.  1:16. 


olate  his  family,  and  leave  neither  root  nor 
branch;  his  memory  is  either  lost  or  disgraced; 
he  is  driven  into  darkness  and  chased  out  of  the 
world,  as  not  fit  to  live  or  willing  to  die;  (JVbfe, 
Prov.  14:32.)  and  he  leaves  no  descendant,  son, 
or  grandson,  behind  him:  so  that  all  who  witness 
his  doom  are  terrified,  and  all  that  hear  of  it  will 
be  astonished.  Surely,  concluded  Bildad,  this  is 
the  doom  of  those  who  are  more  wicked  than 
other  men. — No  doubt,  he  meant  this  application 
for  Job;  as  the  whole  description  is  full  of  evi- 
dent references  to  his  varied  calamities,  and  his 
desponding  complaints.  [J)larg.  Ref.\ — But  how 
different  was  the  event  of  his  troubles,  and  the 
sentiments  of  posterity  respecting'  him,  from  what 
Bildad  supposed  they  would  be! 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  eagerness  and  asperity,  even  of  good  men, 
when  heated  in  controversy,  are  often  very  in- 
decent. They  are  slow  to  hear,  swift  to  speak, 
and  swift  to  wrath;  (JVbfe,  Jam.  1:19 — 21.)  and 
ready  to  give  affronts,  but  unable  to  bear  them: 
sometimes  they  are  lead  even  to  boast,  and  re- 
vile, as  well  as  to  misunderstand  and  misinterpret 
each  other;  to  overlook  all  the  wise  and  pious 
sentiments  of  their  opponents;  and  to  make  the 
worst  of  every  apparent  error,  or  sally  of  passion. 
We  all  perceive  the  folly  of  such  violence  in 
others,  and  many  are  afterwards  ashamed  of  it  in 
themselves;  but  few  are  able  to  avoid  it  at  the 
time.  It  is  therefore  generally  our  wisdom,  es- 
pecially if  our  spirits  be  eager,  to  shun  controver- 
sy: and  it  is  always  our  duty  to  watch  and  pray 
against  pride;  for  if  we  duly  considered  how 
mean,  guilty,  polluted,  and  ignorant  we  really 
are,  we  should  not  be  so  much  offended,  even  if 
we  were  "counted  as  stupid  as  beasts,"  and  re- 
puted vile  in  the  sight  of  all  others. — Violent 
anger  torments  those  who  indulge  it:  and,  how- 
ever we  may  fret  and  repine,  we  might  as  easily 
remove  the  rocks,  as  disannul  the  immoveable 
purposes  of  God,  or  alter  the  measures  of  his 
wise  and  righteous  government;  so  that  our  wis- 
dom and  duty  consist  in  seeking  grace  from  him, 
to  enable  us  to  submit,  and  to  deduce  profit  from 
all  his  appointments. — It  is  common  for  angry 
disputants  to  rank  their  opponents  among  the 
enemies  of  God;  to  draw  perverse  conclusions 
from  important  truths;  and  to  confound  their  owa 


B.  C.  1550. 


CHAPTER  XIX. 


B.  C.  1550. 


CHAP.  XIX. 

Job  complains  of  the  persevering  cruelty,  with  which  his  friends 
distressed  him;  and  shews  the  greatness  and  variety  of  liis 
sufferings  1—20.  He  entreats  their  pity,  21,  22.  He  professes 
his  faith  in  a  divine  Redeemer,  and  a  future  resurrection,  23 — 
Tt.     He  warns  his  friends  not  to  persecute  him,  28,  29. 

THEN  Job  answered  and  said, 
2  ^  How  long  will   ye  ^  vex   my 
soul,   and    •=  break    me  in    pieces    with 
words.'' 

3  These  ^  ten  times  have  ^  ye  re- 
proached me:  ye  are  not  ashamed  that 
ye  *  make    yourselves  ^  strange    to  me. 

4  And  be  it  indeed  that  e  I  have 
erred,  ^  mine  error  remaineth  with  my- 
self. 

5  If  indeed  ye  will  '  magnify  your- 
selves against  me,  and  ^  plead  against 
me  my  reproach: 

6  Know  now  that  •  God  hath  over- 
thrown me,  and  hath  ™  compassed  me 
with  his  net. 

7  Behold,  "  I  cry  out  of  t  wrong,  but 
I  am  not  heard:  I  cry  aloud,  but  thej-e 
is  °  no  judgment. 

8  He  hath  p  fenced  up  my  way  that  I 


a  8:2.  18:2.   Ps.  13:1.  Rev.  6:10. 
b  27:2.    Jndg.  16:16.     Ps.  6:2,3. 

42:10.   2  Pet.  2:7,8. 
c  Ps.  55:21.   59:7.   64:3.      Prov. 

12:18.  18:21.    Jam.  3:6— 8. 
d  Gen.  31:7.   Lev.  26:26.  Num. 

14:20.    Neh.  4:12.     Dan.  1:20. 
e  4:6—11.  5:3,4.  8:4—6.  11:3,14. 

15:4—6,11,12.  18:4,&c. 
*  Or,  hardeyit/oxirselves  against 

me. 
f  17.    Gen.  42:7.    Ps.  69:8. 
%  11:3—6. 
h  2  Sam.  24:17.  Prov.  9:12.  Ez. 

18:4.    2  Cor.  5:10.    Gal.  6:5. 
i    Ps.  35:26.  38:16.  41:11.  55:12. 

Mic.  7:8.     Zeph.  2:10.     Zeeh. 


12:7. 
k  1  Sam.  1:6.  Neh.  1:3.    Is.  4:1. 

Luke  1:25.  13:2—4.     John  9:2, 

34. 
1  7:20.  16:11—14.  Ps.  44:9—14. 

66:10—12. 
m  18:8—10.   Lam.  1:12,13.    Ez. 

12:13.32:3.     Hos.  7:12. 
n  10:3,15—17.  16:17—19.  21:27. 

Ps.  22:2.  Jer.  20:8.     Lam.  3:8. 

Hab.  1:2,3. 
t  Or,  violence. 
o  9:32.  13:15—23.   16:21.  23:3— 

7.  31:35,36.  34:5.  40:8. 
p  3:23.     Ps.  88:3.     Lam.   3:7,9. 

Hos.  2:6. 


opinions,  which  are  often  erroneous,  with  the  un- 
erring testimonies  of  Scripture. — In  this  world 
there  is  no  exact  external  discrimination  betwixt 
the  righteous  and  the  wicked.  Yet  even  on  earth, 
which  is  as  the  wicked  mail's  heaven,  he  meets 
with  continual  anxiety,  terror,  and  vexation; 
with  pain  and  sickness;  with  bitter  disappoint- 
ments to  his  pride,  avarice,  or  ambition;  and  with 
galhng  affronts  and  injuries:  he  experiences 
sting's  of  conscience,  and  the  dread  of  the  wrath 
of  God;  and  death  is  to  him  emphatically  "the 
king  of  terrors,"  which  threatens  to  tear  him 
from  all  he  loves,  and  plunge  him  into  all  he  fears. 
These  things  often  extort  the  doleful  groan: 
though  at  other  times  he  smothers  his  anguish  in 
his  breast,  conceals  it  with  a  smile,  or  drowns  it 
in  hypocritical  mirth,  and  sensual  indulgence. 
He  is  continually  losing  his  comforts,  or  his  relish 
for  them;  and  he  has  no  calm  confidence  in  God, 
no  "joy  in  the  Holy  Ghost,"  no  lively  hope,  no 
communion  with  a  heavenly  Father,  to  counter- 
vail the  loss.  Yet  he  cleaves  to  the  world,  as  his 
best,  his  all;  and  is  chased  out  of  it  sorelj^  against 
his  will:  whilst  God  seems  to  frown,  and  con- 
science forbodes  that  he  is  about  to  be  driven 
from  light,  into  eternal  darkness  and  despair. 
Whether  he  believe  it,  or  not,  "surely  such  will 
be  the  dwellings  of  the  wicked;  and  this  the  place 
of  him  that  knowetli  not  God."  Thus  "his  light 
shall  be  put  out,  and  the  spark  of  his  fire 
shall  not  shine."  [J^ote,  Prov.  4:18,19.)  Nor 
will  it  signify  to  him,  whether  his  memory  be 
honored,  and  his  family  flourish;  or  whether  the 


cannot  pass,  and  'i  he  hath   set  darkness 
in  my  paths. 

9  He  hath  "■  stripped  me  of  my  glory, 
and  taken  the  crown  from  my  head. 

1 0  He  hath  '^  destroyed  me  on  every 
side,  and  *  I  am  gone:  and  "  mine  hope 
hath  he  removed  like  a  tree. 

1 1  He  hath  also  ^  kindled  his  wrath 
against  me,  and  ^  he  counteth  me  unto 
him  as  one  of  his  enemies. 

12  '•  His  troops  come  together,  and 
*  raise  up  their  way  against  me,  and  en- 
camp round  about  my  tabernacle. 

13  He  hath  ^  put  my  brethren  far 
from  me,  and  mine  acquaintance  are 
verily  '^  estranged  from  me. 

14  My  ^  kinsfolk  have  failed,  and 
my  ®  familiar  friends  have  forgotten 
me. 

15  They  that  •■  dwell  in  mine  house, 
and  my  maids,  ^  count  me  for  a  stran- 
ger:   I  am  an  alien  in  their  sight. 

16  1  called  ^  my  servant,  and  he  gave 
me  no  answer;  I  entreated  him  with  my 
mouth. 

17  My  'breath  is  strange  to  my  wife, 


q  Josh.  24:7.  Prov.  4:19.  Is.  50:  i  z  16:11.    Is.  10:5,6.  51:23. 

10.    Jer.  13:16.  23:12.    John  8:  |  a  30:12, 

12. 
r  29:7—14,20,21.  30;  1.     Ps.  49: 

16,17.  89:44.  Is.  61:6.    Hos.  9: 

11,12. 
s  1:13— 19.  2:7.     Ps.  88:13— 18. 

2  Cor.  4:8,9. 
t   17:11.   Ps.  102:11. 
u6:ll.    8:13—18.    17:15.    24:20. 

Ps.  37:35,36. 
X  Peut.  32:22.     Ps.  89:46.  90:7. 
y  13:24.  16:9.  33:10.     Lam.  2:5. 


b  Ps.  31:11.  33:11.  69:8,20.  88:8, 
18.    Matt.  26:56.    2  Tim.  4:16. 

c  6:21—23. 

d  Prov.  18:24.  Mic.  7:5,6.  Matt. 
10:21. 

e  2  Sam.  16:23.     Ps.  55:12—14. 
i    Jer.  20:10.    John  13:18. 
I  f  16—19. 
I  g  31:31,32.     Ps.  123:3,4. 

h  1:15,16,17,19. 

i  2:9,10.  17:1. 


one  be  buried  in  oblivion  or  covered  with  infamy, 
whilst  the  other  is  clean  rooted  out. — But  they 
who  partake  of  the  salvation  which  is  in  C!hrist 
Jesus,  are  happy  in  the  midst  of  their  tribula- 
tions: they  liave  hope  and  comfort;  peace  of  con- 
science and  a  submissive  will  are  their  privilege; 
death  is  no  longer  to  them  "the  king  of  terrors;" 
nor  will  they  be  chased  out  of  the  world,  or 
driven  from  light  into  darkness.  On  the  contrary, 
death  will  remove  them  to  the  land  of  perfect 
knowledge,  purity,  and  felicity;  they  "shall  be 
had  in  everlasting  remembrance,"  and  they  may 
depart  hence  with  the  hope,  that  their  posterity 
also  shall  be  blessed. — Bear  up  then,  j^e  suffering 
believers:  ye  shall  for  a  little  time  have  sorrow, 
but  your  Beloved  "will  see  you  again,  and  your 
heart  shall  rejoice,  and  your  joy  no  man  taketh 
from  you."     (./Vofe,  John  10:1 6—22. ) 

NOTES. 
Chap.  XIX.  V.  2—4.  Bildad  had  begun 
both  his  answers  to  Job  with,  "How  long.'" 
(8:2.  18:2.)  But  Job  thought  that  he  had  more 
occasion  to  complain  of  the  incessant  accusations 
of  his  friends,  than  they  of  his  persevering  self- 
defence.  Their  harsh  words  vexed  his  soul,  and 
even  broke  him  in  pieces,  destroying  all  his 
courage  and  confidence.  They  had  reproached 
him  ten  times:  a  definite  for  an  indefinite  num- 
ber. {Marg.  Ref.  d.)  They  ought  to  be  asham- 
ed, thus  to  treat  their  friend  as  a  stranger,  or  an 
enemy:  if  indeed  he  were  mistaken,  his  error 
chiefly  hurt  himself;    and  if  he  were  guilty,  he 

[53 


B.  C.  1550. 


JOB. 


B.  C.  1550. 


though  I  entreated  for  the  children's  sake 
of  mine  own  *body. 

18  J  Yea,  t  young  children  despised 
me;    I  arose,  and  they  spake  against  me. 

19  All  I  my  inward  friends  abhorred 
me:  and  ^  they  whom  I  loved  are 
turned  against  me. 

20  My  '  bone  cleaveth  to  my  skin 
5  and  to  my  flesh,  "^  and  I  am  escaped 
with  the  skin  of  my  teeth. 

21  Have  pity  upon  me,  "  have  pity 
upon  me,  O  ye  my  friends;  for  °  the  hand 
of  God  hath  touched  me. 

22  Why  do  ye  p  persecute  me  as 
God,   1  and  are    not    satisfied    with    my 

nesh.'^  [Practical  Observations.] 

4:8. 


*  Heb.  belly. 
j  30:1,12.  2  Kings  2:23.  Is.  3:5. 
t  Or,  the  wicked. 
J  Heb.   the  -men  of  iny  secret. 

Ps.  41:9.  65:12—14,20. 
k  6:14,15.  Ps.  109:4,5.  Luke  22: 

48. 
1  30:30.  33:19—22.    Ps.  22:14— 

17.  3-2:3,4.  38:3.  102:3,5.  Lam. 


f,  Or,  as. 

m  2:4—6.  7:5.    Lam.  .'5:4.  5:10. 
n  6:14.    Rom.  12:15.    1  Cor.  12: 
26.    Heb.  13:3. 
0  1:11.2:5,10.6:4.    Ps.  38:2. 
p  10:16.  16:13,14.     Ps.  69:26. 
q  2:5.  31:31.  Is.  51:23.  Mic.  3:3. 


must  bear  the  punishment,  nay;  he  actually  was 
severely  suffering  for  his  sins,  and  was  rather  an 
object  of  compassion  than  of  severity. 

V.  5 — 22.  In  these  verses  Job  most  patheti- 
cally expostulated  with  his  friends,  about  their 
unkindness.  If  they  determined  to  mag-nify 
themselves  against  him,  by  assuming  the  author- 
ity of  judges;  they  ought,  at  least,  to  consider 
how  great  his  miseries  were,  that  they  might  be 
aware  what  cause  he  had  to  complain,  and  how 
little  reason  there  was  to  add  to  his  suffering; 
and  that  God  himself  was  contending  with  him, 
and  had  overthrown  him,  and  so  entangled  him 
in  inextricable  difficulties,  that  he  could  not  es- 
cape. He  was  plundered  of  his  substance,  and 
as  injuriously  robbed  of  his  good  name;  and  he 
could  not  prevail  to  obtain  a  hearing  of  his  cause, 
or  anj'  answer  to  his  prayer.  His  path  was  ob- 
structed by  impassible  difficulties,  and  covered 
with  impenetrable  darkness,  so  that  he  knew  not 
where  he  was,  or  what  to  do.  [J\'otes,  Lam.  3:2 
— 20.)  He  had  been  stripped  of  his  honor  and 
authority;  his  possessions,  family,  and  every  hope 
of  temporal  comfort,  were  destroyed,  like  a  tree 
which  is  plucked  up  by  the  roots;  and  he  had 
such  an  inward  sense  of  God's  indignation,  that 
he  was,  in  his  own  apprehensions,  counted  as 
one  of  his  enemies.  In  short,  the  judgments  of 
God,  like  armies  of  hostile  invaders,  were  evi- 
dently come  to  besiege  his  tabernacle:  and  his 
friends,  relations,  and  acquaintance,  notwith- 
standing their  attachment  and  obligations  to  him 
in  his  prosperity,  were  now  estranged  from  him, 
and  seemed  scarcely  to  remember  his  name. 
His  few  remaining  servants  would  neither  obey 
his  authority,  regard  his  entreaties,  nor  afford 
him  any  relief;  but  kept  at  a  distance,  as  disgust- 
ed with  his  appearance,  or  as  despising  his  ab- 
ject condition.  Nay,  his  wife,  forgetful  of  con- 
j^igal  affection  and  duty,  would  not  come  near 
him  in  his  extremity;  though  he  entreated  her 
sympathy  and  assistance,  for  the  sake  of  their  chil- 
dren, the  pledges  of  their  former  love,  and  the  oc- 
,  casion  of  their  present  common  sorrow!  Even  the 
children  of  his  neighbors  watched  his  words  and 
actions,  in  order  to  deride  him;  and  his  inward 
friends,  to  whom  he  had  intrusted  his  secret 
thoughts,  and  whom  he  had  loved  for  their  sup- 

Eosed  piety,  were  become  his  enemies,  and  ab- 
orred  him.     At  the  same  time  his  disease  had 
54] 


23  IT  II  Oh,  that  •■  my  words  were  now 
written!  oh,  that  they  were  printed  in  a 
book! 

24  That  they  were  ^  graven  with  an 
iron  pen  and  lead,  in  the  rock  for    ever! 

25  For  *  I  know  that  my  Redeemer 
liveth,  and  that  "he  shall  stand  at  the 
latter  day  upon  the  earth: 

26  ^  And  though  after  my  skin  ivorms 
destroy  this  body,  yet  ^  in  my  flesh  shall 
I  see  God: 

27  Whom  y  I  shall  see  for  myself, 
and  mine  eyes  shall  behold,  and  not 
**  another;  tt  though  my  reins  be  consum- 
ed W  within  me. 


II  Heb.  Who  viill  give,  £rc. 

r  31:35.     Is.  8:1.  30:8. 

s  Ex.  28:11,12,21.  32:16.    Deut. 

27:2,3,8.    Jer.  17:1. 
t  33:23,24.    Ps.  19:14.    Is.  54:5. 

59:20,21.  Eph.  1:7. 
u  Gen.  3:15.  22:18.      John  5:22 

—29.    Jiide  14,15. 
IT  Or,    4/ier    /    shall    aviake, 

though  this  body  be  destroyed, 

yet  oiit  of  my  jiesh  shall  I  see 


God.     Ps.  17:15. 
X  Ps.  16:9,11.  Matt.  5:8.   1  Cor 

13:12.    Phil.  3:21.    IJohn  3:2 

Rev.  1:7. 
y  Num.  24:17.    Is.  26:19. 
**  Heb.  o  stranger. 
tt  Or,  Tny  reins  viithin  me  are 

consumed  with  earnest  desire 

[for   that    day.]      Ps.    119:81. 

Phil.  1:23. 
IJ  Heb.  in  my  bosom. 


reduced  him  to  a  mere  skeleton;  even  his  very 
skin  was  consumed,  so  that  nothing  was  reserv- 
ed to  him  entire,  but  his  gums  and  his  teeth. — In 
this  wretched  case  he  pathetically  implored  the 
compassion  of  his  friends:  God  had  touched  him 
in  every  tender  part;  they  needed  not  add  their 
persecuting  reproaches  to  his  awful  judgments, 
as  if  vested  with  the  Lord's  prerogative,  and  act- 
ing by  his  authority;  and  they  ought,  surely,  to 
be  satisfied  with  his  outward  sufferings,  without 
wounding  his  spirit,  or  bereaving  him  of  his  hope 
in  God. 

V.  23—27.  The  Spirit  of  God  seems,  at  this 
time,  to  have  powerfully  operated  on  the  mind 
of  Job.  The  gloom  and  tempest  of  his  soul 
were  dispersed;  and  he  afterwards  discoursed 
with  more  serenity  and  resignation.  At  some 
timers  he  had  appeared  ready  to  despair:  but  here 
he  "witnessed  a  good  confession,"  declared  the 
soundness  of  his  faith  and  the  assurance  of  his 
hope,  and  seemed  to  emerge  from  his  tempta- 
tions, in  the  extremity  of  his  afflictions,  even  as 
the  expiring  Jesus,  when  the  depth  of  his  inward 
sufferings  was  over,  exclaimed,  "It  is  finished," 
and,  "Father,  into  thy  hands  I  commend  my 
spirit."  [J^otes,  6:8—13.  9:14—21.  10:18—22. 
Matt.  26:36 — 39.  27:50.)— Job  began  by  solemn- 
ly wishing  that  what  he  was  about  to  utter,  (for 
of  that  he  seems  to  speak,  rather  than  of  the 
protestations  of  his  integrity,)  might  be  recorded 
in  the  most  public  and  indelible  manner,  "in  a 
book,"  or  "with  an  iron  pen  and  lead,  or  upon  a 
rock  for  ever;"  according  to  the  several  methods 
then  in  use  of  registering  remarkable  transac- 
tions: and  in  this  God  granted,  nay  exceeded  his 
desires;  for,  being  written  in  the  sacred  scrip- 
tures, his  words  will  continue  to  the  end  of  time, 
and  be  made  useful  to  multitudes  in  all  ages  and 
nations.  "I  know,"  says  he,  "that  my  Redeem- 
er liveth."  The  word  translated  "Redeemer," 
signifies  a  kinsman,  or  near  relation,  to  whom 
the  redemption  of  captives,  or  of  alienated  es- 
tates, belonged  by  custom,  even  before  the  giv- 
ing of  the  law.  {J\otes,  Lev.  25:25—28.  Ruth 
4:1 — B.)  The  promised  Seed  of  the  woman,  who 
was  to  assume  the  nature  of  man,  and  be  his  Re- 
deemer, vt'cs  evidently  intended.  Job  was  as- 
sured that  this  Redeemer  of  sinners,  who  ran- 
soms and  restores  to  them  their  forfeited  inheri- 
tance, was  his  Redeemer;  he  was  conscious  that 


B.  C.  1550. 


CHAPTER  XIX. 


B.  C.  1550. 


28  But  ye  should  say,  ^  Why  perse- 
cute we  him.f'  *  seeing  *  the  root  of  the 
matter  is  found  in  me. 

z  92.  Ps.  69:26.  I    is  found  in  mt> 

*  Or,  and  what  root  of  matter  \  a  1  Kings  14:13. 


he  embraced  the  promise  of  his  coming,  and  ex- 
pected salvation  through  him.  He  had  no  doubt 
that  he  was  even  at  that  time  a  living  Redeemer: 
which  accords  to  the  words  of  Jesus,  "Before 
Abraham  was,  I  AM."  He  beUeved  also  that 
"he  would  stand  at  the  latter  day  upon  the 
earth;"  that  "in  the  fulness  of  time,"  he  would 
appear  as  "the  Seed  of  the  woman,  to  bruise 
the  serpent's  head,"  while  his  "own  heel  would 
be  crushed;"  that  after  his  resurrection  he  would 
stand  up  as  the  "First-fruits  of  them  that  sleep" 
in  the  dust  of  the  earth;  and  that,  at  the  last  day, 
he  would  appear  as  the  Judge  of  the  world,  to 
raise  the  dead,  to  destroy  this  earth,  and  to  com- 
plete the  redemption  of  his  people. — As  to  Job 
himself,  though  after  his  skin,  which  was  almost 
destroyed,  his  body  would  be  consumed  by  putre- 
faction; yet  he  should  be  raised  again  from  the 
dead,  and  behold  his  God  and  Savior.  Him  he 
should  certainly  behold  "for  himself,"  as  his 
Portion  and  Felicity;  not  only  as  the  Object  of 
mental  contemplation,  but  with  his  own  eyes,  in 
his  own  body  raised  from  the  dead,  and  not  in 
another.  All  this  he  firmly  believed  and  assur- 
edly hoped  for,  though  at  present  his  reins,  or  vi- 
tals, were  consumed  within  him  by  disease,  and 
he  despaired  of  recovery  in  this  world. — Other 
interpretations  have  been  given  of  this  extraor- 
dinary testimony;  but  none  that  will  bear  com- 
parison with  this  most  obvious  explanation  of  the 
original. — The  old  translation  of  two  verses  is 
very  literal,  and  worthy  of  notice:  "For  I  am 
sure  that  my  Redeemer  liveth,  and  he  shall  stand 
at  last  upon  the  earth:  and  though  after  my  skin, 
vmrms  shall  destroy  this  body:  yet  shall  I  see 
God  in  my  flesh."  The  last  clause  indeed  may 
either  refer  to  the  Redeemer's  incarnation,  or 
to  his  own  future  resurrection,  or  to  both. 

In  my  jlssh  shall  I  see  God.     (26)    hiSn  mnx 

nt?3D- — The  construction  of  ni?a  with  the  prep. 

jD  appears  to  militate  against  the  opinion,  that 

Job  expressed  his  expectation  of  seeing  God  in 
human  nature.  He  says,  ^'■From  my  flesh,  &c." 
That  is,  'My  soul,  residing  again  in  my  body, 
'shall,  out  of  it,  behold  God.'  And  he  then  men- 
tions the  eyes,  which  are,  as  it  were,  the  win- 
dows of  the  body,  and  through  which  the  soul 
views  objects. 

V.  28,  29.  After  this  confident  declaration  of 
his  faith  and  hope.  Job  again  warned  his  friends 
no  longer  to  persecute  him;  as  they  had  sufficient 
evidence,  that  the  root  of  divine  faith  and  grace 
was  planted  in  his  heart,  whence  all  true  godli- 
ness springs:  that  on  a  careful  examination,  it 
would  be  found  that  the  doctrine  which  he  main- 
tained sprang  from  the  root  of  truth;  and,  that 
this  would  appear  to  their  confusion,  at  the  com- 
ing of  the  Judge.  So  that  it  would  be  danger- 
ous for  them  to  treat  hira  as  a  hypocrite,  or  an 
infidel:  for  God  in  anger  might  visit  them  with 
some  terrible  calamity;  and  teach  them  by  pain- 
ful experience,  that  there  is  a  judgment  appoint- 
ed, when  he  will  avenge  his  servants  on  their 
enemies  and  calumniators. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.   1—22. 
Harsh  language,  from  professed  friends,  great- 
ly adds  to  the  weight  of  outward  afflictions,  and 
destroys  the  inward  support  and  comfort  of  the 
soul.    They  ought  therefore  to  be  ashamed,  who 


29  Be  '^  ye  afraid  of  the  sword:  for 
wrath  bringeth  the  punishments  of  the 
sword,  *=  that  ye  may  know  there  is  a 
judgment. 


b  13:7—11.     Rom.  13:1—4. 

c  Ps.  . '58:10,11.   Ec.  11:9.    Matt. 


7:1,2.    Jam.  4:11,12. 


treat  with  unkindness,  or  load  with  reproach, 
those  who  have  a  right  to  expect  comfort  and  as- 
sistance from  them.  Yet,  if  our  friends  "magni- 
fy themselves  against  us,"  and,  as  unjust  and  un- 
authorized judges,  condemn  us  as  hypocrites;  it 
is  best  neither  to  lay  the  matter  to  heart,  nor  to 
keep  an  account  of  their  slanders  or  revilings, 
lest  we  should  be  tempted  to  harbor  resentment, 
or  to  watch  our  opportunity  of  retaliation. 
Rather  let  us  "look  to  him,  who  endured  the 
contradiction  of  sinners  against  himself;"  and 
who  was  treated  with  far  more  unmerited  and 
ungrateful  insult  and  cruelty,  than  even  Job  was, 
or  we  can  be. — But  it  is  very  distressing  to  one 
who  loves  God,  and  who  has  long  sought  happi- 
ness in  the  light  of  his  countenance,  to  be  at  the 
same  time  under  his  severe  rebukes,  to  experi- 
ence the  hiding  of  his  face,  and  the  sense  of  his 
displeasure,  and  be  tempted  to  conclude  that  he 
is  counted  as  one  of  his  enemies;  to  be  bereaved 
at  once  of  outward  honor,  prosperity,  and  com- 
fort, and  of  inward  consolations;  to  have  every 
prospect  clouded  with  the  appearance  of  future 
miseries,  and  the  soul  disquieted  with  grievous 
temptations  and  horrors.  Yet,  if  in  addition  to 
all  this,  the  character  be  loaded  with  infamjr,  and 
every  friend  and  relative  be  estranged  and  set 
against  the  sufferer;  if  those  diseases  or  afflic- 
tions, which  should  command  sympathy  and  re- 
lief, only  excite  disgyst  and  abhorrence,  and  en- 
courage the  insults  of  the  vilest  of  mankind; — 
if  this,  and  more,  should  come  upon  any  man  at 
once;  it  would  only  render  him  more  conforma- 
ble to  the  Savior,  and  not  in  the  least  weaken 
the  proof  of  his  being  a  child  of  God,  and  an 
heir  of  eternal  glory.  Nor  should  we  be  over 
confident  that  this  will  not  be  our  case.  Should 
it  please  the  Lord,  to  prove  us  with  complicated 
afflictions,  we  know  not  how  soon  many  of  our 
friends,  and  even  nearest  relations,  might  forget 
every  tie  of  nature,  affection,  and  gratitude;  how 
much  our  case  and  character  might  be  mistaken 
by  our  most  intimate  religious  companions;  how 
far  we  might  become  "a  reproach  to  the  foolish," 
and  to  the  meanest  of  our  dependents  and  inferi- 
ors; or  how  fruitless  it  might  be,  to  call  upon 
any  of  them  to  pity  or  to  help  us,  when  "the  hand 
of  God  had  touched  us;"  and  every  one  might 
act,  as  if,  not  satisfied  with  our  outward  trials, 
he  was  intent  only  on  increasing  our  inward  dis- 
quietude.— We  ought  then  to  be  thankful  for 
present  exemptions,  learn  to  sympathize  witli 
others  in  distress,  and  prepare  for  the  worst  that 
can  befal  us. 

V.  23—29. 
No  true  believer  will,  in  any  possible  case,  be 
Irft  entirely  comfortless.  (JVote,  John  14:18 — 
20.)  "There  is  a  Friend,  who  loveth  at  all 
times,  and  a  Brother,  who  is  born  for  adversity." 
The  long-expected  Redeemer  once  "stood  upon 
the  earth"  in  human  nature,  as  our  Surety,  to 
ransom  our  souls  by  his  precious  blood;  we  are 
assured,  that  in  heaven  "he  ever  liveth  to  make 
intercession  for  us;"  and  at  the  last  day  he  will 
again  appear,  in  glorj',  to  raise  the  dead  and  to 
judge  the  world.  At  that  solemn  period  all  his 
enemies  shall  weep  and  wail  because  of  him;  but 
his  people,  raised  up  incorruptible,  immortal, 
and  glorious,  shall  see  him  as  their  God  and  Sa- 
vior, for  themselves,  in  their  own  persons,  and 
for  their  complete  felicity;  being  made  like  him, 
and  admitted  to  be  for  ever  with  him.    Let  us 

f55 


B.  C.  1550. 


•JOB. 


B.  C.  1550. 


CHAP.  XX. 


Zophar,  with  eagerness  and  warmth,  enlarges  on  the  certain 
ruin  and  manifold  calamities  of  the  wicked,  1 — 29. 

THEN  answered  *  Zophar  the  Naa- 
mathite,  and  said, 

2  Therefore  do  ^  my  thoughts  cause 
me  to  answer,  '^  and  for  this  *  I  make 
haste. 

3  I  have  heard  '^  the  check  of  my  re- 
proach, and  ^  the  spirit  of  my  under- 
standing causeth  me  to  answer. 

4  Knowest  ^  thou  not  this  of  old, 
since  s^an  was  placed  upon  earth, 

5  That  ^  the  triumphing  of  the 
wicked  is  t  short,  and  '  the  joy  of  the 
hypocrite  but  for  a  moment.^ 

6  Though  J  his  excellency  mount  up 
to  the  heavens,  and  his  head  reach  unto 
the    t  clouds; 


a  2.11.  11:1.  42:9. 

b3.4:2.    13:19.   32:13—20.     Ps. 

39:2,3.    Jer.  20:9.     Rora.  10:2. 
C  Ps.  31:22.  116:11.   Prov.  14:29. 

29:20.     Ec.   7:9.      Mark  6:25. 

Jam.  1:19. 
*  Heb.  my  haste  is  in  me. 
A  19:29. 
e  2.  27:11.  33:3.  Ps.  49:3.  78:2— 

f  8:8,9.  15:10.  32:7. 

e  Gen.  1:28.  9:1—3.  Ps.  115:16. 


h  5:3.  15:29—34.  18:5,6.  27:13— 
23.  Ex.  15:9,10.  Judg.  16:21 
—30.  Esth.  5:11,12.  7:10.  Ps. 
73:18—20.    Acts  12:22,23. 

t  Heb.  from  near. 

i  8:19.  27:8.  Matt.  13:20,21. 
Gal.  6:4.    Jam.  4:16. 

j  Gen.  11:4.  Is.  14:13,14.  Dan. 
4:11,22.  Am.  9:2.  Ob.  3,4. 
Matt.  11:23. 

t  Heb.  cloud. 


then  g-ive  diligence,  that  we  may  be  assured  he 
is  our  Redeemer;  and  that  we  shall  be  'number- 
'ed  with  his  saints  in  glory  teverlasting.'  In  the 
prospect  of  this  happy  consummation,  let  us  sol- 
ace our  minds  under  the  pressure  of  sickness  or 
poverty,  the  unkindness  of  friends  and  relatives, 
and  in  the  prospect  of  death  and  the  grave:  for 
"though  after  our  skin  worms  destroy  this  body, 
yet  in  our  flesh  shall  we  sec  God."  These  faith- 
ful sayings  are  most  durably  and  legibly  written 
m  the  sacred  Scriptures:  may  they  be  engraven 
by  the  Holy  Spirit  upon  the  tablets  of  our  hearts; 
that  our  assured  faith  and  hope  may  unite  with 
love  and  gratitude,  to  produce  devoted  obedi- 
ence and  patient  submission  to  the  Lord.  This 
"root  of  the  matter"  being  found  in  us,  no  slan- 
der or  persecution  can  hurt  us:  and  though  for  a 
time  we  may  be  discomposed,  we  shall  again  re- 
cover our  calm,  and  wait  for  him  to  plead  our 
cause,  and  judge  between  us  and  our  accusers. 
— But,  on  the  other  hand,  let  us  be  careful  not 
to  censure  those,  who  profess  faith,  hope,  and 
love  to  our  common  Redeemer,  and  appear  to 
have  this  "root  of  the  matter  in  them;"  though 
they  differ  in  many  things  from  us,  and  are  not 
without  infirmities.  Satan  has  peculiarly  tri- 
umphed in  exciting  Christians  thus  to  persecute 
each  other:  and  when  believers  put  their  hands 
to  this  work,  they  may  as  certainly  expect  se- 
vere chastisements  in  this  world,  as  unbelieving 
and  impenitent  persecutors  will  experience  the 
severity  of  God's  vengeance  upon  them,  in  the 
world  to  come.  For  our  Redeemer  liveth,  not 
only  to  save  the  souls  of  his  people,  but  to  enter 
into  judgment  with  all  their  enemies. 

NOTES. 
Chap.  XX.  V.  1 — 3.  Zophar  seems  to  have 
interrupted  Job's  discourse;  and,  not  taking  the 
least  notice  of  the  excellent  things  contained  in 
it,  he  hastily  answered  to  the  concluding  warn- 
ing. He  was  full  of  thoughts  upon  the  subject, 
which  were,  in  his  opinion,  so  pertinent,  that  he 
thought  himself  warranted  in  thus  hastily  inter- 
56] 


7  Yet  he  shall  ^  perish  for  ever  like 
his  own  dung:  they  which  have  seen  him 
^  shall  say.  Where  is  \\e^ 

8  He  shall  •"  fly  away  as  a  dream, 
and  shall  not  be  found:  yea,  he  shall  be 
chased  away,  as  a  vision  of  the  night. 

9  The  "eye  also  which  saw  him  shall 
see  Jiim  no  more;  neither  shall  his  place 
any  more  behold  him. 

10  i  His  children  shall  "  seek  to 
please  the  poor,  and  Phis  hands  shall 
restore  their  goods. 

1 1  His  *i  bones  are  full  of  the  sin  of 
his  youth,  'which  shall  lie  down  with 
him  in  the  dust. 

12  Though  ^  wickedness  be  sweet  in 
his  mouth,  though  ^  he  hide  it  under  his 


tongue; 
13 


Though 


k  1  Kings  14:10.     2  Kings  9:37, 

Ps.  83:10.    Jer.  8:2. 
1   14:10. 

m  Ps.  73:20.  90:5.     Is.  29:7,8. 
n  7.  7:8,10   8:18.27:23.     Ps.  37: 

10.  103:1.5,16. 
$  Or,  The   poor  shall  oppress 

his  children.     Prov.  28:3. 
o  Ps.  109:10. 
p  18.      Ex.   12:36.   22:1,3,9.      2 

Sam.  12:6.    Prov.  6:31.     Luke 


he  "  spare  it,  and  forsake 


19:8. 
q  13:26.  19:20.    Ps.  25:7.    ProV. 

5: 1 1—13,22,23.  Ez.  32:27. 
r  21:26.     Prov.  14:32.     Ez.  24; 

13.   John  8:21,24.  Acts  1:25. 
s  15:16.    Gen.  3:6.    Prov.  9:17, 

18.  20:17.  Ec.  11:9. 
t  Ps.  10:7.  109:17,18. 
u  Matt.  5:29,30.  Mark  9:43 — ^9. 

Rom.  8:13. 


posing.  He  considered  the  check,  which  Job 
had  given  to  the  censures  of  his  friends,  as  a  re- 
proach; and  he  thought  that  his  own  answer 
would  be  the  result  of  sound  reason,  "the  spirit 
of  his  understanding:"  yet  he  spoke  with  great  se- 
veritj^  and  harshness. — 'The  abrupt  beginning  of 
'this  speech  of  Zophar  shews  that  he  was  in  a 
'passion,  which,  though  he  pretends  to  bridle  it, 
'would  not  let  him  calmly  consider  the  protesta- 
'tion,  which  Job  made  of  his  innocence. — But  he 
'goes  on  in  the  old  common-place  way  of  the 
'certain  downfal  of  tlie  wicked,  be  they  never 
'so  powerful  and  well  supported;  which  he  illus- 
'trates  indeed  in  an  excellent  fashion,  %vith  great 
'variety  of  figures,  and  remarks  on  histories  as 
'old  as  the  world. — All  the  flaw  in  his  discourse 
'was  this,  (which  was  common  to  him  with  the 
'rest,)  that  he  imagined  God  never  varied  from 
'his  method;  and  therefore  Job,  without  doubt, 
'was  a  very  bad  man;  though  it  did  not  appear 
'he  was  so,  any  other  wav,  but  by  his  infelicity." 
Bp.  Patrick.  [Motes,  5:3—5,25—27.  8:1—3, 
20—22.  9:22—24.) 

V.  4 — 9.  Zophar  here  asserted  the  same  gen- 
eral truths,  and  fell  into  the  same  mistakes,  as 
his  friends  before  had  done.  He  confounded  this 
state  of  trial  with  the  future  state  of  retribution: 
he  supposed  that  the  dispensations  of  Providence 
were  conducted  by  one  invariable  rule,  accord- 
ing to  the  characters  of  men:  and  he  misapplied 
his  doctrine  to  Job,  as  if  it  evinced  him  to  be  a 
hypocrite. — He  inquired,  as  in  astonishment, 
whether  Job  did  not  know,  what  all  reflecting 
men  from  the  beginning  of  the  world  had  observ- 
ed, that  "the  triumphing  of  the  wicked  is  short," 
and  the  joy  of  the  hypocrite  momentary.  He 
might  attain  eminence  in  authority,  wealth,  and 
reputation;  he  might  be  so  exalted,  as  to  seem 
out  of  the  reach  of  enemies  and  earthlj^  vicissi- 
tudes; but  he  would  be  soon  ruined,  with  con- 
tempt and  abhorrence.  Men  would  wonder  what 
was  become  of  him;  he  would  vanish  as  a  dream, 
and  there  would  be  a  full  end  of  him  and  of  his 
prosperity.     {J^ote,  15:1 — 13.) 


B.  C.  1550. 


CHAPTER  XX. 


B.  C.  1550. 


•t  not,  but  keep  it  still  *  within  his  mouth: 

14  Yet  "  his  meat  in  his  bowels  is 
turned,  it  is  *  the  gall  of  asps  within 
him. 

15  He  hath  y  swallowed  down  riches, 
and  he  shall  vomit  them  up  again:  God 
shall  cast  them  out  of  his  belly. 

16  He  shall  suck  the  poison  of  asps: 
^  the  viper's  tongue  shall  slay  him. 

17  He  ■^  shall  not  see  ^  the  rivers, 
the  +  floods,  the  brooks  *=  of  honey  and 
butter. 

18  That  which  he  labored  for  "^  shall 
he  restore,  and  shall  not  ®  swallow  it 
down:  according  to  *■  his  substance 
shall  the  restitution  be,  ^  and  he  shall 
not  rejoice  therein. 

19  Because  s  he  hath  5  oppressed  and 
hath  forsaken  the  poor;  because  ^he  hath 
violently  taken  away  an  house  which 
he  builded  not; 

20  Surely  ^  he  shall  not  il  feel  quiet- 
ness in  his  belly,  he  shall  not  save  of  that 
which  he  desired. 

21  There  shall  ""none  of  his  meat '' be 
left;    therefore  shall  no  man  look  for  his 


goods. 

*  Heb.  in  the  midst  of  his  pal- 
ale. 
V  -2  Sam.  11:2—5.  12.10,11.    Ps. 

32:3,4.  38:1—8.  51:8,9.     Prov. 

1:31.  23:20,21,29—35.      Jer.  2: 

19.    Mai.  2:2. 
X  16.    Deut.  32:24.    Rom.  3:13. 
y  Prov.  23:8.    Matt.  27:3,4. 
z  Is.  30:6.    Matt.  3:7.  Acts  28:3 

—6. 
a  Num.  14:23.  2  Kings  7:2.  Jer. 

17:6—3.    Luke  16:24. 
b  Ps.   36:8,9.     Is.  41:17.     Rev. 

22:1. 
I  Or,  streaming  brootcs. 
c  Deut.  32:13,14.    2  Sam.  17:29. 

Ps.  81:16.  Is.  7:15,22. 
d  See  on  10,15. 
«  5.     Prov.  1:12.    Jer.  51:34,44. 

Lam.  2:16.  Hos.  3:7,8.  Am.  8: 

4.     Matt.  23:14,24. 


X  Heb.  Me  substance  of  his  e.r- 

change. 
i  31:25,29.     Is.  24:7—11.     Jer. 

11:15,16.  22:13,17.      V.z.  7:12. 

Hos.  9:1.     Jam.  4:8,9. 
5  21:27,28.  22:6.  24:2-12.  31:13 

—22,38,39.  35:9.      1  Sam.  12:3, 

4.   Ps.  10:18.  12:5.  Prov.  14:31. 

22:22,23.   Ec.  4:1.  5:8.   Kz.  22: 

29.    Am.  4:1— 3.    Jam.  2:6,13. 

5:4. 
^  Heb.  crushed.     Deut.  28:33. 

Lam.  3:31. 
h  13:15.   24:2.       1   Kings  21:19. 

Is.  5:7,8.    Mic.  2:2,9. 
i  Kc.  5:13,14.    Is.  57:20,21. 
II  Hob.  knoti). 
ir  Or,  be  none  left  for  his  meat. 

18:19. 
k  Jer.  17:11.    Luke  16:24,25. 


22  In  '  the  fulness  of  his  sufficiency 
he  shall  be  in  straits:  "■  every  hand  of 
the**  wicked  shall  come  upon  him. 

23  When  "  he  is  about  to  till  his 
belly,  God  shall  cast  the  fury  of  his 
wrath  upon  him,  and  shall  °  rain  it  upon 
him  while  he  is  eating. 

24  He  shall  p  flee  from  the  iron  weap- 
on, and  1  the  bow  of  steel  shall  «■  strike 
him  through. 

25  It  is  *  drawn,  and  cometh  out  of 
the  body;  yea,  the  glittering  sword 
cometh  out  of  his  gall:  *  terrors  are 
upon  him. 

26  All  "  darkness  ihall  be  hid  in  his 
secret  places:  ""  a  fire  not  blown  shall 
consume  him,  ^  it  shall  go  ill  with  him 
that  is  left  in  his  tabernacle. 

27  The  y  heaven  shall  reveal  his  ini- 
quity; and  ^  the  earth  shall  rise  up 
against  him. 

28  The  ^  increase  of  his  house  shall 
depart,  ^  and  his  goods  shall  flow  away 
in  the  day  of  his  wrath. 

29  This  is  •=  the  portion  of  a  wicked 
man  from  God,  and  the  heritage  tt  ap- 
pointed unto  him  by  God. 


1   15:29.  18:7.     Ps.  39:5.     Ec.  2: 

18—20.    Rev.  18:7. 
m  1:15,17.  16:11.     2  Kings  24:2. 

Is.  10:6. 
**  Or,  troublesome.  3:17. 
n  Num.     11:33.      Ps.    78:30,31. 

Mai.  2:2.  Luke  12:17— 20. 
o  Gen.  19:24.  Ex.  9:23.  Ps.  11: 

6.     Is.  21:4. 
p  1  Kings  20:30.    Is.  24:13.  .ler. 

43:43,44.    Am.  5:19.  9:1—3. 
q  2  Sam.  22:35. 
r  Prov.  7:23. 
s   16:13.     Deut.  32:41.     2  Sam. 

18:14.     Ps.  7:12,13. 
t  6:4.  15:21.    18:11.  27:20.     Ps. 

73:19.   88:15.      Jer.   20:3,4.     2 

Cor.  5:11. 
u  18:5,6.     Is.  8:22.     Matt.  8:12. 


Jude  13. 
V  Ps.    21:9.     120:4.     Is.    30:33. 

Matt.  3:12. 
X  18:19.     Ps.  109:9—15.    Is.  14: 

20—22. 
y  Ps.  44:20,21.  Jer.  29:23.  Mai. 

3:5.    Luke  12:2,3.    Rom.  2:16. 

1  Cor.  4:5. 
z  16:13.  18:13.    Is.  26:21. 
a  10,18— 22.   5:5.  27:14— 19.     2 

Kings  20:17.    Rev.  18:17. 
b  Prov.  11:4.   Zeph.  1:13.  Matt. 

16:26.  Jam.  5:1—3. 
c  18:21.  27:13.  31:3.     Deut.  29: 

20—28.    Ps.  11:5,6.    Matt.  24: 

51. 
It  Heb.  of  his  decree  from  God. 

Lam.  3:38. 


V.  10 — 29.  In  these  verses,  Zophar  expatiated 
on  the  variety  of  miseries  which  awaited  the  wick- 
ed man,  whether  profane  or  hypocritical.  His 
indigent  and  distressed  children  would  court  the 
favor  of  the  poor,  either  for  a  morsel  of  bread,  or 
to  disarm  their  revenge  for  the  injuries  which  they 
had  endured.  Eternal  compulsion,  or  inward 
remorse,  would  constrain  him  to  restore  their 
property.  The  licentiousness  of  his  youth  would 
expose  him  to  dreadful  diseases  in  Viis  old  age, 
and  bring  him  down  to  the  grave.  The  wicked- 
ness which  he  delighted  in,  concealed,  spared, 
and  would  not  forsake,  but  reserved  as  a  sweet 
morsel  to  eat  secretlj',  would  create  him  such  in- 
ward horror,  such  dreadful  diseases,  and  such 
dire  miseries,  that  it  would  be  like  the  venom  of 
the  asp,  or  as  if  he  had  been  bitten  by  the  viper. 
He  would  be  disappointed  of  all  his  expected 
pleasure  and  ease;  and,  along  with  his  ill-gotten 
wealth,  he  would  be  deprived  of  all  which  he  had 
labored  for,  as  a  punishment  of  his  injustice  and 
oppression.  He  would  have  no  comfort  of  his 
riches,  while  they  remained;  and  he  would  be 
stripped  of  all,  (as  Job  had  been,)  and  have  noth- 
ing for  any  one  to  covet.  This  would  come  upon 
him  suddenly,  in  the  height  of  his  prosperity,  by  a 
Vol.  Hi.  "8 


I  combination  of  wicked  men,  as  it  had  on  Job. 
i  Nay,  just  when  he  would  be  ready  to  say,  "Soul, 
'  take  thine  ease,  eat,  drink,  and  be  merry;"  God 
j  himself  would  pour  the  fury  of  his  wrath  upon 
I  him.  [JVotes,  Mum.  11:31—34.  Luke  12:15—21.) 
I  There  would  be  no  escaping  from  the  weapons 
I  of  divine  indignation;  his  inward  terrors  would 
!  equal  his  outward  calamities,  so  that  every  kind 
I  of  misery  would  be  laid  up  in  store  against  him. 
I  "A  fire  not  blown  should  consume  him."  He 
i  should  be  destroyed,  as  by  a  slow  fire,  a  fire  not 
I  rendered  intense  by  blowing;  but  greatly  aggra- 
!  vating  and  prolonging  his  miseries  by  its  tardy 
!  but  irresistible  progress:  for  the  judgments  of 
I  God,  without  the  intervention  of  men,  would  des- 
olate his  family.  If  his  wickedness  were  before 
masked  with  hypocrisy,  it  should  thus  be  brought 
to  light.  Persons  of  all  descriptions  would  unite 
against  him,  and  all  which  he  had  possessed  would 
be  totally  dissipated.  For  this  was  uniformly 
"the  portion  of  a  wicked  man  from  God,"  and 
his  appointed  heritage. — The  reference  in  all 
this  is  manifest,  not  only  to  Job's  calamities,  but 
also  to  his  complaints.  His  outward  losses  and 
inward  anguish;  the  triumphs  of  his  enemies,  and 
the  unkindness  of  his  friends  and  relatives,  are 

[57 


13.  C.  1550. 


JOB. 


B.  C.  1550. 


CHAP.  XXI. 

Job  entreats  a  patient  hearing-,  because  of  his  singular  calami- 
ties, 1 — 6.  He  shews  that  wicked  men  sometimes  so  prosper, 
as  to  grow  bold  in  presumption,  7 — 16.  Yet  that  they  at 
length  fall  into  destruction,  17 — -212.  And  that  the  dealings  of 
God  with  them  in  life  and  death  are  greatly  varied,  as  their 
judgment  is  deferred  to  the  day  of  wrath,  23 — 34. 

BUT  Job  answered  and  said, 
2  *  Hear  diligently  my  speech,  and 
^  let  this  be  your  consolations. 

3  Suffer  me  *=  that  I  may  speak;  and 
after  that  Ihave  spoken,  "^  mock  on. 

4  As  for  me,  ^  is  my  complaint  to 
man.'*  and  ^  if  it  were  so,  why  should  not 
my  spirit  be  *  troubled.'' 

5  t  Mark  me,  and  ^  be  astonished, 
and  ^  lay  yoiw  hand  upon  your  mouth. 

6  Even  '  when  I  remember,  I  am 
afraid,  and  trembling  taketh  hold  on  my 
flesh. 

7  IT  "^  Wherefore  do  the  wicked  live, 
become  old,  yea,  are  '  mighty  in  power? 

8  Their  ™  seed  is  established  in  their 


a  13:3,4.  18:2.  33:1,31—33.  34:-2. 

Judg.  9:7.    Is.  55:2.  Heb. '2:1. 
b  15:11.  16:2. 
c  13:13.  33:31—33. 
d  12:4,5.  13:9.  16:10,20.  17:2. 
e  7:11—21.  10:1,2.   1  Sam.  1:16. 

Ps.  '22:1—3.  77:3—9.  102;  title. 

14'2:2,3.    Matt.  26:38,39. 
f  2  Kings  6:26,27.     Ps.  42:11. 
*  Heb.    shortened.       Kx.    6:9. 

+  Heb.  I.,oo1i  unto  me. 


g  2:12.  17:8.  19:20,21. 

h -29:9.  40:4.      Jud?.  18:19.     Ps. 

39:9.     Prov.  30:32.     Am.  5:13. 

Mic.  7:16.    Rom.  11:33. 
i  Ps.  77:3.  88:15.  119:120.  Lam. 

3:l9,-20.    Hab.  3:16. 
k  12:6.        Ps.     17:10.    73:.3— 12. 

Jer.  12:1—3.     Hab.  1:15,16. 
1  Ps.  37:35.     Dan.  4:17.     Rev. 

13:2—7.  17:2—4. 
m  5:3,4.  13:19.  20:10,23.     Prov. 

17:6. 


evidently  hinted  at.  Says  Zophar,  "This  is  the 
heritag-e  of  a  wicked  man;^'  and  therefore  doubt- 
less thou  art  one.     [Js'htes,  ] — 3.   18:3 — 21.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

They  are  frequently  the  most  forward  to  dis- 
pute, who  are  most  evidently  in  the  wrong'.  A\^e 
are  pleased  with  our  own  thoughts,  as  with  our 
own  children;  and  fancy  that  others  will  equally 
admire  them.  Thus  we  are  led  to  make  inde- 
cent haste  to  speak,  lest  we  should  lose  the  cred- 
it and  (gratification  of  our  pertinent  observations; 
and  lest  others  should  lose  the  benefit  of  them. 
In  this  eagerness  we  consider  each  "check"  as  a 
reproach,  and  every  ejfimon  ofjmsdon  is  esteem- 
ed a  demonstration.  But  others  generally  judg^e 
very  diiferently:  nay,  we  ourselves  can  seldom 
reflect  afterwards  on  such  debates,  without  shame 
and  remorse.  It  is  very  difficult  for  men  of 
warm  passions  entirelj^  to  repress  Uiis  unbecom- 
ing propensity:  but  watchfulness  and  prayer 
will  do  great  things,  in  a  course  of  time:  and  we 
may  profit  by  observing  our  own  and  others'  er- 
rors, and  by  the  rebukes  and  corrections  of  our 
lieavenly  Father. — We  must  not  limit  the  dispen- 
sations of  God  by  our  rules;  nor  censure  others 
out  of  fondness  for  our  own  notions.  But  though 
the  wicked  do  often  prosper  even  to  the  end  of  life: 
yet  it  is  a  decided  matter  among  all  wise  men 
from  the  beginning  hitherto,  that  "the  triumph- 
ing of  the  wicked,"  and  "the  joy  of  the  hypo- 
crite," are  transient  and  fleeting;  and  that  they 
shall  shortly  perish  disgracefully  and  for  ever. 
Some  kinds  of  wickedness  generally  ruin  men's 
constitutions,  if  the}^  are  not  cut  off'  before  they 
entail  pain  and  disease  on  their  old  age,  which 
carries  them  down  to  tlie  grave;  and  the  pleas- 
ures and  gains  of  sin,  like  drinking  sweet  poison, 
or  like  the  lulling  venom  of  the  asp,  terminate  in 
.remorse,  in  anguish,  and  in  ruin.  A  curse  from 
God  often  corrodes  the  oppressor's  abundance: 
he  hath  no  enjoyment  of  it,  and  suffers  none  of 
58] 


sight  with   them,    and  their  offspring  be- 
fore their  eyes. 

9  Their  houses  are  +  safe  from  fear, 
neither  is  "  the  rod  of  God   upon   them. 

10  Their   bull   gendereth   and    faileth^ 
hot:  °  their  cow  calveth,  and  casteth  not 
her  calf. 

1 1  They  p  send  forth  their  little  ones 
like  a  flock,  and  their  children  dance. 

12  They  i  take  the  timbrel  and  harp, 
and  rejoice  at  the  sound  of  the  organ. 

13  They  "■  spend  their  days  in  5  wealth, 
and  in  a  moment  go  down  to   the  grave. 

14  Therefore  Mhey  say  unto  God, 
Depart  from  us;  '  for  we  desire  not  the 
knowledge  of  thy  ways. 

15  What  "  is  the  Almighty,  that  we 
should  serve  him.''  and  *  what  profit 
should  we  have,  y  if  we  pray  unto  him.'^ 

16  Lo    ^  their   good    is    not    in   their 

I  Heb.  peace  from  fear.  15:21. 


18:11.   Ps.  73:19.  Is.  57:19— 21. 
n  9:34.   Ps.  73:5. 
o  Ex.  23:26.    Deut.  7:13,14.  23: 

II.     Ps.  144:13,14.     Ec.  9:1,2. 

Luke  12:16—21.  16;19. 
p  Ps.  107:41.  127:3—5. 
q  Gen.  4:21.  31:27.   Is.  5:12.  22: 

13.      Am.  6:4—6. 
r  36:11.    Ps.  73:4.    Malt.  24:38, 

39.     Luke  12:19,20.  17:28,29. 
^  Or,  inirth. 
s  2-2:17.     Ps.  10:4,11.     Luke  3: 


28,37.     John   15:23,24.     Rom. 

8:7. 
t  Prov.  1:7,22,29.  John  3:19,20. 

8:45 — 47.  Rom.  1:28.    2  Thes. 

2:10—12.     2  Tim.  4:3,4. 
u  Ex.  5:2.  Ps.  12:4.   Prov.  30.9. 

Hos.  13:6. 
X  31:9.  35:3.     Is.  30:11.    MaU  1: 

13,14. 
y  Is.  45:19.  MaU.  7:7.  John  16; 

24. 
z  1:21.  12:9,10.    Ps.  49:6,7.  52:5 

—7.  Ec.  8:8.    Luke  16:2,25. 


those  connected  with  him  to  have  any  ease  or 
pleasure;  and  very  often  it  is  torn  from  him  in  an 
awful  and  sudden  manner.  "There  is  no  peace, 
saith  my  God,  for  the  wicked."  {JS^otes.  Is.  48: 
20—22.  57:20,21.)— But  what  are  all  weapons  of 
iron  and  steel;  yea,  what  is  darkness  or  consumr 
ing  fire,  compared  with  Ihe  eternal  vengeance 
of  the  Almighty,  which  is  the  heritag-e  appointed 
unto  the  wicked  in  the  world  to  come.''  There 
the  hypocrite  shall  be  detected,  and  have  his 
portion  with  the  unbelievers;  whilst  heaven  and 
earth  shall  rise  up  against  him:  for  "indignation 
and  wrath,  tribulation  and  anguish,  are  reserved 
for  every  soul  of  man,  who"  impenitently  "doeth 
evil;  but  glory,  honor,  and  peace  to  every  one," 
who  proveth  himself  a  true  believer,  by  working- 
that  which  is  g-oodinthe  sight  of  the  Lord.  (JVb^e, 
Rom.  2:7—11.) 

NOTES. 
Chap.  XXI.  V.  1-6.  In  this  chapter  Job 
discourses  less  on  his  own  calamities,  and  more 
directly  answers  his  opponents.  He  introduces 
his  subject  by  entreating  their  attention,  and  de- 
siring that  they  would  neither  interrupt  him,  as 
Zophar  had;  nor  disregard  and  misunderstand 
his  words,  as  they  all  had  hitherto  done.  This 
he  would  take  instead  of  those  consolations, 
which  he  had  vainly  expected  from  them;  and 
if,  after  a  fair  hearing,  his  discourse  was  found 
impertinent,  and  his  reasonings  inconclusive,  he 
would  consent  that  Zophar  (whom  he  particu- 
larly addressed)  should  renew  his  mockeiy-  In- 
deed, his  complaint  and  appeal  were  directed  to 
God,  and  not  to  them:  otherwise  his  spirit  might 
well  be  troubled,  when  sarcasms  and  reproaches 
were  all  which  they  afforded  him,  under  his  un- 
precedented sufferings.  [Motes,  o:\ — 7.)  Yet, 
if  they  looked  upon  him,  they  might  see  misery 
sufficient  to  demand  compassion:  and,  as  they 
knew  no  evil  against  him,  their  bold  interpreta- 
tions of  this   mysterious  providence  should  be 


b.  c. 


1550. 


CHAPTER  XXI. 


B.  C.  1550. 


band:  ^  the  counsel  of  the  wicked  is  far 

from  me.  [Practical  observations.] 

17  How  ''oft  is  the  *  candle  of  the 
wicked  put  out.''  and  how  oft  cometh 
their  destruction  upon  them.''  God 
*^  distributeth  sorrows  in  his  anger. 

18  They  are  "^  as  stubble  before  the 
wind,  and  as  chaff  that  the  storm  t  car- 
rieth  away. 

1 9  God  ^  layeth  up  his  ^  iniquity  ^  for 
his  children:  ^  he  rewardeth  him,  and 
''  he  shall  know  it. 

20  His  eyes  shall  '  see  his  destruc- 
tion, and  he  shall  ^  drink  the    wrath  of 


M. 


tire  Almighty. 

a  22:18.     Gen.  49:6.      Ps. 

Prov.  1:10.  5:8. 
b  18:5,6,18.      Prov.    13:9.  20:20. 

24:20.     Matt.  23:3. 
*  Or,  lamp. 
c  Ps.  32:10.  90:7—9.     Luke   12: 

46.    Rom.  2:8,9. 
a  13:25.     Ex.  15:7.     Ps.  1:4.  35: 

5.  83:13.     Is.  5:24.  17:13.  29:5. 

40:24.    41:16,16.       Jer.    13:24. 

Hos.  13:3.   Nah.  1:10.  Malt.  3: 


t  Heb. 
e  22:24. 


stealetk. 

Deiit.  32:34. 


19,20.    Rom.2:.5. 
;(;  That  is,    the  punish^nent  of 

his  iniquity.    Gen.  4:7.  Is.  53: 

4—6.    2  Cor.  5:21. 
f  Ex.  20:5.     Ps.   I09:9,&c.     Is. 

14:21.    Ez.  18:19,20.  Matt.  23: 

31—35. 
g  Deut.   32:41.      2   Sam.   3:39. 

Ps.  54:5.    Matt.  16:27.  2  Tim. 

4:14.     Rev.  13:6. 
h  Mai.  3:18. 
i  27:19.   Luke  16:23. 
k  Ps.  75:8.     Is.  51:17.     Jer.  25: 

15,16.  51:7.  Rev.  14:10.  19:15. 


turned  into  silent  astonishment.  For  every  rec- 
ollection of  the  dreadful  change,  which  he  had 
experienced,  filled  him  with  trembling  and  con- 
sternation. 

,  V.  7 — 16.  If  the  doctrine,  maintained  by  Zo- 
phar  and  Job's  other  opponents,  was  true,  and 
Providence  discriminated  uniformly  between  the 
righteous  and  the  wicked;  how  was  it,  that  so 
many  wicked  men  lived,  grew  old,  and  contin- 
ued in  power  and  prosperity  to  the  last.''  Perhaps 
no  instance  had  occurred,  of  a  truly  pious  per- 
son being  so  suddenly  and  dreadfully  afflicted,  as 
,Tob  had  been;  and  it  was  not  possible  for  man  to 
distinguish  exactly  between  the  true  believer 
and  the  hypocrite.  But  it  was  undeniable,  that 
numbers  of  notoriously  profane  and  wicked  men 
were  advanced  to  wealth  and  authorit}',  contin- 
ued in  prosperity  to  old  age,  and  witnessed  their 
posterity  established  in  the  most  desirable  settle- 
ments, before  their  death;  that  they  were  often 
more  free  from  alarm  and  correction  than  others; 
that  their  cattle  and  substance  rapidly  increased; 
that  their  cliildren,  whom  they  trained  up  in  van- 
ity, sensuality,  and  dissipation,  multiplied,  and 
were  in  health  and  peace  around  them;  that  they 
lived  even  to  extreme  old  age,  (for  so  the  origi- 
nal word  signifies,)  in  outward  ease  and  indul- 
gence, and  died  without  any  remarkable  pain  or 
distress.  So  that,  if  men  were  to  judge  merel)' 
by  outward  prosperit}',  the  wicked  might  be  pro- 
nounced the  most  happ}',  and  even  the  favorites 
of  Heaven.  Yet  they  grew  more  impious  and 
presumptuous,  even  by  prosperity;  they  openly 
cast  off  all  regard  to  God,  and  neither  knew,  nor 
desired  to  learn,  any  thing  about  his  truths,  or- 
dinances, and  precepts;  they  despised  his  favor, 
defied  his  vengeance,  and  counted  his  service 
and  worship  irksome  and  unprofitable.  [J^oles, 
9:22—24.  12:6—10.  15:17—35.  20:10—29.  Ps. 
17:13-15.  73:1—17.  Jer.  12:1— 4.  J/«/.  3:13— 
^8.) — Now  it  must  be  allowed,  that  the  Almighty, 
whom  they  despised  and  affronted,  gave  and  con- 
tinued to  them  these  their  good  things,  and  could 
take  them  away  when  he  pleased;  nor  were 
they  so  in  their  own  hand,  that  they  could  retain 
them  for  a  moment.  Job,  indeed,  for  his  part, 
was  far  from  approving  their  counsel  or  conduct, 
or  desiring  their  prosperity;    though  his  friends 


21  For  Mvhat  pleasure  hath  he  in  his 
house  after  him,  when  ™  the  number  of 
his  months  is  cut  off  in  the  midst.'' 

22  Shall  any  °  teach  God  knowl- 
edge.'' seeing  °  he  judgeth  those  that  are 
high. 

23  One  dielh  in  his  5  full  strength, 
being  wholly  at  ease  and  quiet. 

24  P  His  II  breasts  are  full  of  milk, 
and  his  bones  are  "^  moistened  with 
marrow. 

25  And  another  dieth  ""in  the  bitter-- 
ness  of  his  soul,  and  *  never  eateth  with 
pleasure. 

26  They  shall  lie  down  *  alike  in  the 
dust,  and  "  the  worms  shall  cover  them. 

Ec.  2:18,19.    Luke  16: 


1  14:21 

27,23. 

m  14:5.    Ps.  55:23.  102:24. 

n  40:2.  Is.  40:13,14.  45:9.  Rom. 
11:34.     1  Cor.  2:16. 

0  34:17—19.  Ps.  113:5,6.  Ec. 
5:8.  Is.  40:22,23.  1  Cor.  6:3. 
2  Pet.  2:4.  Jude  6.  Rev.  20:1 
—3,12—15. 

^  Heb.  in  his  very  perfection, 
or,  ^he  strength  of  his  perfec- 
tion. 20:22,23.    Ps.  49:17.  73:4, 


5.    Luke  12:19—21. 
p  15:27.     Ps.  17:10. 
II  Or,  milk-pails. 
q  Prov.  3:8. 
r  3:20.  7:1.   9:18.   10:1.     2  Sam. 

17:8.  marg.     Prov.  14:10.     Is. 

38:15—17. 
s  20:23.    1  Kings  17:12.    Ec.  6: 

2.    Ez.  4:16,17.  12:18. 
t  3:13,19.  •20:11.   Ec.  9:2. 
u  17:14.  19:26.     Ps.  49:14.     Is. 

14:11. 


inferred,  that  he  thought  the  wicked  happy,  be- 
cause he  argued,  that  they  often  prospered,  while 
the  righteous  were  afflicted.     (Aode,  Ec.  9: 1 — 3.) 

v.  17 — 22.  All  these  verses  may  be  read  in- 
terrogatively. "How  often"  does  it  happen,  that 
the  prosperity  of  wicked  men  is  extinguished  with 
sudden  and  awful  judgments.'  Sometimes  indeed 
it  is  so,  but  more  frequently,  they  live  and  die  in 
outward  ease  and  peace.  "How  often"  docs  God 
in  his  anger  distribute  to  them  uncommon  calam- 
ities, rendering  them  as  stubble,  or  chaff,  before 
the  tempestuous  wind.'  "How  often"  is  it  observ- 
ed, that  their  iniquities  are  punished  upon  their 
children,  while  their  eyes  behold  their  destruc- 
tion, and  they  know  that  they  drink  of  the  vvrath 
of  the  Almighty,  as  a  recompense  for  their  crimes.'' 
—It  had  been  laid  down  as  a  general  rule,  that 
God  almost  uniformly  visited  wicked  men,  with 
these  and  similar  judgments:  yet,  in  fact,  in- 
S'tances  in  which  they  were  clearly  thus  distin- 
guished from  others,  but  seldom  occurred.  And 
if  they  prospered  till  death,  whether  they  lived 
till  old  age,  or  died  in  the  vigor  of  life,  the  subse- 
quent condition  of  their  families  would  not  affect 
them,  either  with  pleasure  or  pain.  Indeed,  v.'ho 
shall  presume  to  teach  the  Judge  of  the  most  ex- 
alted creatures,  in  what  way  he  should  .administer 
his  government.''  Or  who  shall  presume  to  explain, 
or  decide  on,  any  of  his  dispensations,  as  if  incon- 
sistent with  his  justice  or  wisdom.' 

v.  23 — 26.  Job,  from  his  appeal  to  facts,  justly 
inferred,  that  there  was  no  exact  discrimination 
observed  in  these  dispensations.  One  haughty 
sinner  comes  peaceably  to  Lis  end,  having  expe- 
rienced a  continual  series  of  health,  indulgence, 
and  success;  like  cattle  that  feed  in  rich  pastures. 
Others,  perhaps  not  so  wicked,  never  know  any 
thing  but  pain,  sickness,  poverty,  and  trouble, 
and  die  in  anguish  and  distress.  Thus  botli  go 
down  to  the  dust  alike,  and  become  food  for  the 
worms. 

The  words  translated,  "His  breasts  are  full  of 
milk,"  (24)  are  differently  interpreted.  The  word 
rendered  breasts  is  not  elsewhere  used  in  the  He- 
brew; and  some  think  it  means  milk-pniJs.  But 
others,  supposing  it  to  coincide  with  the  subse- 
quent clause,  thus  translate  the  passage,  "His 
ribs,  (sides,  or  intestines,  tv>cr?-a,)  arc  full  of  fat:" 

[59- 


B.  C.  1550. 


JOB. 


B.  C.  1550 


27  Behold,  ^  I  know  your  thoughts, 
and  the  devices  tvhich  ^  ye  wrongfully 
imagine  against  me. 

28  For  ye  say,  ^  Where  is  the  house 
of  the  prince?  and  where  are  the 
*  dweUing  places  of  the  wicked? 

29  Have  ye  not  asked  them  that  ^  go 
by  the  way?  and  do  ye  not  know  their 
tokens? 

30  That  ^  the  wicked  is  reserved  to 
the  day  of  destruction?  they  shall  be 
brought  forth  to   '  the  day  of  t  wrath. 


X  4:8—11.  5:3—5.  8:3—6.   15:J0, 

&.C.  20:5,29.  Luke  5:22. 
y  32:3.  42:7.     Ps.  59:4.    119:86. 

1  Pet.  2:19. 
z  20:7.    Ps.  37:36.  62:5,6.    Hab. 

2:9—11.   Zech.  5:4. 
*  Heb.  tent  of  the  tabernacles. 

Num.  16:26—34. 


a  Ps.  129:8. 

b  Prov,  16:4.    Nah.  1:2.    2  Pet. 

2:9,17.  3:7.     Jude  13. 
c  20:28.    Ps.  110:5.    Prov.  11:4. 

Zeph.  1:15.    Rom.  2:5.     Rev. 

6:17. 
f  Heb.  -wraths. 


31  Who  shall  ^  declare  his  way  to 
his  face?  and  who  shall  *  repay  him 
what  he  hath  done? 

32  Yet  shall  ^  he  be  brought  to  the 
t  grave,  and  shall  ^  remain  in   the  tomb. 

33  The  clods  of  the  valley  shall  be 
°  sweet  unto  him,  and  ''  every  man  shall 
draw  after  him,  as  there  are  innumer- 
able before  him. 

34  How  then  '  comfort  ye  me  in 
vain,  ^  seeing  in  your  answers  there 
remaineth  "  falsehood? 


d  2  Sam.  12:7—12.  1  Kinsfs  21: 
19—24.  Ps.  50:21.  Jer.  2:33— 
35.  Mark  6:18.  Acts  24:25. 
Gal.  2:11. 

e  19.  41:11.  Deut.  7:10.  Is.  59: 
18.    Rom.  12:19.  Jam.  2:13. 

f  Ps.  49:14.  Ez.  32:21—32. 
Luke  16:22. 


J  Heb.  graves. 
^  Heb.  watch  in  the  heap. 
g  3:17,18. 

h  30:23.  Gen.  3:19.    Ec.  1:4. 
8.  12:7.    Heb.  9:27. 
i   16:2. 

k  13:4.  32:3.  42:7. 
II  Heb.  transgression. 


ra  It  eyKara  avrn  Tr'Xripr)  ^earo;.     Sept.      Probably  this 

IS  the  true  sen.se  of  the  words. — Perliaps  wyay 
may  be  derived  from  the  root  noy,  he  covered,  or 

enclosed:  as  the  Latin  abdomen,  from  abdo,  to  hide. 

V.  27 — 30.  liere  Job  brings  the  matter  to  an 
issue.  He  knew  that  his  friends  wrongfully  con- 
demned him,  as  one  who  had  usurped  or  abused 
his  authority,  and  who  had  been  an  unjust,  op- 
pressive magistrate,  and  a  hypocrite;  and  that 
they  considered  his  desolated  habitation  as  the 
proof  of  his  guilt.  But  any  common  traveller,  to 
whom  they  might  refer  the  case,  could  point  out 
the  flourishing  habitations  and  splendid  monu- 
ments of  the  ungodly,  which  they  observed  in 
their  journeys:  from  these  tokens  they  would  con- 
clude, that  wicked  men  were  not  punished  here, 
but  were  frequently  exempted  from  the  calami- 
ties which  overtook  others;  being  reserved  to  the 
day  of  wrath  and  destruction  in  another  world. 
(JVb<es,  22:5— 14.  24:1—20.  29:12—17.  31:35—40. 
Rom.  2:4—6.  2  Pet.  2:4—9.) 

V.  31 — 33.  Oppressors  are  often  so  powerful, 
that  none  dare  call  them  to  account,  or  reprove 
them:  and  at  last  they  die  in  peace,  are  buried 
with  magnificence,  and  sleep  as  quietly  in  the 
grave  as  others  do.  Death  indeed  closes  their 
prosperity;  but  none,  except  two,  have  been,  or 
ever  shall  be,  exempted  from  this  common  doom: 
so  that  it  is  evident,  there  is  no  exact  discrimina- 
tion between  the  righteous  and  the  wicked,  in  the 
outward  dispensations  of  Providence.  (JYotes,  Re. 
4:1—3.  5:8.  Hab.  1:2—4.) 

V.  34.  Job  concluded  with  inquiring,  why  his 
friends  comforted  him  in  vain,  with  the  hopes  of 
returning  worldly  prosperity,  in  case  he  repented 
and  sought  unto  the  Lord.  For  there  was  no 
truth  in  their  system;  nay,  there  was  falsehood 
interwoven  with  all  their  answers,  which  render- 
ed them  inconclusive,  and  inapplicable  to  the  sub- 
ject. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
V.  1—16. 
It  is  not  easy  to  obtain  an  attentive  hearing 
from  eager  disputants.  Interruption  and  disre- 
gard are  commonly  reciprocal;  hence  misappre- 
hension, unfair  conclusions,  and  unmerited  con- 
tempt and  reproach:  and  when  men  have  been 
suffered  to  speak,  and  have  spoken  to  the  purpose, 
their  opponents  commonly  "mock  on,"  and  treat 
the  whole  as  trivial  and  contemptible.  But  this 
behavior  is  peculiarly  improper  to  the  afflicted, 
who  should  at  least  have  the  consolation  of  being 
beard  with  patience  and  candor. —We  might  well 
yield  to  inward  disquietude,  if  we  had  none  to 
complain  to  in  our  distresses  but  man;  or  if  the 
60] 


Lord  were  as  severe  against  us,  as  our  brethren 
sometimes  are.  But  the  true  believer  may  speak 
to  God  at  all  times;  and  he  will  compassionately 
regard  those  complaints,  and  bear  with  those  in- 
firmities, which  men  disregard  or  condemn. — The 
afflictions  of  the  faithful,  compared  with  the  pros- 
perity of  the  wicked,  have  caused  astonishment 
and  discouragement  to  the  servants  of  God  in  all 
ages.  But  we  should  adore  the  depths  of  those 
judgments  which  we  cannot  fathom:  and  the  clear 
light  of  the  gospel,  with  the  discoveries  of  the 
eternal  world,  will  explain  the  difficult}',  and  shew 
the  wise  designs  of  God  in  all  these  dispensations. 
Yet,  under  severe  trials  and  temptations,  the  most 
established  believer  finds  it  as  hard  to  apply  his 
principles  for  immediate  encouragement,  as  the 
most  skilful  mariner  in  a  furious  storm  does  ta 
manage  the  vessel  hy  the  rules  of  navigation — It 
is  undeniable,  that  wicked  men  often  grow  rich 
and  great,  establish  flourishing  families,  escape 
alarms  and  corrections,  succeed  in  their  projects, 
train  up  their  children  in  pleasure;  and,  after  a 
life  of  splendor  and  indulgence,  go  down  to  the 
grave  in  old  age,  without  any  remarkable  calam- 
it}':  yea,  they  are  interred  with  magnificence,  and 
many  vain  attempts  are  made  to  abate  the  horror 
of  death,  and  the  noisomeness  of  the  grave.  It  is 
equally  certain,  that  this  has  emboldened  impiety 
and  infidelity;  and  led  many  to  infer,  that  there 
is  no  God,  or  that  he  takes  no  notice  of  human 
affairs,  and  that  religion  and  morality  are  need- 
less or  useless — Prosperity  adds  strength  to  men's 
pride  and  fuel  to  their  lusts;  and  thus  they  grow 
hardened  in  presumptuous  wickedness. — Alas, 
what  numbers  do  we  see  in  this  land,  where  the 
light  of  the  gospel  clearly  shines,  whose  actions 
say  unto  God,  "Depart  from  us!"  Their  open 
and  constant  violation  of  his  law,  and  their  con- 
tempt of  his  gospel;  their  profanation  of  his  day, 
and  desertion  of  his  ordinances;  their  families  left 
without  the  least  appearance  of  religion;  their  in- 
cessant course  of  riot  or  dissipation;  their  inordi- 
nate pursuit  of  wealth  or  power;  their  discourse, 
devoid  of  all  reverence  to  the  name,  truths,  or 
precepts  of  God,  and  full  of  levity  and  folly,  if  not 
of  ribaldry  and  profaneness: — these  things  seem 
to  "say  unto  God,  Depart  from  us;  we  desire  not 
the  knowledge  of  thy  ways."  Such  persons  do 
not  desire  to  think,  hear,  speak,  or  read  about  him: 
the}'  treat  religion,  as  if  it  were  beneath  their 
rank,  spirit,  or  genius:  they  do  not  deem  the  Al- 
mighty on  any  account  entitled  to  their  obedience 
or  gratitude;  and  they  suppose  his  service  to  be  a 
mere  drudgery,  which  can  yield  neither  pleasure 
nor  profit,  and  in  neglecting  which  there  can  be 
no  danger!  Yet  "these  prosper  in  the  world,  and 
have  riches  in  possession."  And,  though  the  Lord 


B.  C.  1550. 


CHAPTER  XXII. 


B.  c.  i5r.( 


CHAP.   XXII. 


F.liphaz  shews  that  man's  goodness  cannot  profit  Rod,  1 — 4.  He 
accuses  Job  of  various  crimes,  which  he  sujiposes  had  brought 
*  on  him  his  calamities,  5—14.  He  contrasts  the  doom  of  sin- 
ners visited  by  divine  judgments,  with  the  security  of  the 
righteous,  15 — -20.  He  exhorts  Job  to  repent,  and  encourages 
liim  to  hope  for  mercy,  21 — 30. 

THEN    Eliphaz    the    Temanite    an- 
swered and  said, 

2  Can  ^  a  man  be  profitable  unto  God, 
*  as  ''  he  that  is  wise  may  be  profitable 
unto  himselP 

3  Is  it  '^  any  pleasure  to  the  Al- 
mighty, that  thou  art  righteous.^  or  is  it 
gain  to  him,  that  ^  thou  makest  thy  ways 
perfect? 

4  Will  he  ^  reprove  thee  *"  for  fear  of 
thee?  e  will  he  enter  with  thee  into 
judgment? 


a  35:6—3.     Ps.  16:2.    Luke  17: 

10. 
♦  Or,  if  he  rtmy  be  profitable, 

doth  his  good  success  depend 

ihereon? 
b  21:15.     Deut.  10:13.     Prov.  3: 

13—13.  4:7—9.  9:12.   Ec.  7:11, 

12.    Matt.  5:29.    Ga!.  6:7,8. 
c  1  Chr.  29:17.     Ps.  147:10,11. 

Prov      11:1,20.      12:22.      15:8. 


Mai.  2:17.   Phil.  4:18. 
d  23:10— 12.   Ps.  39:1.  119:3—6, 

59.    Acts  24:16.     2  Cor.  7:1. 
e  Ps.  39:11.  76:6.  80:16.     Rev. 

3:19. 
f  7:12. 
g  9:19,32.     14:3.     16:21.    23:6,7. 

34:23.    Ps.  130:3,4.  143:2.     Ec 

12:14.    Is.  3:14,15. 


5  IT  /s  ''  not  thy  wickedness  great? 
and  '  thine  iniquities  infinite? 

6  For  ''  thou  hast  taken  a  pledge 
jrom  thy  brother  for  nought,  '  and 
t  sti'ipped  the  naked  of  their  clothing. 

7  Thou  hast  ■"  not  given  water  to 
the  weary  to  drink,  and  thou  hast  with- 
holde'n  bread  from  the  hungry. 

8  But  "  as  for  the  i  mighty  man,  he 
had  the  earth;  and  the  ^  honorable 
man  dwelt  in  it. 

9  Thou  hast  sent  °  widows  away 
empty,  and  the  p  arms  of  the  fatherless 
have  been  broken. 

10  Therefore      ''    snares    are    round 


h  4:7— 11.    n-.U.   15:5,6,31—34. 

21:27.  32:3. 
i   Ps.  19:12.40:12. 
k  24:3.9,10.  Ex.  22:26,27.  Deut. 

24:10—18.    Ez.  13:7,16.     Am. 

2:8. 
1  24:10.  31:19,20. 
t  Heb.  stripped  the  clothes  of 

the  naked. 
m  31:17.     Deut.   15:7—11.     Ps. 

112:9.     Prov.    11:24,25.    19:17. 

Is.  5S:7,10.  Ez.  1G:7,16.  Matt. 

25:42.    Rom.  12:20. 


n  29:7— 17.  31:34.  1  Kings  21: 
11—15.    Ps.  12:8.    Mic.  7:3, 

J  Heb.  7na7i  af  arm. 

v'i  Heb.   emintnt,  or,    accepted 

'for  counte7iance.  13:S. 

o  24:3,21.  29:12,13.  31:16—18, 
21.  Ex.  22:21 — 24.  Deut.  2': 
19.  Ps.  94:6.  Is.  1:17,23.  10:2. 
Ek.  22:7.  Mai.  3:5.  Luke  18:3 
—5. 

p  Ps.  10:15.  37:17.     Ez.  30:22. 

q  13:3—10.  19:6. 


is  sometimes  "known  by  the  judgfments  that  he 
executes;"  yet  they  and  their  families  are  seldom 
visited  by  remarkable  calamities.  Indeed  they, 
as  well  as  others,  must  shortly  die:  but  many  of 
them  outvjardly  enjoy  more  pleasure  and  suffer 
kss  pain,  while  they  live  and  wlicn  they  die,  than 
their  pious  neighbors.  And  though  the  pomp  of 
their  funerals,  and  the  panegyric"  of  their  flatter- 
ers, will  afford  them  no  real  advantage,  yet  they 
fare  as  well  as  others:  and  whether  their  children 
prosper  or  are  afflicted,  after  their  death,  it  adds 
nothing  to  their  joy  or  sorrow.  It  is  evident,  that 
their  goo(!i  things  are  bestowed  upon  them  by  God: 
yet  he  "distributes  sorrows  in  his  anger;"  and, 
however  spared  for  a  time,  the}'  are  as  stubble 
before  the  wind,  and  as  chaff  for  the  lire  of  his 
indignation.  For,  indeed,  it  avails  little  whether 
wicked  men  enjoy  on  earth  all  the  delights  of 
sense,  without  pain,  sickness,  or  hardship;  or 
whether  they  live  and  die  without  enjoyment  and 
in  bitterness;  as  they  are  all  "reserved  to  the 
day  of  wrath"  and  destruction,  and  the  misery 
which  is  beyond  the  grave  will  swallow  up  all 
their  former  comfort.  As  they  have  said  to  God, 
"Depart  from  us,  we  desire  not  the  knowledge  of 
thy  ways:"  they  cannot  reasonably  expect  any 
other  event,  than  that  He,  the  Fountain  of  felicity 
and  Judge  of  the  world,  should  at  last  say  to  them, 
"Depart  from  me,  ye  cursed,  into  everlasting  fire, 
prepared  for  the  devil  and  his  angels."  [JVote,  Matt. 
2.3:41—46.)  «§ 

V.  17—34. 
We  are  not  competent  to  declare  what  God,  the 
universal  Judge,  ought  to  do,  or  to  comment  on 
what  he  docs:  nor  sliould  we  deem  ourselves  the 
objects  of  his  love,  or  of  his  wrath,  because  of 
outward  dispensations;  or  condemn  any  as  sinners 
above  other  men,  because  visited  with  remark- 
able calamities;  for  in  all  conclusions  and  argu- 
ments of  this  kind,  there  is  error,  presumption, 
and  self-sufficiency.  [Mdes,  Luke  13:1 — 5.)  The 
wicked  man  may  suffer  many  dreadful  calamities 
on  earth,  and  must  have  many  peculiar  terrors  and 
vexations;  he  wants  that  peace  of  conscience,  that 
confidence  in  God,  and  that  hope  of  heaven,  which 
the  believer  enjoys:  prosperity  increases  his  guilt, 
and  streng'lhens  his  distempered  passions:  he  has 
all  his  good  things  here,  and  nothing  to  look  for 


hereafter,  but  unmixed  and  eternal  misery,  and 
may  expect  to  be  banished  from  the  presence  of 
God  hereafter;  while  the  righteous  has  all  his  evil 
here,  and  unmingled  and  eternal  good  in  another 
v/orld.  {jyote,  Luke  16:24—26.)  As,  therefore, 
we  are  all  speedily  drawing  toward  the  grave, 
must  we  not  certainly  conclude,  that  the  most  ad- 
verse lot  of  a  true  believer  is  infinitely  preferable 
to  the  greatest  prosperity  of  an  unbeliever?  Let 
us  then  put  "far  from  us  the  counsel  of  the  wick- 
ed;" let  us  seek  the  Lord,  and  desire  tlie  knowl- 
edge of  his  ways;  let  us  count  his  service  our  lib- 
erty and  pleasure;  and  the  privilege  of  praying  to 
him,  our  highest  honor  and  richest  charter.  Let 
us  look  forward  to  the  general  judgment  and  the 
eternal  world;  and  we  shall  see  the  prosperity  of 
the  wicked,  and  the  trials  of  tlie  righteous,  |)cr- 
fectly  con.sonant  with  tlie  eternal  wisdom,  justice, 
truth,  and  goodness  of  God;  and  must  cheerfully 
conclude,  even  when  under  his  sharply  correcting 
rod,  that  they,  and  thev  only,  are  blessed,  who 
trust  and  serve  him.    [JYulc,  Ps.  73:23—28.) 

NOTES. 
Chap.  XXII.  V.  1— 4.  Eliphaz  still  supposed 
Job  to  maintain  that  God  favored  the  wicked;  and 
therefore  he  addressed  him  the  third  time.  He 
intended,  in  this  introduction,  to  shew  that  God, 
in  all  his  appointments,  acted  out  of  pure  love  to 
justice,  and  was  not  influenced  by  interested  or 
selfish  affections.— He  has  nothing  to  fear,  or 
hope,  from  any  of  his  creatures;  liis  essential  glory 
and  felicity  receive  no  accession  from  their  obe- 
dience, however  perfect;  he  is  not  excited  by  the 
greatness  of  any  one,  to  institute  a  legal  process 
against  him  to  bring  hiin  down;  nor  can  any  one 
make  him  his  debtor.  A  wise  man  consults  his 
own  advantage  by  serving  God,  but  he  cannot 
profit  him  by  so  doing.  The  Lord  indeed  approves 
and  delights  in  holiness,  because  it  is  right  in  it- 
self, and  conducive  to  personal  and  social  happi- 
ness; but  not  because  he  is  any  gainer  by  it.  His 
justice  therefore  must  be  invariable  and  impartial; 
his  rewards  are  tlie  result  of  his  love  of  good;  and 
his  punishments  spring  entirely  from  hatred  of 
evil.  [JSrotes,Ps.  16:2,3.  Luke  l'7:7— 10.)— These 
are  great  truths,  and  were  well  understood  by  the 
disputants,  though  here  rather  incautiously  stated: 


B.  C.   1550. 


JOB. 


B.  C.  155a. 


about  thee,   and  ""  sudden   fear  troubleth 
thee; 

11  Or  ^  darkness,  that  thou  canst  not 
see;  and  *  abundance  of  waters  cover 
thee. 

12  Is  "  not  God  in  the  height  of 
heaven?  and,  behold,  the  *  height  of 
^  the  stars,  how  high  they  are! 

13  And  thou  sayest,  t  How  y  doth 
God  know?  can  he  judge  through  the 
dark  cloud? 

14  Thick  ^  clouds  are  a  covering  to 
him,  that  he  seeth  not;  and  he  walketh 
in  the    circuit  of   heaven. 

[Practical  Observations.] 

15  Hast  thou  marked  ^  the  old  way, 
which  wicked  men  have  trodden? 

1 6  Which  were  "^  cut  down  out  of 
time,  +  whose  foundation  was  overflown 
with  a  flood; 

y  Ps.  10:11.73:11.91:7—9.   Ez. 

8:1-:.  9:9.    Zeph.  1:12. 
z  34:22.     Ps.  33:14.  97:2.  139:1, 

2.    Jer.  23:24.     Luke  12:2,3. 
a  Gen.  6:5,11—13.    Luke  17:26, 


1-  6:4.  13:21.   Prov.  l:r:7.  3:25,2t). 

1  Thes.  5:3. 
s  18:6,13.  19:S.    Prov.  4:19.    Is. 

8:22.     Larn.  3:2.      Joel  2:2,3. 

Matt.  8:12. 
t  Ps.  42:7.  69:1,2.  124:4.     Lam. 

3:54.    Jon.  2:3. 
u  Ps.  115:3,16.    Ec.  5:2.    Is.  C7: 

15.  C6:l. 
*  Ueb.  head. 
X  Ps.  3:3,4. 
t  Or,  What. 


b  15:32.  Ps.  55:23.  102:24.    Ec. 

7:17. 
J  Heb.  a  flood  u-as  poured  ■up- 
on their  foundation.     Gen.  7: 
17—24.      Matt.  24:37—39.      1 
Pet   3:19,20.     2  Pet.  2:5. 


but  Eliphaz  and  his  associates,  confounding'  this 
state  of  trial,  with  that  of  future  retribution,  mis- 
applied them  to  the  case  of  Job;  as  if  the  justice 
of  God  could  not  be  vindicated,  unless  he  were 
proved  to  be  a  wicked  man! 

V.  3 — 14.  In  these  verses  Eliphaz  broug-ht  as 
particular  a  charg-e  against  Job,  as  if  he  had  had 
evidences  ready  to  prove  dvery  tittle:  yet  he  had 
no  reason  for  his  rash  accusation,  except  tiiat  Job 
was  visited,  as  he  supposed  God  always  visited 
every  wicked  man,  and  none  else!  He  demanded, 
whether  Job  could  deny  the  greatness  and  im- 
mense number  of  his  crimes.^ — Indeed  all  have 
committed  innumerable  sins,  in  which  there  is  an 
inconceivable  degree  of  criminality:  but  Eliphaz 
did  not  mean  such  transgressions  as  were  common 
to  Job  with  other  believers,  or  even  with  men  in 
general;  but  flagrant  iniquities  and  impieties, 
which  he  had  cloked  with  tlie  mask  of  hypocrisy. 
— He  therefore  directly  charged  him  with  depriv- 
ing his  poor  brethren  of  their  mean  and  scanty 
clothing,  by  taking  it  in  pledge  for  debts  which 
he  unjustly  claimed;  and  of  withholding  bread  and 
water,  or  needful  relief,  from  tliose  who  were  per- 
ishing by  want;  of  decreeing  as  a  judge,  in  behalf 
of  the  rich  and  powerful,  for  their  favor  and  bribes; 
and  of  sending-  away  the  widows  and  orphans  rob- 
bed of  their  property,  and  bereaved  of  all  power 
to  recover  their  right.  (.A'b^e.?,  !21:-2 — 12.  29:12 — 
17.  31:1—8,13—23.  Ex.  22:25—27.  JVc/(.  5:1—7. 
Ez.  18:5—9.  Am.  2:6—8.)  The  unexpected  ca- 
lamities, with  which  Job  was  surrounded  and  en- 
tangled, were  the  punishment  of  these  oppres- 
sions: and  it  was  no  wonder  that  he  complained 
of  being  involved  in  darkness,  distracted  with  ter- 
rors, and  overwhelmed  with  afflictions,  like  im- 
petuous torrents,  when  he  was  guilty  of  such 
crimes. — Some  think,  he  meant  that  Job  was 
blinded  by  his  selfish  prejudices,  or  judicially  in- 
volved in  mental  darkness;  or  he  would  readily 

have  perceived  the  reason  of  his  calamities All 

parties  were  agreed  that  God  displayed  his  pres- 
ence and  glory  in  heaven,  and  was  infinitelv  cx- 
62] 


17  Whicli  said  unto  God,  "Depart 
from  us:  ^  and  what  can  the  Almighty 
do  }  for  them? 

18  Yet  "^  he  filled  their  houses  with 
good  things:  but  ^  the  counsel  of  the 
wicked  is  far  from  me. 

19  The  s  righteous  see  it,  and  are 
glad:  and  ^  the  innocent  laugh  them 
to  scorn. 

20  Whereas  '  our  !l  substance  is  not 
cut  down,  but  ^^  the  remnant  of  them 
^  the  fire  consumeth. 

21  IT  '  Acquaint  now  thyself  with 
**  him,  and  "^  be  at  peace;  thereby  good 
shall  come  unto  thee. 

22  "  Receive,  I  pray  thee,  the  law 
from  his  mouth,  and  °  lay  up  his  words 
in  thine  heart. 


c  21:14,15.    Is.  .30:11.     Matt.  8: 

29,34.    Rom.  1:28. 
dPs.  4:6.     Mai.  3:14. 
^  Or,  to  thetn. 
e  12:6.     1  Sam.  2:7.     Ps.  17:14. 

Jer.  12:2.  Acts  14:17. 
f  21:16.     Ps.  1:1. 
g  Ps.  48:11.  53:10.  97:8.    107:42. 

Prov.  11:10.     Rev.  18:20.  19:1 

—3. 
h  9:23.     Ps.  52:6. 
i  4:7.  8:3,4.    15:5,6.  20:18,19.  21: 

27,23.    Luke  13:1—5. 
II  Or,  estate. 
Tf  Or,  their  excellency. 


k  1:16.20:26.   Gen.  19:24.  Luke 

17:29,30.    2  Pet.  2:6,7. 
1   1  Chr.  28:9.  John  17:3.  2  Cor. 

4:6. 
**  Tliat  is,  Ood. 
m  Is.  27:5.  57:19—21.     Matt.  5: 

25.     Acts  10:36.      2  Cor.  5:20. 

Eph.  2:14—17. 
n  Deut.  4:1,2.    Prov.  2:1—9.    1 

Thes.  4:1,2, 
0  23:12.   Deut.  6:6— 9.    Ps.  119: 

11.     Prov.  4:4,21.     Jer.  15:16. 

Matt.  12:35.  13:52.   Ltike  2;19, 

51. 


alted  above  all  creatures:  but  Eliphaz  charged 
Job  with  inferring  from  this,  that  God  "could  not 
know,"  or  did  not  notice,  the  actions  of  men,  which 
were  concealed  by  the  intervening  clouds;  or  that, 
satisfied  with  the  enjoyment  of  his  own  felicity/,  he 
disregarded  the  affairs  of  his  creatures.  So  that, 
if  Job  were  nut  a  direct  atheist,  he  implicitly  de- 
nied the  divine  perfections  and  providence;  and 
therefore  he  feared  no  punishment  forcloking-  his 
injustice  with  the  shew  of  piety,  and  vindicating' 
his  character,  when  visited  by  the  just  judgments 
of  God.  {Motes,  Ps.  10:2—11.  73:11.  94:1—9.  Ez. 
8:7-12.   Zeph.  1:12.) 

V.  15 — 20.  Eliphaz  here  evidently  adverted  to 
the  general  deluge.  Tiie  earth  was  then  filled 
with  violence;  men  had  said  unto  God,  "Depart 
from  us;"  and  they  inquired  concerning  Noah 
and  his  few  associates,  "What  can  the  Almighty 
do  for  them.'"  [Jfotes,  Gen.  6:11,12,17.)  But, 
though  their  houses  were  for  a  time  filled,  by  a 
bountiful  Providence,  with  good  things,  what  way 
did  they  at  length  tread.-"  They  were  cut  down  by 
an  awful  judgment,  and  the  foundation  of  their 
confidence  was  overflowed  and  destroyed  with  the 
flood.  [JVotes,  Grn.  l:\Q—23.  J>/a«.  24:36— 41.) 
This  was  well  known;  and  therefore  Eliphaz 
maintained  that  such  judgments  befal  notorious 
sinners;  and  thought  that  he  had  the  best  reason 
to  use  Job's  words,  "The  counsel  of  the  wicked 
is  far  from  me."  (21:16.)  And,  as  it  was  always 
matter  of  exultation  and  triumph  to  the  righteous, 
when  wicked  oppressors  were  thus  ruined;  Job 
had  no  reason  to  wonder  that  they  seemed  to 
mock  at  /i?s  calamities  and  complaints,  whom  they 
considered  to  be  such  an  one.  "But,"  added  he, 
"our  substance,"  who  are  really  godly  men,  "is 
not  thus  cut  down;"  while  the  vengeance  of  God, 
like  fire,  consumes  every  remnant  of  those  who  by 
their  crimes  are  proper  fuel  for  it.  Perhaps  he 
alluded  to  tlie  destruction  of  Sodom.  {Jfotes,  Gen. 
i  19:24— 29.  i^MA:e  17:32—37.)—  Eliphaz's  arguments 
!and  precedents  by  no  means  proved,  that  wicked 
men  were  nlvays  thus  visited  in  this  world-     The 


13.  C.  1550. 


CHAPTER  XXII. 


B.  C.  1550. 


23  If  thou  f  return  to  tlie  Almighty, 
thou  shalt  be  i  built  up,  "■  thou  shalt 
put  away  iniquity  far  from  thy  taber- 
nacles. 

24  Then  shalt  thou  ^  lay  up  gold  *  as 
'dust,  and  the  gold  of  *  Ophir  as  the 
/  stones  of  the  brooks. 

25  Yea,  "  the  Almighty  shall  be  thy 
t  Defence,  and  thou  shalt  have  |  plenty 
of  silver. 

2(3  For  then  ^  shalt  thou  have  thy 
delight  in  the  Almighty,  and  shalt  >'  lilt 
up  thy  face  unto  God. 

27  Thou  shalt  ^  make  thy  prayer  unto 


p  8:5,6.  11:13.    Is.  55;ti,7.    Hos. 

14- 1,2.    Zech.  1:3.  Acts  26:20. 
q  12:14.     Jer.  31:4.      Col.  2:7. 

Jiidc  20. 
r  11:14.  18:15.     Josh.  7:13—16. 

16.33:15.  Zecli.  5:3,4. 
s   1  Kings  10:21.  2  Chr.  1:15.  9: 

10,27. 
*  Or,  on  the  dust. 
t  Gen.  10:29.    1  Kin^s  9:28.  22: 

'18.   Ps.  45:9.    Is.  13:12. 


u  Gen.    15:1.     Ps.    18:2.  84:11. 

Is.  41:10.    Rom.  8:31. 
t  Or,  Gold.    Ps.  16:5,6.    Is.  33: 

6.  2  Cor.  6:10.  Jam.  2:5. 
i  Heb.  silver  of  strength. 
X  27:10.34:9.  Ps.  37:4.  Cant.  2: 

3.  Is.  58:14.  Rom.  7:22. 
y  11:15.       Ps.   25:1.     86:4.    143: 

8.    1  John  3:20,21. 
2  Ps.  50:14,15.  66:18—20.  91:15. 

116:1.   Is.  58:9.    1  John  5:14,15. 


Sabeans  and  Chaldeans  did  not  act  with  greater 
in^istice  to  Job,  than  he  did,  in  tliis  rash  condem- 
nation of  him:  and  as  he  ascribed  his  own  exemp- 
tion, and  that  of  his  friends,  to  their  piety,  rather 
than  to  God's  mercy,  his  discourse  also  savored  of 
pride  and  ingratitude. 

V.  21—30.  The  former  part  of  Eliphaz's  an- 
swer must  be  condemned;  but  much  of  this  con- 
clusion merits  great  commendation,  though  it 
implied  that  Job  had  hitherto  been  a  stranger  to 
true  religion,  and  that  temporal  prospei'ity  would 
be  the  sure  consequence  of  liis  sincei'e  conver- 
sion. It  contained,  however,  excellent  advice 
and  suitable  encouragements.  He  exhorted  Job 
to  get  acquainted  with  the  divine  perfections, 
and  to  seek  an  experimental  knowledge  of  "the 
God  of  salvation,"  whom  a  sinner  may  approach 
by  faith  and  prayer.  Thus  he  might  have  peace 
with  him,  and  in  his  own  conscience;  and  all 
possible  good  would  be  the  consequence.  {JVotes, 
1  Chr.  28:9.  John  17:1—3.)  The  revelations, 
which  God  had  made  to  others,  or  would  make 
to  him,  of  his  truth  and  will,  should  be  received 
with  submission  of  understanding,  and  with  hum- 
ble faith,  and  laid  up  in  his  heart  as  the  princi- 
ples and  rule  of  his  future  obedience.  Thus,  re- 
turning to  the  Almighty,  as  his  God  and  Portion, 
he  would  remove  every  kind  of  injustice  far 
from  his  tabernacles;  and  might  expect  to  have 
a  prosperity  built  upon  a  firm  foundation.  He 
would  grow  rich  in  gold  and  silver;  nay,  the 
Lord  would  be  his  Treasure  and  Defence:  he 
should  have  great  delight  and  confidence  in  him; 
his  prayers  would  be  readily  heard  and  answer- 
ed; and  he  would  be  continually  reminded  to 
perform  the  vows  which  accompanied  them.     His 

Purposes  would  be  established;  his  path  would 
e  comfortable;  and  when  the  wicked  were  cast 
down,  he  would  recollect  with  joyful  exultation, 
how  the  Lord  had  lifted  him  up  from  his  abject 
condition,  and  preserved  him  from  similar  calam- 
ities, after  he  had  humbled  himself  before  him. 
Eliphaz,  perhaps  meant,  that  when  the  righteous 
were  afflicted  or  cast  down.  Job  would  be  hon- 
ored as  their  helper  and  comforter;  and  that  his 
pio^is  example,  endeavors,  and  fervent  prayers, 
would  render  him  a  blessing'  to  his  neighbors, 
and  to  his  country,  in  preserving  it  from  public 
calamities,  and  promoting  the  cause  of  religion 
and  righteousness.  {JVotes,  5:17 — 27.  8:4 — 7. 
42:7—9.   Gen.  12:1—3.    Ps.  106:19—23.  Acts  21: 


him,  and   he   shall   hear    thee,  and   thou 
shalt  *  pay  thy  vows. 

28  Thou  shalt  also  ^  decree  a  thing, 
and  it  shall  be  established  unto  thee: 
and  •=  the  light  shall  shine  upon  thy 
ways. 

29  When  ^  men  are  cast  down,  then 
thou  shalt  say,  There  is  lifting  up; 
and  « he  shall  save  5  the  humble  per- 
.son. 

30  II  He  shall  deliver  the  island  of 
the  innocent:  and  it  is  delivered  by 
the  ^  pureness  of  thine  hands. 


a  Ps.  56:12,13.  66:13,14.  116:14. 

Ec.  5:4.    Jon.  2:9. 
b  Ps.   20:4.  90:17.     Lam.  3:37. 

Jam.  4:15. 
c  29:3.    Ps.  97:11.  112:4.    Prov. 

4:18.  Is.  30:21.  Mai.  4:2.  John 

8:12. 
d  5:19,&c.   Ps.  9:5,3.  91:14—16. 

92:9—11. 
e  Prov.  29:23.    Is.  57:15.    Luke 

14:11.   18:9—14.     Jam.  4:6.     1 


Pet.  5:5. 

5  Heb.  him  thai  hath  loio  eyes. 
Ps.  138:6.  Is.  66:2.  Ez.  21:26, 
27.  Luke  1:52. 

II  Or,  The  innocent  shall  deliv- 
er the  island.  42:8.  Gen.  13: 
26—32.  Is.  58:12.  Jer.  5:1. 
Acts  27:24. 

f  Is.  1:15.  Mai.  1:9.  Matt.  17: 
19,20.  Acts  19:15,16.  1  Tim. 
2:8.  Jam.  5:15,16. 


20 — 26.) — The  word  rendered  island,  sometimes 
signifies  region,  or  country.     [Jer.  47:4.  Heb.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
V.  1—14. 
True  wisdom  consists  with  seeking  our  own 
interest,  yea,  in  seeking-  it,  provided  it  be  our 
true  and  everlasting  interest,    and  we  seek  it 
in  that  way  which  God  hath  revealed:  and  god- 
liness is  always  profitable  to  the  possessor,  having- 
"the  promise  both  of  the  life  that  now  is,  and  of 
that  which  is  to  come.'"     [JVotes,  I  Tim.  4:% — 10. 
6:6 — 10.)     But  it  is  absurd  to  suppose,   that  we^ 
can  be  profitable  to  God,   or  merit  any  thing  at 
his  hands.     Even  the  perfect  obedience  of  an- 
gels,   in  these  respects,   is    entirely  unavailing; 
how  much  more  then  the  defective  services  cf 
polluted    sinners!      All   our   comforts    therefore 
flow  from  the  unmerited  mercy  of  our  God;  and 
under  all  our  afflictions  we  should  acknowledge,, 
that  we  suffer  less  than  we  deserve.     He  indeed 
acts  as  a  Sovereign,  who  gives  no  account  of  his 
conduct  to  the  presumptuous  objector;    but  his 
sovereignty  is  perfectly  wise,   rigliteous,  faithful, 
good,  and  merciful.     He  approves  of  the  image 
of  his  own  holiness,  and  delights   in  the  fruits  of 
his  own   Spirit;    and  he   graciously  accepts  the 
thankful  services  of  the  humble  believer,  while 
he  rejects  the  proud  claim  of  the  self-confident 
Pharisee. — It   is,   however,  grievous  to  reflect, 
that  many  who  speak  excellently  on  the  perfec- 
tions of  God,  so  far  from  being  "imitators  of  him, 
as  beloved  children,"  behave  towards  others  in 
direct  contrariety  to  this  perfect  pattern;   and 
even  cloke  their  own  injustice  and  severitj',  by 
expatiating  on  the  divine    mercy    and  justice! 
Even  good  men  frequently  thus  transgress,  when 
being  eager  in  disputation,  they  harshly  censure 
or  falsely  accuse  their  brethiren.     Let  us  then 
beware  of  this  common  offence.     Let  us  pity  and 
defend  such,  as  are  suffering-  under   the   cruel 
injury  of  slanderous  tongues.     But  should  it  be 
our  lot  to  be  thus  afflicted,  let  us  remember  how 
Job  was  treated;    yea,  how  Jesus  was  reviled; 
that  we  may  be  patient  under  the  trial,  and  "not 
render  railing-  for  railing."    And  let  us  examine 
ourselves,  whether  there  be  not  some  plausible 
ground  for  the  reproach:  that  our  minds  may  feel 
a  deeper  abhorrence  of  the  crimes,  of  which  we 
are  accused,  and  that  we  may  more  watchfully 
avoid   all   appearance   of  them.— The  injustice, 

O 


[6i 


B.  C.  1550. 


JOB. 


B.  C.  1550. 


CHAP.  XXIII. 

Job  lonjs  to  plead  his  cause  before  God,  being  assured  of  a 
favorable  event,  1 — 7.  He  laments  that  he  cannot  perceive 
the  presence  of  God:  but  is  confident  that  God  knows  his  way, 
<ind  will  bring  him  forth  as  gold,  8 — 10.  He  attests  his  own 
integrity,  11,  12;  but  is  troubled  by  the  immutable  counsel  of 
'God,  13—17. 

THEN  Job  answered  and  said, 
2  Even  to-day  is    *  my  complaint 
bitter:  my  *  stroke  is  ^  heavier  than  my 
groaning. 

3  "  Oh,  that  I  knew  '^  where  I  might 
find  him!  that  ^  I  might  come  even  to 
his  seat! 

4  I   would  *"  order    7ny    cause    before 


a  6:2.  10:1.    Lam.  3:19,\10. 

*  Heb.  hand. 

b  11:6. 

c  13:3.  40:1—5. 


d  Is.    65:6,7. 

Heb.  4:1G. 

e  31:35—37. 

f  13:18.  37:19. 


2   Cor.    5:19,20. 


my    mouth    with    argu- 


rapine,  cruelty  to  the  poor,  and  oppression  of  the 
widow,  the  orphan,  and  the  destitute,  which  too 
often  prevail  even  in  the  place  of  judgment,  or 
in  the  palaces  of  the  great,  evidently  prove  that 
numbers  are  practical  atheists  or  infidels;  that 
they  have  no  proper  sense  of  the  perfections  and 
authority  of  God;  no  realizing-  apprehensions  of 
his  presence  with  them,  and  his  knowledge  of 
their  secret  sins  or  secret  thoughts;  or  no  con- 
viction that  for  "all  these  things  he  will  bring 
them  into  judgment." 

V.  1.5—30. 
How  generally  is  the  invisible  God  forgotten  by 
men!  "He  is  not  in  all  their  thoughts."  But  they 
would  do  well  to  mark  the  old  way  of  the  trans- 
.gressors  before  the  flood,  and  that  of  the  inhabi- 
tants of  Sodom  and  Gomorrah.  More  dreadful 
will  be  the  doom  of  impenitent  sinners  ere  long; 
however  at  present  they  prosper  in  their  crimes, 
and  their  houses  are  filled  with  good  things. 
Therefore  every  wise  man  will  agree  in  saying, 
"The  counsel  of  the  wicked  be  far  from  me." — 
In  this  world  we  ought  not  to  be  "glad  at  the 
calamities'"  even  of  the  ^viclred.  Instead  of  in- 
sulting over  them  when  afflic.'ed,  we  should  pity 
them,  and  pray  for  their  conversion;  and  we  must  j 
"by  no  means  ascribe  it  to  our  own  piety,  but  to 
the  divine  mercy,  if  we  are  exempted  from 
grievous  calamities.  But  hereafter,  when  the 
day  of  patience  and  grace  shall  be  ended,  and 
the  wicked  shall  be  cast  into  hell,  the  redeemed 
will  cry  out  with  exultation,  "So  let  all  thine 
enemies  perish,  O  Lord!" — Let  us  then  here  ac- 
quaint ourselves  with  him,  that  we  may  be  rec- 
onciled to  him,  and  enjoy  his  "peace,  which 
passeth  all  understanding:"  thus,  everlasting 
good  will  come  unto  us.  Blessed  be  his  name, 
we  have  immense  advantages,  tvhich  these  an- 
cient believers  had  not;  we  have  both  his  pre- 
cepts and  his  promises,  his  law  and  his  gospel,  in 
our  hands:  may  we  receive  them  as  the  words  of 
his  mouth,  and  treasure  them  up  in  our  hearts: 
may  we  return  unto  him  by  living  faith,  and 
cleave  to  him  in  holy  love;  and  shew  the  reality  of 
our  conversion,  by  casting  away  all  our  transgres- 
sions, renouncing  all  our  idols,  obeying  his  com- 
inandments,  and  acquiescing  in  his  will.  Then, 
whether  we  be  rich  or  poor,  prosperous  or  afflict- 
ed, "the  Almightv  will  be  our  Shield,"  and  our 
Delight;  [N'otes,  Ps.  43:4.  84:11,12.)  our  prayers 
will  be  heard  and  our  thanksgivings  will  abound; 
our  purposes  will  be  established,  and  a  light  will 
shine  upon  our  paths;  we  shall  be  preserved 
when  the  wicked  perish;  be  lifted  up  from  every 
depth  of  affliction;  and,  having  been  humbled 
under  his  mighty  hand,  we  shall  be  exalted  to 
the  throne  of  glory.  In  the  mean  time,  our  ex- 
amples, endeavors,  prayers,  and  influence,  will 
64] 


him,   and    s  fill 
ments. 

5  I  would  ^  know  the  words  which 
he  would  answer  me,  and  understand 
what  he  would  say  unto  me. 

6  Will  he  ^  plead  against  me  with  his 
great  power.^  No,  ''  but  he  would  put 
strength  in  me. 

7  There  '  the  righteous  might  dis- 
pute whh  him:  ■"  so  should  I  be  deliv- 
ered for  ever  from  my  Judge. 

8  Behold,    °  I  go  forward,  but  he  is 

g  Gen.    18:25— 33.  32:12.     Ex.        57:16.     Mic.  2:1. 

k  Ps.  138:3.    2  Cor.  12:9,10. 


33.  32:12. 

32:12,13.        Num.     14:13 19. 

Josh.  7:8,9.  Ps.  25:11.  Dan.  9: 

13,19. 
h  10:2.  13:22,23.  42:2—6.  1  Cor. 

4:3,4. 
i  9:19,33,34.  13:21.      Is.  27:4,8. 


1   Is.  1:18.    Jer.  3:5.  12:1. 

m  9:15.    Rom.  3:19—22.  8:1,33, 

34. 
n9:ll.     Ps.  10:1.   13:1—3.     Is. 

45:15.   1  Tim.  6:16. 


be  useful  in  preserving  or  delivering  some  from 
sin  and  misery:  and,  whatever  be  our  judgment 
of  the  character  of  others,  we  may  safely  recom- 
mend to  them  the  same  course,  as  the  certain 
way  to  present  peace  and  future  felicity. 

NOTES. 

Chap.  XXIII.  V.  2.  Job's  complaints  were 
bitter,  and  his  friends  thought  them  rebellions; 
(as  the  word  properly  signifies;)  but  he  maintain- 
ed, that  the  calamities  with  which  he  had  been 
visited,  and  the  anguish  which  he  felt,  exceeded 
all  that  he  could  express. — The  verse  may  be 
read  as  an  exclamation:  "Oh,  that  to-day  my 
complaint  should  be  accounted  rebellion!"  Or, 
as  an  interrogation:  "Is  my  complaint,  even  to- 
day, rebellion.''  When  my  stroke  is  heavier  than 
my  groaning!" 

V.  3 — 7.  Job  perceived,  that  his  friends  were 
resolved  to  condemn  him;  he  therefore  referred 
his  cause  to  the  judgment  of  God,  and  he  was 
earnest  to  have  it  decided,  as  by  a  special  com- 
mission.— Eliphaz  had  exhorted  him  to  "acquaint 
himself  with  God;"  and  to  this  Job  seems  to 
have  referred,  when  he  vehemently  expressed  his 
desire  of  knowing  where  he  might  find  him.  He 
longed  to  know  where  and  how  he  might  carry 
his  appeal  into  tlie  presence  of  God,  and  before 
his  tribunal,  that  it  might  be  determined,  wheth- 
er he  was  a  righteous  man,  or  a  hypocrite;  which 
was  the  point  on  which  he  and  his  opponents 
were  at  issue.  He  was  assured  that  "the  judg- 
ment of  God"  would  be  "according  to  truth:" 
before  him  he  could  order  his  cause  with  confi- 
dence, and  produce  many  and  conclusive  argu- 
ments in  his  own  vindication.  He  should  then 
know  what  God  would  answer;  and  he  did  not 
fear  submitting  to  his  award:  he  seems  also  to 
have  hoped  that  he  should  then  understand  the 
reason  of  his  uncommon  afflictions.  He  was  as- 
sured, that  God  would  not  crush  him  by  his  polv- 
er,  or  condemn  him  by  prerogative;  but  would 
rather  support  him  by  his  grace,  and  encourage 
him  by  his  condescension,  in  ordering  his  cause 
before  him.  So  that  an  upright  person,  when 
calumniated  and  condemned  by  man,  might  be 
allowed  to  argue  the  matter  before  God;  and, 
having  appealed  to  his  mercy  as  a  Savior,  and 
being  declared  a  justified  believer,  he  would 
have  nothing  more  to  fear  from  his  just  and  holy 
Judge. — Some  think  that  he  meant  Eliphaz, 
who,  as  his  self-constituted  judge,  had  already 
most  unjustly  brought  him  in  guilty  of  many 
atrocious  crimes,  and  pronounced  sentence 
against  him Job's  consciousness  of  his  integri- 
ty, and  his  confidence  that  the  Lord  would  gra- 
ciously decide  in  his  favor,  were  well  grounded: 
but  there  was  a  great  want  of  reverence,  humil- 


B.  t:.'1550. 


CHAPTER  XXm. 


B.  C.  1550. 


not   there;  and    backward,  but  I   cannot 
perceive  him: 

9  On  the  left  hand,  where  he  doth 
work,  but  I  cannot  behold  him:  °  he 
hideth  himself  on  the  right  hand,  that  I 
cannot  see  him: 

10  But  P  he  knoweth  *  the  way  that 
I  take:  when  i  he  hath  tried  me,  •■  1  shall 
come  forth  as  gold. 

11  My  ^  foot  hath  held  his  steps, 
^  his  way  have  I  kept,  and  not  de- 
clined. 

12  Neither  "  have  I  gone  back  from 
the  commandment  of  his  lips;     ^  I  have 


oPs.  89:46.     Is.  8:17. 

J)  Gen.  18:19.  2Kings20:3.   Ps. 

]:tj.  139:1—3.     John  21:17.     2 

Tim.  2:19. 
*  Heb.  the  viay  that  is  with  me. 
q  1:11,12.  2:5,6.   Dent.  8:2.     Ps. 

i7:3.  66:10.  Prov.  17:3.  Zech. 

13:9.    Mai.  3:2,3.    Hcb.  11:17. 

Jam.  1:2—4,12.     1  Pet.  1:7. 
r  42:5—8. 
s  1  Sam.  12:2—5.     Ps.   18:20— 


24.44:18.    Acts  20:1^,19,33,34. 

2  Cor.  1:12.    1  Thcs.  2:10. 
t  17:9.    Ps.  36:3.  125:5.     Zeph. 

1:6.    Luke  8:13—15.     Rom.  2: 

7.    2  Pet.  2:20—32. 
u  John  6:66—69.  8:31.    Acts  14: 

22.    Heb.  10:38,39.     1  John  2: 

19. 
X  22:22.    Ps.  19:10.  119:103,127. 

Jer.  15:16.    John  4:34.     1  Pet. 

2:2. 


ity,  and  patience,  in  his  vehement  manner  of 
stating  his  desires;  and  ift  fact,  the  Lord  did  at 
last  silence  Job,  by  shewing  him  his  presumption, 
in  thus  pleading  against  his  almighty  Sovereign. 
(JVbto,  38:1—3.  40:1—8.  42:1—6.  1  Cor.  4:3 
-5.) 

V.  8 — 12.  Job  was  sensible  that  God  was 
every  where  present,  and  he  was  troubled  at  his 
presence  as  the  Author  of  his  calamities:  (15)  but 
his  mind  was  in  such  confusion,  that  he  could 
get  no  fixed  apprehension  of  his  merciful  pres- 
ence, so  as  to  obtain  comfort  and  support  by 
spreading  his  case  before  him;  and  he  could  per- 
ceive no  tokens  of  the  Lord's  approach  to  deliver 
liim,  or  to  silence  his  accusers.  His  efforts  were 
all  fruitless,  and  his  views  gloomy.  Tiie  power- 
ful operations  of  God  were  discernible:  but  his 
gracious  presence  was  hid  in  anger;  and  he  seem- 
ed to  stand  at  a  distance,  or  to  frown  upon  him. 
Yet  Job  was  assured  that  the  heart-searching 
God  knew  and  approved  his  general  conduct  and 
character;  and  that  when  his  integrity  had  been 
suitably  tried,  he  should  be  brought  forth,  puri- 
fied as  gold  from  the  furnace.  For  he  was  con- 
scious that  he  was  an  upright  believer;  that  he 
had  obeyed  the  commands  of  God,  and  followed 
the  example  of  his  justice  and  goodness;  and 
that  he  had  steadily  kept  that  path,  without  de- 
clining, turning  back,  or  growing  weary.  [JVotes, 
'ZScmi.  22:21—28.  2  Cor.  1:12—14.)  Nay,  he 
liad  experienced  more  pleasure  in  the  truth  and 
commandments  of  the  Lord,  than  in  his  necessary 
food;  and  would  sooner  have  gone  without  his 
stated  meals,  than  have  deviated  from  his  service. 
{JVotes,  Ps.  19:7— 11.  119:97—105.  Jer.  1.5:15— 
18.) — In  these  and  similar  protestations,  it  is  evi- 
dent that  Job  continually  referred  to  the  charges 
brought  against  him,  and  the  advice  given  him, 
by  his  friends.     [J\Iarg.  Rcf.) 

V.  13 — 17.  At  this  time,  Job  seems  to  have 
felt  that  his  vehement  wishes  and  protestations 
were  altogether  vain,  because  he  was  aware  that 
the  purposes  of  God  were  irreversible,  and  his 
power  irresistible;  so  that  neither  persuasion  nor 
opposition  could  induce  him  to  deviate  from  his 
settle<l  plan.  It  was  God's  decree  and  fixed  pur- 
pose thus  to  aillict  him,  though  he  knew  not  on 
what  account;  but  there  were  many  such  deep 
mysteries   in    Providence.      {J\''oles,    34:20 — 30. 

Vol.  III.  9 


t  esteemed  the  words  of  his  mouth  more 
than  my  ^  necessary /oo(/. 

13  But  he  is  in  one  mind,  and  ^  who 
can  turn  him.^  ^  and  what  his  soul  de- 
sireth,  even  that  he  doeth. 

14  For  he  performeth  the  thing  that 
is  *  appointed  for  me:  and  ^  many  such 
things  are  with  him. 

15  Therefore  "^  am  I  troubled  at  his 
presence:  when  I  consider,  I  am  afraid 
of  him. 

16  For  God  ^  maketh  my  heart  soft, 
and  ^  the  Almighty  troubleth  me: 

17  Because  I  was  not  *^  cut  off  before 
the  darkness,  neither  hath  he  covered 
s  the  darkness  from  my  face. 


t  Heb.   hid,  or  laid  up.  22:22. 

Ps.  119:11. 
I  Or,  appointed  portion.  Luke 

12:42,46. 
y  9:12,13.     11:10.    12:14.   34:29. 

Num.  23:19,20.   Ec.  1:15.  3:14. 

Rom.  9:19.    Jam.  1:17. 
z  Ps.  115:3.  135:6.    Prov.  19:21. 

Is.    14:24—27.  46:10.     Dan.  4: 

35.    Kph.  1:9-11. 
a  7:3.    Mic.  6:9.    1  Thes.  3:3.  5: 


1  Pet.  2:8. 
b  Ps.  77:19.  97:2.     Is.  40:27,23. 

Rom.  11:33. 
c  3.  10:15.  31:23.     Ps.  77:3.  119: 

120.     Hab.  3:16. 
d  Ps.  22:14.     Is.  6:5.  57:16. 
e  27:2.     Ruth  1:20.     Ps.  88:16. 

Joel  1:1.5. 
f  6:9.  2  Kings  22:20.    Is.  57:1. 
S  15:22.  13:6,18.  19:8.  22:11. 


jRom.  11:33 — 36.)     The  presence 
him  with  terror, 


Dan.  4:34—37 

of  the  Almighty  therefore  filled 

and  melted  his  heart  with  anguish:  and  he  could 

not  conceive,  why  he  had  not  been  cut  off  by 

death  before  these  days  of  darkness;  or  why  God 

would  not  cover  him  in  the  grave,  from  the  view 

of  such  distresses. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

They,  and  they  alone,  who  have  experienced 
the  conflict  between  faith  and  unbelief,  hope  and 
despondency,  the  desire  to  submit,  and  the  op- 
posing power  of  self-will,  during  severe  trials  and 
sharp  temptations,  can  clearly  understand  or  ac- 
count for  the  fluctuations  observable  in  Job's 
language,  and  the  state  of  his  mind  whence  they 
arose:  (JVbte,  9:14 — 21.)  and  the  consideration, 
that  so  eminent  a  servant  of  God  was  harassed 
and  perplexed,  exactly  as  they  are,  cannot  fail 
to  afford  them  some  relief.  But  our  bitter  com- 
plaints are  very  apt  to  savor  of  rebellion;  and 
we  should  watch  over  ourselves  in  such  circum- 
stances, lest  we  provoke  the  Lord  to  increase  his 
corrections. — When  we  meet  with  unkind  treat- 
ment or  unjust  censures,  we  should  seek  help 
and  comfort  from  him:  yet  we  ought  to  come  in 
humble  reverence,  and  wait  his  time  with  pa- 
tience. Blessed  be  God,  we  may  know  where 
to  find  him:  he  is  "in  Christ,  reconciling  the 
world  unto  himself;"  and  upon  a  mercy-seat, 
"waiting  to  be  gracious."  Thither  the  sinner 
may  go  for  salvation;  and  there  the  believer  may 
order  his  cause,  and  fill  his  mouth  with  argu- 
ments, taken  from  the  perfections,  promises, 
covenant,  and  glory  of  God,  whatever  his  special 
requests  may  be.  Nor  need  we  ever  be  at  a  loss 
for  a  conclusive  argument,  why  he  should  par- 
don, teach,  protect,  comfort,  and  help  us,  if  we 
trust  his  mercy  and  seek  his  glory.  He  will  an- 
swer our  inquiries  by  his  word,  and  our  prayers 
in  his  providence,  and  by  his  Spirit;  and  cause  us 
to  understand  and  approve  his  decisions.  He 
T-  111  not  crush  or  ovrmwe  us  with  his  abpo!uie 
power,  but  assist  and  encourage  our  supplica- 
tions: and  the  only  way  to  be  delivered  from  our 
offended  Judge,  is  to  appeal  to  his  mercy  as  our 
loving  Savior;  for  "there  is  no  condemnation" 
for  those  who  are  indeed  true  believers  in  Jesus 
Christ.      [JYote,    Rom.    8:1,2.)— Yet,   even    for 

[65 


B.  C.   1550. 


JOB. 


B.  C.  1550. 


CHAP.  XXIV. 

Jyb  iuquirps  why  the  judgments  of  God  on  the  wicked  ai'e  not 
evident  to  his  people,  1.  He  shews  that  the  most  atrocious 
offendei's  often  go  unpunished  in  this  life,  and  die  as  all  other 
men,  2 — 24.     He  challenges  any  man  to  confute  him,  25. 

WHY,  '^  seeing  times  are  not  hid- 
den from  the  Ahiiighty,  do 
^  they  that  know  him  *=  not  see  his 
days.'* 

2  Some  remove  the  ^  landmarks; 
they  '^  violently  take  away  flocks,  and 
*  feed  thereof. 

3  They  *"  drive  away  the  ass  of  the 
fatherless,  they  take  the  widow's  ox  for 
a  pledge. 

4  They  s  turn  the  needy  out  of  the 
Avay:  the  poor  of  the  earth  ^  hide  them- 
selves together. 

5  Behold,  as  '  wild  asses  in  the  des- 
ert go  they  forth  to  their  work;  ''rising 
betimes  for  a  prey:  *  the  wilderness 
yi&ldeth  food  for  them  and  for  their 
children. 

f  22:6—9.  31:16,17.  Deut.  24:6, 
10—13,17—21.   1  Sam.  12:3. 

g  14.  31:16.  Ps.  109:16.  Pror. 
22;1Q.  30:14.  Is.  10:2.  Ez.  IR: 
UA"..  22:29.  Am.  2:7.  8:4—6. 
Mic.  2:1,2. 

h  Prov.  28:12,23.    Jam.  5:4—6. 

i  39:5—7.    Jer.  2:24.    Hos.  8:9. 

k  14.  Prov.  4:16.  Hos.  7:6. 
Mic.  2:1.  Zeph.  3:3.  John  18: 
23.  Acts  23:12. 

1  5:5.  12:6.    Gen.  16:]2.  27:40. 


a  Ps.  31:15.     Ec.  3:17.  3:6,7.  9: 

11,12.     Is.    60:22.     Dan.   2:21. 

Luke  21:22—24.    Acts  1:7.  17: 

26.   1  Thes.  5:1.   1  Tim.  4:1.  6: 

J5.    2  Pet.  2:3.  3:7,8. 
b  Ps.  9:10.  36:10.     John  17^3. 
c  Gen.  7:4.  18:17,20,21.    Ps.  73: 

16—19.     Jer.   12:1—3.     Matt. 

24:33.     Rom.  2:5. 
d  Deut.  19:14.  27:17.    Prov.  22: 

23.  23:10.    Hos.  5:10. 
e  1:15,17.  5:5. 
*  Or,  feed  them. 


them,  there  may  be  many  temptations,  sorrows, 
and  perplexities:  they  may  lose  the  sense  of  the 
favor  of  their  God,  and,  for  a  season,  seek  it  in 
every  ordinance,  and  by  every  means,  in  vain. 
But  he  knows  and  approves  their  path;  he  no- 
tices all  their  trials  and  difficulties;  he  will  give 
them  some  distant  intimation  of  a  happy  event; 
and  when  their  uprightness  is  manifested,  their 
graces  increased,  and  their  dross  consumed,  the)'^ 
shall  come  forth  as  the  purest  and  most  precious 
gold.  But  the  Christian,  of  whom  we  speak,  is 
conscious  of  having  uprightly  embraced  the  sal- 
vation of  God,  and  set  out  in  his  ways,  by  repent- 
ance, faith,  and  true  conversion;  he  has  held  his 
steps,  and  kept  his  path,  without  turning  aside 
for  the  sake  of  worldly  advantages,  or  for  fear  of 
the  cross.  Many  false  steps  indeed  he  has  made; 
but  he  has  not  been  left  to  walk  in  the  wajr  of 
allowed  sin:  he  obeys  unreservedl}-,  from  love, 
and  with  the  constancy  of  patient  expectation. 
The  word  of  God  has  been  the  food  of  bis  soul: 
he  has  an  appetite  for  it;  he  relishes  and  digests 
it,  converts  it  into  nourishment,  and  is  strength- 
ened by  it  for  service  and  for  conflict.  In  his 
habitual  judgment,  he  would  rather  want  animal 
recreation,  and  starve  with  hunger,  than  be  de- 
prived of  the  spiritual  sustenance  of  his  soul:  and 
therefore  he  takes  pleasure  in  searching  the 
scripture,  and  in  attending  on  the  ordinances  of 
God.  [JVoles,  P.9.  42:1—3.  63:1—6.  84:1,2.  Cant. 
1:4.)  Those  who  answer  this  description,  may 
be  alarmed  and  troubled  at  afflictive  events;  they 
may  be  disquieted  at  tlie  view  of  the  unchangea- 
ble decrees  and  irresistible  sovereignty  of  God, 
and  be  perplexed  about  the  reasons  "of  his  ap- 
pointments. They  may  even  think  that  the  Al- 
mighty delights  to  trouble  them,  and  wish  that 
they  had  died  before  their  trials;  but  this  is  their 
weakness,  temptation,  and  sin.  For  nothing  can 
come  upon  them,  but  ivhat  is  appointed  by  infi- 
66] 


6  They  ■"  reap  every  one  his  tcorn  in 
the  field:  and  *  they  gather  the  vintage 
of  the  wicked. 

7  They  cause  °  the  naked  to  lodge 
without  clothing,  that  they  have  °  no 
covering  in  the  cold. 

8  They  are  p  wet  with  the  showers 
of  the  mountains,  and  i  embrace  the 
rock  for  want  of  a  shelter. 

9  They  "■  pluck  the  fatherless  from 
the  breast,  and  take  a  pledge  of  the 
poor. 

10  They  cause  him  to  go  naked  with- 
out clothing,  and  ^  they  take  away  the 
sheaf /rowi  the  hungry; 

11  'Which  *  make  oil  within  their 
walls,  and  tread  their  wine-presses,  and 
suffer  thirst. 

12  Men  "  groan  from  out  of  the  city, 
and  the  soul  of  the  ^  wounded  crieth 
out:  y  yet  God   layeth  not  folly  to  them. 


m  Deut.  23:33,51.  Judg.  6:3—6. 

Mic.  6:15. 
f  Heb.      mingled      corn,      or 

dredge.  • 

J  Heb.  the  toicked  gather  the 

vintage. 
n  10.  22:6.  31:19,20.     Ex.  22:26, 

27.    Deut.  24:11— 13.    Is.  58:7. 

Acts  9:39. 
o  Gen.    31:40.        Prov.    31:21. 

Marg. 
p  Cant.  5:2. 
qLam.  4:5.    Heb.  11:33. 


r  2  Kings  4:1.    Neh.  5;5. 

s  Deut.  24:19.    Acts  2:7,8.  5:11, 

12. 
t  Deut.  25:4.   Jer.  22:13.   Jam. 

5:4. 
u  Ex.   1:13,14.     2:23,24.    22:27. 

Judg.  10:16.    Ps.  12:5.    Ec.  4: 

1.    Is.  52:5. 
X  Ps.  69:26.  109:22. 
y  Ps.  50:21.    Ec.  8:11,12.    Mai. 

2:17.  3:15.    Kom.  2:4,5.  2  Pet. 

3:15. 


nite  wisdom  and  love,  and  in  order  to  humble, 
soften,  and  sanctify  them;  nothing,  but  what  shall 
terminate  in  their  benefit,  and  that  of  their 
brethren,  and  redound  to  the  glorj^  of  God:  and, 
in  their  sober  judgment,  they  would  be  willing 
to  endure  darkness  and  distress  for  a  time,  for 
these  important  purposes.  May  we  then  learn 
to  obey  and  trust  the  Lord,  even  under  tribula- 
tion; be  willing  to  die  when  he  pleases,  for  we 
know  not  from  what  evils  we  may  thus  be  ex- 
empted; and  to  live  as  long  as  he  sees  good,  as 
we  are  not  aware  for  what  good  purposes  our 
lives  may  be  prolonged. 

NOTES. 

Chap.  XXIV.  V.  1.  If  God  uniformly  pun- 
ished the  wicked  in  this  life,  according  to  the 
opinion  of  Eliphaz  and  his  friends;  Job  supposed, 
that  wise  and  godly  men,  who  are  acquainted 
with  him  and  his  ways,  would  be  able  to  give 
some  account  of  the  times  of  vengeance;  to  con- 
clude how  long  the  prosperity  of  the  wicked 
would  last;  and  to  predict  how  it  would  termi- 
nate, and  what  degree  of  misery  proportioned  to 
their  crimes  would  be  inflicted:  as  those,  ac- 
quainted with  the  mind  of  the  prince,  and  the 
laws  of  the  land,  can  foresee  and  expect  the  sen- 
tence, which  will  shortly  be  pronounced  and  ex- 
ecuted upon  notorious  malefactors.  There  are 
days  appointed  for  their  trial,  and  penalties  an- 
nexed to  their  crimes,  and  we  know  what  to 
expect,  as  to  the  murderer  or  traitor.  Doubt- 
less, the  Governor  of  the  world  also  has  his  ap- 
pointed times  of  vengeance;  but  why  are  they 
not  discovered  to  his  people.''  Why  are  they  not 
marked  or  evident.''  They  certainly  would  be,  if 
exact  justice  were  awarded  in  this  world;  and  as 
they  are  not,  it  is  evident  that  the  time  of  trial, 
and  of  executing  vengeance,  is  not  appointed  in 
this  life.     (JVo^e,  Ec.  9:1—3.) 

V.  2 — 12.     In  these  verses  Job   proves  from 


B-  C.  1550. 


CHAPTER  XXIV 


B.  C.  1550. 


13  They  are  of  those  that  ^  rebel 
against  the  light;  ^  they  know  not  the 
ways  thereof,  ^  nor  abide  in  the  paths 
thereof. 

14  The  '^  murderer  rising  with  the 
light  killeth  the  poor  and  needy,  and  '^  in 
the  night  is  as  a  thief. 

15  The  ®  eye  also  of  the  adulterer 
waiteth  for  the  twilight,  saying,  ^  No 
eye  shall  see  me:  and  *  disguiseth  his  face. 

16  In  s  the  dark  they  dig  through 
houses,  which  they  had  marked  for  them- 
selves in  the  day-time;  ^  they  know  not 
the  hght. 

17  For  the  morning  is  to  them  even 

3:3. 


z  Luke  12:47,48.    John  3:19,20. 

9:39—41.  15:22—24.     Rom.  1: 

32.  2:17—24.     Jam.  4:17. 
a  Prov.   4:19.      John   12:35,40. 

Rom.  3:11—17.  2  Thes.  2:10— 

12. 
6  23:11,12.     John  8:31,44.  15:6. 

2  Pet.  2:20— 22.     1  John  2:19. 

Jiide  6. 
C  2  Sam.  11:14—17.     Ps.  10:8— 

10.  Mic.  2:1,2.    Eph.  5:7— 11. 
d  Luke  12:39.  1  Thes.  5:2.  Rev. 


e  Ex.  20:14.  2  Sam.  11:4—13. 
12:12.  Ps.  50:13.  Prov.  6:32— 
35.  7:9,10. 

f  22:13,14.  Ps.  10:11.  73:11.  94: 
7.   Ee.  8:12.  9:9. 

*  Heb.  setteth  bia  face  in  se- 
cret.   Gen.  38:14,15. 

g  Ex.  22:2,3.  Ez.  12:5—7,12, 
Matt.  24:43. 

h  13.  38:12,13.  John  3:20.  Eph. 
5:11—13. 


as  the  shadow  of  death:  if  one  know 
them  they  are  '  in  the  terrors  of  the  shad- 
ow of  death. 

18  He  is  ^  swift  as  the  waters;  '  their 
portion  is  cursed  in  the  earth;  he  be- 
holdeth  not  the  way  of  the  vineyards. 

19  ^  Drought  and  heat  t  consume  the 
snow-waters:  °  so  doth  the  grave  those 
which  have  sinned. 

20  The  womb  shall  forget  him; 
°  the  worm  shall  feed  sweetly  on  him; 
P  he  shall  be  no  more  remembered; 
and  1  wickedness  shall  be  broken  as  a 
tree. 

21  He  *■  evil  entreateth  the  barren 
that  beareth  not:  and  ^  doeth  not  good  to 
the  widow. 


i  See  on  3:5.    Jer.  2:26.    2  Cor. 

5:10,11.     Rev.  6:16,17. 
k  Ps.  58:7.  73:18—20.  Is.  23:10. 
1  Deut.  28:16—20.      Ps.  69:22. 

Prov.  3:33.    Mai.  2:2. 
m  6:15—17. 
f  Heb.  violently  take. 
n  21:23,32—34.     Ps.  49:14.  58:8, 


9.  68:2.  Prov.  14:,32,   Ec.  91— 

6.    Luke  12:20.  16:22. 
o  17:14.  19:26. 
p  Prov.  10:6.    Ec.  8:10. 
q  14:7—10.  18:16,17.  Dan.  4:14. 

Matt.  3:10. 
r  1  Sam.  1:6,7. 
s  3.  29:13.  31:16—18. 


facts,  that  notorious  tyrants,  oppressors,  and  rob- 
bers, frequently  escape  adequate  punishment  in 
this  world.  Unjust  rulers,  under  cover  of  law, 
often  deprive  men  of  their  estates;  and  take  away 
their  cattle  and  substance,  as  if  forfeited:  they 
oppress  the  orphans  and  widows,  and  drive  the 
poor  into  concealment  or  banishment.  Many 
likewise  disdain  the  yoke  of  obedience  to  God  or 
man,  as  the  wild  ass  refuses  to  labor;  and  rapine 
and  plunder  are  their  daily  employments.  Thus 
troops  of  Ishmaelitish  free-booters  lived  in  the 
wilderness,  by  robbing  the  travellers:  others 
reaped  the  corn,  or  gathered  in  the  vintage,  from 
the  lands  which  they  had  violently  seized;  while 
the  poor  sufferers,  whom  they  had  ruined,  were 
exposed,  without  clothing  or  shelter,  to  the  in- 
clemencies of  the  weather,  and  driven  to  make 
the  rocks  their  refuge,  and  to  live  like  wild 
beasts.  Such  tyrants  would  pluck  away  the 
fatherless  children  from  their  weeping  mothers, 
to  be  their  slaves;  and  take  the  children  of  the 
widows,  or  of  any  poor  persons,  into  bondage, 
as  a  pledge  for  some  debt,  contracted  to  keep 
their  famiUes  from  perishing.  [Jfotes,  22:5 — 14. 
J^eh.  5:1—13.  Jam.  5:1—6.)  They  regarded 
not  the  hunger,  thirst,  or  nakedness  even  of 
those  who  labored  to  support  their  luxury:  but 
would  take  away  the  sheaf  which  the  poor  had 
gleaned;  and  suffer  them  to  perish  for  hunger 
and  thirst,  amidst  the  abundance,  with  which 
they  were  surrounded,  and  about  which  their 
labors  had  been  employed.  Men,  thus  wounded 
and  crushed  by  oppression,  publicly  expressed 
their  anguish  in  groans  and  lamentations:  yet 
God  inflicted  no  remarkable  punishment  upon 
the  criminals,  proportioned  to  their  guilt,  or 
equal  to  the  miseries  of  the  oppressed.  Thus,  in 
this  life  he  did  not  expose  and  punish  their  folly, 
or  impute  folly  unto  them;  as  he  certainly  will 
do,  when  he  shall  "render  to  every  man  accord- 
ing to  his  works." — The  words  translated  "they 
take  away  the  sheaf  from  the  hungry,"  (10)  may 
be  rendered,  "They  are  hungry  that  carry  the 
sheaf:"  that  is.  Their  reapers  starve. 

V.  13 — 17.  Job  here  followed  up  his  argument, 
by  bringing  instances  of  criminals,  who  escaped 
detection,  and  eluded  justice,  as  those  before  men- 
tioned out-braved  it.  Such  persons  "rebelled 
against  the  light,"  as  if  enemies  to  the  sun;  shun- 


ning all  intercourse  with  it,  as  not  being  able  to 
endure  the  discoveries  which  it  would  make. 
They  therefore  lay  still  all  day;  or  only  went  out 
to  mark  their  prey,  and  to  make  observations  and 
form  plans.  Thus  the  murderer  "rising  with,"  of 
before,  "the  day-break,"  lay  in  wait  for  the  early 
traveller,  to  murder  him;  or  he  spent  the  night  in 
robbery.  The  adulterer  waited  for  the  dusk  of 
the  evening,  and  secretly,  or  having  put  a  mask 
on  his  face,  repaired  to  the  haunts  of  his  shameful 
practices.  The  house-breaker  likewise  conceal- 
ed himself  till  all  were  asleep,  and  then  forced  his 
way  into  the  habitations  of  honest  men  to  plunder 
them;  even  digging  through  the  walls,  which  per- 
haps were  made  of  clay.  All  these  offenders  hal- 
ed day-light;  they  dreaded  the  approach  of  morn- 
ing, before  they  had  accomplished  their  crimes; 
and  detection  was  as  death  to  them.  (JVotes,  John 
3:19—21.  Eph.  5:Q— 14.  1  Thes.  5:1—11.)  Thus 
they  often,  through  life,  escaped  the  puni.shment 
due  to  their  crimes. 

V.  1 8 — 20.  These  atrocious  offenders,  and  many 
others,  proceeded  swiftly  and  silently,  like  the 
gliding  stream,  into  every  iniquity:  they  acquired 
a  portion  on  earth  by  such  accursed  practices, 
without  bestowing  pains  to.  cultivate  the  land; 
spending  their  time  in  deserts,  and  being  seldom 
seen  in  the  ways  towards  tlie  vineyards,  which 
were  frequented  by  those  who  labored  in  them. — 
Yet,  as  dry  weather  and  heat  evaporate  tlie  wa- 
ters, arising  from  the  melted  snows,  or  they  sink 
into  the  earth  imperceptibly  and  unnoticed:  so 
numbers  of  these  criminals  went  down  uiiobseiT- 
ed  into  the  grave.  Thej'  were  not  ignominionsly 
suspended  on  gibbets,  to  be  devoured  by  the  fowls 
of  the  air;  but  were  buried,  and  became  a  deli- 
cious morsel  for  the  worms.  And,  as  no  remark- 
able misery  or  disgrace  attended  their  lives  or 
deaths,  even  their  mothers  and' nearest  relations 
were  soon  comforted  for  them,  and  the)' were  for- 
gotten, as  if  no  more  criminal  than  other  men:  so 
that  their  wickedness  came  to  an  end,  as  a  tree 
that  grows  undisturbed,  and  is  not  cut  down, 
but  decays  and  is  broken  through  length  of 
time. 

He  is  swift  as  the  waters.  (IC)  Or  'on  the  wa- 
'ters.'  Some  understand  this  as  a  description  of 
pirates,  who,  sailing  over  the  waters  in  light  and 
swift  vessels,  grew  rich  by  plunder;  and  despised, 

[67 


B.  C.  1550. 


JOB. 


B.  C.  1550. 


22  He  *  draweth  also  the  mighty  with 
his  power:  he  riseth  up,  and  *  no  man  is 
sure  of  hfe. 

23  Though  "  it  be  given  him  to  he  in 
safety,  ^  whereon  he  resteth;  ^  yet  his 
eyes  are  upon  their  ways. 

t  Esth.  3:8—10.       Dan.  6:4—9.  j  x  Kc.  8:11.    Is.  10:8—11.  56:12. 

John  19:12—16.  Rev.  16:13,14,       Luke  12:16—20,45.   1  Thes.  5: 

37:2.  3. 

»  Or,  ht  trusteth  not  his  own     y  Ps.  10:13,14.  11:4,5.     Prov.  5: 

life.  21.  15:3.    Ec.  5:8.    Am.  8:7.  9: 

u  Ps.    73:3—12.     Jer.    12:1—3.       3.    Hab.  1:13.    Rev.  2:23. 


as  mean  and  vile,  the  drudgery  of  cultivating  the 
earth,  and  the  profit  acquired  by  it. 

V.  2 1  — 25.  According  to  the  observation,  which 
Job  had  made  on  human  affairs,  many  escaped  in 
this  world,  who  had  injured  the  childless  and  the 
widow. — Others,  having  become  powerful  by  in 
iquity,  were  able  to  prevail  even  against  the 
mighty;  so  that  none  could  stand  before  them,  or 
be  secure  even  as  to  their  lives,  when  they  arose 
to  plunder  or  murder:  or  they  formed  connexions 
with  other  powerful  tyrants,  for  the  purpose  of 
oppression.  Indeed,  men  often  purchased  their 
favor  and  protection;  and,  confiding  in  their  prom- 
ises, thought  themselves  safe:  but  these  oppressors 
allowed  them  only  a  transient  respite,  and  watch- 
ed for  every  pretence  or  opportunity  to  injure 
them.  Thus  they  had  their  season  of  exaltation: 
and  then,  (as  all  must  die,)  they  were  gone,  and 
brought  low,  and  removed  in  an  advanced  age, 
and  with  as  much  ease  as  other  men — Job,  having 
stated  these  undeniable  facts,  challenged  his 
friends  or  any  other  persons,  to  prove  them  false 
or  inapplicable;  or  to  refute  his  doctrine,  'that 
'calamities  are  no  proof  of  wickedness.' 

He  evil  entreateth,  Sec.  (21)  The  Hebrew  word 
^J)•^  does  not  signify  evil  entreateth,  in  its  general 

use,   being  the  Benoni  part,   from  hjjt  to  feed, 

which  sometimes  means  to  devour.  "He  devour- 
eth  the  barren,  that  he  should  not  bear."  Op- 
pression discourages  marriage,  and  prevents  ex- 
ceedingly the  increase  of  the  human  species:  as 
also  does  licentiousness,  and  the  methods  which 
the  iicentious  take  to  prevent  detection,  which 
some  think  may  be  intimated. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
V.  1—12. 
The  Lord  knows  the  proper  times  for  delivering 
his  people,  and  for  executing  vengeance  on  his 
enemies;  and  he  orders  every  thing  in  perfect 
wisdom,  justice,  goodness,  and  truth.  Yet,  to  the 
wisest  and  best  of  men,  the  conduct  of  his  provi- 
dence appears  involved  in  perplexity;  but  the  ap- 
proaching daj'  of  judgment  will  throw  full  light  on 
all  his  ways  and  works.  In  the  prospect  of  that 
solemn  season,  we  should  neither  be  stumbled  and 
distressed  at  witnessing  the  prosperity  of  the  wick- 
ed, nor  discouraged  if  we  share  the  troubles  of  the 
righteous. — The  history  of  all  ages  and  nations 
proclaims  the  desperate  wickedness  of  the  human 
heart.  So  far  from  "loving  their  neighbor  as 
themselves,"  men,  if  not  powerfully  restrained, 
are  induced  by  selfishness  and  idolatrous  love  of 
worldly  objects,  not  only  to  withhold  from  others 
the  comforts  of  life,  but  to  deprive  them,  by  fraud 
or  violence,  even  of  what  is  necessary,  and  to  re- 
duce them  to  abject  misery.  When  this  selfish 
and  destructive  principle  has  surmounted  the  fear 
of  human  justice,  or  climbed  into  a  throne,  in- 
iquity is  cortimitted  with  a  high  hand,  or  even 
prescribed  by  law.  At  other  times  it  operates  by 
ranina  or  fraud:  and  in  all  cases  it  dictates  mani- 
fold violations  of  justice,  truth,  and  mercy  toman, 
as  well  as  a  disregard  of  the  duties  which  we  owe 
to  God.  But  who  can  express  the  crimes  that 
have  been  committed,  or  the  miseries  which  have 
f)8] 


24  They  '^  are  exahed  for  a  little 
while,  but  are  t  gone  and  brought  low; 
they  are  }  taken  out  of  the  way  as  all 
other,  and  *  cut  off  as  the  tops  of  the 
ears  of  com. 

25  And  if  it  be  not  so  now,  ^  who  will 
make  me  a  liar,  and  make  my  speech 
nothing  worth.'' 

z  20:S.     Ps.  37:10,35,36.   73:19.  I  J  Heb.  closed  up. 

92:7.    Jam.  1:11.  5:1— 3.  '      ~ 

[t  Heb.  not.  8:22.  marg. 


a  Is.  17:5,6.     Rev.  14:14—20. 
b  9:24.  11:2,3.  15:2. 


been  occasioned,  by  this  inordinate  self-love! 
Men,  more  savage  than  tigers,  have  in  all  ages 
and  countries  been  disposed  to  prey  on  the  help- 
less part  of  their  own  species;  and  to  plunder,  op- 
press, enslave,  or  murder  them,  as  it  might  best 
suit  their  purposes,  or  as  they  were  able  to  con- 
ceal or  to  defend  what  they  had  done;  or,  by  their 
brutal  lusts,  to  reduce  individuals  and  families 
perhaps  to  still  deeper  and  more  exquisite  misery. 
And  though  the  groans  of  the  poor,  the  naked,  and 
the  perishing;  of  the  fatherless,  the  widow,  the 
defrauded  laborer;  of  those  who  are  enslaved, 
dragged  or  driven  from  their  native  shores,  and 
cruelly  tormented  by  human  avarice,  ambition, 
malice,  and  sensuality,  do  not  seem  to  interrupt 
the  indulgence  of  their  haughty  licentious  op- 
pressors; yet  their  cries  enter  into  "the  ears  of  the 
Lord  of  hosts,"  who  is  their  Patron;  and  who  will 
at  length  shew  before  the  whole  world,  that  it  ii 
most  dangerous  to  injure  those,  who  are  least  able 
to  defend  themselves.  But,  "because  sentence 
against  an  evil  work,  is  not  executed  speedily; 
the  heart  of  the  sons  of  men  is  full}'  set  in  them  to 
do  evil."  God  does  not  immediately  impute  folli/ 
to  them;  and  therefore  they  proceed,  and  encour- 
age one  another;  and  the  earth  continues  full  of 
violence  and  misery  in  multiplied  and  varied 
forms. 

v..  13—25. 
The  workers  of  iniquit}',  however  in  other  re- 
spects distinguished,  universally  "rebel  against 
the  light.''  If  they  did  no  violence  to  their  own 
conscience,  and  to  the  common  reason  of  man- 
kind, there  would  be  no  need  for  them  to  bestow 
so  much  pains  to  conceal  or  palliate  their  crimes. 
But  after  all  the  efforts  of  infidels  and  profligates, 
their  practices  continue  sh.ameful,  and  court  dark- 
ness; they  hate  the  light  of  day,  as  well  as  tlie 
word  of  God,  even  when  not  exposed  to  the  sword 
of  the  magistrate:  and  their  fear  of  detection  is  an 
earnest  of  future  conviction  and  punishment.— 
The  murderer,  the  adulterer,  and  the  robber, 
(characters  associated  in  Scripture,)  may  enjoy 
their  accursed  portion,  escape  punishment  from 
man,  and  live  long,  and  go  down  quietly  into  the 
grave;  and  tliey  may  be  ready  to  conclude,  that 
"no  harm  shall  happen  to  them."  But  "after  death 
is  the  judgment:"  and  then  they  shall  find  that, 
while  they  abused  the  patience  of  God,  and  hard- 
ened themselves  in  impenitency,  they  "were 
treasuring  up  wrath  against  the  day  of  wrath,  and 
revelation  of  the  righteous  judgment  of  God,  who 
shall  render  to  every  man  according  to  his  works." 
"Then  will  they  return  and  discern,  between  the 
righteous  and  the  wicked,  between  hini  that  serv- 
eth  God,  and  him  that  serveth  him  not."  [JVbles, 
Jilal.  3:13 — 18.  Rom.  2:4 — 6.)  And  where  is  he, 
who  can  disprove  these  doctrines,  or  deny  that 
thej'  are  of  infinite  importance.'  Let  us  then  be 
thankful,  if  we  have  been  kept  from  crimes  so 
atrocious  and  ruinous;  and  let  us  be  as  assiduous 
in  seeking  the  salvation  of  our  souls,  and  in  doing 
good,  as  sinners  are  in  doing  evil;  remembering 
the  apostle's  admonition:  "Ye  have  need  of  pa- 
tience; that,  having  done  the  will  of  God,  ye  may 
receive  the  promise."  {Heb.  10:36.) 


B.  C.*1550. 


CHAPTERS  XXV,  XXVI. 


B.  C.  1550. 


CHAP.   XXV. 

Bildad  asserts  the  dominion  and  power  of  God,  before  wliom 
man  cannot  be  justified,  1 — 6. 

THEN  answered  Bildad  the  Shuhite, 
and  said, 

2  ^  Dominion  and  fear  are  witli 
him,  ^  iie  maketh  peace  in  his  high 
places. 

3  Is  °  there  any  number  of  his 
armies.''  and  "^  upon  whom  doth  not  his 
light  arise.^ 

4  ^  How  then  can  man  be  justified 
with  God.'*  or  ^  how  can  he  be  clean 
that  is  born  of  a  woman.'' 

5  Behold  s  even   to  the   moon,  and  it 


«  9:2— 10.    26:5—14.    40:9—14. 

I  Chr.  29:11,12.     Ps.    99:1—3. 

Jer.    10:6,7.       Dan.    4:34—37. 

Matt.  6:13.  2S:13.     Eph.   1:20, 

21.    Rev.  6:16. 
b  Is.  57:15,19.  Matt.  5:9.  2  Cor. 

5:18—21.     Eph.  2:16,17.    Col. 

1:20. 
cPs.   103:20,21.    148:2—4.      Is. 


40:26.  Dan.  7:10.  Matt.  26:53. 

Rev.  5:11. 
d  38:12,13.  Gen.  1:3—5,14—16. 

Ps.  19:4—6.    Matt.  5:45.  John 

1:4,9. 
6  4:17—19.9:2.15:14—16.     Ps. 

130:3.  143:2.  Rom.  3:19,20. 
f  14:3,4.  Ps.  51:5.  Eph.  2:3. 
g  Is.  24:23.  60:19,20.  2  Cor.  3:10. 


shineth  not;    yea,  the  stars  are  not  pure 
in  his  sight. 

G  How  ''  much    less  man,    thai   is  a 
worm.f*  and  the   son  of  man,  which  is  a 


worm: 


CHAP.  XXVI. 


Job  derides  BilHad's  speech,  as  iittle  to  the  purpose,  1 — 4.  He 
stiews  the  works  and  perfections  of  God  to  be  unsearchable,  5 
—14. 

UT  Job  answered  and  said, 

2  *  How  hast  thou  ^  helped  Am 
that  is  without  power.''  how  savest  thou 
the  arm  that  hath  no  strength.'' 

3  How  hast  thou  "^  counselled  him 
that  hath  no  wisdom.''  and  hoiv  hast 
thou  ^  plentifully  declared  the  thing  as 
it  h? 

4  To  whom  hast  thou  uttered  words.'' 
and  ^  whose  spirit  came  from  thee.'' 


h  4:19.     Gen.   13:27.     Ps.  22:6. 

Is.  41:14. 
a  12:2.     1  Kings  18:27. 
b  4:3,4.    6:25.    16:4,5.     Is.  35:3, 

4.  41:5—7. 
c6;13.    12:3.   13:5.    15:0—10.17: 

10.    32:11—13. 


d  33:3,33.    33:2.      Ps.    49:1—4. 

71:15—13.   Prov.  8:6—9.  Acts 

20:20,27. 
e  20:3.    32:13.     1   Kings  22:23, 

24.    1  Cor.  12:3.      1  John  4: 1  — 

3.     Rev.   16:13,14. 


NOTES. 

Chap.  XXV.  V.  1—6.  The  appeal  to  unde- 
niable facts,  which  Job  had  made,  seems  to  have 
reduced  his  opponents  to  great  difficulties.  They 
were  not  convinced  of  their  error;  but  they  could 
not  answer  his  arg-uments.  Bildad,  therefore, 
spoke  but  few  words  in  replj"  Zophar  did  not 
answer  the  third  time;  and  Eliphaz  declined 
leading  on  another  attack.  Bildad,  however, 
thought  that  Job  had  spoken  without  a  proper 
reverence  of  God,  or  a  due  sense  of  his  own 
meanness  and  sinfulness.  He  reminded  him, 
therefore,  that  the  sovereign  authority  over  all 
creatures  belonged  solely  to  the  Lord;  and  that 
all  ought  to  reverence  his  Majesty,  and  to  fear 
his  omnipotent  displeasure.  All  the  inhabitants 
of  heaven,  in  perfect  unitj^  and  harmony,  obeyed 
him:  his  innumerable  creatures,  marshalled  in 
exact  order,  were  observant  of  his  commands 
and  entirely  under  his  control:  and,  as  the  light 
of  his  sun  pervaded  all  the  earth,  so  all  that 
partook  of  his  goodness,  ought  to  submit  to  his 
authority.  But,  if  the  heavenly  bodies  were  ob- 
scure when  compared  with  his  infinite  glory,  and 
in /)?'*  view  of  them;  how  could  sinful  man  abide 
the  severity  of  his  judgment,  or  be  approved  holy 
in  his  sight.'  Perhaps  Bildad  intimated  that  his 
very  birth,  amidst  the  sorrows  and  pains  of  his 
mother,  proved  him  born  in  sin,  and  a  fallen 
creature.  And,  as  he  was  so  mean  a  worm,  and 
so  vile  at  his  best  estate,  he  surely  ought  not  to 
contend  "with  God,  or  exalt  himself  above  him. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

It  is  better  for  Christians  to  avoid  controversj', 
or  to  put  an  end  to  it,  when  they  do  not  speedily 
come  to  an  agreement;  and  to  converse  on  such 

subjects,  as  all  allow  to  be  true  and  important 

The  pious,  however  distinguished,  agree  that  the 
wicked  may  flourish  for  a  time,  but  shall  be  rooted 
out  at  the  last:  they  should  therefore  be  careful 
^ot  to  quarrel  with  each  other,  not  to  envy  the 
wicked,  and  not  to  faint  in  tribulation. — If  we 
were  duly  influenced  by  the  reverential  fear  of 
God,  we  should  submit  to  his  sovereignty,  do  his 
will,  seek  his  glory,  and  rejoice  in  his  favor,  in 
peace  and  harmony,  and  without  murmuring  and 
disputing;  even  as  the  angels  in  heaven  do.  In- 
deed, his  innumerable  armies,  yea,  all  his  crea- 
tures, except  fallen  angels  and  men,  are,  in  their 


several  ways,  subject  to  his  command.  All 
things  living  partake  of  his  bounty:  ought  we  not 
then  to  bear  deserved  correction  patiently,  and 
use  his  gifts  to  his  glory.'  And  ought  we  not  to 
imitate  his  kindness  to  "the  unthankful  and  the 
evil."' — It  is  very  important,  that  we  should  be 
convinced,  that  we  are  mean,  guilty,  and  pollut- 
ed creatures  before  him:  and  the  most  important 
question  which  can  possibly  be  asked,  though  often 
least  attended  to,  is  this,  "How  can  man  be  justi- 
fied with  God.'  or  how  shall  he  be  pure,  who  is  born 
ofa  woman.'"  (JVoifs,  9:1— 3.  15:14—16.)  But 
the  most  atrocious  sinners,  when  humbled  before 
God,  and  disposed  to  accept  of  his  salvation,  may 
be  "justified  by  faith,"  made  holy  by  divine 
grace,  and  exalted  to  glory  in  heaven;  where  the 
sun  and  moon  will  no  longer  shine,  but  "the 
Lord  himself  will  be  our  everlasting  light." 
{JVotes,  Rev.  21:22—27.  22:2— 5.)— Our  vileness 
will  thus  commend  his  condescension  and  love; 
and  the  riches  of  his  merc}^  and  the  power  of  his 
grace,  will  be  magnified  in  everj'  redeemed  sin- 
ner, to  all  eternitj \ 

NOTES. 
•  Ch.ap.  XXVI.  V.  1—4.  Bildad  had  brought 
no  argument  tending  to  refute  Job's  doctrine; 
and  therefore  Job  ironically  admired  the  assist- 
ance, which  Bildad  had  given  to  his  friends  in 
their  extremit}',  and  the  instruction  which  he  had 
afforded  him  in  his  perplexity.  His  friends  had 
expected  much  help  from  him  to  their  drooping 
cause;  Job  himself  had  hoped  for  some  important 
counsel  in  his  difficulties;  and  all  had  supposed 
that  he  would  abundantly  clear  up  the  contro- 
versy, and  full}'  shew  how  the  matter  really  stood. 
But  indeed  he  had  spoken  so  little,  and  that  little 
was  so  foreign  to  the  business,  that  they  were  no 
stronger,  nor  he  any  wiser;  and  all  parties  were 
just  where  they  had  been.  Surely,  IBildad  could 
not  mean  to  utter  words  to  him,  as  if  he  needed 
such  counsel!  Surely,  he  did  not  suppose  his 
words  to  be  the  dictates  of  the  Spirit  of  prophecj', 
or  even  the  language  of  faith  and  grace;  when 
it  was  evident,  that  he  spake  in  his  own  spirit! — 
Some  expositors,  indeed,  give  another  turn  to 
the  passage;  and  suppose  that  Job  meant  to  de- 
ride Bildad's  speech,  as  implying  that  the  almighty 
and  infinitely  wise  God  needed  such  an  advocate 
and  counsellor!    It  is  evident,  however,  that  Job 

[69 


B.  C.  1550. 


JOB. 


B.  C.  1550. 


5  IT  f  Dead  things  are  formed  from 
under  the  waters,  *  and  the  inhabitants 
thereof. 

6  s  Hell  is  naked  before  him,  and 
^  destruction  hath  no  covering. 

7  He  '  stretched  out  the  north  over 
the  empty  place,  and  hangeth  the  earth 
upon  nothing. 

8  He  '^  bindeth  up  the  waters  in  his 
^  thick  clouds;  '"  and  the  cloud  is  not 
rent  under  them. 

9  He  °  holdeth  back  the  face  of  his 
throne,  and  spreadeth  his  cloud  upon  it. 

10  He   hath  °  compassed   the  waters 

Ps.  104:25,26. 


f  41:l,&c.     Ps.  104:25,26.    Ez. 

29:3—5. 
*  Or,  ■with, 
g  11:3.     Ps.    139:8.     Prov.    15: 

11.     Is.  14:9.     Am.  9:2.   Heb. 

4:13. 
h  28:22.     Ps.  83:10— 12. 
i  9:8.      Gen.     1:1,2.      Ps.    24:2. 

104:2—5.     Prov.  8:23—27.    Is. 

40:22,26.   42:5. 


k  36:29.    38:9,37.       Ps.     135:7. 

Prov.  30:4.     Jer.  10:13. 
137:11—16.     Ps.  13:10,11. 
m  Is.  5:6. 
n  Ex.  20:21.  33:20—23.  34:3.    1 

Kings  8:12.     Ps.  97:2.  Hab.  3: 

3—5.     1  Tim.  6:16. 
0  38:8-11.      Ps.    33:7.    104:6— 

9.  Prov.  8:29.  Jer.  5:22. 


spoke  with  peevishness  and  self-preference;  but 
it  is  surprising-,  that  such  a  sufferer  should  have 
spirits  for  banter  and  ridicule. 

Plentifully  declared,  &c.  (3)  Or,  "Abun- 
dantly made  known  wisdom." 

V.  5—13.  To  shew  Bildad  that  he  did  not 
want  his  instructions,  Job  beg-an  more  particu- 
larly to  discourse  on  the  works  of  God. — The 
word  translated  "dead  things,"  may  be  rendered 
giants,  or  monsters.  Enormous  creatures  are 
produced  under  the  waters,  among  the  number- 
less inhabitants  of  the  deep,  by  the  mighty  power 
of  God.  Neither  the  bodies,  which  all  over  the 
earth  are  laid  in  the  grave,  nor  the  departed 
souls  of  men  in  their  separate  state,  are  conceal- 
ed from  his  all-seeing  eye;  and  even  the  place  of 
punishment  allotted  to  the  wicked  is  under  his 
inspection:  the  heavens  are  stretched  out  by  him 
over  the  vast  expanse  of  this  northern  hemi- 
sphere; and  the  earth  is  so  wonderfully  suspend- 
ed in  the  pure  space,  that  it  needs  no  support: 
for  this  seems  to  have  been  known  to  some  per- 
sons at  this  early  period.  Immense  quantities 
of  water  are  treasured  up  in  the  atmosphere;  and 
are  so  confined  in  the  clouds,  as  not  to  rush  down 
impetuously,  but  gradually,  as  it  is  necessary  for 
watering  the  earth.  The  throne  of  God  in  the 
heavens  is  hid  by  interposing  clouds,  being  too 
dazzling  for  frail  mortals  to  behold.  He  con- 
fines the  raging  ocean  within  its  appointed 
bounds:  nor  will  it  ever  break  forth  to  cover  the 
earth,  while  day  and  night  endure.  The  moun- 
tains, (which  appear  as  "the  pillars  of  heaven,") 
yea  the  heavens  themselves,  are  astonished  and 
tremble,  when  the  Lord  speaks  in  his  wrath. 
He  powerfully  raises  such  storms  in  the  ocean, 
as  divide  it  into  ridges  of  mountains;  and  he 
knows  how  to  abase  the  proudest  and  stoutest  of 
his  enemies. — Some  think  that  the  dividing  of  the 
Red  Sea,  and  the  destruction  of  Egypt,  or  Ra- 
hab,  (so  the  word  is,)  are  here  alluded  to:  but  as 
there  is  no  other  reference  to  those  events,  as 
this  is  ambiguous,  and  as  probably  Job  lived  be- 
fore that  time;  it  probably  refers  to  the  general 
operations  of  the  power  of  God. — Finally,  by  his 
creating  Spirit,  he  has  adorned  the  heavens  with 
glorious  luminaries,  and  replenished  the  worlds 
above  with  holy  angels:  and  every  formidable 
monster  on  the  earth,  and  in  the  waters,  as  dread- 
ful serpents,  crocodiles,  and  whales,  are  his 
workmanship,  and  under  his  control.  Yea,  the 
devil,  who  is  subtle  and  poisonous,  and  of  whom 
10] 


with  bounds,  p  until  the  t  day  and  night 
come  to  an  end. 

11  The  1  pillars  of  heaven  tremble, 
and    ■■  are  astonished  at  his  reproof. 

12  He  ^  divideth  the  sea  with  his 
power,  and  by  his  understanding  ^  he 
smiteth  through  ^  the  proud. 

13  By  "  his  spirit  he  hath  garnished 
the  heavens;  his  hand  hath  formed  ^  the 
crooked  serpent. 

14  Lo,  these  are  parts  of  his  ways: 
but  ^how  little  a  portion  is  heard  of  him.^ 
but  ^  the  thunder  of  his  power  who  can 
understand.^ 


p  Gen.  8:22.     Is.  54:9,10. 

t  Heb.  end  of  light  with  dark- 
ness. 

q  1  Sam.  2:8.  Ps.  18:7.  Hag. 
2:21.  Heb.  12:26,27.  2  Pet.  3: 
10.     Rev.  20:11. 

r  15:15. 

s  Ex.  14;21,&c.  Ps.  29:10.  74: 
13.  93:3,4.  114:2—7.  Is.  51: 
15.     Jer.  31:35. 


140:11,12.    Is.2:12.    Dan.  4:37. 

Jam.  4:6. 
t  Heb.  pride.    Ps.  89:9,10.  Is. 

51:9. 
u  Gen.  1:2.    Pa.  33:6.-  104:30. 
X  Ps.  74: 13,14.    Is.  27:1.    Rev. 

12:9. 
y  11:7—9.  Ps.  139:6.  145:3.  Is. 

40:26—29.  Rom.  11:33.  1  Cor 

13:9—12. 
z  40:9.     1  Sam.  2:10.     Ps.  29:3. 


the  serpent  is  the  constant  emblem,  was  origi- 
nally the  creature  of  God,  and  is  still  absolutely 
under  his  power.  [J^otes,  Gen.  3:1.  Is.  27:1. 
Rev.  12:7—12.) 

V.  14.  Job  here  declared  his  subject  to  be 
inexhaustible.  Men  might  discourse  long  on 
such  things;  yet  a  very  little  part  of  the  works 
of  God  had  come  to  their  knowledge.  And 
should  God  himself  speak  of  his  own  power,  in  a 
manner  becoming  the  subject;  it  must  be  in  a 
voice  like  thunder,  which,  instead  of  instructing, 
would  confound  and  dismay  sinful  man.  (JVo/f, 
38:1.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  most  important  truths  may  be  introduced 
unseasonably;  and  be  so  misstated  and  misappli- 
ed, as  to  deceive  instead  of  convincing,  and  to 
distress  instead  of  encouraging.  We  ought 
therefore  to  consider  not  only  what  is  true  and 
good,  but  what  may  be  suitable  and  useful:  we 
should  advert  to  the  person  whom  we  address, 
and  his  situation  and  frame  of  mind:  we  should 
have  some  special  intention  in  speaking;  as  to 
awaken  a  careless  sinner  or  comfort  a  wounded 
conscience,  to  establish  important  truth  or  refute 
dangerous  error:  and  we  should  select  our  sub- 
jects, and  handle  them  with  a  view  to  this  inten- 
tion; otherwise  we  may  be  derided  for  speaking 
impertinently,  when  we  have  advanced  doc- 
trines, which,  in  other  circumstances,  would  be 
worthy  of  great  regard. — But  disputants  are  in 
great  danger  of  aiming  at  victory  more  than  im- 
provement: this  produces  mutual  contempt  and 
reciprocal  boastings  and  revilings;  and  what 
seems  to  one  party  pregnant  with  instruction, 
decisive,  and  "fully  declaring  the  thing  as  it  is," 
is  often  treated  with  ridicule  by  the  other.  It  is 
well,  however,  when  all  parties  agree  to  cele- 
brate the  praises  of  the  Lord,  and  to  extol  his 
works:  yet  the  effusions  of  passion,  or  ostenta- 
tion, may  be  mistaken  for  the  dictates  of  those 
holy  affections,  which  come  from  the  Spirit  of 
God. — But  wherever  we  turn  our  eyes,  we  may 
perceive  the  power,  the  wisdom,  and  the  good- 
ness of  God.  The  earth  and  its  wonderful  revq^ 
lutions  and  productions;  the  ocean  under  the  di- 
vine control,  with  all  its  monstrous  and  numer- 
ous inhabitants;  the  operations  of  nature,  in  the 
formation  of  the  rains  and  dews;  the  dispensations 
of  Providence,  in  governing  tlie  haughty  tyrants 
of  the  earth,  and  in  restraining  the  rage  of  Satan; 
the  effects  of  God's  indignation,  in  earthquakes. 


B.  C.  1550. 


CHAPTER  XXVII. 


B.  C.  1550. 


CHAP.  XXVII. 

Job  solemnly  attests  his  integrity,  and  resolves  to  vindicate  \i  as 
long  as  he  lives,  1 — 6.  He  declares  the  character  and  doom 
of  the  hypocrite,  7 — 10.  He  shews  that  the  prosperity  of  the 
wicked  is  soon  changed  into  hopeless  misery,  II — 23. 

MOREOVER  "^  Job  *  continued  his 
parable,  and  said, 

2  As  ^  God  liveth,  who  hath  "  taken 
away  my  judgment;  and  the  Almighty, 
who  hath  t  vexed  my  soul; 

3  All  the  while  my  breath  is  in  me, 
and  Uhe  spirit  of  God  is  in  my 
nostrils; 

4  My  ^  lips  shall  not  speak  wicked- 
ness, nor  my  tongue  utter  deceit. 

5  God  forbid  that  I  should  ^  justify 
you:  till  I  die  ^  I  will  not  remove  my 
integrity  from  me. 

6  My  righteousness  s  I  hold  fast,  and 
will  not  let  it  go:  ^  my  heart  shall  not 
reproach  me  5  so  long  as  I  live. 


a  Num.  23:7.   24:3,15.    Ps.  49: 

4.    78:2.     Prov.  26:7. 
*  Heb.  added  to  take  up. 
b  Num.    14:21.     Ruth   3:13.      1 

Sam.    14:39,45.    20:21.     25:26, 

34.    2  Sam.  2:27.     1  Kings  17: 

1.    18:15.     Jer.  4:2.   5:2.  12:16. 

Ez.  33:11. 
c  10:3.    34:5.  Is.  40:27. 
j"  Heb.   made  tny  soul  hitter. 

Ruth  1:20,21.    2  Kings  4:27. 
J  That  is,  the  breath  lohich  God 

gave  him.   Gen.  2:7.    Is.  2:22. 


Acts  17:25. 
d  13:7.  34:6.    John  8:55.   2  Cor. 

11:10. 
e  32:3.  42:7.  Deut.  25:1.    Prov. 

17:15.     Gal.  2:11. 
f2:9.    13:15.    29:14.     2  Cor.    1: 

12. 
g2:3.      Ps.    18:20—23.      Prov. 

4:13. 
h  Acts  24:16.     2  Cor.  12:11.     1 

John  3:20,21. 
§  Heh.froiii  iny  days. 


hurricanes,  and  storms;  and  his  authority  over 
heaven,  earth,  and  helh — these  are  indeed  a  part 
of  his  wonderful  works,  but  infinitely  more  is 
hidden  from  our  view;  nor  could  we  hear,  un- 
derstand, or  support,  the  thunder  of  his  power, 
or  the  terrors  of  his  law.  (JVoie*,  Ex.  20:18 — 
25.  Heb.  12:18— 21.)— But  in  redemption  all  the 
other  wonderful  works  of  God  are  eclipsed:  hith- 
er we  may  draw  near,  and  hear  of  his  glory  with- 
out dismay;  we  may  come  and  taste  of  his  g-race, 
and  learn  to  love  him  and  walk  with  delight 
in  his  ways:  here  we  may  contemplate  the  divine 
character  to  advantage;  and  adore  the  depths 
which  we  cannot  comprehend,  with  the  joyful 
expectation  of  at  length  "seeing  him  as  he  is," 
and  being  for  ever  like  him  in  purity  and  felicity. 
NOTES. 

Chap.  XXVII.  V.  1.  Perhaps  Job  had  paused, 
to  hear  whether  Zophar  or  his  other  friends  would 
rejoin.  But  either  they  were  unable  to  answer 
him,  or  they  despaired  of  convincing  him:  so  that 
at  length  they  suffered  him  to  speak  without  inter- 
ruption; and  he  proceeded  in  a  grave  and  instruct- 
ive manner,  and  as  one  fully  satisfied  that  he  had 
truth  on  his  side. 

V.  2 — 6.  Job  solemnly  protested,  that,  as  sure 
as  God  lived,  he  had  spoken  and  would  speak  the 
truth.  But  he  was  far  from  being  impressed  with 
due  reverence,  when  he  spoke  of  God,  as  "taking 
away  his  judgment,  and  vexing  his  soul."  He 
meant  that  God,  having  inflicted  on  him  the  heav- 
iest calamities,  left  him  exposed  to  tVie  unjust 
charge  of  hypocrisy,  and  delayed  to  vindicate  his 
character,  which  exceedingly  imbittered  his  soul. 
ITis  language,  however,  was  very  exceptionable, 
and  Elihu  justly  rebuked  him  for  it.  {m,le,  34:5 
— 9.)  Job  expected  soon  to  be  deprived  of  the 
apirit,  or  breath,  which  God  had  given  him;  and 
he  most  solemnly  protested  that,  to  the  last,  he 
would  not  speak  falsehood,  either  in  condemning 
or  in  excusing  himself:    he  would  by  no  means  I 


7  If  Let  '  mine  enemy  be  as  the 
wicked,  and  he  that  riseth  up  against  me 
as  the  unrighteous. 

8  For  ^  what  is  the  hope  of  the  hyp- 
ocritcj  though  he  hath  gained,  when 
God  taketh  away  his  soul? 

9  Will  '  God  hear  ^  his  cry  when 
trouble  cometh  upon  him.'' 

10  Will  he  "  delight  himself  in  the 
Almighty?  °  w'ill  he  always  call  upon 
God? 

1 1  IT  I  will  P  teach  you  "  by  the 
hand  of  God:  i  that  which  is  with  the 
Almighty  will  I  not  conceal. 

12  Behold,  all  ''  ye  yourselves  have 
seen  it;  why  then  are  ye  thus  ^  alto- 
gether vain? 

13  This  is  *^  the  portion  of  a  wicked 
man  with   God,    and    "  the    heritage    of 


i  1  Sam.  25:26.     2  Sam.   18:32. 

Dan.  4:19. 
k  11:20.    13:16.  15:34.  20:5.    31: 

3.     Is.  33:14,15.     Matt.   16:26. 

23:14.     Mark  8:36,37.    Luke  9: 

25.    12:20,21.      1   Tim.  6:9,10. 

Jam.  5: 1 — 3. 
135:12,13.       Ps.    18:41.     66:18. 

109:7.     Prov.  1:28.  28:9.    Is.  1: 

15.     Jer.   11:11.  14:12.     Ez.  8: 

18.       Mic.    3:4.       Zech.    7:13. 

John  9:31.    Jam.  4:3. 
m  Hos.  7:14.     Luke  13:25. 
n  22:26,27.  Ps.  37:4.  43:4.  Hab. 

3:18. 


o  Ps.   78:34—36.      Luke     18:1: 

Acts  10:2.  Eph.  6:18.   1  Thes. 

5:17. 
p  4:3,4.    6:10.     Is.  8:11. 
II  Or,  being  in  the  hand. 
q  32:8—10.     Deut.  4:5.    Ps.  71: 

17,18.     Acts  20:20,27. 
r  21:28— 30.     Ec.  8:14.    9:1—3. 
s  6:25—29.    13:4—9.   16:3.    17:2. 

19:2,3.  21:3.  26:2 — 4. 
t  20:29.    31:3.     Ps.    11:6.     Ec. 

8:13.     Is.  3:11.     2  Pet.  2:9. 
u  15:20,&c.    20:19,&C.      Ps.  12  : 

5.  Prov.    22:22,23.     Mai.    3:6. 

Jam.  5:4 — 6. 


justify  the  censures  of  his  accusers,  by  allowing 
himself  to  be  a  hypocrite;  nor  would  he  give  up 
his  integrity,  or  the  confidence  and  comfort  of  it: 
his  heart  should  not  reproach  him  with  bearing 
false  witness  against  himself,  or  for  any  allowed 
wickedness;  for  this  conscious  integrity,  and  liis 
hope  in  God  as  to  another  world,  were  all  that  he 
now  had  to  support  him.  [J^otes,  2  Sam.  22:21  — 
28.  Acts  24:10—21.  2  Cor.  1:12—14.  1  John  3:18 
-24.) 

V.  7 — 10.  It  had  been  supposed,  that  Job  count- 
ed the  wicked  happy,  because  he  contended  that 
they  were  sometimes  prosperous;  but  he  declared, 
that  he  could  not  devise  a  worse  wish  for  his  great- 
est enemy,  who  rose  up  to  ruin  his  character, 
seize  on  his  property,  reduce  him  to  slavery,  or 
murder  him,  than  that  he  might  have  his  lot  with 
wicked  men.  Indeed,  those  who  hypocritically 
professed  to  be  religious,  (as  his  friends  imagined 
he  had  done,)  might  perhaps  thus  obtain  many 
temporal  advantages,  and  retain  them  during  life: 
but  what  would  this  avail  them,  when  God  requir- 
ed their  souls.'  (JVbie,  Lwfe  12:15— 2J.)  Would 
he,  in  that  or  other  seasons  of  anguish  and  trouble, 
hear  the  cries  of  those  who  had  been  dissemblers 
all  their  lives?  As  they  had  no  delight  in  the  favor 
and  service  of  the  Almighty,  they  would  not  call 
upon  him  at  all  times.  In  public,  "to  be  seen  of 
men,"  they  would  make  long  prayers,  but  not  in 
secret:  in  distress  perhaps  they  would  cry  for  ease; 
but,  being  relieved,  they  would  cease  to  pray. 
Their  best  was  but  a  pang  of  devotion  of  no  con- 
tinuance; and  therefore  God  would  at  last  reject 
them,  as  workers  of  iniquity. 

V.  11,  12.  By  the  powerful  teaching  of  God, 
Job  pui-posed  to  explain  this  subject  to  his  friends; 
nor  would  he  conceal  any  thing,  which  lie  looked 
upon  as  a  part  of  the  truth.  He  thought  even 
they  must  acknowledge,  that  the  wicked  some- 
times prosper,  even  to  the  end  of  life,  of  which 
they  had  all  seen  many  instances.     Why  then  did 

[71 


B.  C.  1550. 


JOB. 


B.  C.  1550. 


oppressors,  which    they  shall  receive  of 
the  Almighty. 

14  If  his  ^  children  be  multiplied,  it 
is  for  the  sword;  and  ^  his  offspring 
shall  not  be  satisfied  with  bread. 

15  Those  ^  that  remain  of  him  shall 
be  buried  in  death:  and  *  his  widows 
shall  not  weep. 

16  Though  he  ^  heap  up  silver  as 
the  dust,  and  •=  prepare  raiment  as  the 
clay; 

17  He  may  prepare  it,  ''  but  the  just 
shall  put  it  on,  and  the  innocent  shall] 
divide  the  silver. 

18  He  buildeth  his  house  ®  as  aj 
moth,  and  ^  as  a  booth  that  the  keeper 
maketh. 


X  21:11,1-2.  Deut.  23:32,41.  2 
Kings  10:6—10.  Esth.  5:11.  9: 
5—10.  Ps.  109:13.  Hos.  9:13, 
U.     Luke  23:29. 

y  1  Sam.  2:5. 

z  1  Kings  14:10,11.  16:3,4.  21: 
21—24. 


a  Ps.  78:64.    Jer.  22:18. 

b  22:24,25.   1  Kings  10:27.  Hab. 

2:6.   Zech.  9:3. 
c  Matt.  6:19.    Jam.  5:2. 
d  Prov.  13:22.  23:8.     Ec.  2:26. 
e  8:14,15.  Is.  51:8. 
f  Is.  1:8.  38:12.  Lam.  2:6. 


they  answer  so  vainly.'  Did  they  take  a  pleasure 
in  misinterpreting',  contradicting',  and  condemn- 
ing' his  discourse.^ 

V.  13 — 23.  Job  maybe  thought  in  these  verses 
to  have  come  over  to  the  opinion  of  his  opponents: 
but  in  fact  he  conceded  all  which  he  could,  to  ob- 
viate misconstruction,  and  to  establish  his  own 
conclusions.  He  allowed  that  wicked  tyrants  and 
oppressors  were  often  visited  with  heavy  judg- 
ments, on  themselves  or  their  famiUes,  so  that 
these  might  be  called  "their  portion  from  God;" 
yet  not  so  constantly  and  uniformly,  as  to  be  a  rule 
of  judgment  for  deciding  on  men''s  characters: 
this  he  had  undeniably  disproved,  and  it  was  all 
that  he  contended  against.  Their  numerous  and 
prosperous  families  were  often  strangely  impov- 
erished and  destroyed,  while  none  were  left  to 
bury  them,  or  weep  over  them;  or  they  were  hur- 
ried to  the  grave,  and  forgotten  because  abhorred. 
They  often  labored  to  get  estates,  which  eventual- 
ly came  into  the  possession  of  better  men,  who 
did  much  good  with  them.  [J^otes,  Esth.  8:1,2. 
Prov.  13:22.  28:8.)  The  establishment  of  their 
families,  which  they  had  diligently  promoted,  was 
destroyed,  as  a  moth  is  shaken  out  of  a  garment; 
or  it  was  removed  as  a  tent,  which  was  fixed  for 
a  temporary  shelter  to  those,  who  guarded  the 
vineyards  or  gardens:  and  if  they  escaped  such 
calamities,  they  soon  lay  down  in  death;  and  of  all 
their  riches,  had  not  so  much  as  the  vain  distinc- 
tion, of  being  gathered  to  their  fathers  by  an  hon- 
orable funeral:  nor  were  tliey  gathered  among  the 
righteous;  but  opened  their  eyes  in  hell,  far  from 
all  their  treasures  and  employrnents.  The  expect- 
ation of  this  doom  overwhelmed  them  with  terrors 
as  an  inundation,  and  unexpected  calamities  swept 
them  away,  as  men  are  plundered  or  murdered  in 
the  night.  In  short,  the  wrath  of  God,  like  a  fu- 
rious tempest,  hurled  them  out  of  their  places  on 
earth,  and  cast  misery  upon  them,  and  did  not 
spare:  while  they  found  it  impossible  to  escape  his 
dreaded  and  deserved  vengeance;  and  those, 
whom  they  had  oppre'-:r,ed,  rejoiced  at  Ibeir  death 
and  detested  their  memory. — The  chief  difference 
between  tliis  passage,  and  the  discourses  of  Job's 
friends  on  the  same  subject,  is  thi&:-^they  spoke 
of  the  misery  of  wicked  men  before  and  at  their 
death,  as  uniformly  proportioned  to  their  crimes: 
Job  intimated  that  it  might  be  so;  but  if  not,  the 
72] 


19  The  rich  man  s  shall  He  down, 
but  he  shall  not  be  ^  gathered:  '  he 
openeth  his  eyes,  and  ^  he  is  not. 

20  1  Terrors  take  hold  on  him  as 
waters;  ™  a  tempest  stealeth  him  away 
in  the  night. 

21  The  "  east  wind  carrieth  him 
away,  and  he  departeth:  and  as  °  a  storm 
hurleth  him  out  of  his  place. 

22  For  P  God  shall  cast  upon  liim, 
and  1  not  spare:  *  he  would  fain  ""flee 
out  of  his  hand. 

23  Men    shall 
him,    and    shall 
place. 

g  14:13-15.    21:23—26,30. 

23. 
h  Gen.  49:10.     Jer.  8:2. 

3:12.  23:37. 

i  20:7—9.     Ps.  .58:9.  73:19,20. 
k  8:22.   14:10,12.  24:24.    Marg. 
1  15:21.   18:11.  22:16.     Ps.  18:4. 

42:7.  69:14,15.  Jon.  2:3. 
m  20:23.    21:18.     Ex.   12:29.     2 

Kings  19:35.     Dan.  5:30. 
n  Jer.  13:17.    Hos.  13:15. 
0  Ex.  9:23—25.    Ps.    11:6.  58:9. 

33:15.    Nah.  1:3—8.     Matt.  7: 


^  clap    their   hands  at 
hiss   him   out    of    his 


Matt, 


30:  I    27. 

p  Ex.  9:14.   Deut.  32:23.    Josh. 

10:11. 
q  Deut.  29:20.    Ez.  9:5,6.  Rom. 

8:32.  2  Pet.  2:4,5. 
*  Heb.  injieeing  he  ivo^ildflfc. 
r  20:24.     Ex.  14:25— 28.    J  udg. 

4:17—21.      Is.   10:3.      Am.   2. 

14.  9:1—3. 
s  Esth.  9:22—25.     Prov.  11:10. 

Lam.  2:15.     Rev.  13:20. 
t  1  Kings  9:8.     Jer.  19:8.    Mjc. 

6:16.     Zeph.  2:15. 


consequence  of  their  death  would  assuredly  be 
dreadful. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

We  may  safely  make  our  appeal  to  God,  when 
we  are  conscious  of  integritj'  before  him,  and  are 
fairly  called  to  it:  but  we  are  so  apt  to  mix  cor- 
rupt passions  with  our  best  services,  to  mistake 
delays  for  denials,  and  corrections  for  vexations, 
and  to  speak  irreverently  or  impatiently  .when 
afflicted;  that,  without  continual  applications  of 
the  blood  of  sprinkling,  we  cannot  possibly  have 
any  well  grounded  confidence  before  God. — As 
we  ought  not,  without  scriptural  evidence,  to 
conclude  that  we  are  in  the  way  of  salvation,  so 
we  should  not  be  induced  to  condemn  ourselves 
as  hypocrites,  if  conscious  that  we  trust  in  his 
mercy,  and  aim  to  do  his  will;  nor  should  we  jus- 
tify those  who  censoriously  condemn  their  breth- 
ren. A  good  conscience  on  evangelical  principles, 
and  a  watchful  opposition  to  sin,  will  prevent  our 
own  hearts  from  reproaching  us,  and  inspire  con- 
fidence in  God,  in  the  midst  of  afflictions  and  cal- 
umnies, and  in  the  hour  of  death:  and  this  we 
should  hold  fast  as  long  as  we  live. — No  greater 
misery  can  be  imprecated,  than  the  doom  of  the 
most  prosperous  sinner;  no  more  dreadful  case 
imagined,  than  that  of  the  successful,  specious 
hypocrite.  He  may  indeed  call  on  God,  where 
frighted  or  distressed;  but  he  will  soon  desist  in 
weariness  or  despondency,  and  seek  some  other 
relief.  But  the  humble  penitent  will  knock  at 
mercy's  door,  till  it  is  opened,  and  not  be  induced 
by  any  delay  to  depart  without  a  blessing;  and  he 
who  delights  in  God,  will  always  call  upon  him, 
in  adversity  and  prosperity,  in  life  and  death. — If 
we  would  teach  others,  we  must  depend  on  the 
help  of  the  Almighty,  and  not  conceal  his  truth: 
and  if  we  would  convince  the  erroneous,  we  must 
guard  against  misconstructions,  and  carefully 
shew,  in  how  many  things  we  are  agreed.  In  this, 
at  least,  aU  good  men  are  of  one  judgment:  that 
tlie  wicked  may  be,  and  often  are,  grievously  af- 
flicted upon  earth  with  outward  calamities;  that 
they  must  be  subject  to  inward  terrors  and  vexa- 
tions; and  that,  even  if  they  prosper  till  death,  and 
die  in  outward  peace,  they  will  then  be  driven 
from  riches,  pleasures,  and  honorable  stations, 
into  eternal  poverty,  misery,  and  contempt,  by 


B.  C.  1550. 


CHAPTER  XXVm. 


B.  C.  1550, 


CHAP.  XXVIII. 

Job  shews  that  man  is  industrious  and  ingenious,  in  searching  out 
the  treasures  hid  in  the  earth,  1—11.  But  the  more  vahiable 
treasure,  of  the  knowledge  of  God,  lies  beyond  his  reach,  12 

22.     God  alone  comprehends  it;    and   man's  wisdom  is  to 

fear  God,  and  depart  from  evil,  23 — 23. 

SURELY  there   is  a  *vein   for  Mhe 
silver,   and  a  place  for  gold  ^  where 
they  fine  it. 

2  "  Iron  is  taken  out  of  the  t  earth, 
and  brass  is  molten  out  of  the  stone. 

3  He  setteth  an  end  to  darkness, 
and  '^  searcheth  out  all  perfection:  ®  the 
stones  of  darkness,  and  the  shadow  of 
death. 

4  The  flood  breaketh  out  from  the  in- 
habitant; even  the  waters  forgotten  of  the 
foot:  they  are  dried  up,  they  are  gone 
away  from  men. 

5  As  for  the  earth,  ^  out  of  it  cometh 
bread:  and  under  it  is  turned  up  as  it 
were    s  fire. 

6  The  stones  of  it  are  the  place  of 
''  sapphires:  and  it  hath  X  dust  of 
sold. 


7   There  is    '  a 

*  Or,  mine. 

a  Gen.  2:11,12.  23:15.  24:22.     1 

Kings  7:48— 50.  10:21.    1  Chr. 

29:2—5. 
b  Ps.  12:6.     Prov.   17:3.    27:21. 

Is.  4S:10.     Zech.  13:9.  Mai.  3: 

2,3.     1  Pet.  1:7. 
c  Gen.  4:22.  Num.  31:22.  Deut. 

8:9.  1  Chr.  22:14. 
t  Or,  dust. 
d  Prov.  2:4.  .  Ec.    1:]3.     Hab. 


path   which  no  fowl 

2:13.     Matt.  6:33.     Luke  16:3. 
e  10:21,22.   12:22.    38:16,17. 
f  Gen.    1:11,12,29.      Ps.  104:14, 

15.     Is.  28:25—29. 
S  Ez.  28:13,14. 
h  16.     Ex.  24:10.     Cant.  5:14. 

Is.  54:11.     Rev.  21:19. 
J  Or,  ^old  ore. 
121-23.    38:19,24.      Rom.    11: 

33. 


the  wrath  of  God,  like  a  furious  stoi-m  hurling- 
them  into  destruction.  In  vain  will  they  seek  to 
flee  out  of  his  hand,  while  "he  shall  cast  upon 
them,  and  not  spare,"  the  punishments  justly  due 
to  their  crimes.  "What,  then,  is  a  man  profited, 
if  he  gain  the  whole  world,  and  lose  his  own  soul.^ 
And  what  shall  a  man  give  in  exchange  for  his 
soul.'" 

NOTES,  f 

Chap.  XXVIII.  V.  1—11.  Job  had  main- 
tained, that  the  dispensations  of  Providence  were 
not  regulated  upon  such  principles  as  his  friends 
contended  for;  but  by  a  higher  and  incomprehen- 
sible wisdom:  and  to  illustrate  and  confirm  this, 
he  here  shewed,  that  the  sagacity  of  men  was 
chiefly  competent  for  natural  things.,  and  employ- 
ed in  them;  it  could  not  therefore  be  supposed 
they  were  acquainted  with  the  deep  counsels  of 
God.  The  ail-wise  Creator  has  treasured  up  the 
metals  in  the  earth;  but  man's  necessity,  con- 
venience, or  avarice,  prompts  him  to  search  for 
them.  There  he  finds  the  ores  of  gold,  silver, 
iron,  and  brass,  mixed  with  other  substances, 
and  resembling  stones:  and  he  discovers  ways  of 
separating  and  refining  them  by  fire.  With  their 
lamps,  the  miners,  "put  an  end  to  the  darkness" 
of  the  subterraneous  caverns,  and  search  out  all 
the  valuable  treasures  contained  ia  them;  even 
those  "stones  of  darkness,"  which  are  situated  in 
such  perilous  and  unwholesome  places,  as  may 
be  called  "the  shadow  of  death."  Here  "floods 
break  out  upon  the  inhabitants"  of  these  dreary 
regions;  being  those  waters,  which  had  sunk  into 
the  earth,  from  the /oo<  of  man,  and  formed  sub- 1 
terraneous  springs  and  streams:  and  the  miners 
are  forced,  with  great  labor  and  danger,  to  make 
new  channels,  that  the  waters  raav  run  awav 

Vol.  III.  "       10     " 


knoweth,    and    which    the  vulture's   eye 
hath  not  seen: 

8  The  lion's  whelps  have  not  trodden 
it,  nor  the  fierce  Hon  passed  by  it. 

9  He  putteth  forth  his  hand  upon 
the  5  rock;  J  he  overturneth  the  moun- 
tains by  the  roots. 

10  He  cutteth  out  rivers  among  the 
rocks;  and  his  eye  seeth  ^  every  precious 
thing. 

11  He  '  bindeth  the  floods  from 
II  overflowing;  "  and  the  thing  that  is 
hid   bringeth    he    forth    to    light. 

[^Practical  Ohservations.] 

12  But  °  where  shall  wisdom  be 
found.''  and  where  is  the  place  of  un- 
derstanding.^ 

13  Man  "knoweth  not  the  price 
thereof;  neither  is  it  found  p  in  the  land 
of  the  living. 

14  The  <!  depth  saith,  It  is  not  in 
me:  and  the  sea  saith,  It  is  not  with 
me. 

15  "^It    cannot    be    gotten    for    gold, 


ij  Or.  f  int. 

I  Nah.  1  4—6. 

'k  Prov.  14:23.  24:4. 

I  Is.  37:25.  44:27. 

II  Heb.  tveeping. 

m  Is.  45:2,3.   1  Cor.  4:5. 

n  20,23.  1  Kings  3:9.  Ps.  51:6. 
Prov.  2:4—6.  18:1.  Ec.  7:23 
—25.     1  Cor.  1:19,20.    Col.  2: 


3.     Jam.  1:5,17. 
o  1.5—19.      Ps.    19:10.      119:72. 

Prov.  3:14,15.     8:11,18,19.    16: 

16.  23:23.  Ec.  8:16,17. 
p  21,22.      Ps.    52:5.      Is.   38:11. 

53:8. 
q  Rom.  11:33,34. 
IT  Heb.    Fine  gold  shall  not  be 

given  for  it.   18. 


from  them.  As,  by  the  labor  of  man,  corn  and 
other  things  suited  for  his  food  grow  upon  the 
surface  of  the  earth:  so  precious  stones,  spark- 
ling like  fire;  or  inflammable  substances,  as 
brimstone  or  coals,  are  dug  out  of  it.  Among- 
the  stones  of  the  earth  are  sapphires,  as  well  a-, 
the  ore  of  gold.  In  pursuit  of  these  treasures 
men  travel  under  ground,  by  a  road  which  is  un- 
known to  the  swiftest  and  most  quick-sighted 
animals.  By  their  persevering  labor  and  con- 
trivance, they  undermine  and  overturn  rocks  and 
mountains;  they  cut  rivers  and  form  banks  under 
ground;  while  they  seek  out,  and  bring  lorth, 
every  Mdden  valuable  treasure  there  reposited. — 
This"  book  is  beyond  all  reasonable  doubt,  one  of 
the  most  ancient  in  the  world;  yet  the  art  of 
mining,  and  refining  metals,  and  the  use  of 
precious  stones,  are  spoken  of  as  things  well 
known  in  the  east,  where  Job  and  his  friends 
dwelt.  But  very  many  ages  after,  populous  na- 
tions have  been  found,  which  were  little  ac- 
quainted with  these  things:  the  iron  especially, 
(which  is  in  fact  the  most  useful  of  all  metals,) 
seems  to  have  been  little  known,  or  employed 
among  the  Greeks,  in  the  very  early  ages  of  that 
nation;  and  it  was  totally  unknown  in  America, 
when  that  continent  was  first  discovered,  go 
that  the  most  ancient  times  appear  to  have  been 
far  more  civilized,  and  acquainted  with  things 
useful,  than  subsequent  ages:  and  barbarotis  ig- 
norance seems  to  have  prevailed  gradually;  as 
the  knowledge  possessed  by  the  antediluvians, 
and  doubtless  communicated  by  Noah  and  his 
sons,  was  forgotten  among  their  posterity.  The 
Bible  by  no  means  favors  the  general  notion, 
that  the  first  ages  of  the  world  were  the  most 
rude  and  savage;  nay,  indeed,  the  accounts  there 
given  are  totally  inconsistent  with  it. 

[73 


B.  C.  1550. 


JOB. 


B.  C.  1550. 


neither   shall  silver  be  weighed  for  the 
price  thereof. 

16  It  cannot  be  valued  with  'the 
gold  of  Ophir,  with  the  precious  ^  onyx, 
or  the  sapphire. 

17  The  gold  and  the  *  crystal  can- 
not equal  it:  and  the  exchange  of  it 
shall  not  he  for  *  jewels  of  fine  gold. 

18  No  mention  shall  be  made  of 
t  coral,  or  of  "  pearls:  for  the  price  of 
wisdom  is  above  -''"  rubies. 

19  The  y  topaz  of  Ethiopia  shall  not 
equal  it,  neither  shall  it  be  valued  with 
pure  gold. 

20  '■  Whence  then  cometh  wisdom? 
and  where  is  the  place  of  understanding.'' 

21  Seeing  it  is  '^  hid  from  the  eyes  of 
all  living,  and  kept  close  ^  from  the  fowls 
of  the   ^  air. 

22  *=  Destruction   and   death  say.  We 


r  1  Chr.  -29:4.      Ps.   45:9.      Is. 

s  Ex.  28:20.     Ez.  28:13. 

tEz.    1:22.     Rev.    4:6.    21:11. 

22:1. 
*  Or,  vessels. 
t  Or,  Ramoth.  Ez.  27:10. 
uMatt.  7:6.   33:45,46.      1   Tim. 

2:9.     Rev.    17:4.    13:12.  21:21. 
xProv.  3:15.  31:10.    Lam.  4:7. 


y  Ex.  39:10.  Rev.  21:20. 

z  See  on  12.    Prov.  2:6.     Ec.  7: 

23,24.     1  Cor.  2:6—15. 
a  Ps.  49:3,4.     Matt.    11:25.   13: 

17,35.     1    Cor.   2:7—10.     Col. 

2:3. 
b  7. 

X  Or,  heaven. 
c  14.  Ps.  88:10—12. 


V.  12 — 19.  Job  here  maintained,  that  "wis- 
dom," (or  the  knowledge  of  God,  and  his  works 
and  ways,  which  led  to  a  prudent  and  holy  prac-  ] 
tice,  and  might  enable  men  to  unravel  the  mys- 
teries of  Providence,)  was  far  more  difficult  to 
be  found,  than  the  subterraneous  treasures  be- 
fore spoken  of.  Indeed,  men  in  general  knew 
neither  where  it  might  be  obtained,  nor  its  ines- 
timable value.  It  was  not  to  be  met  with  among 
the  inhabitants  of  the  earth,  except  as  it  came 
down  from  above.  [J^otes.,  Prov.  2: 1 — 7.  Jam. 
1:5—8,16—18.  3:13—18.)  It  could  not  be  dis- 
covered, either  by  digging  into  the  bowels  of  the 
earth,  or  diving  into  the  bottom  of  the  sea,  or 
sailing  to  all  parts  of  the  world.  By  these  means 
indeed,  gold,  silver,  and  all  kinds  of  precious 
stones  might  be  procured;  but  none  of  them,  nor 
all  of  them  together,  could  purchase  wisdom. — 
Several  different  words  are  used  in  the  original 
for  gold;  which  are  supposed  to  denote,  either 
the  place  from  which  it  came,  the  manner  in 
which  it  had  l^'^en  purified,  or  the  form  in  which 
it  was  offered  ijr  sale,  whether  wrought  or  un- 
wrought.  The  words  also,  rendered  "crystal," 
"onyx,"  "sapphire,"  &c.  are  differently  inter- 
preted. 

V.  20 — 22.  As  no  wealth  could  purchase  wis- 
dom, so  no  creature  could  discover  it.  It  was 
hid  from  the  eyes  of  all  living.  Men  of  the 
greatest  talents,  who  soared  above  the  rest  of 
mankind,  as  the  fowls  of  the  air  above  other 
creatures,  could  not,  by  all  their  speculations 
and  discoveries,  acquire  wisdom.  "Destruction 
and  death,"  indeed,  brought  reports  of  it:  and 
if  men  deeply  thought  on  these  solemn  sub- 
jects, they  might  understand  something  of  the 
reasons,  for  which  the  wicked  were  permitted  to 
prosper;  and  the  event  would  at  length  clear  up 
difficulties,  and  effectually  shew  what  was  man's 
wisdom.  But  previous  and  more  particular  in- 
struction was  necessary  to  make  men  truly  wise. 
— 'The  grave  is  the  only  place  wliere  we  may 
'learn  something  of  it.'  Bp.  Patrick — Surely 
74] 


have    heard   the  fame    thereof  with  our 
ears. 

23  ^  God  understandeth  the  way 
thereof,  and  he  knoweth  the  place 
thereof. 

24  For  ^  he  looketh  to  the  ends  of  the 
earth,  and  seeth  under  the  whole  heaven: 

25  To  make  *"  the  weight  for  the 
winds;  and  he  w^eigheth  the  w^aters  by 
measure. 

26  When  she  made  a  decree  for  the 
rain,  and  ^  a  w^ay  for  the  lightning  of 
the  thunder: 

27  Then  did  he  see  it,  and  k  declare 
it;  '  he  prepared  it,  yea,  and  searched  it 
out. 

28  And  ^  unto  man  he  said,  Behold, 
'  the  fear  of  the  Lord,  that  is  wisdom; 
and  ""  to  depart  from  evil  is  understand- 
ing. 

§  Or,  luimher  it. 

i  Ps.  19:1.     Prov.  8:22—29. 

k  Deut.  29:29.      Prov.    8:4,5,32 

—36. 
1  Deut  4:6.     Ps.  111:10.    Prov. 

1:7.    9:10.     Ec.    12:13.      Jam. 

3:13—17. 
m  Ps.  34:14.     Prov.  5:7.    13:14. 

16:6,17.     Is.   1:16.     2  Tim.  2: 

19.      1  Pet.  3:11. 


d  Ps.    19:7.   147:5.      Prov.    8:14. 

Matt.    11:27.      Luke    10:21,22. 

Acts   15:18.      Rom.    11.33.     1 

Cor.  1:30.     Jude  25. 
e  2     Chr.    16:9.       Prov.     15:3. 

Zech.  4:10.     Rev.  5:6. 
f  Ps.  135:7.     Is.  40:12. 
g  36:26,27,32.    38:25.       Ps.  148: 

8.  Jer.  14:22.  Am.  4:7.    Zech. 

10:1. 
h  37:3 — 5.     Ps.  29:3—10. 


nothing  can  be  learned  in  the  grave;  and  hell 
rather  than  the  grave  must  be  meant  by  the 
word   (]n3x)   translated    "destruction."     (Ab<e, 

Rev.  9:llT)' 

V.  23 — 28.  All  the'  preceding  observations 
and  inquiries  were  evidently  intended  as  intro- 
ductory to  these  closing  instructions;  in  which 
Job  shewed,  that  God  alone  was  the  Source 
and  Giver  of  wisdom.  He  knew  where  it  was 
laid  up,  and  the  way  in  which  it  might  be  found. 
He  managed  the  whole  creation  in  perfect  wis- 
dom; determining  the  force  and  direction  of 
every  wind,  and  the  quantity  of  water  to  be 
formed  into  rains  and  dews;  regulating  the 
course  of  the  clouds,  and  directing  the  thunder 
and  lightning.  At  the  creation,  he  had  his  whole 
plan  before  him,  and  declared  unto  man,  as  much 
as  was  good  for  him  to  know:  and  he  had  pre- 
pared the  whole  of  his  intended  operations,  as  ac- 
curately, as  if  they  had  been  searched  out  by  in- 
tense stud)^. — This  implied,  that  as  men  could 
neither  alter  nor  comprehend  these  works  of 
God;  they  were  equally  unable  to  discover  the 
methods  of  his  providence.  God  had  from  the 
beginning  plainly  declared  to  man,  that  his  wis- 
dom consisted  not  in  the  knowledge  of  tlie  .secrets 
of  nature,  or  of  the  divine  government,  but  in 
"fearing  the  Lord  and  departing  from  evil." 
[JVotes,  Gen.  22:11,12.  Deut.  29:29.  Ec.  12:11— 
14.) — Thus  Job  intimated  to  the  disputants,  that 
they  might  shew  their  wisdom  much  more,  by  a 
conscientious  performance  of  their  own  duty, 
than  by  presumptuously  intruding  into  the  secret 
reasons  of  the  divine  dispensations;  or  rashly  con- 
demning their  afflicted  friend  as  a  hypocrite. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1— 11. 
The  riches  of  this  world  are  sought  with  un- 
wearied labor  and  extreme  danger:  the  faculties 
of  the  soul  and  the  vigor  of  the  body  are  alike 
devoted  to  the  pursuit;  and,  from  age  to  age, 
men  sacrifice  their  ease,  ruin  their  health,  and 


B.  C.  1550. 


CHAPTER  XXIX. 


B.  C.  1550. 


CHAP.  XXIX. 

Job  regrets  the  loss  of  his  comforts,  and  of  the  respect  which 
had  been  she^vn  him,  1—11.  He  declares  the  gjood  use  which 
he  had  made  of  his  authority,  12 — 17;  and  the  grounds  on 
which  he  had  hoped  for  abiding  prosperity,  18—25. 

MOREOVER,    Job  *  continued    his 
parable,  and  said, 

2  Oh,  that  I  were  =*  as  in  months  past, 
as  in  the  days  ichen  ^  God  preserved 
nie; 

3  When  '■'  his  t  candle  shined  upon 
uny  head,  and  when  ^  by  his  light  I 
walked  through  darkness; 

*  Heh.  added  to  take  ujj.   27;  1. 
a  1:1—5.  7:3. 

bl:lO.     Ps.  37:28.     .Tilde  I. 
<•  18-6.  -21:17.     Ps.  13:23.  Prov. 
24:20. 


t  Or,  lamp.  Prov.  13:9.  -20:20. 
d  2-2:-28.     Ps.  4:6.    27:1.    84:11, 

fs.  2:4.  John  8:12.  12-46.   Eph. 

5:3,14. 


venture  their  lives,  to  acquire  them!  Indeed, 
they  are  good  in  themselves,  and  for  the  uses  to 
which  they  were  appointed:  and  the  bountiful 
kindne.'ss  of  the  Creator  appears,  in  covering'  the 
surface,  and  storing  the  bowels,  of  the  earth  with 
so  many  useful  productions:  nor  should  the  in- 
genuity or  industry  which  men  employ  about 
them  be  condemned,  except  as  disproportionate. 
[jTote,  Ge7i.  1:20 — 25.)  'Neither  silver  nor  gold, 
but  the  love  of  them,  "is  the  root  of  all  evil:"  and 
the  avarice,  pride,  and  luxury  of  the  human 
heart,  not  the  creatures  which  God  hath  made 
for  our  use,  ought  to  bear  the  whole  blame  of 
the  mischiefs,  to  which  they  merely  give  occa- 
sion. It  is  also  observable,  that  whilst  God 
gives  us  all  these  things,  he  gives  them  in  the 
way  of  industry;  the  productions  of  nature  can- 
not be  prepared  for  use,  without  enduring  hard- 
ship for  them,  and  often  venturing  into  perilous 
situations:  and,  in  like  manner,  whilst  wisdom 
and  grace  are  freely  bestowed,  we  must  labor 
and  deny  ourselves,  and  face  dangers  and  ene- 
mies, if  we  would  appropriate  them.  But  did  we 
understand  the  infinite  value  of  these  gifts,  and 
jour  urgent  want  of  them,  we  should  think  every 
hardship  and  sacrifice  comparatively  small.  All 
-earthly  treasures  are  insiifBcient  and  precarioas: 
they  cannot  give  peace  of  conscience,  health,  or 
contentment:  they  cannot  prolong  life,  or  abate 
the  fear  of  death,  or  purchase  exemption  from 
future  punishment:  they  must  be  left  soon,  and 
for  ever,  and  an  account  must  be  given  to  God 
of  the  use  which  we  have  made  of  them.  But 
true  wisdom  and  grace  confer  peace,  and  joy, 
and  livel)'  hope;  they  deprive  death  of  his  sting, 
and  ensure  an  eternal  inheritance.  Who  then 
can  estimate  their  value.''  All  the  treasures  of  the 
world  and  the  whole  world  itself,  are  worthless 
in  the  comparison:  yet  alas!  every  gilded  bauble 
Is  preferreti  to  diem!  No  labor  is  deemed  too 
great  to  employ  about  carnal  things;  yet  every 
exertion  is  too  much  about  our  spiritual  and  eter- 
nal interests;  "Go  then  to  the  miner,  ihou  slug- 
gard, consider  his  ways,  and  be  wise:"  imitate 
his  ingenuity,  application,  and  intrepidity,  in  the 
affairs  of  thy  soul:  seek  salvation,  as  he  does  the 
gold  and  silver  ore,  and  thou  shalt  be  enriched 
for  ever.  (P.  O.  Prov.  2: 1—9.) 
V.  12—28. 
Where  is  true  wisdom  to  be  found.''  In  the 
heart  of  the  earth?  In  the  depth  of  the  sea.''  Or 
in  the  schools  of  the  learned.'  By  no  means:  it  is 
"the  Loan  that  giveth  wisdom."  The  treasures 
of  it  are  "hid  in  Christ,"  revealed  by  the  word  of 
truth,  and  received  by  faith,  through  the  opera- 
tion of  the  Holy  Spirit.  There  the  Lord  has 
prepared  and  declared  it:  there  we  may  search 
for  it  and  discover  it.  But  it  does  not  consist,  in 
explaining  all  mysteries,  settling  all  controver- 
sies, or  sodving  all  difficulties  in  the  phenomena 


4  As  1  was  in  the  days  of  my  youth, 
when  *'  the  secret  of  God  was  upon  my 
tabernacle  J 

5  When  *"  the  Almighty  was  yet  with 
me,  when  s  niy  children  were  about 
me; 

6  When  ''  I  washed  my  steps  with 
butter,    and    the    rock    poured  i  me  out 

rivers   Ot    oil;  IPracUcal  observations.'} 

7  When  I  went  out '  to  the  gate  through 


e  1:10.     15:8.      Ps.   25:14.    27:5. 

91:1.     Prov.  3:32.     Col.  3:3. 
f -23:3,3— 10.      Deut.  33:-27— 29. 

Josh.  1:9.     Judg.  6:12,13.    Ps. 

30:7.  43:2.    44:8,9.     Cant.  2;4. 

3:1,2.     Jer.  14:8.    Matt.  9:15.  . 
S  1:2—5.  42:13—16.     Ps.   127:3 


—5.   128:3.     Prov.  17:6. 
h -20:17.     Gen.  49:11.   Deut.  .^2: 

13.  33.24.     Ps.  81:16. 
J  Heb.  -with  me. 
I  Deut.  16:18.  21:19.      Kuth  4:1, 

2,11.   Zech.  8:16. 


of  nature,  or  in  the  dlivine  government.  It  is  not 
intended  to  feed  oiit  pride  and  vanity,  to  amuse 
our  curiosity,  or  to  embolden  our  presumption; 
but  to  teach  us  where  and  what  we  are,  and 
whither  we  are  going;  to  shew  us  our  wants,  and 
where  they  may  be  supplied.  It  instructs  and 
encourages  us  siHnej;s  to  "fear  the  Lord,  and  to 
depart  from  evil,"-in  the  exercise  of  repentance 
and  faith:  and  it  admonishes  us  in  faith  and  hope, 
and  by  patient  continuance  in  well  doing,  to 
wait  for  that  world,  to  which  death  will  soon  con- 
vey us,  for  fuller  light  respecting  all  the  ways 
and  works  of  God.  Our  business  here  is,  to  be- 
lieve, adore,  love,  and  obey;  not  to  comprehend 
and  dispute.  We  receive  the  benefit  of  the  rain, 
and  avail  ourselves  of  the  winds  and  tides,  and 
seek  shelter  from  the  storm,  Avhether  we  under- 
stand the  theory  of  them  or  not.  Thus  let  us  flee 
from  the  wrath  to  come,  take  refuge  in  the  hope 
of  the  gospel,  receive  the  comforts  of  life  thank- 
full}^  and  bear  its  burdens  cheerfully,  without 
being  desirous  of  knowing  those  "secret  things 
which  belong  to  the  Lord  our  God."  The  gov- 
ernment of  the  world  is  his,  and  he  neither  needs 
nor  asks  our  advice:  but  "to  man  he  saith,  The 
fear  of  the  Lord,  that  is  wisdom;  and  to  depart 
from  evil  is  understanding." 

NOTES. 
Chap.  XXIX.  V.  1—6.  It  is  probable,  that 
when  Job  had  finished  his  commendation  of  wis- 
dom, he  paused,  to  hear  whether  his  friends  had 
any  thing  to  add:  but  as  they  were  silent,  he  pro- 
ceeded to  contrast  his  former  prosperity,  and  his 
honorable  conduct  as  a  magistrate,  with  his  pres- 
ent abject  misery;  in  order  to  excite  their  com- 
passion, and  to  excuse  his  complaints,  and  per- 
haps to  engage  their  more  fixed  attention  to  the 
other  parts  of  his  discourse.  Indeed  he  could 
not  but  ardently  desire  that  matters  were  so  with 
him  at  the  present,  as  formerly  they  had  been. 
Then  God  preserved  his  health,  his  propert}',  his 
family,  his  honor,  and  his  peace,  having  "made  a 
hedge  about  him."  Providence  smiled  upon  him,  • 
and  he  enjoyed  spiritual  consolations:  so  that*  he 
lived  happily,  and  walked  securely,  in  this  dark 
and  wretched  world.  Thus  he  had  been  favored 
early  in  life:  the  secret  wisdom  of  God  had  been 
communicated  to  him,  and  his  secret  blessing  had 
rested  upon  him  and  prospered  his  habitation:  his 
soul  had  been  refreshed  with  the  secret  pleasures 
of  communion  with  God,  before  whom  he  had 
walked  as  his  almighty  Friend;  (JVbfe,  Ps.  2ry.  14.) 
whilst  his  children  shared  and  doubled  his  en- 
joyments. His  cattle,  fed  in  rich  pastures,  af- 
forded such  plenty  of  milk  and  butter,  that  he 
could,  had  he  pleased,  have  washed  his  steps  in 
it:  and  his  olive-yards,  planted  upon  the  rocky 
grounds,  yielded  such  abundance,  that  it  was 
as  rivers  of  oih — But  he  intimated  that  God  had 

[75. 


B.  C.  1550. 


JOB. 


B.  C.  1550. 


the  city,  when  I  prepared  my  seat  in  the 
street! 

8  The  ^  young  men  saw  me,  and  hid 
themselves:  and  ^  the  aged  arose,  and 
stood  up. 

9  The  princes  "  refrained  talking, 
and  "^  laid  their  hand  on  their  mouth. 

10  The  *  nobles  held  their  peace, 
and  °  their  tongue  cleaved  to  the  roof  of 
their  mouth. 

1 1  When  P  the  ear  heard  me,  then  it 
blessed  me;  and  when  the  eye  saw  me, 
it  gave  witness  to  me> 

12  Because  i  T  delivered  the  poor 
that  cried,  and  '  the  j^^erless,  and  him 
that  had  none  to  help  Kim. 

13  ^  The  blessings  of  him  that  was 
*  ready  to  perish  came  upon  me:  and  "  I 
caused  the  widow's  heart  to  ^  sing  for  joy. 

14  y  I  put  on  rigliteousness,  and  it 
clothed  m^:  my  judgment  ivas  as  a  robe 
and   ^  a  diadem. 

15  1  was  ^  eyes  to  the  bhnd,  and  feet 
was  I  to  the  lame. 

16  1  was  ^  a  father  to  the  poor:  and 
^  the  cause  ivhich  I  knew  not  I  searched 
out. 


k  Lev.  19:32.     Prov.  lfi:31.  20: 

8.     Rom.  13:3,4.     Tit.  3:1.    1 

Pet.  5:5. 
J  Rom.  13:7.   1  Pet.  2:17. 
m4:-2.  7:11.    Prov.  10:19.   Jam. 

1:19. 
n  21:5.  40:4.  Judg.  18:19.  Prov. 

30:32. 
*  Heb.  voice  of  the  nobles  tvas 

hid. 
o  Ps.  137:6.     Ez.  3:26. 
p  31:20.  Prov.  29:2.  Luke  11:27. 
q  22:5—9.     Neh.  5:2—13.     Ps. 

72:12.     82:2—4.     Prov.    21:13. 

24:11,12.     Jer.  22:16. 
rEx.  22:22—24.     Deut.   10:18. 

Ps.  68:5.  J.-im.  1:27. 
sDeut.   24:13.     Acts  9:39—41. 


2  Cor.  9:12—14.     2  Tim.   1:16 

—  18. 
1 31:19.     Deut.  26:5.     Prov.  31: 

6—9.     Is.  27:13. 
u  Deut.  16:11.     Neh.   8:10— 12. 

Philem.  7. 
X  Ps.  67:4.     Is.  65:M. 
y  Ps.   132:9.     Is.    59:17.    61:10. 

Rom.  13:14.  2  Cor.  6:7.     Kph. 

6:14.   1  Thes.  5:8.  Rev.  19:8. 
z  Is.  28:5.  62:3. 
a  Num.    10:31.     Matt.    11:5.     1 

Cor.  12:12,&;c. 
b  31:18.     Esth.   2:7.     Ps.    63:5. 

Eph.  5:1.     Jam.  1:27. 
c  Ex.  13:26.     Deut.  13:14.   17:8 

—10.   1  Kings  3:16— 23.    Prov. 

25:2.  29:7. 


now  withdrawn  his  protection,  and  the  light  of 
his  consolations;  excluded  him  from  communion 
with  him,  and  bereaved  him  of  his  wealth  and 
children,  his  health  and  peace,  and  reputation. 

V.  7 — 11.  Job  next  expatiated  on  the  honor, 
which  had  been  rendered  him.  He  had  acquired 
great  influence  and  authority,  and  was  become 
chief  ruler  over  the  neighboring  tribes;  proba- 
bly through  his  reputation  for  wisdom  and  jus- 
tice, as  well  as  on  account  of  his  affluence.  So 
that  when  he  went  through  the  city  to  the  gate, 
,  where  his  throne  for  administering  justice  was 
prepared,  the  young  men  stood  so  much  in  awe 
of  him,  and  so  feared  his  reprehension  for  their 
irregularities,  that  they  kept  out  of  the  way;  the 
aged  rose  in  respect  of  his  character;  and  the 
nobles  and  princes  were  silent,  as  if  bereft  of 
speech,  that  they  might  attend  to  his  arguments 
and  decisions,  and  be  instructed  by  them;  and, 
indeed,  all  who  saw  and  heard  him  applauded  his 
impartial  justice,  and  bare  testimony  to  his  wis- 
dom and  discretion. 

V.  12 — 17.  'Because  Job's  adversaries  did  so 
'much  charge  him  with  wickedness,  he  is  com- 
'pelled  to  render  account  of  his  life.'  And  as  no 
one  attempted  to  disprove  his  attestations,  no 
doubt  he  spoke  what  was  undeniably  true:  in- 
deed God  himself,  at  the  close,  as  it  were,  attest- 
76] 


17  And  '^  I  brake  the  t  jaws  of  the 
wicked,  «  and  ^  plucked  the  spoil  out  of 
his  teeth. 

18  Then  I  said,  ^  I  shall  die  in  my 
nest,  and  I  shall  ^  multiply  my  days  ^  as 
the  sand. 

19  My  '  root  ivas  }  spread  out  by  the 
waters,  and  the  dew  lay  all  night  upon 
my  branch. 

20  My  ''glory  was  \\  fresh  in  me, 
and  '  my  bow  "^  was  ^^  renewed  in  my 
hand. 

21  Unto  me  men  °  gave  ear,  and 
waited  and   kept   silence  at  my  counsel. 

22  "After  my  words  they  spake  not 
again;  and  Pmy  speech  dropped  upon 
them. 

23  And  they  waited  for  me  "^  as  for 
the  rain;  and  they  opened  their  mouth 
wide  as  for  ''  the  latter  rain. 

24  If  1  laughed,  on  them,  ^  they  be- 
lieved it  not;  and  *  the  hght  of  my 
countenance  they  cast  not  down. 

25  I  "chose  out  their  way,  and  sat 
chief,  and  ^  dwelt  as  a  king  in  the 
army,  as  ^  one  that  comforteth  the 
mourners. 


dPs.  3:7.  58:6.  Prov.  30:14. 
I  Heb.  Jau'  teeth,  or,  grinders. 
e  1  Sam.  17:35.    Ps.  124c3,6. 
4  Heb.  cast. 
f  Fs.  30:6,7.     Jer.  22:23.  49:16. 

Obad.  4.     Hab.  2:9. 
g5:26.  42:16,17.   Ps.  91:1b 
h  Gen.  32:12.  41:49. 
i  18:16.      Ps.    1:3.      Jer.    i7:8. 

Hos.  14:5—7. 
§  Heb.  opened. 

k  14.   19:9.  Geo.  45:13.  Ps.  3:3. 
]|  Heb.  netii. 
1  Gen.  49:24. 
m  Ps.  103:5.    Is.  40:31.    2  Cor. 

4:16. 
If  Heb.  changed. 


n  9,10.  32:11,12. 

o  32:15,16.    33:31—33.     Is.    52: 

15.  Matt.  22:46. 
p  Deut.  32:2.     Cant.  4:11.    Ez- 

20:46.     Am.   7:16.      Mic.  2:6. 

w!  arg. 
q  Ps.  72:6. 

r  Hos.  6:3.  Zech.  10:1. 
s  Gen.  45:26.   Ps.  126:1.     Luk« 

24:41. 
t  Ps.  4:6.  89:15, 
u  Gen.  41:40.      Judg.    11:8.     2 

Sam.  5:2.     1  Chr.  13:1 — 4. 
X  Gen.  14:14—17.  Deut.  33:5. 
y  4:3,4.     Is.  35:3,4.    61:1—3.    2 

Cor.  1:3,4.  7:5—7.     1  Thes.  3c 

2^. 


ed  the  truth  of  it. — He  coirld  confidently  protest, 
that  it  was  his  constant  object  to  redress  the 
grievances  of  the  orphans  aad  destitute,  who  de- 
manded justice  against  their  powerful  oppressors: 
so  that  widows  and  other  persons,  who  were 
about  to  be  crushed,  murdered,  or  starved,  thank- 
ed him  and  prayed  for  him  as  iJbeir  patron,  with 
joyful  hearts.  He  never  appeared  in  public,  but 
with  an  evident  determination  to  do  justice:  the 
equity  of  his  conduct  was  to  him  tise  robe,  or  the 
badge  of  his  authority,  and  he  deemed  it  more  hi.s 
honor,  than  an}^  royal  diadem.  By  counselling 
the  ignorant  how  to  manage  their  affairs,  he  be- 
came as  "eyes  to  the  blind;"  by  supporting  the 
helpless  with  his  power  and  authority,  he  was  as 
"feet  to  the  lame:"  he  was  the  general  g-uardiau 
and  father  to  all  poor  people;  and  neither  spared 
pains  and  expense,  nor  feared  oppositicai,  in 
searching  out  their  causes,  and  rescuing  them 
from  oppression.  Thus  he  deprived  rich  oppress- 
ors of  their  power  to  do  mischief,  as  effectually, 
as  a  wild  beast  is  disabled  when  its  "jaw-teeth 
are  broken;"  and  he  constrained  them  to  make 
restitution,  as  when  "the  prey  is  plucked  out  of 
their  mouths."  (JVbfes,  Ps.  82:2—4.  Prov.  31: 
8,9.) 

V.  18—25.     Thus  respected,  useful,  and  con- 
scientious, and  considering  the  whole  as  coming 


B.  C.  1550. 


CHAPTER  XXX. 


B.  C.  1550. 


CHAP.  XXX. 


Jjb  complains  that  he  is  sunk  into  extreme  contempt,  1 — 1-1;  that 
he  suffers  great  anguish  of  soul  and  body,  15 — 19;  that  God 
deals  rigorously  vvith  him,  20 — '24;  that  he,  who  had  comforted 
others,  now  suffers  without  a  comforter,  25 — 31. 


B 


UT  now  ^  they  that  are  *  younger 
than  I  have  me  in  derision,  ''whose 


a  19:13— 19.  29:3— 10.   2  Kings 

2;23.  Is.  3:5. 
*  Heb.  offevievdays  Ihan  I. 
b  Ps.  35:15,16.  69:12.  Mark  14: 


65.  15:17—20.  Luke  23:14,13, 
19,35,36,39.  Acts  17:5.  Tit. 
1:12. 


from  the  favor  of  God,  Job  had  hoped  to  live  long 
in  prosperity,  and  to  die  in  peace  and  honor  in  a 
good  old  age:  for  he  seemed  like  a  tree  which 
had  struck  deep  root  in  a  well  watered  soil,  and 
was  refreshed  every  night  by  the  kindly  dew. 
Heaven  and  earth  seemed  to  favor  him  contin- 
ually. [JYote,  Ps.  30:6 — 8.)  He  had  done  noth- 
ing to  impair  his  reputation  or  influence,  or  to 
prevent  their  increase.  His  counsel  was  silently 
attended  to,  and  his  decisions  were  waited  for 
with  great  expectation,  and  were  refreshing  as 
the  seasonable  rain.  His  smile  was  counted  a 
very  great  favor:  and  if  he  relaxed  from  his 
usual  gravity,  and  shewed  himself  more  afiable 
with  the  people,  they  did  not  abate  in  their  re- 
spect, or  undervalue  his  kindness.  Still  they 
allowed  him  to  counsel  and  command  in  all  their 
affairs,  as  a  king,  with  uncontrolled  authority, 
rules  over  his  troops:  yet,  amidst  all,  he  never 
lost  sight  of  the  beneficent  employment  of  com- 
forting the  mourners. — Some  read  all  the  latter 
verses  in  the  present  tense.  "My  roots  are,  &c." 
as.  Job's  recollection  of  his  inward  thoughts, 
during  his  prosperous  days,  when  anticipating  the 
continuance  of  them,  in  which  he  had  been  so 
grievously  disappointed. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
V.  1—6. 
The  Lord  protects  and  prospers  us  as  he  pleases; 
and  he  confers  on  those  who  love  him  whatever 
can  be  beneficial  to  them.  Yet  riches  and  flour- 
ishing families,  though  a  "candle  of  the  Lord," 
maybe  soon  and  finally  extinguished:  they  do  but 
little  towards  illuminating  our  way  through  this 
dark  world,  and  nothing  towards  cheering  the 
vale  of  death.  But  when  the  mind  is  enlightened 
by  the  Holy  Spirit;  when  a  man  walks  in  the  light 
of  God's  comforting  presence,  and  enjoys  the  se- 
cret pleasure  of  communion  with  him;  every  out- 
ward comfort  is  doubled,  every  trouble  is  dimin- 
ished, and  he  may  pass  cheerfully,  by  this  light, 
through  life  and  death  to  heaven.  The  sensible 
comfort,  however,  of  this  happy  state  is  often  with- 
drawn from  those  who  have  enjoyed  it;  and  they 
regret  the  months  and  days  which  they  have  for- 
merly known,  and  long  for  their  return.  (JVoie, 
Ps.  42:4,5.)  In  general,  this  change  arises  from 
negligence  and  "grieving  the  Holy  Spirit;"  but 
sometimes  it  may  be  a  trial  of  a  man's  faith  and 
grace.  Yet  it  is  always  right  in  such  cases  to  ex- 
amine ourselves,  to  inquire  into  the  cause  by  fer- 
vent prayer,  and  to  redouble  diligence  and  watch- 
fulness— Many,  however,  who  profess  that  they 
have  walked  in  this  heavenly  light,  complain  that 
now  it  is  not  with  them  "as  in  months  past,"  and 
rest  satisfied  with  unavailing  lamentations!  De- 
pending on  past  experience,  and  concluding  their 
state  safe,  they  put  up  at  present  with  worldly 
comforts,  and  are  as  negligent  as  they  are  joyless. 
And  others,  who  have  really  walked  with  God, 
finding  their  comforts  decline,  are  tempted  to 
think  all  their  past  experience  a  delusion,  and  to 
conclude  that  the  Almighty  has  finally  forsaken 
them.  But  for  tliose  comforts,  which  are  indeed 
from  God,  the  true  believer  can  find  no  substitute 
in  the  wliole  creation:    and  though  they  may  be 


fathers  I  would   have   disdained  to  have 
set  vvith  the  dogs  of  my  flock.  • 

2  Yea,  whereto  might  the  strength  of 
their  hands  profit  me,  in  whom  old  age 
was  perished.^ 

3  For  want  and  famine  they  were 
t  sohtary;  '^  fleeing  into  the  wilderness 
+  in   former  time  desolate  and  waste. 

t  Or,  dark  as  the  night.    24:13  |  c  24:5.     Heb.  11:38. 
— 16.  I  X  -Heb.  yesternight. 


withdrawn,  they  shall  never  be  extinguished,  but 
shall  be  restored,  and  endure  till  lost  in  the  blaze 
of  heavenly  glory. 

V.  7—23. 
Years,  rank,  and  authority,  if  connected  with 
eminent  justice,  wisdom,  and  piet)'^,  confer  pecu- 
liar dignity  and  influence:  they  over-awe  the  care- 
less and  lawless;  command  the  respect  of  inferi- 
ors and  equals;    and  procure  a  deference  even 
from  superiors.     When  a  man's  judgment  and  in- 
tegrity have  thus   obtained  him   an   established 
reputation,  his  opinions  are  readily  approved,  and 
his  measures  adopted.     Then  it  is  peculiarly  hap- 
py for  him  and  others,  if  he  is  preserved  humble, 
zealous  for  the  honor  of  God,  and  ambitious  only 
of  doing  good:  if  he  value  the  blessing  of  the  needy 
and  afflicted,  and   the   testimony  of  men's  con- 
sciences to  his  equity  and  humanity,  as  his  robe, 
his  diadem,  and  his  recompense:  if  he  continue  a 
stranger  to  fear,  favor,  and  affection,  to  covetous- 
ness  and  self-indulgence;  and  resolutely  act  as  the 
patron  of  the  poor,  the  widow,  the  orphan,  and 
the  oppressed;  desiring  that  their  hearts  may  re- 
joice, and  that  their  prayers  for  their  benefactor 
may  be  united  with  many  thanksgivings  unto 
God:  if,  by  the  use  of  his  wealth,  authority,  and 
wisdom,  he  be  as  "eyes  to  the  blind,  and  feet  to 
the  lame;"  a  father  to  the  poor,  and  a  terror  and 
restraint  to  wealthy  oppressors,  and  spare  no  labor 
for  the  effecting  these  valuable  purposes.     Sucli 
persons  are  public  blessings,  their  protection  is 
courted,  and  their  friendship  valued,  by  all  good 
men;  though  their  excellency  be  hated,  and  their 
power  dreaded,  by  the  tyrants  whose  jaws  they 
break,  and  whom  they  spoil  of  their  prey.     They 
prevent  much  mischief,  make  many  disconsolate 
mourners  joyful,  and  are  an  ornament  to  religion. 
And  they  have  the  peculiar  honor  to  i-esemble 
him,  wlio  hath  "put  on  righteousness  as  a  robe, 
and  is  clad  with  zeal  as  a  cloke;"  who  rescues  en- 
slaved  sinners   from   the   power   of    Satan,  and 
breaks  the  jaws  of  that  devourer;    who,  in  a  far 
nobler  sense,  "is  eyes  to  the  blind,  and  feet  to  the 
lame,  and  a  Father  to  the  poor;"  whose  words  are 
all  in  wisdom,  truth,  and  love,  and  his  favor  more 
refreshing  than  the  latter  rain;  whose  smile  is  so 
great  a  blessing  to  the  desponding  soul  that  wait- 
ed for  it,  that  he  can  hardly  believe  bin  own  ex- 
perience, when  the  Savior  manifests  his  love;  and 
he  will  adore  and  revere  him  still  more  and  more 
for  his  unspeakable  condescension.     How  many, 
who  were  ready  to  perish,  are  now  blessing  him! 
How  many  mourners  has  he  comforted!  But  who 
can  shew  forth  all  his  praises.'     May  we  trust  his 
mercy,  and  copy  his  equity,  truth,  and  love! — Let 
us  not  however  flatter  ourselves  with  the  expect- 
ation of  continued  honor  and  prosperity  in  this 
world.     In  the  midst  of  all  we  should  think  of  dy- 
ing ere  long;  and  even  before  death,  of  being  de- 
prived of  all  our  outward  comforts;  though  there 
should  be  every  appearance,  that  life  and  pros- 
perity will  be  continued  to  us.     Storms  will  suc- 
ceed to  calms,  and  calms  to  storms,  in  this  change- 
able world;  but  in  heaven  will  be  uninterrupted 
and  unchangeable  felicity.    Let  us  then  look  to 
our  Captain  and  King:  he  has  chosen  out  our  way, 
and  has  been  cliief  in  sorrows,  as  well  as  in  hon- 

[77 


B.  C.   1550. 


JOB. 


B.  C.  1550. 


4  Who  cut  up  mallows  by  the  bushes, 
and  juniper  roots  •* /or  their  meat. 

5  They  were  ^  driven  forth  from 
among  men,  (they  cried  after  them  as 
after  a  thief;) 

6  To  ^  dwell  in  the  clefts  of  the  val- 
leys, in  *  caves  of  the  earth,  and  in  the 
rocks. 

7  Among  the  bushes  they  s  brayed;  un- 
der the  nettles  they  were  gathered  to- 
gether. 

8  They  were  ^  children  of  '  fools, 
yea,  children  of  tbase  men:  they  w^ere 
^  viler  than  the  earth. 

9  And  now  ^  am  I  their  song,  yea,  I 
am  their  by-word. 

10  They  "  abhor  me,  they  "  flee  far 
from  me,  and  +  spare  not  to  °  spit  in  my 
face. 

1 1  Because  he  hath  p  loosed  my  cord, 
and  afflicted  me,  they  have  also  '*'  let 
loose  the  bridle  before  me. 


d2  Kings  4:38,39.     Am.  7:14. 

Luke  15:16. 
e  Gen.  4:12—14.      Ps.   109:10. 

Dan.  4:25,32,33. 
fJudg.  6:2.     1  Sam.  22:1,2.    Is. 

2:19.     Rev.  6.15. 
*  Heb.  holes. 
g  6:5.   11:12.  Gen.  16:12. 
h  2  Kings  8:18,27.    2  Chr.  22:3. 

Jer.  7:13.     Mark  6:24. 
i  Prov.  1:7,22.    16:22. 
^  Heb.  men  of  no  name. 
k  40:4.     Ps.  15:4.  Is.  32:6. 


I  17:6.     Ps.  35:15,16.  44:14.  69: 

12.     Lam.  3:14,63. 
m  19:19.  42:6.  Ps.  88:8.    Zech. 

11:8. 
n  19:13,14.      Ps.    88:8.      Prov 

19:7.     Matt.  26:56. 
X  Heb.    tuithhold    not    spittle 
froin. 
o  Num.  12:14.     Deut.  25:9.    Is. 

50:6.  Matt.  26:67.  27:30. 
p  12:18,21.  2  Sam.  16:.5— 3. 
q  Ps.    35:21.      Matt.    26:67,68. 

27:39—44.     Jam.  1:26. 


ors:  and  as  he  comforts  his  mourning'  followers; 
so  he  has  shewn  the  whole  army  of  his  saints  the 
way  to  victory  and  glory,  through  tribulation,  suf- 
ferings, and  death;  and  has  said,  "If  any  man  will 
come  after  me,  let  him  deny  himself,  and  take  up 
his  cross,  and  follow  me;"  and,  "Where  I  am, 
there  shall  my  servant  be." 

NOTES. 
Chap.  XXX.  V.  1—14.  Here  Job  most  pa- 
thetically contrasts  his  present  condition,  with  his 
former  honor  and  authority.  Now  the  youths,  who 
before  had  hid  themselves  lest  they  should  be  pun- 
ished for  their  crimes,  [JVote,  29:7 — 11.)  treated 
him  with  the  greatest  contempt:  nay  the  children 
of  the  most  abject  persons  imaginable  insulted 
him,  whom  he  described  as  the  vilest  outcasts  of 
society.  These  objects  were  so  destitute  of  fidel- 
ity and  honesty,  so  lazy  and  ignorant,  that  they 
were  not  capable  of  doing  so  much  good  as  the 
dogs  of  his  flock;  and  he  would  have  disdained  to 
employ  them  in  the  meanest  services  about  his 
cattle.  Their  lives,  wasted  in  wickedness,  had 
left  them  debilitated  and  ignorant,  debauched  and 
infamous,  in  old  age;  and,  being  burdens  and  nui- 
sances by  their  crimes,  they  were  expelled  from 
society  in  a  most  miserable  manner.  Incapable 
of  obtaining  an  honest  livelihood,  and  afraid  of 
being  punished  for  their  past  offences,  they  had 
fled  into  the  most  desolate  parts  of  the  wilderness; 
and  there  miserably  subsisted  upon  roots  and 
herbs  not  fitted  to  sustain  the  life  of  man.  For 
they  were  driven  away  as  thieves,  and  concealed 
themselves  in  dens  and  caves  from  the  search  of 
pursuers;  or  among  the  weeds  and  bushes,  where 
they  grew  savage  like  the  wild  asses.  Such  worth- 
less wretches,  of  whom  Job's  active  magistracy 
had  rid  the  country,  returned  with  their  families 
78] 


12  Upon  my  right  hand  «"  rise  the 
youth:  they  push  away  my  feet,  and 
'  they  raise  up  against  me  the  ways  of 
their  destruction. 

13  They  mar  my  path,  Hhey  set  for- 
ward my  calamity,  they  have  no  helper. 

14  They  came  upon  me  "  as  a  wide 
breaking  in  of  ivaters:  in  the  desolation 
they  rolled  themselves  upon  me. 

15  ^Terrors  are  turned  upon  me: 
they  pursue  my  k  soul  as  the  wind;  and 
my  welfare  passeth  away  ^  as  a  cloud. 

16  And  now  'my  soul  is  poured  out 
upon  me;  the  days  of  affliction  ^  have 
taken  hold  upon  me. 

17  '^  My  bones  are  pierced  in  me  "^  in 
the  night-season:  and  my  sinews  take  no 
rest. 

18  '^  By  the  great  force  of  my  disease 
is  my  garment  changed;  it  bindeth  me 
about  as  the  collar  of  my  coat. 

19  He  hath  ^  cast  me  into  the  mire, 
and   1  am  become  like  ^  dust  and  ashes: 

20  s  I  cry   unto  thee,   and   thou    dost 


r  19:18.     Is.  3:5. 

s  19:12. 

t  Ps.  69:26.     Zech.  1:15. 

u  22:16.    Ps.  18:4.  69:14,15.  Is. 

X  6:4.  7:14.  9:27,28.   10:16.   Ps. 

88:15. 
^  Heb.  principal  one. 
y  Is.  44:22.     Hos.  6:4.    13:3. 
z  Ps.  22:14.  42:4.     Is.  53:12. 


a  Ps.  40:12. 
b  33:19—21. 


Ps.  6:2—6.    38:2 


c  7:4.     Ps.  22:2.     Is.  33:13. 
d  2:7.  7:5.   19:20.     Ps.  38:5.  Is. 

1:5,6. 
e  9:31.     Ps.  69:1,2.     Jer.  38--6. 
f2:S.  42:6.  Gen.  18:27. 
g  19:7.  27:9.     Ps.    22:2.    80:4,5. 

Lam.  3:8,44.     Matt.   15:23. 


when  he  was  reduced:  and,  though  their  ignorant 
and  profligate  parents  had  neglected  to  give  their 
children  any  good  instructions;  yet  they  had  learn- 
ed to  make  songs  and  jests  about  Job,  and  to  shew 
their  contempt  and  abhorrence,  by  affecting  to 
shun  him  as  a  loathsome  object,  or  drawing  near 
him  to  spit  in  his  face.  {^Marg.  Ref.  m — o.)  It 
may  be  supposed,  that  these  were  the  expressions 
of  their  resentment  for  his  former  opposition  to 
their  villany;  and  of  their  joy  that  his  authority 
was  terminated.  Because  the  Lord  had  loosed  his 
cord,  by  depriving  him  of  power  and  affluence, 
they  behaved  with  unbridled  insolence,  and  at- 
tempted to  injure  him  by  every  means  which  they 
could  devise.  It  is  likely  that  they  accused  Job 
of  oppression,  because  he  had  punished  them  for 
their  crimes;  and  thus  they  endeavored  to  '■for- 
tify against  him  the  ways  of  their  destruction,"  or 
to  secure  themselves  from  punishment  in  their 
abandoned  courses.  By  these  methods  they  mar- 
red, or  vilified.,  his  path,  and  helped  forward  his 
calamity,  exciting  his  friends  to  treat  him  as  a 
hypocrite:  and  "no  helper  unto  them;"  that  is, 
they  had  no  need  of  help  from  Job's  former  friends, 
being  already  sufficiently  daring  and  ingenious  in 
their  malice.  For  they  came  upon  him  as  a  tor- 
rent of  waters,  which  bursts  the  banks,  and  rolls 
on  with  rapid  desolation.  [J^otes,  2  Sam.  22:5,6. 
Ps.  22:4—8.  69:1-4,10-12.) 

V.  15 — 19.  Job  again  complained  of  terrors, 
which  doubtless  arose,  in  great  measure,  from 
Satan's  temptations.  [Jfotes,  6:1—4.  7:13,14.  Ps. 
88:15 — 17.)  These  agitated  and  pursued  his  soul 
like  a  tempest,  and  drove  all  his  comfort  away  as 
a  cloud  vanisheth:  so  that  all  his  courage  and  res- 
olution were  destroyed,  and  his  very  soul  poured 
out  as  if  melted  by  the  fire.  [Marg.  Ref  z.)  For 
affliction  had  so  seized  upon  him  that  he  was  un- 


13.  C.  1550. 


CHAPTER  XXX. 


B.  C.  1550. 


not  hear  me:    I  stand   up,   and  thou  re- 
gardest  me  not. 

21  Thou  art  *  become  ''cruel  to  me: 
with  t  thy  '  strong  hand  thou  opposest 
thyself  against  me. 

22  Thou  ^  liftest  me  up  to  the  wind; 
thou  causest  me  '  to  ride  upon  it,  and 
dissolvest  my    ^  substance. 

23  For  I  know  that  thou  wilt  bring  me 
to  death,  and  to  ■"  the  house  appointed 
for  all  living. 

24  Howbeit  he  will  not  stretch  out  his 
hand  to  the  5  grave,  though  "  they  cry  in 
his  destruction. 

25  IF  °  Did  not  I  weep   for  him  that 


*  Heb.  turned  to  be. 

h  7:20,21.  10: 14— 17.   13;25— 28. 

16.-9— 14.   19:6—9.     Ps.  77:7- 

9.     Jer.  30:14. 
t  Heb.     the   strength    of    thy 

hand. 
i  6:9.  23:6.  Ps.  89:13.   1  Pet.  5: 

6. 
k  21:18.      Ps.    1:4.      Is.    17:13. 

Jer.  4:11,12.     Ez.   5.2.     Hos. 

4:19.   13:3. 


1  Ps.  18:10.   104:3. 

i  Or,  wisdom. 

m  14:5.    21:33.     Gen.    3:19.     2 

Sam.  14:14.    Ec.   8:8.  9:5.   12: 

5—7.     Heb.  9:27. 
fi  Heb.  heap. 
n  Judg.  5:31.    Ps.  3;:25.    Matt. 

27:39^-44. 
o*Ps.  35:13.     Jer.    13:17.   18:20. 

Luke  19:41.  John  11:35.  Rom. 

12: 15. 


able  to  escape.  His  bones  and  sinews  also  were 
in  such  incessant  anguish,  that  they  seemed  to  be 
pierced  with  a  sword,  and  he  could  have  no  rest. 
His,sores  defiled  his  g'arments,  and  so  confined 
liim  that  he  could  not  move  without  extreme  pain. 
He  was  as  disg-ustful  to  the  sight,  through  the  ca- 
lamity which  God  had  inflicted,  as  if  he  had  been 
rolled  in  the  mire:  yea,  he  was  become  like  dust 
and  ashes,  before  he  was  laid  in  the  grave.  {J\otes, 
2;7,8.   19:5—22.  Ps.  38:1—10.) 

V.  20 — 24.  It  added  greatly  to  Job's  distress, 
that  he  could  obtain  no  answer  to.  his  prayers; 
and  though  he  stood  up  to  appeal  to  God,  re- 
specting his  injured  character,  he  was  disregard- 
ed. He  therefore  rashly  concluded  that  the  Lord 
.was  become  rigorous  to  him,  even  to  a  degree 
of  cruelt}';  and  used  his  power  expressly  to  op- 
pose and  distress  him:  so  that  he,  as  it  were,  lift- 
ed him  up  into  the  air,  to  be  the  sport  of  con- 
flicting winds,  and  to  be  driven  from  one  misery 
to  another;  and  his  whole  body  was  dissolving 
with  excessive  heat  and  debility,  as  if  by  the  fire 
of  the  divine  indignation;  nay,  he  tliought  he  might 
be  sure,  that  God  intended  to  pursue  him  to  the 
grave  with  these  extreme  miseries.  (JVbies,  Ps. 
22:14,15.)  But  in  that  "house  appointed  for  all 
living,"  he  hoped  to  be  at  ease,  and  that  the 
Lord  would  not  stretch  out  his  hand  against  him 
in,  or  beyond,  the  grave:  though  some  would  in- 
terpret his  miserable  death,  as  a  token  of  his  final 
destruction;  and  exult  over  him,  upon  the  sup- 
position that  he  was  thus  proved  to  be  a  wicked 
man:  while  others,  by  loud  wailings,  would  per- 
haps deplore  his  deliverance  from  pain,  as  if  it 
were  destruction. 

V.  25 — 31.  These  events  were  the  more 
overwhelming  to  Job,  because  they  were  so  con- 
trary to  his  expectation.  He  was  conscious, 
however,  and  could  appeal  to  God,  that  he  had 
always  sympathized  with  the  afflicted,  and  re- 
lieved the  poor,  and  never  oppressed  them:  and 
on  this  ground  he  had  hoped  for  much  comfort, 
at  the  very  time  when  these  dark  and  dreadful 
trials  came  upon  him.  This  astonishing  change 
so  affected  him,  that  he  spent  his  time  in  mourn- 
ing, as  one  immured  from  the  light  of  the  sun: 
nor  could  he  help  crying  out  in  the  bitterness  of 
hi.s  soul,  even  in  the  midst  of  those  who  condemned 


was  II  in  trouble.^  Pwas  7iot  my  soul  griev- 
ed for  the  poor.'' 

26  1  When  I  looked  for  good,  then 
evil  came  unto  me:  and  when  I  waited 
for  ■■  light,  there  came  darkness. 

27  ^  My  bowels  boiled,  and  rested 
not:  the  days  of  affliction  prevented  me. 

28  *  I  went  mourning  without  the  sun: 
I  stood  up,  and  I  cried  in  the  congrega- 
tion. 

29  I  am  "a  brother  to  dragons,  and  a 
companion  to  ^  owls. 

30  ^  My  skin  is  black  upon  me,  and 
y  my  bones  are  burned  with  heat. 

31  ^  My  harp  also  is  turned  \o  mourn- 
ing, and  my  organ  into  the  voice  of 
them  that  weep. 


II  Heb.  hard  of  day. 

p  31:16— 21.     Ps.    12:1.     Prov. 

14:21,31.   17:5.   19:17.  28:8.   Is. 

53:7,8.  Dan.  4:21.   2  Cor.  9:9. 
q  3:25,26.  29:18.     Jer.  8:15.   14: 

19.   15:18.  Mic.  1:12. 
r  18:6,13.  23:17.     Ps.  97:11.  Is. 

50:10. 
s  Ps.   22:4.      Jer.    4:19.  31:20. 

Lam.  1:20.  2:11. 


t  Ps.  38:6.  42:9.  43:2.     Is.  53:3, 

4.  Lam.  3:1—3. 
u  17:14.     Ps.  102:6.      Is.    13:21. 

22.  38:14.    Mic.  1:8.  Mai.  1:3. 
If  Or,  ostriches. 

X  Ps.  119:83.  Lam.  3:4.  4:3.  5:l0. 
y  Ps.  102:3. 
z  Ps.  137:1—4.   Ec.  3:4:  Is.  21: 

4.  22:12.  24:7—9.    Lam.  5:15. 

Dan.  6:18. 


him.  He  was  no  longer  fit  for  the  society  of 
men;  but  he  was  driven  into  solitude,  or  caused 
to  associate  with  noxious  and  ominous  creatures, 
like  dragons  or  owls,  as  if  they  were  his  relatives 
and  his  friends.  His  skin  was  become  black  by 
the  effect  of  his  boils;  his  bones  were  burned 
with  a  fever;  and  his  joyful  praises,  which  he 
used  to  accompany  with  the  harp  or  timbrel, 
were  turned  into  doleful  lamentations. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
V.  1—14. 
All  earthly  honor,  prosperity,  and  comfort  are 
precarious:  and  'they  build  too  low,  who  build 
'beneath  the  skies.'  But  if  a  contrast,  so  affect- 
ing as  this  narrative  exhibits,  may  be  drawn, 
between  the  summit  of  earthly  felicity,  and  the 
depth  of  earthly  misery;  how  inconceivable  must 
be  the  distance  between  eternal  life  and  eternal 
punishment!  And  if  the  thoughts  of  former  en- 
joyments greatly  enhance  the  anguish  of  present 
sufferings;  in  what  a  wretched  case  will  the 
wealthy,  honored,  and  self-indulgent  sinner  be, 
when  it  shall  be  said  to  him,  "Remember  that 
thou  in  thy  life-time  receivedst  thy  good  things!" 
[J^otes,  Luke  16:22 — 26.) — The  vicious  and  de- 
bauched, who  live  in  sloth  and  riot  by  fraud 
and  rapine,  hate  those  who  attempt  to  make  them 
labor  and  live  honestly,  or  punish  them  for  their 
crimes. — A  few  individuals  prosper  by  iniquity, 
and  live  in  splendor;  but  multitudes  are  by  their 
vices  reduced  to  the  most  extreme  misery. 
They  forfeit  their  characters,  as  well  as  ruin 
their  circumstances  and  constitutions;  every 
one  suspects  them,  and  becomes  averse  to  em- 
ploy them;  their  lives  are  wasted  in  brutality, 
fraud,  and  extravagance;  and  for  the  peace  of 
society,  they  must  be  confined,  destroyed,  or 
driven  away,  like  ravenous  beasts.  In  distant 
regions,  or  desolate  places,  they  drag  on  a  mise- 
rable existence,  without  the  comforts,  and  often 
almost  without  the  necessaries  of  life.  Their 
folly  and  their  wickedness  are  alike  great:  their 
present  condition  and  future  prospects  are  both 
deplorable.  A  Christian,  indeed,  must  not  dis- 
dain nor  despair  of  any  fellow-creature,  nor  re- 
proach men  for  their  poverty,  nor  indulge  resent- 
ment-, and  they  who,  through  incapacity  or  the 

[79 


B.  C.  1550. 


JOB. 


B.  C.  1550. 


CHAP.  XXXI. 

Job  solemnly,  before  God,  protests,  that  he  was  not  giiiity  of 
unchastity  or  dishonesty,  1 — 12;  of  unkjndness  to  his  servants, 
or  to  the  poor,  13— •32;  of  trusting  in  riches;  of  idolatry,  re- 
venge, neglect  of  hospitality,  hypocrisy,  or  fear  of  man,  23 — 
34.  He  appeals  to  God,  and  challenges  his  accusers  to  prove 
their  allegations,  35—40. 

I  MADE  ^  a  covenant  with  mine  eyes; 
why   then   should   I  ^  think  upon   a 
maid? 

2  For  *=  what  portion  of  God  is  there 

a  Gen.   6:2.     2   Sam.    11:2—4.  )     16. 

Ps.  119:37.     Prov.  4:25.  23:31  |  b  Jam.  1:14,15. 
—33.    Matt.  5:28,29.     1  John  2:  |  c  20:29.  27:13.  Heb.  13:4. 


imbecility  of  old  ag-e,  cannot  work,  have  a  right 
to  be  maintained  by  others:  yet  men  may  per- 
severe in  so  base  a  conduct,  that  no  wise  man 
can  employ,  trust,  or  favor  them;  and  whilst  they 
continue  in  their  vile  practices,  they  are  less  en- 
titled to  regard,  than  the  meanest  of  the  inoffen- 
sive and  useful  brute  creatures.  There  are  num- 
bers, who  cannot,  b)'  any  human  wisdom  or 
power,  be  preserved  from  present  and  future 
ruin:  we  may  lament  to  see  them  dying-  with  dis- 
ease and  in  misery;  but  we  cannot  make  them 
willing  to  be  done  good  to:  and  in  some  scenes, 
it  is  equally  surprising  and  afQicting  to  notice 
the  multitudes  which  answer  to  this  description. 
As,  however,  some  of  eveiy  sort  may  be  rescued 
from  ruin,  it  is  our  part  to  do  what  we  can  in  the 
use  of  proper  means;  and  to  look  to  him,  with 
whom  all  things  are  possible,  for  an  effectual 
blessing. — But  they,  who  are  themselves  base 
and  foolish,  train  up  families  of  children  of  the 
same  character,  inured  to  vice,  and  fitted  to  be 
the  nuisance  of  society.  So  that,  except  some 
method  be  devised  to  prevent  the  rising  genera- 
tions, one  after  another,  from  being  corrupted,  no 
extensive  reformation  can  take  place;  and  alas! 
the  sword  of  tlie  magistrate  will  still  find  abun- 
dance of  employment.  These  are  they,  who 
take  the  lead  in  reviling,  insulting,  and  opposing 
the  wise  and  pious  reformer  or^the  active  magis- 
trate: as  much  as  they  dare,  and  as  soon  as  au- 
thority is  at  all  relaxed,  they  give  a  loose  to  their 
insolence:  and  if  such  as  have  rebuked  or  chas- 
tised their  crimes,  fall  into  affliction;  they  shew 
their  enmity  by  every  kind  of  indignity.  But, 
instead  of  regretting  it,  we  should  rejoice  if  we 
are  despised,  reviled,  and  hated,  only  by  wicked 
men:  and  we  should  look  "unto  Jesus,  who  en- 
dured the  contradiction  of  sinners  against  him- 
self;" and  against  whom  (as  against  Job,)  the 
very  abjects  were  gathered  together,  to  insult, 
mock,  and  spit  upon  him.  [J^otes,  Is.  50:5,6.  53: 
2,3.  Jtfa<«.  26:63— 68.  27:27—31,39—44.)  Con- 
sidering who  he  was,  and  what  we  are,  and  l?bw 
much  lighter  our  sufferings  are,  than  those  which 
he  endured,  we  may  well  be  ashamed  to  com- 
plain of  the  insults  and  injuries  which  we  expe- 
rionce. 

V.  15—31. 
When  inward  temptations  unite  with  outward 
calamities,  the  soul  often  loses  its  firmness,  is 
Lurried  on  as  in  a  tempest,  and  is  filled  with 
confusion.  It  then  becomes  difficult  to  speak,  or 
complain,  without  seeming  "to  charge  God  fool- 
ishly," as  if  he  dealt  too  rigorously  with  us,  and 
were  become  our  Enemy.  But  woe  be  to  those, 
who  have  him  for  an  Enemy!  They  will  not 
only  be  brought  with  others  to  the  grave,  but  to 
the  bottomless  pit  of  destruction.  Compared 
with  this  "perdition  of  ungodly  men,"  what  are 
all  outward,  or  even  inward,  temporal  afflictions.' 
If  our  whole  bodies  were  filled  with  exquisite  pain, 
and  were  rendered  loathsome  by  disease;  if  we 
were  shut  up  in  a  dungeon,  driven  from  society, 
or  thrown  into  the  mire;  if  our  friends  were  be- 
come cruel,  and  our  enemies  triumphant;  if  the 
Lord  frowned,  Satan  tempted,  and  the  world 
80] 


from  above.^  and  what  inheritance  of  the 
Almighty  from  on  high.^* 

3  Is  not  ^  destruction  to  the  wicked.'' 
and  ®  a  strange  punishment  to  the  work- 
ers of  iniquity.^ 

4  ^  Doth  not  he  see  my  ways,  and 
count  all  my  steps.^ 

d  21:30.   Ps.  55:23.  73:18.  Prov. 

1:27.   10:29.  21:15.    Matt.  7:13. 

Rom.  9:22.     1  Thes.    5:3.     2 

Thes.  1:9.  2  Pet.  2:1. 
e  Is.  28:21.  Jude  7. 


f  14:16.  34:21.  Gen.  16:13.  2 
Chr.  16:9.  Ps. '14:21.  139:1— 
3.  Prov.  5:21.  15:3.  Jer.  16: 
17.  32:19.  Heb.  4:13. 


loaded  us  with  infamy; — yet,  while  we  retained  a 
hope  that  death  would  terminate  our  sorrows, 
and  bring  us  to  a  state  of  happiness,  we  might 
well  mingle  joy  with  our  mourning,  and  thanks- 
giving with  our  lamentations.  "No  chastening, 
however,  seemeth  to  be  joyous,  but  grievous;" 
and  unexpected  afflictions  are  hardest  to  be  en- 
dured. They  will  therefore  mar  our  cheerful- 
ness: but  we  should  not  yield  to  despondency, 
nor  convert  grounds  of  consolation  into  topics  of 
discouragement.  If  none  are  disposed  to  pity 
us,  as  we  have  S3'mpathized  with  others,  our  cor- 
recting God  pities  us,  "even  as  a  father  pitieth 
his  own  children."  But,  as  the  grave  is  the 
house  appointed  for  all  living,  let  us  look  more  to 
the  things  which  are  unseen  and  eternal.  In 
that  world,  into  which  death  will  speedily  remove 
us,  the  true  believer,  who  has  been  the  most  af- 
flicted, calumniated,  and  tempted,  will  take  his 
golden  harp,  and  most  joyfully  celebrate  the 
praises  of  redeeming  love.  {JSTote,  Rev.  7:13 — 
17.) 

NOTES. 
Chap.  XXXI.  V.  1—4.  Job  had  been  ac- 
cused of  many  crimes;  and  as  his  accusers  could 
not  prove  his  guilt,  so  it  would  have  been  difficult 
for  him  to  prove  his  innocence:  he  was  therefore 
compelled,  as  it  were,  to  answer  upon  oath;  and 
he  solemnly  appealed  to  God  that  he  was  not 
guilty  of  tlie  charges,  which  had  been  brought 
against  him.  He  adduced  a  variety  of  particu- 
lars, to  obviate  the  suspicion  of  any  secret  iniqui- 
ty having  been  committed  by  him:  and  he  shew- 
ed that  he  acted  upon  ^rmc?^/e  in  his  whole  con- 
duct. Indeed,  it  appears,  from  this  protestation, 
that  he  understood  the  spiritual  nature  of  the  di- 
vine commandments,  as  reaching  to  the  thoughts 
and  intents  of  the  heart,  far  better,  than  almost 
any  of  those  did,  to  whom  the  written  law  was 
delivered,  and  among  whom  it  was  preserved. 
{JVotes,  Rom.  7:9 — 14.) — He  first  appealed  to 
God,  that  he  had  avoided  all  unchastity,  and  had 
kept  to  the  original  institution  of  marriage;  and 
that  he  strictly  inhibited  his  eyes  from  gazing 
upon  any  ^roman,  however  beautiful,  to  lust  after 
her,  th'  ugh  she  were  unmarried,  or  his  inferior. 
[Jfotes,  Ex:  20:14.  Matt.  5:27,28.)  He  had  cov- 
enanted with  them,  that  they  should  be  confined 
to  the  beholding  of  the  beauties  of  creation,  and 
the  examining  of  the  works  of  God,  and  not  be 
allowed  to  admit  a  licentious  desire  into  his  heart: 
and  no  doubt  his  imagination  was  equally  forbid- 
den to  entertain  the  polluting  thought,  by  which 
lust  is  conceived,  and  sin  is  produced.  [JVote, 
James  1:13 — 15.)  For,  however  man  might  ex- 
cuse these  things.  Job  knew  that  God  abhorred 
them:  and  if  he  were  guilty  of  them,  he  could 
expect  nothing  from  above,  but  destruction  in 
another  world;  and  perhaps  some  strange  pun- 
ishment in  this  life,  such  as  befel  the  inhabitants 
of  Sodom,  which  seems  to  be  referred  to:  for 
God  saw  all  his  ways  and  marked  his  steps, 
though  he  might  conceal  them  *fr6m  man. — In 
this  chapter  and  in  the  twent)'^-ninth,  much  more 
is  contained  of  genuine  purity  and  equity;  of  con- 
descending, liberal,  self-denying  kindness  to  the 


B.  C.  1550. 


CHAPTER  XXXI. 


B.  C.   1550. 


5  s  If  I  have  ''  walked  with  vanity,  or 
if  my  foot  hath  hasted  to  deceit; 

6  *  Let  me  be  'weighed  in  an  even 
balance,  that  God  may  ^  know  mine  in- 
tegrity. 

7  '  If  my  step  hath  turned  out  of  the 
way,  and  '"  mine  heart  walked  after  mine 
eyes,  and  if  any  blot  hath  "  cleaved  to 
mine  hands; 

8  Then  °  let  me  sow,  and  let  another 
eat;  yea,  ^  let  my  offspring  be  rooted 
out. 

9  ''  If  mine  heart  hath  been  deceived 
by  a  woman,  or  ^  if  I  have  laid  wait  at 
my  neighbor's  door; 

10  Then  let  my  wife  ^  grind  unto  an- 
other, *  and  let  others  bow  down  upon 
her. 

11  For  this  is  "an  heinous  crime, 
yea,  it  is  ^  an  iniquity  to  be  punished  by 
the  judges. 


K  Ps.  7:3—5. 

h  Ps.  4:2.    12;2.      Prov.     12:11. 

.tcr.  2:5.     Kz.  13:3. 
*  Heb.    L>et  him  -weigh  tnt  in 

hnlances   of  justice. 
i  1  Sam.  2:3.     Ps.  7:8,9.   17:2,3. 

26:1.     Prov.    16:11.     Is.  26:7. 

Dan.  5:-^.     Mic.  6:11. 
k  Josh.  22:22.     Ps.   1:6.   139:-23. 

Matt.  7:23.     2  Tim.  2:19. 
1  Ps.  44:20,21. 
m  Num.  15:39.     Ec.  11:9.     Ez. 

6:9.      Matt.  5:29. 
n  Ps.  101:3.     I.s.  33:15. 
o5:5.  2-1:6.      Lev.  26:16.   Dent. 

2f!:.30— 33,51.      Judg.    6:3—6. 


Mic.  6:15. 
p  5:4.   15:30.   1S:19.    Ps.  109:13. 
q  .ludg.     16:5.      1    Kings    11:4. 

Neh.    13:26.      Prov.  2:16—19. 

5:3,&c.  6:25.  7:21.  22:14.   Ec. 

7:26. 
r  24:15,16.     Jer.  5:8.     Hos.  7:4. 
sp;x.  11:5.    Is.  47:2.     Matt.  24: 

41. 
t  2  Sam.  12:11.  Jer.  8:10.    Hos. 

4:13,14. 
u  Gen.   20:9.  26:10.  39:9.     Ex. 

20:14.     Prov.  6:29—33. 
X  Gen.      38:24.        Lev.     20:10. 

Deut.  22:22—24.     Ez.   16:38. 


poor  and  needy;  of  superiority  to  the  love  of  the 
world  and  the  fear  of  men,  and  all  corrupt  mo- 
tives, as  well  as  of  sterling-  piet}%  than  in  all  the 
writings  of  pagan  antiquity  combined.  The 
standard  of  duty  is  fixed  as  high  as  in  the  moral 
law,  and  explained  as  spiritually  as  in  our  Sa- 
vior's sermon  on  the  mount.  And  the  entire  co- 
incidence of  this  ancient  book  with  the  New 
Testament,  in  this  essential  matter,  as  well  as  in 
the  grand  doctrines  of  revealed  religion,  and  the 
effect  of  them  on  the  practice  of  true  believers, 
forms  a  striking  proof,  that  it  was  "written  by 
inspiration  from  God;"  that  all  the  sacred  writ- 
ers "spake  as  they  were  moved  by  the  Holy 
Ghost;"  and  that  true  religion  has  been  tke  same 
for  substance  in  every  age  from  the  beginning. — 
Job's  conduct  as  a  magistrate,  in  his  public  ca- 
pacity, was  before  exhibited:  this  chapter  con- 
tains an  avowal  of  his  habitual  conduct  in  pri- 
vate life. 

V.  5 — 8.  Job  next  solemnly  protested,  that 
he  had  not  yielded  to  covetous  desires.  He  had 
not  dealt  fraudulently,  or  imposed  on  others  by 
vain  pretences,  or  hastily  and  secretly  seized  un- 
just advantages,  or  turned  aside  from  the  direct 
path  of  honesty.  He  had  not  looked  on  hisj 
neighbor's  goods  to  covet  them,  and  then  devised 
means  to  obtain  them:  for  this  seems  to  be  tlie 
meaning  of  the  phrase,  "If  mine  heart  walked 
after  mine  eyes."  [JVof.es,  Gen.  3:G.  Ex.  20:17. 
Josh.  7:21 .  r  Kings  21 : 1 ,2. )  There  was  no  blot 
of  this  kind  on  his  hands.  In  this  matter  he  de- 
sired an  impartial  trial,  and  that  God  would 
know,  or  make  known.,  and  approve,  his  integrity: 
but  if  he  were  guilty,  he  submitted  to  the  seii-j 
tence  as  most  just;  even,  if  in  future,  all  the! 
fruits  of  his  industry  in  cultivating  the  earth! 
should  be  seized  upon  by  others  for  their  own  use;  I 

Vol.  III.  11 


12  For  it  is  >  a  fire  that  consumeth  to 
destruction,  and  would  root  out  all  mine 

mCreaSe.  [Practical  Observatioris.] 

13  'TF  If  I  did  despise  ^the  cause  of 
my  man-servant  or  of  my  maid-servant, 
when  they  contended  with  me; 

14  ^  What  then  shall  I  do  when  God 
riseth  up.^  and  ^  when  he  visheth,  "^  what 
shall  I  answer  him.'' 

15  '^  Did  not  he  that  made  me  in  the 
womb  make  him.'*  and  t  did  not  one 
fashion  us  in  the  womb.'' 

16  If  I  have  ®  withheld  the  poor  from 
ihei7-  desire,  or  have  caused  ''  the  eyes  of 
the  widow  to  fail; 

17  Or  shave  eaten  my  .morsel  myself 
alone,  and  ''  the  fatherless  hath  not  eaten 
thereof; 

18  (For  from  my  youth  he  was 
brought  up  with  me,  as  with  a  father, 
and  I  have  guided  Uier  from  my 
mother's  womb;) 


y  Prov.  3:33.  6:27.   Jer.  5:7—9. 
z  Ex.  21:20,21,26,27.      Lev.  25: 

43,46.     Deut.  15:12-15.    Jer. 

34:14—17.  Eph.  6:9.    Col.  4:1. 
a  9:32.    10:2.     Ps.  7:6.    9:12,19. 

10:12—15.  76:9.   143:2.    Is.  10: 

3.     Zech.  2:13. 
b  Hos.  9:7.     Mic.  7:4.    Matt.  7: 

2.  Jam.  2:13. 
c  Rom.  3:19. 
d  34:19.     Neh.   5:5.     Prov.   14: 

31.  22:2.  Is.  58:7.   Mai.  2:10. 
t  Or,  did  he  not  fashion  us  in 


one  womb?  10:3 — 12.    Ps  139: 

14—16. 
e  22:7—9.    Deut  15:7—10.  Pa. 

112:9.     Luke   16:21.     Acts  11; 

29.     Gs  1.2:10. 
f  Deut.  28:32.    Ps.  69.3.   119:82, 

123.     Is.  38:14.     Lam.  4:17. 
g  Dent.    15:11,14.      Neh.   8:10. 
"Luke  11:41.  John  13:29.    Acts 

4:32. 
h  29:13—16.  Ez.  18:7,16.  Rom. 

12:13.   Jam.  1:27.    1  John  3:17. 
I  That  is,  the  widow. 


and  if  any  children,  or  descendants,  which  he 
might  hereafter  have,  should  be  cut  off  and  ex- 
tirpated, as  his  late  flourishing  family  had  been. 
[JVote,  5:3—5.) 

V.  9 — 12.  Job  next  solemnly  protested,  that 
his  heart  had  not  been  deceived,  by  the  beauty 
or  blandishments  of  another  man's  wife,  to  enter 
tain  a  sinful  affection  for  her,  or  to  wait  for  an 
opportunity  of  committing  adultery  with  her.  If 
he  ever  had  attempted  such  a  crime,  he  was  will- 
ing that  his  guilt  should  be  detected,  by  his  own 
wife  becoming  the  vilest  slave,  or  even  concubine 
to  others.  But,  as  he  should  abhor  the  thought  of 
her  being  so  wicked  or  so  wretched,  so  he  equal- 
ly abhorred  the  thought  of  adultery:  for  he  knew 
that  it  was  not  only  hateful  to  God,  but  destruc- 
tive to  society,  and  deserved  to  be  punished  by 
the  civil  magistrates;  as  it  would  consume  like  a 
fire,  not  only  the  soul  of  him  who  committed  it, 
but  every  thing  valuable  in  social  and  domestic 
life.     (JVb<e,  £.r.  20:14.) 

V.  13 — 15.  Job  was  not  only  conscious,  that 
he  was  clear  from  the  guilt  of  cruelly  oppressing 
his  servants;  but  that  he  had  not  disdained  to 
hearken  to  their  cause,  when  they  objected  to 
his  orders,  or  complained  of  his  cotiduct  towards 
them;  being  ever  ready  to  do  them  justice,  and 
make  them  comfortable.  He  knew  that  before 
his  Master  in  heaven,  he  could  not  vindicate  any 
oppression  of  an  inferior,  M'hen  he  should  arise  to 
visit  the  transgressions  of  sinners  upon  them: 
[JVotes,  Eph.  6:5 — 9.  Col.  4:1.)  and  he  was  sen- 
sible that  they  had  a  right  to  e<iuity  and  kindness; 
being"  equally  the  creatures  of  God,  jiartakers  of 
the  same  rational  nature,  and  descended  from  the 
same  common  parents  with  himself. — Compare 
this  statement,  and  the  motives  liere  adduced,  with 
the  conduct  of  the  most  civilized  pagans  towards 

[81 


0.  C.  1550. 


JOB. 


B.  C.  1550. 


19  If  I  have  seen  any  >  perish  for 
want  of  clotliing,  or  any  poor  without 
covering; 

20  If  ^  liis  loins  have  not  blessed,  me, 
and  if  he  were  not  warmed  vvhh  the 
fleece  of  my  sheep; 

21  If  I  have  '  hfted  up  my  hand 
against  the  fatherless,  "  when  I  saw  my 
help  in  the  gate; 

22  Then  "  let  mine  arm  fall  from  my 
bhoujder-blade,  and  mine  arm  be  broken 
from  the  *bone. 

23  For  °  destruction  from  God  ivas  a 
terror  to  me,  and  p  by  reason  of  his 
highness  I  could  not  endure. 

24  IT  If  I  have  i  made  gold  my  hope, 
or  have  said  to  the  fine  gold,  Thou  art 
my  confidence; 

25  If  I  '  rejoiced  because  my  wealth 
was  great,  and  ^  because  mine  hand  had 
t  gotten  much: 


i  2-2:6.     2Chr.  23:15.     Is.  58:7. 

Matt.   25:36,43.      Luke    3:11. 

Acts9:39.     Jam.  2:16.   IJohn 

3:18. 
k  29:11.     Dent.  24:13. 
I  6:27.  22:9.  24:9.  29:12.    Prov. 

23:]0,11-  Jer.  5:28.  Ez.  22:7. 
Ill  Mic.  2:1,2.  7:3. 
n  10,40.    Josh.  22:22,23.    Ps.  7: 

4,5.   137:6. 
*  Or,  chanel-bone. 
o  20:23.  21:20.   Gen.  39:9.    Ps. 

119:120.   Is.  13:6.    Joel  1:15.  2 

Cor.  5:11. 


p  13:11.  40:9.  42:5,6. 

q  Gen.    31:1.     Deut.    8:12—14. 

Ps.      49:6,7,17.      52:7.      62:10. 

Prov.  10:15.   11:28.  30:9.  Mark 

10:24.     Luke  12:15.     Col.  3:5. 

1  Tim.  6:10,17. 
rEsth.  5:11.    Prov.  23:5.    Jer. 

9:23.     Ez.  28:5.     Luke  12:19. 

16:19,25. 
s  Deut.    8:17,13.      Is.   10:13,14. 

Dan.  4:30.     Hos.  J2:8.     Hab. 

1:16. 
t  Heb.  found. 


tlieir  slaves,  and  the  opinions  of  their  strictest 
moralists  on  this  subject;  and  note  the  immense 
disparity,  between  natural  principles,  and  that 
religion  which  God  has  revealed! 

V.  16 — 23.  Instead  of  having  oppressed  the 
poor,  the  orphan,  and  the  widow,  as  it  had  been 
asserted  of  him,  [JVofe,  22:5 — 14.)  Job  could  ap- 
peal to  God  that  he  had  ever  been  their  kind 
friend.  He  had  not  onl}'  supplied  their  urgent 
necessities,  but  regarded  their  reasonable  de- 
sires; and  had  not  left  the  poor  widow  to  behold, 
with  unavailing  wishes,  the  abundance  of  which 
.she  might  not  partake.  He  had  shared  his  plen- 
ty with  the  fatherless  and  the  destitute:  for  he 
had  been  educated  to  such  majdms  and  habits; 
and,  from  his  earliest  youth,  he  had  been  accus- 
tomed to  bring  up  poor  orphans,  and  to  counsel, 
protect,  and  provide  for  the  widows.  He'  had 
made  clothes  of  his  wool,  for  those  who  were  des- 
titute of  proper  covering,  so  that,  being  made 
comfortable  by  him,  they  were  excited  to  pray 
for  him.  And  if  he  had  ever  used  his  authority 
and  iniluence  to  defraud  the  helpless  orphan,  he 
would  consent  that  God  should  manifest  his  ini- 
quity, by  causing  his  arm  to  wither,  and  drop  off 
from  his  shoulder-blade.  But  indeed  he  had 
feared  a  more  dreadful  destruction  from  God,  in 
another  world:  and,  as  the  mightiest  princes 
could  not  endure  before  his  holy  Majesty,  this 
fear  alone  ivas  sufficient  to  restrain  him  from 
sucli  iniquities. — The  most  of  Job's  servants  had 
been  killed,  the  rest  were  disobedient  to  him,  and 
his  cattle  had  been  taken  awaj-  from  him:  it  was 
therefore  a  comfort  to  him  to  reflect,  that  he  had 
behaved  well  to  the  one,  and  made  a  good  use  of 
the  other,  whilst  he  had  them;  and  especially, 
that  lie  had  acted,  in  these  respects,  not  from  re- 
gard to  man,  but  from  the  fear  of  God,  and 
reverence  to  his  authority.  (JVbte,  2  Cor.  1:12 
— 14.) — In  what  other  ancient  book,  not  written 
82] 


26  If  I  t  beheld  the  t  sun  when  it 
shined,  or  "  the  moon  walking  Hn  bright- 
ness; 

27  And  ^  my  heart  hath  been  secret- 
ly enticed,  or  limy  mouth  hath  >  kissed 
my  hand: 

28  This  also  ivere  ^  an  iniquity  to  be 
punished  by  the  judge:  ^  for  I  should 
have  denied  the  God   that  is  above. 

[Practical  Observations. J 

29  IT  If  •'I  rejoiced  at  the  destruc- 
tion of  him  that  hated  me,  or  lifted  up 
myself  when  evil  found  him: 

30  Neither  *=  have  I  suffered  "^  my 
"^  mouth  to  sin,  by  wishing  a  curse  to  his 
soul. 

31  If  ^  the  men  of  my  tabernacle  said 
not,  ^  Oh,  that  we  had  of  his  flesh!  we 
cannot  be  satisfied. 


tGen.    1:16—18.      Deut.    4:19. 

17:3.     2  Kings  23:5,11.     Jer. 

8:2.     Ez.  8:16. 
t  Heb.  light. 
u  Ps.  8:3,4.     Jer.  44:17. 
§  Heb.  bright. 
X  Deut.  11:16.   13:6.     Is.  44:20. 

Rom.  1:21,28. 
II  Heb.    my  hand  hath  kissed 

my  mouth. 
y  1  Kings  19:18.  Ps.  2:12.  Hos. 

13:2. 
z  11.  9:15.    23:7.     Gen.    18:25. 

Deut.  17:9.     Judg.  11:27.    Ps. 

50:6.     Heb.  12:23. 
a  Josh.  24:-23,27.      Prov.    30:9. 


Tit.  1:16.     2  Pet.  2:1.    iJohn 

2:23.  Jude  4. 
b  2  Sam.  1:12.  4:10,11.  16:5-8. 

Ps.  35:13,14,25,26.      Prov.    17: 

5.  24:17,13. 
c  Ex.    23:4,5.       Matt.     5:43,44. 

Rora.    12:14.     1   Pet.   2.22,23. 

3:9. 
d  Ec.  5:2,6.     Matt.  5:22.   12:36. 

Jam.  3:6,9,10. 
%  Heh.  jtalate. 
e  1  Sara.  24:4,10.  26:8.    2  Sam. 

16:9,10.   19:21,22.     Jer.  40:15, 

16.     Luke  9:54,55.  22:50,51. 
f  19:22.     Ps.  27:2.  35:25.  Prov. 

1:11,12,18.     Mic.  3:2,3. 


by  an  Israelite,  shall  we  meet  with  sentiments  so 
kind  and  considerate  concerning  the  lower  or- 
ders in  society.' 

V.  24—28.  Job  had  been  very  rich:  (1:3.)  but 
he  was  conscious,  that  he  had  neither  gloried, 
rejoiced,  or  confided  in  his  wealth;  nor  thought 
himself,  on  that  account,  a  wiser,  better,  or  hap- 
pier man.  But,  considering  himself  as  a  steward, 
in  respect  of  his  possessions,  and  expecting  to 
account  for  them,  he  had  shunned  this  common 
idolatry.  He  had  also  entirely  kept  himself 
from  ail  gross  idolatry,  open  or  secret;  he  had 
never  in  the  smallest  instance  given  that  honor 
to  the  sun  or  moon,  those  splendid  and  useful 
creatures,  which  belonged  to  the  Creator  alone. 
(Marg.  Ref.  t.  JVbte,  Deut.  4:19.)  For  he  knew 
that  this  was  a  denial  of  the  unity,  sovereignty, 
and  exclusive  right  to  adoration,  of  tlie  God 
above.  The  words,  rendered  "an  iniquity  to  be 
punished  by  the  judge,"  have  led  some  to  think 
that  this  book  was  written,  after  the  giving  of 
the  Mosaic  law:  but  the  circumstance  of  no 
idolatry,  except  that  of  the  sun  and  moon  being 
mentioned,  is  a  much  more  probable  argumeut 
in  favor  of  a  higher  antiquity.  The  judicial  law 
for  punishing  idolatry  by  the  magistrate,  seems 
to  have  been  intended  for  Israel  alone,  as  under 
the  Sinai-covenant.  The  plural  of  the  same  word 
is  used  and  rendered  judges,  when  the  punish- 
ment of  adulterers  is  spoken  of.  (11)  Adultery 
is  a  crime,  which  tends  to  destroy  the  peace  of 
society,  and,  as  such,  falls  directly  under  the 
cognizance  of  magistrates;  but  idolatry  is  com- 
mitted immediately  against  God:  and  if  our 
translation  be  just.  He,  as  the  Judge  of  the 
world,  seems  meant,  and  not  the  civil  magistrate. 

An  inifjuUy  to  be  puni.shed  bj'  the  j>'dge.  [2H) 
^"?''Sfl  pj?  Imquilas  judicata,  out  judicanda;  vel, 
judice  d'gna.     Robertson's  Thesaur.     But  may 


B.  C.  1550. 


CHAPTER  XXXI. 


B.  C.  1550. 


32  ^  The  stranger  did  not  lodge  in 
the  street:  but  I  opened  my  doors  to  the 
*  traveller. 

33  If  I  ^  covered  my  transgressions 
t  as  Adam,  by  hiding  mine  ini<}ui{y  in 
my  bosom: 

34  '■  Did  I  fear  a  great  multitude,  or 
did  ^  the  contempt  of  families  terrify  me, 
^  that  I  kept  silence,  and  went  not  out  of 
the  door? 

35  ^  Oh,  that  one  would  hear  me! 
behold,  ^  my  desire  is,  °  that  the  Al- 
mighty would  answer  me,  and  that  °  mine 
adversary  had  written  a  book. 


*•  17,18.      Gen.   19:2,3.      Judg. 

19:15,-20,21.      Matt.     25:35,40, 

4-1,45.     Horn.  12:13.  1  Tim.  5: 

10.     Heb.  13:2.     1  Pet.  4:9. 
^'  Or,  way. 
Ij  Gen.  3:7,8,1-2.     Josh.    7:11. 

Prov.  28:13.  Acts  5:3.-  1  John 

1:3—10. 
t  Or,    after    the    manner    of 

men.  Hos.  6:7. 
i  Ex.  23:2.     Prov.  29:25.     Jer. 

33:4,5,16,19.     Matt.  27:20— 26. 


k  22:8.  34:19.  Ex.  32:27.  Num. 

25:14,15.     Neh.   5:7.    13:4—8, 

23.     2  Cor.  5r  16. 
I  Esth.  4:11,14.    Prov.  24:11,12. 

Am.  5:11—13.  Mic.  7:3. 
m  13:3.    17:3.  23:3—7.  33:6.  33: 

1—3.  40:4,5. 
%  Or,  iny  sign  is  that  the  Al- 

tnighty  zoill  ansicer  me. 
0  13:21,2-2.     Ps.  26:1. 
o  13:24.    19:y,23,24.     33:10,11. 

Matt.  5:25. 


not  iSi^B  signify  my  Judge,  meaning  God  himself.'' 

Especially  as  Job  was  speaking  of  a  supposed 
crime,  concealed  from  man.  (JVb^e,  Deut. 
27:  ?5.) 

V.  29 — 32.  So  far  from  hating  his  enemies, 
or  revenging  himself  on  them,  Job  protested  that, 
as  he  valued  the  favor  of  God  above,  he  had  not 
allowed  himself  to  rejoice  or  triumph  when  mis- 
chief befel  them,  or  to  wish  them  any  harm. 
{.Yotes,  Ex.  23:4,5.  Prov.  24:17,18.  25:21,22. 
JSIntt.  5:43 — 48.)  Nay,  when  his  dependents 
were  so  enraged  at  those  who  injured  him,  that 
they  were  read)-  to  devour  them,  he  would  by  no 
means  permit  them  to  follow  the  impulse  of  their 
vindictive  rage.  [J^otes,  1  Sam.  24:4 — 7.  26:8 — 
J  2.)  At  the  same  time,  in  imitation  of  faithful 
Abraham,  he  was  ever  ready  to  entertain  stran- 
gers and  travellers,  as  circumstances  required. 
— Bishop  Hall  thus  paraphrases  the  thirty-first 
verse: — 'If  the  people  of  my  house  were  not  .so 
'taken  up  with  the  offices  of  my  hospitality  to 
'others,  that  they  had  no  leisure  to  feed  them- 
'selves,  and  therefore  complained  for  the  want  of 
'that  flesh,  which  they  dressed  for  others.' — The 
words  may  be  literally  rendered,  "Who  will  give 
us  of  his  flesh.'  we  shall  not  be  satisfied." 

V.  33,  34.  So  far  from  being  a  hypocrite,  Job 
was  conscious  that  he  had  not,  after  the  example 
of  Adam,  or  "the  manner  of  man,"  attempted  to 
conceal  or  justify  his  faults:  [J^otes,  Gen.  3:7 — 
13.  Hos.  6:7.)  but  he  was  ever  open  to  conviction, 
and  ready  to  confess  his  offence  to  God  or  man,  as 
there  was  occasion;  not  fearing  reproach  or  con- 
tempt on  that  account:  'whereby  it  is  evident  that 
'he  justified  himself  before  men,  and  not  before 
'God.'  Nor  was  he  ever  induced,  by  the  fear  of 
the  multitude,  or  the  contempt  of  the  great  fami- 
lies around,  to  neglect  any  part  of  his  duty  as  a 
magistrate. 

V.  35 — 37.  After  this  particulai*  protestation 
of  his  integrity,  Job  renewed  his  appeal  to  God, 
desiring  that  he  would  hear  and  decide  his  cause. 
"Behold,  my  object"  (the  scope  and  aim  of  all  my 
discourse,)  "is,  that  the  Almighty  would  answer 
me."  Job  challenged  his  adversary,  or  accuser,  to 
produce  a  libel,  or  written  indictment  against  him: 
he  was  confident  that  it  would  prove  no  disgrace 
to  him,  but  an  honor;  as  every  article  would  be 
disproved  and  the  reverse  be  manifested.  He  was 
ready  to  go  through  his  whole  life,  step  by  step, 


36  Surely  p  I  would  take  it  upon  my 
shoulder,  and  bind  it  as  '*  a  crown  to 
me. 

37  I  would  ■■  declare  unto  him  ihc 
number  of  my  steps:  '  as  a  prince  v>'ould 
1  go  near  unto  him. 

38  IT  If  my  land  *  cry  against  me,  or 
that  the  furrows  likewise  thereof  com- 
plain; 

39  If  I  have  eaten  the  1|  fruits  tliereof 
without  money,  or  have  *"  caused  t])e 
owners  thereof  "  to  lose  their  life; 

40  ^  Let  thistles  grow  instead  of 
"Wheat,  and  **  cockle  instead  of  barley. 
y  The  words  of  Job  are  ended. 


p  Ex.  28:12.     Is.  22:22. 

q  29:14.     Is.  6-2:3.     Phil.  4:1. 

r9:3.   13:15.  14:16.  42:3—6.  Ps. 

19:12. 
s  Gen.  32:28.  Eph.  3:12.  Heb. 

4:15,16.    lJohn3:19— 21. 
120:27.   Hab.  2:11.   Jam.  5:4. 
fi  Heb.  -uieep.  Ps.  65:13. 
0  Heb.  strength.    Gen.  4:12. 


IT  Heb.  caused  the  sovl  of  the 

oitiners  thereof  to   expire,  or, 

hreaihe  out. 
u  1  Kings   21:13—16.     Prov.  1: 

19.     Is.  26:21.  Ez.  22.6,12,13. 
X  Gen.  3:17,18.  Is.  7:23.  Zepli. 

2:9.   Mai.  1:3. 
**  Or,  noisome  weeds. 
y  Ps.  72:20. 


even  assisting  his  accuser  in  drawing  up  the 
charge;  and  prepared  in  every  particular  to  jus- 
tify himself  from  the  crimes  alleged  against  liim: 
and  he  would  appear  in  court  with  the  confidence 
of  a  prince  who  came  to  be  crowned,  not  with 
the  dejection  of  a  criminal  who  dreaded  condem- 
nation.— Upon  the  whole,  this  protestation  and 
appeal  were  well  grounded,  and  honorable  (o 
Job's  character.  St.  Paul  in  different  places 
makes  similar  appeals;  but  in  a  more  modest  and 
reverential  manner,  (.^fotes,  1  Cor.  4:3 — 5.  9:13 
—27.  10:29—33.  2  Cor.  1:12—14.6:3—10.  7:2—4. 
11:7—12.  12:11—16.  Phil.  3:12—19.  1  Thes.  2:1 
—12.) 

V.  38 — 40.  As  Job  was  about  to  conclude,  an- 
other particular  seems  to  have  occurred  to  him, 
concerning  which  he  had  not  exculpated  himself. 
He  had  never  seized  upon  lands,  by  putting  the 
owner  to  death  as  a  criminal,  and  confiscating-  his 
estate;  or  by  any  other  oppression  or  fraud.  Nor 
had  he  reaped  his  harvest,  without  duly  paying 
his  laborers  their  wages.  If  he  had,  let  God 
avenge  it,  by  rendering  tlie  whole  accursed,  pro- 
ducing nothing  but  useless  and  noxious  weeds. 
[JVotes,  Gen.  3:17—19.  4:10—12.  Jam.  5:1—6.)— 
With  this  Job  concluded,  as  with  an  air  of  triumph 
and  confidence. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
V.  1—12. 
"The  grace  of  God,  wiiich  bringeth  salvation, 
has,  in  all  ages,  "taught  men  to  deny  ungodliness 
and  worldty  lusts,  and  to  live  soberly,  righteousi)', 
and  godl}'  in  this  present  world."  Repentance  and 
faith  produce  hatred  of  sin,  and  love  to  God  and 
man;  and  our  interest  in  redeeming  love  is  evi- 
denced by  a  course  of  conscientious  obedience. 
In  general,  however,  it  is  best  to  let  our  actions 
speak  for  us:  and  though,  in  some  cases,  we  owe 
to  ourselves  and  to  the  cause  of  God,  a  solemn 
protestation  of  innocency,  as  to  those  crimes  of 
which  we  are  falsely  accused;  j'et  this  is  seldom 
made  without  some  real  or  apparent  ostentation. 
— Every  wickedness  is  first  conceived  in  the  heart, 
where  ten  thousand  enormities  are  devised  which 
are  never  perpetrated;  being  prevented  by  fear 
of  man,  regard  to  character,  or  want  of  opportu- 
nity and  ability.  The  eye,  the  ear,  and  all  the 
senses  are  the  common  inlets  of  those  evil  thoughts 
which  excite  inward  concupiscence:,  we  must 

[83 


B.  C.  1550. 


JOB. 


B.  C.  1550. 


CHAP.  XXXII. 

JobV  three  friends  bpinj  silenceil,  Elihu  speaks,  and  is  ano:ry 
both  with  Job  and  them,  1—5.  He  excuses  his  interference, 
though  young;  because  great  and  aged  men  arc  not  always 
wiset  6 10.  He  complains,  that  the  reasonings  of  the  dis- 
putants were  not  suited  to  produce,  conviction,  11 — 14.  He 
shews  that  he  is  earnestly  desirous  of  speaking;  and  declares  ; 
that  he  will  be  impartial,  15 — 22. 

10  these  three  men  ceased  *to  an-| 
swer  Job,  because  he  tvas  ^right- 
eous in  his  own  eyes. 

2  Then  was  ^kindled  the  wrath  of 
EUhu  the  son  of  Barachel  the  *=  Buzite, 
of  the  kindred  of  Ram:  against  Job  was 

*Bch.fromans-aering.  ]  b  Ps.  69:9.     Mark  3:5.    Eph.  4: 

a  6:29.   10:2,7.   13:15.23:7.    27:4       26. 
—6.  29:1}— 17.  31:l,&c.  33:9.  |  c  Gen.  22:21. 


his  wrath  kindled,  ^  because   he    justi- 
fied t  himself  rather  than  God. 

3  Also  against  his  three  friends  was 
his  wrath  kindled,  ^-  because  they  had 
found  no  answer,  ^  and  yet  had  con- 
demned Job. 

4  Now  Elihu  had  +  waited  till  Job  had 
spoken,  because  they  were  5  elder  than  he. 

5  When  Elihu  saw  that  the?-e  was  no 
answer  in  the  mouth  of  these  three  men, 
then  s  his  wrath  was  kindled. 


d  10:3.    27:2.   34:5,6,17,13.    35: 
2.  40:8.     Luke  10:29. 
f  Heb.  his  soul. 
e  1.  24:25.  25:2—6.    26:2-^. 
f8:6.   15:34.    22:5,&c.  Acts.  24: 


5,13. 
X  Heb.  expected  Job  in  ti'OrJs. 

11,12.  Prov.   18:13. 
^  Heb.  elder  Jor  days. 
g  2.    Ex.  32:19. 


therefore  keep  a  strict  guard  upon  them;  and  upon 
the  imagination  also,  if  we  would  keep  out  of  the ' 
way  of  temptation  and  transgression.     While  we' 
pray  to  the  Lord  "to  turn  away  our  eyes  from  be- 
holding vanity,"  we  should  be  careful  to  have  all 
our  senses  and  faculties  occupied  about  lawful 
things:  and,  lest  secrecy  or  the  hope  of  impunity 
entice  us,  we    should  habitually  recollect,  that 
"the  Lord  sees  our  ways  and  counts  all  our  steps." 
— Without  strict  honesty  and  fidelity  in  all  our 
dealings,  we  can  have  no  good  evidence  of  true 
godliness.     Yet  how  many,  who  profess  to  believe  j 
the  gospel  of  Christ,  are  unable  to  bear  this  touch- 
stone!    Most  men  haste  to  deceive:  they  covet  j 
riches,  "their  heart  walketh  after  their  eyes,"  and  j 
they  turn  aside;  manifest  blots  defile  their  hands; 
God  sees,  and  man  often  detects,  their  dishonesty;  j 
and  it  is  well  if  the  ruin  of  their  substance  pre- ! 
vent  the  ruin  of  their  souls. — Alas!  that  adultery 
also  should  be  so  common  among  professed  Chris- 
tians!   It  is  indeed  highly  desirable  that  the  au- 
thority of  the  magistrate  should  stop  the  spread  of 
this  fire,  which  destroys  domestic  peace  and  every 
principle  of  purit}%  honesty,  truth,  and  conscience; 
and  which  often  provokes  retaliation,  till  whole 
nations  are  filled  with  wickedness.     But,  if  men 
suffer  the  criminals  to  escape,  the  Judge  of  the 
world  will  surely  call  them  to  a  severe  account; 
and  this  is  sufScient  to  put  all  that  fear  him  on 
their  guard,  lest  their  hearts  should  at  any  time 
be  deceived.  ,         I 

V.  13—23.  I 

Genuine  religion  uniformly  teaches  us  to  treat  j 
inferiors  and  domestics  with  humanity,  equity,  and , 
affection;  to  bear  with  their  faults,  to  sympathize  j 
in  their  troubles,  to  hearken  to  their  complaints, ; 
and  to  seek  their  present  and  future  welfare:  re-  j 
membering  that  they  are  our  brethren,  as  near  to  i 
the  great  Creator,  and  as  capable  of  eternal  sal-  j 
vation,  as  ourselves.  It  disposes  us  likewise  to! 
kindness  as  well  as  justice  towards  the  poor;  toj 
consult  their  inclinations,  to  share  our  comforts! 
with  them,  whether  we  have  abundance,  or  only  1 
a  moderate  provision;  and  to  seek  an  interest  in ! 
the  grateful  prayers  of  the  fatherless  and  the  wid- 
ow, by  sparing  from  our  own  indulgence,  to  feed, 
clothe,  educate,  or  protect  them.  How  contrary 
then  must  it  be  to  Christianity,  for  men  to  en- 
slave, oppress,  and  plunder  the  poor,  because  they 
"see  their  help  in  the  gate,"  and  have  the  law  of 
the  land  and  the  countenance  of  the  ruler  on  their  |  • 
side!  A  worse  punishment,  than  the  falling  off  of 
the  arm  from  the  shoulder-blade,  awaits  such  op- 
pressors, especially  when  they  bear  and  disgrace 
the  Christian  name;  even  "destruction  from  the 
Lord,  before  whose  highness  they  cannot  en- 
dure." [Jam.  2:13.)  These  crimes  spring  from 
covetousness,  which  makes  gold  a  man's  confi- 
dence, hope,  and  joy;  as  if  his  life  consisted  in  the 
abundance  of  his  possessions.  But  divine  grace 
84] 


destroys  this  idolatry,  by  teaching  us  to  seek  our 
whole   happiness  from  God;    to   subordinate  all 
other  affections  to  the  love  of  him;  and  to  receive 
and  use  all  worldly  possessions  as  his  stewards, 
and  to  his  glory.     Yet  it  is  to  be  feared,  that  but 
few  prosperous  Christians  can  properly  appeal  lo 
a  heart-searctiing  God,  that  they  have  not  rejoiced 
because  their  gains  were  great.     Through  the 
determination  to  be  rich,  numbers  fall  into  temp- 
tations whicli  ruin  their  souls,  or  pierce  them 
through  with  many  sorrows.  [J^ote,  1  Tim.  6:6 — 
10.)    This  is  the  idolatry.,  to  which  we  are  most 
tempted:    but  it  is  a  great  favor  to  be  preserved 
I  from  all  the  false  and  fashionable  kinds  of  religion, 
I  which  from  age  to  age  supplant  "the  truth  as  it  is 
1  in  Jesus,"  and  its  sanctifying  effects;  and  which 
eventually  prove  "a  denial  of  God  above." 
V.  29—40. 
The  Holy  Spirit  has  always  taught  the  children 
of  God  to  do  good  against  evil;  to  bless,  and  not 
to  curse,  their  enemies;    to  repress  revenge;  to 
forgive  as  they  hope  to  be  forgiven;  to  avoid  all 
rejoicing  in  calamities;    and  to  restrain  others 
from  revenge  and  cruelty. — In  respect  of  all  these 
things,  and  in  every  particular,  we  should  exam- 
ine with  prayer,  how  far  we  are  followers  of  this" 
ancient  believer:     whether  we  "use  hospitality 
without  grudging,"    and  are   "ready  for  every 
good  work:"  whether  the  fear  of  reproach  or  re- 
sentment, from  the  great  or  the  many,  do  not  in- 
duce us  to  neglect  our  known  duty:  whether  we 
possess  any  ill-gotten  property  to  cry  out  against 
us;  or  whether  we  deprive  the  laborer  of  his  wages. 
If  our  conscience  testify  for  us  in  these  and  simi- 
lar inquiries,  we  should  gis'e  God  the  praise,  but 
we  may  have  confidence  now  before  his  mercy- 
seat;    and  may  hope  to  stand  with  humble  bold- 
ness, as  justified  believers  before  his  judgment- 
seat;   we  need  fear  no  adversary,  or  accusation, 
or  scrutiny;  for  "who  is  he  that  condemneth.''    it 
is  God  that  justificth;"  and  the  slanders  of  our  en- 
emies will  then  be  our  crown:  as  princes  we  shall 
go  near  unto  him,  and  enter  into  his  glory,  and 
sit  down  with  him  on  his  throne.     But  let  us  all 
judge  ourselves,  aad  not  cover  our  sins  as  Adam: 
and  where  we  are  guilty,  let  us  seek  forgiven*  ss; 
entreating  'the  Lord  to  have  mercy  upon  us,  and 
'to  write  all  his  laws  in  our  hearts,'  by  the  new 
creating  power  of  his  Holy  Spirit. 


NOTES. 

Chap.  XXXII.  V.  1.  Job's  opponertts  were 
at  length  silenced,  though  not  convinced.  They 
could  not  answer  his  arguments,  but  they  retain- 
ed their  unfavorable  opinion  of  him;  and  they  de- 
clined all  further  dispute,  because  he  was  "right- 
eous in  his  own  eyes,"  and  determined,  as  they 
thought,  at  any  rate  to  vindicate  himself. 

V.  2 — 5.  It  is  evident,  that  others  besides  the 
disputants  were  present  during  this  controversy. 


B.  C.  1550. 


CHAPTER  XXXII. 


6  And  Elihu  the  son  of  Barachel  the 
Buzite  answered  and  said,  ''  I  am  *  young, 
and  '  ye  are  very  old;  wherefore  I  was 
afraid,  and  t  durst  not  shew  you  mine 
opinion. 

7  1  said,  ^  Days  should  speak,  and 
multitude  of  years   should  teach  wisdom. 

8  But  there  is  a  spirit  in  man:  and 
'  the  inspiration  of  the  Almighty  -giveth 
them   understanding. 

9  ™  Great  men  are  not  always  wise: 
"  neither  do  the  aged  understand  judg- 
ment. 

10. Therefore  I  said,  "Hearken  to 
me;  I  also  will  shew  mine  opinion. 

1 1  Behold  P  I  waited  for  your  words; 
I  gave  ear  to  your  +  reasons,  "^  while  ye 
searched  out  ^  what  to  say. 

1 2  Yea,  I  attended  unto  you,  and,  "■  be- 
hold, there  ivas  none  of  you  that  con- 
vinced Job,  or  that  answered  his  words: 

13  *  Lest  ye   should   say,  ^  We   have 


B.  C.  1550 

"  God  thrusteth  him 


h  Lpv.    19:32,      Rom.     13:7.     1 

Tim.  5:1.  Tit.  2:6.    1  Pet.  5:5. 
*  Heb.fev)  of  days. 
i  l.'i:lO. 
t  Heb.  feared.    15:7.     1  Sam. 

17:'23— 30. 
k  8:8—10.   12:12.     I  Kings  12:6 

—8.   Ps.  34:11,12.    Prov.  1:1— 

4.    16:31.  Heb.  5:12. 
14:12—21.  33:16.    35:11.  38:36. 

Gen.   41:39.     1  Kings  3:12,28. 

4:29.     Prov.   2:6.      Ec.   2:2b. 

Dan.  1:17.  2:21.    1  Cor.  2:10— 

12.   12:8.  2  Tim.  3:16.  Jam.  1: 

5. 
mJer.  5:5.   Matt.  11:25.     John 


7:43.     1  Cor.  1:26.  2:7,3.  Jam. 

2:6,7. 

n  12:20.   Kc.  4:13. 
o  1  Cor.  7:25,40. 
p  4.  29:21,23. 
J  Heb.  understandings. 
q5:27.   Prov.  18:17.  28:11.    Ec. 

12:9,10. 
§  Heb.  words. 
r3.   1  Tim.  1:7. 
s  Gen.  14:23.  Judg.  7:2.  Is.  48: 

5,7.   Zech.  12:7. 
t  12:2.   15:8—10.    Is.  5:21.    Jer. 

9:23.     Ez.  28:3.    1  Cor.  1:19— 

21,27—29.  3:13. 


found   out   wisdom 
down,  not  man. 

14  Now  he  hath  not  ||  directed  his 
words  against  me:  neither  will  I  answer 
him  with  your  speeclies. 

15  They  were  ^  amazed,  they  an- 
swered no  more:  they  ^  left  off  speaking. 

16  When  I  had  waited,  (^  for  they 
spake  not,  but  stood  still,  and  answered 
no  more;) 

17  /  said,  ^  I  will  answer  also  my 
part,  I  also  will  shew  mine  opinion. 

18  For  I  am  full  of  **  matter,  Mhe 
spirit  tt  within  me  constraineth  me. 

19  Behold  my  belly  is  as  wine  which 
tt  hath  no  vent;  it  is  ready  to  burst  hke 
^  new  bottles. 

20  •=  I  will  speak,  that  I  may  5^  be  re- 
freshed: ^  I  will  open  my  lips  and  an- 
swer. 

21  Let  me  not,  I  pray  you,  ^  accept 
any  man's  person,  neither  let  me  give 
*■  flattering  titles  unto  man 


and  Elihu  among'  the  rest.  His  name  signifies 
J\Iy  God  is  he.  He  was  the  son  of  Barachel  the 
Buzite,  of  the  kindred  of  Ram,  which  some  sup- 
pose to  have  been  the  oinginal  name  of  Abraham, 
to  whom  Buz  was  nearly  related;  thoug-h  others 
tliink  that  Aram,  the  son  of  Kemuel,  is  meant. 
{Gen,  22:21.) — Many  sing-ular  opinions  have  been 
formed  concerning  Elihu:  yet  it  is  evident,  that 
he  was  a  young  man  of  singular  modesty  and 
wisdom;  and  not  more  than  man,  as  some  have 
imagined.  He  came  indeed  nearer  the  true 
state  of  the  case,  than  any  other  of  the  contend- 
ing parties;  but  he  bore  too  hard  on  Job,  and,  in 
some  instances,  put  harsh  constructions  on  his 
words.  [JSTote,  .34:5 — 9.)  He,  however,  charged 
liim  with  no  crime,  except  his  misconduct  in  the 
management  of  the  argument;  and  in  this  respect 
he  was  justly  displeased  both  with  him  and  with 
his  friends.  He  alleged  with  truth,  that  Job  had 
been  more  anxious  to  vindicate  his  own  charac- 
ter, than  to  clear  up  the  justice  and  goodness  of 
God  in  afflicting  him;  and  that  his  friends  had 
persisted  in  condemning  him,  as  a  hypocrite, 
though  unable  to  refute  his  doctrine,  or  to  an- 
swer his  arguments.  But,  as  he  was  younger 
than  they,  he  had  modestly  waited  till  the  con- 
troversy was  dropped,  before  he  attempted  to 
declare  his  opinion. 

V.  6 — 14.  Young  men  are  commonly  most 
forward  to  dispute,  and  aged  men  best  qual- 
ified to  be  moderators;  but  here  the  case  was  re- 
versed. Elihu  allowed  it  to  be  a  good  general 
rule,  that  they  who  had  the  advantage  of  long 
experience  should  speak  first,  and  teach  wis- 
dom to  the  young.     But  he  observed,  that  there 


22 


For  s  I  know 

6:4.   19:6,21. 


u  1:21.    2:10.    4:9. 

John  19:11. 
II  Heb.  ordered. 
X  6:24,25.    29:22.     Matt.     7:28. 

22:22,33,34,46. 
IT  Heb.  removed  speeches  from 

themselves, 
y  13:5.   Prov.  17:23.    Am.  5:13. 

Jam.  1:19. 
z  10.  33:12.  35:3,4. 
**  Heb.  ^oords. 
a  Ps.  39:3.     Jer.  20:9.     Ez.  3: 

14,&c.  Acts4-r20.  2  Cor.  5:13, 

14. 


not  to   give  flatter- 

tt  Heb.  of  my  belly. 

j+  Heb.  is  not  opened. 

b  Matt.  9:17. 

c  13:13,19.  20:2.  21:3. 

§^  Heb.  breathe. 

d  Prov.  8:6,7. 

e  13:0.  34:19.  Lev.  19:15.  Deut. 

1:17.  16:19.  Prov.  24:23.  Malt. 

22:16. 
f2Sam.    14:17,20.     Acts  12:22, 

23.  24:2,3. 
g  17:5.    Ps.  12:2,3.     Prov.  29:5. 

1  Thes.  2:5. 


was  a  rational  soul  in  man,  and  that  God  gave 
wisdom,  both  natural  and  spiritual,  as  he  pleas- 
ed; so  that  facts  proved  that  the  greatest  and 
most  aged  were  not  always  the  wisest.  This 
reflection  therefore  at  length  emboldened  him  to 
state  his  opinion.  He  had  carefully  listened  to 
the  arguments  of  the  disputants,  as  long  as  they 
could  find  any  thing  to  say:  but  he  perceived, 
that  they  could  neither  convict  Job  of  iniquity, 
nor  refute  his  doctrine.  Indeed  Elihu  thouglit 
that  they  were  left  to  be  thus  foiled,  lest  they 
should  glory  in  their  own  wisdom,  and  improp- 
erly exult  over  Job,  as  proved  to  be  a  wiclied 
man,  by  the  testimony  of  God  in  his  dealings 
with  him.  Or,  (as  some  explain  the  words,)  they 
reluctantly  yielded  that  they  were  overcome,  by 
counting  it  their  wisdom  to  be  silent,  and  by 
leaving  it  to  God  to  confute  Job  by  continuing 
his  afflictions.  But  as  Job  had  not  spoken  against 
Elihu,  he  purposed  to  answer  him  in  a  diflerent 
manner;  and,  without  attempting  to  prove  him  a 
hypocrite,  he  would  reprove  some  things  in 
which  he  was  evidently  culpable. 

V.  15 — 17.  These  verses  favor  the  opinion, 
that  Elihu  was  the  writer  of  this  book:  for  he 
seems  here  to  address  himself  as  the  historum  to 
the  reader,  rather  than  as  a  speaker  to  that  com- 
pany. [Preface.) — He  observed,  that  the  dis- 
putants had  been  amazed  to  hear  Job  so  confi- 
dently protest  his  own  integrity,  and  perplexed 
to  reconcile  his  situation  with  the  divine  justice 
and  goodness,  unless  he  were  a  wicked  man. 
They  had  given  up  the  argument,  as  if  deprived 
of  speech;  and  they  seemed  to  look  for  some  one 
else  to  throw  light  upon  the  subject.     So  that  he 

[85 


B.  C.  1550. 


JOB. 


B.  C.  1550. 


ing  titles;    in  so  doing  my  Maker  would 
soon  take  me  away. 

CHAP.  XXXIII. 

Klihu  requires  Job's  attention,  while  lie  pleads  with  him,  in 
God's  stead,  and  without  terrifying  him,  1—T.  He  blames 
him  for  beinj  too  earnest  in  vindicating  himself,  and  for  irrev- 
erently complaining  of  God,  8 — 13.  He  shews  how  God 
instructs  men  by  dreams,  afflictions,  and  messengers;  that  re- 
penting they  may  find  mercy,  14 — 30.  He  calls  on  Job  to 
answer,  or  patiently  to  attend  to  his  discourse,  31 — 33. 

WHEREFORE,  Job,  I  pray  thee, 
^  hear   my  speeches,  and  heark- 
en to  all  my  words. 

2  Behold  now  ''  I  have  opened  my 
mouth,  my  tongue  hath  spoken  in  my 
*  mouth. 

3  My  words  shall  be  of  ^  the  upright- 

a  13:6.  34:2.  Ps.  49:1—3.  Mark  1  *'Heb.  palate.  31:30.  marg. 

4:9.  c  27:4.   Prov.  8:7,8.     I  Thes.  2: 

b  3:1.    Ps.  78:2.  Matt.  5:2.  3,4. 


had  full  liberty  to  speak  his  sentiments;  having' 
patiently  waited  for  this  opening.  {JVote,  1  Cor. 
14:26—33.) 

V.  18—22.  Ehhu's  mind  was  full  of  thoughts, 
in  consequence  of  his  having-  for  a  long  time  si- 
lently reflected  on  the  subject,  and  he  was  in- 
wardly constrained  to  speak.  With  much  un- 
easiness he  had  refrained  himself:  his  mind  was 
agitated  by  his  own  meditations,  in  the  manner 
that  fermenting  wine  is  ready  to  burst  the  bottle 
when  it  cannot  have  vent;  so  that  it  would  be  a 
relief,  or  enlargement,  to  him  to  speak,  though  it 
should  not  profit  them.  U^otes,  Jer.  6:10 — 12. 
20:7—9.  Ez.  3:12—15.)  He  intended  to  be  im- 
partial, and  not  to  flatter  either  party,  though 
they  were  his  seniors  and  superiors;  but  he  would 
freely  reprove  what  he  thought  wrong  in  them, 
without  respect  of  persons.  Indeed,  he  was  not 
used  to  give  flattering  titles  to  any  man,  and  he 
knew  it  would  displease  his  Maker;  therefore,  as 
he  feared  his  awful  displeasure  and  desired  mercy 
from  him,  he  was  determined  to  avoid  them.— - 
The  original  word  signifies,  to  give  an  additional 
name,  as  a  title  of  distinction. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  self-flattery  of  the  human  heart  often  pre- 
vents men  from  being  convinced  of  their  errors, 
or  from  acknowledging  that  they  are;  .so  that, 
even  when  not  determined  at  all  events  to  have 
the  last  word,  they  will  imagine  or  pretend  some 
plausible  reason  for  declining  an  argument,  in 
which  they  have  been  foiled,  whilst  thej'  hold 
their  former  sentiments,  and  criminate  their  op- 
ponents. Indeed  it  is  not  worth  while  to  persist 
in  arguing  with  the  pertinacious  and  self-sufii- 
cient,  or  with  such  as  are  "righteous  in  their 
own  eyes:"  yet  sometimes  those  who  are  accept- 
ed with  God,  and  have  truth  and  justice  on  their 
side,  are  unjustly  charged  with  obstinacy  and 
self-confidence. — An  unprejudiced  by-stander 
frequently  understands  controverted  points,  bet- 
ter than  the  eager  disputants:  in  almost  all  con- 
tests much  may  be  reproved  on  both  sides;  and 
they  who  endeavor  to  distinguish  between  what 
is  right,  and.  what  is  wrong,  among  all  parties, 
will  seldom  be  approved  by  the  zealots  of  any, 
but  will  commonly  come  neai'est  to  the  truth. — 
If  we  perceive  others  in  a  fault,  it  is  generally 
advisable,  to  mention  it  before  them:  and  it  is  not 
sinful  anger,  if  we  are  greatly  displeased  to  hear 
God  dishonored,  his  truths  misrepresented,  and 
men  unjustly  condemned,  or  fatally  deceived. 
{JSl'ote,  Mark  3:.5.) — It  belongs  to  the  aged  to 
86] 


ness  of  my    heart:  and    ^  my   hps    shall 
utter  knowledge  clearly. 

4  ^  The  Spirit  of  God  hath  made  me, 
and  the  breath  of  the  Almighty  hath 
given  me  life. 

5  '^  If  thou  canst  answer  me,  s  set  thy 
words  in  order  before  me:  ^  stand  up. 

6  Behold,  '  I  am  according  to  thy 
t  wish  ''  in  God's  stead:  '  I  am  also 
}  formed  out  of  the  clay. 

7  Behold,  ■"  my  terror  shall  not  make 
thee  afraid,  neither  shall  °  my  hand  be 
heavy  upon  thee. 


d  15:2.  36:3,4.  38:2.  Ps.  37:30, 
31.  Prov.  15:2,7.  20:15.  22:17, 
18. 

e  10:12.  32:8.  Gen.  2:7.  Ps.  33: 
6.  Rom.  8:2.   1  Cor.  15:45. 

f  32,33.    32:1,12. 

g  23:4,5.  32:14.   Ps.  50:21. 

h  Acts  10:26. 

i  9:32,35.   13:3,21,22.  23:3,4.  31: 


35. 
t  Heb.  mouth.         ' 
k  Gen.  30:2.     Ex.  4:16.    2  Cor. 

5:20. 
14:19.    10:9.    13:12.     Gen.  2:7. 

3:19.  2  Cor.  5:1. 
^  Heb.  exit  out  of. 
m  9:34.  13:21.  Ps.  88:16. 
n  Ps.  33:4. 


take  the  lead  in  conversation,  and  to  teach  wis- 
dom; and  modesty,  and  deference  towards  seniors 
and  superiors,  always  become  the  young.  Yet 
reason  is  common  to  man,  and  God  communi- 
cates both  natural  abilities  and  spiritual  gifts,  in 
measure  as  he  pleases.  ''So  that  great  men  are 
not  always  wise,  neither  do  the  aged  understand 
judgment:"  and  by  an  attention  to  the  word  of 
God,  and  dependence  upon  his  Spirit,  the  young^ 
may  become  wiser  than  the  aged,  than  their 
teachers,  and  their  rulers.  [J^Tote,  Ps.  119:98 — 
100.)  But  this  wisdom  will  render  them  "swift 
to  hear,  and  slow  to  speak,"  and  disposed  to  give 
others  a  patient  attention,  though  they  seem  to 
argue  inconclusively,  and  to  say  little  to  the  pur- 
pose. However  full  we  may  think  ourselves  of 
suitable  matter,  for  the  conviction  of  others,  and 
the  termination  of  a  controversy;  and  whatever 
uneasiness  we  feel  in  keeping  silence,  when  oth- 
ers are  discoursing,  as  we  think,  in  a  manner 
contrary  to  truth;  we  should  remember,  that  it 
is  indecent,  and  savors  of  arrogance,  to  interrupt 
them.  Nay,  if  we  were  sure,  that  the  Spirit  of 
God  suggested  to  us  what  we  were  about  to  say, 
we  ought  to  refrain,  until  it  fairly  come  to  our 
turn  to  speak:  for  "the  spirits  of  the  prophets 
were  subject  to  the  prophets,"  and  God  is  the 
Source  of  order,  and  not  of  confusion.  (1  Cor. 
14:32,33.)  But  the  faithful  minister  of  God,  who 
is  filled  with  the  knowledge  of  his  truth  and  will, 
and  with  zeal  for  his  glory  and  compassion  for 
souls,  must  be  greatly  pained  by  every  attempt 
to  silence  him:  nay,  indeed,  he  cannot  be  silenced; 
whatever  be  the  consequence,  he  cannot  but 
speak  the  things  which  he  has  heard  and  believ- 
ed. [JVote,  Acts  4:]3 — 22.)  Times  and  seasons 
he  will  regard;  but  he  must  speak,  that  he  may 
be  refreshed,  whether  men  will  hear  or  forbear; 
and  he  must  speak  faithfully,  without  respect  of 
persons,  or  knowing  to  give  flattering  titles:  for 
"he  is  not  a  man-pleaser,  but  a  servant  of  Jesus 
Christ;"  and  is  ambitious,  whether  present  or 
absent,  of  being  accepted  of  him.  [J^Totes,  2 
Cor.  5:9-12,16.  1  Thes.  2:1—8.) 

NOTES. 
Chap.  XXXIII.  V.  1—7.  Elihu  had  given 
his  reasons  for  speaking,  and  here  he  demanded 
the  attention  of  Job  in  particular;  for  Job  him- 
self had  suflGiciently  answered  his  friends.  He 
did  not  speak  in  haste  or  passion,  but  deliberate- 
ly, and  with  recollection.  He  meant  to  speak 
his  undisguised  sentiments,  in  the  plainest  and 
most  instructive  manner:  he  was  the  creature  of 


B.  C.   1550. 


CHAPTER  XXXIII. 


B.  C.  1550. 


8  Surely  thou  hast  spoken  in  mine 
*  hearing,  and  I  have  heard  the  voice  of 
thy  words,  saying, 

9  I  am  °  clean  without  transgression, 
I  am  ^  innocent;  neither  is  there  iniquity 
in  me. 

10  Behold,  i  he  tindeth  occasions 
against  me,  ''  he  counteth  me  for  his 
enemy. 

11  He  ^  putteth  my  feet  in  the  stocks, 
'  he  marketh  all  my  paths. 

12  Behold,  in  this  "  thou  art  not  just: 
^  I  will  answer  thee,  that  ^  God  is  great- 
er than  man. 

13  Why  dost  thou  ^  strive  against  him? 
for  *  he  t  giveth  not  account  of  any  of  his 

matters.  [Practical  Ohservatioiis.] 

14  For  ^  God  speaketh  once,  yea 
twice,  yet  man  *=  perceiveth  it  not. 

15  In  "^  a  dream,  in  a  vision  of  the 
night,  when  ®  deep  sleep  falleth  upon 
men,  in  slumberings  upon  the  bed; 


*Heh.  ears.  Deut.  13:14.   Jer. 

29:23. 
o9:17.  10:7.   11:4.   16:17.  23:11, 

12.  27:5,6.    29:14.  31:l,&:c. 
p  9:23,28.   17:8.   Jer.  2:35. 
q  9:30,31.    10:15—17.    13:25,26. 

14:16,17.  34:5,6. 
r  13:24.    16:9.     19:11.    30:21,22. 

s  13:27.    Ps.  105:18.     Jer.  20:2. 

Acts  16:24.       / 
131:4. 
u  1:22.  34:10—12,17—19,23.  35: 

2.  36:22,23.    Ez.  18:25.  Eom. 

9:19—21. 
X  32:17.  35:4. 
y  9:4.  26:14.  36;5.    37:23.  40:2, 


8,9.     Jer.  18:6. 
z9:14.   15:25,26.   Is.  4.5:9.    Jer. 

50:24.     Ez.  22:14.     Acts  5:39. 

9:4,5.      1  Cor.  10:22. 
a  40:2.     Deut.  29:29.      Ps.  115: 

3.  Is.  44:10.   Dan.  4:35.    Matt. 

20:15.    Acts  1:7.    Rom.  11:34. 
t  Heb.  answerelh  not. 
b  40:5.      Ps.  62:11. 
c2  Chr.  33:10.      Prov.  1:24,29. 

Is.  6:9.     Matt.  13:14.    Mark  3: 

17,18.     Luke   24:25.     John  3: 

19. 
d  4:13.   Gen.  20:3.  31:24.  Num. 

12:6.     Jer.    23:28.      Dan.    4:5. 

Heb.  1:1. 
e  Gen.  15:12.   Dan.  3:18.    10:9. 


God,  dependent  on  him,  and  accountable  to  him; 
from  whose  life-giving  Spirit  he  derived  his  being, 
and  rational  nature.  Job  might  therefore  stand 
up  before  him  to  make  the  best  of  his  cause.  He 
had  desired  an  impartial  judge  to  be  appointed  in 
God's  stead,  to  decide  upon  his  appeal.  [Jfotcs, 
9:23—35.  13:20—23.  23:3—7.  31:35—37.)  And 
behold  here  was  one  according  to  his  wish,  a 
man  like  himself,  who  would  neither  terrifj^  nor 
hurt  him,  as  the  glorious  God  might  have  done, 
if  he  had  entered  into  judgment  with  him;  naj-, 
who  would  not  bear  so  hard  on  him  as  his  other 
friends  had  done. 

v.  8 — 11.  Elihu  had  heard  Job's  words,  and 
did  not  condemn  him  upon  suspicion,  as  his 
friends  had  done.  He  did  not  accuse  him  of  be- 
ing a  hypocrite;  but  of  having  spoken  language 
unbecoming  a  man  of  piet)'.  He  had  so  strenu- 
ously insisted  upon  his  own  integrity,  that  he 
seemed  to  say,  "I  am  clean  without  transgres- 
sion, I  am  innocent;  neither  is  there  any  iniquity 
in  me."  Job  had  not  said  exactly  these  words; 
nay,  he  had  avowed  the  contrary  doctrine:  but 
he  had  used  incautious  expressions  which  ad- 
mitted of  such  a  construction.  The  other  words 
charged  upon  him  were  nearly  what  he  had 
spoken.  {Mars;.  Ref.—J^oles,  \fi-A~l.  11:1— 
4.    16:17—22.  23:8—12.) 

y.  12,  13.'  In  this  thing  at  least,  Elihu  main- 
tained, that  Job  had  been  culpable;  he  had 
charged  God  foolishly  and  unjustly,  as  if  his 
dealings  with  him  were  causelessly  severe.  But 
he  ought  to  have  recollected  the  "infinite  great- 
ness of  the  almighty   Sovereign,  which  made  it 


16  Then  Hie  +  openeth  the  ears  oi 
men,  and  °  sealeth  their  instruction, 

17  That  he  may  ''  withdraw  man 
from,  his  k  purpose,  and  '  hide  pride 
from  man. 

IS  He  "^  keepeth  back-  his  soul  from 
the  pit,  and  his  Ufe  from  II  perishing  by 
the  sword. 

19  He  is  *  chastened  also  with  "  pain 
upon  his  bed,  and  the  multitude  of  his 
bones  with  strong  pain: 

20  So  that  °  his  life  abhorreth  bread, 
and  his  soul    ^  dainty  meat. 

21  °  His  flesh  is  consumed  away,  that 
it  cannot  be  seen;  and  ''  his  bones  that 
were  not  seen  stick  out. 

22  Yea,  **  his  soul  draweth  near  unto 
the  grave,  and  "■  his  life  to  the  destroy- 
ers. 

23  If  there  be  ^  a  messenger  with 
him,  *  an    interpreter, 


f  36:10,15.     Ps.  40:6.     Is.  6:10. 

48:8.  50:5.    Luke  24:45.    Acts 

16:14. 
X  Heb.   revealeih,  or,  uncover- 

elh.  2  Sam.  7:27. 
S  Neh.  9:38.     Rom.  15:28. 
h  Gen.  20.6.     Hos.  2:6.     Matt. 

27:19.      Acts  9:2—6.    26:10— 

13. 
§  Heb.  TCO)-fe. 
i  Deut.  8:16.     2  Chr.  32:25,26. 

Is.    2:11.      Dan.   4:30—37.     2 

Cor.  12:7.     Jam.  4:10. 
k  Acts   16:27—33.      Rom.    2:4. 

2  Pet.  3:9,15. 
II  Heb.  passing. 
1  5:17,13.   Deut.  8:5.     Ps.  94:12, 

13.  119:67,71.  Is.  27:9.    1  Cor. 

11:32.  Rev.  3:19. 
m   7.4.    20:11.     30:17,18,30.     2 

Chr.    16:10,12.      Ps.    38:1—3. 


one    among    a 

Is.  38:12,13. 
n  Ps.  107:17,18. 
V  Heb.  7neat  of  desire. 

Gen.  3:6.     Jer.  .3:19.     Am.  5: 

11.  Marg. 
0  7:5.      13:28.     14:20,22.    19:20. 

Ps.   32:3,4.     39:11.      102:3—5. 

Prov.  5:11. 
p  Ps.  22:15— 17. 
q  7:7.    17:1,13—16.     1  Sam.  2:6, 

Ps.  30:3.   88:3—5.    Is.  38:10. 
r  15:21.    Ex.  12:23.     2  Sam.  24: 

16.      Ps.    17:4.     Acts  12:23.    1 

Cor.  10:10.  Rev.  9:11. 
sJudg.  2:1.    jyiarg.    2  Chr.  36: 

15,16.     Hag.    1:13.     Mai.   2:7. 

3:1.    2  Cor.  5:20. 
t  34:32.    Ps.  94:12.     Is.  61:1—3. 

Acts   3:30,31.      I   Cor.  11:30— 

32.      Heb.  12:5—12. 
u  9:3.   Ec.  7:28.    Rom.  11:13. 


the  height  of  madness  and  presumption  to  con- 
tend with  him.  He  gives  no  account  of  his  con- 
duct; and  which  of  his  creatures  has  a  right  to 
demand  an  explanation  of  his  reasons,  where  he 
sees  good  to  conceal  them.'  (JSTotes,  40:1,2.  Dun. 
4:34—37.  Matt.  20:1—16.  Rom.  9:19—21.  11:33 
—36.) 

V.  14 — 18.  In  many  things  God  acts  as  a 
Sovereign,  who  explains  not  the  meaning  of  liis 
orders;  but  in  general  he  shews  himself  a  merci- 
ful and  kind  Father.  He  does  not  ask  men  wiiat 
methods  he  should  use,  but  he  employs  such  as 
are  most  proper.  He  speaks  to  them  in  various 
ways,  and  with  frequent  repetitions;  yet  they  are 
so  dull,  careless,  and  prejudiced,  that  Iheij  per- 
ceive not  his  meaning. — Elihu  lived  before  there 
Avas  a  written  revelation,  and  therefore  that 
grand  medium  of  communication  is  not  mention- 
ed: but  God,  in  that  age  of  the  world,  frequently 
spake  to  men  in  dreams  and  visions;  and  thus,  in 
the  dark  and  retired  hours  of  the  night,  he  caused 
them  even  in  their  sleep  to  attend  to  him,  and 
deeply  impressed  his  instructions  on  their  memo- 
ries. Tliis  was  intended,  not  to  enable  men  to 
understand  the  reasons  of  the  divine  dispensa- 
tions, but  to  withdraw  them  from  their  sinful 
purposes,  and  from  their  proud  rebellion;  that, 
being  luunbled  in  repentance,  and  made  sensible 
of  tlieir  guilt  and  depravity,  and  humbly  seeking 
mercy,  by  faith  and  prayer,  they  might  lie  pre- 
served from  that  destruction  of  soul  and  bodj', 
into  which  they  were  about  to  be  hurried.  Nay, 
the  long-suflering  of  God,  by  preserving  men 
from  sudden  and  violent  death,  when  living  in 

[87 


B.  C.  1550. 


JOB. 


B.  C.   1550. 


thousand,    ^  to    shew    unto    man  his  up- 
rightness: 

24  y  Then  he  is  gracious  unto  him, 
and  saith,  ^  DeUver  him  from  going 
down  to  the  pit;  ='  I  have  found  *  a  ran- 
som. 

25  *'His  flesh  shall  be  fresher  than  ta 
child's:  he  shall  -  return  to  the  days  of 
his  youth: 

2G  He  shall  ^  pray  unto  God,  and  he 
will  be  favorable  unto  him:  ^  and  he 
shall  see  his  face  with  joy:  for  ^  he  will 
render  unto  man  his  righteousness. 

27  s  He  t  looketh    upon    men,  and  if 


x  11:6.    34:10,12.    35:14.    36:3,8 

—  13.  37:23.      Nell.  9:33.     Ps. 

319:75.     Lam.  3:22,23,32,39— 

41.     Ez.    18:25—28.     Dan.  9: 

14. 
y  5:18.  22:21.     Ex.   33:19.    34: 

fi.7.    Ps.  86:5,15.     Hos.  14:2,4. 

Mic.  7:18—20.     Rom.  5:20,21. 
z  36-.  10,11.     Ex.  15:26.     Ps.  30: 

9_12,  40:2.    71:3.    86:13.     Is. 

38:17—19.     Jer.  31:20.    Zech. 

tl:ll. 
a,^6:13.      Ps.  49:7,8.     Matt.  20: 

20.      Rom.  3:24—26.      1  Tim. 

2:6.     1  Pet.  1:18,19. 
*  Or,  an  atonement. 
b  2  Kings  5:14. 
t  Heb.  childhood. 


c  42:16.    Dent.  34:7.     .Tosh.  14: 

10,11.      Ps.  103:5.     Hos.  2:15. 
d  2   Kings  20:-2— 5.     2  Chr.  33: 

12,13,19.     Ps.   6:1—9.    28:1,2, 

6.  30:7—11.    41:8—11.     50:15. 

91:15.116:1—6.   Is.  30:19.  Jer. 

33:3.    Jon.  2:2— 7.     Acts  9:11. 
e  42:8,9.     Num.  6:25,26.    Ps.  4: 

6,7.   16:11.  30:5.  67:1.    Acts  2: 

28.     Jude  24. 
f  34:11.     1  Sam.  26:23.     Ps.  18: 

20.   62:12.  Prov.  24:12.    Matt. 

10:41,42.   Heb.  11:26. 
g  Gen.  16:13.    2  Chr.  16:9.    Ps. 

11:4.     14:2.     139:1 — 4.       Prov. 

5:21.    1.5:3.    Jer.  23:24. 
\  Or,  shall  look  iipon  men,  and 

say  I  have  sinned,  &c. 


sin,  kept  back  their  souls  from  hell,  and   gave 
them  space  for  repentance. 

V.  19 — 26.  When  men  disregard  the  warn- 
ings and  despise  the  patience  of  God,  he  often 
sends  severe  afflictions.  And  if  Job  had  been 
afflicted  on  this  account,  instead  of  murmuring 
against  God,  and  justifying  himself,  he  ought  to 
have  considered  what  sins  he  had  committed,  and 
what  duties  he  had  neglected.  For  God,  in  love, 
frequently  confined  men  to  beds  of  sickness,  and 
filled  them  with  exquisite  pain  in  every  part, 
causing  them  to  loathe  even  the  most  necessary 
or  delicious  food,  and  reducing  them  to  mere 
skeletons:  and  whilst  it  appeared,  that  the  body 
was  about  to  drop  into  the  grave,  the  poor  suffer- 
er was  perhaps  affrighted,  lest  the  soul  should 
fall  into  the  hands  of  the  destroyers.  [Jfote.,  Ps. 
107:17—22.)  Yet  all  this  tended  to  good,  and 
often  terminated  well:  especially  if  some  pious 
person  were  sent  as  the  "messenger  of  God,"  (as 
Eliliu  hoped  he  was  to  Job,)  to  be  an  interpreter 
of  the  painful  dispensation,  and  of  the  truth  and 
will  of  God,  and  to  shew  the  sufferer  the  way  of 
pardon  and  peace.  [Jfote^  17:1,2.)  As  such  in- 
terpreters were  scarce,  not  one  amon^  a  thou- 
sand being  capable  of  the  service,  they  were  the 
more  to  be  valued:  for  they  would  shew  the  sin- 
ner the  justice  of  God  in  his  sufferings  and  con- 
demnation; his  way  of  pardoning  and  justifying 
the  penitent  believer;  his  sincerity  and  faithful- 
ness to  his  promises;  and  the  way  of  holiness. 
Such  a  messenger  frequently  proved  the  instru- 
ment of  a  man's  conversion:  and  the  Lord  in 
mercy  commanded  his  deliverance  from  the  pit 
of  destruction,  through  the  ransom,  or  atonement, 
which  he  had  appointed  and  revealed,  even  that 
of  the  promised  Messiah;  and  sometimes  restored 
his  health,  vigor,  and  comeliness,  as  if  he  were 
become  young  again.  Thus  the  sinner  was 
taught  to  pray  unto  God,  and  was  pardoned  and 
accepted;  thus  he  had  comfortable  communion 
with  him  at  his  mercy-seat,  and  hoped  to  see  his 
face  with  joy  in  heaven;  and  would  at  length  be 
graciously  recompensed  for  all  the  works  of 
righteousness,  which  he  had  performed  in  humble 
faith  and  love. — Some  interpret  this  Messenger, 
8S] 


any  say,  ''  I  have  sinned,  and  '  pervert- 
ed that  which  was  ^  right,  and  '  it  prof- 
ited me  not; 

28  He  k  will  ™  dehver  his  soul  from 
going  into  the  pit,  and  his  Hfe  shall  °  see 
the  light. 

29  Lo,  °  all  these  things  worketli 
God    N  oftentimes  with  man, 

30  P  To  bring  back  his  soul  from  the 
pit,  to  be  •!  enhghtened  with  the  light  of 
the  living. 

31  ■■  Mark  well,  O"  Job,  hearken  unlo 
me:  hold  thy  peace,  and  I  will  speak. 

32  If  thou  hast  any  thing  to  say,  an- 
swer me:  speak,  ^  for  1  desire  to  justify 
thee. 


h  7:20.     Num.   12:11.     2   Sam. 

12:13.      Prov.   28:13.      Jer.   3: 

13.  31:18,19.    Luke  15:18—22. 

18:13.      iJohn  1:8-10. 
i  Ec.  5:8. 
k  Ps.  19:7,8.    119:128.     Rom.  7: 

12—14,16,22. 
1  34:9.      Jer.  2:8.     Matt.  16:26. 

Rom.  6:21. 
§  Or,  halh  delivered  my  soul, 

(S-c.   and  my  life. 
m  18,24.   17:16.     Ps.   55:23.  69: 

15.  Is.  38:17,18.  Rev.  20:1—3. 


n  20,22.   3:9,16,20.      Ps.   49:19. 

Is.  9:2.     John  11:9. 
o  14—17.      1  Cor.  12:6.     2  Cor. 

5:5.     Eph.    1:11.      Phil.   2:13. 

Col.  1:29.     Heb.  13:21. 
II  Heb.  twice  and    thrice.    14. 

40:5.  2  Kings  6:10.    2  Cor.  12 

8. 
p24.     Ps.  40:2.    118:17,18. 
q  Ps.   56:13.     Is.  2:5.     John  8: 

12. 
r  13:6.    18:2.  21:2.  32:11. 
s  15:4,5.  21:27.  22:5—9.  27:5. 


or  Angel,  of  Christ  himself  the  Interpreter  of 
God's  will  to  man,  the  Chief  among  the  ten  thou- 
sands of  his  saints  and  servants.  But,  as  in 
general  he  comes  to  men  by  his  messengers,  or 
i  ministers;  and  as  their  instructions  and  encour- 
agements are  deduced  from  his  mediation,  and 
are  made  effectual  by  his  gracious  presence;  it  is 
not  very  material,  whether  we  interpret  the  pas- 
sage, of  the  messengers  of  God  pointing  to  tlie 
Savior,  or  the  Savior  revealinf  himself  by  their 
ministry.  It  is  equally  immaterial,  whether  the 
words,  "Deliver  him  from  going  down  to  the  pit," 
be  considered  as  the  language  of  Christ's  inter- 
cession, pleading  the  ransom  of  his  blood,  in  be- 
half of  the  sinner;  or  the  words  of  the  Father  ac- 
cepting of  this  plea,  and  giving  command  to  save 
the  sinner,  as  satisfied  with  that  appointed  ran- 
som. It  cannot  reasonably  be  doubted,  tliat  Eii- 
hu  had  reference  to  the  promised  Redeemer, 
though  he  might  also  intend  the  sacrifices  which 
prefigured  the  great  atonement.  (I  Pet.  1:19, 
20.  Rev.  13:8.  J^otes,  Gen.  3:21.  4:3—5.  8:20— 
22.    12:6,7.) 

V.  27—30.  Elihu  further  shewed,  that  God 
always  observed  the  ways  of  men;  and  when  any 
sinner  humbly  confessed  his  transgressions  of  his 
jnst  and  ,§-oofZ  laws,  as  unreasonable  and  unprofit- 
able, being  ashamed  and  weary  of  them,  and 
grieved  and  self-condemned  for  them;  he  would 
"deliver  his  soul  from  going  down  into  the 
pit"  of  destruction,  and  he  should  live  to  en- 
joy his  favor.  Thus  he  brought  back  sinners 
from,  the  brink  of  ruin,  to  be  enlightened  in  the 
living  and  life-giving  knowledge  of  salvation. 
He  awakened  their  consciences  by  visions; 
he  visited  them  with  afflictions;  he  sent  them 
his  messengers  and  his  gospel;  and  bj^  his  good- 
ness he  thus  led  them  to  repentance  and  sal- 
vation. Therefore  Job  had  no  reason  to  think 
that  God  was  become  his  enemy;  but  to  hope 
that  he  should  derive  great  advantage  froni 
his  calamities. — The  original  is  rather  difficult 
as  to  the  construction,  and  has  been  various- 
ly translated:  but  the  grand  outline  of  instruc- 
tion is  not  at  all  affected  by  the  different 
renderings. 


B.  C.  1550. 


CHAPTER  XXXIV 


B.  C.  1650. 


33  If  not,  '  hearken  unto  me:  hold 
ihy  peace,  and  "  I  shall  teach  thee  wis- 
dom. 

CHAP.  XXXIV. 

Klihri  calls  on  the  wise  to  judge  in  the  cause;  and  charges  Job 
with  arraif;nin^  the  divine  jujtice,  1 — 9.  He  affirms,  that  the 
^ll-powerful  and  all-perfect  God  cannot  do  iniquity;  and  vin- 
dicates his  dealings  with  men,  10 — 30.  He  shews  .Job,  that  he 
oucrht  to  humbje  himself  before  God;  and  sharply  reproves 
his  words,  31—37. 

FURTHERMORE  Elihu    answered 
and  said, 

tP-;.  31:11.      Prov.  4:1,2.   5:1,2.       u  3.     Ps.  49:3.   Prnr.  3:5. 


2  Hear    my  words,  "O   ye  wise  nmi; 
and    give    car    unto    me,    ye    that   have 


I  knowledge 


V.  31—33.  Elihu  again  demanded  Job's  at- 
tention, as  he  had  much  more  to  say;  but,  if  he 
could  answer  anj^  thing-  to  what  he  had  urged, 
he  would  have  him  speak  before  he  proceeded; 
for  he  greatly  desired  to  tind  that  he  was  a  right- 
eous man,  and  to  clear  up  his  aspersed  character. 
But  if  Job  could  not  refute  his  charge,  let  him  be 
silent,  and  he  would  proceed  to  instruct  him  fur- 
ther in  true  wisdom. — It  seems,  that  Job  was  so 
far  convinced  by  his  discourse,  that  he  would  not 
attempt  an  answer. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1—13. 

We  ought  always  to  discourse  on  religious  sub- 
jects, with  seriousness,  recollection,  candor,  sin- 
cerity, and  plainness;  if  we  expect  to  be  heard 
with  attention,  and  to  convince  and  instruct 
others.  When  we  have  evident  truth  on  our 
side,  we  may  often  convince  our  opponents,  that  i 
they  cannot  stand  before  the  tribunal  of  God,  by  i 
shewing  them  that  they  cannot  justify  their  con- 1 
duct  before  a  fellow-sinner;  who  will  not  dismay  i 
nor  hurt  them,  while  he  pleads  against  them  in  the  I 
behalf  of  God. — In  the  heat  of  controversj^  and ! 
when  greatly  afflicted  and  tempted,  we  are  apt  | 
fo  utter  words  which  cannot  be  justified:  and  if ! 
a  worse  construction  be  put  upon  them  than  we: 
intended,  we  need  not  wonder,  and  should  not  bej 
offended.— -Public  offences  should  be  publicl)'  re-  j 
buked  or  retracted,  to  prevent  scandal;  but  we  I 
may  allow  a  man's  general  character  to  be  good, ' 
and  yet  reprove  bim  for  particular  offences.  If 
we  seem  to  justify  our  whole  conduct,  and  mur-  i 
mur  against  God,  in  this  we  are  not  just:  for 
when  we  adopt  this  conduct,  the  subject  im-i 
peaches  the  Sovereign,  and  the  foolish,  sinful  I 
worm  arraigns  the  conduct  of  the  wise  and  riglit- 
eous  Lord  of  all!  The  infinite  power  and  authori- 1 
ty  of  God  should  deter  us  from  thus  contending! 
with  him;  for  he  will  not,  he  cannot,  submit  his ! 
conduct  to  our  judgment.  But  when  we  con-  j 
sider  that  he  excels  the  noblest  of  his  creatures ; 
in  all  tilings  else,  as  much  as  in  his  majesty 
and  greatness,  and  is  in  all  respects  consummate! 
perfection;  we  must  perceive,  that  every  objec-j 
tion  to  his  dispensations  is  rebellion  and  ingrati- 1 
tude. 

V.  14—33.  i 

The  general  tendency  of  all  the  Lord's  deal- 1 
ings  with  men,  is  to  lead  them  to  repent  and  to  turn 
unto  him;  but  the  proud,  careless  rebel  does  not  j 
regard,  though  God  speak  to  him  again  and  again. ; 
The  works  of  creation  proclaim  his  eternal  j 
power  and  Godhead,  and  leave  all  those  without ' 
excuse,  who  neither  worship  him  nor  are  thank^ 
ful.  He  speaks  by  conscience;  but  her  voice  is  i 
silenced  by  the  clamorous  demands  of  men's  lusts ! 
and  passions.  Terrifying  dreams  convey  forci-' 
bly  salutary  alarms;  but  unless  the  Lord  openl 
the  ear,  and  seal  the  instruction,  thej'  are  speedi- ! 
ly  forgotten.  The  judgments  of  God  on  others ' 
have  a  warning  voice  to  us;  and  should  serve  to 
withdraw  us  from  our  sinful  purposes,  and  to  in- 1 
duce  us  to  humble  ourselves  before  him,  tliat  we  ! 

Vol.  III.  12 


3  For    ^  the   ear   trielh  words,  as  the 
*  mouth  tasteth  meat. 

4  Let  us  •=  choose  to  us  judgment:  let 
us  ^  know  among  ourselves  what  is  good. 


aProv.  1:5.     1  Cor.   10:15.   14: 

20. 
b   6:30.      12:11.       1   Cor.    2:15. 

Heb.  5:14. 
*  Heb.    palate.     31:30.     33:2. 


c  36.  Judg.  19:30.  20:7.    I  Cor. 

6:2—5.  Gal.  2:11_M.  1  Thes. 

6:21. 
d  Is.  11:2—5.  John  7:24.   Rora. 

]2:2. 


may  be  kept  from  the  pit  of  destruction;  whilst 
his  merciful  protection  of  us,  when  others  are 
cut  off  and  we  are  in  danger,  should  lead  us  to 
repentance.  When  these  methods  are  ineffectu- 
al, sharp  afflictions  become  the  voice  of  God. 
Wasting  sickness  and  excruciating  pain  mar  our 
relish  of  every  comfort,  and  remind  us  of  deatli 
and  eternity.  This  proclaims  the  vanity  of  the 
world,  the  evil  of  sin,  the  power  of  God's  wrath, 
our  need  of  mercy,  and  the  danger  to  which  we 
are  exposed.  But  how  many  repeatedly  endure 
all  this,  and  yet  remain  unhumbled  and  un-, 
changed!  It  is,  however,  a  token  for  good,  when 
the  servants  and  ministers  of  God  are  sent,  to  iii» 
terpret  to  the  atHicted  his  dispensations  and  word. 
This  is  a  good  service,  and  it  is  lamentable  that 
so  few  are  qualified  for  it,  and  take  pleasure  in 
it:  and  it  is  a  most  important  additional  charity, 
when  the  sick  in  hospitals  are  diligently  attended 
b)'  faithful  instructers;  as  it  often  proves  the 
means  of  salvation  to  their  souls.  But  Christ 
himself  is  the  only  effectual  Interpreter;  by  his 
Spirit  he  shews  the  sinner  the  way  of  acceptaucp. 
and  salvation;  who,  believing,  receives  the  gift 
of  righteousness,  and  partakes  of  sanctification. 
Through  the  ransom  of  the  atoning  blood,  hi.s 
prayers  are  answered,  his  soul  is  rescued,  and 
perhaps  his  health  and  comforts  are  restored:  he 
comes  with  joy  before  the  mercy-scat,  and  be- 
holds by  faith  the  countenance  of  his  reconciled 
Father;  while  he  waits  for  the  Savior's  appearing 
to  judge  the  world,  with  animating  hope  of  re- 
ceiving that  crown  of  righteousness,  which  is  laid 
up  for  him  in  heaven.  In  short,  the  eyes  of  the 
Lord  are  upon  all  the  ways  of  the  children  of 
men:  he  sees  them  when  committing  their  secret 
abominations;  he  sees  them  when,  convinced  of 
guilt,  they  condemn  themselves,  abhor  their 
crimes,  are  covered  with  shame,  and  filled  with 
fear  of  wrath;  and  when  weary  of  their  sins  they 
long  for  deliverance:  and  he  will  assuredly  have 
mercy  upon  them,  and  save  them.  [jYofes,  Jcr. 
31:18—20.  Luke  15:17— 24.)— By  what  mean.s 
soever  we  are  kept  back  from  the  pit  to  be  "en- 
lightened with  the  light  of  the  living,"  we  shall 
bless  the  Lord  for  them  at  last,  and  should  bless 
him  for  them  now,  though  painful  and  distressing. 
To  the  end  of  our  lives  corrections  are  the  need- 
ful and  salutary  means  of  keeping  us  near,  or 
bringing  us  nearer,  to  God;  and,  as  such,  are  not 
only  to  be  submitted  to,  but  to  be  valued  as 
pledges  of  his  love:  for  it  is  immensely  better  to 
be  "chastened  of  the  Lord,  than  to  be  condemned 
with  the  world." — Finally,  we  should  desire  to 
justify  others,  as  far  as  it  can  be  done  consistcntv 
ly  with  truth:  but  a  wise  man  will  be  afraid  of 
too  strenuously  justifying  himself;  he  will  rather 
hearken  to  reproof  and  receive  instruction,  that 
he  may  increase  in  wisdom  and  knowledge, 

NOTES. 

Cmap.'  XXXIV.    V.    1—4.      Elihu,    having 

paused  to  hear  whether  Job  had  any  thing  to 

answer,  proceeded  to  call  on  those  present  to 

attend  to  his  discourse.     He  addressed  tlicm  as 

[89 


B.  C.   1550. 


JOB. 


B.  C.  1530. 


5  For  Job  hath  said,  *  I  am  righteous: 
and  ^  God  hath  taken  away  my  judg- 
ment. 

6  Should  s  I  lie  against  my  right.'' 
my  *  wound  is  incurable  without  trans- 
gression. 

7  What  man  is  like  Job,  ivJio  ^  drink- 
eth  up  scorning  hke  water.^ 

8  Which  '  goeth  in  company  with  the 
workers  of  iniquity,  and  walketh  with 
wicked  men. 

9  For  he  hath  said,  ^  It  profiteth  a 
man  nothing,  that  he  should  ^  delight 
himself  with  God. 

10  Therefore  hearken  unto  me,  ye 
men  of  t  understanding:  ™  far  be  it  from 
God,  that  he  should  do   wickedness;  and 

from  the    Almighty,   that  he  should  com- 
mit iniquity. 

1 1  For  "  the  work  of  a  man  shall  he 


c  ]0:7.    11:4.  16;17.  29:14.  32:1. 

33:9. 
f9:17.  27:2. 
g  27:4-6. 

*  Heb.  arrow.  6:4.16:13. 
h   15:16.     Deut.   29:19.     Prov. 

1:22.  4:17. 
i2:l0.   11:3.   15:5.      Ps.  1:1.  26: 

4.   50:13.  73:12—15.     Prov.  1: 

15.  2:12.  4:14.    13:20.      1  Cor. 

15:33. 
is   9:22,23,3(5,31.     21:14—16,30. 

22:17.  35:3.     Mai.  3:14. 


1  27:10.     Ps.  37:4. 

t  Heb.  heart.  2,3,34.     Prov.  6: 

32.    15:32.  marg. 
m  36:23.     37:23.     Gen.     10:25. 

Deut.  32:4.     2  Chr.  19:7.     Ps. 

92:15.    Jer.  12:1.     Rom.  3:4,5. 

9:14.  Jam.  1:13. 
n  33:26.      Ps.  62:12.     Prov.  24: 

12.  Jer.  32:19.   Ez.  33:17—20. 

Matt.  16:27.  Rom.  2:6.  2  Cor. 

5:10.      1  Pet.  1:17.     Rev.  22: 

12. 


men  of  wisdom  and  discernment;  and  doubted 
not,  that  their  understandings  would  decide, 
whether  the  expressions  which  Job  had  used 
were  proper  or  not,  as  readily  as  the  palate  dis- 
tinguishes the  taste  of  meat:  "for  the  ear  should 
try  words,  as  the  mouth  tasteth  food."  This 
ought  to  be  the  case,  and  was  so  with  men  of 
knowledge.  He  desired  therefore  that  certain 
principles  might  be  laid  down,  according  to 
which  they  might  form  a  judgment;  and  that 
they  would  confer  among  themselves,  and  come 
to  an  explicit  determination  on  the  subject. 

Mp  5 — 9.  In  vindicating  his  character,  Job 
had  tised  language  which  seemed  to  imply  an 
intention  of  fully  justifying  himself;  and,  whilst 
he  complained  that  God  dealt  rigorously  with 
him,  he  expressed  liimself  so  vehemently,  that  he 
appeared  to  charge  God  with  injustice:  when 
urged  to  confess  his  crimes,  he  still  more  ear- 
nestly protested  his  righteousness,  and  a  deter- 
mination not  to  accuse  himself  falsely;  and  in  his 
bitter  complainings  he  spake  of  his  icound  as  in- 
curable, without  admitting  that  his  transgressions 
had  deserved  il.  [J^otes,  9:14—24.  10:4—7,14 
—17.  16:17—22.  21:7—16.  27:2—6.  31:35—40.) 
These  expressions  induced  Elihu  to  conclude, 
that  Job  allowed  himself  in  an  astonishing  license 
of  language;  that  he  took  pleasure  in  scoffing  at 
the  works  and  truths  of  God,  as  well  as  in  scorn- 
ing the  warnings  and  counsels  of  his  friends;  and 
that  he  agreed  in  principles  and  practice  with 
wicked  men,  whose  company  he  seemed  to  pre- 
fer, and  whose  conduct  he  encouraged;  having 
indeed  asserted  that  no  profit  would  accrue  to 
tJiose,  who  delighted  in  God  and  in  his  worship 
and  service.  Yet  Job  by  no  means  intended  all 
that  Elihu  charged  upon  him.  He  had  not 
spoken  precisely  all  the  words,  which,  Elihu, 
quoting  from  memory,  attributed  to  him;  those, 
which  he  had  used,  might  admit  of  a  more  favor- 
able construction:  and  other  parts  of  liis  dis- 
00] 


render  unto  him,  and  "  cause   every  man 
to  find  according  to  his  ways. 

12  Yea,  p  surely  God  will  not  do 
wickedly,  neither  will  the  Almighty  ^  per- 
vert judgment. 

13  'Who  hath  given  him  a  charge 
over  the  earth.''  or  who  hath  disposed 
^  the  whole  world.'* 

14  If  he  ^  set  his  heart  }  upon  man, 
if  ^  he  gather  unto  himself  his  spirit  and 
his  breath; 

15  "  All  flesh  shall  perish  together,  and 
man  shall  turn  again  unto  dust. 

[Practical  Observatiuns.] 

16  If  now  ^  thou  Aasi  understanding, 
hear  this:  hearken  to  the  voice  of  my 
words. 

17  Shall  y  even  he  that  hateth  right 
II  govern.''  and  '•  wilt  thou  condemn  him 
that  is  most  just.'' 

18  Is  it  Jit  *to  say   to   a  king,  Thou 


o  Prov.  1:31.   Gal.  6:7,8. 

p  Ps.  11:7.   145:17.     Hab.  1:]2, 

13. 
q  a:3. 
r  36:23.    3S:4,&,c.     40:8—11.     1 

Chr.   29:11.     Prov.   8:23—30. 

Is.  40:13,14.  Dan.  4:35.   Rom. 

11:31—36. 
X  Heb.  thcioorld,  all  nfit. 
s7:]7.  9:4. 
^  Heb.  upon  him. 
t  Ps.  104:29.   Is.  24:22. 


u  30:23.  Gen.  3:19.     Ps.  90:3— 

10.   Eg.  12:7.  Is.  27:4.  57:16. 
X  12:3.   13:2—6. 
y  Gen.     18:25.     2    Sam,    23:3. 

Rom.  3:5-7. 
II  Heb.  bind. 
z  1:22.     40:8.      2  Sam.     19.21. 

Rom.  9:14. 
a  K^.  22:28.  Prov.  17:26.    Acts 

23:3,5.     Rom.  13:7.      1  Pet.  2; 

17.  2  Pet.  2:10.  JuJeS. 


course  plainly  shewed  that  his  deliberate  judg- 
ment widely  differed  from  the  sentiments,  ap- 
parently convej-ed  by  some  of  his  detached  ex- 
pressions. He  had  repeatedly  owned  that  he 
was  a  sinner;  and  he  spake  of  the  wicked  as 
reserved  to  the  dav  of  wrath  and  destruction. 
{J\''ote,  21:27—30.)  "But  Elihu  did  not  condemn 
Job  as  a  hj'pocrite:  he  therefore  quietly  submit- 
ted to  his  reproof;  choosing,  as  we  may  suppose, 
rather  to  bear  more  blame  than  he  deserved, 
than  to  vindicate  himself  when  he  knew  that 
he  had  been  criminal — Which  goclh,  &c.  (8) 
Mote,  2:10. 

V.  10 — 15.  Elihu  next  laid  down  the  princi- 
ple, by  which  he  desired  that  Job's  conduct  might 
be  tried.  It  must  appear,  to  every  pious  mind, 
impious  and  blasphemous,  to  intimate  that  God 
was  capable  of  committing  injustice:  but  what- 
ever expressions  seemed  to  imply,  that  he  pun- 
ished without  cause,  partook  of  this  impiety;  and 
as  Job's  words  implied  this  charge,  they  must  be 
condemned.  On  the  contrary  it  was  certain, 
that  the  righteous  Judge  of  all  would  render  to 
every  man  according  to  his  works;  punishing  no 
one  above  his  deserts,  nor  suffering  any  of  the 
wicked  to  escape  with  impunity;  j-et  graciously 
rewarding  the  good  works  of  his  upright  servants. 
— And  surely  none  could  think  that  the  almighty 
Sovereign  of  the  world  would  pervert  judgment! 
His  perfections  and  authority  being  underived, 
independent,  and  absolute,  he  must  be  all-suffi- 
cient for  his  own  glory  and  felicit}-;  so  that  he 
could  not  be  biassed  by  fear  or  partiality.  In- 
deed, if  he  were  disposed  to  exercise  rigorous 
justice,  and  to  set  his  heart  upon,  or  against, 
man;  the  world  was  so  absolutely  at  his  disposal, 
that  he  needed  only  to  recal  the  spirit,  or  soul, 
and  withdraw  the  breath  that  he  had  given;  and  all 
the  inhabitants  of  the  earth  would  perish,  without 
being  able  to  make  the  least  resistance.  (J^otes, 
7:!  7— 21.   9:4—13.) 


B.  C.   1550. 


CHAPTER  XXXIV. 


B.  C.  1550. 


art  wicked?  and  to  princes,    Ye  are  un- 
godly? 

1 9  Hoiv  much  less  to  him  that  ^  ac- 
cepteth  not  the  persons  of  "^  princes,  nor 
•^  regardeth  the  rich  more  than  the  poor? 
for  ^  they  all  are  the  work  of  his  hands. 

20  In  ^  a  moment  shall  they  die,  and 
the  people  shall  be  ^  troubled  at  mid- 
night, and  pass  away:  and  *the  mighty 
shall  be  taken  away  ''  without  hand. 

21  For  '  his  eyes  are  upon  the  ways 
of  man,  and  he  seeth  all  his  goings. 

22  There  is  ^  no  darkness,  '  nor  shad- 
ow of  death,  \vhere  ""  the  workers  of 
iniquity  may  hide  themselves. 

23  For  °  he  will  not  lay  upon  man 
more  than  right;  °  that  he  should  t  en- 
ter into  judgment  with  God. 

24  He  shall  p  break  in  pieces  mighty 
men  without  ^  number,  and  i  set  others 
in  their  stead. 


b  13:8.      Deut.    10.17.     2    Chr. 

19:7.     Acts  10:34.    Rom.  2:11. 

Gal.  2:6.     Eph.  6:9.     Col.  3: 

25.      1  Pet.  1:17. 
c  12:19,21.     Ps.  2:2—4.    Ec.  5: 

8.  Is.  3:14. 

d  36:19.   Ps.  49:6,7.  Jam.  2:5. 

e  31:15.   Prov.  14:31.  22:2. 

4"  Ps.    73:19.     Is.   30:13.    37:38. 

Ilao.  5:30.     Luke  12:20.    Acts 

12:23.   1  Thes.  5:2.  2  Pet.  2:3. 
g  Ex.  12:29.    Is.  37:36.     Malt. 

25:6.     Luke  17:26—29. 
*  Heb.  they  shall   take  aivay 

the  mighty. 
h  1  Sam.  25:37—39.  26:10.    Is. 

10:16—19.30:30^33.    Dan.  2: 

34,44,45.     Zecli.  4:6. 
131:4.     Gen.  16:13.    2  Chr.  16: 

9.  Ps.  34:15.   Prov.  5:21.    15: 


3.     Jer.    16:17.    17:10.    32:19. 

Am.  9:8. 
k  Ps.  139:11,12.     Is.  29:15.  Jer. 

23:24.    Am.  9:2,3.      1  Cor.  4:5. 

Heb.  4:13.     Rev.  6:16. 
I  3:5.  24:17.     Is.  9:2. 
m31:3.     Ps.  5:5.     Prov.  10:29. 

Matt.  7:23.  Luke  13:27. 
n  10— 12.    11:6.   Ezra  9:13.    Ps. 

119:137.  Dan.  9:7— 9. 

0  9:32,33.   16:21.  23:7.   Jer.  2:5. 
Rom.  9:20. 

1  Heb.  go. 

p  19:2.  Ps.  2:9.  72:4.  94:5.  Jer. 

51:20—23.      Dan.    2:34,35,44, 

45. 
J  Heb.  searching  out. 
q   1   Sam.    2:30—36.     15:28.    1 

Kings  14:7,8,14.     Ps.    113:7,8. 

Dan.  5:28—31. 


V.  16 — 19.  lu  the  next  place  Elihu  appealed 
to  Job  himself,  who  was  reputed  to  be  a  man  of 
understanding.  Could  he  suppose  that  the  great 
Ood  resembled  those  earthly  princes,  who  hate 
right,  and  abuse  their  authorit}',  and  who  are 
unfit  to  rule,  being  the  scourges  of  mankind.'  If 
he  abhorred  that  idea,  would  he  allow  God  to  be 
most  just,  and  yet  condemn  his  conduct  in  afflict- 
ing him?  It  would  be  highly  criminal,  and  ex- 
tremely imprudent,  to  revile  an  earthly  monarch 
as  a  tyrant,  or  even  his  nobles  as  iniquitous  and 
oppressive:  or  even,  to  charge  blame  upon  them, 
without  cause.  How  impious  and  infatuated 
must  it  then  be  to  accuse  the  almighty  God  in 
such  a  manner,  whose  justice  is  as  absolute  as 
his  authority;  and  who  in  perfect  impartiality  re- 
gards the  poor  as  much  as  the  rich,  having  form- 
ed both  as  his  creatures,  and  made  the  one  poor 
and  the  other  rich,  in  his  providence!  [JS'ofes,  Ex. 
23:6—9.  Prov.  22:2.  Acts  10:34,35.  Jam.2:l— 7.] 

V.  20 — 30.  Men  respect  the  great,  from  dread 
of  their  resentment,  as  well  as  desire  of  their  fa- 
vor; but  God  could  have  no  inducement  of  this 
kind.  If  then  he  saw  good  to  inflict  vengeance, 
he  was  able  to  cut  off  the  most  powerful,  by  a 
sudden  and  irresistible  stroke:  as  earthquakes 
or  other  calamities  sometimes  in  a  moment  over- 
whelmed whole  multitudes,  at  midnight,  when 
asleep  or  most  secure;  at  once  they  were  trou- 
bled and  destroyed,  even  the  mightiest  of  them, 
without  any  human  concurrence.  [JVofe.i,  Gen. 
19:24,25.  Ex.  12:29,30.  14:24—31.  2  ^mo-*  19: 
35—37.  P*.  73:18— 22.)  His  omnipresence  and 
omniscience  could  not  be  evaded,  nor  his  omnip- 
otence resisted;  [Marg'.  Ref,  i^,)  yet  he  would 


25  Therefore  "■  he  knoweth  their 
works,  and  he  overturneth  them  ^  in  the 
night,  so  that  they  are  5  destroyed. 

26  He  striketh  them  as  wicked  men 
*  in  the  "  open  sight  of  others; 

27  Because  they  "  turned  back  ^  from 
him,  and  ^  would  not  consider  any  of 
his  ways. 

28  So  that  y  they  cause  the  cry  of 
the  poor  to  come  unto  him,  ^  and  he 
heareth  the  cry  of  the  afflicted. 

29  ''When  he  giveth  quietness,  who 
then  can  make  trouble?  and  ^  when  he 
hideth  his  face,  ^  who  then  can  behold 
him?  ^  whether  it  he  done  against  a  na- 
tion, or  against  a  man  only: 

30  ®  That  the  hypocrite  reign  not,  lest 
the  people  be  ensnared. 

31  Surely  ^  it  is  meet  to  be  said  unto 
God,  I  have  born  chastisement,  I  will 
not  offend  any  more: 


rPs.  33:15.    Is.  66:13.     Hos.  7: 

2.    Am.  8:7.     Rev.  20:12. 
s20.     Cant.    3:3.      Is.     15:1.    1 

Thes.  5:2. 
5  Heb.  crushed. 
t  Ex.    14:30.     Deut.    13:9—11. 

21:21.     2  Sam.    12:11,12.     Ps. 

58:10,11.  Is.  66:24.      I  Tim.  5: 

20.  Rev.  18:9,10,20. 
II  Heb.  place  of  beholders. 
u  1    Sam.     15:12.       Ps.      125:5. 

Zeph.     1:6.      Luke     17:31,32. 

Acts  15:38.  2  Tim.  4:10.  Heb. 

10:39. 
IT  Heb.  froin  after  him. 
X  Ps.   2.^:5.    107:43.    Is.    1:3.  5: 

12.  Hag.  2:15— 19. 
y  22:9,10.    24:12.    29:12,13.    31: 

19,20.  35:9.     Ex.  2:23,24.  3:7, 

9.    Ps.    12:5.    Is.  5:7.   Jam.  5: 


z  Ex.  22:23—27. 

a  29:1.-3.    2  Sam.  7:1.  Is.  14:3 

—8.    26:3.    32:17.    John  14:27. 

Rom.  8:31—34.   Phil.  4:7. 
b  23:8,9.      Ps.  13:1.  27:9.    30:7. 

143:7. 
c  12:14.  23:13. 
(1  2  Kings  13:9—12.    2  Chr.  36: 

14—17.    Jer.  27:9. 
e  21.      1    Kings     12:28—30.    2 

King*  21:9.      Ps.  12:8.    Ec.  9: 

15.  Hos.  5:11.   13:11.    Mic.  6: 

16.  2  Thes.  2:4—11.  Rev.  13: 
3,4,11—14. 

f  33:27.  40:3—5.42:6.  Lev.  96: 
41.  Ezra  9:13,14.  Neh.  9:33 
-38.  Jer,  31:18,19,  Dan.  9:7— 
14.  Mic.  7:9. 


punish  none  above  their  deserts,  nor  use  his 
power  to  oppress,  that  any  one  should  have  just 
cause  to  institute  a  process  against  him.  But 
whilst  he  crushed  the  mightiest  without  number, 
(or  search,  as  if  he  must  take  time  to  examine  ev- 
idences,) and  exalted  others  to  their  stations;  he 
knew  all  their  secret  sins,  and  therefore  destroj-^- 
ed  them  at  once.  Many  he  thus  openly  punish- 
ed, for  an  example  to  others,  as  malefactors  are 
scourged  or  executed  publicly:  especially  apos- 
tates, or  impious  persons,  or  hypocrites;  who  by 
their  oppression  of  the  poor,  caused  them  to  cry 
and  pray  unto  him,  and  he  heard  and  avenged 
them.  {J^otes,  22:5—14.  24:2—12.  31:16—23, 
38 — 40.)  In  short,  if  he  were  pleased  to  give: 
outward  prosperity  or  inward  peace,  none  could 
interrupt  it:  but  if  he  in  anger  withdrew  his  pro- 
tecting or  comforting  presence,  none  could  ob- 
tain the  benefit  or  enjoyment  of  it;  and  whole 
nations  were  as  liable  to  these  changes  as  indi- 
viduals. Indeed,  one  great  design  of  all  these 
dispensations  was,  to  deprive  ambitious  hypo- 
crites of  the  authority,  which  they  sought  by 
iniquitous  means,  and  abused  to  bad  purposes; 
ensnaring,  corrupting,  oppressing,  or  fatally 
prejudicing  the  people,  over  whom  they  aspired 
to  reign. — Even  Elihu  seems  to  have  had  some 
suspicions,  that  Job  was  a  dissembler;  and  spake 
as  if  he  was  at  a  loss  how  to  reconcile  his  calam- 
ities with  his  character  for  piety;  and  thought 
the  case  would  have  been  plain,  if  he  had  been  a 
hypocrite,  advanced  to  authority,  but  now  de- 
pressed, lest  he  should  lead  the  people  into  sin 
and  misery.  Yet  he  did  not  venture  to  condemn 
him,  but  hoped  the  best. 

[01 


B.  C.   1550. 


JOB. 


B.  C.  1550. 


32  That  2  lohich  I  see  not,  teach  thou 
hie:  *■  if  I  have  done  iniquity,  T  will  do 
no  more. 

33  '  Should  it  he  *  according  to  thy 
inind.''  ''  he  will  recompense  it,  '  whether 
thou  refuse,  or  whether  thou  choose;  and 
not  I:  therefore  speak  °'  what  thou  know- 
est. 

34  Let   men   of   t  understanding;    tell 


Jfl0:-2.     Ps.  19:12.  23:4,5.    139: 

23,24.   143:8—10. 
h  Prov.   28:13.    Luke  3:8—14. 

Eph.  4:25—28. 
i  9:12.    13:4.  Is.  45:9.     Rom.  9: 

20.    11:35. 
*  Heb.yVoOT.  taith  thee? 


k  11.     15:31.       Ps.     89:30—32. 

ProYi     11:31.     2  Thes.    1:6,7. 

Heb.  2:2.    l1:26. 
1  Ps.  lS5:6.    Matt.  20:12— 15. 
m  33:5,32. 
t  Heb.  heart.  2,4,10,16.   1  Cor. 

10:15. 


When  he  giveth,  kc.  (29)  Or,  "If  he  impart 
peace,  who  can  condemn  a  man  as  wicked.-"' 
CJVote*,  Rom.  5:1,2.  8:28—34.) 

V.  31 — 37.  Elihu  maintained,  that  it  behoved 
Job  to  speak  and  act  in  a  far  different  manner 
under  his  afflictions:  it  was  meet  that  any  man, 
in  his  situation,  should  express  himself  with  humble 
resignation  to  the  will  of  God;  should  consider  his 
afflictions  as  a  chastisement,  and  a  call  to  repent 
of  his  sins;  and  should  purpose  and  promise 
greater  watchfulness  against  them.  He  ought 
to  entreat  the  Lord  to  teach  him  what  he  did  not 
know,  and  to  convince  him  of  those  sins  which 
he  did  not  recollect;  determining  by  divine  grace 
to  repent  and  forsake  them.     But  could  Job  sup- 

{)ose,  that  things  would  be  ordered  according  to 
lis  mind,  while  he  continued  so  rebellious.''  Did 
he  expect  that  God  would  change  his  plan  to 
please  him.'  No;  he  would  certainly  recompense 
him  for  his  harsh  and  rash  speeches,  and  his  other 
sins,  whether  he  rebelled  against  the  correction, 
or  submitted  to  it.  This  was  the  Lord's  doing, 
not  Elihu's;  though  he  warned  him,  and  advised 
him  to  retract  his  words,  and  humble  himself  be- 
fore God.  Let  him,  however,  give  the  best 
reasons  for  his  conduct,  that  he  was  able;  for 
hitherto  any  wise  maU  would  determine  Job's 
words  to  have  been  very  erroneous.  He  desired 
therefore  that  his  conduct  might  be  fully  inves- 
tigated, nay,  that  his  heavy  trials  might  continue 
till  he  was  humbled,/  and  brought  to  retract  his 
confident  self-justification:  for  he  had  in  fact 
made  an  excuse  for  wicked  men,  as  if  their  con- 
duct was  not  so  ruinous  and  hateful  as  it  reall}- 
was.  So  that  rebellion  against  Providence  was 
added  to  his  other  sins:  yea,  he  had  concluded 
his  protestation  of  innocence,  with  an  air  of  in- 
sulting triumph  over  his  opponents;  and  had  mul- 
tiplied his  words  against  God  himself.  [J^ote, 
3i:35 — 40.) — Job  had  given  some  ground  for 
these  charges:  but  Elihu  evidently  made  the 
worst  of  his  expressions,  and  criminated  him 
much  more  than  the  Lord  afterwards  did.  [Jfutes, 
38:2.  40:1—8.  42:1— 9.)— Several  of  the  clauses 
in  these  verses  are  to  us  very  difficult,  and  con- 
sequently are  differently  interpreted.  That 
which  appeared  the  most  satisfactory  interpreta- 
tion has  been  chosen.  Bishop  Patrick  para- 
phrases the  thirty-third  verse  thus:  'Hast  thou 
'addressed  thyself  to  God  in  this  manner.'  Answer 
'me  that  question;  for  God  will  recompense  it,  if 
'thou  dost  despise  such  good  counsel;  whicli  per- 
'haps  thou  wilt  choose  to  do;  but  so  would  not  L 
'Speak  therefore  what  thy  opinion  is.' 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
V.  1—15. 
It  is  generally  prudent  to  conciliate  the  affec- 
tions of  all,  whose  benefit  we  seek,  or  whose 
help  we  want,  by  acknowledging  in  them  the 
good  which  they  really  possess;  and  when  we 
P2] 


me.  and  let    a    wise   man  hearken   unlo 
me. 

35  Job  "  hath  spoken  without  knowl- 
edge, and  his  words  ivere  without  wis- 
dom. 

36  *  ]\ly  desire  is  that  Job  may  be 
"tried  unto  the  end,  because  of  p  his  an- 
swers for  wicked  men. 

37  For  he  addeth  i  rebellion  unto  his 
sin,  ■■  he  clappeth  his  hands  among  us, 
and    ^  multiplieth  his  words  against  God. 


n  ].S:2.   15:2.    35:Iti.    38:2.  42:3. 
I  Or,  M-(j  father,  let  Job,  di-c. 
o  23:16.  Ps.  17:3.  26:2.  Jam.  5: 


p8,9.   12:6.  21:7.24:1; 

q  1  Sam.  15:23.  Is.  1:19,20. 

r  27:-23. 

s  8:2,3.  11:2,3.  35:2,3,16.  42:7. 


address  men,  as  endued  with  wisdom  and  piety, 
we  cogently  admonish  them  to  act  consistently 
with  their  character:  nor  should  we  withhold  this 
tribute  of  respect  from  any,  because  we  deem 
them  in  some  respects  mistaken. -^An  appeal 
may  safely  be  made  to  the  plainest  person,  whose 
Understanding  is  enlightened,  and  whose  heart  is 
sanctified,  by  the  Spirit  of  God,  and  who  is  well 
versed  in  the  Scriptures,  how  far  such  and  such 
sentiments,  expressions,  tempers,  and  actions, 
accord  with  the  Christian  character:  and  he  will 
readily  decide  a  case,  when  impartially  stated, 
with  more  accuracy,  than  the  most  sagacious  of 
those,  who  are  wise  in  this  world,  and  "'lean  to 
their  own  understanding."  For  he  chooses  to 
himself  the  oracles  of  God  as  his  standard;  and 
by  experience,  observation,  and  conference  with 
his  brethren,  he  has  his  '-senses  exercised  to  dis- 
cern good  and  evil,"  and  to  know,  approve,  and 
savor  that  which  is  good.  {JVotes,  Phil.  1:9 — 11. 
Heb.  5:11 — 14.} — It  is  discordant  in  the  ears  of  a 
spiritual  man,  to  hear  persons  intent  on  justifj'- 
ing  themselves;  or  reflecting  on  the  dealings  of 
God,  as  unjust  or  unkind;  or  supposing  that  they 
suffer  without  remedy,  or  transgression.  He  lis- 
tens to  their  v/ords  v/iih  distress  and  astonish- 
ment, and  is  apt  to  suspect  them  of  pride,  and 
contempt  of  God.  He  thinks,  that  they  imitate 
the  example,  and  join  themselves  to  the  compa- 
ny,  of  evil  doers,  and  he  is  ready  to  infer,  tliat 
they  consider  religion  itself  as  unprofitable.  This 
jealousy  for  the  honor  of  God,  and  deep  acquaint- 
ance with  the  depravity  of  man,  will  indeed 
sometimes  render  pious  persons  too  suspicious; 
and  too  severe  in  censuring  such  as  vindicate 
themselves  from  unjust  aspersions,  in  an  unguard- 
ed manner:  and  thus  they  wiU  fail  of  making  due 
allowance  for  circumstances  of  peculiar  tempta- 
tion and  difficulty.  But  the  believer,  when  con- 
vinced that  his  reprover  means  well,  and  when 
conscious  of  having  deserved  censure,  will,  on 
calm  reflection,  submit  to  those  rebukes  which 
are  too  rigorous,  rather  than  engage  in  minute 
exculpation.— All  pious  men  have  ever  agreed, 
that  it  is  delightful  and  profitable  to  serve  God; 
they  all  abhor  the  thought  of  charging  him  witli 
injustice;  they  are  satisfied  that  his  moral  perfec- 
tions are  underived,  absolute,  and  unchangeable, 
as  well  as  his  power  and  authority;  they  know  that 
he  readily  could,  and  justly  might,  consign  the  bod- 
ies of  all  the  millions  of  the  human  species  to  the 
dust,  and  their  souls  to  destruction;  and  it  ap- 
pears to  them  madness  to  provoke  him  "in  whom 
our  breath  is,  and  whose  are  all  our  ways."  And 
while  life  and  hope  remain,  they  cannot  deliber- 
ately allow,  that  a  sinner  can  have  cause  to  mur- 
mur, but  are  sure  that  he  must  have  great  cause 
to  be  thankful. 

V.  16—37. 
It  is  evident,  that  it  must  be  immensely  more 
dangerous  and  atrocious  to  arraign  the  conduct 


B.  C.  1550. 


CHAPTER  XXXV. 


B.  C.  1550. 


CHAP.  XXXV. 

F.lihu  further  reproves  Job's  words  in  justilyinof  himself;  and 
shews,  that  the  effects  of  man's  conduct  extend  to  man  alone, 
and  not  to  God,  1 — 3.  He  observes,  that  if  God  hear  not  the 
cry  of  the  oppressed,  it  is  because  they  do  not  address  him 
aright,  9 — 13.  He  exhorts  Job  to  patience  and  trust  in  God, 
M— 16. 

ELIHU  spake  moreover,  and  said, 
2  ^  Thinkest  thou  this  to  be  right, 
that  thou   saidst,  ''My  righteousness   is 
more  than  God's? 

3  For  thou  saidst,  *^  What  advantage 
will  it  be  unto  thee?  and,  What  profit 
shall  I  have,  *  if  I  be  cleansed  h^om  my  sin? 

4  I  will  *  answer  thee,  and  '^  thy  com- 
panions with  thee. 

a  Matt.  12:36,37.  Luke  19:22. 


b9:17.   10:7.   16:17. 

2.   34:5.  40:8. 
c  9:21,22.   10:15.  21:15. 


19:6,7.    27: 
Ps.  73: 


13.     Mai.  3:14. 
*  Or,  by  it  tnore  than  by  my  sin. 
t  Heb.  return  to  the  words. 
d  34:8.    Prov.  13:20. 


6  ^  Look  unto  the  heavens,  and  see; 
and  behold  '^  the  clouds  which  are  higher 
than  thou. 

G  If  thou  sinnest,  £  what  doest  thou 
against  him?  or  if  thy  transgressions  be 
multiplied,    what  doest  thou  unto  him? 

7  If  thou  be  righteous,  ''  what  givest 
thou  him?  or  what  receiveth  he  of  thine 
hand? 

8  Thy  wickedness  '  may  hurt  a  man 
as  thou  art;  and  thy  righteousness  ^  may 
profit  the  son  of  man 


:2:12.    25:5,6.    36:26—33, 
1—5,22,23.     1  Kings  8:27.   Ps. 
3:3,4.  Is.  40:22,23.  55:9. 

f  36:29.  37:16.  Nah.  1:3. 

g  Prov.  8:36.  9:12.    Jer.  7:19. 

h  22:2,3.     1  Chr.  29:14.  Ps.  16: 


2.  Rom.  11:35. 
i.]osh.  7:1— 5,24,2,x  22:20.   F.c. 

9:18.     JOD.  1:12. 
k42:8.      Gen.    12:2.     ]8:24,&c. 

19:29.     Ps.  106:23,30.  F.z.  22: 

30.  Acts  27:24.     Heb.  11:7. 


of  God,  than  that  of  any  earthly  prince.  Yet  all 
our  murmurs,  when  duly  investigated,  will  be 
found  to  have  a  tendency  to  the  blasphemous 
sentiment,  that  the  Goveriior  of  the  world  hates 
right:  they  condemn  him  who  is  most  just,  and 
are  therefore  pregnant  with  rebellion.  But  in- 
deed his  impartiality  and  condescension  are  infi- 
nite; "he  accepts  not  the  persons  of  princes,  nor 
regards  the  rich  more  than  the  poor."  When  he 
sees  good  to  punish,  destruction  is  inevitable; 
and  frequently  comes  with  sudden  and  dreadful 
surprise,  upon  the  careless  multitude,  or  the 
haughtiest  potentate.  "His  eyes  are  upon  the 
ways  of  men,  and  he  seeth  all  their  goings:"  there 
is  no  secret  cavern,  or  midnight  darkness,  "where 
the  workers  of  iniquity  can  hide  themselves"  or 
their  crimes,  from  their  omnipresent  Judge;  or 
where  they  may  shelter  themselves  from  his  om- 
nipotent indignation.  But  he  will  never  give 
any  man  cause  to  appeal  from  his  judgment,  by 
laying  upon  him  more  than  he  deserves.  He 
knows  the  works  of  all  men,  and  sees  far  more 
evil  in  every  one  of  us,  than  we  suspect:  there- 
fore in  his  most  terrible  judgments  his  justice 
must  be  acknowledged;  and  even  when  "the 
wicked  shall  be  turned  into  hell,  and  all  the  na- 
tions that  forget  God,"  the  publishing  of  their 
crimes  will  demonstrate  the  righteousness  of  their 
dreadful  doom.  But  the  vengeance  of  the  Al- 
mighty, either  here  or  hereafter,  will  be  most 
terrible  against  apostate  professors  of  his  holy  re- 
ligion; those  who  have  deliberately  rejected  his 
authority,  and  his  gospel;  and  such  as  have 
cloked  their  ambitious  designs  under  a  hypocrit- 
ical profession  of  piety.  Men  of  these  characters 
will  perhaps  be  disappointed  and  exposed  in  this 
world,  for  a  warning  to  others,  and  to  prevent 
the  effect  of  their  crimes.  It  is  however  certain, 
that  those  who  have  the  Lord  for  their  adversary 
must  eventually  be  wretched.  But,  if  "he  be 
for  us,  who  can  be  against  us.''"  If  he  give  quiet-  j 
ness,  who  "can  create  ti'ouble.'"  The  slanderer's 
envenomed  tongue,  the  persecutor's  cruel  rage, 
the  tempter's  malicious  assaults,  with  pain,  pov- 
erty, tortures,  and  impending  death,  in  vain  at- 
tempt to  render  those  miserable  whom  God  com- 
forts, or  to  separate  his  people  from  his  love. 
This  "indeed  is  the  heritage  of  the  servants  of 
the  Lord;"  but  it  is  also  proposed  to  the  chief 
of  sinners:  and  chastenings  often  concur  with  his 
word  in  warning  them  "to  flee  from  the  wrath  to 
come.  It  is  meet,  that  we  should  address  our- 
selves unto  God,  when  he  afflicts  us,  with  the 
language  of  humble  submission:  confessing  our 
transgressions,  and  praying  to  be  further  enlight- 
ened in  the  knowledge  of  his  truth,  and  in  an  ac- 
quaintance with  our  own  sinfulness;»and  that  lie 
would  incline  and  enable  us  to  repent;  and  to 


forsake  all  our  sins;  that  "where  we  have  done 
iniquity,  we  may  do  so  no  more."  When  we 
are  brought  to  this  frame  of  spirit,  we  shall  see  it 
unreasonable  to  expect  that  matters  should  be 
according  to  our  minds:  we  shall  perceive,  that 
whether  we  refuse  or  choose,  God  will  chasten 
us  as  much  and  as  long  as  he  sees  good;  and 
probably  this  will  be,  till  we  kiss  the  rod  and 
welcome  the  correction.  But  alas!  how  often 
are  our  tempers  and  conduct  contrary  to  ihis 
reasonable  state  of  mind! — When  we  have  spoken 
all  we  know,  men  of  understanding  and  wisdom 
will  agree  that  we  have  uttered  things,  which 
sprang  from  ignorance  or  error,  or  savor  of  pride 
and  ingratitude;  nay,  we  shall  often  upon  a  re- 
view be  conscious  of  it  ourselves.  As  far  as  this 
emboldens  wicked  men  in  their  crimes,  or  hard- 
ens them  in  their  prejudices,  it  should  be  openly 
retracted;  and  all  concerned  should  combine  to 
convince  the  offender  and  bring  him  to  repent- 
ance. This  is  an  act  of  genuine  friendship:  but 
we  should  be  careful  not  to  do  it  with  asperity, 
or  to  represent  the  words  and  actions  of  our 
brethren,  as  worse  than  they  are.  It  is,  however, 
desirable  for  us  all  to  be  tried  completely;  and 
even  to  have  our  afflictions  continued,  till  the}- 
have  done  their  work:  for  it  is  better  to  be  se- 
verely reproved  and  chastened,  than  to  be  left  to 
persevere  in  rebellion,  to  prosper  in  iniquity,  to 
triumph  in  error,  and  to  multiply  v.'ords  and 
transgressions  against  God. 

NOTES. 

Chap.  XXXV.  V.  1—3.  As  Job  attempted 
no  answer,  Elihu  proceeded  still  further  to  re- 
prove his  improper  language.  Job  had  labored 
to  prove,  that  there  was  no  exact  discrimination 
in  this  world  between  the  riglileous  and  the 
wicked;  and  he  seemed  to  Elihu  to  assert  that  it 
would  be  no  advantage  to  any  one,  (as  it  had 
been  none  to  him,)  to  seek  dilig-ently  to  he 
cleansed  from  sin.  This  he  thought  equivalent 
to  saying,  "that  his  righteousness  was  more  than 
God's:"  for  he  did  his  duty;  but  God  did  not  ful- 
fil his  promises,  nay,  he  punished  him  more  se- 
verely than  he  deserved.  Job  had  not  spoken 
exacdy  these  words,  and  certainly  had  no  such 
meaning:  but  he  had  dropped  some  expressions 
!  capable  of  being  tlius  understood;  and  it  was 
I  proper  they  should  be  noticed,  lest  others  should 
I  make  a  bad  use  of  them.  {Mdes^  9:22—2-1.  10:4 
—7.   21:7—16.  27:2—6.) 

If  I  be  cleansed/rom  my  sin  (3)  ^nNisno:  "iy  ^t 

j  more  than  by  my  sin."  [Mar^.)  This  appears 
I  to  be  the  more  exact  rendering.  'What  profit 
!  'shall  I  have  by  my  righteousness  more  than  by 
I  'my  sin?' 

V.  4 — 8.    In   answer  to    Job    and   to    those. 


U 


B.  C.  1550. 


JOB. 


B.  C.  1550. 


9  By  reason  of  the  multitude  of  op- 
pressions, '  they  make  the  oppressed  to 
cry;  they  cry  out  by  reason  of  '"  the 
arm  of  the  mighty. 

10  But  "none  saith,  "Where  is  God 
P  my  Maker,  i  who  giveth  songs  in  the 
night; 

1 1  Who  ■■  teacheth  us  more  than  the 
beasts  of  the  earth,  and  maketh  us  wiser 
than  the  fowls  of  heaven.^ 

12  ^  There  they  cry,  but  none  giveth 
answer,  *  because  of   the  pride   of  evil 


124:12.  34.-28.     Ex.  2:23.  3:7,9. 

q  Ps.  42:8.  77:6.    119:62.    149:5. 

Neh.    5:1—5.    Ps.    12:5.  43:2. 

Acts  16:25. 

55:2,3.  56:1,2.     Luke   J8:3— 7. 

r  32:8.    Gen.  1:26.  2:7.   Ps.  04: 

m40:9.     Ps.  10:15. 

12. 

1136:13.       1    Chr.     10:13,14.    2 

s  Ps.  13:41.     Prov.  1:28.    John 

Chr.  23:22,23.   Is.  3:21. 

9:31. 

oEc.  12:1.     Is.  51:13.   1  Pet.  4: 

t  Ps.  73:6—8.      123:3,4.     Is.  14; 

19. 

14—17. 

p  32:22.  36:3.   Is.  54:5. 

whether  present  or  absent,  who  were  disposed  to 
side  with  him,  Elihu  called-  his  attention  to  the 
visible  heavens;  the  very  clouds  of  which  were 
higher  than  he,  out  of  his  reach,  and  not  in  the 
least  affected  by  his  conduct:  it  must  then  be 
evident,  that  the  infinitely  glorious  God  could 
not  be  either  a  gainer  or  loser  by  any  of  his  ac- 
itons.  (JVofe,  22:1—4.)  The  most  numerous 
and  atrocious  crimes,  which  men  could  perpe- 
trate, would  not  interrupt  tlie  divine  felicity;  nor 
could  any  human  righteousness  profit  God,  or 
confer  an  obligation  upon  him.  His  government 
was  therefore  administered  upon  the  purest  prin- 
ciples of  equity  and  wisdom,  for  the  display  of  his 
own  glorious  perfections,  and  for  the  greatest 
good  of  the  universe.  And  therefore,  as  the 
Lord  acted  upon  such  fixed  and  immutable  prin- 
ciples; it  was  absurd  and  iinpious,  to  suppose 
that  he  deviated  from  rectitude,  in  any  particu- 
lar instance,  to  punish  those  wlio  did  not  desen'e 
it;  or  that  piety  could  eventually  prove  unprofit- 
able to  the  pious  man  himself. 

V.  9—13.  Job  had  stated  that  the  oppressed 
cry  out,  but  are  not  delivered,  and  tliat  the  op- 
pressors remain  unpunished:  [JS'ole,  24:2 — 12.) 
and  Elihu,  in  shewing  how  the  wickedness  of 
some  men  made  others  to  suffer,  attempted  to  ac- 
count for  this.  The  afllicted  cried  out  indeed  by 
reason  of  the  power  of  their  oppressors:  but  they 
did  not  repent,  or  seek  comfort  fi-om  God,  who 
can  fill  the  hearts  of  his  servants  with  joy,  and 
their  mouths  Avith  songs  of  praise,  in  the  darkest 
night  of  distress.  [Motes,  Ps.  42:6—10.  Hub.  3: 
17—19.  Ads  16:25—28.  Rom.  5:3— 5.)— The 
Creator  had  endued  men  with  a  capacity  of 
knowing  more  than  the  beasts  and  fowls;  having 
formed  them  capable  of  receiving  the  knowledge 
of  his  being  and  perfections,  his  works,  and 
truths,  and  precepts:  and  thus  of  seeking  help 
and  comfort  from  him,  under  their  troubles. 
Cut  those  who  only  groaned  under  distresses, 
without  repentance,  faith,  or  prayer,  did  no  more 
tlian  the  brutes,  which  cry  out  when  they  are 
pained.  Therefore  they  receive  no  answer  from 
God,  when  sudcring  under  the  oppression  of 
proud  tyrants;  for  he  would  not  regard  tlie  vnin 
and  rebellious  complaints  of  ungodly  men. 
[Jfotes,  Judg.  10:13—16.  2  Sam.  22:37—42. 
Prov.  1:24—31.  Is.  57:13.  58:2—12.  59:1-8, 
John  9:27 — 34.)  And  indeed  Job's  complaint, 
that  the  Lord  would  not  hear  his  cry,  (19:7.)  as 
I'^lihu  supposed,  originated  from  a  similar  cause: 
for  though  he  might  not  be  an  ungodly  man,  yet 
he  had  not  duly  humbled  himself  under  his  afflic- 
tions and  therefor*  he  was  disregarded. 
94] 


1 3  Surely  "  God  will  not  hear  vanity, 
neither  will  the  Almighty  ^  regard  it. 

14  Although  y  thou  say  est  thou  shalt 
not  see  him,  '^  yet  judgment  is  before 
him;  therefore  ^  trust  thou  in  him. 

15  But  now,  ^because  it  is  not  so, 
*he  hath  "^visited  in  his  anger;  yet  the 
knoweth  it  not  '^  in  great  extremity: 

16  Therefore  doth  Job  ®open  his 
mouth  in  vain;  he  multiplieth  words  with- 
out knowledge. 


u  22:22—27.  27:8,9.  Prov.  15: 
8,29.  28:9.  Ec.  5:1—3.  Is.  1: 
15.  Jer.  11:11.  Hos.  7:14.  8: 
2,3.  Matt.  6:7.  20:21,22.  Jam. 
4:3. 

X  30:20.  Ps.  102:17.     Am.  5:22. 

y  9:11.  23:3,8—10. 

z  9:19.  19:7.  Ps.  97:2.  Is.  30: 
IS.  54:17.     Mic.  7:7—9. 

a  Ps.  27:12—14.  37:5,6.  62:5,8. 


Is.  50:10.     Rom.  8:33,34. 
b   9:14.      13:15.       Num.     20:1:2. 

Luke  1:20. 
*  That  is,  God. 
c  Ps.  89:32.    Rev.  3:19. 
t  Thatis,Joi. 
d  4:5.  30:]5,&c.  Ps.  88:11— 16. 

Heb.  12:11,12. 
e  3:1.      33:2,8—12.    34:35—37. 

38:2.  42:3. 


V.  14 — 16.  Job  had  frequently  expressed  him- 
self, as  not  having  any  hope,  that  the  Lord  would 
appear  for  his  relief;  but  Elihu  reminded  him, 
tliat  God  set  judgment  before  him,  and  always 
acted  in  wisdom,  equity,  and  faithfulness:  he 
would  therefore  certainly  do  him  justice;  and  he 
would  likewise  shew  him  mercy,  if  he  duly 
sought  it;  and  he  exhorted  him  to  trust  in  him 
and  wait  his  time.  But  as  he  had  yielded  to  un- 
belief and  impatience,  the  Lord  had  visited  him 
in  anger;  and  so  long  as  he  indulged  the  same  re- 
bellious spirit,  he  would  not  know  him,  or  take 
any  favorable  notice  of  him,  in  his  greatest  ex- 
tremity. Therefore  he  hitherto  had  spoken  to  no 
purpose;  but  had  multiplied  inconsiderate  and 
sinful  words,  in  disputing  with  his  friends,  when 
he  ought  to  have  been  humbling  himself  before 
God. 

He  knoweth  it  not.  (15)  'Job  [marg.)  knoweth 
'not,  or  doth  not  acknowledge,  his  sin;  or  know- 
'eth  not  how  he  ought  to  act,  though  exceedingly 
'tried  and  afflicted.' — So  many  understand  the 
clause. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

It  is  very  useful  to  appeal  to  men's  reason  and 
conscience,  concerning  their  conduct  in  those 
things,  which  have  been  evidently  faulty:  for 
many  speak  and  do  in  haste,  and  when  warmed 
in  dispute,  what  they  will  not  deliberately  jus- 
tify. Indeed,  the  expressions  of  men,  when  an- 
gry, are  often  worse  than  their  meaning:  and 
thougli  it  is  unfair  to  condemn  them  for  inferences 
which  they  disallow;  yet  it  is  proper  to  shew 
them,  how  their  words  may  produce  bad  conse- 
quences; in  order  that  they  may  be  humbled 
for  their  rashness,  and  speak  more  cautiously 
another  time. — The  immensity  of  the  works  of 
God  may  lead  us  to  some  feeble  apprehensions  of 
his  infinite  Majesty;  and  the  consideration  of  his 
underived  and  unchangeable  glory  and  felicity 
should  convince  us,  that  all  his  commandments, 
judgments,  and  dispensations  result  from  his  un- 
changeable ])erfections.  He  forbids  and  pun- 
ishes that  which  is  evil  in  itself,  and  tends  to 
miser)':  he  commands  and  delights  in  what  is 
good  and  tends  to  felicity,  without  any  possible 
accession  to  his  own  infinite  blessedness.  This 
is  the  proper  display  of  his  own  glory,  and  de- 
mands the  tribute  of  our  adoring  |)raise.  The 
Judge  of  all  the  earth  cannot  but  do  what  is 
right,  though  we  are  often  incapable  of  discern- 
ing the  reasons  of  his  conduct:  but,  as  we  have 
all  multiplied  transgressions  against  him,  and  as 
he  cannot  receive  any  thing  from  us,  which  he 


B.  C.  1550. 


CHAPTER  XXXVl. 


B.  C.  1550. 


CHAP.  XXXVL 


Klihu  requires  attention,  wliile,  with  truth  and  knowledse,  he 
shews  the  justice  of  God  in  all  his  judgments,  the  designs  of 
his  chastisements,  and  the  proet  of  making-  a  right  use  of  them, 
1_15.  He  reproves,  warns,  and  counsels  Job,  Iti — 21.  He 
reminds  him  that  the  power  of  God  is  unoonti-ollable;  and  that 
his  works  and  dispensations  should  be  magnified,  but  cannot  be 
comprehended,  -I~2 — 33. 

ELIHU  also  proceeded,  and  said, 
2  ^  Suffer  me  a  little,  and  I  will 
shew  thee  that  *  /  have  yet  to  speak  ^  on 
God's  behalf. 

3  I  will  "  fetch  my  knowledge  from 
afar,  and  will  ^  ascribe  righteousness  to 
my  Maker. 

4  For  truly  ^  my  words  shall  not  be 
false:  he  that  is  ''perfect  ^  in  knowledge 
is  with  thee. 

5  Behold,  God  is  mighty,  and  ^  de- 
spiseth  not  any:  he  is  '  mighty  in  strength 
and  t  wisdom. 

6  He  ''  preserveth  not  the  life  of  the 
wicked;  but  '  giveth  right  to  the  ^  poor. 

a  21:3.  33:31— 33. "       "  '^  '     ' 


„      Heb.  13:JJ. 

=  Heb.  there  are  yet  words  fur 

God. 
b  13:7,8.   33:6.     En.  4:16.    Jer. 

15:19.     Kz.  2:7.     2Cov.    5:20. 
0  28:12,13,20—24.    32:3.    Prov. 

2:4,5.  Malt.  2:1,2.   12:42.  Acts 

8:27,&c.   Uom.  10:6-3.    Jam. 

1:5,17.  3:17. 
d  32:2.  34:5,10—12.     Deut.  32: 

4.      Ps.  11:7.      145:17.  Jer.  12: 

1.     Dan.    9:7,14.     Rom.  3:25, 

26.  9:14.      Rev.  15:3. 
e    13:4,7.      21:27,34.      22:6,(fcc. 

Prov.  8:7,8.     2  Cor.   2:17. 
f  37:16.     Luke  1:3.   Acts  24:22. 


)  Cor.  14:20.     Marg.     Col 

12.  2  Tim.  3:16,17. 
g  Ps.  49:3.    Prov.  22:20,21. 
h  10.3.  31:13.    Ps.  22:24.   133:6. 
i  9:4,19.    12:13—16.    26:12—14. 

37:23.      Ps.  99:4.   147:5.     Jer. 

10:12.    1  Cor.  1:24—23. 
t   Htb.  heart. 
k21:7— 9,.10.      Ps.  55:23.      Jer.! 

12:1,2.     2  Pet.  2:9.  i 

129:12—17.    Ps.  9:12.   10:14,15.1 

72:4,12—14.     G2:l — 1.       Prov. 

22:22,23.     Is.  11:4.  | 

t  Or,  afflicted.    Ex.  22:22—24.1 

Ps.  140: 12. 


has  not  first  given  unto  us,  we  can  have  no  cause 
to  complain  of  hard  measure  when  afflicted:  and 
as  our  Judge  is  now,  as  a  Savior,  on  a  mercy- 
seat,  we  can  have  no  reason  to  conclude,  that  it 
would  be  in  vain  for  us  to  repent,  to  seek  for- 
giveness, and  to  cleanse  ourselves  from  our  in- 
iquities: and  when  impatience,  pride,  and  unbe- 
lief suggest  such  conclusions,  we  associate  our- 
selves for  the  time  with  the  workers  of  iniquity, 
and  expose  ourselves  to  just  reproofs. — Whilst  a 
righteous  man  becomes  a  public  blessing,  in  pro- 
portion to  his  station  in  society,  the  exalted  op- 
pressor multiplies  iniquities  and  miseries:  and 
though  the  oppressed,  through  thsir  own  crimi- 
nality, may  fail  of  finding  redress;  or  though  God 
may  leave  them  for  a  time  under  this  trial  for 
their  good;  yet  he  will  certainly  at  length  pun- 
ish the  haughty  oppressor.  But  how  few  of  the 
afHicfed,  who  groan  under  their  miseries,  inquire 
after  God  and  trust  in  his  name!  The  most,  even 
of  the  wretched,  disregard  their  obligations  and 
accountableness  to  him,  and  refuse  to  repent  and 
humble  themselves  for  their  sins,  and  to  seek 
forgiveness  and  comfort  from  him.  But  to  humble 
believers  he  causes  light  to  arise  in  the  darkness; 
and  he  fills  tlieir  mouths  with  songs  of  deliver- 
ance, in  the  midnight  season  of  tribulation. — God 
our  Creator  having  formed  us  after  his  own  like- 
ness, has  made  us  far  more  capable  of  knowledge 
tiran  the  brute  creation:  but  alas!  sin  has  ren- 
dered us  more  stupid  in  many  things  than  they; 
and,  except  we  partake  of  renewing  grace,  we 
are  prone  to  murmur  under  our  sufferings,  with- 
out inquiring  after  the  cause  or  the  remedy. 
These  bowlings  of  distress  are  not  acceptable  to 
God:  they  are  vain,  selfish,  and  consistent  with 
the  grossest  impiety  and  enmity:  and  therefore 
we  need  not  wonder,  that  impenitent  sufferers 
are  left,  without  succor,  to  endure  tlic  just  pun- 


7  He  "  withdraweth  not  his  eyes  from 
the  righteous:  but  "  with  kings  are  they 
on  the  throne;  yea,  °  he  doth  estabhsh 
them  for  ever,  and  they  are  exalted. 

8  And  P  if  they  be  bound  in  fetters 
and  be  holden  in  i  cords  of  affli'ction; 

9  Then  ^  he  sheweth  them  tlieir  work 
and  ^  their  transgressions,  that  they  have 
exceeded. 

10  He  *  openeth  also  their  ear  to  dis- 
cipline, and  "  coiiimandeth  that  they 
return  from  iniquity. 

11  ^  If  they  obey  and  serve  Am,  they 
shall  y  spend  their  days  in  prosperity, 
and  their  years  in  pleasures: 

12  But  ''if  they  obey  not,  they  shall 
5  perish,  by  the  sword,  and  they  shall 
^  die  without  knowledge. 

13  But  the  hypocrites  in  heart  ''  heap 


m  2  Chr.  16:9.     Ps.    33:13.    34: 

IS.   Zeph.  3:17.    1  Pet.  3:12. 
n  1:3.  42:12.    Gen.  23:6.  41:40. 

1  Sam.   2:8.     Esth.   10:3.    Ps. 

78:70—72.      113:7,8. 
o  2  Sam.  7:13— 16.    Ps.  112:7— 

10.     2Thes.  3:3. 
p  13:27.    19:6.  33:18,19.    Ps.  18: 

5.   107:10.   116:3.  Lam.  3:9. 
q  Prov.  5:22. 
r  10:2.     Deut.  4:21,22.     2  Cbr. 

33:11—13.      Ps.  94:12.  119:67, 

71.    Lam.  3:39,40.  Luke  15:17 

—19.    1  Cor.  11:32. 
sPs.  5:10.      Is.  59:12.     Ez.  18: 

28—31.     Rom.  5:20.     1   Tim. 

1:15. 
115.33:16-23.      Ps.  40:6.    Is. 


48:3,17.   50:5.     Acts    10:14. 
u  Prov.    1::22,23.    8:4,5.  9:4—6. 
Is.  1:16—20.  55:6,7.     Jer.  4.3, 

4.  7:3—7.  Ez.  18:30,31.  Hos. 
14:1.  Matt.  3:8.  Acts  3:19.  17: 
30.     Jam.  4:8. 

x22:2l,&c.     Deut.  4:30,31.    Is. 

1:19.     Jer.  7:23.  26:1.3.    Rom. 

6:17.  Heb.  11:8. 
y  11:13—19.  21:11—13.  22:23 — 

25.  42:12.     Kc.  9:2,3.  Jam.  i>: 

5.  Rev.  18:7. 

z   Deut.    1S:]5,&C.     29:15— JO. 

Is.  1:20.  3:11.    Rom.  2:8,'J. 
§  Heh.  pass  ari-ai/. 
a  4:21.  John  8:21—24. 
b  Num.  32:14.    2  Chr.  28:13,22. 

Rom.  2:5. 


ishmcnt  of  their  obstinate  wickedness,  even  from 
the  hands  of  oppressors  more  wicked  tlian  tlicin- 
selves. — If  pious  persons  are  betrayed  into  any 
degree  of  a  similar  spirit,  and  delay  to  humble 
themselves  under  the  afflicting  hand  of  God,  or 
to  seek  all  their  help  and  comfort  from  him;  tlicy 
may  expect  that  their  trials  will  be  continued, 
till  they  are  reduced  to  a  better  temper.  In  all 
these  things  "the  Lord  is  a  God  of  judgment. 
and  by  him  actions  are  weighed."  All  his  works 
are  in  wisdom  and  justice;  and  he  shews  mercy 
to  those  who  humbly  trust  in  him.  But  wYien  h\% 
corrections  excite  obstinacy,  impatience,  and 
unbelief,  he  will  infuse  more  anger  into  the  bit- 
ter cup;  he  will  withhold  comfort,  and  appear  to 
disregard  the  extremities,  to  which  even  his  peo- 
ple are  reduced.  Then  their  rebellious  murmurs 
only  add  to  their  guilt  and  vexation,  and  they 
multiply  words  without  knowledge,  in  attempt- 
ing to  excuse  tliemselvcs.  Let  us  not  then,  un- 
der affliction,  prolong  our  own  misery,  by  keep- 
ing at  a  distance  from  the  throne  of  grace,  stand- 
ing in  our  own  vindication,  expecting  lielp  from 
other  quarters,  or  despairing  of  help  from  God: 
but  let  us  call  upon  him  in  our  troubles,  and  lie 
will  hear  us,  and  we  shall  praise  him. 

NOTES. 
Ch.\p.  XXXVI.  V.  1—4.  As  .Tob  still  re- 
ceived Elihu's  reproofs  in  humble  silence,  Eiihu 
again  demanded  his  attention:  indeed,  he  sup- 
posed that  he  was  entitled  to  it,  as  he  was  spealc- 
ing  in  the  cause  of  God,  and  to  vindicate  his 
righteousness,  which  had  been  apparently  deni- 
ed. He  had  some  arguments  to  adduce,  which 
had  not  occurred  to  the  other  speakers,  and 
which  were  brought  from  afar,  or  originally  de- 
rived from  divine  revelation:  he  promised  that 
he  would  admit  of  no  flatter\.  calumnv.  or  soph- 

[95 


B.  C.  1550. 


JOB. 


B.  C.  1550. 


up  wrath:  "^they  cry  not  when  he  "^  bind- 
eth  them. 

14  *They  ^  die  in  youth,  and  their 
life  is  among  the  t  unclean. 

15  He  ^  dehvereth  the  t  poor  in  his  af- 
fliction, and  °  openeth  their  ears  in  op- 
pression. [Prrictiral  Ohsen^ations.] 

16  Even  so  would  he  have  removed 
thee  out  of  the  strait  into  ^  a  broad  place, 
where  there  is  no  straitness:  and  5  that 
which  should  be  s  »t  on  thy  table  should 
be  '  full  of  fatness. 

17  But  thou  hast  "^  fulfilled  the  judg- 
ment of  the  wicked;  judgment  and  justice 
"  take  hold  07i  thee. 


c  15:4.  t>7:8— 10.  35:9,10.   Matt. 

2-il2,13. 
a  a.    Ps.  107:10. 
*  Heb.  Their  sonl  ilictk. 
e  15:32.    21:23— "25.     Gen.    38: 

5—10.     Lev.    10:1,2.     Ps.  55: 

23. 
j  Or,  sodomites.    Gen.  19:5,24, 

25.     Deut. -23:17. 
f  6. 


I  Or,  afflicted. 

g  10.    '-i  Chr.   12:S. 

h  19:S.    42:10—17.     Ps.    18:19. 

31:8.  40:1—3.    118:5. 
5  Heb.  the  rest  of  thy  table. 
i  Ps.  23:5.  36:3.  63:5.    -Is.  25:6. 

55:2. 
Is   15:5.    34:8,36.      Rom.     1:32. 

Rev.  18:4. 

II  Or,  should  uphold  thee. 


18  ^  Because  there  is  wralh,  Icware 
lest  he  take  thee  away  with  '"  his  stroke, 
°  then  a  great  ransom  cannot  u  deliver 
thee. 

19  °Will  he  esteem  thy  riches.^  no, 
not  gold,  Pnor  all  the  forces  of  strcngdi. 

20  1  Desire  not  the  night,  when  peo- 
ple are  ^  cut  off  in  their  place. 

21  Take  heed,  ^  regard  not  iniquity: 
for  '  this  hast  thou  chosen  rather  than 
affliction. 

22  Behold,  "  God  exalteth  by  his 
power;  ^  who  teacheth  like  him.f' 


1  Ps.  2:5,12.   110:5.     Matt.   3:7. 

Rom.  1:18.  2:5.  Eph.  5:6. 
m  Ps.  39:10.  Is.  14:6.  Kz.  24:16, 
n  33:24.      Ps.  49:7,8.      1  Tim.  2: 

6.   Heb- 2:3.   10:26. 
IT  Heb.  ttirn  thee  aside. 
0  Prov.    10:2.     11:4.      Is.   2:20. 

Zeph.  1:18.     jBm.  5:3. 
p9:13.      34:20.      Ps.     33:16,17. 

Prov.  11:21.  Is.  37:36. 
q  3:20,21.    6:9.    7:15.   14:13.   17: 

13,14.     John  9:4. 
r  Kx.    12:29.      2   Kings     19:35. 

Prov.  14:32.    F.c.    11:3.    Dan. 


5:30.    Luke  12:20.     Acts  1:25. 

1  Thes.  5:2,3. 
s  Ps.  66:18.  Ez.  14:4.    Ilait.  5: 

29,30. 
t  34:7—9.    35:3.      Tan.    3:ir— 

13.     6:10.     Matt.  13:21.   16:24. 

Acts   5:40,41.     Heb.  11:25.     1 

Pet.  3:17.    4:15,16. 
11  1  Sam.  2:7,8.     Ps.    75:7.     Is. 

14:5.     Jer.   27:5—8.     Dnn.  4i 

25,32.  5:18.    Luke  1:52.  Rem. 

13:1. 
X  Ps.   94:10.      Is.   43:17.    54:13. 

Jer.  31:33.     John  6:45. 


istry  into  his  discourse;  and  he  was  confident 
that  his  knowledge  upon  the  subject,  was  so 
clear  and  complete,  as  to  be  worthy  of  their 
most  serious  regard. 

V.  5 — 1.5.  In  this  passage  Elihu  laid  down  his 
system  of  divine  providence;  in  which  he  spake 
more  accuratelj'  than  the  other  disputants  had 
done,  without  attempting  to  decide  upon  Job's 
character.  Yet  he  seems  to  have  leaned  to  the 
sentiments  of  Job's  friends,  that,  in  some  way  or 
other,  temporal  deliverance  and  prosperity,  or 
the  contrary,  generally  distinguished  betwixt  the 
righteous  and  the  wicked. — He  observed  that 
God  was  "mighty  in  strength  and  wisdom:"  yet, 
■contrary  to  the  common  example  of  the  wise  and 
powerful  in  this  world,  he  despised  not  the  per- 
sons or  causes  of  the  meanest  of  his  subjects;  he 
overlooked  none,  and  oppressed  none;  and  he 
noticed  the  most  ignorant,  poor,  and  contempti- 
ble of  the  earth,  and  would  surely  do  them  jus- 
tice; yea,  they  all  partook  of  his  common  ben- 
efits; and  the  criminal  likewise  of  his  special 
mercies,  when  willing  to  seek  for  thei'*. — Elihu 
further  stated,  that  wicked  men  were  not  under 
that^cfM//rtr  protectio7i,  which  secured  the  right- 
eous; and  therefore  their  lives  were  more  expos- 
ed, and  generally  terminated  prematurely;  and 
this  indeed  might  often  take  place  by  the  judg- 
ment of  God,  in  doing  right  to  the  poor  whom 
they  had  injured.  But  assuredly  He  continually 
noticed  and  took  care  of  his  people:  sometimes 
he  advanced  them  to  temporal  authoritj-;  tliey 
were  at  all  times  watched  over,  Avith  as  much 
care  as  the  greatest  monarchs,  whose  lives  were 
of  great  importance  to  multitudes;  and  they 
v/ould  be  sure  at  last  to  be  established  for  ever, 
in  the  most  exaJted  and  glorious  state.  If  in  this 
world,  they  were  imprisoned  by  oppressors,  or  in 
any  other  way  afflicted  and  distressed,  it  was  in- 
tended for  their  benefit:  the  Lord  would  then 
shew  them  whatever  was  sinful  in  their  conduct; 
thus  he  would  dispose  them  to  receive  instruc- 
tion, and  enforce  their  obligations  to  repent  and 
turn  from  every  sin,  and  follow  after  holiness. 
{JVotes.,  Ileb.  12:4 — 13.)  When  they  were  brought 
more  humbly  and  faithfuU}^  to  submit  and  to 
obey,  and  worship  him,  he  would  restore  and  in- 
crease their  comforts  aad  prosperity,  and  they 
would  jpend  their  lives  in  peace  and  pleasure. 
But  if  any  continued  obstinate  anxl  im.penitent, 
tbev  might  expect  to  be  cut  off  by  some  sudden 
96] 


judgment,  and  to  perish  in  their  sins.  Thus  hyp- 
ocrites, Avho  cloked  their  secret  crimes  with  a 
shew  of  piety,  treasured  up  wrath:  because,  when 
bound  with  "the  cords  of  afHiction,"  they  i^fifus- 
ed  to  humble  themselves  and  cr}'  for  help  unto 
God.  They  were  therefore  often  cut  off  prema- 
turely, or  left  to  apostatize,  and  spend  their  lives 
among  the  most  atrocious  sinners,  increasing 
their  own  condemnation:  and  at  last  they  would 
be  doomed  to  misery  with  the  most  abominable 
transgressors,  such  as  were  the  unclean  inhabit- 
ants  of  Sodom.  [JiTarg.)  But  the  poor  in  spirit, 
the  humble  and  contrite,  would  certainly  be  de- 
livered from  their  afflictions;  and  their  oppres- 
sions would  prove  lessons  of  useful  and  durable  in- 
struction.— Exceeded.  (9)  Or,  strengthened  them- 
selves. 

V.  ]G — 21.  Elihu  next  applied  his  doctrine 
to  the  case  of  Job.  He  was  persuaded,  that  God 
would,  before  that  time,  have  delivered  him  out 
of  trouble,  and  restored  him  to  liberty,  comfort, 
and  plenty,  if  he  had  behaved  properly  under 
correction.  But  he  had  copied  the  language, 
and  sanctioned  the  rebellions,  of  the  wicked.  It 
was  not  therefore  necessary  to  determine  what 
his  former  character  had  been:  at  present  he 
certainlj'  was  suffering  justly;  and,  as  the  wrath 
of  God  was  kindled  against  him,  instead  of  perse^ 
vering  to  provoke  the  Lord  by  presumptuous 
murmurs,  he  ought  to  be  very  careful  what  he 
spake:  for  a  single  stroke  of  Omnipotence,  sud- 
denly inflicted  in  wrath,  would  take  him  away 
beyond  the  reach  of  any  ransom:  so  that,  if  he 
had  possessed  all  the  riches  and  power  in  the 
world,  it  would  not  be  accepted,  nor  avail,  for 
the  deliverance  of  his  soul.  He  ought  not  there^ 
fore,  so  earnestly  to  desire  (or  pant  after)  the 
night  oj"  death,  that  he  might  rest  from  his  suffer- 
ings: for  in  his  present  rebellious  state  of  mind 
it  was  likely  to  come  in  wrath,  if  at  all;  and  he 
should  remember,  that  men  by  it  were  cut  off, 
in  that  place,  or  state,  in  which  they  had  lived 
and  were  found,  and  their  sentence  was  then 
rendered  irreversible.  He  ought  therefore  to 
take  heed,  that  he  allowed  himself  in  no  sin,  and 
especially  that  he  did  not  unjustly  reflect  upon 
God;  for  it  had  appeared  from  many  of  his  ex- 
pressions, that  he  actually  chose  iniquity  rather 
than  affliction.— No  doubt  Elihu  in  this  conclu- 
sion was  far  too  severe  on  Job;  for,  though  lie 
had  impatiently  and   rashly  v/ished  for  death,  he 


B.  C.  1550. 


CHAPTER  XXXVI. 


B.  C.  1550. 


23  y  Who  hath  enjomed  him  his  way? 
or  who  can  say,  ^  Thou  hast  wrought  in- 
iquity? 

24  Remember  that  thou  ^  magnify  his 
work,  "which  men  behold. 

25  Every  man  may  see  it;  man  may 
behold  it  afar  ofl". 

26  Behold,  "  God  is  great,  and  '^  we 
know  him  not;  ^  neither  can  the  number 
of  his  years  be  searched  out. 

27  For  Hie  maketh  small  the  drops 
of  water:  they  pour  down  rain  according 
to  s  the  vapor  thereof; 

28  Which  ^  the  clouds  do  drop  and 
distil  upon  man  abundantly. 


y  31: -3 — 33.  Is.  40:13,14.  Rom. 

11:34.     1   Cor.   2:16.    Egh.  1: 

11. 
z  8:3.  31:10.    40:8.    Rom.   2:5. 

3:5.  9:14. 
al2:13,&c.  26:5—14.   Ps.  28:5. 

34:3.  72:1S.     86:8—10.    92:4,5. 

104:24.   17:8,15.   111:2—4.  139: 

5,6,14.    145:10—12.      Jer.    10: 

12,13.   Dan.  4:3,37.    Luke  1:46 

—55.  Rev.  15:3—5. 
b  Deut.  4:19.  Ps.  19:1—4.  Acts 

14:17.  Rom.  1:19—21. 


c  37:5.   Ps.  145:3.   147:5. 

d  11:7—9.  26:14.  37:23.  1  Kings 

8:27.  Matt.  1 1:27.    Johu  17:25, 

26.   1  Cor.  13:12. 
e  Ps.  90:2.  102:24—27.  Heb.  1: 

12.     2  Pet.  3:8. 
f  5:9,10.  38:25— 28,34.    Gen.  2: 

5,6.      Ps.  65:9—13.   147:8.     Is. 

5:6.     Jer.  14:22. 
g33.    Ps.  148:8. 
h    37:11—13.       Gen.       7:11,12. 

Prov.  3:20. 


had  never  at  all  insinuated  that  he  preferred  sin 
to  suffering. 

V.  22 — 33.  Elihu  here  again  renewed  his  at- 
tempt to  convince  Job  of  his  presumption,  by 
representing  to  him  the  incomprehensible  maj- 
esty and  power  of  God.  It  was  madness  to  con- 
tend with  him,  who  alone  was  able  to  deliver  or 
exalt;  or  to  dictate  to  him,  who  alone  could 
teach  man  wisdom;  and  from  whom  Job  should 
have  sought  instruction,  how  to  behave  under 
his  afflictions,  and  obtain  deliverance  from  them. 
Who  could  arrogate  a  right  to  enjoin  to  the 
Sovereign  of  the  universe,  the  Fountain  of  life 
and  excellence,  how  he  ought  to  act.'  Or  to  find 
fault  with  any  of  his  appointments.'  It  was  far 
more  proper  for  men  to  remember  their  duty, 
and  to  magnify,  admire,  and  praise  the  works  of 
God,  as  presented  to  their  view,  than  to  pass  a 
judgment  upon  those  dispensations,  which  are 
beyond  their  comprehension.  The  most  distant 
view  of  the  creation,  and  of  the  course  of  nature, 
discovered  his  eternal  power  and  Godhead,  to 
those  who  would  behold  them;  but  the  greatness 
of  the  infinite  and  eternal  God  could  not  be 
known,  or  searched  out.  Even  the  rain,  which 
EUphaz  had  before  noticed,  [Jfole,  5:o — 10.)  dis- 
played exceedingly  his  wisdom  and  goodness:  as 
he  pleased,  the  clouds  distilled  their  contents,  in 
gentler  rains  or  heavier  showers,  for  the  abun- 
dant benefit  of  man.  But  none  could  fully  com- 
prehend how  the  clouds  were  formed  and  spread 
abroad,  or  the  thunders  produced  in  those  pavil- 
ions of  the  Almighty.  For  whilst  a  glorious  light 
was  at  one  moment  diffused  over  the  clouds,  at 
the  next  that  light  was  veiled  by  the  water, 
drawn  even  from  the  bottom  of  the  sea:  or  the 
thick  clouds  seemed  to  darken  the  sea  even  to 
the  bottom.  Thus  by  dreadful  thunder-storms, 
inundations,  or  deluges,  the  Lord  sometimes  ex- 
ecuted his  judgments  upon  sinners;  and  at  others 
he  made  the  earth  yield  in  abundance  food  for 
man  and  beast.  The  same  clouds,  which  just 
before  were  a  blaze  of  light,  immediately  after 
obscured  the  light  of  the  sun  and  darkened  the 
air.  The  distant  noise  portended  the  approach- 
ing tempest;  and  the  cattle  had  an  instinctive 
dread  of  it,  whilst  the  vapors  were  ascending  or 
condensing  in  the  atmosphei'e. — It  seems  evident 
Vol.  III.  13 


29  Also  can  any  understand  '  the 
spreadings  of  the  clouds,  or  ^  the  noise 
of  his  tabernacle? 

30  Behold,  '  he  spreadeth  his  light  up- 
on it,  "  and  covereth  the  *  bottom  of  the 
sea. 

31  For  "  by  them  judgeth  he  the  peo- 
ple; °  he  giveth  meat  in  abundance. 

32  P  With  clouds  he  covereth  the  hght; 
and  commandeth  it  not  to  shine  by  the 
cloud  that  Cometh  betwixt. 

33  The  1  noise  thereof  sheweth  con- 
cerning it,  •■  the  cattle  also  concerning 
t  the  vapor. 


i  37:16.    38:9,37.    1  Kings  18:44, 

12:18. 

45.    Ps.  104:3. 

o  33:26,27.      Ps.  65:9—13.   104: 

k  37:2—5.    Ps.  18:13.  29:3—10. 

13—15,27,28.     136:25.      Acts 

77:16—19.    104:7.      Nah.    1:3. 

14:17. 

Hab.  3:10. 

p  26:9.    Ex.  10:21—23.    Ps.  18: 

1  38:25,34,35. 

11.   135:7.  147:8,9.  148:8.  Acts 

m  38:8— 11.    Gen.   1:9.   Ex.  14: 

27:20. 

22,28.    15:4,5.       Ps.  18:11—16. 

q29.    37:2.     2   Sam.    22:14.     1 

104:5—9. 

Kings  18:41 — 45. 

*  Heb.  roofs. 

rJcr.  14:4—6.    Joel  1:18.  2:22. 

n  37:13.  38:22,23.  Gen.  6:17.  7: 

f  Heb.    that  uhich  gocfh  uf. 

17—24.   19:24.    Ex.   9:23—25. 

27. 

Josh.  10:11.   1  Sam.  2:10.  7:10. 

that  a  terrible  storm,  actually  approaching,  sug- 
gested these  thoughts  to  Elihu. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
V.  1—15. 
When  wise  and  pious  men  speak  in  the  behalf 
of  God,  and  shew  his  righteousness  in  all  his  pre- 
cepts, judgments,  and  appointments,  thej'  are 
entitled  to  our  strictest  and  most  patient  atten- 
tion. But  those  who  attempt  this  service,  should 
watch  over  their  own  hearts,  and  beware  of  in- 
sincerity  and  corrupt  motives:  for  many  profess- 
ed teachers  of  divine  truth  are  evidently  consult- 
ing their  own  interest  and  reputation,  and  not 
seeking  to  glorify  God  and  edify  their  brethren. 
They,  who  would  properly  teach  others,  should 
likewise  carefully  weigh  their  principles,  and 
seek  wisdom  from  him  who  alone  is,  strictly 
speaking,  "perfect  in  knowledge;"  that  their  in- 
structions may  be  scriptural,  convincing,  and 
edifying;  that  none  may  be  able  to  object  to 
them;  and  that  they  may  not  fairly  admit  of  a 
bad  construction. — In  the  glorious  character  of 
our  God,  almiglity  power,  infinite  wisdom,  and 
omniscience,  harmonize  with  the  most  perfect 
justice,  and  the  most  condtescending  goodness  and 
mercy:  and,  while  his  providential  kindness 
reaches  to  the  most  I'ebellious  of  his  enemies  on 
earth;  he  receives  to  his  special  favor  the  mean- 
est and  most  guilty,  who  trust  in  his  mercy, 
and  seek  to  return  to  him  and  his  service.  May 
we  enjoy  his  love,  and  copy  his  example;  and 
not  despise  the  poor  and  weak,  or  treat  with 
undue  severity,  or  disdain,  the  most  atrocious 
j  criminals. — The  wicked,  however,  have  no  se- 
'  i  curity  for  the  preservation  of  their  lives  and  com- 
I  forts:  they  are  interested  in  no  promises,  but  lie 
under  dreadful  threatenings,  and  are  liable  every 
!j  moment  to  be  cut  off  in  their  sins;  though  they 
1  be  spared  from  day  to  day,  that  they  u-.'.iy  hsve 
space  for  repentance;  or  if  they  neglect  it,  to  fill 
up  the  measure  of  their  iniquities.  But  God 
watches  over  the  righteous  continually:  no  evil 
can  befal  them;  they  are  more  honorable  in  his 
sight  than  the  greatest  princes;  and  they  shall  all 
of  them  be  exalted,  and  established  as  kings  and 
priests  before  him  for  ever.  In  this  world  they 
have  many  tribulations,  in  order  to  humble  and 
prove  them,  and  to  do  tliem  good  at  last.     For 

[97 


B.  C.   1550. 


JOB. 


B.  C.  1550. 


CHAP.  XXXVII. 

Klihu  extols  the  power  of  God,  shewn  in  thunder  and  lightniDg, 
snow,  rain,  whirlwinds,  and  frost,  1 — 13.  His  works  in  these 
things  are  inexplicable,  14 — 22.  His  perfections  should  im- 
jiress  men  with  lowly  fear,  23,  24. 

T    this   also    *my  heart  trembleth, 
and  is  moved  out  of  his  place. 

2  *  Hear  attentively  ^  the  noise  of  his 
voice,  and  the  sound  that  goeth  out  of 
his  mouth. 

3  "^He  directeth  it  under  the  whole 
heaven,  and  his  t  lightning  unto  the  \  ends 
of  the  earth. 

4  After  it  ^^  a  voice  roareth:  he  thun- 
dereth  with  ^  the  voice  of  his  excellency; 
and  ^  he  will  not  stay  them  when  his 
voice  is  heard. 

5  God  s  thundereth  marvellously  with 
his  voice:  ^  great  things  doeth  he,  which 
we  cannot  comprehend 


a4;14.    21:6.  33:1.     Ex.  19:lfi 

Ps.   G9:7.   119:120.     Jer.  6:22. 

Dan.  10:7,8.  Hab.  3:16. 
*  Heb.  Hear  in  hearing. 
b  5.  .36:29,33.  38:1.     Ex.  19:  l6 

—19.   Ps.  104:7. 
c  Ps.  77:13.  97:4.     Matt.  24:27. 

Rev.  11:19. 
t  Hcb.  light. 


.  Heb.  Tilings.  38:13.  Is.  11:12. 

'  Marg. 

d  Ps.  29:3—9.  6S:33. 

e  Ex.  15:7,8.     Deut.  33:26. 

f  36:27—33. 

g2Sam.  22:14,15. 

h5:9.     9:10.     11:7.    26:14.    36: 

26.     Is.  40:21,22,28.    Rev.  15: 

3. 


6  For  ■  he  saith  to  the  snow.  Be  thou 
on  the  earth;  k  likewise  to  the  small 
rain,  and  to  the  ^  great  rain  of  his 
strength. 

7  ^  He  sealeth  up  the  hand  of  every 
man;  °  that  all  men  may  know  his  work. 

8  Then  °  the  beasts  go  into  dens,  and 
remain  in  their  places. 

9  Out  of  the  II  south  cometh  °  the 
whirlwind,  and  cold  out   of  the    ^  north. 

10  By  the  breath  of  God  p  frost  is 
given:  and  the  breadth  of  the  waters  is 
straitened. 

1 1  Also  by  watering  "^  he  wearieth 
the  thick  cloud:  "■  he  scattereth  **  his 
bright  cloud:. 

12  And  ^  it  is  turned  round  about  by 


i  38:22.   "  Ps.  147:16—13.   148:8. 
^  Heb.   and  to  the  sAotcer    of 

rain,  and   to    the  showers  of 

rain  of  his  strength.  36:27. 
k  Gen.  7:10—12.  Ezra  10:9,13. 

Prov.      28:3.       Ez.     13:11,13. 

Am.  9:6.     Matt.  7:25—27. 
1  5:12.   9:7. 
m  36:24.     Ps.  46:8.  64:9.    92:4. 

109:27.   111:2.     Ec.    8:17.    Is. 

5:12.  26:11. 


n  Ps.  104:22. 

II  Heb.  chamber.  9:9.  Ps.  104:3. 

o  38:1.   Is.  21:1.     Zech.  9:14. 

IT  Hcb.  scattering  winds. 

p  38:29,30.    Ps.  78:47.  147: 16— 

13. 
q  36:27,28. 

r  36:30,32.  Is.  18:4.  Matt.  17:5. 
**  Heb.  the  cloud  of  his  light. 
s  Ps.   65:9,10.   104:24.     Jer.  14: 

22.  Joel  2:23.     Am.  4:7. 


they  are  thus  brought  acquainted  with  the  evil  of 
their  own  hearts,  and  all  their  deviations  from 
the  holy  law  of  God;  and  disposed  to  receive  in- 
struction, and  to  return  from  iniquity.  Being 
forgiven  and  accepted,  their  graces  are  increas- 
ed, and  their  evil  tempers  subdued:  and  in  pro- 
portion as  they  obey  and  serve  the  Lord,  in  sim- 
jjlicity  and  diligence,  their  souls  at  least  prosper, 
and  divine  consolations  cause  them  to  spend  their 
years  in  pleasure;  except  as  they  are  sometimes 
suspended  for  their  greater  good.  But  when 
they  disobey  and  turn  aside,  they  mar  their  own 
comfort:  and  while  they  continue  unhumbled 
under  rebukes  and  cLastenings,  they  prolong 
their  own  sufferings,  and  bring  their  characters 
into  doubt,  both  with  themselves  and  others. 
The  impiety,  even  of  the  wicked,  ia  greatly  ag- 
gravated by  their  obstir  acy  under  afBictions  and 
terrors.  Many  of  th^m  thus  provoke  God  to  cut 
them  off:  and  in  this  way  hypocrites  especially 
fill  up  the  measure  of  their  iniquities;  for  it  is 
undeniable  that  judgments  and  mercies  make 
less  impression  upon  them,  than  upon  the  openly 
profane:  and  whether  sinners  die  in  youth,  or 
live  long  to  heap  up  wrath,  their  case  is  dread- 
ful, and  their  eternal  portion  must  be  among  the 
abominable  and  unclean. 

V.  16—33. 
It  is  lamentable,  that  men  professing  godliness 
sliould  ever  so  yield  to  murmurs  and  desponden- 
cy, as  to  seem  to  favor  the  cause,  and  justify  the 
objections,  of  the  wicked.  Surely  they  ought  to 
be  plainly  rebuked;  ana  even  warned  not  to  de- 
ceive themselves,  but  to  fear  lest  that  wrath 
come  upon  them,  which  awaits  "the  workers  of 
iniquity:"  for  how  can  it  be  determined  that  they 
are  the  servants  of  God,  who  are  imitating  the 
c6nduct  of  his  enemies.''  It  is  therefore  proper  to 
remind  any  one,  who  murmurs  against  the  Lord's 
appointments,  of  tlie  power  of  his  wrath,  the 
strictness  of  his  justice,  and  the  unchangeable- 
ness  of  his  judgments.  If  he  cut  oil"  the  sinner 
by  the  stroke  of  his  wrath,  all  the  treasures  and 
all  the  power  on  earth  will  be  utterly  unavailing. 
Nay,  the  great  ransom  of  the  Sa\ior's  blood  will 
not  in  any  respect  prolit  the  finally  impenitent 
and  unbelieving.  The  ransom  indeed  is  of  infi- 
98] 


nite  sufficiency;  but  if  rejected  till  the  night  of 
death  comes,  the  door  of  mercy  is  then  shut,  and 
hope  expires  for  ever.  Yet  men  often  desire 
death,  and  even  rush  upon  it,  to  get  rid  of  pres- 
ent uneasiness,  while  perfect  strangers  to  this 
great  atonement;  as  if  in  haste  to  be  for  ever  re- 
moved from  the  sound  and  hope  of  salvation! 
And  believers  seldom  vehemently  wish  for  deatli, 
when  the  evidences  of  their  acceptance  are  most 
bright,  or  their  graces  in  most  lively  exercise. 
All  then  should  remember,  that  men  at  death  are 
cut  off  in  theii'  place,  and  their  condition  becomes 
eternally  irreversible.  {JV'ote,  Ec.  11:3 — 6.)  In- 
stead therefore  of  shrinking  from  adversity,  we 
should  seek  deliverance  from  the  love  and  pow- 
er of  sin;  and  prefer  the  greatest  suffering  to  the 
least  iniquity.  Yet  alas!  most  men  "choose  in- 
iquity rather  than  affliction:"  'They  ease  their 
'cares  by  sinful  pleasures,  they  increase  their 
'wealth  by  sinful  pursuits,  escape  their  troubles 
'by  sinful  projects,  and  evade  sufferings  by  sinful 
'compliances.'  Henry.  But  this  is  a  miserable 
choice,  of  which  they  will  at  length  bitterly  re- 
pent; for  the  favor  of  God  alone  can  exalt  or 
make  us  happy.  He  alone  can  teach  us  to  be- 
have wisely  and  live  comfortabty  in  every  situa- 
tion: he  needs  no  counsellor,  and  allows  of  no 
accuser;  but  justly  requires  all  to  admire  the 
discoveries  of  his  gloiy  which  they  can  under- 
stand; to  adore  the  depths  they  cannot  compre- 
hend; and  to  stand  in  awe  of  his  unsearchable 
wisdom,  power,  and  authority. — Every  appear- 
ance in  nature  at  once  displays,  and  conceals,  his 
infinite  glories:  much  remains  incomprehensible; 
but  enough  is  seen  to  call  forth  our  gratitude, 
animate  our  praises,  or  excite  our  consternation. 
The  clouds  and  rain,  with  the  thunders  and 
lightnings,  declare  his  goodness,  and  proclaim 
"the  power  of  his  wrath."  Each  object  bears  a 
double  aspect;  and  while  the  worker  of  iniquity 
ought  to  tremble,  the  true  believer  should  rejoice. 
{J\roie.s,  P«.  97:1.  99:1—3.)  "It  is  the  glorious 
God  that  maketh  the  thunder,"  as  well  as  that 
fertilizes  the  earth;  and  the  children  should  hear 
witli  pleasure  their  father's  voice,  even  when 
nature  seems  convulsed,  and  he  speaks  in  terror 
to  his  enemies.     {JVote,  Ps.  22:3— U-  P.  O.) 


B.  C.  1550. 


CHAPTER  XXXVII. 


B.  C.  1550. 


his  counsels:  *  that  they  may  do  whatso- 
ever he  command eth  them  upon  the  face 
of  the  world  in  the  earth. 

13  He  causeth  it  to  come,  "whether 
for  *  correction,  or  ^  for  his  land,  or  ^  for 

mercy.  [Practical   Observations.] 

14  Hearken  unto  this,  O  Job:  ''stand 
still,  and  ^  consider  the  wondrous  works 
of  God. 

15  ''Dost  thou  know  when  God  dis- 
posed them,  and  caused  "^  the  light  of 
his  cloud  to  shine.^ 

16  Dost  thou  know  ''the  balancings 
of  the  clouds,  the  wondrous  works  of 
him  which  is  ^  perfect  in  knowledge.^ 

17  How  thy  garments  «re  warm,  when 
'  he  quieteth  the  earth  by  the  south  wind? 

18  Hast  thou  with  him  s  spread  out 
the  sky,  which  is  strong,  and  **  as  a  mol- 
ten looking-glass.'' 


t  Ps.  148:8.  Jam.  3:17,18 

Rev. 

b  28:24—27.     34:13.      38:4,&;c. 

11:6. 

Ps.  119:90,91.     Is.  40:26. 

u6.  36:31.  38:37,38.     Es 

.   9:18 

c  11.  36:30 — 32.  38:24,23. 

—25.      1  Sam.  12:13,19. 

Ezra 

d  26:8.  36:29.     Ps.  104:2,3.    Is. 

10:9. 

40:22.    Jer.  10:13. 

*  Heb.  a  rod. 

e  36:4.  Ps.  104:24.  147:5.  Prov. 

X  33:26,27. 

3:19,20.    Jer.  10:12. 

y  2  Sam.  21:10,14.    1  Kings  IS: 

f6:17.  38:31.  Ps.  147:18.  Luke 

45.     Joel  2:23. 

12:35. 

2  Ex.  14:13.     Ps.  46:10. 

Hab. 

g  9:8,9.     Gen.  1:6—8.  Ps.  104: 

2:20. 

2.   148:4—6.    150:1.     Prov.   8: 

a  26:6—14.     36:24.     Ps. 

111:2. 

27.  Is.  40:12.  44:24. 

145:5,6,10—12. 

h  Ex.  38:8. 

NOTES. 
Chap.  XXXVII.  V.  1—13.  In  these  verses 
Elihu  continues  his  discourse.  The  nearer  ap- 
proach of  the  thunder-storm  caused  him  inwardly 
to  tremble,  as  if  his  heart  was  "moved  out  of  its 
place."  He  therefore  called  on  Job  and  all  the 
company  to  hearken,  with  attention  and  awe,  to 
the  thunder,  as  the  majestic  voice  of  God.  What- 
ever account  might  be  given  of  the  second  causes, 
which  produced  these  tremendous  effects;  the 
great  First  Cause  must  be  acknowledged  in 
them,  who  thus  alarmed  the  minds  of  careless 
sinners. — The  giving  of  the  law  was  attended  by 
tremendous  thunderings  and  lightnings;  and  so 
was  the  Lord's  speaking  to  Job  out  of  the  whirl- 
wind. (JVoies,  38:1.  Ex.  19:16—20.  Heb.  12:18 
— 21.) — By  the  divine  mandate,  the  flashes  of 
lightning  darted  from  one  part  of  the  sky  to  the 
other;  along  with  the  crashing  roar  of  the  thun- 
der, which,  not  reaching  the  ear  so  soon  as  the 
lightning  did  the  eye,  seemed  to  follow  it.  This 
voice  of  God  surpassed  all  other  sounds,  in  maj- 
esty and  solemnity:  nor  could  any  one  stay,  or 
prevent,  the  effects  of  it  when  he  pleased  thus  to 
speak  in  terror.  In  this  he  wrought  marvellous- 
ly, and  all  his  works  were  great  and  incompre- 
hensible. Whether  he  commanded  the  snow, 
the  gentler  rains,  or  the  more  impetuous  show- 
ers sweeping  all  before  them,  he  acted  in  a  man- 
ner which  man  could  not  explain.  By  tempes- 
tuous weather  he  put  a  stop  to  the  works  of  men, 
as  if  their  hands  were  sealed  up:  and  this  gave 
ihem  leisure  to  consider  "his  works;"  while  the 
beasts  retired  and  lay  inactive  in  their  dens. 
When  the  wind  blew  from  the  south,  terrible 
whirlwinds  were  excited;  and  when  it  shifted  to 
the  north,  cold  weather  ensued:  but  who  could 
understand  the  manner,  in  which  these  changes 
were  wrought?  Indeed,  the  wind  might  be  call- 
ed the  "breath  of  God;"  and  by  it,  when  he 
pleased,  the  inerplicahle  frost  was  produced,  and 
tlie  rivers  were  contracted,  or  formed  into  a  solid 


19  '  Teach  us  what  we  shall  say  unto 
him;  for  ^  we  cannot  order  our  sjjeech 
by  reason  of  darkness. 

20  '  Shall  it  be  told  him  that  I  speak? 
If  a  man  speak,  "■  surely  he  shall  be 
swallowed  up. 

21  And  now  men  "see  not  the  bright 
light  which  is  in  the  clouds:  but  the  wind 
passeth,  and  cleanseth  them. 

22  t  Fair  °  weather  cometh  out  of  the 
north:  p  with  God  is  terrible  majesty. 

23  Touching  the  Almighty,  ^  we  can- 
not find  him  out:  he  is  ■"  excellent  in 
power,  and  'in  judgment,  and  in  plenly 
of  justice:  '  he  will  not  afflict. 

24  Men  do  therefore  "  fear  him:  ^  he 
respecteth  not  any  that  are  wise  of 
heart. 


i  12:3.    13:3,6. 

k  26:14.    28:20,21.    38:2.    42:3. 

Ps.  73:16,17,22.    139:6.      Prov. 

30.2—4.  1  Cor.  13:12.    1  John 

3:2. 
1  Ps.  139:4.     Matt.  12:36,37. 
m  6:3.    11:7,8. 
n  26:9.  36:32.  38:25. 
t  Heb.  Gold. 
o  Prov.  25:23. 
p  40:10.     1  Chr,  29:11.     Ps.  29: 

4.    66:5.    68:7,8.    76:12.     93:1. 

104:1.   145:5.  Is.  2:10,19.   Mic. 

5:4.     Nah.  1:3.     Hab.  3:3,&c. 

Heb.  1:3.   12:29.     Jude.  25. 


q  19.   11:7.  26:14.  36:26.   Prov. 

30:3,4.  Ec.  3:11.     I.uke  10:22. 

Rom.  11:33.    1  Tim.  6:16. 
r  9:4,19.   12:13.  36:5.     Ps.  656. 

66:3.  93:1.99:4.146:6,7.  Matt. 

6:13. 
s  Ps.  36:5—7. 
t  16:7— 17.     Ps.  30:5.     Lam.  3: 

32,33.     Heb.  12:10. 
u  Ps.    130:4.     Jer.  32:39.  33:9. 

Hos.  3:3.     Luke  12:4,5.  Rom. 

2:4.  11:20—22. 
X  5:13.      Ee.    9:11.      Is.   5:91. 

Matt.    11:25,26.     Luke    10:21. 

1  Cor.  1:26.  3:19. 


substance.  The  thick  clouds  were  wearied  and 
worn  out,  by  watering  the  earth:  and  often  by 
the  shining  of  the  sun  on  them,  they  appeared 
bright,  and  the  beauteous  rainbow  was  formed. 
But  all  these  were  turned  about  by  the  counsels 
of  God,  and  executed  his  commands  in  every 
part  of  the  earth;  whether  by  drought,  or  excess 
of  rain,  he  corrected  a  guilt}'  nation,  or  by  mod- 
erate rain  he  shewed  mercy  to  a  favored  land. 

V.  14 — 20.  Elihu  next  called  on  Job  to  con- 
sider and  explain  all  these  wonderful  appearances; 
and  if  he  could  not,  to  confess  his  presumption,  in 
arraigning  the  more  mysterious  dispensations  of 
the  divine  government.  Did  he  know  when  God 
made  all  these  arrangements.''  Or  could  he  under- 
stand how  light  and  fire  were  produced  from  the 
watery  cloud,  or  the  splendid  rainbow  from  the 
dark  cloud.''  Could  he  explain  in  what  manner 
the  clouds  were  balanced  to  move  about,  continue 
in  the  air,  or  descend  in  showers.-'  or  how  the  air 
grew  warm,  and  his  garments  too  heating,  when 
the  gentle  south  wind  blew.-"  Had  he  assisted  in 
spreading  the  expanse  of  heaven,  which  was  im- 
moveably  strong,  and  in  which,  as  in  a  mirror, 
the  reflection  of  the  divine  g'lory  might  be  pei- 
ceived.''— Mirrors  were  in  those  days  formed  of 
brass,  cut  into  a  proper  form  and  highly  polished. 
{Jfote,  Ex.  38:8.) — If  Job  could  explain  these 
matters,  and  teach  those  present  how  to  speak  of 
God,  it  would  be  very  acceptable:  for  they  were 
conscious,  that  they  could  not  order  their  dis- 
courses on  such  subjects  with  clearness  or  cer- 
tainty; because  of  tlieir  own  ignorance,  and  the 
darkness. that  rested  upon  the  manner,  in  which 
the  works  of  God  were  performed.  Indeed,  Eli- 
hu must  acknowledge,  that  all  he  had  spoken  was 
I  beneath  the  subject,  and  unworthy  of  the  Lord's 
acceptance,  or  of  being  mentioned  to  him  at  all: 
for  he  found  his  thoughts  and  powers  swallowctl 
j  up,  and  lost  in  this  bottomless  abyss. 
I  V.  21 — 24.  Whilst  Ehhu  was  speaking,  ho 
I  observed  that  the  wind  had  scattered  the  clouds, 


[00 


B.  C.  1550. 


JOB. 


B.  C.  1550. 


CHAP,  xxxvm. 


Thp  liord,  out  of  the  wliirlwind,  challenges  Job  to  answer  him, 
1 3.  By  enumerating  several  of  his  mighty  works  in  crea- 
tion and  providence,  he  ponvinces  Job  of  ignorance,  4 — 30; 
and  of  weakness,  31 — 41. 


and  the  lightnings  were  ceased,  and  that  the  north 
wind  had  brought  on  fair  weather,  bright  and  re- 
splendent as  gold;  for  that  is  the  meaning  of  the 
original  worcl.  [Marg. — Zech.  A:\2.  marg.)  In 
these  and  all  the  works  of  God  his  glorious  and 
terrible  majesty  were  displayed.  How  presump- 
tuous then  must  it  be,  to  contend  with  him;  when 
his  ordinary  works  were  too  dazzling  for  man  to 
look  upon! — It  is  evident,  that  towards  the  close 
of  his  discourse,  Elihu  spake  as  one  in  great  con- 
fusion. Some  conjecture,  that  what  is  rendered, 
"Fair  weather  cometh  out  of  the  north,"  referred 
to  some  glorious  appearance  in  the  north,  which 
intimated  the  Lord's  immediate  presence,  as  about 
to  speak.  Elihu  therefore  hasted  to  conclude; 
briefly  declaring,  that  the  almighty  God  was  un- 
searchable and  incomprehensible;  that  he  infinite- 
ly excelled  all  creatures,  in  power,  justice,  and 
judgment;  and  that  he  would  oppress  none,  nor 
afflict  any  without  cause.  Men  ought  therefore 
to  stand  in  awe  of  him,  and  fear  to  offend  him,  or 
to  murmur  against  his  appointments:  for  he  dis- 
regarded all  the  supposed  wisdom  of  those,  who 
deemed  themselves  authorized  or  qualified  to 
scrutinize  and  find  fault  Math  his  conduct.  [J^otes, 
33:12,13.  Is.  40:12—17.  Dan.  4:34—37.  Rom.  9: 19 
—21.  11:33—36.)  Elihu  evidently  thought,  that 
Job  had  been  thus  irreverent  and  presumptuous; 
zr.d  when  the  Lord  himself  spake,  he  brought  ex- 
actly the  same  charge  against  him.  [J^otes,  38: 
40:1 — 3.) — In  what  other  ancient  book,  can  be 
found  so  exalted  and  just  sentiments  and  reason- 
ings, on  the  perfections  and  works  of  God,  as 
every  where  occur  in  the  sacred  volume? 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
V.  1— 13. 

The  attentive  mind  will  perceive  affecting  dis- 
ilays  of  the  power,  wisdom,  goodness,  and  majesty 
tf  God,  in  the  operations  of  nature;  and  the  terrors 
j:xcited  by  some  of  them,  should  remind  us  of  that 
tremendous  scene  which  will  usher  in  "the  day 
)f  judgment,  and  perdition  of  ungodly  men."  If 
the  thunder-storm  caused  the  heart  of  pious  Elihu 
Jo  tremble  and  start; — if  Moses  was  exceedingly 
alarmed  before  mount  Sinai; — if  even  faith  and 
">ove  to  God  cannot  utterly  preserve  men  from 
dismay,  in  these  inferior  circumstances  of  terror; 
— what  will  be  the  horror  and  despair  of  the  wick- 
ed at  that  tremendous  season?  Oh,  that  men  would 
attentively  hearken  unto  the  voice  of  God,  who 
in  various  wa3's  "warns  them  to  flee  from  the 
wrath  to  come;"  and  from  his  mercy-seat,  with  a 
voice  of  less  terror,  but  of  more  glorious  excel- 
lency, invites  them  to  accept  of  his  salvation  and 
be  happy! — All  irrational  creatures  obey  the 
voice  and  subserve  the  will  of  the  great  Creator: 
surely  then  we,  whom  he  hath  endued  with  rea- 
son, should  be  shamed  into  obedience  and  sub- 
■nission!  We  behold  the  marvellous  works  of  God, 
and  partake  of  his  bounty,  in  the  revolution  of  the 
seasons,  and  the  change  of  the  M'eather:  for  heat 
and  cold,  rain,  snow,  or  dr}'  weather,  have  their 
several  beneficial  effects.  But  who  can  fully 
comprehend  tlie  whole  mechanism  of  JVature,  or 
rather  of  these  operations  of  God?  How  incom- 
petent then  must  we  be  to  explain  the  mysteries 
of  his  incomprehensible  and  eternal  existence,  of 
his  decrees,  or  of  his  universal  government!  But 
as  they,  who  know  nothing  of  natural  philosophy, 
receive  the  full  benefit  of  the  revolving  seasons; 
while  those  who  are  most  informed,  cannot  evade 
the  inclemency  of  the  weather,  or  prevent  storms, 
or  secure  themselves  against  their  effects:  so  the 
100] 


T 


HEN  the  Lord  answered  Job  ^  out 
of  the  whirhvind,  and  said, 


a  37:1,2,9,14. 
Deut.    4:11, IS 


Ex.    19rl6— 19. 
.     5:23—24.       1 


Kings  19:11.    2  Kings  2:1,11. 
Ez.  1:4.     Nah.  1:3. 


simplest  believer  may  receive  the  benefit  and 
comfort  of  divine  mysteries,  and  the  Lord's  pro- 
tection; while  the  proudest  and  most  learned  ob- 
jector cannot  annul  his  counsels,  alter  his  dispen- 
sations, or  escape  his  vengeance.  Our  wisdom 
then  consists,  in  accommodating  ourselves  to  the 
situation  allotted  us;  and  in  deriving  benefit,  as 
we  can,  from  those  appointments  which  we  can- 
not alter;  in  accepting  of  proffered  mercy  in  the 
Lord's  way;  in  submitting  to  his  correction  and 
his  righteousness;  and  in  leaving  all  difficulties  to 
another  world. — When  Providence  takes  us  off 
from  secular  employments,  we  should  occupy  our- 
selves more  entirely  in  meditating  on  the  works 
of  God,  in  the  study  of  his  word,  and  in  the  exer- 
cises of  devotion:  else,  in  what  do  we  surpass  the 
beasts,  who  retire  and  remain  in  their  dens? — The 
weather  is  altogether  of  God's  appointment:  it  is 
generally  ordered  in  mercy  as  well  as  in  wisdom, 
for  the  common  good;  and  if  at  any  time  it  be 
really  afflictive,  it  is  sent  for  correction,  and  to 
call  us  to  repentance  and  prayer.  But  the  bad 
opinion  which  men  entertain  of  the  divine  man- 
agement, is  evident  in  their  incessant  murmurs 
in  this  particular;  though  the  result  of  the  whole 
system,  through  the  year,  generally  demonstrates 
the  folly  and  ingratitude,  as  well  as  the  rebellion, 
of  their  complaints.  Believers  should  carefully 
avoid  such  peevishness:  there  are  no  had  days  as 
the  Lord  makes  them;  but  we  make  ourselves 
many  by  our  sins. 

v.  14—24, 
In  all  our  discourses  of  the  works  of  God,  we 
either  are  conscious  of  our  own  ignorance,  or  we 
soon  expose  it.  "We  cannot  order  our  speech  by 
reason  of  darkness,"  or  teach  one  another  satis- 
factorily in  these  sublime  subjects:  we  may  well 
be  ashamed  of  our  best  attempts  to  magnify  the 
glorious  excellences  and  works  of  God:  indeed, 
we  have  nothing  to  boast  of  on  any  account;  but 
must  still  confess,  not  only  that  we  are  unprofit- 
able servants,  but  that  we  are  wretched  sinners. 
In  short,  "with  God  is  terrible  majesty."  We 
cannot  search  him  out,  or  comprehend  his  designs: 
but  if  our  meditations  lead  us  to  more  admiring 
adoring  views  of  his  greatness,  holiness,  justice, 
wisdom,  and  goodness; — if  they  terminate  in  a 
deeper  sense  of  our  own  ignorance,  vileness,  and 
sinfulness; — if  they  warn  us  to  reverence  and  sub- 
mit to  him,  and  to  cease  from  our  own  wisdom; — 
the  effect  will  be  honorable  to  him,  useful  to  us, 
and  edifying  to  our  brethren.  And,  whatever 
scenes  we  witness,  whatever  changes  we  experi- 
ence, we  may  stay  our  minds  on  him,  who  will 
"give  strength  to  his  people,  and  bless"  them  with 
his  unspeakable  peace. 

NOTES. 
Chap.  XXXVIII.  V.  1.  Both  Job  and  his 
opponents  had  appealed  to  the  Lord,  and  earnest- 
ly desired  that  he  would  decide  the  controversj^ 
job  had  silenced,  but  he  had  not  convinced,  his 
friends:  Elihu  had  silenced  Job,  but  had  not 
brought  him  to  plead  guilty;  and  his  character 
was  yet  undecided.  The  debate  would  therefore 
have  terminated  inconclusively,  had  it  not  pleased 
God  to  interpose:  but  he  soon  made  Job  sensible 
of  his  faults;  and  he  convinced  his  friends  that 
Job  was  a  righteous  man,  and  that  they  had  done 
him  injustice:  and  thus  all  parties  were  humbled 
and  profited  by  the  transaction. — With  terrible 
majesty  the  Lord  spake  out  of  the  cloud,  or  tem- 
pest, which  probably  was  raised  to  a  vehement 
whirlwind  while  he  was  speaking.     {^Marg.  Ref.) 


B.  C.  1550. 


CHAPTER  XXXVIII. 


B.  C.  1550. 


2  Who  is  this  that  ^  darkeneth  coun- 
sel by  words  without  knowledge? 

3  •=  Gird  up  now  thy  loins  like  a  man; 
^  for  I  will  demand  of  thee,  and  *  answer 
thou  me. 

4  ^  Where  wast  thou  when  ^  I  laid  the 
foundations  of  the  earth?  declare,  if  thou 
•t  hast  understanding. 

5  Who  hath  £  laid  the  measures  there- 
of, if  thou  knowest?  or  ^  who  hath 
stretched  the  line  upon  it? 

6  '  Whereupon  are  the  t  foundations 
thereof  { fastened?  or  who  laid  ^  the  cor- 
ner-stone thereof; 

b  12.3.  2.3:4,5.    24:2.5.    26:3.  27: 

n.  34:35.  35:16.  42:3.    1  Tim. 

1:7. 
c40:7.     Ex.  12:11.    1  Kings  18: 

46.     Jer.  1:17.     1  Pet.  1:13. 
d  13:15,22.  23:3—7.    31:35—37. 
*  Heb.  make  me  know. 
e  Prov.  8:29,30.  30:4. 
f  Gen.  1:1.     Ps.    102:25.    104:5. 

Heb.  1:2,10. 
f  Heb.   knovjest    understand- 


gn:9.  28:25.     Prov.  3:27.     Is. 

40:12,22. 
h  Ps.    19:4.    78:55.      Is.   34:11. 

Zech.  2:1,2.     2  Cor.  10:16. 
i  26:7.      1   Sam.  2:8.     Ps.  24:2. 

93:1.    104:5.       Zech.    12:1.     2 

Pet.  3:5. 
t  Heb.  sockets.  Ex.  26:18—25. 
5  Heb.  made  to  sink. 
k  Ps  118:22.   144:12.     Is.  28:16. 

Eph.  2:20,21. 


He  addressed  Job,  and  continued  Elihu's  argu- 
ment; 'but  in  inimitable  words,  excelling  his  and 
'all  other  men's,  in  the  loftiness  of  the  style,  as 
'much  as  thunder  doth  a  whisper.'  Bp.  Patrick. 
He  rebuked  Job  first,  and  then  his  friends:  but 
Elihu,  who  had  come  nearest  to  the  truth,  and 
had  spoken  with  reverence,  seriousness,  and 
temper,  was  not  reproved,  though  in  some  things 
he  bore  too  hard  upon  Job. — In  attempting  to 
comment  on  these  words  of  the  Almighty,  we 
may  well  say,  with  Elihu,  "If  a  man  speak,  sure- 
ly he  shall  be  swallowed  up."  The  very  attempt 
might  create  a  tremor,  lest  it  should  be  reproved, 
"as  darkening  counsel  by  words  without  knoAvl- 
edge:"  and,  as  the  whole  discourse  was  intended 
as  a  reproof  of  the  want  of  reverence  and  mod- 
esty, which  an  eminently  wise  and  pious  man  had 
fallen  into,  it  stands  as  a  beacon,  cautioning  the 
expositor  to  keep  at  a  distance  from  the  same 
perilous  rock.  But,  if  giving  the  supposed  mean- 
ing, in  language  more  intelligible  to  the  plain 
modern  reader,  though  immensely  less  suited  to 
the  sublime  subject,  may  assist  in  understanding 
the  passage;  the  attempt  will  meet  with  a  pardon 
from  a  merciful  God,  and  perhaps  a  candid  peru- 
sal from  man. 

V.  2.  As  Elihu  had  spoken  last,  it  might  have 
been  thought,  that  he  was  addressed:  but  Job 
knew  that  he  was  especially  intended,  and  this 
first  question  seems  to  have  brought  him  to  a 
more  becoming  temper.  He  had  discoursed  upon 
the  counsels  of  God,  and  the  methods  of  Provi- 
dence; but  he  had  expressed  himself  rashly  and 
irreverently,  as  if  God  had  afflicted  him  without 
cause,  and  with  rigor  and  cruelty:  thus  he  had 
rendered  the  subject  more  obscure,  and  the  audi- 
tors more  perplexed,  than  before;  and  had  only 
manifested  his  own  ignorance.  "But  who  was 
he,  that"  thus  "darkened  counsel  by  words  with- 
out knowledge.""'  Did  an  ignorant,  sinful  man  pre- 
sume to  speak  such  language  concerning  the  in- 
finite God!  Did  Job,  the  servant  of  the  Lord,  go 
thus  in  company  with  his  enemies!  Jehovah 
would  not,  in  such  a  cause,  deign  to  vindicate 
his  wisdom,  justice,  goodness,  or  truth,  against 
so  presumptuous  an  accusation:  but  he  would 
make  the  accuser  feel  his  own  ignorance  and 
impotence,  and  shame  him  out  of  his  indecent 
and  unreasonable  murmurs:  he  would  teach  him 
to  contend  with  his  equals,  the  potsherds  of  the 
earth;  and  not  to  cite  God  to  his  bar,  as  if  he 


7  When  '  the  morning-stars  sang  to- 
gether, and  all  ™  the  sons  of  God 
"  shouted  for  joy? 

8  Or  "Wto  shut  up. the  sea  with  doors, 
when  it  brake  forth,  as  if  it  had  issued 
P  out  of  the  womb; 

9  When  I  made  the  cloud  the  garment 
thereof,  and  i  thick  darkness  a  swad- 
dling-band  for  it, 

10  And  II  brake  up  for  it  my  decreed 
place,  and  set  bars  and  doors, 

]  1  And  said,  "■  Hitherto  shalt  thou 
come,  ^  but  no  further:  and  here  shall 
^  thy    proud  waves    be    stayed. 

[Practical  Ohservations.] 


IRev.  2:28.  22:16. 

m  1:6.    2:1.     Ps.    l04:4.     Rev. 

5:11. 
n  Ezra  3:11,12.  Zech.  4:7. 
o  10.  Gen.  1:9.  Ps.  33:7.  Prov. 

8:29. 
p  29. 

q  Gen.  1:2. 
II  Or,    established    my    decree 


uponit.     26:10.     Gen.  ]:9,1(?. 

9:15.     Ps.    104:9.     Jer.    5:22. 
r  Ps.  65:6,7.  93:3,4.   Prov.  8:29. 

Mark  4:39— 41. 
s  1:12.   2:6.   Ps.  76:10.  89:9.   Is. 

27:8.  Luke  8:32,33.     Rev.  20. 

2,3,7,8. 
IT  Heb.  the  pride  of  thy  ■waves. 


were  his  compeer  or  his  judge.     [Marg.   Ref. 
—JSTotes,  Is.  45:9—11.  Rom.  9:19—21.) 

V.  3.  Gird  up,  &c.]  Job  had  spoken  of  "or- 
dering his  cause  before  God,"  of  "demanding  of 
him,  and  being  answered,"  and  of  "coming  as  a 
prince  before  him:"  and  he  had  grievously  com- 
plained, that  he  could  not  get  a  hearing.  [J^ote^, 
13:15—23.  23:3—7.  31:35—37.)  But  now  the 
time  of  trial  was  come:  and  the  Lord  summoned 
him  to  collect  all  his  courage  and  resolution; 
[Marg.  Ref.  c.)  and  without  delay  to  prepare  his 
answers  to  some  previous  questions,  which  he 
had  to  propose  to  him.     (JVb/es,  40:1 — 8.) 

V.  4 — 7.  These  abrupt  questions,  which  could 
only  be  answered  in  the  negative,  were  suited  to 
impress  Job  with  a  conviction  of  the  infinite 
knowledge,  wisdom,  and  power  of  the  eternal 
God;  and  of  his  own  extreme  ignorance,  and  in- 
competency to  form  a  judgment  of  his  appoint- 
ments. Was  he  present,  counselling,  or  assist- 
ing, when  the  earth  was  created.!"  Did  he  appoint 
the  dimensions  and  proportions  of  that  immense 
structure.''  Could  he  understand  whence  its  sta- 
bility arose,  or  how  it  was  fixed  as  a  building  on 
a  firm  foundation.?  {J\rotes,  Gen.  1:1,2.  Ps.  102:25 
—28.  104:6—9.  Prov.  8:22— 30.  /*.  40:12— 17, 
21—24.  Heb.  1:10—12.  Rev.  4:9— 11.)— At  that 
period,  the  first  and  brightest  productions  of  cre- 
ative power,  the  stars  in  the  firmament,  oV  rather 
the  holy  angels,  the  morning  stars  of  the  crea- 
tion, "the  sons  of  God,"  {Luke  20:36.— JVbie, 
1:6.)  witnessed,  adored,  and  rejoiced  with  exul- 
tation. (JVb<e*,  Heb.  1:13,14.  Rev.  5:8—14.) 
And  would  Job,  who  had  then  no  existence,  find 
fault  with  the  work  which  excited  their  admira- 
tion and  adoring  joy.?  Would  he  presume  to  di- 
rect the  government  of  what  he  had  no  hand  in 
forming.?  Or  would  he  suppose  the  dispensations 
of  Providence  less  perfect  than  the  work  of  crea- 
tion.? But  if  this  exceeded  his  comprehension, 
would  he  dare  to  decide  on  other  still  more  mys- 
terious works  of  God.' 

V.  8 — 11.  Job  was  next  called  on  to  consider 
the  mighty  ocean.  At  the  Creator's  word,  the 
seas  separated  from  the  dry  land,  issuing  forth  as 
an  infant  from  the  womb.  The  clouds  that  hover 
over  the  ocean,  and  the  unknown  shores  which 
surround  it,  form,  as  it  were,  the  swaddling-band 
and  garment  of  it,  'as  if  it  were  but  as  a  little 
'babe  in  the  hands  of  God.'  The  vast  hollows  of 
the  earth  are  its  appointed  place,  in  which  it  is 

[101 


B.  C.  1550. 


JOB. 


B.  C.  1550. 


12  IF  Hast  thou  ^  commanded  the 
mornmg  "  since  thy  days;  and  caused 
^  the  day-spring  to  know  his  place; 

13  That  it  might  ^  take  hold  of  the 
*  ends  of  the  earth,  that  ^  the  wicked 
might  be  shaken  out  of  it? 

14  It  is  turned  as  clay  to  the  seal; 
and  they  stand  ^  as  a  garment. 

1 5  And  ^  from  the  wicked  their  light 
is  withholden,  and  •=  the  high  arm  shall 
be  broken. 

16  IF  Hast  thou  entered  into  '^  the 
springs  of  the  sea.''  or  hast  thou  ®  walked 
in  the  search  of  the  depth.'' 

17  Have  *^the  gates  of  death  been 
opened  unto  thee.''  or  hast  thou  seen  the 
doors  of  s  the  shadow  of  death.'* 

18  Hast  thou  perceived  ^  the  breadth 
of  the  earth.''  declare  if  thou  knowest 
it  all. 

1 9  IT  Where  is  '  the  way  where  light 
dwelleth.'*  and  as  for  ^  darkness,  where 
is  the  place  thereof.'^ 

20  That  thou  shouldest  take  it  tto 
the  bound  thereof,  and  that  thou  should- 


t  Gen.  1;5.     Ps.  •74;16.    136:7,8. 

148:3—5. 
u4,21.  8:9.   15:7. 
X  Luke  1:73.     2  Pet.  1:19. 
y  Ps.  19:4—6.    139:9—12. 
*  Heb.  ttiings.  37:3.  marg. 
z  24:13—17.       Ex.    14:27.     Ps. 

104:21,22,35. 
a  Ps.  104:2,6. 
b5:14.   18:5,18.    Ex.  10:21— 23. 

2  Kings  6:18.     Prov.  4:19.   Is. 

8:21,22.     Jer.  13:16.    Acts  13. 

10,11. 
c  Ps.  10:15.  37:17.    Ez.  30:22. 
d  Ps.  77:19.     Prov.  8:24.     Jer. 


51:36. 
e  26:5,6. 

IPs.  9:13.   107:18.   116:3. 
g  3:5.   12:-:^.      Ps.  23:4.    107:10, 

14.     Am.  5:8.     Matt.  4:16. 
h  Ps.    74:17.    89:11,12.     Is.  40: 

28.     Jer.  31:37.  Rev.  20:9. 
i  12,13.       Gen.       1:3,4,14—18. 

Deut.  4:19.     Is.  45:7.    John  1: 

9.  8:12. 
k  Ps.  18:11.  104:20.  105:28.  Jer. 

13:16.      Ez.   32:8.     Am.   4:13. 

Matt.  27:45. 
t  Or,  at. 


confined,  as  with  bolts  and  bars:  and  though  it  is 
vehemently  tossed  by  tempestuous  winds,  and 
the  tides  roll  its  billows  to  the  shore,  as  if  it  were 
about  to  cover  the  earth  again;  yet,  at  the  Lord's 
command  the  storm  subsides,  and  the  tide  rolls 
back;  and  he  deals  with  this  most  furious  ele- 
ment, as  easily  as  with  an  infant:  and  this,  not  so 
much  by  the  barrier  of  the  shores,  as  by  virtue  of 
that  inexpUcahle  property,  which  we  call  gravita- 
tion.— Thus  he  stays  the  proud  or  swelling  waves 
of  the  sea,  and  assigns  them  their  bounds  which 
they  cannot  pass.  [Jfotes,  Gen.  1:9,10.  7:10 — 12. 
Ps.  93:3,4.  104:6—9.  Prov.  8:26,30.  Jer.  5:20— 
25.  Matt.  8:23—27.)  But  had  Job  any  hand  in 
contriving  or  effecting  this.^  Or  could  he  compre- 
hend how  it  was  done.'' 

V.  12 — 15.  It  was  evident,  that  the  things 
hitherto  mentioned  had  existed  before  Job  was 
born;  by  which  he  might  be  led  to  reflect  upon  the 
eternity  of  God,  and  contrast  it  with  the  few  days 
of  his  own  past  life.  But  had  he,  during  that  short 
time,  given  orders  for  the  succession  of  night  and 
day.''  At  the  appointed  hour,  the  morning  is  ush- 
ered in,  and  the  light  gradually  overspreads  the 
horizon,  and  drives  away  the  wicked  from  their 
deeds  of  darkness.  Immediately  the  earth  as- 
sumes a  new  form,  as  the  wax  from  under  the 
seal;  and  appears  in  fresh  beauty,  as  arrayed  in 
splendid  garments.  Thus  the  wicked  are  disap- 
pointed of  their  expected  success,  and  are  de- 
tected and  crushed,  notwithstanding  their  lawless 
pride  and  violence.  But  did  Job  command  this 
beneficial  and  welcome  change.''  Did  it  depend 
on  his  care  and  management?  Nay,  could  he  ex- 
102] 


est  know  the  paths  to  the  house  thereof? 

21  Knowest  thou  it,  '  because  thou 
wast  then  born.''  or  because  the  number 
of  thy  days  is  great.'' 

22  ,  IF  Hast  thou  entered  into  ""  the 
treasures  of  the  snow.''  or  hast  thou  seen 
the  treasures  of  the  hail, 

23  °  Which  I  have  reserved  against 
the  time  of  trouble,  against  the  day  of 
battle  and  v^zxf 

24  By  what  way  is  °  the  light  parted, 
which  scattereth  the  east  wind  upon  the 
earth? 

25  Who  hath  p  divided  a  water-course 
for  the  overflowing  of  waters,  or  a  way 
for  the  lightning  of  thunder; 

26  To  cause  it  to  rain  on  the  earth, 
where  no  man  is;  i  on  the  wilderness, 
wherein  there  is  no  man; 

27  To  satisfy  the  desolate  and  waste 
ground;  and  to  cause  the  bud  of  the 
tender  herb  to  spring  forth? 

28  "■  Hath  the  rain  a  father?  or  who 
hath  begotten  the  drops  of  ^  dew? 

29  *  Out  of  whose  womb  came  the 
ice?  and  the  hoary  frost  of  heaven,  who 
hath  gendered  it? 


1  4,12.   15:7. 

m6:16.  37:6.     Ps.    33:7.   135:7. 

n  36:31.    37:13.      Ex.     9:18,24. 

Josh.    10:11.     Is.   30:30.     Ez. 

13:11—13.     Matt.  7:27.    Rev. 

16:21. 
0  12,13.  Jon.  4:8.     Matt.  24:27. 
p  23:26.  36:27,28.   37:3—6.    Ps. 

29:3—10. 
q  Ps.  104:10—14.  107:35.  147:8, 


9.     Is.  35:1,2.    41:18,19.  43:19, 

20.     Heb.  6:7,8. 
r8.    5:9,10.       1  Sam.    12:17,18. 

Ps.    65:9,10.     Jer.  5:24.   10:13. 

14:22.     Joel    2:23.      Am.   4:7. 

Matt.  5:45. 
s  29:19.     Gen.  27:28,39.     Deut. 

33:13,28.  2  Sam.  1:21.   1  Kings 

17:1.     Prov.  3:20.     Hos.   14:5. 
t8.  6:16.     Ps.  147:16,17. 


plain  in  what  manner  the  sun,  at  so  immense  a 
distance,  enlightened  the  earth.''  Or  could  he 
supply  the  want,  should  his  beams  be  withheld; 
or  command  them  to  come  when  he  pleased.'' 

V.  16 — 18.  The  vast  ocean  covers  immense 
treasures,  and  wonderful  productions  of  the  Cre- 
ator. But  had  Job  surveyed  these  repositories, 
or  taken  an  inventory  of  their  contents.''  Had  he 
visited  all  the  deep  and  dark  caverns  of  the 
earth.''  Or  was  he  fully  acquainted  with  the  na- 
ture and  consequences  of  death,  and  with  all 
which  takes  place  in  the  invisible  world.?  Nay, 
had  he  traversed  the  whole  of  the  earth,  so' as  to 
be  able  to  shew  its  dimensions,  and  describe  all 
the  lands,  climates,  and  creatures  which  it  con- 
tains.' 

V.  19 — 21.  Could  Job  fully  explain  the  na- 
ture, and  declare  the  origin,  of  light  and  dark- 
ness; what  they  are,  and  whence  they  come.' 
Could  he  trace  the  streams  of  them  back  to  the 
fountain,  so  as  to  visit  their  residence,  and  bring  ■ 
them  forth  to  accomplish  his  own  purposes.'  Or 
shew  whither  the  Hght  retired  during  the  night; 
and  point  out  the  abode  of  darkness  after  the  ap- 
proach of  the  sun?  Was  he  born  before  the  pres- 
ent order  was  established?  and  had  long  observa- 
tion made  him  acquainted  with  these  matters, 
which  to  all  else  were  incomprehensible?  [J^ote's, 
Gm.  1:14— 19.  Deut.4:\9.  P*.  19:1— 6.  104:19 
—24.  Is.  45:7.)— Though  modern  experiments 
have  enabled  men  to  form  some  theories  concern- 
ing light  and  colors;  yet  how  very  little  do  the 
most  scientific  men  yet  know  about  them,  of 
what  they  are,  and  how  they  are! 


B.  C.  1550. 


CHAPTER  XXXVin. 


B.  C.  1550. 


30  The  waters  are  hid  as  with  a 
stone,  and  "  the  facd  of  the  deep  is 
*  frozen. 

31  Canst  thou  bind  the  sweet  in- 
fluences of  t  Pleiades,  or  loose  the  bands 
of  X  Orion? 

32  Canst  thou  bring  forth  5Mazza- 
roth  in  his  seasoni*  or  canst  thou  ||  guide 
Arcturus  with  his  sons.'' 

33  Knowest  thou  ^  the  ordinances  of 
heaven.''  >'  canst  thou  set  the  dominion 
thereof  in  the  earth.'' 

34  *■•  Canst  thou  lift  up  thy  voice  to 
the  clouds,  that  abundance  of  waters 
may  cover  thee.'' 

35  ^  Canst  thou  send  lightnings,  that 
they  may  go,  and  say  unto  thee,  u  Here 
we  are? 


II  37.10. 

*  Heb.  taken. 

I  Or,   the  seven  stars.      Heb. 
Ciniak.  9:9.  marg.   Am.  5:8. 

+  Or,  Cesil. 

5  Or,  the  twelve  signs. 

II  Heb.  guide  them.    9:9. 

X  Gen.  1:16.  8:22.     Ps.    119:90, 
91.     Jer.  31:35,y6.  33:25.    • 


y  10,13. 

z  1  Sam.  12:18.  Am.  5:8.  Zech. 

10:1.     Jam.  5:18. 
a  Ex.   9:23—25,29.     Lev.  10:2. 

Num.  11:1.   16:35.     2  Kings  1: 

10,14.     Rev.  11:5,6. 
H  Heb.   Behold  us.   1  Sam.  22: 

12.     Is.  6:8.  marg.  65:1. 


V.  22 — 30.  To  convince  Job  of  his  ignorance, 
and  of  the  unsearchable  wisdom  and  knowledge 
of  God,  some  other  perplexing-  questions  were 
proposed  to  him.  The  snow  and  hail  seem  to  be 
brought  forth  out  of  a  treasury.  But  had  Job 
ever  entered  thither.''  Did  he  understand  the 
manner  of  their  production.''  or  were  they  at  his 
command:'  With  them  the  Lord  troubles  and 
fights  against  his  enemies,  when  he  sees  good: 
but  could  Job  employ  them  in  his  own  cause, 
after  the  same  manner.''  Could  he  explain  the 
way  in  which  the  "morning  light  is  divided,  and 
the  east"  (or  from  the  east,)  "scattered  over  the 
whole  earth.'"  Could  he  suppose,  that  any  but  God 
directed  the  clouds,  as  a  water-couree  to  convey 
the  waters,  above  the  firmament,  to  their  appoint- 
ed places,  often  attended  by  thunder  and  lightning; 
so  that  even  the  uncultivated  parts  of  the  earth 
were  watered,  and  made  to  produce  food  and  sup- 
ply drink,  for  the  beasts  which  inhabit  them.' 
Could  any  account  be  given  of  the  formation  of 
the  rain,  into  larger  or  smaller  drops.'  Was  any 
one  instrumental  in  the  production  of  the  dew, 
the  ice,  or  the  hoar-frost.'  Were  not  all  these  en- 
tirely the  work  of  God,  and  inexplicable  to  man.' 
Thus  the  course  of  rivers  was  arrested,  the  fluid- 
ity of  the  water  changed,  and  covered  as  Avith  a 
pavement  of  stone.  (jVotes,  5:8 — 10.  36:22 — 33. 
37:1—13.  Gen.  1:9.  7:10—23.  Ex.  9:18.  Ps.  33:7, 
8.  65:9—13.  104:10—15.  147:6—8,15—18.  Jer.  14: 
19 — 22.) — These  are  indeed  most  stupendous  dis- 
plays of  the  divine  power,  and  only  unnoticed  be- 
cause common. 

V.  31— -41.  The  different  seasons  of  tlie  year 
are  marked  out,  by  the  relative  situation  of  the 
fixed  stars  to  tlie  earth,  and  to  the  sun.  But  could 
Job  prevent  the  effects  of  those  constellations, 
which  presided  either  over  the  genial  spring,  or 
the  dreary  winter.'  [JVote,  9:9—13.)  Could  he 
even  explain  how  these  effects  are  produced?  If 
he  felt  his  ignorance  and  weakness  in  this  matter, 
let  him  learn  to  keep  his  proper  place,  and  to 
leave  the  government  of  the  world  to  its  Creator. 
— Could  he  in  a  dry  season  command  the  clouds 
to  water  the  earth  from  their  abundance.'  Would 
they,  or  the  lightnings,  obey  his  orders,  and  exe- 
cute his  purpose.'  Was  he  the  author  even  of  his 
own  scanty  measure  of  wisdom  and  knowledge.' 


36  ^  Who  hath  put  wisdom  in  the  in- 
ward parts.''  or  *=  who  hath  given  under- 
standing to  the  heart.'' 

37  Who  can  '^  number  the  clouds  in 
wisdom.''  or  ®who  can  **  stay  the  bottles 
of  heaven, 

38  When  the  dust  tt  groweth  into 
hardness,  and  the  clods  cleave  fast  to- 
gether.^ 

39  *"  Wilt  thou  hunt  the  prey  for  the 
lion.^  or  fill  the  tt  appetite  of  the  youiig 
lions, 

40  When  s  they  couch  in  their  dens, 
and  abide  in  the  covert  to  lie  in  wait.'' 

41  ''Who  provideth  for  the  raven  his 
food.?  when  his  young  ones  cry  unto 
God,  they  wander  for  lack  of  meat. 


b  32:8.      Ps.    51:6.      Prov.    2:6. 

Ec.  2:26.     Jam.  1:5,17. 
c  Ex.  31:3.  36:1,2.    Is.  28:26. 
d  Gen.  15:5.     Ps.  147:4. 
eGen.  8:1.  9:15. 
**  Heb.  cause  to  lie  donn. 
If   Or,   is     tuj-ned   into     mire. 


Heb.  IS  poured. 
f4:l0,ll.        Ps.    34:10.     104:21. 

145:15,16. 
XI  Heb.  life. 

g  Gen.  49:9.    Num.  23:24.  24:9. 
h  Ps.  104:27,28.  147:9.  Matt.  6: 

26.   Luke  12:24. 


Could  he  explain  what  'thought  was?  Could  he 
keep  a  register  of  the  clouds  and  their  contents, 
and  of  the  commerce  which  they  carried  on.' 
Could  he  seal  up  those  "bottles  of  heaven,"  and 
prevent  more  rain  from  falling,  "when  the  dust 
was  melted  into  a  mass,  and  the  clods  were  joined 
together.''" — Would  he  undertake  to  provide  food 
for  the  lions.'  was  not  even  this  far  beyond  bis 
power.''  Naj',  he  could  not  provide  for  the  young 
ravens;  when  deserted  or  expelled  from  the  nest, 
they  by  their  natural  call  seem  to  cry  unto  God 
for  food.  {J\''otes,  Ps.  104:10,11,19-23,27-30. 
Matt.  6:25 — 32.)  In  short,  whatever  Job  consid- 
ered, above  or  beneath,  within  or  around  liirn,  he 
must  perceive  the  infinite  wisdom,  knowledge, 
power,  and  goodness  of  God;  and  feel  his  own  in- 
capacity to  discourse  on  such  subjects,  as  he  had 
presumptuously  ventured  on. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
V.  1—11. 
The  condescension  of  the  God  of  glory,  in  mak- 
ing himself  known  to  sinful  man  for  his  humilia- 
tion, instead  of  executing  vengeance  upon  him 
for  his  rebellion,  demands  our  highest  admiration, 
and  our  warmest  gratitude:  and  the  most  tremen- 
dous method,  by  which  he  abases  a  sinner  in  the 
dust,  should  be  acknowledged  as  the  eflect  of  his 
mercy;  for  it  tends  to  comfort,  and  joy,  and  salva- 
tion.— When  the  wisest  of  men  presume  to  in- 
trude into  those  "secret  things  which  belong  to 
God,"  and  to  be  "wise  above  what  is  written," 
they  are  sure  to  "darken  counsel  by  words  with- 
out knowledge,"  and  perhaps  undesignedly  to 
serve  the  cause  of  impiety,  or  skepticism:  so  that 
numbers,  who  have  been  vain  of  their  acute, 
learned,  and  accurate  reasonings  on  mysterious 
subjects,  and  who  have  been  admired  for  their 
sagacity  and  judgment,  will  meet  with  such  a  re- 
buke from  the  Lord,  as  Job  did,  or  rather  one  far 
more  severe.  We  should  then  be  ver}'  careful, 
in  all  our  investigations,  not  to  exceed  our  assign- 
ed limits;  not  to  go  out  of  our  deptli;  nor  to  leave 
the  friendly  shore  of  the  word  of  God,  <o  larr-ch 
into  the  immense  ocean  of  infinities.  Conscious 
of  our  ignorance,  guilt,  and  weakness,  it  becomes 
us  to  speak  with  trembling  humility  and  rever- 
ence, when  the  perfections,  decrees,  or  opera- 

[103 


B.  C.  1550. 


JOB. 


B.  C.  1650. 


CHAP.  XXXIX. 

God  shews  his  own  power,  and  man's  weakness  and  ignorance, 
by  instancing  from  among  animals,  the  wild  goats  and  hinds, 
1 — -4;  the  wild  ass,  5 — '3;  the  unicorn,  9 — 12;  the  peacock  and 
ostrich,  13 — 13;  the  war-horse,  19 — 23;  the  hawk  and  eagle, 
'2li—30. 

KNOWEST  thou  the  time  when  ^  the 
wild  goats  of  the  rock  bring  forth? 
or  canst  thou  mark  ^  when  the  hinds  do 
calve.'*  . 


a  1  Sam.  24:2.     Ps.  104:18. 


b  Ps.  29:9.     Jer.  14:5. 


tions  of  God  are  our  subject:  for  "such  knowl- 
edg'e  is  too  high  for  us,  we  cannot  attain  unto  it." 
{jYote,  Ps.  139:4 — 6.) — But  indeed  none  of  us  are 
suitably  impressed  with  awe  of  the  infinite  majesty 
of  God:  our  appeals  to  him  generally  savor  of 
presumption,  and  we  should  not  be  able  to  answer 
before  him,  as  we  are  apt  rashly  to  think  we  could. 
— Though  he  sometimes  deigns  to  reason  with  his 
creatures,  and  to  demonstrate  his  equity  in  his 
dealings  with  them;  yet  he  more  generally  si- 
lences the  arrogant  objector,  by  a  display  of  his 
infinite  power,  authority,  and  majesty,  as  more 
becoming  the  Sovereign  of  the  world.  Indeed, 
all  nature  proclaims  his  glory:  no  creature  fully 
comprehends  his  works;  but  contemplation  of 
them,  with  adoring  and  exulting  praises,  forms 
the  delight  of  each  intelligent  being,  in  exact 
proportion  to  the  e:xtent  of  his  powers,  and  the 
degree  of  his  holiness.  Thus,  when  the  creation 
was  finished,  and  appeared  in  aU  its  beauty,  "the 
morning-stars  sang  togethei",  and  all  the  sons  of 
God  shouted  for  joy."  Yet  they  discover  still 
brighter  glories  in  the  mysteries  of  redeeming 
love,  into  which  especially  "they  desire  to  look" 
with  ceaseless  admiration:  {J^fotes,  Eph.  3:9 — 12. 
]  Pet.  1:10 — 12.)  and,  in  proportion  as  the  new 
creating-Spirit  renders  us  like  them  in  knowledge 
and  holiness;  we  shall  become  capable  of  partici- 
pating their  exalted  joys,  and  find  pleasures  of 
whicli  we  now  have  scarcely  a  conception. — But, 
in  other  things,  the  boasted  knowledge  of  man- 
kind is  in  fact  a  very  small  matter:  the  best  in- 
formed perceive  most  of  their  own  ignorance  in 
every  thing:  none  can  fully  understand  the  most 
common  phcenomena  of  nature;  and  after  all  the 
discoveries  of  modern  times,  they  remain,  in  some 
respects,  as  inexplicable  as  ever. — Indeed,  we 
are  of  yesterday;  our  days  are  passing  away  as  a 
shadow:  and  a  humble  willingness  to  be  taught  of 
God,  and  to  credit  his  "sure  testimony,"  as  con- 
tained in  the  sacred  oracles;  with  a  diligent  at- 
tention to  our  proper  interest  and  duty,  as  fallen 
creatures  under  a  dispensation  of  mercy,  are  in- 
finitely preferable  to  all  the  learning  of  the  schools. 
Not  that  learning  should  be  depreciated;  provided 
it  be  accompanied  with  humilitj'^,  kept  in  its  prop- 
er place,  directed  to  its  proper  objects,  and  not 
allowed  to  interfere  within  the  province  of  reve- 
lation and  faith.  Yet  even  in  natural  things  man's 
scanty  measure  of  knowledge  avails  him  but  lit- 
tle; for  he  still  finds  himself  unable  to  effect  those 
alterations,  which  might  give  him  ease,  or  con- 
duce to  his  comfort. — But,  whatever  the  Lord 
doeth  must  be  right;  because  he  i%  infinite  in  wis- 
dom, justice,  truth,  and  goodness.  As  the  world 
was  created,  so  it  is  governed  by  him,  exactly  as 
it  should  be.  The  contemplation  of  his  wise  and 
surprising  contrivance,  in  the  economy  of  nature, 
should  silence  all  onr  objections  to  his  providen- 
tial dispensations,  and  teach  us  to  desire,  that  he 
would  choose  and  manage  all  for  us  as  he  pleases. 
His  power,  which  formed  and  bounds  the  mighty 
ocean,  and  which  is  displayed  wherever  we  turn 
our  eyes,  should  remind  the  sinner  of  "the  power 
of  his  wrath;"  convince  him  how  vain  it  will  be  to 
oppose  his  authority;  and  warn  him  without  de- 
104] 


2.  Canst  thou  number  *^  the  months 
that  they  fulfil.^  or  knowest  thou  the  time 
when  they  bring  forth.^ 

3  They  bow  themselves,  they  bring 
forth  their  young  ones,  they  cast  out 
their  sorrows. 

4  Their  young  ones  are  in  good  hking, 
they  grow  up  with  com;  they  go  forth, 
and  return  not  unto  them. 


lay  to  seek  pardon  and  reconciliation:  and  it 
should  teach  the  believer  to  rejoice  in  his  Friend 
and  Protector;  who  can  say  to  the  proudest  per- 
secutors, to  the  severest  trials,  or  to  the  hosts  of 
hell,  "Hitherto  shall  ye  come,  and  no  further:  and 
here  shall  your  proud  rage  be  stayed." 
V.  12—41. 
The  innumerable  creatures,  varied  almost  in- 
finitely, which  God  has  formed,  may  teach  us  that 
the  reasons  of  his  conduct  may  be  numerous, 
when  we  can  discern  none.  The  revolutions  of 
day  and  night,  and  of  the  seasons  of  the  year, 
with  all  the  profusion  of  bounty,  with  which  they 
are  crowned,  and  of  which  his  enemies  richly  par- 
take, should  encourage  us  to  expect  large  bless- 
ings from  his  covenant-love  in  Jesus  Christ,  and 
to  be  followers  of  him  in  love  to  our  enemies. 
And,  as  he  feeds  the  lions,  and  the  ravens  which 
cry  unto  him,  let  us  learn  to  ask  and  expect  our 
daily  bread  from  him.  The  constancy  and  exact- 
ness, with  which  natural  effects  are  produced, 
should  remind  us  of  the  faithfulness  of  the  Lord's 
promises,  and  the  immutability  of  his  counsel;  and 
excite  us  to  be  constant  and  exact  in  our  course 
of  daily  worship  and  obedience.  The  considera- 
tion of  his  all-sufficiency  and  eternity  should  teach 
us  to  choose  his  favor,  as  our  portion  and  blessed- 
ness for  ever:  and  every  view  which  we  take  of 
his  manifested  perfections,  is  suited  to  convince 
us  of  his  right  to  our  love  and  obedience,  of  the 
evil  of  sinning  against  him,  and  of  our  need  of  his 
mercj'  and  salvation.  The  humiliating  recollec- 
tion of  our  comparative  insignificance  should 
check  our  pride  and  presumption,  and  lay  us  low 
in  reverential  fear  and  self-abasement. — It  would 
be  in  vain  for  us  to  command  the  clouds  to  rain, 
or  to  attempt  to  stay  these  "bottles  of  heaven;" 
but  if  we  call  upon  the  Lord  in  our  necessities 
or  fears,  he  will  regulate  all  these  things  for  our 
good.  In  fine,  the  more  we  contemplate  these 
discoveries  of  our  God,  the  more  we  are  confound- 
ed with  their  vastness  and  variety.  All  his  ways 
are  in  wisdom:  every  thing  will  concur  to  ruin 
his  obstinate  enemies;  but  all  things  work  together 
for  good  to  them  that  love  him. 

NOTES. 
Chap.  XXXIX.  V.  1—4.  In  this  chapter 
some  animals  are  selected,  the  nature  or  situa- 
tion of  which  is  peculiarly  illustrative  of  the  pow- 
er, wisdom,  and  manifold  works  of  God:  and  the 
questions  proposed  concerning  them,  were  suited 
to  convince  Job  how  little  he  knew  or  could  do. 
The  several  species  of  the  wild  goats,  and  hinds, 
are  continued  from  age  to  age;  but  not  by  the 
care  of  man.  He  does  not  know  how  long  they 
go  with  young,  or  at  what  time  they  will  bring 
forth;  nor  if  he  did,  could  he  in  any  way  tend  on 
them  or  assist  them,  as  he  can  the  domestic  ani- 
mals. Though  they  bring  forth  their  young  with 
difficulty  and  pain,  yet  they  need  no  human  help; 
they  soon  forget  their  sorrows;  and  their  young 
being  active  and  vigorous,  are  in  a  short  time 
able  to  shift  for  themselves,  by  entering  into  the 
corn-fields,  as  well  as  tlie  pastures  and  meadows, 
notwithstanding  the  precautions  of  the  owner. 


B.  C.  1550. 


CHAPTER  XXXIX. 


B.  C.  loDfl. 


5  IF  Who  hath  sent  out  <^  the  wild  ass 
free.''  or  ®  who  hath  loosed  the  bands  of 
the  wild  ass.'* 

6  Whose  house  I  have  made  the  wil- 
derness, and  the  *  barren  land  his  dwell- 
ings. 

7  He  ^  scorneth  the  multitude  of  the 
city,  neither  regardeth  he  the  crying  of 
the  t  driver. 

8  8:  The  range  of  the  mountains  is  his 
pasture,  and  he  searcheth  after  every 
green  thing. 

9  IT  Will  ^  the  unicorn  be  willing  to 
serve  thee,  '  or  abide  by  thy  crib.'' 

10  Canst  thou  "^  bind  the  unicorn  with 
his  band  in  the  furrow.''  or  will  he  har- 
row the  valleys  after  thee? 

1 1  Wilt  thou  '  trust  him,  because  his 
strength  is  great.''  or  ™  wilt  thou  leave  thy 
labor  to  him.'' 

12  Wilt  thou  believe  him  that  "  he 
will  bring  home  thy  seed,  and  "  gather  it 
into  thy  barn.'' 

13  IT  Gavest  thou  the  goodly  wings 
unto  the  p  peacocks.''  or  ^  wings  and 
feathers  unto  the  ''  ostrich.'* 

14  Which    leaveth    her    eggs    in    the 

d  6:5.   11.12.  24:5.     Gen.  16:12. 

Ps.  104:11.     Is.  32:14.    Jer.  2: 

24.    14:6.      Dan.    5:21.     Hos. 

8:9. 
e  Gen.  49:14. 
*  Heb.  sa(t  ylaoes.     Deut.  29: 

23.     Ps.  107:34.     marg.    Jer. 

17:6.     Ez.  47:11. 
f  13.  3:18.     Is.  31:4. 
t  Heb.  exuttor.     Ex.  5:13—16, 

18.     Is.  58:3. 
S  40:15,20— 22.     Gen.    1:29,30. 
'Ps.  104:27,23.   14.5:15,16. 
h  Num.    23:22.      Deut.    33:17. 

Ps.  22:21.  92:10. 
1  Is.  1:3. 


k5,7.     1:14.    41:5.      Ps.    129:3. 

Hos.  10:10,11.    Mic.  1:13. 
1  Ps.    20:7.      33:16,17.       147:10. 

Is.  30:16.  31:1—3. 
m  Gen.  1:26,23.  9:2.  42:26.   Ps. 

144:14.     Prov.  14:4.     Is.  30:6. 

46:1. 
n  Neh.  13:15.  Am.  2:13. 
o  Prov.  3:10.  Hag.  2:19.   Matt. 

3:12.    13:30. 
p  2  Kings  10:22.  2  Chr.  9:21. 
j  Or,  the  feathers  of  the  stork 

and  ostrich.    Lev.  11:19.    Ps. 

104:17.  Jer.  8:7.    Zech.  5:9. 
q  30:29.  marg. 


V.  5—8.  Some  animals  are  evidentlj'  created 
for  labor;  others  scorn  the  3'oke:  the  tame  ass  is 
formed  for  a  patient  drudge;  but  the  wild  ass 
cannot  be  thus  manag'ed  and  emploj'ed.  {Jfote.t, 
11:7—12.  Gen.  1:26,27.  9:1,2.  16:12.)  He  has 
liberty  as  it  were  by  charter:  the  barren  wilder- 
ness is  his  residence,  and  its  scanty  productions 
his  subsistence:  yet  it  would  be  vain  to  attempt 
enticing  him  into  populous  cities,  for  the  sake  of  a 
more  plentiful  support;  or  rendering  him  obe- 
dient to  a  driver's  voice.  But  who  gave  him  this 
liberty.?  Did  not  the  Lord.'  And  would  Job  sup- 
pose that  he  had  not  wise  reasons  for  so  doing.' 
And  as  no  human  power  can  alter  the  nature  of 
this  animal,  or  render  him  serviceable  to  man; 
so  it  is  equally  impossible  to  alter  the  appoint- 
ments of  God,  whether  we  are  satisfied  with 
them  or  not. 

V.  9 — 12.  The  rAmocero*  (which  is  generally 
supposed  to  be  here  intended,)  is  possessed  of  im- 
mense strength;  {Marg.  Ref.  h.  JVb<e,  JV«m.  23: 
22.)  and  might  perform  proportionable  labor,  if 
he  could  be  made  to  bear  the  yoke  as  the  passive 
ox  does.  Yet  Job  was  not  so  absurd  as  to  expect 
this  from  him;  nor  would  he  depend  on  his  assist- 
ance to  plough  his  land,  or  gather  in  his  harvest: 
knowing  that  it  would  be  vain  and  dangerous,  to 
attempt  any  thing  of  this  kind  with  so  powerful 
and  fierce  a  creature.  But  was  it  not  far  more 
Vol.  IIT.  14 


high 


earth,  and   warmeth  them  in   the    dust, 

15  And  forgetteth  that  the  foot  may 
crush  them,  or  that  the  wild  beast  may 
break  them. 

16  She  is  'hardened  against  her  young 
ones,  ^  as  though  they  were  not  hers: 
*  her  labor  is  in  vain  without  fear; 

17  Because  God  hath  "deprived  her 
of  wisdom,  neither  hath  he  imparted  to 
her  understanding. 

18  What  time  she  hfteth  up  herself  on 
^  she  scorneth   the   horse  and  his 

rider.  ^Practical  Observations.;] 

1 9  IF  Hast  thou  given  ^  the  horse 
strength.''  hast  thou  ^  clothed  his  neck 
with    '^  thunder.'' 

20  Canst  thou  make  him  afraid  as  a 
grasshopper.''  ^  the  glory  of  his  nostrils 
Us  terrible. 

21  II  He  paweth  in  the  valley,  •=  and 
rejoiceth  in  his  strength:  ^  he  goeth  on 
to  meet  the    ^^  armed  men. 

22  He  ^  mocketh  at  fear,  and  is  not 
affrighted;  neither  turneth  he  back  from 
the  sword. 

23  '  The  quiver  rattleth  against  him, 
the  glittering  spear  and  the  shield. 

24  s  He  swalloweth  the  ground  with 
fierceness  and  rage:  ''  neither  believeth 
he  that  it  is  the  sound  of  the  trumpet. 


I.aio.  4:3. 
s  Deut.  28:56,57.     1  KinffS  3:26, 

27.   2  Kings  6:28,29.     Lam.  2: 

20.  Rom.  1:31. 
t  Ec.  10:15.     H.ib.  2:13. 
u  17:4.    35:11.      Deut.   2:30.     2 

Chr.  32:31.     Is.  19:11—14.  57: 

17.     Jam.  1:17. 
X  7,22.    5:22.    41:29.      2  Kings 

19:21. 
y  Ex.  15:1,21.    Ps.  147:10. 
z  Ps.  93:1.   104:1. 


a  25.     Mark  3:17. 

b  41:^0,21.     Jer.  3:16. 

6  Heb.  terrors. 

11  Or,  His  feet  rfiV.     JuJg.  5:23, 

c  1  Sam.  17:4—10,42.   Ps.  19:5. 

Jer.  9:23. 
d  Prov.  21:31.      Jer.  3:6. 
IT  Heb.  armor. 
e  16,18.  41:33. 
f  41:26— 29. 
g  37:20.     Hab.  1:8,9. 
h  9:16.  29:24.    Luke  24:41. 


perilous  to  quarrel  with  the  allotments  of  the  Al- 
mighty.' 

V.  13—18.  The  Creator  has  divided  Iiis  gifts 
among  his  creatures  as  he  saw  good;  and  in  this, 
and  in  every  other  thing,  his  will  and  wisdom 
should  be  implicitly  submitted  to.  To  the  pea- 
cock he  has  given  most  beautiful  plumage;  but  it 
is  not  remarkable  for  any  thing  else. — The  ostrich 
has  wings  and  feathers;  but  it  is  vastly  larger 
than  other  birds,  and  unable  to  mount  aloft  on  its 
wings.  [J\Iarg.)  It  is  likewise  remarkable  for 
its  stupid  insensibility  in  various  respects.  Tiio 
female  bird  prepares  no  :u  3t  for  her  eggs;  but 
lays  them  upon  the  earth,  to  be  warmed  by  the 
heat  of  the  sun,  and  that  of  the  sand  or  dust, 
without  any  further  attention.  She  has  no  in- 
stinctive remembrance  that  the)'^  are  liable  to  be 
trodden  on  and  destroyed  by  man  or  beast:  she 
is  as  regardless  of  her  eggs  and  young,  as  if 
they  did  not  belong  to  her;  and  is  destitute  of 
care  and  fear  about  them.  For  God  has  not  im- 
parted to  her  that  instinctive  wisdom,  which  ho 
has  to  other  creatures  in  this  particular.  But 
when  she  is  alarmed  for  her  own  safety,  she  uses 
her  wings  to  assist  her  in  running,  and  in  this 
manner  exceeds  in  swiftness  the  fleetest  animals 
which  have  no  wings;  and  when  pursued  by 
those  who  attempt  to  take  her,  she  seems  to  de- 
spise both  the  horse  and  bis  rider. 

[105 


B.  C:  1550. 


JOB. 


B.  C.  loot). 


26  He  saith  among  the  trumpets,  '  Ha, 
ha|  and  he  smeileth  the  battle  afar  off, 
the  thunder  of  the  captains,  and  the 
shouting. 

26  IT  Doth  ^  the  haAvk  fly  by  thy  wis- 
dom, and  ^  stretch  her  wings  toward  the 
south.'' 

27  Doth    ■"  the    eade 


i  Ps.  70:3.     Ez.  26:2.     36:2. 
k  Lev.  11:16.    Pent.  14:15. 
1  Cant.  2:12.     Jer.  8:7. 
mEx.  19:4.     Lev.  11:13.     Ps 


mount   up     at 


103:5.     Prov.  23:5.     Is.  40.31. 
Hos.  8:1. 
*  Heb.  6y  thy  mouth. 


V.  19 — 25.  This  description  of  the  horse  has 
been  universallj'  admired,  as  inimitably  sublime. 
It  especially  relates  to  those  horses,  which  ai-e 
Tised  in  war;  and  in  which  the  eastern  countries 
have  always  excelled. — God  alone  has  given  the 
v/ar-horse  his  strength  and  courage:  [Ji'ote,  Ps, 
147:10,11.)  the  flowing  mane,  which  clothes  his 
neck,  adds  to  the  fierceness  of  his  appearance, 
and  seems  to  indicate  his  triumph.  [J^ote,  Ps. 
93: 1,2.)  When  going  to  the  battle,  he  cannot  be 
made  afraid,  or  driven  back,  like  the  puny  grass- 
hopper: the  snorting  of  his  nostrils,  by  which  he 
bids  defiance  to  his  enemies,  is  dreadful.  He 
paws  with  his  feet,  as  if  he  would  tear  up  the 
earth  in  his  impatience  to  engage:  he  glories  and 
exults  in  his  strength,  and  in  going  out  to  meet 
the  armed  men:  in  his  eagerness  to  start,  and  his 
fierceness  and  rage  for  the  fight,  he,  as  it  were, 
devours  the  intervening  space.  He  can  scarce- 
ly wait  for  the  signal  for  the  battle,  or  stand  still, 
because  of  his  impatience;  and  he  deems  the 
dreadful  alarm  of  the  trumpet  a  joyful  sound:  he 
has  an  instinctive  sense  of  the  battle,  at  a  dis- 
tance; and  13  all  on  fire  to  rush  amongst  the  cap- 
tains, who  with  terrific  shouts  are  marching  to 

the  assault Yet  is  this  fierce   intrepid  animal 

easily  subjected  to  man,  made  to  fear  the  touch 
of  the  whip,  or  spur,  obey  the  motion  of  the  bri- 
dle, or  even  the  voice  of  the  rider,  and  almost  that 
of  a  child!  So  wonderfully  has  God  formed  and 
fitted  him  for  the  service  of  man!  [JVole,  Gen.  9: 
1,2.) 

V.  26—30.  The  hawk  is  remarkable  for  the 
force  with  which  it  flies,  and  the  skill  with  which 
it  takes  its  prey;  but  did  Job  communicate  to  it 
those  capacities  by  his  wisdom.^ — The  species  of 
hiiwk  here  meant  is  supposed  to  have  removed 
southward  at  stated  periods,  for  the  sake  of  a 
warmer  climate. — In  like  manner,  the  eagle, 
which  is  remarkable  for  soaring  higlier  than  any 
other  bird,  and  for  building  her  nest  in  the  most 
inaccessible  situations,  utterly  disregards  man's 
command.  From  her  towering  heights  she  seeks 
her  prey;  and  by  her  most  piercing  sight  sees  it  at 
a  great  distance,  and  darts  down  upon  it  in  a  mo- 
ment. Thus  her  young  are  trained  up  to  SHck 
the  blood  of  the  prey;  and  she  resorts  where  the 
<Iead  bodies  of  man  or  beast  abound.  [JVote, 
Matt.  24:26—28.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
V.  1—18. 
The  infinite  power,  wisdom,  and  goodness  of 
God  arc  legible  in  all  the  variety  of  his  creatures: 
"He  openeth  his  l\and,  and  satisfieth  the  desire 
of  everj'  living  thing,"  and  watches  over  them  all 
with  constant  attention.  Such  as  have  no  help 
from  man,  are  taken  care  of,  as  well  as  those 
which  have;  and  in  like  manner  his  people  will 
surely  be  provided  for  and  protected,  either  by, 
or  wUhout,  the  instrumentality  of  their  fellow- 
creatures.  Every  species  of  animals  reminds  us 
of  our  ignorance  aud  impotence:  thev  continue 
106] 


thy  command,  and    "make  her  nest  on 
high.? 

28  She  dwelleth  and  abideth  on  the 
rock,  upon  "the  crag  of  the  rock,  and 
the  strong  place. 

29  From  thence  ^  she  seeketh  the 
prey,  and  her  eyes  behold  afar  off. 

30  Her  young  ones  also  suck  up 
blood:  and  '^  where  the  slain  are,  there 
is  she. 

Matt.   24:28. 


u  Jer.  49:18.     Ob.  4 
0  1  Sam.  14:4. 
p  9:26. 


q  Ez.  39:17— 19. 
Luke  17:37. 


as  God  has  created  them,  and  we  can  neither 
understand  whence   their  different  propensities 
arise,  nor  yet  alter  them:  we  often  can  derive 
no  benefit  from  them;  nay,  some  of  them  seem  a 
nuisance  to  us,  nor  can  we  know  for  what  pur- 
pose they  %vere    created.      Yet  we    should  ac- 
knowledge the  wisdom  of  God,  and  submit  to  his 
will:  we  ought  to  be  thankful  for  the  benefit  de- 
rived from  some,  and  to  be  patient  under  the  in- 
conveniences occasioned  by  others:  and  we  may 
learn  from  them,  to  confide  in  his  kind  provi- 
dence, and  to  aim  to  answer  the  end  of  our  crea- 
tion.— Liberty  is  most  valuable;  yet  the  savage 
i  licentious  freedom  of  the  half-starved  wild  ass  is 
not  enviable.     It  is  more  desirable  to  he  subject 
to  wholesome  laws,  to  labor,  to  be  useful,  and  to 
live  in  plenty;  than  to  set  authority  at  defiance, 
and  to  live  an  indolent,  unserviceable,  and  penu- 
rious life.     In  like  manner,  strength  and  power 
are  valuable  only  when  well  employed:  and  the 
patient  ox  is  preferable  to  the  untameable  rhi- 
noceros: for  one  talent  improved  is   far  better 
than  many  misemployed — It  is  very  absurd  for 
rational  creatures  to  be  vain  of  personal  beaut)'^, 
strength,  courage,  agility,  or  external    decora- 
tions; when  they  are  eclipsed  in  them  a'l  by  the 
various  species  of  brutes.     God  has  better  en- 
dowments to  confer  on  those  whom  he  loves:  and 
if  he  do  not  impart  wisdom  and  grace,  all  the 
rest  will  prove  a  snare  and  a  curse. — It  is  lament- 
able to  observe,  that   many  human  beings  are 
more  stupid,  and  hardened   against  their  young, 
than  the  very  ostrich,  the  disgrace  of  the  animal 
j  tribes.     They  willingly  forget  their  wants,  dan- 
I  gers,  and  interests:  and  in  order  to  be  at  libertj' 
j  for  dissipated  pleasures,  consign  them  even  when 
j  helpless  infants  to  the  care  of  hirelings,  and  re- 
>  fuse  them   the  very  nutriment,  which  (3od  has 
j  created  for  them!  They  afterwards  take  no  care 
I  of  their  welfare,   either  in  this  world  or  in  the 
I  next,  any  more  than   if  they  did  not  belong  to 
1  them:    and    thus    their   unavoidable   labor    and 
I  pain  become  vain,  and  to  bad  purpose,  for  want 
I  of  subsequent  attention,  and  precaution  about 
I  them;  and  by  reason  of  the  bad  examples  which 
j  they  set,  and  the  pernicious  instructions  which 
they  give  them.     Surely  "God,"   in  judgment, 
I  "hath  deprived"   such  parents  "of  wisdom,  and 
j  hath  not  imparted  to  them  understanding."     But 
1  we  may  cease  to.  wonder  at  this,  when  we  con- 
sider how  stupidly  insensible  most  men  are  to  the 
interests  of  their  own  souls,  which  they  neglect 
more  fatally  than  the   ostrich  does   her  young. 
By  their  contemptuous  defiance  or  forgetfuiness 
of  God,  or  their  vain  attempts  to  hide  or  excuse 
their  sins,  they  plainly  shew  that  he  ha.s  judicial- 
ly deprived  them  of  understanding. 
y.    19—30. 
Man,  by  nature,  is  prone  to  imitate  the  animals 
in  their  worst  qualities.     Like  the  wild  ass  he 
scorns  the  yoke  of  God;    and  like  the  wild  bull 
in  the  net,  he  rages    against   his  corrections. 
Even  his  courage  is  generally  unreasonable,  in- 


B.  C.   1550. 


CHAPTER  XL. 


B.  C.   1550. 


CHAP.  XL. 

God  calls  on  Job  to  answer,  1,2.  Job  humbles  himself,  and  will 
proceed  no  further,  3 — 5.  God  requires  him  to  shew  by  acts 
of  power, "that  he  is  able  to  save  himself,  6 — 14.  The  power 
of  the  Lord  is  shewn  iu  behemoth,  15 — 24. 

MOREOVER,  "^  the  Lord  answered 
Job,  and  said, 

2  ^  Shall  he  that  contendeth  with  the 
Almighty  "^  instruct  him9  ^  he  that  re- 
proveth  God,  let  him  answer  it. 

3  IT  Then  Job  answered  the  Lord, 
and  said, 

4  *  Behold,  I  am  vile;  ^  what  shall  I 


a  6.  38:1. 

b  9:3.  33:13.     Ec.  6:10.    Is.  45: 

9—11.  60:8.   1  Cor.  10:22. 
c.  Is.  40:14.     1  Cor.  2:16. 
d  3:11,12,20,23.  7:12,19—21.    9: 

17,18,32— .35.     10:3—7,14—17. 

13:21—27.    14:16,17.       16:11— 

21.   19.6—11.  27:2.  30:21—23. 

Ez.  18:2,25.    Matt.  20:11—15. 


Rom.  9:19—23.   11:34—36. 
e42:6.     Gen.    18:27.    32:10.     2 

Sam.     24:10.       1    Kings    19:4. 

Ezra  9:6,15.     Neh.  9:33.    Ps. 

51:4,5.       Is.    6:5.     53:6.     64:6. 

Dan.  9:5,7.     Luke  5:3.  15:18, 

19.    18:13.     1  Tim.  1:15. 
f  9:31— 35.    16:21.    23:4—7.  31: 

37. 


stinctive,  and  furious,  like  that  of  a  horse.  His 
feet  are  swift  to  shed  blood,  or  to  venture  his 
own  life,  when  ambition,  avarice,  or  reveng-e  in- 
spires him.  In  this  case  he  "mocketh  at  fear" 
in  his  fierceness  and  rage;  and  not  only  rushes 
upon  the  weapons  of  death,  but  upon  the  divine 
vengeance,  without  hesitation.  Yet  would  he 
be  afraid  as  the  grasshopper,  if  called  to  prefer 
liis  plain  duty  towards  God,  his  family,  and  so- 
ciety, to  the  caprice  of  fashion,  and  the  diabolical 
honor  of  revenge,  in  the  midst  of  the  ridicule  and 
reproach  of  ungodly  men!  How  would  he  then 
act,  if  called  to  venture  or  lay  down  his  life,  in 
the  despised  cause  of  truth  and  righteousness.? 
Moreover,  men  naturally  glory  in  their  own 
strength  and  prowess,  and  rejoice  in  ostenta- 
tiousl}'  displaying  them;  and  are  more  disposed 
to  seek  renown  by  rendering  themselves  terrible, 
than  by  becoming  useful. — The  qualities  of  the 
horse,  when  united  with  his  docility  and  prompt- 
itude to  labor,  are  admirable;  but  when  found 
in  a  rational  creature,  and  separated  from  more 
useful  dispositions,  they  become  dreadful  and  de- 
testable.— Even  the  eagles,  which  teach  their 
young  to  suck  up  the  blood,  do  not  prey  upon 
their  own  species:  they  leave  that  cruelty  to 
man.  Yet  from  each  of  these  animals  we  might 
learn  useful  lessons:  they  almost  all  instruct  us 
to  attend  to  our  own  safety,  and  that  of  our  off- 
spring; and  to  secure  ourselves,  in  some  effectu- 
al refuge,  from  the  dangers  to  which  we  are  ex- 
posed. But  God  forbid,  that  we  should  be  like 
the  eagle  only  in  soaring  aloft  and  in  keenness 
of  sight,  while  we  still  look  down  to  the  earth  for 
our  prey,  by  ambition  and  worldly  sagacity;  or 
by  using  our  religious  knowledge,  and  our  credit 
among  Christians,  to  cloke  ambition,  covetous- 
ness,  and  worldly  lusts!  But,  reverencing  the 
divine  Majestj',  and  abasing  ourselves  before 
him  in  deep  repentance,  may  we  by  faith  and 
love  mount  upwards  as  on  eagles'  wings,  till  we 
obtain  "those  things  which  are  above,  where 
Christ  sitteth  on  the  right  hand  of  God." 

NOTES. 

Chap.  XL.  V.  1,2.  It  is  probable,  that  the 
voice  from  the  whirlwind  ceased  for  a  short 
space,  that  Jol?  might  speak,  if  he  could  make 
any  reply;  but,  as  he  continued  silent,  God  an- 
sviered  his  very  thoughts,  and  in  few  words  shew- 
ed him  what  he  intended  by  his  multiplied  ques- 
tions. Job  had  complained  of  the  Lord's  dispen- 
sations, as  if  he  meant  to  "contend  w'th  him;" 


answer  thee.^  « I   will  lay   my  hand  upon 
my  mouth. 

5  Once  ha\^e  I  spoken;  *»  but  I  will 
not  answer:  yea,  '  twice;  ^  but  I  will  pro- 
ceed no  further. 

6  IF  Then  answered  the  Lord  unto 
Job  'out  of  the  whirlwind,  and  said, 

7  ■"  Gird  up  thy  loins  now  hke  a  man: 
I  will  demand  of  thee,  and  declare  thou 
unto  me. 

8  °  Wilt  thou  also  °  disannul  my  judg- 
ment.'' P  wilt  thou  condemn  me,  that  thou 
mayest  be  righteous.^ 

[Practical   Observations.] 


g  21:5.  29:9.     Judg.  18:19.   Ps. 

39:9.     Prov.  30:32.   Mic.  7:16. 

Hab.  2:20.     Zech.  2:13. 
h  34:31,32.     Rom.  3:19. 
i  33:14.  2  Kings  6:10.  Ps.  62:11. 
k  Jer.  31:18,19. 
1  38:1.     Ps.  50:3,4.     Heb.  12:18 


—20.     2  Pet.  3:10— 13. 
m  13:22.  23:3,4.  33:3. 
n  Ps.  51:4.     Rom.  3:4. 
o  Is.    14:27.    28:18.     Gal.   3:15, 

17.     Heb.  7:18. 
p  10:3.    27:2—6.    32:2.     34:5,6. 

35:2,3. 


{J^otes,  23:3—7.  31:35—37.)  but  could  Job  give 
him  anj-  instructions  how  to  govern  the  world?" 
Did  he  think  it  wise  to  contend  with  omnipo- 
tence.'' or,  having  arraigned  the  dispensations  of 
his  Makers  would  he  also  presume  to  answer 
what  had  been  spoken.'' — Or,  "Does  he  who 
contends  with  the  Almighty,  draw  back.'"  E 
Smith. — By  a  trivial  change  of  the  vowel  points, 
this  rendering  may  be  admitted. 

V.  3 — 5.  At  length  Job  ventured  to  speak; 
but  not  with  that  confidence  which  he  had  pre- 
viously thought  of.  His  friends  had  attempted 
to  prove  too  much,  and  had  only  emboldened  him 
in  self-vindication:  Elihu  had  reproved  him  with 
sharpness,  and  he  had  submitted  to  it.  But  the 
voice  of  God,  and  tiie  declaration  of  his  glorious 
perfections,  and  manifold  works  of  wisdom  and 
power,  effectually  convinced  him  of  his  rashness 
and  irreverence,  in  speaking  of  God  as  he  would 
have  spoken  of  his  equal.  In  this  comparison, 
he  perceived  and  acknowledged,  that  he  was 
"vile;"  a  poor,  mean,  foolish,  sinful  creature, 
who  ought  not  to  have  uttered  one  word  reflect- 
ing upon  the  divine  conduct.  He  was  astonish- 
ed at  his  own  presumption,  and  could  find  noth- 
ing to  plead  in  excuse:  he  would  therefore  be 
silent,  in  submission  to  the  will  and  righteous- 
ness of  God;  having  already  spoken  too  often, 
and  in  a  very  unbecoming  manner.  (JVbfes,  9: 
14—21.   10:3.   16:17—22.  42:1—6.) 

V.  6 — G.  In  order  that  Job  might  be  still  more 
deeply  humbled,  the  Lord  again  addressed  him 
in  tiie  same  majestic  and  awful  manner  as  before, 
requiring  his  attention  and  his  answer:  and  he 
more  expressly  reproved  him  for  insisting  upon 
his  own  righteousness,  in  such  a  manner  as  to 
seem  to  his  friends,  and  even  to  Elihu,  to  charge 
God  himself  with  injustice.  Did  he  then  require 
that  the  divine  decrees  respecting  him  should  be 
reversed,  because  they  had  been  too  severe.''  Or, 
that  the  Lord  should  be  deemed  unjust  in  his 
judgments,  rather  than  that  he  himself  should  be 
suspected  of  hypocrisy.''  Indeed,  wicked  men 
often  murmured  against  Providence  in  this  blas- 
phemous manner;  but  would  Job  copj*  their  ex- 
ample, and  charge  God  foolishly?  [JVotes.  2: 10.  34: 
5—9,31—37.  35:1—3,14—16.  36:22—33.)  Would 
he  allow  his  tongue  such  liberty,  while  vindicat- 
ing himself  from  unjust  accusations,  or  complain- 
ing of  his  sufferings,  and  the  wrongs  which  were 
done  him?  Yet  tliis  had  been  the  tendency  of 
many  expressions,  which  he  had  used  in  the  heat 
of  dispute,  and  in  the  bitterness  of  his  soul. 
{JVote,  6:26.) 

[m 


B.   C.   1550. 


JOB. 


B.  C.   1550. 


9  1  Hast  thou  an  arm  like  God?  or 
'  canst  thou  thunder  with  a  voice  like 
him.^ 

10  ^Deck  thyself  now  with  Mnajesty 
and  excellency;  and  array  thyself  with 
^  glory  and  beauty. 

11  ^  Cast  abroad  the  rage  of  thy 
wrath:  and  >  behold  every  one  that  is 
proud,  and  abase  him. 

12  Look  on  every  one  that  is  proud, 
and  bring  him  low;  and  ^  tread  down  the 
wicked  "  in  their  place. 

13  ^  Hide  them  in  the  dust  together; 
and  '^  bind  their  faces  in  secret. 

14  Then  will  I  also  confess  unto  thee, 
*^  that  thine  own  right  hand  can  save 
thee. 

1 5  IF  Behold  now  *  behemoth,  ®  which 
I  made  with  thee;  ^  he  eateth  grass  as 
an   ox. 


q  9:4.  23:6.  33:1C;,13.   Ex.  15:6. 

Ps.  89:10,13.   Is.  45:9.      1  Cor. 

I0:ia. 
r  37:4,5.     Ps.  29:3— 9. 
s  39:19.      Ps.  93:1.   104:1,2.     Is. 

59:17. 
t  1  Chr.  29:11.     Ps.  21:5.  45:3, 

4.  Matt.  6:13.     2  Pet.  1:16,17. 

Jude  24,25.  ' 

u  Ex.  28:2.     Ps.  50:2.  90:16,17. 

149:4.     Is.  4:2.  Marg.     1  Cor. 

15:54. 
X  20:23.    27:22.       Deut.   32:22. 

Ps.  78:49,50.    144:6.      Rora.  2: 

3  9. 
y  Ex.  9:16,17.   15:6—12.    18:11. 

19.2:11,12,17.    10:12-19.    Ez. 


28:2—9.     Dan.  4:37.   5:20—23. 

Ob.  3,4.  Mai.  4:1.    Luke  18:14. 

Acts  12:22,23.  Jam.  4:6.  1  Pet. 

5:5,6. 
z  Ps.   60:12.      Is.^'  10:6.     Zech. 

10:5.     Mai.  4:3.     Rom.   16:20. 

Marg. 
a  36:20.     Ec.  11:.3.    Acts  1:25. 
b  14:13.     Ps.  49:14.     Is.  2:10. 
c  36:13.     Esth.   7:8.     John   11: 

44. 
d  Ps.  41:3,6.     Is.  40:29.     Rom. 

5:6.     Eph.  2:4—9. 
*  Or,    Me    elephant,    as    some 

think, 
e  Gen.  1:24—26. 
f  20.   39:8.     Ps.  104:14. 


V.  9 — 14.  The  Lord  would  not  at  all  deign 
to  argue  the  question  of  t^ight  with  his  servant; 
but  insisted  on  that  being  taken  for  granted. 
"Shall  not  the  Judge  of  all  the  earth  do  right.?" 
{J^otes,  Gen.  18:23—26.  Jer.  12: 1—4.)  He  purpos- 
ed therefore  to  induce  Job's  unreserved  submission, 
by  making  him  sensible,  that  he  was  acting  most 
absurdly  and  presumptuously,  in  attempting  to  de- 
cide on  the  conduct  of  the  infinitely  glorious  God. 
[J^otes,  10:3.  27:2—6.)  Let  him  then  consider 
whom  he  was  offending:  let  liim  compare  his 
puny  arm  with  omnipotence,  or  his  feeble  voice 
with  the  tremendous  thunder;  and  then  let  him 
inquire,  whether  he  was  able  to  make  his  cause 
good  against  such  an  Adversary.''  [J^ote,  1  Cor. 
10:18 — 22.)  But,  ere  he  ventured  any  further, 
let  him  make  trial  of  his  strength  against  the 
most  potent  of  his  fellow  men.  Let  him  collect 
all  his  forces,  assume  all  royal  authority  and 
majesty,  and  appear  upon  a  glorious  throne,  ar- 
rayed with  every  magnificent  decoration,  and  all 
the  insignia  of  royalty:  let  him  then  declare  his 
fiery  indignation  against  every  one  of  the  proud 
tyrants  and  oppressors  of  the  earth,  and  issue  out 
his  orders,  that  they  should  all  be  abased  and 
trodden  down,  wherever  they  lived;  that  their 
faces  should  be  covered  as  condemned  criminals, 
and  that  they  should  either  be  put  to  death,  or 
confined  in  dark  and  noisome  dungeons,  [^ote, 
Esth.l:fi.)  And  when,  with  a  look  or  a  word, 
he  had  effected  this  work,  (as  the  Lord  did  in 
his  own  time  and  manner;)  tnen  it  should  be  al- 
lowed that  he  had  power  sufficient  to  be  his  own 
deliverer  and  protector,  though  still  unable  to 
contend  with  the  Almighty. 

V.  15 — 24.  There  have  been  various  opinions 
concerning  behemoth:  but  probably  the  most  an- 
cient is  the  most  true;  namely,  that  the  elephant 
is  intended.  The  word  is  often  used  for  quadrn- 
lOR] 


16  Lo  now,  his  strength  is  in  his 
loins,  and  his  force  is  m  the  navel  of  his 
belly. 

17  He  t  moveth  his  tail  like  a  cedar: 
sthe  sinews  of  his  stones  are  wrapped 
together. 

18  His  ^  bones  are  as  strong  pieces 
of  brass;  his  bones  are  like  bars  of  iron. 

1 9  He  is  '  the  chief  of  the  ways  of 
God:  ''he  that  made  him  can  make  his 
sword  to  approach  unto  him. 

20  Surely  '  the  mountains  bring  him 
forth  food,  ""where  all  the  beasts  of  the 
field  play. 

21  He  lieth  under  the  shady  trees,  in 
the  covert  of  °  the  reed  and  fens. 

22  The  shady  trees  cover  him  with 
their  shadow;  °  the  willows  of  the  brook 
compass  him  about. 

23  Behold,  t  he  drinketh  up  a  river, 
and  P  hasteth  not:  he  trusteth  that  he 
can  draw  up  i  Jordan  into  his  mouth. 

24  5  He  taketh  it  whh  his  eyes;  his 
nose  pierceth  through  snares. 

S:40.      Is.    15:7, 


f  Or,  setteth  vp, 

g  41:23. 

h7:n.     Is.  48:4.     Mic.  4:13. 

126:13,14.     Ps.  104:24. 

k  Ps.  7:12.  Is.  27:1.  34:6.   Luke 

2:35. 
1  15.     Ps.  }4'':8,9, 
m  Ps.  104:26. 
n  Is.  19:6,7.  35:7. 


0  Lev.    23:40.      Is.    15:7.      Ez 
17:5. 

1  Heb.  oppresseth.  Is.  37:25. 
p  Ps.  55:8.     Is.  28:16. 

q  Gen.  13:10.     Josh.  3:15. 

^  Or,   }ViU  any  take  him  in  hi0 

sight,  or  bore  his  nose  -with  a 

gin?     41:1,2. 


peds  in  general;  and  more  frequently  for  cattle, 
or  animals  which  feed  on  vegetables,  as  distin- 
guished from  the  carnivorous  animals.  This,  how- 
ever, is  not  exclusively  the  case:  but  probably  it 
cannot  be  clearly  shewn  ever  to  mean  any  other 
than  land  animals,  of  which  the  elephant  is  the 
largest  and  most  remarkable.  It  is  also  unlikely 
that  the  elephant  should  be  totally  omitted  in  this 
enumeration;  and  the  several  particulars  best 
accord  with  it. — The  Lord  reminded  Job,  that 
he  had  made  behemoth  "with  him;"  both  were 
his  creatures,  and  behemoth  is  often  found  near 
the  habitations  of  men. — This  immense  animal 
"eateth  grass  as  an  ox;"  for  if  he  devoured  flesh 
as  a  lion,  he  could  scarcely  be  either  resisted  or 
satisfied.  The  strength  of  his  loins  and  the 
sinews  of  his  body  are  equal  to  his  bulk;  and  it 
is  known  that  the  elephant  often  carries  on  his 
back  a  large  wooden  tower,  with  several  men  in 
it.  His  trunk,  (for  the  original  word  may  mean 
either  extremity  of  the  body,)  is  verj'  large, 
strong,  and  flexible,  and  by  it  he  bears  all  down 
before  him,  as  by  the  moving  of  a  cedar.  The 
"sinews  of  his  thighs,''^  (as  some  suppose  the 
word  to  mean,)  are  so  interwoven,  as  to  contrib- 
ute very  much  to  his  vast  strength;  and  his  bones 
are  so  hard  and  firm,  that  they  are  like  iron  or 
brass.  He  is  "the  chief  of  all  the  works  of  God:" 
that  is,  of  this  kind.  Now  it  is  evident,  that  the 
elephant  surpasses  all  other  quadrupeds  in  size, 
strength,  sagacity,  and  longevity;  and  yet  is 
equally  remarkable  for  his  gentleness,  when  not 
provoked.  He  is  content  to  feed  upon  the  her- 
bage of  the  mountains;  and  the  other  beasts  play 
around  him  without  dread  of  harm.  He  lies 
down  to  rest,  not  in  a  den  as  carnivorous  animals 
generally  do,  but  under  the  shade  of  the  trees, 
or  among  the  reeds  and  rushes,  as  fearless  of  any 
assailant.     When  he   drinks,  he   seems  as  if  he 


B.  C.   1550. 


CHAPTER  XLI. 


B.  C.  1550. 


CHAP.  XLI. 

Tl)^  power  of  God  sliewn  in  the  lllige  anil  terrible  leviathan, 
1—34. 

lANST    thou    draw    out    *  leviathan 
with  an  hook?  or  his  tongue  with  a 
cord  tvhich  thou  t  lettest  down? 

2  Canst  thou  *  put  an  hook  into  his 
nose?  or  bore  his  jaw  through  with  a 
thorn? 

*  That  is,  a  -whale,  or,  a  -whirl-  I  f  Heb.  dra-wnest. 
pool.    3:3.    marg.     Ps.  74:14.  1  a  Is.  30:Q8.  37:U9.     Ez.   29:4,.S. 
104:26.     Is.  27:1.  I 


3  Will  he  make  many  supplications 
unto  thee?  ''  will  he  speak  soft  words 
unto  thee? 

4  '^  Will  he  make  a  covenant  with 
thee?  ^  wilt  thou  take  him  for  ®  a  servant 
for  ever? 

5  Wilt  thou  ^  play  with  him  as  with 
a  bird?  or  wilt  thou  ^  bind  him  for  thy 
maidens? 

13:1.    13:23 


b  Ps.  55:21.     P 

25:15.    Is.  30:10. 
c  1  Kings  20:31—34. 
dGen.  1:28.  2:19.     Pa.  8:5,6 


c  Ex.  21:6.     Deut.  15.1' 
f  Judg.  16:25—30. 
g  28:11. 


would  empty  a  river;  and  makes  no  haste,  not 
being  in  the  least  fear.  He  appears  to  be  confi- 
dent, that  he  could  drink  up  Jordan  at  once:  he 
greedily  looks  to  the  water  when  he  is  thirsty, 
and  will  not  be  kept  from  it  by  any  impediments 
or  snares;  but  removes  them  all  by  his  trunk, 
which  is  situated  above  his  nose. — Probably,  it 
was  not  become  customary  at  that  time  to  take, 
tame,  and  employ  elephants  in  war  or  in  journey- 
ing, as  has  since  been  done.  But,  though  man 
did  not  know  how  to  deal  with  behemoth,  the 
Creator  had  him  entirely  in  his  power,  and  could 
destroy  him  at  his  will.  This  thought  was  suit- 
ed to  remind  Job  not  to  contend  against  his  om- 
nipotent Sovereign. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.  * 
V.    1—8. 
It  behoves  us  to  speak  with  great  reverence 
and  caution  concerning  the  ways  and  works  of 
God:  for  it  will  appear  at  length,  that  many  of  our 
expressions  sprang  from  such  corrupt  principles, 
and  led  to  such  desperate  conclusions,  that  we 
could  not  on  reflection  do  otherwise  than  unre- 
servedly condemn  them.     Yet  all  our  words  must 
be  given  an  account  of  at  the  day  of  judgment, 
and  be  produced  as  evidences  of  the  frame  of  our 
hearts:  and,  probably,  it  will  then  appear,  that 
the  presumptuous  cavils  and  objections  of  philo- 
sophic speculators,  sprang  from  deeper  enmity 
against  God,  and  were  more  provoking  to  him, 
than  the  scandalous  profligacy  of  the  profane  and 
licentious.     Indeed,  when  we  murmur  under  cor- 
rection, do  we  not  contend  with  God,  and  dictate 
to  him  how  he  ought  to  deal  with  us.'  But  can  we 
seriously  think,  that  creatures  so  weak  and  rebel- 
lious have  anj'  right  to  be  consulted,  or  are  quali- 
fied to  instruct,  or  authorized  to  reprove,  the  Al- 
mighty.''    We  should  therefore  now  "judge  cur- 
selves'"  on  this   account,   "that  we  ma}'  not  be 
judged  of  the  Lord." — Every  increasing  discovery 
of  the  glorious  perfections  of  God  will  proportion- 
ably  humble  us  in  the  dust  .before  him.  One  clear 
and  distinct  view  of  his  holy  majesty  wotlld  appal 
the  stoutest  rebel  upon  earth;  or  even  drive  him 
to  despair,  if  not  tempered  witVi  discoveries  of  his 
mercy.  How  then  will  the  wicked  bear  the  blaze 
of  his  glory  at  the  approaching  day  of  wrath  and 
judgment.'' — Even  believers  have  but  faint  appre- 
hensions of  his  gloiy:    and  if  they  saw  it  more 
clearly,  their  self-complacency,  in  disputing  with 
each  other,  would  be  turned  into  self-abhorrence; 
their  mouths  would  be  stopped,  or  only  opened  to 
say,  "Behold,  I  am  vile!"    The  subjects  of  their 
controversies,  their  management   of  them,  and 
their  whole  characters,  would  appear  in  another 
light;  and  they  would  impose  silence  upon  them- 
selves, not  knowing  what  to  answer,  and  aware  of 
having  already  spoken  far  more  than  they  can 
justify. — But  when  we  see  this  glory  of  oui-  God 
"in  tlie  face  of  Jesus  Christ,"  we  are  humbled 
without  being  terrified;  and  our  deepest  rever- 
ence and  self-abasement  consist  witli  filial  confi- 
dence and  love.     When  we  clearly  perceive  how 


vile  we   are,  we   are  ashamed  and  grieved  for 
many  of  those  words  and  actions,  which  before  Ave 
vindicated;  and  when  we  truly  repent,  we  retract 
what  has  been  improperly  spoken,  and  sincerely 
purpose  and  attempt  a  change  in  our  conduct  and 
conversation.— The  progressive  renewal  of  a  be- 
liever proceeds  in  the  same  way  of  conviction, 
humiliation,  and  watchfulness  against  remaining 
sin,  as  his  first  conversion  did.     If  we  have  been 
much  humbled  before  God,  we  need  still  deeper 
humiliation;    if  convinced  of  many  evils  in  our 
conduct,  we  need  convincing  of  many  more;  and 
every  progressive  step  in  this  way  makes  us  more 
and  more  sensible,  that  we,  in  no  case,  have  either 
right  or  reason  to  complain.    Even  when  we  pro- 
test against  ill-treatment  from  men,  or  vindicate 
ourselves  from  injurious  charges,  we  are  apt  to 
reflect  upon  God;    and  to  be  so  tenacious  of  our 
own  right  or  reputation,  as  to  neglect  a  proper 
regard  to  his  honor;  and  we  frequently  seem  as  if 
we  would  "disannul  his  judgment,  and  condemn 
him,  that  we  may  be  righteous." 
V.  9—24. 
The  proud,  stout,  and  profane  words  of  sinners, 
might  almost  induce  us  to  conclude,  that  they  sup- 
pose themselves  to  have  "an  arm  like  God,"  and 
"can  thunder  with  a  voice  like  his!"  yet  they  are 
exposed  without  the  least  defence  to  his  almighty 
vengeance.     Nor  can  words  express  their  mad- 
ness, in  persisting  in  rebellion,  and  neglecting  his 
invitations  to  be  reconciled. — Alas!  what  is  all  the 
majesty,  excellency,  glory,  or  beauty,  with  which 
sinful  worms  can  deck  themselves.'  How  impotent 
their  rage!  Ho^  vain  their  ostentation.  The  Lord 
alone  can,  and  he  certainly  will,  abase  every  one 
that  is  proud;    either  in  true  repentance,  or  as 
condemned  criminals  in  destruction.     And  those 
who  proudly  trust,  that  their  own  right  hand,  their 
own   contrivances,  efforts,  or   merits,  can   save 
them,  will  be  numbered  among  these  enemies  and 
rivals  of  God. — Our  consideration  of  the  power, 
and  our  dread  of  the  rage,  of  the  beasts  of  the 
field,  might  teach  us  the  folly  of  resisting  the  will, 
or  provoking  the  indignation,  of  the  Lord.  Every 
haughty  rebel  should  be  reminded,  that  he  who 
made  him  can  "make  his  sword  to  approach  unto 
him;"   and  not  only  to  destroy  his  temporal  life, 
but   to   fill   his   soul   with   unutterable  anguish. 
Against  him  all  power  is  vain;  none  can  break 
through  his  snares,  or  out-brave  his  vengeance; 
though  they  drink  down  iniquity  like  water,  and 
still  covet  and  thirst  for  more,  and  make  no  haste 
to  "flee  from  the  wrath  to  come.'"— But,  on  the 
other  hand,  we  may  note,  that  it  is  well  when  the 
powerful  are  gentle  and  equitable;    and  love  to 
see  their  inferiors  secure,  at  liberty,  and  in  com- 
fort around  them;    and  when,  content  with  the 
provisions  appointed  for  them,  tbey  do  not  injure, - 
oppress,  or  defraud  any  one. — The  all-bountiful 
Creator  can  supply  our  wants,  however  large; 
and  he  will  do  it,  if  we  be  content  with  what  na- 
ture requires,  and  be  not  desirous  of  meat  or  drink 
for  our  lusts,  but  "seek  first  bis  kingdom  and 
righteousness."  LN'ntes,J\lfiit.  6:;.';') — "4.)— Happy 

[109 


B.  C.   1550. 


JOB. 


B.  C.  1550 


6  Shall  ''  tliy  companions  make  a  ban- 
quet of  him.^  shall  they  part  him  among 
the  merchants.^ 

7  Canst  thou  fill  his  skin  with  barbed 
irons.^  or  his  head  with  '  fish-spears.'' 

8  ^  Lay  thine  hand  upon  him,  remem- 
ber the  battle,  do  no  more. 

9  Behold,  the  hope  of  him  is  in  vain: 
^  shall  not  one  be  cast  down  even  at  the 
sight  of  him.'' 

10  None  is  so  fierce  that  ™  dare  stir 
him  up:  "  who  tlien  is  able  to  stand  be- 
fore me.' 

11  °  Who  hath  prevented  me,  that  I 
should  repay  him?  p  whatsoever  is  under 
the  whole  heaven  is  mine. 

12  IF  I  will  not  conceal  his  pai'ts,  nor 
his  power,  nor  his    i  comely  proportion. 

13  Who  can  discover  the  face  of  his 
garment.''  or  who  can  com.e  to  him  *  with 
his  ^  double  bridle.'* 

14  Who  can  open  ^  the  doors  of  his 
face.''  ^  his  teeth  are  terrible  round  about. 

15  His  t  scales  are  his  "pride,  shut 
up  together  as  with  ^  a  close  seal. 


h  Judg.  14:11. 

i  26—29. 

k  1  Kings  20:10.     2  Kings  10:4. 

Luke  14:31,32. 
1  ]:)eut.  28:34.     1  Sam.  3:11.  Is. 

28:19.  Luke  21:11. 
m  Gen.  49:9.     Num.  24:9.     Ps. 

2:11,12.     Ez.  8:17,18. 
n  9:4.    40:9.     Jer.  12:5.    1  Cor. 

10:22. 
o  22:2,3.  35:7.    Ps.  21:3.    Rom. 

11:35. 
p  Ex.    19:5.      Dent.     10:14.      1 


Chr.  29:11— 14.     Ps.  24:1.  50: 

12.   115:16.      1  Cor.  10:26,28. 
q  Gen.  1:25. 
*  Or,  TriMin. 
r  2  Kings  19:28.   Ps.  33:9.  Jam. 

3:3. 
s  38:10.     Ec.  12:4. 
t  Ps.   57:4.  58:6.      Prov.  30:14. 

Dan.  7:7. 
t  Heb.  st7ong  pieces  of  shields. 
u  Jer.  9:23. 
X  Rev.  5:2,3,5. 


16  One  is  so  near  to  another,  that  no 
air  can  come  between  them. 

17  They  are  joined  one  to  another, 
they  stick  together,  that  they  cannot  be 
sundered. 

18  By  his  neesings  a  light  doth  shine, 
and  his  eyes  are  like  >'  the  eye-lids  of  the 
morning. 

19  ^  Out  of  his  mouth  go  burning 
lamps,  and  sparks  of  fire  leap  out. 

20  Out  of  his  nostrils  goeth  smoke, 
^  as  out  of  a  seething  pot  or  caldron. 

21  His  breath  '^kindleth  coals,  and  a 
flame  goeth  out  of  his  mouth. 

22  "  In  his  neck  remaineth  strength, 
and  sorrow  t  is  turned  into  joy  before 
him. 

23  The  5  flakes  of  his  flesh  ^  are  join- 
ed together:  they  are  firm  in  themselves; 
they  cannot  be  moved. 

24  His  heart  is  as  firm  as  a  stone; 
yea,  ®  as  hard  as  a  piece  of  the  nether 
mill-stone. 

2t>  When  he  raiseth  up  himself,  the 
mighty  are  afraid;  ^  by  reason  of  break- 
ings they  purify  themselves. 

26  s  The  sword  of  him  that  layeth  at 


y  3:9.  murg.  Rev.  1:14. 

z  Ps.  18:8. 

a  Jer.  1:13,14. 

b  Ps.  18:8,12.     Is.  30:33.    Hab. 

3:5. 
c  39:19.  40:16. 
X  Heb.    Tcjoiceth.     Hos,  13:14. 


1  Cor.  15:55—57. 
§  iith.  fallings. 
d  17. 
e  Is.  48:4.     Jer.  5:3.     Zech. 

12. 
fPs.  107:28.     Jon.  :;4— 6. 
g  39:21—24. 


are  they,  who  trust  in  him,  and  leave  him  to  man- 
age all  their  concerns,  who  orders  all  tilings  in 
heaven  and  earth,  in  perfect  wisdom,  justice, 
truth,  and  g-oodness. 

NOTES. 
Chap.  XLI.  V.  1 — 11.  It  has  been  much  dis- 
puted what  we  are  here  to  understand  by  Levi- 
athan. Many  interpret  it  of  the  crocodile:  but 
the  crocodile  is  an  inhabitant  of  rivers,  and  levi- 
athan of  the  sea.  [J^otes,  Ps.  74:13—17.  104:25, 
26.  Is.  27:1.)  Others  suppose  the  whale  to  be 
meant:  yet  naturalists  find  many  difficulties,  in 
applying  the  particulars  of  the  description  to  that 
creature.  But  there  are  several  species  of  whales 
which  are  known,  and  probably  others  in  differ- 
ent parts  of  the  ocean,  with  which  we  have  but 
little  acquaintance:  and  there  is  some  reason  to 
think  that  the  deep  contains  enormous  creatures, 
comprehended  under  that  general  name,  which 
are  even  larger  than  any  which  have  yet  been 
taken.  (JVo^e,  26:3 — 13.)  As  "behemoth"  .seems 
to  denote  the  largest  of  the  quadrupeds;  so,  it  is 
probable,  "leviathan"  means  the  largest  of  the 
inhabitants  of  the  ocean.  Moses  especially  men- 
tions the  creation  of  great  whales;  [Ge7i.  1:21.) 
and  it  is  not  likely  that  this  animal,  so  particularly 
noted  in  the  brief  account  of  the  creation,  should 
be  overlooked,  when  the  Creator  so  copiously 
enumerated  his  works  for  the  display  of  his  own 
glory  in  them. — The  Lord,  in  order  more  deeply 
to  convince  Job  of  his  presumption  in  contending 
with  him,  demanded  of  him,  whether  he  was  able 
to  subdue  leviathan.  Could  he  draw  him  out  of 
the  sea  with  a  line  and  a  hook,  which  might  fast 
110] 


en  through  his  tongue,  nose,  or  jaws,  after  the  va- 
rious methods  of  taking  other  fishes.''  Could  he 
bring  this  prodigious  animal  to  yield,  and  become 
his  supplicant,  to  speak  him  fair  and  court  his  fa- 
vor.'' Could  he  engage  him  in  a  covenant  to  be  his 
servant,  and  to  labor  for  him.''  Or  could  he  tame 
and  confine  him  for  the  amusement  of  his  family.'' 
Would  he  and  his  acquaintance  make  a  feast 
upon  his  flesh.^  Or,  if  it  were  unfit  for  that  use, 
would  he  divide  the  oil  and  bones  among  the  mer- 
chants.''— Perhaps  in  the  days  of  Job,  it  was  not 
thought  possible  to  take  whales  as  they  now  do: 
but  some  of  the  species  might  have  been  cast  on 
the  shore,  and  divided  for  the  use  of  different  per- 
sons. It'however  served  equally  for  Job's  humil- 
iation, if  he  supposed  it  impossible  to  take  them, 
as  if  it  reallj'  had  been  so. — He  was  therefore  di- 
rected to  consider,  whether  he  was  able  to  wound 
leviathan  in  his  body  or  head,  with  barbed  irons, 
or  fish-spears,  and  thus  to  take  him.''  He  was  chal- 
lenged to  lay  his  hand  on  him  if  he  dared:  but 
should  he  attempt  it,  and  escape  with  his  life,  he 
would  remember  his  perilous  situation  so  well, 
that  he  would  not  make  another  attempt.  All 
hope  of  taking  him  would  be  vain:  the  very  sight 
of  him  would  daunt  any  man.  None  would  dare 
to  stir  him  up  when  asleep,  or  basking  on  the  sur- 
face of  the  ocean;  and  who  would  dare  to  meet 
him  when  enraged?  How  could  Job  then  expect 
to  prevail  on  his  almighty  Creator  to  alter  his  plan 
of  government  to  please  him,  or  to  use  his  power 
to  serve  his  interests,  or  humor  his  wayward  in- 
clinations.^ For  where  was  that  man,  who  had^r*f 
given  to  the  Lord  and  made  him  his  debtor,  that 
he  should  have  a  right  to  demand  payment:  when 


B.  c.  mo. 


CHAPTER  XLl. 


B.  C.  1550 


him  cannot  hold:  the  spear,  the  dart,  nor 
the  *  habergeon. 

27  He  esteemetb  iron  as  straw,  and 
brass  as  rotten  wood. 

23  The  arrow  cannot  make  him  flee: 
^  siing-stones  are  turned  with  him  into 
stubble. 

29  Darts   are  counted  as  stubble; 
laughelh  at  the  shaking  o(  a  spear. 

30  *  Sharp  stones   are  under  him 
jpreadeth  sharp  pointed  things  upon   the 
mire 

*  Or,  breastplate. 


he 
he 


h39:7.     Hsb.MO 
I  2  Cbr.  26: 1-4. 


f  Heb.     Sharp   pieces   of  pot- 
sherd. 


all  things  in  the  whole  universe  were  the  work, 

and  property  of  God?  [Js'otes,  35:4—8.  1  Chr.  29:  j 
10—19.  Rom.  I1:J3— 36.)  1 

V.  12 — 34.  The  remainder  of  this  chapter  con- 1 
tains  a  particular  and  most  sublime  description  of  j 
leviathan.— The  Lord  declared,  that  he  did  notj 
mean,  by  confining'  this  prodigious  animal  in  the  i 
vast  ocean,  to  conceal  from  man  "his  parts,  and 
power,  and  comely  proportion:"  for,  though  we  call 
such  creatures  monsters,  and  deem  them  uncome- ; 
Ij,  the  Creator  sees  them  to  be  formed  in  a  suitable ; 
and  becoming  proportion  of  one  part  to  another. — , 
At  first  sight  leviathan  appears  exceedingly  formi- 
dable: and  \v  ho  can  draw  near  to  liim,  to  examine : 
particularly  his  whole  skin,  which  serves  as  hist 
-garment;  or  to  strip  it  oft'  from  him?  Who  would 
undertake  to  bridle  him  like  a  horse  for  his  use?  or  \ 
to  look  into  his  mouth;  when  a  sight  of  his  teeth 
would  make  any  man  dread  immediate  destruc- 1 
lion?  Tlie  scales,  or  strong  pieces  of  shields,  i 
[marg.)  witli  which  he  is  covered,  as  with  an  im-| 
penetrable  coat  of  mail,  are  his  confidence:  by  \ 
them  he  is  secured,  as  if  a  seal  fastened  one  parti 
to  another;  so  that  no  air  can  penetrate  between  j 
ihem,  no  separation  can  be  effected.  When  he! 
"neeses,"  or  spoTfs  the  icater  into  the  a?'r,  his. 
breath  sparkles  like  fire,  and  his  eyes  appear  like  j 
the  morning  light;  so  that  burning  lamps  and  | 
sparks,  and  smoke  appear  to  be  emitted  from  his  j 
iTjouth,  as  from  under  a  furnace;  and  a  flame  j 
seems "  to  attend  his  breath,  as  if  it  would  set  i 
coals  on  fire.  His  head  is  joined  to  his  body  with  j 
the  most  surprising  strength:  and  it  is  as  if  sor- 
I'ow,  or  fainting,  marched  before  him,  exulting 
in  the  havoc  which  he  makes  of  other  creatures; 
or,  however  assaulted.  Ids  confidence  in  his 
own  strength  turns  all  his  sorrows  into  joy.  His 
muscles  are  immoveably  firm;  and  his  heart  as 
incapable  of  fear  or  compassion,  as  if  it  were  a 
mill-stone.  When  he  appears  above  water,  he 
causes  such  commotion  and  agitation  in  the 
waves,  that  the  stoutest  mariners  are  terrified,  as 
in  a  furious  storm;  and  betake  themselves  to  con- 
fessions and  prayers,  expecting  immediate  death. 
(A'b<c*,  Ps.  107:23—30.  Jon.  1:4—6,11—16.) 
No  weai)ons  of  war  are  of  any  avail:  he  is  un- 
daunted by  them;  they  make  no  impression  oh 
liim,  or  resistance  to  him;  but  he  despises  and 
derides  them  all.  Indeed,  he  reclines  his  enor- 
mous weight  upo.i  the  sharp-pointed  stones  at 
the  bottom  of  the  sea,  with  as  much  ease  as  if  he 
lay  on  the  soft  mire.  His  motion  in  the  deep 
makes  the  waters  to  move,  as  ointment  in  a  pot 
over  a  vehement  fire.  His  path  may  be  tracked 
by  this  violent  commotion,  and  by  the  white  foam 
which  he  leaves  upon  the  waters.  In  the  whole 
earth  there  is  no  creature  equal  to  him,  being 
formed  destitute  of  fear-  He  beholds  every 
other  animal,  or  the  stately  ships,  and  aspiring 
man,  with  contempt  and  disregard;  he  feels  him- 
self capable   of    ruling   over    the   stoutest    and 


31  He  maketh  ^  the  deep  to  boil  like 
a  pot:  he  maketh  the  sea  like  a  pot  of 
ointment. 

32  He  maketh  a  path  to  shine  after 
him;  one  would  think  the  deep  to  be 
hoary. 

33  '  Upon  earth  there  is  not  his  like, 
who  +  is  made  without  fear. 

34  He  beholdeth  all  high  things: 
™  he  is  a  king  over  all  the  children  of 
pride. 

kQO. 
140:19. 

J  Heb.  behave  themselves  with- 
out fear.     24. 


m  26:12.  Ex.  5:2.  Ps.  7-1:1.5, 
14.  Is.  27:1.  F,z.  29:3.  Rlv. 
12:1—3.    13:2.   20:2,3. 


proudest  animals;  and  he  has  more  strength  and 
courage,  than  the  children  of  pride,  who  exalt 
themselves  against  their  Maker. — It  is  undenia- 
ble, that  some  particulars  in  this  description,  do 
not  accord  to  any  species  of  whale,  which  is  at 
present  known;  for  none  of  them  are  covered 
with  scales,  or  have  an  impenetrable  skin:  but  it 
agrees  still  less  with  any  other  creature  that  avo 
know;  and  especially  it  is  wholly  unsuited  to  tha 
crocodile. — The  ancient  fathers  generally  under- 
stood the  passage  as  an  emblematic,  or  typical, 
description  of  Satan,  that  "king  over  all  the  chil- 
dren of  pride."     [jYote,  Is.  27:1.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

Man  was  formed  to  be  the  lord  of  all  other 
creatures  here  below;  but  his  superiority  con- 
sists principally  in  the  powers  of  his  rational  na- 
ture, which,  if  duly  improved,  would  teach  him  to 
submit  to  his  Creator  and  to  sei-ve  him:  if  there- 
fore he  irrationally  forgets  his  place  and  duty, 
he  should  be  reminded  of  his  inferiority  in  other 
respects,  even  to  many  of  the  animals.  Indeed, 
some  of  these  are  so  powerful  and  formidable, 
that  we  are  by  no  means  able  to  cope  with  them: 
how  mad  then  must  the  presumptuous  transgress- 
or be,  who  defies  the  power  and  wrath  of  the 
Almighty! — If  language  so  sublime  was  proper 
in  describing  the  terrible  force  of  "leviathan;" 
what  words  can  express  the  power  of  God's  indig- 
nation, who  "is  a  consuming  firel"  He  indeed 
beholdeth  all  high  things  in  order  to  abase  them; 
he  resists,  and  will  crush,  all  those  who  proudly 
exalt  themselves  against  him;  and  "who  may 
stand  in  his  sight  when  he  is  angry?"  But  he 
more  delights  in  shewing  his  glory  from  the  mer- 
cy-seat; and  in  encouraging  sinners  to  take 
refuge  "under  the  shadow  of  his  wings,"  and  to 
prostrate  themselves  before  him.  If  his  anger 
be  thus  turned  away  from  us,  his  omnipotence 
will  be  our  protection;  and  then  we  need  fear 
no  enemy,  though  we  shall  have  those,  which 
are  far  more  formidable  than  leviathan.  Sa- 
tan, the  king  and  father  of  all  the  children  of 
pride,  with  his  legions  of  evil  spirits,  is  not 
confined  to  the  ocean;  nor  can  he  be  fenced 
out  or  resisted  by  our  punj'  arm.  Our  wisdom, 
strength,  and  resolution,  are  unavailing  in  this 
unequal  contest;  and  far  more  useless  than  sword 
or  spear  against  leviathan:  all  opposition  or 
hope  of  overcoming  or  escaping,  if  left  to  our- 
selves, would  be  in  vain;  his  heart  is  stoned 
against  compassion,  and  he  has  been  the  cruel 
murderer  of  men,  both  body  and  soul,  from  the 
beginning:  {J^ote,  John  8:4\ — 47.)  he  rejoices  in 
causing  destruction;  and  he  looks  on  all  the  proud 
and  lofty  of  the  earth  as  his  own.  But  "  the  poor 
in  spirit,"  who  humbly  trust  in  the  Lord's  mercy, 
are  safe:  relying  on  their  almighty  Assistant,  they 
may  defy  and  resist  this  tremendous  foe,  and  DC 
made  more   than  conquerors  over  him.      They 

[111 


B.  C.   looO, 


JOB. 


B.  C.  1550. 


CHAP.    XLIL 

Job,  in  deep  humilitv,  submits  to  God,  1 — 6.  GoJ  decides  in 
Job's  favor;  and  requires  his  three  friends  to  present  burnt- 
offerings  for  their  sins,  and  submissively  to  engage  Job  to  pray 
for  them,  7,  8.  They  obey,  and  God  accepts  Job,  9.  His 
prosperity  is  restored  and  doubled,  10 — 12.  His  children,  13 — 
15.     His  age  and  death,  16,  17. 

THEN  Job  answered  the  Lord,  and 
said, 

2  I  know  that  *  thou  canst  do  every 
thing,  and  that  ^  no  thought  *  can  be 
withholden  from  thee. 

3  •=  Who  is  he  that  hideth  counsel 
without  knowledge.^  therefore  have  I  ut- 
tered that  I  understood  not;  **  things  too 
wonderful  for  me,  which  I  knew  not. 

4  ^  Hear,  I  beseech  thee,  and  I  will 
speak:  ''  I  will  demand  of  thee,  and  de- 
clare thou  unto  me. 


a  Gen.  13:14.  Jer.  32:17.  Matt. 

19:26.       Mark      10:27.      14:36. 

Luke  1S:27. 
b  Ps.  44:<:i.   139:2.     Jer.  17:10. 

Kz.  33:10.     John   2:24,25.  21: 

17.     Heb.  4:12,13. 
*  Or,  of  thine  can  be  hindered. 

23:13.      Prov.    19:21.       Ec.  3: 


14.      Is.  14:27.  46:10.     : 

35.     Eph.  1:11. 
c  33:2. 
d  Ps.  40:5.   131:1.    139:6. 

30:2—4. 
e  Gen.  18:27,30—32. 
f38:3.  40:7. 


5  I  have  '  heard  of  thee  by  the  hear- 
ing of  the  ear;  but  now  ''  mine  eye  seeth 
thee. 

6  Wherefore  '  I  abhor  myself,  and 
^  repent  in   dust  and   ashes. 

[Practical  Observations.] 

7  IT  And  it  was  so,  that  after  the 
Lord  had  spoken  these  words  unto  Job, 
the  Lord  said  to  '  Eliphaz  the  Teman- 
ite,  ""  My  wrath  is  kindled  against  thee, 
and  against  thy  two  friends:  for  "  ye 
have  not  spoken  of  me  the  thing  that  is 
right,  as  my  servant  Job  hath. 

8  Therefore  take  unto  you  now  °  seven 
bullocks  and  seven  rams,  and  p  go  to  my 

g  4:12.  28:22.  33:16.     Rom.  10: 

17. 
h  23:8,9.      Num.    12:6—8, 


Is. 
12:41,45. 


6:1.      John      1:18. 
Acts  7:55,56. 

i  9:31.  40:4.  Ezra  9:6.  Is.  6: 
5.  Jer.  31:19.  Ez.  16:63.  20: 
43.  3t3:31.  Luke  15:18,19.  1 
Cor.  15:8,9.  1  Tim.  1:13—16. 
Jam.  4:7—10. 

k2:8.    30:19.       1    Kin^s   21:27. 


Esth.  4:1—3.     Is.  58:5.     Dan. 

9:3.     Jon.  3:6— 10.      Matt.  11: 

21.     Luke  10:13. 
1  2:11.    4:1.    8:1.    11:1 
m  32:2,3,5. 
n  11:5,6. 
o  Num.  2.3:1, ]4,:29.     1  Chr.   1.5: 

26.     2  Chr.  29:21.     Ez.  45:23. 

Hi-b.  10:4,10—14. 
p  Matt.  5:23,24. 


should  however  remember,  that  they  are  saved 
wholly  by  grace;  "for  who  hath  prevented  the 
Lord,  that  he  should  repay  him.'"'  And  if  they  are 
mercifully  rescued  from  the  deserved  wrath  of 
God,  and  from  the  malice  of  Satan,  they  have  no 
rig-ht  to  complain  of  any  affliction  or  distress;  or 
to  boast  of  any  wisdom,  strength,  or  endowment 
of  their  own.  Submission,  dependence,  and 
grateful  obedience  are  their  part;  it  behoves  them 
to  revere  the  divine  Majesty;  to  be  abased  under 
a  consciousness  of  their  own  vileness;  to  occupy 
their  allotted  place  contentedly  and  obediently; 
to  cease  from  their  own  wisdom,  and  to  give  all 
the  g-lory  to  their  gracious  God  and  Savior. — 
When  any  man  becomes  proud  of  his  personal 
strength  and  courage,  let  him  be  reminded  of  le- 
viathan: when  he  is  vain  of  his  sagacity,  ingenui- 
ty, or  mental  endowments,  let  him  consider  how 
much  Satan  excels  him  in  them  all.  Let  us  all 
consider  the  holiness  of  our  God,  that  we  may  be 
ashamed  of  our  remaining  unholiness:  and,  re- 
membering from  whom  every  good  gift  comes, 
and  for  what  end  it  was  given,  let  us  walk  up- 
rightly and  humbly  with  the  Lord;  for  "before 
honor  is  humility." 

NOTES. 

Ch.vp.  XLIL  V.  1—6.  {J^^ote,  40:3—5.)  Job, 
borne  down  as  it  were  with  a  torrent  of  light  and 
conviction,  at  length  answered;  not  in  his  own 
vindication,  but  with  unreserved  submission.  He 
was  fully  assured,  that  the  Lord  could  do  every 
thing;  and  therefore  it  was  madness  to  contend 
with  him,  and  folly  to  despair  of  help  from  him. 
He  knew  that  none  of  his  impatient  thoughts 
could  be  concealed  from  God:  or  rather  he  meant, 
that  the  Lord  could  not  be  prevented  from  ac- 
complishing every  thing  which  he  intended. 
{Marg — JVotes,  Prov.  19:21.  /*.  46:10,11.  Dan. 
4:34—37.  Eph.l:9—12.)  He  had  allowed  these 
truths  before  peeviMy,  {J\'ote,  23:13—17.)  but 
he  now  acknowledged  them  with  humble  ac- 
quiescence, and  not  without  hope  of  relief. — 
In  reproof  of  his  presumption,  God  had  said, 
''Who  is  this,  that  darkeneth  counsel  by  words 
without  knowledge.'"  {J^otes,  38:1,2.)  And  Job 
here,  in  indignant  astonishment  at  his  cwn  pre- 
smnption,  repeats  the  sentiment,  and  pleads  guil- 
ty to  the  charge;  as  if  he  had  said  'Who  indeed 
11.2] 


'am  I,  a  poor  sinful  worm,  that  I  should  venture 
'to  darken  such  deep  subjects,  by  my  ignorant 
'and  impatient  discourses!'  He  confessed  that 
he  had  spoken  things  beyond  his  knowledge,  and 
too  wonderful,  or  mysterious,  for  him  to  compre- 
hend; and  in  a  manner  which  merited  the  se- 
verest punishment. — God  had  likewise  command- 
ed Job  to  prepare  his  answer  while  he  proposed 
some  questions  to  him,  and  blamed  him  for  pre- 
suming to  instruct  the  Almighty;  [JsTotes,  38:3. 
40:1,2,6 — 8.)  but  Job  now  humbly  besought  the 
Lord,  that  he  would  condescend  to  answer  the 
questions  which  he  desired  to  propose,  solve  those 
diiBculties  with  which  he  was  perplexed,  declare 
his  trutli  unto  him,  and  become  his  Instructer. 
He  had  indeed  obtained  some  distant  knowledge 
of  God  from  education,  instruction,  and  confer- 
ence with  his  friends;  and  he  had  thought  him- 
self competent  to  discourse  on  such  subjects:  but 
the  scene,  which  he  had  now  witnessed,  had  made 
such  discoveries  to  him  of  the  divine  glory,  and 
had  so  affected  his  heart;  that,  compared  with 
this  intuitive  knowledge,  all  that  he  ever  knew 
before  seemed  to  be  like  hearing  a  report  of  some 
absent  person,  or  transaction.  He  was  now  far 
more  sensible  than  ever  of  his  own  guilt  and  pol- 
lution: so  that  he  "abhorred  himself,"  as  an  abom- 
inable sinner  in  heart  and  life;  but  especially  for 
his  presumption  and  impiety,  in  murmuring 
against  God.  {Jfotes,  Ez.  16:60—63.  36:31,32.) 
Of  this  and  of  all  his  sins  he  sincerely  repented, 
and  willingly  took  shame  to  himself  for  them: 
and,  while  he  abased  his  body  in  "dust  and  ashes," 
as  a  humble  penitent;  he  desired  to  lie  as  low  in 
self-condemnation,  and  in  the  frame  of  his  spirit 
before  God,  casting  himself  wholly  on  his  mercy, 
and  submitting  unreservedly  to  his  will. — No 
doubt  Job  before  this,  had  had  spiritual  and  ex- 
perimental knowledge  of  God  '\i  some  measure; 
but  nothing  equal  to  what  he  received  on  this  oc- 
casion. {M)tes,  1:1,8,20—22.  Is.  6:5.  Luke  5:1— 
11,  latter  part.) — 'This  passage  is  totally  unintel- 
'ligible,  as  it  stands  in  the  Bible.  Verses  three 
'and  four  seem  to  have  crept  in  from  the  begin- 
'ning  of  Jehovah's  address  to  Job.'  E.  Smitli. 
Accordingly  this  writer  omits  a  great  part  of  them. 
They  are  however  found  in  the  Hebrew,  and  in 
other  versions,  manuscripts,  &c.  Deciding  in 
this  peremptoi-y  manner  on  the  word  of  God.  i? 
irreverent  and  dangerous  in  the  extreme. 


B.  C.  1550. 


CHAPTER  XLII. 


B.  C.  1410. 


servant  Job,  and  ^  offer  up  for  yourselves 
a  burnt-offering,'  and  'my  servant  Job 
shall  pray  for  you;  for  *  him  I  will  ac- 
cept: ^  lest  I  deal  with  you  after  your 
folly,  in  that  ye  have  not  spoken  of  me 
the  thing  which  is  right,  like  my  servant 
Job. 

9  So  Eliphaz  the  Temanite,  and 
Bildad  the  Shuhite,  and  Zophar  the 
Naamathite,  went,  and  *  did  according 
as  the  Lord  commanded  them:  the 
Lord  also  accepted  ^  Job. 

10  And  the  Lord  "  turned  the  cap- 
tivity of  Job,  ^  when  he  prayed  for  his 
friends:  also  ^  the  Lord  i  gave  Job 
twice  as  much  as  he  had  before. 

1 1  Then  came  there  unto  him  ^  all 
his  brethren,  and  all  his  sisters;  and  all 
they  that  had  been  of  his  acquaintance 
before,  and  did  eat  bread  with  him  in  his 
house:  and    ^they  bemoaned   him,    and 


<1  1:5.     Ex.  18:12. 

I  Gen.  20:17.     Is.   60:14.     Jer. 

11:11.   15:1.   Ez.  14:14.    Heb. 

7:25.     Jam.    5:14—13.      Rev. 

3:9. 
*  Heb.  his  face,  or,  ■person.    9. 

I  Sam.  25:35.  Mai.  1:9.    Matt. 

3:17.     Epb.  1:6. 
s  Ps.  103:10.     2T!tn.  4:14. 
134:31,32.      Is.  60:14.     Matt.  7: 

24.    John  2:5.     Acts  9:6.   10:3. 

Heb.  11:8. 
t  Heb.  (Ae/aceo/7^oi.  8.     22: 

27.     Ec.  9:7. 
115:18—20.      Deut.    30:3.      Ps. 

14:7.  53:6.   126:1,4. 


X  Ex.    17:3,4.       Num.     12:2,13. 

14:1—4,10, 13—20.     16:21,22,46 

—48.     Dent.   9:20.     Luke  23: 

34.     Acts  7:50,60. 
y  8:6,7.  22:24,25.       Deut.   8:18. 

1  Sam.  2:7.  2  Chr.  25:9.  Prov. 

22:4.     Hag.  2:8. 
J  Heb.  added  all  that  had  been 

to  Job  unto  the  double.  Is.  40: 

2.  61:7. 
z  19:13,14.     Prov.  16:7. 
a  2:11.  4:4.    16:5.     Gen.  37:35. 

Is.  35:3,4.     John  11:19.    Rom. 

12:15.   1  Cor.  12:26.     Heb.  12; 

12.    13:3. 


V.  7 — 9.  While  the  Lord  was  speaking  to  Job 
with  sharp  rebukes,  his  friends  perhaps  thought 
him  altogether  wrong-,  and  themselves  blameless 
and  commendable:  and  it  is  not  unlikely,  that 
some  readers  have  been  ready  to  conclude,  while 
•we  have  gone  through  the  preceding  chapters, 
that  the  discourses  of  Job  have  been  too  favorably, 
and  those  of  his  friends  too  unfavorably,  explained. 
•But  this  chapter  was  all  along  considered  as  the 
clue  of  the  whole  narration;  without  which  it 
v/ould  have  been  presumptuous  to  decide  positive- 
ly, and  without  hesitation.  It  is  however  evident, 
that  the  general  doctrine  of  Job  was  more  honor- 
able to  God,  and  consistent  with  the  truth,  than 
that  of  his  friends.  They  had  misrepresented  the 
dispensations  of  Providence,  as  if  this  world  had 
been  the  state  of  retribution;  and  had  greatly  lost 
sight  of  the  future  state;  they  hid  considered  ex- 
traordinary afiBfictions  as  a  demonstration  of  wick- 
edness, and  as  the  effect  of  vindictive  anger, 
rather  than  as  trials  and  chastenings:  and  on  this 
ground  alone  they  had  condemned  a  most  emi- 
nent servant  of  God  of  hypocrisy,  and  atrocious 
iniquity,  and  treated  him  with  severity  and  dis- 
dain; while  he  was  enduring  the  severest  suffer- 
ings, and  struggling  with  violent  temptations. 
(JVb<c«,  4:1— 11.  5:3—5,25—27.  8:1—7,20—22.  9: 
22—24.  11:1—4,1:3-20.  15:1  —  13.  18:2—4.  20:1  — 
9.  22:5—14,21—30.)  On  the  contrary,  though  Job 
had  irreverently  and  impatiently  vindicated  him- 
self; yet  on  the  whole  his  sentiments  were  true, 
and  his  arguments  conclusive. — When  therefore 
the  Lord  had  brought  Job  to  deep  repentance, 
and  a  proper  frame  of  mind,  he  answered  his  con- 
fidence, and  decidedly  took  his  part.  His  friends, 
instead  of  a  recompense  for  their  service,  as  per- 
haps they  expected,  were  informed  that  God  was 
very  angry  with  them,  and  would  not  forgive 
Vol.  in.  15 


comforted  him  over  all  the  evil  that  the 
Lord  had  brought  upon  him:  ^  every 
man  also  gave  him  a  piece  of  money, 
and   every  one  an  ear-ring  of  gold. 

12  '^  So  the  Lord  blessed  the  latter 
end  of  Job  more  than  his  beginning:  for 
*^  he  had  fourteen  thousand  sheep,  and 
six  thousand  camels,  and  a  thousand 
yoke  of  oxen,   and  a  thousand  she  asses. 

13  He  had  also  ^  seven  sons  and  three 
daughters. 

14  And  he  called  the  name  of  the 
first  Jemima;  and  the  name  of  the  sec- 
ond, Kezia;  and  the  name  of  the  third, 
Keren-happuch. 

15  And  in  all  the  land  were  ^  no  wo- 
men found  so  fair  as  the  daughters  of 
Job:  and  their  father  s  gave  them  in- 
heritance   among  their  brethren. 

16  After  this  lived  Job  ''an  hundred 
and  forty  years,  '  and  saw  his  sons,  and 
his  sons'  sons,  even  four  generations. 

17  So  Job  died,  beiyig  old  and  ^  full 
of  days. 


b  6:22,23.      Gen.     24:22.53.     1 

Sam.  10:27. 
c  8:7.     Prov.   10:22.      Ec.   7:8. 

1  Tim.  6:17.     Jam.  5:11. 
d  1:3.     Gen.   24:35.    26:13—14. 

Ps.  107:38.    144:13—15. 
e  1:2.   Ps.  107:41.   127:3.  Is.  49: 

20. 
fPs.  144:12.     Acts  7:20. 


g  Num.   27:7.     Josh.    15:18,19. 

13:4. 
h  Gen.    11:32.    25:7.  35:23.  47: 

28.   50:26.     Deut.  34:7.     Josh. 

24:29.     Ps.  90:10. 
i  Gen.  50:23.     Ps.  128:6.   Prov. 

17:6. 
k  5:26.  Gen.  15:15.  25:8.  Deut. 

6:2.     Ps.  91:16.    Prov.  3:16. 


them;  except  they  brought  costly  sacrifices  as  a 
confession  of  their  guilt,  and  of  their  dependence 
on  his  mercy;  and  unless  by  proper  concessions 
they  induced  Job  to  become  the'r  intercessor, 
and  to  pray  for  them,  while  they  offere*  their 
burnt-ofterings.  Four  times  in  two  verses  God 
called  Job  his  servant,  as  if  he  gloried  in  him,  in 
the  midst  of  his  povert}'  and  distress,  and  when  he 
was  treated  as  a  hypocrite.  Him  alone  the  Lord 
would  accept,  and  his  friends  for  his  sake  and  ia 
answer  to  his  prayers;  [JVote.s,  Gen.  12:1 — 3.  Ez. 
14:13 — 21.)  otherwise  he  would  severel}'  chastise 
them,  and  put  them  to  shame,  uncording  to  their 
folly,  in  misrepresenting  his  dispensations,  and 
condemning  his  servant. — The  prosperity  of  those 
who  were  more  guilty,  and  the  afflictions  of  Job, 
who  received  this  testimony  of  his  superior  piety, 
constituted  a  refutation  of  their  whole  doctrine. — 
Job,  being  himself  humbled  and  pardoned,  heart- 
ily and  readily  forgave  them,  and  prayed  for  them; 
and  they  submitted  to  this  humiliating  expedient 
of  making  their  peace  with  God.  Thus  a  cordial 
reconciliation  took  place.  Job's  character  was 
cleared  and  honored:  and,  if  he  were  not  an  in- 
tended type  of  the  Savior,  the  whole  history  is 
suited  to  bring  his  sufferings  and  the  event  of  them 
to  our  remembrance.    (JVoie,  Jam.  5:9 — 11.) 

V.  10 — 17.  While  Job  n;armu?-ed,  disputed, 
persisted  in  his  own  vindication,  and  spoke  con- 
temptuously of  his  friends;  his  afflictions  continu- 
ed, and  the  suspicions  which  his  friends  entertain- 
ed of  him  were  strengthened:  but  as  soon  as  he 
submitted  to  God,  repented  and  abhorred  him.self, 
and  forgave  and  prayed  for  his  false  accusers;  the 
tide  began  to  turn  in  his  favor,  and  liis  character 
was  re-establi.shed,  and  rendered  more  illustrious 
than  ever.  (P^.  37:5— 7.)  Some  think  that  the 
Chaldeans  and  Sabeans  were  wonderfully  dispos- 

rii3 


B.  C.  1410. 


JOB. 


B.  C.  1410. 


ed  to  restore  to  him  his  substance.  His  afflictions, 
however,  by  which  he  had  been  held  as  in  bon- 
dage or  captivity,  were  terminated;  his  reputation 
and  honor  were  restored;  the  permission  given  to 
Satan  being  recalled,  [J^'otes,  1:12.  2:6.)  his  health 
also  was  re-established,  his  spirits  were  calmed, 
and  his  comforts  renewed.  AH  his  relations  and 
neighbors,  who  before  had  treated  him  with  dis- 
dain, on  account  of  his  poverty  and  supposed  hy- 
pocrisy, now  came  around  him:  being  either 
afraid  of  disregarding  one  who  was  a  favorite  of  j 
heaven,  or  desiring  the  benefit  of  his  prayers  and  j 
instructions,  or  through  love  and  esteem.  They  j 
condoled  with  him  and  comforted  him;  and  ac- 
cording to  the  custom  of  those  times,  every  one 
of  them  made  him  a  present  of  a  piece  of  money, 
stamped  with  the  figure  of  a  lamb,  (as  the  original 
word  is  supposed  to  imply,)  and  an  ornament  of 
gold  for  the  ear,  or  face.  He  seems  Ukewise  to 
have  been  again  acknowledged,  and  submitted  to, 
as  ruler,  and  in  process  of  time  his  substance  was 
in  every  thing  exactly  doubled.  But,  as  a  testi- 
mony that  his  children  were  not  extinct,  or  lost  to 
him  by  death,  he  had  only  the  former  number  re- 
placed to  him;  which,  with  those  who  had  been 
removed  to  another  world,  doubled  them  likewise. 
After  this  he  lived  in  prosperity  and  honor,  no 
less  than  one  hundred  and  forty  years;  probably  j 
above  two  hundred  years  in  all:  and,  instead  of 
being  written  cliildless,  as  he  once  feared,  he  saw 
his  posterity  to  the  fourth  generation;  and  at 
length  died  in  peace,  satisfied  with  living  here, 
and  ripe  for  a  better  world.  Thus  in  every  par- 
ticular his  integrity  was  evidenced  by  those  very 
testimonies,  whicli  his  friends  had  improperly  de- 
manded. His  longevity  is  strong  proof,  that  he 
lived  at  a  very  early  period.    [J^ote,  5:25 — 27.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
V.  1—6. 
The  Lord  will  assuredly  bring  those  whom  he 
loves  to  adore  him,  in  humble  submission  and 
self-abasement.  Their  corrections  will  continue, 
till  they  cease  from  murmuring,  boasting,  and 
censuring:  but  when  they  repent  and  kiss  the 
rod,  their  deliverance  draws  nigh. — Clear  dis- 
coveries of  the  glorious  power  and  wisdom  of  God, 
even  in  the  inanimate  or  irrational  works  of  the 
creation,  tend  to  humble  our  pride,  and  to  induce 
us  to  subscribe  to  his  rebukes,  and  to  the  charges 
which  his  word  brings  against  us;  to  fear  his 
wrath  aoove  all  things,  and  to  expect  every  bless- 
ing from  his  favor.  As  none  of  his  thoughts  can 
fail  of  accomplishment,  so  none  of  ours  can  escape 
his  notice,  but  must  all  be  accounted  for  at  the 
day  of  judgment. — Calm  reflection  will  often 
convince  us  "that  we  were  hiding  counsel  by- 
words without  knowledge,"  at  the  very  time,  when 
we  thought,  that  we  were  fully  declaring  the 
truth  in  a  clear  and  convincing  manner:  and 
grace  in  lively  exercise  will  always  influence  us 
to  confess  without  hesitation  our  sins,  when  we 
discover  them;  and,  without  being  much  con- 
cerned to  justify  what  was  right,  to  take  shame 
to  ourselves  for  the  things  which  have  been  faulty 
in  our  conduct. — Even  the  true  believer,  in  dis- 
coursing of  heavenly  things,  is  very  liable  to  go 
out  of  his  depth;  and  by  uttering  what  he  does  not 
understand,  and  speculating  on  things  too  won- 
derful for  him,  he  often  exposes  himself  to  rebukes 
for  his  rashness  and  irreverence.  What  then  will 
be  the  case  of  the  infidel,  the  skeptic,  and  the  dis- 
puter  of  this  world?  They  will  be  speechless,  and 
despair;  whilst  all  the  world  shall  behold  and  ac- 
knowledge the  wisdom,  justice,  and  goodness  of 
those  laws,  truths,  and  decrees,  which  they  ar- 
raigned and  blasphemed  as  unjust,  oppressive,  and 
unreasonable.  Instead  of  citing  the  eternal  God 
to  the  bar  of  a  rebellious  worm,  and  calling  upon 
him  to  answer  our  rash  objections;  it  behoves  us 
114] 


humbly  to  crave  his  instructions,  and  to  be  satis- 
fied with  the  explanations,  which  he  vouchsafes  to 
give  of  those  difficulties  which  intercept  our  path. 
For  many  hear  of  him,  from  parents  and  teachers, 
and  learn  to  discourse  of  his  works  and  ways,  who 
have  no  heart-affecting,  influential  views  of  his 
perfections.  After  all  they  have  heard,  he  is  to 
them  an  unknown  God;  for  they  do  not  so  know 
him,  as  to  reverence,  love,  trust,  and  submit  to 
him.  (JVofes,  1  Chr.28:<:i.  John  8:54—59.  16:1—3. 
17:1—3,25,26.  Acts  17:22—31.  Rom.  1:21—23,28 
— 32.)  Nay,  believers,  who  have  some  experi- 
mental acquaintance  with  God,  may  even  in  this 
world,  receive  such  clear  discoveries  of  his  glory, 
and  experience  so  much  of  his  power  and  love; 
that  all  which  they  knew  before,  shall  seem  as  a 
mere  report,  compared  with  their  present  views. 
How  then  will  it  be,  when  we  shall  "see  him  as 
he  is,?'  and  "know  him  as  we  are  known." — All 
true  knowledge  of  God  proportionably  humbles 
and  abases  us,  and  causes  us  "to  abhor  ourselves, 
and  repent  in  dust  and  ashes;"  but  false  doctrines 
and  mere  speculative  knowledge  puff  men  up, 
and  feed  their  self-importance.  By  this  criterion 
let  us  judge  ourselves,  and  our  knowledge  in  re- 
ligion: let  us  take  care  not  to  be  put  off  with 
empty  notions;  or  to  be  satisfied  with  our  present 
measure  of  humiliation  and  experience:  for  when 
we  are  the  most  abased  as  sinners  before  God, 
we  are  in  the  readiest  way  of  being  exalted  by 
him.  Did  such  self-abasing  language  suit  the 
lips  of  Job,  that  most  eminent  saint  and  servant 
of  God,  at  the  moment  when  ever}'  grace  was  in 
its  fullest  exercise,  and  can  any  language  be  too 
humiliating  for  us?  If  we  start  and  scruple  to  say 
that  we  "abhor  ourselves;''  or  if  we  find  that  we 
cannot  do  it  with  sincerity,  does  it  not  demon- 
strate, that  we  have  never  perceived  so  much  of 
the  divine  glory,  as  Job  had,  and  therefore  are 
not  made  so  sensible  of  our  own  guilt  and  pollu- 
tion? For  it  would  be  very  arrogant  for  anj'  of  us 
to  suppore  ourselves  better,  by  nature  and  prac- 
tice, or  more  eminent  in  faith,  patience,  or  piety, 
than  this  most  approved  and  applauded  charac- 
ter. 

V.  7—17. 
When  the  Lord  has  duly  humbled  and  gra- 
ciously pardoned  his  servants,  he  will  clear  their 
reputations,  silence  their  slanderers,  answer  their 
confidence,  and  exceed  their  largest  expectations; 
and  he  will  also  teach  them,  after  his  example,  to 
forgive,  love,  and  pray  for  those  who  have  injur- 
ed them.  In  this  frame  of  spirit  they  will  be  pre- 
pared to  bear  honor  in  an  unassuming  manner, 
and  then  he  will  confer  it.  He  geaeraWy  Jirst  re- 
bukes those  whom  he  most  loves:  [JVoles,  5:17. 
Heb.  12:4—11.  Rev.  3:18,19.)  but  let  not  such, 
as  for  a  time  escape,  be  too  confident,  for  their 
turn  will  soon  come. — Even  pious  men  may  kin- 
dle the  wrath  of  God  against  themselves,  by  not 
speaking  humbly  and  honorably  of  him:  but  as  all 
his  controversies  with  us  begin  by  our  sin;  so 
every  reconciliation  must  be  effected,  in  that  way 
which  he  has  revealed,  and  in  the  use  of  those 
means  which  he  has  prescribed.  They,  who 
refuse  to  come  in  this  way,  shall  be  dealt  with 
"after  their  folly;"  but  no  true  believer  or  real 
penitent  will  finally  persist  in  such  a  refusal. — It 
is  indeed  very  painful  to  be  confuted,  rebuked, 
and  constrained  to  confess  our  mistakes  and  of- 
fences, and  to  beg  the  assistance  and  good  offices 
of  those,  whom  we  have  despised,  condemned,  and 
injured.  Yet  the  true  penitent  will  submit  to  all 
this  and  far  more,  when  the  will  of  God  is  known: 
his  self-abasement  will  be  proportioned  to  his  for- 
mer self-confidence;  and  whenever  we  appi'oach 
God  in  his  ordinances,  such  mutual  concessions, 
restitutions,  and  forgivenesses  should  first  be  at- 
tended to.  {JVote,  Matt.  5:23,24.)  Nothing  ce- 
ments the  affections  of  believers,  who  have  jarred 


B.  C.  1410. 


CHAPTER  XLU. 


B.  C.  1410. 


or  disputed,  so  much  as  praying  with  and  for  each 
other:  when  they  enjoy  communion  with  their 
common  Savior,  they  feel  a  more  lively  disposi- 
tion to  delight  in  'the  communion  of  the  saints;' 
and  to  forget  all  which  for  a  season  interrupted 
it;  and  "the  effectual  fervent  prayer  of  a  righteous 
man  availeth  much." — We  should  be  careful  not 
to  judge  any  thing  before  the  time;  we  know  not 
how  the  Lord  may  clear  up  one  man's  character, 
or  expose  another's;  and  therefore  we  should  be 
candid  towards  others,  and  jealous  of  ourselves. 
Neither  are  we  competent  to  decide  who  is  the 
most  happy  man;  for  the  end  crowns  the  day. 
[J^ote,  Ec.  7:8.)  When  a  man  is  oppressed,  censur- 
ed, and  tempted,  he  appears  very  ditferent,  from 
what  he  does  when  delivered  and  comforted:  and 
he  that  is  at  ease,  can  scarcely  conceive  what  ef- 
fect sharp  trials  would  have  upon  him. — Satan's 
prevalence  is  limited  in  duration,  as  well  as  in 
degree:  and  when  he  is  rebuked,  the  gloom  of 
those  whom  he  has  tempted  will  be  dispelled,  and 
way  made  for  their  returning  consolations. 
[J^otes,  1:9 — 12.)  "When  a  man's  ways  please 
the  Lord,  he  maketh  even  his  enemies  to  be  at 
peace  with  him:"  [Mote,  Prov.  16:7.)  he  is 
graciously  pleased  with  the  very  imperfect  ser- 
vices of  the  humble  believer;  and  when  he  has 
stood  the  trial,  he  shall  come  forth  as  gold  purified 
from  the  furnace. — True  religion  mortifies  that 
avarice  which  covets  the  wealth  of  other  men, 
and  that  pride  which  induces  many  to  scorn 
the  needful,  well  meant,  and  proper  assistance 
which  is  offered  to  them.  (JVbie,  Phil.  4: 10—1 3. ) 
— Whether  the  Lord  gives  us  health,  long  life,  af- 
fluence, friends,  and  flourishing  families,  or  not; 
we  shall  eventually  be  happy,  if  we  patiently  suf- 
fer according  to  his  will:  and  those  things,  which 
once  we  thought  were  altogether  against  us,  shall 
at  length  appear  to  have  been  wisely  chosen  for 


our  greater  and  more  enduring  good.  [Jfote, 
James  1:12.) — We  know  not  for  what  good  pur- 
poses our  lives  may  be  prolonged;  and  therefore 
should  not  be  impatient  for  death,  even  when 
greatly  afflicted.  And  whether  our  children  and 
friends  go  before,  or  follow  us,  into  the  eternal 
world,  they  will  not  be  lost  to  us,  if  the  Lord  has 
made  them  partakers  of  his  grace:  this,  above  all 
things  we  should  seek,  for  an  inheritance  for  them 
and  for  ourselves;  being  infinitely  more  valuable 
than  all  the  wealth,  honor,  and  personal  accom- 
plishments in  the  world. — But  though  Job's  trials 
and  their  happy  event  are  rei>lete  with  instruc- 
tion and  consolation,  to  the  Buffering  and  tempted 
believer;  yet  we  shall  be  still  more  edified  and 
encouraged  by  looking  unto  Jesus.  His  abase- 
ments, temptations,  and  sufferings  were  vastly 
greater  than  those  of  Job;  he  endured  them  with 
perfect  patience;  and  they  issued  far  more  glo- 
riously. For  us  he  was  tempted,  and  suffered, 
and  triumphed,  and  is  glorified:  for  us,  when  we 
were  enemies,  he  offered  himself  a  Sacrifice,  and 
now  for  us  he  pleads  before  the  throne.  In  him 
believers  are  pardoned  and  accepted:  "He  sees 
his  seed,  and  prolongs  his  days,  and  the  pleasure 
of  the  Lord  prospers  in  his  hands;"  but  there  is 
no  salvation  in  any  other.  [JVote,  Is.  53:9 — 12.) 
To  him  we  must  come,  in  him  we  must  confide, 
to  him  we  must  submit,  and  from  him  receive  all 
that  we  can  want:  but  we  can  give  him  nothing, 
except  the  honor  of  our  whole  salvation,  and  our- 
selves to  be,  by  his  grace,  his  redeemed  and  de- 
voted servants.  May  we  then  experience  his 
grace,  share  his  victories,  tread  in  his  steps,  and 
copy  his  patience;  and  we  shall  find  in  the  "event, 
that  the  Lord  is  pitiful,  and  of  tender  mercy." — 
But  "we  have  need  of  patience,  that  after  hav- 
ing done  the  will  of  God,  we  may  receive  the 
promise."     {Heb.  10:36.) 


THE 


BOOK  OF  PSALMS. 


The  Hebrew  name  of  this  book  in  the  original  is  (Q^'^J^Jr^)  Praises:  because  the  praises  of  God  form 

its  grand  scope  and  object,  to  which  all  other  subjects  contained  in  it  are,  in  one  way  or  another, 
rendered  subservient. — The  word  Psalms  is  taken  from  the  Greek,  and  denotes  that  these  sacred 
hymns  were,  when  sung,  accompanied  with  the  psaltery,  harp,  or  lute:  and  indeed,  from  the  time 
of  David,  psalmody,  with  various  kinds  of  instrumental  music,  formed  a  considerable  part  of  the 
daily  worship  at  the  sanctuary.  [Motes,  1  Chr.  9:33.  15:16—22.  16:4 — 6,37 — ^13.  25:)— The  whole 
collection  is  often  called,  'The  Psalms  of  David.'  He  indeed  was  undoubtedly  the  writer  of  the 
greatest  part  of  them:  his  name  is  prefixed  to  above  seventy  Psalms;  and  he  certainly  wrote  some, 
and  probably  many,  of  those  which  are  not  expressly  ascribed  to  him.  Concerning  others,  it  re- 
mains doubtful  who  composed  them;  but  one,  the  ninetieth,  is  entitled,  "The  Prayer  of  Moses,  the 
Man  of  God;"  and  there  is  internal  proof  that  some  were  written  long  after  the  time  of  David,  and 
even  during,  or  subsequent  to,  the  Babylonish  captivity.  David  however,  as  the  first  who  espe- 
cially employed  his  poetical  talents,  by  the  guidance  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  in  composing  sacred  poems, 
and  who  established  or  regulated  the  psalmody  at  the  Sanctuary,  was  warranted  to  call  himself 
"the  sweet  Psalmist  of  Israel:"  and  to  add,  "the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  spake  by  me,  and  his  word  was 
in  my  tongue."  [JVotes,  2  Sam.  23: 1 — 4.)— Josephus  informs  us,  that  the  Levites  were  enjoined  to 
preserve  at  the  temple,  all  such  hymns  as  might  be  composed  in  honor  of  God:  and  it  is  thought 
by  some  learned  men,  that  the  book  of  Psalms  which  we  now  have  was  selected  from  ajnuch  larg- 
er number,  as  divinely  inspired,  and  therefore  admissible  into  the  canon  of  Scripture;  while  many 
others  were  rejected,  as  not  entitled  to  this  honorable  distinction.    However  this  mav  be,  the  en- 

[1J;1 


PSALMS;  ■       ^ 

tire  book  lias  certainly  been  considered  as  a  part  of  "the  oracles  of  God"  in  every  ag^e,  by  an  inva- 
riable testimony.  St.  Paul  quotes  the  second  Psalm  express!)'  as  a  propliecy  of"  Christ;  [Acts  13: 
33.)  which  implies  that  the  Psalms  were  then  arrang-ed  after  the  same  order,  in  general,  as  they 
now  are.  Nearly  fifty  of  the  Psalms  are  quoted,  or  referred  to,  in  the  New  Testament.  Our  Lord, 
proposing  a  question  to  the  Scribes  concerning  the  Messiah,  introduces  a  passage  from  the 
hundred  and  tenth  Psalm,  in  this  manner:  "David  himself  said  bi/  the  Holy  Ghost;^^  and  "David  in 
Spirit  calleth  him  Lord:"  and  when  instructing  his  disciples,  after  his  resurrection,  he  says:  "All 
things  must  be  fulfilled,  which  are  written  in  the  law  of  Moses,  and  in  the  Prophets,  and  in  the 
Psalms,  concerning  me."  [J^i'otes,  Matt.  22:41— 46.  Mark  12:35— 37.  i«/ce  24:44 — 49.)  In  like 
manner,  the  apostle  Paul,  quoting  a  passage  from  the  ninety-fifth  Psalm,  which  he  ascribes  to  Da- 
vid, uses  this  language;  "Wherefore  as  the  Holy  Ghost  saith.  To-day,  if  ye  will  hear  his  voice.'* 
{JVotes,  Heh.  3:7 — 13.  4:3 — 11.)  The  assembled  Christian  church  also  applies  the  second  Psalm  to 
Christ,  in  these  words:  "Lord,  thou  art  God,  ...  who  by  the  mouth  of  thy  servant  David  hast  said.** 
(J^ote,  Acts  4:23 — 28.)  In  so  decided  a  manner  is  the  divine  inspiration  of  the  Old  Testament  at- 
tested by  Christ  and  his  apostles — The  Jewish  writers  indeed  are  unwilling  to  bestow  on  David 
the  title  of  prophet,  and  ascribe  to  him  only  a  subordinate  kind  of  inspiration,  according  to  the 
several  distinctions  which  they  have  devised  in  this  respect:  but  St.  Peter  expressly  calls  him  a 
prophet;  (.^ds  2:30.)  and  the  number  and  clearness  of  the  predictions  which  he  delivered,  and 
which  were  evidently  fulfilled  after  many  ages,  most  fully  prove  him  entitled  to  that  character. 
Indeed,  the  several  particulars  respecting  the  descent,  kingdom,  and  priesthood  of  Christ,  the  con- 
tempt and  I  3rsecutions  which  he  endured,  and  the  intenseness  and  variety  of  his  sufierings, 
the  manner  of  his  death,  his  resurrection,  ascension,  and  glory,  with  the  success  of  his  gospel,  and 
the  calling  of  the  Gentiles,  are  so  circumstantially  foretold  in  one  or  other  of  the  Psalms,  that  a 
history  of  these  events  might  in  great  measure  be  compiled  from  them;  and  in  some  cases,  with  a 
minuteness  to  which  historians  seldom  descend. — The  words  which  our  Lord  used  on  the  cross,  in 
two  instances,  were  taken  from  the  Psalms;  and  the  insulting  language  of  his  persecutors  was  the 
very  same  as  David,  above  a  thousand  years  before,  had  put  into  their  mouths.  [J^otes,  Ps.  22:1,7, 
8.  31:5.  Matt.  27:39—46.  Luke  23:46.)— Many  Psalms  indeed  are,  directly  and  throughout,  proph- 
ecies of  Christ;  various  passages  in  others  must  be  interpreted  of  him:  and  David  was  so  eminent 
a  type  of  the  Savior,  that  his  very  name,  in  some  instances  in  the  prophecies,  is  given  to  this  his 
most  illustrious  descendant.  {Ez.  37:24,25.  jYotes,  Is.  55:1—5.  Ez.  34:23—31.  Hos.  3:4,5.)  But 
besides  this,  that  union,  which  subsists  between  the  Redeemer  and  his  people,  and  the  conformity 
thence  resulting,  are  of  such  a  nature,  that  it  is  impossible  the  same  things  sliould  not  apply  in 
many  respects  to  both,  though  a  discrimination  must  needs  be  observed  in  others.  This  may  lead 
us  to  an  obvious  decision  of  the  controversy,  which  has  often  been  agitated;  whether  all  tb>e  Psalms 
should  be  applied  to  Christ,  or  not.  No  doubt  every  pious  mind  will  allow,  that  each  of  them  either , 
immediately  points  to  him  in  his  Person,  character,  and  offices;  or  may  be  so  applied  as  to  lead  the 
believer's  thoughts  to  Him,  who  is  the  centre  of  all  acceptable  religion:  and  probably  there  are 
few  persons,  who  suppose  that  all  the  Psalms  speak  of  Christ  in  exactly  the  same  manner;  but 
rather  according  to  the  nature  of  the  subject.  It  cannot  indeed  be  doubted,  that  the  Psalms  in 
general  are  devotional  and  experimental,  the  language  of  the  pious  heart  under  its  various  exercises; 
whether  mourning  for  sin,  thirsting  after  God,  or  rejoicing  in  him;  whether  burdened  with  affliction, 
strugglitg  witli  temptation,  or  triumphing  in  the  hope  or  enjoyment  of  deliverance;  whether 
admirii.g  the  divine  perfections,  thanking  God  for  his  mercies,  meditating  on  his  truths,  or  delighting 
in  his  service.  They  are  in  great  measure  a  divinely  appointed  standard  of  genuine  experience, 
by  which  we  may  judge  whether,  or  how  far,  our  own  desires,  aims,  fears,  hopes,  joys,  and  sorrows, 
are  spiritual;  and  how  far  they  are  carnal,  or  verge  to  enthusiasm  or  delusion.  The  value  of  the 
Psalms  in  this  particular  is  inestimable;  and  the  more  cordially  we  can  enter  into  the  views  and 
appropriate  the  language  of  the  Psalmist,  the  higher  is  our  progress  in  genuine  religion.  'The 
'Psalms  a -e  an  epitome  of  the  Bible,  adapted  to  the  purposes  of  devotion.  They  treat  occasionally 
'of  the  creation  and  formation  of  the  world,  the  dispensations  of  Providence,  and  the  economy  of 
'Grace;  the  transactions  of  the  patriarchs;  the  Exodus  of  the  children  of  Israel,  their  journey 
'through  the  wilderness,  and  settlement  in  Canaan;  their  law,  priesthood,  and  ritual;  the  exploits 
'of  their  great  men,  wrought  through  faith;  their  sins  and  captivities;  their  repentances  and 
'restorations;  the  sufferings  and  victories  of  David;  the  peaceful  and  happy  reign  of  Solomon;  the 
'advent  of  Messiah,  with  its  effects  and  consequences;  his  incarnation,  birth,  life,  passion,  death, 
'resurrection,  ascension,  kingdom,  and  priesthood;  the  effusion  of  the  Spirit;  the  conversion  of  the 
'nations;  the  rejection  of  the  Jews;  the  establishment,  increase,  and  perpetuity  of  the  Christian 
'church;  the  end  of  the  world;  the  general  judgment;  the  condemnation  of  the  wicked,  and  the 
'final  triumph  of  the  righteous  with  their  Lord  and  King.  These  are  the  subjects  here  presented 
'to  our  meditation.  ...  They  are ...  adorned  with  the  figures  and  set  off  with  the  graces  of  poetry; 
'and  poetry  itself  is  designed  yet  further  to  be  recommended  by  the  charms  of  music,  thus 
'consecrated  to  the  service  of  God;  that  so  delight  may  prepare  the  way  for  improvement,  and 
•pleasure  become  the  handmaid  of  wisdom,  while  every  turbulent  passion  is  calmed  by  sacred 
'melody,  and  the  evil  spirit  is  still  dispossessed  by  the  Harp  of  the  son  of  Jesse.'  Bj).  Horne''s 
Preface  to  his  Commentary  on  the  Psalms,  third  edit.  8vo.  Oxford,  17CI,  pp.  i,  ii.— 'They  present 
♦religion  to  us  in  its  most  engaging  dress;  communicating  truths,  which  philosophy  could  never 
'investigate,  in  a  style  which  poetry  can  never  equal;  while  history  is  made  the  vehicle  of  prophecy, 
'and  Creation  lends  all  its  charms  to  paint  the  glories  of  Redemption.'  Ibid.  p.  Ixiv.— 'Besides 
'their  incomparable  fitness  to  express  our  sentiments,  they  are  at  the  same  time  memorials  of,  and 
'appeals  to,  former  mercies  and  deliverances;  they  are acknowledgmentsof  prophecies  accomplished.' 
Ibid.  p.  xxviii. — In  commenting  therefore  upon  this  book,  we  should  continually  keep  the  Savior 
in  our  mind:  and  while  we  consider  who  he  was,  and  what  he  did;  how  and  why  he  suffered,  and 
how  he  rose  and  reigns;  we  should  also  endeavor  to  learn  what  his  true  disciples  are,  what  they 
ought  to  be,  and  what  they  actually  do  aspire  after.  The  literal  meaning,  as  far  as  the  Psalmist  is 
concerned,  should  be  adverted  to,"  where  it  can  be  ascertained;  the  particulars  noted,  in  which 
Christ  is  predicted  or  typified;  and  the  use  that  is  to  be  made  of  every  part  of  each  Psalm  to 
encourage  the  faith  and  hope,  to  direct  the  temper  and  conduct,  to  enliven  the  devotions,  and  to 
assist  the  self-examination  of  the  reader,  should  be  plainly  shewn. — We  are  also  here  continually 
reminded  of  what  we  must  have  to  struggle  against,  from  within  and  from  without,  and  how  we  may 
116] 


TSALU  I 

succeed  in  this  conflict:  and  solemn  warning-s,  and  denunciations  of  veng'eance  against  oppressors 
and  persecutors,  and  the  despisers  and  opposers  of  Christ  and  his  gospel,  are  everywhere  interspersed. 
This  indeed  has  been  considered  as  an  objection  to  the  use  of  the  Psalms,  in  public  or  private 
devotion;  and  a  prejudice  has  arisen  in  some  pious  minds  against  several  parts  of  them,  as  if  contrary 
to  the  Christian  spirit:  but,  doubtless,  the  right  spirit  has  always  been  the  same;  and  these  parts 
must  be  considered,  either  as  direct  prophecies,  or  as  divinely  inspired  declarations  of  the  certain 
doom  awaiting  all  the  opposers  of  Christ,  and  his  cause  or  people;  and  not  as  expressions  of  private 
resentment,  or  malevolence  against  injurious  individuals.  In  short,  there  is  nothing  in  true  religion, 
doctrinal,  experimental,  and  practical,  but  will  present  itself  to  our  attention,  while  we  meditate 
upon  the  Psalms:  scarcely  any  part  of  the  book,  which,  when  properly  understood  and  accommodated, 
will  not  be  found  to  suit  the  case  of  private  Christians,  and  which  may  not  be  usefully  employed  in 
public  worship:  hardly  an  occasion  of  praise  and  thanksgiving  can  be  conceived,  to  which  some 
portion  of  them,  faithfully  rendered  in  poetical  versions,  may  not  be  applied  with  peculiar  energy 
and  propriety;  and  indeed  the  Christian's  use  of  them  in  the  closet,  and  the  minister's  in  the  pulpit, 
will  generally  increase,  with  their  growing  experience  of  the  power  of  true  religion  in  their  own 
hearts.  From  this  eulogium  on  this  part  of  Scripture,  let  the  reader  be  excited  to  meditate  on  it 
carefully  for  himself:  but  let  him  not  expect  too  much  from  the  expositor.  Brevity  must  be 
consulted;  a  writer's  inclination  may  exceed  his  ability;  and  at  last,  the  teaching  Spirit  of  God, 
.sought  in  fervent  prayer,  leading  the  pious  soul  into  the  genuine  exercise"of  faith,  hope,  love,  and 
gratitude,  will  do  more  to  enable  a  man  to  enter  into  the  Psalmist's  views,  than  any  human 
explication.  If  the  author  is  enabled  to  suggest  a  few  profitable  hints  upon  each  Psalm,  he  shall 
have  cause  to  be  very  thankful. 
Various  divisions  of  this  book  have  been  made,  apparently  without  much  reason.  The  present  order 
seems  to  have  been  very  ancient,  though  by  no  means  coincident  with  the  date  of  the  several 
Psalms,  which  indeed  have  seldom  much  connexion  with  each  other. — Various  other  particulars 
respecting  the  title,  the  date,  and  the  occasion  of  each  Psalm,  will  be  noted  as  we  proceed. — 'The 
'version  of  the  Psalms,  in  our  Bible,  which  was  made  by  the  translators  employed  by  James  the 
'First,  is  posterior  to  that  printed  in  our  prayer  books,  which  was  executed  in  J  539.  This  last  as 
'very  excellent,  and  familiarized  by  custom,  was  retained  in  the  Liturgy;  though,  as  translated 
'chiefly  from  the  Septuagint,  it  does  not  so  exactly  correspond  with  the  original,  as  does  that  in  our 
'Bibles.'  Grey's  Key.  Indeed  the  Prayer-book  translation  is  in  no  respect  comparable  to  the 
Bible  translation. 


B.  C.  450. 


PSALM  I. 


The  cHaractRF  and  happiness  of  the  righteous,  1 — 3.     The  mis- 
ery and  ruin  of  ungodly  men,  4 — 6. 


B 


LESSED  is  the  man  that  ^  walk- 


*  ungodly,  nor  '^  standeth  in  ^  the  way  of 
sinners,  nor  ^  sitteth  in  the  seat  of  the 
8  scornful. 


a2:lX  32:1,2.  34:8.  84:12.  106: 
3.  112:1.  115:12—15.  119:1,2. 
144:15.  146:5.  Deut.  28:2,&c. 
83:29.  Jer.  17:7.  Matt.  16: 
17.  Luke  11:28.  John  13:17. 
20:29.     Rev.  22:14. 

b  81:12.  Gen.  5:24.  Lev.  26: 
27,23.  I  Kings  16:31.  Job 
SI:!!.  Prov.  1:15.  4:14,15.  13: 
20.     Kz.  20:18.      1  Pet.  4:3. 


c  64:2.     Gen.  49:6.     2  Chr.  22: 

3—5.    Job  10:3.  21:16.      Luke 

23:51. 

*  Or,  roicked, 
A  26:12.      Rom.   5:2.     Eph.   6: 

13,14. 
e  6.    36:4.    146:9.     Prov.    2:12. 

4:19.  13:15.  Matt.  7:13,14. 
f26:4,5.  119:115.  Jer.  15:17. 
g  Prov.  1:22.  3:34.  9:12.    19:29. 


NOTES. 
Psalm  I.  V.  1—3.  This  psalm  is  generally 
considered  as  a  preface  to  the  book,  and  supposed 
to  have  been  prefixed  to  it  by  Ezra.  (J*foies,  Ezra 
7:6 — 10.  JSTeh.  8:1,2.)  It  establishes  tne  important 
distinction  between  the  righteous  and  the  wicked; 
and  assures  us  of  the  felicities  of  the  former,  and 
the  misery  of  the  latter — All  men  shun  miser}', 
and  aim  to  be  happy:  but  few  understand  that 
misery  springs  from  sin,  and  that  happiness  can 
be  enjoyed  only  in  the  favor  of  God.  This  the 
Scriptures  declare;  and  by  this  light  the  believer 
seeks  and  finds,  what  he  would  otherwise  seek  in 
vain.  In  such  portions  of  the  word  of  God,  we 
ought  not  to  look  for  the  way  in  which  sinners  are 
made  righteous;  or  for  the  origin  of  that  differ- 
ence which  subsists  among  men,  who  are  all  of 
one  nature:  for  they  only  inform  us  of  the  charac- 
ter of  such  as  are  accepted  by  God,  and  are  in  the 
way  to  heaven.  [J^Totes,  15:1.  24:3 — 6.  Rom.  2:7 
—11.— P.  O.  Ps.  15:)— The  translation  in  our 
prayer-book  renders  this  in  the  past  tense;  and 
though  the  original  might  very  well  bear  that 
meaning,  yet  the  context  and  the  whole  tenor  of 


B.  C.  450. 

2  But  ''  his  delight  is  in  the  law  of 
the  Lord:  and  in  his  law  doth  he  '  med- 
itate "^  day  and  night. 

3  And  he  shall  be  like  '  a  tree  planted 
by  the  rivers  of  water,  that  ""  bringeth 
forth  his  fruit  in  his  season;  his  leaf 
also  "  shall  not  t  wither;  and  °  whatso- 
ever he  doeth  shall  prosper. 


h40:8.     112:1.     119:11,35,47,48, 

72,92.    Job  23:12.     Jer.  15:16. 

Rom.  7:22.      1  John  5:3. 
i  104:34.  119:11,15,97—99.  Josh. 

1:8.     1  Tim.  4:15. 
k   88:1.      Luke    2:37.    13:7.     1 

Thes.  2:9.     2  Tim.  1:3. 
1  Job  14:9.     Is.  44:4.    Jer.  17:8. 

Ez.  17:8.  19:10.  47:12.     Rev. 


22:2. 

m  92:14.     Matt.  21:34,41. 
n  18.27:11.     Matt.   13:6.  21:19. 

John  15:6.     Jude  12. 
t  Heb./a</f. 
o  129:8.     Gen.  39:3,23.      Josh. 

1:7,8.     1   Chr.   22:11.     2  Chr. 

31:21.  32:23.     Is.  3:10. 


Scripture  shew,  that  this  cannot  be  the  exclusive 
sense;  for  that  would  imply,  that  they  alone  are 
blessed,  who  never  have  walked  in  the  counsel  of 
the  ungodly,  nor  stood  in  the  way  of  sinners,  nor 
sat  in  the  seat  of  the  scornful:  whereas  penitent 
believers,  whatever  their  previous  character  has 
been,  are  partakers  of  the  blessings,  which  is  evi- 
denced by  their  subsequent  conduct;  and  none 
but  they  answer  this  description.  U^Totes,  32:1,2. 
106:3—6.  119:1—5.  Matt.  5:1—12.  Luke  11:27,28. 
Rom.  4:6 — 8.) — "The  ungodly"  are  those,  how- 
ever moral  or  virtuous,  who  profanely  despise 
spiritual  blessings,  and  live  without  any  due  re- 
gard to  God  and  religion,  as  all  unconverted  men 
do. — "The  counsel  of  the  ungodly"  signifies,  the 
maxims  and  principles  of  worldly  men,  who  form 
their  plans  and  calculate  advantages  or  disadvan- 
tages, according  to  their  several  pursuits,  without 
bringing  eternal  things,  and  the  favor  or  dis- 
pleasure of  God,  into  the  account:  and  "walking 
in  this  counsel,"  signifies  an  habitual  conduct 
formed  on  such  principles,  and  regulated  accord- 
ing to  such  rules.  "Sinners,"  in  this  climax, 
seems  to  mean,  those  who  add  to  their  ungodli- 

[117 


B.  C.  450. 


PSALM  1. 


B.  C.  450. 


4  The  ungodly  are  not  so:  but  are 
P  like  the  chaff  which  the  wind  driveth 
away. 

5  Therefore  the  ungodly    *i  shall  not 


p35:5.     Job   21:18.      Is.  17:13.  I  <)  5;5.  24:3.    Luke  21:36.    Jude 
29:5.     Hos.  13:3.     Matt.  3:12.  |    21. 


ness  gross  immoralities,  and  such  crimes  as  nat- 
ural conscience  and  the  opinion  of  the  world 
protest  against.  (JVbfe*,  Luke  7:37 — 39.  John  9: 
24 — 34.  Rom.  5:6—10.)  And  to  "stand  in  the  way 
of  sinners,"  implies,  the  habit  of  vices  gradual- 
ly overcoming  the  sense  of  shame  and  remorse 
of  conscience;  till  a  quiet,  rarely  interrupted  by 
convictions,  is  superinduced.  Yet  these  occa- 
sional convictions  are  the  source  of  uneasiness; 
and  this  prepares  the  sinner  for  "sitting  down  in 
the  seat  of  the  scornful." — "The  scornful"  no 
doubt  are  those,  who  encourage  themselves  and 
each  other  in  ungodliness  and  wickedness  by  in- 
fidel and  atheistical  tenets;  and  who  have  recourse 
to  corrupt  principles,  to  bear  them  out  in  corrupt 
practices;  and  so  are  given  up  to  a  blinded  and 
deluded  mind,  as  a  punishment  of  their  conduct 
in  following  the  impulse  of  a  wicked  heart.  And 
to  "sit  in  the  seat  of  the  scornful,"  is  to  become 
teachers  and  apostles  of  infidelity,  and  impiously 
to  ridicule,  with  all  the  genius,  wit,  and  sense, 
which  they  possess,  the  doctrines,  precepts,  and 
worshippers  of  God.  [J^otes,  Prov.  1:21 — 23.  3: 
34.  14:6.  Is.  28:14,15.  2  Pet.  3:1— 4.)— Thus  "the 
simple  ones  love  simplicity,  and  fools  hate  knowl- 
edge, and  scorners  delight  in  their  scorning." — 
But  the  happy  persons  here  described,  have  been 
preserved,  or  recovered,  from  these  dreadful 
evils.  They  have,  by  divine  grace,  separated 
from  all  ungodly  companions,  and  lost  their  relish 
for  the  vain  pleasures  of  the  world;  they  have 
learned  to  delight  in  the  word  of  God,  and  to  med- 
itate continually  upon  it.  This  engages  their 
affections,  and  occupies  that  time,  and  those 
thoughts,  which  others  waste  in  vanity  or  sloth: 
thus  they  become  like  a  tree  planted  in  a  well 
watered  soil,  which  seasonably  brings  forth  fruit, 
and  abides  verdant  and  flourishing;  and  whilst 
they  are  rendered  stedfast  and  joyful  in  hope,  and 
fruitful  in  holiness,  they  are  made  useful  to  others, 
and  eventually  prosper  in  the  best  desires  and 
purposes  of  their  heart.  {J^Totes,  Josh.  1:8.  Jer. 
17:5 — 8.) — The  seat  of  the  scornful.  (I)  'The  seat 
'of  pestilences.'  Sept,  See  Acts  24:5.  Gr. 

V.  4 — 6.  The  Psalmist,  having  briefly  slated 
the  character  and  felicity  of  the  righteous,  con- 
trasts with  these  the  worthlessness  and  misery  of 
the  ungodly,  however  distinguished;  comprising 
all,  who  are  not  accepted  worshippers  of  God. 
These  are  not  only  like  unfruitful  or  withered 
trees,  but  despicable  and  useless  as  the  chaff;  they 
are  readily  driven  from  one  delusion  to  another; 
and  shall  soon  be  torn  away  from  all  their  worldly 
prosperity,  and  cast  into  hopeless  misery.  How- 
ever their  success  may  now  be  envied,  or  their 
character  mistaken,  the  judgment  of  God  will  in- 
fallibly separate  them  from  the  congregation  of 
the  righteous.  {JVotes,  Job  20:4—29.  27:7—23.  /*. 
29:5,6.  Hos.  13:3,4.  JIal.  3:13—18.  Matt.  3:11, 
12.)  For  the  Lord  hath  appointed,  and  he  ap- 
proves, the  way  in  which  the  righteous  walk;  he 
knows  all  its  snares,  dangers,  and  difficulties,  and 
will  watch  over  all  who  walk  in  it:  but  he  leaves 
the  wicked  to  the  consequences  of  that  way  which 
they  choose;  and  it  leads  directly  to  the  pit  of  de- 
struction. {J^otes,  37:18,19.  Prov.  4:18,19. 
JSTah.  1:7,8.  2  Tim.  2:19.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  tendency  of  corrupt  nature  is  from  bad  to 
118] 


stand  in  the  judgment,  nor  'sinners  in 
the  congregation  of  the  righteous. 

6  For  the  Lord  ^  knoweth  the  way 
of  the  righteous:  but  *  the  way  of  the 
ungodly  shall  perish. 


r  26:9.   Mai.  3:13.     Matt.  13:49. 

25:32. 
s  37:18— 24.  139:1,9.   142:3.  Job 

23:10.     Nah.  1:7.    John  10:14, 


27.     2  Tim.  2:19. 
t  112:10.     146:9.      Prov.    14:12. 
Matt.  7:13.     2  Pet.  2:12. 


worse.  Men  first  forget  and  neglect  God  and 
his  worship,  and  act  from  worldly  maxims  and 
principles;  then  they  often  venture  on  gross  and 
scandalous  crimes;  and  at  length  they  frequently 
settle  in  infidelity,  or  an  impious  contempt  of  re- 
ligion, and  become  the  avowed  and  determined 
enemies  of  its  doctrines  and  precepts.  None 
know,  when  they  first  shake  off  the  impressions 
of  a  religious  education,  or  venture  to  neglect 
known  duty,  how  far  they  may  be  left  to  proceed: 
when  inward  and  outward  restraints  are  sur- 
mounted, they  may  rush  downward  into  impiety 
and  iniquity,  with  accelerated  velocity,  as  the 
stone  falls  to  the  earth.  We  ought  to  be  thank- 
ful, if  we  have  been  preserved  from  these  dread- 
ful enormities,  and  have  not  been  left  to  "sit 
down"_^?3a//y  "in  the  seat  of  the  scornful."  And 
young  persons  should  be  warned  not  to  venture 
aside  into  a  path  which  leads  to  consequences  so 
fatal:  for  numbers  are  left  to  wander  from  God, 
to  be  hardened  in  sin,  and  finally  to  perish.  But 
blessed  be  God  for  the  covenant  of  grace,  and 
Jesus  the  Mediator  of  it:  by  his  perfect  obedi- 
ence even  unto  death,  he  is  become  "the  end  of 
the  law  for  righteousness  to  every  one  that  be- 
lieveth."  Whenever  the  sinner  becomes  sensible 
of  his  guilt  and  misery,  he  may  return  by  Christ, 
the  living'  Wa}%  and  join  the  company  of  the 
righteous.  In  the  exercise  of  repentance  and 
faitli,  he  separates  from  the  society  of  the  ungod- 
ly, in  which  he  can  no  longer  delight.  He  can- 
not now  act  according  to  their  maxims,  or  con- 
form to  their  fashions,  join  in  their  pleasures,  or 
relish  their  profane  scoffs  and  jests.  Perceiving" 
the  vanity  of  the  world  and  the  odiousness  of  sin, 
he  begins  to  delight  in  the  word  of  God,  which 
shews  him  the  preciousness  of  Christ,  and  the 
beauty  of  holiness.  Reading  and  meditating 
daily  on  the  sacred  Scriptures  with  faith  and 
pra}er,  he  becomes  "in  Christ  a  new  creature;" 
he  has  now  new  desires,  pleasures,  hopes,  fears, 
sorrows,  companions,  and  employments;  his 
thoughts,  words,  and  actions  are  changed;  he  en- 
ters upon  a  new  state  and  bears  a  new  character. 
[J^otes,  Deut.  6:6—9.  119:97—100.  2  Tim.  3:14 
— 17.)  "Behold  all  things  are  become  new!"  and 
the  word  of  God  is  the  support,  comfort,  and  rule 
of  his  new  and  heavenly  life.  This  man's  reli- 
gion does  not  consist  in  notions  or  forms;  in  due 
season  he  will  bring  forth  the  substantial  fruits  of 
righteousness:  for  he  is  planted  and  takes  root  in 
a  good  soil;  and,  through  the  word,  derives  from 
Christ  those  communications  of  divine  grace, 
which  gradually  transform  his  soul  into  the  Re- 
deemer's image.  Nor  will  his  profession  end  in 
apostacy:  for  his  Savior  lives,  and  he  shall  live 
also;  and  though  he  may  be  tried  and  often  disap- 
pointed, yet  ye  shall  find  at  last,  that  he  had  all 
profitable  success  in  each  of  his  undertakings. — 
How  different  the  character,  prospect,  and  end 
of  the  ungodly!  Their  doom  will  be  as  dreadful, 
as  their  characters  are  worthless;  for,  being 
"vessels  of  wrath  fitted  for  destruction,"  they 
will  be  driven  from  the  presence  of  the  Lord  into 
unquenchable  fire.  They  may  indeed  here  im- 
pose upon  their  fellow  creatures,  as  well  as  deceive 
themselves;  but  the  Judge  will  perfectly  and  final- 
ly separate  them  from  the  righteous,  and  will  send 
them  away  into  everlasting  punishment,  while  he 


B.  C.  1040. 


PSALM  II. 


B.  C,  1040. 


PSALM    II. 

The  throne  of  Chris*,  established,  in  contempt  of  all  opposers,  1 

6.      Christ   declares   the   Father's   decree   concerning:   his 

kingdom,  7 — 9.    Kings  and  rulers  are  warned  to  submit  to  him, 
10—12. 

WHY  ^  do  the  heathen   *  rage,  and 
^  the    people    t  imagine    a   vain 
thing? 

2  =  The  kings  of  the  earth  set  them- 
selves, and  '^  the  rulers  take  counsel 
together,  ''against  the  Lord,  and  *"  against 
his  anointed,  saying, 

3  E  Let  us  break  their  bands  asunder, 
and  cast  away  their  cords  from  us. 

4  ''  He  that  sitteth  in  the  heavens 
•  shall  laugh:  the  Lord  shall  have  them 
in  derision. 


a  18:43.  46:6.  83:4—8.     Is.  8:9, 

10.     Luke    18:32.      Acts  4:25 

—27. 
*  Or,   txtvrultuonsly  asseviblt. 

Luke  22:1,2,5,22,23.     Acts  16: 

22.   17:5,6.  19:28—32. 
b  Matt.  21:38.       John  11:49,50. 

Acts  5:39.     Rev.  17:14. 
f  Heb.  meditate. 
c  10.  43:4.    110:5.     Matt.   2:16. 

Luke    13:31.    23:11,12.      Acts 

12:1—6.   Rev.  17:12—14. 
d  Matt.   26:3,59.  27:1.     Acts  4: 


5-8. 
e  Ex.  16:7.     Prov.  21:30.  John 

15:23.     Acts  9:4. 
f45:7.  89:20.      Is.   61:1.     John 

1:41.  3:34.     Acts  10:33.    Heb. 

1:9. 
gjer.  5:5.    Luke  19:14.    1  Pet. 

2:7,8. 
h  11:4.  63:33.   115:3.     Is.  40:22. 

.i7:15.  66:1. 
i  37:13.  53:5.  59:8.    2  Kings  19: 

21.     Pror.  1:26. 


receives  his  people  into  life  etei-nal.  [Jfotes, 
Matt.  25:31 — 46.)  If  then  we  would  be  happy, 
we  must  choose  the  way  which  the  Lord  knows 
and  approves,  though  it  be  unfashionable  and  de- 
spised; we  must  come  out  and  be  separated  from 
the  wicked;  we  must  learn  to  redeem  our  time 
for  the  study  of  the  scriptures  and  attendance  on 
the  ordinances  of  God;  we  must  examine  whether 
we  can  and  do  delight  in  these  sacred  exercises, 
and  in  any  measure  become  fruitful  in  lioliness. 
And  if  we  meet  with  troubles  by  the  way,  we 
should  keep  the  end  in  view:  for  surely  we  can 
never  envy  those,  however  prosperous  or  ad- 
mired, who  throng  that  broad  road  which  leads 
to  destruction.     {J^ote,  Matt.  7:13,14.) 

NOTES. 

Psalm  II.  V.  1 — 3.  The  occasion  of  this 
psalm  might  be  taken  from  David's  advancement 
to  the  throne,  and  his  expectation  of  triumphing 
over  the  opposition  made  to  his  authority,  both 
by  disaffected  Israelites  and  the  surrounding  na- 
tions: [JVbtes,  2  Sam,  2:4,9.  5:)  but  it  is  through- 
out an  evident  prophecy  of  Cnrist,  and  repeated- 
ly quoted  as  such  in  the  New  Testament;  where 
it  is  ascribed  to  David,  though  his  name  is  not 
prefixed  to  it.  [Acts  4:23—28.  13:33.)  The 
Jews  and  Gentiles,  the  rulers,  and  the  people, 
set  themselves  to  oppose  Christ,  when  he  was 
condemned  by  the  Jewish  council,  and  crucified 
by  the  Roman  authority,  amidst  the  insults  of 
surrounding  multitudes.  (JVoies,  Matt.  27: 1,2,1 1 
— 18,27 — 44.)  After  his  resurrection  the  same 
opposition  was  made  to  the  establishment  of  his 
religion;  and  in  every  age  in  one  form  or  another, 
his  kingdom  has  generally  been  opposed  by  the 
rulers  of  this  world.  But  the  event  has  uniformly 
proved,  that  tliis  attempt,  however  sagaciously 
planned,  or  vigorously  conducted,  was  "a  vain 
thing,"  an  ineffectual  and  ruinous  contest  against 
omnipotence;  which  originated  from  a  rooted 
enmity  to  the  authority  and  commandments  of 
God,  and  the  restraints  which  they  impose  on  the 
self-will  and  corrupt  passions  of  mankind. 

V.  4 — 6.  The  almighty  Sovereign,  being  ful- 
ly aware  of  the  intentions  of  his  combined  ene- 
mies, and  able  to  disconcert  them  in  a  moment, 


5  Then  ^  shall  he  speak  unto  them  in 
his  wrath,  and  t  vex  them  in  his  '  sore 
displeasure. 

6  "^  Yet  have  I  5  set  my  King  upon 
II  my  holy  hill  of  Zion. 

7  IT  1  will  declare  "t^the  decree:  The 
Lord  hath    said   unto   me,    "Thou    art 

day  have   I   begotten 


this 


my    Son; 
thee. 

8  P  Ask  of  me,  '^  and  I  shall  give  thee 
the  heathen  for  thine  inheritance,  and 
the  uttermost  parts  of  the  earth  for  thy 
possession. 

9  Thou  shalt  '  break  them  with  a  rod 
of  iron;  thou  shalt  dash  them  in  pieces 
like  a  potter's  vessel. 

-  -       -       -  -     -      IT  Or,/o 


k  50:16-22.  Is.  11:4.  66:6. 
Matt.  22:7.  23:33—36.  Luke 
19:27,43,44.  Rev.  1:16.  19: 
15. 

%  Or,  trouble. 

I  110:5,6.     Zech.  1:15. 
m45:6,  89:27,36,37.   110:1,2.  Is. 

9:6,7.       Dan.    7:13,14.      Matt. 
28:18.   Acts  2:34—36.  5:30,31. 
Eph.  1:22.  Phil.  2:9— 11. 
§  Heb.  anointed. 

II  Heb.  Zio7i,  the  hill  of  my  ho- 
liiiess.  48:1,2.  50:2.  78:68.  132: 
13,14.   Heb.  12:22.   Rev.  14:1. 


•  a  decree.    148:6.   Job 

23:13.     Is.  46:10. 
n  Matt.  8:29.   16:16.    Acts  8:37. 

13:33.     Rom.   1:4.     Heb.  1:5. 

3:6.  5:5,8. 
0  89:27.      John     1:14,18.    3:16. 

Heb.  1:6. 
p  John  17:4,5. 

q  22:27.  72:8.     Dan.  7:13,14. 
r21:8,9.  89:23.    110:5,6.     Is.  30: 

14.  60:12.     Jer.    19:11.     Dan. 

2:44.     Matt.   21:44.     Rev.   2: 

26,27.  12:5. 


disdained  their  impotent  rage;  as  men  deride  and 
laugh  at  those,  who  would  but  cannot  hurt  them: 
yet  at  the  same  time  their  enmity  excited  his 
indignant  wrath;  and  by  his  powerful  word  he 
determined  to  confound  and  destroy  them.  He 
would  also  establish  (or  anoint,  marg.)  his  King" 
upon  his  throne  and  in  his  authority  over  his  holy 
church;  of  which  the  temple  and  its  worship,  and 
the  kingdom  of  the  house  of  David,  upon  mount 
Zion,  were  types. — Accordingly,  when  the  priests 
and  rulers  prevailed  on  Pilate  to  crucify  their 
anointed  King,  they  eventually  forwarded  his  ex- 
altation; and  their  persecution  of  his  disciples 
drove  numbers  into  remote  regions,  and  thus 
greatly  promoted  the  promulgation  of  the  gospel. 
[J^otes,  Gen.  3:14,15.  John  11:47—53.  Acts  8:4.) 
— After  a  time,  the  Roman  legions,  the  execu- 
tioners of  divine  vengeance,  surrounded  Jerusa- 
lem; and  at  length  destroyed  the  city  and  temple, 
and  subverted  both  their  civil  and  ecclesiastical 
state,  with  the  most  dreadful  miseries  and  de- 
struction of  the  devoted  Jews;  the  wretched  re- 
mains of  whom  to  this  day,  scattered  throughout 
the  nations,  unwillingly  attest  the  fulfilment  of 
this  ancient  prophecy.  The  Roman  empire  too, 
having  set  itself  against  the  cause  of  Christ,  be- 
gan directly  to  decline,  and  at  length  sunk  in  the 
unequal  contest.  {J^ote,  Zech.  14:1 — 3.)  The 
emperor  Julian  also,  an  apostate  from  Christiani- 
ty, having  undertaken  to  rebuild  the  temple  and 
restore  the  Jews,  was  strangely  baffled,  and  soon 
came  to  an  untimely  end;  while  the  kingdom  of 
Christ  continues  to  this  present  time,  in  contempt 
and  defiance  of  all  the  machinations  of  earth  and 
hell. — The  Septuagint  render  the  sixth  verse,  as 
the  words  of  David  or  of  Christ:  'But  I  have  been 
'constituted  King  by  him,'  &c. 

V.  7 — 9.  The  King  himself  is  here  introduced, 
proclaiming  the  eternal  purpose  of  the  Father 
respecting  his  mediatorial  authority,  which  was 
to  be  the  recompense  of  his  propitiatory  suffer- 
ings. At  his  resurrection  from  the  dead,  he  was 
declared  to  be  the  Son  of  God.  [Rom.  \:A.)  His 
Sonship  in  this  place  seems  mentioned  as  coeval 
with  the  decree,  which  is  grounded  upon  it: — 
"Thou  art  my  Son,"  'and  therefore  I  make  the 
'decree  of  which,  in  due  time,  this  declaration 

rii9 


B.  C.  1040. 


PSALM  in. 


B.  C.  1021. 


10  ^  Be  wise  now  therefore,  ^  O  ye 
kings:  "  be  instructed,  ye  judges  of  the 
earth. 

11^  Serve  the  Lord  with  fear,  and 
y  rejoice    with  trembhng. 

12  ^  Kiss  ^  the  Son,  lest  he  be  angry, 
and  ^  ye   perish  from  the    way,  '^  when 


s  Jer.  6:8.     Hos.  14:9. 

t  45:12.  72:10,11.    Is.  49:23.  52: 

15.  60:3,10,11. 
u  82:1—8. 

X  89:7.     Heb.  12:28,29. 
y  95:11-8.  97:1.    99:1.   119:120. 

Phil.  2:12.    Heb.  4:1,2.  12:25. 


z  Gen.  41:40,43,44. 

1.     1  Kings  19:13. 

John  5:23. 
a  7. 

b  1:6.     John  14:6. 
c  5.     2  Thes.  1:8,9. 

16,17.   14:9—1). 


1  Sam.  10: 
Hos.  13:2. 


'shall  be  published.'  Christ  is  here  recognised 
as  the  begotten  of  the  Father,  and  as  partaker  of 
the  divine  nature  and  perfections  as  really,  as 
any  son  is  of  the  nature  of  him  who  begat  him. 
(JVbfe,  John  1:18.)  When  he  had  accomplished 
his  work  on  earth,  he  was  authorized  to  ask  and 
receive  the  heathen  for  his  inheritance.  For  his 
mediatorial  authority  extends  throughout  the 
earth,  for  the  benefit  of  his  church;  and  all  who 
are  not  made  his  willing  subjects,  will  be  as  easily 
and  entirely  destroyed  by  his  power,  as  a  potter's 
vessel  is  broken  by  the  stroke  of  an  iron  rod. 
[Marg.  Ref.  r.) — The  divine  appointment  of  Da- 
vid to  be  king  of  Israel,  the  special  favor  shewn 
him,  the  victories  that  he  obtained,  and  the  do- 
minion which  he  exercised  over  the  surrounding 
nations,  were  very  faint  shadows  of  the  intended 
events. 

V.  10 — 12.  It  would  be  vain  to  oppose  the  un- 
alterable decree  of  God,  that  his  Son  should 
reign  over  the  whole  earth.  It  was  therefore  the 
wisdom  of  kings  and  rulers  to  submit;  to  fear  the 
wrath,  and  reverence  the  majesty  of  Jehovah, 
and  become  his  servants;  to  rejoice  in  their  su- 
perior rank  and  prosperity  with  tremblitig,  lest 
these  should  subject  them  to  more  aggravated 
vengeance;  to  do  homage  to  Christ  as  th'eir  su- 
perior Lord,  from  whom  they  have  their  authori- 
ty; to  adore  him  as  their  God;  and  to  welcome 
him  as  their  Savior,  by  the  kiss  of  reverence,  sub- 
mission, love,  and  adoration.  [JVotes,  1  Sam. 
10:1.  1  Kings  19:18.  Hos.  13:1,2.)  Otherwise 
they  must  perish  in  their  rebellion,  far  from  the 
way  of  life:  for  even  those,  who  provoked  this 
almighty  King,  by  rejecting  his  authority,  though 
without  any  circumstances  of  peculiar  aggrava- 
tion, would  experience  the  terrible  effects  of  his 
wrath:  but  all  who  put  their  trust  in  him,  as  their 
Savior,  would  share  the  blessings  of  his  righteous 
and  merciful  government.  [Marg.  Ref.  d.  Jfole, 
146:3,4.) — The  evident  fulfilment  of  the  unequiv- 
ocal predictions  in  this  psalm,  by  a  series  of 
events  exactly  answerable  to  them,  during  the 
lapse  of  many  ages,  is  in  reality  a  full  demonstra- 
tion, that  both  the  prophecy  and  the  accomplish- 
ment were  from  God,  and  that  our  holy  religion 
is  of  divine  original  and  authority.  The  Jews 
themselves  attest,  that  this  psalm  was  extant 
many  ages  before  the  birth  of  Jesus;  and  many 
of  them  allow,  that  it  principally  relates  to  the 
promised  Messiah,  whom  they  are  yet  vainly  ex- 
pecting! How  can  any  one  then  be  so  absurdly 
skeptical,  as  to  imagine  that  human  sagacity,  or 
mere  conjecture,  could  have  suggested  explicit 
predictions,  which  should  at  length  be  verified  in 
the  most  exact  and  circumstaatial  manner,  by 
events  no  otherwise  to  be  accounted  for,  than  on 
scriptural  principles,  and  by  allowing  them  to 
have  been  effected  by  the  power  of  God  him- 
self! 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

As  this  apostate  world  is  in  fact  tlie  kingdom 
of  Satan,  unconverted  men  of  every  rank,  party, 
120] 


his  wrath  is  kindled  but  a  little.  ^  Bless- 
ed are  all  they  that  put  their  trust  in 
him. 

PSALM   IIL 

David,  amidst  numerous  insulting  foes,  firmly  relies  on  the  divine 
protection,  1 — 6.  He  prays  for  deliverance,  and  ascribes  sal- 
vation to  the  Lord,  7,  8. 

A  Psalm  of  David,  ^  when  he  fled  from 
Absalom  his  son. 

d  40:4.  146:3—5.  Prov.  16:20.  |  1  Pet.  1:21.  2:6. 
Is.  26:3,4.  30:18.  Jer.  17:7.  a  2  Sam.  15:— 18: 
Rom.  9:33.    10:11.    Eph.  1:12.  | 


or  character,  may  be  excited  by  him,  to  concur 
in  opposing  the  cause  of  God,  and  the  kingdom 
of  Christ.  But  the  kings  and  the  rulers  of  the 
earth  have  generally  been  especially  instigated, 
by  the  slanders  and  misrepresentations  of  false 
teachers,  and  other  interested  persons,  as  well 
as  by  their  own  prejudices  and  passions,  to  com- 
bine in  this  opposition.  They  do  not  brook  sub- 
mission to  a  superior;  the  humbling  truths  and 
spiritual  precepts  of  Christ  run  counter  to  their 
ambitious  projects  and  worldly  lusts;  and  they 
are  apt  to  suppose  that  his  authority  is  inconsist- 
ent with  their  dignitj',  or  their  felicity.  Thus 
they  are  often  excited  to  employ  all  their  power 
and  policy  "against  the  Lord  and  against  his 
Anointed;"  whilst  they  deceive  themselves  with 
the  idea,  that  they  are  only  opposing  some  obsti- 
nate sectaries,  who  refuse  submission  to  their 
edicts.  (JVb<e*,  Jo/in  16:]— 3.  ^ds  9:3— 6.  26: 
9 — 11.)  But  these  are  vain  imaginations,  which 
the  Lord  disdains  and  abhors;  and  can  effect 
nothing  but  the  confusion  and  ruin  of  those  who 
indulge  them.  For  Jesus,  the  eternal  Son  of 
God,  is  established,  and  shall  reign  upon  his  holy 
throne,  as  the  Savior  of  his  people,  and  the 
Avenger  of  his  enemies.  The  decree  of  the  Fa- 
ther has  in  part  taken  effect:  the  kingdom  of  the 
Mediator  is  fixed  on  the  ruins  of  Jewish  and 
heathen  opposers;  and  it  shall  at  length  univer- 
sally prevail,  whilst  every  enemy  shall  be  dash- 
ed in  pieces  by  his  iron  rod.  [Mote,  Rev.  2:24 — 
28.)  He  was  indeed  crucified  in  apparent  weak- 
ness; but  he  arose  in  power,  and  has  asked  and 
received  his  kingdom  over  all  things,  for  the  ben- 
efit of  his  church.  Let  then  kings  and  rulers, 
as  weU  as  their  subjects,  lay  down  their  arms, 
submit  to  his  authority,  trust  in  him  as  their  Sa- 
vior, and  worship  him  as  their  Lord  and  God; 
and  let  them  use  all  their  influence,  as  his  ser- 
vants, to  promote  his  cause,  and  advance  his 
kingdom.  Indeed  w6  should  "rejoice  with  trem- 
bling" in  all  outward  distinctions  and  possessions, 
lest  the  abuse  of  them  should  enhance  our  con- 
demnation; and  even  in  our  attempts  to  serve 
the  Lord,  we  sinners  have  need  to  fear  and  trem- 
ble, lest  we  come  short  of  his  acceptance:  but  if 
we  have  submitted  to  the  Savior,  and  come  to  the 
Father  in  his  name  and  merits,  we  may  rejoice 
in  him  with  reverence,  but  without  consterna- 
tion. For  "he  casteth  out  none  who  come  to 
him,"  however  sinful  they  may  have  been;  but 
they  shall  all  be  blessed  for  ever:  whilst  all  who 
oppose,  despise,  neglect,  or  abuse  his  gospel,  and 
will  not  have  him  for  their  Savior  and  their 
King,  will  incur  his  indignation;  the  effects  of 
which,  even  when  "kindled  but  a  little,"  will  be 
too  dreadful  for  words  to  express,  or  imagination 
to  conceive. 

NOTES. 

Psalm  III.  Title.  These  titles  are  found  in 
the  Hebrew,  though  it  is  said,  that  several  of 
them  are  wanting  in  some  manuscripts.    They 


B.  C.   1021. 


PSALM  III. 


B.  C.  1021. 


LORD,  •'how  are  ihey  increased  that 
trouble  ine!     *=  many  are  they  that 
rise  up  against  me. 

2  Many  there  he  which  say  of  my 
soul,  There  is  '^  no  help  for  him  in  God. 
«  Selah. 

3  But  thou,  O  LoKD,  art  ^  a  Shield 
*  for  me;  s  my  Glory,  and  ^  the  Lifter 
up  of  mine  head. 

4  '  I  cried  unto  the  Lord  with  my 
voice,  and  he  heard  me  out  of  ^  his  holy 
hill.     Selah. 


b2  Sam.  15:12.  16:15.  17:11-.- 

13.     Matt.  27:25. 
c  17:7.     Matt.  10:21. 
d  22:7,8.  42:3,10.  71:11.  2  Sam. 

16:8.     Matt.  27:42,43. 
e  4,8.  4:2,4.  Hab.  3:3,9,13. 
f   18:2.    28:7.      84:11.      119:114. 

Gen.  15:1.     Deut.  33:29. 
*  Or,  about. 
g4:2.    62:7.     Is.   45:25.    60:19. 


Luke  2:32.     Rev.  21:11,23. 
b  27:6.   110:7.      Gen.    40:13.    2 

Kings  25:27. 
i  22:2— 5.  34:6.    50:15.    66:17— 

19.     86:3,4.     91:15.      116:1—4. 

130:1,2.    138:3.     142:1—3.     Is. 

65:24.      Jer.  29:1-?,13.      Matt. 

7:7.     Jam.  5:13. 
k2:6.  43:3.  99:9.   132:13,14. 


seem  however,  in  general,  to  belong  to  the 
Psalms  to  which  they  are  prefixed,  and  to  be  of 
the  same  authority  with  them.  In  this  and  other 
instances,  they  are  useful  in  fixing  the  interpre- 
tation: but  often  their  meaning  is  to  us  doubtful 
or  difficult. 

V.  1,2.  David  abruptly,  but  in  lively  faith, 
addresses  himself  to  the  Lord,  as  amazed  to  hear 
of  the  numbers  who  followed  the  unnatural  re- 
bellion of  Absalom;  and  especially  that  many 
whom  he  had  favored  and  trusted,  had  joined  that 
party.  {J^otes,'^  Sam.  15:12—15,30.)  He  also 
was  astonished  at  the  insolence  and  impiety  of  his 
enemies,  and  that  they  should  interpret  his  trou- 
bles as  evidences  that  God  had  rejected  him, 
and  either  could  not  or  would  not  help  him. 
{JVo<es,  42:1— 3,9,10.  71:10,11.  2Sam.  16:5— 14.) 
— The  meaning  of  the  word  "Se/a/^,"  which  oc- 
curs three  times  in  this  psalm,  and  frequently  in 
others,  and  also  in  the  prophecy  of  Habakkuk,  is 
not  fully  ascertained  by  expositors.  Some  en- 
tirely omit  it:  but  this  may  be  thought  taking  an 
tlnwarrantable  liberty  with  Scripture.  Others 
suppose  it  to  be  merely  a  musical  term,  and  the 
Septuagint  seem  to  have  thus  understood  it. 
[Ataxpa^ixa,  a  change  of  song,  or  melody.)  In  gen- 
eral, however,  it  appears  to  have  been  used,  as  a 
call  on  him  who  read  or  sang,  to  pause  and  re- 
flect; as  something  peculiarly  important  or  sur- 
prising had  been  mentioned.  'Selah  here  signi- 
'fies  a  lifting  up  of  the  voice,  to  cause  us  to  con- 
'sider  the  sentence,  as  a  thing  of  great  import- 
^ance.'    Marginal  Jfotes  to  Barker^s  Bible. 

V.  3 — 5.  Instead  of  despairing  of  help  and 
salvation  from  God,  the  afflicted  Psalmist  consid- 
ered him  as  "a  Shield"  around  him,  yea,  as  his 
Glory.  {J^Totes,  4:2.  84:11,12.  2  Sam.  22:2,3.) 
He  had  often  called  on  God  in  trouble  and  dan- 
ger, and  had  been  heard:  and  having  now,  as  in 
many  former  instances,  committed  himself  to  the 
divine  protection  by  faith  and  prayer,  he  was 
enabled  to  sleep  with  as  much  composure,  as  if 
he  had  been  in  perfect  peace;  and  accordingly 
he  was  supported,  and  protected  from  all  injury. 
(jVofe,  4:6—8.) 

V.  6— 8.  U^otes,  21:1— 3.  2  Sam.  18:5.)  The 
Lord  had  helped  David,  and  disabled  his  ene- 
mies, when  persecuted  by  Saul  and  his  ungodly 
adherents;  and  he  was  confident,  that  he  would 
thus  appear  for  him  in  his  present  distress:  for 
.salvation,  temporal  and  spiritual,  came  fi-ora  God 
alone;    and  he  never  failed  to  bless  his  faithful 

Vol.  m.  16 


5  '  1  laid  me  down  and  slept;  I  awak- 
ed; for  ■"  the  Lord  sustained  me. 

6  "  I  Avill  not  be  afraid  of  °  ten  thou- 
sands of  people,  that  have  p  set  them- 
selves against  me  round  about. 

7  •!  Arise,  O  Lord;  save  me,  O  my 
God:  for  "■  thou  hast  smitten  all  mine 
enemies  upon  the  cheek-bone;  thou  hast 
broken  the  teeth  of  the  ungodly. 

8  ®  Salvation  helongeth  unto  the  Lord. 


*    thy 
Selah. 


blessing 


is    upon    thy      people. 


14:8.     Lev.    26:6.     Job     11:18, 

19.      Prov.  3:24.     Acts  12:6. 
m  4:8.    66:9.     Prov.    14:26.   18: 

10.     Is.  26:3. 
n  27:1— 3.    46:2,7.      118:10—12. 

2  Kings  6: 15— 17.  Rom.  8:31. 
0  2  Sam.  13:7. 
p  2:2. 
q  10:12.   12:5.    35:23.  44:23.  59: 

5.  74:11.  76:9.  Is.  51:9.    Hab. 


2:19. 
r58:6.     Job  16:10.  29:17.  Lam. 

3:30. 
s  37:39,40.     Prov.  21:31.  Is.  43: 

11.  45:21,22.     Hos.  13:4.  Jon. 

2:9.     Acts   4:12.      Rev.    7:10. 

19:1. 
t  29:11.  72:17.  Acts  3:26.  Epb. 

1:3.     Heb.  6:11.     1  Pet.  3:9. 


people.     {JSTotes,   71:16—18.     115:9—13.  118:1— 
12.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
The  most  excelleut  and  eminent  persons  must 
expect  opposition  and  ill  usage;  and  they  should 
prepare  for  ingratitude  and  contempt,  as  the  rec- 
ompense of  their  labors  for  the  good  of  others. 
The  number  and  power  of  their  adversaries  may 
become  very  formidable;  and  they  may  be  aston- 
ished to  find  among  them,  such  as  they  have  most 
depended  on;  nay,  their  very  confidence  in  God 
will  often  be  derided,  as  delusion  or  presumption. 
Yet  he  is  a  "Shield"  to  all  those  that  trust  in  him: 
they  count  their  relation  to  him  their  "glory,"  in 
preference  to  all  dignities  or  achievements;  and 
in  all  dangers  they  continue  to  hope  that  he  will 
yet  lift  up  their  head  above  all  their  enemies. 
Indeed,  all  true  Christians  should  avow  their 
confidence  in  God,  and  their  expectation  from 
him,  in  seasons  of  deep  distress;  and  be  open  and 
avowed^  as  well  as  fervent,  in  their  prayers  unto 
him,  upon  his  mercy-seat  in  his  hr)ly  temple. 
Thus  they  will  enjoy  safety  and  inward  peace,  in 
the  midst  of  enemies  and  the  alarms  of  war:  for 
the  Lord  will  hear  and  sustain  them;  and  what 
are  ten  thousands  of  armed  foes  encamped  against 
those  whom  the  Omnipotent  protecteth.''  {J\otcs, 
2Chr.  32:8.  Rom.  8:28— 31.)— Past  experience 
should  encourage  the  hope  of  future  answers  to 
our  prayers;  we  ma)''  even  rejoice  in  being  the 
objects  of  the  enmity  of  ungodly  men;  and  should 
desire  that  they  may  be  deprived  of  their  power 
to  do  mischief,  but  not  that  any  further  harm 
may  befal  them.  Every  temporal  deliverance 
should  be  received  as  an  earnest  of  eternal  salva- 
tion; the  honor  of  which  must  be  ascribed  to  the 
Lord,  who  confers  that  blessing  on  his  people. — 
But  we  shall  cease  to  wonder  at  the  troubles  of 
the  king  of  Israel,  and  almost  to  think  of  our 
own  light  afflictions,  if  we  duly  look  unto  Jesus, 
and  contrast  his  glory  and  iiis  grace,  with  the 
contempt  and  cruelty  with  which  he  was  treated. 
Having  yielded  himself  to  death,  he  sanctified 
the  grave,  and  became  the  first-fruits  of  the  res- 
urrection; his  head  was  then  lifted  up  above  his 
enemies;  and  thus  he  has  opened  the  kingdom  of 
heaven  to  all  believers.  His  enemies  therefore 
will  surely  be  disappointed  and  perish;  hut  his 
people  may  go  down  to  the  grave,  as  to  their 
beds,  in  hope  and  comfort:  for  the  same  God 
watches  over  thein  in  both,  and  they  will  at 
length  awake  to  everlasting  happiness. 

ri2i 


B.  C.  1021. 


PSALiM  IV. 


B.  C.   1021. 


PSALM  IV. 

David  calls  on  God  to  hear  him,  1.  He  reproves,  warns,  and 
counsels  his  enemies,  2 — 5.  He  shews  his  comfort  and  confi- 
dence in  God,  6 — 3. 

To  the  *  chief  Musician  on    *  Neginoth, 
A  Psalm  of  David. 
'EAR  me  when  I  call,  "  O  God  of 
my   righteousness:  "  thou  hast  en- 
larged me  when  I  was  in  distress,  ^  have 
mercy  upon  me,    and  hear  my  prayer. 

2  O  '^  ye  sons  of  men,  ^  how  long 
ivill  ye  turn  ^my  glory  into  shame?  how 
long  will  ye  e  love  vanity,  and  seek  after 
^  leasing?    Selah. 

3  But  know  that  '  the  Lord  hath  set 
apart  him  that  is  godly  ^  for  himself: 
^  the  Lord  will  hear  when  I  call  unto  him. 


*  Or,  overseer.  22:  4i:  45:  titles. 

1  Chr.  25:1—6. 
a  6:  67:  76:    titles.      Hab.3:19. 

marg. 
b  11:7.  24:5.    41:12.     Is.   45:24. 

Jer.  23:6.     1  Cor.  1:30.    2  Cor. 

5:20,21. 
c  18:18,19.    31:8.    40:1—3.   116: 

6,]6.      1  Sam.  17:37.    19.11.12. 

23:2&— 28.    Job   36:16.   2  Cor. 

1:3,10. 
f  Or,  be  gracious  unto  me.    56: 

1.  57:1.     G6:3— 5.     119:75—77, 

133.   143.2.      Kx.  34:6,7. 
d  57:4.  53:1.   Ec.  8:11.  9:3. 


e  8:;:2.     Ex.  10:3.  Num.  14:11. 

Prov.  1:22. 
f  3:3.     14:6.     106:20.     Is.   20:5. 

45:17.     Jer.    2:11.     Hos.   4:7. 

1  Cor.  l:3i. 
g2:l.     1  Sam.  12:21.     Is.  59:4. 

Jer.  2:5.     Jon.  2:8. 
h5:6.    5S:3.    63:11.      Jer.    9:3. 

Eph.  4:25. 
i   Ex.     33:16.      Eph.    2:10.    2 

Thcs.   2:13,14.      2  Tim.   2:19. 

1  Pet.  2:9.     2  Pet.  2:9. 
k  Tit.  2:14. 
134:15.     55:16,17.    56:9.    91:14, 

15.     John  15:16. 


4  "^  Stand  in  awe,  and  "  sin  not: 
"commune  with  your  own  heart  upon 
your  bed,  and  p  be  still.     i  Selah.  : 

5  Offer  "■  the  sacrifices  of  righteous- 
ness,   and  ^  put  your  trust   in  the  Lord. 

6  There  be  *  many  that  say,  Who  will 
shew  us  any  good?  Lord,  "  lift  thou 
up  the  light  of  thy  countenance  upon 
us. 

7  Thou  hast  ^put  gladness  in  my 
heart,  more  than  in  >  the  time  that  their 
corn  and  their  wine  increased. 

8^1  will  both  lay  me  down  in  peace, 
and  sleep;  for  ^  thou.  Lord,  only  makest 
me  dwell  in  safety. 


m  2:11.  33:8.    119:161.     Jer.  5: 

22. 
n  Job  28:28.     Prov.  3:7.    16:6, 

17.     Eph.  4:26. 
o  63:6.    77:6.     2  Cor.  13:5. 
p  46:10.     Hab.2:20. 
q  3:2,4. 
r  50:14.  51:19.    Deut.  33:19.  Is. 

1:11—18.  61:8.      Mai.  1:3,11— 

14.     Matt.   5:23,24.     Heb.  13: 

15,16. 
s2:12.  26:1.    37:3.    62:8.    84:11, 

12.     Is.  26:3,4.    50:10.     1  Pet. 

4:19. 
t  39:6.  49:16—20.     Ec.  2:3,&c. 


80:1— 
!Num. 


92:4. 


Is.   55:2.     Luke    12:19.    16:19, 

Jam.  4:13.   5:1—5. 
u21;6.  42:5.  44:3.  67:1. 

3,7,19.  89:15.  119:135. 

6:26. 
X   37:4.     43:4.     63:3—5, 

Cant.  1:4.     1  Pet.  1:8. 
3rJudg.9:27.     Is.  9.3.     Jer.  43: 

33. 
z  3:5.   16:8.  Job  11:18,19.  Prov, 

3:24.      1   Thes.  4:13,14.    5:10. 

Rev.  14:13. 
a  Lev.  25:13.     Deut.  12:10.  33. 

27—29.     Ez.  34:2.5.     Hos.  2; 

18.     Roin.  3  35— 39. 


NOTES. 

Psalm  IV.  Title.  The  "chief  musician,"  or 
overseer,  or  president,  seems  to  have  been  the 
person  appointed  in  the  Psahnody  of  the  sanctu- 
ary, to  set  the  tune  and  lead  the  singers  and  mu- 
sicians. [JVotes,  1  Chr.  6:33—38.  15:22.  25:1— 
8.)  "Neginoth"  may  either  mean  the  instru- 
ments with  which  the  psalm  was  to  be  sung;  or 
the  tune  to  which  it  was  set.  Perhaps  this  psalm 
was  composed  on  the  same  occasion  as  the  fore- 
going.    (3:  title.) 

V.  1.  Of  my  righteousness.']  By  this  expres- 
sion, the  Psalmist  acknowledged  God  to  be  in  all 
respects  the  Author  and  Source  of  his  righteous- 
ness, as  accepted  and  sanctified;  and  he  appeal- 
ed to  him  to  do  jitstice  between  him  and  his  un- 
righteous adversaries.     [Marg.  Ref.  h.) 

V.  2.  My  glory.']  David  might  have  consid- 
ered his  throne  as  a  special  honor  to  him,  seeing 
he  was  called  to  it  by  the  immediate  choice  of 
God,  and  as  a  type  of  the  IMessiah:  but  the  Lord 
himself,  and  his  relation  to  him,  were  indeed 
"his  Glory."  [JVote,  3:3 — 5.)  His  enemies  de- 
rided him  for  this,  and  wanted  to  make  him 
ashamed  of  it,  or  turned  it  into  a  reproach  to 
him:  while  the  vain  grounds  of  confidence,  in 
which  they  delighted,  wei"e  deceiving  them;  and 
"ffhile  they  invented  lies  to  make  him  odious. — 
"Ye  love  vanity:  ye  seek  a  lie." 

V.  3 — 5.  The  piety  of  David  evinced,  that  he 
was  the  object  of  the  Lord's  special  choice  and 
favor;  who,  having  advanced  him  to  the  throne, 
as  "the  man  after  his  own  heart,"  would  certainly 
establish  his  kingdom.  His  prayers  would  there- 
fore surely  be  heard,  and  that  would  involve  the 
ruin  of  all  his  enemies.  Of  this  he  solemnly  re- 
minded them,  and  exhorted  them  to  take  heed 
what  they  did;  to  repent  of  their  sins,  to  examine 
their  own  hearts,  to  hearken  to  the  voice  of  con- 
science, to  court  retirement,  to  pause  and  reflect 
on  their  conduct;  to  bring  the  appointed  sacri- 
fices, with  repentance,  faith,  and  piety;  and  thus 
to  cast  themselves  upon  the  mercy  of  God,  and 
trust  in  him  for  forgiveness  and  salvation God- 
ly, (3)  lion  :  Godly,  merciful,  betieficent,  upright, 

holy.  18:25.  86:2.   145:17.  Tov  ir.o.'.  Sept.— Stand 
122] 


in  awe.  (4)  )ui  •  ut  ,  Commoveri  pavore,  vel  ird. 

Robertson.  T'o  be  put  into  vehement  commotion. 
The  LXX  translate  the  clause,  Be  angry,  and  sin 
not,  which  St.  Paul  quoted  from  that  version. 
Opyt^ta-St,  Kai  jit]  a/iapTavCTc.      Eph.  4:26.) 

V.  6— 8.  (.A^o^e,  1:1— 3.)  Many  inquire  after 
happiness  without  knowing  in  what  it  consists,  or 
where  it  may  be  found.  But  David  had  in  this 
respect  come  to  a  decision.  He  could  ask  the 
Lord  to  smile  on  him  as  a  kind  Father,  and  to 
shine  on  him  as  the  Sun;  this  had  often  before 
made  him  happier,  than  the  greatest  confluence 
of  worldly  goods  could  render  the  ungodly;  and 
it  did  so  even  then.  Thus  comforted,  he  indeed 
pitied,  but  he  neither  envied  nor  feared,  the  most 
prosperous  sinner;  and  could  lie  down  and  rise  up 
in  peace  and  confidence,  as.sured  of  temporEU 
protection  and  eternal  salvation. 

Who  will,  &c.  (6)  Tlie  uncertainty  of  men 
concerning  the  nature  of  happiness,  in  what  it 
consists,  and  where  it  is  to  be  found,  is  strikingly 
shewn  in  the  numerous  and  discordant  opinions 
of  the   more  philosophical   heathens    about  the 

CHIEF    GOOD. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  servants  of  God,  whose  "righteousness  is 
of  him,"  will  have  increa':>»ng  experience  of  his 
faithfulness,  power,  and  love:  having  been  fre- 
quently enlarged  when  distressed  in  their  souls 
or  in  their  circumstances,  they  call  upon  him 
with  confidence;  and  they  neither  have  nor  de- 
sire any  other  plea,  than  that  of  his  free  mercy. 
The  Lord  allows  them  to  glory  and  rejoice  in 
him;  nor  shall  the  sons  of  men  ever  render  them 
ashamed  of  their  confidence:  but  all  else  is  vain 
and  fallacious;  and  the  conduct  of  ungodly  men 
is  a  mixture  of  hypocrisy,  deceit,  flattery,  and 
slander.  In  proportion  as  we  are  conscious  of 
devotedness  to  God,  we  have  evidence  that  we 
are  chosen  and  "set  apart  by  him,"  to  shew  forth 
his  praises  and  enjoy  his  love:  nor  can  we  ask 
more  than  he  is  readj^  to  grant.  Instead  then  of 
reviling  cur  slanderers,  we  should  warn  them  and 
expostulate  with  them,  and  invite  them  to  seek  a 
share  in  our  happiness.     This  the  greateii  siaters 


B.  C.   1057. 


PSALM  V. 


B.  C.   1057 


PSALM  V. 

David  prays,  and  purposes  to  persist  in  prayer,  1 — 3.  He 
shews  that  God  abhors  the  wicked,  -1 — 6.  He  professes  hope 
in  God's  mercy;  and  entreats  his  guidance,  because  of  the 
malice  of  his  enemies,  7—9.  He  predicts  that  the  wicked 
will  be  destroyed,  and  the  righteous  made  prosperous  and  joy- 
ful, 10—12. 

To  the    chief   Musician    upon   Nehiloth, 
A  Psahn  of   David. 

ay^  IVE  ear  to  my  words,  O  Lord, 
\j[  consider  ''  my  meditation. 

2  Hearken  "  unto  the  voice  of  my 
cry,  "^my  King,  and  my  God:  for  ®  unto 
thee  will  I  pray. 

3  ^  My  voice  shalt  thou  hear  in  the 
morning,  O  Lord;  in  the  morning  will  I 
direct  my  prayer  unto  thee,  and  will 
look  up. 

4  For  thou  art  not  a  s  God  that  hath 
pleasure  in  wickedness;  neither  shall 
''  evil  dwell  with  thee. 

5  '  The   foolish    shall  not  ^  stand  *  in 


a  17:1.  54:2.   55:1,2.  64:1.  80:1. 

86:1.     1  Pet.  3:12.     1  John  5: 

14,15. 
b  19:14.    1  Sam.  1:13,16.  marg. 

Rom.  8:26. 
c  3:4. 
d    10:16.    24:7,8.    44:4.    47:6,7. 

74:12.  99:1 — 4.    145:1.     Is.  33: 

22. 

e  65:2. 
f22:2.  55:17.  59:16.88:13.   119: 


147.   130:6.    Is.  26:9.     Mark  1: 

35. 
g  50:21.      1  Chr.  29:17.  Hab.  1: 

13.     Mai.  2:17. 
h  94:20.    101:7.    140:13.      John 

14:23.     Heb.  12:14.     2  Pet.  3: 

13.      Rev.  21:23,27. 
il4:l.    92:6.    94:8.      Prov.    1:7, 

22.   8:5.     Ec.  5:4. 
k  1:5.    130.3. 
*  Heb.  before  thine  eyes. 


thy    sight:  *  thou    hatest    all  workers   of 
iniquity. 

6  Thou  shalt  ™  destroy  them  that 
speak  leasing:  the  Lord  will  abhor  "  the 
t  bloody  and  deceitful  man. 

7  But  °  as  for  me  I  will  come  into 
thy  house  p  in  the  multitude  of  thy  mer- 
cy; and  1  in  thy  fear  will  ■"  I  worship 
toward    ^  thy  holy  temple. 

.  8  ^  Lead  me,  O  Lord,  in  thy  right- 
eousness, because  of  k  mine  enemies; 
^  nfake  thy  way  straight  before  my  face. 
9  For  "  there  is  no  II  faithfulness  in 
^  their  mouth;  ^  their  inward  part  is 
**  very  wickedness;  ^  their  throat  is  an 
open  sepulchre;  ^  they  flatter  with  their 
tongue. 

I  10:3.  Lev.  20:23.  Prov.  6: 
16—19.  Hos.  9:15.  Zech. 
il:8.     Matt.  7.23.  25:41. 

m4:2.      Rev.  21:3.  22:15. 

n  26:9.  55:23.  2  Sam.  16:8.  20: 
1.    Is.  26:21.     Rom.  1:29. 

t  Heb.  man  of  bloods  and  de- 
ceit. 26:8— JO.  43:1.  Gen. 
34:14,25,26. 

0  55:16.  Josh.  24:15.  Luke  6: 
11,12. 

p  51:1.  52:8.  69:13,16.  Is.  55:7. 
Rom.  5:20,21. 

q  130:4.  Hos.  3:5.  Acts  9:31 
Heb.  12:28,29.  1  Pet.  1.17—19. 

r28:2.  132:7.  138:2.  1  Kings 
3:29,30,35,38.  Dan,  6:10.  Heb. 
4:16. 

J  Heb.  the  temple  of  thy  holi- 
ness.    Is.  64:11. 


s  25:4,5.  86:11.    119:10,64.    143: 

8—10.      Prov.  3:5,6. 
§  Heb.  those  -which  observe  me. 

27:11.    54:5.   59:10.    marg.    2 

Sam.  12:14. 
t  Prov.  4:25.     Matt.  3:3.    Heb. 

12:13. 
u  36:1 — 4.    52:2.     58:3.    62:4,9. 

111:1—3.     Jer.    9:3—6.     Mic. 

6:12.     Rom.  1:29—31.  3:13. 
II  Or,  stedfastness. 
If  Heb.  his  iitouth,  that  is,   the 

mouth  of  any  of  them. 
X  51:6.   58:2.   62:4.    marg.  64:6. 

Jer.  4:14.    17:9.    Mark  7:21,22. 

Luke  11:39. 
**  Heb.  uickedtiesses. 
y  Luke  11:44.     Rom.  3:13. 
z  1  ::2,3.     Job  32:21,22.     Pror. 

29:5.     1  Thes.  2:5. 


may  hope  for,  v^hen  convinced  of  their  g^uilt  and 
danger,  and  afraid  to  sin  any  more;  when  they 
begin  to  examine  their  hearts  and  to  confess 
their  sins;  and  when  they  seek  opportunities  of 
solitude  and  silent  meditation. — In  every  thing  we 
ought  to  use  means,  and  attend  to  the  ordinances 
and  commandments  of  God;  but  after  all  we 
must  place  our  whole  dependence  on  his  mercy 
and  grace. — Let  worldly  men  know,  that  the 
true  Christian  has  found  that  good,  which  they 
are  in  vain  inquiring  after:  whilst  he  enjoys  peace 
and  communion  with  God,  he  envies  not  their 
wealth  or  indulgence;  and  as  he  goes  to  rest  at 
night  in  confidence  of  divine  protection,  so  he 
can  look  forward  to  the  grave,  as  the  bed  in 
which  he  shall  rest,  till  the  joyful  morning  of  the 
resurrection.  But,  as  this  salvation  is  in  C'iirist 
alone,  where  will  they  appear,  who  despise  his 
personal  and  mediatorial  glory,  refuse  to  have 
him  to  reign  over  them,  and  revile  him  in  his  dis- 
ciples.' Oh,  may  they  stand  in  awe,  and  no  longer 
thus  sin  against  their  only  remedy:  may  they 
come  to  him,  and  trust  in  his  atoning  sacrifice; 
and  then  offer  their  sacrifices  of  righteousness,  of 
prayer,  praise,  and  thanksgiving,  and  everj^  good 
work,  which  through  him  are  to  the  praise  and 
glory  of  God!  (JVbfes,  iJcwi.  12:1.  Phil.  4:14— 
20.  Heb.  13:13,16.   1  Pet.  2:4—6.) 


NOTES. 
Psalm  V.    Title.      "Nehiloth"  is  interpreted 


by  some  to  denote  wind-instruments  of  music; 
and  JVei^inoth,  (6:  title,)  stringed  instruments.! 
Others  suppose  that  "Nehiloth"  implies,  that  the! 
Psalm  was  sung  in  parts.  But  the  word  occurs' 
no  where  else  in  Scripture,  and  the  meaning  of 
it  is  uncertain. 

v.  1.  It  is  not  evident,  whether  this  psalm 
was  composed  during  Absalom's  rebellion,  or 
while  David  was  persecuted  by  Saul:  but  the 
latter  seems  most  probable. — The  word  rendered 


"meditation,"  appears  to  denote  those  inward 
thoughts,  desires,  fears,  or  sorrows,  which  break 
forth  in  earnest  prayers,  or  are  relieved  by  com- 
plaining unto  God,  and  by  pouring  out  the  heart 
before  him. 

V.  2—6.  (JVoies,  10:16.  44:4.  Hub.  1:12—17. 
Heb.  12:14.  Rev.  21:22— 27.)— The  word  (o'S'.in) 
rendered  "foolish,"  signifies  insane,  or  mad;  de- 
noting the  infatuation  of  sinners,  when  urged  on 
by  their  unbridled  passions,  to  venture  all  con- 
sequences for  the  sake  of  present  gratification. 
(JVb^e,  Ec.  9:1 — 3.) — While  men  continue  m/^eni- 
tent,  their  characters  are  abominable  in  the  sight 
of  God,  they  abide  under  his  wrath,  jind  if  they 
die  in  that  state  they  must  be  eternally  the  ob- 
jects of  his  abhorrence.  The  penitent  sinner's 
character  and  state  are  changed,  and  he  is  recon- 
ciled to  God:  but  sin  is  irreconcilably  the  object 
of  divine  hatred.  [Jlarg.  Ref. — JS'oiea,  Rev.'  21: 
5—8.   22:14,15.) 

V.  7,  8.  (Marg.  Ref.)—J\Iine  enemies.  (0) 
'Those  who  ooserve  me.'  JIarg.  My  enemies 
'would  gladly  see  me  trip,  and  they  watch  for 
'my  halting;  therefore  ...  order  my  goings,  ... 
'that  I  may  never  ...  fall,  and  give  them  any  ad- 
'vantage  over  me.  ...  For  with  what  triumph 
'would  they  blaze  abroad  my  real  faults,  who  now 
'stick  not  to  tell  all  manner  of  lies  of  me."  Bp. 
Patrick. 

V.  9.  St.  Paul  quotes  this,  among  other 
scriptures,  to  prove  t!  e  depravity  of  both  Jews 
and  Gentiles  in  an  unconverted  state.  (.A'bte?, 
Rom.  3:9— 20.)— If  the  Israelites,  with  all  their 
advantages,  manifested  such  hateful  dispositions, 
in  opposing  "the  man  after  God's  own  heart,"  and 
afterwards  in  their  conduct  towards  their  prom- 
ised Messiah;  it  is  plain  that  the  whole  race  must 
be  corrupt  and  alienated  from  God;  that  nothing, 
except  an  internal  renovation  by  the  Spirit  oi 
God  can  make  them  holy;  and"  that  they  can 
never  find  acceptance  with  God,  upon  the  ground 

[123 


B.   C.   1057. 


PSALM  VJ. 


B.  C.  1034. 


10  ^Destroy  thou  them,  O  God;  *  let 
them  fall  •  by  their  own  counsels;  cast 
them  out  in  ^  the  multitude  of  their  trans- 
gressions; for  *^  they  have  rebelled  against 
thee. 

1 1  But  ^  let  all  those  that  put  their 
trust  in  thee  rejoice:  let  them  ever  "  shout 
for  joy,  because   thou    t  defendest   them 

'"  Or.  Make  thetn  guilty.  Rom. 


3.19,20. 

a  7:9— 15.  9:15,16.  10:15.  17: 
13.  21:8—10.  28:3,4.  31:18. 
35:1—8,26.  55:15.59:12,13.  64: 
6—8.  66:7.  63:1,2.  69:22—25. 
71:13.  79:12.  83:9—13.  109:6 
—20.  137:7—9.  140:9,10.  141: 
6,7.  Dent.  2:30.  1  Sam.  25: 
29,39.  2  Sam.  15:31.  17:14,23. 
2  Chr.  25:16.  Ksth.  7:10.  Job 
5:1-2—14.      1  Cor.  3:19.  2  Tim. 


4:14. 
f  Or,  froin. 
b  Lam.  1:5.     Hcs.  9:7. 
c  Is.  1:2,20.  63:10.     Dan.  9:5,U 
d  35:27.  40:16.    58:10.  68:3.  70: 

1—4.      Judg.  5:31.     Is.  65:13. 

Rev.  18:20.    19:1—7. 
e    47:1—5.     65:13.       Job    38:7. 

Zcch.  9:9. 
+  Heb.    coverest  over,  or,  pro- 

tectest. 


of  their  own  obedience  to  his  righteous  laws;  but 
must  be  saved  mercifulhj,  if  at  all.  The  flatter}', 
treachery,  and  calumny,  with  which  the  Israel- 
ites behaved  towards  their  anointed  king,  origi- 
nated from  their  hatred  to  God  and  holiness;  and 
the  profane  and  polluting  discourse,  springing 
from  the  loathsome  lilthiness  of  their  hearts,  re- 
sembled the  opening  of  a  sepulchre,  which  would 
both  be  very  noisome  and  unwholesome. — Some, 
however,  consider  the  open  sepulchre  as  an  em- 
blem of  rapacity  and  sensuality.  {J^Tote,  Prov. 
30:15,16.) 

V.  10,  1 1.  These  verses  might  be  rendered  as 
follows:  "Deal  with  them  as  guilty,  O  God!  Let 
them  fall  by  their  own  counsels.  Cast  them  out 
in  the  multitude  of  their  transgressions;  for  they 
have  rebelled  against  thee.  But  all  those  who 
put  their  trust  in  thee  shall  rejoice,  they  shall 
shout  for  joy  for  ever,  because  thou  defendest 
them.  Tlioy  that  love  thy  name  shall  be  joyful 
in  thee." — The  future  tense  is  indeed  often  used, 
for  the  imperative,  or  the  optative  mood,  in  the 
Hebrew,  which  has  not  that  precision,  as  to  tenses 
and  moods,  which  prevails  in  many  other  lan- 
guages. But  where  the  literal  rendering  con- 
tains simply  a  predictio7i,  and  changing  the  fu- 
ture for  the  imperative,  or  optative,  impli(^s  an 
imprecation^  or  a  xoish;  the  literal  version  is  fre- 
quently preferable.  Yet  it  cannot  be  denied, 
that  the  form  of  imprecation  is  often  used;  im- 
plying that  the  impenitent  enemies  of  God  and 
Christ  will  perish,  with  the  approbation  of  all 
holy  creatures;  and  that  the  very  pra3'ers  of  be- 
lievers for  themselves  and  the  church,  will  be 
answered  in  the  destruction  of  their  enemies. 
[Marg.  Ref.—jYotes,  35:25—28.  68:1—3.  69:22 
—28.   109:6—20.) 

V.  12.     JVoie,  3:3—5. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
Before  we  offer  our  prayers  unto  the  Lord,  we 
should  seriously  meditate  on  his  perfections  and 
promises,  and  on  our  own  character  and  wants; 
that  our  words  may  be  spoken  with  recollection, 
from  a  full  heart,  in  a  due  sense  of  our  indigence, 
dependence,  and  unworthiness,  and  with  ferven- 
cy and  expectation. — If  we  willingly  submit  to 
him  as  our  King,  and  worship  him  as  our  God, 
we  may  expect  every  thing  from  his  almighty 
favor. — While  many  are  eagerly  presenting 
their  petitions  to  earthly  princes,  let  us  make  our 
requests  known  to  our  God  and  King.  It  is  our 
privilege  that  we  may  come  before  him  as  often, 
and  ask  as  much,  as  we  will:  and  it  must  be  our 
sin  and  folly,  if  we  do  not  avail  ourselves  of  his 
condescension  and  bounty.  We  should  take  care, 
that  he  may  hear  our  voice  every  morning,  as  the 
first  and  best  employment  of  the  day,  in  order 
that  we  may  find  help  and  comfort  from  him,  in 
the  various  events  of  it:  and  let  us  not  forget  Him, 
124] 


let   them   also  that    Hove   thy  name  be 
joyful  in  thee. 

12  For  thou,  Lord,  wilt  s  bless  the 
righteous;  with  favor  ■*' wilt  thou  {com- 
pass him  as  ^vith  *  a  shield. 

PSALM   VL 

David,  beings  sick,  deprecates  wrath  and  entreats  mercy,  with 

monrnfiil  complaints,  and  earnest  pleadings,  1 7.     Confiding 

in  God,  he  triumphs  over  his  enemies,  S — 10. 

To   the    chief  Musician    on     *  Neginoth 
upon  *Sheminith,  A  Psalm  of  David. 


f  69:36.     Rom.  8:28.     1  Cor.  2 

9.  Jam.  1:12.  2:5. 
g  1:1—3.  3:8.  29:11.  112:1.   115 


^  Heb.  croun. 
i  3:3.  84:11. 
a  4:  tide. 

*  Or,     the   eighth.     12:  title.   I 
Chr.  15:21.     Marg. 


"•who  arose  a  great  while  before  day,  and  depart- 
ed into  a  solitary  place,  and  there  prayed;"  lest 
we  should  yield  to  sloth,  or  admit  carnal  excuses 
for  our  negligence.  [J^ote,  Luke  6:12.  P.  O.  1 
— 19.)  In  this  sacred  exercise,  our.  affections 
should  be  directed  to  the  Lord,  and  we  ^should' 
look  up  to  him  for  help;  expecting  an  answer 
from  him,  as  we  do  to  a  letter  which  we  liave 
directed  to  a  kind  friend. — Such  prayer  will  de- 
termine the  heart  against  every  sin:  for  thougli 
the  Lord  pities  sinners,  yet  he  "has  no  pleasure 
in  iniquity;"  nor  can  we  walk  or  dwell  with  him, 
while  any  sin  reigns  in  our  hearts.  How  great 
then  is  the  folly  and  madness  of  the  wicked!  and 
how  will  they  endure  to  be  driven  from  his  pres- 
ence, as  the  objects  of  his  unchangeable  and  eter- 
nal detestation!  Indeed  we  none  of  us  could  come 
before  God,  if  it  were  not  for  his  abounding  mercy: 
humility  and  reverence  then  become  us  in  all  our 
worship;  and  we  must  always  look  unto  Jesus 
Christ,  the  true  Temple,  in  whom  God  dwells,  as 
reconciled  to  the  believing  sinner.*  (.A'o/e, 
1  Kings  8:28—30.)  His  true  worshippers  will 
have  many  enemies  and  observers,  which  will 
increase  their  temptations,  and  render  their  path 
more  perplexed:  but  if  this  excite  them  to  greater 
watchfulness,  and  render  them  more  fervent  in 
prayer  to  be  led  in  the  straight  way  of  righteous- 
ness, it  will  be  of  great  service  to  them. — We 
need  not  wonder  at  the  cruelty,  treacherj',  hypoc- 
ris}',  or  flattery  of  ovr  enemies,  when  we  consider 
how  David  and  how  Christ  was  treated:  but  we 
should  remember  that  we  are  by  nature  as  de- 
praved as  our  opposers;  that  we  may  renewedly 
repent  of  the  sinful  thoughts,  words,  and  actions 
of  our  past  lives;  that  we  may  still  watch  over  our 
own  hearts,  and  against  all  polluting  or  dissem- 
bling conversation;  and  that  we  may  bless  God 
for  restraining  or  converting  grace,  and  for  Jesus 
Christ  and  his  salvation.  We  must  by  no  means 
desire  and  pray  for  the  destruction  of  our  enemies; 
but  we  may  predict  the  ruin  of  God's  enemies, 
who  will  "fall  by  their  own  counsels,  and  in  the 
multitude  of  their  iniquities;"  and  their  enmity  to 
his  people  Avill  be  proved  to  have  sprung  from 
their  rebellion  against  him.  But  we  should  ear- 
nestly pray  for,  and  help,  the  joy  of  the  righteous: 
they  trust  in  the  Lord's  mercy,  grace,  and  provi- 
dence, and  desire  to  love  his  name  and  walk  in 
his  ways:  he  is  their  Shield  and  Salvation,  and  his 
favor  shall  protect  and  bless  them  for  ever. — 
Neither  their  former  sins,  nor  their  present 
defects,  temptations,  conflicts,  or  troubles,  should 
be  allowed  to  silence  their  praises,  or  prevent 
their  rejoicing.  Joy  is  their  privilege,  their  duty, 
and  their  strength;  and  they  should  be  exhorted 
to  "rejoice  in  the  Lord  always." 
NOTES. 
Psalm  VI.    {Jfofe,  5:  title.)  Sheminith.'}    This 


B.  C.  1034. 


PSALM  VI. 


B.  C.  1034. 


OLORD,    ^  rebuke  me  not  in  thine 
anger,   neither   chasten   me  in   thy 
hot  displeasure. 

2  Have  mercy  upon  me,  O  Lord, 
*  for  I  am  weak:  •*  O  Lord,  heal  me, 
for   ^  my  bones  are  vexed. 

3  *■  My  soul  is  also  sore  vexed:  but 
thou,  O  Lord,  e  how  long.^ 

4  ■"  Return,  O  Lord,  '  deliver  my 
soul:  oh,  save  me  ^  for  thy  mercy's  sake. 

5  For  '  in  death  there  is  no  remem- 
brance of  thee:  ""  in  the  grave  who  shall 
give  thee  thanks? 

6  °  I  am  weary  with  my  groaning;  *  all 


b38:l.      Is.  54:9.    57:16.     Jer. 

10:24.  46:28.     1  Cor.  11:31,32. 
c  38:7,8.  41:3.   103:13—17. 
d30:2.     Gen.   20:17.     Ex.    15: 

26.     Num.    12:13.     Deut.    32: 

39.      Job   5:18.      Jer.     17:14. 

Hos.  6:1.     Matt. 4:24. 
e  32:3.  38:3.    51:8.     Job   19:20. 

33:19—21. 
f  22:14.  31:9,10.    33:8.    42:5,11. 

77:2,3.       Prov.    18:14.      Matt. 

26:33. 
g  13:1,2.  77:7.     Luke  13:7. 


h  80:14.   90:13.   Mai.  3:7. 

i  17:13.    22:20.    86:13.     116:4,3. 

120:2.  121:7.     Is.  38:17. 
k  25:7.    69:13.  79:8,9.     Dan.   9: 

18.     Eph.  1:6. 
130:9.    88:10—12.    115:17.-118: 

17.     Is.  33:18,19. 
mEc.  9:10.     John  9:4. 
n   33:8,9.    69:3.    77:2—9.    88:9. 

102:3—5.   143:4—7.     Job  10:1. 

23:2. 
*  Or,  every  night. 


word  signifies  the  eighth:  and  some  suppose  that 
the  Psalm,  or  tune,  was  adapted  to  a  harp  with 
eight  strings. — This  is  the  first  of  the  penitential 
psalms;  hut  it  is  not  known  on  what  occasion  it 
was  written. 

V.  1,2.  'Though  I  deserve  destruction,  yet 
'let  thy  mercy  pity  my  frailty.'  [Jfotes,  Is.  57:15, 
16.  Jer.  10:23— 25.)— ^>-e  vexed.  (2)  Or,  are 
shake7i,  or  disturbed. 

V.  3,  4.  {J^otes,l3:1—4.  94:1— 7.)— 'Return, 
'O  Lord,  in  mercy  to  my  soul,  and  relieve  and 
'comfort  me.'    [Marg.Ref.) 

V.  5.  The  Psalmist  pleaded,  that  if  God  cut 
him  off  in  his  wrath,  it  would  terminate  all  his 
opportunities  of  serving  and  glorifying  him  on 
earth;  and  if  left  finally  to  perish,  he  should  never 
remember  God  with  gratitude  and  praise  any 
more  to  eternity.  (JVo/e*,  30:9,10.  88:10—12. 
Is.  39:17—22.) 

In  the  grave.'\  SiNub:  tv  rtf  air).  Sept.  The  word 
is  often  translated  hell,  and  it  frequently  denotes 
the  place  of  separate  spirits,  happy  or  unhappy, 
according  to  the  context:  yet  it  sometimes  must 
be  understood  of  the  grave,  and  that  appears  to 
be  the  sense  in  this  place.     (JVbfe,  16:8 — 11.) 

V.  6,  7.  David,  as  visited  and  chastised  by 
distressing  sickness,  and  a  variety  of  sufferings; 
and  at  the  same  time,  mourning  for  his  sins  in 
deep  repentance,  complained,  that  his  complicat- 
ed sorrows  caused  him  every  night  to  water  his 
couch  with  copious  tears,  and  made  him  waste, 
become  dull-sighted,  and  as  it  were  grow  old  pre- 
maturely. In  this  distress,  he  earnestly  pleaded 
with  God  to  visit  him  in  mercy,  without  further 
delay.     [Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  8 — 10.  The  Psalmist,  having  deeply  hum- 
bled himself  before  God,  at  length  found  his  peace 
and  hope  revive.  As  he  trusted  that  the  Lord 
would  not  leave  him  to  perish  in  another  world, 
with  the  workers  of  iniquity,  he  resolved  not  to 
associate  with  them  in  this:  and  he  warned  them 
to  repent  and  cease  from  their  enmity  to  him; 
otherwise  he  was  assured,  that  shame  and  vexa- 
tion would  suddenly  and  irrevocably  seize  upon 
them.  Many  mournful  psalms  end  thus  triumph- 
antly, for  the  encouragement  of  other  mourners 
to  hope  and  pray.  [J^otes,  13:5,6.  30:9—12.)— 
The  old  version  thus  renders  the  last  verse:  'All 
'my  enemies  shall  be  confounded  and  sore  vexed; 


tlie    night  make  I   my   bed  to  swim;  °  I 
water  my  couch  with  my  tears. 

7  P  Mine  eye  is  consumed  because  of 
grief;  ^  it  waxelh  old  because  of  all  mine 
enemies. 

8  ^  Depart  from  me,  all  ye  workers  of 
iniquity;  for  ^  the  Lord  hath  heard  the 
voice  of  my  weeping. 

9  *  The  Lord  hath  heard  my  suppli- 
cation; "  the  Lord  will  receive  my 
prayer. 

10  ^  Let  all  mine  enemies  be  ashamed 
and  y  sore  vexed;  let  them  ^  return  aiid 
^  be  ashamed  suddenly. 


0  39:12.  42:3.     Job  16:20.    Jer. 

14:17.     Lam.   1:2,16.    2:11,18, 

19.  3:48—50.     Luke  7:38. 
p  31:9,10.  38:10.  38:9.     Job  17: 

7.     Lam.  5:17. 
q  32:3. 
r  119:115.   139:19.     Matt.   7:23. 

25:41.     Luke  13:27. 
s56:8.    116:8.    Is.  30:19.  38:3,5. 

Heb.  5:7. 
t3:4.    31:22.     40:1,2.    66:19,20. 


118:5.  120:1.  138:3.     Jon.  2:2, 

7.     2  Cor.  12:£— 10. 
u  116:1,2.     2  Cor.  1:10,11. 
X5:10.  7:6.  25:3.    35:26.    40:14, 

15.  71:13.  83:16,17.  86:17.  109; 

28,29.   112:10.   132:18.     Is.  26: 

11.     Jer.  20:11. 
y  2:5.  21:8,9. 
z  Job  6:29.      Mai.  3:18. 
a  Prov.  29:1.     1  Thes.  5:3. 


'they  shall  be  turned  back,  and  put  to  shame  sud- 
'denly.'     (JV  of e,  5:10,11.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

Infidels,  profligates,  and  hypocrites,  and 
ungodly  men  of  every  description,  have  always 
more  noticed  David's  sins,  than  his  mourning  for 
them:  for  the  former  serve  for  an  objection  to  the 
truths  wliich  tliey  hate,  and  an  excuse  for  the 
sins  they  love;  but  they  are  not  disposed  to  imi- 
tate him  in  the  latter. — Great  tenderness  of  con- 
science, and  a  disposition  to  mourn  for  sin  with 
brokenness  of  heart,  distinguish  the  believer  from 
all  other  men.  He  may  be  overtaken  in  a  faidt, 
nay  he  may  fall  into  grievous  transgression;  but 
recollection  fills  him  with  anguish:  or  if  for  a 
space  he  be,  as  it  were,  stupified,  rebukes  and 
corrections  bring  him  to  himself:  and,  while  con- 
science performs  its  salutary  but  painful  office, 
and  he  is  suffering  under  the  rod  of  his  offended 
Father,  he  not  unfrequently  becomes  afraid  of  his 
"hot  displeasure."  Ashamed  and  trembling,  he 
then  deprecates  eternal  misery.  Pains  and 
enfeebling  diseases,  which  vex  his  bones,  may 
excite  his  prayers  for  deliverance;  but  the  sense 
of  divine  wrath,  which  ve.xes  his  soul,  renders 
him  most  earnest  in  crying  out,  "O  Lord,  how 
long.^"  how  long  will  it  be  ere  thou  give  me  some 
token  of  thy  pardoning  love.''  ere  thou  return  to 
glorify  thy  mercy  in  saving  my  soul.^  The  true 
penitent  desires  to  live  on  earth  to  remember  and 
give  thanks  to  his  God;  and  he  seeks  the  deliver- 
ance of  his  soul  from  hell,  and  the  resurrection  of 
the  body  from  the  grave,  for  the  same  purpose. 
To  enjoy  the  favor,  and  celebrate  the  praises,  of 
his  God  and  Savior,  form  that  happiness  on  earth 
and  in  heaven,  which  he  desires;  but  he  cannot 
endure  the  thought  of  ceasing  for  ever  to  love 
and  praise  him.  His  sorrow  for  sin  is  inward, 
and  fiows  most  in  retirement:  groans  and  tears 
express  the  compunction  of  his  heart:  and  when 
his  crimes  have  dishonored  God,  and  caused  his 
enemies  to  exult  and  triumph,  and  returning 
comforts  are  withheld:  his  spirits  are  exhausted, 
his  eye  is  dimmed,  and  he  seems  to  wax  old 
before  his  time.  But  such  mourning  will  termi- 
nate in  rejoicing:  the  Lord  will  not  number  the 
weeping  penitent  with  "the  workers  of  iniquity;" 
for  he  will  separate  from  them,  and  rebuke  and 


B.   C.  1058. 


PSALM  VIT. 


B.  C.  1058. 


PSALM  vn. 

David,  protesting-  his  Innocence  of  the  crimes  charged  on  him, 
entreats  God  to  protect  him  from  his  enemies,  and  to  plead  his 
cause  for  the  sake  of  the  people,  1 — 9.  He  expresses  his  con- 
fidence in  G-od,  predicts  the  destruction  of  persecutors,  and  de- 
termines to  praise  the  Lord,  10 — 17. 

^  Shiggaion  of  David,  which  he  sang  unto 
the  Lord,  concerning  the  *  words  of 
Cush  the  Benjamite. 

LORD  my  God,  "^in  thee  do  I 

put  my  trust:  "^  save  me   from  all 

persecute    me,    and    deliver 


o 


them    that 


8  rending 


2  Lest  ^  he  tear  my  soul  ^  like  a  lion, 
it  in  pieces,    ^  while    there  is 
t  none  to  deliver. 

'     3  O  Lord  my  God,  » if  I  have  done 
this;  ^  if  there  be  iniquity  in  my  hand; 

4  '  If  I  have  rewarded  evil  unto  him 
that  was  at  peace  with  me;  (yea,  ™  I 
have  dehvered  him  that  "  without  cause 
is  mine  enemy:) 

5  "  Let  the  enemy  persecute  my  soul 
and  take  it;  yea,  let  him  p  tread  down 


a  Hah.  3:1. 

*  Or,  business* 

b  13:3,5.     18:28.    30:2,12.    43:4. 

89:26.     Josh.  14:3.    Jer.  31:18. 

Dan.  9:4,19,20.     Zech.  14:5. 
c  11:1.   18:2.    25:2.    26:1.    31:1. 

32:10.     146:3—6.     Is.  50:10.    1 

Pet.  1:21. 
d3:7.   17:7—9.    31:15.    35:1—3. 

Jer.  15:15.  20:11.     1  Pet.  4:19. 
e  35:15.     Is.  30:13. 
fl0:9.   17.12.   22:13.     Deut.-33; 

20.     Prov.    19:12.     2   Tim.  4: 

17.      1  Pet.  5:8. 
g  50:22.     Hos.    13:7,8. 
h  Judg.   18:28.      2   Sam.    14:6. 

trutrg.  Job  10:7. 


t  Heb.  nol  a  deliverer. 

i  59:3.      Josh.   22:22.      1    Sam. 

20:8.  22:2,13.      24:9.  26:18,19. 

2  Sam.  16:7,8.    Job  16:17— 19. 
k  66:18.     1  Sam.  24:11.  Job  11: 

14. 
1  55:20.  109:5.  Gen.  44:4.  PrOT. 

17:13.     Jer.  18:20,21. 
m  1   Sam.   24:7,10,11.     26:10— 

17,24. 
n  1    Sam.    19:4, .5.    20:1.    22:14. 

24:11 15,17—19.        25:28,29. 

26:21. 
0  Job  31:5—10,38—40. 
p  44:5.    60:12.     Job   40:12.     Is. 

10:6.  63:3.     Zech.  10:5.     Mai. 

4:3. 


warn  them.  His  very  tears  have  a  prevailing- 
voice  with  God,  who  has  heard  and  will  hear  his 
prayers:  and  all  they,  who  rejoice  in  the  falls  and 
sorrows  of  the  Lord's  devoted  servants,  will  be 
"put  to  shame,  vexed,  and  perish  suddenly," 
unless  they  repent. — Sinners  of  every  rank  have 
sorrowed  and  wept  for  their  transgressions;  but 
Jesus  alone  was  a  sinless  sufferer,  and  through 
his  sufferings,  and  in  no  other  way,  can  the  peni- 
tent find  mercy.  At  length  he  will  bid  the 
impenitent  workers  of  iniquity  to  depart  from 
him;  and  then  will  all  his  enemies  be  confounded, 
vexed,  and  perish  with  an  everlasting  destruc- 
tion. 

NOTES. 

Psalm  VII.  Title.  "Shiggaion"  signifies  wan- 
dering, or  variable;  and,  it  is  probable,  denotes 
the  music  to  which  the  psalm  was  set. — Many 
conjectures  have  been  formed  concerning  Cush; 
but  at  last  we  only  know,  that  he  was  of  the  same 
tribe  as  Saul,  and  most  likely  one  of  his  relations 
and  courtiers,  who  brought  some  false  accusation 
against  David.    (J^otes,  1  Sam.  22:7,8.  26: 1 7—1 9. ) 

V.  1,2.  In  extreme  danger,  the  Psalmist,  ac- 
cording to  his  custom,  resorted  to  God  by  faith 
and  prayer.  He  had  many  persecutors:  but  it  is 
probable  that  the  one,  whom  he  distinguishes 
from  the  rest,  was  Saul;  who  was  so  enraged 
against  him,  and  had  so  much  power  in  his  hands, 
that  he  both  could,  and  would,  have  torn  him  in 
pieces,  as  a  lion  does  his  prey;  nor  would  any 
have  attempted  to  deliver  him,  had  not  God  been 
his  Protector.  (JVotes,  1  Sam.  22:9 — 19.  23:26 — 
28.)  I 

126] 


my  life  upon   the  earth,    and  ^  lay  mine 
honor  in  the   dust.     "■  Selah. 

6  ^  Arise,  O  Lord,  in  thine  anger, 
*  lift  up  thyself  because  of  the  rage  of 
mine  enemies:  and  "  awake  for  me  to 
^  the  judgment  that  thou  hast  command- 
ed. 

7  >■  So  shall  the  congregation  of  the 
people  compass  thee  about:  for  their 
sakes  therefore  ^  return  thou  on  high. 

8  "The  Lord  shall  judge  the  people: 
''judge  me,  O  Lord,  <=  according  to  my 
righteousness,  and  according  ''  to  mine 
integrity  that  is  in  me. 

9  Oh,  ^  let  the  wickedness  of  the  wick- 
ed come  to   an  end;  but    '"estabHsh  the 
just: 
hearts  and  reins. 

10  JMy  defence  is  of  God,  *"  which 
saveth  the  upright  in  heart. 

11  5  God  judgeth  the   righteous,  and 


6  for  the   righteous   God  trieth  the 


q  49:12.    Job  16:15.  40:13.  Jer. 

17:13. 
r3:2.     Hah.  3:13. 
s3:7.     12:5.    35:1,23.  44:26.  68: 

1,2.     Is.  3:13. 
t  74:3.     94:2.     Is.  33: 10.    37:20. 
u  44:23.  59:5.  78:65.   Is.  51:9. 
X  76:3,9.   103:6.     2  Sam.    17:14. 

marg. 
y  48:11.    58:10,11.     Rev.  11:17, 

18.   16:5—7.   18:20.   19:2. 
z  93:4.   113:5,6.    138:6.     Is.  57: 

15. 
a  9:8.     11:4.    82:1.    96:13.  98:9. 

Gen.  18:25.  Acts  17:31.  Rom. 

14:10— 13.      1  Cor.  4:4,5. 
b  26:1.  35:24.    43:1.      Gen.   31: 

53.     2  Chr.  20:12. 
c  17:2,3.  18:20—24.   35:24—27. 


2  Cor.  1:12. 
d  25:21.    26:11.     41:12.     78:72. 

Prov.  19:1.     1  Thes.  2:10. 
e  9:5,6.     10:15,18.     58:6.    74:10. 

11,22,23.      Is.  37:36— 38.  Dan. 

11:45.     Acts  12:23. 
f  37-23.    marg.    40:2.     1  Sam. 

2:9.     Rom.  16:25.      1  Thes.  3: 

13.      1  Pet.  5:10.     Jude  1. 
g  17:3.    44.21.     139:1.      1  Sam. 

16:7.     1   Chr.  28:9.      Jer.   11: 

20.   17:10.  20:12.  Rev.  2:23. 
J   Heb.    jyiy  buckler   is  vpon 

God.  3:3.  "18:1,2.   84:11.  Gen. 

15:1. 
h  112:2.   125:4.     Job  8:6.  Prov. 

2:21.    11:20.    28:18. 
§  Or,  God  is  a  righieout  Judge. 

8.  94:15.    140:12,13. 


V.  3 — 5.  David  here  appealed  to  God  for  his 
innocence,  as  to  the  charges  brought  against 
him.  So  far  from  having  risen  up,  as  an  enemy 
or  traitor,  against  his  prince,  when  at  peace  with 
him;  or  even  returned  evil  for  the  ej U  requital 
which  his  eminent  services  had  received;  (as 
some  explain  the  clause;)  he  had  twice  preserv- 
ed the  life  of  his  treacherous  and  implacable  per- 
secutor, who  had  not  the  smallest  cause  for  his 
cruel  enmity.  [JVotes,  1  Sam.  20:1 — 6.  24:  26: 
8 — 25.)  If  this  were  not  the  case,  and  if  the 
accusations  of  his  enemies  were  true;  he  was 
willing  to  lose  his  life  and  reputation,  and  to  be 
exposed  to  the  deepest  ignominy.  {^JVotes,  Job 
31:5—12,16—23,38—40.  Jer.  17:14—18.  18:19, 
20.  2  Cor.  11:7—12.) 

V.  6,  7.  David  was  assured  that  the  Lord  in- 
tended to  cut  off  Saul,  (JVbie*,  1  Sam.  15:26— 
29.  24:8—15.  25:23—31.  26:8—12.)  This  was 
"the  judgment  which  he  had  commanded,"  and 
for  which  David  prayed,  not  only  on  his  own 
account,  but  for  the  sake  of  the  people.  Saul's 
tyranny,  and  neglect  of  bin  duty  as  king  of  Is- 
rael, had  crushed  and  scattered  the  Israelites: 
and  his  persecution  and  impiety  had  driven  them 
from  the  ordinances  and  worship  of  God,  and  se- 
duced them  into  many  crimes.  The  Psalmist 
therefore  prayed  that  the  righteous  Judge  would 
ascend  his  exalted  tribunal,  exert  his  omnipo- 
tent authority,  and  by  some  visible  interposition 
check  the  progress  of  impiety,  and  give  encour- 
agement to  his  servants;  that  they  might  again 
be  collected  in  his  courts,  and  unite  in  his  holy 
worship.  {Marg.  Ref.—M)te.i,  75:2—10.  141:6 
—  10.  Jer.  12:1—4. 


B.  C.   1058. 


PSALM  VII. 


B.  C.  1058. 


God    is    angry    with    the    wicked    every- 
day. 

12  If  '  he  turn  not,  ^  he  will  whet  his 
sword;  he  hath  bent  his  bow,  and  made 
it  ready. 

13  He  hath  also  prepared  for  him  the 
instruments  of  death;  '  he  ordaineth  his 
arrows  against  the  ""  persecutors. 

14  Behold,  "he  travaileth  with  ini- 
quity, and  hath  conceived  mischief,  and 
brought  forth  falsehood. 

185:4.      Is.  55:6,1.     Jer.    31:13,       32:'23,42.     Job   6:4.      Lam     " 
19.     Ez.    18:30.    33:11.     Acts       12,13.     Hab.  3:11,13 
3:19. 

k  i)eut.  32:41.     Is.  27:1.    34:5. 
Ez.  2L9— 11,23. 

1  11:2.  45:5.  64:3,7.  144:6.  Deut. 


m  2  Thes.  1:6.  Rev.  6:10.  16:6. 
n  Job  15:20,35.     Is.  33:11.  59:4, 
5.     Jam.  1:15. 


V.  8 — 11.  The  heart-searching  Judge  of  the 
world  decides  not  only  on  men's  conduct  towards 
him,  but  in  all  the  causes  between  one  and 
another.  (JVoie,  17:1 — 3.)  To  him  therefore 
David  referred  the  cause  between  him  and  his 
persecutors,  desiring  to  be  judged,  in  this  respect, 
according  to  his  righteousness  and  integrity, 
which  were  known  to  God.  [JVotes,  26:1.  2  Sam. 
22:21 — 28.) — He  also  earnestly  prayed  that  the 
wickedness  of  the  wicked  might  cease;  and  that 
God  would  establish  the  righteous. — He  was  as- 
sured, that  the  righteous  Judge  and  Preserver  of 
the  upright,  would  defend  him  as  a  Buckler, 
{marg.)  and  would  at  length  manifest  that  anger, 
which  %vas  every  day  excited  by  the  crimes  of  his 
enemies. — 'How  few  among  Christians  seriously 
'and  deliberately  consider,  whether  the  sentence 
'of  that  day' (the  day  of  judgment)  'is  likely  to  be 
'in  their  favor!  yet  how  many,  with  the  utmost 
'composure  and  self-complacency,  repeat  con- 
'tinually  the  words  of  this  psalm,  as  well  as  those 
'in  the  Te  Demn,  'We  believe  that  thou  shalt 
'  'come  to  be  oiir  Judge!' '    Bp.  Home. 

V.  12,  13.  'Vengeance...  will  certainly  come, 
'though  it  stay  long,  and  not  fail  to  do  execution: 
'for  it  is  decreed  in  heaven,  (if  they  do  not  re- 
'pent,)  and  will  pierce  through  the  heart  of  Saul, 
'and  all  the  rest  of  my  fierce  and  outrageous  per- 
'secutors.'    Bp.  Patrick.     [J^ote,  6,7.) 

V.  14 — 16.  'When  an  evil  thought  is  instilled 
'into  the  heart  of  a  man,  the  seed  of  the  wicked 
'one  is  sown;  by...  cherishing  the  diabolical  sug- 
'gestion  "he  conceiveth"  a  purpose  of  "mis- 
'chief;"  vyhen  that  purpose  is  gradually  formed 
'and  matured  for  the  birth,  he  "travaileth  with 
'iniquity;"  at  length,  by  carrying  it  into  action, 
'he  "bringeth  forth  falsehood."'  Bp.  Home. 
[JSTote,  Jam.  1:13 — 15.)  The  persecutor  espe- 
cially, being  determined  upon  iniquity,  is  restless 
and  in  torment,  till  he  can  effect  his  purpose  by 
any  method  of  deceit  and  violence.  But,  with 
much  expense  and  trouble,  he  onlj'  digs  a  pit  for 
himself»  and  the  ruin  he  aimed  at  others,  falls  on 
the  crown-  of  his  own  head,  and  gives  him  a 
mortal  wound.  Thus  Saul  was  killed  by  the 
Philistines,  whom  he  wanted  to  employ  in  cut- 
ting off  David;  [jVotes,  1  Sam.  18:17—27.  31:2-— 
6.)  and  the  Jews,  who  excited  the  Romans  to 
crucify  Christ,  were  awfully  destroyed  by  the 
Romans,  and  numbers  of  them  crucified.  [JYote, 
Matt.  27:24,25.) 

V.  17.  Most  high.]  83:18.  /s.  57:15.  Dan. 
4:17—34.  5:18—21. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  servants  of  God  must  expect  the  persecu- 
tion of  the  tongue,  as  a  preparation  for  further 
injuries;  and  to  the  ingenuous  mind  it  often  ap- 
pears very   formidable.      But  no  slanderers  or 


15  He  *made  a  pit,  and  digged  it, 
°  and  is  fallen  into  the  ditch  which  he 
made. 

16  PHis  mischief  shall  return  upon 
his  own  head,  and  his  violent  dealings 
shall  come  down  upon  his  own  pate. 

17  I  will  praise  the  Lorb  i  accord- 
ing to  his  righteousness:  and  will  sing 
praise  to  the  name  of  the   Lord    "■  most 


high. 

*  Heb.  !iath  digged.  35:7.   119: 

85.     Job  6:27.     Jer.  18:20. 
0    9:15,16.     10:2.     35:8.     94:13. 

140:9,10.    141:10.     Esth.  7:10. 

Job    4:8.      Prov.   5:22.    26:27. 

Ec.  10:8,9. 
p  36:4,12.  37:12,13.    1  Sam.  23: 


9.  24:12,13.    26:10.    28:19.  31: 

3,4.     1  Kings  2:32.     Esth.  9: 

25.     Matt.  27:3—5. 
q  35:28.    51:14.    71:15,16.    98:2. 

111:3.    145:7. 
r9:2.  92:1,8.     Dan.  4:17,25,34. 

Acts  7:48.  ^ 


persecuting  tyrants  can  do  real  harm  to  those 
who  trust  in  the  Lord  their  God:  when  there  is 
none  else  to  deliver,  he  will  take  care,  both  of 
their  persons,  and  their  characters;  and  will  pre- 
serve them  from  Satan,  that  "accuser  of  the 
brethren,"  and  "devouring  lion,"  and  "from 
every  evil  work  unto  his  heavenly  kingdom." — 
Let  us  then  wage  our  warfare  with  the  weapons 
of  faith  and  prayer;  and,  instead  of  injuring  our 
peaceful  neighbors,  let  us  persevere  in  endeav- 
oring to  overcome  evil  with  good.  This  will  en- 
able us  to  rejoice  in  the  testimony  of  our  con- 
sciences, when  loaded  with  slander  and  obloquy, 
and  to  appeal  to  God  with  confidence.  But 
'wretched  they  who  persecute  their  benefactor! 
'Happy  he  who  can  reflect  that  he  has  been  a 
'benefactor  to  his  persecutors!'  Bp.  Home.  In- 
deed the  Christian  would  deem  himself  worthy 
of  all  the  injurj"^  and  ignominy,  which  his  foes 
desire  for  him,  were  he  guilty  of  the  crimes  of 
which  they  accuse  him. — But,  while  we  patiently 
bear  the  injuries  to  which  we  are  exposed,  we 
should  be  much  affected  and  grieved,  when  we 
behold  "one  sinner  destroying  much  good:"  and 
we  ought  to  pray  that  the  Lord  would  convert  or 
destroy  all  those,  who  scatter  and  oppress  his 
people;  and  effectually  interpose  to  encourage 
their  faith  and  obedience,  and  to  stop  the  growth 
of  impiety  and  infidelity. — When  earthly  judges 
abuse  their  power,  it  is  a  comfort  to  reflect  that 
the  Lord  will  reverse  their  decrees,  and  plead 
the  cause  of  his  people:  he  is  a  Judge  who  "tri- 
eth  the  heart  and  reins;"  nor  can  we  stand  be- 
fore him,  even  according  ft)  his  new  covenant  of 
mercy,  without  "simplicity  and  godly  sincerity," 
and  conscientious  integrity  in  our  habitual  con- 
duct. The  Lord  is  every  day  provoked  by  the 
wicked;  and  while  he  waits  to  receive  the  sub- 
missions, and  pardon  the  sins,  of  those  who  re- 
pent and  turn  to  him,  he  is  preparing  to  execute 
judgment  on  all  the  impenitent.  But  persecut- 
ors must  expect  his  severest  vengeance.  Satan 
suggests  the  mischievous  imagination,  and  they 
welcome  it;  and  iniquity  and  murder  are  thus 
conceived,  and  then  effected  by  lies  and  treach- 
ery. Let  them  however  remember,  that  they 
are  only  plotting  their  own  destruction:  for  the 
persecuted  servants  of  the  Lord  will  be  celebrat- 
ing his  praises,  and  rejoicing  in  his  favor,  while 
their  persecutors  are  cast  into  the  pit  of  destruc- 
tion, and  enduring  the  wrath  of  their  righteous 
Judge:  and  all  their  subtle  projects  will  concur 
in  bringing  about  this  final  event. — Let  us  tlien 
under  all  our  trials  look  unto  the  Savior.  He 
alone  was  perfect  in  righteousness;  yet  none  was 
ever  reviled,  slandered,  and  hated  as  he  was. 
He  lived  and  died,  doing  good  to  his  enemies, 
and  praying  for  them:  but  after  his  exaltation, 
the  welfare  of  his  church  required  that  judgment 

[127 


B.  C.  lOJO. 


PSAOl  VIII. 


B.  C.  1050 


PSALM   VIII. 

The  glory  of  God  is  displnyed  in  the  works  of  creation,  1 — 3; 
and  in  his  condescending  love  to  man,  4 — 3. 

To    the    chief  Musician    upon  ^  Gittith, 
A  Psahn   of  David. 
LORD  ^  our  Lord,  *=  how  excellent 
is  thy  name  in  all  the    earth!  who 

hast  set  **  thy  glory  above  the  heavens. 

2  ®  Out  of  the  mouth  of  babes  and 
sucklings  hast  thou  *  ordained  ^  strength, 
because  of  thine  enemies,  that  thou 
mightest  s  still  •*  the  enemy  and  the 
avenger. 

3  When  '  I  consider  thy  heavens, 
^  the  work  of  thy  fingers,  '  tlie  moon 
and  the  stars,  which  thou  hast  ordain- 
ed: 

f  84:5—7.     Is.  40:31.      Am.  5:9. 

2  Cor.  12:9,10. 
g4:4.  46:10.    Ex.    11-.7.     15:16. 

Josh.     2:9—11.       1    Sam.    2:9. 

Is.  37:20—29,36—38.     Hab.  2: 

20. 
h  44:16. 
i  19:1.   111:2.    Job  22:12.  36:24. 

Rom.  1:20. 
k33:6.     Gen.    1:1.      Ex.    8:19. 

31:13.     Luke  11:20. 
1  104:19.    136:7—9.   148:3.  Gen. 

1:16—18.      Deut.     4:19.      Job 

25:3,5. 


a  81:  84:   tilles. 

b    9.    63:1.     145:1.      Is.    26:13. 

Matt.  22:45.  John  20:28.  Phil. 

2:11.  3:8.     Rev.  19:16. 
c  72:17— 19.     113:2—4.    148:13. 

Ex.  15:1J.  34:5—7.    Deut.  28: 

53.     Cant.  5:16. 
d  36:5.  57:10,11.    68:4.    108:4,5. 

1  Kings  8:27.    Hab.  3:3.    Eph. 

4:10.     Phil.    2:9,10.     Heb.  7: 

26. 
e  Matt.  11:25.  21:1C.     Luke  10: 

21.    1  Cor.  1:27. 
*  Heh.  founded. 


should  be  executed  upon  such  as  continued  im- 
penitent. The  Jews  first  felt  the  weight  of  his 
indignation,  and  at  the  same  time  great  multi- 
tudes of  Gentile  converts  compassed  him  about. 
Wherever  Anti-christian  corrupters  or  persecut- 
ors have  been  from  time  to  time  destroyed,  the 
church  has  been  replenished  with  numerous  real 
converts  to  the  faith;  and  when  these  enemies  of 
the  truth  shall  finally  come  to  an  end,  the  whole 
earth  will  be  filled  with  truth  and  righteousness. 
Shortly  Avill  arrive  that  final  judgment  which 
God  has  decreed,  when  all  unbelievers  will 
finally  perish:  may  we,  at  that  solemn  season,  'be 
'numbered  with  his  saints  in  glory  everlasting!' 

NOTES. 

PsAT.M  VIII.  Title.  "Gittith"  perhaps  is  the 
name  of  some  tune,  which  David  had  learned 
when  in  Gath,  or  from  the  Gittites,  and  to  which 
this  and  two  other  psalms  were  set.  [Marg.  Ref.) 
— Various  other  conjectures  have  been  formed; 
and  the  following  may  be  considered  as  the  most 
probable.  'I  take  it  to  have  been  composed  by 
'David, ...  after  he  had  overthrown  ...  Goliath  of 
'Gath;  which  is...  a  lively  emblem  of  Christ's 
'conquest  over  our  great  enemy  the  devil.'  Bp. 
Patrick. 

V.  1.  Tlie  eternal  Jehov.4h,  the  universal 
Creator  and  Benefactor,  is  that  Lord  and  Gov- 
ernor, whom  all  ought  entirely  to  obey  and  serve; 
and  to  him  as  God  their  Savior,  all  true  believers 
render  thankful  and  wiUing  obedience.  He  in- 
finitely excels  all  creatures  in  every  thing  which 
can  excite  love  and  adoration.  The  earth  is  full 
of  the  discoveries  of  bis  perfections;  and  his  glo- 
ry fills  the  highest  heavens,  and  is  exalted  far 
above  them. — "O  Lord,  our  Governor."  Prayer 
Book  version. 

V.  2.  God  has  often  magnified  his  own  per- 
fections, through  the  simplicity  and  weakness  of 
the  instruments,  by  which  he  accomplishes  his 
grand  designs.  {J^ote,  Judg.  7:13—22.  P.  O. 
16 — 25.)-  The  new  born  infant  is  such  a  display 
of  his  power,  skill,  and  goodness,  sTi  unanswerably 
confutes  the  cavils  of  Atheism.  Even  little  chil- 
dren have  been  taught  so  to  love  and  serve  him, 
128] 


4  ^  What  is  man  that  thou  art  mind- 
ful of  him.?  and  "  the  son  of  man,  that 
thou  °  visitest  him.? 

5  For  P  thou  hast  made  him  a  little 
lower  than  the  angels,  and  i  hast  crown- 
ed him  with  glory  and  honor. 

6  Thou  "■  madest  him  to  have  domin- 
ion over  the  works  of  thy  hands;  thou 
hast  ^  put  all  things  under  his  feet: 

7  t  All  sheep  and  oxen,  yea,  and  the 
beasts  of  the  field: 

8  ^  The  fowl  of  the  air,  and  the  fish 
of  the  sea,  and  whatsoever  passeth 
through  the  paths  of  the  seas. 

9  O  Lord  our  Lord,  "  how  excellent 
is  thy  name  in  all  the  earth! 


m  144:3.     2  Chr.   6:18.     Job  7: 

17.  25:6.     Is.  40:17.      Heb.  2: 

6,7. 
n  4:2.  80:17.   146:3.      Is.    51:12. 

Ez.  8:15.     Matt.  8:20. 
0  106:4.     Gen.  21:1.      Ex.  4:31. 

Luke    1:68.     19:44.      1  Pet.  2: 

12. 
p   103:20.      Gen.    1:26,27.   2:7. 

2  Sam.    14:20.     Job   4:18—20. 

Phil.  2:7,8.     Heb.  2:7,9,16. 
q  21:3—5.  45:1—3,6.     John  13: 

31,32.     Eph.   1:21.     Phil.  2:9 


—11.     Heb.  2:9.    1  Pet.  1:20, 

21. 
r  Gen.  1:26,28.    9:2.     Matt.  28: 

18.  Heb.  1:2. 
s  110:1.    1  Cor.  15:24—27.  Eph. 

1:22.  Heb.  2:8.     1  Pet.  3:22. 
f  Heb.   Flocks  and  oxen,  all  of 

them.    Gen.  2:20. 
t  148:10.     Gen.   1:20—25.     Job 

33:39—41.    39:l,&c.      40:15— 

24.    41:l,&c. 
u  1.104:24.     Deut.  33:26.     Job 

11:7. 


that  their  praises  and  confessions  have  baffled 
and  silenced  the  rage  and  malice  of  persecutors: 
and  thus  a  victorious  strength  has  been  manifest- 
ed by  them;  while  the  wise,  learned,  and  mighty, 
have  either  joined  the  enemy,  or  timidly  and  fee- 
bly croucVied  before  him. — The  meanest  and 
most  despised  persons  have  often  been  made  suc- 
cessful in  their  attempts  to  promote  his  cause. 
Thus  David  overcame  Goliath,  though  but  as  a 
babe  in  comparison  of  that  insulting  champion: 
and  the  despised  Nazarene,  with  his  obscure  and 
unlettered  apostles,  prevailed  against  the  com- 
bined wisdom,  learning,  and  power  of  the  world, 
and  against  the  sagacity  and  influence  of  Satan, 
"the  god  of  this  world."  And  by  successive  in- 
struments whom  man  disdains,  the  same  cause 
shall  still  more  fully  prevail,  till  every  avenger 
and  enemy  is  finally  stilled,  and  all  the  wicked 
are  silent  in  darkness.  {JVotes,  Matt.  1 1 :25,26.  1 
Cor.  1:26—31.  2  Cor.  4:7.)— The  LXX  render 
the  clause,  here  translated,  "ordained  strength," 
^perfected  praise;''  and  the  Evangelist,  recording 
our  Lord's  words,  gives  them  according  to  that 
version.     (Ab<e,  Jl/a«.  21:14— 16.) 

V.  3.  The  Psalmist  appears  to  have  com- 
posed this  sacred  hymn,  while  his  attention  was 
fixed,  during  tlie  silence  of  the  evening,  on  "the 
moon  walking  in  brightness,"  and  on  "the  stars 
of  light;"  but,  instead  of  being  tempted  to  wor- 
ship the  heavenly  host,  he  contemplated  the  mag- 
nificent scene,  and  the  immensity  of  the  creation, 
till  he  was  filled  with  adoring  admiration  of  the 
Creator's  incomprehensible  majesty,  which  nat- 
urally suggested  the  subsequent  reflections. 
{J^otes,  148:3.  Deut.  A:\^.  Jo6  31:24— 28.) 

V.  4 — 9.  Adam,  even  when  created  in  the 
image  of  God,  was  infinitely  beneath  his  Maker; 
and  it  was  an  unspeakable  favor  for  him  to  be 
placed  at  the  head  of  this  lower  world,  in  a  state 
of  honor  and  dominion.  {Jfote,  Gen.  1:26,27.) 
After  the  fall,  it  was  still  more  wonderful  that  his 
children  should  be  permitted  to  retain  any  au- 
thority over,  or  derive  any  benefit  from,  tlie  dif- 
ferent orders  of  creatures.  But  the  apostle 
teaches  us,  that  the  Holy  Spirit,  who  spoke  by 
David,  also  intended  Christ,  tlie  eternal  Son  of 


B.  C.  1021. 


PSALM  IX. 


B.  C.  1021. 


PSALM  IX. 

David  praises  God  for  punishing  his  enemies,  and  maintaining 
his  cause,  1 — 6.  He  shews  that  God  will  preserve  his  servants, 
and  calls  on  them  to  praise  his  name,  7 — 12.  He  prays  for 
deliverance  from  present  trials,  that  he  may  still  praise  the 
Lord;  and  predicts  the  ruin  of  the  wicked,  13 — 20. 

To  the  chief  Musician  upon  Muth-labben, 
A  Psalm   of   David. 

WILL  praise  thee,  O  Lord,  ^  with 
my  whole  heart;  "^  I  will  shew  forth 
all  thy  marvellous  works. 


p  7:17.  34:1—4.    103:1,2.     145:1  | 
—J.    14ij:l,2.      1  Chr.    29:10— 
13.        Is.    12:1.       Heb.    13:15. 
Rev.  5:9—14. 

b  36:12.   111:1.   138:1.  Luke  10: 


c  14.  51:15.  106:2.  1  Chr.  16: 
12,24.  Is.  43:21.  60:0.  Rev. 
15:3. 


God,  who  by  his  incarnation  became  "the  Son  of 
man."  Thus  he  was  "made  a  litUe  lower  than 
the  ang'els,"  by  assuming  and  dwelling-  in  a  na- 
ture inferior  to  theirs,  "for  the  suffering  of 
death:"  which  object  having  been  accomplished, 
he  arose  from  the  dead,  and  was  "crowned  with 
glory  and  honor;"  and  in  human  nature  exercises 
universal  dominion,  even  an  authority  infinitely 
more  extensive  and  absolute,  than  ever  the  first 
Adam  possessed,  or  could  possibly  have  adminis- 
tered. [JVote,  Heb.  2:5 — 9.) — In  so  wonderful  a 
manner  did  the  God  of  glory  shew  himself  mind- 
ful of  feeble,  mortal,  sinful  man!  and  thus  has  he 
visited  and  honored  one  of  our  race,  for  the  com- 
mon benefit  of  all  who  believe  in  him!  (JVbie,  Ps. 
144:r3,4.) 

Than  the  angels.  (3)  dhSnd  .  Elohim  is  gene- 
rally translated  God,  or  gods:  yet  the  apostle 
quotes  the  LXX,  who  render  it  angels;  which 
shews  the  latitude  with  which  the  term  is  used. 
[J^otes,  82:6,7.  John  10:32—39.)  But  when  the 
true  God  is  meant,  it  is,  though  plural,  always 
joined  with  the  singular  verb;  and  the  name  Je- 
hovah is  never  given  to  any  but  to  the  true  God: 
and,  when  applied  to  Christ,  it  shews  who  he  is, 
even  "the  true  God  and  eternal  Life." 

^    PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

No  words  can  express  the  glorious  excellency 
of  Jehovah,  our  Ruler  and  Lord;  nor  can  Cheru- 
bim or  Seraphim  reach  his  worthiness  b}^  their 
most  exalted  adorations:  yet  he  graciously  ac- 
cepts the  upright  though  feeble  efforts  of  men 
on  earth,  and  even  counts  himself  honored  by 
the  praises  of  babes  and  sucklings!  He  works  by 
tlie  weakesi.  instruments  for  the  greater  confu- 
sion of  his  enemies  and  the  honor  of  his  name; 
and  all  the  vengeance  and  rage  of  earth  and  hell 
shall  soon  be  stilled  by  the  prevalence  of  his  de- 
spised gospel. — Every  creature  speaks  the  Cre- 
ator's praise  to  the  mind  of  the  devout  believer; 
whose  pious  contemplations  render  his  solitary 
walks  unspeakably  pleasant  and  profitable.  But 
each  display  of  the  divine  glory  should  lead  us  to 
reflect  on  our  own  meanness  and  sinfulness. 
What  indeed  is  man,  that  the  Lord  should  still 
visit  him,  and  be  mindful  of  him.^  What  are  we, 
but  mean,  guilty,  polluted,  ungrateful,  rebellious, 
and  apostate  creatures.^  We  are  unwortliy  of  the 
least  of  those  manifold  advantages,  which  we  de- 
rive from  the  sheep  and  oxen,  the  fishes  and  the 
fowls,  and  the  other  animals,  which  are  still  sub- 
jected to  us,  and  subservient  to  our  benefit:  nor 
.should  we  ever  partake  of  these  common  mercies, 
without  admiration  joined  with  gratitude.  But 
in  the  pei-son  of  Eininaniiel,  every  otlier  instance 
of  divine  condescension  is  eclipsed,  and  our  most 
evalted  previous  conce;)tions  of  the  divine  love 
are  far  exceeded,  and  the  powers  of  our  minds 
are  almost  overwhelmed.  His  love,  his  humilia- 
tion in  assuming  our  nature,  his  atoning  suffer- 
Vol.  III.  17 


2  ''  I  will  be  glad  and  rejoice  in  thee: 
I  will  sing  praise  to  thy  name,  ^O  thou 
most  High. 

3  When  mine  enemies  are  turned 
back,  ^  they  shall  fall  and  perish  at  thy 
presence. 

4  For  ^thou  hast  *  maintained  my 
right  and  my  cause;  thou  sattest  in  tlie 
throne  judging  t  right. 


d5:ll.    27:6.    28:7.    43:4.  92:4. 

97:12.      Hab.   3:17,13.      Phil. 

4:4. 
e    7:17.     56:2,3.      83:18.      97:9. 

Dan.  5:18. 
f  63:1,2.  76:7.  80:16.     Is.   64:3. 

2  Thes.    1:9.     Rev.  6:12—17. 


20:11. 
g  16:5.   140:12. 
*  Heb.  inade  my  judgment, 
t  Heb.  in  rightcuusness.     45:6, 

7.    47:8.    89:14.     96:13.    93:9. 

Is.  11:4.     1  Pet.  2:23. 


ings  unto  death,  his  subsequent  glory,  and  his  do- 
minion over  all  creatures,  which  shall  endure  till 
all  enemies  are  put  under  his  feet,  can  never 
sufficiently  be  admired  and  adored. — Thus  our 
nature,  in  the  second  Adam,  is  infinitely  more 
honored  and  exalted,  than  it  could  have  been  in 
the  first  Adam.  Thus  also  the  true  dignity  of 
human  nature,  even  the  worth  of  a  rational,  im- 
mortal soul,  though  ruined  by  sin,  yet  capable  of 
recovery  and  eternal  felicity,  is  cler  -ly  shewn. 
And  if  we  trust  and  submit  to  Christ  as  our  Sa- 
vior and  Lord,  he  will  advance  us  also  to  glory, 
honor,  and  immortality.  We  had  indeed  cause  "to 
celebrate  the  excellencies  of  the  Lord  our  Gov- 
ernor, as  displayed  in  the  works  of  creation:  but 
what  words  can  reach  his  praises,  who  is  now 
become  our  Salvation,  and  has  laid  us  under 
new  and  still  more  powerful  obligations  to  obe- 
dience, as  our  Redeemer,  and  as  displaying 
among  us  sinners  on  earth  those  glories,  "which 
angels  desire  to  look  intol" 

NOTES. 

Psalm  IX.  Title.  Jluth-labhen.]  The  im- 
port of  this  title,  is  very  doubtful.  "Muth"  sig- 
nifies death:  and  some  imagine  that  "labben"  the 
son,  may  denote  Goliath,  either  in  respect  of  his 
eminence,  or  his  coming  forth  as  the  champion 
between  the  Philistines  and  Israel.  Goliath  is 
called  by  a  name  something  like  this,  and  which 
is  rendered  "a  champion."  (aiJ3n-u'iN ,  a  man  who 
comes  between.  1  Sam.  17:4.)  If,  however,  this 
be  the  meaning,  it  is  very  obscurely  expressed: 
and,  as  Zion  was  not  the  place  of  Israel's  assem- 
bling for  public  worship,  till  David  had  for  some 
time  been  king  over  all  Israel,  the  Psalm  must 
have  been  composed  long  after  Goliath's  death. 
(11 — 14.)  Others  therefore  suppose  "Muth-lab- 
ben" to  mean,  the  death  of  his  sun,  and  refer  the 
occasion  of  the  Psalm  to  the  death  of  Absalom. 
— The  Psalmist  might  have  some  reference  to  the 
various  deliverances  of  his  past  life;  but  he  was 
also  led,  Avhile  praising  God  for  them,  to  speak, 
as  the  type  of  Christ,  concerning  his  conflicts 
and  victories,  and  those  of  his  church;  and  to 
celebrate  her  triumphs  over  every  heathen  and 
Anti-clmstian  persecutor,  while  he  included  also 
the  trials  and  deliverances  of  every  believer. 

V.  1 — 3.  The  Psalmist  determined,  on  occa- 
sion of  some  recent  deliverance,  to  "praise  Je- 
hovah with  his  whole  heart;"  not  feignedly,  not 
as  ascribing  any  share  of  the  honor  to  himself, 
not  in  a  cold  and  languid  manner,  but  fervently 
and  zealously. — He  would  make  the  works, 
wliich  God  had  wrought  for  him,  known  to  all 
around:  and  thus  rejoice  in  ascribing  glory  to  his 
name,  and  in  reflecting  what  a  powerful  and. 
faithful  Patron  and  Friend  he  had,  and  what  an 
honor  and  benefit  this  was  to  liim.  His  enemies 
hitherto  had  been  turned  back,  and  had  stumbled 
and  perished,  not  by  his  valor,  but  by  the  pres- 

[129 


B.  C.  1021. 


PSALM  IX. 


B.  C.  1021 


5  Thou  liast  ''  rebuked  the  heathen, 
'  thou  hast  destroyed  the  wicked,  ^  thou 
hast  put  out  their  name  for  ever  and 
ever. 

6*0  '  thou  enemy,  -  ■"  destructions 
are  come  to  a  perpetual  end:  and  "  thou 
bast  destroyed  cities;  their  "  memorial 
is  perished  with  them. 

7  But  P  the  Lord  shall  endure  for 
ever:  i  he  hath  prepared  his  throne  for 
judgment: 

8  And  ""he  shall  judge  the  world  in 
righteousness,  he  shall  minister  judgment 
to  the  people  in  uprightness. 

9  *  The  Lord  also  will  be  t  a  Refuge 
for  the  oppressed,  a  Refuge  *  in  times  of 
trouble. 


1)2:1,8,9.  TSrJS.  79:10.  149:7. 
1  Sam.  17:45 — 51.  2  Sam.  5: 
*-.Scc.  8:1—15.  10:6—9.  21:15 
—22.  22:44 — 16.     Rev.    19:15. 

J  5:6.  1  Sam.  25:39.  31:4.  2 
Sam.  17:33.     Mai.  4:3. 

k  Deut.  9:14.     Prov.  10:7.   13:9. 

*  Or,  The  destruction  of'  the 
enejny  are  come  to  a  perpet- 
ual end,  and  their  cities  hast 
thou  destroyed,  S,-c. 

1  7:5.  8:2.  Ex.  15:G.  Mic.  7: 
8,10. 

m  46:9.  Ex.  14:13.  Is.  10:24, 
25.  14:6—3.  Nah.  1:9—13. 
]  Cor.  15:26,54—57.  Rev. 
20:2. 


n  1  Sam.  30:1.  31:7.    Is.  10:6,7, 
13,14.14:17.37:26.    Jer.  51:25. 

0  Is.  14:22,23.      Jer.  51:62—64. 
p  90:2.   102:12,24— 27.     Heb.  1: 

11,12.   13:8.    2  Pet.  3:3. 
q  50:3—5.   103:19.     Rev.  20:11. 
r50:6.  94:15.   96:13.  98:9.   99:4. 

Gen.  18:25.     Is.  11:4,5.     Acts 

r<:31.     Rom.  2:5,6,16. 
s  13:2.    32:7.    46:].    48:3.    62:3. 

91:1,2.     142:4,5.     Deut.    33:27. 

Prov.   18:10.     Is.    4:5,6.    8:14. 

32:2.     Nah.  1:7.     Luke  13:34. 

Heb.  6:18. 

1  Heb.    an  high  place.    20:1. 
46:7.  Marg. 

150:15.  77:1,2.    103:12. 


ence  and  power  of  God;  and  this  made  him  con- 
fident of  continued  victories  and  final  triumph. 
[J^oles,  27:1—3.  2  Sum.  22:37— 42.)— This  ad- 
mits of  the  most  obvious  application  to  the  works 
of  God  for  his  church,  and  for  every  believer; 
and  no  doubt  was  intended  by  the  Holy  Spirit, 
to  be  thus  used  in  our  worship  and  meditations. 
— O  thou  most  High.  (2)  'God  is  in  the  loftiest 
'and  most  exalted  pre-eminence,  and  sovereignty, 
'over  the  whole  creation;  and  in  essence  and 
'.s^lory,  surpassing  all  comprehension.'  {Marg. 
RefSe.) 

V.  4 — 6.  God  had  pleaded  David's  righteous 
cause  against  the  wicked  persecution  of  Saul, 
and  had  advanced  him  to  the  throne  of  all  Israel, 
with  the  destruction  of  almost  the  whole  family  of 
Saul.  He  had  given  his  king  the  victory  over 
the  surrounding  heathen  nations,  who  perished 
in  great  numbers,  and  had  finally  lost  the  reputa- 
tion of  their  former  successes.  So  that  eveiy 
enemy  which  had  before  destroyed  the  cities  of 
Israel,  was  deprived  perpetually  of  power  to  con- 
tinue these  desolations;  and  most  of  them  soon 
became  so  insig-nificant,  that  the  memorial  of 
them,  and  of  their  former  greatness,  perished 
with  them. — Thus  the  sixth  verse  must  be  under- 
stood, if  we  adhere  to  the  translation  in  the  text; 
but  the  marginal  reading  here  seems  to  give  the 
proper  sense.  The  destructions  caused  by  the 
enemy  were  terminated;  God  had  destroyed  their 
cities;  and  the  remembrance  of  them  had  failed 
from  among  men. — Thus  likewise  the  renowned 
monarchies,  that  successively  made  havoc  on. 
earth,  and  oppiessed  Israel,  are  now  destroyed 
and  almost  forgotten;  the  first  opposers  of  Christ 
and  Christianity  have  shared  the  same  fate;  and 
all  these  divine  interpositions  are  earnests  of  the 
final  ruin  of  all  the  enemies  of  the  cause  of  Christ. 
(JVoles,  Dan.  2:38—45.) 

V.  7 — 12.  The  reflection  on  the  transient  glory 
of  earthly  kingdoms,  and  illustrious  conquerors, 
led  the  Psalmist  to  reflect  on  the  eternity  of  Je- 
130] 


1 0  And  they  that  "  know  thy  name 
will,  ^put  their  trust  in  thee:  for  thou, 
Lord,  y  hast  not  forsaken  them  that  seek 
thee. 

1 1  *  Sing  praises  to  the  Lord,  ^  which 
dwelleth  in  Zion:  ^  declare  among  the 
people  his  doings. 

12  •=  When  he  maketh  inquisition  for 
blood,  he  remembereth  them:  ^  he  for- 
getteth  not  the  cry  of  the  ^humble. 

13  ^  Have  mercy  upon  me,  O  Lord; 
^  consider  my  trouble  ichich  I  suffer  of 
them  that  hate  me,  °  thou  that  liftest  me 
up  from  the  gates  of  death: 

14  That  ^  I  may  shew  forth  all  thy 
praise  '  in  the  gates  of  ^  the  daughter  of 
Zion:  '  I  will  rejoice  in  thy  salvation. 


u  91:14.     Ex.  34:5—7.      1  Chr. 

28:9.     John   17:3.     2  Cor.  4:6. 

2  Tim.  1:12.     1  John  2:3,4.  5: 

20. 
X  5:11.  57:1.   146:5,6.  Is.  26:3,4. 
y  105:3,4.    Is.  45:19.  46:3,4.  55 

6,7.  Jer.  29:13.    2  Cor.  1:9,10 
z  33:1—3.  47:6,7.    96:1,2.   143:1 

—5,13,14. 
a   78:68.     132:13,14.      Is.    12:6. 

14:32.   Heb.  12:22.    Rev.  14:1. 
b  66:2,5.  96:10.   105:1,2.  107:22. 

118:17.  Is.  12:4—6.  John  17:26. 
c  Gen.  9:5.     2  Kings  24:4.    Is. 

26:2).    Matt.  23:35.     Luke  11: 

50,51.     Rev.  6:9,10.    16:6. 
d  10:14,17.  22:24.  34:6.    102:17. 


Ex.  3:7,9.      Luke   18:7,8. 
J  Or,  afflicted.  Judg.  10:16. 
e  51:1.'  119:132. 
f  1.3:3.    25:19.     119:1.53.     14^6 

Neh.  9:32.     Lam.  1:9,11. 
g   30:3.    56:13.     86:13.     107:18. 

116:3,4.  Is.  38:10.  Jon.  2:0. 
h  51:15.  79:13.  106:2.  138:1. 
i  22:22,25.  36:18.    42:4.    109:30, 

31.   116:18,19.    118:19,20.   149: 

1,2. 
k  Is.  37:-22.    62:11.     Mic.    4:13. 

Matt.  21:5. 
1  13:5.  20:5.  21:1.    35:9.    51:12. 

1  Sam.   2:1.     Is.    12:3.     Hab. 

3:18.     Luke  1:47. 


HoVAH,  and  of  his  universal  kingdom.  This  eter- 
nal Sovereign  did  not,  indeed,  immediately  inflict 
vengeance  on  his  enemies;  but  he  was  preparing 
his  "throne  for  judgment."  He  would  soon  judge 
the  whole  human  race  in  righteousness;  and  up- 
rightly, or  according  to  his  declarations  and  prom- 
ises, decide  on  the  cause  of  each  individual  be- 
longing to  the  people  of  Israel,  and  all  other  na- 
tions, (disk'?.)      In  the  mean   while,  he    would 

prove  a  Refuge  for  the  protection  and  comfort  of 
such,  aij  were  oppressed  or  persecuted  for  his 
sake,  to  which  they  should  resort  in  times  of 
trouble  or  danger.  '{JSTotes,  62:8—10.  2  Sam.  22: 
2,3.  Prov.  18:10,11.  /*.  32:1,2.)— Indeed  all  who, 
by  believing  his  word  and  experiencing  his  faith- 
fulness and  mercy,  had  obtained  the  knowledge  of 
liis  name,  or  perfections,  would  trust  in  him  en- 
tirely and  exclusively;  for  it  had  never  been 
known,  that  the  Lord  had  forsaken  any  that 
sought  him,  because  of  their  weakness,  or  the 
power  of  their  enemies.  But  it  was  only  as  dwell- 
ing in  Zion,  on  the  mercy-seat,  above  the  ark  of 
the  covenant,  through  the  sacrifices  and  ordi- 
nances which  typified  the  promised  Savior,  that 
he  could  be  sought  by  sinful  men  with  acceptance; 
and  therefore  his  people  should  abound  in  praising 
him,  as  the  God  of  salvation;  and  making  known 
his  works,  that  others  might  learn  to  seek  and 
serve  him — He  sometimes  indeed  permitted  his 
servants  to  be  tried  by  persecution;  but  there 
would  be  a  season  of  inquisition  for  blood,  when 
the  prayers  of  the  humble  would  be  remembered, 
and  completely  answered.  {Marg.  Ref.  c. — 
jSTotes,  Is.  26:20,21.) 

V.  13,  14.  David,  after  all  his  triumphs,  still 
had  enemies,  conflicts,  and  trials:  the  church, 
though  victorious  over  all  former  opposers,  is  still 
'militant  here  on  earth:'  and  the  believer,  though 
rescued  from  "the  gates  of  death"  and  hell,  and 
enabled  to  bless  God  for  many  deliverances,  must 
still  encounter  troubles  and  temptations,  and 
mingle  prayers  with  his  thanksgivings.     The  ex- 


B.  C.  1021. 


PSALM  IX. 


B.  C.  1021. 


1 5  ""  The  heathen  are  sunk  down  in 
tlie  pit  that  they  made:  in  the  net  which 
ihey  hid  is  their  own  foot  taken. 

1 6  The  Lord  is  "  known  hy  the  judg- 
ment which  he  executeth:  °  the  wicked 
is  snared  in  the  work  of  his  own  hands. 
*  Higgaion.     Selah. 

17  P  The  wicked  shall  he  turned  into 
hell,  and  all  the  nations  that  i  forget 
God. 


■n   7:15,16.    35:8.     37:15.    57:6. 

94:23.     Prov.    5:22.    22:8.    26: 

27. 
n  48:11.  58:10,11.  83:17,18.  Ex. 

7:5.   14:4,31.    Deut.  29:22— 23. 

Josh.    2:10,11.      Judg.    1:7.     1 

Sam.  6:19,20.   17:46.     2  Kings 

19:19,34,35.        ,, 
o  11:6.     140:3.     Prov.    6:2.     12: 

13.      Is.  8:15.    28:13. 


*  Tha.r.'xs,  Meditation.  5:1.   19: 

14.  92:3.  marg. 
p  Prov.  14:32.     Is.    3.11.     5:14. 

Matt.  25:41— -46.      Rom.  2:8,9. 

2  Thes.    1:7—9.     Rev.   20:15. 

21:8. 
q   44:17,20.     60:22.      106:13,21. 

Job  3:13.     Jer.   2:32.  3:21.   13: 

25.   18:15.    23:27.     Hos.    2:13. 


pression,  "the  daughter  of  Zion,"  seems  to  denote 
the  inhabitants  of  Zion,  with  all  those  who  came 
to  worship  at  the  sanctuary,  (which  was  placed 
there  when  this  Psalm  was  written,)  considered 
as  one  collective  body,  the  visible  church,  the 
type  of  the  true  church,  which  God  our  Savior 
has  espoused  to  himself,  and  which,  in  the  true 
mount  Zion,  tbe  heavenly  Jerusalem,  shall  shew 
forth  all  the  praises  of  him,  who  has  lifted  her  up 
from  the  gates  of  death,  and  raised  her  to  that 
g-lorious  felicit)^  (JVb^e*,  22:22— 25.  118:19— 24. 
h.  12:4—6.  Heb.  12:22—25.  Rev.  14:1— 5.)— The 
contrast  between  "the  gates  of  deatli,"  and  "the 
gates  of  the  daughter  of  Zion,"  is  remarkable. 
{Marg.  Ref.) — /  will  rejoice,  &c.  (14)  JVotcs, 
13:5,6.  1  Sam.  2:1.  Hab.  3:17—19.  Luke  1:46— 
55.) 

V.  15,  16.  The  several  nations,  who  had  en- 
gaged in  war  against  David,  had  only  brought 
destruction  on  themselves,  by  all  their  combina- 
tions and  stratagems;  and  given  Jkhovah  the  oc- 
casion of  manifesting  his  power  and  justice,  in  the 
judgments  which  he  executed  upon  them. — To 
this  reflection  the  Psalmist  adds,  "Higgaion  Se- 
lah;" a  thing  to  be  meditated  on  with,  the  greatest 
attention:  f'resmeditandasumme,' i/Mniw*;)  prob- 
ably, this  is  the  true  meaning  of  the  two  words 
thus  connected.  [Marg.)  The  example  was  very 
instructive,  and  ought  to  be  deeply  considered  by 
the  enemies  of  God  for  their  warning,  and  by  his 
servants  for  their  encouragement  in  seasons  of 
trouble  and  danger. 

V.  17.  'AH  wickedness  came  originally  with 
'the  wicked  one  from  hell;  thither  it  will  be  again 
'remitted;  and  they  who  hold  on  its  side  must  ac- 
'company  it  on  its  return  to  that  place  of  torment, 
'there  to  be  shut  up  for  ever.'  Bp.  Home.  This 
will  be  the  case  even  with  whole  nations  who  for- 
get God,  and  their  obligation  to  him,  and  that 
worship  and  obedience  which  they  owe  him:  for 
this  forgetfulness  is  the  effect  of  ingratitude,  con- 
tempt, and  aversion,  it  deserves  his  wrath,  and  is 
the  source  of  all  other  crimes.  [Mote,  Rom.  1:28 
— 32.) — The  future  condemnation  of  the  wicked 
seems  to  be  intended;  for  as  all  men  go  down  to 
the  grave,  the  word,  rendered  hell,  must  in  this 
connexion  have  a  more  awful  meaning.  [JVotes, 
16:8—11.  i?et).  20:11— 15.) 

V.  18 — 20.  Many  princes  have  claimed  and 
received  divine  honors:  the  arrogant  titles  of  in- 
fallibility and  of  his  holi^iess,  which  one  chief  an- 
tichrist has  assumed,  are  well  known:  and  the 
proud  and  impious  conduct  of  multitudes  too  evi- 
dently proves,  not  only  that  they  forget  God,  but 
that  they  forget  themselves  to  be  men;  sinful, 
weak,  and  dying  creatures,  who  will  soon  be  call- 
ed to  give  an  account  of  themselves  to  God. — 
I*».vid  therefore  prayed  that  these  haughty  ene- 


18  For  'the  needy  shall  not  alway 
be  forgotten:  =  the  expectation  of  the 
poor  shall  not  perish  for  ever. 

19  '^ Arise,  O  Lord;  "let  not  man 
prevail:  *  let  the  heathen  be  judged  in 
thy  sight. 

20  "y  Put  them  in  fear,  O  Lord;  that 
the  nations  ^  may  know  themselves  to  he 
hut  men.     Selah. 


rl2.   12:5.  72:4,12—14.    i02:17, 

20.   109:31.  .  Luke  1:53.     6:20. 

Jam.  2:5. 
s  Prov.   23:18.  24:14.     Phil.   1: 

20. 
t  3:7.  7:6.    10:12.    44:23,26.  68: 

1,2.  74:22,23.  76:8,9.  80:2.    Is. 

42:13,14.  51:9.   Zeph.  3:8. 
u  Gen.  32:23.     1   Sam.   2:9.    2 


Chr.  14:11.     Is.  42:13. 
x2:l— 3.  79:6.   149:7.     Jer.  lO 

25.       Joel    3:12.       Mic.    5:15. 

Zech.  14:18.    Rev.  19:15. 
y  76:12.   83:15.     Ex.  15:16.   23: 

27.     Deut.  2:25.      Jer.  32:40. 

Ez.  30.13. 
z  82:6,7.     Is.  31:3.     Ez.  28:2,9. 

Acts  12:22,23. 


mies  of  the  Lord  and  his  people,  might  be  so  ter- 
rified, as  to  recollect  their  own  weakness,  and 
submit  to  omnipotence.  The  LXX  translate  the 
first  clause,  "Place  a  lawgiver  over  them;"  and 
the  original  word,  by  varying  a  vowel  point, 
means  a  Teacher;  and  in  this  sense  the  prayer  is 
for  their  instruction  and  conversion. 
Fear.  (20)  mio  ,  pointed  as  if  it  were  instead  of 

N11D,  from  Ni>  timuit. — rniD  doctor,  part,  hi  ph.  from 

r\-y> :  in  hiph.  min  docuii. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

All  our  mercies  should  be  acknowledged  beforo 
God,  in  fervent  praises:  the  whole  gloiy  of  every 
success  or  deliverance  belongs  to  him;  our  whoh; 
heart  should  be  lifted  up  in  rendering  him  this 
tribute;  we  should  delight  in  shewing  forth  pub- 
licly his  marvellous  works,  to  us  and  to  his  church; 
and  our  joy  must  not  rest  in  any  of  the  gifts  of  our 
G.od,  but  ascend  to  him,  and  centre  in  him  as  our 
all-sufficient  Portion. — The  enemies  of  Christ  and 
of  his  people  for  a  time  may  stand  their  ground, 
and  prevail:  but  in  due  season,  they  will  be  dis- 
mayed, and  fall  and  "perish  at  his  presence." — 
He  who  advanced  David,  and  maintained  bis 
righteous  cause;  who  exalted  the  Savior  "to  his 
own  right  hand  in  heavenly  places,"  in  defiance  of 
all  his  enemies;  will  shortly  bring  to  an  end  the 
wickedness  of  persecuting  tyrants,  and  cover  them 
with  eternal  infamy.  This  almighty  Lord  will 
help  the  Christian  also  in  all  liis  conflicts  and 
temptations,  and  support  and  comfort  him  in  all 
his  troubles,  till  he  is  finally  delivered  from  the 
body  of  sin;  and  till  "Satan  is  bruised  under  his 
feet,"  and  death  itself  is  "swallowed  up  in  vic- 
tory." The  eternal  God  has  already  prepared  his 
throne  for  judgment:  he  will  certainly  execute 
judgment  in  righteousness  and  in  faithfulness; 
and  then  every  iniquitous  sentence  will  be  revers- 
ed, and  every  oppressor  punished. — In  the  mean 
while,  all  "who  know  his  name,  will  trust  in  him" 
for  temporal  protection  and  eternal  salvation;  and 
their  experience  will  daily  increase  their  knowl- 
edge and  confirm  their  faith:  for  the  Lord  never 
did,  and  never  will,  forsake  or  reject  an}',  who 
seek  his  favor  according  to  his  word.  He  is  "in 
Christ  reconciling  the  world  unto  himself;"  he 
may  be  found  on  a  mercy-seat:  let  saints  then 
sing  praises  to  him,  and  call  upon  sinners  to  come 
and  trust  in  him.  The  blood  of  many  martyrs  has 
been  shed,  and  their  persecutors  have  supposed 
that  no  inquisition  would  be  made  for  it:  but  from 
time  to  time  the  Lord  anticipates  that  day,  when 
"the  earth  shall  disclose  her  blood,  and  shall  no 
more  cover  her  slain."  He  is  ever  mindful  of  the 
cry  of  the  humble.  His  consolations  more  than 
counterbalance  outward  afflictions,  and  if  any  a'R 

[131 


B.  C.  1058. 


PSALM  X. 


B.  C.  1058. 


PSALM    X. 

The  Psalmist  complains  that  the  Lord  hid  his  face,  amidst  the 
outrages  of  wicked  persecutors,  1 — 11.  He  prays  for  redress, 
and  professes  his  confidence  in  God,  12—18. 

HY    ^standest  thou   afar  off,  O 
Lord?  why    ''hidest    thou    tky-\ 
se//"^in  times  of  trouble?  i 

2  *The  wicked  •=  in  liis  pride  doth 
persecute  the  poor:  ^  let  them  be  taken  \ 
in  the  devices  that  they  have  imagined,  i 

3  For  the  wicked  ^boasteth  of  his' 
t  heart's  desire,  ^  and  *  blesseth  the  cov- 
etous s  whom  the  Lord  ^  abhorreth.         j 

4  The  wicked,  through  '  the  pride  of' 
his  countenance,  ''will  not  seek  nfter\ 
God:  k  God   is  not   in  all    his  '  thoughts. 

5  "■  His  ways  are  always  grievous;; 
"  ihy  judgments  are  far  above  out  of  his 
sight:  as  for  all  his  enemies,  °  he  pufFeth 
at  them. 


a  22:1.  46:1.   109:31.    Jer.  14:8. 
b  13:1—3.     27:9.     30:7.    44:24. 

88:14.  Job  13:24.  23:9.  34:29. 
*  Heb.      In    the  pride   of   the 

■wicked  he  doth,  &c. 
C  31:18.    36:11.     59.12.     119:51, 

69,85,122.  123:4.    140.5.   Ex.9: 

37.   18:11.     Is.  10:12,13.   14:13, 

16.     Jer.  43:2. 
d7:16.  9:15,16.   Prov.  5:22. 
e  35:21.  49:6.  52:1.  73:8,9.    94: 

4.   Ex.  15:9.     Is.  10:7-11.  37: 

23,24.     Jam.  4:13,16. 
■f  Heb  souths. 
f49:13.     1  Sam.  23:21.     Prov. 

2S:4.     Rom.  1  .32. 
;J  Or,  the  covciov^  blesseth  him- 
self, he  abhorreth  the   LORD. 

49:11—13.      Deut.  29:19.     Job 

31:24,2.S.     Hos.  12:7,8.    Zech. 

11:5-8.     I/uke    12:19.     Rom. 

1:29,30.  2  Tim.  3:2—4.  1  John 

2:15,16. 
g  Is.  57:17.    Jer.  22:17.  Mlc.  6: 

10—12.     Hab.  2:9.     Matt.  26: 

15,16.     Luke    12:15.    16:14,15. 


1  Cor.  6:10.     Eph.   5:5.     Col. 

3:5.     1  Tim.  6:9,10.     2  Pet.  2: 

3,14,15. 
h  5:6.  106:40.  Lev.  26:30.  Deut. 

32:19. 
i  18:27.   101:5.     Prov.  6:17.  21: 

4.  30:13.     Is.  2:11.  3:9.    10:]2. 
k  14:2.  27:8.     T,x.   5:2.      Deut. 

8:14.     Job  22:17.      Prov.  30:9. 

Jer.  2:31.  Dan.  5:22,23.  Zeph. 

2:3. 
$  Or,  all  his  ihoiights  are, there 

is  no  (lod.    14:1.  53:1. 
1  Gen.  6:5.     Is.  59:7.  65:2.  Jer. 

4:14.     Mark  7:21.     Acts  8:22. 

Rom.  1:21,28. 
m  Gen.  6:12.     Prov.  1:19.  2:13 

—  15.     Is.  10:1.    59:7,8.     Hos. 

9:9.     Rom.  3:16. 
n  92:5,6.      Prov.    15:24.     Is.    5: 

12.  26:11.  28:15.  42:25.     Hos. 
14:9. 

o    12:5.      Judg.     9:27,27,33.     2 
Sam.   5:6.       1  Kings  20:10,11, 

13.  2  Chr.  32:15—19. 


cut  off  by  martyrdom,  their  souls  are  forwarded 
to  heaven.  There  the  church  is  triumphant;  here 
it  must  be  militant. — Satan,  who  hates  us,  will 
stir  up  opposition  and  excite  our  depravity  by  his 
sug'g'cstions:  but  the  Lord,  who  has  lifted  us  up 
from  the  g-ates  of  death  and  hell,  considers  all  our 
conflicts  and  temptations;  he  will  give  us  merci- 
ful deliverances  on  earth,  that  we  may  praise  him 
with  his  people;  and  in  a  little  time  will  com- 
pletely rescue  our  souls;  that,  in  his  temple  above, 
we  may  rejoice  in  his  salvation  and  triumph  in 
bis  praise.  Then  the  wicked  of  every  description 
will  sink  into  the  pit  of  destruction:  their  own 
crimes  will  fall  upon  them,  and  they  will  be  caught 
in  their  own  snare:  then  especially  will  the  power 
and  justice  of  God  be  made  known  to  all  the 
world,  by  "the  judgments  that  he  executeth;" 
and  even  whole  nations  of  those,  who  forgot  and 
despised  him,  shall  be  turned  into  hell,  and  for 
ever  shut  up  in  that  region  of  darkness  and  de- 
spair.— Many  of  his  people  are  here  permitted  to 
be  poor  and  afflicted,  and  seem  to  be  forgotten; 
and  they  are  ail  "poor  in  spirit,"  and  have  nothing 
to  trust  to  but  his  mercy  antl  grace.  But  they 
shall  not  always  be  forgotten:  their  expectation 
of  help  and  salvation  from  God  .shall  not  perish  in 

disappointment  forever Often  it  has  seemed, as 

if  man  would  prevail  against  the  cause  of  God; 
but  the  church  has  prayed,  her  Advocate  has 
pleaded,  and  the  arm  of  the  Lord  has  been  ex- 
tended; some  of  her  enemies  have  been  judged 
and  have  perished;  many  have  been  intimidated, 
and  others  humbled  in  cordial  submission;  so  that 
132] 


I  6  He  hath  p  said  in  his  heart,  ''  I  shall 
not  be  moved:  for  I  shall  ||  never  be  in 
adversity. 

7  His  mouth  is  ""  full  of  cursing,  ^  and 
^  deceit,  and  fraud:  '  under  his  tongue  is 
"  mischief  *  and  **  vanity. 

8  He  sitteth  in  ^  the  lurking  places  of 
the  villages:  in  the  secret  places  doth  he 
murder  the  innocent:  ^  his  eyes  ttare  priv- 
ily set  against  the  poor. 

9  ^  He  lieth  in  wait  ++  secretly  as  a 
lion  in  his  den:  he  heth  in  wait  *'to 
catch  the  poor,  he  doth  catch  "^  the  poor, 
when  he  draweth  him  into  his  net. 

10  He  ^icroucheth,  a7id  *  humbleth 
himself,  that  the  poor  may  fall  ""  by  his 
strong  ones. 

1 1  He  hath  «  said  in  his  heart,  '  God 
hath  forgotten:  he  hideth  his  face,  he 
will  never  see  it. 


p  11:1.   14:1.  Matt.  24:48. 

q  15:5.  30:6.     Kc.  8:11.     Is.  47: 

7.  56:12.     Nah.    1:10.       Matt. 

24:43—51.     1  Thes.  5:3.  Rev. 

18:7. 
II  Heb.    unto  generation  and 

generation. 
r  59:12.  62:4.   109:17,18.     Kom. 

3:14. 
s  5:9.    7:14.     36:3.    52:4.    55:21. 

58:3.  64:3.     Is.  59:4.     Jer.  9:3, 

6.   Rom.  3:13. 
IT  Heb.  deceits. 
t  Job  20:12. 
u  7:14.  140:9.  Job  15:35.    Matt. 

12:84.  Jam.  3:6—8. 
X  12:2.    41:6.    144:8,11.      Prov. 

21:6.  30:8.     2  Pet.  2:18. 
**  Or,  iniquity, 
y    1    Sam.    22:18,19.     23:23.    2 

Kings   21:16.       Prov.    1:11,12. 

Hab.  3:14.     Luke  8:1.   10:1. 
z  17:11.      Prov.   6:12,13.     Jer. 


22:17. 
ft  Heb.  hide  themselves. 
a' 17:12.    59:3.     Mic.  7:2.    Acts 

23:21. 
Jt  Heb.   in  the  secret  places 

Lara.   3:10.     Am.   3:4.     Nab 

2:11,12.      Zech.  11:3. 
b  Jer.  5:26.  Ez.  19:3—6.  Hab 

1:15.     John  10:12. 
c  12:5.   14:6.    35:10.  37:14.    109 

31.    Job  5:15,16.  20:19.  24:14 

Prov.  14:31.  22:16.  28:15.     Is 

3:15.  32:7.      Ez.    22:29.     Am 

2:6,7.4:1.  5:11,12.  8:4,6.   Hab. 

3:14. 
§^  Heb.-   breaketh  himself.    I 

Sa/n.  2:36. 
d  1   Sam.    18:21—26.    23:21,22. 

2  Sam.  15:5. 

III!  Or,  into  his  strong  parts. 
e  6.  Mark  2:6.  Luke  7:39. 
f  64:5.  73:11.  94:7.     Job   22:13, 

14.     Ez.  8:12.  9:9. 


the  cause  of  God  yet  maintains  its  ground.  Still 
we  have  abundant  reason  to  unite  in  prayer,  and 
to  say,  'Arise,  O  Lord,  let  not  Satan  or  man  pre- 
'vail  to  confine  thy  church  within  such  narrow 
'limits,  to  corrupt  it  by  so  many  heresies  and  scan- 
'dals,  or  to  distract  it  with  so  many  divisions  and 
'disputes:  put  those  in  fear  and  to  shame,  who  ar- 
'rogate  more  to  themselves,  than  can  belong  to  fal- 
'lible,  sinful,  mortal  man;  humble  and  convert 
'every  opposer,  and  destro)'  every  system  of  su- 
'perstition  and  delusion;  that  all  the  inhabitants 
'of  the  earth  may  know  themselves  to  be  lost,  sin- 
'ful  men;  that  they  may  gladly  welcome  the  Sa- 
'vior,  and  become  his  willing  subjects.  Higgaion. 
'Selah.    Amen.' 

NOTES. 

PsALAi  X.  V.  1.  David's  name  is  not  pre- 
fixed to  this  Psalm;  yet  it  is  probable  that  it  was 
composed  by  him,  with  reference  to  the  persecu- 
tion, which  he  and  the  church  of  God  suffered 
during  the  reign  of  Saul:  but  it  is  applicable  to 
similar  cases  in  everj'  age.  While  the  trial  con- 
tinues, and  comfort  and  deliverance  are  with- 
held, the  Lord  seems  to  "hide  himself,"  or  to 
"stand  at  a  distance,"  as  if  regardless  of  the 
event:  (JVo^e.?,  13:1 — 4.  22:1.)  but  he  only  waits 
to  be  called  upon  by  importunate  prayer  to  come 
and  deliver  his  people. 

V.  2 — 11.  Several  of  the  psalms  seem  inten- 
tionally to  have  been  written  in  general  terms, 
that  the}"^  might  serve  to  direct  the  devotiorts  of 
the  church  in  persecution,  and  those  of  every  be- 


B.  C.  1058. 


PSALM  X. 


B.  C.  105S. 


12  s  Arise,  O  Lord:  O  God,  '•  lift  up 
thine  hand;  '  forget  not  the  *  liumble. 

13  Wherefore  doth  the  wicked  ^  con- 
temn God?  he  hath  said  in  liis  heart, 
*  Thou  wih  not  require  it. 

14  ""Thou  hast  seen  it;  for  "thou 
beholdest  mischief  and  spite,  °  to  requite 
it  with  thy  hand:  p  the  poor  t  committeth 
himself  unto  thee:  thou  art  "^  the  helper 
of  the  fatherless. 

15  ^  Break  thou  the  arm  of  the  wick- 


g3:7.  7:6.  9:19. 

h  94:2.     Is.  26:11.  33:10.    Mic. 

5:9. 
;  9:12.   13:1.  44:24.  74:19.  77:9. 
*  Or,  afflicted. 
k  74:10,18.  Num.  11:20.  2Sam. 

12:9.10.     Luke  10:16.   1  Thes. 

4:8. 
I  Gen.  9:5.    42:22.     2  Chr.   24: 

22.     Luke  11:50,51. 
m  35:22.     Prov.  -15:3.     Jer.  16: 

17.  23:24.     Heb.  4:13. 


n  Hab.  1:13. 

oJudg.    1:7.     2   Kings   9:2G.    2 

Chr.  6:23.     Jer.    51:56.      Joel 

3:4. 
p  55:22.     2  Tim.    1:12.     1    Pet. 

4:19.  5:7. 
t  Heb.  leaveth.     Is.  10:3.   Jer. 

49:1]. 
q   68:5.     146:9.      Deut.    10:13. 

Hos.  14:3. 
s  3:7.  37:17.      Job  38:15.     Ez. 

30:21,22.     Zecli.  11:17. 


liever  in  his  personal  troubles  and  afflictions. — 
Pride  and  ambition  caused  Saul  to  envy  and  hate 
David,  as  one  who  had  eclipsed  his  glor)',  and 
who  was  appointed  by  God  to  the  kingdom,  as 
"the  man  after  his  own  heart;"  and  therefore  he 
persecuted  him.  (JV*o<e*,  1  Sam.  18:6—11.  20: 
31.) — The  Jewish  priests,  scribes,  and  rulers 
hated  Christ  and  his  apostles,  because  their  ig-- 
norance  and  hypocrisy  were  exposed,  and  their 
authority  endangered,  by  his  clear  and  convinc- 
ing instructions,  his  answers  to  their  objections, 
and  his  holy  example:  and  the  same  general 
principle  has  made  way  for  the  persecution  of 
the  humble  and  zealous  servants  of  God  in  all 
ages.  But  the  Psalmist  predicted,  (for  the  orig- 
inal is  in  the  future  tense,  "They  shall  be  taken, 
&c.")  that  his  enemies  would  ruin  themselves, 
instead  of  him. — Saul  at  length  avowed  and  boast- 
ed of  his  desire  of  murdering  David,  which  at 
first  he  concealed:  and  he  "blessed  the  covet- 
ous," who  courted  favor  by  betraying  him.  But 
God  abhorred  such  men;  as  indeed  they  resembled 
Judas  who  sold  his  Lord. — Saul,  with  evident 
haughtiness,  refused  to  submit  to  the  decree  of 
God  made  known  by  Samuel,  or  to  seek  his  fa- 
vor; and  in  his  subsequent  conduct,  he  acted  as 
an  iniidel  or  an  atheist.  He  became  grievously 
cruel  and  oppressive  in  his  government,  espe- 
cially wlien  he  murdered  the  priests.  (JVbfe.9,  1 
Sam.  22:14 — 19.)  God's  judgments  were  out  of 
his  sight:  he  believed  nothing  about  them;  and, 
growing  more  presumptuous  by  impunity,  he 
scorned  all  those  as  enemies,  who  opposed  his 
rage.  His  conversation  became  a  mixture  of 
profaneness,  perjury,  violent  imprecations,  and 
deceit;  and  he  was  continually  avowing  his  base 
and  mischievous  purposes.  [.TVofes,  1  Sam.  20: 
30 — 33.)  Personally,  and  by  his  agents,  he 
watched  for  David  in  every  place  where  he  was 
likely  to  surprise  him;  being  bent  on  murdering 
a  poor  fugitive  who  had  never  injured  him,  as 
much  as  a  hungry  lion  is  of  seizing  his  prey. 
Nay,  he  even  seemed  to  pay  court,  and  humble 
himself,  to  David  and  others,  as  well  as  to  stoop 
to  the  meanest  practices,  that  he  might  get  him 
within  his  reach,  and  murder  him  by  one  of  his 
captains.  This  deliberate  plan  of  virulent  oppo- 
sition to  one  whom  God  had  expressly  marked 
out  as  the  object  of  his  special  favor,  could  be 
the  result  of  nothing  but  contempt  of  God,  and 
practical  atheism.     [JVotes,  36:1 — 4.) 

Whom  the  Lord  ahhorreih.  (3)     mn''  y^o-     We 


ed    and    the    evil    man:     '  seek    out    his 
wickedness  till  thou  find  none. 

16  "The  Lord  is  King  for  ever  and 
ever:  ^  the  heathen  are  perished  out  of 
his  land. 

17  Lord,  ^  thou  hast  heard  the  desire 
of  ^  the  humble:  '' thou  wilt  +  prepare 
their  heart,  ^  thou  wilt  cause  thine  ear  to 
hear: 

18  •'To  judge  the  fatherless  and  the 
oppressed,  that  "^  the  man  of  the  earth 
may  no  more   5  oppress. 

t  7:9.    Job  10:6.    20:27.     Jer.  2:  |  a  1  Ch 

34.    Kz.  23:48.     Zeph.  1:12. 
u  29:10.    93:1.     145:13.     146:10. 

Is.   33:22.     Jer.    10:10.     Lam. 

5:19.  Dan.  4:34.  6:26.    1  Tim. 


1:17.  6:15. 
X  9:5,15.    18:4.'?— 45.  44:2,3.  78: 

55.   80:8. 
y  9:12,18.    37:4.  145:19.     Prov. 

10:24. 
z  2  Chr.  33:12,13.  34:27.  Prov. 

15:8.    Matt.  5:3.     Luke  18:13, 

14.  Jam.  4:6,10.    1  Pet.  5:5. 


29:18.     2   Chr.  29:36. 

30:12.     Prov.    16:1.      Rom.   3; 

26.     Jam.  1:16,17. 
X  Or,  establish.     112:7,8.   Eph. 

2:18.  3:12. 
b  102:17.     Is.  65:24.     Acts  4:24 

—31.   12:5,&c.   1  Pet.  3:12. 
C  14.   72:4.    94:1—6.     Liike  18; 

7,8. 
d  17:14.     Luke   16:25.     1    Cor. 

15:47,48.     Phil.  3:18,19. 
^  Or,  terrify. 


contemneth,  or  provoketh  the  Lord.  (13.  Heb.) 
napwfui'E  Tov  Kvpiov.  Sept.  And  thus  also  in  the 
13th    verse ■(>«,  in  pihel,  generally   means,  to 

provoke,  or  greatly  to  despise. — The  clause  maj' 
either  mean,  "the  Lord  abhorreth,  or  despiseth, 
the  covetous  man;"  or,  "the  covetous  man  de- 
spiseth, or  provoketh,  the  Lord."     (Zecft.  1 1:8.) 

V.  12,  13.  The  honor  of  God  required,  that 
such  impious  persons,  who  despised  him  and  de- 
fied his  wrath,  should  be  openly  rebuked;  and 
his  oppressed  servants,  who  intrusted  their  cause 
with  him,  as  openly  delivered.  [Maro;.  Ref.) — 
'What  is  it,  but  thy  long-suffering, ...  that  makes 
'the  wicked  thus  "insolently  despise  thee.''  He 
'concludes,  thou  wilt  never  punish  him,  because 
'thou  art  so  patient  with  him.'    Bp.  Patrick. 

Y.  14,  15.  Though  the  Lord  did  not  immedi- 
ately appear  to  punish  the  persecutors,  the 
Psalmist  was  fully  assured,  that  he  observed 
with  strict  attention  all  their  mischief  and  mal- 
ice; and  would  by  his  power  openly  requite  his 
enemies.  In  confideace  of  this,  his  poor  and 
persecuted  servants  "left  themselves"  in  his 
hands,  as  destitute  ofphans  who  had  no  other 
helper,  but  who  were  assured  of  his  compassion- 
ate protection.  Tiiey  also  prayed  against  their 
oppressor,  that  God  would  "break  his  arm,"  (or 
deprive  him  of  power,)  and  search  out,  in  or- 
der to  terminate,  his  wickedness,  that  none  of  it 
might  remain.  [Miirg.  Ref. — J\''otes,  58:6 — 9. 
Ez.  30:20—26.  Zech.  n:15--17.) 

V.  16.  The  Canaanites  had  been  destroyed 
out  of  the  land  by  the  power  of  Jehovah,  the 
eternal  King  of  Israel;  and  Saul  and  his  adhe- 
rents were  in  reality  no  less  heathens  than  thej': 
David,  therefore,  in  faith  expected  their  extirpa- 
tion from  among  tlie  people  of  God.  [.N'ote,  Rev. 
11:1,2.)     The  original  words,    (n;)i  oSlj,')  rendered 

"for  ever  and  ever,"  appear  always  strictly  to 
denote  eternity. 

V.  17,  18.  The  encouragement  to  be  derived 
from  the  readiness,  wliich  God  had  ever  shewn, 
to  answer  the  prayers  of  the  humble;  the  reason 
of  this  condescension  to  them  in  particular,  be- 
cause their  prayers  sprang  from  hearts  prepared 
by  his  special  grace;  {J^otes,  Rom.  8:24 — 27. 
Jam,  5:16 — 18.  Jude  20, 2\.)  the  pleasure,  so  to 
speak,  which  he  took  in  listening  to  them;  and 
the  deliverances  in  consequence  granted  to  his 
church  by  crushing  worldly  oppressors;  are  cir- 
cumstances replete  with  instruction  and  encour- 
ment. 

[133 


J3.  C.  1060. 


PSALM  XI. 


B.  C.  1060. 


PSALM  XL 


David,  when  advised  to  flee  from  his  enemies,  professes  confi- 
dence in  God,  1 — 3.  He  shews  the  Lord's  abhorrence  of  the 
wicked,  and  his  care  of  the  righteous,  4 — 7. 

To    the    chief    Musician,    A    Psalm    of 

David. 
*  TN  the  Lord  put  1   ray    trust;  ''  how 
JL  say  ye  to  my  soul,  "  Flee,  as  a  bird 


say  ye  to  my  soul, 
to  your  mountain.^ 

a  7:1.    9:10.     16:1.    25:2.  31:14. 

56:11.     2  Chr.  14:11.   16:8.  Is. 

26:3,4. 
b  1    Sam.    19:11.    20:38.    21:10 


—12.    22:3.      23:14 
27:1. 

;   55:6,7.      Prov.    6:5. 
13:31. 


26:19,20. 
Luke 


PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

As  every   believer,  and  the  whole  church,  in 
conformity  to  Christ,  must  have  seasons  of  trial  and 
humiliation,  the  tempter  and  his  party  for  a  time 
succeed;  {M)te,  Gen,  3:14,15.)  and  the  Lord  will 
sometimes  seem  to  stand  at  a  distance  when  his 
help  is  most  wanted.     But  this  will  lead  the  be- 
liever to  humble  faith  and  prayer,  and  conduce 
to  his  good;  and  he  should  remember  that  even  the 
Savior  once  exclaimed,  "My  God,  my  God,  why 
hast  thou  forsaken  rne?"  [Jfoten^Matt.  27:46,50.) 
For  it  is  far  better  to  be  a  tempted,  persecuted, 
and  deserted  saint,  than  a  prosperous  persecutor. 
— It  is  a  sad   mark   of  a  reprobate  mind,  when 
men  glory  in  those  desires,  principles,  and  prac- 
tices, which  are  really  shameful.     (JVbfe,  Phil. 
3:17_19.)_Nothing   is   more    hateful  to    God, 
more  contrary  to  true  religion,  or  more  prolific 
of  other  crimes,  than  covetousness.     Yet  many 
who  are  severe  against  sins  of  inferior  malignity, 
favor  and  speak  well  of  the  covetous;  too  often, 
it  is  to  be  feared,  from  covetousness  in  them- 
selves.    But  persecutors  are  most  liable  to  this; 
for  the  tools  which   they  employ,  are  generally 
those  who  sell  their  souls,  and  would,  if  they  had 
the  opportunity,  sell  Christ  himself,  "for  filthy 
lucre's   sake."     (JVbies,  J>faM.  26: 14— 16,.57— 62, 
Ads  6:9—14.  1  Tim.  6:6— 10.)— Pride,  however, 
is  especially  the  image  of  Satan  and  the  root  of 
apostacy;  and  where  it  greatly   prevails,  it  will 
appear  even  in  a  man's  looks.     The  proud  man 
scorns  dependence,   or  subjection  to  any  Lord; 
he  feels  no  want  of  a  Teacher,  a  Priest,  or  a  Sa- 
vior; he  excuses  or  vindicates  his  transgressions 
of  God's  law;  he  abhors  Ihe  humbling  truths  of 
his  gospel;  and  he  is  morg  disposed  to  rival  God, 
or  rob  him  of  his  glory,  than  to  render  him  the 
worship  and  obedience  which  he  demands.  {Jfofe, 
2  Thes.  2:3,4.)    He  therefore  banishes  from  his 
mind  all   thoughts   of  him,  as  much  as  he  can. 
From  such  ungodliness,  iniquity  and  fraud  must 
spring  of  course;  except  as  restrained  by  the  fear 
of  man  or  by  contrary  lusts.     And  when  a  per- 
son of  this  character  obtains  power  and  author- 
ity, he  is  formed  for  a  tyrant  and  a  persecutor. 
The  judgments  of  God  are  not  feared  or  thought 
of;    human  opposition  is  disdained  and  derided. 
Grievous  oppressions  conducted  with  perjuries, 
deceit,  lies,  and  all  kind  of  abominable  words  and 
actions,    may  be    expected,    as    circumstances 
arise  and  occasion  requires.     [J\'otes,  2  Thes.  2:8 
—12.    2  Pet.  2:15—19.    Jude   11—13.)      From 
this  source,  no  doubt,  originates  a  great  part  of 
that  enmity  and  contempt,  which  infidels  express 
against  the  inoffensive  disciples  of  Christ.     Full 
of  self-conceit,  they  affect  to  be  thought  wiser, 
and  are  ambitious  of  being  greater,  than  other 
men.     They  consider  Christianity  and  its  zealous 
friends  as  standing  in  their  way;  and  in  opposing 
them,  they  bring  ruin  on  themselves. — Alas,  how 
many  in  all  ages  have  answered  this  character! 
and  more  have  shewn  the  disposition,  who  could 
not  or  dared  not  indulge  it.     Indeed,  all  our  de- 
liberate sins  spring  from  unbelief,  forgetfulness, 
or  contempt  of  God;  and  our  hearts  are  i)rone  to 
134] 


2  For,  lo,  ^  the  wicked  bend  their 
bow,  they  ^  make  ready  their  arrow  upon 
the  string,  ^  that  they  may  *  privily  shoot 
at   K  the  upright  in  heart. 

3  If  ''  the  foundations  be  destroyed, 
'  what  can  the  righteous  do; 

d  10:2.  37:14.  64:3,4.      "  "       "  '" 


Jer.  9:3. 
e  21:12. 
f  10:3,9.    64:5.     142:3.      1    Sam. 

18:21.  23:9.     Matt.  26:4.  Acts 

23:12—15. 
*  Heb.  in  darkness. 
g7:10.  32:11.  64:10.   94:15.  97: 

11.   125:4. 


h  7.5:3.  82:5.    Is.  58:12.    2  Tim. 
2:19. 

1  Kings  19:13—18.  22:12—14. 
2  Chr.  32:13—15.  Neh.  6:10 
—12.  Jer.  26:11—15.  Dan. 
3:15— 13.  6:10,&c.  John  11:S 
—10.     Acts  4:5—12,-24—33. 


aitheism  itself.  But  the  Lord  beholds,  and  will 
requite,  the  spite  and  malice  of  his  enemies,  and 
all  those  crimes,  which  elude  or  out-brave  human 
justice:  he  will  judge  in  behalf  of  the  fatherless 
and  oppressed,  against  the  worldly  oppressor. 
Let  then  the  poor,  afilicted,  persecuted,  or  tempt- 
ed believer  recollect,  that  Satan  is,  by  usurpation 
and  human  choice,  the  prince  of  this  world,  and 
the  father  of  all  wicked  men:  and  the  children  of 
God  cannot  reasonably  expect  much  kindness, 
truth,  or  justice,  from  such  persons  as  formerly 
"crucified  the  Lord  of  glory."  But  this  once- 
suffering  Jesus,  now  reigns  as  King  over  all  the 
earth,  for  the  benefit  of  his  church;  and  of  his 
dominion  there  shall  be  no  end.  Let  us  then 
commit  ourselves  unto  him.  Let  us  humbly 
trust  in  his  mercy,  and  beg  of  him  to  prepare  our 
hearts  for  himself;  for  the  desires  which  he  im- 
parts, he  will  regard  and  answer.  He  will  res- 
cue the  believer  from  every  temptation,  and 
break  the  arm  of  every  oppressor,  and  "bruise 
Satan  under  our  feet  shortly."  When  that  ene- 
my shall  be  chained,  and  cast  into  the  bottomless 
pit,  every  antichrist  shall  be  destroyed,  oppres- 
sion and  persecution  shall  cease,  and  the  nations 
shall  learn  war  no  more;  for  they  shall  become 
the  kingdoms  of  our  Lord  Jesus,  the  Prince  of 
peace.  But  from  heaven  alone  will  all  sin  and 
temptation  be  excluded:  no  Canaanite  shall  find 
entrance  there;  no  lust  shall  then  remain  in  the 
heart  of  any  inhabitant;  no  imperfection  will  be 
known;  but  all  shall  be  complete  in  love,  purity, 
and  joy. 

NOTES. 
Psalm  XI.  V.  1—3.  It  is  probable,  that 
this  psalm  was  composed,  when  David  first 
began  to  be  in  danger  from  the  envy  and 
malice  of  Saul;  and  that  after  David  came  to 
the  throne,  it  was  given  to  the  chief  musician 
for  the  service  of  the  sanctuary. — Many  sup- 
pose these  verses  to  be  the  language  of  ene- 
mies, who  wanted  to  discourage  David's  hope 
in  God:  but,  as  the  unprincipled  wickedness  of 
his  persecutors  is  fairly  allowed,  it  is  far  more 
likely  that  they  contain  "the  »rwc?en<  advice  of  his 
timid  friends; '  who  advised  him,  and  his  small 
party,  to  flee  from  court  to  their  mountain,  (the 
pronoun  is  plural,)  to  some  place  of  safety  point- 
ed out  to  them,  as  the  bird  escapes  from  the  fowl- 
er. They  represented,  that  malice  and  treach- 
ery were  combined  against  him;  and  that  he 
would  soon  be  slain,  as  by  an  arrow  shot  in  the 
dark,  from  an  unknown  hand;  that  all  founda- 
tions of  religion  and  justice  were  subverted;  that 
the  most  upright  conduct  would  rather  endanger 
him,  than  do  him  any  service;  and  that  there 
was  no  good  to  be  done  by  the  most  righteous 
persons  in  such  circumstances:  or,  "The  right- 
eous man,  what  is  he  doing,"  who  expects  safety 
in  such  a  dangerous  situation.'  But  David  con- 
sidered the  service  of  Saul  and  of  Israel,  as  his 
post  of  duty;  and,  trusting  in  the  Lord,  he  would 
not  at  present  listen  to  any  exhortations  to  desert 
it.     {J^otes,  1  Satn.  22:5.  27:1,2.) 


B.  C.  1060. 


PSALM  XIT. 


B.  C.  105S. 


4  ^  Tlie  LoRu  is  in  his  holy  temple, 
'  The  Lord's  throne  is  in  heaven:  "'  his 
eyes  behold,  his  eye-lids  try,  the  children 
of  men. 

— "5  The  Lord  "  trieth  the  righteous: 
but  °  the  wicked,  and  him  that  loveth 
violence,  his  soul  hateth. 

6  PUpon  the  wicked  he  shall  rain 
*  snares,  fire  and  brimstone,  and  t  an 
horrible  tempest:  this  shall  be  ^  the  por- 
tion of  "■  their  cup. 

7  For  ^  the  righteous  Lord  loveth 
righteousness;  *■  his  countenance  doth  be- 
hold the  upright. 


k  9:11.    18:6.     Ex.  40:34,35.     1 

Chr.  17:5.     Hab.  2:20.    Zech. 

2:13.    2  Thes.  2:4. 
12:4.   103:19.     Is.   66:1.     Matt. 

5:34.     23:21,22.      Acts    7:49. 

Rev.  4:2. 
m  33:13.  34:15,16.    44:21.66:7. 

2  Chr.  16:9.     Prov.  15:3.    Jer. 

17:10.    23:24.      Heb.  4:13. 
n  7:9.   17:3.  26:2.     66:10.    139:1, 

23,24.     Gen.  22:1.     Zech.    13: 

9.  Mai.  3:3.  Jam.  1:12.   1  Pet. 

1:7.  4:12. 
o  5:4,5.   10:3.  21:8.     Prov.  6:16 

—19.     Jer.  12:8.     Zech.  11:8. 


p  105:32.     Gen.    19:24.     Ex.  9: 

23,24.     Job  18:15.    20:23.     Is. 

24:17,18.       Ez.    13:13.    33:22. 

Luke  17:29. 
*  Or,  quick  burning  coals.    18: 

12,13. 
t  Or,  a  hurning  tempest. 
q  16:5.    Gcii.  43:34.      1  Sara.  9: 

23.  Job  20:29.  27:13,&c. 
r75:8.     Is.   51:17,22.     Jer.   25: 

15—17.     Hab.  2:16.    John  18: 

11. 
s  45:7.  99:4.   146:8.     Is.  61:8. 
1 5:12.  21:6.    33:18.    42:5.     Job 

36:7. 


PSALM  XIL 


David,  lamenting  the  decay  of  godliness,  and  the  prevalency  of 
deceit,  craves  help  from  God,  1,  2.  He  predicts  the  destruc- 
tion of  flatterers,  proud  boasters,  and  oppressors,  3 — 5.  He 
comforts  himself  in  assurance  of  divine  protection,  grounded 
on  the  faithful  promises  of  God,  notwithstanding  the  triumph 
of  the  wicked,  0— !i.  '^ 

To  the  chief  Musician  upon  *  Sheminith, 
A  Psalm  of  David. 


V.  4,  5.  In  the  subsequent  part  of  the  psalm, 
David  shews  the  reasons  of  his  confidence.  Je- 
hovah, as  dweUing'  in  his  sanctuary,  and  mani- 
festing- his  g-lory  from  the  mercy-seat,  was  the 
God  of  Israel,  the  reconciled  Friend  of  his  peo- 
ple: but  his  throne  was  fixed  in  heaven,  far 
above  the  power  and  machinations  of  all  earthly 
potentates.  {J^otes,  115:3—7.  1  Kings  8:27.  /*. 
66:1,2.) — His  omniscience,  perfectly  viewing  the 
character  of  every  man,  and  his  impartial  justice, 
concurred  in  detecting"  and  punishing  wicked 
persecutors  and  oppressors,  who  were  the  objects 
of  his  holy  and  most  decided  detestation:  and 
though  he  tried  and  proved  the  righteous  by 
sharp  afilictions,  yet  the  event  would  certainly 
be  favorable  to  them.     [Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  6.  The  language  of  this  verse  is  evidently 
taken  from  the  awful  judgment  of  God  on  Sodom 
and  Gomorrah,  which  were  destroyed  by  fire  and 
brimstone  from  heaven.  [Jfotes,  Gen.  19:24,25. 
Deut.  29:19—25.)  Thus  at  last  the  wicked,  en- 
snared in  lueir  own  counsels,  and  driven  away 
by  the  wrath  of  God  as  a  tremendous  tempest, 
will  receive  their  portion  in  "the  lake  which 
burneth  with  fire  and  brimstone."  This  is  the 
cup  of  vengeance  which  will  be  given  them  to 
drink,  seeing  they  have  rejected  "the  cup  of  sal- 
vation."— Snares.']    Or,  "burning-coals."  Marg. 

V.  7.  'He  who  is  in  himself  essential  right- 
'eousness,  cannot  but  love  his  own  resemblance, 
'wrought  in  the  faithful  by  his  good  Spirit:  with  a 
'countenance  full  of  paternal  affection,  he  beholds 
'and  speaks  peace  and  comfort  to  them,  in  the 
'midst  of  their  sorrows;  until  admitted,  through 
'mercy,  to  that  glory,  from  which  justice  ex- 
'cludes  the  wicked,  and  beholding  that  counte- 
'nance  which  has  always  beheld  them,  they  shall 
'enter  on  a  life  of  boundless  and  everlasting  fe- 
'licity.'  Bp.  Home.  {JVotes,  Rev.  21:22—27.  22: 
1-5.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  servant  of  God  should  abide  in  hi.';  place 
and  at  his  work,  though  it  expose  him  to  many 
dangers  and  difficulties:  and  the  honor  of  God, 
the  interests  of  his  people,  and  regard  to  consist-  j 
ency  of  character,  require  eminent  persons  to ' 


^TTELP,  Lord;  for  *  the  godly  man 
JjL  ceaseth;  for  ^  the  faithful  fail 
from  among  the  children  of  men. 

2  ^  They  speak  vanity  every  one  with 
his  neighbor:  with  "^  flattering  lips,  and 
with  t  a  double  heart  do  they  speak. 

3  The  Lord  shall  « cut  off  all  flatter- 
ing hps,  and  ^the  tongue  that  speaketh 
J  proud  things: 


*Or,    The  eighth.   6:   title.      1 

Chr.  15:2). 
X  Or,    Sa-De.     3:7.    6:4.     54:1. 

Matt.  8:25.    14:30. 
a  Gen.  6:12.     Is.  1:9,21,22.    57: 

1.  63:5.     Jer.  5:1.    Mic.  7:1,2. 

Matt.  24:12. 
b  Prov.  20:6.  Is.  59:4,13—15. 
c  10:7.  36:3,4.  38:12.  41:6.   52:1 

—4.  59:12.   144:8,11.     Jer.  9:2 

—6,8. 
d5:9.  28:3.  62:4.     Prov.  20:19. 

29:5.     Ez.  12:24.  Rom.  16:18. 


1  Thes.  2:5. 

^  Heb.  an  heart  and  an  heart.. 
1  Chr.  12:33.  marg.  Jam.  1:8. 

e  Job  32:22. 

f  17:10.  73:8,9.  Ex.  15:9.  1 
Sam.  2:3.  17:43,44.  2  Kings 
19:23,24.  Is.  10:10.  Ez.  28: 
2,9.  29:3.  Dan.  4:30,31.  7:8, 
25.  Mai.  3:13.  2  Pet.  2:18. 
Jude  16.     Rev.  13:5. 

5  Heb.  great.  52:2.  Prov.  13- 
21. 


expose  themselves  more,  in  times  of  persecution, 
than  their  inferiors  are  called  to  do.  [.JVotes, 
JSTeh.  6:10—14.  Dan.  6:10,11.  Acts  Q-.l}^  But 
the  believer,  though  not  terrified  by  the  power 
and  rage  of  his  enemies,  will  frequently  be  tempt- 
ed to  desert  his  post,  or  to  neglect  his  work,  by 
the  fears  of  his  friends.  They  will  clearly  see 
his  danger;  but,  through  want  or  weakness  ot 
faith,  they  will  not  perceive  his  security;  anS 
they  will  often  give  him  counsel,  which  savors  ot 
worldly  policy,  rather  than  of  heavenly  wisdom. 
But  such  dangerous  temptations  must  be  rejected 
with  firmness  and  decision.  (JVbie,  Matt.  16:21 
— 23.)  Let  it  not  be  thought,  that,  in  times  ot 
prevailing  iniquity,  when  all  regard  to  the  laws 
of  God  and  man  is  discarded,  the  righteous  caa 
do  no  good.  'AH  is  not  over,  while  there  is  a 
'man  left  to  reprove  error,  and  bear  testimony 
'to  the  truth;  and  a  man,  who  does  it  with  be- 
coming spirit,  may  stop  a  prince,  or  senate, 
'when  in  full  career,  and  recover  the  day.'— 'No 
'place  on  earth  is  out  of  the  reach  of  care  and 
'trouble.  Temptations  are  every  where;  and  so 
'is  the  grace  of  God.'  Bp.  Home. — The  upright 
and  zealous  seiTants  of  God  are  indeed  peculiar- 
ly exposed  to  the  malice  of  wicked  persecutors, 
who  commonly  have  power  on  their  side;  but  let 
us  not  forget  the  almighty  God.  Upon  his  mer- 
cy-seat he  hears  the  prayers,  and  defends  the 
cause,  of  his  people;  but  into  that  holy  temple 
the  daring  sinner  has  no  access.  On  his  exalted 
throne  he  rules  over  all  the  kings  of  the  earth; 
he  notices  all  the  devices  of  his  enemies,  and  the 
pei'ils  of  his  friends:  he  will  permit  the  persecutor 
to  proceed  just  as  far  as  is  requisite,  to  prove  and 
increase  the  faith  and  holiness  of  his  servants. 
(JVo<e*,  66:8— 10.  76:10.  125:3.)  But  he  abhors 
those,  who  delight  in  cruelty  and  violence,  and 
will  shortly  assign  them  their  horrible  portion  in 
the  pit  of  destruction.  He  loves  his  own  image  in 
his  people;  he  beholds  them  with  coinplaceucy 
and  paternal  care;  he  protects  their  lives  till 
their  work  be  done,  and  then  receives  them  to  his 
heavenly  kingdom.  And  what  has  he  to  fear, 
who  has  a  righteous  cause,  a  rejoicing  con- 
science, an  almighty  Friend,  and  a  faithful 
pi-omise  on  his  side.''  [Jfotes.,  2  Sam.  22:29 — 33.) 

[135 


B.  C.  1058. 


PSALM  xm. 


B.  C.  1057- 


4  Who  have  said,  ^  With  our  tongue 
will  we  prevail;  our  lips  are  *  our  own: 
''  who  is  lord  over  us? 

5  '  For  the  oppression  of  the  poor, 
for  the  sighing  of  the  needy,  ^  now 
will  I  arise,  saith  the  Lord;  I  will  set 
Jdm  in  safety  from  him  that  t  puffeth  at 
him. 

6  '  The  words  of  the  Lord  are  pure 


g.Ter.  13:13.     Jam.  3:5,6. 

*  Heb.  TUitA  us. 

h  Gen.  3:5.     Ex.  5:2.     Job  21: 

14,15.      Jer.    2:31.     44:1(3,17. 

Dan.  3:15.   11:36.    2  Thps.  2:4. 
i  10:12.  74:21,22.  79:10,11.   146: 

7,8.  Ex.  2:23,24.  3:7—9.  Judg-. 

10:  .\     Prov.    14:31.  22:22,23. 


Ec.  4:1.  5:8.     Is.    l9:20.    Ez. 

18:12,13,18.  Jam.  5:4. 
k  Is.  33:10.  Mic.  7:8,9. 
I  Or,  would  ensnare  him.  10:5. 

Job  5:15,21. 
1  18:30.     19:8.     119:140.      Prov. 

30:5. 


NOTES. 

Psalm  XII.  V.  1 — 4.  This  psalm  may  be- 
supposed  to  have  been  written  towards  the  end 
of  Saul's  reign;  when  his  impiety  and  abuse  of 
authority,  had  given  such  a  sanction  to  vice  and 
ungodliness,  that  not  only  piety,  but  truth  and 
lionesty,  seemed  about  to  expire;  while  every 
kind  of  wickedness  was  practised  without  fear  or 
shame. — Dissimulation,  flattery,  profane  and  ar- 
rogant boastings,  treachery,  and  calumny,  were 
the  general  recommendations  of  the  superior 
people  in  Israel,  to  the  favor  of  their  king  and 
his  courtiers;  and  the  infection  spread  rapidly 
among  all  orders  of  men.  Forgetful  of  God,  to 
whom  they  were  indebted  for  the  gift  of  speech, 
and  for  what  purpose  it  was  given,  and  of  their 
accountableness  to  him,  they  considered  their 
tongues  as  their  own,  to  be  employed  as  they 
pleased;  and  they  thought  to  carry  all  before 
them,  by  their  wit,  eloquence,  flatteries,  or  calum- 
nies. But  in  fact  they  were  only  exposing  them- 
selves to  the  judgments  of  God,  against  flatterers 
and  proud  boasters.  (Mars^.  Ref. — J^otes,  Is. 
59:3—8.  Jcr.  9:3—6.  Rom.  3:9—18.  Jam.  3:3— 
12.) 

V.  5,  6.  For  the  comfort  of  the  remnant  of 
poor  and  persecuted  believers,  David  addressed 
them  in  his  prophetical  character.  The  Lord  as- 
sured them,  that  he  noticed  their  oppressions,  and 
regarded  their  sighs  and  sorrows;  and  that  he  was 
about  to  arise  in  order  to  punish  their  enemies, 
and  to  set  them  in  safety  from  the  power,  and  the 
cruel  sarcasms  and  menaces,  to  which  they  were 
exposed.  He  also  reminded  them,  that  they  might 
confidently  depend  on  this  assurance;  for  the 
words  of  God  formed  a  perfect  contrast  to  the  de- 
ceitful and  iniquitous  speeches  of  their  neighbors. 
His  testimonies  and  promises  had  often  been  tried 
by  his  servants,  during  the  sharpest  distresses, 
and  had  always  been  found  sincere  and  faithful; 
•.ind  every  one  of  his  words  was  holy,  just,  good, 
and  inestimably  precious:  they  were  like  silver, 
whicli  has  been  many  times  refined,  in  tlie  most 
perfect  manner,  from  all  remaining  alloy. — The 
death  of  Saul,  the  ruin  of  his  party,  and  the  ad- 
vancement of  David  to  the  throne,  in  a  short  time 
after  this,  forined  an  exact  fulfilment  of  the  pre- 
diction. 

V.  7.  The  LXX  render  this  verse  as  follows, 
'Thou,  I^iORu,  wilt  guard  us,  and  preserve  us  from 
•this  generation,  and  for  ever.'  Not  only  from 
this  wicked  race,  but  "from  everj'  evil  work  unto 
fhy  heavenly  kingdom."  (JVbie,  2  Tiwi.  4:16— 18.) 
V.  8.  When  such  vile  men  as  Doeg-  and  his 
party,  (tlie  dregs  of  the  human  race,)  were  ad- 
\  anced  to  great  authoritj';  the  wicked  were  em- 
boldened (o  shc'.v  themselves,  and  encouraged 
openly  to  avow  their  corrupt  principles,  and  prac- 
tise every  kind  of  iniquity.  [J^<)tes,i)t:  I  Satii.  22: 
C — 10.)  But  when  the  power  should  be  put  into 
136] 


m  66:10. 

1  16:1.  37:23,40.    121:8.   145:20. 

Deut.  33:3.     1  Sam.   2:9.     Is. 

27:3.      1  Pet.  1:5.  Jude  1. 
J  Heb.   him,  that  is,  every  one 

of  them. 
o  10:18.     Matt.  3:7. 


words;  ™  as  silver   tried  in  a  furnace   of 
earth,  purified  seven  times. 

7  Thou  shalt  keep  them,  O  Lord, 
°  thou  shalt  preserve  +  them  from  °  this 
generation  for  ever. 

8  P  The  wicked  walk  on  every  side, 
^  when  the  k  vilest  men  are  exalted. 

PSALM  xm. 

David  mournfully  complains,  that  God  delays  to  comfort  and 
deliver  him;  and  prays  for  help,  that  his  enemy  might  not 
insult  over  him,  1—4.  Trusting  in  the  mercy  of  God,  he  ex- 
pects to  rejoice,  and  to  sing  his  praises,  5,  6. 


p  Prov.  29:12.  Hos.  5:11.   Mic. 

0:16. 
q  Judg.  9:18,&c.    1  Sam.  18:17, 

18.     Esth.  3:6,&c.     Is.  32:4— 

6.  Mark  14:63—65. 
§  Heb.   -vilest  of  the  sons  of 

men.  Job  30:8.  Dan.  11:21. 


other  hands,  they  would  be  driven  away,  and  the 
righteous  would  be  countenanced:  and  this  would 
soon  take  place.  [J^otes,  lOl:)  "The  wicked  walk 
on  every  side:  when  they  are  exalted,  it  is  a 
shame  for  the  sons  of  men."   Old  Translation. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

To  the  carnal  mind,  increasing  taxes,  the  de- 
cay of  trade,  and  such  like  events,  characterize 
bad  times;  but  the  decrease  of  piety,  and  the 
prevalence  of  iniquity,  form  the  worst  times,  in 
the  judgment  of  the  spiritually-minded. — When 
pious  men  are  removed  by  death,  and  none  are 
raised  up  in  their  places;  when  the  authority,  in- 
fluence, and  example  of  the  great,  embolden  men 
in  impiety,  and  discourage  the  profession  of  godli- 
ness, and  the  labors  of  faithful  ministers;  when 
apostacies,  superstitions,  and  damnable  heresies 
corrupt  the  church,  or  when  persecutions  waste 
it,  and  when  infidels  and  profligates  triumph;  then 
the  believer  thinks  the  times  very  bad,  however 
otherwise  peaceful  and  prosperous.  But  by  these 
very  things  he  will  be  excited  to  call  upoii  God, 
who  can  and  will  deliver,  when  human  help  is 
vain. — Honesty  and  sincerity  will  not  long  survive 
piety  in  any  place:  they  who  cast  off  all  regard  to 
God,  will  dissemble  and  flatter  to  serve  their  own 
interests  with  man:  and  reciprocally,  daring  in- 
iquity will  increase  impiety;  till  men  speak  and 
act,  as  if  they  had  made  tliemselves,  could  take 
care  of  themselves,  and  need  please  none  but 
themselves.  But  he  who  made  man's  mouth,  will 
call  him  to  an  account  for  all  his  proud,  dissem- 
bling, profane,  and  even  useless  words:  (JSTote, 
Matt.  12:33 — 37.)  and  he  who  made  our  souls  and 
bodies,  is  Proprietor  of  them,  and  demands  the 
use  of  them.  He  will  cut  off  the  flatterer  as  well 
as  the  slanderer,  and  the  proud  infidel  as  well  as 
the  covetous  oppressor.  He  waits,  till  his  people 
are  sufiiciently  tried,  and  till  his  enemies  have 
filled  up  their  measure:  but  he  hears  the  sighs  and 
prayers  of  his  afflicted  people;  and  he  will  defend 
their  cause,  and  deliver  them  from  the  generation 
of  the  wicked,  and  from  the  wicked  one,  and  that 
for  ever.  He  will  also  rise  to  revive  his  church 
from  the  ruins,  with  greater  glory:  he  hath  prom- 
ised., and  his  word  is  more  pure  and  precious  than 
the  finest  silver.  Let  us  rest  upon  it,  and  com- 
fort our  souls  with  it;  though  we  cannot  but  grieve 
to  see  the  degeneracy  of  the  times,  and  the  abound- 
ing of  iniquity  and  infidelity.  And  even  should 
we  witness  the  advancement  of  the  vilest  of  men 
to  the  highest  dignities  in  church  and  state,  and 
the  consequent  trium.phs  of  error  and  wickedness 
over  the  cause  of  truth  and  holiness;  still  let  us 
wait  and  pray:  the  Lord  will  yet  make  his  cause 
triumpliaut;  and  the  prayers  of  the  remnant  of  his 
people  arc  an  appointed  means  of  ushering  in 
those  better  and  more  glorious  days,  vvliich  can- 
not now  be  verv  far  distant. 


B.  C.  1057, 


PSALM  XIII. 


B.  C.  1057. 


To    the  *  chief  Musician,    A    Psahn   of 
David. 

'^  TMr^^  ^°"S  ^^'^''  ^'^°"  ^  forget  me,  O 
Mm      Lord?    for    ever.''    '^  how    long 
wilt  thou  hide  thy  face  from  me? 

2  How  long  shall  I  '^  take  counsel  in 
my  soul,  having  ^  sorrow  in  my  heart 
daily.''  how  long  shall  ^  mine  enemy  ^  be 
exalted  over  me.'' 

3  ''  Consider  and  hear   me,   O    Lord 


*  Or,  overseer. 

a  6:3.  35:17.    74:1.    80:4.    85:5. 

89:46.  90:14.  94:3,4. 
b  10:12.  Lam.  5:20. 
c  22:1,2.  44:23,24.   88:14.   Deut. 

31:17.     Job  13:24.  Is.  59:2. 
a  77:2—12.  94:18,19.    142:4—7. 

Job   7:12—15.    9:19—21,27,23. 

10:15.  23:8—10.    Jer.  15:18. 
e  38:17.   116:3.  Neh.  2:2.   Prov. 

15:13.       Ec.    5:17.     Jer.   8:18. 


45:3.     Matt.    26:38.     John  16: 

6.  Rom.  9:2.   Phil.  2:27. 
f  7:2,4,5.    8:2.  9:6.    10:18.   17:9. 

74:10,13.       1   Sam.    18:29.    24: 

19.  Esth.  7:6.  Lam.  1:9.  Mic. 

7:3—10. 
g  22:7,8.    31:13.    42:10.  44:14— 

16.   123:3,4.  143:3,4.  Lam.  1:5. 

Luke  22:53. 
h   9:13.    25:19.    31:7.      119:153. 

Lam.  5:1. 


NOTES. 
Ps.\LM  XIII.  V.  1 — 4.  'David  was  in  some 
'great  distress,  when  he  indited  this  psalm,  either 
'by  the  persecution  of  Saul,  or  of  Absalom.  Theo- 
•doret  thinks  the  latter;  and  gives  this  reason  for 
'it:  That  the  trouble  which  Saul  gave  him  was 
'before  his  great  sin,  and  so  he  was  full  of  confi- 
'dence;  but  that  of  Absalom  was  after  it,  which 
'made  him  cry  out  in  this  doleful  manner.'  Bp. 
Patrick. — A  concurrence  of  inward  and  outward 
trouble  made  the  Psalmist  fear,  lest  God  should 
have  forgotten  to  be  gracious  towards  him,  hav- 
ing cast  him  out  of  his  presence,  to  be  no  more 
regarded.  [Jfote,  11:5 — 12.)  But  could  the  Lord 
reall}'^  intend  thus  finally  and  eternally  to  reject 
him,  and  to  hide  his  face  from  him.''  Would  he  al- 
ways leave  him  to  perplex  himself  with  vain  coun- 
sels and  contrivances,  and  to  be  oppressed  with 
melancholy  thoughts,  without  inward  comfort,  or 
outward  relief.'  Would  he  permit  his  cruel  enemy, 
who  was  also  an  enemy  to  religion,  to  insult  over 
him.'  He  could  not  suppose  this  would  be  the  case; 
and  he  begged  that  God  would  think  of  his  heavy 
sorrows,  so  as  to  direct  him  in  his  perplexity,  b}' 
giving  him  heavenly  wisdom;  to  cheer  him  with 
divine  consolations;  and  to  relieve  his  distresses: 
lest  he  should  die  in  darkness  and  despondency, 
and  tlius  give  occasion  for  exultation  to  his  im- 
pious foes. — Whatever  enemy  the  Psalmist  espe- 
cially meant,  Satan,  our  common  enemy,  was  not 
forgotten. 

'How  would  the  powers  of  darkness  boast, 

'If  but  one  praying  soul  were  lost'.'  Watts. 

V.  5,  6.  David  here  owns  his  unworthiness,  as 
well  as  his  misery:  but  as  the  salvation  of  God 
originated  from  his  rich  mercy  to  sinners;  and  as 
lie  was  conscious  that  his  whole  dependence  was 
placed  on  that  mercy,  and  not  in  any  claim  he 
could  make  on  divine  justice;  he  took  courage 
from  this  consideration,  and  rising  above  his  dis- 
tresses, he  became  confident  that  he  should  soon 
rejoice  in  God,  as  delivered  and  comforted  by  him; 
and  celebrate,  in  glad  songs  of  praise,  the  gra- 
cious interposition  of  the  Lord  in  his  behalf. 

Hath  dealt  bountifully.    (6)    SoJ,  '■retribuere, 

^conferre ...  bonum  vel  malum.''  Robertson. — The 
LXX  render  it  here  by  eutpyertu,  and  also  in  1 16: 
7.  and  by  avrairoit^u//!,  119:17. — The  verb  is  more 
frequently  rendered  reward  or  recompense,  but  a 
gracious  recompense  is  intended,  when  good  re- 
ceived from  God  is  spoken  of;  and  this  is  "deal- 
ing bountifully."  (62:12.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  most  eminent  believers  are  sometimes  left 
to  great  discouragement,  either  for  the  chastise- 
VoL.  III.  18 


my  God:  '  lighten    mine    eyes,    ^  lest   I 
sleep  the  sleep  o/ death; 

4  '  Lest  mine  enemy  say,  ^  I  have 
prevailed  against  him;  and  those  that 
trouble  me   rejoice    "  when  I  am  moved. 

5  But  °  I  have  trusted  in  thy  mercy; 
P  my  heart  shall  rejoice  in  thy  salva- 
tion. 

6  'J  I  will  sing  unto  the  Lord,  be- 
cause '■  he  hath  dealt  bountifully  with 
me. 


i  18:28.  1  Sam.  14:27,29.  Ezra 
9:8.     Luke  2:32.     Rev.  21:23. 

k  Jer.  51:39,57.   Eph.  5:14. 

1  10:11.  25:2.  35:19,25.  38:16. 
Ex.  32:12.  Deut.  32:27.  Josh. 
7:9.  Ez.  35:12—15. 

m  9:19.     Jer.  1:19.     Lam.  1:16. 

n    65:22.  62:2,6.  112:6.   121:1— 


3.     Prov.  12:3. 
0  32:10.  33:18,21,22.  36:7.  52:8. 

147:11.     Is.  12:2.     Jude  21. 
p9:14.    20:5.    35:9.    43:4,5.  51: 

12.   119:81.   1  Sam.  2:1.     Hab. 

3:13.  Luke  1:47.  2:20. 
q  21:13.  57:9—11.  59:16. 
r  116:7.    119:17. 


ment  of  their  sins,  or  the  trial  of  their  faith. 
When  former  comforts  are  suspended,  and  a  sense 
or  fear  of  divine  wrath  unites  with  an  accusing 
conscience;  or  when  temptations  stir  up  the  cor- 
ruptions of  the  heart,  and  they  can  find  no  deliv- 
erance from  the  painful  conflict;  they  may  then 
be  led  to  suspect,  that  their  past  experience  was 
a  delusion,  and  to  fear  that  the  Lord  intends  to 
cast  them  off  for  ever.  At  such  times  their  fer- 
vent expostulations  with  God  will  very  frequent- 
ly be  tinged  with  unbelieving  fears.  They  cannot 
bear,  that  their  Beloved  should  seem  to  forget 
them;  they  are  tormented  at  the  thought  of  final 
separation  from  him;  they  are  wretched  under 
the  suspension  of  his  comforts;  and  they  cannot 
but  anxiously  inquire,  "how  long"  this  painful 
trial  is  to  last,  and  whether  it  must  be  for  ever. 
They  inwardly  take  counsel  about  ascertaining 
the  state  of  their  souls,  discovering  the  cause  of 
their  troubles,  or  devising  how  to  obtain  deliver- 
ance; but  all  seems  in  vain:  every  day  appears  an 
age,  while  continual  sorrow  oppresses  their  hearts; 
and  they  are  ready  to  trouble  themselves  with  the 
idea,  how  Satan  and  their  other  enemies  are  tri- 
umphing in  their  fallen  state.  All  this  however 
is  intended  for  their  humiliation;  that  they  may 
search  out  and  repent  of  their  sins,  renounce 
every  false  confidence  and  worldly  idol,  and  be 
made  more  fervent  in  prayer.  The}'  will  not  then 
say,  "There  is  no  hope:"  but  after  his  example, 
who  "being  in  an  agony  prayed  more  earnestly," 
they  will  call  upon  God  to  consider  their  trouble, 
and  to  lighten  their  eyes;  to  confirm  their  hope, 
direct  their  path,  and  renew  their  comforts;  that 
they  may  not  lie  down  in  darkness  and  despair. 
They  will  plead  with  him  the  triumphs  of  the  un- 
godly and  of  Satan,  if  they  should  be  left  under 
the  power  of  sin,  in  despondency,  or  to  perish;  and 
surely  it  cannot  be  for  his  glory,  that  his  worship- 
pers should  be  insulted  over  by  his  enemies!  In 
this  wa)',  they  will  pour  out  their  prayers,  re- 
nouncing all  confidence,  save  in  the  mercy  of 
their  God  through  the  Savior's  blood:  and  at  some 
times  suddenly,  at  others  gradually,  they  will  find 
their  burdens  removed,  and  their  comforts  restor- 
ed. Believing,  they  then  rejoice  in  his  salvation, 
and  their  doleful  complaints  are  changed  for 
songs  of  praise  and  thanksgiving.  (Jfoles,  Is.  J  2: ) 
— But,  even  though  long  delays  take  place,  they 
who  trust  in  the  Lord's  mercy, ^hall  at  length  re- 
joice in  his  salvation;  they  shall  allow  that  their 
fears  and  complaints  were  unnecessary;  and  shall 
joyfully  and  gratefully  acknowledge,  that  "he 
hatli  dealt  bountifully  with  them."  (P.  O.  JobO:) 
And  it  may  be  of  use  to  the  tempted  and  discour- 
aged believer  to  recollect,  that  the  Savior,  soon 
after  his  doleful  complaint,  "Mv  God,  my  God, 

[137 


B.  C.  1021. 


PSALM  XIV. 


B.  C.  1021. 


PSALM    XIV. 

David  descrilies  the  universal  depravity  of  mankind,  and  the 
enmity  of  the  vpicked  against  the  people  of  God,  1 — 6.  He 
loQgs  and  prays  for  the  salvation  of  Israel,  7. 

To    the    chief    Musician,    Jl   Psalm   ofj 
David. 

THE  ^fool  hath  said  in  his  heart, 
There  is  ^  no  God.  "  They  are 
corrupt,  they  have  done  '^  abominable 
works,  ^  there  is   none   that  doeth  good. 

2  ^  The  LoKD  looked  down  from 
heaven  upon  the  children  of  men,  to  see 
if  there  were  ^  any  that  did  understand, 
and  ^  seek  God. 

3  They  are  '  all  gone  aside;  they  are 


a  73:3.  92:6.  107:17.   1  Sam.  25: 

25.     Prov.    l:7,-22.    13:19.    27: 

22.     Lulie  12:20. 
b  10:4.  marg.  52:1—6.  Job  22: 

13.  Rom.  1^28,     Eph.  2:12. 
C3!5:l — 1.73:8,9,11,12.  94:4—8. 

Gen.  6:5,12.     Is.   1:4. 
dJob    15:16.     Matt.    12:34.   15: 

19.     John  3:19,20.  Rom.  1:21, 

&c.  Tit.  1:16.  3:3.    1  Pet.  4:3. 

Rev.  21:3. 
e  Rom.  3:10—12.  Eph.  2:1—3. 
f  33:13,14.     102:19,20.     Gen.  6: 


12.   11:5.    18  21.     Is.  63:16.  64; 

1.   Lam.  3:50. 
g  82:5.    107:43.     Prov.  2:9.  8:5. 

9:4,16.     Is.    27:11.     Jer.   4:22. 

Dan.  12:10.  Matt.  13:15.  Rom. 

3:11. 
h  69:32.    83:16.      2   Chr.    19:3. 

30:19.     Is.   8:19.    55:6.     Heb. 

11:6. 
i  119:176.     Ec.  7:29.     Is.  53:6. 

59:7,8,13—15.  Jer.  2:13.  Rom. 

3:12,23.     Eph.   2:3.     2  Pet.  2: 

13—15. 


why  hast  thou  forsaken  me.^"  subjoined,  "It  is 
finished;"  and,  "Father,  into  thy  hand  I  commend 
my  spirit:"  and  that  the  depth  of  his  humiliation 
immediately  preceded  the  dawn  of  his  glorious 
exaltation.  {J\'otes,  Matt.  27:46,50.  John  19:28 
—30.) 

NOTES. 
Psalm  XIV.  V.  1.  This  psalm  is  thought  to 
have  been  written  on  occasion  of  Absalom's 
rebellion,  and  the  people's  defection  from  their 
aged  and  pious  king;  and  the  mention  of  Zion,  as 
the  place  whence  salvation  was  to  come,  (71) 
shews  that  it  was  composed  some  time  after  David 
came  to  the  kingdom  over  all  Israel.  From  the 
degeneracy  of  Israel  shewn  in  that  instance,  the 
Psalmist  takes  occasion  to  lament  the  entire 
depravity  of  human  nature:  and  the  psalm  is 
almost  entirely  the  same  as  the  fifty-third. — The 
word  fool  (Saj)  in  scripture,  denotes  one  who  not 

only  is  destitute  of  true  wisdom,  but  who  hates  it; 
tlie  openly  ungodly  and  \vicked  man.  [Marg. 
Ref.  a.)  Persons  of  this  description,  "like  not  to 
retain  God  in  their  knowledge,"  and  therefore 
"say  in  their  hearts.  No  God."  Averse  from  obe- 
dience and  submission  to  the  authority  of  any 
superior,  and  even  from  the  thoughts  of  an  omnip- 
otent, ever-present,  heart-searching,  and  right- 
eous Governor  and  Judge;  and  disliking  his  spir- 
itual worship  and  holy  law;  they  secretly  wish 
that  there  were  no  God;  they  tr}-  to  hope  there  is 
none;  they  seek  for  arguments  and  objections 
against  his  existence,  perfections,  or  authority; 
they  try  to  believe  what  they  wish  to  be  true, 
and  by  the  aid  of  Satan,  through  the  just  judg- 
ment of  God,  they  in  a  measure  succeed.  In 
order,  however,  to  exclude  troublesome  misgiv- 
ings, and  to  strengthen  their  cause,  they  propa- 
g'ate  these  absurdities,  and  endeavor  to  make 
proselytes. — This  is  the  real  history  of  the  rise 
and  progress  of  atheism,  that  deepest  stigma  of 
human  nature.  Man,  having  done  abominable 
works,  being  conscious  of  guilt,  and  bent  on 
further  transgression,  expects  nothing  but  wrath 
from  God,  and  so  runs  into  atheism  for  a  shelter 
from  terror  and  alarm:  unless  idolatry,  or  some 
species  of  false  religion,  can  be  rendered  equally 
efficacious  in  quieting  the  conscience,  and  giving 
encouragement  in  sin.  And, as  speculative  athe- 
ism is  the  offspring  of  a  depraved  heart  and 
1.38] 


all    together    become  *  filthy:    ^  there  is 
none  that  doeth  good,  no,  not  one. 

4  '  Have  all  the  workers  of  iniquity 
no  knowledge.''  who  ■"  eat  up  my  peo- 
ple as  they  eat  bread,  °  and  call  not'upon 
the  Lord. 

5  There  t  were  they  in  great  fear: 
for  °  God  is  in  p  the  generation  of  the 
righteous. 

6  1  Ye  have  shamed  the  counsel  of  the 
poor,  because  ""  the  Lord  is  his  refuge. 

7  ^  Oh,  that  ^  the    salvation   of  Israel 


*  Heb.  stinking.  38:5.   Job  15: 

16.     Is.  64:6.      Ez.  36:25.    2 

Cor.  7:1. 
k  1.    Ex.  8:31.   12:30.    Deut.  1: 

35.       Job   14:4.      Rom.   3:10. 

1  Cor.  6:5. 
I  94:8,9.     Is.  5:13.  27:11.  29:14. 

44:19,20.    45:20.      Rom.    1:21, 

22,28.     2  Cor.  4:3,4.     Eph.  4: 

17,18. 
m  Jer.  10:25.     Am.   8:4.     Mic. 

3:2,3.     Gal.  5:15. 
n  79:6.     Job  21:15.    27:10.    Is. 

64:7. 
f  Heb.  they  feared  a  fear.    53: 

5.     Ex.    15:16.      Esth.     8:17. 


Prov.    1:25,27.    28:1.     Is.   7:2. 

8:12. 
o  46:5,7,11.     Is.  8:10.     12:6.  41: 

10.  43:1,2.     Matt.  1:23. 
p  22:30.    24<>.    73:15.     112:2.   1 

Pet.  2:9. 
q  3:2.  4:2.  22:7,8.  42:10.    Neh. 

4:2—4.     Is.  37:10,11.    Ez.  35: 

10.     Dan.   3:15.     Matt.  27:40 

—43. 
r9:9.   142:4,5.     Heb.  6:18. 
\  Heb.    Who  ■will  give,  Src.  53 

6.   106:47.      1  Chr.  !6:35. 
s  25:22.  51:18.    Is.  14:32.  45;n 

46:13.  59:20.  62:11.     Zech.  ft 

9.  Luke  2:10,11.    Rom.  11:26. 


vicious  life,  it  also  tends  to  the  increase  of  wick- 
edness: thus  the  fatal  infection  spreads,  and  pro- 
duces general  degeneracy  and  profligacy.  {J\'ote, 
Rom.  1:28—32.) 

V.  2,  3.  Upon  the  strictest  scrutiny,  the  all- 
seeing  Judge  could  not  find  one  of  the  children 
of  men,  who  understood  his  obligations,  duty,  and 
interest,  or  that  sought  the  favor  and  glory  of  the 
Lord.  All  were  turned  aside  from  the  right  way, 
into  different  ways  of  disobedience:  all  were 
become  filthy  and  corrupt,  or  putrid,  in  his  sight: 
not  one  could  be  found  disposed  to  do  that  which 
is  spiritually  good. — This  must  be  understood  of 
man  left  to  himself,  man  as  he  is  by  nature,  with- 
out regeneration:  and  St.  Paul  quotes  the  passage 
to  prove  the  need  which  both  Jews  and  Gentiles 
have  of  redemption  and  salvation  by  grace,  and 
through  faith  in  Christ.  [JVotes,  Rom.  3:9—20.) 
— Between  this  verse  and  that  which  follows, 
three  verses  are  inserted  in  the  version  used  in 
the  common  Pra5-er  Book,  wiiich  are  taken  from 
some  copies  of  the  Septuagint:  for  in  other  copies 
they  are  not  found,  any  more  than  in  the  Hebrew 
and  Syriac.  The  apostle  in  the  third  chapter  of 
Romans,  has  the  same  verses;  and  it  is  evident 
that  he  selected  them  from  several  parts  of  the 
Old  Testament,  especially  from  the  fifth,  thirty- 
sixth,  and  one  hundred  and  fortieth  Psalms,  and 
the  fifty-ninth  chapter  of  Isaiah:  it  is  therefore 
probable,  that  some  transcriber  of  the  Septuagint 
inserted  those  verses  from  that  remarkable  pas- 
sage of  the  apostle. 

V.  4 — 6.  Every  kind  of  wickedness  will  in 
the  event  be  found  contrary  to  prudence  and 
wise  self-love.  But  those  who  persecute  the 
worshippers  of  God,  and  take  pleasure  in  this 
hateful  employment,  and  refuse  to  ask  any  mercy 
or  favor  from  him,  do  in  effect  set  him  at  defi- 
ance; which  is  the  height  of  madness  and  folly. 
[J^otes,  John  13:17—21.  Acts  8:1.  26:9—11.)  Yet, 
when  they  would  cast  off  the  fear  of  God,  they 
become  slaves  to  various  terrors;  and  often  add 
one  crime  to  another,  from  fear  of  offending  their 
fellow-creatures,  or  to  avoid  the  consequences  of 
their  former  misconduct.  Whereas  God  dwells 
among  the  righteous,  to  protect  them  from  dan- 
gers and  alarms. — The  Psalmist  having  stated 
these  general  principles,  remonstrates  with  his 
insulting  enemies,  for  deriding  the  counsel  of  the 
poor  believer,  who  makes  the  Lord  liis  refuge: 


B.  C.  1043. 


PSALM  XV. 


B.  C.  1043. 


were  come  out  of  Zion!  When  the  Lord 
^  bnngeth  back  the  captivity  of  his  peo- 
ple, "Jacob  shall  rejoice,  and  Israel 
shall  be  glad. 

PSALM  XV. 

The  inhahitant  of  Zion,  or  character  of   the  heirs  of  heaven, 
1—5. 

A  Psalm  of   David. 

LORD,  =*  who    shall    *  abide   in    thy 
tabernacle.^  who  shall  dwell  in  ^thy 
holy  hill? 

2  *^  He    that    walketh   uprightly,    and 


t  126:1,2,4.     Job  42:20.    Jer  30: 

18.31:23.     Ez.  39:25.  Joel  3: 

1.   Am.  9:14. 
u  48:11.  85:6.   149:2.     Neh.    12: 

43.    Jer.   33:10,11.     Rev.   13: 

20.    19:7. 
a  1:1—4.     23:6.    24:3—5.    27:4. 

61:4.  84:4.  92:13.    John  3:3— 


5.    14:3.   17:24.  Rev.  7:14—17. 

21:3,4,23,24. 
*  Heb.  sojourn. 
b  2:6.  3:4.' 43:3,4.  87:1—3.  Heb. 

12:22.     Rev.  14:1. 
c  84:11.  Prov.  2:7,8.  28:18.     Is. 

33:15.     Mic.   2:7.      Luke    1:6. 

Gal.  2:14.     1  John  2:6. 


when  their  own  inward  terrors  evince,  that  they 
cannot  find  security  and  comfort  elsewhere. 

V.  7.  The  more  fully  and  deeply  David  expe- 
rienced and  witnessed  tlie  depravity  of  man,  and 
the  disposition  of  Israel  to  apostatize;  the  more 
fervently  he  longed  and  prayed  for  the  salvation 
of  Israel,  by  the  power  and  favor  of  Jehovah, 
who  was  worshipped  on  mount  Zion.  By  this  it 
is  reasonable  to  suppose,  that  he  did  not  merely 
intend  Israel's  deliverance  from  bondage,  or  from 
.subjection  to  foreign  enemies  or  domestic  usurp- 
ers: nor  did  he  pray  only  for  his  own  restoration 
to  the  throne,  and  return  to  the  courts  of  God; 
but  especially  for  the  promised  kingdom  and  sal- 
vation of  the  Messiah,  and  for  the  deliverance  of 
bis  people  from  the  "captivity"  or  bondage  of 
Satan,  to  the  liberty  of  God's  service,  with  all  its 
glorious  and  joyful  effects.  [J^oles,  1  Chr.  16:34 
—36.  2  Tim.  2:23—26.) 

Salvation.]    r)y\w'<    nearly  the  same  as  Jesus. 

(Mote,  Matt.  ]:20,2i.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

All  the  wickedness  of  men's  words  and  actions 
springs  from  the  corrupt  fountain  of  their  hearts: 
and  if  the  thoughts  of  ungodly  persons  were 
detected  and  published,  (as  they  will  be  at  the 
day  of  judgment,)  how  vile  would  thej'  appear! 
(JVbie,  1  Cor.  4:3 — 5.) — Infidelity  and  iniquity 
have  a  reciprocal  influence  on  each  other;  aud 
they  are  progressive,  till  men's  foolish  hearts 
become  darkened,  and  atheism  is  conceived  and 
promulgated.  Men  differ  in  their  peculiar  pro- 
pensities and  outward  characters:  but  they  are 
all  naturally  carnal,  alienated  from  God,  desti- 
tute of  true  wisdom,  incapable  of  things  spiritu- 
ally good,  gone  aside  from  the  right  way,  and 
corrupt  in  their  desires  and  imaginations:  and 
therefore  all  would  have  gone  further,  and  sunk 
deeper  in  "abominable  works,"  continually  and 
eternally,  if  it  had  not  been  for  the  inestimable 
redemption  of  Jesus  Christ.  We  should  be 
thankful,  if  we  have  been  restrained  from  the 
more  destructive  excesses,  into  which  so  many 
are  hurried;  but  we  ought  not  to  rest  in  any  thing 
short  of  union  with  Christ,  and  a  new  creation 
unto  holiness  by  his  Spirit.  If  we  have  experi- 
enced this  blessed  change,  let  us  give  the  Lord 
all  the  glory;  and  let  us  pity  aud  pray  for  our  fel- 
low-sinners.— The  enmity  of  the  human  heart 
against  God  appears,  not  onl}'  from  man's  proud 
aversion  to  call  upon  his  name,  but  from  the 
delight,  which  in  all  ages  men  have  taken  in  per- 
secuting his  inoffensive  people:  all  however  who 
engage  in  this  attempt  will  prove  their  own  foil}-; 
and  the  terrors,  to  which  they  have  often  been 
exposed,  evince  that  they  do  violence  to  the  light 


''  worketh  righteousness,   and   ^  speaketh 
the  truth  in  his  heart. 

3  He  that  ^  backbiteth  not  with  his 
tongue,  nor  ^doeth  evil  to  his  neighbor, 
nor  t  taketh  up  a  reproach  against  his 
neighbor. 

4  In  whose  eyes  ''  a  vile  person  is 
contemned;  '  but  he  honoreth  them  that 
fear  the  Lord.  He  that  ^  sweareth  to 
his  own  hurt,  and  changeth  not. 

d  Acts  10:35.  Rom.  2:10.  Epb. 


2:10.     Heb.   11:33.      1  John  2: 

29.  3:7.     Rev.  22:14,15. 

e  34:12,13.  Is.  63:3.  Zech.  8: 
16,17.  Eph.  4:25.  Col.  3:9. 
Rev.  21:8. 

f  101:5—8.  Ex.  23:1.  Lev. 
19:16.     Jer.  9:4—9.     Rom.  1: 

30.  Tit.  3:2.  Jam.  4:11.  1 
Pet.  2:1,2. 

g  1  Sam.  24:11.  Is.  56:2.  Matt. 
7:12.      Rom.    12:17.    13:10.    3 


John  II. 
f  Or,   receiveth,    or,   endureth 

Prov.  22:10.  25:23. 
h  101:4.  2  Kings  3:13,14.  Esth. 

3:2.    Job  32:21,22.     Is.  S2:5,6. 

Dan.  5:17,&c.    Acts  24:2,3,25. 

Jam.  2:1—9. 
1  16:3.   101:6.   119:63.    Matt.  12: 

49,50.      1  John  3:14. 
k  Josh.  9:18— 20.     Judg.  11:35. 

2  Sam.  21:1,2.     Matt.  5:33. 


of  their  own  consciences.  However  the  poor  be- 
liever may  be  derided  for  his  confidence  in  God, 
he  has  obtained  such  a  Refuge  from  every  danger 
and  enemy,  as  shall  never  make  him  ashamed: 
for  God  himself  dwells  among  the  righteous,  and 
is  their  Protector  in  every  generation. — All  our 
acquaintance  with  the  depravity  of  human  nature, 
should  endear  to  us  "salvation  out  of  Zion:"  and 
while  we  rejoice  in  the  earnests,  and  are  waiting 
for  the  completion,  of  our  own  salvation,  we 
should  long  and  pray  for  the  enlargement  and 
prosperity  of  the  church.  When  that  expected 
season  shall  arrive,  that  the  Jews  shall  be  re-ad- 
mitted among  the  people  of  God;  then  indeed 
"will  Jacob  rejoice,  and  Israel  be  glad,"  and  the 
event  shall  prove  "as  life  from  the  dead"  to  the 
whole  race  of  men.  {JVote,  Rom.  11:11 — 15.) 
But  in  heaven  alone  shall  the  whole  company  of 
the  redeemed  rejoice,  without  alloy  or  interrup- 
tion for  evermore. 

NOTES. 

Psalm  XV".  V.  1.  It  is  probable  that,  as  soon 
as  the  ark  was  stationed  on  mount  Zion,  the 
Psalmist  addressed  himself  to  God;  desirous  of 
being  taught  who  would  be  the  accepted  and  per- 
severing worshipper  at  his  taibernacle.  This  was 
typical  of  the  true  church  of  God  on  earth;  all 
the  members  of  which  are  heirs  also  of  heaven. 
{jVote,  Heb.  12:22—25.)  The  inquiry,  therefore, 
is  virtually  this:  Who  is  he,  that  so  worships  God 
in  this  world,  as  to  have  a  well  grounded  hope  of 
eternal  life  hereafter.''  It  is  not  inquired,  what 
are  the  grounds  of  a  sinner's  acceptance  with 
God:  on  this  subject  we  are  fully  instructed  in 
other  parts  of  scripture:  but  the  question  is, 
What  are  the  characteristic  marks  of  those  who 
are  thus  accepted,  by  which  they  may  be  distin- 
guished from  all  other  persons.''  And  the  answer 
is  evidently  in  perfect  consistency  with  the  P7cw 
Testament,  and  especially  with  St.  John's  first 
epistle,  viz.  'They  may  be  distinguished  by  their 
'sanctification.'  [JSTotes,  1  John  2:3—6,26—29. 
3:4 — 10,18—24.  5:1—5.)  Thus  believers  are 
conformed  in  their  measure  to  Christ,  the  perfect 
exemplar:  and  the  character,  here  given  of  them, 
forms  abeautiful  contrast  to  thatofungodly  men,  as 
delineated  in  the  preceding  psalm.  [Jlarg.  lief-) 

V.  2,  3.  "The  fruits  meet  for  repentance;" 
"the  work  of  faith,  and  labor  of  love,  and 
patience  of  hope,"  "the  fruits  of  the  Spirit,"  and 
"the  things  whieh  accompany  salvation,"  are 
here  compendiously  enumerated, or  rather  pointed 
out,  in  some  of  the  most  striking  and  observable 
particulars.  [J^otcs,  Luke  3:10—14.  Gal.  5:22— 
26.  1  TJies.  1:1—4.  Heb.  6:9,10.) 

V.  4.     "The  vile  person"  is  an  openly  wicked 

[139 


B.  C.  1058. 


PSALM  XVI. 


B.  C.  1058. 


5  He  that  '  putteth  not  out  his  money 
to  usury,  ^  nor  taketh  reward  against  the 
innocent.  °  He  that  doeth  these  things 
shall  never  be  moved. 

PSALM   XVL 

David  seeks  protection  from  God,  disclaims  all  merit;  and  avows 
his  lore  to  the  saints,  and  his  hatred  of  idolatry,  1 — 4.  He 
rejoices  in  God  as  his  Portion,  and  thanks  him  for  giving  him 
counsel,  5 — 7.  He  speaks  prophetically  of  the  resurrection 
and  glory  of  Christ,  and  of  the  happiness  of  his  people,  8 — 11. 

*  Michtam  of  David. 


1  Ex.   22:25.     Lev.   25:35—37. 

Deut.  23:19,20.     Neh.  5:2—5, 

7—13.     Ez.  18:8,17.   2-2:12. 
m  Ex.  23:7,8.     Deut.  16:19.   Is. 

33:15.    Mic.  7:3.    Matt.  26:15. 

27:3—5. 


n  55:22.  106:3.  112:6.  Prov. 
12:3.  Ez.  18:27.  Matt.  7:21— 
25.  John  13:17.  Jam.  1:23— 
25.     2  Pet.  1:10,11. 

*  Or,  J}  golden  Psalm  of  Da- 
vid. 56:— 60:  titles. 


and  ungodly  man,  who  renders  himself  base  and 
contemptible  by  his  crimes.  [JVotes,  1  Sam.  25: 
23 — 31.  Dan.  11:21.)  Persons  of  this  description 
may  be  exalted  in  station,  and  abound  in  wealth; 
and  many  will  pay  court  to  them:  but  the  true 
servant  of  God  will  form  a  juster  estimate  of  their 
character  and  state.     He  will  neither  envy  their 

frosperity,  nor  give  any  sanction  to  their  impiety, 
f  they  be  magistrates,  he  will  honor  them,  as  the 
ministers  of  God  in  this  official  character;  in 
other  respects  he  will  express  compassion  for 
their  misery,  but  a  marked  disapprobation  of 
their  wickedness.  {Marg.  Ref.) — In  the  com- 
mon prayer-book,  this  clause  is  rendered  'He 
'that  setteth  not  by  himself,  but  is  lowly  in  his 
'own  eyes.'  This  indeed  is  one  part  of  the  true 
believer's  character;  but  the  Hebrew  cannot  be 
thus  translated. — The  Septuagint  render  the  last 
clause,  "He  that  sweareth  to  his  neighbor,  and 
changeth  not;"  which  translation  requires  only  a 
little  alteration  in  the  pointing.  (j,nnS  instead  of 

>nnS ;  but  the  roots  are  perfectly  distinct;  the 
former  from  njn  socium  se  prcebere;  the  latter 
from  jjn  maliitn  esse.) 

V.'s.  {JIaro:  Ref.—JVotes,  Ex.  22:25—27. 
J^eh.  5:1—13.  Ez.  18:5—13.)  The  concluding 
clause  of  this  verse,  in  the  original,  is  emphatical. 
"He  that  doeth  these  things  shall  not  be  moved 
for  ever,"  or  to  eternity.  The  formal,  nay,  plau- 
sible worshippers  at  the  tabernacle;  the  descend- 
ants of  Abraham,  Isaac,  and  Jacob;  and  the 
most  zealous  contenders  for  the  law;  might  be 
moved  from  their  stedfastness,  and  perish:  but 
none  would  be  moved  for  ever,  or  come  short  of 
eternal  life,  who  really  bore  the  character  here 
delineated.  UTotes,  24:3— 6.  2  Pet.  1:5— U.  1 
JoAra  2:18,19.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

We  should  all,  with  hearts  devoutly  lifted  up  to 
God  in  pra3'er,  inquire  who  they  are,  that  so 
"walk  with  him  in  his  ordinances  and  command- 
ments," as  to  possess  a  well-grounded  assurance 
of  dwelling  with  him  in  heaven  for  ever.  If 
we  would  ascend  after  our  risen  Savior  to  that 
holy  habitation,  we  must  copy  his  example;  for 
"without  holiness  no  man  shall  see  the  Lord." 
This  will  both  evidence  our  title  to  "the  inherit- 
ance of  the  saints  in  light,"  and  prepare  us  for 
it.  If  we  be  indeed  born  again,  and  led  by  the 
Spirit,  of  Christ,  we  shall  bring  forth  "the  fruits 
of  the  Spirit,  in  all  goodness,  righteousness,  and 
truth."  Unfeigned  piety;  constant  and  conscien- 
tious integrity  in  all  our  dealings;  sincerity  and 
fidelity  in  all  our  professions  and  engagements; 
and  abhorrence  of  slander  in  all  its  hateful  forms; 
a  carefulness  not  to  injure  any  man,  in  body  or 
Boul,  in  his  connexions,  property,  reputation,  or 
140] 


RESERVE  me,  O  God:  ^  for  in 
thee  do  I  put  my  trust. 

2  O  my  soul,  •=  thou  hast  said  unto 
the  Lord,  Thou  art  my  Lord:  ^  my 
goodness  extendeth  not  to  thee; 

3  ®  Btct  to  ^  the  saints  that  are  in  the 
earth,  and  to  ^  the  excellent,  ''  in  whom 
is  all  my  delight. 

4  'Their   sorrows   shall  be  multiplied 

a  17:5,8.    31:23.    37:28.    97:10.  |  e  Gal.  6:10.  Tit.  3:8.  Heb.  6:10 


116:6.     Prov.  2:8. 
b9:10.  22:8.  25:20.    84:12.   125: 

1.   146:5.     Is.  26:3,4.     Jer.  17: 

7,3.    2  Cor.  1:9.     2  Tim.  1:12. 
c  8:1.  27:8.    31:14.   89:26.  91:2. 

Is.    26:13.    44:5.     Zech.    13:9. 

John  20:28. 
d   50:9,10.      Job   22:2,3.     35:7. 

Luke  17:10.    Rom.  11:35. 


f30:4.     116:15.       2   Chr.    6:41. 

Acts  9:13.     Eph.  1:1. 
g  Prov.    12:26.      Cant.   4:l,&c. 

6:l,&c.  7:1,&C. 
h    119:63.      Prov.    8:31.     13:2P. 

Cant.  7:10.     Is.  62:4.    Eph.  5: 

25—27.  1  John  3:14—17. 
132:10.  97:7.     Jon.  2:8.     Rev. 

14:9-11.   18:4,5. 


peace;  a  mind  deeply  humbled  before  God  in 
self-abasement  for  sin,  yet  superior  to  flattering 
or  fawning  on  wicked  men  from  selfish  motives; 
and  disposed  to  love  and  honor  the  image  of  God 
in  the  poorest  and  meanest  of  his  people;  a  will- 
ingness to  recede  from  every  personal  advantage, 
rather  than  seem  to  do  evil;  and,  at  the  same 
time,  a  determination  to  adhere  scrupulously  to 
duty  and  conscience;  a  disposition  to  keep  at  the 
utmost  distance  from  oppression  and  injustice, 
and  to  cultivate  humanity  and  benevolence  to 
the  poor  and  afflicted;  a  union  of  all  these  tem- 
pers, and  this  habitual  conduct,  can  only  spring 
from  repentance  of  sin,  faith  in  the  Savior,  and 
love  to  his  name  and  cause;  and  therefore  they 
form  an  unequivocal  proof  rf  our  acceptance  in 
him.  The  man  who  bears  this  character,  cannot 
be  induced  to  apostacj^;  he  cannot  come  short  of 
glory:  "He  that  doeth  these  things  shall  not  be 
moved  to  eternity."  In  these  respects  let  us  ex- 
amine and  prove  our  own  selves;  knowing  that 
the  image  of  Christ  is  thus,  in  some  measure, 
'■'■formed  in  us,  except  we  be  reprobates."  (JVc<e, 
2  Cor.  13:5,6.) 

NOTES. 

Psalm  XVI.  Michtam.}  This  word  signifies 
golden;  and  the  title  is  supposed  to  intimate,  that 
the  psalm  is  upon  a  most  precious  subject:  ac- 
cordingly it  is  quoted  by  two  apostles  as  a  prophe- 
cy of  Christ;  and  the  language  of  it  towards  the 
close'can  suit  no  other  person.  (JVbfes,  Acts  2: 
25—32.  13:24-37.)  It  is  probable,  David  be- 
gan his  meditation  with  reference  to  his  own 
case:  but  he  was  carried  out  beyond  himself  to 
use  expressions  prophetical  of  the  Messiah;  and 
indeed  he  seems  to  have  known,  that  the  Holy 
Spirit  intended  much  greater  things  than  any  of 
his  personal  concerns.  In  this  view,  it  may  be 
considered,  as  throughout  the  soliloquy  of  Christ. 

V.  2,  3.  While  t'ue  Psalmist  most  solemnly 
avouched  Jehovah  for  his  God,  and  owned  him 
as  his  Governor  and  Judge;  he  disclaimed  all 
merit  in  his  services,  and  ascribed  all  his  good- 
ness and  the  honor  of  it  to  God.  His  good  works 
could  not  profit  the  Source  of  all  happiness; 
{JYotes,  Job  22:1—4.  35:4— 8.)  yet  they  might 
be  useful  to  the  saints,  in  whom,  as  the  most  ex- 
cellent persons  on  earth,  and  as  especially  be- 
loved by  the  Lord,  the  Psalmist  delighted.  'If 
'thou  wilt  ...  protect  me,  I  will  employ  all  my 
'power,  when  I  come  to  the  throne,  to  protect  the 
'pious;  worthy  men  ...  shall  be  preferred  and  hon- 
'ored;  for  they  are  the  persons  who  are  most  dear 
'to  me,  and  in  whose  company  alone  I  delight.' 
Bp.  Patrick. — Even  the  perfect  righteousness  of 
the  Savior  can  add  nothing  to  the  essential  glory 
and  happiness  of  the  Father;  but  it  is  the  merito- 
rious cause  of  the  acceptance,  and  sanctification. 


B.  C.  1058. 


PSALM  XVI. 


B.  C.  105S. 


that  *  hasten  nfter  another  god:  ^  their 
drmk-ofFerhigs  of  blood  will  I  not  ofFer, 
nor  '  take    up  their  names  into  my  lips. 

5  ■»  The  Lord  is  the  Portion  of 
t  mine  inheritance  and  "  of  my  cup: 
°  tiiou  maintainest  my  lot. 

6  !•  The  lines  are  fallen  unto  me  i  in 
pleasant  places;  yea,  "■  I  have  a  goodly 
heritage. 

7  I  will  bless  the  Lord,  =  who  hath 
given  me  counsel;  *  my  reins  also  instruct 
me  "  in  the  night  seasons. 

8^1  have    set  the  Lord   always  be- 

*  Or,  give  gifts  to  another. 
k  Gen.  35:14.     Lev.  23:13.    Is. 


r:6.  65:11.  66:3.    Jer.  7:18. 

)  Ex.  23:13.  Josh.  23:7.  Hos. 
2:16,17. 

m  73:26.  119:57.  142:5.  Jer. 
10:16.     Lam.  3:24. 

^  Heb.  my  fart. 

n  11:6.  23:5.  116:13.  Eph.  5. 
18. 

o2:6.  9:4.  21:7—12.  61:6,7.89: 
4,20—37.  110:1,2.  132:11,17, 
n.  Is.  42:1.  53:12.  Acts  2: 
32.  5:31.     1  Cor.  15:25. 

p  73:55.     Am.  7:17. 


1:1—3.     Heb.  12:2. 
r  Jer.  3:19.     John  20:17.    Rom. 

8:17.      1  Cor.  3:21—23.     Eph. 

1:18.     Phil.  2:9—11.    2  Tim. 

2:12.     Rev.  3:21. 
S  73:24.   119:7.     Prov.  8:14.    Is. 

11:2—4.  43:17.  50:4. 
173:21.  Jer.  12:2.   17:10.    Rev. 

2:23. 
u  17:3.  22:2.  42:8.  63:6.  77:2,6. 

119:55,143.      Is.   26:9.      Luke 

6:12. 
X  139:18.  Acts  2:25— 28.    Heb. 

11:27. 


fore    me:    because    ^  he  is   at  my  right 
hand,  ^  I  shall  not  be  moved. 

9  Therefore  ^my  heart  is  glad,  and 
^  my  glory  rejoiceth:  "^  my  flesh  also 
shall  \  rest  in  hope. 

10  For  thou  wilt  not  leave  ^  my  soul 
in  hell;  ^  neither  wilt  thou  suffer  ^  thine 
Holy  One  to  see  corruption. 

1 1  Thou  wilt  shew  me  s  the  path  of 
life:  ^  in  thy  presence  is  fulness  of  joy; 
>  at  thy  right  hand  there  are  ^  pleasures 
for  evermore. 


y  73:23.   109:31.   110:5.   121:5. 

z  15:5.  62:6. 

a  Luke  10:21,22. 

b  30:12.  57:8.  Acts  2:26.     Jam. 

3;5 g_ 

c  job  14:14,15.  19:26,27.    Prov. 

14:32.     Is.   26:19.     1  Thes.  4: 

13,14. 
t  Heb.  d-uiell  confidently. 
d   9:17.    49:15.     marg.     139:8. 

Deut.  32:22.     Job  11:8.    Prov. 

15:11.    27:20.     Is.   5:14.     14:9. 

Am.  9:2.     Luke  16:23.     1  Cor. 

15:55.    marg.     Rev.  1:13.  20: 

13,14. 


I  e  Acts  2:27—31.    13:35—38.     1 

Cor.  15:42,50—54. 
f  Dan.  9:24.     Luke    1:35.    4:34. 

Acts  3"  14. 
g21:4.     Prov.   2:19.    4:18.  5:6. 

12:28.      Is.    2:3.      Matt.    7:14. 

Rom.  8:11.     1  Pet.  1:21. 
h    1»:15.     21:5,6.       Matt.      5:8. 

Acts   2:28.     1    Cor.    13:12.     2 

Cor.  4:17.     Kph.  3:19.    1  John 

3:2.  Rev.  7:15—17.  22:5. 
i  Mark  16:19.  Acts  7:56.   1  Pet. 

3:22. 
k  36:8.     Matt.  25:46. 


and  eternal  felicity  of  his  people,  in  whom  alone 
of  Adam's  race  he  greatly  delights.  [J^otes.,  Prov. 
a:31.  Is.  62:1—5.  John  15:9—11.  Eph.  5:22—27.) 
V.  4.  It  is  the  opinion  of  learned  men,  that 
this  psalm  was  composed  when  David  lived  among  [ 
the  Philistines;  and  when,  perhaps,  some  of  his ' 
associates  were  strongly  tempted  to  join  the  idol- 1 
atrous  worship,  which  they  witnessed.  But  hej 
shewed  them,  that  this  would  certainly  bring  on] 
them  additional  miseries,  by  the  just  judgment  of  j 
God.  Adverting  perhaps  to  Joshua's  resolution,  j 
"As  for  me  and  my  house  we  will  serve  thei 
Lord;"  (JVofe,  Josh.  24:15.)  he  avowed  his  de- 
termination to  have  no  communion  in  such  abom-  j 
inations,  and  not  so  much  as  to  mention  the| 
names  of  their  detestable  idols. — We  do  not  readi 
of  "drink-offerings  of  blood"  in  any  other  place.  { 
Either  it  was  customary  among  the  idolaters  to  I 
taste  the  blood  of  the  victims,  (which  were  often ! 
human  victims,)  before  it  was  poured  out  ini 
honor  of  the  iJol;  or  they  poured  the  blood,  as 
the  Israelites  did  wine,  for  a  libation,  on  thcj 
sacrifice  when  burning  on  the  altar:  or  else  the  j 
wine,  used  in  idolatrous  sacrifices,  was  as  abomi- 1 
nable  to  God,  as  if  the  blood  itself  had  been 
drunk;  which,  being  the  atonement  for  sin,  was 
expressly  prohibited  to  be  tasted  by  the  Israelites. 
— Even  the  sacrifices  at  the  sanctuary  of  God  at 
length  became  an  abomination  to  those  who  re- 
jected Christ;  and  to  those  who  hastened  after 
others  professing  to  be  the  promised  Messiah. 
In  like  manner  the  most  splendid  services  of 
those,  who  approach  God  through  other  medi- 
ators than  Jesus  Christ,  whether  deceased  men, 
or  angels,  are,  as  idolatrous,  an  abomination  to 
God.  (JVbfes, /s.  66:3,4.  Co/.  2:18,19.  Heb.  IQ: 
26,27.) 

V.  5,  6.  Jehovah  was  David's  present  com- 
fort, a  Source  of  exultation  and  refreshment,  as 
the  cup  of  water  to  the  thirsty,  or  of  wine  to  the 
faint:  he  was  also  his  future  Inheritance;  and  he 
who  allotted  him  his  portion,  would  maintain  him 
in  it,  and  never  leave  him  to  forfeit  it.  As  Ca- 
naan was  divided  by  /of  and  line,  these  metaphors 
are  used  to  represent  his  joy  in  the  favor  of  God. 
(78:55.  JSTotes,  23:5,6.  J^um.  26:53—56.  Josh.  13: 
6.)  But  the  Savior  himself  has  obtained  the 
most  goodly  heritage;  and  his  people  are  admit- 
ted to  partake  of  it.  (JVb/e*,  Matt.  25:19—23. 
iwfce  19:11— 27.  J?eu.  3:20— 22.) 


"V.  7.  The  Psalmist's  meditation,  experience, 
and  chastisements,  and  the  immediate  communi- 
cations of  wisdom  and  knowledge,  which  he  re- 
ceived during  his  midnight  reflections  and  devo- 
tions, concurred  with  outward  instructions,  in 
counselling  him,  and  teaching  him  to  act,  with 
prudence  and  caution,  in  his  difficult  circum- 
stances. They  likewise  combined,  in  confirming 
him  to  choose  God  for  his  Portion.  In  the  dark 
season  of  adversity  and  affliction,  and  when  chas- 
tened with  painful  sickness,  as  well  as  in  the  si- 
lent hours  of  the  night,  heavenly  wisdom  was 
communicated  to  him. — The  rems,  or  kidneys, 
were  considered  by  the  Israelites,  as  especially 
affected,  by  whatever  caused  uneasiness  or  satis- 
faction; nay,  they  are  often  spoken  of  as  the  seat 
of  reflectioii  and  the  secret  purposes  of  the  soul. 
[Marg.  Ref.  t.) 

V.  8 — 1  i .  David  might  perhaps  have  some 
regard  to  his  own  hope  and  experience,  in  these 
verses:  but  doubtless  Christ  was  especially  in- 
tended.— As  Man,  he  relied  on  the  power,  truth, 
love,  and  promise  of  the  Father:  therefore  he 
was  not  moved  in  his  deepest  sufferings;  but  "for 
the  joy  set  before  him,  he  endured  the  cross  and 
despised  the  shame."  [JVote,  Heb.  12:2,3.)  He 
willingly  yielded  to  death,  assured  that  his  human 
soul  should  not  be  left  in  the  place  of  separate 
spirits,  nor  his  bodj'  in  the  grave  till  it  began  to 
corrupt;  but  that  he  should  arise  on  the  third 
day,  and  afterwards  ascend  to  heaven,  as  the 
First-fruits  of  the  Resurrection,  and  the  Fore- 
runner of  his  people.  Thus  was  he  shewn  "the 
path  of  life,"  and  he  pointed  it  out  to  his  follow- 
ers; even  the  way  into  the  presence  of  God, 
where  is  fulness  of  joy:  and  he  was  seated  at  the 
right  hand  of  the  Father,  where  are  pleasures,  for 
him  and  for  his  people,  for  evermore. 

In  hell.  (10)  Sinb'S  :  ttf  aSriv.  Sept.  E15  aiJtr. 
Acts  2:27 — 32. — Many  learned  men  interpret  the 
two  clauses  of  this  verse  to  mean  exactly  the 
same  thing,  referring  both  of  them  to  the  body  of 
Christ,  laid  in  the  grave,  and  raised  before  it  saw 
corruption:  but,  as  the  article  concerning 'Christ's 
'descending  into  hell,'  in  the  very  ancient  form 
called  the  apostle's  creed,  though  doubtless  of 
something  later  date  than  the  apostolical  age,  is 
grounded  on  this  expression,  and  the  application 
of  it;  it  is  evident,  that  the  compilers  of  it  sup- 
posed that  something  further  was  intended  than 

[141 


B.  C.  1060. 


PSALM  XVII. 


B.  C.  1060. 


PSALM  XVII. 

David  appeals  to  God  for  liis  intes^rity,  1 — i.  He  prays  to  be 
upheld,  and  saved  from  his  proud,  maiieious,  and  prosperous 
enemies,  5 — 14.  He  chooses  the  path  of  righteousness,  and 
expects  complete  satisfaction  when  he  shall  awake  in  the  like- 
ness of  God,  15. 


=*  A    Prayer  of  David. 
bXTEAR  *ihe  right,   O    Lord;  <=  at- 
,1  1    tend  unto  my  cry;  give  ear  unto 
my  prayer,  that  goetk  t  not  out  of  feigned 
lips. 

a  86:  140:    titles. 


b  7:8.    18:20.    43:1.    140:12.    1 

John  3:21. 
*  Heb.  justice. 
C  5:2.  55:2,3.    61:1.    66:19.    142: 


6.     2   Chr.   7:15.     Neh.    1:6. 
Dan.  9:18,19. 
I  Heb.  -u'tihout  lips  of  deceit. 
18:44.  viarg.    145:18.     Jer.  3; 
10.  Matt.  15:3.     John  1:47. 


rnerel}'  being  buried.  And  the  original  (as  well 
as  the  translation  of  the  LXX  quoted  in  the 
Acts  of  the  Apostles,)  favors  the  idea  of  a  distinct 
meaning  in  each  clause.  Both  the  Hebrew 
word  h^n-^  and  the  Greek  nt'Sr;;,  by  which  it  is  con- 
stantly rendered,  denote  the  state  of  man,  when 
no  longer  seen  on  earth.  'When  spoken  of  the 
'body,  the}'  signify  the  grave; — when  of  the  soul, 
'they  refer  to  that  state  in  which  the  soul  is  with- 
'out  the  body,  whether  Paradise  or  Heil,  prop- 
'erly  so  called.'  Archhp.  Usher.  The  human 
nature  of  Christ  consisted  of  body  and  soul:  his 
soul  was,  during  the  space  between  his  death 
and  his  resurrection,  as  certainly  in  the  place  of 
separate  spirits,  as  his  body  was  in  the  grave; 
but  when  he  arose,  they  were  both  called  forth 
and  reunited.  [JTotes,  Acts  2:25—32.  13:24— 
37.)  These  words  are  never  used,  but  with  re- 
spect to  men  between  death  and  the  resurrec- 
tion; and  never  concerning  angels,  or  the  state 
of  men  after  the  resurrection:  nor  are  they  ever 
used,  when  the  burial  or  grave  of  an  individual 
is  spoken  of.  But  they  are  applied,  both  with 
respect  to  the  grave  and  tlie  place  of  separation, 
to  good  and  to  bad  men  in  general,  without  much 
discrimination:  and  the  repi-esentation  given  in 
the  parable  of  the  rich  man  and  Lazarus,  seems 
to  place  Lazarus  as  well  as  the  rich  man,  in 
Hades;  but  in  another  division  of  it.  [JVotes, 
Luke  16:19 — 31.) — Thus  the  pagans  placed  their 
Elysium  adjacent  to  Tartarus,  as  two  parts  in  the 
same  region  of  the  dead. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

Our  Lord  and  Savior  has  shewn  us,  by  his  ex- 
ample, how  to  overcome  temptations,  and  how 
we  may  be  preserved  through  trials:  we  must 
trust  in  God,  and  pour  out  our  prayers  before 
him,  as  in  Christ  reconciled  to  every  believer. 
But  we  must  also  remember  continually,  that  all 
good  comes  from  God,  to  whom  the  whole  glory 
appertains;  and  that  the  most  perfect  obedience, 
of  his  noblest  creatures,  cannot  render  him  their 
Debtor,  or  add  to  his  felicity.  What  then  are 
our  defective  and  polluted  services!  Yet,  when 
from  our  heart  we  avouch  the  God  of  heaven  for 
our  Lord,  we  shall  for  his  sake  do  good  to  his 
people:  and  if  we  account  them  to  be,  as  they 
really  are,  "the  excellent  of  the  earth,"  and  de- 
light" in  them,  and  in  their  prosperity;  we  may, 
after  his  example,  in  a  subordinate  degree,  be 
very  useful  to  them.  And,  as  our  righteousness 
and  salvation  were  the  purchase  of  his  blood,  we 
should  not  be  reluctant  to  deny  ourselves,  to  la- 
bor, or  to  suffer  for  that  purpose. — Not  only  they 
who  seek  after  other  gods,  but  those  who  wor- 
ship other  mediators,  and  invent  other  methods 
of  salvation  than  that  revealed  in  the  scripture, 
are  hastening  to  multiply  their  own  sorrows:  God 
abhors  their  pompous  and  expensive  supersti- 
tions and  services;  our  great  High  Priest  wiU 
not  present  such  sacrifices,  nor  mention  the 
142] 


2  •^  Let  my  sentence  come  forth  from 
thy  presence;  let  thine  eyes  behold  ®  the 
things  that  are  equal. 

3  ^  Thou  hast  proved  mine  heart; 
s  thou  hast  visited  me  in  the  night;  thou 
hast  tried  me,  a7id  ^  shall  find  nothing: 
'  I  am  purposed  that  my  mouth  shall  not 
transgress. 


d  37:6,33.       2    Thes.    1:6— fi. 

Jude  24. 

e  Ez.  13:25,29.  33: 17,20. 
f   11:5.    26:2.    66:10.     139:1—4. 

Job  23:10.     Zech.  13:9.     Mai. 

3:2,3.      1  Cor.  4:4. 
S  16:7.     Job  24:14,15.     Hos.  7: 


6.  Mic.  2:1.     Acts   16:9.  13:9, 

10. 
h  7:4.    44:17—21.      1  Sam.    24: 

]0,12.  26:11,23.  2  Cor.  1:12. 
i    39:1.     119:106.      Acts    11:23. 

Jam.  3:2. 


names  of  such  worshippers,  in  his  continual 
intercession;  and  Christians  should  careful- 
ly avoid  all  fellowship  with  anti-christian  de- 
lusions. They  need  not  have  recourse  to  these 
vain  expedients,  any  more  than  to  worldly  vani- 
ties: for  "the  God  and  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ"  is  their  God  and  Father  in  him;  their 
present  Comforter  and  their  all-sufficient  and 
eternal  Portion;  and  he  will  maintain  their  lot, 
as  well  as  that  of  their  Surety,  in  defiance  of  the 
united  power  and  policy  of  earth  and  hell.  The 
poorest  believer  may  therefore  triumphantly  say, 
"The  lines  are  fallen  unto  me  in  pleasant  places; 
yea,  I  have  a  goodly  heritage."  [jVotes,  Rom. 
8:28 — 39.)  What  thanks  then  are  due  to  him, 
who  has  counselled  us  to  make  this  happy  choice; 
who  has  taught  us  to  profit  by  our  daily  experi- 
ence, and  to  find  comfort  in  him  in  the  hours  Of 
solitude,  and  in  seasons  of  affliction!  He  who 
has  learned  to  set  God  before  him,  to  act  as  in 
his  presence,  and  to  rely  on  his  watchful  care 
and  protection,  may  be  sharply  tried  and  tempt- 
ed: but  he  cannot  be  moved;  for  the  power, 
which  upheld  the  Savior,  is  engaged  on  his  side. 
While  our  hearts  rejoice  in  such  blessings,  let  us 
use  our  tongues,  as  indeed  "the  glory"  of  our 
nature,  in  celebrating  the  praises  of  our  God; 
while  too  many  are  proving  their  tongues  to  be 
"unruly  evils  full  of  deadly  poison."  And  as  the 
Savior,  the  Holy  One  of  God,  saw  not  corrup- 
tion, but  arose  the  First-fruits  of  them  that  slept, 
and  ascended  into  heaven  to  open  for  us  the  paths 
of  life  and  salvation;  so  the  believer  need  not 
fear,  either  lest  his  soul  should  be  left  to  perish, 
or  lest  his  body  should  remain  in  the  grave.  His 
flesh  too  may  rest  in  hope;  for  though  it  see  cor- 
ruption, it  shall  be  raised  again  incorruptible: 
and  both  body  and  soul  shall  be  shewn  the  path 
of  life,  and  admitted  into  the  presence  of  God, 
"where  is  fulness  of  joj^,  and  to  his  right  hand, 
where  are  pleasures  for  evermore."  Wherefore 
let  us  comfort  ourselves  and  each  other,  witli 
these  words. 

NOTES. 

PsALM  XVII.  Title.  The  inscription  found 
at  the  beginning  of  many  of  these  sacred  hymns, 
viz.  "A  psalm  of  David,"  may  literally  be  ren- 
dered "A  psalm  to  David;"  and  thence  some 
have  been  led  to  think  that  he  did  not  write  all, 
or  even  most  of  them.  But  at  the  head  of  this 
psalm  the  same  mode  of  expression  is  used; 
and  consequently  if  those  psalms  were  not  com- 
posed by  him,  but  only  addressed  to  him,  this 
psalm  would  be  entitled  "A  prayer  to  David." 
This  shews  that  our  version  is  so  far  right;  that 
the  translation  is  of  the  same  import  as  the  origi- 
nal, which  means  A  Psalm,  ascribed  to  David, 
as  its  author. 

V.  1 — 3.  We  shall  not  fully  enter  into  the 
spirit  of  this  psalm,  unless  we  place  ourselves  in 
the  circumstances  of  David.    The  whole  tenor 


B.  C.  lOGO. 


PSALM  XVII. 


B.  C.  1060. 


4  Coiicerniiig  ^  the  works  of  men, 
'  by  the  word  of  thy  lips,  I  have  kept  me 
from  the  paths  of  ™  the  destroyer. 

5  °  Hold  up  my  goings  in  thy  paths, 
°  that  my  footsteps  *  sHp  not. 

6  P  I  have  called  upon  thee;  for  thou 
wilt  hear  me,  O  God:  i  incline  thine  ear 
unto  me,  and  hear  my  speech. 

7  Shew  ■■  thy  marvellous  loving  kind- 
ness, O  thou  that  t  savest  *  by  thy  right 
hand  them  which  put  their  trust  in  thee, 
from  those  that  rise  up  against  them. 

8  Keep  me  as  ^  the  apple  of  the  eye, 
"  hide  me  under  the  shadow  of  thy 
wings, 

9  From  the  wicked  that  ^  oppress  me. 


k  14:1—3.     Gen.    6:5,11.      Job 

15:16.    31:33.       1  Cor.    3:3.    1 

Pet.  4:2,3. 
1    119:9—11.       Matt.     4:4,7,10. 

John  17:17.     Eph.  6:17.  Jam. 

1:18.      Rev.  1-2:11. 
m  1  Pet.  5:3.   Rev.  9:11.  marg. 
n    1]9:116,117,133.      121:3,7.     1 

Sam.  2:9.    Jer.  10:23. 
o  18:36.  33:16.  94:1.3. 
*  Heh.  be  not  moved. 
p  55:16.  66:19,20.   llti:2. 
q  13:3,4.      Is.    37:17,20. 

9:17-19. 
r  31:21.    73:12.     Rom.    i 


Dan. 


20,21. 


Rev.  15:3. 
t  Or,   savest  them  which  trust 

in  thee,  J)-om   those   that   rise 

up  against  thy  right  hand.    5: 

11,12.   10:12—16.      1  Sam.    17: 

45—47.25:28,29.     2  Kings  19: 

22,34.     2  Chr.  16:9. 
s  20:6.    44:3.    60:5.     Ex.    15:6. 

Is.  41:10.     Acts  2:33. 
t  Dent.  32:10.  Prov.  7:2.  Zech. 

2:8. 
u30:7.  57:1.  61:4.    63:7.  91:1,4. 

Ruth  2: 12.  Matt.  23:37.    Luke 

13:34. 
X  Heb.  -vaste.   1  Chr.  17:9. 


of  it  shews,  that  he  has  recorded  his  earnest 
meditation  and  praj^er,  at  the  most  interesting 
crisis,  whten  Saul,  instigated  by  groundless  sus- 
picions, and  false  accusations,  and  pursuing  him 
as  a  traitor,  had  surrounded  him  with  his  troops, 
and  must  have  seized  on  him,  had  not  God  most 
wonderfullj'  interposed.  {J^otes,  54:  title.  ]  Sam. 
23:19 — 28.) — The  persecuted  and  slandered  ser- 
vant of  God,  in  this  extremity,  appealed  to  his 
omnipotent  Lord;  and  conscious,  that  he  had  in 
no  respect  deserved  ill  of  his  cruel  enemy,  he 
called  upon  God  to  "hear  justice,"  and  to  accept 
his  prayer,  which  was  not  the  language  of  deceit 
respecting  men,  or  hypocrisy  towards  God. 
(JVo<e5,  145:18.  Jer.  3:6 — 11.)  He  besought  him 
to  pronounce  sentence  between  him  and  Saul, 
according  to  his  intimate  acquaintance  with  the 
cause,  as  he  knew  that  equity  was  on  his  side: 
for  the  Lord  had  long  proved  the  heart  of  his 
servant;  he  had  seen  his  conduct  and  thoughts, 
even  at  midnight,  when  traitors  either  meet  to 
form  their  plans,  or  meditate  how  to  carry  them 
into  execution.  Indeed,  circumstances  had 
served  to  trij  him  as  hyfire;  seeing  he  had  every 
temptation  to  seek  opportunities  of  avenging 
himself.  Yet  God  was  witness,  that  nothing  of 
tiiis  kind  had  been  thought  of  by  him;  naj',  he 
had  avoided  every  disrespectful  word  concern- 
ing Saul,  the  Lord's  anointed;  lest  he  should 
excite  his  followers  to  attempt  ought  against 
him. 

V.  4,  5.  "The  works  of  men,"  (of  Adam,  or  of 
his  descendants,  as  inheriting  liis  fallen  nature,) 
are  those  works  to  which  they  are  prepense; 
and  among  others,  they  have  a  strong  propensity 
to  "render  evil  for  evil:"  but  David  had  so  stud- 
ied the  oracles  of  God,  that  by  regarding  his 
promises  and  precepts,  he  had  resisted  every 
temptation  to  this  conduct. — The  word,  rendered 
"destroyer,"  signifies  a  robber  or  murderer:  but 
the  Psalmist  seems  not  so  much  to  have  intend- 
ed, that  he  had  kept  himself  out  of  the  reach  of 
those  who  wished  to  murder  him,  or  from  the 
ways  of  Satan  the  destroyer;  as  that  he  had  been 
kept  from  embracing  any  opportunity  afforded 


from  my  5  deadly   enemies  who  compass 
me  about. 

10  '^They  are  enclosed  in  their  own 
fat:  y  with  their  mouth  they  speak  proud- 
ly. 

1 1  They  have  now  ^  compassed  us  in 
our  steps;  they  have  "  set  their  eyes 
bowing  down  to  the  earth; 

12  II  Like  as  a  Hon  Mai!  is  greedy  of 
his  prey,  and  as  it  were  a  young  lion 
^  lurking  in  secret  places. 

13  ^  Arise,  O  Lord,  **  disappoint  him, 
cast  him  down:  deliver  my  soul  from  the 
wicked,  ^\  which  is  *^  thy  sword: 

14  From  men  ^^ivhich  are  thy  hand, 
O  Lord,    from     "^men    of    the    world, 


§  Heb.     enemies   against   the 

sold.     7:5.  35:4,7,12.     1   Sam. 

24:11. 
X  73:7^9.   119:70.    Deut.  32:15. 

Job    15:27.     Is.     6:10.     Matt. 

13:15.     Acts  28:27. 
y  12:3,4.  31:18.   123:4.    Ex.  5:2. 

15:9.     1  Sam.  2:3.     2  Pet.  2: 

13.     Rev.  13:5,6. 
z  1  Sam.  23:26.  24:2,3.  26:2,3. 
a  10:8—10.     Prov.  6:13,14. 
II  Heb.    The   likeness  of  him, 

(that  is,  o/'eoer^  one  of  them,) 


is    as  a   lion  that  desireth  to 

raven.  7:2.  22:13.     2  Tim.  4: 

17.  1  Pet.  5:8. 
M  Heb.  sitting. 
b  3:7.    7:6.     44:23,26.    119:126. 

Is.  51:9. 
**  Heb.  prevent  his  face. 
tt  Or,  by  My  s7iio;d.    7:11 — 13. 
c  Is.  10:'5,]5.    13:5.  37:26.  Hab. 

1:12.     Acts  4:28. 
JJ  Or,  by  thine  hand. 
d  Luke  16:3.    John  8:23.   15:19. 

17:14.     1  John  4:4,5. 


him  of  killing  Saul.  And  he  still  prayed,  that 
he  might  be  upheld,  and  not  left  to  fall  into  so 
great  a  crime,  however  injured  and  tempted, 
{M>fe.9,  Ps.  119:114— 11 7,133.  1  S'am.  2:9.)— In 
the  present  circumstances  of  human  nature,  the 
ways  of  godliness  are  become  slippery  paths, 
through  the  artifices  of  Satan,  and  the  snares  of 
the  world,  combining  with  "the  sin  that  dwelleth 
in  us." — In  some  of  these  things  David  may  be 
considered  as  a  type  of  Christ:  he  alone  was  uni- 
versallj'  and  perfectly  free  from  sin,  and  could 
say  in  the  fullest  sense,  that  a  heart-searching 
God  could  find  nothing  wrong  in  him.  (3) 

V.  6—8.  (Marg.  Ref.)  "Make  wonderful 
thy  mercies,  O  thou,  who  savest  those  that  trust, 
from  those  who  rise  up  against,  thy  right  hand." 
(7)  This  address  to  God,  as  the  especial  Protect- 
or of  those,  who  trust  in  him,  from  those  who  re- 
bel against  him,  is  worthy  of  special  notice.  In 
answering  such  prayers  he  acts  according  to  his 
known  character.  (i2o7>i.  15:5,13.  J^otes,  2  Cor. 
7:5—7.  Heb.  13:20,21.    1  Pe«.  5:10,1 1.) 

Apple.     (8)    py"n3  j-iU'^ND  .     As  the  pupil,   or 

black  spot,  the  daughter  of  the  eye.  The  singu- 
lar precaution,  with  which  the  Creator  has  se- 
cured the  pupil  of  the  eye,  and  by  which  every 
creature  instinctively  guards  it  from  injury, 
forms  a  striking  illustration  of  the  Lord's  watch- 
ful care  over  his  people,  amidst  the  peculiar  dan- 
gers to  which  they  arc  on  every  side  exposed. 
[JYotes,  Deut.  32:10.  Prov.  7:2.  Zech.  2:6—9.) 

V.  9,  10.  [Jlarg.)  David's  persecutors  were 
prosperous,  self-indulgent,  and  luxurious;  and 
thus  they  grew  arrogant,  impious,  unfeeling,  and 
presumptuous.     [JVotcs,  73:6 — 9.  119:70.) 

V.  11,  12.  'Indeed  they  have  now  gotten  me 
'and  my  followers  into  a  very  great  strait;  and 
'which  way  soever  we  turn  ourselves,  we  are  in 
'danger  to  fall  into  the  hands  of  those,  who  liave 
'stedfastly  resolved  on  our  utter  ruin.  ...No  lion 
'can  be  more  desirous  to  tear  a  lamb  in  pieces, 
'than  Saul  is  to  make  a  prey  of  me.'  Bp.  Pat- 
rick. Saul  and  his  associates  acted  also  with 
dark  subtlety,  and  seemed  to  be  thinking  of 
something  else,  when  they  were  watching  their 

[143 


B.  C.   1060. 


PSALM  XVII. 


B.  C.  lOGO. 


^  which  have  their  portion  in  this  life, 
'and  whose  belly  thou  fillest  with  thy 
s  hid  treasure:  *  they  are  full  of  children, 
^  and  leave  the  rest  of  their  substance  to 
their  babes. 


e  49:17— 19.    73:12.      Luke   12: 

19—21.    ]ti:25.     Jam.  5:5. 
f  Job  12:6,9.  21:7—15.  22:18. 
g  Prov.  2:4.     Matt.  13:44. 


*  Or,  their  children  are  full. 
h  39:6.     Job    21:21.    27:14—17. 
Luke  16:27,28. 


opportunity  of  mischief  and  murder.  {Marg. — 
JVoto,  7:14— 16.  1  Sam.  18:17— 27.  23:22—28. 
Matt.  26:3—5.) 

V.  13 — 1,5.  In  this  extremity,  unless  the  Lord 
speedily  interposed,  (as  one  who  had  delayed  till 
no  more  time  could  be  lost,)  to  prevent  Saul  from 
accomplishing  his  wicked  design,  and  to  disap- 
point him  of  his  prey,  by  some  humiliating  event; 
he  would  certainly  take  away  David's  life,  and  so 
render  the  promises  of  God  of  no  effect:  but  this 
could  not  be. — Saul  and  his  men  had  been  as  the 
"sword,"  and  "hand,"  of  God,  by  which  he  exe- 
cuted vengeance  on  many,  and  corrected  others, 
in  Israel;  but  they  were  mere  mortal  men  of  a 
worldly  spirit,  who  preferred  an  earthly  portion  to 
the  favor  of  God,  and  consequently  had  their  good 
things  in  this  life.  God  indeed  gave  them  abun- 
dance of  those  treasures,  which  are  commonly 
hidden  for  security,  and  spent  in  self-indulgence 
with  their  children.  They  were  also  full  of  chil- 
dren: and  after  living  in  plenty,  nay,  luxury,  per- 
haps till  old  age;  they  left  a  numerous  and  flour- 
ishing family  to  inherit  their  riches:  but  they  were 
not  "rich  towards  God."  (JVb^es,  49:10,11,15—18. 
73:11—14.  Job  21:7—22.  27:13—23.)  And  would 
the  Lord  suffer  his  servant  to  be  destroyed  by 
such  profane,  selfish  men.=— The  Psalmist  however 
determined,  whatever  might  be  the  event,  to  act 
as  in  the  immediate  presence  of  God,  to  maintain 
a  good  conscience,  and  to  walk  before  God  in 
righteousness:  and  then,  whether  he  died  soon,  or 
lived  many  years,  he  should  certainly  at  last  ob- 
tain full  satisfaction,  when  he  awaked  in  the  eter- 
nal world,  or  at  the  general  resurrection,  perfect- 
ly renewed  to  the  divine  image  in  righteousness 
and  true  holiness. — The  former  clause  of  the  last 
verse  is  here  interpreted  of  David's  purpose,  and 
only  the  latter  of  his  prospect.  Some  explain  both 
to  mean  his  expectation  of  happiness  in  the  eter- 
nal world;  yet  not  excluding  his  hope  of  deliver- 
ance from  his  urgent  dangers. — The  Septuagint 
render  the  last  clause;  "I  shall  be  satisfied  in  be- 
holding thy  glory."  [J^otes,  36:5—9.  119:111. 
Matt.  3:6—8.  1  John  3:1—3.  Rev.  2h22— 27.  22: 
2-5.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

Believers  must  follow  their  Savior,  in  the  way 
by  which  he  passed  through  this  world  to  glory; 
and  such  men  as  were  his  enemies  will  be  theirs 
also:  but  he  was  more  hated,  insulted,  and  cruelly 
entreated,  than  any  of  his  followers  ever  were. 
They  cannot,  like  Jesus,  plead  sinless  perfection 
in  any  part  or  action  of  their  lives;  but  through 
his  merits  and  grace,  they  may  "rejoice  in  the 
testimony  of  their  conscience,  to  their  simplicity 
and  godly  sincerity."  {J^ote,  2  Cor.  1:12—14.) 
They  have  right  on  their  side,  when  oppressed  or 
persecuted,  their  own  hearts  do  not  condemn  them 
of  hypocrisy;  and  therefore  they  have  confidence 
before  a  just  and  merciful  God:  their  prayers  are 
not  the  language  of  dissembling  lips,  but  the  fer- 
vent desires  of  their  hearts,  and  they  may  expect 
that  he  will  give  sentence  in  their  behalf,  when 
they  are  slandered  and  injured;  even  such  an 
equal  sentence,  as  must  proceed  from  the  pres- 
ence of  a  holy  God. — Unallowed  evil,  felt  and 
mourned  over,  should  in  nowise  weaken  this  con- 
fidence: but  without  conscious  integrity  in  our 
144] 


15  '  As  for  me,  ^  I  will  behold  thy 
face  in  righteousness:  ^  I  shall  be  sat- 
isfied when  ™  I  awake  "  with  thy  like- 
ness. 


i  5:7.     Josh.  24:15. 

k4:6.    119:111.      Job    19.26,27. 

2  Cor.  3:18. 
1  16:11.  36:8,9.  65:4.    Matt.  5:6. 

Rev.  7:16,17.  21:3,4,23. 


m  49:14.   Job  14:12.     Is.  26:19. 

Matt.  27:52,53. 
n  Gen.    1:26,27.     Phil.   3:21.    1 

John  3:2,3. 


conduct  towards  God  and  man,  such  appeals 
would  be  the  most  impious  presumption.  The 
Lord  sees  us  in  secret,  visits  us  in  the  night,  and 
witnesses  our  conduct  in  our  most  secret  retire- 
ment, when  solitude  tempts  the  hypocrite  to  sin, 
and  when  the  imagination  is  apt  to  roam  after 
forbidden  objects:  and  if  he  find  one  indulged  and 
allowed  iniquity,  he  will  abhor  our  feigned  devo- 
tions. We  should  therefore  purpose  not  to  offend 
with  our  lips,  or  even  in  our  hearts. — We  must 
not  conform  to  the  works  of  men,  if  we  would 
escape  the  paths  of  the  destroyer;  for  "broad  is 
the  way  that  leadeth  to  destruction,  and  many 
there  be  who  go  in  thereat."  [J^otes,  Matt.  7: 13, 
14.  Rom.  12:2.  Eph.  2:1,2.)  We  must  treasure 
up  the  precepts  and  promises  of  God's  word  in 
our  hearts,  for  our  direction  and  encouragement; 
and  pray  continually  to  be  upheld  by  his  grace,  if 
we  would  walk  in  the  paths  of  holiness:  for  our 
way  through  this  evil  world  is  very  slippery;  we 
are  weak,  and  apt  to  be  heedless;  and  our  own 
watchfulness  or  resolutions,  and  former  upright 
and  consistent  behavior,  cannot  safely  be  depend- 
ed on.  But  the  Lord  will  incline  his  ears  to  those 
who  call  upon  him:  he  has  always  magnified  his 
loving-kindness  to  such  as  have  trusted  in  him; 
upholding  and  defending  them  by  his  right  hand 
from  all  their  enemies;  keeping  ihem  safer  by  his 
grace,  than  the  pupil  of  the  eye  is  kept  by  his 
providence;  and  with  greater  tenderness,  than 
"the  hen  gathereth  her  chickens  under  her 
wings."  {J^otes,  Ruth  2:1 1,12.  Matt.  23:37—39.) 
— The  profane,  the  sensual,  and  the  proud,  indeed 
are  at  all  times  their  enemies;  yet  they  are  not 
always  left  to  take  an  active  part  against  them: 
but  Satan  is  their  most  deadly  foe:  he  is  destitute 
of  compassion,  hardened  in  malice,  and  replete 
with  subtlety;  and  concerning  him  we  may  pray 
in  assured  faith,  "Arise,  O  Lord,  disappoint  him, 
and  cast  him  down;  deliver  my  soul  from  this 
wicked  one."  He  is  indeed  the  sword,  by  which 
the  Lord  punishes  his  enemies,  and  scourges  a 
guilty  world;  but  his  children  shall  not  be  given 
over  to  be  a  prey  to  him,  nor  to  his  instruments. 
— The  most  afflicted  Christian  needs  not  envy  the 
most  prosperous  "men  of  the  world,  who  have 
their  portion  in  tliis  life."  (J^ote,  Luke  16:24 — 
26.)  They  indeed  receive  from  the  Lord  that 
abundant  treasure,  which  they  love  to  lay  up  se- 
curely for  themselves;  to  spend  in  varied  kinds  of 
gratification,  or  hoard  to  aggrandize  their  families: 
and  frequently  the  desires  of  their  hearts  in  these 
matters  are  granted  them.  Yet  they  must  die, 
and  leave  their  good  things  behind  them,  to  enter 
another  world,  where  they  have  no  portion  but 
darkness  and  despair.  But  the  believer  walks 
here  in  the  light  of  God's  countenance,  in  a  de- 
lightful attendance  on  his  ordinances  and  obe- 
dience to  his  commands:  he  rejoices  in  the  nope 
of  glory;  when  he  dies,  his  soul  depiirt&aence  "to 
be  with  Christ  which  is  far  better;"  and  at  the 
resurrection  his  body  shall  be  raised  incorruptible 
and  glorious:  and  being  completely  changed  into 
the  image  of  his  God  and  Savior,  he  shall  be  eter- 
nally and  perfectly  satisfied  with  a  happiness, 
large  as  his  desires  and  capacities.  Lord,  teach 
us  to  "choose  this  good  part,  which  shall  never  be 
taken  from  us."  (JVofe  and  P.  O.  Luke  10:38— 
42.) 


B.  C.  1018. 


PSALM  XVIII. 


B.  C.  1013. 


PSALM    XVIII. 

David's  psalm  of  thanksgiving,  for  his  manifold  deliverances, 
and  singular  prosperity,  1 — 50. 

To  the  chief  Musician,  A  Psalm  of  Da- 
vid, "  the  servant  of  the  Lord,  who 
spake  unto  the  Lord  the  words  of 
this  song,  ^  in  the  day  that  the  Lord 
dehvered  him  from  the  hand  of  all  his 
enemies,  and  from  the  hand  of  Saul 
And  he  said, 

WILL    love  thee,    O  Lord,  •'  my 
Strength. 

2  « The  Lord  is  my  Rock,  and  ''  my 
Fortress,  and   my   Deliverer;    my  God, 
my  *  Strength  in  whom  I  will  trust;  e  niy 
Buckler,  and  *"  the  Horn  of  my  salvation 
and  '  my  high  Tower. 

3  ''  I  will  call  upon  the  Lord,  '  ivho  is 
worthy  to  be  praised:  "  so  shall  I  be 
saved  from  mine  enemies. 

4  "  The  sorrows  of  death  .compassed 
me,  and  °the  floods  of  ^ungodly  men 
made  me  afraid. 

5  P  The  \  sorrows  of  hell  compassed  me 
about:  ^  the  snares  of  death  prevented  me. 


a36;  (i/;«.  116:16.     Acts  13:36. 

Heb.  3:5. 
b  34:19.      Ex.   15:l,&c.     Judg. 

3:l,&;c.     1  Sam.  2:1—10.      Is. 

12:1—6. 
c  116:1—6.   144:1,2.     1  John  4: 

19. 
d32.    28:7,8.    118:14.     Is.  12:2. 

Phil.  4:13.     Col.  1:11. 
e23:l.  62:2,7.     Is.  32:2. 
f  91:2.   144:2.     Jer.  16:19. 
*  Heb.  rock. 
%  91:4.   Prov.  2:7. 
h  132:17.     2  Sam.  22:3. 
i  Prov.  18:10. 
k  5:2,3.    28:1,2.    55:16.  62:8.    2 


Sam.  22:4.     Phil.  4 
165:1,2.     Neh.  9:5.    Rev.  4:11. 

5:12—14. 
m  91:15.      Luke    1:71.     Acts  2: 

21.     Rom.  8:31—39. 
n  116:3.     2  Sam.  22:5,6.    Is.  13: 

8.      53:3,4.        Matt.     26:38,39. 

Mark  14:33,34.     2  Cor.  1:9. 
o  22:12,13,16.        Jon.      2:2—7. 

Matt.    26:47,55.    27:24,25,39— 

44.     Acts  21:30. 
t  Heb.  Belial. 
p  86:13.    88:3—8,15—17.     Acts 

2:24. 
J  Or,  cords. 
q  Ec.  9:12. 


NOTES. 

Psalm  XVIII.     Title.     M)te,  2  Sam.  22:1. 

V.  1.  This  introductorj'  verse  is  not  found  in 
the  parallel  passag^e  in  the  second  book  of  Samuel. 
The  variations,  between  the  two  copies,  seem  to 
have  been  principall)'  poetical  improvements  of 
the  style,  as  few  of  them  material!}'  alter  the  sense, 
and  several  evidently  render  the  composition 
more  elesi^ant.  Indeed,  the  whole  Psalm  seems 
one  of  the  most  finished  poetical  compositions, 
extant    in    any    languag'e. — The    word    (tjcniN) 

liere  rendered,  "/  will  love  thee,''''  is  peculiarly 
emphatical:  'I  will  love  thee  with  my  inmost  soul, 
*and  all  its  powers,  and  with  the  most  fervent  af- 
'fections  of  my  heart.' — 'I  will  greatly  desire  and 
'long  after  thee.'  {J\rotes,  63:1—4.  l"l6:l.)— The 
experience  which  the  aged  Psalmist  had  acquired, 
of  the  Lord's  faithfulness,  power,  and  love,  no 
doubt  excited  the  lively  exercises  of  admiring  and ! 

adoring  love,  as  well  as  gratitude Some  think  [ 

that  David  spake  in  the  person  of  the  risen  Re- 1 
deemer,  taking  a  retrospect  of  his  sufferings  and  I 
triumphs;  and  the  words,  in  that  view,  convey  a 
most  interesting  and  animating  reflection  to  the 
mind  of  the  true  Christian. 

V.  2,  3.  (JVb<e,  2  Sam.  22:2,3.)  'As  the  Psalm 
'so  evidently  throughout  is  a  thanksgiving  for  past 
'deliverances,  the  verbs  in  this  verse  (3)  seem  to 
'require  the  same  rendering  v/hich  is  given  to 
'them  below,  at  ver.  6.'  Bp.  Home.  That  is, 
they  should  be  rendered  in  the  past,  and  not  in  the 
future  tense. — But  perhaps  the  Psalmist  meant  to 
give  the  feelings  and  purpose  of  his  heart,  while 
Vol.  III.  19 


j  6  ■■  In  my  distress  I  called  upon  the 
iLoRD,  and  cried  unto  my  God:  '^  he 
I  heard  my  voice  out  of  his  temple,  and 
j  *my  cry  came  before  him,  even  into  his  ears. 
I  7  Then  "  the  earth  shook  and  trem- 
ibled;  ^  the  foundations  also  of  the  hills, 
j  moved  and  were  shaken,  because  he 
I  was   wroth. 

I  8  There  ^  went  up  a  smoke  h  out  of 
!  his  nostrils,  and  ^  fire  out  of  his  mouth 
i  devoured:  coals  were  kindled  by  it. 

9  "  He  bowed  the  heavens  also,  and 
came  down:  and  ''darkness  wa*  under 
his  feet. 

10  And  ^  he  rode  upon  a  cherub, 
and  did  fly:  yea,  he  did  fly  upon  the 
wings  of  the  wind. 

11  He  made  darkness  ^  his  secret 
place;  his  pavilion  round  about  him  iver^ 
dark  waters,  ®  and  thick  clouds  of  the 
skies. 

12  *"At  the  brightness  that  was  be- 
fore him  his  thick  clouds  passed,  ^  hail- 
stones  and  coals  of  fire. 


r3,4.   50:15.    130:1,2.     Mark  14: 

36.    Acts  12:5. 
s  5:7.   11:4.  27:4,5.  2  Sam.  22:7. 

Hab.  2:20.     Rev.  11:19. 
t  Ex.   2:23.      1  Kings   8:27—30. 

2  Clir.  30:27. 
u  114:4—7.     Matt.  28:2.     Acts 

16:25,26. 
X  46:2.     Dcut.  32:22.   Jer.  4:24. 

Ez.    38:19,20.      Hab.   3:6,10. 

Zech.  14:4.    ]  Cor.  13:2. 
v  11:6.  21:9.  74:1.    104:32.    144: 
'5,6.      Gen.    19:23.'    Lev.  10:2. 

Num.   11:1.     16:35.     Deut.  29: 

20,23,24.    2  Thes.  1:8. 
5  Heb.  by  his. 


z  Dan.  7:10.     Am.  4:11.    Kah. 

1:5,6.     Rev.  11:5. 
a  68:4.     Peut.    33:26.     2   S.nro. 

22:10.       Is.    51:6.      Joel   3:16. 

Matt.   24:29.     Heb.    12:26.     2 

Pet.  3:10.-    Rev.  20:11. 
b  Deut.  ■5;22,:23.     Mark   15:33. 

John  13:7. 
c2   Sam.    22:11,12.     Ez.   l:i — 

14.    10.20—22. 
d  27:5.   81:7.  91:1. 
e  Dcut.  4:11.     Joel  2:2. 
f  97:3,4.      Hab.    3:4,5.     Matt. 

17:2,5. 
g  Ex.    9:23,24.     .Tosh.    ]0:J1.    2 

Sam.  22:13—15.     Rev.  16:21. 


struggling  with  his  difficulties  and  overcoming 
them  by  faith,  to  which  the  event  corresponded: 
for  the  words  are  plainly  future;  a.nd  a  total  dis- 
regard to  the  tense  should  not  be  supposed  with- 
out evident  necessity.  [JSTotes,  142:  title.  Is.  38:9 — 
13.  Jon.  2:1,2.) 

V.  4,  5.  {J\rote,  2  Sam.  22:5,  6.)  The  word  ren- 
dered "sorrows,"  in  these  verses,  signifies  cords, 
or  pangs,  especially  those  of  women  in  travail; 
and  it  is  translated  pangs  in  the  Septuagint.  And 
as  St.  Luke,  in  recording  the  apostle  Peter's  ser- 
mon on  the  day  of  Pentecost,  uses  the  same  word 
concerning  Christ,  in  respect  of  his  resurrection, 
where  it  does  not  seem  so  apposite  as  cords  or 
bonds'  would  have  been;  it  is  supposed,  that  he  re- 
fers to  the  Septuagint  version  of  this  Psalm.  This 
is  an  additional  proof,  that  it  should  be  considered 
chiefly,  as  prophetical  of  his  conflicts  and  triumphs. 
[JVote,  Acts  2:22—24.) 

V.  6.  This  verse  also  is  future  in  the  original. 
(JVb^e,  2,3.)  It  varies  from  the  parallel  verse  iu 
Samuel,  by  using  two  nearly  synonymous  words, 
for  "called"  and  "cried,"  while  in  the  other  copy 
the  latter  is  merely  a  repetition  of  the  former. 

V.  7.  The  words  "foundations  of  heaven," 
used  in  Samuel,  is  here  changed  for  "foundations 
of  the  hills,''''  or  mountains.    [Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  10.  Two  letters  in  the  original,  near!}'  alike, 
one  used  in  Samuel,  the  other  here,  make  the 
variation  between  the  two  copies:  probably  it  was 
originally  a  trivial  error  of  a  transcriber.  In  Sam- 
uel it  is,  "He  was  seen  upon  the  wings  of  the 
wind." 

V.  12.     The  brightness  of  Jehovah's  appear- 

[145 


B.  C.   lOlt 


PSAL.A1  XVIII. 


B.  C.  1018. 


13  The  Lord  also  ''thundered  in  the' 
heavens,  and  '  the  Highest  gave  his  | 
voice;  hcLil-siones  and  ^  coals  of  fire.  ' 

14  Yea,  '  he  sent  out  his  arrows,  and 
scattered  them;  and  '^  he  shot  out  Hght- 
nings,  and  discomfited  them.  | 

15  Then    ■'the    channels    of    waters 
v.-cre  seen,  °  and  the  foundations  of  the  ! 
world  were    discovered   at    thy   rebuke, 
O  Lord,    p  at  the  blast  of  the  breath  of; 
thy  nostrils. 

16  *!  He  sent  from  above,  he  took 
me,  '  he  drew  me  out  of  *  many  waters,  i 

17  He  delivered  me  from  Mny  strong 
enemy,    and    from    *  them  which  hated  I 
me:  for  "  they   were  too  strong  for  me,  i 

18  They  prevented  me  ^in  the  day 
of  my  calamity,  ^  but  the  Lord  was  my 
stay.  ! 

19  He  brought  me  forth  also  ^into| 
a  large  place:  he  delivered  me,  *be-j 
cause  he  delighted  in  me. 

20  The  Lord  ''  rewarded  me  accord-  • 
ing  to  my  righteousness;  "^  according    to 
the  cleanness  of  my  hands  iiath  he  rec- 
ompensed  me. 

21  For  "^I  have  kept  the  ways  of  the 
Lord,  ^  antl  have  not  wickedly  departed : 
from  my  God.  j 

22  For  ''  all  his  judgments  were  be- : 
fore  me,  s  and  I  did  not  put  away  his 
statutes  from  me. 

23  I  was  also  ''  upright  +  before  him, 
and  '  I  kept  myself  from   mine   iniquity. 


Ii  78:48.  104:7.     Ex.  20:13.  Job 

40:9.     John  12:29.     Rev.  4:5. 

S:5.   19:6. 
i  29:4.     Ez.  10.5. 
k  Ii0:3,4.   140:10.    Deut.  32:24. 

marg.  Hab.  3:5. 
1    21:12.      77:17.      Num.    24:8. 

Deut.  32:23,42.  Job  6:4.  Hab. 

3:11. 
lu  144:6.     Job    38:35.  40:9—12. 

Zech.  9:14,15. 
n  74:15.  Josh.  3:13—16.  2  Sam. 

22:16. 
o  104:5.     Job  38:4—6.    Jer.  31: 

37.     Jon.  2:6.     Mic.  6:2. 
p  2  Kin-s  19:7.   Job  4:9.  Is.  11: 

4.  30:27,28,33. 
q  57:3.   144:7. 
r43.  40:1—3.  Ex.  2:10.  2Sain. 

22:17. 
*  Or,  great  vmlers.    Jon.  2:5,6. 

Rev.  17:15. 
s  38:19.    2  Sam.  22:1,18.     Heb. 

2:14,15. 


140,41.    9:13.    25:19.    69:4—14. 

118:7.     Job  16:9.     Luke  19:14. 
u  35:10.     Eph.  6:10— 12. 
X  Deut.    32:35.     2  Sara.    22:19. 

Jer.  18:17.  Ob.  10—14.  Zech. 

1:15. 
y  46:1,2,11. 

z  36.  40:2.     Job  36:16. 
a  37:23.     2  Sam.  22:18—27.     1 

Kin-s  10:9. 
h  UU.     Prov.  11:18.    Is.  49:4. 

c2.ll.     Matt.  6:4.     1  Cor.  3:8. 
c  24.  7:3.   24:4.    26:6.     1  Sam. 

24:11—13.  Heb.  7:26. 
d  17:4.    26:1.     119:10,11.     Acts 

24:16.     1  Thes.  2:10. 
e    119:102.      1    Sam.    15:11.    ] 

John  2: 19. 
f  119:13,123.  John  5:14. 
g  119:112,117. 
h  7:8.    11:7.    17:3.     1  Sam.  26: 

23.     1  Chr.  29:17. 
\  Heb.  TOiM. 
i  Matt.  5:29,30.   18:3,9. 


ance  dispersed  the  '•'■thick  cloudsy  which  preced- 
ed it.  The  clause  "his  thick  clouds  passed,"  is 
not  in  Samuel.  The  words  "coals  of  fire  kin- 
dled," are  here  changed  for  "hailstones  and 
coals  of  fire,"  which  are  also  repeated  in  the 
next  verse;  and  the  marginal  references  shew 
the  propriety  of  the  allusion  contained  in  them. 

V.  15.  (jVofe,  2  Sam.  22:7—16.)  As  the 
grand  imagery  of  this  passag'e  more  aptly  suits 
the  death,  resurrection,  and  ascension  of  Christ, 
than  any  of  David's  deliverances;  [JVotes,  Matt. 
27:51—53.  23:1—8.  Acts  1:9—12.)  so  it  natural- 
ly leads  the  pious  mind  to  reflect  on  the  awful 
descriptions  given  us,  of  the  Savior's  last  coming 
146] 


24  Therefore  hath  ^  the  Lord  rec- 
ompensed me  according  to  my  righteous- 
ness, according  to  the  cleanness  of  my 
hands  *  in  his  eye-sight. 

25  ^  With  the  merciful  thou  wilt  shew 
thyself  merciful;  with  an  upright  man 
*"  thou  wilt  shew  thyself  upright;  • 

26  With  the  pure  thou  wilt  shew  thy- 
self pure;  and  °  with  the  froward  thou 
wilt  5  shew  thyself  froward. 

27  For  thou  wilt  "^  save  the  afflicted 
people;  but  wik  p  bring  down  high 
looks. 

28  For  1  thou  wik  hght  my  II  candle: 
the  Lord  ""my  God  will  enlighten  my 
darkness. 

29  For  ^  by  thee  I  have  "^  run  through 
a  troop;  and  *  by  my  God  have  I  leaped 
over  a  walL 

30  As  for  God,  "  bis  way  is  perfect; 
the  word  of  the  Lord  is  **  tried:  *  he 
is  a  Buckler  to  all  those  that  trust  in 
him. 

31  For  >'who  is  God  save  the  Lord.^ 
or  who  is  a  rock  save  our  God.'' 

32  It  is  God  that  '•  girdeth  me  witli 
strength,  *  and   maketh  my  way  perfect. 

33  He  maketh  my  feet  like  hinds' 
feet,  and  setteth  me  upon  ''  my  high 
places. 

34  *^  He  teacheth  my  hands  to  war, 
^  so  that  a  bow  of  steel  is  broken  by 
mine  arms. 

35  Thou  hast  also  given  me  ^  the 
shield   of  thy  salvation:    and  ^  thy  right 


k  Ruth   2:12.       Matt.    10:41,42. 
2  Thes.  1:6,7.     Heb.  6:10. 
\  Heb.  before  his  eyes. 

I  41:1 — 4.  112:4—6.  1  Kings  8: 
32.  Is.  57:1,2.  53:7,8.  Matt. 
13:33—35.  Luke  6:35—33. 

m  Is.    26:7.      Ez.     13:25—30. 

Rom.  9:14. 
n  109:17—19.  Prov.  3:34.  Rom. 

2:4—6,9.     Jam.  2:13. 
^  Or,  Tcrestle. 
0  9:18.34:6,19.    40:17.     2  Sam. 

22:23.     Is.  57:15.  66:2.     Luke 

1:52,53.     2  Cor.  8:9.  Jam.  2:5. 
p  10:4.   17:10,13.   l0l:5.      Prov. 

6:16,17.  30:12.     Is.  3:9.   10:12. 

Luke  18:14. 
q  112:4.     Job  18:6.  29:3. 

II  Or,  lamp.  132:17.  2  Sam.  22: 
29.   1  Kings  11:36.    Is.  62:1. 

r  Is.  42:16.  Matt.  4:16.  Luke 
1:79.     1  Pet.  2:9. 


s  44:6,7.  144:1,10.     1   Sam.    17: 

49.  23:2.    30:8.     2  Sam.  5:19, 

20,25.     Eph.  6:10— 13.  Col.  2; 

15.     Rev.  3:21. 
IT  Or,  broken. 
t2    Sam.   22:30.      1  Cor.  15:10. 

2  Cor.  12:9,10. 
u  19:7.    25:10.     2  Sam.    22:31. 

Rom.  12:2. 
**  Or,  refined.   19:8 — 10. 
x2.    17:7.  84:11,12. 
V  86:8.     2  Sam.    22:32.     Is.  45: 
'21,22. 

z  28:7.  93:1.     Is.  45:5. 
a  2  Sam.  22:33. 
b  Deut.  33:29.     2  Sam.  22:34. 

Hab.  3:19. 

c  2  Sam.  22:35.     Is.  28:6.   45:1. 
d  46:9.  Jer.  49:35.     Hos.  1:5. 
e  5:12.    28:7.      Deut.    33:29.    2 

Sam.  22:36. 
f  17:7.  44:3. 


to  judge  the  world.  {M>tes,  2  Thes.  1:5—10.  2 
Pe<.  3:10— 13.  Rev.  20:11— 15.) 

V.  16—26.     JVotes,  2  Sam.  22:]  7—28. 

V.  27.  The  contrast  between  "afflicted  peo- 
ple" and  "high  looks"  shews,  that  humility  rath- 
er than  svfferins:  was  intended;  or  rather  hum- 
ble sufferers.  [JVbtes,  Is.  57:15,16.  Ltike  1:46 — 55.) 

V.28,  29.  {J^ote,  2  Sam.  22:29,30.)  Some 
apply  the  expression,  "Thou  wilt,"  or  rfo*f, 
"light  my  candle,"  which  had  been  extinguish- 
ed, to  the  restoration  of  the  Savior  from  death, 
in  which  his  body  had  lain  as  an  extinguished 
taper:  and  the  next  verse  to  his  bursting  the  bar- 
riers of  tlie  tomb. 


B.  C.  1018. 


PSALM  XVIIJ. 


B.  C.  lOlS. 


hand  hath  holden  me  up,   and  *  tliy  gen- 
tleness hath  made  me  great. 

36  Thou  hast  ^  enlarged  my  steps 
under  me,  that  my  t  feet  did  not  slip. 

37  I  have ''pursued  mine  enemies,  and 
overtaken  them:  neither  did  I  turn  again 
till  they  were  consumed. 

38  I  have  '  wounded  them,  that  they 
were  not  able  to  rise:  they  are  fallen 
under  my  feet. 

39  For  thou  hast  ^  girded  me  v^^ith 
strength  unto  the  battle:  '  thou  hast  +  sub- 
dued under  me  those  that  rose  up  against 
me. 

40  Thou  hast  also  given  me  ■"  the 
necks  of  mine  enemies;  °  that  I  might 
destroy  them  that  hate  me. 

41  They  cried,  °but  there  was  none 
to  save  them;  even  unto  the  Lord,  but 
he  answered  them  not. 

42  Then  did  pI  beat  them  small  as 
the  dust  before  the  wind:  ^  I  did  cast 
them  out  as  the  dirt  in  the  streets. 

43  Thou  hast  delivered  me  "■  from  the 
strivings  of  the   people;  and  '  thou   hast 


*  Or,  -with  thy  meekness  thou 

hast  muitiplied  me.   45r4.    Is. 

40:H.  4J:3.  2  Cor.  10:1.    Gal. 

5:22,23.     Jam.  3:17,18. 
g4:l.     Job   18:7.  36:16.     Luke 

12:50.  24:46 — 48. 
t  Heb.  aiikles.     2  Sam.  22:37. 
h3:7.    9:3.    35:2—3.   118:11,12. 

Num.   24:17—19.     Is.  53:10— 

12.  62:1—6.     Rev.  6:2.  19:19, 

20. 
■|  1    Sam.    17:49—51.    23:5.    30: 

17.    2  Sam.  5:  8:  10:  18:7,8.  21: 

15 — 22.    22:39. 
k  32.     Ez.  30:24,25. 
I  1  Chr.   22:18.     1  Cor.  15:25— 

28.     Eph.l:22.    Phil.  3:21. 
i   Heb.   caused  to  bow.  66:3.  2 


Sam.  22:40.     Is.  45:14. 
m  Lam.  5:5. 
n  34:21.     2  Sam.  22:41.     Prov. 

8:36.     John  15:23. 
o2Sam.  22:42,43.     Job   35:12, 

13.  Is.  59:1,2.     Jer.  11:11.    14: 

12.       Ez.     8:18.       Hos.    7:14. 

Zech.  7:13.     Luke  13:25. 
p  50:22.     2  Kings  13:7.     Is.  41: 

2,15,16. 
q  Is.   10:6.  25:10.     Zech.   10:5. 

Mai.  4:3. 
r2Sam.   2:9,10.5:1—7.     Acts 

5:31. 
s  22:27,28.    108:9.     2  Sam.  5:  3: 

10:  22:44 — 46.     Is.   49:6,22,23. 

52:15.     Rom.   15:12,18.     Eph. 

1:22. 


V.  30— 48.  (JVb<e*,2Sam.  22:31— 31.)  'Thus 
*we  learn  to  trust  in  Jehovah  without  fear, 
♦vsrhen  our  enemies  are  victorious;  and  to  glorify 
'him  without  reserve,  when  we  are  so.'  Bp. 
Home. 

V.  49.  St.  Paul  quotes  this  verse  to  prove, 
that  the  Gentiles  would  glorify  God  for  his  mer- 
cy: (JVoie,  Rom.  13:8 — 13.)  and  this  shews  be- 
yond a  doubt,  that  he  considered  the  Psalm  as 
prophetical  of  Christ,  and  in  some  respects  as 
his  lang-uag-e.  {JVotes,  22:23—31.)  Yet  it  is  not 
advisable  to  apply  every  clause  to  him,  so  as  to 
overlook  his  ancestor  and  t5'pe;  who  seems  to 
have  been  led  by  the  Holy  Spirit,  from  speaking- 
of  his  own  conflicts  and  deliverances,  to  use  lan- 
guage, which  could  never  have  its  full  accom- 
plishment, but  in  his  promised  Seed. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

In  David,  the  type,  we  may  here  behold  Jesus 
our  Redeemer,  conflicting  with  enemies,  com- 
passed with  sorrows,  and  with  "floods  of  ungodly 
men,"  {J^fotes,  Ps.  22:11—18.  Matt.  27:39—44") 
enduring  not  only  the  pains  of  death,  but  the 
wrath  of  God  for  us:  yet  calling  upon  the  Fa- 
ther with  strong  cries  and  tears;  rescued  from 
the  grave  with  a  tremendous  earthquake,  and 
various  convulsions  of  nature;  advanced  to  the 
mediatorial  throne,  and  made  Head  of  the  hea- 
then, as  a  recompense  of  his  most  perfect  obedi- 


made  me  the  head  of  the  heathen:  'a 
people  whom  I  have  not  known  shall 
serve  me. 

44  §  As  soon  as  they  hear  of  me  they 
shall  obey  me:  the  n  strangers  shall  ^  sub- 
mit themselves  unto  me. 

45  The  strangers  shall  "  fade  away, 
and  *be  afraid  out  of  their  close  places. 

4G  y  The  Lord  liveth;  and  ^  blessed 
be  my  Rock;  and  let  "  the  God  of  my 
salvation  be  "  exalted. 

47  It  is  God  that  **  avengeth  me,  and 
^t  subdueth  the  people  unto  me. 

48  He  delivereth  me  from  mine  ene- 
mies: yea,  *=  thou  liftest  me  up  above 
those  that  rise  up  against  me:  thou  hast 
dehvered  me  from  the    M  violent  man. 

49  Therefore  '^  will  I  55  give  thanks 
unto  thee,  O  Lord,  among  the  heathen, 
^  and  sing  praises  unto  thy  name. 

50  Great  deliverance  giveth  he  ''to 
his  King;  and  sheweth  mercy  ^  to  his 
anointed,  to  David,  and  to  his  Seed  for 
evermore. 


tHos.  1:10.  Rom.  16:26.  1  Pet. 

2:10.     Rev.  11:15. 
§  Heb.    Jit  the  hearing  of  the 

ear.  Rom.  10:16,17. 
II  Heb.  S071S  of  the  stranger.  2 

Sam.   1:13.     Is.  62:8.     Ez.  44: 

7.  m,arg. 
V  Or,  yield  feigned  obedience. 

Heb.    lie.  68:30.     2  Sam.  22: 

44—46. 

u  Is.  24:4.     Jam.  1:11. 
X  Rev.  6:16. 
y  2   Sam.    22:47.      Jer.    10:10. 

John  14:19.     Rev.  1:18. 
z  2.  42:9. 
a  25:5.  68:20.    79:9.     El.    15:2. 

Is.  12:2.  Luke  1:47. 
b  21:13.  57:5,11.  99:9. 
**  Heb.    giveth  avengemenis 


for  inc.    Deut.  32:35.    2  Sam. 

22:48.  Nah.  1:2.  Rom.  12:19. 
ft  Or,  destroyeth.  47:3. 
c  22:27—30.  39:1,2.  89:13.  Phil 

2:9. 
WHeh.  m.cin  of  violence.  7:16. 

86:14.   140:1,4,11. 
d  14:7.  30:12.  72:18,19.   138:4. 
55  Or,  confess.      2  Sam.  22:50. 

51.    1  Tim.  6:13. 
e    108:3.     Watt.   26:30.     Rom. 

15:9. 
f  2:6.  78:71,72.  89:3,4.     1  Sam. 

2:10.     16:1.      Acts    2:34—36. 

Phil.  2:9-11. 
g  89:20—38.   132.10.   1  Chr.  17: 

11—14,27.    Is.  9:6,7.      Luke  1. 

31—33,69.     Rom.    1:3.      Gal. 

3:16. 


ence  even  unto  death;  executing  vengeance  on 
the  Jewish  nation,  beating  them  as  small  as  tlie 
dust  before  the  wind,  and  casting  them  out  as  the 
mire  in  the  streets;  and  proceeding  either  to 
reconcile,  or  to  put  under  his  feet,  all  other  ene- 
mies, till  death  the  last  enemy  shall  be  destroyed. 
{J\rote,  1  Cor.  15:20—28.)  In  the  full  assurance 
of  these  truths,  and  expectation  of  his  appearing 
and  his  glory,  we  should  hasten  to  submit  will- 
ingly to  his  authority,  and  to  embrace  his  salva- 
tion; we  should  trust  in  his  merits,  rejoice  in  his 
triumphs,  and  imitate  his  example.  We  also 
ought  most  fervently  to  love  the  Lord  "our 
Strength  and  our  Salvation;"  we  too  should  call 
on  him  in  every  trouble,  and  praise  him  for  every 
deliverance;  we  should  aim  to  walk  with  him  in 
all  righteousness  and  true  holiness,  approving- 
our  hearts  unto  him,  and  keeping  ourselves  from 
our  own  iniquities.  May  he  arm  us  for  every 
conflict,  and  aid  us  in  "all;  may  we  make  no 
league  with  sin,  nor  give  quarter  to  any  Insl. 
By  his  strength  may  we  leap  over  every  inter- 
posing wall  of  difficulty;  by  his  light  may  we 
pass  through  every  dark  valley;  till  at  length  we 
share  the  Savior's  resurrection  and  ascension  into 
heaven:  for  if  we  belong  unto  him,  he  conquered 
and  reigns  for  us,  and  we  shall  conquer  and 
reign  through  him;  and  partake  of  the  mercy  of 
our  anointed  King,  which  is  entailed  on  all  his 
seed  for  evermore. 

[147 


B.  C.   1040. 


PSALIM  XIX. 


B.  C.  1040. 


PSALM    XIX. 

The  heavsns,  and  especially  the  sun,  proclaim  the  Creator's 
glory  to  all  lands,  1 — 6.  The  manifold  excellence  and  useful- 
cess  of  the  word  of  God,  7 — II.  David  prays  to  be  delivered 
from  bis  sins,  und  accepted  in  his  services,  12 — 14. 

To    the    chief    Musician,    A    Psahn    of 

David. 
'  ^'^f^HE   heavens   declare  the  glory  of 
§      God;  and  ^the   firmament  shew- 
eth  his  handy  work. 

2  "  Day  unto  day  uttereth  speech, 
and  =*  night  unto  night  sheweth  knowl- 
edge. 

3  ®  There  is  no  speech  nor  language, 
*  lohere  their  voice  is  not  heard. 

4  ^  Their  ^  line  is  gone  out  through 
all  the  earth,  and  their  words  to  the  end 
of  the  world.  ^  In  them  hath  he  set  a 
tabernacle  for  the  sun; 

5  Which  is  ''  as  a  bridegroom  coming 
out  of  his  chamber,  and  '  rejoiceth  as  a 
strong  man  to  run  a  race. 

6  ^  His  going  forth  is  from  the  end  of 
the  heaven,  '  and  his  circuit  unto  the  ends 
of  it:  and  there  is  nothing  hid  from  the 
heat  thereof. 

7  IF  The  t  law  of  the  Lord  is  ™  per- 


a8:3.  33;6.   115:16.   148:3.4.  Is. 
.40:23—26.  Jer.  10:11,12.  Rom. 

l:iy,''0. 
b    150:1,2.     G.n.    1:6—8,14,15. 

Dan.  12:3. 
c  24:7— 10.    78:3—6.    134:1—3. 

148:12.     Ex.  15:20,21.    Is.  38: 

19. 
a  74:16.  136:8,9.    Gen.  1:17,18. 

3:22. 
e  Deut.  4:19. 
*  Or,  viiihout  these  their  voice 

■is  heard.     Heb.  ■niithovt  their 

voice  heard. 
i  93:3.      Is.  49:6.     Rom.  10:13. 

2  Cor.  10:13—16. 


f  T)r,  rule,  or  direct 
g  Gen.  1:14— 18.    Mai.  4:2. 
h  Is.61:l0.  62:5.     John  3:29. 
i  1  Cor.   9:24—26.     Phil.  3:13, 

14.     Heb.  12:1,2. 
k  139:9.     Job   25:3.      Ec. '  1:5. 

Col.  1:23. 
1  Job  22:14. 
t  Or,    doctrine.    73:1—7.     119: 

72,96—100,105,127,128.       147: 

19,20.     Deut.   6:6—9.   17:18— 

20.      Josh.    1:8.      Job    23:12. 

Rom.  3:2.   15:4. 
m    13:30.      Deut.   32:4.     Rom. 

12:2.     Jam.  1:17. 


NOTES. 

PsALM  XIX.  V.  1.  This  Psalm  seems  es- 
pecially to  have  been  intended  to  prove,  that  the 
idolatry  and  irreligion  of  mankind  were  wholly 
inexcusable.  Even  the  Gentiles,  to  the  remot- 
est regions  of  the  earth,  were  shewn  the  glory  of 
God,  by  the  heavens  and  the  heavenly  orbs,  the 
benefit  of  which  they  received;  but  they  forgot 
the  Creator:  Israel  however  had  fuller  and 
more  adequate  instructions  from  the  sacred  ora- 
cles. {JS'otes,  147:19,20.  Is.  40:21—26.  Jer.  10: 
11—15.  Rom.  1:18—23.) 

V.  2.  The  day  and  night,  in  constant  rotation, 
instruct  mankind  in  the  knowledge  of  the  glori- 
ous Creator;  and  each  day  and  night,  as  it  were, 
transmits  this  task  to  its  successor:  or  they  answer 
to  each  other,  as  when  men  sing  in  parts,  alter- 
nately. 

V.  3 — 6.  The  luminaries  of  heaven  are  not 
capable  of  articulate  discourse,  as  man  is;  (which 
seems  to  be  intimated  by  the  abruptness  of  the 
original,  "No  speech,  no  language,  their  voice  is 
not  heard;")  yet  their  instructions  may  be  under- 
stood by  every  nation  under  heaven:  and  whilst 
other  teachers  are  confined  to  some  particular 
district,  thev  preach  to  the  whole  human  race. 
{.Kote,  Rom.  10:18—21.)  This  is  especially  the 
case  with  the  glorious  sun,  who  has,  as  it  were. 
Ills  tabernacle  pitched  in  thecentre  of  the  heavens. 
Thence  every  morning  he  issues  forth,  in  all  the 
vigor,  alacrity,  and  beautiful  adorning,  with  which 
a  bridegroom  would  leave  his  chamber  to  go  to  his 
14S] 


feet,  §  converting  the  soul:  "  the  testi- 
mony of  the  IjOrd  is  "  sure,  p  making 
wise  the  simple. 

8  The  '1  statutes  of  the  Lord  are 
"■  right,  '^  rejoicing  the  heart:  the  com- 
mandment of  the  Lord  '  is  pure,  "  en- 
lightening the  eyes. 

9  ^  The  fear  of  the  Lord  is  clean, 
>'  enduring  for  ever:  ^  the  judgments 
of  the  Lord  are  II  true  and  righteous 
altogether. 

1 0  More  to  be  desired  are  they  *  than 
gold,  yea,  than  much  fine  gold:  *"  sweet- 
er also  than  honey,  and  "^  the  honey- 
comb. 

11"=  Moreover,  by  them  is  thy  servant 
warned:  and  ^  in  keeping  of  them  there 
is  great  reward. 

12  IT  Who    ®  can    understand   his  er- 


$   Or,   restoring.    23:3.     119:9. 

Jam.  1:21 — 25. 
n  93:5.    119:14,24,111,152.     Is. 

8:16,20.      John  3:32,33.    5:39. 

Acts    10:43.      2   Tim.    1:8.     1 

John  5:9—12.     Rev.  19:10. 
0  111:7.     2  Sam.    23:5.    2  Tim. 

2:19.     Heb.  6:18,19. 
p  119:130.  Prov.  1:4,22,23.  Col. 

3:16.     2  Tim.  3:15—17. 
q  105:45.  119:12,16,80,171.  Gen. 

26:5.     Ex.   18:16.     Deut.  4:5, 

6.   Ez.  36:27. 
r  119:128.     Neh.  9:13. 
s40:8.     119:14,24,54,92,111,143. 

Deut.  12:11,12.  16:11,14.  Neh. 

8:12.       Is.    64:5.      Jer.    15:16. 

Rom.  7:22. 
t   12:6.     119:140.       Prov.    30:5. 

Rom.  7:12—14. 
u  119:98— 100,105,130.    Prov.  2: 

6.  6:23.    Rom.  2:17—20.  3:20. 

7:7.    Gal.  2:19.  3:10—13,21. 
x34:l]— 14.  36:1.   115:13.  Gen. 

22:12.    42:18.       1  Sam.    12:24. 

1  Kings  13:3,4,12.     Neh.  5:15. 

Prov.  8:13.    Acts  10:22.  Rom. 


3:10—18. 
y  111:10.  112:1—6. 
z  10:5.    36:6.    72:1,2.     119:7,39, 
62,75,106,137,138,142,160,164. 

147:19.     Ex.  21:1.     Deut.  4.8. 

Is.    26:8.      Rom.    2:2.      ll:-22. 

Rev.  15:3.   16:7.   19:2. 
II  Heb.  truth. 
a    119:72,127.      Job    28:15—17. 

Prov.  3:13—15.  8:10,11,19.  16: 

16. 
b   63:5.    119:103.      Job    23:12. 

Prov.  24:13,14. 
TT  Heb.  the  dropping  of  honey- 
combs.    1  Sam.  14:26—29. 
c  119:11.     2Chr.  19:10.     Prov. 

6:22,23.     Ez.  3:17—21.  33:3— 

9.     Matt.  3:7.     Acts  20:31.     I 

Cor.  4:14.  1  Thes.  5:14.  Heb. 

11:7. 
d  Prov.  3:16—18.   11:18.  29:18. 

Is.    3:10,11.       Matt.    6:4,6,18. 

Heb.    11:6,26.     Jam.    1:25.    2 

John  8.     Rev.  14:13. 
e  40:12.     Job  6:24.     Is.  64:6.  1 

Cor.  4:4.     Heb.  9:7. 


nuptials;  and  rejoices  like  an  active  racer,  who 
glories  in  his  strength,  and  anticipates  the  victory, 
when  about  to  start  for  the  prize.  Thus  he  daily 
diffuses  through  the  whole  earth,  light,  warmth, 
and  fertility;  and  preserves  and  invigorates  all 
animal  and  vegetable  life,  and  even  penetrates  by 
his  piercing  beams  into  the  heart  of  the  eartli. 
(jYotes,  Gen.  1:14—19.  Deut.  4:19.)— The  sun  in 
the  firmament  may  be  considered  as  an  emblem  of 
"the  Sun  of  righteousness,"  diffusing  divine  light 
and  salvation  by  his  gospel  to  the  nations  of  tlie 
earth.  He  dehghts  in  communicating  blessings 
to  his  church,  which  as  a  Bridegroom  he  has  es- 
poused to  himself:  and  his  course  will  be  unwea- 
ried as  that  of  the  sun,  till  the  whole  earth  be  fill- 
ed with  his  light  and  salvation.  (JVb<e*,  84:11,12. 
J\Ial.  4:2,3.  John  3:27—36.) 

V.  7 — 11.  The  word,  here  translated  "law," 
may  be  rendered  doctrine;  and  be  understood  as 
a  general  name  for  divine  revelation,  as  then  ex- 
tant, the  law  of  Moses  being  the  principal  part  of 
it.  The  whole  of  this  is  "perfect;"  UVote,  Deut. 
32:4.)  and  it  is  intended  to  convert  tne  soul  from 
sin  and  the  world,  to  God  and  holiness;  and  thus 
to  restore  man  from  his  fallen  state.  By  it  the 
Lord  testifies  to  us  all  those  truths,  which  relate  to 
the  mysteries  and  perfections  of  his  nature,  to  our 
own  state  and  character,  to  the  way  of  salvation, 
and  to  the  eternal  world;  with  the  invitations  and 
promises  connected  with  them.  {J\Inrg.  Rtf-  n. — 
{J\''otes,  Ps.  119:111.  Is.  8:20.  1  JjAn  5:9— 12.) 
This  "testimony  is  sure,"  and  entirely  to  be  de- 


B.  C.  1040. 


PSALM  XIX. 


B.  C.  1040. 


rors.''    *"  cleanse    thou  me    from    s  secret 
faults. 

IS''  Keep  back  thy  servant  also  from 
'  presumptuous  sins;  ^  let  them  not  have 
dominion  over   me:  then- shall  I  be  '  up- 


f51;5— 10.  65:3.   iJohn  1:7. 
g  90:8.    139:2,23,24.     Lev.  4:2, 

&c.     Jer.  17:9. 
h  Gen.  20:6. 
i   Ex.   21:14.       Num.    15:30,31. 


Deul.  17:12,13.    2Pet.  210. 
k  119:133.     Horn.  6:12— 14,1  H — 


17:10.   11:7.  84:11.    Acts  24:16. 


pended  on;  and  the  ig-norant  and  unlearned,  who 
seem  most  exposed  to  delusion,  by  unreservedly 
and  simply  crediting  the  word  of  God,  become 
wise  unto  salvation,  and  learn  to  live  a  holy,  use- 
ful, and  happy  life,  in  this  evil  world;  whilst  hu- 
man reasonings  on  these  subjects  commonly  be- 
wilder men  in  error  and  uncertainty. — This  sure 
testimony  'preserves  ignorant  souls  from  being 
'seduced  to  worship  the  sun  ... ;  for  it  makes  them, 
'at  the  first  word,  so  wise,  as  to  understand  that 
'the  Lord  "created  the  heavens,  as  well  as  the 
'earth." '  Bp.  Patrick. — "The  statutes"  frequent- 
ly mean  the  ordinances  of  God,  by  which  Israel 
maintained  communion  with  him,  and  received  all 
blessings  from  him.  These,  though  burdensome 
in  themselves,  under  that  dispensation,  were  en- 
tirely suited  to  its  object,  and  proved  a  source  of 
joy  to  the  believing  worshipper.  [Marg.  Ref.  q.) 
But  some  explain  the  word  in  this  place,  to  sig- 
nify the  laws  given  to  regulate  the  conduct  of 
magistrates,  in  administering  justice;  which  were 
peculiarly  equitable,  and  tended  to  render  the  na- 
tion happy.  "The  commandment,"  or  the  moral 
law,  is  "holy,  just,  and  good,"  and  spiritual;  en- 
lightening the  mind  to  perceive  what  men  should 
be  and  do,  and  how  far  they  are  from  that  holiness 
which  it  demands.  Thus  they  learn  their  true 
character,  are  shut  up  under  sin  and  condemna- 
tion, and  are  brought  to  welcome  the  divine  Sa- 
vior, as  well  as  to  walk  in  newness  of  life.  (JVb^es, 
Ex.  20: 1.  Rom.  ?r.  19,20.)— "The  fear  of  the  Lord, 
is  clean,"  as  it  sets  the  soul  against  all  sin,  and 
leads  to  holy  watchfulness  and  diligence;  andbeing 
once  truly  implanted  in  the  soul,  it  will  endure  for 
ever.  The  term  also  may  include  the  worship 
rendered  to  God,  according  to  his  word;  wliich 
was  free  from  all  profane  mixtures  of  superstition 
and  idolatry,  and  far  removed  from  the  g-ross  im- 
moralities attending  the  religion  of  the  surround- 
ing nations.  The  obligation  to  this  holy  worship 
is  perpetual;  but  the  external  form  was  varied, 
when  the  old  dispensation  was  superseded  by  the 
new,  and  a  more  spiritual  worship  appointed. — 
"The  judgments"  commonly,  in  the  books  of 
Moses,  denote  the  judicial  law:  [J^otes,  Ex.  21: 
1.  Deut.  4:6 — 8.  6:1.)  but  the  term  is  used  in  va- 
rious senses,  in  other  parts  of  Scripture;  and  may 
include  warnings,  counsels,  threatenings,  and  the 
instances  given  of  divine  wrath  executed  on  sin- 
ners in  different  ways. — In  every  sense  "the  judg- 
ments of  God  were  true  and  righteous  altogether," 
without  the  least  exception  in  any  one  particular. 
[Marg.  Ref.  z.) — Indeed,  the  sacred  word,  (even 
as  David  had  it,)  was  in  his  judgment  more  valu- 
able, because  more  useful,  than  much  fine  gold; 
and  he  found  it  more  pleasant  than  honey  to  his 
taste.  He  loved  the  Scriptures,  especially  be- 
cause they  warned  him  to  avoid  sins  and  tempta- 
tions: nay,  the  observance  of  them  was  its  own 
abundant  recompense;  though  it  likewise  entitled 
him  to  a  gracious  reward,  in  another  world,  the 
earnests  of  which  he  had  richly  experienced. 
(JVbfes,  119:97—105.  Jam.  1:22—25.) 

V.  12 — 14.  From  the  consideration  of  the  word 
of  God,  David's  thoughts  recurred  to  himself. 
Viewed  in  this  glass,  his  errors  or  deviations,  ap- 
peared innumerable;  and  he  exclaimed,  "Who 


right,  and  ■"  I  shall  be  innocent  from  the 
*  great  transgression. 

14  "Let  the  words  of  my  mouth,  and 
the  meditation  of  my  heart,  be  accepta- 
ble in  thy  sight,  O  Lord,  my  f  Strength, 
and  "  my  Redeemer. 


m  18:23.     1  Chr.  10:13,14. 

*  Heb.  much. 

n  5:1,2.    51:15.    66:18—20.   119: 

108.     Gen.  4:4,5.     Prov.  15:3. 

Rom.    15:16.     Heb.    11:4.    13: 


15.      1  Pet.  2:5. 
t  Heb.  rock.   18:2. 
o  Job    19:25.     Is.   43:14.    44:6. 

47:4.  54:5.     Tit.   2:14.     1  Pet. 

1:18,19.     Rev.  5:9. 


can  understand  his  errors.''"  Who  can  know,  or 
find  out,  or  recollect,  all  his  failures  of  conform- 
ity to  this  perfect  rule.''  He  therefore  not  only  de- 
sired to  be  pardoned,  and  cleansed  from  those  sins, 
which  he  had  discovered  and  confessed,  but  also 
from  such  as  he  had  forgotten  or  overlooked:  for, 
by  "secret  faults,"  he  evidently  meant  the  trans- 
gressions which  had  escaped  his  own  notice,  or 
vanished  from  his  memory;  and  not  those  which 
had  been  kept  secret  from  human  observation. 
The  treachery  of  his  heart  likewise  appeared  to 
him  so  great,  that  he  feared  being  drawn  aside  into 
deliberate  and  presumptuous  sins,  the  result  of 
proud  contempt  of  God,  and  being  brought  under 
the  dominion  of  some  powerful  lust;  and  this  dic- 
tated a  fervent  prayer  to  be  kept  back  by  divine 
grace  from  such  dreadful  crimes  and  conse- 
quences. [J^otes,  JVum.  15:30 — 36.)  In  this  way 
he  hoped  to  be  preserved  upright  and  innocent 
from  the  great  offence  of  rebellion,  idolatrj^  or 
apostacy:  and  he  earnestly  entreated,  that  "the 
words  of  his  mouth,  and  the  meditation  of  his 
heart,"  might,  by  divine  grace,  be  rendered  such 
as  might  properly  obtain  a  merciful  acceptance 
in  the  sight  of  that  holy  Lord  God,  whom  he  en- 
titled "his  Strength,  and  his  Redeemer."  [J^ote, 
Job  19:23 — 27.)  His  dependence  therefore  was 
entirely  the  same  as  that  of  every  Christian,  who 
says,  "Surel}'  in  tlie  Lord"  Jesus,  "have  I  right- 
eousness and  strength." 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  heavens  so  declare  the  glory  of  God  and 
proclaim  his  wisdom,  power,  and  goodness,  that 
atheists,  infidels,  idolaters,  and  all  ungodly  men, 
will  be  for  ever  left  without  excuse.  Indeed,  we 
may  all  learn  profitable  lessons  from  these  con- 
stant teachers,  who  instruct,  by  day  and  night, 
men  in  every  clime,  and  of  every  tongue.  By 
considering  these  inanimate  servants  of  our  Cre- 
ator, we  may  learn  to  adore  his  magnificence  and 
liberality;  we  may  be  stirred  up  to  cheerfulness, 
constancy,  and  diligence  in  doing  good;  and  led 
to  use  our  nobler  gifts  of  reason  and  speech  to 
proclaim  his  praise. — The  transition  is  thence 
easy  and  natural  to  the  contemplation  of  the  Sun 
of  righteousness,  the  Bridegroom  of  the  church 
and  Light  of  the  world.  While  we  walk  in  his 
holy  light  and  consolations,  and  are  made  fruitful 
in  good  works  by  his  genial  influence;  we  should 
long  and  pray  for  that  time,  when  he  shall  en- 
lighten, cheer,  and  fructify  every  nation  on  earth 
with  his  blessed  salvation.  He  shines  upon  us 
through  his  word:  may  he  send  forth  more  and 
more  faithful  ministers  to  publish  it  throughout 
the  earth!  Where  that  is  truh'  received,  "it  con- 
verteth  the  soul"  from  sin  to  God.  May  we  heart- 
ily believe  his  "sure  testimony,"  and  imbibe 
heavenly  wisdom  from  this  pure  and  inexhaustible 
Fountain:  may  we  rejoice  in  attending  oa  all  his 
ordinances;  and  thus  receive  communications  of 
light,  grace,  strength,  and  consolation  from  the 
fulness  of  Christ,  and  render  to  the  Lord  the  glory 
due  unto  his  name.  Maj'  we  studj'  and  under- 
stand his  enlightening  commandments;  examin- 
ing ourselves  by  them,  and  waUiing  with  delight 
according  to  their  holy  instructions,  while  we  em- 

[149 


13,   C.  1037. 


PSALM  XX. 


B.  C.  J 037. 


PSALM  XX. 

Israol  prays  that  her  king  may  bi-  defe'ndcti,  acrepted,  and  pros-  ' 
penui,  1 — 4:  and  rejoices  in  confidence  of  being^  answered  and 
succeeded,  5 — y. 

To    the    chief    Musician,  A    Psahia    ofi 
David.  I 

IHE  Lord    ''liear  thee   in  the  day 
of  trouble:  '^the  name  of  "^  the  God 
of  Jacob  *  defend  thee. 

2  Send  t  thee  help  ^  from  the  sanctua- 
ry, and  t  strengthen  thee  ^  out  of  Zion. 

3  •"  Remember    all  thy   offerings,  and 
^accept  thy  burnt-sacrifice.      Selah. 

4  s  Grant  thee  according  to  thine  own 
heart,  and  fulfil  all  thy  counsel. 


a  41:1.  46:1.  50:5.  60:11.  91:15. 

1.33:7.    Jer.    30:7.      Mall.    26: 

38,39.  Heb.  5:7. 
b   9:10.    83:18.        Ex.    34:5—7. 

Pror.  18:10.     Is.  50:10. 
c  46:7,11.     Gen.  32:27— 29.  48: 

15,16.     Kx.  3:13— 15. 
*   Heb.     set  thee  on  an  high 

place.   18:2.  91:14.   144:2. 
■f  Heb.  thy  help. 
d  73:17.       1    Kings    8:44,45.     2 

Chr.  20:8,9. 


J  Heb.  support. 

e   2  Sam.   5:7.    6:17.     Is.    12:6. 

14:32.  37:34,35. 
f  Gen.  4:4.     Is.  60:7.    Eph.  5:2. 

1  Pet.  2:5. 

^  Heb.  turn  to  ashes,  or  make 
fat.    Lev.  9:24.    1  Chr.  21:26. 

2  Chr.  7:1. 

g21:2.  37:4.  145:19.  Prov.  11: 
23.  Matt.  21:22.  John  11:42. 
16:23.  Rom.  8:27,28.  1  John 
5:14,15. 


brace  the  precious  promises,  and  daily  plead  them 
before  our  God.  May  his  holy  and  purif}'ing  fear, 
which  endures  for  ever,  be  deeply  grafted  in  our 
hearts,  that  we  may  stand  in  awe  of  his  righteous 
judgments,  and  be  warned  from  every  evil  way; 
that  we  may  flee  for  refuge  to  his  gracious  salva- 
tion, and  have  our  consciences  directed  and  our 
hearts  encouraged  by  every  part  of  his  sacred 
word.  Then  shall  we  prize  our  Bibles  more  than 
all  manner  of  riches,  and  find  more  delight  in 
them  than  in  all  the  pleasures  of  sense;  being 
guided  by  them  into  that  happy  path,  which  leads 
to  still  more  complete  felicity  in  the  eternal  world. 
— But  let  it  be  observed,  that  the  more  any  man 
studies  and  understands  the  holy  scriptures,  the 
more  deeply  will  he  be  convinced  of  his  own  sin- 
fulness, in  "thought,  word,  and  deed:  serious  and 
frequent  self-examination  by  this  faithful  mirror, 
will  discover  to  him  innumerable  deviations  from 
his  perfect  rule;  and  convince  him  that  those, 
which  have  escaped  his  recollection  or  observa- 
tion, are  equally  innumerable.  This  will  induce 
him  to  cast  himself  unreservedly  upon  the  mercy 
and  grace  of  God,  for  deliverance  from  those  sins 
which  have  been  hitherto  unnoticed  by  himself, 
or  vanished  from  his  recollection.  He  will  also 
grow  more  jealous  of  his  own  heart,  and  more 
afraid  of  temptation,  lest  he  should  be  drawn  into 
presumptuous  sins,  and  come  under  the  dominion 
of  them:  and  whilst  he  longs,  more  and  more,  to 
be  preserved  from  every  transgression,  and  that 
his  thoughts,  words,  and  works,  maybe  acceptable 
to  the  Lord;  he  will  feel  more  sensibly  his  own 
insufficiency  for  every  good  thing,  and  learn  to 
depend  more  entirely  upon  Christ  Jesus,  as  "made 
of  God  unto  him,  Wisdom,  Righteousness,  Sancti- 
fication,  and  Redemption;"  and  he  will  "rejoice 
and  glory  in  him  alone."  (JVbte,  1  Cor.  1:26—31.) 

NOTES. 
Psalm  XX.  V.  1,2.  This  psahn  was  doubtless 
composed,  and  publicly  sung,  when  David  was 
about  to  engage  in  some  perilous  expedition:  it 
is  generally  thought  in  that  against  the  Ammon- 
ites and  Syrians.  [J^ofes,  2  Sam.  10:  1  Chr.  19:) 
— The  congregation  of  Israel  thus  prayed  for  the 
protection  and  success  of  their  anointed  king,  to 
"the  God  of  Jacob,"  to  that  God  who  heard  the 
patriarch  in  his  distress,  and  was  still  the  God  of 
his  posterity.  {J^ote,  Gen.  32:27,28.)  Among 
them  he  had  fixed  his  sanctuary,  and  the  ark  of 
150] 


5  ^  We  will  rejoice 'in  thy  salvation, 
and  ■  in  the  name  of  our  God  we  will 
set  up  our  banners:  the  Lord  fulfil  all 
thy  petitions. 

6  Now  ^  know  I  that  the  Lord  saveth 
his  anointed;  ^  he  will  hear  him  from 
II  his  holy  heaven,  ""  with  the  saving 
strength  of  his  right  hand. 

7  ^  Some  trust  in  chariots,  and  some 
in  horses:  "  but  we  will  remember  the 
name  of  the  Lord  our  God. 

8  °  They  are  brought  down  and  fall- 
en: Pbut  we  are  risen  and  stand  upright. 


h  13:5.  21:1.  35:9.     118:15.     Is. 

12:1—3.  25:9.  61:10.     Hab.  3: 

18.     Luke  1:47. 
!  60:4.  Ex.  17:15.  wiarg-.   Num. 

10:35,36.    1  Sam.  17:45.  Is  11: 

10.     Mic.  4:5. 
k  2:2.     18:50.  28:8.    89:20—23. 

Acts  2:36.   4:10. 

I  1  Kings  8:30,43.    Matt.  6:9. 

II  Heb.  Me  heaven  of  his  holi- 
ness.    Is.  57:15.  63:15. 


IT  Heb.   by  the  strength  of  the 

salvation  of  his  right  hand. 

17:7.    18:35.  Acts  2:33.  5:31. 
m   33:16,17.       1    Sam.    13:5.    2 

Sam.  8:4.   10:18.      Prov.  21:31. 

Is.  30:16.  t31:l.     Jer.  17:5. 
n  45:17.     2    Chr.    13:10—12,16. 

14:11.  20:12,20.  32:8. 
0  34:21,22.     Judg.  5:31. 
p  125:1.   146:5—9.     Jer.  17:7,8. 


the  covenant,  which  had  lately  been  removed  to 
mount  Zion;  and  from  him,  the  great  Object  of 
their  worship,  as  manifesting  his  glory  above  the 
mercy-seat,  they  sought  help  and  victory.  Da- 
vid was  a  type  of  Christ,  in  his  conflicts  and  vic- 
tories: and  the  psalm  may  be  applied  as  a  praj  er 
of  the  ancient  church  for  his  coming,  and  of  the 
Christian  church,  for  the  completion  of  his  work, 
and  the  establishment  of  his  kingdom,  and  for  its 
enlargement  and  prosperit}^ 

V.  3.  The  oblations  at  the  sanctuary,  when 
presented  in  humble  faith  and  love,  were  gra- 
ciously accepted,  as  typical  of  the  Redeemer'.s 
atoning  sacrifice;  and  the  answer,  by  fire  from 
heaven  consuming  the  victims,  was  the  most  de- 
cisive proof  of  this  acceptance.  [Marg. — JVotes, 
Gen.  4:3—5.  Lev.  9:24.  1  Kings  18:38,39.  iChr. 
7:1 — 3.) — David's  burnt-offering,  on  another  oc- 
casion, was  thus  consumed.  (JVb/e,  1  Chr.  21: 
26.) 

Accept.]  ^:B^^^  :  "turn  to  ashes."  [marg.] — The 

verb  ]iy-i  (from  ]z;'\  ashes)  occurs  besides  only  in 

Ex.  27:3.  and  JVwm.  4:13.  in  both  which  places 
our  translation  gives  it  the  sense  of  removing  the 
ashes. 

V.  4.  David  earnestly  desired  to  promote  the 
honor  of  God,  and  the  welfare  of  Israel,  by  means 
of  his  counsels  and  undertakings;  and  it  was 
proper  for  the  people  to  praj'  for  him  in  this  ex- 
pressive language.  In  respect  of  the  designs  of 
our  great  Redeemer,  the  words  may  be  adopted 
in  the  most  unreserved  manner;  but  seldom  in 
respect  of  other  kings  or  princes. 

V.  5.  The  king  of  Israel  was  their  anointed 
deliverer;  and  when  they  went  forth  to  war  un- 
der his  command,  they  might  properly  set  up 
their  banners  in  the  name  of  the  Lord,  as  well 
as  "rejoice  in  his  salvation." — 'In  confidence  of 
'thy  help,  we  will  shout  when  we  set  on  our 
'enemies:  ...  for  the  Lord  will  not  fail  to  grant 
'the  petitions  of  our  sovereign,  whose  cause  is  so 
'just,  and  who  hath  been  so  insolently  treated  by 
'them.'  Bp.  Patrick. — As  the  king  is  imme- 
diately addressed,  the  meaning  may  be,  'We 
'shall  rejoice  in  thy  preservation,  or  deliverance 
'(m  salute  tua);^  or,  'in  the  deliverance,  which 
'we  expect  that  thou  wilt,  in  answer  to  our  united 
'prayers,  accomplish  for  us,' 

V.  6—8.  David  himself  seems  here  to  speak. 
His  past  deliverances  and  victories,  and  the  loyal 


B.  C.  1037. 


PSALM  XXL 


B.  C.  1037. 


^  let  the  kins:   hear 


9  1  Save,   Lord: 
us  when  we  call. 

PSALM  XXL 

The  kin^  and  people  rejoice  in  God,  and  bless  him  for  fully 
aiiowering  their  largest  prayers,  1 — 6;  expressing  the  strongest 
assurance  of  future  success,  with  the  ruin  of  all  enemies,  7 — 
12;  and  calling  upon  God  to  exalt  himself,  that  they  might  i 
more  and  more  sing  his  praises,  13. 

To    the    chief    Musician,    A  Psalm  of 

David. 
^  f  H^HE  king  shall  ''joy  in  thy  strength, 
,    A     O  Lord;   and    •=  in  thy  salvation 
how  greatly  shall  he  rejoice! 

2  Thou    hast   given   him  '^  his  heart's 

q  118:55,26.     Matt.  21:9,15.         I  b  28:7.  62:7.  95:1.  99:4. 

r  2:6—10.    5:2.    24:7.  44:4.  74:     c   20:5.    71:17—24.      118:14,15. 

12.  Heb.  12:2. 

a  2:6.  20:6,9.  63:11.  72:1,2.    Is.     d  2:8,9.  20:4,5.  92:11.     Is.  49:6 

9:6,7.     Matt.  2:2.  _]2.     Heb.  7:25. 


zeal  of  his  people,  assured  him  of  success,  from 
the  power  of  IsraePs  God.  Comparing  the  con- 
fidence of  his  enemies  in  chariots  and  horses,  and 
in  well-appointed  and  numerous  troops,  with  his 
own  reliance,  and  that  of  his  people,  on  the  Al- 
mighty; he  anticipated  the  triumph,  and  exulted 
as  if  already  victorious. 

His  anointed.  (6)  "His  Messiah."  David,  as 
immediately  chosen  by  God  and  anointed  by 
Samuel,  at  his  command,  to  be  king  of  his  peo- 
ple Israel,  was  a  t)'pe  of  Christ,  more  directly 
than  his  successors  in  general  were.  {J^Tole, 
John  10:32—39.) 

V.  9-  'Let  the  king  of  heaven  hear,  while  we 
'pray  for  his  anointed  on  earth.' — Or  the  clause 
may  be  rendered,  "O  Lord,  Save  the  king:  he 
shall  (or  let  him,  i.  e.  the  LORD)  hear  us  when 
we  call." 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
No  rank  or  character  can  exempt  man  from 
trouble;  but  the  Lord  will  hear  the  prayers  of 
the  afflicted,  and  will  support  and  deliver  them. 
They  w4io  pray  most  fervently  for  themselves, 
put  the  greatest  value  on  the  prayers  of  others; 
and  are  encouraged  by  them  in  further  calling 
upon  God.  His  "name,"  his  glorious  perfections, 
{JTotes,  Ex.  34:5—7.  Prov.  18:10,11.  Matt.  28:18 
— 20.)  will  be  a  sure  Defence  to  all  who,  like  Ja- 
cob, trust  him  and  apply  to  him  in  their  distress: 
but  we  should  observe,  that  all  our  help  comes 
out  of  Zion,  from  the  mercy-seat,  and  through 
the  accepted  sacrifice  of  our  Emmanuel,  which 
all  the  legal  burnt-offerings  shadowed  forth. — As 
far  as  our  desires  are  spiritual,  and  our  counsels 
holy,  we  may  hope  to  have  them  granted  and  ful- 
filled; but  it  would  be  ruinous  to  have  our  sinful 
inclinations  indulged. — Fervent  united  prayers 
tend  much  to  the  joyful  assui-ance  of  faith  and 
hope;  and  it  is  the  first  step  to  victory,  in  our 
spiritual  warfare,  to  renounce  all  self-depend- 
ence and  carnal  confidence,  and  to  trust  only 
in  the  mercy  and  grace  of  God:  thus  we  shall 
arise  from  our  depth  of  misery,  and  obtain  estab- 
lishment; while  all  who  trust  in  themselves  will 
soon  be  brought  down — Happy  is  it  for  that 
people,  wiiose  rulers  are  influenced,  in  all  their 
measures,  by  the  faith  and  fear  of  God,  aiming 
at  his  glory  and  the  public  good;  when  they 
value  the  prayers  of  true  Christians,  and  act  with 
such  justice,  that  pious  men  can  unreservedly 
pray  for  their  success;  when  they  set  up  their 
banners  in  the  name  of  God;  and  when  they 
place  their  confidence,  not  in  fleets  and  armies, 
but  in  his  powerful  protection.  "From  his  holy 
heaven,  with  the  saving  strength  of  his  right 
hand,"  he  will  defend  and  prosper  such  as  thus 


desire,  and   hast  not  withholden  the  re- 
quest of  his  lips.     Selah. 

3  For  thou  « preventest  him  with  ^  the 
blessings  of  goodness:  ethou  settest  a 
crown  of  pure  gold  on  his  head. 

4  '■  He  asked  hfe  of  thee,  and  thou 
gavest  it  him,  even  '  length  of  days  for 
ever  and  ever. 

5  ^  His  glory  is  great  in  thy  salvation: 
'  honor  and  majesty  hast  thou  laid  upon 
him. 


e  18:13.     1  Sara.  16:13.    2  Sam. 

2:4.    5:3.      Job  41:11.       Rom. 

11:35. 
f  31:19.     2Chr.  6:41.     Rom.  2: 

4.   Kph.  1:3. 
g  2  Sam.   12:30.      1   Chr.    20:2. 

Heb.  2:9.     Rev.  19:12. 
h  13:3.   16:10,11.  61:5,6.  119:77, 

175. 


172:17.89:29,36,37.91:16.  Rev. 

1:18. 
k3:3.  62:7.     2  Sam.  7:8,9.     Is. 

49:5—7.  63:1.     John  13:31,32. 

17:1,5,22.  Phil.  2:9— 11.  Heb. 

8:1.     Rev.  5:8—13. 
1   110:1.       I  Chr.    17:11—15,27. 

Matt.  28:18.     Eph.  1:20—22. 

1  Pet.  3:22. 


trust  in  him. — It  is  our  duty  to  pray  for  our 
rulers,  that  they  may  be  like  David:  we  have 
great  cause  for  thankfulness  for  our  peculiar 
advantages  in  this  respect;  and  we  should  con- 
tinually entreat  the  Lord,  that  they  who  are  or 
shall  be  placed  over  us,  may  be  directed  and 
prospered  in  every  undertaking,  for  the  honor  of 
God,  the  peace  and  welfare  of  the  land,  and  the 
common  benefit  of  mankind. — In  answer  to  the 
hopes  and  prayers  of  the  old-testament  church, 
the  anointed  King  of  God's  people  came  in  the 
appointed  season:  he  was  heard  in  the  day  of  his 
trouble;  his  sacrifice  was  accepted;  his  interces- 
sions have  prevailed;  his  kingdom  has  been  set 
up,  and  we  are  called  to  partake  of  its  blessings. 
Thanksgivings  for  these  benefits  should  be  con- 
stantly rendered.  In  "his  salvation  let  us  re- 
joice," under  him  let  us  enlist,  and  in  his  name 
set  up  our  banners.  But  we  ought  to  recollect, 
that  we  belong  to  a  large  army,  and  we  should 
not  only  seek  and  rejoice  in  hope  of  personal 
triumphs,  but  pray  also  for  the  success  of  the 
common  cause;  and  look  for  the  accomplishment 
of  the  Redeemer's  whole  counsel,  when  his  do- 
minion over  willing  subjects  shall  be  extended 
throughout  the  earth. 

NOTES. 

Psalm  XXI.  1.  The  former  psalm  was  the 
prayer  of  Israel  for  David,  and  of  the  church  for 
the  Messiah;  and  this  is  a  song  of  praise  to  God, 
who  had  answered  those  prayers.  Several  cir- 
cumstances of  the  psalm  may  be  accommodated 
to  the  case  of  David.  Yet  the  whole  seems  more 
immediately  intended  for  Christ  and  his  kingdom. 
— 'Many  of  the  Hebrews  themselves  apply  it  to 
'the  Messiah.  So  that  it  may  be  called  a  psalm 
'of  triumph  after  the  victories  which  David  got 
'over  his  enemies,  which  were  a  type  of  Christ's 
'victory  over  death,  and  of  the  triumph  that  en- 
'sued.  And  truly  there  are  some  things  in  it, 
'which  are  more  literally  fulfilled  in  Christ  than 
'in  David.'  Bp.  Patrick. — David  had  risen  to 
great  authority:  but  he  exulted  and  rejoiced  in 
the  strength  and  power  of  God,  which  had 
wrought  many  and  great  deliverances  for  him; 
which  had  made  him  tlie  deliverer  of  Israel  from 
all  enemies  and  was  engaged  for  his  eternal  sal- 
vation.— Thus  our  Lord,  being  raised  from  the 
dead,  entered  on  the  "joy  set  before  him;"  which 
includes  the  salvation  of  his  people,  to  the  glory 
of  God  the  Fatlier,  as  well  as  his  own  exalteition 
to  the  mediatorial  throne.     [jVotc,  Heb.  l~:2,o.) 

V.  2 — 5.  God  had,  on  all  occasions,  answered 
the  prayers  of  his  servant  David;  had  prevented 
hiin,  by  directing  Samuel  to  anoint  him,  as  king 
of  Israel,  before  he  had  thought  of  such  an  honor; 

[151 


B.  C.   1037. 


PSALM  XXI. 


B.  C.  1037. 


G  For  thou  hast  *  made  hhii  most 
blessed  for  ever:  ""  thou  hast  t  made  him 
exceeding  glad  with  thy  countenance. 

7  °  For  the  king  trusteth  in  the  Lord, 
and,  through  the  mercy  of  °  the  most 
High,  Phe  shall  not  be  moved. 

8  *•  Thine  hand  shall  find  out  all  thine 
enemies:  thy  right  hand  shall  find  out 
those  that  hate  thee. 

9  "■  Thou  shalt  make  them  as  a  fiery 
oven  in  the  time  of  thine  anger:  ^  the 
Lord  shall  swallow  them  up  *  in  his 
wrath,   and  "  the  fire  shall  devour  them. 


*  Heb.  set  hiin  to  be  hlesshi^s. 

72:17—19.      Gen.  12:2.    Luke 

2:10,11,30—32.  Acts  3:26.  Gal. 

3:9,14.  Eph.  1:3. 
m  4:6,7.     16:11.    45:7.    63:2—5. 

Acts  2:38. 
f  Heb.  gladded  him  "with  joy. 
n   13:5.     18:2.    20:7,8.    61:4,6,7. 

91:2,9,10.     Matt.  27:43.    Heb. 

2:13. 
o  9:2.     Deut.  32:8,9. 
p  16:8.     Dan.  7:14. 
q  2:9.    18:  title.    72:9.    89:22,23. 


110:1,2.    1  Sam.  25:29.    2  Sam. 

7:1.     Luke    19:14,27.     1    Cor. 

15:25.    Heb.    10:23,29.     Rev. 

19:15. 
rGen.    19:23.     Dan.   3:20—22. 

Mai.  4:1.     Matt.  13:42,50.    25: 

41,46.  2  Thes.  1:8.  Rev.  20:14. 
s  56:1.   106:17.     Job  6:3.    Lam. 

2:2. 
1 2:5,12.     Matt.    22:7.      1  Tlies. 

2:16.     Rev.  6:16,17.   19:15. 
u  18:8.     Deut.  32:22.    Is.  26:11. 

Nah.  1:6.     Matt.  3:10,12. 


and  had  made  him  successful  and  distinguished 
beyond  his  largest  hopes.  The  Lord  had  not  only 
very  often  preserved  his  life,  in  answer  to  his 
prayers,  when  in  the  most  imminent  danger;  but 
had  given  him  the  assurance  of  continuing  the 
kingdom  in  his  family  for  many  generations,  and 
in  Christ,  as  his  Descendant,  for  ever;  and  he 
was  encouraged  personally  to  expect  everlasting 
life  in  heaven.  Thus  his  glory  was  all  in  respects 
"great  in  God's  salvation." — Yet  the  passage,  in 
its  fullest  import,  can  only  be  accomplished  in 
Christ  himself. 

Thou  preventest.  (3)  Literally,  Thou  shalt 
■prevent.  This  may  be  considered  as  the  lan- 
guage of  prophecy. 

V.  6,  7.  The  marginal  rendering,  "Thou  hast 
set  him  to  be  blessings  for  evermore,"  is  the  most 
literal,  and  suggests  another  important  thought 
on  tlie  subject.  David  was  set  to  he  blessings, 
not  only  to  his  own  generation,  and  to  his  poster- 
ity, and  to  Israel  for  many  ages;  but,  by  these 
divine  poems,  to  the  whole  church,  while  the 
world  shall  endure;  and  in  Christ,  his  Son,  to  all 
eternity.  [JVote,  Gen.  12:1—3.) — David  also 
enjoyed  great  felicity  in  the  favor  of  God;  and, 
trusting  in  his  mercy,  could  not  be  moved,  either 
in  respect  of  his  authority  or  his  personal  salva- 
tion. But  the  glory  and  dominion  of  Christ,  to 
t!ie  praise  of  the  glory  of  divine  grace,  are 
beyond  the  reach  of  all  his  enemies,  and  those  of 
his  ciiurch;  and  he  especially  "is  set  for  blessings 
for  evermore."     [J^'ote,  72:17 — 19.) 

V.  0 — 12.  These  verses  indicate,  that  the 
haters  and  opposers  of  Israel's  anointed  king 
were  likewise  the  enemies  of  God;  who  would 
assuredly  take  vengeance  on  them,  and  their  pos- 
tex'ity,  in  the  most  awful  manner,  making  them 
the  butt  of  his  severest  displeasure.  (J^otes,  2: 1 
— 9.)  But  they  may  be  considered  as  addressed 
to  the  Messiah  himself;  and  no  doubt,  they 
receive  their  fullest  accomplishment,  in  the  judg- 
ments inflicted  on  the  opposers  and  despisers  of 
Ills  authority  and  gospel.  [Marg.  Ref. — J\''otes, 
110:1,5,6.  Z,Mte  19:11— 27.  1  Cor.  '  15:20—28. 
2  Thes.  1:5—10.  Rev.  20:11—15.) 

V.  13.  Both  the  prosperity  of  the  church,  and 
the  ruin  of  its  enemies,  tend  to  exalt  God,  or  to 
I'ender  his  glory  conspicuous  to  his  rational 
creatures.  These  effects  can  only  be  produced 
by  his  Omnipotence;  which  his  people  unitedly 
pray  to  see  displayed,  that  they  may  joyfully  cel- 
152] 


10  ^  Their  fruit  shalt  thou  destroy 
from  the  earth,  and  their  seed  from 
among  the  children  of  men. 

1 1  For  they  intended  evil  against 
thee:  they  ^  imagined  a  mischievous 
device,  which  ^  they  are  not  able  to  per- 
form. 

12  *  Therefore  shalt  thou  t  make  them 
turn  their  5  back,  when  ^  thou  shalt  make 
ready  thine  arrows  upon  thy  strings 
against  the  face  of  them. 

13  "=  Be  thou  exalted,  Lord,  in  thine 
own  strength:  ^  so  will  we  sing  and  praise 
thy  power. 


X  37:28.  109:13.    1  Kings  13:34. 

Job  18:16—19.    20:28.     Is.  14: 

20.     Mai.  4:1. 
y  2:1.    10:2.  31:13.    35:20.     Jer. 

11:18,19.     -Ez.  11:2.    Matt.  21: 

46.  26:4,5.     Acts  5:27,28. 
z  83:4.     Is.  7:6,7.  8:9,10.   Matt. 

2:8,16.  27:63,64.  28:3—6.  Acts 

4:17,18. 
a  9:3.  44:10.  56:9. 


+  Or,  set  theTTi  as  a  butt.  Job 
7:20.    16:12,13.     Lam.  3:12. 

5  Heb.    shoulder. 

b  7:13.   18:14.  64:7. 

c  18:46.  46:10.  57:5,11.  72:18, 
19.113:5.  Marg.  1  Chr.  29: 
11.  Matt.  6:10,13.  Rev.  11: 
17. 

d  58:10,11.  Rev.  15:3,4.  16:5 
—7.   18:20.  19:1—6. 


ebrate  his  praises. — This  conclusion  greatly 
resembles  the  first  petitions,  and  closing  doxol- 
ogy,  of  the  Lord's  prayer.  (JVotes,  Matt.  6:9,10, 
13.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

If  David  rejoiced  greatly  in  the  honor  confer- 
red on  him,  as  king  of  Israel;  what  is  the  joy  of 
our  Redeemer  in  his  exaltation  to  the  mediatorial 
throne,  and  in  the  salvation  of  his  people!  And 
if  Israel,  from  love  to  David  and  his  auspicious 
government,  rejoiced,  and  praised  God  for  him; 
how  great  should  be  our  joy  to  behold  by  faith  our 
Brother  and  Friend  thus  glorified,  and  our  praises 
for  all  the  blessings  which  we  may  expect  from 
him!  The  Father  was  as  ready  to  grant,  as  his 
beloved  Son  to  ask,  when  he  desired  to  be  crown- 
ed, not  with  gold,  but  with  glory  and  honor,  and 
to  have  all  things  put  under  his  feet;  and  to  pos- 
sess an  unchangeable  kingdom,  for  the  benefit  of 
his  church:  nay,  our  God  "prevents"  us  sinners 
"with  the  blessings  of  his  goodness;"  and  if  we 
ask,  he  will  give  us  "a  crown  of  glory  that  fadeth 
not  away,"  and  "long  life,  even  for  ever  and 
ever;"  and  the  requests  of  the  Savior's  lips  are 
not  withheld,  while  sinners  are  converted  and 
beUevers  established  through  his  intercession. 
Words  cannot  express  his  glory  in  God's  salva- 
tion, the  honor  and  majesty  which  are  laid  upon 
him,  and  the  adoration  which  is  rendered  to  him 
by  angels  and  saints  above:  yet  he  chiefly  delights 
in  his  exalted  state,  as  empowering  him  to  confer 
"an  exceeding  and  eternal  weight  of  glory"  on 
poor  sinners,  who  here  trust  and  love  him.  For, 
being  made  "most  blessed  himself  for  ever,"  he  is 
constituted  to  be  the  Source  of  blessings,  and  "the 
Author  of  eternal  salvation,  to  all  them  that  obey 
him." — His  kingdom  is  fixed  on  an  immoveable 
basis,  upheld  by  the  power  of  God;  and  the  glo- 
rious display  of  the  mercy  of  the  Most  High  forms 
its  grand  object.  But  how  will  they  escape,  who 
are  enemies  to  this  glorious  King  and  Savior.' 
The  Jewish  nation  soon  experienced  the  dreadful 
effects  of  his  slighted  love:  and  the  condition  of 
their  posterit}%  from  the  siege  and  sack  of  Jerusa- 
lem to  this  day,  awfully  warns  every  one,  not  to 
entail  miseries  on  his  descendants,  and  bring  de- 
struction on  himself,  by  opposing  the  Redeemer's 
kingdom,  or  neglecting  his  salvation.  The  dis- 
coveries however  which  will  be  made,  and  the 
vengeance  which  will  be  executed,  at  the  day  of 


B.  C.  1060. 


PSALM  XXII. 


B.  C.   1060 


PSALM  XXII.  , 

David,  prophetically  speaking  in  the  person  of  Christ,  com- 
plains grievously,  that  he  was  forsaken  by  his  God,  and  left  to  | 
the  insulting  cruelty  of  his  enemies;  and  he  predicts  manv  ! 
circumstances  of  the  Messiah's  sufferings.  1 — 21.  He  pro- 1 
claims  the  name  and  praise  of  the  Lord,  calling  on  the  people  I 
to  trust  and  glorify  him;  and  foretels  the  permanent  success  of 
the  gospel,  22 — 31. 

To  the    chief  Musician    upon   *  Aijeleth 
Shahar,  a  Psahn  of  David. 

MY  God,  ^  my  God,  ''  why  hast  thou 
forsaken  me?  ivhy  art  thou  so 
^  far  from  t  helping  me,  and  from  ^  the 
words  of  my  roaring? 

2  O  my  God,  ^  I  cry  in  the  day-time, 
'  but  thou  hearest  not;  and  ^  in  the 
night-season,  and  t  am  not  silent. 


*  Or,  the  hind  of  the  morning. 

16.  42:1,2. 
a  31.14— 16.  43:1—5.  Matt.  27: 

46.     Mark  15:34. 
b  26:9.  37:23.  71:11.   1  Sam.  12: 

22.      Heb.  13:5. 
c  11.  46:1. 
f  Heb.  my  salvation.     Is.  46: 

13. 


d  32:3,4.    38:8.     Job    3:24.      Is. 

59:11.    Luke  22:44.     Heb.  5:7. 
e   42:3.    55:16,17.    G3:l.      Luke 

18:7.      1    Thes.    3:10.     2  Tim. 

1:3. 
f80:4.     Lam.  3:8,44. 
g  Luke  6:12.   18:7.  22:41 — 46. 
J   Heb.    there  is  no  sile7ice  to 

me.    Matt.  26:44. 


judgement,  on  every  enemy  of  Christ,  will  form 
the  most  tremendous  comment  on  this  psalm.  In 
that  day  of  his  anger,  all  who  hate  him  will  be 
made  as  the  fiery  oven;  they  will  be  swallowed 
up  and  devoured;  their  devices  will  end  in  ever- 
lasting disappointment  and  despair;  and  all  the 
arrows  of  the  Almighty  will  be  prepared,  to  exe- 
cute his  righteous  vengeance  upon  them.  May 
he  then  exalt  himself  by  his  efficacious  grace  in 
our  hearts,  destroying  all  the  strong  holds  of  sin 
and  Satan;  and  may  he  "by  his  own  strength," 
set  up  his  kingdom  upon  earth,  and  exalt  himself 
above  every  heathen,  Jewish,  and  antichristiau 
opposer:  so  will  we,  so  will  his  whole  church, 
sing  and  praise  his  power,  "who  only  doeth  won- 
drous things;"  as  an  anticipation  of  the  joy  and 
songs  of  the  redeemed,  when  they  shall  see  the 
last  enemy  put  under  the  Redeemer's  feet. 

NOTES. 

Ps.\LM  XXII.  Title.  "Aijeleth  Shahar"  sig- 
nifies The  hind  of  the  morning;  {marg.)  and  va- 
rious conjectures  have  been  made  concerning  the 
intention  of  this  singular  title.  Some  think  it 
merely  a  musical  term;  and  otliers  suppose  it  re- 
fers to  the  time  when  it  was  to  be  sung,  rendering 
it  "the  first  dawn."  Others  apply  it  to  Christ,  as 
the  Light  of  the  world,  whose  rising  was  predict- 
ed.— But  perhaps  it  points  out  the  Savior,  mark- 
ed by  Satan  from  his  birth  for  persecution,  as  the 
hind  or  hart  is  in  the  morning  for  chace;  and  so 
hunted  down  by  his  enemies,  until  he  was  sur- 
rounded by  them,  when  he  hung  upon  the  cross. 
{JVoten,  16-18.  JIatt.  2: 13— 18.  21:39— 44.  Luke 
n:.33,54.  Acts  4:23—28.)  Of  this  the  persecu- 
tions of  David  in  his  earlier  years  were  a  type. 

V.  1.  Tlie  first  clause  of  this  verse  is  exactly 
of  tlie  same  import,  with  the  words  used  by  our 
Lord  on  the  ci-oss.  (J^Tote,  Matt.  27:46.)  The 
Hebrew  verb  indeed  is  there  changed  for  one  sup- 
posed to  be  Syriac;  but  the  Evangelist's  inter- 
pretation is  given  in  the  vefry  words  of  the  Septu- 
agint.  No  reasonable  doubt  can  be  made,  that 
he  should  be  considered  as  the  Speaker,  through- 
out this  whole  prophetical  psalm.  It  may  even  be ', 
questioned,  whether  David  had  any  reference  to ' 
his  own  case  in  it;  as  every  thing  is  applicable  to 
Christ,  and  most  things  utterly  inapplicable  toj 
David. — While  the  man  Jesus,  -without  any  per-  j 
sonal.  transgression  or  defilement,  but  bearing  1 
our  sins,  in  their  guilt  and  punishment,  was  whol- 1 
ly  deprived  of  all  sensible  comfort,  and  felt  that' 
Vol.  hi.  20 


3  But  ^  thou  art  holy,  O  thou  '  that 
inhabitest  the  praises  of  Israel. 

4  ^  Our  fathers  trusted  in  thee:  they 
trusted,  and  thou  didst  deliver  them. 

5  They  *  cried  unto  thee,  and  were 
dehvered:  they  trusted  in  thee  ""  and 
were  not  confounded. 

6  But  '''  I  am  a  worm,  and  no  man; 
°  a  reproach  of  men,  and  despised  of  the 
people. 

7  All  they  that  see  me  p  laugh  me  to 
scorn:  they  ^  shoot  out  the  lip,  ^ihey 
shake  the  head,  saying, 


h  145:17.  Is.  6:3.  Rev.  4 
1  50:23.  65:1.  Deut.  10:21. 
k  44:1—7.     Gen.    15:6.    32:9— 

12,28.   Ex.  14:13,14,31.    1  Sam. 

7:9—12.  Rom.  4:18—22.  Heb. 

11:8—32. 
1  99:6,7.     106:44.     Judg.  4:3.  6: 

6.    10:10—16. 
m  25:2,3.  31:1.  69:6,7.  71:1.  Is. 

45:17.    49:23.     Rom.  9:33.   10: 

11.      1  Pet.  2:6. 
n  Job  25:6.    Is.  41:14. 
o   31:11.     69:7—12,19,20.     88:8. 


49:7.     53:3.       Zech.    11:3. 

Matt.  11:19.    12:24.  27:20—23. 

John      7:15,20,47—49.       8:48. 

Rom.  15:3.     Heb.  13:13. 
p  35:15,16.     Matt.   9:24.    27:29. 

Mark  15:20.     Luke  16:14.    23: 

11,35—39. 
$  Heb.  open.  31:13.     Job  16:4, 

10.  30:9—11.     Is.  57:4.    Matt. 

26:66—68. 
q<i4:14.     109:25.      Is.    37:22,23. 

Matt.  27:39,40.     Mark  15:29— 

32. 


horror  in  his  soul  which  is  the  effect  of  the  divine 
wrath;  while  the  powers  of  darkness  were  per- 
mitted to  assail  him  with  every  dreadful  tempta- 
tion; and  while  wicked  men  unrestrainedly  exei*- 
cised  their  cruel  malice  towards  him;  his  God  snd 
Father  seemed  to  have  forsaken  him,  and  to  stnnd 
at  a  distance  from  his  salvation,  as  regardless  of 
his  agonies  and  prayers.  Yet  still  he  used  the 
language  of  vigorous  faith,  conflicting  with,  and 
prevailing  against,  all  despondency  and  impa- 
tience.—(JVw<e*,  Gen.  3:14,15.  Jla'tt.  26:36—39. 
Mark  14:32—36.  1.5:34—39.  Luke  22:43,44.)  The 
abruptness  of  the  latter  part  is  remarkable:  "Far 
from  my  salvation:"  (marg.) — "the  words  of  my 
roaring." — How  can  this  be.-* 

V.  2.  The  Lord  Jesus  continued  whole  nights 
in  prayer;  he  arose  a  great  while  before  day  for 
that  purpose;  and  in  the  cold  dark  night  he  pros- 
trated him.'^elf  in  the  garden,  and  "prayed  most 
earnestly:"  yet  did  not  the  cup  of  his  sufferings 
for  sinners  pass  from  him!  He  felt  a  natural  re- 
luctance to  such  tremendous  sorrows,  but  his  zeal 
and  love  prevailed;  and  when  he  added,  "Not 
my  will  but  thine  be  done,"  he,  as  it  were,  re- 
tracted or  at  least  qualified,  his  former  petition. — 
The  prophecy  expresses  the  feelings  of  his  soul 
in  the  extremity  of  his  suffering;  yet  his  supplica- 
tions were  heard,  as  it  soon  appeared  in  his  res- 
urrection. (JYotes,  John  12:27—33.  17:1—3.  Heb. 
5:7—10.) 

V.  3.  This  verse  seems  to  be  admirably  ex- 
pressive of  perfect  resignation  under  the  severest 
sufferings,  which  peculiarly  accords  with  the  pro- 
phetical meaning. — '  "Thou  hearest  not." — Shall 
'I  then  murmur,  or  impeach  thy  faithfulness.'  Far 
'from  it:  "Thou,  nevertheless,  continuest  holy, 
'&c."'  Thus  our  Ijord,  on  the  cross,  declaretl 
the  holiness  of  God  in  his  sharpest  sufferings:  nay, 
he  declared  them  to  be  a  demonstration  of  it;  for 
which  he  would  be  continually  praised  by  Israel, 
more  than  for  all  the  other  deliverances,  whicli 
they  had  received  in  answer  to  their  faith  and 
prayer. — Thou  inhabitest,  &c.]  In  Israel,  in  tho 
church  exclusively,  the  works  and  perfection.?  of 
God  are  celebrated;  and  there,  on  tiiis  account 
especially,  he  has,  so  to  speak,  his  earthly  resi- 
dence. 

^  V.  4—6.  {Marg.  Ref.)  Aicorm,kc.  (6)  The 
Savior  here  spake  of  the  extremely  abject  slate, 
to  which  he  was  reduced;  in  which  lie  was  treatetl 
as  a  worm,  and  patiently  submitted  to  it:  being* 
humble,  silent,  and  harmless,  when  oppressed  ad 

[153 


B.  C.  1060. 


PSALM  XXII. 


B.  C.   1060. 


8  "■  He  *  trusted  on  the  Lord,  that  he 
would  dehver  him;  ^  let  him  deliver  him, 
T  seeing  he  delighted  in  him. 

9  But  thou  art  he  ^  that  look  me  out 
of  the  womb:  "  thou  didst  I  make  me 
hope  when  I  was  upon  my  mother's 
breasts. 

10  I  was  *cast  upon  thee  from  the 
womb:  ^  thou  art  my  God  ^  from  my 
mother's  belly. 

11  ^  Be  not  far  from  me;  for  trouble 
is  near;  for  there  is  }  none  to  help. 

12  **  Many  bulls  have  compassed  me: 
■^  strong  bulls  of  Bashan  have  beset  me 
round. 

13  They  |i  gaped   upon  me  w^A  their 


r  Matt.  27:42,43. 

*  Heb.  rolted  himself  on.  37:5. 
55:'22.      Prov.  16:3.  Marg. 

s  3:1,2.  42:10.  71:11.    Mark  15: 
30—32. 

*  Or.  if  he  delight.    18:19.     Is. 
'42:1.     Matt.  3:17.   12:18.   17:3. 

Luke  23:35. 
t71:6.   139:15,16.   Is.  49:1,2. 
u  71:17.   Is.  7:14,15.    9:6. 
+  Or,  keep  me  in  safety.    Matt. 

2:15 — 15.     Rev.  12:4,5. 
X  Is.  46:3,4.     Luke  2:40,52. 
y  John  20:17. 
z  Jer.  1:5.     Gal.  1:15. 


a  10:1.     13:1—3.    35:22.    38:21. 

69:1,2,18.  71:12.      John  16:32. 

Heb.  5:7. 
5  Heb.  not  a  helper.  72:12.  142: 

4—6.    Deut.  32:36.     Matt.  26: 

56,72—74. 
b  68:30.     Jer.  50:11. 
c  Deut.  32:14,15.  Is.  34:7.    Ez. 

39:13.  Am.  4:1— 3.      Matt.  27: 

1.  Acts  4:27. 
{I    Heb.   opened   their  mouths 

against  tne.  7.  35:21.   Job  16: 

10.     Lam.   2:16.  3:46.     Matt. 

26:3,4,59—65. 


mouths,  ^  as  a  ravening  and  a  roaring  lion 

14  ®  I  am  poured  out  like  water,  and 
^  all  my  bones  are  ""^  out  of  joint:  s  my 
heart  is  hke  wax;  it  is  melted  in  the 
midst  of  my  bowels. 

1 5  •■  My  strength  is  dried  up  like  a 
potsherd;  and  '  my  tongue  cleaveth  to 
my  jaws;  and  thou  hast  brought  me 
^  into  the  dust  of  death. 

16  For  '  dogs  have  "'compassed  me: 
"  the  assembly  of  the  wicked  have  en- 
closed me:  °  they  pierced  my  hands  and 
my  feet. 

17  P  I  may  tell  all  my  bones:  ''they 
look  and  stare  upon  me. 

1 8  They  ^  part  my  garments  among 
them,  and  cast  lots  upon  my  vesture 

d  21.  7:2.   17:12.  35:17.  Ez.  2:  " 

27,28.      1  Pet.  5:8. 


e  Josh.  7:5.    Matt.  26:38.  Luke 

22:44.     John  12:27. 
f  17.  Dan.  5:6. 
IT  Or,  sundered. 
e  68:2.     Job  23:16.     Mark   14; 

33  34. 

h  32:3,4.     Prov.  17:22. 
169:3,21.     Job  29:10.     Lara.  4: 

4.  John  19:28. 
k30:9.    104:29.     Gen.  3:19.   18: 

p7.     Job  7:21.   10:9.  34:15.   Is. 

53:12.     Dan.   12:2.     Matt.  27: 

50.      1  Cor.  15:3. 


1  Title    20.  59:6,14.    Matt.  7:6. 

Phil.  3:2.     Rev.  22:15. 
m  Luke  11:53,54. 
n  36:14.     Jer.    12:6.     Matt.  26: 

57.     Mark    15:16—20.     Luke 

22:63—71.  23:4,5,10,11,23. 
o   Zech.    12:10.      Matt.    27:35. 

Mark  15:24.  Luke  23:33.  Joha 

19:23,37.  20:25. 
p  102:3—5.     Job  33:21. 
q  Matt.  27:36,39—41.   Mark  15: 

29—32.     Luke  23:27,35. 
r  Matt.     27:35.      Mark    15:24, 

Luke  23:34.  John  19:24. 


trodden  under  foot. — The  lang'uage  is  very  ex- 
pressive of  the  contempt,  with  which  he  was 
treated  by  all  ranks  and  orders  of  men,  whether 
Jeifs  or  Gentiles.  [JSTotes,  Is.  49:7,8.  53:2,3. 
Zec/i.    11:7— 9,12— 14.  LwAre  23:6— 12.) 

V.  7,  8.  The  history  of  our  Lord's  sufferings 
is  the  best  comment  on  this  part  of  the  prophecy: 
the  language  of  the  former  verse  might  be  thought 
histori<inl  of  the  insults  attending  his  crucifixion; 
and  that  of  the  latter  was  adopted,  without  any 
variation  at  all  affecting  the  sense,  by  the  chief 
priests  and  rulers,  to  express  their  contempt  of 
him,  when  hanging  upon  the  cross.  Little  did 
they  think,  that  the  Spirit  of  prophecy,  a  thou- 
sand years  before,  had  foretold  that  the  murder- 
ers of  the  Messiah  would  speak  of  him,  in  this 
insulting  and  impious  manner.  {Jfotes,  Job  16:4 
—  16.  30:1—14.  Matt.  26:63—68.  27:27—31,39 
-44.) 

V.  9,  10.  David  seems  early  to  have  devoted 
himself  to  God;  but  Jesus  alone  was  a  "holy 
child,"  born  without  sin.  [J^Totes,  71:17,18.  Is. 
7:15.  Luke  1:34—38.  2:41—52.)  He  was  not 
only  the  peculiar  care  of  Providence  from  his 
birth;  but  from  his  earliest  infancy  he  exercised 
the  most  perfect  faith,  hope,  and  love  towards 
his  God  and  Father. 

Thou  didst  make  me  hope.  (9)    '•nitsan.     "Didst 

keep  me  in  safety^"  [Marg.)  Conjidere  faciens 
me.,  vel,  securum/aciens  me. 

V.  n — 13.  A  helpless  infant,  or  a  harmless 
lamb,  surrounded  by  furious  bulls  and  hungry 
lions,  aptly  represented  the  Savior  encompass- 
ed by  his  insulting  and  bloody  persecutors;  and 
in  his  extreme  distress  forsaken  even  by  his 
disciples.  (.'Vo<e.9,  16—18.  Matt.  26:40—56. 
Luke  2:i:l—5.  John  16:31—33.  18:1— 3.)— The 
bulls,  which  fed  in  the  fertile  pastures  of  Bashan, 
were  remarkably  fat,  strong,  and  furious;  and 
they  represented  the  Jewish  rulers,  who  were 
rendered  insolent  by  piosperity. — Gaped  ...  with 
their  mouths.  (13)  "Opened  their  mouths," 
(marg.)  as  a  lion  to  devour  the  prey. 

V.  14, 15.    The  dissolution  of  nature,  and  the 


154] 


unresisted  sufferings  of  Christ,  when  "crucified 
through  weakness,"  {JSTote,  2  Cor.  13:1—4.)  are 
expressed,  by  his  being  "poured  out  as  water:" 
the  stretching  of  his  body  on  the  cross,  and  the 
violent  motion  with  which  it  was  erected,  shook 
his  body  even  to  the  dislocation  of  bis  bones. 
(JVbie,  Matt.  27:35.)  His  sense  of  the  divine 
wrath  against  our  sins,  then  laid  upon  him,  add- 
ed to  all  his  other  sufferings,  made  his  heart 
faint  and  melt  within  him,  as  wax  by  the  fire. 
Thus  the  vigor  and  moisture  of  his  body  were 
dried  up,  as  with  intense  heat;  his  extreme  thirst 
caused  his  tongue  to  cleave  to  his  jaws;  and  he 
was  brought  down  into  the  dust,  by  his  death  and 
burial.  [J^otes,  Matt.  27:47—50,57—61.  Luke 
22:44.) 

V.  16 — 18.  The  rulers  of  the  Jews  were  as 
strong  bulls:  the  multitudes  and  soldiers  were 
as  so  many  ravenous  dogs,  who  had  enclosed  this 
hunted  hind,  in  order  to  glut  themselves  with 
his  sufferings  and  his  blood.  (jVbte,  Title.) 
'Our  Lord  ...  here  setteth  himself  forth  ...  under 
'the  image  of  an  hart,  or  hind,  roused  early 
'in  the  morning  •  of  his  mortal  life,  hunted,  and 
'chased  all  the  day,  and  in  the  evening  pulled 
'down  to  the  ground.'  Bp.  Home. — In  nailing 
him  to  the  cross,  they  pierced  his  hands  and  feet: 
and  when,  emaciated  by  his  labors  and  suffer- 
ings, he  was  stretched  out  almost  naked  on  the 
cross,  he  might  have  numbered  all  his  bones. 
The  insulting  multitudes  stood  around,  and  grati- 
fied their  malice  and  curiosity  by  staring  upon 
him;  and  the  unfeeling  soldiers,  having  shared 
his  other  garments,  amused  themselves  witli  cast- 
ing lots  for  his  vesture.  The  manner  in  which 
his  clothes  were  disposed  of,  being  very  remark- 
able, and  occasioned  by  the  peculiar  texture  of 
his  coat,  was  thus  circumstantiallv  predicted! 
{J\rotes,Matt.  21:35— 44.  John  19:23,24.)— Cru- 
cifixion, or  nailing  men  to  two  transverse  pieces 
of  wood,  by  spikes  driven  through  their  hands 
and  feet,  seems  to  have  been  originally  a  Gre- 
cian or  Roman  punishment  for  slaves;  at  least  it 
was  not  known  in  .Judea,  till  manj'  ages  after 
this  prophecy  was  delivered.      Nothing,   at  all 


B.  C.  1060. 


PSALM  XXU. 


B.  C.  1060. 


1 9  But  ^  be  not  thou  far  from  me, 
O  Lord:  *  O  my  Strength,  haste  thee 
to  help  me. 

20  Dehver  "  my  soul  from  the  sword: 
*  my  darhng  from  the  power  of  ^  the  dog. 

21  Save  me  y  from  the  lion's  mouth: 
for  thou  hast  heard   me  from  ^  the  horns 

of  the    unicorns.  [PracUcal    Ohservalio„s.] 

22  IT  '^  I  will  declare  thy  name  unto 
^  my  bi-ethren;  •=  in  the  midst  of  the  con- 
gregation will  I  praise  thee. 

23  ''Ye  that  fear  the  Lord,  praise 
him;  ®  all  ye  the  seed  of  Jacob,  ^  glorify 


s  I.    10:1. 

t  18:1.  21:1.    40:13,17.    69:13— 

18. 
u  17:13.     Zech.  13:7. 
*  Heb.  my  only  onefrovi  the 
hand.  35:17. 
X  16. 
y  Luke   22:53.    John   14:30.    2 

Tim.  4:17.     1  Pot.  5:8. 
z   Num.   23:22.      Deut.  33:17. 

Job  39:9,10.     John  8:59.    Acts 

5:30—32. 


a  71:18,19.  John  7:25,26.   Heb. 

2:11,12. 
b  Matt.  12:48,49.    25:40.    2S:10. 

John  20:17.     Rom.  8:29. 
c  25.   40:9,10. 
d   115:11,13.     IChr.    16:3—13. 

Luke  1:50. 
e  105:3—7.   106:5.  107:1,2.  135: 

19,20. 
f  50:23.     Is.    25:3.     Luke    2:20. 

1  Cor.   6:19,20.     10:31.     Rev. 

15:4. 


answering  to  the  literal  meaning  of  these  terms, 
befel  David,  as  far  as  we  know;  nothing  could 
have  been  previously  more  unlikely,  than  that 
the  promised  and  glorious  Son  of  David  should  be 
treated  in  this  cruel  and  ignominious  manner: 
yet  the  fulfilment  was  so  exact,  that  the  verses 
seem  more  like  a  narrative  than  a  prediction! — 
Let  any  thinking  man  recollect;,  that  the  Jews, 
the  greatest  opposers  of  Christianity  ever  since 
its  promulgation,  have  unanimously  allowed,  that 
David  wrote  this  psalm  above  a  thousand  years 
before  the  birth  of  Christ;  then  let  him  compare 
it  with  the  history  of  his  crucifixion,  and  deter- 
mine, whether  it  does  not  stand  as  an  unanswer- 
able argument  for  the  divine  inspiration  of  the 
scriptures,  and  for  the  divine  original  of  the 
Christian  religion. 
Pierced.     (16)     ^"^J^^  :  "a*  «  Hon  my  hands 

and  my  feet."  But  this  contains  no  clear  sense 
at  all.  A  very  trivial  change  gives  the  reading 
of  our  version  (?|"lJO  ,  or  ?|*|^.)  The  Septu- 
agint,  which  is  certainly  more  ancient  than  the 
Christian  era,  renders  it  upv^av  x"?"^  f"  ""^  ^odai; 
the  Chaldee  Paraphrast  gives  the  same  meaning; 
and  there  seems  scarcely  the  shadow  of  a  doubt, 
this  is  the  genuine  reading:  thougli  the  general 
exactness  of  the  Jews  in  preserving  their  scrip- 
tures, precludes  the  charge  of  an  intentional  al- 
teration. 

V.  19 — 21.  In  these  verses,  the  Psalmist, 
(speaking  in  the  person  of  the  suffering  Redeem- 
er,) having  stated  the  extremity  of  his  case,  re- 
news his  supplications;  and  earnestly  prays  to 
be  delivered  from  the  sword  of  divine  justice, 
stretched  forth  against  him,  as  our  Surety;  from 
Satan,  the  chief  of  those  blood-hounds,  or  roar- 
ing lions,  which  pursued  him;  and  from  the  en- 
raged enemies,  who  like  the  fiercest  wild  beasts 
surrounded  him,  as  if  they  aimed  at  his  entire 
and  final  destruction. — My  darling.  (20)  im^ns 

J\Iy  united  one.  (35:17.  Heb.)  The  feminine  of 
T^m  is  rendered  desolate;    25:16.    only  son;    Gen. 

22^2,12,16.  Zech.  12:10.  only  beloved;  Prov.  4:3. 
— Tnv  novoytvn  \i«.  Sept. — Some  think  it  refers  to 
the  human  nature  of  Christ,  as  united  to  the 
Deity. 

V.  22.  This  verse  is  expressly  applied  to  our 
Lord  by  the  apostle:  LN'ote,  Heb.  2:10—13.)  and 
the  subsequent  part  oi  the  psalm  is  as  evidently 
prophetical  of  his  glory  and  the  success  of  his 


him;  and   fear  him,  s  all  ye  the  seed  oi 
Israel. 

24  For  •'  he  hath  not  despised  nor 
abhorred  the  affliction  of  the  afflicted; 
>  neither  hath  he  hid  his  face  from 
him;  but  ^  when  he  cried  unto  him,  he 
heard. 

25  'My  praise  shall  be  of  thee  in  the 
great  congregation:  ™  I  will  pay  my  vows 
before  them  that  fear  him. 

26  "  The  meek  shall  eat  and  be  sat- 
isfied: °  they  shall  praise  the  Lord  that 
seek  him:  p  your  heart  shall  live  for 
ever. 

27  1  All  the  ends    of  the  world  shall 


g30.     1  Chr.  16:13. 

h  0.    35:10.    69:29—34.     Is.  SO: 

6—9. 
i  1.  Luke  23:46. 
k  2.  34:6.  116:3-6.  118:5.    Heb. 

5:7. 
122.  35:18.   111:1. 
m  56:12.    65:1.  66:13,16.  116:14 


4. 


—19.  118:19,20.    Ec. 
n  69:32.     Lev.  7:11—17.    I 

6.  65:13.     John  6:48—53. 
o  105:3,4. 

p  69:32.     John  4:14.  6:51. 
q  2:8.  72:8,11.     86:9.  98:3. 

45:22.  46:8,9.  49:6,12. 


gospel,  as  the  foregoing  part  is  of  his  sufferings. 
— The  whole  psalm  is  allowed  to  be  highly  poet- 
ical; but  this  transition  is  peculiarly  beautiful. 
For  here  the  scene  at  once  changes  and  bright- 
ens. The  Savior  turns  his  eyes  from  his  suffer- 
ings, to  the  glory  which  followed:  {JVotes,  .John 
13:1 — .5,31 — 35.  17:1—3.)  and,  anticipating  the 
extensive  and  permanently  blessed  effects  of  his 
passion  and  exaltation,  he  breaks  forth  into  ex- 
ulting predictions  and  praises  at  the  prospect. 
So  that  what  follows  seems  descriptive  of  his  feel- 
ings when  he  cried,  "It  is  finished,"  and,  "Fa- 
ther into  thy  hands  I  commend  my  spirit."  [Jfotes, 
JLwA^-e  23:44— 49.  John  19:28—30.) 

V.  23,  24.  Some  expositors  think  that  these 
verses  are  the  song  of  praise,  which  the  Messiah 
declares  he  will  lead  in  the  midst  of  the  congre- 
gation. Israel  is  especially  addressed;  but  all 
who  are  favored  with  the  gospel  are  equally  con- 
cerned in  the  exhortation,  as  the  resurrection 
and  consequent  glory  of  Christ  are  the  common 
benefit  of  all  that  fear  and  seek  God:  for  had  he 
despised  and  rejected  the  Surety's  sufferings,  and 
left  him  in  the  grave,  all  the  hopes  of  sinners 
would  have  been  for  ever  buried  with  him. 
[Motes,  2.  Rom.  4:23—25.  8:32—34.  1  Cor.  15: 
12—18.  Heb.  13:20,21.)  Cut,  though  man  de- 
spised and  abhorred  him,  and  the  Father  for  a 
time  seemed  to  disregard  his  sufferings  and 
prayers;  and  though  the  character  and  conduct 
of  those  whom  he  represented,  was  abominable 
in  the  sight  of  God;  he  yet  accepted  the  Savior's 
atoning  sacrifice,  raised  him  from  the  dead,  and 
made  him  "the  Author  of  eternal  salvation  to  all 
them  that  obey  him."     [J^ote,  Heb.  5:7—10.) 

V.  25.  Vows,  &c.]  That  is,  the  Savior  will 
publicly  fulfil  all  the  engagements  of  his  exalta- 
tion, for  the  glory  of  God,  and  Ihe  benefit  of  his 
church;  even  as  the  Psalmist  offered  the  various 
sacrifices,  which  he  had  vowed  in  his  distress.. 
[J^otes,  56:12.  66:13,14.  116:14— 19.)— -The 
change  in  the  person,  from  thee  to  him,  is  not 
uncommon.     (27.  Prov.  1:26—28.) 

V.  26.  The  death  of  Christ  was  the  great 
sacrifice  for  sin;  his  "fleshismeat  indeed,  and  hia 
blood  drink  indeed;"  the  poor  in  spirit  feed  on 
this  provision,  in  their  hearts  by  faith,  and  am 
satisfied:  thus  while  they  seek  the  Lord,  they 
praise  him  also,  and  their  hearts,  or  souls,  are 
'preserved  unto  eternal  life.'  [J^otcs,  John  6:30 
—35,47 — 58.) — The  sacred  feasts  on  the  peace- 

[15.''> 


B.  C.  lOGO. 


PSALM  XXII. 


B.  C.  1060. 


remember  and  "■  turn  unto  the  Lord: 
and  ^  all  the  kindreds  of  the  nations  shall 
worship  before  thee. 

2S  For  *  the  kingdom  is  the  Lord's: 
and  he  is  the  Governor  among  the  na- 
tions. 

29  All  they  "  that  be  fat  upon  earth 
^  shall  eat  and  worship:  ^  all  they  that 
go  down  to  the    dust   shall  ^  bow  before 

r  Acts    1-4.15.  20;21.  26:18^20.  |  ii  73:7.  78:31.     Is.  10:16. 


Rorn.  16:26.      1  Thes.  1:9. 
sy6:7.    102:22.    117:1.     Rev.  7: 

P— 12.   15:4. 
t  17:7,8.     Dan.    7:14.     Ob.  21. 

Zech.  14:9.    Matt.  6:13.  Rev. 

11:15. 


X  45:13.  72:10,11.      Is.    60:3—5, 

16.     Rev.  21:24. 
J-  113:7.   Is.  26:19.  29:4.      Phil. 

2:10.     Rev.  20:12—15. 
z  Is.  45:23.  Rom.  14:10—12. 


offering's  and  vows,  at  the  sanctuary,  furnished 
this  allusion. 

V.  27,  28.  The  fallen  race  of  Adam  in  gene- 
ral, all  over  tlie  world,  had  forgotten^  through 
alienation  of  heart,  the  one  living-  and  true  God, 
and  their  relations  and  obligations  to  him,  as 
their  Creator,  Governor,  and  Judge:  but,  through 
the  sufferings  of  Christ,  and  the  glory  that  fol- 
lowed, vast  multitudes  in  the  most  distant  na- 
tions, "remembered"  God;  and,  forsaking  their 
idols  and  iniquities,  turned  to  him,  as  his  wor- 
shippers and  subjects.  Thus  the  kingdom  of 
God,  which  always  was  his  by  right,  began  in 
fact  to  be  established  among  the  nations:  but  this 
part  of  the  prophecy  has  by  no  means  yet  re- 
ceived its  grand  accomplishment.  {JVotes,  Rev. 
11:15—18.  20:1—3.) 

V.  29.  Even  the  rich  and  powerful  on  earth 
are  invited  to  this  feast,  and  must  feed  on  this 
spiritual  provision,  or  they  must  starve:  they 
must  worship,  and  submit  to  the  exalted  Savior, 
or  perish:  they,  tliat  persist  in  their  rebellion, 
must  bow  as  condemned  criminals  before  his  tri- 
bunal. The  most  exalted,  and  the  most  abased, 
are  in  this  respect  precisely  in  the  same  situation: 
none  can  preserve  his  body  from  death,  or  raise 
it  again  from  the  drst;  none  can  quicken  his  own 
soul,  or  save  it  from  final  condemnation.  In 
both  respects,  Christ  alone  is  "the  Resurrection 
and  the  Life;''  and  at  length  all  that  sleep  in  the 
dust  must  hoiv  before  his  tribunal,  and  all  his  be- 
lieving subjects  will  enter  into  his  joy.  {J^otes, 
John  5:28,29.   11:20—27.) 

V.  30,31.  Some  in  every  age  will  be  the  servants 
of  Christ:  the  shall  be  accounted,  or  registered, 
as  a  chosen  generation  to  the  Lord;  [Is.  53:10. 
M)te,  J  Pet.  2:9,10.)  and  shall  supplant  the  nation 
of  Israel,  though  not  descended  from  one  common 
stock,  being  the  children  of  God  by  a  spiritual 
birth.  [JVotes,  Is.  66:7—9.  1  Pet.  1:22—25.) 
The)"^  shall  come  from  every  quarter  to  enlarge  the 
church;  one  generation  shall  declare  to  another 
his  righteousness  and  salvation;  and  his  sufferings 
and  death,  and  subsequent  exaltation,  shall  be 
their  favorite  topics.  {J\'otes,  Is.  45:20 — 25.  Rom. 
3:21—26.  2  Cor.  5:18—21.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
V.  1—21. 
The  stupendous  scene  here  exhibited  should 
attract  our  most  serious  and  affectionate  atten- 
tion. Let  us  therefore  step  aside  from  worldly 
trifles,  to  "behold  the  Lamb  of  God,  that  taketh 
away  the  sin  of  the  world."  Let  us  contemplate 
the  depth  of  the  Savior's  humiliation  in  connexion 
with  his  personal  dignity;  and  his  intense  suffer- 
ings, contrasted  with  theinfinite  delight  which  the 
Father  had  in  him,  and  with  the  combination  of 
all  excellences  in  his  character.  Let  us  hearken 
to  his  complaints  and  groans;  let  us  attend  to  his 
strong  crying  and  tears,  to  his  agony  and  tempta- 
1 56] 


him,  and  ^  none  can  keep   alive  his  own 
soul. 

30  *>  A  seed  shall  serve  him;  •=  it  shall 
be  accounted  to  the  Lord  for  a  genera- 
tion. 

31  '^  They  shall  come,  and  shall  de- 
clare ^  his  righteousness  unto  a  people 
that  shall  be  born,  that  he  hath  done 
this. 


a  49:6—9.     Hos.  13:9.    John  3: 
36.   11:25,26. 
bis.  63:10.     Heb.2:13. 
c  14:5.  24:6.  73:15.   87:6.   Matt. 


d  78:6.  86:9.    102:18.     145:4—7. 

Is.  44:.3— 5.     49:21—23.     54:1. 

60:4.  66:7—9. 
e  Rom.  1:17.    3:21—25.   5:19— 


3:9.  Gal.  3:26—29.   1  Pet.  2:9.  1     21.    2  Cor.  5:21. 


tions,  and  to  the  cruelty  and  contempt  with  which 
he  was  treated  by  Jews  and  gentiles,  priests, 
rulers,  people,  and  soldiers;  till  ingenuity  was  ex- 
hausted, and  malice  itself  fatigued,  with  mocking 
and  tormenting  him.  Let  us  view  this  holy  Sa- 
vior surrounded  by  bulls,  lions,  and  ravenous  dogs; 
in  the  palace  of  the  high  priest,  and  in  the  judg- 
ment-hall of  Herod,  and  of  Pilate.  Let  us  next 
look  to  him  as  nailed  to  the  cross,  pouring  out  his 
blood  like  water;  inquiring  in  doleful  accents, 
"My  God,  my  God,  why  hast  thou  forsaken  me.'"' 
and  complaining,  "All  my  bones  are  out  of  joint, 
my  heart  is  as  wax,  "it  is  melted  in  the  midst  of  my 
bowels;"  till  at  length  his  death  closed  the  awful 
scene,  while  nature  also  seemed  expiring  in  con- 
vulsions. (JVo^e,  JMatt.  27:51—53.)  What  then 
do  we  learn  from  these  astonishing  events,  and 
this  extraordinary  prediction  of  them.'  here  we 
behold  the  eternal  justice  and  holiness  of  our 
God;  the  immutable  excellency  and  obligation  of 
his  law;  the  inconceivable  odiousness  and  guilt 
of  sin;  the  inestimable  worth  of  our  souls;  the 
ruined  state  of  man,  the  insufficiency  of  all  other 
expedients  for  magnifjing  the  law,  or  satisfying 
the  justice  of  God.  We  here  learn  the  vanity  of 
the  world,  and  the  misery  of  its  deluded  inhab- 
itants; the  dire  malignity  of  the  human  heart, 
which  naturally  conceived  and  expressed  such 
cruel  hatred  and  contempt  of  him,  who  was  "the 
Brightness  of  the  Father's  glory,  and  the  express 
Image  of  his  person:"  we  become  acquainted 
with  the  infinitely  free  love  and  compassion  of 
God  the  Father,  and  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 
for  us  wretched  sinners:  we  perceive  what  is  the 
Foundation  of  every  human  hope;  the  Source  of 
all  grace  and  consolation;  the  Exemplar  to  which 
we  are  to  be  conformed;  together  with  the  treat- 
ment that  we  are  to  expect  from  man,  and  tlie 
conduct  under  it  which,  as  Christians,  we  are  to 
adopt.  In  short,  the  whole  system  of  true  reli- 
gion is  here  viewed  in  its  central  point;  and  every 
lesson  is  learned,  with  peculiar  advantage,,  by  the 
enlightened  and  humble  soul.  (1  Cor.  1:23,24.) 
V.  22—31. 
In  this  part  of  the  psalm,  viewed  in  connexion 
with  the  former,  we  behold  the  ransom  accepted, 
the  Savior  heard,  and  raised,  and  exalted  to  his 
glorious  throne:  we  view  him  at  the  right  hand  of 
the  Father,  receiving  inestimable  gifts  to  bestow 
on  sinful  man,  and  not  ashamed  to  call  his  poor 
disciples  brethren;  declaring  among  them,  and 
by  them  to  the  world,  the  name  and  truths  of 
God;  fulfilling  in  his  exaltation  the  design  of  all 
his  sufferings;  and  calling  on  all,  who  fear  and 
seek  the  Lord,  to  rejoice  in  him,  and  to  praise 
and  glorify  him.  (J^Tote,  Heb.  2:10—13.)  He 
now  gives  us  his  flesh  and  blood,  to  be  the  life- 
giving  and  preserving  food  of  our  souls:  on  this 
the  meek  and  humble  feed  with  delight,  praise 
the  Lord  for  it,  and  live  for  ever:  and  all,  howev- 
er powerful  and  honorable,  who  refuse  this  pro- 


B.  C.  1057. 


PSALM  XXIII. 


B.  C.  1057, 


PSALM  XXIIL 


David  rejoices  in  the  oouipassionnte  care  ol  the  Lord  his  Shep- 
herd, 1 — 3.  He  exults  in  the  assurance  of  being  supported  by 
him  through  life  and  death,  and  of  spendipg  eternity  in  his 
presence,  4 — 6, 

A  Psalm  of  David. 

THE    Lord    is   ^  my  Shepherd:    ^l 
shall  not  want. 

2  He  '  maketh  me  to  lie  down  in 
*  green  pastures:  he  ^  leadeth  me  beside 
the  t  still  waters. 

3  He  ®  restoreth  my  soul:  ^  he  lead- 
eth  me  in  the  paths  of  righteousness  s  for 
iiis  name's  sake. 


a  79rl3.   80:!.     Is.  40:11.     Jer. 

23:3,4.        Ez.     34:11, 12,23,'i!4. 

Mic.  5:2,4.     John    10:11,14,27 

-30.     Heb.   13:20.     1  Pet.  2: 

25.  5:4. 
b    34:9,10.    84:11.     Matt.    6:33. 

Luke   12:30—32.     Rom.    8:32. 

Phil.  4:19.  Heb.  13:5,6. 
c  Is.  30:23.  Ez.  34:13,14. 
*   Heb.     pantnres    of  tender 

grass. 
d  46:4.     Is.   49:9,10.     Rev.   7: 


17.    21:6.  22:1,17. 
f   Heb.     viaters  of  quietness. 

Job  34:29.     Is.  8:6. 
e  19:7..  marg.    51:10—12.  85:4 

—7.119:176.     Job  33:30.  Jer. 

32:37—42.  Hos..l4:4— 9.   Mic. 

7:8,9,18,19.       Luke     22:31,32. 
Rev.  3:19. 
f5:8.    31:3.     143:8—10.     Prov. 

8:20.   Is.  42:16.    Jer.  31:8—10. 
g  79:9.     Ez.   20:14.     Eph.  1:6. 


vision,  and  will  not  worship  the  exalted  Savior, 
must  perish;  for  "the  kiog-dom  is  the  Lord's," 
and  the  once  crucified  Jesus  is  "the  Governor 
among  the  nations;"  and  "no  man  can"  by  any 
means  "keep  alive  his  own  soul."  Whilst  num- 
bers despise,  and  wonder,  and  perish;  a  seed  is, 
from  age  to  age,  raised  up  to  serve  the  Redeemer, 
who  are  "accounted  to  the  Lord  for  a  chosen 
generation;"  and  who  declare  his  righteousness 
and  works  of  love,  to  those  around  them,  and  to 
those  that  shall  succeed  them.  Thus  the  gen- 
tiles have  been  brought  into  his  church,  which  is 
preserved  in  the  midst  of  opposition:  and  ere  long 
"all  the  ends  of  the  earth  shall  remember,  and 
turn  unto  the  Lord,  and  all  the  kindreds  of  the 
nations  shall  worship  before  him." — Let  the  infi- 
del then  study  this  psalm  with  serious  attention, 
and  no  longer  object  his  futile  cavils,  in  opposi- 
tion to  demonstration.  Let  those,  who  go  about 
to  establish  their  own  righteousness,  inquire  why 
the  beloved  Son  of  God  thus  suffered,  if  theii- 
performances  could  atone  for  sin,  or  recommend 
a  sinner  to  his  offended  God.  Let  the  antinomian 
consider,  whether  the  Savior  thus  honored  the 
divine  law,  to  purchase  him  the  liberty  of  de- 
spising it.  Let  the  careless  take  warning  to  flee 
from  the  wrath  to  come;  and  the  trembling  be 
encouraged,  and  rest  their  hopes  upon  this  merci- 
ful Redeemer.  The  tempted  and  distressed  be- 
liever should  contemplate  the  scene,  and  learn  to 
imitate  the  faith,  patience,  meekness,  constancy, 
persevering  prayers,  fervent  zeal,  and  love  of  the 
suffering  Savior;  and  cheerfully  expect  a  happy 
event  of  every  trial.  Finally,  let  us  never  be 
ashamed  to  profess  our  faith  in  him  and  obliga- 
tions to  him,  who  condescends  to  own  us  as  his 
brethren:  but  let  us  instruct  our  families  in  the 
important  truths  of  his  gospel,  desiring  above  all 
things,  and  praying  continually,  that  "they  may 
be  a  seed  to  serve  him;"  and  that  all  the  ends  of 
the  earth  may  hear  and  receive  his  gospel,  and 
become  his  believing  and  accepted  servants  and 
worshippers. 

NOTES. 
PsALAi  XXIIL  V.  1—3.  The  preceding  psalm 
represented  "the  good  Shepherd  laying  down  his 
life  for  the  sVicep,"  and  assuming  his  pastoral 
charge:  this  describes  Ihfiir  safety  and  felicity 
under  his  tender  care.  {.ATotes,  jo/m  10:1  — 18, 
26—31.)  For  as  Christ  is  "the  good,"  "tlie 
great,"  "the  chief  Shepherd;"  we  cannot  doubt 
that  he  is  Jehovah,  and  is  especially  intended. 


4  Yea,  though  I  walk  ''through  the 
valley  of  the  shadow  of  death,  '  1  will  fear 
no  evil:  ^  for  thou  art  with  me;  '  thy  rod 
and  thy  staff,  they  comfort  me. 

5  Thou  '"  prepares!  a  table  before  me 
in  the  presence  of  mine  enemies:  "  thou 
^  anointest  my  head  with  oil;  °  my  cup 
runneth  over. 

6  Surely  p  goodness  and  mercy  shall 
follow  me  all  the  days  of  my  life:  i  and  I 
will  dwell  in  the  house  of  the  Lord  k  for 


ever. 

h  44:19.     Job  3:5.   10:21,22.  24: 

17.     Jer.  2:6.     Luke  1:79. 
i3:6.  27:1— 4.    46:1—3.     113:6. 

138:7.     Is.    41:10.      1   Cor.    15: 

55—57. 
k  14:5.  46:11.   Is.  8:9,10.  43:1,2. 

Zech.  8:23.    Matt.  1:23.  28:20. 

Acts  18:9,10.    2  Tim.  4:22. 
1  110:2.     Mic.  7:14.     Zech.  11: 

10,14. 
m   22:26,29.     31:19,20.     J04:15. 

Job  36:16.     Is.   25:6.     John  6: 


53—56.   10:9,10.   16:22. 
n  45:9.  92:10.     Am.  6:6.    Matt. 

6:17.     2  Cor.   1:21.     1  John  2: 

20,27. 
J  Heb.  makest  fat. 
0  16:5.    116:13.     1    Cor.    10:16. 

Eph.  3:20. 
p   30:11,12.     36:7—10.      103:17. 
•2  Cor.  1:10.     2  Tim.  4:13. 
q    16:11.     17:15.      73:24—26.    2 

Cor.  5:1.      Phil.  1:23. 
$  Heb.  to  length  of  days.  21:4. 


{J^otes,  80:1.  Is.  40:9—11.  Zech.  13:7.  Acts  SO: 
28.  Heb.  13:20,21.  1  Pet.  5:1— 4.)— A  flock  of 
sheep,  gentle,  liarmless,  and  valuable,  feeding  ia 
verdant  pastures,  or  reclining,  cheerful  and  satis- 
fied, by  gentle  rivulets,  under  the  care  of  a  skil- 
ful, vigilant,  and  tender  shepherd,  forms  the  em- 
blem of  believers,  brought  back  to  the  Sliepherd 
of  their  souls,  and  by  him  guarded  and  provided 
for.  {A''otes,  Luke  12:32.  1  Pet.  2:18—25.)  He 
is  Jehovah,  the  omnipresent,  omniscient,  al- 
mighty God,  One  with  the  Father,  and  every 
way  able  and  willing  to  take  care  of  them.  His 
ordinances  are  their  plenteous  pastures,  the  con- 
solations of  his  Holy  Spirit  are  their  refreshing 
Waters.  They  are  thus  guided  by  their  Shepherd 
into  communion  with  God,  and  find  rest  to  their 
souls.  If  they  wander,  he  restores  them  by  his 
kind  rebukes,  and  his  effectual  grace:  when 
their  souls  are  diseased,  he,  as  their  Ph3"sician, 
recovers  their  health  and  vigor;  and  for  the 
honor  of  his  gospel,  and  the  glory  of  his  own 
name,  he  leads  them  in  the  paths  of  righteous- 
ness.    [JVbte,  Prov.  8:20.) 

V.  4.  Between  that  part  of  the  flock  which 
is  on  earth,  and  that  which  is  gone  to  heaven, 
death  lies,  like  a  deep  valley,  that  must  be  passed 
in  going  from  the  one  to  the  other.  But  this  valley 
cannot  hurt  believers,  and  should  not  alarm  them. 
It  is  indeed  deep  and  dark,  but  fruitful.  The 
good  Shepherd  will  accompany  his  sheep  through 
it,  by  his  gracious  presence:  his  rod,  the  token 
of  his  power,  {Jfote,  110:2.)  will  defend  them 
from  the  assaults  of  their  enemies;  his  pastoral 
staff,  his  word  of  promise,  and  Spirit  of  grace, 
will  support  them  with  inward  strength;  and 
thus  he  will  render  death  safe  and  comfortable  to 
them.  {JVotes,  John  U:2,3.  Acts  7:54—60.)— 
Thou  art  loith  me.]  J^Totes,  /*.  41:10— 14.  43:1,2. 
Matt.  1:22,23.  28:19,20. 

V.  5,  6.  The  people  of  God  feast  at  his  table 
on  the  provisions  of  his  love;  UVote,  22:26.)  nor 
can  Satan  and  wicked  men,  who  liate  and  envy 
them,  destroy  their  comforts,  while  they  are 
anointed  with  the  unction  of  the  Holy  Spirit, 
and  drink  of  the  cup  of  salvation,  ever  full  and 
running  over.  Past  experience  teaches  them  to 
trust,  "that  the  goodness  and  mercy  of  God  will 
follow  them  all  the  days  of  their  life."  It  is  their 
desire,  expectation,  and  determination,  to  seek 
their  happiness  in  the  service  of  God  here;  and 
they  hope  to  enjoy  his  love,  without  enemy  or  in- 
terruption, for  length  of  days,  even  for  ever  in 
heaven  hereafter. — The  images  in  these  verses 

[157 


B.  C.  1043. 


PSALM  XXIV^ 


B.  C.  1043. 


PSALM  XXIV. 

The  Cteator's  dominion  over  the  whole  earth,  1,  2.  The  sub- 
jects of  the  Redeemer's  kingdom,  3 — 6.  Kntrance  demanded 
for  the  kiug  of  glory  into  his  temple,  7 — 10. 

A  Psalm  of  David. 

THE  *  earth  is  the  Lord's,  and  the 
fuhiess  thereof;    ''  the   world,   and 
they  that  dwell  therein. 

2  For  *=  he  hath  founded  it  upon  the 
seas,  and  ^  estabhshed  it  upon  the  floods. 

3  ^  Who  shall  ascend  into  ^  the  hill  of 
the  Lokd?  s  or  who  shall  stand  in  his 
holy  place? 

a  50.12.     Ex.  9:29.   19:5.  Deut. 

10:14.     iChr.  29:11.     Job  41: 

1 1.     Dan.  4:25.      1  Cor.  10:26, 

28. 
b  89:11.  98:7.    Nah.  1:5. 
■c  33:6,7.  95:4,5.   104:5,6.    136:6. 

Gen.  1:9,10.     Job   38:4.     Jer. 

10:11—16.     2Pet.  3:5— 7. 
d  93:1.  96:10.     Gen.  8:22.     Job 


38:8—11.     Jer.  5:22. 

e  1.5:1.  63:13.     John  13:36 

20: 

17.     Eph.  4:8—10. 

f  68:15,16.   78:68,69.    132:13,14. 

2  Sam.  6:12—17.     1  Chr. 

15:1, 

25—28.     Heb.  12:22—24. 

g  Lev.  10:3.     Mai.  3:1,2. 

ieh. 

12:28,29. 

are  taken  from  feasts,  and  the  general  customs  of 
anointing  the  .guests,  and  distinguishing  such  as 
were  mo.st  favored  by  the  largest  portions.  (Gen. 
43:34.)  Under  these  images  both  temporal  pro- 
visions and  spiritual  comforts  seem  to  be  in- 
cluded. 


PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

Experimental  piety  is  the  source  of  the  purest 
comforts,  and  the  most  unshaken  confidence;  and 
cheerfulness  greatly  adorns  and  recommends  it. 
What  can  they  want,  who  have  Jehovah  for 
their  Shepherd.^  What  will  that  Savior  withhold 
from  his  friends,  who  shed  his  blood  for  them 
when  enemies,  that  he  might  reconcile  them  to 
himself.^  Will  not  he,  who  ransomed  our  souls, 
provide  for  our  bodies.''  Alas,  our  discontent  and 
disconsolations  spring  from  unbelief;  and  from  a 
negligent  or  inconsistent  conduct,  which  dark- 
ens our  prospects  and  weakens  our  evidence. 
Let  us  then  "give  diligence  to  make  our  calling 
and  election  sure:"  let  us  simply  trust  our  Shep- 
herd's care,  and  listen  to  his  voice:  let  us  cul- 
tivate the  gentle  and  amiable  dispositions  which 
these  emblems  suggest:  let  us  keep  close  to  his 
ordinances  as  the  pasture  of  our  souls;  and  draw 
the  waters  of  life  "with  joy  from  the  wells  of  sal- 
vation," seeking  no  other  consolations:  and  let 
us  earnestly  plead  with  him  "to  lead  us  in  the 
paths  of  righteousness  for  his  name's  sake,"  to 
keep  us  from  wandering,  and  to  "restore  our 
souls"  from  every  deviation,  bj^  whatever  means 
he  may  see  good;  for  peace  and  happiness  can 
be  found  in  no  other  way.  Thus,  walking  with 
God,  and  trusting  in  him,  we  may  think  of  death, 
as  our  appointed  passage  to  eternal  life,  without 
fearing  any  evil:  the  outward  protection  and  in- 
ward supports  of  our  gracious  Friend  will  pre- 
vent all  harm,  and  he  will  receive  our  souls  to 
the  mansion  which  he  has  prepared  for  them. 
While  he  pleases  that  we  should  continue  here, 
he  can  make  an}^  situation  pleasant,  by  the  unc- 
tion of  his  Spirit,  and  the  joys  of  his  salvation,  in 
defiance  of  all  our  enemies:  and  the  lively  Chris- 
tian will  thankfully  acknowledge  the  Lord's  ex- 
uberant kindness,  and  declare  his  satisfaction  in 
his  care  and  love.  Let  us  then  thank  him  for 
the  past  and  present,  and  trust  him  for  the  future: 
let  us  keep  close  to  his  service  now;  and  simply 
repose  our  confidence  in  him,  that  his  goodness 
will  supply  our  every  want,  his  mercy  pardon  all 
our  sins,  and  relieve  all  our  sorrows:  that  these 
shall  follow  us  all  the  days  of  our  life;  and  that 
we  shall  "dwell  in  the  house  of  the  Lord  for 
ever;"  in  his  presence,  where  "is  fulness  of  joy, 
158]  ^ 


4  *  He  that  hath  ••  clean  hands,  and  •  a 
pure  heart;  who  hath  not  ^  lifted  up  his 
soul  unto  vanity,  nor  '  sworn  deceitfully. 

5  He  shall  ■"  receive  the  blessing  from 
the  Lord,  and  "  righteousness  from  °  the 
God  of  his  salvation. 

6  This  is  P  the  generation  of  them  that 
seek  him,  i  that  seek  thy  face,  t  O  Jacob. 
Selah. 


*  Heb.   The  clean  of  hands. 

18:20. 
h  26:6.     Job  9:30.    17:9.     Is.  1: 

15,16.33:15.  1  Tim.  2:8.  Jam. 

4:8. 
1  51:10.  73:1.     Gen.  6:5.    Prov. 

20:9.      Jer.  4:14.      Matt.   5:8. 

Acts  15:9.     2  Cor.   7:1.  Rev. 

21:1 — 4,27.    22:14,15. 
k25:l.   143:8.     Deut.  4:19.  Ez. 

18:6,15.     Acts  14:15. 
1  15:4.     Jer.  .5:2.  7:9,10.  Zech. 

5:3,4.     Mai.  3:5.     1  Tim.  1:10. 
m  50:23.  67:6,7.     72:17.   115:12, 


13.  128:1—5.    Num.  6:24—27. 

Matt.     5:3—12.       John    7:17. 

Rom.    4:6—9.      Gal.    3:9,14. 

Eph.  1:3.      1  Pet.  3:9. 
n  Is.  46:13.  51:5,6,8.    54:17.  61: 

10.  Rom.  3:22.  5:17,18.  1  Cor. 

1:30.     2  Cor.  5:21.     Gal.   5:5. 

Phil.  3:9. 
o  68:19,20.    88:1.     Is.  12:2.  45: 

17.     Tit.  2:10—14.  3:4—6. 
p  22:30.  73:15.   Is.  53:10.  Rom. 

4:16.      1  Pet.  2:9. 
q  27:8.   105:4.  John  1:47—49. 
t  Or,  O  God  of  Jacob. 


and  at  his  right  hand,  where  are  pleasures  for 
evermore." 

NOTES. 

Psalm  XXIV.  V.  1,  2.  This  psalm  is  sup- 
posed to  have  been  written  and  sung,  with  some 
others,  when  David  removed  the  ark  to  Jerusa- 
lem; and  perhaps  it  might  also  be  used  when  the 
ark  was  carried  into  Solomon's  temple.  But  the 
ascension  of  Christ  into  heaven  seems  to  have 
been  sublimely  prefigured  under  those  typical 
events. — The  Psalmist  introduced  his  subject  by 
declaring  the  sovereignty  of  God  over  the  whole 
world.  (1  Cor.  10:26,28.)  He  had  formed  both 
the  earth  and  its  inhabitants,  and  separated  the 
dry  land  from  the  waters;  by  which  it  arose  out 
of  the  floods,  and  seemed  to  have  its  foundation 
upon  them.  (JVbfe*,  33:7,8.  95:4,5.  Gm.  1:9,10. 
Job  38:8—11.  Prov.  8:22—30.  Jer.  10: 11. 2  Pet.  3. 
5 — 7.)  The  whole  belonged  to  the  great  Creator, 
to  be  disposed  of  as  he  pleased:  and  he  might  most 
justly  have  cut  off  all  the  apostate  race;  or  he 
might  have  taken  another  part  of  it  instead  of 
Israel.  This  introduction,  therefore,  seems  to 
have  been  intended  to  excite  the  people's  admir- 
ing gratitude,  for  the  Lord's  distinguishing  kind- 
ness to  them. 

V.  3 — 6.  External  privileges  were  granted 
to  Israel  as  a  nation;  but  the  character  of  the 
true  Israelite  was  here  inquired  after.  (JVotes 
and  p.  O.  Ps.  15:)  A  holy  life,  springing  from  a 
sanctified  heart,  free  from  external  and  mental 
idolatry,  and  all  corrupt  affections  and  carnal 
confidences,  united  with  watchfulness  against  all 
hypocrisy  and  dissimulation;  an  exact  punctu- 
ality and  fidelity  to  every  vow,  profession,  or  en- 
gagement, to  God  or  man; — these  things  distin- 
guished the  acceptable  worshippers  from  the 
rest  of  the  congregation  at  the  sanctuary,  as  they 
now  do  real  from  nominal  Christians.  This 
character  originates  from  regeneration;  and  is 
gradually  formed  by  the  divine  Spirit,  through 
faith:  and  while  others  derive  no  benefit  from 
divine  ordinances,  persons  of  this  description 
"receive  the  blessing  from  the  Lord"  continu- 
ally; even  "righteousness  from  the  God  of  sal- 
vation." For  "by  the  Spirit  they  wait  for  the 
hope  of  righteousness  through  faith."  [Marg. 
Ref.  n.)  Thus  it  is  verj'  clearly  stated,  that 
while  separation  from  sin,  and  a  pious,  conscien- 
tious conduct,  prepare  a  man's  heart  for  receiv- 
ing divine  blessings,  and  evidence  his  interest  in 
them;  they  do  not  constitute  his  justifying  right- 
eousness, or  merit  the  favor  of  God;  in  whom  he 
must  trust  as  the  "God  of  his  salvation,"  and 
from  whom  he  must  receive  "the  gift  of  right- 


B.  C.  1043. 


PSALM  XXV. 


B.  C.  1021. 


7  •■  Lift  up  your  heads,  O  ye  gates; 
and  be  ye  lift  up,  ye  everlasting  doors; 
and  ^  the  King  of  glory  ^  shall  come  in. 

8  Who  is  this  King  of  glory?  "  The 
Lord  strong  and  mighty,  the  Lord 
mighty  in  battle. 

9  Lift  up  your  heads,  O  ye  gates; 
even  lift  them  up,  ye  everlasting  doors; 
and  the  King  of  glory  shall  come  in 


r  113:19,20.     Is  26:2. 

3  21:1,5.  97:6.  Hag.  2:7,9.  Mai 
3:1.  1  Cor.  2:8.  Jam.  2:1.  i 
Pet.  3:18.     Rev.  4:11. 

168:16—18.  132:8.  Num.  10 
35:36.     2  Sam.  6:17.      1  Kinsi 


8:6,11.  Mark  16:19. 
8—10.  1  Pet.  3:22 
u  45:3— 6.  50:1.  93:1.  Is 
49:24—26.  63:1—6.  Col. 
Rev.  6:2.   19:11—21. 


Eph.  4: 


eousness  by  faith."  [J^Totes,  Is.  54:15 — 17.  Rom. 
4:14—22.  10:1—4.  Gal.  5:1—6.)  The}',  who 
thus  trust  and  serve  God,  constitute  the  genera- 
tion of  those  who  seek  him,  as  Jacob  did,  and  so 
enjoy  his  favor,  as  "the  God  of  Jacob."  {Marg.) 
The  clause  is  rendered  in  the  old  translation, 
'■'■This  is  Jacob,"  the  true  seed  of  Abraham,  the 
true  Israel. — To  interpret  this  of  Christ  exclu- 
sively, or  at.  all,  except  as  our  example,  supposes 
him  to  "receive  righteousness  from  the  God  of 
his  Salvation,"  instead  of  our  being  "made  the 
righteousness  of  God  in  him." 

V.  7 — 10.  It  is  supposed,  that  the  priests  who 
bare  the  ark,  and  the  Levites  who  attended 
them,  demanded  entrance  into  the  tabernacle 
from  those  who  kept  the  gates.  The  expression 
"Lift  up  your  heads,  O  ye  gates,"  may  allude  to 
the  form  in  which  the  gates  were  made,  the  up- 
per part  lifting  up,  to  render  the  entrance  more 
spacious:  the  gates  might  be  called  "everlast- 
ing," becausi  the  ark  was  to  have  an  abiding 
residence  on  mount  Zion,  where  a  durable  tem- 
ple was  about  to  be  erected.  To  this  demand, 
the  porters  within  answered  in  solemn  strains, 
"Who  is  this  King  of  glory.''"  and  were  again  an- 
swered, that  it  was  "the  Lord  strong  and  mighty, 
the  Lord  mighty  in  battle;"  that  is,  Israel's  Pro- 
tector and  Friend,  by  whose  power  they  were 
made  victorious  over  all  their  enemies.  The 
demand  being  then  repeated,  and  a  similar  an- 
swer returned,  the  gates,  we  may  suppose,  were 
thrown  open,  and  the  symbol  of  the  divine  pres- 
ence was  carried  into  the  holy  of  holies.  (JVbies, 
68:1—3.  2  Sam.  6:14,15.  1  Chr.  16:7,34—36.  2 
Chr.  5:12,13.) — This  may  represent  the  Savior 
at  his  ascension,  demanding  by  his  attendant  an- 
gels admission  into  heaven,  as  Man  and  Media- 
tor; yet  at  the  same  time  as  "the  King  of  glory, 
and  the  Lord  strong  and  mighty."  In  human 
nature,  and  even  on  the  cross,  he  had  overcome 
and  triumphed  over  the  powers  of  darkness;  and, 
ascending  up  on  high,  he  led  them  captive  at  his 
chariot-wheels.  To  him  the  everlasting  portals 
were  lifted  up,  who  was  at  the  same  time  a  Man, 
and  "the  Lord  of  hosts:"  and  as  our  Forerun- 
ner he  entered  heaven  amidst  the  admiring  ac- 
clamations of  the  whole  angelic  choir.  And  thus 
the  gates  of  heavenly  happiness  were  opened  to 
every  sinner,  who  receives  Christ  as  his  Lord 
and  Savior,  assured  that  indeed  he  is  "the  Lord 
of  hosts  and  the  King  of  glory."  (J^otes,  Eph. 
1:15—23.  Phil.  2:9—11.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

As  the  earth,  with  its  fulness  and  all  its  inhab- 
itants, belongs  to  the  great  Creator,  whose  glo- 
rious wisdom,  power,  and  goodness  appear  on 
every  side;  we  should  continually  remember  our 
obligations  to  love  and  serve  him  with  all  our 
powers,  to  receive  all  our  comforts  as  his  gifts, 
and  to  employ  all  which  we  possess,  according 
to  his  will.  This  must  also  remind  us  of  our 
need  of  his  mercy,  and  lead  us  to  continual  hu- 


10  Who  is  this  King  of  glory.?  ^  The 
Lord  of  hosts,  ^  he  is  the  King  of  glory. 
Selah. 

PSALM  XXV. 

David,  trusting  in  God  and  waiting  on  him,  prays  for  pro1«ec 
tion  and  guidance,  1 — 5.  Pleading  the  mercy  of  God  and 
the  honor  of  his  name,  he  entreats  forgiveness;  and  shews  the 
Lord's  readiness  to  teach  the  meek  and  upright,  6 — 11.  He 
states  the  privileges  of  the  godly,  and  blends  his  complaints 
with  earnest  prayers  for  himself,  and  for  Israel,  12 — 22. 

A  Psalm  of  David. 

UNTO  thee,  O  Lord,  »  do  I  lift  up 
my  soul. 

X  Is.  6:3—5.  54:5.     Hos.  12:3— 


5.      Zech.   2:8—11.     John  12: 
40,41.   14:9. 
y   2:6—12.        Matt.      25:31,34. 


Luke  9:26.     Tit.  2:13. 
a  24:4.  86:4.     143:8.      1  Sam.  1; 
15.     Lam.  3:41. 


miliation  before  him:  for  which  of  his  gifts  have 
we  not  abused.-"  which  of  our  powers  have  we 
not  emplo}'ed  in  rebellion.'  [JVote,  Luke  7:40 — 
43.)  If  we  had  done  all  that  was  commanded  us, 
we  ought  to  say,  "We  are  unprofitable  ser- 
vants." How  absurd  then  for  sinners  to  boast 
of  their  scanty  and  defective  services!  It  is  of 
the  Lord's  mercy,  that  any  of  us  worship  with 
acceptance,  or  may  hope  to  enter  into  heaven. — 
We  should  be  thankful  for  outward  privileges: 
yet  let  us  be  careful  not  to  trust  in  them;  but  se- 
riously inquire,  whether  his  word  and  ordinances 
have  indeed  been  sanctifying  to  our  hearts,  and 
have  taught  us  to  "walk  in  newness  of  life;" 
whether  we  are  weaned  from  the  vanities  of  the 
world,  and  delivered  from  hypocrisj'  and  deceit 
in  our  professions  and  engagements.  The  gene- 
ration of  those  who  seek  and  serve  the  God  of 
Jacob,  are  formed  to  a  peculiar  character;  the 
blessings  of  salvation  and  the  crown  of  righteous- 
ness must  be  waited  for,  in  the  way  of  conscien- 
tious obedience;  and  they  who  expect  them  in 
any  other  way  will  find  themselves  awfully  de- 
luded. [JYotes,  Tt<.  2:11— 14.  Heb.  10:35—39. 
Jude  20,21.) — The  incarnate  Word  and  Son  of 
God,  having  completed  his  obedience  and  suffer- 
ings on  earth  as  our  Surety,  has,  in  human  na- 
ture, ascended  up  on  high  as  a  triumphant  con- 
queror. The  everlasting  portals  have  been 
thrown  open  to  receive  him.  He  alone  in  hu- 
man nature  ascended  thither  by  the  merit  of  his 
own  righteousness:  but  it  is  of  infinite  value,  and 
merits  for  us  also,  if  we  believe  in  him.  While 
angels  adore,  in  the  man  Christ  Jesus,  "the 
King  of  glory  and  the  Lord  of  hosts,"  and  wel- 
come him  "as  Head  over  all  things  to  his  church:" 
surely  we  cannot  refuse  him  our  thankful  accla- 
mations, or  neglect  to  honor  him,  as  we  ought  to 
honor  the  Father  that  sent  him!  {.N'ote,  John  5:  ■ 
20 — 23.)  Let  all  remember  that  he  is  able  to 
save  and  to  destroy:  "the  Lord  strong  and 
mighty,  the  Lord  mighty  in  battle."  If  we  re- 
fuse now  to  open  our  hearts  to  welcome  him,  he 
will  at  length  refuse  to  open  the  gates  of  heaven 
to  us;  both  at  the  hour  of  death,  and  when  after 
the  final  judgment,  he  shall  re-enter  the  heavenly 
palace  with  all  the  millions  of  his  redeemed  peo- 
ple. Then  all  unbelievers  shall  go  "away  into 
everlasting  punishment." — Lord,  open  the  ever- 
lasting doors  of  our  souls  by  thy  grace,  that  we 
may  most  thankfully  receive  thee  as  our  Lord 
and  Savior,  and  be  willingly  and  wholly  thine; 
and  that  at  length  we  may  be  'numbered  with 
'thy  saints  in  glory  everlasting!' 
NOTES. 
Psalm  XXV.  V.  1.  The  repeated  and  deep 
confessions  of  sin,  which  are  blended  %vith  the 
petitions  and  complaints  throughout  this  psalm, 
favor  the  opinion  of  those,  who  think  it  was  writ- 
ten during  Absalom's  rebellion,  by  which  Da- 
vid's atrocious  crimes  in  the  matter  of  Uriah,  as 
well  as  the  sins  of  his  youth,  were  brought  to  his 

[159 


B.  C.  1021. 


PSALM  XXV. 


B.  C.  1021. 


2  **  O  my  God,  I  trust  in  thee:  let  me 
not  be  ashamed,  '^  let  not  mine  enemies 
triumph  over  me. 

3  Yea,  let  none  that  •*  wait  on  thee 
*  be  ashamed:  ^  let  them  be  ashamed 
which  transgress  =  without  cause. 

4  ^  Shew  me  thy  ways,  O  Lord; 
teach  me  thy  paths. 

5  'Lead  me  in  thy  truth,  and  ^  teach 
me:  for  thou  art  '  the  God  of  my  salva- 
tion; ^  on  thee  do  I  wait  all  the  day. 

6  °  Remember,  O  Lord,   °  thy  *  ten- 


fa  7:1.  18:2.  22:1,5,3.  3\:\.  34: 
8.  37: JO.  71:1.  Is.  26:3,4.  28: 
16.  41:16,17.  Rom.  3:5.  10:11. 
1  Pet.  2:6. 
■c  13:2—4.  35:19—25.  41:11.  56: 
1,2.  94:3,4.  142:6.  Is.  36:14— 
20.  37:10,20,35. 

d  27:14.  .33:20.  37:34.  40:1  —  3. 
62:1,5.  123:2.  130:5.  Gen.  49: 
18.  Is.  25:9.  40:31.  Lam.  3: 
25,26.     Mic.  7:7.     Rom.  8:25. 

e  69:6. 

f6:10.  31:17.  35:26.  40:14,15. 
70:2,3.  71:13.  132:18.    Jer.  20: 

n. 

g  7:4,5.  59:2—5.  69:4.    109:3,5. 

119:78.     John  15:25. 
h  5:3.  27:11.   86:11.    119:27,135. 

14.3:8,10.       Ex.  33:13.      Prov. 

8:20.     Is.  2:3.  Jer.  6:16.  50:5. 


i  8,10.     43:3,4.   107:7.     Is.  35:8. 

42:16.  49:10.    Jer.  31:9.    John 

8:31,32.     14:26.    16:13.      Rom. 

8:14.  Eph.  4:21.     1  John  2:27. 

Rev.  7:17. 
k  119:26,33,66.    Neh.  9:20.  Job 

36:22.     Is.  54:13.     Jer.   31:33, 

34.    John  6:45.     Eph.  4:20,21. 
124:.5.  66:1,20.  79:9.   88:1. 
m    22:2.      86:3.      88:1.      119:97. 

Prov.  8:34.    23:17.     Is.   30:18. 

Luke  18:7. 
n  98:3.   106:45.     136:23.     2  Chr. 

6:42.     Luke  1:54,71,72. 
0  40:11.    69:13,16.      103:4.     119: 

77,156.   Is.  55:7.     2  Cor.  1:3. 
*  Heb.  toTCfis.     Is.  63:15.    Jer. 

31:20.   Luke  1:73.  vtarg.   Phil. 

1:8.  2:1.     Col.   3:12.     1   John 

3:17. 


remembrance — The  expression,  "Unto  thee  do 
I  hft  up  my  soul,"  emphatically  describes  the  na- 
ture of  fervent  prayer,  when  all  dependence  on 
creatures,  and  expectation  from  them,  are  sensi- 
bly renounced;  and  the  earnest  desires  of  the 
soul  accompany  the  voice,  but  are  indeed  too 
larg'e  for  utterance.  [Marg.  Ref. — Jfotes,  62:8 
—10.   1  Sam.  1:12—16.  Rom..  8:24—27.) 

V.  2,  3.  These  verses  are  rendered,  in  most 
versions,  merely  as  a  prayer  throughout.  Yet 
the  third  verse  may  be  rendered  more  literally, 
"Yea,  none  who  wait  on  thee  shall  be  ashamed: 
they  shall  be  ashamed  who  act  perfidiously  with- 
out cause." — David  had  given  Saul  and  his  ad- 
herents no  just  cause  to  hate  and  persecute  him; 
nor  had  Absalom,  or  the  rebellious  Israelites,  any 
cause  for  their  treason  and  perfidy.  Their  ha- 
tred was  not  only  unmerited,  but  directly  con- 
trary to  his  deserts.  It  was  wholly  /ree,  or  gratu- 
itous. The  Jews  hated  Christ  without  a  cause, 
or  freely:  the  same  word  being  employed,  as  the 
apostle  uses  in  respect  of  a  sinner's  justification 
before  God,  "Being  justified  freely."  (Comp. 
Jdin  15:25.  Rom.  3:24.  Gr.) 

Yea  let  none,  &c.  (3)  "jo  cj  .  As  if  the  Psalm- 
ist had  subjoined  to  his  foregoing  request,  'Yea,  I 
'know  that  my  prayer  will  be  answered,  as  I  am 
'one  who  wait  upon  God,  and  none  who  do  so 
'shall  be  ashamed.'  It  is  peculiarly  animated  and 
beautiful. 

V.  4,  5.  'It  is  hard  to  know  what  to  do  in 
'these  difficult  times,  especially  in  this  great  ag'i- 
'tation  of  thoughts,  wherein  my  troubled  mind  is 
'tossed  up  and  down.  Therefore  do  thou  be 
'pleased,  O  Lord,  to  shew  me  the  course  thou 
'vvouldst  have  me  take,  and  govern  my  actions 
'so,  that  they  may  be  pleasing  unto  thee.  I  have 
'as  much  need  of  thy  guidance,  as  a  little  child 
'has  of  its  parents,  and  I  cry  as  earnestly  unto 
'thee,  that  thou  wilt  direct  me  in  every  step.' 
Bp.  Patrick. — To  be  guided  in  the  path  of  faith- 
fulness to  men,  of  faith  in  God,  and  of  inviola- 
ble adherence  to  truth  and  duty  in  such  circum- 
stances, was  peculiarly  desirable.  •  For  this  bless- 
ing, more  than  for  victory,  David  v/aited  con- 
tinually, all  the  day,  and  every  day,  on  God  his 
Savior.  (JVbtes,  86:3—5.  88:1,2.)— The  term, 
160] 


der  mercies  and  thy  loving  kindnesses; 
P  for  they  Affile  hcen  ever  of  old. 

7  1  Remember  not  "^  the  ^  sins  of  my 
youth,  nor  my  transgressions:  ^  according 
to  thy  mercy  remember  thou  me  *■  for 
thy  goodness'  sake,  O  Lord. 

[Practical  Observations.]  ' 

?  IT  "  Good  and  ^  upright  is  the  Lord: 
therefore  will  he  ^  teach  sinners  in  the 
way. 

9  ^  The  meek  will  he  ^  guide  in  judg- 
ment: and  the  meek  will  he  teach  ^  his 
way 


10  All   '  the  paths  of  the   Lord  are 

"     "    """  ■"    """  "    ""'"        29,30.     Luke   11:13.    John  6: 

44,45.     2  Cor.    4:6.     Eph.    1: 

17,13.     Jam.  1:5. 
z  22:26.   76:9.    147:6.   149:4.    Is. 

11:4.  61:1.     Zeph.  2:3.    Matt 

5:5.      Gal.    5:23.      Jam.    1:21. 

1  Pet.  3:4,15. 
a  23:3.     32:3,9.    73:24.     119:66. 

]43:y».     Prov.  3:5,6.  8.20.   Is. 

42:1—3,     Ez.  11:19,20.  36:27. 
b  119:35.      John   14:6.     Acts  9: 

2.   13:10.     Heb.  10:20. 
c    1?:25,26.    23:4—6.    37:23,24. 

91:14.   119:75,76.   138:7.     Gen. 

5:24.   17:1.  43:15,16.     Is.  43:2, 

Rom.  8:28. 


p  77:7—12.   103:17.    106:1.   136: 

1],&C.      Gen.   24:27.    32:9,10. 

Ex.  15:13.  34:8,7.    Neh.  9:19, 

27,28.     Jer.  33:11.     Mic.  7:18 

—20.     Luke  1:50. 
q  79:3.   109:14,16.  Is.  38:17.  43: 

25.  64:9.     Heb.  8:12.     10:16— 

18. 
rJob  13:26.  20:11.    Prov.  5:7— 

14.  Jer.  3:25.  John  5:5,14. 
s51:l.    109:26.   119:124. 
t  6:4.    31:16.      Eph.    1:6,7.  2:4 

—3. 
u  119:68. 

X  92:15.     Is.  26:7. 
y  Prov.  1:20—23.  2:1—6.  9:4— 

6.  Mic.  4:2.     Matt.  9:13.    11: 


wait,  implies  a  simple,  dependent,  expecting,  at- 
tentive state  of  heart;  which  leads  to  frequency 
and  perseverance  in  the  use  of  proper  means, 
notwithstanding  delays  and  discouragements, 
with  a  determined  rejection  of  all  other  confi- 
dences, and  all  inconsistent  measures.  [JVotes, 
130:5,6.  Gen.  49:18.  La77i.  3:24—30.  Jam.  5:7 
-11.) 

V.  6,  7.  The  contrast  between  the  Lord's 
"remembering  his  tender  mercies,  and  loving 
kindnesses,"  which  had  always  been  exercised  to 
his  worshippers,  and  sprang  from  his  everlasting 
love;  and  his  not  "remembering"  the  Psalmist's 
transgressions,  is  very  expressive.  When  God 
thus  remembers  his  mercies,  he  ceases  to  re- 
member our  sins;  that  is,  he  does  not  punish  us 
for  them.  {J^ote,  Jer.  31:33,34.)— The  language 
also  is  peculiarly  emphatical.  The  distinction 
between  the  sins  of  }'outh,  thus  brought  afresh  to 
remembrance,  and  later  transgressions  of  which 
David  was  conscious,  seems  to  fix  the  occasion 
of  the  psalm  to  have  been  as  above  stated. 
[JVote,  1.)  He  could  find  no  reason,  in  himself, 
why  God  should  remember  him  in  mercy;  but 
he  pleads  with  him  to  do  it  for  his  own  goodness' 
sake.  [Marg.  Ref.  s,  t.) — Most  of  the  verses  in 
this  Psalm  begin  with  the  Hebrew  letters,  in  al- 
phabetical order;  (of  which  there  are  several  in- 
stances in  the  Psalms;)  but  a  few  omissions  and 
variations  are  found,  which  some  ascribe  to  tlie 
perturbation  of  David's  mind. 

V.  8,  9.  The  goodness  and  mercy  of  God  dis- 
pose him  to  be  kind  even  to  sinners;  and  instead 
of  inflicting  immediate  vengeance,  to  use  various 
methods  of  bringing  them  to  repentance.  He  is 
"upright"  and  sincere  in  all  his  declarations  and 
invitations,  and  he  loves  truth  and  justice;  he  is 
therefore  ever  ready  to  teach  his  ways  of  peace 
and  holiness  to  all  those,  however  sinful,  who  are 
humbly  willing  to  learn  them,  that  they  may  en- 
ter on  them  and  walk  in  them.  But  the  proud 
and  obstinate,  who  feel  no  need  of  such  instruc- 
tions, or  desires  after  them,  arid  are  not  disposed 
to  practise  what  they  know,  do  not  properly  ap- 
ply for  divine  teaching.  And  as  the  Master  in 
this  school  is  "meek  and  lowly  in  heart,"  and 
teaches  with  gentleness  and  wisdom;  the  scholars 


B.  C.  1021. 


PSALM  XXV. 


C.   1021, 


''  mercy  and   truth,  unto   such   as  ^  keep 
his  covenant  and  his  testimonies. 

11  For  ^  thy  name's  sake,  O  Lord, 
pardon  mine  iniquity;  s  for  it  is  great. 

12  IF  '1  What  man  is  he  that  feareth 
the  Lord?  '  him  shall  he  teach  in  the 
way  that  he  shall  choose. 

13  ^  His  soul  shall*  dwell  at  ease;  and 
'  his  seed  shall  •"  inh^it  the  earth. 

14  The  "  secret  ©f  the  Lord  is  with 
them  that  fear  him;'  and  t  he  will  shew 
them  his  covenant. 


d  33:4.  57:3.85:10.  39:14.  93:3. 

(Jen.  24::'7.    2  Sam.  15:00.   Is. 

^5:1.     John    1:14, H-     Jam.  5: 

11. 
e  -^4:4,5.    50:23.    103:17,18.     Is.". 

5ti:l— 6.    Zeph.  2:3.     Acts  10# 

35.     Rom.  2:13.     Heb.   8:3— f 

12.   li:14.   13:20,21.  V 

f3I:3.  79:9.   143:11.     Is.  43:25.' 

48:9.     Ez.  20:9.  36:31,32. 
g  Num.  14:17—19.     Rom.  5:20, 

21. 
h  111:10.     Prov.    1:7.    2:5.    15: 

33.   16:6.     Ec.    12:13.      Is.  50: 

10.     Acts  10:2,22.    13:26. 
i  37:23.  Is.  35:8.     John  3:20,21. 

7:17.  8:31,32.     Acts    11:14.    2 

Thes.  2:10—12.     1  John  2:27. 
k  Deut.  33:12,26—29.     Prov.  1: 

33.      29:25.       Ez.     34:25—28. 


Matt.  11:28,29. 
*  Heb.   lodge  in  gootlness.    31: 

19.  36:8.  63:5.     Is.' 66:10— 14. 

Jer.    31:12—14.      Zeph.   3:17. 

Zech.  9:17.      Phil.  4:19. 
137:26.  69:36.   112:2.     Gen.  17: 

7—10.     Prov.  20:7.     Is.  65:23. 

Jer.  32:39.     Acts  2:39. 
m  37:1 1,22,29.     Ez.  33:24—26. 

Matt.  5:5.    1  Pet.  3:10.  2  Pet. 
13:13. 
(1  Gen.  13:17—19.    Judg.  13:13. 

Prov.    3:32.      Matt.    13:11,12. 

John    14:17,21—23.    15:15.   17: 

6.       1    Cor.     2:14.      Col.    3:3. 

Rev.  2:17. 
|-  Or,    his   covenant   to   m.a'kt 

them  know  it.      Gen.    17:13. 

Deut.   4:13.      Jer.   31:31—34. 

Rom.  11:26,27. 


should  surel)'  be  teachable,  and  learn  in  meek- 
ness and  humility.  [JVotes^  Matt.  1 1:28 — 30. 
Jam.  1:19—21.  P.O.  Mark  10:1—16.) 

V.  10.  All  the  dealings  of  God  with  those  who 
accept  of  his  salvation  according  to  his  covenant 
of  grace,  and  "walk  with  him,"  by  faith  in  his 
truths  and  promises,  and  in  obedience  to  his  com- 
mandments, are  the  result  of  his  wisdom,  and 
consistent  with  his  mercy  and  faithfulness;  and 
therefore  tliey  will  all  eventually  do  them  good, 
whatever  present  appearances  may  be.  (^JVfjtes, 
103:13—18.  Is.  55:1—3.  56:3—7.  Rom.  8:28— 
31.)  Or  the  passage  may  mean,  that  all  the  com- 
mands and  counsels  of  God,  the  paths  in  which 
he  calls  his  people  to  walk  with  him,  are  good  in 
themselves,  and  do  good  to  the  upright;  and  lead 
them  to  experience  the  fulfilment  of  his  merciful 
and  faithful  promises. 

V.  11.  Had  David's  iniquity  been  great,  and 
he  had  thought  it  but  little,  his  plea  would  have 
been  inadmissible:  but  his  argument  was,  that 
"where  sin  had  abounded,  grace  might  much 
more  abound."  {J^Totes,  Rom.  5:20,21.  Eph.  1:3 
—8.)  Thus  the  name,  or  perfections,  of  God 
would  be  displayed  and  glorified:  and  on  this 
ground  he  hoped  for  pai'don  of  his  most  atrocious 
sins,  and  on  this  alone;  so  that,  if  this  plea  did  not 
prevail,  he  must  sink  in  hopeless  misery. — Sopne 
would  render  the  clause  '■Hhough  it  be  great:" 
but  certainly  this  is  not  the  most  obvious  inter- 
pretation; and  probably  would  not  have  been  ad- 
duced, except  either  out  of  dislike  to  the  doc- 
trine implied  in  our  version,  or  a  fear  of  its  be- 
ing perverted.     (JVbte,  Rom.  6:1,2.) 

V.  12,  13.  It  is  said  of  all  unconverted  men, 
that  "there  is  no  fear  of  God  before  their  eyes;" 
and  that  "the  fear  of  the  Lord  is  the  beginning 
of  wisdom."  (JVb<c*,  36:1.  111:9,10.  Rom.  3:9— 
18.) — Where  then  is  that  man,  in  this  evil  world, 
who  truly  reverences  the  authority  of  God,  who 
fears  his  displeasure,  and  seeks  his  favor,  as  the 
main  concern  of  his  life.''  How  disadvantageously 
soever  he  may  be  circumstanced;  how  great  so- 
ever his  past  guilt,  or  his  present  darkness  and  dis- 
couragement; the  God  of  all  grace,  who  has  ex- 
cited this  fear  by  his  own  preventing  grace,  will 
assuredly  afford  hira  the  means  of  instruction, 
Vol.  III.  21 


15  °  Mine  eyes  are  ever  toward  the 
Lord;  for  he  shall  ^  pluck  my  foet  p  out 
of  the  net. 

16  1  Turn  thee  unto  me,  and  have 
mercy  upon  me;  "■  for  I  am  desolate  and 
afflicted. 

17  ^  The  troubles  of  my  heart  are  en- 
larged: O  bring  thou  me  out  of  my  dis- 
tresses. 

18  ^  Look  upon  mine  affliction  and 
my  pain;  and  "  forgive   all  my  sins. 

19  •'^Consider  mine  enemies;  for  they 
are  many;  and  they  hate  me  with  \  cruel 
hatred. 

20  >'  O  keep  my  soul,  and  deliver  me: 
^  let  me  not  be  ashamed:  for  I  put  my 
trust  in  thee. 


o  121:1,2.    123:2.    141:8. 

\  Heb.  bring  forth. 

p   31:4.     124:7.      Jer.    5:26.    2 

Tim.  2.25,26. 
q60:l.  69:16.  86:16.  Mic.  7:19. 
r  69:14 — 20.     88:15—18.     143:4. 

Dan.  9:17.   Mark  15:33—35. 
s  34:19.    38:1—8.  42:7.  77:2 — i. 

1  Cor.  4:11—13.     2  Cor.   1:9, 

10.  4:8,9. 
t  119:132,153.      1  Sam.    1:11.    2 

Sam.  16:12.     Lam.  5:1.    Luke 


1:25. 
u  32:1— 5.  51:8,9.  Matt.  9:2. 
X  3:1,2.  27:2,12.  33:19.  56:2.  .57: 

4.  133:7.  143:3.  2  Sam.  16:11. 
17:2 — 4.  Luke  22:2.  23:5,21 
—23. 

'^^eh.  hatred  of  violence.   11: 

5.  18:48.  marg.  52:2.  86:14. 
140:1,4,11. 

y  17:8.  22:20,21.     121:7.     Luke 
23:46.     Acts  7:59. 
z  71:1,2.     Joel  2:26,07. 


and  enable  him  to  profit  by  them:  so  that  eventu- 
ally, he  "shall  dwell  at  ease,"  or  lodge  in  good- 
ness; [marg.)  and  shall  find  a  never-failing 
source  of  comfort  in  the  divine  love,  while  he 
expects  the  complete  feiicit}'  of  heaven  at  last. 
— The  inheritance  of  Canaan  was  a  type  of 
heaven:  but  indeed  that  man  inherits  the  earth 
as  far  as  it  can  profit  him,  who  has  food  and  rai- 
ment, and  lives  contented  and  in  peace:  and  the 
man  who  "lives  godly  in  Christ  Jesus,"  is  also 
warranted  to  hope  for  the  same  blessings  in  be- 
half of  his  children,  when  about  to  leave  them. 

V.  14.  The  knowledge  of  the  glory  and  har- 
mony of  the  divine  perfections,  which  encourages 
a  sinner  to  trust  and  love  a  holy  God;  that  sweet 
communion,  which  the  believer  enjo3S  with  God 
his  Savior;  and  that  peace  and  joy,  which  springs 
from  the  earnest  of  the  Spirit,  may  be  well  called 
"The  secret  of  the  Lord:"  and  they  lead  the  soul 
into  a  conciliating  and  satisfactor}'  acquaintance 
with  his  purposes,  and  the  wisdom  and  equity  of 
them;  and  with  the  security  and  blessings  of  the 
new  covenant,  and  the  assurance  of  an  interest  in 
it.  [J^otes,  Prov.  3:32.  JIalt.  13:10—13.  John 
14:21— 24.  Co/.  3:1—4.  Rev.  2:11.)  But  none, 
except  those  who  fear  God,  can  possiblj^  enjoy 
this  satisfaction,  which  must  still  remain  a  s)ecret 
to  all  ungodly  men. — Several  other  discoveries 
of  the  secret  plan  and  purposes  of  God,  may  also 
be  intended,  which  none  but  the  pious  Christian 
can  receive.     [Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  15,  16.  (JVo<e*,  121:1,2.  123:1,2.  124:4—8. 
141:8 — 10.)  The  word  rendered  "desolate"  is 
the  masculine  of  the  noun,  which,  when  feminine, 
is  translated  "my  darling."  [JVbte,  22:19 — 21.) 
— The  Septuagint  here  render  it,  "only  begot- 
ten;" as  it  certainly  means  in  some  places:  but  in 
this  connexion  it  seems  rather  to  imply  the  desti- 
tute condition  of  the  Psalmist,  when  left  atone, 
or  forsaken  by  his  former  adherents  and  friend.s; 
and  a  fit  type  of  Christ,  as  deserted  by  his  dibci- 
ples,  and  surrounded  by  his  insulting  enemies. 

V.  17 — 20.  Every  occurrence  during  Absa- 
lom's rebellion  tended  to  augment  the  distress  of 
David;  especially  as  reminding  him  of  his  dns, 
which  were  thus  visited  on  him,  as  Nathan  had 
foretold.     [J^Totes,  2  Sam.  l2:]0—]2.)     Hethere- 

[IGI 


13.  C.  1021. 


PSALM  XXVI. 


B.  C.  J  058. 


21  ^  Let    integrity     and    uprightness 
preserve  me;  for  I  wait  on  thee. 

22  ^  Redeem  Israel,  O  God,  out  of  all 
his  troubles. 

PSALM  XXVI. 

David  professes  his  integrity,  and  his  di^light  in  the  people  and 
ordinances  of  God,  with  a  solemn  appeal  to  him,   1 — 8.     He 

a7:3.   18:20—24.  26:1,11.41:12.  I    24:16.  25:10,11. 
1  Sam.  24:11— 13.  26:23.  Pro V.  I  b  14:7.    51:18,19.     122:6.    130:8. 
11:3.  20:7.      Dan.  6:22.      Acts  j     137:5,6. 


fore  united  reiterated  prayers  for  pardon,  with 
his  earnest  requests  for  deliverance. — He  was 
aware,  that  even  his  own  son,  and  his  bosom- 
counsellor,  and  a  large  part  of  the  nation,  thirsted 
for  his  blood;  and  would  decline  no  violence, 
treachery,  or  cruelty,  to  destroy  him:  so  that  his 
life  could  be  preserved  only  by  the  same  divine 
power  and  mercy,  in  which  tie  trusted  for  the  sal- 
vation of  his  soul.     [Jfotes.l  Sam.  1,5; — 18:) 

V.  21.  In  the  sight  of  God,  David  pleaded 
guilty  of  great  and  many  sins;  but  he  had  acted 
an  upright  part  towards  his  unnatural  son,  and 
treacherous  subjects.  As  a  penitent  likewise,  he 
was  "without  guile,"  and  was  determined  to  adopt 
no  sinful  measures  for  his  preservation.  x\.nd  thus 
waiting  on  God,  he  trusted  that  he  should  be  pre- 
served.— "Integrity  and  uprightness  shall  pre- 
serve me."  J, 

V.  '2-2.  The  cause  of  the  royal  sufferer  was 
that  of  his  nation,  and  of  true  religion.  While  he 
was  banished  from  Jerusalem,  the  people  were 
oppressed,  the  wicked  triumphed,  and  piety  lan- 
guished: and  if  the  traitors  succeeded,  the  event 
would  exceedingly  tend  to  obstruct  the  best  in- 
terests of  Israel.  David  therefore,  in  this  prayer 
for  the  redemption  of  Israel  from  oppression,  was 
a  type  of  Christ  interceding,  amidst  his  personal 
sufferings,  for  his  church;  and  for  his  own  exalta- 
tion, as  indispensably  necessary  to  her  interests, 
and  to  the  salvation  of  his  elect  people.  {^JVotes,  51: 
18,19.  130:7,8.  John  17:) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
V.  1—7. 
In  vain  will  our  voice  be  lifted  up  in  prayer,  un- 
less our  souls  be  lifted  up  to  God,  in  fervent  de- 
sires and  believing  expectations. — They  who  trust 
in  the  I^ord,  will  never  be  ashamed  of  their  hope; 
nor  shall  any  boasting  or  menacing  enemies  tri- 
umph over  "them.  They  will  wait  continually 
upon  the  Lord  with  their  humble  desires,  and  wait 
his  time  of  granting  them:  and  while  others  have 
the  benefit  of  their  prayers,  thousands  are  praying 
for  them,  by  character,  if  not  by  name.  Their 
heavenly  Advocate  also  presents  his  effectual  in- 
tercessions: and  a  cause  so  pleaded  cannot  but 
prevail;  as  they  who  injure  or  hate  tliem,  without 
cause  or  provocation,  will  at  length  experience  to 
their  unspeakable  shame  and  confusion.  But  we 
must  be  careful  not  to  give  our  enemies  so  much 
as  a  plausible  pretext  for  their  malice;  and  for  that 
reason  should  above  all  things  be  instant  in  pray- 
ing, to  be  guided  in  the  ways  of  truth  and  holi- 
ness. The  most  wise  and  experienced  feel  most 
their  need  of  this  continual  teaching,  and  are  most 
desirous  of  it;  not  only  lest  they  should  be  wholly 
deceived,  but  lest  they  should  be  seduced  into  any 
paths  of  error  or  iniquity.  They  will  therefore 
"wait  all  the  dai/''  on  "the  God  of  their  salvation." 
And  his  tender  mercies,  and  his  love  to  his  people 
of  old,  will  encourage  them  to  come  to  him,  that 
they  may  be  remembered  in  the  same  gracious 
manner. — Recent  transgressions  followed  by  chas- 
tisements, if  they  have  a  proper  effect,  must  lead 
most  of  us  to  recollect,  and  with  shame  confess, 
the  sins  of  our  youth,  which  are  thus  remembered 
against  us:  and  thus  wc  may  humbly  hope  that 
the  Lord  will  remember  us  according  to  his  mer- 
162] 


deprecates  the  doom  of  the  wicked,  and  unites  earnest  prayers 
with  pious  pm-poses  and  believing  confidence  in  God,  9 12. 

A  Psalm  of  David. 

^  "JUDGE  me,  O  Lord;    "  for  I  have 

^   walked  in  mine    integrity:    •=  I  have 

trusted  also  in  the   Lord;  therefore  ^  I 

shall  not  slide. 


a  7:8.  35:24.  43:1.  54:1.    1  Sam. 

29:25. 

24:15.  marg.   1  Cor.  4:3— 6. 

d  21:7.     37:31.    62:2,6. 

94:18. 

b  11.    15:2.  25:21.     2  Kings  20; 

121:3,7,8.     1  Sam.  2:9. 

IPet. 

3.     Prov.  20:7.    2  Cor.  1:12. 

1:5.     2  Pet.  1:10. 

c4:5.  25:2.  2S:7.  31:14.     Prov. 

cy,  and  blot  them  out  "for  his  goodness'  sake." 
V.  8—22. 
The  most  ignorant  or  atrocious  sinner  may 
properly  be  encouraged  to  trust  in  our  gracious 
God,  who  in  perfect  sincerity  invites  all  who  hear 
to  come  to  him.  He  delights  in  directing  the  sin- 
ner in  the  way  of  acceptance,  and  the  believer  in 
the  paths  of  holiness:  and  when  the  heart  is  hum- 
bled, and  the  rebellious  will  subdued,  the  under- 
standing shall  be  further  enlightened  to  perceive 
the  truths  of  God.  He  who  has  learned,  in  meek 
and  humble  teachableness,  to  sit  at  the  vSavior's 
feet  and  hear  his  word,  shall  soon  be  made  ac- 
quainted with  the  secret  comforts  of  true  godli- 
ness, and  shewn  the  nature  and  excellency  of  his 
everlasting  covenant:  and  having  acceded  to  it, 
and  learned  to  walk  with  him  in  faith  and  obedi- 
ence, according  to  its  tenor;  he  shall  find  every 
one  of  the  Lord's  dispensations  towards  him  to  be 
unmingled  truth  and  mercy;  not  excepting  his 
sharpest  trials  and  severest  corrections.  The 
sudden  recollection  of  the  greatness  of  his  in- 
iquity may  often  assail  his  confidence;  but  faith 
in  the  Lord's  more  abundant  mercy  can  even  con- 
vert that  into  an  argument,  why  he  should  pardon. 
— Pride,  obstinacy,  and  the  love  of  sin,  dictate  all 
the  complaints  wliich  are  made  of  ditSculty  and 
uncertainty,  in  discovering  the  truth  and  will  of 
God:  for  wherever  there  is  a  man  who  truly  fears 
the  Lord,  he  shall  certainly  be  taught  by  the  Holy 
Spirit  the  safe  and  happy  way.  He  will  surely  be 
directed  to  the  Savior,  and  there  find  rest  to  his 
soul;  and  reposing  his  care  and  confidence  upon 
his  reconciled  God,  he  will  cheerfully  wait  for 
more  complete  joys  in  heaven;  and  commit  his 
children  also  to  the  Lord,  desiring  his  blessing  for 
their  inheritance.  That  we  come  short  of  this 
serene  and  happy  life,  is  the  effect  of  remaining 
unbelief  and  disobedience;  and  because  we  are  so 
often  heedlessly  running  into  the  snares  of  the 
world,  and  are  thus  caught  by  Satan's  wiles.  Let 
us  theSi  look  more  entirely  to  God,  that  he  would 
pluck  our  feet  out  of  every  net,  and  preserve  us 
from  every  entangling  care.  Let  us  pray  more 
earnestly,  when  we  are  most  desolate  of  earthly 
comforts  and  comforters,  or  oppressed  with  sor- 
rows; for  the  Lord  is  able  to  support  and  deliver 
us.  •  He  considers  the  number  and  cruel  hatred 
of  our  enemies;  and  if  either  the  injuries  of  man, 
or  the  temptations  of  Satan,  render  our  prayers 
more  frequent  and  fervent,  they  will  eventually 
prove  of  great  service  to  us.  Let  us  especially 
pray  for  "integrity  and  uprightness  of  heart," 
which  will  be  our  best  preservative  from  dangers, 
delusions,  and  temptations;  and  secure  to  us  purer 
comforts  and  more  solid  advantages,  than  the 
friendship,  or  even  the  possession,  of  the  whole 
world.  And,  while  we  wait  on  the  Lord  about 
our  own  concerns,  let  us  remember  our  brethren 
in  tribulation,  and  pray  for  them  also,  that  they 
may  be  redeemed  from  all  their  sins,  enemies, 
temptations,  and  troubles;  and  that  the  church  of 
God  may  be  enlarged  and  prospered,  and  fill  the 
whole  earth. 

NOTES. 
Psalm  XXVI.     V.I.     It  is  the  general  opin- 
ion, and  indeed  it  seems  very  probable,  that  this 


U.  C.   1058. 


PSALM  XXVI. 


B.  C.  1058. 


2  ^  Examine  me,  O  Lord,  and  prove 
nie;  try  my  reins  and  my  heart. 

3  For  ^  thy  loving  kindness  is  before 
mine  eyes;  and  ^  1  have  walked  in  thy 
truth. 

4  1  have  not  "  sat  with  vain  persons, 
neither  will  I  go  in  with  dissemblers. 

5  I  have  '  hated  the  congregation  of 
evil  doers;  and  ''  will  not  sit  with  the 
wicked. 

6  I  will  '  wash  mine  hands  in  innocen- 
cy:  '"  so  will  1  compass  thine  altar,  O 
Lord: 

7  °  That  I  may  publish  with  the  voice 
of  thanksgiving,  and  "  tell  of  all  thy  won- 
drous works. 


c  7:9.    17:3.    66:10.    139:23,24. 

Job    13:23.    31:4—6.     Jer.  20: 

12.     Zeoh.  13:9. 
■  52:1.     85:10—13.     Matt.   5:44 

— 43.  Ltike  6:36.    2  Cor.  3:18. 

3:14,15.    8:9.     Eph.  4:32.  5;1. 

a  Col.    3:12,13.      1  .John  4:7— 

12,19—21.     3  John  11. 
f25:5.   101:2.    119:142.     Is.  2:5. 

8:20.     John   14:6.     Eph.   4:20 

—25.     I  John  1:7.     2  John  4. 

3  John  3,4. 
1:1.    119:63,115.   141:4.     Prov. 

9:6.   12:11.   13:20.     Jer.  15:17. 

I  Cor.  15:33.     2  Cor.  6:17. 

5.5.   15:4.  31:6.    101-3—8.   139: 


21,22. 
k  Matt.  9:11,12.  iCor.  5:9— 11. 
124:4.73:13.     Ex.  30:19,20.  Is. 

1:16—18.    Tit.  3:5.     Heb.  10: 

19—22. 
m43:4.     Mai.  2:11-13.     Matt. 

5:23,24.       1   Cor.     11:23,29.     1 

Tim.  2:8. 
n  9:14.  66:13— 15.    95:2.    100:4, 

5.   116:12—14,13,19.   113:19,27. 

134:2.     Deut.  26:2—10.   1  Sam. 

1:24—27.  2  Chr.  20:26—29. 
o  71:17— 19.  72:18.     105:2.    119: 

27.    136:4,5.    145:5.     Luke  19: 

37—40. 


j.'Salm  was  written  by  David,  in  Philistia.  [JVotes, 
XAi:  title.  1  Sam.  27:) — Exposed  to  envenomed 
slanders  and  cruel  persecutions,  he  had  been  driv- 
en from  the  ordinances  of  God,  into  the  society  of 
idolaters:  but  he  appealed  to  him  who  searched 
all  hearts,  to  judge  between  him  and  his  enemies. 
He  was  conscious  of  having  uniformly  and  perse- 
veringly  acted  an  upright  part  towards  Saul,  and 
in  all  other  respects;  and  he  had  also  trusted  in 
God  alone.  [Jfotes,  Ps.  7:1—5.25:1—3.43:1.  143: 
1,2.)  He  therefore  was  confident,  that  he  should 
not  be  left  to  fall  into  any  of  the  snares  which 
were  laid  for  him;  or  in  any  future  season  of  temp- 
tatiois. 

V.  2.  1^>'y-]  The  original  word  (nens)  is  de- 
rived from  the  Jive,  with  which  metals  are  tried 
and  purified:  and  it  shews  the  earnest  desire  of 
the  Psalmist,  even  by  sharp  trials,  to  have  his 
cliaracter  ascertained,  and  his  holiness  improved. 
{J^oles,  17:1—3.  139:23,24.  Job  23:8—12.  Zech. 
13:8,9.  1  Pet.  1:6,7.  4:12—16.) 

V.  3.  By  meditating  on  the  kindness,  mercy, 
and  faithfulness  of  God,  David  had  learned  to  copy 
them  in  his  habitual  conduct.  [Marg.  Ref. — J\''ote, 
2  Cor-.  3:17,18.) 

V.  4.  (JVb/e,  1:1—3.  139:19—22.  Jer.  15:15— 
18.)  "Dissemblers,"  here  denote  hypocrites,  or 
those  who  under  specious  pretensions  cloked  their 
unjust  and  malicious  designs. — Persons  who  are 
hidden.,   (dv^Sjjj,)   artfully  concealing  their  real 

characters  and  designs. 

Y.  5.  Evil  doers  meet  together  for  various  pur- 
poses: but  whether  treacherous  policy,  or  malig- 
nant enmity,  or  sensual  and  festive  indulgence, 
formed  the  bond  of  their  union,  David  hated  their 
compan)',  and  shunned  their  assemblies.  [J\''otes, 
Gen.  49:5—7.  Prov.  1.3:20.  2  Cor.  6:14—18.) 

V.  6 — 8.  By  repentance  and  conscientious  obe- 
dience, as  well  as  by  faith,  expressed  in  attend- 
ing on  the  typical  purifications,  the  Psalmist  pur- 
posed to  prepare  for  offering  those  sacrifices,  which 
prefigured  the  atonement  of  Christ;  and  especially 
for  presenting  his  thank-offerings  for  deliverance, 
\vhich  he  anticipated  with  cheerful  hope.  {.^Totcs, 


8  Lord,  p  I  have  loved  the  habitation 
of  thy  house,  and  the  place  *  where  thine 
honor  dwelleth. 

9  t  Gather  not  my  soul  with  sinners, 
nor  my  hfe  with  t  bloody  men: 

10  ''In  whose  hands  is  mischief,  and 
their  right  hand  is  5  full  of  ■"  bribes. 

1 1  But  as  for  me,  ^  I  will  walk  in 
mine  integrity:  *■  redeem  me,  "  and  be 
merciful  unto  me. 

12  '^  My  foot  standeth  in  an  even  place: 
y  in  the  congregations  will  I  bless  the 
Lord. 


p  27:4—6.  42:4.    84:1,2,10.    122: 

1—4,9.     2  Sam.  15:25.    1  Chr. 

29:3.     Is.  38:20,22.      Luke    2: 

46,49.     19:45 — 47.     John  2:14. 

—17. 
*    Heb.    of  the    tahernacle  of 

thine  honor.   63:2,3.      Ex.  25: 

21,22.    40:34,35.     2  Chr.  5:14. 

6:1,2. 
]■  Or,  Take  not  away.    28:1—3. 

1    Sam.     25:29.       Mai.     3:13. 

Matt.  24:51.  25:32,41,46.  Rev. 

22:14,15. 
I  Heb.   men  of  blood.    51:14. 

55:23.    139:19.     1  Sam.    22:18, 

19.     2  Sam.  16:7.   21:1. 
q  10:14.   11:2.    36:4.    62:2.   55:9 

—11.     Prov.  1:16.  4:16.    Mic. 


2:1—3.      Matt.    26:3,4.     Acts 

23:12. 
^  Heb.  f  tied -aiith. 
rEx.  23:8.  Dcut.  16:19.  1  Sam. 

8:3.     Is.  33:15.     Ez.  22:12,13. 

Am.  5:12.     Mic.  7:3. 
s  1  Sam.    12:2—5.     2  Chr.  31: 

20,21.     Neh.    5:15.     Job    1:1. 

Is.  38:3.     Luke   1:6.     1  Thes. 

2:10. 
149:7,15.    69:18.     Tit.    2:14.     1 

Pet.  1:13,19. 
u  130:3,4,7,8.      Neh.     13:14,22. 

31. 
X  27:11.  40:2.  1  Sam.  2:9.  Prov. 

10:9. 
y7.    22:23—25.    107:32     IIM. 

122:4.     Heb.  2il2. 


24:3—6.  50:16—21.  73:12—14.  Prov.  15:8,9.  Is. 
1:10—20.  Matt.  5:23,24.  ]  Cor.  11:29—34.)  He 
trusted,  that  he  should  soon  be  restored  to  the 
land  of  Israel,  and  to  the  courts  of  God  in  which 
he  greatly  delighted;  and  while  the  worshippers 
compassed  the  altar,  he  purposed  to  celebrate  tlie 
wonderful  works  of  God  in  his  behalf.  {J^otes,  27: 
4—6.42:1—3.63:1—4.  84:1—3,10.  116:17—19.) 
— The  glory  of  God  was  manifested  at  the  sanc- 
tuary, from  above  the  mercy-seat;  and  in  tho.se 
ordinances  which  typified  the  Redeemer.  Thus 
the  tent,  where  the  ark  was  placed,  might  be  con- 
sidered as  '■'■the  house  of  God,"  in  which  his  honor 
dwelt;  where  he  met  his  worshippers  and  blessed 
them,  and  was  glorified  by  them.  [Marg.  Ref.  p.) 

V.  9 — 11.  As  the  Psalmist  had  thus  by  choice 
separated  from  the  wicked,  he  prayed  in  faith  and 
confidence  that  God  would  distinguish  between 
him  and  them;  especially  referring  to  Saul,  Doeg, 
and  others  who  gave  or  received  bribes,  in  order 
to  murder  him  and  his  pious  adherents",  [J^otcs, 
52:  1  Sam.  22:6 — 19.)  In  this  conduct  they  re- 
sembled, and  in  some  respects  prefigured,  Caia- 
phas,  Judas,  and  the  false  witnesses  and  wicked 
priests,  who  combined  to  murder  the  Prince  of 
life. — David,  though  conscious  of  integrity,  and 
determined  to  persist  in  it,  trusted  only  in  the  re- 
deeming mercy  and  grace  of  God.  [Jfote,  4:3 — 5.) 

V.  12.  He,  who  confides  in  the  gracious  prom- 
ises and  providence  of  God,  and  cleaves  stedfastly 
to  him  in  upright  and  unreserved  obedience, 
stands  on  firm  and  even  ground,  and  may  clieer- 
fully  bless  and  praise  the  Lord.  (.A^o/es,  25:21. 
40:1—5.  Prov.  10:9.  1  Pet.  1:3—5.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

According  to  that  covenant  which  Jesus  medi- 
tated, the  man  who  "walketh  in  his  integrity,"  yet 
wholly  trusts  in  mercy  and  grace,  is  evidenced  to 
be  in  a  state  of  acceptance:  the  Lord  may  be  ap- 
pealed to,  to  plead  his  cause:  and  he  shall  not 
slide,  but  "be  kept  by  a  divine  power,  through 
faith  unto  salvation."  This  man  desires  to  have 
his  inmost  soul  searched  and  proved  to  the  utter- 
most.    He  is  aware  of  the  dcceitfiilncss  of  his  own 

flGJ 


B.  C.   1059. 


PSALM   XXVll. 


B.  C.  105<X 


PSALM  XXVIL 

David  by  strong  failli  rises  above  the  fear  of  his  enemies,  1 — 3. 
He  chooses  the  courts  and  service  of  God,  as  his  felicity , -l—ti. 
He  prays  for  guidance  and  assistance,  and  encourages  liis 
bretliren,  7 — 14. 

A  Psalm  of  David. 
IHE  Lord  zV  ^  my  Light  and   ''my 
Salvation;  whom  shall  I  fear?  the 
Lord  is  <=  the  Strength  of  my  Hfe;  '^  of 
whom  shall  I  be  afraid? 

2  When  ^  the  wicked,  even  mine  ene- 
mies and  my  foes,  *  came  upon  me  ^  to 
eat  up  my  flesh,  s  they  stumbled  and 
fell. 

3  Though  ^  an  host  should  encamp 
against  me,  my  heart  shall  not  fear: 
though  '  war  should  rise  against  me,  ^  in 
this  will  I  he  confident. 


a  18:28.  84:11.     Job  29:3.  Is.  "2: 

5.    60:1—3,19,20.      Mic.     7:8. 

Mai.  4:2.    John  1:1—5,9.  8:12. 

Rev.  21:23.  23:5. 
b  3:8.     18:2.     62:2,6.     68:19,20. 

118:14,15.     Ex.    15:2.     Is.    12: 

2.  51:6—8.  61:10.    Luke  2:30. 

3:6.     Rev.  7:10. 
C  13:1,2,46.   19:14.    28:7,8.  43:2. 

Is.  45:24.     2  Cor.  12:9.     Phil. 

4:13. 
d  11:1.  46:1,2.    56:2—4.     118:6. 

Matt.  8:26.  Rom.  8:31.    Heb. 

13:6. 


e  3:7.   18:4'.  22:16.  62:3,4. 

*   Heb.    approached    against 

me. 
f  14:4.  53:4.     Job  19:22.  31:31. 
S  18:38—42.   118:12.    Is.  8:9,15. 

John  13:3—6. 
h   52:6.     2   Kings   6:15—17.    2 

Chr.  20:15.    Phil.  1:28.   1  Pet. 

3:14. 
i   1    Sam.   28:15,16.      Is.   41:11, 

12.  54:16,17.     Rom.  8:35—37. 

Rev.  2:10.   12:7-11. 
k  2  Cor.  5:6—8. 


4  '  One  thing  have  I  desired  of  the 
Lord,  ">  that  will  I  seek  after;  °  that  I 
may  dwell  in  the  house  of  the  Lord  all 
the  days  of  my  life,  °  to  behold  the 
t  beauty  of  the  Lord,  and  to  ^  inquire  in 
his  temple. 

5  For  ^  in  the  time  of  trouble  "■  he  shall 
hide  me  in  his  pavilion:  ^  in  the  secret  of 
his  tabernacle  shall  he  hide  me;  he  shall 
'  set  me  upon  a  rock. 

6  And  "  now  shall  mine  head  be  lifted 
up  ^  above  mine  enemies  round  about  me: 
y  therefore  will  I  offer  in  his  tabernacle 
sacrifices  of  ^  joy;  ^  I  will  sing,  yea,  I 
will  sing  praises  unto  the  Lord. 

Neh.  6:10,11. 
t  18:33.  40:2.  61:2. 


1  Luke  10:42.     Phil.  3:13. 

m    8.     Jer.    29:13.       Dan.    9:3. 

Matt.  6:33.   7:7,8.     Luke  11:9, 

10.   13:24.   13:1.     Heb.  11:6. 
n  23:6.    26:G.    65:4.    84:4,10.     1 

Sam.  1:11.  Luke  2:37.    1  Tim. 

5:5. 
o  50:2.  63:2.  90:17.   Zech.  9:17. 

2  Cor.  3:18.   4:6. 
f  Or,  delight.  63:2—5. 
pi  Sam.   22:10.    30:3.     2  Sam. 

21:1.      1  Chr.  10:13,14. 
q  10:1.  32:6,7.    46:1.  50:15.    77: 

2.  91:15.   133:7.     Prov.  1:24— 

28.     Is.  26:16.    Jer.  2:27,28. 
r  57:1.   83:3.   119:114.   Prov.  18: 

10.  Is.  4:6.  20:20.  32:2.    Matt. 

23:37.     Col.  3:3. 
s   31:20.     91:1.      2    Chr.   22:12.  | 


Hab.  3:18, 

19.     Matt.  7:24,25.   16:16—18. 
u3:3.    110:7.     Gen.  40:13,20.    2 

Kings  25:27. 
X  2  Sara.   7:9.    22:1,49.     1  Clir. 

22:18. 
y  22:22—25.  26:6,7.  43:3,4.   fiO: 

13—16.   107:22.   116:17—19.    2 

Chr.   30:21—26.      Jer.   33:11. 

Heb.   13:15.     1  Pet.  2:5. 
t  Heb.   shouting.    47:1.    Ezra 

3:11—13.    Is.  12:6.     Jer.  31:7. 

Zeph.     3:14,15.        Zech.    9:9. 

Luke  19:37,38. 
z  21:1,13.     81:1.    95:1.    100:1,2. 

138:5.     Eph.  5:19,20.    Rev.  5: 

9.   15:3. 


heart,  and  desires  to  detect  and  mortify  every  sin; 
and  he  longs  to  be  fully  satisfied  that  he  is  a  true 
believer.  He  examines  himself;  and  is  willing  to 
be  examined  by  the  penetrating  and  distinguish- 
ing word  of  truth:  but,  lest  after  all  he  should  be 
deceived,  he  appeals  to  the  great  Searcher  of 
hearts;  and  in  hi^, better  judgment,  welcomes  even 
those  fiery  trials,  by  which  his  graces  may  be 
manifested  and  improved,  as  gold  and  silver  in  the 
furnace.  While  he  hopes  in  the  loving-kindness 
and  faithfulness  of  God,  he  sets  them  before  him 
as  his  example,  and  seeks  to  be  conformed  to  the 
holy  truths  which  he  believes.  He  is  conscious 
that  the  society  of  profane,  licentious,  deceitful, 
or  dissipated  persons  is  become  irksome  to  him. 
He  does  not  frequent  the  haunts  of  evil-doers; 
and  will  stay  no  longer  in  %vorldly  company  than 
he  can  help.  But  he  rejoices  in  the  opportunity 
of  attending  on  the  ordinances  of  God,  and  meet- 
ing with  his  people.  With  serious  preparation  of 
heart,  and  in  the  exercise  of  repentance,  faith, 
and  a  good  conscience,  he  approaches  the  table 
of  the  Lord,  to  enjoy  fellowship  with  him  and  his 
disciples;  and  to  pubHsh  with  the  voice  of  thanks- 
giving, and  to  tell  of  all  the  wonders  of  redeeming 
love.  Having  loved  the  courts  of  the  Lord,  and 
every  place  and  company,  where  his  praises  were 
displayed,  and  his  glorious  truths  discoursed  on; ', 
he  would  dread  above  all  things  the  final  doom  of 
wicked  men.  A  few  hours  with  the  covetous, 
malicious,  and  deceitful  are  very  painful:  eternity 
in  such  company  would  form  a  hell  to  him.  This 
antipathy  gives  just  confidence  that  his  soul  shall 
never  be  gathered  with  them,  and  animates  him 
still  to  walk  in  his  integrity,  and  to  cry  for  mercy 
and  complete  redemption.  Thus  he  feels  his 
ground  firm  under  him;  and,  as  he  delights  in 
blessing  God  with  his  congregations  on  earth,  he 
trusts  that  shortly  he  .shall  join  the  great  assembly 
in  heaven,  in  "singing  praises  to  God  and  to  the 
Lamb  for  evermore." 

NOTES. 
Psalm  XXVII.    V.  1—3,    It  is  probable,  that 
this  psalm  was  composed  by  David,  in  the  extrem- 

164] 


ity  of  his  danger  from  Saul,  in  order  to  silence  the 
fears  of  his  companions,  by  shewing  them  the 
strength  and  reasonableness  of  his  confidence. 
[.JVote,  11:1 — 3.)  Some  however,  think  it  relates 
to  his  subsequentconflicts  and  dangers — Jehovah 
himself  was  David's  Light,  his  Teacher,  Guide, 
Comforter;  "and  his  Salvation,"  both  from  tem- 
poral dangers  and  eternal  misery:  he  was  "the 
Strength  of  his  life,"  his  powerful  Protector  and 
Upholder;  and  therefore  he  had  no  reason  to  fear 
any  enemies.  [JVote,  2  Sain.  22:2,3.)  When,  in 
former  instances,  his  wicked  persecutors  had 
come  against  him  in  force  and  rage,  as  if  they 
meant  to  devour  him,  [JVote,  Job  31:29—32.)  they 
stumbled  and  fell;  and  he  was  assured  they  would 
do  so  again:  and,  being  confident  that  God  was 
on  his  side,  he  was  determined  that  he  would  not 
yield  to  fear,  even  if  a  whole  army  should  inarch 
in  battle-array,  to  wage  the  most  desperate  war 
against  him.  (3:G.)  Compare  this  with  the  com- 
plaint of  Saul.  (1  Som.  28:15.)— When  the  ma- 
lignant enemies  of  Christ  came  to  seize  him  in  bis 
deepest  humiliation,  at  one  word  of  his  they  went 
backward  and  fell  to  the  ground.  (JVb/i°,  John 
10:4—9.) 

V.  4 — 6.  David  was  conscious,  that  the  ser- 
vice of  God  was  his  choice,  and,  as  it  were,  his 
element.  [JSTole,  26:6 — 8.)  Though  a  brave  sol- 
I  dier,  a  renowned  commander  and  conqueror,  and 
an  anointed  king;  j'ct  it  was  his  one  desire  above 
all  others,  and  his  constant  prayer  and  persever- 
ing endeavor,  to  dwell  in,  or  at,  the  tabernacle 
of  the  Lord,  where  his  ordinances  were  adminis- 
tered; which  were  types  of  the  promised  Messiah 
and  his  salvation,  means  of  grace  to  believers, 
and  acts  of  worship  to  God.  If  he  might  choose 
for  himself,  he  would  spend  all  the  days  of  his  life 
in  the  courts  of  the  Lord;  that  he  might  meditate 
with  joy  upon  the  beauty  and  glory  of  the  divine 
perfections  there  displa)'ed,  [JVotes,  50:1,2.  63:1  — 
4.)  and  have  constant  opportunity  of  inquiring 
the  will  of  God,  by  the  high  priest,  and  from  his 
word;  and  that  he  might  take  shelter,  as  in  the 
pavilion  or  royal  tent  of  his  heavenly  King,  where 


B.  C.  1059. 


PSALM  XXVU. 


B.  C.   1059. 


7  IT  ^  Hear,  O  Lord,  when  I  cry  with 
my  voice:  have  mercy  also  upon  me; 
and  answer  me. 

8  *  When  thou  saiclst,  ''  Seek  ye  my 
face;  my  heart  said  unto  thee, "  Thy  face, 
Lord,  will  I  seek. 

9  **  Hide  not  thy  face  far,  from  me; 
«put  not  thy  servant  away  in  anger: 
Uhou  hast  been  my  Help:  s  leave  me 
not,  neither  forsake  me,  ^  O  God  of  my 
salvation. 

10  When  '  my  father  and  my  mother 
forsake  me,  then  ^  the  Lord  will  t  take 
me  up. 

11  1  Teach  me  thy  way,  O  Lord,  and 


a4-.l.  5:2.   130:2— -1.   143:1,2. 
*  Or,  My  heart  said  unto  thee. 

Let  my  face  seek  thy  face,  <S-c. 
b  24:6.   105:4.    Is.  45:19.  55;6,7. 

Hos.  5:15. 
c   63:1,2.    119:58.    marg.    Jer. 

29:12,13. 
d  13:1.  44:24.  69:17.  102:2.   143: 

7.  Is.  59:2. 
e  51:11.     Is.  50:1. 
f  71:5,6,17,18.    1  Sam.  7:12.  Is. 

46:3,4.     2  Cor.  I:9,l0.    2  Tim. 


4:17,18. 
g  38:21.    119:121.      1  Chr.    28:9. 

Jer.  32:40.     Heb.  13:5. 
h24:5.  38:21,22.  88:1. 
i69.8.     2  Sam.    lfi:ll.     Is.    49; 

15.     Matt.   10:21,22,36. 
k  John  9:35.    16:32.     2  Tim.  4: 

16,17. 
t  Heb.  gather  me. 
I  25:4,5,9,12.  86:11.   119:10.  143: 

8—10.     Prov.  2:0—9.     Is.  30; 

20,21. 


no  enemy  could  find  him,  or  would  dare  to  ap 
proach  him.  Thus  he  hoped  to  be  fixed  as  on  a 
rock,  immoveable  by  changes  or  assaults.  In- 
deed, though  now  driven  from  the  courts  of  God, 
he  was  assured  that  he  should  at  length  be  exalt- 
ed above  all  his  enemies,  and  be  brought  back 
again  to  the  Sanctuar}';  when  he  would  offer  sac- 
rifices of  joy  and  thanksgiving,  with  animated  and 
triumphant  songs  of  praise  and  gratitude. 

V.  8.  This  verse  may  be  literally  rendered, 
"My  heart  said  unto  thee.  Seek  ye  my  face:  Thy 
face  Lord  will  I  seek."  In  retired  meditation, 
the  exhortations  of  God  to  the  sons  of  men  to  seek 
his  face  or  favor,  were  recollected  by  the  Psalm- 
ist: and  his  heart  answered,  'Dost  thou  deign 
'thus  to  invite  us.?  Then  without  delay  or  hesita- 
'tion,  I  will  seek  thy  face.' 

V.  9.  'Do  not  in  anger  reject  my  suits,  be- 
'cause  I  am  a  sinner;  but  accept  them,  because 
'I  am  thy  servant;  whom  in  former  times  thou 
'hast  so  often  relieved,  that  from  thence  also  I  am 
'emboldened  to  beseech  thee  not  to  desert  me;  ... 
'but  ...  continue  to  give  me  deliverance  and 
'safety.'  Bp.  Patrick. — David  expected  eternal 
salvation  from  the  tried  mercy  and  truth  of  the 
God  of  his  salvation;  and  this  gave  him  confidence 
as  to  temporal  deliverances.  (JVbfe,  Ps.  119: 1 21, 
122.) 

V.  10.  Perhaps  David's  parents  died  about 
this  time,  or  he  was  deprived  of  the  solace  of  their 
company:  or  he  meant  in  general,  that  the  favor 
of  God  would  compensate  the  loss  of  all  earthly 
friends,  and  of  the  nearest  and  most  endeared  re- 
lations; that  the  Lord  would  surely  prove  faith- 
ful, though  they  should  prove  cruel  and  treach- 
erous; and  that  he  was  determined  to  stay  his 
mind  on  God  alone. 

V.  11,  12.  The  Psalmist  knew  himself  to  be 
constantly  beset  with  spies  and  false  witnesses, 
who  pried  into  all  his  actions,  in  order  to  find 
some  handle  against  him;  that  they  might  gratify 
their  cruel  malice,  under  the  pretence  of  justice: 
and  this  led  him  to  pray  frequently  for  heavenly 
wisdom,  and  that  God  would  lead  him  in  the  path 
of  uprightness,  and  at  a  distance  from  the  "appear- 
ance of  evil,"  that  so  his  observers  [marg.)  might 
be  disappointed, — Thus  the  Son  of  David  also 
was  continually  watched,  that  some  accusation 
might  be  found  against  him;  but  his  perfect  holi- 


lead    me  in  +  a  plain    path,    because   of 
J  mine  enemies. 

12  Deliver  me  not  over  unto  "*  the 
will  of  mine  enemies:  for  "  false  wit- 
nesses are  risen  up  against  me,  and  such 
as  °  breathe  out  crafty. 

13  I  had  v  fainted,  unless  1  had  be- 
lieved to  se.e  the  goodness  of  the  Lord 
1  in  the  land  of  the  living. 

14  ■■  Wait  on  the  Lord:  ^  be  of  good 
courage,  and  '  he  shall  strengthen  thine 
heart:   wait,  I  say,  on  the  Lord. 


t  Heb.  a  way  of  plainness.  26: 

12.      Prov.  8:9.    15:19.     Is.  35: 

8.    Lulce  3:4—6. 
^  Heb.  those  which  observe  me. 

5:8.  54:5.  marg.   56:5,6.  64:6. 

Jer.  20:10.     Dan.  6:4,5.    Luke 

20:20. 
m  31:8.    35:25.     38;16.     41:11. 

140:8. 
n   35:11.     Ex.   20:16.     1    Sam. 

22:9,10.    26:19.     2  Sam.    16:7, 

8.    Matt.  26:59,60.     Acts  6:11 

—13. 
o  25:19.    Acts  9:1.  26:11. 
p42:5.  56:3.   116:9-11.    2  Cor. 


4:1,3—14,16. 
q  52:5.  56:13.    142:5.  Job  33:30. 

Is.  38:11,19.     Jer.  11.19.    Ez. 

26:20. 
r  25:3,21.    33:20.    62:1,5.    130  5 

Gen.  49:13.    Is.  8:17.  25:9.  26. 

3.    30:18.     Lam.    3:26.     Hab 

2:3.     Luke    2:25,38.     Rom.  8: 

25. 
s  31:24.     Acts  28:15.   1  Cor.  16: 

13.    2  Tim.  4:5—8. 
t  138:3.     Is.  40:31.     2  Cor.   12. 

9,10.     Ejih.  3:16.  6:10.      Phil. 

4:13.     Coi.  Ml. 


ness  and  wisdom  completely  frust.  ated  and  con- 
founded his  implacable  foes,  who  thirsted  for  his 
blood.     [Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  13.  "Unless  I  had  believed," — the  conse- 
quences must  have  been  dreadful.  The  broken 
form  of  the  sentence,  adds  greatly  to  the  effect. 
Perhaps  some  person  had  asked  David,  how  he 
kept  up  his  spirits  under  his  manifold  trials  and 
dangers:  and  he  gave  him  this  answer,  as  com- 
prising the  whole  secret  of  his  cheerful  confi- 
dence.— "The  land  of  the  living,"  in  this  connex- 
ion, seems  to  imply  a  prospect  beyond  this  pres- 
ent dying  world.     [Marg.  Ref.  q.) 

y.  14.  Some  understand  this  verse,  as  the 
Psalmist's  apostrophe  to  his  own  soul:  but  perhaps 
it  was  chiefly  intended  as  an  exhortation  to  his 
discouraged  companions  in  tribulation;  and  also 
as  a  pious  counsel  to  ever}'  one,  who  might  at  any 
future  time  read  this  admirable  psalm.  [JVofes, 
25:4,5.  62:1,2,.5— 10.  Mic.  7:5—7.  Hab.  2:1—3.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
He,  who  i^  "the  Light  of  the  world,  is  the 
eternal  Jehovah:  and  whosoever  "followeth  him 
shall  not  abide  in  darkness,  but  shall  have  the 
light  of  life."  [J^Toies,  John  8:12.  9:4—7.  12:44 
— 50.)  He  will  guide  every  believer  into  the 
knowledge  of  his  truth  and  the  comforts  of  his 
salvation;  and  into  an  acquaintance  with  the 
dangers,  snares,  and  enemies,  which  beset  his 
path,  and  the  manner  in  which  they  are  to  be 
avoided  and  overcome.  He  will  upliold  and  pro- 
tect their  souls,  and  their  lives  ai.so,  as  long  as 
that  is  good  for  them;  and  he  will  keep  them  by 
his  power  through  faith  unto  complete  salvation. 
Happy  are  they,  whose  faith  and  hope  are  as 
vigorous  as  the  security  is  valid.  They  need  not 
fear  armies  of  hostile  assailants,  or  legions  of  in- 
fernal spirits,  united  for  their  destruction,  with 
rage  equal  to  their  force.  "In  this  they  may 
be  confident;"  for  "the  eternal  God  is  their  Ref- 
uge." [J^Totes,  Z)fi/^33:27— 29.)— The  tempora- 
ry success  of  the  wicked  is  only  an  introduction 
to  their  deeper  disgrace  and  misery:  they  shall 
soon  stumble,  and  fall,  and  rise  no  more:  tiut  the 
trials  of  believers  will  terminate  in  everlasting 
honor  and  felicity.  Let  us  then  entreat  the  Lord 
to  "give  us  faith,"  and  to  "increase  our  faith;" 
that  we  may  be  delivered  from  tormenting  fears, 

[irir> 


B.  C.  1059. 


PSALM  XXVllI. 


B.  C.  1059. 


PSALM  XXVIIL 

David  earnestly  prays  for  deliverance,  and  denounces  the  right- 
eous doom  of  the  wicked,  1 — 3.  He  exults  in  God,  and  prays 
for  his  people,  6 — 9. 

A  Psalm  of  David. 

UNTO  thee,  ^  will  I  cry,  '^  O  Lord 
my  Rock,  *=  be  not  silent  *  to  me: 
lest,  j/thou  be  silent  to  me,  '^  I  become 
like  them  that  go  down  into  the  pit. 

2  Hear  the  voice  of  my  supplications, 
when  I  cry  unto  thee;  ^  when  I  lift  up 
my  hands  toward  t  thy  holy  oracle. 

3  ^  Draw  me  not  away  with  the  wicked, 

e  63:4.  134:2.  141:2.  143:6.  2 
Chr.  6:13.     1  Tim.  2:8. 

f  Or,  the  orach  of  thy  sanc- 
tuary, b.l.  138:2.  1  Kin?s  6: 
19.  8:6—8,30,33.  Dan.  6:10. 

f  26:9.  Num.  16:26.  Matt.  7: 
23.  25:41,46.     2  Cor.  6:17. 


a  3:4.  5:2.  22:2.    77:1.    142:1. 

b  18:2.  42:9.  Is.  26:4.   Marg. 

c  35:22.  83:1. 

*  Hvh.  from  int. 

d  30:9.    69:15.     80:4—6.     143:7. 

Job  33:23.     Prov.  1:12.  Is.  38: 

18.     Rev.  20:3. 


and  honor  our  Projector  by  cheerful  composure, 
when  the  hearts  of  others  are  shaken,  as  the 
trees  of  the  wood  are  moved  by  the  tempestuous 
wind.  [Is.  7:2.) — But  the  believer's  confidence 
should  be  carefully  distinguished  from  the  hypo- 
crite's presumption.  Whatever  be  the  Chris- 
tian's rank,  expectations,  reputation,  or  employ- 
ment; he  considers  the  salvation  and  service  of 
God,  as  his  "one  thing-  needful."  [JSTote,  Luke 
10:38 — 42.)  This  he  prays  for  and  seeks  after; 
for  what  is  heartily  desired  will  be  dilig^entl}' 
sought.  He  devises  how  he  maj'  dwell  near  the 
ordinances  of  God,  that  he  may  have  constant 
access  to  them;  for  they  are  the  rest  of  his  soul, 
to  which  he  returns  wifli  pleasure,  when  he  has 
necessarily  been  called  from  them.  He  delights 
in  contemplating-  the  beauty  and  glory  of  the 
Lord,  in  the  person  of  Jesus  Christ;  and  he  in- 
quires his  will,  by  studying  his  word,  and  praying 
for  his  teaching  Spirit:  he  hides  himself,  from 
cares,  and  fears,  and  toes,  in  the  presence-cham- 
ber of  his  King  and  Father,  where  no  pursuer 
can  discover  him,  or  will  venture  to  assault  him; 
and  while  he  drinks  the  waters,  which  flow  from 
the  Rock  of  ages,  he  fixes  his  liope  and  soul  upon 
the  Rock  itself,  for  stability  and  support. — "With 
such  desires  and  experiences,  we  may  triumph 
amidst  conflicts,  and  "rejoice  in  tribulation." 
The  Savior,  who  suffered  and  conquered  for  us, 
will  conquer  by  us:  and,  in  hope  of  rendering- 
eternal  songs  of  praise  in  the  temple  above,  we 
may  now  celebrate  every  mercy,  with  sacrifices 
of  exulting  joy  and  thanksgiving  here  on  earth. 
But  we  should  all  be  far  more  joyful  and  thank- 
ful, if  we  were  mce  instant  and  fervent  in  prayer. 
— To  the  blessings  of  salvation  the  word  of  God 
invites  sinners  at  large:  yet,  instead  of  attending 
to  this  call  to  seek  his  face,  men  turn  their  backs 
on  him  and  his  ways;  for  the  heart  of  him  alone, 
who  is  "born  of  God,"  echoes  to  the  invitation, 
and  says,  "Thy  face,  Lord,  will  I  seek:"  he  fears 
nothing  so  much  as  the  hiding  of  his  face,  and 
being  excluded  from  his  service,  or  left  to  come 
short  of  his  salvation:  every  token  of  his  dis- 
pleasure grieves  him;  and  this  renders  him  watch- 
ful and  je-alous  of  his  own  heart,  and  animates 
his  supplications. — The  loss  of  eartlily  friends,  or 
their  unkindness,  or  his  anxiety  about  them, 
leads  him  more  diligently  to  seek,  and  more  high- 
ly to  value,  a  relation  to  his  heavenly  Friend: 
and  should  his  attachment  to  the  Lord  forfeit  the 
favor  of  all  his  relatives,  that  loss  would  prove 
Ills  richest  gain.  Let  then  the  destitute,  the  or- 
phan, and  the  widow,  seek  to  the  Lord,  who  is 
"a  Father  of  the  fatherless,"  and  he  will  take  them 
up;  let  us  all  seek  to  be  taught  and  led  in  his 
ways,  and  in  a  plain  path,  that  we  may  neither 
IGG] 


and  with  the  workers  of  iniquity,  which 
s  speak  peace  to  their  neighbors,  but 
''  mischief  is  in  their  hearts. 

4  '  Give  them  according  to  their 
deeds,  and  ''  according  to  the  wickedness 
of  their  endeavors:  '  give  them  after  the 
work  of  tjielr  hands:  ""  render  to  them 
their  desert. 

5  Because  °  they  regard  not  the  works 
of  the  Lord,  nor  "  the  operation  of  his 


g  12:2.  55:21.  62:4.     Jer.  9:8,9. 

Mic.  3:5.      Matt.  2?:15— 18. 
h    7:14.      10:7,14.     36:4.     52:1. 

Prov.  26:23—26. 
i  5:10.59:12,13.  69:22—24.  Jer. 

13:21—23.  2  Tim.  4:14.    Rev. 

18:6; 
k2:l— 5.  21:10,11.  Ez.  38:10. 
162:12.   103:10.  109:17-21.  130: 

3,4.  Rom.  2:6 — 8.  11:22.  Jam. 


2:13. 
m  Ezra  9:13.     Job  11:6. 
n    10:5.    92:4—6.   104:24.    111:2 
r-i— 4.     Joo    34:26,27.     Is.    5:12. 

22:11.    26:9—11.      Hos.    14:9. 

John  12:37.  Bom.  1:20,28. 
o  8:3.    19:1,2.     Num.  23:23.    Is. 

40: .>g.  45:8,12,18.     Jer.   10:12, 

13.     Eph.  1:19—21. 


wander,  nor  stumble,  nor  cause  our  enemies  to 
rejoice:  and  if  we  meet  with  the  envenomed 
tongue  of  slander,  or  with  cruel  persecutions,  let 
us  remember  "the  man  after  God's  own  heart;" 
or  rather  let  us  look  unto  the  suffering  Savior, 
and  pray  in  faith  not  to  be  delivered  up  into  the 
hands  of  our  enemies.  Having  found  the  sup- 
ports and  comforts  of  the  Lord's  favor  in  times 
past;  let  us  not  faint,  but  "verily  hope  to  see  his 
goodness  in  the  land  of  the  living."  Let  us  en- 
courage others  to  "wait  for  the  Lord,"  and  not 
to  yield  to  fear  in  the  midst  of  dangers  and  ene- 
mies; for  his  grace  will  be  sufficient  for  their  sup- 
port and  deliverance.  And  whatever  we  may 
meet  with  in  this  dying  world,  he  will  strengthen 
our  hearts;  and  we  shall  see  and  enjoy  his  good- 
ness, "in  the  land  of  the  living,"  in  heaven, 
where  sin  and  death  never  entered.  Let  us 
then,  I  say,  encourage  each  other  to  "wait  on  the 
Lord,"  with  patient  expectation  and  with  fer- 
vent prayer. 

NOTES. 

Ps.'iLM  XXVin.  V.  1.  It  is  not  agreed, 
whether  this  psalm  was  written  during  David's 
persecutions  from  Saul,  or  at  a  later  period  of  his 
life. — "Be  not  silent  to  me."  'Treat  not  my 
'humble  requests  with  silent  neglect.' — The  word 
(ma)  rendered  "the  pit"  generally  means  the 
grave,  when  used  in  this  manner:  yet  when  the 
death  of  the  wicked  is  thus  expressed,  it  seems 
also  to  denote  the  place  of  future  punishment; 
for  all  men  go  down  into  the  grave,  but  the- 
wicked  into  the  pit  of  destruction.  (55:23.  rnu' 

nxa.) — If  God  did  not  shew,  by  some  visible  in- 
terposition, that  he  heard  and  answered  Da- 
vid's prayers;  he  must  soon  be  cut  off  and  laid  in 
the  grave,  never  more  to  glorify  God  on  earth; 
and  it  would  appear,  as  if  he  died  under  the  di- 
vine wrath,  as  the  wicked  do.  [J^Iarg.  Ref.  d.) 
— Had  Christ  continued  in  the  grave,  it  might 
have  been  concluded,  that  he  had  been  justly  put 
to  death:  but  he  was  justified  and  proved  to  be 
the  Son  of  God  by  his  resnrrectiop.  [JVoten, 
Rom.  1:1—4.  4:23—2,5.   1  Cor.  15:12—18.) 

V.  2.  Hoi  1/ oracle.]  "The  oracle  of  thy  sanc- 
tuary." [Marg.)  The  place  of  the  ark  of  the 
covenant,  and  the  mercy-seat.  {JVotes,  1  Kings 
6:1.5—22.  8:28—30.   Dan.  6:]0,l\.) 

V.  3.  "Draw  me  not  away,"  as  criminals  are 
violently  carried  to  the  place  of  execution.-— Da- 
vid deprecated  the  doom  which  awaited  his  de- 
ceitful persecutors,  or  that  of  Saul  in  particular. 
(JVo/e*,  26:9— 11.  36:3,4.  52:1—5.  Prov.  26:23— 
27.) 


B.  C.   1059. 


PSALM  XXIX. 


B.  C.   1040. 


hands,  he  shall  destroy  ihein,  and  p  not 
build  them  up. 

.  6  1  Blessed  he  the  Lord,  because  he 
hath  heard  the  voice  of  my  supplica- 
tions. 

7  The  Lord  is  ^  my  Strength  and 
^  my  Shield;  *  my  heart  trusted  in  him, 
and  I  am  helped:  "  therefore  my  heart 
greatly  rejoiceth,  and  "  with  my  song  will 
I  praise  him. 

8  The  Lord  is  *  their  Strength,  and  he 


p2Sam.  7.13,-27.  I  Kings  11: 
38.     Jtr.  31:4.  33:;0,J1. 

q  3I:2],22.  66  19,20.  tl9.33,34. 
107.19—22.   116:1,2.    118:5. 

r  8.  18:1,2.  19:14.  46:1.  Is.  12: 
2.  45:24.     Eph.  6:10. 

s  84:11.  91:4.     Gen.  15:1. 

t  13:5.    22:4.     56:3,4.     ]1S:6— 9, 


13—15. 
u  16:9—11.    21:1.    30:11, U.  S3: 

21.  68:3,4.     Is.  61:10. 
X  96:1—3.  Ex.  15:l,&c.    .ln<lg. 

5:l,&c.   iSam.  2:l,&c.  2Sam. 

22:l,&c.      Rev.  5:9.    15:3. 
*  Or,  his. 


V.  4,  5.  The  first  of  these  verses  is  the  lan- 
guage of  prayer;  the  latter,  that  of  prediction. 
In  the  one  the  Psalmist  calls  on  God  to  "deliver" 
liim;  and  plead  th?  cause  of  true  relig-ion,  by  ex- 
ecuting- deserved  punishment  on  his  implacable 
enemies:  in  the  other  he  assigns  the  reason,  why 
he  used  this  languag-e;  namely,  because  he  fore- 
saw this  doom  coming-  on  them,  and  because 
their  conduct  sliewed  them  to  he  given  up  to 
final  hardness  of  heart. — In  general  we  may  and 
ouglit  to  pray,  for  the  just  punishment  of  all  im- 
penitent enemies  of  the  church;  but  with  partic- 
ular application  to  individuals,  such  prayers  can 
only  be  prof)er  for  inspired  persons — To  be  dealt 
with  according  to  their  deservings,  must  be  most 
tremendous  to  every  sinner.  (JVb<e,  Jam.  2:8 — 
13.) — Regard  not,  etc.  (5)  Marg.  Ref.  ii. — 
JVbie*,  9-2T4— 7.  Rom.  1:18—20. 

V.  6,  7.  This  sudden  transition  from  earnest 
prayers  and  the  language  of  distress,  to  exulting 
joy  and  praise,  accords  so  much  to  the  method  of 
those  psalms,  which  are.  evidently  proptietical  of 
Christ,  that  some  expositors  interpret  this  of  him; 
and  suppose  these  verses  to  be  spoken  as  an  an- 
ticipation of  the  triumphs  and  glory,  which  fol- 
lowed his  deep  humiliation  and  suflerings.  [Jfotes, 
2-2:22 — 31.) — David  himself,  however,  seems  fre- 
quently to  have  anticipated  the  answer  of  his 
prayers  in  a  similar  manner:  or  perhaps  after  his 
deliverances,  while  leading  the  praises  of  his  peo- 
ple, he  contrasted  the  joyful  scene  with  the  dan- 
gi?rs  and  sorrows,  the  prayers  and  teai's,  which 
preceded  it. 

V.  8.  Some  render  this,  "The  Lord  is 
Strength  to  them:"  (that  is,  to  his  people:)  "and 
his  Messiah,  the  strength  of  salvation  is  He." — It 
is  not  clear,  that  the  original  can  bear  this  con- 
struction: but  no  doubt  David  had  reference  to 
Christ,  whom  he  typified  both  in  his  conflicts  and 
victories;  and  to  the  blessings  of  God  conferred 
on  his  people  through  him. 

V.  9.  David's  prayer  for  Israel  was  in  some 
respects  typical  of  Christ's  intercession  for  his 
church. — The  authority  of  a  good  prince  resem- 
bles the  care  of  a  tender  shepherd  over  his  flock. 
The  word  rendered  feed,  therefore,  means  also 
rule:  and  is  applied  to  Jehovah,  to  the  Messiah, 
and  to  David,  and  others.  [JSIars:.  Ref.  t — JVotes, 
2  Sam.  3:1,2.  /,y.  40:9—11.  Jer.  23:3,4.  Jlic.  5:3, 
4.  7:14—17.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

While  others  are  troubling  their  fellow  crea- 
tureswith  unavailingcomplaints;  believers  should, 
under  distresses,  cry  the  more  earnestly  to  "the 
Rock  of  their  salvation:"  and  they  should  not 
rest,   till   they   have  received  some  satisfactory 


is  the  t  saving  Strength  of  ^'  his  anointed. 
9  ^  Save  thy  people,  and  *  bless  thine 
inheritance:  t  feed   them    also,  and   ^^  lift 
them  up  for  ever. 

PSALM  XXIX. 

David  calls  on  the  mighty  to  g^ive  glory  to  God,  1,  2.  He  shews 
the  majesty  and  power  of  his  yoice,  3 — 9:  and  that,  as  the 
eternal  King,  he  will  strengthen  and  bless  his  people,  10,  11. 

A  Psalm  of  David. 
IVE  unto  the  Lord,  O  ye  *  mighty, 
give    unto   the    Lord   glory  and 
strength. 


'G' 


I  Heb.  slreyigtJt  of  sa!vatio7is. 
y2:2.  20:6.     1  Sam.   16:13.    Is. 

61:1. 
z  14:7.  25:22.  80:14—19.      Jer. 

31:7. 
a  Deut.   9:29.     2  Sam.   21:3.    1 

Kings     8:51,53.      Jer.     10:16. 

Eph.  1:18. 


I  Or,  rvle.  78:71.     2  Sam.  7:7. 

Is.>40:ll.     Ez.  34:23,24.  Mic. 

5:2,4.  7:14.     Matt.  2:6.  marg. 
b  Ezra  1:4.  tnarg. 
c  51:10— 12.    68:31—34.90:7— 

9.  Is.  60:12.  Jer.  13:16—18. 
*  Heb.  sons  of  the  mighty. 


token  that  their  prayers  are  heard;  for  if  the 
Lord  could  refuse  to  answer  them,  their  case 
would  resemble  that  of  those,  who  have  perished 
in  their  sins,  to  whose  agonizing  cries  no  gra- 
cious answer  will  be  made  for  ever.  But  this 
can  never  befal  those,  who  come  to  the  mercy- 
seat  of  a  reconciled  God,  in  "the  holy  place  not 
made  with  hands,"  through  the  intercession  of 
our  great  High  Priest;  sincerel)'  desiring  and 
humbly  hoping  for  those  blessings,  which  he  pur- 
chased by  his  meritorious  sacrifice,  and  is  now 
exalted  to  bestow.  They  will  not  however, 
merely  deprecate  the  punishment  which  awaits 
the  wicked,  and  the  effects  of  their  persecuting 
malice;  but  they  will  likewise  earnestly  pray, 
that  they  may  not  be  drawn  away  by  their  entice- 
ments, to  adopt  their  errors  and  imitate  their 
sins;  for  the  ungodly  are  more  to  be  dreaded,  when 
they  "speak  peace  to  their  neighbors,"  than  when 
they  avow  the  mischief  which  is  in  their  hearts. 
We  may  without  hesitation  predict,  that  impen- 
itent sinners  will  ere  long  be  recompensed  ac- 
cording to  their  endeavors  to  do  evil;  and  we 
cannot  desire  that  the  obstinate  enemies  of  Christ 
should  escape  condign  punishment.  Indeed,  if 
men  duly  regarded  the  works  of  the  Lord,  the 
displays  of  his  power  and  majesty  would  intimi- 
date them  from  rebellion,  and  "his  goodness 
would  lead  them  to  repentance:"  but  alienation 
of  heart  from  God  causes  men  to  neglect  all  his 
operations,  and  to  despise  even  his  redeeming 
love.  He  will  however  surely  destroy  such  sin- 
ners, and  not  build  them  up,  though  for  a  time 
they  prosper. — The  servant  of  God  is  often  en- 
couraged to  anticipate  the  answers  of  his  pra)'ers, 
while  he  is  yet  asking.  When  praising  him  for 
his  goodness,  and  "rejoicing  with  joy  unspeaka- 
ble and  full  of  glory;''  it  is  very  profitable  to  rec- 
ollect and  record  our  earnest  cries  in  the  time  of 
our  distress:  and  whilst  our  hearts  rejoice  in  the 
Lord,  our  Strength  and  Shield,  Ave  should  not 
forget  our  "brethren  in  tribulation,"  but  pray 
fervently  for  them  also. — In  the  exaltation  of  our 
anointed  King,  who  was  once  crucified  for  ns, 
we  have  the  earnest  and  exemplar  of  all  our  de- 
liverances. In  his  name  we  may  present  our 
supplications,  in  full  assurance  of  hope,  that  our 
God  will  "save  his  people,  and  bless  his  inheri- 
tance;" that  he  will  protect,  provide  for,  and 
comfort  them  on  earth,  and  at  length  lift  them 
up  for  ever  in  heaven.  But  what  are  all  those 
sudden  transitions  from  deep  distress  to  joyful 
praises,  which  take  place  in  the  believer's  expe- 
rience here;  compared  with  that,  which  every 
one  of  them  successively  finds,  when  in  a  mo- 
ment, he  exchanges  the  groans  and  agonies  of 
death,  for  heavenly  joys  and  uninterrupted  hal- 
lelujahs! 

[167 


B.  C.  1040. 


PSALM  XXIX. 


B.  €.  1040. 


2  ^  Give  unto  the  Lord  the  *  glory 
due  unto  his  name;  '^  worshij)  the  Lord 
in  t  the  beauty  of  hohness. 

3  ^  The  voice  of  the  Lord  is  upon  the 
waters:  *  the  God  of  glory  ^  thundereth: 
the  Lord  is  upon  ^  many  waters. 

4  The  voice  of  the  Lord  is  5  power- 
ful; the  voice  of  the  Lord  is  n  full  of 
majesty. 

5  The  voice  of  the  Lord  ^  breaketh 
the  cedars;  yea,  the  Lord  breaketh  the 
cedars  of  Lebanon. 

6  He  maketh  them  also  to  ^  skip  like 
a    calf:    '  Lebanon    and  ^  Sirion   like   a 


young  '  unicorn. 

b  1  Chr.  16;28,-29. 

*  Heb.  honor  of  his  name.  96: 

lis.   97;9.    113:3—6.    145:3—7. 
c27:4.   96:9.     2  Chr.  20:21. 
t  Or,  his  glorious  sanctuary. 
<1  18:13—15.   77:16—19.     Matt. 

8:28,27.     Rev.  17:14,15. 
e  24:7—10.     Acts  7:2. 
f  Ex.  9:28,33.   19:16.    1  Sara.  7: 

10.     Job  37:2—5.    John  12:29. 

Rev.   4:5.    8:5.    11:19.    16:18. 

19:6. 


t  Or,  great.  93:3,4.   104:3. 

§  Heb.  inpovjer.  33:9.  Job  26: 

11—14.     Jer.  51:15,16.    Luke 

4:36.  8:25. 
II   Heb.  171  majesti/.     Job  40:9 

—  12.  Is.  66:6.  Ez.  10:5. 
SC  Is.  2:13. 
h  114:4—7. 
i  Jer.  4:-23— 25.     Hab.  3:6—11. 

Rev.  20:11. 
k  Deut.  3:9. 
1  92:10.     Num.  23:22. 


NOTES. 

Psalm  XXIX.  V.  1,  2.  The  Psalmist  here 
calls  on  the  mig-htiest  princes  of  the  earth,  who 
demand  homage,  and  sometimes  worship,  from 
men,  to  render  glory  to  the  universal  Sovereig-n 
and  Judge;  and  to  come  and  pay  their  tribute  of 
adoration  at  his  sanctuary,  in  which  he  displayed 
the  beauty  and  excellency  of  his  holy  character 
and  perfections.  [J^otes,  2:10—12.  96:7—9.  138:4, 
r->,  14.5:3—7.  148:11— 13.)— Bea?f<?/  of  holiness. 
(2)  Or,  his  s^lorious  sanctuary,  (marg.)  JVote,  2 
Chr.  20:20,21. 

V.  3 — 11.  It  is  probable  that  this  psalm  was 
composed  during  a  violent  storm  of  thunder  and 
lightning,  which  reminded  David,  and  led  him 
earnestly  to  remind  others,  how  mean  and  feeble 
the  most  mighty  and  honorable  of  the  earth,  were 
in  comparison  of  the  God  of  "glory  and  strength.'" 
{J^otes,  Job  36:22—33.  37:1— 13."40:9— 14.  P.  O. 
37:1 — 13.) — 'You,'  (princes  of  the  earth,)  'think 
'there  is  great  power  in  your  words:  but,  as  they 
'can  be  heard  but  a  little  way,  so  they  are  of  little 
'force,  in  comparison  with  this  mighty  voice; 
'wherein  the  Lord  expresses  how  potent  he  is, 
'and  strikes  a  dread  and  horror  into  all  that  hear 
'it.'  Bp.  Patrick. — Thunder  is  often  called  the 
voice  of  God.  {E.v.  9:28.  marg.  JVotes.,  2  Sam.  22: 
7 — 16.  Rev.  4:4,5.)  During  a  violent  storm,  he 
seems  in  glorious  majesty  to  ride  upon  the  manj' 
waters  which  form  the  clouds;  and  he  shakes  the 
ocean,  as  well  as  the  earth.  The  power  of  the 
lightning  equals  the  terror  of  the  thunder:  enor- 
mous cedars  are  shivered  and  scattered  by  it  in  a 
moment;  the  very  mountains  shake,  and  seem  to 
move  with  agility,  like  a  calf  or  a  young  rhinoce- 
ros, by  means  of  tempests,  or  the  earthquakes  with 
which  they  are  sometimes  accompanied.  The 
flames  of  the  electrical  fire,  at  the  direction  of  the 
Almighty,  are  divided  with  inconceivable  swift- 
ness, and  irresistible  force;  and  even  the  wilder- 
ness is  thrown  into  a  trepidation.  The  hinds  af- 
frighted cast  forth  their  young:  and  the  forests  are 
stripped,  and  their  dark  recesses  laid  open;  the 
trees  being  shivered,  their  branches  torn  off,  and 
the  wild  beasts  affrighted  in  their  dens. — But  the 
people  who  worshipped  God  at  his  sanctuary, 
heard  his  voice  from  his  word,  which,  though  re- 
plete with  encouragement,  was  more  majestic  and 
pov/erful    than   the  thunder  and  lightning:    and 

168] 


7  The  voice  of  the  Lord  ""^  divi<Teth 
■"  the  flames  of  fire. 

8  The  voice  of  the  Lord  "  shaketh 
the  wilderness;  the  Lord  shaketh  the 
wilderness  of  °  Kadesh. 

9  The  voice  of  the  Lord  p  maketh 
the  hinds  to  **  calve,  and  "^  discovereth  the 
forests:  and  ""  in  his  temple  tt  doth  every 
one  speak  of  his  glory. 

10  The  Lord  ^  sitteth  upon  the  flood; 
yea,  the  Lord  sitteth  *  King  for  ever. 

1 1  The  Lord  will  "  give  strength  unto 
his  people;  the  Lord  will  ^  bless  his  peo- 
ple with  peace. 


IT  Heb.  cutteth  out. 

m    77:18.     144:5,6.      Ex.    9:23. 

Lev.    10:2.      Num.     16:35.    2 

Kings  1:10—12.    Job  37:3.  38: 

35. 
n  18:7.  46:3.     Job   9:6.     Is.  13: 

13.     Joel  3:16.     Hag.  2.6,21. 

Heb.  12:26. 
0  Num.  13:26. 
p  Job  39:1—3. 
**  Or,  be  in  pain. 
q  Is.  9:18.   10:13,19.     Ez.  20:46 

— 18. 
r  46:2—5.    43:9.     134:1,2.   135: 


1,2. 
ft  Or,  every  v:hit  of  it  uttereth, 

&c. 
s  3.  65:7.   104:6—9.    Gen.  6:17. 

Job  38:8— 11,25.   Mark  4:41. 
t  10:16.  93:1.  99:1.     Dan.  2:4t 

Matt.  6:13.     1  Tim.  1:17. 
u  28:8,9.   68:35.  84:7.   13:83.  Is. 

40:29,31.    41:10.     Zcch.    10:6, 

12.     Eph.  3:16.     2  Tim.  4:17. 
X    72:3,7.     Num.   6:24—27.     Is. 

9:6,7.       John      14:27.      16:33. 

Rom.  14:17.   1  Cor.  1:3.    Epli. 

2:17.     2Thes.  3:16.    Rev.  1:4. 


being  secure  under  his  protection,  they  spake  of 
his  glory,  as  displayed  in  all  these  terrific  events. 
For  He,  who  once  directed  the  rising,  continu- 
ance, and  conclusion  of  the  deluge,  in  the  time  of 
Noah;  and  who  always  bounds  and  directs  the 
boisterous  ocean;  rules  every  tempest,  and  is  es- 
tablished "King  for  ever:"  and  he  will  give  pro- 
tection, support,  and  peace  with  every  blessing  to 
all  his  faithful  people.  [J^otes,  46:1—4.  104:6—9. 
Gen.  1:9.  8:1—3.  Job  38:8—11.) 

The  hinds  to  calve.,  Sic.  (9)  'The  oaks  to  trem- 
'ble.'  Bp.  Home.  Bp.  Lowth.  This  rendering 
requires  a  needless  alteration  of  the  original,  from 
n^SiN  hinds,  to  d^S>n  or  biVn  oaks. — Sm  or  hhn  sel- 
dom if  ever  means  to  tremble.  The  change  leaves 
out  one  of  the  most  interesting  points  in  this  truly 
sublime  description  of  a  thunder-storm;  namely, 
its  effects  on  the  inhabitants  of  the  forest:  and  the 
clause  becomes  little  more  than  a  repetition  of 
what  went  before 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  mighty  and  honorable  of  the  earth  derive 
all  their  power  and  splendor  from  the  eternal  Je- 
hovah: but,  alas!  few  of  them  attempt  to  render 
to  him  the  honor  of  his  name,  or  "to  worship  him 
in  the  beauty  of  holiness."  They  should,  how- 
ever, be  reminded,  that  this  is  their  highest  privi- 
lege, interest,  and  happiness.  The  most  exalted 
creatures  indeed  cannot  render  to  the  infinite 
God,  their  Creator  and  constant  Benefactor,  all 
"the  glory  which  is  due  to  him;"  much  less  can 
any  sinner:  but  when  we  come  before  him,  as  "in 
Christ  reconciling  the  world  unto  himself,"  ador- 
ing his  majesty,  submitting  to  his  authority  and 
righteousness,  in  genuine  repentance  and  faith, 
and  offering  our  spiritual  sacrifices  of  praise  and 
thanksgiving,  and  willing  obedience;  he  will  par- 
don and  accept  our  defective  services  though  in- 
finitely beneath  his  majesty  and  excellency. — The 
majestic  terror  and  destructive  effects  of  thunders, 
lightnings,  hurricanes,  and  earthquakes,  with  the 
consternation  which  they  occasion;  while  they 
impress  on  us  a  sense  of  God's  omnipotence,  and 
of  man's  impotency,  should  lead  us  to  think  of  the 
defenceless  and  desperate  condition,  to  which  the 
wicked  will  be  reduced  in  the  day  of  judgment. 
For  the  voice  of  the  divine  law,  if  duly  attended 


B.  C.  102]. 


PSALM  XXX. 


B.  C.   1021 


PSALM  XXX. 

David  praises  God  for  deliveraiif  e,  and  calls  on  the  saints  to  join 
him,  1 — 5.  He  shews  that  undue  confidence  had  preceded  his 
troubles,  and  fervent  prayers  his  deliverance,  6 — 10.  He 
renews  his  animated  praises,  11,  12. 

A  Psalm    and   Song,  at  *  the   dedication 
of  the  house  of  David. 

I   WILL   ^  extol   thee,  O   Lorb,  "  for 
thou  hast  hfted  me  up,  and  ''  hast  not 
made  my  foes  to  rejoice  over  me. 

2  O  Lord  my  God,  I  cried  unto  thee, 
«  and  thou  hast  healed  me. 

3  O  Lord,  thou  hast  ^  brought  up  my 
soul  from  the  grave:  thou  hast  kept  me 
alive,  that  I  should  not  go  s  down  to  the 
pit. 

4  ^  Sing  unto  the  Lord,  O  ye  saints 

-       ""  '  ■-     -         17.     Ex.  15:26.    2  Kings  20:5. 

Jam.  5:14,15. 

f  16:10.  40:1,2.  56:13.  71:20. 
86:13.  Marg.  116.8.  Job  33: 
19—22,28.  Is.  33:17,18.  Jon. 
2:4—6. 

g28:l. 

h  32:11.  33:1—3.  103:20—22. 
132:9.  135:19—21.  148:14.  149: 
1.   Rev.  19:5,6. 


a  Deut.   20:5.     2  Sam.   5:11.  6: 

20.  7:2.  20:3. 
b  34:3,4.  66:17.   145:1.     Dan.  4: 

37. 
0.27:6.  28:9. 
d   13:4.    25:2,    35:19,25.    41:11. 

79:4,10.       89:41—46.        140:8. 

Lam.  2:15. 
e  6:2.    51:8.    103:3,4.     107:17— 

22.     118:18.    147:3.     Gen.  20: 


to,  would  fill  the  consciences  of  sinnei's  with  more 
terror  and  amazement,  than  all  the  convulsions  in 
nature;  [J^Totes,  Ex.  19:16—20.  20:18—20.  Deut. 
5:22—27.  Heb.  12:18—21.)  and  the  effects  of  the! 
word  of  God,  when  attended  by  the  operations  of  j 
bis  Holy  Spirit,  are  far  greater  upon  the  souls  of| 
men,  than  that  of  thunder  in  the  material  world. 
{Heb.  4:12.)  By  its  energy  the  stoutest  are  made! 
to  tremble,  the  proudest  are  abased,  the  secrets  of  | 
the  heart  are  detected,  sinners  are  converted;  and  | 
the  savage,  the  sensual,  and  the  unclean,  become 
harmless,  gentle,  and  pure,  resembling  doves  and 
lambs.  If  we  have  heard  his  voice,  and  fled  for 
refuge  to  lay  hold  of  the  hope  set  before  us;  if  we  I 
have  welcomed  Christ  as  a  Savior,  and  submitted 
to  him  as  our  King  for  ever;  if,  relj^ing  on  his 
merits,  we  are  no  longer  terrified  by  "the  minis- 
tration of  death,"  yet  have  learned  to  love  him  and 
keep  his  commandments:  let  us  remember  that  it 
is  the  same  glorious  God  our  Savior  who  causes 
tlie  thunder;  and  the  children  need  not  fear  their 
Father's  voice,  when  he  speaks  in  anger  to  his 
enemies. .  While  they  justly  tremble,  who  are  ex- 
posed without  shelter  to  his  vengeance:  let  us  in 
his  temple,  his  appointed  refuge,  (safe  as  Noah  in 
the  ark,)  thank  him  for  our  security,  and  speak  of 
his  honor.  "Let  us  give  dihgence  to  the  full  as- 
surance of  hope  unto  the  end;"  and  continually 
plead  his  promises,  expecting  that  he  will  give  us 
strength  to  resist  temptation,  to  bear  trials,  to 
conquer  enemies,  and  to  perform  every  duty;  and 
that  he  will  bless  us  with  a  quiet  conscience,  a 
contented  mind,  and  the  "peace  of  God,  which 
passeth  all  understanding;"  that  he  will  give  us 
sweet  composure  even  in  the  solemn  hour  of  death, 
and  exulting  boldness  amidst  the  dissolution  of 
this  visible  creation,  and  in  the  "day  of  judgment 
and  perdition  of  ungodly  men:"  knowing  that  our 
Savior  and  King  will  rule  even  that  flood  of  ven- 
geance, and  those  tremendous  convulsions;  and 
that  he  hath  prepared  for  us  "new  heavens  and  a 
new  earth,  wherein  dwelleth  righteousness." 
(JVbfe,  2  Pe<.  3:10— 13.) 

NOTES. 

Psalm  XXX.  Title.  This  title  may  be  render- 
ed, "A  Psalm:  a  song  at  the  dedication  of  the 
house  for  David."  When  advanced  to  the  throne,  j 
and  possessed  of  mount  Zion,  the  Psalmist  built 
himself  a  house,  which  no  doubt  he  dedicated  to  i 
Vol.  m.  22 


of  his,  and  give   thanks  *  at  the   remem- 
brance of  his  '  holiness. 

5  ^  For  t  his  anger  enduretli  hut  a  mo- 
ment; 1  in  his  favor  is  life:  ""  weeping 
may  endure  i  for  a  night,  but.  J  joy  cometk 
"  in  the  morning. 

6  And-  °  in  my  prosperity  I  said,  p  I 
shall  never  be  moved. 

7  Lord,  i  by  thy  favor  thou  hast 
11  made  my  mountain  to  stand  strong: 
"■  thou  didst  hide  thy  face,  and  1  was 
troubled. 


*  Or,  to  the  memorial.  97:12. 

jnarg. 
i  Ex.  15:11.  Is.  6:3.     Rev.  4:8. 
k   103:9,17.      Is.    26:20.    64:7,8. 

57:15,16.  2  Cor.  4:17. 
fHeb.  there  is  but  a  moment 

in  his  anger. 
1    16:11.    36:7—9.    63:3.     Rev. 

22:1,17. 
m  6:6— 9.  56:8— 11.    126:5.6.   Is. 

33:3 — 5.    Matt.  5:4.     John  16: 

20—22.  2  Cor.  7:9,10. 
J  Heb.  in  the  evening. 
j  Heb.  singing. 


D   46:5.     marg.     59:16.     143:3 

Gen.  32:24.  marg.     Hos.  6:3. 
o  Job  29:18—20.     Is.  47:7.   56: 

12.     Dan.  4:30.     Luke    12:19. 

2  Cor.  12:7. 
p  15:5.   16:3.   119:117. 
q  5.  5:12.  44:3.  89:17.    Job  10: 

12. 
II  Heb.  settled  strength  for  my 

mountain.    40:2.     1   Chr.   17: 

26,27. 
r  10:1.    13:1,2.     102:10.     104:29. 

143:7.    Job  30:26— 31.     Is.  3S: 

17. 


God,  by  fervent  prayer  and  joyful  thanksgivings; 
and  perhaps  by  making  a  religious  feast  for  his 
friends.  {JVote,  Deut.  20:5— 9.)  But  there  is  noth- 
ing in  this  Psalm  peculiarly  appropriate  to  that 
occasion;  and  it  was  evidently  composed  either 
after  a  dangerous  illness,  or  when  he  had  experi- 
enced some  extraordinary  deliverance. — Many 
think,  that  it  was  used  after  Absalom's  rebellion, 
when  David  returned  to  Jerusalem;  and,  having 
purified  his  house  from  the  defilement  which  had 
polluted  it,  he  solemnly  dedicated  both  it  and  him- 
self to  God.   {Marg.  Ref.)     • 

V.  1,2.  (Ao<e«,  35:17— 19,25— 28.  41:11—13.) 
Healed.  (2)  If  this  word  be  hterally  understood,  a 
dangerous  illness  and  an  unexpected  recovery, 
gave  occasion  to  the  Psalm.  But  some  think  tlie 
expression  to  be  used  figuratively,  as  nc  iloubt  it 
frequently  is;  and  to  denote  a  forlorn  and  hope- 
less condition,  like  that  of  a  sick  man  given  over 
by  physicians,  and  unable  to  help  himself.  The 
expectation  of  his  deatli,  formed  by  David's  ene- 
mies, and  the  joy  and  triumph  which  that  event 
would  have  given  them,  peculiarly  suit  the  state 
of  things  during  Absalom's  rebellion.  (JVoto,  41; 
1-8.) 

V.  3.  J\'otes,  16:8—11.  28:1.  86:12,13.  116:8— 
12.  118:17,18. 

V.  4.  'The  word'  (on^on  rendei-ed  saints)  'sig- 
'nifieth  them  that  have  received  mercy,  and  shew 
'mercy  liberally  unto  others.'  Several  words, 
varying  in  meaning,  but  all  implying  genuine 
piety  and  holiness,  are  translated  "saints"  in 
different  parts  of  Scripture.  By  persons  of  this 
character,  the  holiness  of  God,  (or  his  moral  ex- 
cellencies, as  displayed  in  his  word,  and  by  his 
works,)  is  reflected  on  with  admiring  and  grate- 
ful love,  and  celebrated  with  joyful  praises. 
[JVotes,  Ex.  15:11.  Is.  6:1—4.  30:8—11.  Rev. 
4:6—8.) 

V.  5.  The  concise  manner  in  the  original  of 
this  verse  is  very  expressive.  "For  a  moment  in 
his  anger;  life  in  his  favor:  weeping  may  lodge  in 
the  evening;  but  singing  in  the  morning."  No 
doubt  this  is  meant  exclusively  of  weeping  peni- 
tents, or  submissive  suffering  believers;  and  not 
of  the  ungodly  or  hypocritical.  {J^otes,  103:9. 
126:5,6.  Jluit.  5:4. j— We  may  here  'see  his 
'clemency  to  his  faithful  servan{s:  whom  he  may 
'coiTCct  very  sharply  for  a  little  time;  but  is  soon 
'reconciled;  and  then  extends  his  favor  to  them 

[169 


B.  C.  1021. 


PSALM  XXX. 


B.  C.  1022. 


S  I  cried  to  thee,  O  Lord;  and  ^  unto 
the  Lord  I  made  .supplication. 

.9  *  What  profit  is  there  in  my  blood, 
when  I  go  down  to  the  pit?  Shall  the 
dust  praise  thee.^  shall  it  declare  thy 
truth.^ 

10  "  Hear,  O  Lord,  and  have  mercy 
upon  me:  Lord,  ^  be  thou  my  Help- 
er. 


s??:!,":.  130:1,2.     2  Cor.  12:8,9. 

Pbil.  4:6,7. 
t6;5.  88:10—1-2.  115:17,18.   113: 


17.     Ec.  9:10.     Is.  38:13 
U  51:1,2.    143:1,7—9. 
x23:7.    54:4. 


'without  any  end:  and  sends  deliverance  to  them 
'so  unexpectedly  and  suddenly,  as  well  as  season- 
'ably,  that  where  nothing'  but  lamentations  were 
'heard  over  night,  there  nothing-  but  shouts  of 
'joy  are  heard  in  the  morning.'     Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  6 — 3.  When  the  Psalmist  had  been  deliv- 
ered from  Saul's  persecuting  malice,  and  was 
settled  peaceably  in  his  kingdom,  and  rendered 
victorious  over  the  enemies  of  Israel;  he  seems 
to  have  concluded,  that  his  trials  and  dangers 
were  over,  and  that  he  should  thenceforth  have 
uninterrupted  peace.  [JVotes,  2  Sam.  1:1 — 3,18, 
19,26 — 29.)  But  while  he  ascribed  his  great 
prosperity,  and  the  firm  establishment  of  his  au- 
thority, to  the  faithfulness,  power,  and  love  of 
God;  he  seems  to  have  given  way  to  unwarranted 
confidence,  and  to  have  remitted  his  vigilance 
and  activity,  and  probably  the  fervency  of  his  de- 
votion. [JSTote,  2  Sam.  11:1 — 5.)  Thus  he  was 
gradually  drawn  into  a  course  of  inexpedient  in- 
dulgence; and  at  length  into  most  aggravated 
guilt,  in  the  matter  of  Uriah,  which  threatened 
the  final  ruin  of  his  comfort,  reputation,  authox'i- 
ty,  and  family;  and  actually  exposed  him  to  sharp 
rebukes,  anguish  of*spirit,  and  overwhelming  do- 
mestic afflictions:  till  Absalom's  rebellion  formed 
a  sort  of  crisis  in  his  case;  and  reduced  him  to 
such  a  humble,  submissive,  believing,  and  devout 
state  of  mind,  as  prepared  him  for  returning 
peace  and  comfort.  [J^otes,  2  Sam.  11: — 20:)  The 
Lord  "hid  his  face  and  he  was  troubled:"  [J^otes, 
10:1.  13:1 — 4.)  his  ueepest  trouble,  however,  was 
but  for  a  moment:  his  weeping,  when  both  sins 
and  sufferings  combined  to  render  him  inconsola- 
ble, coatinued  for  a  night,  and  joy  came  in  the 
morning.  God,  in  answer  to  his  prayers,  "re- 
stored to  him  the  joy  of  his  salvation;"  [JSTote,  51: 
12,13.)  and  he  spent  the  rest  of  his  days  in  a  de- 
gree of  prosperitj',  honor,  and  comfort,  which,  in 
so  dreadful  a  case  as  his  had  been,  was  bej'ond 
what  could  at  all  have  been  expected. 

V.  9,  10.  If  God  had  permitted  his  offending 
servant  to  be  slain,  or  to  die  of  disease;  he  could 
no  more  have  served  the  cause  of  religion,  or 
glorified  him  in  his  church  on  earth:  but,  if 
spared,  he  purposed  to  celebrate  tlie  mercy  and 
truth  of  God  among  his  people,  and  hoped  thus  to 
do  essential  service  to  Israel.  [J^otes,  71:17,18. 
88:10—12.  /s.  38:17— 22.)  The  concluding  part 
of  the  first  book  of  Chronicles,  shews  that  his 
purposes  and  expectations  were  fully  accom- 
plished. 

V.  II,  12.  These  verses  illustrate  the  doctrine 
of  the  fifth  verse,  by  the  Psalmist's  own  experi- 
ence; whose  case  seemed  as  likely  to  form  an 
exception  to  the  general  rule,  as  any  that  could 
^7e\\  be  conceived.  The  figurative  language, 
Wied  on  the  occasion,  is  highly  descriptive  of  the 
most  exulting  gladness,  and  most  animated,  con- 
stant, and  unmingled  praises;  such  as  are  found 
in  the  six  concluding  Psalms.  [Marg.  Ref. — 
J^otes,  145:1,2.  146:2.)— The  tongue,  when  thus 
employed,  is  the  distinguishing-  honor  of  our  ani- 
170] 


11  Thou  y  hast  turned  for  me  my 
mourning  into  ^  dancing:  thou  hast  put  off 
my  sackcloth,  and  *  girded  me  with  glad- 
ness; 

12  To  the  end 
sing  praise  to  thee, 
O   Lord    my  God, 
unto  thee  for  ever. 

y  5.  Gen.  37-.35.  45:28.    2  Chr. 

203,9,12,27,28.  Esth.  9:22.   Is. 

25:8.    66:10,11.       John    ]6:20. 

Rev.  7:14—17.  21:4. 
z  149:3.     150:4.     2   Sam.   6:14. 

Ec.  3:4.     Jer.  31:4,13,14. 
a  Neb.  8:10.   Is.  61:3,10.     Luke 


that  *  my  glory  may 

^  and  not  be    silent. 

•^  I  will    give  thanks 


15:22. 
*   That  is,  my  tongue,  or,   mr 

soul.     16:9.  57:8.     Geu.  49:6. 
b  Lnke  19:40.     Acts  4:20. 
c  13:6.  71:14,23,24.    145:2.   146: 

1,2.     Rev.  4:8,9.  7:12. 


mal  frame;  and  seems  to  be  meant  by  "my  glory." 
(Comp.  16:9.  with  Acts  2:26.) 

PBACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

We  ought  to  dedicate  all  our  possessions  to  him, 
who  gave  them  to  us:  and  our  habitations  should 
be  daily  intrusted  to  his  care,  and  consecrated 
to  his  service,  by  the  word  of  God  and  prayer; 
and  by  excluding  from  them,  as  far  as  we  can, 
whatever  is  displeasing  in  his  sight.  And  when 
our  comforts  have  been  interrupted,  and  are 
again  restored;  we  should  renew  our  dedication 
of  them  to  the  service  of  our  God.  But  alas! 
how  many  houses,  even  of  men  called  Christians, 
are  not  only  destitute  of  religion,  but  are  .also 
scenes  of  such  impiety  and  wickedness,  that  one 
might  aJmost  be  led  to  conclude,  the}'  had  been 
set  apart  to  the  service  of  the  devil! — In  this 
mihtant  state  it  calls  for  our  admiring  gratitude, 
when  ^he  Lord  lifts  us  up  out  of  one  diflScultj' 
after  another,  and  does  not  suffer  our  foes  to  re- 
joice over  us.  Returning  health,  or  deliverance 
from  imminent  dangers,  is  peculiarly  pleasant, 
when  given  in  answer  to  fervent  prayers.  But 
the  redemption  of  our  souls  from  "the  pit  of  de- 
struction" calls  for  our  greatest  thankfulness; 
and  he,  who  heard  the  Savior  in  the  depth  of  his 
distresses  and  raised  him  from  the  dead,  will  thus 
save  and  bless  all  his  true  disciples.  Let  us  then 
praise  God  for  that  earnest  and  pledge  of  all  our 
mercies  and  hopes,  and  call  upon  all  the  saints  to 
join  us  in  our  hallelujahs.  These  may  "rejoice 
at  the  remembrance  of  his  holiness:"  for  as  the 
Lord  hates  sin,  and  has  taught  them  to  hate  it, 
his  purity  assures  them,  that  he  will  wholly  sanc- 
tify them;  and  all  his  perfections,  according  to 
his  covenant  of  grace  and  mercy,  afford  security 
for  their  eternal  salvation.  His  anger,  which  is 
everlasting  against  the  impenitent,  in  respect  of 
his  offending  children  "endureth  but  for  a  mo- 
ment." He  will  frown,  rebuke,  and  correct  them, 
and  they  will  mourn  and  repent;  this  may  con- 
tinue for  a  night,  but  joy  will  speedily  return; 
and  the  renewed  sense  of  his  favor,  which  is  their 
life  and  comfort,  like  the  rising  sun,  will  make  it 
morning  with  their  souls. — But  let  all  beware  of 
unwarranted  confidence  and  carnal  security: 
neither  outward  prosperity  nor  inward  peace  is 
here  immoveable:  the  Lord  in  his  favor  has  fixed 
the  believer's  safety  firm  as  the  deep-rooted 
mountains;  but  in  every  thing  else  he  may  expect 
to  be  shaken,  and  to  meet  with  temptations  and 
afflictions.  When  we  grow  unwatchful,  we  fall 
into  sin;  and  the  Lord  hides  his  face,  our  com- 
forts droop,  troubles  assail,  and  perhaps  our  ene- 
mies insult  over  us.  And  to  arise  from  such  depths 
requires  redoubled  earnestness  and  diligence,  re- 
newed humble  confessions,  and  fervent,  importu- 
nate prayers.  We  should  entreat  the  Lord,  that 
we  may  not  close  our  lives  under  his  frown,  in  a 
way  dishonorable  to  his  name,  or  unprofitable  to 
our  brethren;  and  we  may  properly  pray  to  have 
our  lives  spared,  that  we  may  yet  praise  him  on 


B.  C.   1060. 


PSALM  XXXI. 


B.  C.   1060. 


PSALM  XXXL 

David  avows  liis  confidence  in  God,  craves  liis  holp,  and  re- 
joices in  his  mercy,  I— 3.  He  states  his  various  trials,  and 
blends  his  complaints  with  prayers,  9 — 18.  He  admires  the 
goodness  of  God  to  those  who  fear  hiui,  and  excites  the  saints 
to  love  and  trubt  him,  19 — 24. 

To    tlie    chief    Musician,   A    Psalm    of 
David. 

IN  *  thee,  O  Lord,  do  I  put  my  trust; 
let  me  never  be  ashamed:  ^  deHver 
me  in  thy  righteousness. 

2  *=  Bow  down  thine  ear  to  me;  '^  de- 
liver me  speedily:  be  thou  *  my  strong 
Rock,  for  ®  an  house  of  defence  to  save 
me. 

3  For  thou  art  my  Rock  and  my  For- 
tress; therefore,  ^  for  thy  name's  sake, 
2  lead  me,  and  guide  me. 


a  22:4,5.  25:2.  71:1,2.  Is.  49:23. 

Rom.  5:5.   10:11. 
b  7:8,9.  43:1.  143:1,11,12.  Dan. 

9:16. 
C86:l.   130:2.    Prov.  22:17. 
d  40:17.  69:17.  70:1.   102:2.  143: 

7.  Job  7:21.      Luke  18:8. 
*   Heb.  lO   me  for  a  rock   of 

strength.    18:1,2.    62:7.  94:32. 


Deut.  32:31.  2  Sam.  22:3.  23:3. 
e  71:3.     90:1.    91:9.     Is.   33:16. 

John  6:56.     1  John  4:12,15,16. 
f  23:2,3.  25:11.  79:9.  Josh.  7:9. 

Jer.  14:7.  Ez.  36:21,22.     Eph. 

1:12. 
g  25:5,9.    43:3.    139:24.    143:10, 

11.     Neh.  9:12,19.     Is.  49:10. 

Luke  1:79.    John  16:13. 


earth  and  declare  his  truth.  In  this  way  our 
comforts  will  be  ag'ain  restored;  the  penitent's 
sackcloth  will  in  due  time  be  changed  for  the 
robe  of  salvation,  and  the  garments  of  praise; 
{J^ote,  /*.  61:10,11.)  and  our  tongues  will  be  our 
glor)',  being  emplo3'ed  to  the  glory  of  our  God. 
But  indeed  the  continuance  of  life,  and  even  that 
of  our  bodies  in  the  grave,  will  be  but  as  a  mo- 
ment, compared  with  eternity;  and  whatever  may 
befal  us  by  the  way,  or  however  we  come  to  the 
end  of  our  course;  if  we  have  learned  to  love  and 
praise  God  on  earth,  we  shall  exult  in  his  favor 
and  give  him  thanks  for  ever  and  ever. 

NOTES. 

Psalm  XXXl.  V.  1.  Itmay  be  supposed  that 
David  wrote  this  Psalm,  to  encourage  himself 
and  his  friends,  during  his  extreme  danger  of  be- 
ing seized  on  by  Saul,  when  he  fled  from  Keilah: 
(JV*o<e«,  1  Sam.  23:22—28.)  or  that  he  recollected 
his  prayers,  and  meditations,  and  confidence,  after 
his  extraordinary  deliverance,  and  thus  recorded 
them,  for  the  honor  of  God  and  the  encourage- 
ment of  his  people:  and  we  should  realize  these 
circumstances,  which  precluded  all  hope  of  es- 
cape by  ordinary  means,  if  we  wotild  enter  into 
the  spirit  of  the  Psalmist,  and  perceive  the 
strength  of  his  faith  and  confidence  in  God.  But 
David,  in  liis  greatest  dangers  and  trials,  expect- 
ing deliverance  from  God,  was  only  a  feeble  type 
of  the  Savior,  in  his  extreme  sufferings,  his  deep 
humiliation,  and  his  prospect  of  tVie  joy  set  be- 
fore him — The  clause,  rendered  "Let  me  never 
be  ashamed,"  may  signify  "1  shall  by  no  means 
be  ashamed  forever."     (JVb^e,  Is.  45:  \  5 — 17.) 

V.  2 — 4.  David  and  his  men  had  taken  shel- 
ter in  some  natural  strong-hold  formed  by  a  rock; 
but  he  was  fully  aware,  that  this  hiding  place  "or 
house  of  defence,"  now  it  was  surrounded  by 
Saul's  army,  must  rather  prevent  than  aid  his 
escape.  As,  however,  he  had  been  used  to  make 
*'the  name  of  the  Lonn  his  strong  Tower;"  and 
as  he  considered  the  honor  of  the  divine  power, 
righteousness,  and  truth  engaged  on  his  side;  he 
felt  a  confidence  that  he  should  be  rescued  by 
some  extraordinary  interposition  of  God.  [J^Totes, 
91:1,2,9,10.  144:1,2.  Deut.  32:3,4,30,31.  2  Sam. 
22:2,3.)    Yet  the  case  was  urgent;  and  therefore 


4  "  Pull  me  out  of  the  net,  that  they 
have  laid  privily  for  me:  for  thou  art '  my 
Strength. 

5  ^  Into  thine  hand  I  commit  my  spirit: 
'  thou  hast  redeemed  me,  O  Lord  "  God 
of  truth. 

6  I  have  "  hated  them  that  regard 
"  lying  vanities:    but  I  trust  in  the  Lord. 

7  P  I  will  be  glad  and  rejoice  in  thy 
mercy:  for  "^  thou  hast  considered  my 
trouble;  thou  hast  "■  known  my  soul  in 
adversities; 

8  And  hast  not  ^  shut  me  up  into  the 
hand  of  the  enemy:  thou  hast  '  set  my 
foot  in  a  large  room. 

[Practical  Observations.] 


h  25:15.  35:7.  57:6.  124:7.  140: 
5.  Prov.  29:5.  2  Tim.  2:26. 

i  19:14.    2  Cor.  12:9. 

k  Luke  23:46.  Acts  7:59.  2 
Tim.  1:12. 

1  71:23.  130:8.  Gen.  48:16. 
Lev.  25:48.  Is.  50:2.  Tit.  2: 
14.      1  Pet.  1:18,19.     Rev.  5:9. 

m  Deut.  32:4.  2  Tim.  2:13. 
Tit.  1:2.     Heb.  6:18. 

n26:5.   139:21. 

o24:4.     Jer.  10:3,15.     Jon.  2:8. 


Rom.  1:21.     1  Cor.  8:4.  1020, 
p  13:5.  Is.  49:13.  Jer.  33:11. 
q9:13.    25:18.    71:20.     119:153 

Neh.  9:32.     Job   10:9.      Lam. 

3:50.  5:1. 
r  1:6.     Job  23:10.     Is.  43:2.   63: 

9,16.    John  10:27—30.     1  Cor. 

8:3.   Gal.  4:9.  2  Tim.  2:l9. 
s  S8:8.    Deut.  32:30.    1  Sam.  17: 

46.  24:18.  26:8.  Job  16:11.  Is. 

19:4.    marg. 
t4:l.    18:19.    Job  36:16. 


he  earnestly  prayed  to  be  answered  speedily: 
and  to  be  guided  out  of  the  intricacy,  in  which 
he  was  enclosed  by  his  persecutors.  For  they 
had,  as  it  were,  caught  him  in  a  net  by  strata- 
gem; and  he  had  neither  sagacity  nor  power 
sufficient  to  rescue  himself  out  of  their  hands. 
[Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  5.  Our  blessed  Savior  adopted  the  first 
clause  of  this  verse,  when  expiring  on  the  cross; 
and  many  things  in  the  psalm  may  be  applied  to 
him.  David  evidently  perceived  himself  to  be  in 
such  constant  danger,  that  he  could  have  no  se- 
curity either  to  his  life  or  soul,  but  by  thus,  day 
by  da)^  intrusting  them  to  the  powerful  and  faith- 
ful hands  of  God. — Christ  omitted  the  latter  clause 
of  the  verse,  which  more  properly  relates  to  the 
type,  than  to  the  antitype.  [Luke  23:46.  J^Tote, 
Acts  7:54 — 60.) — All  the  deliverances  of  the 
church,  and  of  believers,  of  old,  were  earnests  of 
the  redemption  made  by  the  death  of  Christ,  and 
wrought  with  reference  to  it:  and  the  merciful 
deliverances  which  the  Psalmist  had  received, 
encouraged  him  still  to  confide  in  "the  Lord  God 
of  truth." 

V.  6.  "Lying  vanities,"  or,  the  vainest,  or 
emptiest,  of  vanities,  may  denote  the  idols  in  which 
the  gentiles  confided,  and  to  which  Israel  was  ex- 
tremely prepense:  [J^otes,  Jer.  10:2 — 5,12 — 15.) 
but  the  expression  seems  likewise  to  mean,  all  at- 
tempts to  obtain  information  or  assistance  from 
those  who  had  familiar  spirits,  or  in  any  way 
practised  sorcery  and  witchcraft,  which  in  fact 
was  one  of  the  worst  sorts  of  idolatry.  Perha]).s 
David  observed  a  disposition  among  his  adherents, 
in  times  of  extreme  danger,  to  have  recourse  to 
expedients  of  this  kind;  and  he  thus  expressed  liis 
abhorrence  of  the  practice,  and  his  determination 
to  stand  aloof  from  all  who  were  guilty  of  it,  and 
to  admit  no  trust  but  in  God  alone. — Saul  hasten- 
ed and  aggravated  his  own  awful  doom,  by  regard- 
ing these  "Ij'ing  vanities."  [JVote,  1  Ciir.  10:13, 
14.) 

V.  7,  8.  "I  will  be  glad  and  rejoice  in  thy  mer- 
cy;" speaking  of  the  future.  To  conceive  of  the 
Psalmist  in  the  crisis  of  his  danger,  thus  antici- 
pating his  deliverance,  and  his  joy  in  the  mercy  of 
God  in  it,  gives  the  passage  a  peculiar  animation. 
His  gracious  God  had  often  before  this  regarded 

[171 


B.  C.   lOGO. 


PSALM  XXXI. 


B.  C.  1060. 


9  IT  Have  mercy  upon  me,  O  Lord, 
for  I  am  in  trouble:  "  mine  eye  is  con- 
sumed with  grief,yea,  ^my  soul  and  my 
belly. 

10  For  y  my  life  is  spent  with  grief, 
and  my  years  with  sighing:  ^  my  strength 
faileth  because  of  mine  iniquity,  and  ^  my 
bones  are  consumed. 

11  '^  I  was  a  reproach  among  all  mine 
enemies,  but  "^  especially  among  my 
neighbors,  and  "^  a  fear  to  mine  acquaint- 
ance: they  that  did  see  me  without  fled 
from  me. 

12  I  am  ®  forgotten  as  a  dead  man  out 
of  mind:  I  am  hke  *  a  broken  vessel. 

13  For  *■  I  have  heard  the  slander  of 
many:  s  fear  was  on  every  side:  ^  while 


o6:7.  88:9.  Job  17:7.  Lam 
4:17.  5:17. 

z  6:1,2.  -22:U,Jc>.  38:1—10.  44: 
25.  73:14,26.  88:3—5.  102:3— 
5.    107:10.  Job  33:19—22. 

V  78:33.  88:15.   Job  3:34.  Rom. 

z71:9. 

a  32:3,4.   102:3—5. 

b  22:6.    69:19,20.  89:50,51.    Is. 

49:7.  53:4,5.     Matt.  27:39—44. 

Rom.    15:3.     Heb.    11:36.   13: 

13.      1  Pet.  4:14. 
C  38:11.  41:3,9.   8S:8,13.  Job  19: 

13,14.      Jer.    12:6.     Mic.    7:6. 


Matt.  10:21,22. 
d    64:3.     Job    6:21—23.     Matt. 

26:56,74.  2  Tim.  4:16. 
e  83:4,5.  Is.  38:11,12.  "■ 

*  Heb.   a  vessel  thai  perisheth. 

2:9.    119:83.     Is.  30:14.     Rom. 

9:21,22.     Rev.  2:27. 
f  55:10.    101:5.      1   Sam.   22:3— 

10.    24:9.     Jer.   20:10.     Luke 

23:1,2,5. 
g  56:1—3.  57:4.     Jer.  6:25.  20: 

3,4.  marg.  Lam.  2:22. 
h  1  Sam.  19:10—17.    20:33.  23: 

19,20.     2  Sam.    17:1—4.     Jer. 

11:19.    Matt.  26:3,4,59.  27:1. 


him  under  his  deepest  depressions;  and  so  noticed, 
or  owned,  him  in  trouble  and  dang'er,  as  to  permit 
no  assailant  to  take  away  his  life.  He  had  re- 
peatedly been  in  the  power  of  the  enemy,  as  to  all 
human  probability:  yet  God  had  not  shut  him  up 
in  it,  but  had  constantly  delivered  him  from  straits, 
placing'  him  as  in  an  open  and  large  place,  where 
he  could  not  be  surrounded  or  entang:led:  [JVbte, 
2  Sam.  22:5:0.)  and  he  trusted  he  would  still  do  the 
same — Or  this  may  be  the  language,  which  David 
anticipated  that  he  should  soon  use,  concerning 
his  present  alarming  situation,  when  confined  in 
a  cave,  and  surroun^ied  by  his  fierce  persecutors. 
— Thus  Christ  seemed  to"  be  left  in  the  power  of 
his  enemies;  but,  in  the  extremity  of  his  sufferings, 
he  anticipated  his  resurrection  and  "the  joy  set 
before  him." 

V.  9.  The  Psalmist's  present  feelings  seem  to 
have  interrupted  the  full  exercise  of  his  faith  and 
hope.  Such  a  succession  of  dangers,  hardships, 
and  provocations,  tended  to  depress  his  spirits, 
make  his  eyes  languid,  injure  his  health,  and  prev 
upon  his  vitals. — Some  suppose,  that  entire  want 
of  provisions  was  added  to  the  rest  of  his  difficul- 
ties; so  that  he  and  his  men  were  ready  to  die  with 
hunger. 

V.  10 — 13.  The  life  of  David,  while  persecut- 
ed by  Saul,  was  one  continued  series  of  afflictions 
and  sorrows,  except  as  he  rose  above  them  by 
faith  and  communion  with  God.  It  must  be  sup- 
pa»ed  that  he  felt  his  sufferings  with  great  sensi- 
bility: and  while  dejected  and  weakened  under 
them,  in  body  and  mind,  his  former  sins  were 
brought  to  remembrance,  and  he  considered  him- 
self as  visited  for  them. — Not  onlj'  did  his  enemies 
reproach  him,  but  his  neighbors,  his  friends,  and 
his  relations,  eagerly  joined  the  senseless  clamor! 
Every  one  was  afraid  of  seeing  him,  and  shunned 
him,  in  the  streets  or  roads,  for  fear  of  being  in- 
volved in  his  ruin.  {JVbtea,  88:5 — 9.  1  Sam.  21:1 — 
6.  Jo6  6:15— 23.  19:5—22.  30:1—14.)  His  case 
was  thought  hopeless;  and  he  was  no  more  regard- 
ed than  a  dead  corpse,  or  a  broken  earthen  ves- 
sel, which  never  can  be  repaired.  [J^otes,  119:81 
—83.)  Many  persons,  the  greater  part  of  whom 
172] 


jthey  took  counsel  together  against  me, 
ithey  devised  to  take  away  my  life. 

14  But  I  trusted  in   thee,  O  Lord:  I 
said,  '  Thou  art  my  God. 
I      15  "^  My  times  are  in  thy  hand:  ^  de- 
I liver  me  from  the  hand  of  mine  enemies, 
and  from  them  that  persecute  me. 

16  ™  Make  thy  face  to  shine  upon  thy 
servant:  °  save  me  for  thy  mercy's  sake. 

17  °  Let  me  not  be  ashamed,  O  Lord; 
for  I  have  called  upon  thee:  p  let  the 
wicked  be  ashamed,  and  "5  let  them  be 
t  silent  in  the  grave. 

18  Let  ■■  the  lying  lips  be  put  to  si- 
lence;   which  ^  speak  I  grievous  things, 


i  16:1,2.  18:2.  22:1,2.  43:5.  56: 
3,4.  63:1.  71:12,22.  Matt.  26: 
39,42.  27:46.    John  20:17. 

k  116:15.  1  Sam.  26:10.  2  Sam. 
7:12.  Job  24:1.  Ec.  3:1—3. 
Luke  9:51.  John  7:6,30.  12: 
27.  13:1.  17:1.  Acts  1:7.  23: 
11.  27:24.  2Tim.  4:.6.  2  Pet 
1:14. 

1  17:8,9,13.  71:10—12.  142:6. 
143:3,12.     Jer.  15:20,21. 

m  4:6.  30:7.  67:1.  80:3,7,19. 
Num.  6:25,26.    Dan.  9:17. 

n  6:4.  51:1.  106:45.  Dan.  9.9, 
18.  Rom.  9:15,23.  Kph.  1:6,7. 
2:4—7. 

o  1.  25:2,3.  34:5.  69:6,7.  Is.  50: 


6,7.     Joel  2:26,27. 
p  6:10.  35:4,26.    40:14,15.    70:2, 

3.  71:24.  83:16,17.     Is.    41:11, 

12.    45:16,17.    65:13,14.      Jer. 

20:11.     Dan.  12:2. 
q  115:17.      1    Sam.    2:9.     Matt. 

22:12,13. 
I  Or,  cut  off  for  the  grave. 
r  12:3.  59:12.  63:11.   140:9—11. 

Prov.  12:19.     Is.  54:17.     John 

8:44.     Rev.  21:8.  22:15. 
s  64:3,4.   123:3,4.      1    Sam.    2:3. 

2  Chr.   32:16.     Is.  37:22—24. 

Matt.  10:25.   12:24.  John  8:48. 

Acts  25:7. 
J   Heb.    a  hard  thing.    94:4. 

Jude  15. 


j  were  men  of  rank,  sought  favor  by  slandering 
;  him;  all  from  fear  declined  speaking  m  his  behalf; 
i  while  his  powerful  enemies  plotted  together  con- 
cerning the  best  method  of  killing  him. — The 
I  marginal  references  will  shew  how  each  of  these 
I  circumstances  was,  still  more  emphaticallj',  ob- 
jservable  in  the  history  of  the  divine  Savior,  when 
I  he  became  "a  man  of  sorrows,"  and  "despised  and 
I  rejected  of  men."  One  circumstance  indeed  must 
be  excepted:  "he  was  wounded  for  our  transgres- 
,  sions,"  but  had  no  iniquity  of  his  own. — This  pas- 
I  sage  seems  to  mark  out  ttie  crisis  before  mention- 
jed  as  the  date  of  the  Psalm:  but  as  events  not 
{  wholly  dissimilar  occurred  during  Absalom's  re- 
j  bellion,  after  David  had  brought  great  guilt  on  his 
j  conscience,  in  the  matter  of  Uriah;  some  expos- 
i  itors  apply  the  several  expressions,  to  Shimei's  re- 
!  proaches,  Ahithophel's  counsel,  and  the  other  par- 
j  ticulars  of  that  eventful  period.  [J^otes,  2  Sam. 
15:-17:) 

!  V.  14.  "I  have  said,  Thou  art  my  God;"  that 
is,  'I  have  determined  to  seek  all  my  salvation, 
j  'my  present  security  and  comfort,  and  my  eternal 
I  'happiness,  entirely  from  thy  omnipotence  and  all- 
j  'sufficiency,  and  in  thy  mercy,  truth,  and  un- 
I  'changeable  love,  as  revealed  in  thy  word.' 
\[JVotes,  16:2,3.  22:1.  63:1—4.) 
I  V.  15.  The  Psalmist  well  knew,  that  the  time 
I  of  his  troubles  and  deliverance,  and  the  continu- 
j  ance  and  period  of  his  life,  were  entirely  at  God's 
[disposal:  and,  as  he  would  not  attempt  to  antici- 
pate his  appointed  time  by  killing  Saul,  he  was 
I  persuaded  that  Saul  could  not  succeed  in  his  at- 
tempts to  slay  him;  and  that  infinite  wisdom  and 
!  love  would  bring  about  his  deliverance,  and  ad- 
j  vancement  to  the  throne,  when  the  proper  season 

!  was  arrived Thus  the  counsels  and  decrees  of 

the  Jewish  rulers  against  our  Lord  were  continu- 
ally disappointed  for  several  years,  because  "his 
time  was  not  yet  come."  [Marg.  Ref. — J^otes, 
116:15.  1  S«w.  26:8— 12.) 

V.  16.  'Till  my  time  of  deliverance,  let  thy 
'manifested  presence  and  favor  cheer  my  heart 
'and  protect  me,  for  the  honor  of  thine  abundant 
'mercy.'   [J^ote,  J^Pim.  6:24—26.) 


B.  C.  1060. 


PSALM  XXXI. 


B.  C.  1060. 


proudly  and   contemptuously,  against  the 
righteous. 

19  Oh,  ^  how  great  is  thy  goodness, 
"  which  thou  hast  laid  up  for  them  that  fear 
thee;  ^  which  thou  hast  wrought  for  them 
that  trust  in  thee,  before  the  sons  of  men! 

20  y  Thou  shalt  hide  them  in  the  secret 
of  thy  presence  ^  from  the  pride  of  man: 
thou  shalt  keep  them  secretly  in  a  pavil- 
ion from  "  the  strife  of  tongues. 

21  Blessed  be  the  Lord:  for  he  hath 
shewed  me  his  ^  marvellous  kindness  in 


a  *  strong  city. 

t  36:7— 10.  73:1,24—26.  145:7 
—9.  Is.  64:4.  Lam.  3:23— 
25.      1  Cor.  2:9.      1  John  3:1,2. 

u  16:11.  Is.  35:10.  Col.  3:2— 
4.  Heb.  10:34.  Jam.  2:5.  1 
Pet.  1:4,5. 

X  68:28.  126:2,3.  Num.  23:23. 
Is.  26:12.  John  3:21.  Acts 
15:12.     2  Cor.  5:5. 

y27:5.  32:7.  64:2.  91:1—4. 


z  10:2.  36:11.    40:4.  86:14.    124: 

5.   140:5.    Ks.  18:11.  Jam.  4:6. 
a    64:2—4.     140:3.      Job    5:21. 

Rom.     13:13.       2    Cor.    12:20. 

Gal.  5:20.     1  Tim.  6:4.     Jam. 

3:5,6,14—16. 
b    17:7.    98:1.     118:23.      1   Pet. 

2:9. 
*  Or,  fenced  city.    1  Sam.  23:7 

—13.     Jer.  1:18. 


V.  17,  18.  (JVbfe,  1.)  The  lang'uage  implies 
both  prayer  and  prediclion:  it  is  that  of  triumph- 
ant confidence  in  God;  and  of  assurance,  that 
however  closely  dang'ers,  or  powerful  enemies,  or 
temptations  may  press,  the  event  shall  be  happy 
and  glorious:  and,  thus  considered,  it  is  perfectly 
justified  from  the  charge  of  malevolent  impreca- 
tion; unless  foreseeing  and  predicting  the  destruc- 
tion of  the  wicked  be  malevolence.  [J^utes,  5: 10, 
11.  35:25— 28.  67:1— 3.)— The  word  7-ighteous  is 
singular:  it  especially  marks  David's  strict  integ 
rity,  while  grievously  slandered  with  insolent 
contempt;  as  typical  of  the  Just  and  Holy  One  of 
God,  who  was  reviled  far  more  haughtily  and  de- 
spitefully.  {JVote,  Jam.  5:1—6,  e7id.  1  Pet.  2:18— 
25.)— In  the  grave.  (17)  JVote,  16:8— 11. 

V.  19,  20.  David,  in  the  midst  of  his  troubles 
and  imminent  perils,  found  encouragement  in  ad- 
miring the  goodness  of  God  to  those  whom  he  had 
taught  to  fear  and  trust  in  him.  Many  effects  of 
this  goodness  are  openly  shewn  "before  the  sons 
of  men,"  in  the  dehverances  wrought  for  his  ser- 
vants on  earth:  immensely  more  are  "laid  up"  for 
them  in  heaven  for  their  eternal  happiness;  but 
which  will  be  at  last  conferred  on  them  before  the 
assembled  world.  [JVotes,  Is.  64:4.  Col.  1:3 — 8.  3: 
1 — 4.  1  Pet.  1:3 — 5.)  Here  the  Lord  preserves 
them  by  his  powerful  presence  from  their  proud 
and  bnvious  foes,  as  in  a  "secret  hiding  place;" 
and  he  will  keep  them,  as  in  a  royal  paviHon, 
(JVb<e,  27:4 — 6.)  from  all  the  effects  of  those  slan- 
derous reproaches  which  are  cast  on  them,  by 
those  who  contend  with  them  and  persecute  them. 
{JVotes,  17,18.  Is.  54:15—17.) 

V.  21.  Probably,  David  here  referred  to  his 
deliverance,  when  Saul  intended  to  besiege  him 
in  Keilah.    {J\oles,  I  Sam.  23:7—13.  Is.  26:1.) 

V.  22.  In  my  haste.']  This  seems  especially 
suited  to  the  hurry  and  agitation  of  the  Psalmist's 
mind,  and  the  imperfection  of  his  faith,  when  he 
found  himself  environed  by  his  powerful  foes  in 
the  cave,  to  which  he  had  fled  for  shelter.  [JVotes., 
116:10,11.  1  Sam.  23:22—28.)  Before  he  had  time 
for  reflection  and  prayer,  he  hastily  gave  up  all 
for  lost.  But  meditation  on  the  promises  which 
God  had  made  to  him,  with  earnest  supplication, 
calmed  his  soul;  and  eventually  his  prayers  were 
fully  answered. 

V.  23,  24.  The  deliverance  of  David,  so  far 
exceeding  all  human  probability,  might  well  en 
courage  the  saints  of  the  Lord  to  cleave  to  him  in 
thankful,  admiring  love:  for  it  was  evident  that 
the  Lord  preserved  believers  in  every  danger, 
and   decidedly  and    awfully  punished    all  their 


22  For  '  I  said  in  my  haste,  ''  I  am 
cut  off  from  before  thine  eyes:  ®  never- 
theless thou  heardest  the  voice  of  my 
supphcations  when  I  cried  unto  thee. 

23  ^  O  love  the  Lord,  all  ye  e  his 
saints:  for  ^  the  Lord  preserveth  the 
faithful,  and  '  plentifully  rewardeth  the 
proud  doer. 

24  ^  Be  of  good  courage,  and  *  he 
shall  strengthen  your  heart,  ■"  all  ye  that 
hope  in  the  Lord. 


c  116:11.    1  Sam.  23:26.  27:1. 
d   17.     Marg.     88:16.     Is.    6:5. 

»;iar^.  38:10— 12.  49:14.  Lam. 

3:54,55.   Ez.  37:11.  Jon.  2:4. 
e6:9.     2Chr.  33:11— 13.     Jon. 

2:7—9.     Heb.  5:7. 
f  34:9.  97:10.    Deut.  10:12.  30: 

16.     Is.  56:6.     Mark  12:33.    1 

Thes.  4:1. 
g    30:4.     89:7.     97:10.      145:10. 


Rev.  19:5,6. 
h  Deut.  33:3.    1  Sam.  2:9.  Joha 

10:27—30.     Jude  1. 
i  54:5.  94:2.     Rev.  18:6. 
k  27:14.     Is.    35:3,4.     Luke  22; 

31,32.     Heb.    12:12,13.     Jam. 

5:10,11. 
129:11.   133:3.     Col.   1:11. 
m  146:5.  Rom.  15:12,13.   1  Pet. 

1:21. 


proud  and  ungodly  persecutors.  No  circum- 
stances of  danger  or  temptation,  therefore,  should 
deject  them  or  drive  them  from  the  path  of  duty: 
and  in  adhering  to  God,  and  relying  on  him,  they 
would  find  their  hearts  supported  and  comforted 
with  inward  strength.  [Jfotes,  27:14.  Luke  22: 
31—34.  2  Cor.  hi— 1.)— Saints.  (23)  JVotes,  4:3 
—5.  30;4. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
V.  1—8. 
The  consciousness  of  trusting  in  God  for  every 
thing,  on  the  warrant  of  his  word,  inspires  confi- 
dence in  danger,  and  suggests  pleas  in  prayer: 
for  it  would  not  be  honorable  for  the  Lord,  to 
leave  those  who  thus  rely  on  him  to  be  ashamed 
of  their  hope.  His  justice  induces  him  to  deliver 
them  from  their  unrighteous  persecutors;  his 
mercy.,  through  the  Redeemer's  righteousness, 
will  rescue  them  from  final  condemnation;  and 
their  earnest  prayers  will  draw  down  promised 
blessings  from  their  reconciled  Father,  as  they 
stand  in  need  of  them.  The  Lord  will  protect 
and  support  all,  who  flee  to  him  as  their  "For- 
tress," and  build  upon  him  as  their  "Rock  of  sal- 
vation:" for  the  honor  of  his  own  name  he  will 
guide  such  as  desire  to  be  led  in  his  holy  way.s: 
and  he  will  extricate  from  perplexities,  and  de- 
liver out  of  temptations,  those  that  call  upon  him, 
to  pluck  their  feet  out  of  every  net  and  snare, 
which  Satan  and  wicked  men  have  privily  laid  in 
their  path. — Every  true  Christian,  having  learned 
the  worth  of  his  soul,  and  the  dangers  to  which  it 
is  exposed,  has  been  led  to  intrust  it  as  a  sacred 
deposit  to  the  care  of  the  Almighty:  but,  consid- 
ering the  holiness  and  justice  of  God,  and  his  own 
guilt  and  pollution,  he  would  not  dare  to  do  so; 
did  he  not  behold  him  as  in  Christ,  his  Redeemer, 
ready  to  forgive,  and  true  to  his  covenant  and 
promises.  Thus  encouraged,  he  continually 
commits  his  spirit  into  his  hands,  and,  by  daily 
experience,  obtains  a  more  firm  persuasion  of  his 
power  and  willingness  to  save:  and  therefore, 
when  death  either  seems  to  be  at  hand,  or  actu- 
ally comes,  he  has  confidence,  in  renewing  this 
oflen-repeated  transaction;  and  he  desires  to  die 
resigning  his  spirit  into  the  hands  of  his  redeem- 
ing God.  {Jfote,  2  Tim.  1:11,12.)  But  those 
who  desire  tbis  comfortable  assurance,  must  ab- 
hor the  fellowship  of  all  such  as  regard  lying 
vanities;  and  renounce  all  idolatrous,  supersti- 
tious, and  carnal  confidences,  on  which  such  im- 
mense numbers  depend.  They  must  rejoice  in 
the  mercy  of  God  alone;  and   in  every  affliction 

[173 


13.  C.  1034. 


PSALM  XXXII. 


B.  C.  1034. 


PSALM    XXXIl. 

DaviJ  shews  the  happiness  of  a  pardoned  sinner,  1,  2;  and  that 
penitent  confessions  alone  can  relieve  the  miser/  of  the  guilty 
conscience,  and  make  way  for  comfort,  3 — 7.  He  instructs 
»nd  warns  sinners  to  repent,  and  believers  to  rejoice  in  God, 
8—1). 

*  A  Psalm  of  David,  Maschil. 

'''I3  LESSED  is  he  ^  whose  transgression 

_a3  is  forgiven,  whose  sin  is  '^  covered. 


*  Or,  A  psalm  of  David  giving 

instruction.    42:  45:  o2;  53:  55: 

titles. 
a  1:1,-2.  40:4.  84:12.  89:15.  106: 

3.   119:1,2.   128:1.    Jar.  17:7,8. 

Matt.    5:3—12.     lfi:17.     Luke 


11:28.     Rev.  22:14. 
b    Is.   1:18.  43:25.  44:22.     Mic. 

7:13,19.     Acts  13:38,39.  Rom. 

4:6—3. 
c  85:2.     Neh.  4:5. 


remember,  that  he  considers  their  trouble.  They 
should  treasure  up,  for  future  use,  their  experi- 
ences of  his  having-  noticed,  supported,  and  com- 
forted their  souls  in  adversity;  and  having  de- 
livered them,  when  they  thought  they  had  been 
"shut  up  in  the  hands  of  their  enemy:"  for  every 
deliverance  is  an  earnest  of  the  complete  salva- 
tion and  felicity  of  the  heavenly  world.  ( JVbff ,  2 
Cor.  1:8—11.) 

V.  9—24. 

In  this  present  world,  we  may  expect  heavy 
trials  one  succeeding  to  another:  yet  it  is  our  in- 
firmity, "if  our  life  be  spent  with  grief,  and  our 
years  with  sighing."  Should  pain,  sickness,  pov- 
erty, reproach,  contempt,  and  persecution,  come 
upon  us,  with  combined  force; — should  our  foes 
prevail,  and  our  friends  prove  unfaithful,  or  afraid 
of  owning  or  regarding  us; — should  any  be  so  de- 
graded from  honorable  or  useful  stations,  as  to 
be  "forgotten  like  a  dead  man,"  or  "thrown 
aside  as  a  broken  vessel;" — should  enmity  unite 
with  contempt,  and  slanderous  accusation  give 
countenance  to  conspiracy  against  our  lives; — 
still  we  ought  to  remember  that  we  have  de- 
served more  than  all  this,  and  to  be  thankful  for 
deliverance  from  the  wrath  to  come.  We  should 
also  consider  the  man  after  God's  own  heart,  and 
the  treatment  which  he  experienced:  and  es- 
pecially we  should  "look  unto  Jesus,"  who  was 
divinely  wise,  holy,  and  merciful;  yet  was  more 
hated,  despised,  slandered,  and  afflicted,  than  we 
can  be.  Let  us  then  follow  the  example  of  his 
resignation;  remembering  "that  our  times  are  in 
his  hand;"  and  that  support,  comfort  and  deliver- 
ance will  be  vouchsafed  whenever  he  pleases: 
nor  can  any  suffering  befal  us  otherwise,  than 
our  heavenly  Father  has  appointed.  Whilst  we 
therefore  give  ourselves  to  meditation  and  prayer, 
we  may  profitably  observe  how  the  lying  lips  of 
Saul,  Doeg,  Ahithophel,  and  Judas,  were  put  to 
silence  in  the  grave:  and  thus  will  all  be  con- 
founded, who  menace,  slander,  or  speak  grievous 
tilings,  with  arrogance  and  contempt,  against  the 
righteous.  Instead  of  yielding  to  impatience  or 
despondency  under  our  troubles;  we  should  turn 
our  thoughts  to  the  surprising  goodness  of  the 
Lord,  towards  those  who  fear  and  trust  in  him. 
For  while  their  treasure  is  laid  up  for  them  out 
of  the  reach  of  all  their  enemies,  their  bodies, 
souls,  reputations,  and  comforts,  are  under  the 
protection  of  the  Almighty;  and  they  are  "kept 
as  in  a  strong  city  [(ppupuixevoi,  I  Pet.  1:5.)  through 
faith  unto  salvation."  We  should  not  therefore 
yield  to  unbelief,  or  hastily  conclude,  under  dis- 
couraging circumstances,  that  we  are  cut  off 
from  before  the  eyes  of  the  Lord;  but  we  should 
ask,  in  humble  confidence  that  he  will  hear  and 
deliver.  He  will  preserve  his  faithful  people 
through  life;  and  when  they  meet  the  stroke  of 
death,  and  yield  their  bodies  to  the  grave,  Jesus 
will  receive  their  souls,  and  at  length  raise  their 
bodies,  and  bring  them  to  be  for  ever  with  him 
in  glory.  Let  all  his  saints  therefore  pray  to  be 
enabled  patiently  to  suffer,  and  courageously  to 
venture,  for  his  sake;  for  he  will  comfort  and 

174] 


2  Blessed  is  the  man  unto  whom  "*  the 
Lord  imputeth  not  iniquity,  and  *  in 
whose  spirit  there  is  no  guile. 

3  ^  When  I  kept  silence,  s  my  bones 
waxed  old  through  ^  my  roaring  all  the 
day  long. 


d  Lev.  17:4.  Rom.  5:13.  2  Cor. 

5:19—21. 
e  John  1:47.  2  Cor.  1:12.  iPet. 

2:1,2.     Rev.  14:5.. 
f  Gen.  3:8— 19,     2  Sam.    11:27. 

12:1—12.     Prov.  28:13.   Is.  57: 

17.    Jer.  31:13,19.  Luke  15:15, 


16. 
g  6:2.  31:9,10.  38:3.    51:8.    102: 

3—5.     Job  30:17,30.    Lam.  1: 

13.  3:4. 
h  22:1.  38:8.     Job  3:24.    Is.  5J: 

20.    59:11.     Lam.   3:8.     Hos. 

7:14. 


strengthen  the  hearts  of  all,  who  hope  in  him: 
whilst  the  proud  despiser  of  his  gospel,  and  perse- 
cutor of  his  people,  shall  meet  with  an  abundant 
recompense  of  his  evil  deeds;  and  be  for  ever 
shut  up,  without  possibility  of  release,  in  the 
hand  of  his  cruel  enemj%  and  in  the  unquencha- 
ble fire. — Lord,  pardon  our  complaints  and  fears; 
increase  our  faith,  patience,  love,  and  gratitude; 
and  teach  us  to  rejoice  in  tribulation,  and  in 
hope  of  thine  eternal  glory. 

NOTES. 

PsAi,M  XXXII.  Maschil.  (SorD  ,  a  hsiff  ;  in 
hiph.  intellexit,  vel  intelUgere  fecit!^  This  title 
seems  to  imply,  that  the  Psalm  contains  peculiar- 
ly important  instruction:  and  indeed  it  teaches 
the  way  by  which  miserable  sinners  become  hap- 
py, and  the  nature  and  effects  of  true  repentance. 
Twelve  other  psalms  have  the  same  title,  the  sub- 
jects of  which  are  various;  but  all  replete  with  in- 
struction. Some  have  thought,  that  the  word  mas- 
chil shewed  the  music  to  which  the  psalm  was  set; 
but  this  is  by  no  means  satisfactory. — This  is 
one  of  the  seven  penitential  psalms:  and  though 
the  special  occasion  of  it  is  not  mentioned,  it  is 
generally  supposed  to  refer  to  David's  sin  in  the 
matter  of  Uriah,  and  his  subsequent  repentance. 
It  seems  to  have  been  written  some  time  after  the 
fifty-first,  and  when  God  had  "restored  to  him 
the  joy  of  his  salvation."     [J^ote,  51: 12,13.) 

V.  1,  2.  (JVb<e,  1:1—3.)  Sin  is  the  only  cause 
of  misery;  and  forgiveness  is  the  commencement 
of  a  sinner's  happiness:  as  he  that  had  obtained 
the  king's  pardon  would  be  allowed  to  be  the 
happiest,  even  though  the  poorest,  in  a  company 
of  condemned  malefactors.  The  believer's  trans- 
gressions of  the  divine  law  are  all  forgiven,  being 
covered  with  the  atonement.  Christ  bare  his  ini- 
quities, and  therefore  they  are  not  imputed  io  the 
believer,  as  to  any  of  W\e\v  penal  consequences: 
nay,  "righteousness  without  works"  is  imputed, 
and  as  a  righteous  person,  the  reward  is  adjudged 
to  him:  hence  all  his  present  comforts,  and  hopes 
of  future  felicity.  {JVotes,  Rom.  4:4—8.)  But 
his  character,  as  well  as  his  privilege,  is  emphatic- 
ally marked:  "in  his  spirit  there  is  no  guile." 
His  professed  repentance,  faith,  and  love  are  un- 
dissembled:  he  means  all  that  his  words  express, 
when  he  humbly  confesses  his  sins  and  earnestly 
prays  to  be  delivered  from  them.  He  is  no  hypo- 
crite or  formalist  in  his  worship;  but  is  indeed  the 
same  before  God  as  he  appears  to  be  before  men; 
a  sinner  trusting  in  his  mercy  through  the  aton- 
ing blood,  and  seeking  sanctification  by  the 
power  of  the  Holy  Spirit.  He  does  not  profess 
to  repent,  with  intention  to  sin  again;  nor  does  he 
indulge  in  sin  because  God  is  ready  to  forgive. 
Others  will  thus  abuse  the  doctrine  of  free  grace; 
but  he  cannot:  he  is  "an  Israelite  indeed,  in 
whom  there  is  no  guile."  {J^otes,  John  1:47 — 51. 
1  Pet.  2:1—3.  Rev.  14:1— 5.)— 'Happy  is  that 
'man,  thrice  happy,  to  whom  God  will  be  pleased, 
'out  of  his  own  free  grace  and  mercy,  (for  no 
'man  can  merit  such  a  favor  by  any  services  that 


B.  C.  1034. 


PSALM  XXXII. 


B.  C.  1034. 


4  For  day  and  night  '  thy  hand  was 
heavy  upon  me:  ''my  moisture  is  turned 
into  the  drought  of  summer.     Selah. 

5  '  I  acknowledged  my  sin  unto  thee, 
and  mine  iniquity  ■"  have  I  not  hid.  "  I 
said,  I  will  confess  my  transgressions 
unto  the  Lord;  and  °  thou  forgavest 
P  the  iniquity  of  my  sin.     Selah. 

6  1  For  this  shall  every  one  that  is 
•■  godly  '  pray  unto  thee  in  *  a  time  when 
ihou  mayest  be  found:  surely  *  in  the 
floods  of  great  v/aters  they  shall  not  come 
nigh  unto  him. 

7  Thou  art  "  my  hiding  place;  thou 
shalt  preserve    me    from    trouble;    thou 


i  33:2—8.  39:10,1].    1  Sam.  5:6, 

7,9.  6:9.    Job  19:21.  33:7. 
k  22:15.    90:6,7.     102:3,4.     Job 

30:30.     JLam.4:8.  5:10. 
1  38:18.    51:3—5.     Lev.  26:39, 

40.  Josh.  7:19.     2  Sam.  12:13. 

24:10.     Job   33:27.     Prov.  28: 

13.  Jer.  3:13.    Ijohn  1:8—10. 
m  Job  31:33.  Prov.  .30:20.    Jer. 

2:23,35.      Luke  16:15. 
n  Hos.  6:1.     Luke  15:17—19. 
0  30:5.86:5,15.    103:3.     2  Sam. 

12:13.      Is.  65:24.      Jer.  31:20. 

Luke   7:47.    15:20—23.     Eph. 


4:32. 
p51:4.  2Sam.  12:9,13.  Mai.  3:8. 
q    34:2—5.     40:3.     51:12,13.     2 

Cor.  1:4.    1  Tim.  1:16. 
r4:3.     2  Cor.  7:9,10.    Tit.  2:12. 
s    Prov.    1:28.      Is.   49:8.    55:6. 

Luke    19:42—44.      John  7:34. 

2  Cor.  6:2. 

*  Heb.  a  tiine  of  finding. 
t   42:7.     69:1,2,13—15.     124:4,5. 

Gen.  7:17—22.  Is.  43:2.  Matt. 

7:24—27.   Rev.  12:15,10. 
u  9:9.  27:5.  31:20.  119:114.  143: 

9.    Jer.  36:26.     Col.  3:3. 


shalt  *  compass  me  about  with  ^  songs  of 
deliverance.     Selah. 

8  IF  I  will  ^  instruct  thee,  and  teach 
thee  in  the  way  which  thou  shalt  go:  ^  I 
will  guide  thee  with  mine  eye. 

9  '^  Be  ye  not  as  the  horse,  or  as  the 
mule,  which  have  ^  no  understanding: 
whose  mouth  must  be  held  in  with  bit  and 
bridle,  lest  they  come  near  unto  thee. 

10  •=  Many  sorrows  shall  be  to  the 
wicked:  ^  but  he  that  trusteth  in  the 
Lord,  mercy  shall   compass  him  about. 

11  ''Be  glad  in  the  Lord,  and  re- 
joice, ye  righteous:  and  '  shout  for  joy, 
all  ye  that  are  s  upright  in  heart. 


'we  can  do  him,)  to  remit  not  only  his  common 
'errors,  ...  but  also  his  grosser  sins.  ...  Who  doth 
'not  only  seem,  by  his  sorrowful  confessions  to 
'hate  and  abhor  them;  but  is  unfeignedly  resolved 
'to  forsake  them.'    Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  3 — 5.  It  seems  that  David,  before  Nathan 
came  to  him,  had  often  been  exceedingly  tortured 
in  his  conscience,  on  account  of  the  atrocious 
crimes  which  he  had  committed;  [J^otes,  2  -Sam. 
ll:^?.  12:1 — 6.)  yet  reluctance  to  humble  himself 
before  God,  or  to  be  considered  as  a  criminal  by 
men,  led  him  to  "keep  silence,"  or  only  to  give 
vent  to  his  anguish  by  solitary  bemoanings,  'roar- 
'ing  as  a  lion  which  has  received  a  deadly  wound;' 
and  endeavoring,  no  doubt  at  the  same  time,  by 
one  sophistical  excuse  or  other,  to  palliate  his 
guilt  to  himself,  and  to  be  on  better  terms  with 
his  conscience.  But  tliis  stubborn  and  rebellious 
conduct  served  only  to  prolong  and  enhance  his 
misery.  His  secret  remorse  and  conflict,  not 
only  preyed  on  his  spirit,  but  impaired  his  health, 
and  rendered  him  infirm  in  his  bones  or  limbs,  as 
through  old  age.  Neither  business  nor  pleasure 
during  the  day,  nor  his  couch  by  night,  could  re- 
lieve his  inward  anguish;  which  was  rendered 
more  exquisite  by  the  pains  taken  to  conceal  it. 
Thus  the  hand  of  God  was  "heavy  upon  him:" 
[Marg.  Ref.  i.)  and  it  is  probable,  some  addi- 
tional distressing  malady  was  superadded  to  the 
natural  effects  of  his  inward  conflicts;  so  that  he, 
who  was  before  vigorous  and  healthy,  wasted 
away,  till  he  resembled  the  parched  land  in  the 
drought  of  summer.  (JVbtes,  30:1,2.  38:1—10. 
41:1 — 8.)  But  at  length,  being  brought  to  a  more 
proper  frame  of  mind,  he  resolved  humbly  to  sub- 
mit himself  to  God;  and  to  make  full  and  ingenu- 
ous confession  of  his  aggravated  crimes,  without 
attempting  any  excuse,  or  palliation.  Having 
done  this,  the  ^'■iniquity,''''  or  injustice,  of  his  sin  was 
pardoned,  his  burden  was  speedily  removed,  and 
at  length  his  comforts  were  restored;  and  he  re- 
corded these  things  with  a  mark  of  peculiar  em- 
phasis, Selah,  that  others  might  profit  by  his  pain- 
ful and  by  his  joyful  experience.  [Jsotes,  Jer. 
31:18—20.  Luke  15:13—24.  1  John  1:0—10.) 

Hid.  (5)  >n"iD3  ,  covered:  1.  Job  31:33.    Prov. 
28:13 — The  impenitent  covers  his  sin,  in  vain; 


X  10.  5:12.    18:6. 

y   40:3.      98:1.       Ex.     15:1—3. 

Jiidj.  5:1.  ■  2  Sam.  22:1.  Rev. 

7:10.   15;  3. 
z  34:11.     Prov.  3:1    4:1—13.   8: 

10,11.     Matt.  11:29. 
■(•    Heb.     /  will  counsel  thee, 

mine  eye  shall  be  vpon  thee, 

25:9,10.    33:18.       Prov.    3:5,6. 

Is.  49:10. 
a  Prov.  26:3.    Jer.  31:18.   Jam. 

3:3.  4:7—10. 
b  Job  35:11.  Jer.  4:22.    8:6,7. 


c  16:4.  34:19—21.  140:11.  Prov. 

13:21.     Ec.  8:12,13.     Is.  3:11. 

57:21.   'Rom.  2:8,9. 
d2:12.  5:12.  34:8.  40:4.    84:12. 

146:5.     147:11.      Prov.    16:20. 

Is.  12:2,3.  Jer.  17:7. 
e   33:1.      64:10.      68:3.      97:12. 

Deut.     12:12.       1    Sam.     2:1. 

Rom.  5:11.     Phil.   3:1,3.  4:4. 
f  5:11.  97:1.    98:4.      Ezra  3:11 

—13.     Zech.  4:7. 
S2.    125:4. 


but  God  covers  the  sin  of  the  penitent  believer, 
effectually. 

V.  6,  7.  The'  word  rendered  "godly"  is  fre- 
quently translated  "a  saint,"  and  seems  to  mean 
one  whom  God  favors.  All  that  fear  him,  and  in 
humble  submission  desire  his  mercy,  shew  so  far 
that  right  state  of  heart  which  springs  from  spe- 
cial grace:  and  such  persons,  hearing  how  readily 
God  forgave  the  heinous  guilt  of  David,  when  he 
was  brought  to  ingenuous  confession  and  deep  re- 
pentance; would  be  encouraged  to  copy  his  exam- 
ple, and  learn  to  pray  in  faith  and  hope,  "in  a 
time  when  God  might  be  found." — While  his 
word  is  brought  home  to  the  conscience,  and  the 
Holy  Spirit  strives  with  the  sinner,  by  painful 
convictions  and  terrors,  or  draws  him  to  hope 
for  mercy;  it  is  especially  "a  time  of  finding," 
{marg.)  "an  acceptable  time,"  "a  day  of  visita- 
tion," a  critical  season  in  his  experience.  In 
some  respects,  this  life  is  a  "time  of  finding,"  ex- 
cept to  such  as  are  judicially  hardened:  but  in 
another  world,  God  will  no  more  be  found  on  a 
mercy-seat,  waiting  to  be  gracious;  but  as  an 
avenging  Judge  to  all  the  impenitent.  (JVofes, 
/*.  49:7,8.  55:6,7.  Luke  13:22—30.  19:41— 44.  Jo/in 
12:34—36.  2  Cor.  6:1,2.  Heb.  3:7— 13.)— They 
however,  who,  as  David  supposed,  might  by  his 
example  be  animated  to  seize  the  invaluable  op- 
portunity, would  be  received  into  favor;  and,  se- 
cure of  protection,  (like  Noah  in  the  ark,  during 
the  deluge,)  could  be  approached  by  no  over- 
whelming troubles,  temptations,  or  enemies;  or  by 
those  judgments  and  that  vengeance,  which  over- 
took the  wicked  and  hurried  them  into  destruc- 
tion. [J^otes,  Matt.  7:24—27.  Luke  6:46—49.)— 
In  this  happiness  the  Psalmist  rejoiced:  and  he 
daily  received  so  many  mercies,  which  he  cele- 
brated with  songs  of  deliverance,  that  he  was 
wholly  compassed  about  with  them. 

V.  8 — 11.  David,  in  the  name  of  God,  here 
offered  to  instruct  those  who  would  regard  him; 
I  and,  by  his  experience  and  attention,  to  shew 
them  the  way  of  happiness;  keeping  his  eye  still 
upon  them  and  counselling  them.  Or,  the  Lord 
himself,  by  his  prophet,  promises  to  be  the  Teach- 
er and  watchful  Guide  of  all,  who  desire  to  walk 
in  his  ways.  Some  understand  it,  as  the  word  of 
God  to  David,  inducing  him  to  repeutance.— 

[175 


B.  C.   1034. 


PSALiAI  XXXIII. 


B.  C.  1034. 


PSALM  xxxm. 

The  righteous  are  called  on  to  rejoice  in  God,  and  to  praise  his 
perfections  as  displayed  in  his  word  and  works;  and  all  men, 
to  fear  the  great  Creator  and  Governor  of  the  world,  1 — 12. 
His  providential  kindness  to  his  chosen  people,  in  ordering  all 
things  for  their  good,  13 — 19.  Their  confidence  and  prayer, 
-20—22. 


EJOICE   in   the    Lord,    O    ''ye 
righteous;  for    •=  praise  is  comely 
for  the  upright. 


R 


a32:n.  97:12.     1  Cor.    1:30,31. 
b  118:15.      Rom.  3:10.  5:19. 


c  50:1-1 
147:1. 


-16.    78:36,37. 
Prov.  15:8. 


When  horses  or  mules  prove  refractory  and  mis- 
chievous, force  and  skill  are  used  to  subdue  and 
restrain  them:  and  they  are  exposed  to  much  se- 
vere discipline,  to  render  them  tractable,  and  to 
prevent  them  from  doing  mischief,  instead  of  ser- 
vice, to  their  possessors. — Thus  obstinate  sinners, 
in  as  irrational  a  manner,  render  sharp  usag-e 
necessary,  either  to  preserve  them  from  ruin,  or 
to  restrain  them  from  injuring  others.  So  that 
their  sorrows  are  multiplied,  as  the  deliverances 
and  praises  of  the  righteous  are  enhanced. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

All  men  would  be  happy:  but  they  vainly  ex- 
pect that  riches,  pleasures,  and  worldly  honors 
can  confer  satisfaction;  and  when  disappointed, 
they  change  one  vanity  for  another:  so  that  he, 
and  he  alone,  who  attends  to  the  word  of  God, 
seeks  felicity  successfully.  His  mercy,  through 
the  great  Redeemer,  revealed  in  the  scriptures, 
brings  the  first  report  of  the  sinner's  happiness; 
faith  receives  this  report,  renounces  worldly  idols 
and  false  confidences,  and  seeks  forgiveness  and 
righteousness  in  the  Savior's  name.  But  pride 
and  stoutness  of  heart;  aversion  to  God  and  his 
holy  character  and  spiritual  worship;  and  unbe- 
lief, either  absolutely,  or  to  a  considerable  degree, 
prevailing  in  the  heart;  keep  back  from  unre- 
served submission,  ingenuous  confession,  and  fer- 
vent prayer,  numbers  who  are  deeply  distressed 
with  a  sense  of  guilt.  They  "keep  silence,"  and 
brood  in  secret  over  their  terrors  and  sorrows, 
which  they  endeavor  to  conceal  under  an  as- 
sumed and  hypocritical  cheerfulness:  while  in 
solitude  they  feel,  and  sometimes  mourn  over, 
their  misery,  with  horror  and  remojse,  in  the 
most  doleful  lamentations  and  fruiflBss  wishes. 
In  this  way  many  are  at  length  driven  to  despair 
and  suicide:  but  far  more  seek  relief  from  a  con- 
demning conscience,  by  having  recourse  to  infi- 
delity, or  some  corrupt  system,  which  excuses  or 
explains  away  the  evil  of  sin;  and  so  enables 
them  to  keep  up  a  delusive  hope  of  being  happy, 
or  at  least  of  escaping  misery,  without  "repent- 
ance and  works  meet  for  repentance."  When, 
however,  God  is  pleased  to  visit  the  soul  with  his 
special  grace,  he  sends  his  word,  not  only  by  a 
Nathan  to  the  outward  ear,  with  "Thou  art  the 
man;"  but  by  his  Holy  Spirit  to  the  inmost  soul: 
(JVb^e,  2  Sam.  12:7.)  and  then  godly  sorrow,  un- 
feigned submission,  ing-enuous  confessions,  and 
believing  prayers  for  mercy  and  forgiveness 
through  the  atoning  blood  of  Christ,  soon  make 
way  for  hope,  and  peace,  and  joy:  and  the  justified 
believer  tastes  a  happiness,  of  winch  before  he 
had  no  conception;  while  he  expatiates  in  praise 
of  his  present  consolations,  as  contrasted  with  his 
preceding  anguish,  in  a  sti-ain  not  unlike  the  en- 
comiums on  health  of  one  recovering  from  a  dan- 
g-erous  disease.  Now  he  would  have  all  his  fellow 
sinners  hear  of  his  happiness,  that  they  may  come 
and  share  it;  and  therefore  he  freely  declares  his 
own  sentiments  and  experiences  for  their  instruc- 
tion: and  his  character  is  equally  distant  from 
that  of  the  self-confident  Pharisee,  and  the  licen- 
tious Antinomian.  Yet  even  this  man  may  relax 
176] 


2  ^  Praise  the  Lord  with  harp:  sing 
unto  him  with  the  psakery,  and  an  in- 
strument of  ten  strings. 

3  Sing  unto  him  ®  a  new  song;  '  play 
skilfully  with  a  loud  noise. 

4  For    2  the    word    of  the   Lord    is 


d    81:2,3.    92:3.    98:4,5.      144:9. 

149:3.     150:3—6.      Ex.    15:20. 

2  Sam.   6:5.      1  Chr.    15:16,28. 

25:3,6.     Rev.  5:8.   14:2. 
e  96:1.  98:1.   149:1.      Is.    42:10. 

Eph.  5:19.     Col.  3:16.     Rev. 


5:9.    14:3. 
f  1  Chr.    13:8.    15:22.    25:7.    2 

Chr.  34:12. 
g  12:6.  19:8.   119:75,128.     Prov. 

30:5.    Mic.  2:7.    Rom.  7:12. 


his  vigilance,  and  fall  into  grievous  sins,  nay,  be 
led  to  "keep  silence,"  in  the  same  perverse  and 
foolish  manner,  as  he  did  before:  so  deceitful  is  the 
heart  of  man,  and  so  powerful  the  influence  of 
temptation  operating  on  human  depravity! — But 
lengthened  and  multiplied  miseries  here,  or  eter- 
nal ruin  hereafter,  must  be  the  inevitable  conse- 
quence of  this  mad  contest  of  a  helpless  worm 
against  Omnipotence.  Our  God  is  indeed  far 
more  ready  to  forgive,  than  we  are  humbly  to  seek 
his  mercy:  but  he  will  continue  to  frown,  to  re- 
buke, and  to  correct,  till  his  children  kiss  the  rod, 
confess  their  sins,  and  implore  forgiveness.  Then 
he  will  rejoice  in  pardoning  and  comforting  them; 
that  they  may  feel,  and  so  declare  to  others,  the 
difference  between  a  humble  and  an  unhumbled 
frame  of  mind.  His  "goodness"  should  "lead  men 
to  repentance:"  but  this  is  not  the  case  in  gener- 
al; for  numbers  despise  the  riches  of  his  mercy; 
and  even  his  offending  children  are  often  kept 
from  humble  prayer,  by  unbelieving  discourage- 
ments. But  the  examples  of  those  who  have 
found  mercy  again  excite  their  hopes.  Then 
they  pray,  and  the  Lord  hears  from  his  mercy- 
seat:  and  they  will  be  safe  from  the  floods  of  ven- 
geance, which  await  those  who  will  not  "seek  the 
Lord  while  he  may  be  found."  All  who  come 
to  him  in  this  way,  shall  be  preserved  from  their 
enemies,  and  rescued  from  their  troubles;  and 
their  tears  of  godl}'  sorrow  shall  be  turned  into 
abundant  songs  of  joyful  praise.  Having  tasted 
the  bitterness  of  sin,  and  the  comfort  of  forgive- 
ness, they  can  warn  and  instruct  their  fellow  sin- 
ners, and  teach  them  by  their  experience:  and 
the  Lord  himself  will  guide  with  his  eye  every 
humble  penitent.  But,  with  his  powerful  hand 
he  will  restrain,  and  with  his  "heavy  hand"  he 
will  punish,  the  obstinate  and  refractory;  while 
all  the  sorrows,  which  can  be  endured  on  earth, 
are  as  nothing,  compared  with  the  misery  of  the 
wicked  in  the  world  to  come.  Happy  then  are 
they,  who  trust  in  the  Lord,  and  uprightly  walk 
with  him:  mercy  surrounds  them,  and  joy  is  their 
portion;  the  ways,  in  which  they  are  called  to 
walk,  are  ways  of  pleasantness  and  peace;  and 
the  end  is  eternal  life.  "This  is  the  heritage  of 
the  servants  of  the  Lord,  and  their  righteous- 
ness is  of  me,  saith  the  Lord."     [Is.  54:17.) 

NOTES. 

Psalm  XXXIII.  V.  1.  Neither  the  writer 
nor  the  occasion  of  this  Psalm  is  mentioned:  but 
it  is  generally  ascribed  to  David;  and  may  per- 
haps be  considered  as  a  continuation  of  the  sub- 
ject, begun  in  the  preceding  Psalm;  as  it  opens 
with  the  very  same  sentiment,  with  which  that 
closes. — 'God,  and  not  the  world,  is  the  fountain 
'of  joy,  which  sinners  talk  of,  but  the  righteous 
'only  possess.'  Bp.  Home. — Joy  and  praise  are 
becoming  and  beautiful,  when  united  with  piety 
and  integritj';  but  the  appearance  of  them,  with- 
out soundness  of  character,  is  inconsistent  and 
disgusting. 

V.  2,  3.  Instrumental,  as  well  as  vocal  music, 
m  the  worship  of  God,  preceded  the  ceremonial 
law:  not  being  explicitly  there  appointed,  it  can 


B.  C.  1034. 


PSALM  XXXIII. 


B.  C.  1034. 


right;    and    ''  all   his  works  are  done  in 
truth. 

5  '  He  loveth  righteousness  and  judg- 
ment: ''  the  earth  is  full  of  the  *  goodness 
of  the  Lord. 

6  By  '  the  word  of  the  Lord  were 
the  heavens  made;  and  all  ™  the  host  of 
tliem  by  "  the  breath  of  his  mouth. 

7  He  °  gathereth  the  waters  of  the 
sea  together  Pas  an  heap:  he  layeth  up 
the  depth  in  store-houses. 

8  ^  Let  all  the  earth  fear  the  Lord: 
let  all  the  inhabitants  of  the  world  "■  stand 
in  awe  of  him: 

9  For  ^  he  spake,  and  it  was  done;  he 
commanded,  '  and  it  stood  fast. 

10  "  The  Lord    tbringeth  the  coun- 


sel   of    the   heathen    to   nought: 


he 


h  25.10.  36:5,6.  85:10,11.   9fi:13. 

Gen.  24:27.     Dent.  32:-l.    Dan. 

4:37.     John  14:6.     Rom.  15:3, 

9.    Tit.  1:2. 
i  11:7.    45:7.    99:4.      Heb.   1:9. 

Rev.  15:3,4. 
k    104:24.      119.64.      145:15,16. 

Matt.  5:45.     Act5  14.17. 
*  Or,  mtrcy. 
I   9.     148:1—5.      Gen.     1:1,6,7. 

John  1:1—3.  2  Pet.  3:5. 
m  148:2,3.     Gen.  2:1.     Deut.  4: 

19.     Jer.  8:2.     Rom.  1:25. 
B  104:30.     Gen.  2:7.  Job  26:13. 

.33:4.     John  20:22. 
o  104:6—9.     Gen.    1:9,10.     Job 

26:10.    38:8—11.     Prov.    8:29. 

Jer.  5:22. 


p    Kx.      15:8.      Josh.     3.13,16. 

Hab.3:15. 
q  22:27.    96:9,10.      Jer.    10:7— 

12.       Dan.   6:25,26.     Rev.  14: 

6,7.    15:4. 
r  76:7.     Heb.  12:29. 
s  6.   148:5,6.     Gen.   1:3.     Heb. 

11:3. 
t  93:5.   119:90,91.    Col.  1:16,17. 

Heb.  1:3.  Rev.  4:11. 
u2:l— 4.    9:15.      Ex.    1:10—12. 

2  Sam.  15:31,34.   17:14,23.   Job 

5:12,13.      Prov.  21:30.      Is.  7:5 

-7.   8:9,10.    19:3,11—14. 
I  Heb.   maketh  frustrate.    Is. 

44:25. 
X  21:11.    110:8. 


maketh  the  devices  of  the  people  of  none 
effect. 

1 1  y  The  counsel  of  the  Lord  stand- 
eth  for  ever;  ^  the  thoughts  of  his  heart 
to  ^  all  generations. 

12  *  Blessed  is  the  nation  whose  God 
is  the  Lord;  and  ^  the  people  whom  he 
hath  chosen  for  '^  his  own  inheritance. 

13  The  Lord  "^  looketh  from  heaven; 
®  he  beholdeth  all  the  sons  of  men. 

1 4  From  ^  the  place  of  his  habitation 
he  looketh  upon  all  the  inhabitants  of 
the  earth. 

15  He  s  fashioneth  their  hearts  ahke; 
^  be  considereth  all  their  works. 

16  There  is  'no  king  saved  by  the 
multitude  of  an  host:  ^  a  mighty  man  is 
not  delivered  by  much  strength. 


y  Job  23:13.     Prov.  19:21.     Is. 

14:24,27.     46:10.      Lam.    3:37. 

Ez.     38:10,&c.       Dan.     4:37. 

Acts4:27,28.    Eph.  1:11. 
z  92:5.      Is.  55:8,9.     Jer.  29:11. 

Mic.  4:12. 
I  Heb.  generation  and  genera- 
tion.  Acts  15:18. 
a  144:15.   147:19,20.      Ex.  19:5, 

6.   Deut.  33:29. 
b    65:4.    135:4.      Deut.    7:6—8. 

John  15:16.    Eph.  1:4.     1  Pet. 

2:9. 
c28:9.    Jer  10:16.    Tit.  2:14. 
d  11^.    14:2.     102:19.     Gen.  6: 

12.      2Chr.    16:9.      Job  23:24. 

Prov.  15:3.     Lam.  3:50. 
e  53:2.     Jer.  23:23,24.    Heb.  4: 


13. 
f  123:1.     1  Kings  8:27,30.      Is. 

57:15.    66:1.       Luke     11:2.      1 

Tim.  6:16. 
g  Prov.  22:2.  27:19.     Ec.  7:29. 

Is.  64:8.   Acts  17:26. 
h  44:21.     Job    )1:11.    34:21,22. 

Prov.  24:12.    Jer.  32.19.  Hos. 

7:2.     1  Cor.4:5. 
i  44:6.     Ex.  14:17,18,28.    Josh. 

11:4—8.     Judg.    7:2,12,&c.     1 

Sam.  14:8—16.    1  Kings  20:10, 

27-^29.     2  Chr.  14:9—13.    20: 

12  23.  32:8  9  21. 
k  Josh.  14:12.'     1  Sam.    17:4,45 

—49.     2  Sam,  21:16—22.  Jer. 

9:23. 


be  no  part  of  it;  and  if  properly  conducted,  it  may 
be  rendered  greatly  subservient  to  devotion. 
{Marg.  Ref.—J\otes,Ex.  15:1,20,21.  1  Sam.  10: 
5,6.  1  C/ir.  15:16,20,21.  16:4— 6.)— 'Let  not  the 
'ancient  songs  of  praise  suffice  you;  but  endite  a 
*new  hymn,  to  testify  your  singular  love  and  grat- 
'itude;  employ  your  best  skill  to  make  the  sweet- 
'est  music;  and  sing  as  cheerfully  as  you  are  wont 
*to  do  at  your  most  solemn  feasts.'  Bp.  Patrick. 
(JVb<e*,  96:1.  Rev.  5:8—10.  14:1— 5,2  col.) 

V.  4—6.  [Marg.  Ref.—J\rotes,\2:5,6.  25:10.  36:5 
—9.45:6,7.89:13,14.  99:4.  104:24,27—30.  138:2. 
Ex.  34:5—7.  Deut.  32:3,4.  JV/ic.  7:18—20.  Rev.  15: 
1 — 4.) — The  word,  Sic.  (6)  Most  of  the  ancient  ex- 
positors, by  the  "Word  of  the  Lord,"  and  "the 
breath,"  or  Spirit,  "of  his  mouth;"  understand  the 
Son  of  God,  the  personal  Word,  and  the  Holy 
Spirit,  as  proceeding  from  the  Father  and  the  Son. 
[J\rotet,  Gen.  1:1,2.  John  1:1—3.) 

V.  7,  8.  The  waters,  which  at  first  covered  the 
earth,  were,  by  the  Creator's  power,  confined 
within  their  prescribed  bounds,  as  if  laid  on  a 
heap;  or  reserved  in  store-houses,  to  be  dispersed, 
as  required,  to  supply  the  want  of  all  that  dwell 
on  earth,  by  various  methods  of  communication. 
[Motes,  24:1,2.  104:6—9.  Gen.  1:9.  7:10- 12.  Ex. 
14:21—23.  Job  38:8— 1 1.  Jer.  5:20—25.  ^ot.9:5,6.) 

V.  9.  The  sublimity  of  this  verse  is  admirable: 
"He  spake,  and  it  was;  he  commanded,  and  it 
stood."  The  translation  cannot  equal  the  origi- 
nal; the  emphalical  pronoun  (J^'in)  rendered  he, 
twice  repeated,  giving  much  additional  energy. 
Jehovah  did  but  signify  his  pleasure,  and  the 
thing  was  done,  and  each  of  his  creatures  took 
the  station  allotted  to  it.  [Motes,  Gen.  1:3 — 5. 
Matt.  8:1 — 4,  end.) 

V.  10 — 12.  The  sovereignty  of  God,  in  provi- 
dence, accomplishing  his  purposes,  whether  of 
mercy  or  of  judgment,  without  the  least  impedi- 
ment from  the  politic  counsels  of  idolaters,  or 
Vol.  III.  23 


persecutors,  or  of  all  nations  combined;  nay,  in 
over-ruling  all  their  plans  to  fulfil  his  designs, 
which  extend  through  all  generations  of  men, 
from  the  creation  to  the  end  of  the  world;  shews 
his  omnipotence  and  omniscience,  as  much  as 
the  first  creation  of  the  world  did.  [Motes,  Is. 
14:24—27.  46:10,11.  Dan.  4:34— ST.  Acts  4:23— 
28.  Eph.  1:9-12.  3:9—12.)  'The  counsels  of 
'states  and  empires  are  either  directed  to  the  ac- 
'complishment  of  the  great  counsel  of  heaven; 
'or,  if  they  attempt  to  thwart  it,  are  blasted  and 
'brought  to  nothing.  History  will  force  all  who 
'read  it  with  this  view,  to  acknowledge  thus  much. 
'And  with  this  view  indeed  it  should  always 
'be  read.'  Bp.  Home.  The  nation,  therefore, 
which  was  distinguished  as  the  chosen  inheri- 
tance of  this  almighty  Creator  and  universal 
Sovereign,  possessed  inestimable  advantages 
above  the  worshippers  of  idols,  and  should  re- 
joice in  them  and  improve  them.  [Motes,  147: 
19,20.  Rom.  3:1,2.) 

V.  13 — 15.  The  Lord,  who  "fashioneth  all 
hearts  as  one,"  and  impartially  decides  concern- 
ing the  works  of  all;  is  the  Witness,  as  well  as 
the  Judge,  of  every  man's  conduct,  throughout 
the  whole  earth.  'He  formed  their  souls  as  well 
'as  their  bodies;  and  therefore  must  needs  sea 
'into  their  very  hearts,  and  be  perfectly  acquaint- 
'ed  with  every  one  of  their  thoughts.'  Bj).  Pal- 
rick.  He  also  made  the  human  species  original- 
ly of  the  same  nature;  all  are  derived  frcm  the 
same  stock,  and  all  receive  that  nature  impaired 
through  the  fall.  The  hearts  of  men,  like  their 
faces,  have  the  same  grand  outlines,  which  are 
diversified  through  a  variety  of  concurring  cir- 
cumstances: and  one  heart  (the  same  views, 
judgment,  disposition,  and  affections,)  is  given  to 
all,  who  are  renewed  by  the  Holy  Spirit,  with 
merely  circumstantial  differences,  in  things  of 
smaller  consequence.     [Mote,  Jer.  32:39 — 41.) 

[177 


B.  C.  1034. 


PSALM  XXXIV. 


B.  C.  1061. 


17  ^  An  horse  is  a  vain  thing  for  safe- 
ty: neither  shall  he  deliver  any  by  "  his 
great  strength. 

18  Behold,  "the  eye  of  the  Lord  is 
upon  them  that  fear  him,  upon  them  that 
°  hope  in  his  mercy; 

19  P  To  deliver  their  soul  from  death, 
and  1  to  keep  them  alive  in  famine. 

20  "■  Our  soul  vvaiteth  for  the  Lord; 
^  he  is  our  Help  and  our  Shield. 

21  *  For  our  heart  shall  rejoice  in  him, 
because  we  have  trusted  in  "  his  holy 
name. 


1-20:7.     Judg.  4:15.     2  Kings  7: 

6,7.     Prov.  21:31.      Ec.   9:11. 

Is.  30:16. 
in  147:10.     Job39:l9— 25. 
n  34:15—20.   147:11.     Job  36:7. 

1  Pet.  3:12. 
o    13:5.     52:8.      Rom.     4:4—8. 

Heb.  6:18. 
p  91:3— 7,10.     John   10:28— 30. 
q  37:3,19.    Job  5:19—22.    Prov. 


10:3.     Is.  33:16.     Matt.  6:31— 

33. 
r  27:14.  62:1,2,5,6.   130:5,6.    Is. 

40:31. 
s  115:9—12.  144:1,2.     1  Chr  5: 

20. 
t    28:7.      30:10—12.      32:10,11. 

Zech.  10:7.     John  16:22. 
u  1   Chr.  16:10,35.  Luke  1:47— 

SO.     Rev.  4:8. 


22  ^  Let  thy  mercy,  O  Lord,  be  upon 
us,  according  as  we  hope  in  thee. 
PSALM  XXXIV. 

David  praises  God,  and  exhorts  others,  from  his  own  experience, 
to  bless  and  trust  in  him,  1 — 10.  He  teaches  the  fearof  God; 
and  contrasts  the  privileges  of  the  righteous  with  the  miseries 
of  tiie  wicked,  11—2;;. 

^  Psalm  of  David,  when  he  changed  liis 

behavior     before     *  Abimelech;    who 

drove  him  away,  and  he  departed. 

WILL  ^  bless  the  Lord  at  all  times: 

his  praise  shall  continually  be  in  my 

mouth. 

2  My  soul  shall  ^  make  her  boast  in 
the  Lord:  •=  the  humble  shall  hear  there^ 
of,  and  be  glad. 

X  5:11,12.    13:5.    32:10.    119:49, 

76.     Matt.  9:29. 
*  Or,  Jlchish.    Gen.  20:2.  26:1. 

1  Sam.  21:13—15.      Prov.  29: 

25. 
a  71:8,14,15.   14.5:1,2.    Is.  24:15, 

16.     Acts  5:41.    16:25.     Eph. 


5:20.     Col.   3:17.      1  Thes.  5t 

18.     2  Thes.  1:3.  2;]3. 
b  44:8.   105:3.     Is.  45:25.      Jer 

9:24.     1  Cor.  1:31.    2  Cor.  10- 

17. 
c  22:22—24.  32:5,6.  119:74.  142^ 

7.    1  Tim.  1:15,16. 


V.  16—19.  [Marg.  Ref.—J^otes,  44:5—7. 
147:10,11.  1  Kings  20:20,21.  2  Chr.  14:9—15.)— 
God  continues  the  same,  in  every  age;  and  ef- 
fects the  same  thing-s,  by  ordinary  means,  as  he 
did  in  former  times  by  miracles,  both  against  his 
powerful  and  haughty  enemies,  and  for  his  hum- 
ble believing  children. 

V.  20—22.  JMarg.  Ref.—Jfotes,  13:5,6.  2 
Sam.  22:2,3. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

Rejoicing  in  the  Lord,  as  our  Father  and 
Friend,  is  the  genuine  effect  of  humiliation  and 
mourning  for  sin:  for  being  justified  by  faith, 
and  walking  uprightly  before  him,  joy  is  our 
privilege  and  duty.  It  becomes  us  to  abound  in 
cheerful  praises;  it  is  suited  to  our  character,  and 
ornamental  to  our  profession,  and  honorable  to 
God.  But  the  joy  of  the  hypocrite  springs  from 
presumption,  and  his  praises  are  an  offence  and 
affront  to  the  Lord — Every  endowment  which  we 
possess  should  be  employed,  with  all  our  skill  and 
earnestness,  in  the  service  of  the  Giver;  and  we 
should  be  avowed  in  our  worship:  but  well  regu- 
lated and  heavenly  affections  are  most  harmoni- 
ous and  acceptabie.  [Jfotes,  Eph.  5:15 — 20.  Col. 
3:16,17.) — Every  part  of  his  word  is  holy,  just, 
and  good,  and  very  useful  to  the  upright;  {JV'ote, 
jyiic.  2:6,7.)  and  all  his  works  are  done  in  truth, 
correspond  to  the  prophecies  and  promises  of  the 
Scripture,  and  are,  in  one  way  or  other,  a  fulfil- 
ment of  them. — Though  the  Lord  delights  in 
righteousness  and  judgment,  yet  the  earth,  which 
is  full  of  man's  wickedness,  is  filled  also  with  his 
goodness:  yea,  his  most  abundant  mercy  consists 
perfectly  with  his  most  awful  justice. — The  forma- 
tion of  the  earth,  and  the  separation  of  the  waters 
V  in  the  ocean,  as  a  vast  reservoir  for  the  use  of 
man,  proclaim  the  wisdom,  power,  and  goodness 
of  the  Creaton  and,  as  they  encourage  the  be- 
liever to  expect  the  largest  blessings  from  his 
almighty  Friend,  they  call  on  all  the  inhabitants 
of  the  earth  to  stand  in  awe  of  him,  and  to  fear 
his  tremendous  indignation.  For,  as  "he  spake, 
and  it  was  done,"  when  the  world  was  made;  his 
mandate  will  be  equally  efficacious,  when  he  shall 
command  the  destruction  of  his  enemies:  and 
such  are  all,  who  will  not  have  the  Savior  to 
reign  over  them.  (JVb^e,  Matt.  25:41—46.  Luke 
19:11 — 27.)  All  human  power  and  policy  are 
ineffectual  against  his  omnipotent  will:  "his 
counsel  shall  stand,  and  he,  will  do  all  his  pleas- 
ure;" and  his  vengeance  against  the  ungodly 
178] 


will  be  everlasting. — But  blessed  are  his  people, 
who  have  him  for  their  Portion,  and  are  his  chos- 
en inheritance:  who  worship  and  serve  him,  live 
under  his  protection,  and  enjoy  his  favor!  We 
possess  the  outward  means  of  this  blessing:  may 
he  visit  our  souls  with  salvation,  and  new  cre- 
ate us  unto  holiness!  For  he  who  formed  man's 
heart,  cannot  be  imposed  upon  by  any  appear- 
ances.— All  confidence,  except  in  his  mercy,  is 
vain.  Powerful  armies,  personal  strength  and 
valor,  or  the  force  and  speed  of  a  horse,  are  un- 
availing for  outward  safety,  without  his  protec- 
tion. Th3  event  of  battles,  and  the  fate  of  king- 
doms, are  determined  by  his  sovereign  will,  who 
considers  the  works  of  men,  and  acts  with  per- 
fect wisdom  and  justice.  All  human  devices  are 
ineffectual  for  the  salvation  of  our  souls:  but  the 
Lord's  watchful  eye  is  over  those,  who  unite  the 
conscientious  fear  of  his  name,  with  a  believing 
hope  in  his  mercy  throug-h  the  great  Redeemer. 
He  will  preserve  their  lives,  and  supply  their 
temporal  wants,  as  far  as  is  good  for  them;  and 
he  will  feed  their  souls  and  preserve  them  from 
eternal  death.  May  he  teach  us  to  say  from  our 
hearts,  "Our  soul  waiteth  for  the  Lokd,  be  is 
our  Help  and  Shield."  Then  shall  "we  rejoice 
in  him,  because  we  have  trusted  in  his  holy 
name:"  for  "his  mercy  will  surely  be  upon  us, 
according  as  we  hope  in  him." 

NOTES. 

PsAi.M  XXXIV.  Title.  {Mjle,  1  Sam.  21: 
10 — 15.)  Acliish  was  the  name  of  the  king  of 
Gath;  and  "Abimelech,"  which  signifies,  J/y 
father  the  king,  seems  to  have  been  a  general 
title  given  to  all  the  kings  of  Philistia;  as  Pha- 
raoh, and  al^terwards  Ptolemy,  was  of  the  Egyp- 
tian kings. — 'This  Psalm  is  curiously  composed, 
'according  to  the  number  and  order  of  the  letters 
'of  the  Hebrew  alphabet,  in  the  beginning  of 
'every  verse;  which  shews  that  it  was  contrived, 
'when  he'  (David)  'reflected  on  his  escape,  in 
'some  place  of  safety.'  Bp.  Patrick.  [Motes, 
25.38:9—13.  Jon.  2:1,2.) 

V.  1,2.  {M)tes,  145:1,2.  146:2.  Phil.  4-5— 1. 
CoZ.  3:16,17.  1  Thes.  5:\6— 22.  ffe&.  13:15,16.) 
While  the  Psalmist  publicly  declared  the  power 
and  goodness  of  God,  in  delivering  him  from  ex- 
treme danger,  and  gloried  in  him  as  his  omnipo- 
tent Father  and  Friend;  he  rejoiced  to  think, 
that  other  pious  persons  in  distress,  would  be 
raised  above  discouragement  and  filled  with 
cheerful  hope,  by  this  record  of  his  experience. 


B.  C.  lOGl. 


PSALM  XXXIV. 


B.  C.  1061. 


3  "^  O  magnify  the  Lord  with  me,  and 

*  let  us  exalt  his  name  together. 

4  '  I  sought  the  Lord,  and  he  heard 
me,  and  delivered  me  '  from  all  my 
fears. 

5  ^  They  looked  unto  him,  ■  and  were 

*  lightened;    and    ^  their   faces  were  not 
ashamed. 

6  '  This  poor  man  cried,  and  the 
Lord  heard  him,  and  ■"  saved  him  out 
of  all  his  troubles. 

7  "  The  angel  of  the  Lord  °  encamp- 
eth  round  about  them  that  fear  him,  and 
delivereth  them. 

8  P  O  taste  and  see  that  '^  the  Lord 
is  good:  "■  blessed  is  the  man  that  trust- 


eth  m  hmi. 

d  35:27,  40:16.  69:30.     Luke  1: 

46.     Acts  19:17.    Phil.  1;'20. 
e  33:1,2.  66:8.   103:20—22.   148: 

J,&c.     1  Chr.   29:20.     2  Chr. 

29:30.     Rev.  14:7.   19:5,6. 
f    18:6.     22:24.    31:22.     77:1,2. 

116:1—6.     .Ton.  2:2.      Malt.  7: 

7.    Luke    11:9.     2  Cor.   12:8,9. 

Heb.  5:7. 
g  27:1,2.    46:2.    56:3.     1  Sara. 

27:1.     Is.  12:2.     2  Cor.  7:5,6. 

2  Tim.  1:7. 
h  123:1,2.   Is.  45:22.  Heb.  12:2. 
i  13:3.    18:28.    97:11.      Esth.  8: 

16.      Job   33:30.      MLc.    7:8,9. 

John  8:12. 


*  Or, Jloxoed  unto  him. 

k  83:16.      2  Sara.  19:5. 

13:4.    10:17.  40:17.  66:16—20. 

m  17—19.     Gen.   48:16.     Kev. 

7:14—17. 
n  91:11.     2  Kings  6:l7.   19:35. 

Dan.  6:22.    Matt.  18:10.   Luke 

16:22.     Heb.  1:14. 
0  Gen.  32:1,2.      Zcch.  9:8. 
p  63:5.    119:103.    Cant.  2:3.  5:1. 

Heb.  6:4,5.  1  Pet.  .2:2.  1  John 

1:1—3. 
q    36:7,10.      52:1.      Jer.    31:14. 

Zech.   9:17.     1   John  4:7—10. 
r2:12.  84:12. 


The  event,  during'  almost  three  thousand  years, 
has  fully  verified  this  expectation. — The  word 
(dmjjj)  rendered  humble,  is  '  afterwards  translated 

poor.  (6)  It  seems  applicable  either  to  poverty 
and  affliction  borne  with  meek  submission;  or  to 
the  lowly  sense,  which  true  believers  have  of  their 
unworthiness;  and  the  poverty  in  spiritual  things, 
which  renders  them  teachable,  dependent,  and 
thankful.     (JVo<es, /«.  66:1,2.  Matt.  5:3.) 

V.  4 — 6.  When  the  Psalmist  understood,  that 
he  was  considered,  in  the  court  of  Achish,  as  the 
enemy  of  the  Philistines  who  was  now  in  their 
power,  his  fears  were  very  great;  as  the  method 
by  which  he  sought  to  extricate  himself  clearly 
shews.  He  was  however  delivered;  and  he  as- 
cribed his  escape  to  a  peculiar  interposition  of 
God,  which  eventually  still  more  encouraged  his 
faith  and  hope.  And  he  realizes  to  himself  the 
effects  of  these  events  on  others,  who  would  look 
to  God,  in  distress  and  danger,  and  "be  lighten- 
ed," or  flow  unto  Mm,  [marg.)  and  find  comfort 
and  safet)',  while  they  conversed  together  on  the 
case  of  David:  and  he  calls  on  all,  to  join  him  in 
extolling  the  name  and  celebrating  the  praises 
of  his  gracious  Deliverer;  as  unable  to  do  it  ade- 
quately himself. 

V.  7.  [Jfote,  Gen.  24:2—9.)  'Though  God's 
'power  be  all-sufficient,  }'et  for  man's  infirmity, 
'he  appointeth  his  angels  to  watch  over  us.' 
{Marg.  Ref.)  The  singular  number  being  here 
used,  many  think,  with  great  probability,  that 
Christ  "the  great  Angel  of  the  covenant"  was 
intended.  [JVotes,  Gen.  32:30.  48:16.  Ex.  3:2. 
Hos.  12:3—6.  Mai.  3:1—4.) 

V.  8.  The  apostle  applies  this  expressly  to  Je- 
sus Christ,  [.mte,  1  Pet.  2:1— 3.)— The  experi- 
ence, which  faith  makes  way  for,  of  the  Lord's 
faithfulness  and  goodness,  may  be  compared  to  the 
evidence  received  by  the  senses  concerning  their 
respective  objects.  The  believer  tastes,  and  sees, 
that  God  is  good,  as  he  perceives  that  honey  is 
sweet,  the  light  pleasant,  and  the  landscape  beau- 
tiful. This  is  no  longer  a  matter  of  reasoning  or 
expectation;  but  of  actual  enjoyment,  in  which 


9  O  ^  fear  the  Lord,  ye  his  saints: 
'  for  there  is  no  want  to  them  that  fear 
him. 

10  "The  young  lions  do  lack,  and 
suffer  hunger:  *  but  they  that  seek  the 
Lord  shall  not  want  any  good  thing. 

11  IF  Come,  ^  ye  children,  hearken 
unto  me:  ^  I  will  teach  you  the  fear  of 
the  Lord. 

j2  a  What  man  is  he  that  desireth 
life,  and  loveth  many  days,  ^  that  he  may 
see  good.'' 

13  "^  Keep  thy  tongue  from  evil,  and 
thy  lips  from  ^  speaking  guile. 

14  ^  Depart  from  evil,  and  ^  do  good; 
°  seek  peace,  and  pursue  it. 


s  22:23.  31:23.     89:7.     Gen.  22: 

12.       Is.    8:13,14.       Hos.    3:5. 

Rev.  15:3,4. 
t23:l.     Luke  12:30— 32.    Rom. 

8:32.      1  Cor.  3:22,23.     Phil.  4: 

19. 
u  104:21.     Job   4:10,11.     Luke 

1:51— .53. 
X  84:11.      Matt.  6:32. 
y  Prov.  4:1.  7:24.  8:17,32.  22:6. 

Ec.    11:9,10.     12:1.      Is.    28:9. 

Matt.    18:2 — 1.     Mark  10:14— 

16.    John  13:33.     2  Tim.  3:15. 
z32:3.    111:10.      Prov.    1:7.    2: 

1—9. 
a  21:4.    91:16.     Deut.   6:2.  30: 

20.     1  Pet.  3:10,11. 


b  4:6.  Job  7:7.     Ec.  2:3.   12:13. 
c39:l.      Prov.  18:21.    Matt.  12: 

35—37.     Jam.  1:19,26.  3:2,5— 

10. 
d  55:11.     Prov.  12:17,19,22.   19: 

9.  Is.  63:8.     Col.   3:9.     1  Pet. 

2:1,22.     Rev.  14:4,5. 
e  37:27.     Job  28:28.     Prov.  3:7. 

S:13.   13:14.   16:16,17.    Is.  1:16, 

17.     Rom.  12:9.     1  Pet.  3:11. 
f  Acts  10:33.     Gal.  6:10.     Tit. 

2:14.    Heb.  13:16.    3  John  11. 
g  120:7.     Matt.  5:9.     Rom.  12: 

13.     14:17.      2    Cor.    13:11.     I 

Thes.  4:11.  Heb.  12:14.   Jam. 

3:17,18. 


he  cannot  be  deceived.  [Marg.  Re/. — Jfotes,  63: 
5,6.  119:103.  1  John  1:1—4.  5:9,10.) 

V.  9,  10.  'God  is  never  wanting  to  provide  for 
'his  servants,  what  he  seeth  needful  and  best,  in 
'matters  temporal;  while  tyrants  and  oppressors, 
'who  are  in  the  world  what  lions  are  in  a  forest, 
'arc  often,  by  the  just  judgment  of  heaven,  reduc- 
'ed  to  want  that  which  they  have  ravished  from 
'others.'  Bp.  Home.  {JVotes,  84:11,12.  Is.  40:27 
—31.  Matt.  6:33,34.) 

V.  11 — 14.  The  Psalmist,  having  addressed 
"the  saints,"  or  such  as  were  established  in  the 
way  of  holiness;  next  exhorts  young  persons,  or 
new  converts,  as  children,  or  sons,  beloved  sons. 
Though  he  was  a  person  of  high  rank,  renowned 
for  military  valor  and  success,  anointed  to  be  a 
king,  and  eminent  in  music,  poetry,  and  every  ac- 
complishment; he  was  desirous  of  teaching  chil- 
dren: for  youth  is  the  learning  and  remembering 
season;  and  what  first  occupies  the  mind  lasts  the 
longest.  He  did  not,  however,  attempt  to  teach 
them  music,  poetry,  arts,  or  arras;  but  "the  fear 
of  the  Lord,"  its  nature  and  effects.  He  had  been 
shewing  the  blessedness  of  those  who  feared  God, 
and  he  wished  his  young  friends  to  share  these 
blessings. — Many  as  his  engagements,  and  great 
as  his  difficulties  and  dangers  were,  he  would  spare 
time,  and  find  spirits,  to  teach  children  the  fear 
of  the  Lord. — True  religion  begins  in  the  fear  of 
God,  in  dread  of  his  anger,  and  hope  and  desire 
of  his  favor;  and  it  has  the  promise  both  of  this 
world  and  the  next.  Whether  men  would  live 
long  and  happy  on  earth,  or  for  ever  in  heaven, 
the  tongue  must  be  bridled;  profane,  licentious, 
slanderous,  flattering,  proud,  and  deceitful  lan- 
guage must  be  refrained  from;  all  sin  must  be  re- 
pented of  and  renounced;  every  duty  attended  to; 
peace  with  God,  and  peace  with  all  men  must  be 
pursued:  indeed  "the  grace  of  God,  that  bringeth 
salvation,"  effectually  teaches  men  to  attend  to 
these  things;  and  the  contrary  conduct  will  en- 
sure temporal  and  eternal  miser}':  without  them 
faith  is  dead;  by  them  it  is  evidenced  to  be  living 
and  justifying.    {Marg.  Ref.) — The  manner,  in 

[179 


B.  C.  1061. 


PSALM  XXXIV. 


B.  C.  1061. 


15''  The  eyes  of  the  Lord  are  upon 
the  righteous,  *  and  his  ears  are  open 
unto  their  cry. 

16  ''The  face  of  the  Lord  is  against 
them  that  do  evil,  '  to  cut  off  the  re- 
membrance of  them  from  the  earth. 

17  The  righteous  *"  cry,  and  the  Lord 
heareth,  and  dehvereth  them  out  of  all 
their  troubles. 

18  The  Lord  °  is  nigh  *  unto  them 
that  are  of  a  broken  heart;  and  saveth 
^  such  as  be  of  a  contrite  spirit. 


b  33:18.  Job  36:7.     1  Pet.  3:12. 
i  130:2.     2  Chr.  6:40.     Is.  37  14 

—21.     Dhn.  9:17—23. 
i  Lev.   17: JO.    26:17.     Jer.  44: 

11.     Ez.  14:8.     Am.  9:4. 
]  10:16.     Job    18:17.     Prov.  10. 

7.    F.c.  8:10.  Jer.  17:13. 
m   6,15,19.    91:15.    145:13—20. 

2  Chr.  32:20,21,24.     Acts  12:5 


— U. 
n75:l.     85:9.     119:151.     145:18. 

Is.  55:6. 
*  Heb.   to  the  broken  of  heart, 

51:17.    147:3.     Is.    61:1.     Luke 

4:18. 
f  Heb.    the   contrite  of  spirit. 

2  Kings  22:19.     Is.  57:15.  66:2. 

Ez.  36:26,31. 


which  the  apostle  quotes  this  passag'e,  demon- 
Jitrates  that  such  exhortations  perfectly  coincide 
with  evangelical  principles.  (.A^oie,  1  Pet.  3:8 — 
12.) 

V.  1.5 — 17.  The  Lord  takes  special  notice  of 
his  people's  wants,  difficulties,  and  prayers;  and 
watches  over  them  with  unremitted  vigilance, 
proportioning-  the  communication  of  his  strength 
and  consolations  to  their  need  of  them.  [JVote,  2 
Chr.  16:7—10.)  But  he  sets  himself  decidedly 
against  the  impenitent;  and  his  frown  alone  is  suf- 
ficient to  sink  them  in  miserj-,  and  ignominy. 
{J^ote,  Lev.  17:10— 16.)— 'The  death  of  martyrs 
'is  their  deliverance;  and  the  greatest  of  all  de- 
'liverances.'  Bp.  Home.  This  is  true  also  of  the 
death  of  every  believer,  by  whatever  means  ef- 
fected: then  "the  Ijord  delivers  him  out  of  all  his 
troubles." 

V.  18.  The  "broken  in  heart"  and  "contrite 
in  spirit,"  in  the  language  of  scripture,  are  not 
those  who,  being  weighed  down  by  sorrows  and 
sufferings,  through  impatience  and  despondenc)' 
sink  under  them;  but  such  as  are  broken-hearted 
under  a  sense  of  their  sins,  and  led  to  renounce  all 
self-confidence.  Their  hearts,  naturally  stout, 
hard,  and  unfeeling,  are  humbled,  softened,  and 
made  sensibly  alive  to  the  feelings  of  remorse, 
fear,  shame,  godly  sorrow,  and  self-abhorrence. 
Their  self-will  also  is  subdued;  they  submit  to 
God  without  plea  or  hope,  save  in  his  mercy  and 
grace.  They  are  prepared  to  welcome  his  gos- 
pel, and  exclusively  possess  its  blessings.  [J^otes, 
51:17.  /*.  57:15,16.  66:1,2.  Ez.  ll:17--20.  36:25— 
27.) 

V.  19,20.  {J^oten,  71:20,21.  Prov.  24:15,16. 
John  16:31—33.  1  Tkes.  3:1—5.  2  Tim.  4:16— 18. 
1  Pet.  5:8—11.  Rev.  7:13— 17.)— God  so  preserves 
the  believer,  in  the  most  perilous  circumstances, 
that  not  a  bone  is  broken  without  his  wise  and 
merciful  appointment;  nay,  "the  hairs  of  his  head 
are  all  numbered,"  and  not  "one  falleth  to  the 
ground,  without  his  Father."  [J^ote,  Matt.  10:29 
— 31.)  Every  thing  subserves  his  final  good;  and 
both  soul  and  body  will  be  preserved,  and  perfect- 
ed for  glory.  [Mdes,  35:10.  Rom.  8:28— 31 .  Phil. 
3:20,21.) — Not  a  bone  of  the  Savior  was  broken 
at  his  crucifixion;  though  the  two  thieves  who 
suffered  at  the  same  time,  had  their  legs  broken. 
{JTotes,  John  19:31—37.) 

V.  21, 22.  "Desolation"  means  utter  destruction, 
whether  of  nations  as  such,  or  of  individuals.  The 
desolation  of  the  several  kingdoms,  which  have 
persecuted  the  church,  and  that  of  the  Jews  who 
crucified  the  Savior,  "hating  that  righteous  One," 
with  the  preservation  ensured  to  true  Christians, 
180] 


19  "Many  are  the  afflictions  of  the 
righteous:  but  the  Lord  delivereth  him 
out  of  them  all. 

20  P  He  keepeth  all  his  bones:  not 
one  of  them  is  broken. 

21  1  Evil  shall  slay  the  wicked;  and 
they  ■'  that  hate  the  righteous  shall  be 
i  desolate. 

22  The  Lord  ^  redeemeth  the  soul 
of  his  servants;  and  *  none  of  them  that 
trust  in  him  shall  be  desolate. 


o  71:20.     Job  5:19.  30:9,&c.42: 

12.  Prov.  24:16.  John  16:33. 
Acts  14:22.  2  Cor.  4:7—12, 
17.  11:23—27.  1  Thes.'3:3,4. 
2  Tim.  3:11,12.  Heb.  11:33— 
38.    Jam.  5:10,11.    1  Pet.  4:12, 

13.  Rev.  7:14— 17. 

p  35:10.  91:12.     Dan.  6:22—24. 

John  19:36. 
q  37:30—40.  94:23.     Is.  3:11. 
r   37:12—15.     40:15.    89:23.      1 

Sam.    19:4,5.    31:4.       1   Kings 


22:8,37.  Luke  19:14,27,41— 
44.  John  7:7.  15:18—23.  1 
Thes.  2:15,16.  2  Thes.  1:6 
—9. 

J  Or,  guilty.    Ex.  20:7. 

s  31:5.  71:23.  103:4.  130:8. 
Gen.  48:16.  2  Sam.  4:9.  1 
Kings  1:29.  Lam.  3:58.  1 
Pet.  1:18,19.     Rev.  5.9. 

t  9:9,10.  John  10:27—29.  Rom. 
8:31—39.     1  Pet.  1:5. 


form  a  striking  exposition  of  these  verses.  [Mars;. 
Ref.—JVotes,  37:10—15.  40:13—16.  Ro7H.  8:28— 
37.  1  Thes.  2:13—16.  2Thes.  h5—12.Rev.  20:11 
-15.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

It  is  our  duty  to  "bless  the  Lord  at  all  times," 
in  pain,  sickness,  poverty,  persecution,  and  even 
in  the  agonies  of  death.  He  is  always  worthy  of 
our  love  and  praise;  we  are  always  receiving 
more  good  from  him  than  we  have  deserved;  and 
the  more  unworthy  we  are,  the  more  cause  have 
we  to  adore  his  condescending  goodness  to  us. — 
It  encourages  the  humble  believer,  and  silences 
the  proud  Pharisee,  when  the  servants  of  God  are 
enabled  to  rejoice,  and  make  their  boast  in  him, 
under  circumstances  of  the  most  extreme  danger, 
and  the  deepest  distress:  and  if  our  faith  were 
strong,  we  might  thus  call  on  all  around  us  to 
magnify  and  exalt  our  God  with  us,  extolling  his 
glorious  excellencies,  and  celebrating  the  praises 
of  his  abundant  mercy. — Whilst  others  consider, 
how  one  poor  tempted  soul  has  been  comforted 
and  delivered,  they  too  are  encouraged  to  look 
unto  the  Lord;  and  their  hearts  grow  cheerful, 
and  their  faith  gathers  strength.  But  we  should 
especially  look  to  Him,  "who,  though  he  was  rich, 
for  our  sakes  became  poor;"  and  remember  how 
he  suffered,  and  how  he  is  glorified,  in  order  to 
save  all  that  trust  in  him. — They  must  be  safe  and 
happy,  "who  fear  the  Lord."  The  holy  angels 
minister  to  them,  yea,  the  great  Angel  of  the  cov- 
enant encampeth  continually  around  them,  to 
protect  and  deliver  them.  Oh,  that  sinners  would 
but  make  trial  of  his  love!  Their  own  experience 
would  convince  them,  that  the  blessings  of  salva- 
tion are  sweeter  than  all  the  pleasures  upon  earth. 
But  even  the  saints  need  exhortations  to  the  rev- 
erential fear  of  God:  the  more  humbly  and  obe- 
diently they  walk  with  him,  the  happier  they  are: 
and  they,  who  "seek  first  the  kingdom  of  God, 
and  his  righteousness,"  shall  never  want  any  good 
thing;  whilst  the  covetous  and  rapacious,  who  re- 
semble ravenous  beasts,  shall  at  length  be  left  ut- 
terly destitute.  Let  then  all,  who  have  them- 
selves "tasted  that  the  Lord  is  gracious,"  take 
delight  in  leading  others,  and  especially  the  young, 
into  these  happy  ways:  by  no  means  thinking  the 
instruction  even  of  little  children  beneath  them. 
Let  young  persons  set  out  in  life  with  learning  the 
fear  of  the  Lord,  if  they  desire  true  comfort  here, 
and  eternal  happiness  hereafter;  for  they  are  the 
happiest,  who  begin  the  soonest  to  serve  so  good 
a  Master.  But  let  them  attend  to  him,  who 
"speaketh  unto  them  as  unto  children,"  that  they 


B.  C.  1061. 


PSALM  XXXV. 


B.  C.   lOGl 


PSALM  XXXV. 

David  prays  that  God  would  fight  against  liis  enemies;  and  an- 
ticipates their  confusion,  and  his  triumph  over  them,  1 — 10. 
He  complains  of  their  calumny,  malice,  and  ingratitude; 
blending  supplications  and  appeals  to  God,  11 — ^-i.  He  re- 
news his  prayers  and  predictions,  23 — 28. 

A  Psahn  of   David. 
^  IJLEAD  my  cause,    O    Lord,    with 
JL     them  that  strive  whh  me;  ''fight 
against  them  that  fight  against  me. 

2  •=  Take  hold  of  shield  and  buckler, 
and  stand  up  for  mine  help. 

3  Draw  out  also  the  spear,  and  '^  stop 
the  way  against  them  that  persecute 
me:  ®  say  unto  my  soul,  I  am  thy  Sal- 
vation. 

4  ^  Let  them  be  confounded  and  put 
to  shame  s  that  seek  after  my  soul:  let 
them  be  ^  turned  back  and  brought  to 
confusion  that  devise  my  hurt. 


a  43:1.   119:154.      1  Sam.  24:15. 

ProT.  22:23.    23:11.     Jer.    51: 

36.     Lam.  3:58.     Mic.  7:9. 
b  Ex.  14:25.  Josh.  10:42.    Neh. 

4:20.     Acts  5:39.    23:9. 
c  7:12,13.     Ex.  15:3.    Deut.32: 

41,42.   Is.  13:5.    42:13. 
d  27:2.  76:10.     1  Sam.  23:26,27. 

Job    1:10.       Is.    8:9,10.     10:12. 


Acts  4:28. 
e  51:12.  62:7.  91:16.     Gen.  49: 

18.     Is.  12:2.     Luke  2:30. 
f26.  31:17,18.  40:14,15.  70:2,3. 
g  38:12.    1  Sam.  23:23.   1  Kings 

19:10.  Ez.  13:19.     Matt.  27:1. 
h  129:5.     Is.   37:29.     Jer.  46:5. 

John  18:6. 


may  learn  the  true  fear  of  God,  and  beware  of 
counterfeits.  That  religion  promises  best,  which 
begins  with  the  conscience,  and  creates  a  watch- 
fulness over  the  heart  and  tongue,  a  dread  and 
hatred  of  hypocrisy  and  all  sin,  and  a  love  of  peace 
and  universal  holiness.  Such  a  state  of  heart 
prepares  the  way  for  the  proper  understanding- 
and  reception  of  divine  truth;  and  those  who  thus 
receive,  will  "adorn,  the  doctrine  of  God  our  Sa- 
vior." He  will  peculiarly  regard  them  and  attend 
to  their  prayers:  whilst  he  fights  against  the  evil 
doer,  whatever  be  his  profession;  and  oblivion  or 
infamy  will  be  his  present  and  eternal  portion. — 
Nothing  is  move  essential  to  true  godliness,  than  a 
contrite  heart,  broken  off  from  every  kind  of  self- 
confidence  and  self-preference,  and  crushed  down 
into  the  dust  of  self-abasement:  in  this  soil  every 
grace  flourishes;  and  to  this  contrite  person  noth- 
ing can  give  encouragement,  but  the  free  mercj' 
of  the  gospel  of  Jesus  Christ.  Such  characters 
meet  with  many  afflictions,  and  are  often  harassed 
by  grievous  temptations,  for  their  trial  and  profit; 
"but  the  Lord  will  deliver  them  out  of  them  all:" 
whilst  the  ungodly  will  sink  under  one  trouble 
after  another  to  rise  no  more;  for  "evil  shall  slay 
the  wicked." — He  that  accomplished  the  prophe- 
cies concerning  the  Savior,  so  that  "not  a  bone  of 
him  was  broken"  by  all  his  furious  enemies,  will 
take  equal  care  of  all  his  faithful  servants,  and 
destroy  all  their  persecutors.  He  will  redeem  his 
people  from  hell  and  from  the  grave,  and  will  not 
forsake  those  who  trust  in  him,  till  they  possess  a 
happiness  large  as  their  capacities,  durable  as 
their  immortality,  and  surpassing  their  most  san- 
guine expectations. 

NOTES. 
Psalm  XXXV.  V.  1—3.  'This  psalm,  we  are 
'sufficiently  informed  by  the  matter  of  it,  was  pen- 
'ned  by  David,  when  he  was  fiercely  persecuted 
'by  Saul;  whose  forces,  which  were  unjustly  raised 
'against  him,  he  beseeches  the  Lord  to  dissipate; 
'and  especially  to  stop  the  mouth  of  his  false  ac- 
'cusers,  such  as  Doeg  and  the  Ziphites.'  Bp.  Pat- 
rick.    'So  long  as  Saul  was  enemy  to  David,  all 


5  Let  them  be  ■'  as  chaff  before  the 
wind;  ^  and  let  the  angel  of  the  Lord 
chase  them. 

6  '  Let  their  way  be  *  dark  and  slip- 
pery; and  let  the  angel  of  the  Lord 
persecute  them. 

7  For  "^  without  cause  have  they  "  hid 
for  me  their  net  in  a  pit,  which  without 
cause  they  have  digged  for  my  soul. 

8  °  Let  destruction  come  upon  him 
t  at  unawares;  and  p  let  his  net  that  he 
hath  hid  catch  himself:  ^  into  that  very 
destruction  let  him  fall. 

9  And  ^  my  soul  shall  be  joyful  in 
the  Lord:  it  shall  rejoice  in  his  salva- 
tion. 

10  'All   my  bones   shall   say.  Lord, 


i  1:4.  83:13—17.    Job  21:18.    Is. 

17:13.  29:5.    Hos.  13:3. 
k  Ex.  14:19.     Is.   37:36.      Acts 

12:23.     Heb.  11:28. 
1  73:18.     Prov.   4:19.     Jer.  13: 

16.    23:12. 
*  Heb.  darkness  and  slipperi- 

ness, 
m  7:3—5.  25:3.  64:4.     John  15: 

25. 
n9:15.   119:85.    140:5.  Job  18:8. 
o  64:7.   73:18—20.      Prov.  29:1. 

Luke  21:.34.      1  Thes.  5:3. 
t  Heb.    which  he  knoweth  not 


p  7:15,16.  57:6.   141:9,10.  Prov. 

5:22. 
q  1  Sam.  18:17.  31:2—4.  2  Sam. 

17:2—4,23.   18:14,15.    Esth.  7: 

10.     Matt.  27:3—5. 
r   13:5.  21:1.    33:21.    48:11.   58: 

10,11.     68:1—3.      1   Sam.   2:1. 

Is.  61:10.     Hab.  3:18.   Luke  1: 

46,47.     Gal.    5:22.      Phil.  3:1 

—3. 
s  22:14.  32:3.  34:20.  38:3.  51:8. 

102:3.     Job  33:19—25. 


'that  had  any  authority  under  him,  to  flatter  their 
'king,  (as  is  the  course  of  the  world,)  did  also  most 
'cruelly  persecute  David.'  {JSTotes,  1  Sa?n.  22:  23:) 
— It  is  likewise  evident,  that  the  Psalmist  was  led 
by  the  Holy  Spirit,  to  speak  of  his  own  case  in 
language,  which  was  more  emphatically  applica- 
ble to  the  divine  Savior,  and  to  his  sufferings. — 
'Albeit  God  can  with  his  breath  destroy  all  hi.s 
'enemies;  yet  the  Holy  Ghost  attributeth  unto  him 
'these  outward  weapons,  to  assure  us  of  his  pres- 
'ent  power.' — Draw  out  the  spear,  &c.  (.3)  JV'otcs, 
Ex.  15:3.  JN'Vto.  22:23—27.  Josh.  5:13— 15.— Say, 
&c.]  'Assure  me  against  these  temptations,  that 
'thou  art  the  author  of  my  salvation.' 

V.  4 — '9.  All  the  verbs,  in  these  verses,  in  the 
original,  are  in  the  future  as  a  predictioti;  though 
they  stand  in  most  translations  and  paraphrases, 
ancient  and  modern,  in  the  imperative  as  an  im- 
precation. No  doubt,  there  are  many  instances, 
in  which  such  denunciations  stand  in"  the  form  of 
petitions;  and,  considered  as  the  language  of  in- 
spired men,  respecting  the  inveterate  enemies  of 
God,  and  Christ,  and  religion,  no  reasonable  ob- 
jection can  be  made  against  them. — It  is  not  how- 
ever desirable,  to  understand  any  passages  in  this 
sense,  which  more  obviously  express  one  of  more 
general  application.  The  verses  under  consider- 
ation are  simply  a  prediction,  that  David's  ene- 
mies would,  by  their  unprovoked,  assiduous,  and 
crafty  devices  to  take  away  his  life,  bring  on  them- 
selves the  deepest  infamy,  along  with  unexpected 
and  inevitable  ruin;  and  that  his  trials  would  ter- 
minate in  thanksgiving  and  rejoicing.  [jYotes,  25 
—28.  5:10,11.)— As  light  chaff  cannot  resist  the 
force  of  the  wind,  so  the  Psalmist's  persecutors 
would  not  be  able  to  withstand  the  power  and  jus- 
tice of  God;  whose  angel  encamped  around  the 
righteous  to  protect  them,  and  would  drive  their 
dismayed  and  bewildered  assailants  headlong  into 
the  pit  of  destruction,  {J^otes,  1:4—6.  34:7.  Ex. 
14:19,24,25.)  One  in  particular,  (probably  Saul,) 
would  perish  in  that  very  destruction,  which  he 
had,  without  any  cause,  nay  contrary  to  his  de- 
serts, intended  for  David.  {J^otes,  11,12.  John  15: 
22—25.)    He  took  counsel  to  take  off  David  in 

[181 


B.  C.  1061. 


PSALM  XXXV. 


B.  C.  1061 


'  who  is  like  unto  thee,  "  which  dehver- 
est  the  poor  from  him  that  is  ^  too 
strong  for  him,  yea,  the  poor  and  the 
needy  from  him  that  spoileth  him? 

1 1  *  False  witnesses  did  rise  up;  they 
t  laid  to  my  charge  things  that  I  knew 
not. 

12  y  They  rewarded  me  evil  for  good, 
to  the  t  spoiling  of  my  soul. 

13  But  as  for  me,  ''when  they  were 
sick,  my  clothing  was  sackcloth:  I 
{humbled  my  soul  with  fasting;  and 
^my  prayer  returned  into  mine  own 
bosom. 


14  I   li  behaved   myself  as  though  he 

t  71:19.    86:8.     89:6—8.      Ex. 

15:11.     Is.  40:18,25.      Jer.   10: 

7. 
u  10:14.  22:24.  34:6.  69:33.  102: 

17—20.    109:31.    140:12.     Job 


6:15.16.     Prov.  22:22,23. 
X  18:17. 
*  Heb,     Witnesses   of  rvrong. 

27:12.       1    Sam.    24:9.     25:10. 

Blatt.  26:59,60.    Acts  6:13.  24: 

5,6,12,13. 
\  Heb.  ashed  me. 
y  38:20.    109:4,5.      1   Sam.   19:4, 


5,15.    22:13,14.       Prov.    17:13. 
Jer.  18:20.     John  10:32. 

I  Heb.  depriving.      1  Sam.  20; 
31—33.     Luke  23:21— 23. 

z  69:10,11.     Job  30:25.      Matt. 

5:44.     Rom.  12:14,15. 
§  Or,  afflicted.     Lev.   16:29,31. 

1  Kings  21:27-29.     Is.  58:3,5. 

Matt.  9:14,15. 
a  Matt.  10:13.    Luke  10:6. 

II  Heb.  walked,  as  a  friend,  as 
a  brother  to  me. 


l)attle  against  the  Philistines,  and  he  himself  died 
in  battle  against  them;  which  made  way  for  the 
Psalmist's  complete  deliverance.  [J^''ote,  7:14 — 
16.)  In  like  manner,  Ahithophel  and  Absalom 
brought  ruin  on  themselves  by  their  counsel 
against  David;  [J^^otes,  2  Sam.  15:31.  16:20 — 23. 
17:1—14,23.  18:9—14.)  and  so  did  Judas,  and  the 
Jewish  rulers,  and  the  nation,  by  opposing  Christ; 
of  whom  David,  in  this  psalm  especially,  seems  to 
have  spoken,  as  atj'pe  or  representative.  Indeed, 
the  whole  Scripture  predicts  the  final  ruin  of  all 
the  impenitent  enemies  of  God  and  religion,  and 
tliat  of  Satan,  their  great  leader:  {JVotes,  Rev.  19: 
J7— 21,  20:1—3,7—10.)  and  the  intercession  of 
Christ,  the  prayers  of  his  church,  and  the  minis- 
tration of  angels,  while  they  tend  to  complete  the 
salvation  and  joy  of  his  people,  concur  in  accom- 
plishing the  prophecies  which  foretel  the  destruc- 
tion of  his  enemies. — 'A  traveller,  benighted  in  a 
•bad  road,  is  an  expressive  emblem  of  a  sinner 
'walking  in  the  slippery  and  dangerous  ways  of 
'temptation; ...  whilst  an  enemy  is  in  pursuit  of 
'him,  whom  he  can  neither  resist  nor  avoid.'  Bp. 
Home. 

V.  10.  The  Psalmist  frequently  complains,  un- 
der his  trials  and  chastisements',  of  broken  bones, 
and  that  his  bones  waxed  old,  {J\larg.  Ref.  s.) 
because  his  whole  frame  was  sensibly  affected.  In 
like  manner  he  considers  himself,  in  body  as  well 
as  in  soul,  so  revived  by  his  deliverance,  that 
every  bone  would  concur  in  admiring  his  Deliv- 
erer and  his  unrivalled  excellence. — Christ  was 
raised  from  the  dead,  and  not  one  of  his  bones  was 
broken;  every  member  of  his  mystical  body  shall 
be  forthcoming  at  the  general  resurrection;  and 
every  believer  now  has,  and  shall  then  have,  cause 
to  praise  the  Lord  for  taking  care  of  his  soul  and 
body,  in  every  part,  and  in  all  respects.  [J^otes., 
22:16—18.  34:19,20.)— Saul  was  too  powerful  for 
David  in  his  poor  and  destitute  condition;  Christ 
was  made  poor  and  a  man  of  sorrows,  and  had  no 
armed  force  to  oppose  to  the  power  of  the  Jews 
and  Romans;  and  Satan  and  other  enemies  are  too 
strong  for  the  afflicted  and  humble  believer. 

V.  11,  12.  The  very  persons,  whom  David  had 
befriended  when  he  was  in  prosperity,  after  he 
had  been  proscribed  by  Saul,  bare  cruel  witness 
against  him,  and  demanded  that  punishment  should 
be  inflicted  on  him  for  alleged  acts  of^treason,  of 
182] 


had  been  my  friend  or  brother:  ^  1  bow- 
ed down  heavily,  *=  as  one  that  mourneth 
for  his  mother. 

1 5  But  '^  in  mine  ^  adversity  they  re- 
joiced, and  gathered  themselves  togeth- 
er: yea,  ^  the  abjects  gathered  them- 
selves together  against  me,  and  ^  1  knew 
it  not;  8  they  did  tear  me,  and  ceased 
not: 

16  With  h  hypocritical  mockers  in 
feasts,  they  '  gnashed  upon  me  with 
their  teeth. 

17  Lord,  ^  how  long  wilt  thou  '  look 
on.'  "  rescue  my  soul  from  their  destruc- 
tions, my  **  darhng  from  the  hons. 

Luke 


b   2  Sam.  l:n,12,17,&c. 

19:41,42. 
c  Gen.  24:67. 
d  25,26.  41:8.  71:10,11.  Job  31: 

29.      Prov.  17:5.  24:17,18. 
V  Heb.    halting.    33:17.     Jer. 

20:10.      1  Cor.  13:6. 
e  2:2:16.  69:12.     Job    30:1—11. 

Matt.  27:27—30,39—44.  Mark 

14:65.     Acts  17:5. 
f  8.    JUarg. 


g  7:2.  57:4. 

h  1  Sam.  20:24,&c.    Is.  1:14,15. 

John  13:28.      1  Cor.  5:8. 
137:12.     Job  16:9.     Lam.  2:16 

Acts  7:54. 
k   6:3.    13:1,2.     74:9,10.    89:46. 

94:3,4. 
110:14.     Hab.  1:13. 
m  22:20,21.  57:4.  69:14,15.  142: 

6,7. 
**Heb.  only  one. 


which  he  had  not  the  least  consciousness. — This 
was  far  more  emphatically  accomplished  in  the 
great  Antitype.  {J\Iarg.  Ref.) 

V.  13,  14.  The  Psalmist  next  contrasts  his 
conduct  in  respect  of  his  persecutors,  with  that 
towards  him  of  the  very  persons  to  whom  he  had 
rendered  the  most  important  services. — The  na- 
ture oi  fasting,  as  an  occasional  voluntary  act  of 
self-abasement,  submission  to  God  under  adverse 
dispensations,  sorrow  for  sin  as  the  cause  of  suf- 
ferings, and  self-discipline  in  order  to  self-govern- 
ment, is  illustrated  by  the  expression,  "I  hum- 
bled," or  afflicted,  or  chastened,  "myself  with 
fasting."  [J^otes,  Lei).  16:29— 31.  Jl/aK.  9:14,15. 
P.  O.  9— 17.)— The  conduct  of  the  Psalmist's  foes 
shewed,  as  he  feared,  that  his  prayers  for  them 
had  not  been  answered;  but  he  was  satisfied  that 
at  length  they  would  return  into  his  own  bosom. 
The  original  is  future;  '■'■shall  return:"  and  as 
David  was  still  conflicting  with  trials,  and  antici- 
pating deliverance,  the  future  best  suits  his  case. 
— He  thus  mourned  over  the  afflictions  of  Saul  and 
of  Israel,  with  fasting  and  prayer:  and  Christ 
wept  over  Jerusalem,  and  fasted,  praj'ed,  and  suf- 
fered for  sinners,  as  for  a  friend,  a  brother,  or  a 
parent;  and  he  prayed  for  his  crucifiers,  when 
about  to  expire  amidst  their  cruelty  and  contempt! 
[J^ntes,  Matt.  4:1,2.  Luke  19:41—44.23:32—38.) 

V.  13,  16.  When  David  was  persecuted  by 
Saul,  or  when  he  made  an)'  false  step,  as  they 
supposed,  [marg.)  those  who  had  before  envied 
him  rejoiced;  the  most  abject  persons,  from  whom 
he  had  least  expected  it,  or  who  were  too  obscure 
to  be  known  by  him,  conspired  to  do  him  mischief; 
his  name  was  torn  with  incessant  reproaches  and 
false  accusations;  he  was  their  sport  at  feasts; 
whilst  those,  who  flattered  others  in  order  to  be 
feasted  by  them,  or  who  were  maintained  by  di- 
verting the  company,  and  personating  and  turn- 
ing to  ridicule  the  character  of  their  neighbors, 
made  him  their  constant  subject;  yet  their  con- 
tempt was  united  with  most  cruel  and  despe- 
rate rage. — All  this  was  far  more  emphatically 
true  of  Christ,  and  the  treatment  with  which  he 
met  from  the  hypocritical  Jews,  and  from  the 
most  abject  persons,  not  excepting  the  crucified 
malefactors  who  reviled  him  on  the  cross.  [J^oies, 
Is.  53:2,3.  J\Iatt.  26:63—68.  27:27—31,39—44.)— 
The  hypocritical  priests,  and  scribes,  who  mock- 


B.  C.  1061. 


PSALM  XXXV. 


B.  C.  1061. 


18  "  I  will  give  thee  thanks  in  the 
great  congregation:  **!  will  praise  thee 
among  *  much  people. 

19  P  Let  not  them  that  are  mine  ene- 
mies t  wrongfully  rejoice  over  me;  nei- 
ther let  them  i  wink  with  the  eye,  ■"  that 
hate  me  without  a  cause. 

20  For  Hhey  speak  not  peace:  but 
'  they  devise  deceitful  matters  against 
them  that  are  "  quiet  in  the  land. 

21  Yea,  ^  they  opened  their  mouth 
wide  against  me;  and  said,  ^  Aha,  aha, 
our  eye  hath  seen  it. 

22  This  ^  thou  hast  seen,  O  Lord: 
*  keep  not  silence:  O  Lord,  ^  be  not 
far  from  me. 

23  *  Stir  up  thyself,  and  awake  to  my 


judgment,    even    unto    my    cause, 
God  and  my  Lord. 


my 


n  22:22—25.  40:9,10.  69:30—34. 

111:1.    116:14,18.     Heb.  2:12. 

o  67:1—4.    117;  133:4,5.    Rom. 

15:9. 
*  Heb.  strong.  Is.  25:3. 
p  15.    13:4.  38:16.     John  16:20 

—22.     Rev.  11:7—10. 
t  Heb.  falsely.    33:19. 
q  Job  15:12.    Prov.  6:13.   10:10. 
r  69:4.   109:3-    119:161.    1  Sam. 

24:11,12.      Lam.   3:52.     John 

15:25. 
s  120:5—7. 


131:13.   36:3,4.  38:12.  52:2.    64: 

•1—6.     140:2—5.       Jer.    11:19. 

Dan.  6:5.     Matt.  26:4.     Acts 

23:15.  25:3. 
u  Matt.  12:19.   1  Pet.  2:22,23. 
X  22:13.     Is.  9:12.     Luke  11:53, 

54. 
y  40:15.  70:3. 
z  Ex.  3:7.    Acts  7:34. 
a  23:1.  39:12.  83:1. 
b  10:1.  22:11,19.  38:21.  71:12. 
c  7:6.  44:23.  80:2.    Is.  51:9. 
d  39:26.  142:5.  John  20:28. 


ed  Jesus,  were  at  the  same  time  keeping  the  feast 
of  unleavened  bread. 

V.  17—19.  (JVbie*,  22:7—24.)  The  exact  agree- 
ment of  the  language  used  in  these  verses,  with 
tliat  of  the  passage  referred  to,  favors  the  opinion 
that  this  psalm  also  is  a  direct  prophecy  of  the 
Messiah.  The  Psalmist,  however,  seems  evidently 
to  have  spoken  of  his  own  concerns,  though  car- 
ried beyond  himself  by  the  Spirit  of  prophecy,  to 
use  language  applicable  to  far  more  important 
transactions. 

V.  20.  'They  arc  men  of  a  turbulent  spirit, 
'that  give  not  their  sovereign  peaceable  counsels, 
'but  devise  false  stories,  to  incense  him  against 
'those  that  would  gladly  serve  God  quietly,  under 
'his  government,  without  doing  the  least  harm  to 
'any  body.'  Bp.  Patrick. — 'David  would  have 
'lived  quietly  under  the  government  of  Saul:  our 
'Lord  did  not  aim  at  temporal  sovereignty;  ...  nor 
'did  the  primitive  Christians  desire  to  intermeddle 
'with  the  politics  of  the  world:  yet  all  were  be- 
'trayed,  mocked,  and  persecuted,  as  rebels,  and 
'usurpers,  and  the  pests  of  society.'  Bp.  Home. 

V.  21,  22.  They  'boldly  accuse  me  as  a  traitor, 
' ...  saying.  So,  so,  we  have  found  him  out;  his 
'treasonable  practices  are  discovered,  we  our- 
'selves  are  eye-witnesses  of  it.'  Bp.  Patrick. — 
The  appeal  of  David  to  God,  the  ever  present 
witness  of  his  conduct,  and  the  prayer  grounded 
on  it,  have  a  peculiar  energ}%  when  viewed  in 
connexion  with  the  preceding  verse.  [J^otes,  40: 
13—17.  Matt.  26:63—68.) 

V.  23.  Marg.  Ref.—kotes,  7:6—11.  44:23— 
26.  Is.  51:9—11. 

V.  24 — 28.  These  verses  may  be  thus  ren- 
dered "Judge  me,  O  Lord  my  God,  according 
to  thy  righteousness,  and  let  them  not  rejoice 
over  me.  Let  them  not  say  in  their  hearts,  So 
would  we  have  it:"  (it  is  as  our  souls  desired:) 
v'Let  them  not  say,  we  have  swallowed  him  up. — 
They  shall  be  ashamed  and  confounded  together, 
who  rejoice  in  my  .shame.  They  shall  be  clothed 
with  shame  and  dishonor,  that  magnify    them- 


24  ^  Judge  me,  O  Lord  my  God,  ac- 
cording to  thy  righteousness;  ^  and  let 
them  not  rejoice  over  nie. 

25  Let  them  not  ^  say  in  their  hearts, 
X  Ah,  ^  so  would  we  have  it:  let  them 
not  say,  '  We  have    swallowed    him    up. 

26  ^  Let  them  be  ashamed  and  brought 
to  confusion  together,  that  rejoice  at  mine 
hurt:  '  let  them  be  clothed  with  shame 
and  dishonor,  "that  magnify  themselves 
against  me. 

27  "  Let  them  shout  for  joy  and  be 
glad,  that  favor  my  \  righteous  cause: 
yea,  °  let  them  say  continually,  Let  the 
Lord  be  magnified,  p  which  hath  pleas- 
ure  in  the  prosperity  of  his  servant. 

28  And  •!  my  tongue  shall  speak  of 
thy  righteousness  and  of  thy  praise  all 
the  day  long. 


e  7:8.    18:20—24.  26:1.    43:1.  2 

Thes.  1:6. 
f  19.  Job  20:5. 
g  28:3.  74:8.    Job  1:5.     Mark  2: 

6,8. 

J  Heb.  Ah,  ah,  our  soxd. 
h  140:8.  Ex.  15:9.    Matt.  27:43. 
i  56:1,2.  57:3.  124:3.    2  Sam.  20: 

19.  Lam.  2:16.  1  Cor.  15:54. 
k4.  40:14,15.  71:13.    129:5.     Is. 

41:11.  65:13—15. 
1  109:23,29.   132:18.  Job  8:22.   1 


Pet.  5:5. 
m  33:16.  55:12.    Job  19:.=-.    Jer. 

48:26.  Dan.  11:36. 
n  40:16.  63:3.  132:9,16.  142:7.  Is. 

66:10,11.    .lohn  16:22.     1  Cor. 

12:26. 
§  Heb.  righteousness. 
0  70:4. 
p  149:4.  Jer.  32:40,41.   Zeph.  3: 

14,17. 
q  50:15.   51:14,15.  71:24.  104:33, 

34.  145:1,2,5,21. 


selves  against  me.  They  will  shout  for  joy  and 
be  glad,  that  favor  my  righteous  cause,  &:c." 
The  twenty-eighth  verse  is  rendered  in  the  fu- 
ture tense,  and  the  two  preceding  verses  might, 
with  equal  propriety,  and  perhaps  with  more  en- 
ergy, be  translated  in  the  same  manner.  The 
clamors  against  David,  as  cursing  his  enemies, 
when  considered  as  an  objection  to  the  Scrip- 
tures, is  indeed  irrational;  for  it  assumes  the  point 
in  question,  and  determines  that  he  spake  in  his 
own  spirit,  and  not  "as  moved  by  the  Holy  Spir- 
it;" yet  it  is  not  desirable  to  give  needless  occa- 
sion even  to  irrational  and  impious  objections. 
[Jlarg.  Ref.) — How  applicable  is  the  whole  pas- 
sage to  the  Savior's  sufferings  and  triumphs,  and 
to  the  consequences  of  them!  [J^otes,  41:4 — 8. 
56:1,2.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
The  believer  is  admitted  into  a  covenant  of 
friendship  with  his  God:  and  they  who  strive 
with  him,  fight  against  his  omnipotent  AWy; 
whose  presence  and  assistance  will  more  effectu- 
ally defend  his  servants,  and  annoy  their  perse- 
cutors, than  the  most  powerful  hosts  of  well-arm- 
ed valiant  men.  If  he  say  to  each  of  our  souls, 
"I  am  thy  Salvation;" — if  he  shew  us,  that  our 
sins  are  pardoned  and  subdued,  we  have  nothing 
to  fear;  but  may  confidently  predict  the  confu- 
sion and  ruin  of  every  seducer  or  persecutor, 
who  seeks  to  destro}-  our  lives  or  souls,  or  in  any 
way  to  do  us  hurt. — We  must  not  desire  the  ruin 
of  any  enemies,  except  our  lusts,  and  those  evil 
spirits  who  would  compass  our  destruction:  yet 
we  ought  fervently  and  constantly  to  pray  for 
the  desolation  of  all  the  inveterate  enemies  of 
Christ  our  anointed  King.  Assuredly,  they  "will 
at  length  be  thrown  as  chaff  into  the  fire;  yea, 
driven  in  a  dark  and  slippery  path,  by  the  angels 
of  God  into  the  bottomless  pit:  and  their  crafty 
and  unwearied  enmity,  against  the  holy  Jesus 
and  his  harmless  followers,  will  involve  them  in 
unexpected  and  inevitable  misery.     Let  then  the 

[183 


B.  C.  1062. 


PSAOI  XXXVI. 


B.  C.  1062. 


PSALM  XXXVI. 


The  corrupt  principles  and  practices  of  wicked  men,  ! — 4.  An 
admiring'  view  of  the  mercy  and  justice  of  God,  and  of  the 
felicity  of  his  people,  5 — 9.  David  prays  for  his  brethren  and 
hiraseif;  and  iu  faith  triumphs  over  the  workers  of  iniquity,  10 
—12. 


To    the    chief    Musician,    A    Psalm    of 

David,  ^the  servant  of  the  Lord. 
^  ^1  ^HE    transgression  of  the   wicked 
B      saith  within  my  heart,  that  there 
is  -'^  no  fear  of  God  before  his  eyes. 
2  For    ^  he    flatterelh  himself  in  his 


a  18:  90:  titles.  143:12.  Deut.  34: 

5.  2  Tim.  2:24.   Tit.  1:1.  Jam. 

1:1.  2  Pet.  1:1.    Jude  1.   Rev. 

1:1. 
b  1  Sam.  15:13,14.    Prov.  20:11. 

Matt.  7:16—20.   13:33,34.    Tit. 

1:16. 


c  112:1.  Gen.  20:11.  Prov.  8:13. 

16:6.  Ec.  12:13.  Rom.  3:13. 
d  10:3.  49:K.    Deut.  29:19.  Jer. 

2:23,34,35.  17:9.     Hos.    12:7,8. 

Luke  10:29.  16:14,15.  Rom.  7: 

9.  lp:3. 


own  eyes,   *  until  his  iniquity  be  found  to 
be   hateful. 

3  ®  The  words  of  his  mouth  are  iniquity 
and  deceit:  ^  he  hath  left  off  to  be  wise, 
and  to  do  good. 

4  s  He  deviseth  ^  mischief  upon  his 
bed;  ^  he  setteth  himself  in  a  way  that  is 
not  good:  he  '  abhorreth  not  evil. 


persecuted  and  afHicted  believer  rejoice  in  the  | 
salvation  of  the  Lord.     His  preservation  is  en- 
sured by  the  Savior's  resurrection  and  exalta-| 
tion;  who  will  shortly  "chang-e  our  vile  bodies,  I 
and  make  them  like  his  own  g-lorious  body,"  bj'j 
his  almig-hty  power:    then  all  our  bones  shall,  as ' 
it  were,  praise  our  Deliverer,  who  hath  rescued  us 
poor   and  needy   sinners    from  sin,    Satan,  and! 
death;  enemies  far  too  strong  for  us. — While  in : 
faith  we  anticipate  this  glorious  event  of  our  tri- ! 
als,  let  us  prepare  for  the  cross  in  this  Avorld.  j 
When  we  consider  the  ingratitude,  contempt,  and  j 
hatred,  with  which  the  holy  Jesus  was  treated,! 
in  return  for  his  unspeakable  love;    when  we  re- ! 
member  how  the  multitudes,  who  h&d  witnessed, 
or  even  shared,  his  benign  miracles,  rejoiced  in ' 
his   adversity;    how  the  very  abjects,  collected' 
round  his  cross,  insulted  him,  and  gnashed  their 
teeth  at  him;  and  how  the  Scribes  and  Pharisees 
treated  his  sacred  person  with  blasphemous  ridi- 
cule and  mockery;    even  while  they  were  hypo- 
critically observing  the  feast  of  the  passover,  as 
if  zealous  for  the  honor  of  God  and  religion: — 
when  we  meditate  on  these  scenes,  we  shall  not 
"marvel  if  the  world  hate  us;"  if  we  be  despised, 
abused,  reviled,  falsely  accused,  and  treated  with 
indignity   and   ingratitude,  by  those  whom   we 
have  most  loved,  and  could  not  have  suspected; 
and  who  even  profess  to  serve  God.     Let  us  then 
learn  to  possess  our  souls  in  patience  and  meek- 
ness; like  the  Savior,  let  us  persevere  in  praying 
for  our  enemies,  and  attempting  to  do  them  good: 
and  acting  towards  them  with  compassion  and  j 
affection,   in  hopes   of   "overcoming    evil   with  i 
good."     If  this  have  not  the  desired  effect,  our 
prayer  will  bring  down  blessings   on  our  own 
souls;  and  if  that  mind  were  in  us  which  was  in 
him,  we  could  not  but  be  grieved  to  think  of  the 
tremendous  ruin,  that  hangs  over  the  heads  of 
our  impenitent  injurers. — He,  who  has  exalted 
the  once-suffering  Redeemer,  will  in  due  time 
appear  for  all  his  people:    the  roaring  lion  shall 
not  destroy  their  souls,  which  they  have  intrust- 
ed to  the  hands  of  their  Suretj'^;    they  are  one 
with  him,  and  precious  in  his  sight,  and  shall  be 
rescued  from  every  peril  and  destruction;    that 
with  him  they  may  give  thanks  in  the  great  con- 
gregation above.      Let  us  then  give  ourselves 
unto  prayer,  and  study  to  be  quiet  in  the  land, 
however   injured  or  deceived.      Thus  our  ene- 
mies shall  never  triumph  in  our  destruction;  and 
their  rejoicing  over  our  temporal  calamities  shall 
be  short-lived,  as  was  that  of  the  Jewish  rulers 
over  the  crucified  Redeemer. — But  let  us  chiefly 
fear  lest  they  should  rejoice  at  beholding  us  be- 
trayed into  sin,  and  disgracing  our  profession. 
This  would  please   them  more,  than  seeing  us 
cast  into  a  fiery  furnace;    and  they  would  ex- 
claim, "Aha,  aha,  our  eye  hath  seen  it,  so  would 
we  have  it!"    Then  indeed  tliose.  who  hate  us 
184] 


*  Heb.  tojind  his  -iniquity  to 

hate.  iSam.  15:18—24.  1  Chr. 

10:13,14.  Rom.  3:9. 
e  5:9.  12:2,3.  55:21.  58:3.  140:3. 

1  Sam.     18:21.     19:6,7.    26:21. 

Matt.  22:15—13,35. 
f  125:5.  1  Sam.  11:6— 13.    13:13, 

14.    15:26.    16:14.       Jer.  4:22. 

Zeph.  1:6.  Heb.  10:39.   1  John 

2:19. 


g  38:12.  1  Sam.  19:11.  Esth.  5: 
14.6:4.  Prov.  4:16.  Hos.  7:6, 
7.  MJc.  2:1.  Matt.  27:1.  Acts 
23:12. 

t  Or,  vanity. 

h  Prov.  24:23.  Is.  65:2.  Jer.  6: 
16.  8:6.  9:2—9.   Mic.  6:8. 

i  Job  15:16.  Am.  5:15.  Rom.  1: 
32.  12:9.  Rev.  2:2. 


without  cause,  would  wink  with  their  eyes,  en- 
couraging each  other's  blasphemies;  and  open 
wide  their  mouths  to  proclaim  our  infamy,  to  the 
reproach  of  our  religion.  This  the  Lord  knows, 
and  as  his  glory  is  concerned,  let  us  call  upon 
him,  entreating  him  not  to  be  far  from  us;  but 
constantly  to  uphold  us,  that  Satan  and  his  ser- 
vants may  not  thus  magnify  themselves  against 
us.  In  all  things  let  us  act  conscientiously,  and 
leave  our  cause  with  God.  And  whilst  we  ex- 
pect to  see  the  opposers  of  Christ  "clothed  with 
shame  and  dishonor;"  let  us  pray  that  all  who 
favor  his  righteous  cause  may  rejoice,  and  be 
continually  praising  God:  and  let  us  remember, 
that  he  has  pleasure  in  the  prosperity  of  all  his 
servants;  that  we  may  be  speaking  of  his  right- 
eousness and  praise  all  the  day  long. 

NOTES. 

Psalm  XXXVI.  V.  1.  David  was  as  much 
convinced  by  the  conduct  of  wicked  men,  that 
they  were  not  habitually  possessed  by  the  fear  of 
God,  as  if  it  had  been  immediately  spoken  to  his 
heart:  and  his  knowledge  of  the  deceitfulness 
and  evil  of  his  own  heart  aided  him  in  discover- 
ing the  source  of  other  men's  wickedness.  If 
the  terrors  of  God  for  a  moment  affrighted  them, 
they  soon  cast  them  behind  their  backs,  or  they 
could  not  have  gone  on  in  their  daring  crimes. 
[J^'otes,  112:1,7.  JVe/^.  5:14— 18.  Frov.  16:6.  Ec. 
12:11—14.  Rom.  3:9—18.)- It  is  probable,  that 
Saul  was  especially  meant,  as  the  wicked  man 
who  persecuted  "David,  the  servant  of  the 
Lord,"  with  persevering  enmity:  yet  he  fre- 
quently cloked  his  malice  with  professions  of 
friendship,  and  still  kept  up  an  outward  regard 
to  religion.  The  psalm  seems  to  have  been 
written,  soon  after  Saul  began  to  shew  his  hatred 
to  David. 

V.  2.  The  wicked  man  not  only  disguises  his 
crimes  or  intentions  from  others;  but,  through 
the  excess  of  self-love,  he  becomes  his  own  flat- 
terer, calls  his  vices  by  soft  names,  or  mistakes 
them  for  virtues;  and  deems  his  conduct  justifia- 
ble, perhaps  meritorious,  when  in  fact  it  is  a 
hateful  compound  of  impiety,  injustice,  and  ma- 
levolence, and  will  very  soon  be  proved  to  be  so. 
— Thus  Saul's  self-flattery  kept  him  from  beSng 
aware  of  the  malignity  of  his  conduct,  till  he  be- 
came odious  io  the  open  view  of  mankind. 
[JSTotes,  ]  Sam.  15:13—28.  22:6—19.  1  Chr.  10: 
13,14.) 

V.  3,  4.  Saul,  in  the  beginning  of  his  reign, 
behaved  wisely,  and  performed  good  services  to 
his  people:  but  he  soon  began  to  act  foolishly,  and 
to  disobey  God;  and  at  length  he  entirely  ceased 
to  use  his  understanding  to  do  good.  (J^otes,  1 
Sam.  11:  28:3 — 10.)  He  became  a  treacherous 
and  cruel  persecutor  of  David:  and  while  he  per- 
haps ascribed  his  conduct  in  throwing  his  javelia 


B.  C.  1062. 


PSALM  XXXVI. 


B.  C.  lOGiJ. 


5  ^  Thy  mercy,  O  Lord,  is  in  the 
heavens,  and  '  thy  faithfuhiess  reacheth 
unto  the  clouds. 

6  "•  Thy  righteousness  is  hke  the 
*  great  mountains;  °  thy  judgments  are 
a  great  deep:  O  Lord,  °  thou  preservest 
man  and  beast. 

7  P  How  t  excellent  is  thy  loving- 
kindness,  O  God!  therefore  the  children 
of  men  ^^  put  their  trust  under  the  shadow 
of  thy  wings. 

8  They  shall  be  "■  abundantly  t  satis- 
fied with  the  fatness  of  thy  house;  ^  and 


kSQ;!.  57.10.  103:11.  108:4.     Is. 

55:7—9. 
i  89:2.  92;2.  100:5.    Matt.  24:35. 

Heb.  6:18—20. 
m  71:19.  97:2.  145:17.    Gen.  18: 

25.  Deiit.  3-2:4.    Is.  45: 19,21— 

24.   Rom.  3:25. 
*  Heb.  mountains  ofOod.  Kx. 

9:28.   1  Sam.  14:15.  margins. 
D  77:19.  92:5.    Job  11:7— 9.    37: 

23.  Is.  40:28.  Jer.  12:1.    Matt. 

11:25,26.  Rom.  11:33. 
o  104:]4,&c.  145:9.    147:9.     Job 

7:20.  Jon.  4:11.  Matt.  10:29,30. 


1  Tim.  4:10. 
p  31:19.  86:5,15.  145:7,3.  Ex.  34: 

6.John3:16.  lJohn3:l.  4.9,10. 
t  Hiib.  precious.  139:17.    1  Pet. 

2:6,7.  2  Pet.  1:4. 
q  17:8.  57:1.  63:7.  91:4.    Ruth  2: 

12.  Luke  13:34. 
r  16:11.  17:15.  63:5.    Cant.    5:1. 

Is.  25:6.  55:1,2.  Jer.  31:12—14. 

Zech.  9:17.     Matt.  5:6.     John 

7:37. 
J  Heb.  watered.  Is.  58:11. 
s  46:4.    Is.  43:20.    48:21.    Rev. 

22:1. 


at  him,  to  a  sudden  paroxysm  of  disease;  David 
was  aware  that  he  most  deliberately,  and  in  his 
retired  hours,  plotted  his  destruction;  and  had  no 
aversion  in  his  heart  to  any  wickedness,  however 
abominable,  though  he  tried  to  cloke  his  malice 
by  plausible  professions.     {Marg.   Ref.) 

V.  5 — 9.  The  Psalmist  here  contrasted  the 
divine  perfections  and  government,  with  the  con- 
duct of  wicked  men,  especially  when  in  power. 
The  mercy  of  God  is  immensely  large;  and,  hav- 
ing filled  the  earth  with  its  effects,  it  fills  the 
heavens  also,  by  the  admission  of  redeemed  sin- 
ners to  that  blessed  state.  His  faithfulness 
reaches  unto,  and  even  far  above,  the  clouds  or 
skies,  and  is  liable  to  no  mutability  or  failure. 
His  justice  is  placed  on  an  immoveable  basis, 
and  he  never  varies  from  it:  yet  his  judgments, 
or  decrees,  are  unfathomably  deep,  to  be  adored, 
but  not  comprehended  by  us.  [Jfotes,  Bl:l — 11. 
7i:l9.  77:19,'20.  89:1—4.  92:4,5.  97:2.  100:5.  103: 
11— J3,  145:1—7,17.  Job  37:20—24.  Rom.  11:33 
• — .36.)  The  Creator's  care  sustains,  and  "pre- 
serves," both  man  and  beast;  and  his  immeasura- 
ble loving-kindness,  in  its  varied  exercises,  en- 
■courages  even  the  guilty  and  polluted  sons  of 
Adam  to  trust  in  his  mercy,  and  to  confide  in  his 
protection.  [Marg.  Ref.  q.— JVote,  Ruth  2: 1 1,12.] 
In  this  refuge,  and  in  his  service,  believers  find 
abundant  consolation,  and  drink  '-pleasures  as 
from  a  river,"  flowing  from  the  Fountain  of  life 
and  felicity:  and  in  the  knowledge  and  favor  of 
God,  they  see  light  and  glory  inexpressible. 
(J^'ntes,  46:4.  Rev.  7:13—17.  21:22—27.  22:1—5.) 
— The  word  rendered  pleasures,  (8.  o'Jijj  ,)  is  the 

plural  of  Eden. — 'In  heaven  alone  the  thirst  of  an 
'immortal  soul  after  happiness  can  be  satisfied. 
'There  the  streams  of  Eden  will  flow.again.'  Bp. 
Home. 

Y.  10,  11.  David  was  conscious  of  integrity, 
and  had  been  favored  with  much  experience  of 
the  Lord's  faithful  and  merciful  care;  but  his  dan- 
gers and  troubles  were  multiplied,  and  all  who 
knew  God  and  uprightly  served  him,  were  in  a 
measure  involved  in  his  difficulties.  [J^ote,  1  Chr. 
28:9.)  He  therefore  prayed,  that  the  favor  shewn 
to  him  and  them  might  be  prolonged  according  to 
the  faithful  promises  of  God;  and  that  he  would 
judge  in  righteousness,  between  his  persecuted 
servants  and  their  unrighteous  persecutors:  that 
so  "the  foot  of  pride  might  not  come  against  him, 

Vol.  m.  24 


thou  shall  make   them  drink  of  the  river 
of  thy  pleasures. 

9  For  ^  with  thee  is  the  fountain  of 
life:  "  in  thy  light  shall  we  see  light. 

10  O  }  continue  thy  loving-kindness 
unto  them  ^  that  know  thee;  ^  and  thy 
righteousness  to  the  upright  in  heart. 

11  ^  Let  not  the  foot  of  pride  come 
against  me,  and  ^  let  not  the  hand  of  the 
wicked  remove  me. 

1 2  ^  There  are  the  workers  of  iniqui- 
ty fallen:  they  are  cast  down,  "^  and  shall 
not  be  able  to  rise. 


t  Is.  12:3.  Jer.  2:13.  John  4:10, 
14.  7:37—39.   Krv.21:6.  22:17. 

u  27:1.  Job  29:3.  Prov.  4:18.  Is. 
2:5.60:1,2,19.  Mai.  4:2.  John 
1:8,9.  8:12.  Jam.  1:17.  1  Pet. 
2:9.  1  John  1:7.  Rev.  21:23. 

^  Heb.  drain  out  at  length.  103: 

'17.  Jer.  31:3.  John  15:9,10. 
1  Pet.  1:5. 

X  9:10.  Jer.  22:16.  24:7.  John 
17:3.  Heb.  8:11. 

y  7:8—10.     13:24,25.     94:14,15. 


97:10,1).    143:1,2.    13.51:6—8. 

2  Tim.  4:7,3. 
z  10:2.  12:3—5.  119;5],69,85,)22. 

123:3,4.  Job  40:11,12.  Is.  51:23. 

Dan.  4:37. 
a    16:8.     17:8—14.    21:7,8.   62:6. 

125:1—3.    Rom.  8:35—39. 
b  9:16.  55:23.  58:10,11.   64:7—9. 

Judg.  5:31.  2Thes.  1:8,9.  Rev. 

1.5:4.  19:1—6. 
c  1:5.  18:33.  Jer.  51:64. 


and  the  hand  of  the  wicked  might  not  cast  him 
down;"  but  that  he  might  be  preserved  from  the 
scornful  oppression,  and  iniquitous  power,  of  every 
enemy.    [Mat-g.  Ref.) 

V.  12.  'Faith  calleth  things  that  are  not,  as 
'though  they  were;  it  carries  us  forward  to  the 
'end  of  time;  it  shews  us  the  Lord  sitting  on  tlie 
'throne  of  judgment,  the  righteous  caught  up  to 
'meet  him  in  the  air;  the  world  in  flames  under 
'his  feet;  and  the  empire  of  sin  fallen,  to  rise  no 
'more.'   Bp.  Home. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

To  be  "the  servant  of  the  Lord"  is  the  highest 
privilege  and  honor,  to  which  we  can  aspire;  and 
those  who  are  advanced  to  eminent  stations  in 
societj'  should  glory  to  fill  them  up,  as  serving 
God  and  his  church  in  them. — All  the  wickedness 
of  men  springs  from  contempt  and  forgetfulness 
of  God:  their  actions  speak  more  plainly  than 
their  words;  and  when  they  commit  atrocious 
crimes  without  remorse,  or  habitually  live  in  the 
practice  of  any  sin,  we  may  be  sure,  "that  there 
is  no  fear  of  God  before  their  eyes;"  and  that  they 
habitually  despise  his  favor,  and  defy  his  wrath. 
But  proud  and  ignorant  men  deceive  themselves, 
and  verily  think  their  conduct  excusable,  when  it 
is  indeed  most  hateful:  let  us  then  daily  beg  of 
God  to  preserve  us  from  self-flattery,  and  to  bring 
us  acquainted  with  our  own  character,  that  we 
may  judge  and  condemn  ourselves,  and  not  finally 
be  condemned  at  his  tribunal. — When  such  as 
have  appeared  to  be  religious  leave  off  to  behave 
wisely  and  to  do  good,  they  will  soon  be  drawn 
into  grosser  crimes;  and  the  deceitful  and  corrupt 
language  of  their  lips  will  betray  the  desperate 
wickedness  of  their  hearts. — If  we  willingly  ban- 
ish holy  meditations,  in  our  solitary  hours,  nay,  if 
we  do  not  encourage  them,  Satan  will  soon  occu- 
py our  minds  with  polluting  and  mischievous  im- 
aginations: and  if  any  yield  frequently  to  sudden 
temptations,  they  will  at  length  deliberately  "de- 
vise mischief  upon  their  beds." — Whatever  be  a 
man's  outward  conduct,  if  he  do  not  '■'■abhor  evil," 
ho  is  no  true  penitent:  and  if  he  do  not  set  himsoii 
heartily  to  walk  in  the  ways  of  godliness,  he  will 
soon  return  into  the  more  direct  road  to  temporal 
and  eternal  destruction. — The  servants  of  God 
must  expect  much  trouble  from  apostates  and 
wicked  men;    but  they  may  comfort  themselves 

'185 


[1 


B.  C.   1017. 


PSALM  XXXVII. 


B.  C.  1017. 


PSALM  XXXVII. 

Miscellaneous  cautions  against  envy,  anger,  and  discontent;  de- 
scriptions of  the  chai'acters,  situations,  and  end  of  the  right- 
eous and  the  wicked;  exhortations  to  faith,  hope,  patience,  and 
obedience;  and  promises  to  believers  under  the  trials  of  this 
evil  world,  1 — 40. 

A  Psalm  of  David. 

*  "ITT^RET  not  thyself  because  of  evil- 
_M?     doers,    ^  neither  be   thou  envious 

against  the  workers  of  iniquity. 

2  For  •=  they  shall  soon  be  cut  down 
like  the  grass,  and  wither  as  the  green 
herb. 

3  ''  Trust  in  the  Lord,  and  do  good; 
50  ^  shalt    thou    dwell    in    the  land,  and 

*  verily  ^  thou  shalt  be  fed. 

4  s  Delight  thyself  also  in  the  Lord; 


a  7.  1  Sara.  1:6—3.    Prov.  19:3. 

24:1,19. 
b  73:3.  Prov.  3:31.  23:17.     Gal. 

5:21.  Jam.  4:5,ti. 
c  35,36.  73:17—20.    90:5,6.  92:7. 

129:5—7.  Job  20:5—9.  Jam.  1: 

10,11.    1  Pet.  1:24. 
d  4:5.  26:1.    Is.  1:16—19.  50:10. 

Jer.    17:7,3.    1  Cor.    15:57,53. 


Heb.  6:10—12. 
e  Gen.  26:2.  1  Sam.  26:19.  Heb. 

11:13—16. 
*  iieb.  in  truth,  or,  siableness. 
f  33:19.34:9,10.   Matt.  6:31— 33. 

Luke  22:35. 
g  43:4.  104:34.     Job  27:10.  34:9. 

Cant.  2:3.  Is.  53:14.  1  Pet.  1:3. 


by  contemplating  the  perfections  of  their  almightj' 
Friend.  His  merciful  promises  eng'ag'e  to  every 
believer  the  enjoyment  of  heavenly  happiness;  his 
unfailing  faithfulness  guarantees  the  engagement; 
his  immoveable  justice  harmonizes  vi'ith  his  truth 
and  love;  and  his  most  mysterious  appointments 
are  the  result  of  his  infinite  wisdom  and  goodness. 
Whilst  all  his  creatures  share  his  bounty  and  pro- 
tection; his  compassion  and  mercy,  and  the  pro- 
visions of  his  redeeming  love,  are  so  immense,  and 
of  such  inestimable  value,  that  the  chief  of  sinners 
may  come  to  him,  and  receive  pardon  and  peace, 
and  put  their  trust  under  the  shadow  of  his  wings. 
Thither  the  alarmed  and  penitent  flee  for  safety, 
perhaps  imagining  that  they  are  thus  renouncing 
all  enjoyment  in  this  present  world:  but  they  soon 
find,  if  decided  and  diligent,  true  happiness  in  the 
favor  and  service  of  God:  the  provisions  of  his 
house  are  rich  and  plenteous;  and  the  consola- 
tions of  his  Spirit,  communicated  through  his  or- 
dinances, are  an  earnest  of  heavenly  joys.  Tlsis 
"river  of  the  water  of  life  proceedeth  from  the 
throne  of  God  and  of  the  Lamb;"  and  they  must 
be  happy,  who  have  access  to  "the  Fountain  of 
life."  [j^otes.  Rev.  21:5—8.  22:1.)  Indeed  God  is 
the  Source  of  felicity;  but  fallen  man  has  forsaken 
him  and  is  miserable.  In  Christ,  however,  this 
Fountain  is  accessible;  "wells  of  salvation"  are 
opened  for  us  by  the  gospel;  and  sinners,  return- 
ing to  God  according  to  it,  see  and  enjoy  light  and 
felicity,  in  their  Source  and  Perfection.  (JVb<e, 
Is.  12:3.) — May  we  then  know,  and  love,  and  up- 
rightly serve  the  Lord!  Then  shall  we  be  inter- 
ested in  the  prayers  of  all  his  people,  and  learn  to 
love  and  pray  for  them:  and  his  loving  kindness 
will  be  continued  to  us  through  the  intercession 
of  our  heavenly  Advocate.  Then  shall  no  proud 
enemy,  on  earth  or  from  hell,  come  against  us  to 
trample  upon  us,  or  to  separate  us  from  his  love; 
but  we  shall  be  established  in  felicity,  when  all 
the  workers  of  iniquity  are  cast  down  to  rise  no 
more  for  ever. 

NOTES. 
Psalm  XXXVII.  V.  1,  2.  It  is  probable,  that 
this  psalm  was  written  towards  the  close  of  Da- 
vid's life,  as  the  result  of  his  long  experience  and 
observation,  for  the  instruction  and  encourage- 
ment of  others,  who  might  be  called  to  pass 
through  such  trying  scenes,  as  he  had  been  con- 
versant with. — Every  other  verse,  in  the  original, 
186] 


and  ''  he    shall   give   thee  the  desires  of 
thine  heart. 

5  t  Commit  thy  way  unto  the  Lord; 
trust  also  in  him,  '  and  he  shall  bring  it 
to  pass. 

6  And  ^  he  shall  bring  forth  thy 
righteousness  ^  as  the  light,  and  thy 
judgment  as  the  noon-day. 

7  t  Rest  in  the  Lord,  and  ™  wait  pa- 
tiently for  him:  "  fret  not  thyself  because 
of  him  who  prospereth  in  his  way,  °  be- 
cause of  the  man  who  bringeth  wicked 
devices  to  pass. 

anger,    and    forsake 

10:12.  Jon.  1:11.  margins. 
ni  27:14.    40:1.    Is.  8:17.   30:15. 
Lam.  3:25,26.  Hab.  2:3.    Gal. 
6:9.  Heb.  10:36,37.  Jam.  5:7— 


8  P  Cease   from 

h  21:1,2.  145:19.     John   15:7,16. 

1  John  5:14,15. 
\  Heb.  Roll  thy  ii>ay  upon.  55: 

22.    Prov.  16:3.  marg.     Matt. 

6:25.   Luke  12:29,30.   Phil.  4:6, 

7.   1  Pet.  5:7. 
i  Job  22:28.  Ec.  9:1.  Lam.  3:37. 

Jam.  4:15. 
k  31:20.     Is.  54:17.    Mic.  7:8,9. 

1  Cor.  4:5. 
1  Job  11:17.     Slal.  3:18.     Matt. 

13:43. 
J  Heb.  Be  silent  to.  62:1.  Josb. 


11. 
n  1,8.  73:3—14.  Jer.  12:1. 
o  Job  21:7,  &c.  Ec.  5:8.    Is.  10: 

13,14.  Dan.  11:36.  Rev.  13:3— 

10. 
p  Job  5:2.  13:4.  Prov.  14:29.  16: 

32.    Eph.  4:26,31.    Jam.  1:19, 

20.  3:14—18. 


begins  with  a  letter  of  the  Hebrew  alphabet,  near- 
ly in  regular  order:  and  this  arrangement,  which, 
with  some  variations,  is  frequently  adopted,  might 
be  intended  as  a  help  to  those,  who  desired  to 
commit  to  memory  these  sacred  poems,  for  their 
comfort  and  benefit  in  silence  and  solitude. — The 
Mosaic  dispensation  engaged  peculiar  temporal 
blessings  to  the  nation  of  Israel,  while  they  were 
obedient:  yet  individuals  frequently  prospered  in 
wickedness,  while  the  righteous  were  afflicted 
and  persecuted.  [JVotes,  Ps.  73:1 — 17.)  This 
seemed  to  imply  an  inconsistency  between  the 
word  and  the  providence  of  God,  and  formed  a 
great  trial  to  ancient  believers.  To  this  difficulty 
the  Psalmist  here  gives  a  copious  solution,  with 
many  excellent  cautions  and  counsels,  which  at 
the  same  time  are  equally  suited,  by  varying  a 
few  expressions,  to  the  case  of  Christians  in  this 
evil  world.  [Marg.  Ref.— Motes,  73:18—22.  Prm. 
23:17,18.24:19,20.) 

V.  3.  This  verse  may  be  rendered:  "Trust  in 
the  Lord,  and  do  good;  dwell  in  the  land;  and 
feed  thou  verily,"  or  in  confidence.  All  the  verbs 
are  imperative. — The  union  between  entire  de- 
pendence on  God,  and  doing  good,  as  the  way  to 
be  comfortable  and  happy,  is  peculiarly  to  be  no- 
ticed. The  land  of  Canaan  was  considered  as  the 
sum  of  earthly,  and  the  type  of  heavenly  felicity: 
to  be  provided  for  in  the  Lord's  land,  and  there  to 
dwell  under  his  protection,  near  his  ordinances, 
and  among  his  people,  was  all  that  the  genuine 
Israelite  could  desire.  But  the  words  may  be 
considered  as  an  exhortation  to  the  people  to  dwell 
in  the  land,  and  not  to  remove  on  every  difficulty 
among  the  surrounding  Gentiles;  with  a  promise 
that  verily  God  would  feed  them  there.  (JVbies, 
Ruth  1:1—10.) 

V.  4.  To  "delight,"  not  in  earthly  possessions, 
pleasures,  and  distinctions,  but  in  God;  in  know- 
ing, loving,  and  worshipping  him  and  enjoying  his 
love,  and  in  contemplation,  devotion,  and  admir- 
ing praise;  is  to  be  spiritually-minded,  like  the 
inhabitants  of  heaven,  and  qualified  for  their  feli- 
city.— He  that  seeks  dehght  in  worldly  objects 
very  seldom  obtains  the  wishes  of  his  heart;  but 
the  largest  and  most  earnest  desires  and  requests 
of  those  who  delight  in  God  will  be  granted,  nay, 
far  exceeded.  [Marg.  Ref. — JVbfe*,  Is.  58:13,14. 
Hab.  3:17—19.  Rom.  5:11.  8:5—9.  Phil.  4:4.  Col. 
3:1—4.  1  Pet.  1:8,9.) 


B.  C.   1017. 


PSALM  XXXVII. 


B.  C.   1017. 


wrath:  i  fret  not  thyself  in   any  wise  to 
do  evil. 

9  For  "■  evil  doers  shall  be  cut  off: 
but  those  that  w^it  upon  the  Lord,  they 
shall  ^  inherit  the  earth. 

10  For  *  yet  a  Uttle  while,  and  the 
wicked  "  shall  not  he:  yea,  *  thou  shalt 
diligently  consider  his  place,  and  it  shall 
not  he. 

1 1  But  y  the  meek  shall  inherit  the 
earth;  and  shall  ^  delight  themselves  in 
the  abundance  of  peace. 

12  ^  The  wicked  *  plotteth  against 
the  just,  and  ^gnasheth  upon  him  with 
his  teeth. 


q  31:22.  73:15.   116:11.     1  Sam. 

25:21,22,33.  Jer.  20:14,15.  Jon. 

4:1,9.  Luke  9:54,55. 
r  35,36.   55:23.     Job   20:23—29. 

27:13,&c. 
s  11,22,29.  25:13.    Is.  58:14.  60: 

21.  Heb.  11:16.  Rev.  5:10. 
t  73:18—20,     Job  24:24.     Heb. 

10:37.     1  Pet.  4:7.    Rev.  6:10, 
.   11-  » 

u  35,36.  49:10.    103:16.     Job  7: 

10,21.   14:10.  20:8,9.    Luke  12: 

5M,21.   16:27,28. 
.  X  52:5—7.    58:10,11.     107:42,43. 


1  Sam.   25:38,39.      2  Kings  9: 

25,34—37.       Esth.    7:10.    8:1. 

Is.  14:16—19. 
y   Matt.    5:5.      Gal.    5:22,23.    1 

Tim.  6:11.    Jam.  1:21.  3:13. 
z36:8.  72:7.   119:165.     Is.  26:3. 

48:18.57:18—21.     John  14:27. 

Phil.  4:7, 
a  32.    1  Sam.  18:21.  23:7—9.   2 


Sam.    15:10—12. 

Matt.  26:4,16. 
*   Or,  practiseth. 

24,  Mic.  2:1. 
b  35:16. 


Esth.   3:6. 


Dan.   8:12, 


V.  5 — 8.  'When  thou  hast  any  difficult  business 
'in  hand, ...  or  when  thou  knowest  not  what  course 
'to  take,  for  accomphshing  of  thy  honest  designs; 
'leave  all  to  the  Liord,  and  trust  to  him,  in  pious 
•and  upright  courses,  that  he  will  direct  and  assist 
'thee,  and  bring  things  to  a  good  issue.'  Bp.  Pat- 
rick. {JVotes,  Prov.  3:5,6.  Phil.  4:5—7.)  The 
original  is  "Roll  thy  way,  &c."  [Marg. — Jfotes, 
55:22.  Prov.  16:3.  marg.  1  Pet.  5:5—7.)  The 
Septuagint  render  it  "Reveal  thy  way,  &c.;" 
which  is  very  expressive  of  the  relief  which  the 
believer,  when  burdened  with  trouble  and  anxiety, 
obtains  by  opening  his  case,  and  pouring  out  his 
soul,  before  God  in  fervent  prayers.  [J^otes,  1 
Sam.  1:9 — 16.)  This  may  especially  be  hoped  for 
under  unmerited  calumnies,  which  for  a  while 
darken  the  reputation,  as  mists  and  clouds  obscure 
the  sun;  but  God  will  in  due  time  clear  up  the 
character  of  the  upright,  and  make  it  as  bright  as 
the  noon-day.  [JsTotes,  Is.  54:15—17.  Mic.  7:8— 
10.  Rom.  8:32 — 34.)  Silent  waiting  on  God,  in  pa- 
tience and  confidence,  is  therefore  recommended; 
without  giving  way  either  to  that  uneasiness  and 
agitation,  which  are  generally  felt,  when  the  un- 
godly for  a  while  prosper,  and  run  down  the  con- 
scientious; or  to  eagerness  in  self-vindication: 
and  especially  a  caution  is  given  against  anger 
and  bitterness,  and  an  imitation  of  the  violent 
tempers  and  unjust  measures  of  those  who  are  the 
objects  of  indignation  and  of  envj'.   {Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  9.  (JVofe,  36:12.)— T/ie  earth.^  Or  "the 
land."  He  has  all  that  the  earth  itself  can  sup- 
ply, who  has  food  and  raiment,  and  things  suited 
to  his  station,  with  peace,  contentment,  and  a 
thankful  heart.    {JS'otes,  10,1 1,21,22.  Matt.  5:5.) 

V.  10,  11.  'The  whole  duration  of  the  world  it- 
'self  is  but  "a  little  while,"  in  the  sight  of  him, 
'whose  hope  is  full  of  immortality.  But  the  ca- 
'lamities  and  deaths  of  princes,  the  tragical  fate 
'of  empires  "swept  with  the  besom  of  destruc- 
'tion;"  the  overthrow  of  cities,  ...  whose  place  is 
'now  no  where  to  be  found  by  the  most  curious 
'and  diligent  inquirer,  and  the  desolations  of  the 
'chosen  city  Jerusalem; — all  these  are  even  now 
'sufficient  to  draw  forth  the  tear  of  commise- 
♦ration,  and  to  extinguish  the  kindhng  spark  of 
'envy,  in  every  considerate  mind. — The  meek  ... 
'bear  their  own  adversities,  and  the  prosperity  of 


13  The  Lord  •=  shall  laugh  at  him; 
for  he  seeth  that  ^  his  day  is  coming. 

14  The  wicked  ^have  drawn  out  the 
sword,  and  have  bent  their  bow,  to  cast 
down  the  poor  and  needy,  and  ^  to  slay 
t  such  as  be  of  upright  conversation. 

15  6  Their  sword  shall  enter  into  then' 
own  heart,  and  ^  their  bows  shall  be  bro- 
ken. 

16  'A  little  that  a  righteous  man  hath 
is  better  than  the  riches  of  many  wicked. 

17  For  ''  the  arms  of  the  wicked 
shall  be  broken:  but  '  the  Lord  uphold- 
eth  the  righteous. 

1 8  The  Lord    ■"  knoweth    °  the   days 


c  2:4.     Prov.  1:26.  | 

d  1  Sam.  26:10.  Jer.  50:27.  Ez. 

21:25,29.     Dan.  5:26. 
e  64:2— 6.     Acts  12:2,3,11,23. 
f  1  Sam.  24:11,17.  Prov.  29:10, 

27.     Hab.   1:13.     Matt.  23:30 

—34.  Acts  7:52.     1  John  3:12. 
t  Heb.  the  upright  of  -way. 
g  7:14,15.    35:8.      1  Sam.   31:4. 

2  Sam.    17:23.       Esth.    7:9,10. 

Is.  37:38.     Matt.  27:4,5. 
h  46:9.     76:3—6.     Jer.     1:56. 

Hos.  1:5.  2:18. 


i  Prov.    3:33.     13:25.     15:16,17. 

16:8.     30:9.       Ec.     2:26.     4:6. 

Matt.  6:11.     1  Tim,  6:6, 
k  10:15.     Job   38:15.     Ez.   30: 

21—25. 
1   24.    41:12.    51:12.    63:8.   119: 

116,117.  145:14.    Is.  41:10.  42: 

1.    Jude  24. 
m    1:6.    31:7.      Matt.    6:32.      2 

Tim.  2:19. 
n    13.    31:15.  49:5.      Deut.    33: 

25.     Matt.  24:21—24.     2  Tim. 

3:1—5.  4:2—4.    Rev.  11:3—5. 


'their  enemies,  without  envy,  anger,  or  complaint. 
'  ...  'They,  and  they  only,  possess  the  ...  earth,  as 
'  'they  go  towards  the  kingdom  of  heaven,  by  be- 
'  'ing  humble,  and  cheerful,  and  content  with 
'  'what  their  good  God  has  allotted  them. — They 
'  'have  no  turbulent,  repining  ...  thoughts  that 
'  'they  deserve  better;  ...  but  they  possess  what 
'  'they  have  with  a  meek  and  contented  quietness; 
'  'such  a  quietness,  as  makes  their  very  dreams 
'  'pleasing.' '  Bp.  Home,  and  Walton,  quoted 
by  him.  {P.  O.  149:  J^otes,  149:4.  Is.  29:17—19. 
57:15,16.) — The  meek,  here  spoken  of,  are  not 
those  of  naturally  easy,  quiet,  and  indolent  tem- 
pers; but  such  as  are  rendered  humble,  teacha- 
ble, submissive,  and  gentle,  by  the  special  grace 
of  God:  and  the  abundant  inward  peace  whicli 
he  bestows,  and  which  passes  all  understanding, 
fills  their  souls  with  unspeakable  delight.  {Marg. 
Ref.  y,  z.) 

V.  12 — 15.  The  holiness  and  happiness  of  the 
righteous,  and  the  special  favor  which  God  shews 
them,  excite  the  enmity  and  envy  of  the  wicked. 
Thus  Cain  hated,  and  envied,  and  murdered 
Abel;  {Jfotes,  Gen.  4:1—12.)  thus  Saul,  from  a 
similar  spirit,  plotted  against  David,  and  gnashed 
on  him  with  his  teeth;  and  thus  the  Jewish  rulers 
persecuted  the  holy  Jesus  and  his  disciples. 
{JVote,  35:15,16.)  For  a  while  they  seem  to  pros- 
per; but  the  Lord  despises  their  impotent  mal- 
ice, and  foresees  the  day,  when  they  will  suffer 
the  just  punishment  of  their  crimes;  and  when 
all  their  policy  and  violence  will  only  serve 
to  enhance  their  own  misery.  {J^otes,  2:1 — 6. 
7:12 — 16.)  This  is  the  certain  doom  of  all  im- 
penitent persecutors,  in  proportion  to  their  de- 
liberate enmity  against  the  cause  of  God,  and 
his  image  in  his  humble,  afflicted,  and  upright 
servants. 

V.  16,  17.  Thfi  little,  which  is  allotted  to  the 
righteous,  comes  from  special  covenanted  love, 
and  is  secured  by  faithful  promises;  it  is  given 
in  answer  to  their  prayers,  and  in  the  use  of 
lawful  means;  it  is  received  with  thankfulness, 
and  used  with  temperance  and  charity;  and  being- 
attended  with  a  blessing  it  subserves  the  salvation 
of  their  souls:  and  in  all  these,  and  many  other 
respects,  it  is  far  more  comfortable  and  profitable, 
than  the  ill-gotten  or  aliased  riches  of  ungodly 

[187 


B.  C.  1017. 


PSALM  XXXVII. 


B.  C.  1017. 


of  the    upright;  and    "  their    inheritance 
shall  be  for  ever. 

19  They  shall  not  be  ashamed  Pin 
the  evil  time:  and  i  in  the  days  of  fam- 
ine they  shall  be  satisfied. 

20  But  "■  thie  wicked  shall  perish,  and 
the  enemies  of  the  Lord  shrdl  he.  as  the 
*  fat  of  lambs:  they  shall  consume;  ^  into 
smoke  shall  they  consume  away. 

21  The  wicked  '  borrowcth,  and  pay- 
eth  not  again:  "  but  the  righteous  sheweth 
mercy  and  giveth. 

22  For  such  as  be  ^  blessed  of  him 
shall  inherit  the  earth;  and  they  that  be 
y  cursed  of  him  shall  be  '•  cut  off. 

23  ^  The    steps   of  a  good   man  are 


o    16:11.    21:4.    73:24.     103;17. 

Ie.  60:21.     Rorn.  5:21.  6:23.    1 

Pet.  1:4,5.      1  John  2:25. 
p  Ec.  9:12.     Am.  5:13.    Mic.  2: 

3.     Eph.  5:16. 
q  33:19.     Job  5:20— 2-\     Prov. 

10:3.     Is.  33:16. 
r68:2.   92:9.     Judg.  5:31.  Luke 

13:3,5.     2  Pet.  2:12. 
*  Heb.  preciousness.    Deut.  33: 

14—16. 
s  102:3.     Gen.    19:28.     Lev.  3: 

3—11,16.     Dent.  29:20.    Heb. 

12:29. 
t   Dent.   28:12,-13,44.     2   Kings 


4:1—5.     Neh.   5:1—5.     Prov. 

22:7. 
u  112:5,9.     Deut.  15:9—11.  Job 

31:16—20.     Is.  32:8.  58:7— 10. 

Luke  6:30.    Acts  11:29.  20:35. 

2  Cor.  3:9.  9.6,&c.  Heb.  6:10. 

13:16. 
X  11,13.  32:1.   11.5:15.   128:1. 
y  119:21.     Matt.  2.5:41.      1  Cor. 

16:22.  Gal.  3:10,13. 
z  9,28.  Zech.  5:3,4. 
a  17:5.   85:13.    119:133.   121:3,8. 

1   Sam.    2:9.      Job    23:11,12. 

Prov.  16:9.     Jer.  10:23. 


t  ordered    by    the    Lord:  and  ''  he   de- 
lighteth  in  his  way. 

24  «=  Though  he  fall,  he  shall  not  be 
utterly  cast  down:  '^  for  the  Lord  up- 
holdeth  Am  with  his  hand. 

25  •■  1  have  been  young,  and  7iow  am 
old;  *"  yet  have  I  not  seen  the  righteous 
forsaken,  £  nor  his   seed  begging  bread. 

26  He  is  t  ever  ''  merciful,  and  lend- 
eth;  and  '  his  seed  is  blessed. 

27  ''  Depart  from  evil,  ^  and  do  good; 
and  dwell  for  evermore. 

28  For  the  Lord  "  loveth  judgment, 
and  "  forsaketh  not  his  saints;  they  are 
preserved  for  ever:  °  but  the  seed  of  the 
wicked  shall  be  cut  off. 


t  Or,  established.  40:2.     Prov. 

4:26. 
b  147:10.     Prov.    11:1,20.     Jer. 

9:24.     Heb.  13:16. 
c  91:12.  94:18.     145:14.      Prov. 

24:16.    Mic.  7:7,8.     Luke  2:34. 

22:31,32,60—62. 
d  17.    145:14.     John  10:27—30. 
;    71:9,13.      Job   32:6,7.      Acts 

21:16.      Philem.  8,9. 
f  28.   94:14.     Josh.  1:5.    1  Sam. 

12:22.     2  Cor.  4:9.    Heb.  13:5. 
;  25:13.    109:10.     112:2.     Gen. 

17:7.     Prov.    13:22.      Luke    1: 

53—55. 

Heb.  all  the  day. 
1  21.  112:5,9.   Deut.  15:9.  Matt. 


5:7.  Luke  6:35—38. 
i  Prov.  20:7.     Jer.  32:39. 
k  34:14.     Job  28:28.     Prov.  16: 

6,17.     Is.    1:16.17.     2  Tim.   2: 

19.     Tit.  2:11— 14. 
1  3.    1  Thes.  5:15.     Tit.  3:8,14. 

Heb.   13:16,21.     1  John  2:16, 

17. 
m  11:7.  45:6,7.    99:4.     Is.  61:8. 

Jer.  9:24. 
n  25,40.    92:13—15.     Is.    59:21. 

Jer.    32:40,41.      John   5:24.  6: 

39,40.    10:23—30.   15:9.  1  John 

2:19.     Jude   1. 
o  21:10.     Ex.  20:5.     Jobl8:l<>. 

27:14.     Prov.  2:22.     Is.   14:20. 

21. 


men:  {M)tes,  Prov.  30:7—9.  Matt.  6:11.  1  Tim. 
6:6 — 10.)  for  their  prosperity  and  power  will  soon 
become  useless  as  a  broken  bow;  while  God  him- 
self protects  and  supports  the  righteous. — 'The 
*g:reat  question  is,  whether  he  be  with  us,  or 
'against  us;  and  the  great  misfortune  is,  that  this 
'question  is  seldom  asked.'     Bp.  Home. 

V.  IS,  19.  God  knows  what  things  his  children 
need,  what  dangers  and  enemies  await  them,  and 
what  sorrows  they  endure:  he  is  omnipotent  and 
all-sufficient;  and  it  is  "his  good  pleasure  to  give 
them  the  kingdom,"  the  eternal  inheritance;  so 
that  he  will  never  leave  them  to  want  any  thing 
really  good  for  them  by  the  waj',  however  dis- 
tressing the  times  may  be  in  which  the}-  live;  nor 
will  he  suffer  them  to  be  ashamed  of  their  confi- 
dence in  him.  [J^otes,  1:4—6.  Matt.  6:25—32. 
Lnfce  12:22—34.) 

V.  20.  Fat  of  lambs.]  As  the  fat  of  the  sac- 
rifices wajs  consumed  on  the  altar  by  the  fire, 
(which  was  a  type  of  God's  righteous  vengeance 
upon  sinners,)  till  it  vanished  into  smoke;  so  the 
wicked  will  be  the  sacrifices  to  God's  justice, 
and  be  destroyed  by  the  fire  of  his  indignation. 
(JVote,  Gen.  4:3-5.) 

V.  21,  22.  The  wicked,  though  for  a  while 
prosperous,  would  soon  be  reduced,  by  the  secret 
curse  of  God  on  his  affairs,  to  borrow;  and  be 
disabled  from  paying,  as  well  as  careless  about 
it:  but  the  righteous  would  be  rendered  able  to 
gratifj'  his  inclination  in  acts  of  liberal  mercy, 
through  the  divine  blessing,  and  the  promise 
which  secured  to  him  the  inheritance  of  the  land. 
— This  more  especially  referred  to  the  Israelites 
in  Canaan;  yet  the  same  blessing  and  curse,  even 
in  temporal  things,  are  still  often  experienced 
and  observed.  {JS'otes,  Deut.  28:3—14,43,44. 
P}-ov.  22:7.) 

V.  23,  24.  Our  translators  here  insert  the 
word  good;  and  no  doubt  the  pious  man,  the  true 
believer,  is  exclusively  meant. — God  directs, 
counsels,  and  supports  his  steps;  and  he  delights 
in  his  holy  conversation,  and  the  fruits  of  bis  own 
Spirit,  which  are  through  Christ  well  pleasing  to 
188T 


him.  {J\rofcs,  147:10,11.  1  Sam.  2:9.  Jer.  9:23, 
24.  Zcph.  3:14—20.  Phil.  4:14—20.  Heb.  13: 
15,16.) — A  good  man  may  fall  through  tempta- 
tion, as  David  had  done  in  a  most  deplorable 
manner:  but  he  shall  not  be  cast  down  to  rise  no 
more,  as  hypocrites  are,  or  be  a  castaway,  one 
finally  rejected  by  God;  because  God  himself 
upholds  him  by  his  mighty  power.  [Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  25,  26.  There  is  not  indeed  an  absolute 
promise  in  scripture  that  no  righteous  man  shall 
ever  want  bread,  or  his  seed  become  beggars: 
but  the  Psalmist  had  never,  during  a  long  course 
of  observation,  known  an  instance  of  the  kind. 
It  is,  no  doubt,  a  very  rare  case  in  any  age,  but 
was  peculiarly  so  under  the  Mosaic  dispensation. 
— Yet  times  of  persecution  seem  excepted  from 
general  rules  concerning  temporal  things,  hav- 
ing so  many  particular  promises  relating  to  them: 
and  we  cannot  tell  how  it  may  please  our  wise 
and  righfjeous  God  for  our  gooci,  to  try  our  faith 
and  patience,  or  to  remove  us  out  of  this  world; 
or  how  he  may  see  good  to  dispose  of  our  posteri- 
ty. But  in  general  the  godly  man  will  best  se- 
cure himself  and  his  children  from  want:  and 
that  genuine  liberality  to  the  poor,  in  giving  or 
lending,  according  as  circumstances  may  require, 
which  men  think  will  impoverish  their  families, 
is  in  fact  by  far  the  best  way  of  laying  up  a  pro- 
vision for  them.  (JVofe*,  112:5 — 10.  Prov. 
11:24—26.   13:22,23.   19:17.  Ec.  11:1—6.) 

V.  27,  28.  This  general  counsel  for  present 
and  future  happiness  is  here  again  inculcated, 
(JVbie,  34:11 — 14.)  in  a  manner  which  shews,  that 
none  but  the  saints,  the  regenerate  and  believing 
who  have  obtained  mercy,  do  thus  "depart  from 
evil  and  do  good:"  and  the  final  preservation  of 
the  saints  is  most  expressly  maintained,  and 
grounded  on  the  Lord's  love  of  judgment,  and 
faithfulness  to  his  promises. — Some  think  this 
doctrine  is  to  be  found  no  where,  except  in  St. 
Paul's  epistles;  and  then  they  endeavor  to  explain 
away  his  language:  but  not  one  sentence  in  his 
writings  is  more  explicit,  than  this  declaration 
of  the  inspired  Psalmist.     {J^ote,  1  Pet.  1:3—5.) 


B.  C.  1017. 


PSALM  XXXVII. 


B.  C.  1017. 


29  P  The  righteous  shall  inherit  the 
land,  and  dwell  therein  for  ever. 

30  1  The  mouth  of  the  righteous 
speaketh  wisdom,  and  his  tongue  talketh 
of  judgment. 

31  'The  law  of  his  God  is  in  his 
heart;  ^  none    of  his  *  steps  shall   slide. 

32  The  wicked  ^  watcheth  the  right- 
eous, and  seeketh  to  slay  him. 

33  The  Lord  "  will  not  leave  him  in 
his  hand,  ^  nor  condemn  him  when  he  is 
judged. 

34  y  Wait  on  the  Lord,  and  ^  keep 
his  way,  and  he  shall  ^  exalt  thee  to  in- 
herit the  land:  '^when  the  wicked  are 
cut  off,  thou  shalt  see  it. 

35  "  I  have   seen  the  wicked  in  great 


p  9,11,18,27.  Deut.  30:20.  Prov. 

2:21.     2  Pet.  3:13.    Rev.  21:3, 

4,7. 
q  71:15,24.  Deut.  6:7—9.  Prov. 

10:21,31.   15:7.    25:11  —  13.  27: 

9.      Malt.    fi:35.     Eph.  4:29. 

Col.  't:6. 
r  1:2.  40:3.  119:11.  Deut.  11:18 

—20.      Prov.    55:4.      Is.   51:7. 

Jer.  31:33.     Heb.  8:10. 
s23.   121:3. 
*  Or,  goings.  40:2. 
t    12.      10:8—10.      Jer.    20:10. 

Luke  6:7.     11:54.     14:1.   19:47, 


48.   110:20.       Acts  9:24. 
u  31:7,8.     124:6,7.     1   Sam.  23: 

26—28.     2  Tim.  4:17.     2  Pet. 

2:9. 
X  109:31.      Rom.   8:1,33,34. 
y  3,9.  27:14.   Prov.  20:22. 
z  Job  17:9.  23:10—12.   Prov.  4: 

25—27.     16:17.    Matt.  24:13. 
a  92:10.   112:9.     Luke  14:11.     1 

Pet.  1:7.  5:6. 
b  52:5,6.  91:8.  92:11. 
c  73:3 — 11.     Esth.    5:11.     Job 

5:3.  21:7—17. 


V.  29—31.  {JSTotes,  9— II.)— "The  righteous 
man,  whose  mouth  speaketh  wisdom,  whose 
tongue  talketh  of  judgment,  and  in  whose  heart 
is  the  law  of  his  God,  shall  not  slide  in  any  of  his 
steps."  Thus  some  render  these  verses,  which 
strongly  mark  the  character  of  those  saints,  "who 
are  p'reserved  for  ever."  {J^otes,  40:6—8.  Jer. 
31:33,34.  Rom.  7:22— 25.)— Wise  and  pious  con- 
versation, when  it  comes  from  the  abundance  of 
the  heart,  and  is  enforced  by  a  holy  example,  is 
one  grand  means  of  communicating  the  savor  of 
divine  truth  around,  in  families  and  neighbor- 
hoods, and  of  transmitting  it  to  posterity.  {J^otes, 
71-13- 15,22— 24.  Prov.  10:20,21.  15:7.  25:11,12. 
Jlatt.  12:.33— 37.  Jam.  3:3—12.  P.  O.  1—12.) 

V.  32,  33.  In  general,  God  will  defend  his 
servants  against  the  designs  of  wicked  men, 
when,  under  color  of  law,  they  seek  to  murder 
them  by  a  judicial  process:  and  in  those  cases  in 
which  he,  for  wise  reasons,  allows  persecutors  to 
))rosper;  he  will  finally  rescue  the  persecuted 
from  their  malice,  and  openly  reverse  their  un- 
righteous decisions. — The  wicked  one,  "the  ac- 
cuser of  the  brethren,"  will  in  like  manner  be 
baffled  and  silenced.     {Jfotes,  5—8,12—15.  Rom. 

g.30 39.  \ 

V.  34.  'The  apostle,  writing  to  the  Hebrew 
'converts,  under  affliction  and  persecution,  thus 
'expresseth  the  sentiment  contained  in  this  verse; 
'  "Cast  not  away  your  confidence,  which  hath 
'great  recompense  of  reward:  for  ye  have  need 
'of  patience,  that  after  ye  have  done  the  will  of 
'God  ye  might  receive  "the  promise.  For  yet  a 
'little  while,  and  he  that  shall  come,  will  come 
'and  will  not  tarry."  Heb.  10:35—37.'  Bp. 
Home.  {J^otes,  Job  17:8,9.  23:8—12.  Prov.  4: 
23—27.) 

V.  35,  36.  The  text  of  our  trLiaslation  gives, 
as  the  emblem  of  a  wicked  man's  prosperit)' ,  an 
ever-green,  flourishing  and  beautiful  to  look 
upon,  but  bearing  no  fruit,  or  only  such  as  is  poi- 
sonous. But  most  expositors  suppose  that  a  tree, 
growing  in  its  native  soil  and  never  transplanted, 
is  meant:  and  in  these  circumstances,  trees  ac- 
quire their  largest  and  most  luxuriant  growth. 


power,    and   spreading  himself  like   t  a 
green  bay-tree. 

36  Yet  ^  he  passed  away,  and,  lo,  he 
ivas  not:  yea,  I  sought  him,  but  he  could 
not  be  found. 

37  "^  Mark  the  perfect  man,  and  be- 
hold the  upright:  for  the  end  of  that  man 
is  peace. 

38  But  ^  the  transgressors  shall  be 
destroyed  together;  the  end  of  the  wick- 
ed shall  be  cut  off. 

39  But  s  the  salvation  of  the  righteous 
is  of  the  Lord,  he  is  ''their  Strength  in 
the  time  of  trouble. 

40  And  '  the  Lord  shall  help  them, 
and  deliver  them;  he  shall  dehver  them 
^  from  the  wicked,  and  save  them,  '  be- 
cause they  trust  in  him 


t  Or,  o  green  tree  that  groweth 

in  his  o-wn  soil.    Job  8:13— 19. 

Ez.  31:6—10,18.      Dan.   4:20, 

&c. 
d  .See   on   10.— Ex.   15:9,10,19. 

Is.    10:lfr— 19,33,34.     Acts  12: 

22,23. 
eJobl:l.  42:12— 17.     Is.  32:17. 

57:2.       Luke  2:25—29.      Acts 

7:59,60.  2  Tim.  4:6—8.  2  Pet. 

1:14. 


f  l:4_6.  9:17.  52:5.     Prov.  14: 

32.     Matt.    13:49,50.  25:46.    2 

Thes.  1:8,9. 
g  3:8.  Is.  12:2.    Jon.  2:9.     Eph. 

2:8. 
h   9:9.    46:1.    91:15.     Is.   33.2. 

Col.  1:11.     2  Tim.  4:17. 
i  Is.  31:5.  46:4. 
k   17:13.  27:2.      1  John  2:13,14. 

5:18. 
1  22:4,5.      1  Chr.  5:20. 


(J\larg.)— Thus  Saul,  Doeg,  and  Ahithophel,  m 
David's  time,  had  flourished;  and  thus  they  had 
vanished.— The  vision  of  Nebuchadnezzar,  and 
Daniel's  interpretation,  form  a  striking  ilfustra- 
tion  of  these  verses.  (J^otes,  Dan.  4:1—33.)  '1 
'looked  about  me  to  see  what  was  become  of  him, 
'and  whether  he  might  not  be  removed  (as  a  tree 
'sometimes  is,)  to  another  place,  but  there  was 
'no  such  man  ...to  be  found.'  BjJ.  Patrick- 
(JVofes,  Jo6.  5:3— 5.   18:5—21.) 

V.  37,  38.  He  that  patiently  and  accurately 
observes  the  dealings  of  God  with  his  upright, 
consistent,  and  faithful  servants,  will  find,  that 
whatever  trials,  temptations,  and  disquietudes 
they  have  during  a  great  part  of  their  hves,  then- 
closing  scene  is  tranquil  and  comfortable;  and 
that  there  are  very  few  exceptions  to  this  gene- 
ral rule.  But  a  contrary  and  dreadful  end, 
sooner  or  later,  awaits  all  tlie  ungodly.     {Marg. 

v.  39,  40.  Marg.  Ref.—J^otes,  Eph.  2:4—10. 
2  Tim.  4:16—18.  Tit.  2:11—14. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

It  is  of  vast  importance  to  understand  the  pres- 
ent and  future  condition  of  the  righteous  and  the 
wicked,  that  we  may  know  what  to  choose  and 
to  expect.  The  workers  of  iniquity,  who  cast 
off  the  fear  of  God,  to  follow  their  own  corrupt 
inclinations;  and  who  are  fraudulent,  covetous, 
sensual,  or  profane;  who  "plot  against  the  right- 
eous, gnashing  upon  them  with  their  teeth,"  and 
using  their  power  and  subtlety  to  oppress,  ruin, 
and  murder  the  poor:  even  such  monsters  of 
wickedness  often  prosper  for  a  time,  succeed  in 
their  projects,  flourish  in  wealth,  pomp,  and 
mirth,  and  seem  to  enjoy  happiness.  [JVote,  Job 
21:7 — 16.)  But  their  "flourishing  resembles  that 
of  the  grass,  and  they  will  be  soon  cut  down  and 
withered:  shortly  they  will  be  no  more  found  on 
earth;  into  heaven  they  cannot  enter;  hell  alone 
remains  for  them,  where  they  will  for  ever  be 
sacrifices  to  the  righteous  vengeance  of  their  of- 
fended God.  Then  their  power  of  doing  mis- 
chief will    be   at  an   end,    and    their  injurious 

[189 


B.  C.  1021 


PSALM  XXXVIII. 


B.  C.  1021. 


PSALM  XXXVIIL 

the  Psalmist  deprecates  the  wrath  of  God,  and  describes  the 
sufferings  to  which  his  sins  had  exposed  him,  1 — lO.  He  com- 
plains that  his  friends  deserted  him,  %vhile  persecuted  by  his 
foes,  1),  12.  He  resigns  himself  to  God,  and  hopes  in  him; 
while  he  confesses  his  sins,  shews  the  character  of  his  ene- 
mies, and  pleads  for  deliverajice,  13 — 22. 


swords  will  pierce  their  own  souls,  with  inex- 
pressible anguish.  As  they  are  now  under  the 
wrath  and  carse  of  the  Almighty,  their  plenty 
and  prosperity  only  pamper  them  for  destruction; 
and  the  wealth  which  they  leave  behind  them 
proves  a  snare,  and  often  a  curse,  to  their  pos- 
terity; while  terrors  of  conscience,  dread  of 
death,  and  furious  passions,  mar  their  precarious 
enjoyments,  and  give  tliem  a  sad  foretaste  of  the 
wrath  to  come.  Who  that  believes  these  things, 
can  envy  them,  or  fret  themselves  at  beholding 
their  success  and  magnificence;  while,  like  the 
heathen  sacrifices,  they  are  led  to  the  slaughter, 
adorned  with  gaudy  ribands,  and  accompanied 
with  the  viol,  the  song,  and  the  dance? — But  the 
righteous  bear  another  character,  meet  with  oth- 
er treatment,  have  other  supports,  and  will  ex- 
perience a  contrary  end.  They  "trust  in  the 
Lord,"  walk  in  his  ordinances  and  command- 
ments, and  imitate  him  who  went  about  doing 
good  to  the  bodies  and  souls  of  men.  They  de- 
light in  the  favor  and  service  of  God,  and  expect 
their  happiness  from  him;  the  leading  desires  of 
their  hearts  are  after  communion  with  him,  and 
conformity  to  him,  and  to  be  instrumental  to  his 
glory;  they  follow  after  meekness,  humility,  and 
a  blameless  conversation;  they  are  upright  and 
sincere;  and  though  often  poor  and  needy,  they 
spare  from  other  expenses  a  portion,  to  lend  and 
give,  as  occasion  requires.  Their  mouth  will  be 
speaking  of  wisdom,  and  their  tongue  will  be 
talking  of  judgment:  and  this  springs  from  the 
abundance  of  the  heart,  in  which  the  law  of  God 
is  written;  and  comports  with  the  actions  of  their 
lives  which  are  ordered  in  his  ways.  Their  sal- 
vation is  from  the  Lord,  and  reigns  within;  and 
it  appears  that  they  are  accepted  through  the 
merits  of  Christ,  because  they  are  partakers  of 
his  Spirit,  and  bring  forth  "the  fruits  of  the  Spir- 
it."— Yet  must  such  Christians  expect  tribula- 
tion in  the  world.  They  are  not  exempted  from 
the  common  afflictions  of  life,  or  pampered  with 
worldly  prosperity;  their  heavenly  Father  does 
not  withhold  from  them  salutary  correction;  the 
world  hates  and  despises  them;  calumnies,  re- 
proaches, and  persecutions  are  their  usual  por- 
tion: while  some  have  been  constrained  to  wan- 
der in  dens  and  caves,  others  ("of  whom  the 
world  was  not  worthy,")  have  been  immured  in 
prisons,  and  tortured  to  death.  In  general  they 
are  a  poor  and  afflicted  people,  and  Satan  dis- 
tresses, as  much  as  he  can,  those  whom  he  is  not 
able  to  deceive,  defile,  or  destroy:  their  endeav- 
ors to  do  good  are  often  unsuccessful,  and  in- 
gratitude proves  their  only  recompense.  They 
therefore  have  need  of  faith  and  patience,  of  hope 
and  love:  but,  observing  the  directions  and 
pleading  the  promises  of  God,  they  find  inward 
comfort  to  counterbalance  their  outward  trials. 
He  will  maintain  their  lot,  and  supply  their 
wants:  vrtiatever  they  lose  for  conscience'  sake, 
"verily  they  shall  be  fed:"  and  food  and  raiment 
here,  with  heaven  at  last,  is  a  goodly  portion. — 
The  Lord  will  also  vindicate  their  characters, 
and  give  them  peace  of  conscience:  when  he 
sees  good,  their  enemies  shall  be  at  peace  with 
them;  and  they  shall  enjoy  more  content,  than  if 
they  actually  inherited  the  earth,  and  shall  de- 
light themselves  in  the  abundance  of  peace:  for 
their  little  shall  be  better,  than  the  riches  of  many 
190] 


A  Psalm  of  David,  *  to  bring  to  remem- 
brance. 
OLoRD,    ^  rebuke    me    not    in    thy 
wrath;  neither  chasten  me   in  thy 
*^  hot  displeasure. 

a  70;  title. 

b  6:1.  88:7,]5,16.     Is.  27:8.  54: 


8.  Jer.    10:24.    30:11.     Hab. 


I    3:2.     Heb.  12:5—11. 
c  Deut.  9:19. 


wicked.  The  Lord  himself  will  uphold  and  pro- 
tect them:  he  knows  their  days  and  will  proportion  ' 
their  strength  and  comfort,  and  in  no  evil  time 
shall  they  be  ashamed  of  their  confidence;  for 
"they  are  the  blessed  of  the  Lord,  and  their 
children  with  them."  He  orders  their  steps  and 
delights  in  their  way;  if  they  fall  under  tempta- 
tion, they  shall  not  be  utterly  cast  down;  if  into 
trouble,  he  will  not  leave  them  to  sink  under  it. 
Their  work  of  faith,  and  labor  and  liberality  of 
love,  instead  of  impoverishing  them,  shall  lay  up 
an  inheritance  for  their  children;  and  few  accu- 
rate observers  of  mankind  have  known  the  con- 
sistent believer,  or  his  children,  reduced  to  ab- 
ject, friendless  penury.  In  short,  the  Lord, 
having  separated  his  people  from  the  world,  and 
taught  them  to  love  righteousness  and  judgment, 
will  preserve  them  for  ever;  and  however  they 
may  be  slandered,  tempted,  or  persecuted  by  the 
way,  their  end  shall  be  serene  and  happy:  they 
shall  have  hope  in  their  death,  and  be  better 
spoken  of  afterwards,  than  during  their  lives;  and 
while  they  enjoy  their  everlasting  inheritance, 
they  will  witness  the  destruction  of  all  impenitent 
transgressors.  Even  in  this  world  it  is  evident, 
that  the  afflicted  righteous  man  is  far  happier 
than  the  most  prosperous  of  the  wicked. — Let 
sinners  then  be  counselled  to  "depart  from  evil, 
and  to  do  good;"  to  repent,  and  forsake  sin,  to 
trust  in  the  mercy  of  God  through  Jesus  Christ, 
and  take  his  yoke  upon  them,  and  learn  of  him, 
that  they  may  dwell  for  evermore  in  heaven. 
Let  us  all  watch  against  impatience,  envy,  and 
despondency,  and  look  more  to  the  wretched  end 
of  wicked  men,  than  to  their  present  state;  com- 
mitting all  we  are,  and  have,  and  do,  to  the 
Lord's  disposal,  being  assured  that  he  will  order 
that  which  is  best  for  us.  Let  us  cease  from 
wrath  and  contention,  which  are  sure  inlets  to 
evil  doing;  and  wait  for  and  on  the  Lord,  and 
keep  his  way,  without  wearying  or  turning  aside: 
let  us  endeavor  to  give  energy  to  edifying  con- 
versation, by  holy  living:  let  us  mark  the  closing 
scenes  of  different  characters;  and  thus  keeping 
our  eyes  fixed  on  eternal  things,  and  our  de- 
pendence on  God's  mercy,  we  may  pass  safely 
and  comfortably  tlirough  this  dangerous  and 
miserable  life;  meet  death  with  composure;  and 
have  "an  entrance  ministered  to  us  abundantly 
into  the  everlasting  kingdom  of  our  Lord  and 
Savior,  Jesus  Christ."  " 

NOTES. 
Psalm  XXXVIII.  Title.  Either  the  Psalm- 
ist, under  his  affliction,  composed  this  psalm  to 
assist  him  in  recollecting  his  sins,  or  in  calling 
upon  God  to  remember  his  distress;  or  he  desir- 
ed to  remember  as  long  as  he  lived,  and  wished 
to  remind  others,  how  he  had  suffered  for  his  sins, 
and  what  his  sentiments  and  sensations  had  been 
whilst  enduring  correction. — It  is  the  third  of 
those  which  are  called  penitential  psalms;  and 
describes  among  the  Psalmist's  other  trials  some 
grievous  dise-.-ses,  with  which  he  was  visited  for 
his  sins;  or,  as  some  think,  his  inward  trials  were 
represented  by  language,  taken  from  enfeebling 
and  loathsome  sickness.  It  is  probable,  that  the 
calamities  which  befel  David,  after  his  sin  in  ro- 
spect  of  Bathsheba  and  Uriah,  gave  occasion  to 
the  doleful  complaints  contained  in  it.  {JNotes, 
6:  32:) 


B.  C.  1021. 


PSALM  XXXVIII. 


B.  C.  1021 


2  For  ^  thine  arrows  stick  fast  in  me, 
and  ^  thy  hand  presseth  me  sore. 

3  There  is  ^  no  soundness  in  my  flesh, 
because  of  thine  anger;  ^  neither  is  there 
any  *  rest  in  my  bones,  ^  because  of  my 
sin. 

4  For  '  mine  iniquities  are  gone  over 
mine  head:  ^  as  an  heavy  burden  they  are 
loo  heavy  for  me. 

5  '  My  wounds  stink  and  are  corrupt, 
because  of  ray  fooHshness. 

6  I  am  f  troubled;  ""  I  am  bowed 
down  greatly;  °  I  go  mourning  all  the 
day  long. 

7  For  "  my  loins  are  filled  with  a 
loathsome  disease;  and  there  is  no  sound- 
ness in  my  flesh. 

8  I  am  feeble  and  sore  broken:  p  I 
have  roared  by  reason  of  the  disquiet- 
ness  of  my  heart. 

9  Lord,  all   my  desire  is  before  thee; 


d  21:12.  64:7.     Job  6:4.     Lam. 

3:12. 
e    32:4.    39:10,11.     Deut.    2:15. 

Ruth  1:13.   1  Sam.  5:6,11.  6:9. 
f31:9.     2Chr.  26:19.     Job  2:7, 

8.  33:19—22.     Is.  1:5,6. 
g  6:2.  51:8.   102:3,5. 
*  Heb.  peace,  or,  health, 
h  90:7,8.     Lam.  3:40—42. 
i  40:12.     Ezra  9:6. 
kLev.  7:18.     Is.  53:11.     Lam. 


1:14.  Matt.  11:28.    1  Pet 
1  7.  32:3.     Is.  1:5,6.     Jer. 
f  Heb.  -wearied. 
m   35:14.    42:5.     Marg. 

145:14. 
n  6:6.    31:10.  42:9.     43:2. 

Job  30:28.    Is.  38:14. 
o41:8.     2  Chr.    21:18,19. 

7:5.  30:18.     Acts  12:23. 
p  22:1,2.  32:3.    Job  3:24. 

Is.  59:11. 


2:24. 
8:22. 

57:6. 

88:9. 

Job 

30:28. 


V.  1,2.  Arrows.  (2)  Acute  pains,  anguish 
of  spirit,  and  sharp  sufferings  of  any  kind,  are 
spoken  of  under  the  figure  of  barbed  arrows, 
which  fasten  and  rankle  in  the  flesh,  and  cannot 
be  extracted  without  the  most  exquisite  torture. 
{JIarg.  Ref.) 

V.  3.  Soundness.']  Some  understand  this 
clause  to  mean,  that  disease  had  so  altered  the 
Psalmist,  as  scarcely  to  leave  him  the  form  or 
appearance  of  a  human  being.  (cA^ofes,  30:2.  41: 
4—8.  Job  2:1,8.  19:5—22.  30:15—19.  Is.  1:5,6.) 
Whatever  allusion  may  be  made,  in  this  passage, 
either  to  the  depravity  of  human  nature,  or  to 
the  prevalence  of  sin,  or  to  the  anguish  of  the 
soul  under  a  sense  of  divine  wrath;  it  seems  evi- 
dent, that  the  writer  was  visited  with  some  dire 
malady,  which  affected  his  whole  frame  in  the 
most  distressing  manner;  and  that  he  considered 
this  as  the  chastisement  of  God,  for  some  partic- 
ular sins  of  which  his  conscience  accused  him. 

V.  4.  David's  iniquities,  like  the  numberless 
drops  of  rain,  which  form  a  deluge,  had  been  so 
multiplied,  that  they  overwhelmed  him;  as  waters 
which  rise  above  a  man's  head,  so  that  he  can  no 
longer  stand  against  or  escape  them.  And  as  he 
felt,  that  the  temporal  consequences  of  his  crimes 
were  so  distressing,  and  oppressed  him  beyond 
endurance;  so  he  seems  to  have  been  convinced, 
that  the  burden  or  guilt  of  them  was  far  too  heavy 
for  him  to  endure,  without  finally  sinking  under 
it. — What  then  was  that  load  of  guilt  and  punish- 
ment, which  Christ  sustained,  when  "•the  Lord 
caused  to  meet  on  him  the  iniquities  of  us  all;" 
and  when  "he  bare  our  sins,  in  his  own  body  on 
the  tree!"  Yet  he,  as  Emmanuel,  was  able  to 
endure  the  burden,  and  to  remove  it  for  ever  from 
his  people!     [JSTotes,  40:1 1,12.  Is.  53:4—12.) 

V.  5.  Some  accommodate  this  verse  to  the 
case  of  those,  who,  having  been  wounded  in  their 
conflict  with  sin  and  Satan,  foolishly  delay  sub- 
mission, repentance,  and  application  to  the  aton- 
ing blood  of  Christ,  through  pride,  and  unbelief; 


and  1  my  groaning  is  not  hid  from  thee. 

10  ''My  heart  panteth,  my  strength 
faileth  me:  as  for  Hhe  hght  of  mine 
eyes,  it  also  is  t  gone  from  me. 

1 1  *  My  lovers  and  my  friends  "  stand 
aloof  from  my  {  sore;  and  my  II  kinsmen 
stand  *  afar  off". 

12  They  also  that  seek  after  my  life 
y  lay  snares  for  me;  and  they  that  seek 
my  hurt  ^  speak  mischievous  things,  and 
imagine  deceits  all  the  day  long. 

13  .But  *I,  as  a  deaf  ynaw,  heard  not; 
and  /  was  as  a  dumb  man  that  openeth 
not  his  mouth. 

14  Thus  I  was  as  a  man  ^that  hear- 
eth  not,  and  in  whose  mouth  are  no  re- 
proofs. 

15  For  ^in  thee,  O  Lord,  <=  do  I 
hope:  thou  wilt  **  hear,  O  Lord  my 
God. 


q   102:5,20.      Rom.  8:22,23,26, 

27.     2  Cor.  5:2. 
r  42:1.    119:81—83.     143:4—7. 

Is.  21:4. 
s6:7.  69:3.  119:123.  1  Sam.  14: 

27—29.  Lam.  2:11. 
J  Heb.  not  viith  ine. 
t  31:11.     Job  6:21— 23.    19:13— 

17.     John  16:32. 
u  Luke  10:31,32. 
$  Heb.   stroke. 
II  Or,  neighbors. 
X  Luke  22:54.  23:49. 


I  y  10:9.  64:2—5.  119:110.  140:5. 

141:9.     2  Sam.  17:1—3.    Luke 

20:19,20. 
z  35:20.  62:3,4.     2  Sam.  16:7,8. 

Luke  20:21,22. 
a  39:2,9.    2  Sam.  16:10—12.  Is. 

53:7.     1  Pet.  2:23. 
b  Am.  5:13.      Mic.  7:5.     Mark 

15:3—5.     John  8:6. 
IT  Or,  thee  do  I-waitfor. 
c  39:7.   123:1—3. 
**  Or,  ansvier.  138:3. 


while  their  souls  are  growing  more  and  more  dis- 
eased and  wretched,  and  their  case  more  and 
more  deplorable  and  disgraceful.  (JVbfes,  32:3 — 
5.  Jer.  8:21,22.) 

V.  6—10.  [JSTotes,  3,5.  6:6,7.  22:1,2.  31:10—13. 
88:1—9.  102:3—11.  107;17— 22.  Is.  38:9—15. 
Matt.  26:36— 39.)— 'But  why  do  I  ...  make  such 
'a  particular  enumeration  of  my  sufferings.-"  Thou, 
'Lord,  understandest,  what  I  want  and  what  1 
'would  have.  Though  I  should  say  never  a  word, 
'all  my  miseries,  and  the  sighs  they  have  cost  me, 
'are  not  unknown  to  thee.  Thou  seest  the  great 
'agitation  of  my  mind,  which  wanders  up  and 
'down  in  restless  thought,  but  all  to  no  purpose; 
'for  m}'  strength  hath  forsaken  me:  the  light  of 
'my  eyes  is  so  weak,  that  I  can  scarce  make  any 
'use  of  them.'  Bp.  Patrick.  (JVb<e*,  69:1— 3. 119: 
81,82.) 

V.  11,  12.  Cowardice,  pride,  and  selfishness, 
caused  David's  friends  and  acquaintance  to  keep 
at  a  distance,  during  his  afflictions;  lest  they 
should  share  his  disgrace  and  danger,  or  be  put 
to  expense  or  inconvenience:  but  his  enemies 
were  emboldened  in  forming  plans  to  accomplish 
his  destruction. — These  particulars  were  still 
more  emphatically  verified,  in  the  sufferings  of 
the  Son  of  David.  {JIarg.  Re/.—JVotes,  41:9. 
69:8,9.  88:6—9.  Job  6:15—23.  Luke  10:30—37. 
John  16:31—33.) 

V.  13,  14.  David,  in  the  patience  and  meek- 
ness, with  which  he  endured  his  complicated  suf- 
ferings, was  a  type  of  him,  who,  "when  he  was  re- 
viled, reviled  not  again:"  but  David's  troublesi 
were  the  chastisement,  and  part  of  them  seem  to 
have  been  the  consequences,  of  his  transgression.?; 
whereas  Christ  suffered  for  our  sins,  and  ours 
alone.  {JSTotes,  Is.  53:4—7.  Jlatt.  27:11—18. 
1  Pet.  2:18—25.) 

y.  15.  The  translation  of  the  last  clause  of 
this  verse,  in  the  book  of  common  prayer,  con- 
tains an  important  instruction:  "Thou  shalt  an- 
swer for  me,  O  Lord,  my  God."    [Marg.)   Thus 

[191 


B.  C.  1021. 


PSALM  xxxvm. 


B.  C.  102L 


16  '^  For  I  said,  Hear  me,  lest  other- 
wise they  should  rejoice  over  me:  when 
^  my  foot  slippeth,  they  magnify  them- 
selves against  me. 

17  For  I  am  ready  *  to  halt,  and  "^my 
sorrow  is  continually  before  me. 

18  For  s  I  will  declare  mine  iniquity; 
I  will  be  ^  sorry  for  my  sin. 

19  But  'mine    enemies    '^  are    lively, 


d  13:3,4.  35:24—26. 

e  94:18.      Deut.   32:35. 

*    Heb.    for     halting.      35:15. 

niarg.    Mic.  4:6,7. 
f  6.  6:6.  77:3,3.     Is.  53:3—5.  ' 


g  32:5.  51:3.     Job  31:33.  33:27. 

Prov.  28:13. 
h  2  Cor.  7:9—11. 
131.  25:19.  56:1,2.  59:1—3. 
t  Heb.  being  living  are  strong. 


and   they    are    strong,    and  ^  they    that 
hate  me  wrongfully  are  multiplied. 

20  They  also  '  that  render  evil  for 
good  are  mine  adversaries;  ™  because  I 
follow  the  thing  thai  good  is. 

21  Forsake  me  not,  O  Lord:  "  O  my 
God,  be  not  far  from  me. 

22  "  Make  haste  t  to  help  me,  p  O 
LoKD  my  Salvation. 


k   35:19.     69:4.      Matt.     10:22. 

John    15:18—25.     Acts  4:25— 

28. 
1  7:4.  35:12.   109:3—5.      1  Sam. 

19:4—6.  23:5,12.  25:16,21.  Jer. 

18:20. 
ra  Matt.  5:10.     John   10:32.    1 


Pet.  3:17,18.  4:14—16.   iJohn 

3:12. 
n  22:1,11,19,24.  35:21,22. 
o  40:3,17.  70:1,5.    71:12.    141:1. 
t  Heb.  for  my  help. 
p  27:1.  62:2,6.     Is.  12:2. 


Christ  was  silent  before  his  false  accusers  and  un- 
just judges,  and  "committed  himself  to  Him  that 
judgeth  righteoasty." 

V.  16 — 18.  It  was  evident,  that  the  enemies 
of  David  were  ungodly  men,  who  would  rejoice 
in  his  falls  and  calamities,  from  dislike,  not  to  his 
sins,  but  to  his  religion:  the  honor  of  God  was 
therefore  concerned  to  confound  and  silence  them; 
and  consequently  to  uphold  his  servant,  notwith- 
standing that  he  was  conscious  of  his  weakness 
and  unworthiness.  [J^Totes,  13:1 — 4.  35:15,16.  Jer. 
20:10 — 13.)  This  consciousness  and  fear  of  the 
consequences,  not  only  to  himself,  but  especially 
to  the  cause  of  true  religion,  presented  a  most 
gloomy  prospect  before  his  eyes:  except  as  he 
trusted  in  God  to  keep  him  from  falling,  for  the 
honor  of  his  own  name:  and  as  he  ingenuously 
confessed  his  past  sins,  and  was  grieved  and  dis- 
tressed on  account  of  them.  {JVotcs,  32:3 — 5.  51: 
3,4.  2  Cor.  1:9— U.)— My  so7'row,  &c.  (17)  jYotes, 
77:2—12.  Is.  53:2,3. 

V.  1 9,  20.  The  humble  spirit  of  a  penitent 
pleading  guilty  before  God;  and  the  conscious- 
ness, at  the  same  time,  of  being  wrongfully  hated, 
and  ungratefulty  and  basely  used,  by  men,  not 
for  the  sins  into  which  he  had  fallen  in  particular 
instances,  but  for  the  general  tenor  of  a  holy  and 
useful  life;  are  strongly  marked  in  this  passage. 
This  shews,  that  the  most  decided  rejoicing  in  the 
testimony  of  a  man's  conscience,  respecting  his 
conduct  towards  men,  in  those  things  of  which  he 
has  been  unjustly  condemned,  i.s  perfectly  consist- 
ent with  the  deepest  humiliation  as  a  sinner  in 
the  sight  of  God.  [jyotes,  7:3—5.  35:11,12.  69:4. 
Jer.  18:18—20.  John  15:22—25.  2  Cor.  1:12—14.) 

V.  2 1 ,  22.  'I  am  persuaded,  and  confident  thou 
wilt  deliver  me;  but  do  not  longer  delay.'  {Jilarg. 
Ref.—JS'ole,  71:12.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

Under  the  temporal  effects  of  the  Lord's  abhor- 
rence of  sin,  and  the  anguish  of  his  correcting 
rod,  the  believer  is  most  troubled  with  the  appre- 
hension of  his  vindictive  wrath,  and  lest  he  should 
share  the  doom  of  the  ungodly;  and  he  can  bear 
any  thing  when  assured  that  this  shall  never  be 
his  case.  Yet  God  often  sees  good,  in  order  to 
warn  others,  to  silence  the  reproaches  of  scoffers, 
to  vindicate  the  honor  of  religion,  and  for  his  own 
glory,  to  make  the  afflictions  of  his  offending  chil- 
dren very  sharp,  complicated,  and  permanent; 
and  to  extort  from  them  many  doleful  groans  and 
lamentations.  In  such  circumstances,  when  the 
correction  begins  to  produce  its  salutary  effects, 
they  readily  trace  their  sorrows  to  the  fatherly 
displeasure  of  the  Lord,  whose  "arrows  stick  fast 
in  them,  and  whose  hand  presseth  them  sore;'^  and 
tliey  humbly  ackno\?ledge  their  sins  to  be  the 
cause  of  his  anger.  Their  own  iniquities  form 
that  deluge  which  goes  over  their  heads;  and 
their  sense  of  guilt  is  tlie  heaviest  burden  which 
is  laid  upon  them:  "it  is  indeed  too  heavy  for 
192] 


them  to  bear;"  and  would  sink  them  into  despair 
and  ruin,  unless  removed  by  the  pardoning  mer- 
cy of  God.  The  prevalence  of  sin,  and  the  suc- 
cessful force  of  temptations,  form  their  worst  dis- 
eases, and  their  most  offensive  and  dangerous 
wounds:  and  while  "there  is  no  soundness  in  their 
flesh,"  and  no  rest  in  their  bones,  they  are  led  to 
consider  their  souls,  in  which  'there  is  no  health.' 
For  pride,  covetousness,  envy,  malice,  and  lust, 
are  diseases  of  the  soul  of  far  greater  malignity 
than  fevers,  dropsies,  palsies,  gout,  or  stone,  are 
of  the  body:  yet  numbers  feel  not  their  sickness, 
till  it  be  too  late  to  apply  the  remedy.  But,  when 
we  perceive  our  true  condition,  the  good  Physi- 
cian is  valued,  resorted  to,  and  obeyed:  [jVole, 
Matt.  9:10 — 13.)  though  even  they,  who  are  in 
this  sure  way  of  an  effectual  cure,  often  retard  it, 
and  experience  grievous  relapses,  through  their 
foolishness;  and  their  wounds  rankle  and  corrupt, 
because  they  delay  to  go  to  their  merciful  Friend, 
and  to  apply  the  healing  balm  which  he  has  pre- 
pared. Would  we  not  prolong  our  own  miseries, 
when  we  are  conscious  of  having  offended,  we 
should  immediately  approach  the  mercy-seat  with 
penitent  confessions  and  believing  prayers;  that 
without  delay  our  sins  may  be  pardoned,  our 
strength  renewed,  and  our  enemy  prevented  from 
rejoicing  over  us.  Yet  the  feeling  and  effects  of 
the  divine  displeasure  must  needs  trouble  him 
who  loves  God,  and  "bow  him  down  greatly  and 
make  him  to  go  mourning  all  the  day  long;"  and 
even  enfeeble  him,  and  cause  him  to  "roar  for  the 
very  disquietness  of  his  heart:"  for  "a  wounded 
spirit  who  can  bear.^"  {J^olc.,  Prov.  18:14.)  and 
this  uneasiness  will  be  in  proportion  to  the  degree 
in  which  he  values  the  favor  of  God,  and  delights 
in  communion  with  him.  But,  while  the  hypo- 
crite takes  encouragement  from  David's  sins  to 
transgress,  he  is  a  perfect  stranger  to  David's  in- 
genuous anguish  of  spirit  under  the  consciousness 
of  his  guilt. — In  the  true  believer's  case,  however, 
all  this  trouble  will  be  useful:  he  will  wait  for  and 
on  his  God,  and  not  seek  relief  from  the  world,  or 
from  himself:  he  will  bring  his  whole  desire  he- 
fore  his  heavenly  Father,  and  be  encouraged,  be- 
cause "his  groaning  is  not  hid  from  him;"  even 
though,  like  one  expiring,  "his  heart  panteth,  his 
strength  faileth,  and  the  sight  of  his  eyes  is  gone 
from  him,"  and  he  knows  not  what  to  say  or  do. 
Nay,  should  all  this  be  attended  with  the  unkind- 
ness  and  inconstancy  of  lovers,  friends,  and  rela- 
tives, who  stand  aloof  from  his  affliction;  while 
treacherous  and  cruel  foes  are  "laying  snares  for 
his  life  and  seeking  his  hurt,  and  speaking  mis- 
chievous things,  and  imagining  deceits  all  the  day 
long;"  still  that  consciousness  of  guilt  which  forms 
hib  heaviest  load,  will  keep  down  indignation,  si- 
lence murmurs  and  reproaches,  and  produce 
meek  and  quiet  submission.  For  if  the  holy  Je- 
sus bore  all  this,  without  a  complaint  or  a  reproof; 
what  reason  can  a  humble  sinner  think  he  has  to 
yield  to  impatience  or   anger,  when  mercifully 


B.  C.  1021. 


PSALM  XXXIX. 


B.  C.  1021. 


PSALM  XXXIX. 

David  purposes  not  to  oflend  with  his  tongue;  and  describes  his 
inward  commotioo,  i — 3.  His  prayers,  and  meditations  on 
the  shortness  of  life,  and  the  vanity  of  human  pursuits,  4 — 6. 
His  hope  in  God,  with  prayer  for  pardon  and  comfort  before 
his  death,  7 — 13. 

To  tlie  chief  Musician,  even  to  ^Jedu- 

thun,  A  Psalm  of  David. 

SAID  ''I  will  take  heed  to  my  ways, 

•^  that    I  sin  not  with    my    tongue:   I 

will    keep    *my    mouth    with    a    bridle, 

•^  while  the  wicked  is  before  me. 

2^1  was  dumb  with  silence,  I  held 
my  peace,  ^  even  from  good;  and  s  my 
sorrow  was  t  stirred. 

3  •'  My  heart  was  hot  within  me; 
wjiile  I  was  musing  the  fire  burned:  then 
spake  I  with  my  tongue. 


a  f>2:  77:  title.   1  Chr.  16:4].  25: 


b  119:9. 
10:31. 
2:1. 


Prov.   4:26,-27. 

Prov 


Kinjs 
Heb. 


18: 


c  12:4.  73:8,9.   141:3, 

21. 
*  Heb.  a  bridle,  or  muzzle,  for 

my  mouth.     Jam.   l:2ti,     3:2 

—3. 


Mic.  7:5,6.     Col. 
Matt.  27: 


d  Am.  5:13. 

4:5. 
6  38:13,14.     Is.  53:7. 

12—14. 
f  Matt.  7:6. 

J  .lob  32:19,20.   Acts  4:20. 
t  Heb.  troubled. 
h  Jer.  20:9.     Kz.   3:14.      Luke 

24:32. 


JL 


corrected  for  his  sins,  whatever  rod  the  Lord  is 
pleased  to  employ.^  He  will  therefore  be  as  one 
deaf  and  dumb,  respecting  the  calumnies  and 
scoffs  of  the  wicked,  when  he  feels  himself  to  be 
under  the  divine  rebuke  for  his  sins;  [Jfote,  Ez. 
16:60 — 63.)  he  will  "commit  himself  unto  him 
that  judgeth  righteously;"  and  be  thankful  t:iat 
he  may  yet  hope,  and  pray  to  him  with  the  pros- 
pect of  being  heard  and  helped. — When  tlie  wick- 
ed are  rear#y  to  rejoice  at  our  calamities,  or  to 
magnify  themselves  against  us;  when  our  feet  slip; 
when  we  feel  ourselves  feeble,  and  ready  to  halt 
or  stumble,  and  are  grieved  continually,  that  we 
have  given  them,  or  lest  we  should  give  them, 
cause  to  triumph  over  us;  we  have  good  argu- 
ments to  urge  in  prayer,  why  the  Lord  should 
help  and  uphold  us.  Let  us  then  declare  before 
him  our  iniquity,  and  be  sorry  for  our  sins;  and 
.seek  earnestly  the  destruction  of  our  inward  foes, 
which  are  so  lively  and  so  strong.  And  if,  not- 
withstanding our  offences  against  God,  our  ene- 
mies hate  us,  not  for  our  sins,  but  because  we  fol 
low  the  thing  that  is  good;  let  us  not  be  discour- 
aged by  their  wrongful  and  ungrateful  enmity; 
seeing  we  are  in  this  conformed  to  our  Savior: 
but  after  his  example,  let  us  still  persevere  in  en- 
d'^avoring  to  "overcome  evil  with  good."  {J^ote, 
Horn.  12:17 — 21.)  Let  us  also  continue  in  prayer, 
that  the  Lord  may  pardon  and  subdue  our  iniqui- 
ties: then  will  he  never  forsake  us,  or  be  far  from 
us;  for  he  will  surely  hasten  to  the  help  of  all 
those,  who  trust  in  him  as  their  Salvation. 

NOTES. 

Psalm  XXXIX.  V.  1—4.  It  is  thought,  that 
David  wrote  this  psalm  during  Absalom's  rebel- 
lion: and  it  is  evident  that  the  writer's  mind  was 
greatly  discomposed,  by  injuries  and  temptations, 
when  he  began  his  meditation.  He  however  re- 
solved to  practise  the  rules  which  he  gave  to 
others;  (JVb/es,  37:1 — 9.)  and  not  only  to  walk 
with  peculiar  circumspection,  but  especially  to 
watch  over  his  words,  and  stop  his  mouth,  as' the 
mouths  of  animals  are  confined  by  a  muzzle:  for 
so  the  word  signifies.  [Marg.)  Aware  of  the  base- 
ness of  his  enemies,  he  determined  on  a  total  si- 
lence before  them:  he  would  neither  speak  any 
Ihing  in  his  own  vindication,  nor  complain  of 
Uiem;  nor  utter  any  pious  discourse,  which  would 

Vol.  III.  25 


4  Lord,  '  make  me  to  know  mine 
end,  and  the  measure  of  my  days,  what 
it  is;  that  I   may  know  +  how  frail  I  am. 

5  Behold,  ^  thou  hast  made  my  days 
as  an  hand-breadth;  and  mine  age  is  •  as 
nothing  before  thee:  "  verily  every  man 
"  at  his   best  state  is  altogether  vanity. 

Oelah.  [Practical  Observations.] 

6  Surely  every  man  walketh  in  "  a 
vain  shew:  °  surely  they  are  disquieted 
in  vain:  °  he  heapeth  up  riches^  and 
knoweth  not  who  shall  gather  them. 

7  And  now.  Lord,  p  what  wait  I  for.'* 
imy  hope  is  in  thee. 

8  ''Dehver    me    from    all    my    trans- 


i  90:12. 
X  Or,  w 
k  90:4,5 

7:6.    9: 

14. 
1  89:47. 
m  11.  6: 

11.  Is 
A  Heb. 
OHeb. 
n  Ec.  1 

11,12. 


119:84.  Job  14:13. 
hat  time  I  have  here. 
9,10.     Gen.  47:9.     Job 
25,26.    14:1,2.     Jam.  4: 

2Fet.  3:8. 

!:9.   1-14:4.    Ec.   1:2.  2: 

.  40:17. 

settled. 

an  image.   1  Cor.  7:31. 

14.  2:17,20,21.  4:7,8.   6: 

12:8,13.  Is.  55:2.    Luke 


10:40—42.   12:29.     1  Pet.    5:7. 
o  49:10,11.  Job  27:16,17.    Prov. 

13:22.    23:5.    27:24.     Ec.  2:8, 

19,21.    5:14.      Luke     12:20,21. 

Jam.  5:3. 
p  130:5,6.     Gen.   49; IS.     Luke 

2:25. 
q  33:15.   119:81,166.    Job  13:15. 

Rom.  15:13. 
r   25:11,18.    51:7—10,14.    65:3. 

130:f!.     Mic.  7:19.  Matt.  1:21. 

Tit.  2:14. 


have  been  like  throwing  pearls  before  swine.  Yet 
the  treatment  which  he  received,  his  indignation 
at  the  crimes  which  he  witnessed,  his  zeal  for  the 
honor  of  God,  and  the  restraint  imposed  on  him, 
excited  in  his  mind  a  vehement  and  painful  com- 
motion; and  the  thoughts,  which  wrought  within, 
proved  like  the  blowing  of  embers,  which  pro- 
duces an  intense  heat,  and  bursts  forth  into  a 
flame.  (JVotes,  Jer.  20:7—9.  Ez.  3:22--27.)  He 
did  not  indeed  break  his  resolution  by  speaking 
before  the  wicked:  but  with  vehemence,  and  some 
tincture  of  impatience,  he  prayed  to  the  Lord, 
that  he  might  know  his  end,  and  the  measure  and 
limits  of  his  days,  and  how  near  he  was  to  the 
closing  scene;  that,  being  suitably  affected  with 
the  shortness  of  life,  and  his  own  frailty,  he  might 
be  the  more  engaged  to  prepare  for  death  and, 
eternity,  and  less  concerned  about  all  his  tempo- 
ral interests.  [J^Totes,  90:7— J 2.  1  Cor.  7:29—31. 
Jam.  4:13 — 17.  1  Pet.  4:7.)  David,  in  his  entire 
silence,  resembled  Christ  when  he  answered 
nothing  before  Caiaphas,  Herod,  and  Pilate. 
'{J\otes,  Matt.  26:63—68.  27:11—18.  Luke  23:6— 
12.  John  19:8—12.) 
A  bridle.  (1)  a"tinD  Instrumentum  quod  in  ore 

jumenti  ponitur,  ne  comedat  vel  mordeat;  capis 
trum:  a  oon  claudere,  obstrucre.     Robertson . 

Wn;:^  nl:r"  DOnn-K^  "Thou  shaltaol 
muzzle  the  ox,  &c."  Dent.  25:4. 

v.  5.  At  his  best  slate. 1  Or,  "when  settled"  or 
established  most  firmly.  (Marg.) — Some  things 
decay  after  a  certain  time,  but  generally  last  that 
time;  others  endure  long,  if  free  from  accidents, 
yet  are  easily  broken:  but  the  life  of  man  not  only 
wears  out  speedily  as  a  garment,  but  it  is  also 
brittle  like  glass.  ■  {JVutes,  90:3— f>.  103:15—18. 
Job  14:1—6.  Ec.  1:2.) 

V.  6.  A  vai7ishew.'\  Or  shadow,  unsubstantial 
and  vanishing;  or  an  inuige.  {Marg. — J^otes,  73: 
18 — 22.)  Such  are  all  the  interests,  pursuits,  and 
distinctions  of  this  world;  about  which  men  are 
constantly  disquieting  themselves  and  others,  till 
death  stops  their  career,  and  they  leave  their  ac- 
quisitions without  knowing  who  will  at  length 
possess  them,  and  remove  to  a  state  of  important 
and  eternal  realities.  (JVbfes,  49:6 — 20.  Esth.  5: 
11—14.  8:1,2.  Prov,  13:22,  Luke  12:15—21.  16:27 
~3!.) 

[193 


B.  C.  1021. 


PSALM  XXXIX. 


gressions:  ^  make  me  not  the  reproach  of 
the  foolish. 

9  ^  I  was  dumb,  I  opened  not  my 
mouth;  because  thou  didst  it. 

10  "  Remove  thy  stroke  away  from 
me:  ^I  am  consumed  by  the  *  blow  of 
thine  hand. 

1 1  When  y  thou  with  rebukes  dost 
correct  man  for  iniquity,  thou  makest 
t  his  beauty    '^  to   consume   away   hke  a 


s  35:21.  44:13.    67:3.  79:4.  119 

39.    2  Sam.  16:7,8.    Joel  2:17, 

19.    Rom.  -2:23,24. 
t  33:13.     Lev.  10:3.     1  Sam.  3: 

13.     2  Sam.    I6:l0.     Job  1:21. 

2:10.  40:4,5.     Dan.  4:35. 
u  25:16,17.     1  Sam.  6:5.    Job  9: 

34.   13:21. 
X  38:3,4. 


*  Hcb.  confict.     Job  40:8. 

y  38:1—8.  90:7—10.  1  Cor.  5: 
5.  11:30—32.  Heb.  12:6.  Rev. 
3:19. 

f  Heb.  that  rvhich  is  to  be  de- 
sired in  him  to  melt  awai/. 
102:10,11. 

zJob  4:19.  13:28.  30:30.  Is. 
50:9.     Hos.  5:12. 


V.  7,  8.  Meditation  on  the  vanity  of  all  out- 
ward things,  led  the  PsalmisJr  to  fix  more  entirely 
his  expectation  on  God  alone,  as  the  Fountain  of 
happiness:  but  recollecting  his  heinous  transgres- 
sions, and  his  proneness  to  sin,  he  earnestly  pray- 
ed for  deliverance  from  guilt  and  depravity;  and 
that  he  might  not,  by  subsequent  misconduct,  dis- 
grace the  cause  of  God,  and  expose  himself  to  the 
reproach  of  any  foolish  and  wicked  man.  The 
original  is  Jfalml.  [Marg.  Ref. — J\'otes,  1  Sam. 
25:10— 17,23— 31.  V.  25.) 

V.  9,  10.  "I  was  dumb,  I  will  not  open  my 
mouth,"  foe.  The  consideration,  that  his  afflic- 
tions were  appointed  by  his  heavenly  Father,  si- 
lenced the  Psalmist's  complaints;  {Mtes,  38:13, 
14.  Lev.  10:3.  1  Sam.  3:16—18.  2  Kings  20:19. 
Job  1:20 — 22.)  yet  he  pleaded  for  a  mitigation  of 
them,  because  he  was  ready  to  sink  under  them. 
Thus  Christ,  when  entering  on  the  last  scene  of 
his  unknown  sufferings,  prayed,  "Father,  if  it  be 
possible,  let  this  cup  pass  from  me:  nevertheless, 
not  as  I  will,  but  as  thou  wilt."  [JVote,  Matt.  26: 
36—39.) 

V.  11.  'The  word'  (mOfl,  rendered  his 
beauty,)  'signifieth  all  that  he  desireth,  as  health 
'force,  strength,  beauty,  and  in  whatsoever  he 
'hath  delight;  so  that  the  rod  of  God  taketh  away 
*all  that  is  desired  in  this  world.'  [JVotes,  38:3 — 
10.  102::3— 11.  Job  2:1,8.  13:24—28.) 

A  moth,  &c.]  'Tlie  body  is  as  a  garment  to  the 
'soul:  in  this  garment  sin  hath  lodged  a  moth, 
'which  by  degrees  fretteth ...  away,  first  the 
'beauty,  then  the  strength,  and  finally  the  con- 
'  texture  of  its  parts.'  Bp.  Home — Thus  the 
greatest,  as  well  as  the  meanest  of  men,  is  but 
mere  vanity.    [J^otes,  5,6.  Ec.  12:8 — 14.) 

V.  12.  The  patriarchs  lived  in  Canaan,  as  in 
a  foreign  country,  by  the  allowance  of  the  pos- 
sessors, moving  their  tents  from  place  to  place; 
and  they  confessed  themselves  to  be  strangers  and 
pilgrims  in  the  land:  but  David  niled,  as  a  pow- 
erful monarch  and  a  renowned  conqueror,  over 
the  people  of  Israel,  now  fully  settled  in  their 
promised  inheritance.  When,  however,  he  con- 
sidered the  shortness  and  vanity  of  life,  and  look- 
ed forward  to  a  future  and  permanent  state;  he 
too  owned,  that  he  was  a  stranger  and  pilgrim  on 
earth,  even  as  they  also  had  been.  [J^otes,  119:19 
—21.  Geti.  47:9.  Heb.  11:8—16.   1  Pet.  1:1,2.  2: 

V.  13.  If  this  psalm  was  composed  during  Ab- 
salom's usurpation,  David  might  mean,  that  he 
was  desirous  before  he  left  the  world,  to  recover 
his  peace  of  mind,  to  be  reinstated  in  liis  author- 
ity, and  to  retrieve  his  character.  He  however 
prayed,  that  his  faith,  hope,  and  love,  might  re- 
cover strength;  that  he  might  bf.  enabled  to  do 
some  further  service  to  his  people,  before  his 
i94] 


B.  C.  1021. 

surely    every   man    is   vanity. 


moth: 
Selah. 

12  Hear    my   prayer,    O   Lord,  and 
give    car    unto    my    cry;  ''hold  not  thy 
peace  at  my  tears:  '^  for  I  am  a  stranger 
with  thee,   and  a  sojourner,  ^  as  all  my     « 
fathers  were. 

13  O  ®  spare  me,  that  I  may  recover 
strength,  before  I  go  hence,  and  ^  be  no 
more. 


a  3. 

b   56:8.     116:3.     2  Snm.    16:12. 

Marg.    2  Kings  20:5.    Job  16: 

20.     Heb.  5:7. 
c  119:19,54.  Lev.  25:23.   1  Chr. 

29:15.     2  Cor.    5:6.     Heb.  11: 


13.     1  Pet.  1:17.  2:11. 
d  Gcu.  47:9. 
e  Job  10:20,21.    14:5,6. 
1"  Gen.  5:24.  42:36.     Job    14:10 

—12. 


death;  and  have  inward  comfort,  when  about  to 
depart  hence  and  be  no  more  seen.  His  prayer 
in  all  these  respects  was  completely  answered. 
[JVotes,  1  Chr.  29:) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
V.  1—6. 
The  presence  of  the  wicked,  especially  if  pow- 
erful and  prosperous,  exposes  us  to  many  tempta- 
tions, either  by  enticing  or  terrifying  us  into  im- 
proper compliances,  or  by  exciting  our  indigna- 
tion or  envy.  When  we  are  not  able  wholly  to 
separate  from  them,  we  should  double  our  watch- 
fulness, and  especially  impose  a  strict  restraint 
upon  our  tongues;  lest  we  should  be  betrayed  into 
boasting,  reviling,  slandering,  flattering,  or  trifling 
conversation:  remembering  that  they  will  criti- 
cise every  expression,  and  turn  it,  if  they  can,  to 
our  disadvantage,  and  to  the  discredit  of  religion. 
Sometimes  it  may  be  necessary  to  laiep  silence 
even  from  good  words,  when  they  are  liSely  to 
excite  profane  contempt  or  rage;  yet  in  general 
we  run  into  an  extreme,  when  we  are  backward 
to  engage  in  edifying  discourse.  [Jfote,  Jam.  1: 
26.)  But  even  if  we  be  enabled  to  bridle  our 
tongues,  we  shall  often  find  ourselves  incapable 
of  repressing  our  passions.  When  zeal,  anger, 
impatience,  compassion,  grief,  and  other  conflict- 
ing affections,  are  excited  in  the  heart,  confine- 
ment increases  their  force,  and  reflection  excites 
more  disquietude,  till  a  fire  seems  to  be  kindled 
within,  which  must  in  some  way  break  forth.  In 
this  case,  it  is  our  wisdom  to  retire,  and  pour  out 
our  hearts  before  God,  and  to  utter  our  com- 
plaints, sorrows,  and  desires  to  him  alone.  It  is 
also  very  composing  to  the  believer's  mind,  under 
ore  trials  and  temptations,  to  know  and  consider 
his  end,  and  the  measure  of  his  days:  but  we  are 
never  suitably  affected  with  such  subjects,  except 
we  pi'ay  over  them,  and  are  inwardly  taught  by 
the  Spirit  of  God.  It  would  be  in  vain  for  us  to 
inquire  the  precise  time  which  we  have  to  live; 
nor  would  the  information,  could  it  be  had,  be 
desirable:  (JVbfe,  2  Kings  20:6.)  it  will  answer 
every  good  purpose  attentively  to  consider  the 
shortness  and  uncertainty  of  life.  Our  days  are 
but  a  hand-breadth,  or  as  nothing,  before  God, 
and  in  comparison  of  his  eternity:  and  in  our 
greatest  prosperity,  and  in  the  vigor  of  youth  and 
health,  verily  every  man  is  altogether  vanity.  He 
cannot  live  long;  he  may  die  soon,  and  suddenly; 
his  busy  cares  are  useless,  his  acquisitions  are  a 
shadow;  he  is  disquieted  in  vain;  and  if  he  succeed 
in  heaping  up  riches,  he  must  shortly  leave  them, 
not  knowing  who  shall  gather  them.  How  absurd 
then  are  the  perplexing  anxieties,  and  the  inces- 
sant fatigues,  of  the  most  successful  worldling, 
who  pursues  such  shadows  to  the  marring  of  his 
present  comfort,  and  the  ruin  of  his  immortal  soul'. 


B.  C.  1020. 


PSALM  XL. 


B.  C.  1020. 


PSALM  XL. 

David  praises  God  for  deliverance  out  of  deep  distress,  and 
shews  the  benefit  which  would  thence  be  derived  to  numbers; 
and  the  happiness  of  such  as  trust  in  God,  1 — 5.  As  a  type  of 
Christ,  (or,  Christ  speaking  by  him,)  he  states  the  inefficacy  of 
legal  sacrifices,  and  the  efficacy  of  the  Redeemer's  obedience, 
6 — 8.  He  declares  that  he  had  published  God's  righteousness 
and  salvation;  and  pleads  for  deliverance  from  urgent  troubles, 
and  for  the  confusion  of  his  enemies,  with  the  triumphing  of 
the  righteous,  9 — 17. 


To    the    chief 


Musician,  A 
David. 


Psahii  of 


»  WAITED  patiently  for  the  Lord; 

and     ^  he    incHned    unto    me,    and 
heard  my  cry. 

2  *=  He  brought  me  up  also  out  of  an 
t  horrible  pit,  out  of  '^  the  miry  clay,  and 
^  set  my  feet  upon  a  rock,  and  ^  estab- 
lished my  goings. 


*  Heb.   In  uaiiing  I  waited. 
a  27:13,14.  37:7.    Jam.  5:7— 11. 
b  116:2.    130:2.     Dan.  9:18. 
c  18:16,17.    71:20.  86:13.  116:3. 

1-12;6,7.   143:3.   Is.  24:22.    Jon. 

2:5,6.    Zech.  9:11.     Acts  2:24, 

27—31. 


t  Heb.  pit  of  noise.     Matt.  13: 

50. 
d  Ps.  69:2,14,15.   Jer.  38:6— 12. 

Lam.  3:53 — 55. 
e  27:5.  61:2.   Matt.  7:24,25. 
fl7:a.   18:36.  37:23.   119:133. 


Indeed  the  believer's  disquietade  about  the  diffi- 
culties of  his  path,  and  the  treatment  that  he  meets 
with,  are  not  much  more  rational. 
V.  7—13. 
It  is  worthy  of  notice,  that,  in  fact,  we  become 
happy  in  exact  proportion,  as  we  despair  of  hap- 
piness from  this  changing,  sinful  world;  and  wait 
and  hope  for  it,  from  the  mercy  and  all-sufficient 
love  of  God  our  Savior.  Instead  of  being  much 
concerned  about  temporal  things,  let  us  earnestly 
pray  to  be  "delivered  from  all  our  transgressions;" 
and  that  we  may  not  be  made  a  reproach  to  those, 
who,  being  foolish  at  all  times,  never  so  much  ex- 
pose their  folly,  as  when  they  deride  the  hopes,  or 
insult  over  the  falls,  of  the  righteous.  We  should 
look  above  instruments,  and  view  the  hand  of  God 
in  all  our  afflictions:  and  then  faith  in  his  wisdom, 
justice,  truth,  and  love;  united  with  consciousness 
that  he  rebukes  us  for  our  iniquity;  will  render  us 
silent  and  submissive,  because  he  has  done  it. 
Then  our  prayers  for  the  removal  of  his  stroke, 
even  when  we  "are  consumed  with  the  blow  of  his 
hand,"  will  be  offered  with  resignation  to  his  will, 
nnd  hope  in  his  mercy. — But  if  his  fatherly  chas- 
tisements of  his  children  for  their  offences  con- 
sume their  strength  and  comeliness,  as  a  moth 
iVetteth  away  a  garment;  what  will  be  the  effect 
of  his  avenging  wrath  against  his  enemies!  And 
as  eveiy  man  is  vanity,  it  behoves  sinners  to  make 
haste  to  seek,  forgiveness,  before  they  go  hence 
and  be  no  more  seen. — The  Christian's  sorrows 
are  all  sanctified;  the  gracious  Lord  will  wipe 
away  his  tears,  and  answer  all  his  praj'ers:  he 
'  cannot  but  feel  his  afflictions;  yet,  as  a  stranger 
and  a  pilgrim  on  earth,  he  hopes  for  a  better  and 
more  enduring  habitation  in  heaven,  where  his 
heart  and  his  treasure  are  already.  He  expects 
weariness  and  ill-treatment  by  the  wav:  but  his 
stay  here  will  not  be  long;  and,  walking  with 
God  by  faith,  he  goes  forward  on  his  journey, 
undiverted  from  his  course,  and  not  much  cast 
down,  by  the  ill  accommodation  or  difficulties 
with  which  he  meets.  He  only  desires  to  be 
spared,  till  his  measure  of  service  on  earth  be 
finished,  and  his  title  to  heaven  clear;  and  that 
he  may  depart  in  that  vigorous  exercise  of  faith 
and  grace,  which  may  be  honorable  to  God,  en- 
couraging to  his  brethren,  and  comfortable  to 
himself.  Then  going  hence,  and  being  no  more 
on  earth,  he  enters  upon  his  perfect  and  eternal 
rest;  and  leaves  his  pious  friends  consoled  with 
the  joyful  hope  of  a  blessed  re-union;  and  instruct- 


3  And  e:  he  hath  put  a  new  song  in 
my  mouth,  even  ^  praise  unto  our  God: 
'  many  shall  see  it,  and  fear,  and  shall 
trust  in  the  Lord. 

4  ^  Blessed  is  the  man  that  maketh 
the  Lord  his  trust;  and  •  respecteth 
not  the  proud,  nor  such  '"as  turn  aside 
to  lies. 

5  "  Many,  O  Lord  my  God,  are  thy 
wonderful  works  ivkich  thou  hast  done, 
and  "  thy  thoughts  ivhich  are  to  us-ward: 
+  they  cannot  be  reckoned  up  in  order 
unto  thee:  if  1  would  declare  and  speak 
of  them,  they  are  more  than  can  be  num- 
bered. 


g   33:3.     144:9.       Rev.    5:9,10. 

143. 
h  103:1—5.     Is.  12:1 — 4. 
134:1—6.    35:27.    52:6.  64:9,10. 

142:7.    Hos.  3:5.     Acts  2:31— 

41.  4:4. 
k  2:12.  34:8.  84:11,12.    118:8,9. 

Jer.  17:7,8.     Rom.  15:12,13. 
1  15:4.    101:3—7.   1)9:21. 


m  Is.  44:13—20.     Jer.  10:14,15. 

Jon.  2:8.     2  Thes.  2:9—11. 
n  136:4.     Kx.    15:11.    Job    5:9. 

9:10.  26:14. 
o  71:15.  92:5.    139:6,17,18.     Is. 

55:8,9.     Jer.  29:11. 
\  Or,  none  can  order  them  v.nii> 

tliee.  Job  37:19,20. 


ed  by  his  words  and  actions,  how  to  live,  to  suffer, 
and  to  die.  {J\''otcs,  Prov.  14:32.  1  Thes.  4:  IS- 
IS.) 

NOTES. 
Psalm  XL.  V.  1 — 5.  In  this  psalm,  David 
seems  to  have  intended  to  speak  of  his  own  case 
and  experience;  but  the  Holy  Spirit  led  him  to 
use  language,  which  in  its  full  meaning  can  be 
applied  to  none  but  the  Lord  Jesus  himself.  The 
whole  indeed  may  be  accommodated  to  him,  yet 
some  passages  are  more  suited  to  the  case  of  the 
type,  than  to  that  of  the  Antitype. — These  verses 
may  be  interpreted  of  the  Redeemer's  deep  and 
dreadful  sufferings,  and  the  happy  effects  which 
followed  his  deliverance  out  of  tliem.  Exposed 
to  the  cruelty  and  malice  of  men,  the  horrid  as- 
saults of  Satan,  and  the  wrath  of  the  Father, 
when  bearing  and  expiating  our  sins;  he  was  as 
one  sinking  in  a  dark  and  noisome  pit,  where 
dreadful  noises  are  heard,  [vun-g.)  and  he  was 
ready  to  be  cov'ered  and  suffocated  with  the  miry 
clay:  but  under  all  these  sufferings,  "in  waiting 
he  waited  for  the  Lord;"  and  his  earnest  praj'ers 
were  heard.  At  his  resurrection  he  was  brought 
forth  from  the  grave,  and  the  state  of  the  dead: 
and  in  his  exaltation  he  was  placed  as  on  an  im- 
moveable rock;  his  goings  were  established,  his 
remaining  work  became  most  delightful,  and  his 
full  success  was  ensured.  (JVb/e*,  Is.  53:9 — 12. 
Acts  2:22 — 32.)  Thus  "a  new  song"  was  put 
into  his  mouth,  which  he  teaclies  his  people:  for 
no  such  redemption  could  before  be  celebrated; 
and  multitudes,  by  faith  beholding  his  sufferings 
and  the  glory  which  followed,  have  learned  to 
fear  the  justice,  and  trust  in  the  mercy  of  God, 
through  him.  Such  persons  are  made  happ}"; 
whilst  they  do  not  so  regard  the  rich  and  great  as 
to  trust  in  them,  or  proud  tyrants  and  persecutors 
so  as  to  dread  their  rage;  and  while  they  re- 
nounce all  connexion  with  those,  who  turn  aside 
to  idolatrous  and  superstitious  delusions,  or  the 
deceitful  interests  and  pleasures  of  sin.  Many 
wonderful  works  the  Lord  had  done  for  sinful 
man  and  for  Israel;  but  this  would  exceed  them 
all:  nor  could  the  number  or  value  of  his  thoughts 
and  contrivances  of  love  and  mercy  be  ever 
numbered,  or  estimated.  (JVoto,  Ei/h.  2:4 — 
10.  3:9—12.  1  Pel.  1:10—12.  Rev.  5:11—14.) 
— Yet  the  passage  may  also  be  explained  of 
David;  and  answers  to  some  parts  of  the  believ- 
er's experience. — David  had  been  in  many  trou- 
bles, and  seemed  ready  to  sink  in  them,  as  in  an 


B.  C.  1020. 


PSALM  XL. 


B.  C.  1020 


6  P  Sacrifice  and  ofTering  thou  didst  not 
desire;  i  mine  ears  hast  thou  *  opened: 
burnt-offering  and  sin-offering  hast  thou 
not  required. 

7  Then  said  I,  ■"  Lo,  I  come:  ^  in  the 
volume  of  the   book  it  is  written  of  me: 

8  » I  dehght  to  do  thy  will,  O  my 
God:  yea,  "  thy  law  is  t  within  my  heart. 

9^1  have  preached  righteousness  in 
the  great  congregation:  lo,  y  I  have  not  re-| 
frained  my  lips,  O  Lord,  ^  thou  know  est. 

10*1  have   not  hid    ^  thy  righteous- 


p50:8.   51:16.    1  Sam.  15:2  J.  Is. 

1:11.66:3.  Jer.  7:-21— 23.  Ho3. 

6:6.     Matt.   9:13.   12:7.     Heb. 

10:5—12. 
q  Ex.  21:6      Job  33:16.  Is.  50: 

4,5. 

•  Heb.  digged. 
xHeb.  10:7—9. 
(  Gen.   3:15.       Luke   24:27,44. 

John  5:39.    Acts  10:43.    1  Cor. 

15:3,4.     1  Pet.   1:10,11.    Rev. 

19:10. 


Rom.  7:2 
u   37:30,31.       Prov.    3:1.      Jer. 

31:33.     2  Cor.  3:3. 
f   Heb.    in  the  midst  of  my 

bowels. 
X    22:22,25.    35:18.     71:15—18. 

Mark  16:15,16.     Heb.  2:12. 
y  119:13,171,172. 
z  139:2.     John  21:17. 
a  Ez.  2:7.  3:17,18.     Acts  20:20, 

21,26,27.       Rom.     10:9,10.      1 

Thes.  1:8.     Rev.  22:17. 


t   112:1.     119:16,24,47,92.     Job     b  Rom.  1:16,17.  3:22— 26.  10:3. 
23:12.     Jer.  15:16.    John  4:34.  I     Phil.  3:9. 


liorrible  pit;  but  faith,  patience,  and  prayer,  sup- 
ported him,  and  carried  him  through  all:  [J^otes, 
116:3—5.  130:1—6.  142:  title.  7.  2  Sajw.  22:5,6,17, 
18.  Jer.  38:1—13.  Lam.  3:52—66.  Jon.  2:)  In 
due  time  he  was  rescued,  advanced,  and  estab- } 
lished;  his  way  was  made  plain  and  prosperous; 
a  new  song-  was  put  into  liis  mouth;  [JS'ote,  33:2,3.) ! 
his  example  became  useful  to  many;  and  his  life  j 
was  spent  in  attempting  to  reckon  up,  and  cele- 1 
brate,  the  wonders  and  counsels  of  the  love  of  j 
God  to  him  and  to  his  people,  yet  he  could  not  at  I 
all  do  justice  to  the  delightful  subject.  iHotesA 
71:13—24.  139:17,18.  145:5— 7.)— The  third  and] 
fourth  verses  may  be  connected  as  follows:  "Many  j 
shall  see  it,  and  fear,  and  shall  trust  in  the  Lord: 
Saying,  Blessed  is  the  man,  &c.'"  [Marg. 
Ref.) 

V.  6 — 8.  It  is  uncertain,  whether  David  had 
in  these  verses  any  intention  of  declaring,  that 
cheerful  and  prompt  obedience  to  the  precepts  of 
the  moral  law,  proceeding  from  faith  and  love, 
was  more  acceptable  to  God  than  legal  sacrifices: 
(JVb<e,  50:7—15.  1  Sam.  15:22.)  but  it  is  evident 
that  the  Holy  Spirit  foretold  the  obedience  of  the 
promised  Messiah.  Sacrifices,  though  appointed 
by  God  himself,  were  of  no  intrinsic  value:  he 
neither  delighted  in  them,  or  required  them  for 
their  own  sake,  nor  could  they  take  away  sin. 
{J^otes^Gen.  8:20—22.  Heb.  9:18—26.  10:1 — 4, 
11 — 18.)  But  the  incarnation  and  obedience  of 
the  Son  of  God,  which  they  shadowed  forth,  were 
previously  appointed  for  that  purpose.  His  ears 
were  opened  to  receive  and  obey  the  command 
of  the  Father;  or  pierced  as  those  of  servants 
were,  who  chose  to  continue  perpetually  with 
their  masters.  {J\''ote,  Ex.  21:3 — 6.)  When  the 
legal  sacrifices  were  declared  inefficient,  the 
Redeemer  promptlj'  answered,  "Lo,  I  come, 
&c."  According  to  the  eternal  purpose  of  Jeho- 
vah, and  as  it  was  written  in  the  scriptures  from 
the  beginning,  or  "the  opening  of  the  roll,"  con- 
cerning him,  he  was  prepared  to  appear  in  human 
nature,  and  to  magnify  the  law  of  God  by  his 
perfect  and  divine  obedience  even  unto  the  death 
of  the  cross:  (jVb^es,  Gm.  3:14,15,21.  4:3— 5.)  yea, 
his  cordial  love  to  the  holy  commandment,  and 
his  zeal  for  the  honor  of  the  divine  government 
and  perfections,  and  his  compassion  for  the  souls 
of  men,  were  so  powerful,  that  he  delighted  in 
thus  performing  the  will  of  his  heavenly  Father. 
[JV'ote,  John  4:31 — 34.) — The  apostle,  in  quoting 
thi.s  passage,  follows  nearly  the    translation  of 

i9ri] 


ness  within  my  heart;  I  have  declared 
•^  thy  faithfulness  and  "^  thy  salvation:  I 
have  not  concealed  ®  thy  loving-kindness 
and  thy  truth  from  the  great  congregation. 

11  ^  Withhold  not  thou  thy  tender 
mercies  from  me,  O  Lord:  ^]et  thy 
loving-kindness  and  thy  truth  continually 
preserve  me. 

12  For  ''  innumerable  evils  have  com- 
passed me  about:  '  mine  iniquities  have 
taken  hold  upon  me,  so  that  I  am  not 
able  to  look  up:  ^  they  are  more  than 
the  hairs  of  mine  head:  therefore  '  my 
heart  ^  faileth  me. 

13  "  Be  pleased,  O  Lord,  to  deliver 


c  Acts  13:32,33.     Rom.  15:8,9. 
d  Is.  49:6.    Luke  2:30—32.  3:6. 

1  Tim.  1:15. 
e  25:10.  34:6.     Mic.  7:20.  John 

1:17.    3:16,17. 
f  69:13,16. 
g  23:6.  43:3.  57:3.  61:7.      Heb. 

5:7. 


h  22:11—19. 

i  38:4.  Is.  53:6.      1  Pet.  3:13. 
k  19:12.  69:4. 

1  73:26.     Gen.  42:28.    Liike  21; 
26. 
J  Weh.  Jorsakcth. 
m  25:17,13.    Matt.  26:36—44. 


the  LXX,  which  gives  an  interpretation,  rather 
than  a  translation,  of  the  words  rendered,  "Mine 
ears  hast  thou  opened."  But,  as  this  variation 
did  not  at  all  affect  his  argument,  or  alter  the 
meaning  of  the  passage,  it  was  not  necessary,  that 
he  should  interrupt  his  subject  by  noticing  it. 
[JVote,  Heb.  10:5—10.) 

V.  9,  10.  When  David  avowed  the  earnestness 
and  boldness,  with  which  he  had  celebrated  the 
works  and  ways  of  God,  he  typified  Christ  in  the 
performance  of  his  prophetical  office. — Neither 
reproach  nor  persecution  had  caused  David  to 
refrain  his  lips,  from  declaring  before  the  congre- 
gation of  Isra.el,  the  righteousness,  faithfulness, 
loving-kindness,  and  salvation  of  the  Lord.  He 
had  not  been  contented  with  trea.suring  up  these 
subjects  in  his  heart,  for  his  private  use:  but  had 
openl}'  published  them  for  the  edification  of  the 
people,  and  the  honor  of  God.  Thus  Christ,  per- 
sonally before  his  sufferings,  and  by  his  ministers 
afterwards,  published  to  innumerable  multitudes 
the  justice,  truth,  and  mercy  of  God;  his  method 
of  justifying  and  sanctifying  sinners,  as  well  as 
the  ways  of  righteousness  in  which  he  guides 
them.  (J^otes,  1—5.  22:22—25.  35:17—19.  Heb. 
2:10 — 13.) — The  connexion  of  the  term,  "thy 
righteousness,"  with  loving-kindness,  mercy, 
faithfulness,  and  salvation,  and  the  evident  sub- 
ject of  the  passage,  warrants  this  interpretation, 
and  shews,  that  "the  righteousness  of  God,  which 
is  unto  all  and  upon  all  that  believe,"  was  prima- 
rily meant.     (JVb<e,  Rom.  3:21 — 26.) 

Preached.  (9)  >ri"iu'3  •  "itra  est,  bono  nuncio  refi' 

cere,  tectum  nuncium  indicare,  evayye)i.t^ea&ai.  Rob- 
ertson.— ^vnyytXiaajinv.  Sept. — This  word,  as  thus 
used  in  the  Old  Testament,  seems  precisel)'  to 
signify,  preaching  the  gospel,  proclaiming  glad 
tidings;  as  a  similar  word  does  in  the  Arabic. 

V.  11,  12.  David  might  be  here  pleading  for  an 
interest  in  those  mercies  and  that  salvation,  which 
he  proclaimed  to  others;  when  he  was  struggling 
with  those  complicated  evils,  which  were  conse- 
quent to  his  iniquities  in  the  matter  of  Uriah. 
These  called  his  other  sins  to  remembrance, 
which  took  such  hold  upon  him,  and  so  discour- 
aged him,  that  he  should  not  have  dared  to  look 
up,  if  it  had  not  been  for  his  belief  of  the  infinite 
mercies  of  God.  But  some  think,  that  Christ 
may  be  supposed  to  speak,  in  the  depth  of  his  hu- 
miliation, when  our  innumerable  iniquities  met 
upon  him,  in  his  agony  in  the  garden,  and   his 


B.  C.  1020. 


PSALM  XL. 


B.  C.  1020. 


me:  O  Lord,  °  make  haste  to  help  me. 

14  "Let  them  be  ashamed  and  con- 
fomided  together,  p  that  seek  after  my 
soul  to  destroy  it;  let  them  be  i  driven 
backward,  and  put  to  shame,  that  wish 
me  evil. 

1 5  Let  them  be  ""  desolate  for  a  re- 
ward of  their  shame,  that  '  say  unto  me, 
Aha,  aha! 


n  38:22.  70:1. 

o  31:17,18.    35:4,Q6.     70:3. 
41:11.  45:24. 
p  Matt.  21:33—41. 
q  9:3.     John   18:6.     Acts  9:' 


6.  12:23,24. 
r  69:24,25.     73:19.      109:6—20. 

Luke  19:43,44.  21:23,24. 
s  35:21,25.  70:3,4. 


sufferings  on  the  cross.  {JVotes,  69:4.  /*.  53:4— 7. 
JIatt.  26:36—39.  27:46.)— The  original  of  the 
1  Ith  verse  is  simply  future:  "Thou  wilt  not  with- 
hold, &c." 

V.  13— 15.  (JVb<e,  Ps.  70:)  The  first  of  these 
verses  is  imperative,  in  which  the  Psalmist  sim- 
ply prays  for  deliverance:  the  others  are  through- 
out in  the  future  tense,  and  naturally  express 
the  language  of  lively  faith  and  hope,  rather  than 
that  of  wishing  or  desiring  the  desti'uction  fore- 
seen and  predicted;  and  the  transition  is  worthy 
our  notice.  A  regard  to  the  Septuagint,  and 
other  ancient  versions,  seems  to  have  induced 
our  venerable  translators  generally  to  put  such 
passages  in  the  imperative,  which,  at  first  view 
at  least,  gives  them  an  appearance  of  harshness, 
not  so  congenial  to  the  spirit  of  devotion.  The 
two  verses,  however,  viewed  as  predictions  of  the 
destruction,  which  awaits  the  obstinate  enemies 
of  Christ  and  his  church,  have  been  wonderfully 
accomplished  in  the  dire  end  of  many  traitors 
and  persecutors,  and  in  the  condition  of  the  Jews 
to  this  day.     (JVbfes,  69:22— 28.   109:6—20.) 

V.  16.  "All  those  who  seek  thee  shall  be 
glad  and  rejoice  in  thee;  such  as  love  thy  salva- 
tion, shall  say  continually.  The  Lord  be  magni- 
fied." 'I  am  confident,  that  this  eventually  will 
'be  the  case;  notwithstanding  present  tempta- 
'tions  and  sufferings.' — The  clause,  "love  thy 
salvation,"  exactly  discriminates  a  true  believer 
from  all  other  men.     {Marg.  Rff-) 

V.  17.     Marg.  Ref. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVvVTIONS. 
We  are  here  again  called  upon  to  contem- 
plate the  intense  sufferings,  into  which  our  sins 
plunged  the  divine  Savior,  when  he  willingly 
gave  himsejf  for  us  a  sacrifice  to  God:  and  we 
should  also  mark  his  patient  confidence  in  the  Fa-  j 
ther  under  all;  and  observe  how  his  prayers  were 
heard,  his  soul  delivered,  and  his  body  raised;  j 
and  how,  in  human  nature,  he  was  exalted  to  be  | 
a  Prince  and  a  Savior.  In  his  exaltation  all  his 
people  should  rejoice:  the  new  song,  which  was 
put  into  his  mouth,  was  intended  for  our  use,  that 
we  may  render  praises  unto  our  God:  (JVo/e, 
Rev.  5:8 — 10.)  and  the  whole  interesting  scene, 
and  all  the  mediatorial  power  and  grace  of  our 
exalted  Savior,  were  designed  to  warn  sinners  to 
flee  from  the  wrath  to  come,  and  to  put  their  en- 
tire trust  in  the  mercy  of  the  Lord.  Happy  are 
all  they,  who  renounce  every  lying  vanity  and 
carnal  confidence,  thus  to  depend  upon  the  living 
God:  they  shall  continually  experience  the  faith- 
fulness of  his  promises;  and  contemplate  with 
admiring  gratitude  all  the  counsels  of  his  love, 
and  his  wonderful  works  in  behalf  of  his  redeem- 
ed people:  nor  will  they  be  able  to  eternity  to 
exhaust  the  subject,  or  to  recount  all  the  partic- 
ular instances  of  his  mercy  to  them.  Yet  the 
incarnation  and  suretiship,  the  obedience  and 
sufferings,  of  the  Son  of  God,  are  the  centre  and 
the  means  of  all  other  mercies  to  us.    [Koies, 


16  'Let  all  those  that  seek  thee  re- 
joice and  be  glad  in  thee:  let  such  as 
"  love  thy  salvntion  ^  say  continually, 
The  Lord  be  magnified. 

17  But  yl  cm.  poor  and  needy;  yet 
^the  Lord  thinketh  upon  me:  thou  art 
*  my  Help  and  my  Deliverer;  ^  make  no 
tarrying,  O  my  God. 


t  22:26.  35:27.  68:3.   105:3.      I3. 

65:13,1<1. 
u  119:81,111,123,166,167.   Matt. 

13:45,40.     Phil.  3:7—9. 
X  35:27.     Luke   1:46,47.     Acts 

19:17. 


y  34:6.  69:33.    70:5.      Is.  41:17. 

Malt.  8:20.     2  Cor.  3:9.    Jam. 

2:5. 
z  1  Pet.  2:23.   5:7. 
a  54:4.     Is.  50:7—9.  Heb.  13:6. 
b  143:7,8.     Rev.  22:20. 


JoAn  3:16.  14:6.  1  Joftw  4:9— 12.)  Thus  God  is 
glorified,  and  sinners  are  saved:  no  costly  sacri- 
fices, nor  even  moral  righteousness,  can  be  ac- 
ceptable from  sinners  to  a  holy  God,  except  as 
they  stand  in  relation  to  the  person  and  atone- 
ment of  his  beloved  Son.  In  his  obedience  unto 
death,  the  eternal  purposes  of  Jehovah  were 
accomplished;  the  tj-pes  and  prophecies  of  the 
Old  Testament  were  fulfilled;  the  law  of  God 
was  magnified,  and  tlie  demands  of  justice  were 
satisfied.  Humiliating  and  painful  as  this  obedi- 
ence was,  the  loving  Savior  delighted  to  perform 
it:  [J^oie,  John  4:31—34.)  the  law  of  God  possess- 
ed his  heart,  and  he  was  bent  upon  honoring  its 
precepts  and  its  awful  sanction;  that  all  might 
learn  the  excellence  of  the  command,  and  tl.^e 
evil  of  transgression,  in  connexion  with  the  infi- 
nite love  of  God  to  sinners.  Now  his  redemp- 
tion is  completed,  and  the  proclamation  is  sent 
forth  to  call  upon  us  to  come  and  accept  of  it. 
May  v/e  believe  his  testimony,  trust  his  promise, 
and  submit  to  his  authority!  For  all  who  thus 
seek  the  Lord  shall  rejoice  in  him;  and  all  "who 
love  his  salvation  will  say  continually.  The  Lord 
be  magnified:"  while  the  shame  and  ruin  of  im- 
penitent sinners,  especially  of  those  wlio  oppose 
his  cause,  or  seek  to  destroy  his  people,  and  re- 
joice in  their  calamities,  are  ensured  by  the  pre- 
dictions and  denunciations  of  the  Avord  of  God, 
and  even  by  his  intercession  for  his  chnioh. — 
But  if  the  holy  Jesus,  "the  beloved  Son,  in  whom 
the  Father  was  well  pleased,"  endured  such  in- 
numerable evils,  and  became  so  poor  and  needy 
for  our  sake;  shall  we,  whose  "iniquities  are 
more  in  number  than  the  hairs  of  our  head," 
complain  when  we  meet  with  pain  and  poverty! 
Had  it  not  been  for  his  voluntary  sufferings,  our 
sins  would  have  taken  such  hold  on  us,  that  we 
should  never  have  been  able  to  look  up:  our 
hearts  must  indeed  have  failed,  and  in  the  horri- 
ble pit,  whence  there  is  no  escape,  our  hopes 
would  for  ever  have  expired.  Of  this  believers 
arc  fully  convinced;  and  this  should  tcncli  them 
patient  submission  under  every  trial.  And  if 
any  are  struggling  with  remorse  of  conscience, 
and  fears  of  wrath,  and,  to  their  own  apprehen- 
sion, sinking  in  a  deep  and  horrible  pit;  let  them 
wait  patiently  for  God,  and  cry  humbly  unto 
him,  and  he  will  hear  and  help  them,  and  turn 
their  fears  and  sorrows  into  joyful  praises.  If  we 
are  thus  rescued,  let  us  continue  to  pray  that 
"our  goings  may  be  established"  in  holiness,  as  a 
proof  that  we  arc  fixed  upon  the  Rock  of  salva- 
tion. And  in  order  that  our  praises  may  be  lion- 
orable  to  God  and  profitable  to  man,  we  should 
endeavor  to  unite  humble  dependence  on  Christ 
with  obedient  imitation  of  him.  For  those,  who 
are  really  his,  are  taught  to  delight  in  doing  his 
will,  and  have  his  law  written  in  their  hearts. 
Let  us  not  then  be  ashamed  of  him  or  of  his  word; 
but  declare  his  righteousness,  truth,  and  salva- 
tion, according  to  our  place  in  the  church,  to  ail 
around  us.     Let  us  put  our  whole  trust  in  hi.s 

[197 


B.  C.  1021. 


PSALM  XLL 


B.  C.  1021. 


PSALM   XLL 


David  shews  the  blessedness  of  tliose  who  consider  the  poor,  1 — 
3.  He  prays  for  mercy,  and  complains  of  the  treachery  and 
malice  of  his  enemies,  and  the  ingratitude  of  one  who  had 
been  his  friend,  4 — 10.  He  expresses  confidence  in  God,  and 
praises  him,  11 — 13. 

To    the    chief    Musician,   A    Psahn    of 
David. 

BLESSED  ^  is  he    that  considerelh 
*  the  poor:  ^  the  Lord  will  deliver 
him  in  ttime  of  trouble. 

2  The  Lord  will  "^  preserve  him,  and 
keep  him  alive;  ajid  he  shall  be  "^  blessed 
upon  the  earth:  ^  and  t  thou  wilt  not  de- 
liver him  unto  the  will  of  his  enemies. 

3  The  Lord  will  ^  strengthen  him 
upon  the  bed  of  languishing:  thou  wilt 
§  make  all  his  bed  in  his  sickness. 

4  I  said,  ^  Lord,  be  merciful  unto 
me;  ''  heal  my  soul;  for  1  have  sinned 
against  thee. 


a  112:9.     Deut.   15:7— 11.     Job 

29:12—10.    31:10—20.      Prov. 

14:21.    19:17.     Ec.  11:1,2.     Is. 

68:7—11.     Mark    14:7.     Luke 

14:13,14.  2  Cor.  9:8— M    Gal. 

2:10. 
*  Or,  the  weak,  or  sick.     Matt. 

25:34—39.  Acts  20:35.  1  Thes. 

5:14. 
b  31:19.    37:26,39,40.     Heb.   6: 

10.     Jam.  2:13. 
f  Heb.    the  day  of  evil.  37:19. 


Prov.  16:4.     Ec.    12:1.     Rev. 

3: 10. 
c33:19.  91:3—7.    Jer.  45:4,5. 
d  128:1—6.     1  Tim.  4:0. 
e  27:12.   140:8,9. 
t  Or,  do  not  thou  dtliver, 
t  73:26.     2  Kings  1:6,16.  20:5,6. 

2  Cor.  4:16,17.      Phil.  2:26,27. 
§  Heb.  turn. 
g  51:1—3. 
h  6:2 — 1.    103:3.    147:3.     2  Chr. 

30:18—20.     Jam.  5:15,16. 


mercy  under  every  trial,  and  seek  to  him  to  make 
liaste  to  help  and  deliver  us;  and  to  disappoint  Sa- 
tan and  every  foe,  who  seeks  after  our  souls  to 
destroy  them.  Thouj^h  despised  and  obscure,  let 
it  suffice  us,  that  the  Lord  thinks  of  us;  and  if  he 
be  our  Help  and  Deliverer,  he  will  make  no  long 
tarrying;  but  will  soon  remove  us  out  of  the 
reach  of  sin  and  sorrow:  and  at  length  raise  our 
bodies  from  the  grave,  that  we  may  be  with  him, 
and  behold  and  share  his  glory  for  ever.  ' JVbfe, 
P/ii/.  3:20,21.) 

ISOTES. 

Psalm  XLT.  V.I — 3.  It  is  generally  agreed, 
that  David  wrote  this  Psalm  during  Absalom's  re- 
bellion, when,  it  seems,  his  other  afflictions  were 
accompanied  with  sickness:  or  rather  he  had 
previously  been  visited  with  some  dangerous  dis- 
order, from  which  his  enemies  hoped  he  would 
not  recover;  and  this  emboldened  them  in  their 
treasonable  practices.  [Jfoies,  4 — 8.  30:1,2.  38: 
3 — to.]  Finding  his  own  afflictions  aggravated 
by  their  cruelty  and  perfidy;  he  was  led  to  com- 
mend that  temper  of  mind,  which  disposed  a  man 
to  consider,  and  compassionate  and  relieve,  the 
poor  and  afflicted;  and  to  declare  him  happy  who 
possessed  it.  Some  render  the  first  clause 
^•'Blessed  is  he  that  jmlgith  loisalij  of  the  poor:" 
'not  condemning  him  as  accursed  whom  God 
'doth  visit,'  (as  Job's  friends  did  him;)  'knowing 
'that  there  are  divers  causes  why  God  layeth  his 
'hand  upon  us,  yea  and  afterward  he  restoreth 
'us.'  It  is,  however,  generally  understood  to  re- 
fer to  the  considerate,  active,  and  liberal  kind- 
ness, shewn  to  the  poor  and  afflicted,  from  genu- 
ine faith  and  love.  [J\Iarg.  lief,  a.)  Such  a 
becoming  conduct  would  ensure  a  gracious  rec 
ompense  from  God;  either  exemption  from  the 
calamities,  which  in  evil  times  befel  others,  the 
preservation  of  life,  with  many  blessings,  and 
protection  from  envious  and  spiteful  enemies;  or, 
in  case  of  sickness,  inward  strength  and  various 
alleviations,  (as  when  the  bed  of  the  sick  is  turn- 
ed., and  smoothed  to  aid  their  repose,)  till  health 
108] 


5  'Mine  enemies  speak  evil  of  me; 
When  shall  he  die,  and  ^  his  name 
perish.'' 

6  And  if  he  come  to  see  me,  >  he 
speaketh  vanity:  his  heart  gathereth  in- 
iquity to  itself;  ™  when  he  goeth  abroad 
he  telleth  it. 

7  All  that  hate  me  °  whisper  together 
against  me:  °  against  me  do  they  devise 
II  my  hurt. 

8  ^^  An  P  evil  disease,  say  they,  cleav- 
eth  fast  unto  him:  i  and  now  that  he 
lieth  he  shall  rise  up  no  more. 

9  •■  Yea,  **  mine  own  familiar  friend, 
in  whom  I  trusted,  ^  which  did  eat  of 
my  bread,  hath  tt  lifted  up  his  heel  against 
me. 

10  But  thou,  O  Lord,  *  be  merciful 


i  22:6—3.   102.3. 

k  Job  18:17.  20:7.  Prov.  10:7. 

I  12:2.  Neh.  6:1—14.  Prov. 
26:24—26.  Dan.  11:27.  Mic. 
7:5—7.  Luke  11:53,54.  20: 
20—23.     2  Cor.  11:26. 

m  Jer.  20:10. 

n   Prov.     16:28.    26:20.    marj;. 

Rom.   1:29.     2  Cor.  12:20. 
0  31:13.    56:5,6.     Matt.    22:15. 

26:3,4. 

II  Heb.  evil  to  me. 


I  TT  Heb.  A  thing  of  Belial. 

p  38:3—7.    Job  2:7,8.  Luke  13: 
I     16. 
q  3:2.  71:11.     Matt.  27:41 — 43. 
63,64. 
r55:12— 14,20— 22.    2  Sam.  15: 

12.     Job  19:19. 
**  Heb.  the  tnan  of  my  peace. 
s  Deut.  32:15.     Obad.  7.    John 
13:18,26,27. 
tf  Heb.  magnified. 
t57:l.   109:21. 


was  restored,  or  till  a  peaceful  death  terminated 
all  his  sorrows. — It  is  astonishing  to  the  student 
of  scripture,  in  reading  the  most  admired  writ- 
ings of  pagan  moralists,  to  observe,  how  entirely 
this  branch  of  morality  is  omitted!  Certainly  it 
is  peculiar  to  the  scriptures,  and  to  writings 
formed  on  them.     (P.  O.  Deut.  15:  condvsion.) 

V.  4 — 8.  David  was  conscious,  that  his  afflic- 
tion was  a  correction  for  his  sins;  and  with  hum- 
ble confessions  he  pleaded  especially  for  "the 
healing  of  his  soul:"  but  his  enemies  reviled  him, 
and  impatiently  expected  his  death,  and  hoped 
that  his  very  name  and  memory  would  be  dis- 
graced. Recollecting  their  former  behavior, 
and  comparing  it  with  their  conduct  in  following 
Absalom,  he  perceived  that  their  apparent  kind- 
ness, and  their  visits,  were  only  intended  to  im- 
pose on  him  with  vain  professions  of  attachment, 
and  to  gain  an  opportunity  of  collecting  materi- 
als of  slander  and  reproach.  They  Maliciously 
adverted  to  every  one  of  his  %vords,  and  every 
part  of  his  behavior;  treasuring  up  in  their 
mind  whatever  could  be  unfavorably  interpreted, 
and  then  whispering  it  abroad  among  the  people, 
to  prejudice  them  against  him  and  his  govern- 
ment. {J\''ofes.,2  Sara.  15:1 — 11.)  And,  consid- 
ering his  malady  as  a  proof  of  his  guilt,  ("a  thing 
of  Belial,"  mar^.)  they  exulted  in  the  hope  that 
he  would  sink  under  it  to  rise  no  more. 

V.  9.  x\s  David  was  a  type  of  Christ,  so  was 
Ahitliophel  in  some  respects  of  Judas.  The  lat- 
ter clause  of  this  verse  was  fulfilled  in  Judas's  un- 
grateful and  cruel  treachery.  But  Christ  never 
trusted  in  \\\m,  as  David  had  confided  in  Ahitho- 
phel;  and  therefore  tlie  former  part  was  more  suit- 
ed to  the  type  than  to  the  Antitype.  {J^otes,  55:1'2 
—15,20,21.  109:2—5.  2  Snm.  15:12,31.  16:20— 
23.  17:1—4.  Jo/i?il3:l8— 30.)— 'The  sufferings 
'of  the  church,  hke  those  of  her  Redeemer,  gen- 
'eraily  begin  at  home;  ...  and,  unnatural  as  it 
'mavseem,  they,  who  have  waxed  fat  upon  her 
'bounty,  are  sometimes  the  first  to  "lift  up  the 
'heel"  against  her.'  Bp.  Home.  {J^ote,  Deut. 
32:15.) 


B.  C.  1021. 


PSALM  XLII. 


B.  C.  1021. 


unto  me,  and  raise  me  up,  "  that  I  may 
requite  them. 

1 1  By  this  I  know  that  thou  favorest 
me,  "  because  mine  enemy  doth  not 
triumph  over  me. 

12  And  as  for  me,  ^  thou  upholdest 
me  in  mine  integrity,  and  ^settest  me 
before  thy  face  for  ever. 

13  *  Blessed  he  the  Lord  God  of 
Israel,  from  everlasting  and  to  everlast- 
ing.    ^  Amen,  and  Amen. 


u  13:37—42.  21:8—10.  69.22— 
23.  109:6—20.     Luke  19:27. 

X  13:4.  31:8.  35:25.  36:17.  124: 
6.     Jcr.  20:13.     Col.  2:15. 

y  25:21.  94:13. 

£  10:11.  17:15.  73:23,24.  Job 
36:7.     John  17:24. 


a  72:13,19.  89:52.  106:48.  1  Chr. 

29:10.      Eph.    1:3.     Rev.  4:8. 

5:9—14.  7:12.   11:17. 
b  Num.  5.23.     Deut.  27:lS,&c. 

1  Kings    1:36.      1   Chr.    16:36. 

Jer.  28:6.     Matt.  6:13.    1  Cor. 

14:16.     Rev.  22:20. 


V.  10.  'AH  this  doth  not  discourage  me,  when 
"I  think  of  thy  mercy,  O  Lord;  ...  I  am  not  so 
'low,  (8)  but  contrary  to  their  expectation,  thou 
'art  able  to  restore  me  to  my  throne,  from 
'whence  they  have  driven  me:  ...  and  then  I 
'shall  punish  them,  according  as  my  office,  and 
'their  wickedness,  requires.''     Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  11 — 13.  The  Psalmist,  amidst  his  compli- 
cated trials,  concluded  with  lively  actings  of 
faith,  and  adoring  praises.  Had  not  God  "favor- 
ed him,"  or  delighted  in  him,  his  enemy  would 
certainly  before  that  time  have  triumphed  over 
him.  [Jfotes,  22:1,8.  h:  42:1—4.  JIatt.  3:16,11. 
17:5—8.  27:39—44.)  He  was  still  upheld  in  an 
upright  and  conscientious  adherence  to  the  cause 
of  God  and  religion,  and  in  assured  hope  of  future 
felicity;  and  therefore  he  praised  the  Lord  God 
of  Israel,  calling  on  all  the  people,  by  repeating 
earnestly  "Amen,"  (or  Let  it  be  even  so,)  to  his 
zealous  adorations,  to  make  them  their  own. 
(JVb<e5,  72:17— 19.  89:52.  106:47,48.  Matt.  6:13. 
Eph.  1:3—8.  1  Pet.  1:3—5.  4:9—11.  5:10,11. 
jRc'J.  4:6— 11.  5:0—14.  19:1—6.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  people  of  God  are  not  exempted  from  pov- 
erty, sickness,  or  any  external  affliction:  but  he 
considers  their  case  and  wants,  and  vouchsafes 
(hem  relief  proportioned  to  the  exigency:  he 
delivers  tliem  from  trouble,  preserves  their  lives, 
and  gives  tlicm  blessings  on  earth,  as  long  as 
this  is  really  good  for  them:  he  does  not  give  them 
oveu  unto  the  will  of  their  enemies;  and  even 
upon  the  bed  of  languishing  sickness,  which  is 
so  depressing  to  nature,  he  frequently  communi- 
cates such  strength  and  consolation,  as  render 
them  calm  and  easy. — After  the  Lord's  example 
of  kindness  and  compassion,  the  believer  has  also 
learned  to  consider  his  poor  and  afflicted  !)reth- 
ren.  In  them  he  sees  the  once  suffering  Savior; 
and  gratitude  to  him  unites  witli  love  to  his  peo- 
ple, in  disposing  him  to  alleviate  their  sorrows, 
and  supply  their  wants,  according  to  his  opportu- 
nity and  ability:  nor  does  he  exclude  any  other 
sufferers  from  his  deep  compassion,  and  such  re- 
lief as  he  can  afford  them;  or  decline  labor  and 
self-denial  in  order  to  confer  it.  Thus  he  evi- 
dences the  reality  of  his  faith,  and  obtains  the  as- 
surances of  gracious  supports  from  God,  when 
aflliclions  fall  to  his  lot. — But  nothing  is  so  dis- 
tressing to  the  contrite  believer,  as  a  sense  of  the 
divine  displeasure,  guilt  on  his  conscience,  and 
the  prevalence  of  sin  in  his  heart:  pain  and  sick- 
ness will  remind  him  to  pray  especially  for  par- 
doning mercy,  and  for  the  healing  of  his  soul, 
which  is  wounded  and  diseased,  because  he  has 
sinned  against  the  Lord,     {.jyolc,  .Irr.   17:14.) — 


PSALM  XLIL 

The  Psalmist  thirsts  after  God;  mourns  his  absence  from  the 
sanctuary,  while  amidst  insulting  foes;  and  recollects  with  re- 
gret former  seasons  of  comfort,  1 — 4.  He  struggles  against 
unbelief  and  despondency,  complains  unto  God,  and  stays  his 
dejected  soul  on  him,  5 — 1). 

To  the    chief  Musician,    *  Maschil,    for 
^  the  sons  of  Korah. 

AS  the  hart  t  panteth  after  the  water- 
brooks,    ^  so  panteth  my  soul  after 
thee,  O  God. 

2  My    soul    nhirsteth 


•^  the  living   God:    ®  when 


for    God,    for 
shall  I  come 
and  appear  before  God.'' 

3  My  ^  tears  have  been  my  meat  day 

A  Psalm  giving  iiistruc- 


*0 

Hon,  of  the,  ^c 

a  44:  45:  46:  47:  48:  49:  84:  85 
titles.  Num.  16:1,32.  26:11 
1  Chr.  6:33— 37.  25:1—5. 

f  Heb.  brayeth. 

b  63:1,2.  84:2.   143:6,7.     Is.  26, 


8,9. 
c  36:8,9.  John  7:37. 
d  Jer.  2:13.     10:10. 

1  Thes.  1:9. 
e  27:4.  84:4,10. 
f  80:5.    102:9.      2  Sam. 


Rev.  22:1. 
John  5:26. 


The  most  humble  and  upright  may  well  expect 
to  meet  with  enmity,  contempt,  treachery,  and 
ingratitude  from  the  wicked;  when  the  holy  Je- 
sus was  not  only  despised  and  rejected  of  men, 
but  was  betrayed  and  sold  by  one  of  his  own 
apostles,  whom  he  had  treated  with  the  utmost 
kindness,  and  distinguished  by  the  most  valuable 
external  privileges.  Let  us  then  continually 
look  unto  Jesus,  that  we  may  not  be  stumbled  or 
discouraged,  if  without  cause  many  calumniate 
or  injure  us,  and  wish  for  and  even  seek  to  ac- 
complish our  death,  or  rejoice  and  insult  over 
our  distresses  and  disgrace.  Should  any  spe- 
ciously profess  religion,  and  friendship  to  us, 
court  our  acquaintance,  and  insinuate  themselves 
into  our'  confidence  and  affection,  on  purpose  to 
slander  and  betray  us;  let  us  still  remember  that 
Christ  met  with  far  baser  treatment  in  all  these 
respects,  than  we  can  do;  and  if  we  in  any  meas- 
ure walk  in  his  steps,  we  must  expect  a  propor- 
tionate share  of  enmity,  contempt,  and  ingrati- 
tude. [J^otes,  John  15:'l7— 21.  1  Pet.  4:12—16.) 
He,  being  risen  from  the  dead,  and  constituted 
}  Judge  of  all,  will  requite  all  his  obstinate  enemies: 
but  in  our  private  capacity  we  must  not  desire  to 
avenge  ourselves,  but  copy  his  example,  when 
he  pra3'ed  for  the  forgiveness  of  his  murderers. 
However  we  may  be  tempted  and  afflicted,  it  is  a 
token  for  good,  if  Satan  our  enemy  ^e  not  per- 
mitted to  triumph  over  us:  and  if  the  Lord  be 
merciful  to  us,  and  favor  us,  and  uphold  us  in  our 
integrity,  "he  will  set  us  before  his  face  for 
ever;"  and  then  our  enemies  will  finally  be  sub- 
dued, and  all  our  sorrows  terminated.  In  the 
anticipation  of  faith  and  hope,  let  us  then  on 
earth  solace  ourselves,  under  our  conflicts  and 
sorrows,  by  beginning  the  work  of  heaven;  and 
give  our  cordial  assent  to  those  praises,  which 
the  redeemed  are  continually  rendering  to  their 
God  and  Savior,  saying,  "Blessed  be  the  Lord 
God  of  Israel,  from  everlasting  and  to  everlast- 
ing.    Amen,  and  Amen." 

NOTES. 
Psalm  XLII.  Title.  This  is  rendered  in  the 
old  translation,  "A  Psalm  to  give  instruction, 
committed  to  the  sons  of  Korah." — This  psalm  be- 
gins the  second  book,  according  to  the  division 
made  by  the  Jews.  It  has  not  David's  name  pre- 
fixed to  it:  yet  there  is  little  doubt  that  he  com- 
posed it,  when  driven  from  Jerusalem  and  beyond 
Jordan,  by  Absalom's  rebellion;  f6.  J^otes,  2 
Sam.  17:17 — 29.)  and  when  he  was  tnus  deprived 
of  the  benefit  and  comfort  of  public  ordinances, 
under  his  complicated  afflictions,  and  imminent 
dangers.     {.Kotes,  3:) 

[199 


B.  C.  lOil 


PSALM  XLH. 


B.  C.  1021. 


and   night,    s  while    they  continually  say 
unto  me,  Where  is  thy  God. 

4  ^  When  I  remember  these  things, 
'  I  pour  out  my  soul  in  me:  ^  for  I  had 
gone  with  the  multitude;  I  went  with 
them  to  the  house  of  God,  '  with  the 
voice  of  joy  and  praise,  with  a  multitiide 
that  kept  holy-day. 

5  ■"  Why  art  thou  *  cast  down,  O  my 
soul?  and  why  art  thou  disquieted  in  me? 
•^hope  thou  in  God:  for  I  shall  yet 
t  praise  him  "for  i  the  help  of  his  coun- 
tenance. 

6  O  P  my  God,  my  soul  is  cast  down 
within  me:  i  therefore  will  I  remember 
thee  "■  from  the  land    of  Jordan,  and  of 


^  10.  3:2.  22:3.  79:10,12. 

h  Ruth  lr21.     Job  '29:2,&c.  30: 

l,&c.    Lam.  4:1.  Luke  16:25. 
i  62:3.     1  Sam.     1:15,16.      Job 

30:16. 
k  1  Cbr.  15:15—23.   16: 
1  31:1—3.   122:1.     Dent.    16:11, 

11,15.    2  Chv.  7:10.  30:23— 26. 

Is.  30:29.    Nah.   1:15. 
m  11.  43:5.  55:4,5.    61:2.   142:2, 

3.     143:3,4.        1     Sam.     30:6. 

■Rfark  14:.33,3). 
*  Heb.  6oT/.e(i  d07i-n.  35:14. 


n  27:13,14.  37:7.  56:3,11.  71:14. 

Job  13:15.   Is.  50:10.     Lam.  3: 

21—26.  Kom.  4:18—20.    Heb. 

10:36,37. 
t  Or,  give  thanks. 
o44:3.     Num.  6:26. 
J  Or,  his  presence  is  salvation. 

91:15,16.     Matt.  1:23.  28:20. 
p   22:1.    43:4.    33:1—3.     Matt. 

26:39.  27:46. 
q  77:6—11.     Jon.  2:7. 
r61:2.     2  Sam.  17:22,27. 


V.  1 — 3.  The  disconsolate  state  of  the  Psalm- 
ist's mind  is  illustrated,  by  one  of  the  most  express- 
ive comparisons  that  can  be  imag-ined.  The  hart, 
or  deer,  when  covered  with  dust  and  sweat,  hav- 
ing- been  long  chased  on  a  sultrj'  day,  is  ready  to 
faint  and  die,  and  pants,  or  brays,  [tnarg.)  to 
quench  his  extreme  thirst  from  the  brooks  of 
water.  [Joel  1:20.  Heb.)  Thus  David  longed 
and  mourned  after  the  courts  of  God:  but  still 
more  for  the  living  God  himself;  for  his  presence 
and  favor,  and  those  pleasures,  which  he  had  en- 
joyed in  communion  with  him.  {J^''otes,  63: 1 — 4. 
84:1,2.  143:6.  Matt.  5:6.  Rev.  7:13—17.)  The 
want  of  these  consolations  was  the  more  griev- 
ous, because  his  former  confidence  was  now 
openly  derided,  and  it  was  thought,  that  God  had 
deserted  him,  and  would  not,  or  could  not,  afford 
him  any  relief.  [JVotes,  9,10.  3:1,2.  22:7,8.) 
These  taunts  and  reproaches  so  distressed  him, 
that  he  lost  his  appetite  for  his  food,  and  tears 
were  as  his  meat  continually,  his  only  solace  and 
relief,  day  arid  night. 

Pantctk.  (1)  ^"l  Vjl  ^rays,  or  makes  that  com- 
plaining noise,  which  is  peculiar  to  the  species. 
'Figurate,  appetivit,  desideravit,  anhelavit.  Hinc 
^■epcyeitai  uppeto.''    Robertson,     v^-miro^u.     Sept. 

V.  4,  5.  In  this  distressing  situation,  the 
Psalmist  recollected  former  times,  till  his  soul 
was  even  "poured  out,"  or  melted,  within  him. 
(22:14.)  lie  had  been  used  to  accompany  the 
multitude  to  the  house  of  God,  upon  their  solemn 
feast-days;  and  he  counted  it  his  chief  honor  and 
happiness,  to  join  in  their  sacred  songs  of  jov  and 
praise:  [JS/otes,  2  Sam.  6:12—15.  1  Chr.  13:  16:) 
but  now  he  M'as  driven  as  an  exile  far  from  that 
sacred  scene;  and  Jerusalem  itself  was  profaned 
by  the  wickedness  of  his  adversaries.  Yet  still 
he  was  fully  convinced,  that  he  ought  not  to 
yield  to  despondency:  he  would  therefore  call 
his  soul  to  account,  for  being  thus  cast  down  and 
disquieted;  inquiring  of  it  what  adequate  cause 
could  be  assigned  for  it.  Past  experience  and 
repeated  express  promises  combined  to  encourage 
his  hope,  that  God  would  yet  favor,  comfort,  and 
help  him,  which  would  be  done  effectually  with  a 
look  or  a  smile;  for  "his  presence  is  salvatiou.'" 
.^^a>-ir^■)^.  [J^otes,  II.  1  Sam.  30:6.) 
200] 


^  the   Hermonites,  from  }  the  hill  Mizar. 

7  *  Deep  calleth  unto  deep,  at  the 
noise  of  thy  water-spouts:  "  all  thy 
waves  and  thy  billows  are  gone  over  me. 

8  Yet  the  Lord  will  ^  command  his 
loving-kindness  in  the  day-time,  and  ^  in 
the  night  his  song  shall  be  with  me,  and 
my  prayer  unto  ^  the  God  of  my  hfe. 

9  I  will  say  unto  ^  God  my  Rock, 
''  Why  hast  thou  forgotten  me?  *=  why  go  I 
mourning  '^  because  of  the  oppression  of 
the  enemy? 

10  *^s  with  a  II  sword  in  my  bones, 
mine  enemies  reproach  me;  while  they 
say  daily  unto   me,  ^  Where  is  thy  God? 

11  8  Why  art  thou    cast  down,  O  my 


s  Deut.  3:8,9.  4:47,48. 

5  Or,  the  little  kill. 

t,Tob  1:14—19.   10:17.  Jer  4:20, 

Kz.  7:26. 
u  69:14,15.    38:7,15—17.     Lara 

3:53—55.     Jon.  2:3. 
X   44:4.      133:3.       Lev.     25:21, 

Deut.  23:3.     Matt.  8:8. 
y   63:6.   149:5.     Job  35:10.     Is, 

30:29.     Acts  16:25. 
z  27:1.     Col.  3:3. 


a  18:2.  28:1.  62:2,6,7.  75:35. 
b    13:1.    22:1,2.    44:23,24.  77:9. 

Is.  40:27.  49:15. 
c  38:6.  43:2.  33:9.     Job  30:26— 

31. 

d  55:3.  Ec.  4:1.   Lam.  .5:1—16. 
e3.  Prov.  12:18.  Luke  2:35. 
II  Or,  killivs. 
f  Joel  2:17.     Mic.  7:10. 
r  5.  43:5. 


V.  6 — 8.  As  the  Psalmist's  dejection  con- 
tinued, notwithstanding  his  earnest  strivings 
against  it,  he  next  complains  of  it  to  his  God; 
being  resolved  to  remember  him  with  faith,  and 
hope,  and  prayer,  though  he  was  apparently 
turned  to  be  his  enemy;  and  though  he  was  ban- 
ished from  mount  Zion,  into  a  remote  part  of  the 
land  beyond  Jordan,  to  some  little  hill  [marg.)  in 
the  land  of  Hermon.  The  word  Mizar  is  justly 
rendered  in  other  places,  small,  or  little.  (2  Chr. 
24:24.  /*.  63:18.  Heb.)  His  sorrows  were  so 
complicated,  and  his  outward  calamities  and  in- 
ward anguish  so  combined,  that  he  was  like  a 
ship  in  a  violent  stonn,  when  assaulted  by  one 
billow  after  another,  as  if  they  called  upon  each 
other  to  concur  in  its  destruction;  while  the 
water-spouts,  rushing  with  impetuous  force  into 
the  ocean,  with  a  dreadful  noise,  also  called  upon 
it  to  unite  in  overwhelming  the  astonished  mari- 
ners, who  sink  into  the  deep,  where  all  the  waves 
and  billows  go  over  them.  Thus  David  seemed 
ready  to  be  swallowed  up  by  his  enemies;  who, 
along  with  his  inward  distresses,  were  as  water- 
spouts, waves,  and  billows,  with  which  God 
seemed  ready  to  overwhelm  him  for  his  sins. 
{M)tes,  69:14,15.  2  Sam.  22:5,6.  Jon.  2:3,4.)  Yet 
he  trusted  that  he  would  command  these  storms 
into  a  calm.  (JVbfe*,  107:23— 30.  ^iff«.  8:23— 27.) 
He  hoped  that  in  due  season,  God  would  discov- 
er his  loving-kindness  to  him,  which  would  be  as 
the  return  of  the  day  to  his  soul;  and  therefore 
he  would  praise  him  for  the  past,  and  make  his 
prayer  unto  him,  as  "the  God  of  his  life,"  even  in 
the  darkest  night  of  sorrow  and  trouble.  Or,  he 
resolved  to  make  the  mercies  of  everj'  da}'  the 
subject  of  his  praise,  and  the  encouragement  of 
his  hope  and  prayer  during  the  night-season, 
when  pain  or  uneasiness  prevented  his  sleep. 
[J^otes,  Job  35:9—13.  Is.  30:29—32.  Acts  16:25— 
20.) 

V.  9,  10.  The  Psalmist  was  sensible,  that  God 
was  chastening  him  for  his  sins;  but  he  was  also 
conscious  of  being  truly  penitent.  He  likewise 
knew  that  his  cause  was  that  of  God  and  right- 
eousness, and  that  his  enemies  hated  him  for  his 
religion.  So  that  he  could  not  but  wonder,  on 
what  account  God,  his  Rock,  (.,Vo<e,  2  Sam.  22:2, 
3.)  should  so  long  forget  his  servant,  and  leave 


B.  C.  1021. 


PSALM  XLm. 


B.  C.  1021. 


soul.''  and  why  art  thou  disquieted  within 
me.''  hope  thou  in  God;  for  I  shall  yet 
praise  him,  who  is  ^  the  Health  of  my 
countenance,  and  my  God. 

PSALM  XLin. 

The  Psalmist  prays  that  God  would  judge  his  cause,  and  restore 
him  to  his  sanctuary,  1 — 3.  He  anticipates  his  joy  and  praise 
which  should  then  take  place,  and  encourages  himself  to  hope 
in  God,  4,  5. 

*  TUDGE  me,  O  God,  and  ^  plead  my 

fj    cause    against  an    *  ungodly  nation: 

O   dehver  me  from  Uhe   deceitful   and 

unjust  man. 

h  Jer.  30.17.  33:6.     Matt.  9:12. 
a.  7:8.  26:1.  35:24.  75:7.    1  Cor. 

•L4.     1  Pet.  2:23. 
b35:l.     1  Sam.    24:15.     Prov. 

22:23.  23:11.     Mic.  7:9. 


*  Or,  unmerciful. 

\  Heb.    a   man   of  deceit  and 

iniquity-  71:4.     2  Sam.  15:31. 

16:20—23.   17:1—4. 


2  For  thou  art  "  the  God  of  my 
strength:  '*why  dost  thou  cast  me  oti? 
^  why  go  I  mourning  because  of  the  op- 
pression of  the  enemy.'' 

3  O  •"  send  out  thy  light  and  thy 
truth:  e  let  them  lead  me;  let'  them 
bring  me  unto  ^  thy  holy  hill,  and  to  '  thy 
tabernacles. 

4  ^  Then  will  I  go  unto  the  altar  of 
God,    unto    God    t  my    exceeding   Joy: 


c28:7.  140:7.    Ex.  15:2.  Is.  40; 

31.  45:24.  Zech.  10:12.    Eph. 

6:10.     Phil.  4:13. 
d   71:9.    77.7.    94:14.      1    Chr. 

28:9. 
e  42:9. 
f  57:3.  97:11.   119:105.     2  Sam. 

15:-20.     Mic.  7:g,20.    John  1:4, 

17. 


g  25:4,5.   143.10.    Prov.  3:5,6. 
h  2:6.  3:4.  68:15,16.  78;bB.   132: 

13,14. 
i  1  Chr.  16:1,39.  2123. 
k  66:13— 15.    116:12—19. 
t  Heb.  tUe  gladness  of  -my  joy, 

71::3.      Is.  61:10.     Hab."3;l7, 

18.     Rom.  5:11. 


his  oppressors  to  prosper;  while  they  put  him  to 
extreme  torture,  by  their  impious  sarcasms  and 
reproachful  inquiries.  [Jfote,  1 — 3.) 

V.  II .  'This  repetition  doth  declare,  that  Da- 
'vid  did  not  overcome  at  once;  to  teach  us  to  be 
^constant,  for  as  much  as  God  will  certainly  de- 
'liver  his.' — The  concluding  words  are  rather  va- 
ried: "The  salvations  of  my  countenance,  and  my 
God."  [JVote,  4,5.)  The  deliverances  and  consola- 
tions of  God,  his  Salvation,  had  often  made  the 
Tsalmist  lift  up  his  face  with  joy  and  g-ladness; 
and  he  trusted  he  should  again  praise  him  for  sim- 
ilar mercies.    {Jfote,  2  Cor.  1:U — 11.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  believer,  in   proportion  to  the  degree  in 
which  he  is  spiritually-minded,  will  continually 
either  be  rejoicing  in  the  living  God,  or  mourning 
after  him.  The  thirsty  hart  does  not  more  eagerly 
pant  and  bray  for  the  refreshing  stream,  than  the 
lively  Christian  desires  the  consolations  of  the 
Holy  Spirit,  and  the  tokens  of  the  love  and  pres- 
ence of  God:  nothing  else  can  afford  him  satisfac- 
tion; and  temptations,  afflictions,  and  discourag- 
ing delays  increase  the  spiritual   appetite,  and 
make  him  the  more  to  thirst  for  these  living  wa- 
ters.   He  therefore  values  public  ordinances,  and 
delights  in  attending  on  them;  so  that  it  is  indeed  a 
great  affliction  to  him  to  be  banished,  or  confined 
at  a  distance.     Yet,  unless  he  meet  liis  God,  and 
enjoy  communion  with  him,  he  returns  even  from 
his  courts  disappointed  and  dissatisfied:    and  he 
looks  especially  with  longing  expectation  for  that 
season,  when  he  shall  appear  before  him  in  the 
temple  above,  and  be  for  ever  satisfied  in  his  fa- 
vor, and  in  that  joy  with  which  his  manifested 
glory  fills   every   enraptured   beholder.     (JVb<e, 
JfatU  5:8.)    But  the  comfort  of  his  hope  is  often 
abated,  and  even  turned  into  mourning,  in  this 
evil  world,  by  the  insults  and  blasphemies  of  those, 
%vho  deride  his  confidence  in  God,  as  presumption 
or  delusion;  especially  when  he  is  under  divine 
rebukes,  or  bereft  of  external  advantages.     In 
such  seasons  of  diitress  and  prevailing  iniquity, 
he  recollects  more  pleasant  and  prosperous  days, 
when  he  assembled  with  the  people  of  God,  and 
joined  in  his  worship  with  the  voice  of  joy  and 
praise;  and,  comparing  them  with  present  trials, 
lie  is  apt  to  yield  to  impatience  and  despondency. 
It  behoves  us  however,  under  every  distress,  to 
call  ourselves  to  account;  and  to  inquire  why  we 
are  so  cast  down  and  disquieted.    We  may  have 
great  cause  to  mourn  for  sin,  and  to  pray  against 
prevailing  impiety:  but  our  great  dejection,  even 
under  the  severest  outward  afflictions  or  inward 
trials,  springs  from  unbelief  and  a  rebellious  will: 
we  should  therefore  strive  and  pray  against  it, 
and  endeavor  to  hope  in  God,  persuaded  that  we 
Vol.  m.  26 


shall  "yet  praise  him  for  the  salvation  of  his  coun- 
tenance." Our  enemies  may  indeed  drive  us 
from  public  ordinances,  deprive  us  of  our  Bibles, 
banish  us  into  deserts,  or  immure  us  in  prison.^; 
but  they  cannot  bereave  us  of  the  favor  of  our 
God,  or  preclude  our  approach  to  the  throue  of 
grace.  Let  us  then  complain  unto  him,  and  re- 
member his  mercy  and  power,  under  every  dis- 
consolation.  And  if  one  trouble  follow  hard  after 
another; — if  divine  rebukes  from  above,  the  as- 
saults of  hell  from  beneath,  and  the  insults  of  men, 
like  floods,  waves,  and  water-spouts,  seem  to  com- 
bine for  our  ruin; — let  us  remember  that  they  all 
are  appointed  and  over-ruled  by  the  Lord,  and 
that  we  deserve  more  than  all  we  endure  on 
earth:  let  us  recollect  how  Jesus  SSiid,  "My  soul 
is  exceeding  sorrowful  even  unto  death;"  and  how 
he  suifered  both  from  the  cruelty  of  man,  the  rage 
of  Satan,  and  the  justice  of  the  Father:  yet  was 
he  heard  and  delivered.  In  his  name,  let  us  hope 
and  pray:  one  word  from  him  will  calm  every 
storm,  turn  the  midnight  darkness  into  the  light 
of  noon,  and  the  bitterest  complaints  into  joyful 
praises.  We  should  then  employ  our  time,  under 
tedious  and  discouraging  trials,  in  praising  God 
for  his  mercies  to  his  church  and  to  us,  and  in 
prayer  ft»r  deliverance.  Ere  long  our  night  of 
i  sorrow  will  finally  terminate,  and  eternal  day  will 
,  succeed.  Let  us  then  never  think  tliat  "the  God 
I  of  our  life,"  and  "the  Rock  of  our  salvation  hath 
forgotten  us;"  if  we  have  indeed  made  his  mercy, 
i  truth,  and  power  our  refuge.  Even  though  we 
j  cannot  but  "go  mourning,  becau.se  of  the  oppres- 
I  sion  of  the  enemy;"  and  though  the  reproaches  of 
j  the  ungodly  are  painful  as  "a  sword  in  our  bones;" 
I  yet  we  should  struggle  against  despondency,  and 
I  still  hope  in  God,  and  praise  him:  his  favor  will 
be  the  health  and  help  of  our  souls,  anJ  he  will  be 
I  "our  Shield  and  exceeding  great  Reward." 

NOTES. 

Psalm  XLIII.  V.  1.  This  is  evidently  a  con- 
tinuation of  the  preceding  psalm,  and  was  written 
before  David  had  obtained  deliverance.  Every 
day  brought  him  fresh  intelligence  concerning  the 
ungodly,  ungrateful,  and  unmerciful  conduct  of 
Israel  in  general;  the  bulk  of  the  nation  having 
joined  the  conspirators,  and  being  ready  to  pro- 
ceed to  all  lengths  against  the  life  of  their  aged 
king,  which  the  deceit  and  iniquity  of  Absalom  or 
Ahithophel  could  suggest  against  him.  But  these 
reports,  instead  of  dismaying  him,  seem  to  have 
raised  his  hope;  as  they  confirmed  his  confidence 
in  the  justice  of  his  cause,  and  warranted  his  ap- 
peal to  the  Judge  of  the  world,  to  decide  between 
him  and  his  most  injurious  foes.  [J^otes,  7:o — 11. 
26:1.  35:1—3.  143:1,2.) 

V.  2,  3.    J^ole,  42:9,10.— T/(y  light.  (J)    'Thv 

[20  i 


B.  C.  1036. 


PSALM  XLIV. 


B.  C.  1036. 


yea,  '  upon  the  harp  will  I  praise  thee, 
"'  O  God,  my  God. 

5  "  Why  art  thou  cast  down,  O  my 
soul?  and  why  art  thou  disquieted  within 
me?  hope  in  God:  for  I  shall  yet  praise 
him,  who  is  the  Health  of  my  coun- 
tenance, and  my  God. 

PSALM  XLIV. 

The  church  acknowledges  the  former  mercies  of  God,  and  re- 
solves to  trust  in  him,  1—8;  complains  of  being  left  under 
grievous  distresses  and  persecutions,  9—16;  professes  inlegrity 
uoder  sufferings,  17—22;  and  earnestly  prays  for  speedy  de- 
liverance, 23 — 26. 

To  the  chief  Musician  *  for  the  sons   of 
Korah,  Maschil. 

WE  ^  have  heard  with  our  ears,  O 
God,  our   fathers  have  told  us. 


157:8.    71:22.    Sl:2. 

5.     Rev.  5:3. 
in  12:6. 
n  42:5,11. 

2  Sam.  6: 

a  42:  title. 

b  22:31.  71:18.    78:3—6.    105:1, 

2.       Ex.    12:24—27.    13:14,15. 

Is.  38:19.     Joel  1:3. 

what  work  thou   didst  in  their  days,  '  in 
the  times  of  old. 

2  How  ^  thou  didst  drive  out  the 
heathen  with  thy  hand,  and  plantedst 
them;  how  thou  didst  ®  afflict  the  people, 
and  cast  them  out. 

3  For  ^  they  got  not  the  land  in  pos- 
session by  their  own  sword,  neither  did 
their  own  arm  save  them:  but  sthy  right 
hand,  and  thine  arm,  and  ^  the  light  of 
thy  countenance,  '  because  thou  hadst  a 
favor  unto  them. 


c  ?fum.  21:14—16,27-30.    Job 

8:8,9.   15:17-19. 
d  78:55.  80:8.    105:44.   135:10— 

12    136:17—22.    Ex.  15:19.  34: 

11.     Deut.   7:1.     Josh.   10:42. 

11:23.  21:43.     Nch.  9:2-2— 27. 
e  Ex.  23:28.  Num.  13:32.  Josh. 

10:11.  24:12.    1  Sam.  5:6,7. 


f  Deut.  4:37,38.  8:17,13.    Jojli 

24:12.    Zech.  4:6.     2  Cor.  4:X 
g  17:7.    20:6.    74:11.     Ex.  15:6. 

Is.  63:12. 
h  42:5,11.  80:16. 
i   Num.    14:8.     Deut.   7:7,8.     1 

Sam.  12:22.  Mai.  1:2,3.  Rom. 

9:10—15. 


'favor,  which  appeareth  by  the  performance  of  tliy 
'promises.'  Perhaps  the  Psalmist  also  meant,  the 
light  of  heavenly  wisdom,  teaching  him  how  to  act 
in  such  trying  circumstances,  so  as  to  wait  in  the 
path  of  duty  for  the  performances  of  God's  prom- 
ises; and  especially  till  restored  to  the  ordinances 
of  the  sanctuary,  which  were  far  nearer  to  his 
heart,  than  the  re-establishment  of  his  outward 
jirosperity,  and  the  confirmation  of  his  authority. 
{JTote,  27:1—6.) 

Tabernacles.]  There  were  at  this  time  (wo  tab- 
ernacles; or,  sacred  tents;  that  erected  by  Moses 
was  at  Gibeon;  and  the  ark  of  the  covenant  was 
stationed  on  mount  Zion,  in  a  tent  which  David 
had  prepared  for  it.    [Jfote,  1  Chr.  16:37—43.) 

V.  4.  .My  exceeding  joy.]  Or,  "The  gladness 
of  my  joy."  [Marg.)  The  fervent  language  used 
by  the  Psalmist,  while  anticipating  his  sacrifices 
of  thanksgiving  at  the  altar,  is  widely  different 
from  the  frigid,  unimpassioned  religion  of  nominal 
Christians  in  general,  and  shames  the  lukewarm- 
ness  of  most  of  us.  (JVb«e*,  107:17—22,31,32.  116: 
13-19.  118:19— 26.  JRoTO.  3:11.) 

V.  5.  JVofes,  42:4,5,11 — Health.]  Jl^/IJ^S 
salvations.  44:5.  Heb. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

Under  the  returns  of  distress  -.od  disconsolation, 
we  shoula,  again  and  again,  have  recourse  to  the  ] 
effectual  and  only  remedy  of  faith  and  prayer. — ; 
As  Israel  treated  David  after  all  his  successes  in 
faithfully  promoting  their  interests,  and  notwith- 1 
standing  his  wisdom  and  piety,  Avith  the  blackest 
ingratitude,  treachery,  and  injustice;  and  as  even  , 
his  beloved  Absalom^  and  his  professed  friend  and 
counsellor  Ahithophel,  joined  and  headed  the  base 
conspiracy;  and  as  the  Son  of  God  met  with  far 
baser  treatment  from  the  same  favored,  yet  un- 
godly and  merciless,  nation:    so  no  eminence  or 
usefulness  can  exempt  any  pious  man  from  the 
contempt  or  injuries  of  the  wicked;  whether  he 
have  to  do  with  collective  bodies,  or  individuals. 
But  we  should  commit  our  cause  to  God,  and  he 
will  plead  it,  and  deliver  us  from  every  unright- 
eous and  treacherous  assault.  And  though  inward 
temptations  often  concur  with  outward  afBictions, 
yet  God  will  never  carst  off  those,  who  trust  in  him 
us  their  Protector  and  Strength,  according  to  his 
merciful  and  faithful  promises.  We  should  there- 
fore discard  such  disltouorable  fears;  and  pray  the 
more  earnestly,  that  the  Lord  would  send  forth 
the  truth  of  his  word  and  the  light  of  his  Spirit,  to 
guide  us  into  the  ways  of  holiness,  peace,  and  sal- 
vation: and  by  means  of  his  ordinances  on  earth, 
202]' 


bring  us  to  his  holy  habitation  in  heaven.  Through 
Christ,  our  Altar  and  Sacrifice,  we  may  here  find 
joy  in  God,  for  which  we  should  bless  and  praise 
his  name:  but  under  every  suspension  of  comfort, 
and  every  trouble,  we  should  look  forward  to  the 
season,  when  "God,  our  exceeding  Joy,"  will  end 
our  sorrows  and  complete  our  felicity.  Let  us 
then  silence  our  complaints,  and  repeatedly  in- 
quire, "Why  art  thou  cast  down,  O  my  soul.''  and 
why  art  thou  so  disquieted  within  me.'"  And  re- 
solve still  to  "hope  in  God;  for  we  shall  yet  eter- 
nally praise  him,  who  is  the  Health  of  our  coun- 
tenance and  our  God." 

NOTES. 
Psalm  XLIV.  V.  1—3.  It  is  not  agreed  on 
what  occasion,  or  by  whom,  this  psalm  was  com- 
posed; nor  does  it  fully  suit  any  period  in  the  his- 
tory of  the  old-testament  church:  for  even  in  the 
days  of  Hezekiah,  under  Sennacherib's  oppres- 
sion, or  afterwards,  under  the  persecution  of  An- 
tiochus  Epiphanes,  the  bulk  of  the  nation  could 
not  have  made  the  solemn  protestation  contained 
in  it;  (JVbie,  17 — 22.)  and  it  would  have  been 
still  more  unsuitable  to  the  case  of  the  Jews,  dur- 
ing the  Babylonish  captivity.  It  is  therefore  no 
very  improbable  conjecture,  that  David,  or  some 
other  prophet,  composed  this  psalm  for  the  use  of 
the  true  churchy  in  every  age,  when  persecuted 
for  conscience' sake. — However  this  may  be,  the 
remnant  of  suffering  believers  are  here  introduc- 
ed, as  recollecting  the  work  of  God  for  Israel  in 
former  ages,  to  encourage  their  hope  of  his  further 
protection  and  powerful  interposition.  [Marg. 
Ref.)  The  first  verse  is  incorporated  into  our  Lit- 
any, after  a  manner,  suited  to  lead  our  thoughts  to 
the  triumphs  of  divine  grace  at  the  reformation, 
and  in  the  age  of  the  apostles. — Joshua  and  the 
Israelites  fought  valiantly  against  the  Canaanites: 
yet  their  victories  were  not  owing  to  their  own 
valor  or  strength,  but  to  the  power  and  favor  of 
God.  (JVbie,  Josh.  10:9,10.)  The  apostles  la- 
bored in  the  most  zealous  and  self-denying  man- 
ner to  spread  the  gospel  in  the  primitive  times: 
but  its  prevalence  was  not  the  effect  of  their  elo- 
quence, or  wisdom,  or  assiduity;  but  of  the  Holy 
Ghost  sent  down  from  heaven  to  prosper  their 
labors.  The  conversion  and  salvation  of  the  be- 
liever is  not  effected  by  his  merit,  wisdom,  or 
resolution;  but  springs  from  the  mercy  and  grace 
of  God:  vet  he  diligently  uses  the  appointed 
means.— T/te  people.  (2)  z^mS  :  Or  peoples, 
the  several  nations  inhabiting  Canaan.  (JV"o<e«, 
1  Sam.  12:22.  Rom.  9:10—18.) 


B.  C.  1036. 


PSALM  XLIV 


B.  C.  1036. 


4  Thou  art  ^  my  King,  O  God:  '  rom- 
mand  deliverances  for  Jacob. 

5  ^  Through  tliee  will  we  "  push 
down  our  enemies:  through  thy  name 
will  we  °  tread  them  under  that  rise  up 
against  us. 

6  For  P I  will  not  trust  in  my  bow, 
neither  shall  my  sword  save  me. 

7  But  ^  thou  hast  saved  us  from  our 
enemies,  and  hast  "■  put  them  to  shame 
that  hated  us. 

8  ^  In  God  we  boast  all  the  day  long, 
and  *  praise  thy  name  for  ever.       Selah. 

9  IT  But  "  thou  hast  cast  off,  and  put 
us  to  shame;  and  goest  not  forth  with 
our  armies. 

10  *  Thou  makest  us  to  turn  back 
from  the  enemy:  and  they  which  hate 
us  >  spoil  for  themselves. 

1 1  Thou  hast  ^  given  us  *  like  sheep  j 
appointed  for  meat;  and  hast  ^  scattered  j 
us  among  the  heathen. 

12  Thou  ^sellest  thy  people  t  for 
nought,  and  dost  not  "^  increase  thy  wealth 
by  their  price. 

1 3  Thou  ^  makest  us  a  reproach  to 


k7M2.  89:18.  149:2.   13.33:22. 
I   42:3.     Mark    1:25,26,31,41.  9: 

25. 
m    13:39—42.    118:10—13.     Is. 

41:14—16.     Phil.  4:13. 
n  Deut.  33:17.     1  Kings  22:11. 

Dan.  8.4. 
o  60:12.    91:13.    103:13.     Zech. 

10:5  Rom.  16:20.  Jffarg. 
f  20:7.  33:16,17.  Hos.  1:7. 
q  140:7.   144:10.     Josh.  1:5.  10: 

8-10,42.    11:6.  23:9,10.    Judg. 

2:18.    7:4—7.     1    Sam.     7:3— 

12.    14:6—10.    17:47.     2  Sam. 

7:10. 
r  40:14.  83:1—18. 
s  34:2.      Is.   45:25.     Jer.   9:24. 

Rom.  2:17.    1  Cor.  1:29— 31. 
t  1H;:1,18. 


u43:2.  60:1.  74:1.  80.12,13.  89: 

38—45.  Jer.  33:24—26.   Rom. 

11:1—6. 
X  Lev.    26:17,36,37.     Deut.  28: 

25.     Josh.  7:8,12.     1  Sam.  4: 

17.  31:1—7. 
y  89:41.  Is.  10:6,14.    Jer.  15:13. 

20:8. 
z  Jer.  12:3.     Rom.  8:36. 
*  Heb.  as  sheep  of  meat.   14:4. 
a  Dent.  4:27.    28:64.     2  Kiogs 

17:6.   Is.  11:11,12.     Jer.  32:37. 

Kz.  34:12.      Luke  21:24. 
b  Deut.  32:30.     Is.  50:1.  52:3,4. 

Jer.  l.S:13. 

t  Heb.  -without  riches. 
c  Nch.  5:8—12.    Rev.  13:13. 
d  79:4.  80:6.    89:51.     Ez.  36:19 

—23. 


V.  4.  "Thou  art  He,  my  King:,  O  God:  com- 
mand the  salvations  of  Jacob."  'Thou  art  the 
'.same  almig-hty  God  and  Savior,  who  by  thy  sove- 
•reign  will  didst  of  old  effect  these  wonderful  de- 
'liverances  to  thy  people. — Thou  art  our  King-, 
'as  thou  wast  theirs:  therefore  save  and  deliver 
'us,  as  thou  didst  them.'  This  is  a  never  failing' 
plea  for  the  church  under  persecution,  and  for 
the  believer  when  steadily  resisting  temptation, 
and  for  the  minister  in  praying  for  success  on  his 
labors.     {J^otes,  27:13.  JIatt.  6:13.) 

V.  5 — 7.  God  is  frequently  spoken  of  as  a 
Horn,  or  as  raising  up  for  his  church  "a  Horn  of 
salvation;"  [jXotes,  Deut.  33:7.  2  Sam.  22:2,3. 
Luke  1:67 — 7.5.)  and  the  Psalmist,  with  allusion 
to  that  metaphor,  says,  "Through  thee  will  we 
push  down  our  enemies."  For  the  cause  of  God 
must,  to  the  end,  be  maintained  by  the  same  pow- 
erful aid,  as  from  the  first  made  it  to  prevail;  and 
in  the  same  entire  dependence  on  him  to  pros- 
per all  the  means,  employed  for  that  effect;  and 
not  bv  trusting  in  the  means  themselves.  [A''otPs, 
20:6—8.    I  Cor.  2:3— 5.  2  Cor.  4:7.    10:1—6.) 

V.  8.  Or,  "Unto  God  we  will  give  praise  contin- 
ually, and  will  confess  thy  name  for  ever.  Selah." 
— The  whole  confidence  being  placed  in  God, 
the  whole  glory  will  be  rendered  to  him,  and  that 


our  neighbors,  ^  a  scorn  and   a   derision 
to  them  that  are  round  about  us. 

14  Thou  makest  us  '^  a  by- word 
among  the  heathen,  s  a  shaking  of  the 
head  among  the  people. 

15  ''My  confusion  is  continually  be- 
fore me,  and  the  shame  of  my  face  hath 
'  covered  me. 

16  For  ''the  voice  of  him  that  re- 
proacheth  and  blasphemeth;  by  reason 
of  '  the  enemy  and  avenger. 

17  "All  this  is  come  upon  us;  °  yet 
have  we  not  forgotten  thee,  neither  have 
we  **  dealt  falsely  in  thy  covenant. 

18  P  Our  heart  is  not  turned  back, 
neither  i  have  our  ^  steps  declined  from 
thy  way; 

19  Though  'thou  hast  sore  broken 
us  ^  in  the  place  of  dragons,  and  covered 
us  *  with  the  shadow  of  death. 

20  "  If  we  have  forgotten  the  name  of 
our  God,  or  "  stretched  out  our  hands  to 
a  strange  God; 

21  y  Shall  not  God  search  this  out.'' 
for  ^  he  knoweth  the  secrets  of  the 
heart. 


e  123:3,4.     Jer.  48:27. 

f  Deut.  28:37.      1  Kings  9:7.    2 

Chr.  7:20.     Jer.  24:9. 
g  22:7.     Job    16:4.      Is.   37:22. 

Lam.  2. 15— 17. 
h  Josh.  7:7—9.     Ezra  9:6.  Jer. 

3:25. 
i  69:7.  71:13.  89:45.  Jer.  51:51. 
k  74:18,22,23.  79:12.     Is.  37:3,4, 

17.23,24. 
1  8:2. 

m  Dan.  9:13. 
n20.    9:17.     Deut.    6:12.  8:14. 

Is.  17:10.     Jer.  2:32. 
o  Jer.  31:32.     Ez.   16:59.   20: 

37. 
p  78:57.    125:5.       1   Kings  15:5. 

Job  34:27.    Jer.  11:10.   Zeph. 


1:6.     Luke  17:32. 
q  119:51,157.     Job  23:11,12.     1 

Cor.  ]5:.58.     1  Thes.  2:10. 
J  Or,  goings. 

r38:8.  60:  i— 3.     Jer.  14:17. 
s  74:13,14.     Is.    %7:1.    34:13,14 

35:7.     Ez.  29:3.     Rev.    12:9 

13:2,11—13.    16:10. 
t23:4.  Job  3:5.   10:21, ?2.  MaU 

4:16. 

•il7.  7:3—5.     .Tob31:5,&c. 
X  63:31.     Ex.  9:29.     1  Kings  8; 

22.     Job  11:13. 
yl39:l,&c.    Job  31:4,14.  34:21. 

22.     Jer.  17:10.  23:24. 
z  Josh.    22:22,23.       Ec.   12:14. 

Rom.  2:16.     1  Cor.  4:5.    Heb. 

4:12,13.     Rev.  2:23, 


for  ever. — "Glorying  in  God"  is  generally  ex- 
oressed,  bj-  another  modification  of  the  same  verb. 
(/*.  45:25.  Jer.  9:23.  Heb.) 

V.  9 — 16.  Israel,  in  general  accustomed  to 
victory  by  the  help  of  Jehovah,  is  here  repre- 
sented as  worsted  and  crushed  by  the  enemy. — 
The  Lord  is  pleased  to  permit  his  church  to  be 
run  down,  as  if  he  had  cast  her  off  with  abhor- 
rence: his  people  are  then  plundered  and  oppress- 
ed: many  are  .slain,  as  sheep,  for  the  pleasure  or 
profit  of  their  persecutors;  or  driven  from  their 
native  country,  and  scattered  among  idolater.". 
and  savages;  or  sold  at  a  very  low  price  like  the 
meanest  of  slaves.  Of  all  these  events,  the  his- 
tory of  the  church  gives  many  affecting  illustra- 
tions. Thus  the  Lord  seems  to  sell  his  people 
for  nought,  and  allow  his  enemies  to  prevail, 
even  to  his  own  dishonor;  as  if  he  parted  with  his 
flock,  without  any  increase  to  his  other  wealth. 
And  while  these  things  are  transacting,  his  peo- 
ple have  trials  of  cruel  mockings,  insults,  and  re- 
proaches; which  they  could  the  better  endure, 
did  they  not  also  continually  hear  the  name  and 
truths  of  God  blasphemed,  by  their  impious  and 
revengeful  enemies. — Many  of  the  verbs  arc  in 
the  future  tense,  in  the  original:  and  perhaps 
the  Psalmist  meant,  that  past  calamities  led  thf^ 

[20S 


B.  C.  10o<3. 


PSALM  XLlV, 


B.  C.  1036. 


22  Yea,  '  for  thy  sake  are  wc  ^  killed 
all  the  day  long;  we  are  counted  as 
sheep  for  the  slaughter. 

23  •=  Awake,  w-hy  sleepest  thou,  O 
Lord?    arise,    "^  cast  us  not  off  for  ever. 

24  ^  VV'herefore  hidest  thou  thy  face. 


a  Rom.  3:3R 

b  11.  ■J9:-2,3.    1  Sam.  23:17—19. 

1  Kings  19:10.  Matt.  5:10—12. 

John  13:21.   ]t;:2,:i.    1  Cor.  4:9. 

I6:30,.n.     Rev.  II:."?— 9.    17:6. 


c7:6.    12:5.    35:23.    59:4, 
65.  Is.  51:9.     Mark  4:38. 

d9.  74:1.  83:14. 

e   10:1,11.    43:1—4.      Deut.  32 
20.     Job  13:24. 


people  to  very  doleful  conclusions  as  to  the  event. 
{jSlarg.  R(f.—J^otes,  60:1—3.  74:1,2.  79:1—5. 
89:38-45.    Josh.  7:6—9.  /?.  50:1—3.) 

V.  17— 22.  (./Vo<e,  1— 3.)  'Certainly  we  have 
'ileservccl  ...all'  these  calamities;  'though  this  com- 
'foit  is  still  remaining',  that  we  are  not  so  wicked 
'as  to  be  moved  by  all  this  to  desert  thee,  and 
'violate  that  covenant,  whereby  we  are  engaged 
'to  worship  thee  alone.'  Bp.  Patrick — The  for- 
malist commonly  escapes  persecution,  bj'  turning 
with  the  stream,  and  purchasing  securit)'  with 
sinful  compliances,  or  open  apostacy;  but  the 
true  church  of  God  cannot  be  prevailed  on,  by 
menaces,  sufferings,  or  promises,  to  forget  God, 
or  deal  falsely  in  his  covenant:  and  as  the  be- 
liever's heart  does  not  turn  back  from  God,  so 
his  feet  do  not  decline  from  his  way.  Neither 
tlie  malice,  nor  the  subtlety,  nor  the  poison,  of 
the  old  serpent,  and  of  his  progen)'^,  even  when 
permitted  to  torment  him  grievously,  can  induce 
bim  to  turn  aside  to  idolatry,  or  to  renounce  his 
God  and  Savior.  This  has  been  proved  in  ten 
thousand  instances,  while  the  disciples  of  Christ 
have  been  covered  as  with  the  shadow  of  death, 
in  their  constant  expectation  of  it;  and  they  have 
seen  their  brethren  killed,  by  every  tedious  ex- 
cruciating method,  "all  the  day  long,  and  ac- 
counted as  sheep  for  the  slaughter."  [JS'otes, 
John  16:1—3.  Rom.  8:35—39.)  Their  regard  to 
the  authority  of  their  holy  and  heart-searching 
God  effectually  preserves  them  even  from  com- 
mitting secret  wickedness;  and  they  make  their 
appeal  to  him  concerning  their  integrity.  And 
indeed  so  far  from  suffering  for  their  iniquities, 
they  are  hated  and  killed  for  the  Lord's  sake; 
because  they  bear  his  image,  profess  his  truths, 
adhere  to  his  commandments,  and  seek  his  glory. 
— "The  place  of  dragons,"  or  serpents,  or  mon- 
sters, gives  the  idea  of  man  cast  into  a  situation, 
in  which  every  hateful  and  dreadful  creature 
surrounds  iiim.  Such  are  persecutors,  and  such 
are  evil  spirits  who  employ  them.  {J\Iarg.  Ref. 
s.) 

V.  23 — 26.  In  this  trying  situation,  the  church 
earnestly  cries  for  help  to  God,  by  whose  per- 
mission these  afflictions  come  upon  her,  and  who 
alone  can  remove  them.  (JVb<e«,  12:5,6.  74:10 
—12.  79:8—13.  7*.  51:9— 11.  Malt.  8:23—27.) 
The  company  of  believers  plead  their  great  mis- 
ery; through  oppression,  and  inward  dejection, 
they  are  thrown  prostrate,  and  trampled  in  the 
dust,  and  e^en  cleave  to  the  ground,  as  utterly 
unable  to  arise:  and  as  God  had  sold  them,  so 
they  pray  him  to  redeem  them  by  his  power,  and 
through  the  appointed  ransom,  that  his  mercies 
may  be  glorified  in  their  help  and  deliverance. 
[JSiarg.  Rff.) — 'There  is  a  time,  when  the  tri- 
'nmphs  of  the  adversarj',  and  the  afflictions  of 
'the  church,  tempt  men  to  think,  that  the  eye 
'of  Providence  is  closed,  or  turned  away,  and 
'that  the  Almighty  hath  ceased  to  rem'ember 
'their  sad  estate.  But  the  truth  is,  that  God 
'only  giveth  his  people  an  opportunit)'  of  feeling 
'their  own  insufficiency;  and  waiteth,  till,  by  fer- 
'vent  and  importunate  prayer,  they  solicit  his 
'help.  For  so  the  holy  Jesus  slept,  while  the 
'ship  was  covered  wit!)  the  waves;  until,  awak- 
204] 


and  ^  forgettest  our  affliction  and  our 
oppression.'' 

25  For  s  our  soul  is  bowed  down  to 
the  dust:  our  belly  cleaveth  unto  the 
earth. 

2G  Arise  *  for  our  help,  and  ''  redeem 
us  for  thy  mercy's  sake. 

f  74:19,23.     Kx.  2:2.1,24.  Is.  40:  I    Lam.  4:5. 
27,28.     Rev.  6:9.10.  *  Heb.    a  Aeiy /or  uj. 

%  66:11.12.    119:25.     Is.   51:23.  |  h  26:11.   130:7,8. 


'ened  by  the  cries  of  his  disciples,  he  arose  to 
'their  assistance,  and  spoke  the  tempest  into  a 
'perfect  calm.'    Bp.  Home. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  church  of  God  is  one  incorporated  body, 
from  the  beginning  to  the  end  of  the  world:  and 
the  benefits  conferred  on  it  in  every  age,  will 
be  acknowledged  with  gratitude  by  believers, 
through  all  generations,  and  even  to  eternity. — 
"Whatsoever  things  were  written  of  old  time, 
were  written  for  our  instruction"  and  encour- 
agement; and  parents  should  declare  the  work 
of  God  to  their  children,  that  they  may  learn  to 
hope  in  him.  [J^otes,  78:3—8.  Is.  38:17—20. 
Rom.  15:4 — 7.)  When  we  hear  of  the  wonder- 
ful works  wrought  for  Israel,  in  bringing  them 
out  of  Egypt,  and  settling  them  in  Canaan;  or  of 
the  still  more  glorious  interpositions  of  God,  ia 
the  first  promulgation  of  his  gospel;  we  should 
learn  to  hope  and  pray  for  displays  of  his  power 
and  love,  equally  efficacious,  though  not  miracu- 
lous.— The  prosperity  of  the  church  has  always 
been  attended  with  the  ruin  of  her  enemies; 
therefore  the  most  prosperous  despisers  and  per- 
secutors have  cause  to  tremble,  on  account  of 
the  prayers  of  God's  afflicted  and  despised  peo- 
ple.— As  human  policy,  power,  and  authority 
could  never  prevail  against  the  cause  of  God;  so 
they  have  been  very  little  employed  in  promot- 
ing it:  but,  whatever  instruments  have  been 
used,  all  real  advantages  have  been  gained  by 
"his  right  hand,  his  arm,  and  the  light  of  hi.? 
countenance,  because  he  had  a  favor"  to  his 
people.  They  therefore  give  him  the  whole  glory 
of  the  past,  and  entirely  confide  in  him  for  the  fu- 
ture; and  they  prosper  in  their  spiritual  warfare, 
when  the3'  depend  on  his  grace  and  go  forth  in 
his  name. — "Where  the  word  of  this  King  is, 
there  is  power:"  when  he  "commands  deliveran- 
ces for  Jacob,"  they  will  take  place:  and  we 
may  ''push  down  all  our  enemies,"  and  "tread 
them  under  that  rise  up  against  us;"  when,  like 
the  servants  of  God  of  old,  we  disclaim  all  self- 
confidence,  to  trust  in  him  alone.  The  Lord  has 
always  hitherto  saved  his  people:  they  may  now 
"boast  in  him  all  the  day  long;"  and  they  will 
praise  his  name  for  ever,  for  not  having  made 
them  ashamed  of  their  confidence.  Yet,  the  be- 
liever must  have  seasons  of  temptations,  afflic- 
tions, and  humiliating  discouragements;  and  the 
church  must  have  seasons  of  persecution,  when 
her  remaining  witnesses  prophesy  in  sackcloth. 
(JVoie,  Rev.  11:3 — 6.)  At  such  times  the  people 
of  God  will  be  trampled  on,  put  to  shame,  plun- 
dered, murdered,  banished,  enslaved,  despised, 
and  reproached:  and  they  will  be  ready  to  think 
that  he  has  cast  them  off,  and  to  fear  that  his  name 
and  truth  will  be  eventuallv  dishonored;  while 
they  continually  hear  the  blasphemies  and  tri- 
umphs of  his  enemies.  But  in  all  our  afflictions, 
especially  in  our  sufferings  for  the  sake  of  scrip- 
tural Christianity,  we  should  complain  unto  the 
Lord,  and  "exercise  ourselves  to  have  a  con- 
science void  of  offence:"  we  should  be  careful  not 
to  seek  relief  by  sinful  comphances;  and  should 
continually  meditate  on  the  power,  truth,  purity, 


B.  C.  1020. 


PSALM  XLV. 


B.  C.  1020. 


PSALM  XLV. 


The  excellency,  dignity,  and  Deity  of  the  Messiah,  with  his 
victories  and  dominion,  1—8.  The  Church,  as  espoused  to 
him;  her  attendants  and  ornaments;  with  co-incident  exhorta- 
tions and  promises,  9 — 17. 

To  the  chief  Musician  upon  *  Shoshan- 
nim,  for  the  sons  of  Korah,  *  Mas- 
chil,  ^  A  Song  of  loves. 

MY  heart  t  is  inditing  "  a  good  mat- 
ter: I  speak  of  the  things  which  I 
have  made  '^  touching  the  King:  *  my 
tongue  is  the  pen  of  a  ready  writer. 

2  Thou   art  ^  fairer  than  the   children 
of  men:  s  grace   is  poured  into  thy  lips: 


a  69:  80:  titles. 

*  Or,  of  inatruclion. 

b  Cant.  l:I,-2,&c.  Is.  5:1.  Eph. 

5:3i. 
I  Heb.   boileth,  or  bubbUth  up. 

Job  32:18—20.      Prov.   16:23. 

Matt.  12:35. 
c  49:3.     Job  33:3.  34:4.     Prov. 

8:C— 9. 
d  2:6.  24:7—10.   110:1,2.    Cant. 


1:12.     I3. 32:1,2.     Matt.  25:34. 

27:37. 

e  2  Sam.  23:2.     2  Pet.  1:21. 
f  Cant.   2:3.    5:10—16.     Zcch. 

9:17.     Matt.  17:2.     John  1:14. 

Col.  1:15—18.     Heb.  1:3,4.  7: 

26.     Rev.  1:13—13. 
g  Prov.  22:11.     Is.  50:4.     Luke 

4:22.     John  7:46. 


and  knowledge  of  our  heart-searching  God.  If 
our  heart  turn  back  from  him,  or  our  steps  decline 
from  his  way;  he  knows  it,  and  will  discover  it  to 
others.  But  if  we  are  faithful  to  our  engagements, 
and  are  "persecuted  for  righteousness'  sake,"  we 
are  and  shall  be  safe  and  happj'.  Even  if  we 
should  be  given  up  into  the  hands  of  enemies, 
formidable  and  venomous  as  dragons,  and  thrown 
into  dungeons  hideous  as  their  holes;  be  sore 
broken  with  everj'  torture  which  malice  can  in- 
vent, and  live  in  the  continual  expectation  of  a 
violent  death:  yet  nothing  can  "separate  us  from 
the  love  of  our  God;"  none  can  go  beyond  his 
purpose  and  permission;  and  in  all  these  things 
we  shall  be  more  than  conquerors.  (J^otes,  Rom. 
8:2& — ^9.)  For  though  he  seems  to  nide  his  face, 
and  to  forget  the  affliction  and  oppression  of  his 
people,  while  thej'  are  trampled  in  the  dust  by 
antichristian  persecutors;  yet  he  is  waiting  for  our 
more  fervent  prayers,  which  will  cause  him,  as  it 
were,  to  awake,  and  arise,  and  help,  and  redeem 
us  for  his  mercies'  sake.  We  have  reason  to  be 
thankful,  considering  our  frailty,  for  exemption 
from  the  more  violent  species  of  persecution;  but 
let  us  be  careful,  that  prosperity  and  ease  do  not 
render  us  careless  and  lukewarm.  We  should 
remember  that  persecution  may  come  on  us  speed- 
ily, and  that  we  ought  to  prepare  for  it;  and  we 
sliould  not  forget  the  state  of  the  church,  not  yet 
delivered  from  her  bondage  and  captivity.  But 
in  answer  to  the  Redeemer's  intercession  and  the 
prayers  of  his  people,  all  that  hate  his  cause  shall 
be  put  to  shame;  truth  and  righteousness  shall 
every  where  triumph;  and  none  that  belong  to 
C'hrist  shall  be  cast  off  for  ever,  but  every  one  of 
ihem  shall  be  completely  and  eternally  saved. 

NOTES. 
Ps.^LM  XLV.  Title.  The  word  "Shoshannim" 
signifies  lilies,  and  is  several  times  so  rendered  in 
Canticles:  as  used,  however,  in  the  titles  of  a  few 
Psalms,  [Marg.  Ref.  a.)  it  is  generally  under- 
stood to  mean  an  instrument  of  six  strings. — This 
Psalm  is  entitled,  "A  song  of  loves;"  and  it  evi- 
dently describes  the  mutual  love,  which  subsists 
between  Christ  and  his  church.  In  many  respects 
it  resembles  the  Song  of  Solomon;  and  it  treats  of 
the  spiritual  union  between  Christ  and  the  church 
under  the  allusion  of  a  marriage.  [Jfotes,  Eph.  5: 
22 — 31.)  Most  expositors  maintain  that  it  was 
written  on  Solomon's  marriage  with  Pharaoh's 
daughter;  but  a  great  part  of  it  is  wholly  inap- 
plicable to  that  transaction:  nor  is  there  sutRcient 


therefore  ^  God    hath   blessed    thee   for 
ever. 

3  '  Gird  thy  sword  upon  thy  thigh, 
^  O  most  mighty,  ^with  '  thy  glory  smd 
thy  majesty. 

4  And  in  thy  majesty  *  ride  *"  pros- 
perously, "  because  of  truth  °  and  meek- 
ness a7id  righteousness;  and  p  thy  right 
hand  shall  teach  thee  terrible  things. 

5  1  Thine  arrows  are  ^  sharp  in  the 
heart  of  the   King's   enemies:    whereby 

the  people  fall  under  thee. 


h  21:6.  72:17—19.     Phil.  2:9— 

11. 
i  Is.  49:2.  63:1—6.     Heb.   4;12. 

Rev.  1:16.   19:15,21. 
k  Is.  9:6,7.     Acts  10:36.    Rom. 

14:9. 
1   21:5.     96:6.     104:1.     145:5,12. 

Heb.  1:3.  8:1.     Jude  25. 
t  Heb.  prosper  thou,  ride  thou. 

Rev.  6:2.   19:11. 
m  110:2,3.     1  Thes.    1:5.    2:13. 

2Thes.  3:1. 
n60:4.     John  1:17.   14:6. 


Zech.  9:9.     Matt.   11:29.   12: 

19,20.     2  Cor.  10:1. 
p2:9.  21:8,9.   110:5.6.  Is.  59:17, 

18.    63:1—6.      Luke   19:27.    2 

Thcs.  1:8,9.   Rev.  6:16,17.  11: 

18.   19:17—21.  20:15. 
q  21:12.    Num.  24:8.     Zech.  9: 

13,14. 
r  2:1—9.     Luke  19:42—44.  20: 

18,19.     Acts  2:37,41.    5:33.  7: 

54. 
s  22:27.  66:3,4.    Acts  4:4.  5:14. 

6:7.     Rom.  15:13,19. 


ground  to  support  the  decided  opinion,  that  this 
was  so  much  as  the  occasion  of  its  being  written, 
or  that  David  composed  it.  The  latter  is  indeed 
probable;  but  it  is  entirely  a  prophecy  of  Christ, 
and  is  quoted  as  such  by  the  apostle.  (Comp.  6,7. 
with  Heb.  1:8,9.) 

V.  I.  The  inspiration  of  the  Holy  Spirit  stirred 
up  in  the  prophet's  heart  this  meditation,  on  a 
most  excellent  and  important  subject,  as  water 
bubbles  up  in  a  fountain:  [marg.)  so  that  he  spoke 
freely  of  the  things,  which  he  had  been  consider- 
ing, and  had  "composed  concerning  the  King," 
the  promised  Messiah;  and  his  tongue  was  guided 
by  tlie  Spirit  of  God,  as  entirely  as  the  pen  is  by 
the  hand  of  a  ready  writer,  to  express  promptly 
and  fully  "the  mind  of  the  Spirit,"  and  nothing 
more.  This  seems  the  genuine  meaning:  for  as 
the  tongue  utters  more  rapidly,  than  the  readiest 
writer  can  note  down  the  words;  the  clause,  in  the 
common  interpretation,  conveys  no  distinct  idea. 
[Motes,  2  Sum.  23:1,2.  John  16:14,15.  1  Cor.  2:10 
—13.  1  Pet.  1:10—12.  2  Pet.  1:19—21.]^ 

V.  2.  In  speaking  "concerning  the  King,"  the 
prophet  was  led  abruptly  to  address  him;  as  one 
in  a  rapture  while  he  contemplated  his  glorious 
excellences.  He  was  formed  more  beautiful  and 
lovely  than  the  children  of  men:  [Cant.  5:16. 
J'J'otc,  Zech.  9:17.)  he  unspeakably  surpassed  all, 
who  ever  were  admired  or  extolled  on  earth,  for 
wisdom,  justice,  truth,  and  love;  without  having 
an}'  intermixture  of  infirmity  or  defect.  His  word 
reveals  the  unsearchable  riches  of  his  grace:  and, 
being  authorized  to  speak  to  sinners,  as  their 
Prophet,  in  the  Father's  name,  "grace  is  poured 
into  his  lips,"  and  his  words  are  full  of  energy,  in- 
struction, persuasion,  and  consolation:  and  being- 
in  every  respect  fully  qualified  for  his  mediatorial 
work,  God  has  exalted  and  blessed  him  for  ever, 
in  order  to  the  completion  of  it — 'His  word  in- 
'structed  the  ignorant,  resolved  the  doubtful, 
'comforted  the  mourners,  reclaimed  the  wicked, 
'silenced  his  adversaries,  healed  diseases,  control- 
'led  the  elements,  and  raised  the  dead.'  Bp.Home. 
[J^otes,  Cant.  5:10— U.  Is.  50:4.  Luke  4:16— 2^2. 
John  1:40— 53.) 

V.  3 — 5.  The  prophet  here  joyfully  foretels  the 
progress  and  success  of  the  Messiah,  in  setting  up 
his  kingdom  and  overcoming  his  enemies.  Girded 
with  the  word  of  truth,  rendered  effectual  by  the 
power  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  as  with  a  sharp  sword, 
let  him  ride  forth  as  a  mighty  Conqueror,  in  un- 
rivalled might,  glory,  and  majesty,  to  spread 
truth,   meekness,   and    righteousness   on   earth; 

[205 


B.  C.  1020. 


PSALM  XLV. 


B.  C.  1020. 


6  ^  Thy  throne,  "  O  God,  is  for  ever 
and  ever:  "the  sceptre  of  thy  kingdom 
is  a  right  sceptre. 

.7  y  Thou  lovest  righteousness,  and 
^  hatest  wickedness:  therefore  *  God, 
^  thy  God,  ^  hath  anointed  thee  with 
^  the  oil  of  gladness  ^  above  thy  fellows. 

8  « All  thy  garments  smell  of  myrrh, 
and  aloes,  and  ^  cassia,  out  of  ^  the  ivory 
palaces,  ''  whereby  they  have  made  thee 

gldu.  [Practical  Observations.] 


t  89:29,36,37.  93:2.  145:13.  Dan. 

2:44.  Luke  1:32,33.    Heb.  1:8. 
u  Is.  9:6,7.     Jer.  23:5,6.     John 

1:1.      1  Tim.  3:16. 
X  72:l,&c.     2  Sam.  23:3,4.  Jer. 

33:15,16.     Rev.  19:11. 
y  33:5.  99:4.  Matt.  3:15.    Heb. 

1:9.  7:26. 
z  101:3,4,8.     Matt.  7:23.    Luke 

13:27.     Rev.  21:27. 
*  Or,  O  Ood. 

a  89:26.     John  20:17.    Eph.l:3. 
b  89:20.     Lev.  3:12.  1  Sam.  16: 


13.      1  Kings  1:39,40.    19:16. 

Is.  61:1— 3.     Luke  3:22.    4:18 

—21.  John  3:34. 
C  21:6.  Acts  2:28. 
d  John  1:16.     Rom.  8:29.    Col. 

1:18,19.     Heb.  2:14. 
e  Cant.    1:3,13.    3:6.    4:6,13,14. 

5:1,5,13.      Matt.  2:     John  19: 

39.  2  Cor.  2:14—16. 
f  Ex.  30:23,24. 
g  15.      1   Kings  22:39.     Am.  3: 

15.     John  14:2. 
h  16:11.     Heb.  12:2. 


(JVofes,  Is.  63:1—6.  Rev.  6:1,2.  19:11—16.)  bring- 
ing his  people  into  a  state  of  acceptance  and  peace 
with  God;  and  teaching  them  to  live  in  humble 
meekness,  peace,  and  equity  with  each  other.  For 
his  right  hand,  expert  in  this  warfare,  would  read- 
ily execute  his  purposes,  whether  of  mercy  or  of 
vengeance.  {JVotes,  2:1 — 9.  110:3—6.)  His  arrows 
of  conviction  are  very  sharp,  and  the  effects  of 
them  very  terrible,  for  a  time,  in  the  hearts  of 
sinners,  till  they  are  humbled,  subjected,  and  rec- 
onciled: but  the  arrows  of  his  righteous  ven- 
geance are  unspeakably  more  sharp  and  dreadful 
to  his  obstinate  enemies,  when  they  fall  under  that 
power  to  which  they  refused  to  submit.  [Jfotes,  21 : 
8—13.  66:1—3.  68:17—23.) 

V.  6,  7.  The  victorious  Conqueror  is  here  in- 
troduced as  placed  on  his  royal  throne:  and  the 
prophet  not  only  celebrates  him  as  far  superior  to 
all  the  sons  of  men,  but  as  being  himself  "God 
over  all."  His  everlasting  kingdom,  which  he 
possesses  for  the  benefit  of  his  church,  is  admin- 
istered with  perfect  wisdom  and  equity:  his  char- 
acter, doctrine,  precepts,  and,  above  all,  his 
atoning  sacrifice,  shew  that  he  "loveth  righteous- 
ness and  hateth  iniquity."  Therefore  God  the 
Father,  as  "his  God,"  in  respect  of  his  human 
nature  and  mediatorial  offices,  [Jfote,  John  20: 1 1 
— 17.  end.,)  has  given  him  the  Holy  Spirit,  without 
measure:  that,  being  thus  anointed  to  be  our 
Prophet,  Priest,  and  King,  he  might  have  the  pre- 
eminency  in  the  gladdening  gifts  and  graces  of 
the  Holy  Spirit  the  Comforter;  and  from  his  ful- 
ness might  communicate  them  to  his  J'elloivs,  his 
brethren  in  human  nature.  {JVotes,Is.  59:20,21. 
Zech.  13:7.  John  1:16.  3:27—36.  Eph.  4:7—13.)— 
Various  attempts  have,  in  different  ages,  been 
made  to  explain  away  this  decisive  testimony  to 
the  Deity  of  Christ;  but  the  manner  in  which  the 
a.postle  quotes  it,  rather  varied  from  the  Septua- 
gint  and  made  more  eno/getic,  is  conclusive  to 
all  who  admit  his  authority. — Some  would  render 
the  words,  "God  is  thy- throne  for  ever  and  ever." 
Heaven  indeed  is  the  throne  of  God;  but  who 
ever  heard  of  God  being  the  throne  of  any  of  his 
creatures!  [Mm-g.  Ref. — Mote,  Heb.  1:8,9.) 

V.  8.  The  garments  of  princes  were  generally 
imbued  with  costly  perfumes:  those  of  the  high 
priests  were  anointed  with  the  holy  ointment, 
composed  of  the  spices  here  mentioned,  with  sev- 
eral others.  [Motes,  133:2.  Ex.  30:22—33.)  Thus 
the  Messiah  is  represented  as  clothed  with  gar- 
ments, which  diffuse  a  refreshing  fragrancy 
through  his  roval  palace,  his  church  on  earth,  and 
206] 


9  '  Kings'  daughters  tvere  among  thy 
honorable  women:  ''  upon  thy  right  hand 
did  stand  '  the  queen  in  •"  gold  of  Ophir. 

10  "  Hearken,  O  daughter,  and  con- 
sider, and  incline  thine  ear:  °  forget 
also  thine  own  people,  and  thy  father's 
house; 

1 1  p  So  shall  the  King  greatly  desire 
thy  beauty:  for  he  is  i  thy  Lord;  and 
""worship  thou  him. 

12  And  5  the  daughter  of  Tyre  shall 
be    there  ^  with   a  gift;    even    "  the    rich 

p  Cant.  1:8,12—16 


6:8,9.    7:1. 
Rev.  21: 


i  13.    72:10.      Cant 

Is.  49:23.  60:10,11 

24. 

k  1  Kings  2:19. 
1    Cant.    4:8—11.      John  3:29. 

Eph.  5:26,27.     Rev.  19:7.    21: 

2,9. 
m  1  Kings  10:11.     Job  22:24. 
n  Cant.  2:10— 13.     Is.  55:1— 3. 

2  Cor.  6:17,18.  7:1. 
0  Gen  2:24.   12:1.    Deut.  21:13. 

Matt.  10:37.   19:29.     Luke  14: 

26.     2  Cor.  5:16. 


,14.    4:1 
10.     Is. 

Eph.  6: 


—5,7,9,10. 

62:4,5.     Zeph.   3:17. 

26,27. 
q  6.  Is.  54:5.  Jer.  23:5,6.    John 

20:28.     Acts  10:36.     Rom.  14: 

9.     Phil.  2:10,11.  3:8. 
r  2:12.  95:6.  Luke  24:52.    John 

4:21,22.     Rev.  5:8—14. 
s  Is.  23:17,18.  Acts  21:3—6. 
I  72:10.  Is.  60:6,7.  Matt.  2:11. 
u  22:29.  Is.  49:23.  60:3,10,11. 


in  heaven,  in  which  he  more  rejoices,  than  mag- 
nificent princes  do  in  palaces  inlaid  with  ivorj'. 
{Marg.  Ref.— Mote,  21:1— 7.)— 'From  the  glofi- 
'ous  vestments  of  our  High  Priest  and  King  is 
'diffused  the  sweet  savor  of  his  heavenly  graces, 
'filling  those  happy  regions  of  joy  and  gladness, 
'where  he  keeps  his  residence  above;  and,  by  the 
'communication  of  his  Spirit,  refreshing  the  faith- 
'ful  on  earth  with  their  odors.'  Bp.  Home. — 
Aloes.]  Mote,  Mum.  24:6. 

V.  9 — 11.  The  King,  now  seated  in  majesty 
and  glory  on  his  throne,  is  next  represented  as 
surrounded  with  a  splendid  train.  Among  other 
honorable  women,  the  daughters  of  Kings  are 
mentioned,  who  may  be  supposed  to  have  submit- 
ted to  his  authority,  and  put  themselves  under  his 
protection;  and  who  would  deem  it  an  honor  for 
their  daughters  to  wait,  in  his  court,  around  his 
queen;  while  she,  arrayed  in  the  most  costly 
robes,  stood  at  his  right  hand,  as  a  bride  adorned 
for  her  nuptials.  By  "the  queen,"  the  collective 
body  of  believers  seems  to  be  intended,  who, 
clothed  in  the  righteousness  of  Christ,  enriched 
by  his  bounty,  and  adorned  by  the  graces  of  his 
Spirit,  adhered  to  him  in  singleness  of  affection 
and  fidelity,  and  are  admitted  to  the  most  endear- 
ed union  and  communion.  The  other  attendants 
are  either  introduced,  according  to  the  customs 
of  the  times  on  such  occasions,  to  keep  up  the  al- 
legory; or  they  may  mean  distinct  churches  or 
individuals  who  in  succession  seek  to  be  admitted 
into  this  sacred  relation.  [Motes,  12 — 15.  Cant.  1: 
5,6.  5:9.) — The  royal  consort  is  next  exhorted,  as 
it  seems,  by  the  Father  himself,  to  hearken,  con- 
sider, and  consent  to,  the  terms  of  this  union:  and, 
in  order  to  enter  into  it,  and  act  properly  in  it, 
she  must  forget  her  own  people,  and  her  father's 
house.  The  whole  church,  composed  of  Jews  and 
Gentiles,  consists  of  such  as  were  born  in  sin: 
and  separation  from  all  idolatry,  iniquity,  and 
self-dependence,  and  from  all  the  carnal  interests, 
pleasures,  and  attachments  of  an  unconverted 
state,  must  make  way  for  receiving  Chri.st  as 
tlieir  whole  Portion  and  Salvation.  [Mote,  Gen. 
12:1 — 3.)  When  grace  has  thus  prepared  the 
heart,  there  is  a  spiritual  beauty  with  which  the 
Redeemer  is  greatly  delighted;  and  the  soul  is 
ready  to  submit  to  him  as  Lord,  and  to  worship 
him  as  God,  with  unreserved  obedience  and  huin- 
ble  adoration;  as  well  as  to  cleave  to  him  in 
love,  and  trust  in  him  as  a  Savior.  [Motes,  Cant. 
4:8—14.  /*.  54:4,5.  62:1—5.  John  3:27—36.  2 
Cor.  11:1—6.  Eph.  5:22—27.    i2ev.l9:7,8.) 


B.  C.  1020. 


PSALM  XLV. 


B.  C.  1020. 


among  the  people  shall  entreat  thy  *  fa- 
vor. 

13  ^  The  King's  daughter  is  y  all 
glorious  within:  '"  her  clothing  is  of 
wrought  gold. 

14  '"  She  shall  be  brought  unto  the 
king  in  ''  raiment  of  needle-work:  •=  the 
virgins  her  companions  that  follow  her 
shall  be  brought  unto  thee. 

15  **  With  gladness  and  rejoicing  shall 


*  Heb. /ace. 

X  9,10.    Cant.   7:1.     1  Pet.  2:9. 

Bev.  19:7,8. 
y  1  Sam.  16:7.  Luke  11:40.  Bom. 

2:29.   2  Cor.  5:17.    1  Pet  3:3,-1. 
2  9.  Matt.  5:16.  22:11.12.  Rom. 

3:22.  13:14.  Bev.  3:18. 


a  Cant.  1:4.  John  17:24.  2  Cor. 

11:2. 
b  Ex.  28:39.  JuJk-  5:30. 
c  Cant.  1:3,5.   2:7.  5:8,9.   6:1,8, 

13.8:13.  Kcv.  14:1—4. 
d  Is.  35:10.  51:11.  55:12,13.    60: 

19,20.  61:10.  Rev.  7:15—17. 


V.  12.  The  accession  of  the  Gentiles  to  the 
church  may  be  here  predicted,  under  the  name 
of  Tyre,  a  "neighboring  city,  and  at  that  time  the 
mart  of  the  world:  for  evea  the  richest  among  the 
nations  will  in  due  time  submit  to  the  Messiah, 
consecrate  their  wealth  to  him,  and  court  the 
friendship  and  desire  the  prayers  of  his  church. 
(JVb«e«,/«.  60:1— 14.  Zec/i.  8:20— 23.  jRey.  3:8,9.) 

Thy  favor.}  'l^^Q-  the  pronoun  is  feminine, 

and  the  queen,  the  church,  is  especially  meant. 

V.  13 — 15.  The  relation,  in  which  the  believ- 
er stands  to  the  Lord,  comprises  in  it  every  tie 
and  affection;  and  the  church  is  called  his  spouse, 
sister,  or  daughter,  indiscriminately:  or  the  title 
"'spouse,"  or  "bride"  may  express  her  relation  to 
the  Son  of  God;  and  "daughter,"  that  to  the  Father. 
Her  glory  and  beauty  are  inward  and  spiritual: 
and  her  adorning  is  most  precious;  as  she  is  array- 
ed with  the  righteousness  which  Christ  wrought 
out  in  human  nature  for  her  justification,  and  with 
the  beauties  of  a  holy  conversation  by  the  opera- 
tion of  the  Spirit  of  God;  who  works  by  the  la- 
bors of  ministers,  and  by  all  the  means,  which 
others  diligently  use,  to  promote  the  sanctifica- 
tion  of  themselves  and  of  their  brethren.    {J^otes, 

1  Pe^3:l— 4.  Rev.  19:7,8.)  When  the  church 
is  thus  prepared,  this  union  is  begun  on  earth, 
which  will  be  completed  and  avowed  in  the 
King's  palace  above:  while  every  individual, 
whose  affection  and  dependence  have  been  singly 
placed  on  C  hrist,  shall  be  admitted  as  a  guest  at 
these  nuptials,  and  likewise  share  for  ever  in  the 
joy  and  honor  of  this  sacred  union.  [Marg.  Ref. 
■_;,;Vbies,  Matt.  25: 1  —1 3. ) 

V.  16.  While  the  church  forgets  and  re- 
nounces all  worldly  connexions,  interests,  and 
affections,  in  order  to  her  espousal  to  Christ,  a 
spiritual  progeny,  a  numerous  succession  of  con- 
verts, arises  from  this  new  and  sacred  relation. 
{J^otts,  22:30,31.   Gen.    12:1—3.  Matt.  19:29.30. 

2  Cor.  6:14—18.  Phil.  3:8—11.)  These  are 
"kings  and  priests  to  our  God,  and  reign  even  on 
earth,"  as  in  reality  the  most  honorable  persons 
in  every  land.  (JVbies,  I  Pet.  2:4 — 6,9,10.  Rev. 
1:4 — 6.  5:8 — 10.)  Many  of  them  have  been 
raised  to  great  authoritj"^  and  possessed  gTeat  in- 
fluence in  their  several  countries:  and,  however 
the  church  has  hitherto  been  generally  despised 
and  persecuted,  the  time  is  coming  when  her 
sons  shall  be  made  kings  and  rulers  through  all 
nations,  as  well  as  heirs  of  an  eternal  kingdom  in 
heaven.  (JVb<«,?, /*.  49:18— 23.  54:1—5.  60:1 — 
7.  65:13—16.  Gul.  4:21— 31.)— Instead  of  Jewish 
ancestors  or  kindred,  an  illustrious  race  of  gentile 
believers,  'of  whom  were  to  be  chosen  Cliristian 
'kings  to  govern  the  world,  and  Christian  bishops 

'to  preside  in  the  church.'    Pp.  Home But  the 

church  renounces  none  of  the  Jewish  race,  ex- 
cept unbelievers,  in  exactly  the  same  way,  as  she 


they  be  brought:    *  they  shall  entet  into 
the  King's  palace. 

16  instead  of  thy  fathers  shall  be 
^  thy  children,  whom  thou  mayest  make 
^  princes  in  all  the  earth. 

17  'I  will  make  thy  name  to  be  re- 
membered in  all  generations:  ^  therefore 
shall  the  people  praise  thee  for  ever  and 
ever. 


e  Is.  56:5.    John  14:3.    Rev.  3: 
Mark   10:29,30. 


12,21. 


fMatt.   19:29. 

Phil.  3:7,8. 
g  Is.  49:21,22.  54:1—5.  C0:1— 5. 

Gal.  4:26,27. 


I  h  1  Pet.  2:9.  Rev.  1:6.  5:10.  20: 

6. 

122:30,31.   72:17—19.  145:4—7. 

I     Is.  59:21.  Mai.  1:11.    Matt.2e: 

13.  1  Cor.  11:26. 

k  72:17.  Cant.  6:9.  Is.  61:9.  62:3. 


renounces  unbelieving  gentiles. — Solomon  had, 
as  far  as  we  know,  no  children  by  Pharaoh's 
daughter:  and  nothing  can  be  less  applicable  to 
any  one,  than  the  seventeenth  verse  is  to  her. 
So  that  if  Solomon's  marriage  to  her  were  at  all 
intended,  this  part  of  the  prediction  especially 
wholly  failed  of  being  accomplished,  (^oie, 
Heb.  l:8,9.i 

V.  17.  This  verse  shews,  that  Christ  and  the 
church  were  immediately  and  expressly  intended 
throughout  the  Psalm.  The  language  is  pecu- 
liarly emphatical;  and  can  mean  nothing  less, 
than  all  successive  generations  to  the  end  of  the 
world,  and  likewise  eternal  ages  in  heaven. 
Either  the  Father  himself  thus  declared  his  pur- 
pose of  glorifying  his  beloved  Son,  and  his  people 
with  him,  for  ever;  or,  as  many  explain  it,  the 
Psalmist  foresaw,  that  this  sacred  poem  would  be 
used  by  the  church  through  all  generations,  in 
celebrating  the  honor  of  the  Redeemer,  and  in 
calling  on  others  to  do  the  same;  and  that  it 
would  thus  be  useful  in  preparing  the  redeemed 
people  of  God,  for  the  exalted  adorations  of  the 
eternal  world. — There  can  be  no  doubt,  that  this 
will  be  verified  by  the  event.  {Jfotes,  71:17,18. 
72:17—19.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
V.  1—8. 
The  difference  of  men's  characters,  before 
God,  greatly  consists  in  the  thoughts  which  hab- 
itually occupy  their  minds.  The  lively  believer 
has  his  memory,  imagination,  and  affections,  so 
stored  with  heavenly  things,  that  he  has  com- 
monly some  good  matter  to  meditate  on,  in  those 
hours  of  solitude  and  leisure,  which  others  waste 
in  vanity,  or  employ  in  wicked  and  polluting 
speculations.  (JVbie,  119:113.)  But  no  subject 
is  so  congenial  to  the  heaven-born  soul,  or  so  re- 
plete with  comfort  and  instruction,  as  the  con- 
templation of  the  excellences  of  Christ  our  King. 
Lively  thoughts  of  his  Person,  character,  and 
grace,  springing  up  in  the  heart,  inspire  a  heaven- 
ly savor  into  the  discourse:  and  without  the  gift 
of  prophecy,  our  tongues  in  this  case  become  as 
the  pen  of  a  ready  writer,  simply  and  promptly 
declaring  to  all  around  us  the  truths  originally 
revealed  by  the  Spirit  of  God.— In  the  Redeemer, 
the  enlightened  soul  perceives  unutterable  good- 
ness and  beauty,  which  eclipse  all  the  dim  excel- 
lences, that  it  was  wont  to  admire  in  the  children 
of  men.  The  gracious  words  which  he  speaks  to 
sinners,  are  replete  with  divine  harmony,  and 
excite  ineffable  comfort  in  the  broken  heart:  and 
Christ  himself  rejoices  in  his  exaltation,  and  in 
the  power  and  glory  which  the  Father  has  con- 
ferred on  him;  because  he  delights  in  bestowing 
on  his  people  the  blessings,  which  he  obtained  for 
them  on  the  cross. — All,  who  have  seen  his  glory 
and  tasted  his  grace,  greatly  desire  to  promote 

[207 


B.  C.  710. 


PSALM  XLVI. 


B.  C.  710. 


PSALM  XLVL 

Tlie  church  exults  in  the  assurance  of  protection  and  consolation 
from  God,  1 — 5;  recounts  his  wondrous  works  in  her  behalf, 
ti — 9;  and,  while  God  demands  submission  from  all  the  earth, 
she  declares  her  confidence  in  him,  10,  11. 

To  the  chief  Musician  *  for  *  the  sons  of 
Korah,  ''A  Song  upon  •=  Alamoth. 

GOD  is  ^  our  Refuge   and  Strength, 
^  a  very  present  Help  in  trouble. 


*  Or,  of. 

a  81:  8o:  87:  titles. 

b  43:  titt:  titles. 

c  1  Chr.  15:20. 

d7,ll.    72:7,8.  91:1—9. 


Prov.    14:26.    18:10.      Luke  13: 
34.  Heb.  6:18. 
c  145:18.    Gen.  22:14,    Deut.  4: 
7.  2'Sam.  22:17—20. 


his  cause:  they  rejoice  in  bis  former  victories, 
and  long  to  see  him  "ride  forth  in  his  majesty" 
to  extend  his  conquests;  and  by  his  word  and 
Spirit,  to  reduce  enemies  and  strangers  to  a  will- 
ing submission  to  his  truth,  and  righteousness, 
and  gentle  dominion.  But,  while  he  delights  in 
salvation,  his  powerful  right  hand  will  teach  him 
to  execute  dreadful  vengeance  on  all  impenitent 
opposers:  his  sharp  arrows  will  penetrate  their 
souls;  and  all  must  either  yield  to  this  almighty 
King,  or  be  crushed  by  him.  For  his  throne  is 
established  for  ever;  his  name  is  Emmanuel;  his 
sceptre  is  swajed  in  justice  and  mercy;  "he  lov- 
eth  righteousness  and  hateth  iniquity:"  and  while 
his  Spirit  leads  believers  to  look  unto  him,  as 
"bearing  our  sins  in  his  own  body  on  the  cross," 
and  to  rest  all  their  hopes  on  his  atonement;  the 
views  which  they  receive  of  this  great  transac- 
tion, especially  impress  them  with  a  sense  of  the 
odiousness  and  desert  of  every  transgression, 
shew  them  the  reasonableness  of  obedience,  and 
teach  them  the  beauty  of  holiness;  so  that,  not 
one  of  them  can  possibly  abuse  his  grace  for  an 
encouragement  to  continue  in  sin. — In  proportion 
as  we  are  conformed  to  liis  holy  image,  we  may 
expect  the  gladdening  influence  of  the  Comfort- 
er, which  is  communicated  from  his  fulness:  and 
while  his  name  is  to  us,  "as  ointment  poured 
forth;"  the  fragrancy  of  heavenly  affections  will 
recommend  our  conversation  to  the  spiritually 
minded,  and  render  us  meet  for  his  palace  above. 
lM)les,Cant.  1:3.  2  Cor.  2:14— 17.) 
V.  9—17. 
Next  to  the  Redeemer's  excellences,  those  of 
his  espoused  church  are  most  worthy  to  be  cele- 
brated: not  for  what  she  was  in  herself;  but  for 
what  he  has  made  her,  in  consequence  of  his  love 
and  choice.  [J^otes,  Cant.  4:\—\5.  6:4—10.  7:6 
— 8.  Ez.  16:9 — 14.)  If  we  desire  to  share  these 
blessings,  we  must  hearken  to  his  word,  consider 
his  proposals,  and  incline  our  ears  and  our  hearts 
to  seek  a  union  with  him:  we  must  renounce,  and 
even  forget,  our  carnal  and  sinful  attachments, 
pursuits,  and  conncxions,if  we  would  be  pleasing 
in  his  e}'es,  or  admitted  into  this  honorable  rela- 
tion. Other  lords  must  be  disavowed;  for  he 
must  be  our  Lord,  as  well  as  our  Savior:  and  all 
idols  must  be  thrown  away,  that  we  may  give 
him  our  whole  heart,  and  render  him  unreserved 
worship,  as  well  as  seek  all  our  happiness  from 
liim  alone.  (JVbfe,  Gen.  2:24.  P.  O.  Gen.  24:33— 
67.)  Indeed,  the  true  believer's  privileges,  as 
well  as  the  most  estimable  parts  of  his  character, 
are  infernal^  and  undiscerned  by  an  ungodly 
world:  3'et  the  holiness  of  his  conversation  proves 
the  inward  adorning  of  his  soul,  and  that  he  is  ar- 
rayed with  "the  robe  of  righteousness  and  salva- 
tion.— No  wonder  that  the  prosperity  of  the  Re- 
deemer's cause,  and  the  conversion  of  sinners  to 
him,  delight  all  those  on  earth,  who  are  pure 
and  upright  in  heart;  seeing  angels,  who  never 
sinned,  "rejoice  over  one  sinner  that  repenteth:" 
^^JVb^es  and  P.  O.  Luke  15:1 — 10.)  what  then  will 
be  the  joy,  and  mutual  congratulations,  and  har- 
208} 


2  Therefore  ^  will  not  we  fear,  s  though 
the  earth  be  removed,  and  though  ''  the 
mountains  be  carried  into  the  t  midst  of 
the  sea; 

3  Though  '  the  waters  thereof  roar 
and  be  troubled,  though  ^  the  mountains 
shake  with  the  swelling  thereof.      Selah. 


f23:4.    27:3.      Matt.    8:24—26. 

Heb.  13:6. 
g  Gen.  7:11,12.  Luke  21:9— 11, 

25—28,33.  2  Pet.  3:10—14. 
h  Matt.  21:21. 
I  Heb.  heart  of  the  seas. 
i  18:4.  93:3,4.    Job  38:11.    Is.  5; 


30.  17:12,13.  Jer.  5:22.  Matt. 
7:25.  Rev.  17:15. 
k  114:4—7.  Judg.  5:4,5.  1  Kings 
19:1).  Job  9:5,6.  Jer.  4:24. 
Mic.  1:4.  Nah.  1:5.  Rev.  16-. 
20. 


monious  praises,  which  shall  attend  the  final  ad- 
mission of  all  the  redeemed  to  the  full  possession 
of  their  purchased  inheritance! — Those  who  are 
taught  of  God,  however  great  in  the  world,  will 
count  it  their  honor  to  attend  on  Christ  our 
King,  and  to  employ  their  wealth  and  influence 
for  the  good  of  his  church.  And  such  as  leave  all 
for  him,  shall  be  abundantly  compensated  even 
in  this  world,  in  new  and  spiritual  relations, 
friends,  and  honors.  To  be  a  child  of  God,  to  be 
espoused  to  Christ,  and  made  an  heir  of  heaven, 
are  the  highest  of  all  possible  distinctions:  this 
honorable  race  shall  be  continued  and  multiplied 
until  the  end  of  time,  and  at  length  shall  possess 
and  fill  the  earth;  and  thus  shall  the  name  of  the 
Redeemer  be  remembered  in  all  generations, 
and  his  people  praise  him  for  ever  and  ever. 
Amen,  and  Amen. 

NOTES. 

Psalm  XLVI.  Title.  As  the  sons  of  Korah 
were  principal  singers  in  the  sanctuary  through 
successive  generations,  the  title  alone  does  not 
determine  the  date  of  this  Psalm.  It  is  not 
known  b}'^  whom,  or  when,  it  was  written:  but 
the  ancient  opinion,  that  it  was  composed  on  oc- 
casion of  the  deliverance  of  Jerusalem  from  Sen- 
nacherib's invasion,  is  very  probable;  though., 
some  think  it  was  composed  by  David,  after 
his  victories  over  the  Ammonites  and  Syrians. 
[JVote,  48:1.)  It  is  however,  well  adapted  to  the 
use  of  the  church,  especially  on  great  emergen- 
cies, in  every  age. — When  Luther  received  any 
discouraging  news,  he  used  to  say,  'Come,  let  us 
'sing  the  fort3'-sixth  Psalm.' 

Alamoth.^  [JVote,  1  Chr.  15:20,21.)  'Alamoth 
'is  thought  to  be  either  some  tune  in  common 
'use,  or  some  kind  of  musical  instrument,  un- 
'known  to  us;  in  which  young  virgins,  as  some 
'fancy,  took  a  peculiar  delight,  and  were  wont  to 
'learn  to  play  upon  it,  which  they  make  the  rea- 
'son  and  original  of  its  name.'  Bp.  Patrick. — 
"Alamoth"  signifies  virgins. 

V.  1—3.  (JVciie,  27:1—3.)  The  clause,  "a 
very  present  Help  in  trouble,"  may  be  rendered 
more  literally,  "found  exceedingly  a  Help  in 
troubles;"  or,  "a  Help  most  readily  to  be  found  in 
troubles."  The  Psalmist's  experience,  and  that 
of  all  believersjfrom  the  beginning,  evinced  it;  and 
this  encouraged  his  present  unshaken  confidence: 
whereas  all  who  call  on  idols,  or  on  any  creature, 
to  help  them  in  trouble,  are  invoking  the  absent, 
as  well  as  the  helpless. — Earthquakes,  and  other 
terrible  convulsions  in  nature,  are  often  made 
emblems  of  great  commotions  in  nations,  the  fall 
of  empires,  revolutions,  and  other  public  calami- 
ties. But  if  imagination  should  be  emploved  to 
conceive  of  such  desolations,  as  are  not  likely  to 
be  realized,  in  the  full  literal  import  of  the  terms 
here  used,  till  the  consummation  of  all  things;  still 
the  presence  and  power  of  an  almighty  Protector 
and  Upholder  would  suflsce  to  secure  the  chtircU 
and  every  true  member  of  it:  and  strong  faith 
would  exclude  terror  even  in  the  prospect  of  such 


B.  C.  TIO. 


PSALM  XLVI. 


B.  C.  710. 


4  There  is  *  a  river,  the  streams 
whereof  shall  make  glad  "  the  city  of 
God,  "  the  holy  place  of  the  tabernacles 
of  "the  Most  High. 

5  P  God  is  in  the  midst  of  her:  i  she 
shall  not  be  moved:  God  shall  help  her, 
*  and   that  right  early. 

6  '  The  heathen  raged,  *  the  king- 
doms were  moved:  he  uttered  his  voice, 
^  the  earth  melted. 

7  "  The  Lord  of  hosts  is  with  us;  the 
God  of  Jacob   is  tour  Refuge.     Selah. 


1  23:2.    36:8,9.    Is.  8:6,7.  48:18. 

Rev.  22:1. 
m  48:1,8.  87:3.     2  Chr.  6:6.     Is. 

37:35,36.  60:14.     Heb.    12:i2. 

Kev.  21:2,3,10. 
n  D.;ut.  12:11,12. 
o  91:).92;I,8.  Ec.  5:8.  Mic.  6:6. 
p  68:18.     Deut.  23:14.    Is.  12:6. 

Ex.  43:7,9.    Hos.  11:9.  Joel  2: 

27.    Zeph.  3:15.     Zech.  2:5,10, 

11.  8:3.  Matt.  18:20.   RcT.  2:1. 
q  62:2,6.  112:6.  125:1. 
*  Heb.  rchen  the  inorning  ap- 

pearetk.   30:5.    143:8.    Ex.  14: 


24,27.  Luke  18:8. 
r2:l— 4.  83:2—3.  2  Chr.  14:9— 

13.  20:1,20—24.  Is.  3:9,10.    37: 

21—36. 
s  Is.  14:12—16. 
t  68:8.  97:5.  Josh.  2:11.  Is.  64:1, 

2.   Am.  9:5,13.  Xah.  1:5.  Hab. 

3:5,6,10,11.      2  Pet.    3:10—12. 

Rev.  C:  13,14.  20:11. 
u  11.  Num.  14:9.    2  Chr.  13:12. 

Is.  8:10.    Matt.  28:20.  Rom.  8: 

31.2  Tim.  4:22. 
f  Heb.  an  high  place  for  us.  9: 

9.  marg. 


tremendous  scenes.  (jVbfes,  /*.  25:9.  26:3,4,20, 
21.  32:16—20.  Luke  21:25—28.  2  Pet.  3:10—13.) 
V.  4.  Perhaps,  the  gentle  streams  which  wa- 
tered Jerusalem  may  be  alluded  to:  (JVbie,  Is.  8:6 
— 9.)  but  "the  River  of  the  water  of  life,'' the 
graces  and  consolations  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  which 
pervade  every  part  of  the  church,  the  city  of  our 
God;  and  through  which  his  sacred  ordinances 
revive  and  rejoice  the  hearts  of  afflicted  believ- 
ers, are  particularly  intended.  {J^ote,^,  Ex.  17:5. 
£z.  47:1— 10.  John  4:10— 15.  7.37—39.  Rev.. 22: 

V.  5.  {Jlarg.  Ref.—J^s,  Is.  12.-4— 6.  Zeph. 
3:14—17.  Zech.  2:10—13.  MalL  28: 19 ;20.)~Ri£:ht 
ecti'ly.']  Or,  "When  the  morning  appeareth:" 
{marg.)  that  is,  '/n  good  time,  when  the  help  shall 
'be  most  honorable  to  God  and  profitable  to  his 
'people.'  'God,  when  there  is  any  danger,  will 
*send  us  seasonable  and  speedy  relief  against  tho.'ie 
'that  invade  us.'     Bp.  Patinck.   {JVb<es,  125:1,2.) 

V.  6.  Nothing  can  be  more  concise,  energet- 
ic, and  sublime  than  this  verse.  (JVb^«,  Ex.  15: 
9,10.) — Many  deliverances  aJforded  to  Israel  an- 
swer the  description,  especially  that  under  Heze- 
kiah:  but  the  success  of  the  gospel,  notwithstand- 
ing all  opposition  of  every  kind,  and  from  every 
quarter,  which  melted  away  before  the  blessing 
of  God  on  the  preaching  of  the  apostles  and  evan- 
gelists, was  a  singular  accomplishment  of  it; 
{Marg.  Rcf. — JVbfes,  2: 1 — 6.)  and  it  shall  ere  long 
have  a  still  more  glorious  completion,  in  the  de- 
struction of  every  antichrist,  and  the  universal 
prevalence  of  genuine  Christianity. 

V.  7.  'The  Lord  of  armies,  the  God  of  Jacob, 
'who  redeemed  him  from  all  evil,  is  with  us  his  de- 
'scendants,  according  to  his  promise:  what  then 
'have  we  to  fear." — EiWiVTANUEL,  God  with  us,  is 
in  every  age  the  Refuge  and  Protector  of  his 
church.  [Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  8,  9.  The  Psalmist  here  calls  on  all  people, 
to  contemplate  the  wonders  which  God  had 
wrought  for  his  people,  and  the  desolations  which 
he  had  made  among  their  powerful  enemies:  for 
he  had  made  wars  to  cease  to  the  ends  of  the  earth, 
by  disabling  all  who  had  delighted  in  them,  and 
utterly  destroying  all  their  weapons  and  prepara- 
tion of  war.  [J^Totes,  2  Kinifs  19:35 — 37.  2  Chr. 
20:  21 — 30.) — He  will  hereafter  put  an  end  to  all 
wars,  by  the  universal  success  of  the  gospel  of 
peace;  and  this  event  also  mav  be  foretold.  (JVofes, 
Is.  2:2—5.  Mic.  4:1—4.  Rev^  20:4—6.) 

Vol.  m.  27 


8  ^  Come,  behold  the  works  of  the 
LoKD,  y  what  desolations  he  hath  made 
in  the  earth. 

9  ^  He  maketh  wars  to  cease  unto  the 
end  of  the  earth;  ^  he  breaketh  the  bow, 
and  cutteth  the  spear  in  sunder;  ^  he 
burneth  the  chariot  in  the  fire. 

10  "^Be  still,  and  ^  know  that  lam 
God:  ®  I  will  be  exalted  among  the 
heathen,   I   will  be   exaked  in  the  earth. 

11  The  Lord  of  hosts  is  with  us; 
^  the  God  of  Jacob  is  our  Refuge.  Se- 
lah. 


X  66:5.  92:4—6.  111:2,3.     Num. 

23:23. 
y  Ex.      10:7.     12:30.     14:30,31. 

Josh.  ll:-:0.     2  Chr.  20:23,24. 

Is.  21:1.  34:2,&c. 
z  Is.  2:4.  11:9.  60:18.    Mic.  4:3, 

4. 

a  76:3—6.  F.z.  39  3,9,10. 
b  Josh.  11:6,9.  Mic.  5:10. 


c  Hab.  2:20.  Zech.  2:13. 

d  83:18.     100:3.     Ex.    1S:11.     1 

Sam.    17:46.      1  Kings   13.36. 

2  Kings  19:19. 
e  21:13.57:5.   I  Chr.  29:11.    Is. 

2:11,17.  5:16.  Kz.  S8:28.  Rev. 

15:3,4. 
f  1,7.  48:3.    Deut.  33:27.     Jer. 

16:19. 


V.  10.  God  himself  here  speaks,  and  demands 
silent  and  adoring  attention,  and  submission  from 
the  whole  earth;  and  that  they  all  should  acknowl- 
edge, and  bow  down  to,  his  universal,  everlasting, 
and  absolute  sovereignty,  if  they  would  escape  his 
awful  vengeance.  (JVo7e5,  2  Kings  19:14 — 19,  v. 
19.  Is.  2:22.  33:10—13.  Hab.  2:20.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

Those  who  have  received  Jesus  Christ  as  their 
Lord  and  Savior,  and  live  in  grateful  obedience 
to  him,  make  the  power,  wisdom,  truth,  and  love 
of  God,  their  "refuge  and  strength;"  and  in  every 
urgent  danger  and  trouble,  they  will  find  him  a 
1  ready  and  a  present  Help.  If  our  faith  were  as 
i  strong  as  our  security  is  good,  we  need  fear  no 
!  combination  of  enemies,  no  revolutions  in  king- 
doms, and  no  convulsions  in  nature;  but  in  the 
most  tremendous  dangers,  might  triumph  in  the 
fullest  assurance  of  security  and  victory.  Were 
we  literally  to  behold  the  deep-rooted  mountains 
torn  from  their  foundations,  and  cast  into  the 
ocean,  while  its  impetuous  waves  overflowed  the 
banks,  and  deluged  the  earth;  we  should  not  only 
be  safe,  but  might  be  happy,  if,  in  communion 
with  God,  we  drank  of  the  river  of  divine  conso- 
lations, which  he  has  communicated  to  his  holy 
church  on  earth,  as  an  earnest  of  heavenly  joys. 
Let  us  then  pray  for  increase  of  faith,  and  be 
careful  to  lay  up  our  treasures  in  heaven:  thus, 
when  the  earth  and  all  its  works  shall  be  burnt 
up,  we  shall  have  nothing  to  fear,  or  to  lose. 
Happy  are  they,  in  every  case,  who  are  enrolled 
citizens  of  the  "holy  city  of  our  God,  in  which  he 
dwells  as  a  Father,  a  Defender,  and  a  Comforter 
of  his  people.  While  the  heathen  rage,  their 
faith  and  patience  will  indeed  be  tried;  yet  He 
will  utter  his  voice,  their  enemies  will  perish,  and 
they  shall  triumph  in  praise.  But  let  the  ungodly 
tremble  at  beholding  tlie  destruction  of  those,  who 
have  opposed  the  cause  and  people  of  God:  ere 
long  the  Lord  will  convert  or  destroy  every  ad- 
versary; and  "the  nations  shall  beat  tlieir  swords 
into  plow-shares  and  learu  war  no  more."  Let 
us  pray  for  the  speedy  approach  of  these  glorious 
days;  and,  in  silent  reverence  and  submission, 
worship  and  trust  in  our  almighty  Sovereign. 
And  through  life  and  death,  let  us  answer  every 
fear  by  the  believing  consideration,  that  "the 
Lord  of  Hosts  is  with  us,  the  God  of  Jacob  is  our 
Refuge." 

[209 


B.  C.  1042. 


PSALM  XLVII. 


B.  C.  1042. 


PSxiLM  XLVII. 

The  people  are  excited  to  rejoice  in  God,  the  universal  Sove- 
reign, who  had  given  Israel  victory  and  inheritance,  ] — 4. 
The  ascension  and  kingdom  of  Christ  are  celebrated  with  fer- 
vent praises;  and  the  conversion  of  the  nations  and  their  prin- 
ces is  predicted,  5 — 9. 

To   the  chief  Musician,    A  Psahn    *  for 
the  sons  of  Korah. 

^  CLAP  your   hands,   all  ye  peo- 
ple;   ^  shout    unto   God    with    the 
voice  of  triumph. 

2  For  the  Loro  most  high  *^  is  terri- 
ble; he  is  "^  a  great  King  over  all  the  earth. 

3  He  shall  "  subdue  the  people  under 
us,  and  the  nations  ^  under  our  feet. 

4  He  shall  s  choose  our  inheritance 
for  us,  the  ^  excellency  of  Jacob,  '  whom 
he  loved.     Selah. 


*  Or,  of.  46:  tide. 

a  98:8.  2  Kini^s  U:l2.  Is.  55:12. 

b  5.  98:4.  1  Sam.  10:24.    2  Sam. 

6:15.'   2Chr.  13:15.   Ezra3:ll 

—13.    Jer.  31:7.      Zeph.3.14. 

Zech.  4:7.  9:9.    Luke  19:37— 

10.   Rev.  19:1. 
6  65:5.    66:3—5.    68:35.     76:12. 

99:3.  145:6.    Deut.  7:2).  23:53. 

Nth.  1:5.  Nah.  1:6,7.  Rev.  6: 

16,17. 
d  7.  22:27-29.   95:3.      Dan.  7: 

13,14.  Mai.  1:14.    Blatt.  28:18. 

Phil.  2:9—11. 


e  18:47.    81:14.      Deut.    33:29. 

Marg.   Josh.    21:44.    Phil.  3: 

21. 
f  110:1.    Josh.  10:24.25.   1  Cor. 

15:25. 
!,' Deut.  11:12.     .ler.  3:19.    Ez. 

20:6.  Matt.  25:34.   1  Cor.  3:22, 

23.   p:ph.  1:18.    1  Pet.  1:4. 
h  16:3.     Is.  60:15.  Am.  6:8.  0:7. 

Nah.  2:2. 
i  Deut.  7:6—8.  33:3.    Hos.  14:4. 

Mai.  1:2.    Kph.  2:4,5.    1  John 

4:9,10. 


NOTES. 

rs.ii.M  XLVII.  V.  1— 3.  This  psalm  is  gen- 
erally ascribed  to  David,  though  his  oame  is  not 
afR.Ked  to  it:  and  it  is  thought  to  have  been  com- 
posed when  very  great  multitudes  were  assem- 
bled, to  attend  on  the  removal  of  the  ark  to  the 
tabernacle  on  mount  Zion.  [J^otes,  2  Sam.  6: 
1  Chr.  U>:)  And  as  the  ark  was  a  type  of  Christ, 
the  psalm  has  generally  been  applied  to  his  ascen- 
sion, after  his  humiliation  on  earth,  to  the  right 
Land  of  God  in  heaven.  Thus  the  ancient  fathers 
understood  it,  and  on  this  account  it  is  appointed 
in  our  church  to  be  read  on  Ascension-day. 
{J^'otes,  24:7—10.  68: 1—3,15— 18.)— A  large  con- 
}:fregation  having  been  assembled,  as  at  a  solemn 
festival,  the  Psalmist  calls  on  them  to  express  the 
overflowing  joy  of  their  hearts,  by  clapping  their 
hands,  and  lifting  up  their  voices  in  triumphant 
shouting:  [Marg.  Ref.  a,  b.)  because  the  most 
high  God,  whom  Israel  worshipped,  and  who  pro- 
tected Israel,  was  terrible  to  his  and  to  their  ene- 
mies, and  the  great  Sovereign  of  all  the  earth — 
In  the  days  of  Joshua,  and  afterwards  by  David, 
he  had  destroyed,  or  subdued,  the  nations  of  Ca- 
naan and  the  adjacent  countries,  and  brought 
them  under  the  dominion  of  Israel:  but  these  vic- 
tories were  only  shadows  of  the  spiritual  triumphs 
of  the  church  under  her  king  Messiah;  and  at 
length  all  nations  shall  either  be  joined  to  her  in 
subjection  to  Christ,  or  shall  be  destroyed.  LKoles., 
Dan.  2:44,45.  Rev.  11:13— 18.)— Terrih/e.  (2) 
The  same  word  (niij)  is  rendered  re uerenrf,  111:9. 

V.  4.  The  goodly  land  of  Canaan  was  selected 
for  the  inheritance  of  Jacob's  posterity,  who  were 
especially  favored  by  God,  and  raised  to  a  pre- 
eminence above  other  nations;  and  comparatively 
they  were  the  excellent  of  the  earth.  But  they 
have  long  been  excluded  from  that  country; 
which  typified  the  present  privileges  and  chosen 
inheritance  of  llie  true  Israel,  who  are  in  reality 
v/hat  the  Israelites  were  in  external  character. 
[Mari^:  Ref.) 

V.  5.  'God  is  gone  up,  by  the  special  token  of 
'his  presence,  into  the  holv  place,  with  shouts  of 
210] 


5  ^  God  is  gone  up  '  with  a  shout, 
the  Lord  with  "  the  sound  of  a  trum- 
pet. 

6  "  Sing  praises  to  God,  sing  praises: 
sing  praises  unto  "  our  King,  sing  praises. 

7  For  God  is  p  the  King  of  all  the 
earth:  i  sing  ye  praises  t  with  under- 
standing. 

8  "■  God  reigneth  over  the  heathen: 
God  sitteth  upon  =  the  throne  of  his  holi- 
ness.   , 

9  t  The  princes  of  the  people  are 
gathered  together,  even  the  people  of 
'  the  God  of  Abraham:  for  "  the  shields 
of  the  earth  belong  unto  God:  ^  he  is 
greatly  exalted. 


k  24:7— 10.        68:17—19,24,25. 

Luke     24:51—53.       Acts    1:9. 

Eph.  4:8—10.    1  Tim.  3:16. 
178:65.    Num.  23:21.      2  Sam. 

6:15.   1  Chr.  15:28. 
ni  81:3.  150:3.    Num.  10:1—10. 

Josh.  6:5.    1  Chr.  15:24.  16:42. 

I  Cor.    15:52.       1  Thes.    4:16. 

Rev.  8:6,&c.  11:15. 
n  96:1,2.  117:  149:1—3.  Ex.  15: 

21.  1  Chr.  16:9.  29:20.    Is.  12: 

4—6.  Eph.  5:18—20. 
o  145:1.    Is.   33:22.    Zech.  9:9. 

Matt.  25:34.  27:37. 
p  2,8.  Zech.  14:9.  Rev.  11:15. 
q  1  Cor.  14:14,15. 
t  Or,  every  one  that  hath  un- 


derstanding. 
r  22:27— 29    93:1.    96:10.    97:1. 

99:1.      110:6.       1    Chr.     J6:3]. 

Rev    19:6. 
5  9:4.    45:6,7.    43:1.    89:14.  91: 

20.     Heb.  4:16.      Rev.  20:11. 
X   Or,     This    voluntary  of  the 

people   are  gathered    unto  Me 

people  of,  (S-c.  72:7—9.  110:2,3. 

Gen.  49:10.     Is.  11:10.  60:1,5. 

66:19,20.    Rom.  11:25. 
t  Gen.  17:7,8.     Ex.  3:6,15.     Is. 

41:8—10.     Matt.  22:32.   Rom. 

4:11,12.     Gal.  3:29. 
u  89:18.     Marg. 
X  46:10. 


'joy  and  praise.'  Bp.  Patrick. — If,  however,  we 
consider  this,  as  prefiguring  the  ascension  of  Him, 
in  our  nature,  who  is  "God  over  all,  blessed  for 
evermore;"  and  the  acclamations  of  the  heavenly 
hosts  on  that  grand  occasion;  the  whole  appears 
far  more  interesting-*nd  becomes  in  the  highest 
degree  animated  andappropriate,  as  introductory 
to  tlie  repeated  call  to  fervent  praises.  (J^otes, 
68:17—20,24,25.  Luke  24:50—53.  Acts  1:9—12. 
Ejih.  4:7—10.  Phil.  2:9-11.) 

V.  6,  7.  Our  King.  (6)  The  Messiah  is  contin- 
uallj"^  celebrated  in  the  psalms  as  Israel's  King;  it 
is  therefore  most  natural  to  interpret  this  expres- 
sion of  him  in  almost  every  part  of  them;  which 
leads  us  to  multiplied  proofs  that  he  is  Jehovah, 
and  the  Lord  of  all.  [J^Totes,  2:4—6.  45:1—5. 
Zeph.  3:14—17.  Zech.  9:9,10.  14:6—9.  Matt.  25: 
34 — 40.) — With  understanding.  (7)  Maschil. 
[Marg JVb<e,  32:  title.) 

V.  8,  9.  The  manner  in  which  the  dominion 
over  the  nations  of  the  eartli  as  exercised  by 
that  God,  who  dwelt  in  the  holy  place,  by  the 
ark  the  symbol  of  his  presence,  above  the  mercy- 
seat,  is  here  mentioned,  seems  a  clear  intimation 
of  the  calling  of  the  gentiles  into  the  church,  in 
consequence  of  Christ's  ascension.  [Rom.  15: 
12.) — All  the  principal  persons,  from  the  several 
tribes  of  Israel,  ''the  people  of  the  God  of  Abra- 
ham," assembled  to  remove  the  ark,  leaving  the 
protection  of  their  houses  and  families  unto  God. 
who  accordingly  was  the  Shield  of  the  land. 
Thus  when  princes  and  rulers  join  themselves  to 
the  Lord  Jesus,  and  use  their  authority  and  in- 
fluence for  the  benefit  of  the  church;  God  is 
greatly  exalted,  in  becoming  the  Shield  and  De- 
fender of  their  dominions. — Some,  however,  in- 
terpret the  last  clause  to  mean  the  rulers  them- 
selves; who,  belonging  to  God,  having  their  au- 
thority from  him,  and  using  it  according  to  his 
command,  become  the  shields  of  their  people; 
and  thus  by  their  means  God  is  greatly  exalted 
and  honored  among  men.     The  heathen.  (8)  dvj  : 

or  "the  nations;"  over  all  the  nations  of  the 
earth,  and  not  only  over  Israel. — The  princes  of 


B.  C.  892. 


PSALM  XLVUI. 


B.  C.  892. 


PSALM   XLVIIL 

The  prftisei  of  God  are  celebrated,  in  coDncxion  with  the  beauty 
and  secui*y  of  /.ion,  and  the  deliverances  wrought  for  her,  ] 
— S.  The  church  praises  God,  and  rejoices  in  him,  and  in  her 
privileges,  9 — 1-1. 

A  *  Song   and    Psalm    *  for  the  sons  of 

Korah. 

^f^  REAT  is  the  Lord,  and  <=  greatly 

\y[  to  be   praised  ''  in  the  city  of  our 

God,   in  « the    mountain  of  his  holiness. 

2  ''  Beautiful  for  situation,  s  the  joy  of 
the  whole  earth,  is  mount  Zion,  ''  on  the 
sides  of  the  north,  '  the  city  of  the  great 
King. 

3  ^  God  is  known  in  her  palaces  for  a 
Refuge. 

a  30:  title. 


*  Or,  of.  46:  title. 

h  86:10.  99:3,4.    145:3.    147:5. 

c  89:1—7.     Neh.  9:5.    Rev.  15: 

3,4.   19:5. 
d46:4.  78:63.    87:3.     Heb.    12: 

22.   Rev.  21:2,10—22, 
e47:8.    99:9.     Is.    2:2,3.    27:13. 

.Ter.  31:23.     Obad.  17.     Zech. 

8:3.     Matt.  24:15. 


f50:2.    Lam.  2:15.   Dan.  11:16. 
g  Is.  60:15— 20.  66:10.    Kz.  20: 

6.     Mai.  3:12.     Heb.  12:22. 
h  Is.  14:13. 
i    47:7,8.     Mai.   1:14.     Matt.  5: 

35. 
k  76:1— 5.     125:1.     2  Chr.  12:7. 

14:9—15.    20:l,&c.     Is.  4:5,6. 

37:33—36.     Zech.  2:4,5. 


the  people.    (9)   a'<ay  ^3>iJ.     Or,  "of  the  peoples" 

{plural.)  The  rulers  of  other  nations  must  be 
meant,  as  uniting  with  those  of  Israel:  and  this 
leads  us  to  interpret  the  passag'e,  of  the  conver- 
sion of  the  gentiles  to  the  ascended  Savior,  rather 
than  of  the  tj'pical  tran.saction  of  the  removal  of 
the  ark. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  universal  and  absolute  sovereignty  of  our 
holy  God  would  be  most  terrible  to  every  sinner, 
were  it  not  administered  by  his  incarnate  Son 
from  a  mercy-seat:  but  now,  it  is  terrible  to  the 
obstinate  workers  of  iniquity  alone. — While  his 
peculiar  people  express  their  confidence,  grati- 
tude, and  joy,  by  every  token  of  external  exul- 
tation, and  animate  each  other  in  his  service;  let 
sinners  submit  to  his  authority,  and  accept  of  his 
salvation,  that  they  may  share  in  his  holy  tri- 
umph. If  we  are  the  chosen  people  of  God,  and 
his  love  and  grace  have  made  us  more  excellent 
than  our  unbelieving  neighbors;  we  may  be  sure 
that  he  has  chosen  for  us  a  more  honorable  and 
excellent  inheritance,  than  all  the  kingdoms  of 
the  world;  and  that  he  will  prepare  our  souls  for 
that  inheritance,  by  every  dispensation  here  on 
earth.  Let  us  then  confide  in  his  wisdom,  sub- 
mit to  his  will,  and  be  thankful  for  his  distin- 
guishing mercy. — As  angels  and  glorified  saints 
worshipped  the  ascending  Savior,  and  welcomed 
him  with  shouts  of  joy  and  the  trump  of  God: 
surely  we  on  earth  should  join  our  praises  with 
holy  affections;  and  with  understanding  of  his 
excellency  and  our  obligations,  that  we  may  glo- 
rify him  and  edify  others  also.  Our  backward- 
ness to  this  reasonable  service  must  be  overcome 
by  repeated  exhortations;  and  when  our  hearts 
are  attuned  to  this  holy  worship,  we  should  call 
on  all  around  to  unite  m  it:  for  he  is  our  King, 
"and  the  King  of  all  the  earth."  "He  reigneth 
upon  the  throne  of  his  holiness,"  which  yet  well 
consists  with  his  plenteous  mercy:  all  the  hea- 
then are  his  inheritance  and  property:  may  he 
hasten  the  time,  when  all  kings  shall  serve  him, 
and  use  their  delegated  authority  to  his  glory! 
Then  will  "all  the  families  of  the  earth  be  bless- 
ed in  him,"  and  he  will  be  greatly  exalted:  while, 
as  the  God  of  Abraham,  he  becomes  their  "Shield, 
and  exceeding  great  Reward." 

NOTES. 
Psalm  XLVIIL    V.   I.     Many  think,   that 


4  For,  '  lo,  the  kings  were  assembled, 
they  passed  by  together. 

5  They  saw  it,  and  so  they  marvel- 
led; ""they  were  troubled,  and  hasted 
away. 

6  "  Fear  took  hold  upon  them  there, 
and  °  pain,  as  of  a  woman  in  travail. 

7  Thou  P  breakest  the  i  ships  of  Tar- 
shish  ''  with  an  east  wind. 

8  ^  As  we  have  heard,  so  have  we 
seen  in  *  the  city  of  the  Lord  of  hosts, 
in  the  city  of  our  God:  "  God  will  estab- 
lish it  for  ever.      Selah. 

9  We  have  *  thought  of  ^'  thy   loving- 

1  83:2—8.     2  Sam.   10:6,16—19.  |  p  Ez.  27:26. 

'      -        --      ....--„.-      q  1  Kings  22:48.     Is.  2:16. 
r  Jer.  18:17. 

s  44:1,2.  78:3-6.  Is.  38:19. 
m  Ex.    14:25.     2  Kings   7:6,7.     t  .See  on  1,2. 

19:35 — 37.  u  46:5.    87:5.     Is.  2:2.     Mic.  4 

n   Ex.    15:15,16.      Is.    13:6—8.       1.     Matt.  16:)8. 

Dan.  5:6.  x  26:3.  77:10,11.  104:34.  105:5.6 

o  Is.   21:3.     Jer.   30:6,7.     Hos.     y  40:]0.  63:3.  Cant.  1:4.    Lidta 

13:13.  22:19,m 


Is.  7:1.  8:8—10.   10:8.  29:5—8. 
Rev.  17:12—14.     19:19,20.  20: 


this  psalm  was  composed  on  account  of  the  de- 
liverance of  Jerusalem  from  the  power  and  rage 
of  Sennacherib:  but  others  are  of  opinion,  that  it 
is  more  exactly  descriptive  of  the  invasion  of  the 
land  during  the  reign  of  Jehoshaphat,  and  the 
extraordinary  triumph  of  him  and  his  subjects 
over  the  kings  who  had  confederated  against  him. 
{Motes,  2  Chr.  20:1—30.)  It  is  however  evident, 
that  it  was  occasioned  by  some  remarkable  in- 
terposition of  God,  in  rescuing  "the  mountain  of 
his  holiness"  from  powerful  assailants. 

V.  2,  3.  The  situation  of  Zion,  with  the  ad- 
jacent region,  was  very  beautiful,  and  the  glory 
and  joy  of  the  whole  Zanc/.-  but  the  experience  of 
her  kings,  from  age  to  age,  that  God  was  their 
Refuge,  and  the  Protector  of  their  palaces,  as 
well  as  of  his  own  holy  temple,  was  the  peculiar 
honor  of  this  holy  city. — Zion  is  supposed  to  have 
been  situated  on  the  south  side  of  the  mountain; 
but  the  temple  stood  on  the  north  side  of  it,  and 
was  its  peculiar  honor  and  distinction.  {Is.  14:13.) 

V.  4 — 7.  The  confederated  kings  of  idola- 
trous nations  were  assembled  to  besiege  Jerusa- 
lem; but  the  pious  princes  of  Judah  confided  in 
God  as  their  Refuge.  Their  invaders  therefore, 
when  they  approached  the  walls,  were  suddenly 
intimidated,  troubled,  and  put  to  flight,  with  ter- 
ror and  anguish,  as  a  woman  in  travail;  or  as  the 
affrighted  mariners  look  at  each  other,  when  a 
furious  east  wind  drives  their  stout  and  richly 
laden  ship  upon  a  rock,  and  dashes  it  in  pieces. 
These  effects  could  not  be  so  much  ascribed  to 
the  sight  of  Jerusalem's  fortifications,  as  to  the 
immediate  power  of  God;  even  as  the  winds  and 
waves  are  at  his  command.  {Jlar^.  Ref.) — 'II- 
'lustrations  of  this  kind  are  sometimes  introduc- 
'ed,  by  the  sacred  writers,  with  the  mark  of  com- 
'parison;  and  frequently,  as  here,  without  it. 
'The  meaning  evidently  is,  that  as  the  east  wind 
'shatters  in  pieces  the  ships  of  Tarshish,  so  the 
'divine  power  struck  the  heathen  kings  with  ter- 
'ror  and  astonishment.'     Bp.  Home. 

V.  8.  The  princes  and  people  of  Judah  had 
often  heard  of  the  wonderful  deliverances,  which 
God  had  in  former  ages  vouchsafed  to  Iftrncl,  ;i8 
well  as  the  encouraging  promises  and  predic- 
tions sent  to  them  by  the  prophets:  hut  the  re- 
cent events,  of  which  they  liaJ  been  eye-wit- 
nesses, and  the  astonishing  interposition  of  the 
God  of  armies  in  behalf  of  this  chosen  city,  im- 
pressed them  with  a  far  more  lively  sense  of 
these  things,  than  thev  ever  before  had  attained 

[211 


B.  C.  S92. 


PSALM  XLVIII. 


B.  C.  892, 


kindness,    O  God,  ^  in  the  midst  of  thy 
temple. 

10  *  According  to  thy  name,  O  God, 
so  is  thy  praise  unto  the  ends  of  the 
earth:  '^  thy  right  hand  is  full  of  right- 
eousness. 

11  Let  mount  Zion  rejoice,  let  "^the 
daughters  of  Judah  be  glad,  ''  because  of 
thy  judgments. 


Z  63:2.  77:1-2—14.     2  Chr.   20: 

S — 13.      Is.  20.8. 
a  133:3.   138:2—4.      Ex.    3:13— 

J  5.      34:5—7.      Deut.     a8:58. 

Josh.  7:9.     Mai.  1:11,14. 
b  11.7.  45:7.  9y:4.  145:17.  Rev. 

19:2,11. 


c  97:3.     Cant.  1:5.     2:7.  3:5.    5: 

16.  Is.  37:22.   Zech.  9:9.  Luke 

23:20. 
d    58:10.     137:8,9.     Judg.  5:31. 

2  Chr.    20:26,27.      Rev.    15:4. 

16:5—7.   18:20.   19:1—3. 


to.  They  were  also  encouraged,  by  this  instance 
of  the  Lord's  faithful  and  powerful  protection, 
confidently  to  expect  that  he  would  establish  Je- 
rusalem in  safety  and  prosperity  through  all  gen- 
erations.— As  a  prophecy,  this  must  mean  that 
city  of  the  living  God,  of  which  Jerusalem  was 
but  a  type:  [JVotes,  Gal.  4:21—31.  Heh.  12:22— 
25.  Rev.  21:)  for  Jerusalem  was  repeatedly  taken, 
and  at  length  it  was  given  up  to  be  "trodden  un- 
der foot  by  the  gentiles;"  but  the  church  of 
Christ  is  founded  on  a  Rock,  and  God  will  cer- 
tainly establish  it  for  ever  and  ever.  {Jfotes,  125: 
1,2.  Mail,  lb:  18.) 

V.  9.  'We  have  waited  in  silent  contempla- 
'tion  and  patient  hope,  for  thy  loving-kindness, 
'with  sacrifices  and  believing  prayers,  presented 
'at  thy  temple;  trusting  in  thj'  aid,  and  not  in  our 
'own  power  or  valor.' — This  was  the  conduct  of 
Hazekiah,  amidst  the  menaces  and  blasphemies  of 
Rabshakeh  and  Sennacherib.  LN'otes,  2  Kings 
18:17—37.19:  2  CAr.  32:1— 22.)  Yet  the  con- 
duct of  Jehoshaphat  and  his  subjects  seems  more 
exactly  to  accord  to  these  words,  than  even  that 
of  Hezekiah.      {Kotes,  2  Chr.  20:1—30.) 

V.  10.  The  "name"  of  God  may,  in  this  con- 
nexion, either  mean  the  glorious  perfections  by 
which  he  was  known  to  his  people,  and  distin- 
guished from  all  the  idols  of  the  heathen;  or  his 
title,  as  "the  Lord  of  hosts,"  the  God  of  Abra- 
ham, and  the  God  of  Israel."  [Marg.  Ref.  a. 
J'^otes,  £.r.3:14,15.34:5— 7.)— In  both  respects,  the 
powerful  protection  afforded  his  people,  and  the 
righteous  vengeance  executed  by  his  right  hand 
on  their  insolent  and  impious  invaders,  would 
tend  to  make  his  praises  celebrated,  through  the 
whole  land,  and  indeed  to  the  ends  of  the  earth. 
[J^ote,  2  Kings  19:14—19,  v.  19.) 

V.  1 1.  This  verse  is  in  the  future  tense,  and 
may  literally  be  rendered,  "Mount  Zion  will 
rejoice  and  the  daughters  of  Judah,"  (the  other 
towns  and  cities  dependent  on  Jerusalem,)  "will 
be  glad  because  of  thy  judgments;"  as  an  antici- 
pation, during  the  apparent  danger,  of  victory 
and  exulting  praises,  rather  than  as  a  subsequent 
exhortation.     Uyotes,  2  Chr.  20: 1 2—25. ) 

V.  12,  13.  The  people  are  here  called  on,  to 
go  round  the  city  in  solemn  procession;  and, 
while  they  joyfully  praised  and  blessed  the  Lord, 
to  mark  all  the  towers,  walls,  and  palaces;  ob- 
serving that  not  one  of  them  had  been  in  the  least 
injured  by  their  formidable  invaders.  This  would 
tend  the  more  deeply  to  impress  their  minds;  and 
prepare  them  faithfully  and  diligently  to  preserve 
the  memory  of  these  interesting  events,  for  the 
benefit  of  future  generations.  This  exact  sur- 
rey of  Jerusalem's  walls  and  fortifications,  to  be 
transmitted  to  posterity,  might  also  intimate,  that 
they  were  typical  of  more  permanent  privileges; 
and  they  would  after  a  time  be  demolished,  that 
the  things  signified  by  them  might  remain  for 
ever.  (.'Vb/«,  Heb.  12:"26— 29.) 
212] 


12  ^  Walk  about  Zion,  and  go  round 
about  her:  •"  tell  the  towers  thereof. 

13  *Mark  ye  well  her  bulwarks, 
t  consider  her  palaces;  ^  that  ye  may  tell 
it  to  the  generation  following. 

14  For  •'this  God  is  our  God  for 
ever  and  ever:  he  will  be  our  '  Guide 
even  unto  death. 


e  Neh.  12:31-40.  Matt  2.1:1,2. 

f  Is.  33.10—20. 

*  Heb.  Set  your  heart  to. 

^  Or,  raise  up.      13.58:12.  Am. 

9:11.     Acts  15:14—16. 
g  71:18.      78:4.       Deut.     11:19. 


Joel  1:3. 
h    16:2.  31:14. 


73:26.     Lam.  3: 


i  23:3,4.  25:9.    73:24.     Prov.  8; 
20.  Is.  58:11.    John  16:13. 


V.  14.  This  verse,  as  the  conclusion  of  a 
psalm,  in  which  temporal  deliverances,  security, 
and  privileges  might  appear  to  be  exclusively 
celebrated,  is  a  strong  intimation,  that  spiritual 
and  eternal  blessings  were  also  meant.  It  was 
before  said,  that  God  would  establish  Jerusalem 
for  ever:  but  it  is  here  added,  in  the  most  em- 
phatical  language  imaginable,  "This  God,"  who 
protects  Jerusalem,  "is  our  God,"  or  the  Friend 
and  Patron  of  his  true  people;  and  that  "forever 
and  ever,"  or  "to  all  eternity:"  "He  will  be  our 
Guide  unto  death;"  through  all  the  sorrows  and 
dangers  of  this  world  to  the  eternal  blessings  of 
heaven.  (JVbtc*,  23:1— 4.  73:23— 28.  Hf6.  1 1:13 
-16.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  Lord  is  a  great  and  glorious  King,  and 
worthy  of  universal  and  most  exalted  praises:  but 
none  on  earth  will  render  him  this  due  honor,  ex- 
cept the  citizens  of  the  heavenly  Jerusalem,  who 
worship  him  in  the  mountain  of  his  holiness,  as 
their  God  and  Savior.  [J^otes  and  P.  O.  Gal.  4: 
21 — 31.)  The  beauty  and  glory  of  his  church, 
which  snould  be,  and  will  eventually  prove,  "the 
joy  of  the  whole  earth,"  are  derived  from  his  pres- 
ence and  love,  and  are  the  reflection  of  his  uncre- 
ated excellences.  Wherever  there  are  princes 
or  people  who  make  God  their  Refuge,  he  will  be 
known  among  them  as  such:  for  he  will  never  dis- 
appoint the  expectation  of  any  who  hope  in  his 
word.  But,  wiicn  kings  and  nations,  however 
numercnis  and  potent,  confederate  against  his 
church,  sudden  terror  and  destruction  will  be 
their  portion.  We  have  heard  and  read  of  the 
works  of  God  for  Israel  of  old;  and  in  the  estab- 
lishment of  the  gospel  upon  the  ruins  of  idolatry: 
and  if  we  wait  for  his  loving-kindness  in  his  holy 
temple,  by  persevering  faith  and  praj'er,  we  shall 
experience,  in  our  measure,  the  same  powerful 
supports  and  deliverances:  and  still  more  glorious 
things  shall  at  length  be  accomplished,  in  order  to 
establish  Christianitj'  throughout  the  whole  earth. 
— The  Lord  will  always  act  in  perfect  consistency 
with  those  glorious  perfections,  which,  by  means 
of  his  word,  are  made  known  and  celebrated  to 
the  ends  of  the  earth:  the  salvation  of  his  people 
will  be  accompanied  with  righteous  vengeance  on 
his  enemies;  but  ever}'  true  believer  may  rejpice 
because  of  his  judgments.  Let  us  then  diligently 
examine,  and  accurately  mark,  the  security  of  the 
everlasting  covenant,  confirmed  by  the  word  and 
oath  of  the  immutable  God:  let  us  consider  that 
"his  church  is  built  upon  a  rock,  against  which 
the  gates  of  hell  shall  not  prevail;"  and  let  us  med- 
itate upon  his  exceedingly  great  and  precious 
promises,  and  the  privileges  enjoj'ed  by  every 
true  believer.  While  we  are  thus  encouraged  by 
them  to  trust  and  serve  the  Lord,  in  perilous  and 
difiicult  circumstances;  let  us  point  them  out  to 


B.  C.  1034. 


PSALM  XLIX. 


B.  C.   1034. 


PSALM    XLIX. 

The  Psalmist  calls  on  all  mankinJ  to  attend  to  his  instructions, 
] — 1.  He  shews  that  the  ri;5htcous  have  no  cause  to  fear  in 
evil  times,  5.  He  exposes  the  vanity  of  trusting  in  riches,  6 — 
13.  He  contrasts  the  condition  of  the  prosperous  ungodly 
man,  ivith  that  of  the  believer,  especially  in  respect  of  death 
and  the  resurrection,  14 — 20. 

To    the  chief  Musician,    A  Psalm    *  for 
the  sons  of  Korah. 
EAR    this,   all    ye   people;    give 


H 


all 


ye 


inhabitants  of  the 


world: 

2  Both  •=  low  and  high,  rich  and  poor, 
together. 

3  My  •*  mouth  shall  speak  of  wisdom; 
and  ^  the  meditation  of  my  heart  shall 
be  of  understanding. 


*  Or,  of.  46:  48:  titles. 

4  34:11.78:1.     Prov.    1:20—23. 

Matt.  11:15.    13:9.     Rev.   2:7, 

11,17,29. 
b   50:1.      Is.   49:6.     Mai.   1:11. 

Matt.   28:19,20.      Rom.   3:29. 

10:18. 
c  62:9.     I  Sam.   2:7,8.     Job  34: 


19.     Prov.    2:::2.      Jer.  5:4,5. 

Jam.    1:9—11.    2:1—7.     Rev. 

6:15—17. 
d   Deut.    32:2.       Job     33.3,33. 

Prov.  4:1,2.  8:6—11.  22:17,?0, 

21.     2Tim.  3:15— 17. 
e  19:14.  45:1.  104:34.  Matt.  12: 

35. 


our  children,  and  to  the  rising  generation:  for 
this  almighty  and  gracious  God  is  the  Portion  and 
the  Shield  of  every  true  Christian,  through  suc- 
cessive generations  and  to  all  eternit}'.  He  will 
guide  us  all,  through  life  to  death,  and  through 
death  to  glorj';  and  in  the  city  of  our  God  above, 
we  shall  enjoy  uninterrupted  and  unalloyed  peace 
and  felicity. 

NOTES. 

Psalm  XLIX.  Title.  The  author  of  this  psalm 
is  not  known.  'But  whosoever  composed  it, ...  it 
'is  likely  that  he  had  in  his  eye,  the  unreasonable 
*thirst  of  mankind  after  riches,  and  their  insolence 
'and  haughtiness,  when  they  have  acquired  them; 
'which,  it  is  possible,  was  a  great  discouragement 
'to  some  pious  but  poor  people  in  those  times:  and 
'therefore  ...  he  indited  this  psalm  to  check  that 
'vanity,  by  setting  death  before  their  e5'es.'  Bp. 
Patrick. — It  is  not  improbable  that  David  wrote 
the  psalm,  and  gave  it  to  the  sons  of  Korah;  though 
the  title  may  mean,  as  many  think,  that  it  was 
written  by  some  of  the  sous  of  Korah.  [.N'otc,  46: 
title.) 

V.  I — 4.  The  Psalmist,  in  these  verses,  sub- 
limely introduced  his  subject,  by  demanding  an 
audience,  from  the  whole  human  race,  to  a  mes- 
sage which  he  would  deliver  unto  them  from  God: 
and  his  important  and  universally  interesting  in- 
struction, being  written  in  the  sacred  scriptures, 
has  already  been  proposed  to  innumerable  multi- 
tudes, and  will  at  length  be  heard  by  all  the  in- 
habitants of  the  earth,  whether  of  noble  or  ignoble 
birth,  whether  rich  or  poor.  {JVoles,  50:4 — 6.  78: 
2.  Deut.  32:1, '2.  Matt.  13:34,35.)  As  the  prophet 
of  God,  he  had  first  inclined  his  ear  to  his  divine 
instructcr:  and  finding  the  subject  difficult,  (be- 
cause of  the  corrupt  prejudices,  aversion,  and  in- 
eptitude of  the  mind  of  man  to  spiritual  things,) 
and  to  require  the  closest  attention,  in  order  to  a 
right  understanding  and  explanation  of  it;  he  had 
carefully  meditated  on  it  before  he  spoke:  and 
then  he  had  formed  it  into  poetry,  and  set  it  to 
music;  that  sacred  melody  might  be  the  vehicle 
of  weighty  instruction.    {Marg.  Ref.) 

All  ye  people.  (1)-  qicj?  (plural:)  including  all 
nations  inhabiting  the  whole  earth,  as  well  as  Is- 
rael.— Both  low  and  high.  (2)  ty^M  ij3  aj  din  ij3  o:i  • 
The  sons  of  Adam,  or  man,  as  fallen,  mean  and 


4  "^  I  will  incline  mine  ear  to  ^  a  par- 
able: I  will  open  my  ^  dark  saying  upon 
the  harp. 

5  '  Wherefore  should  I  fear  in  ''  the 
days  of  evil,  tvhen  '  the  iniquity  of  •"  ray 
heels  shall  compass  me  about.'* 

6  They  that  "trust  in  their  wealth, 
and  °  boast  themselves  in  the  multitude 
of  their  riches; 

7  None  of  them  can  by  any  means  re- 
deem his  brother,  nor  p  give  to  God  a 
ransom  for  him: 

8  (For  1  the  redemption  of  their  soul 
IS  precious,  and  it  ceaseth  for  ever:) 


f  78:2.     Matt.  13:35. 

g  Num.  23:7.    Kz.  20:49.   MaU. 

13:11—15. 
h  Prov.  1:6.     Dan.  8:23.    Luke 

12:3.     2  Cor.  3:12. 
i   27:1,2.    46:1,2.     Is.   41:10,11. 

Acts  27:24.     Phil.  1:28. 
k  Prov.  24:10.  Am.  5:13.   Eph. 

5:16. 
1  38:4.     Prov.  5:22.  Hos.  7:2. 
m  22:16.  56:6.7.     Gen.  49:17.    1 


Sam.  26:20. 
n52:7.  62:10.  Job  31:24.    Prov. 

10:1.5.    23:5.      Mark   10:24.     1 

Tim.  6:17. 
o  Esth.  5:11.     Jer.   9:23.      Ez. 

23:4,5.     Hos.    12:8.     Luke  12: 

19. 
p  Matt.  16:26.  20:28.    1  Tim.  2: 

6.     1  Pet.  1:18. 
q  Job  36:18,19. 


low,  and  the  sons  of  the  noble,  valiant,  and  dis- 
tinguished among  men. — J\Iy  dark  saying.  (4) 
inTin-    Ao<e,  1  Kings  10:1,2. 

V.  5.  The  old  translation  seems  to  give  the  true 
sense  of  this  verse:  "Wherefore  should  1  fear  in 
the  evil  days,  when  iniquity  shall  compass  me 
about,  as  at  mine  heels."  'What  cause  is  there, 
'that  I  should  be  troubled  with  fears,  and  cares, 
'and  anxiety  of  mind,  in  calamitous  times,  when 
'the  iniquity  of  those  who  endeavor  to  supplant 
'mte  hath  surrounded  me  on  all  sides,  and  left  me 
'no  way  to  escape  them.'"  Bp.  Patrick.  In  the 
judgment  of  the  best  critics,  among  whom  is 
Bishop  Lowth,  the  word,  rendered  as  a  .substan- 
tive "my  heels,"  is  a  participle  signifying  "my 
supplanters."  'The  purport  of  the  question  is 
'plainly  this — Why  should  I  give  way  to  fear  and 
'despondency,  in  the  time  of  calamity,  when  the 
'wickedness  of  my  wealthy  and  powerful  adver- 
'saries  compasses  me  about,  to  supplant  and  over- 
throw me.^'  Bp.  Home. — When  the  consequences 
of  a  man's  sins  overtake  him,  and  he  has  no  way 
to  escape,  he  may  well  fear:  but  the  believer  has 
no  occasion  to  fear  the  power  or  subtlety  of  his 
most  malicious  persecutors.    {Marg.Ref.) 

V.  6,  7.  [.ffotes,  52:6,7.  62:8— JO.  Jih  31:24— 
28.  Jer.  9:23,24.  Mark  10:17—31,  i'.  24.  1  Tim. 
6:17 — 19.) — A  ransom.  (1)  Thd^iis,  an  atonement, 
or  expiation:  for  this  is  the  literal  meaning  of  the 
word.  ("°)53)(^'c'<e,  ]  Pet.  1:17—21.)  Those,  who 
glory  and  trust  most  in  their  riches,  cannot  with 
all  their  wealth  satisfy  divine  justice,  so  as  to  ran- 
som their  nearest  relative  or  best  beloved  friend 
from  death,  to  which  he  is  sentenced  by  the  right- 
eous Governor  of  the  world:  much  less  can  Ihey 
deliver  his  soul  from  hell.  [J^ole,  Matt.  16:24 — 
28.  P.  O.  21—28.) 

V.  8.  Precious.]  'Rare,  or  not  to  be  found,  as 
'prophecy  was  precious  in  the  days  of  Eli,  1  Sam. 
'3:1.'  The  price  of  redemption,  whether  of  the  life 
or  soul,  was  too  high  for  any  mere  man  to  pay:  so 
that  the  ancient  fathers  referred  the  verse  to 
Christ,  in  this  sense,  'No  man  can  redeem  his 
'brother,  he  alone  excepted,  who  is  also  God.' 
[Marg.  Ref.) — Even  a  Jewish  interpreter  'un- 
'derstands  these  words  of  the  King  Messiah,  who, 
'having  died  foi*^the  redemption  of  his  brethren, 
'afterwards  liveth  for  ever,  as  was  predicted  by 
'Isaiah,  Is.  53:10.'  Bossuet,  quoted  by  Bp. 
Home, 

[213 


B.  C.   1034. 


PSALM  XLIX. 


B.  C.  1034. 


9  '  That  he  should  still  live  for  ever, 
wid  not  ^  see  corruption. 

10  For  he  seeth  that  '^  wise  men  die, 
likewise  "  the  fool  and  the  brutish  person 
perish,  and  ^  leave  their  wealth  to  others. 

11  5^  Their  inward  thought  is,  that 
their  houses  shall  continue  for  ever,  and 
their  dwelling-places  to  *  all  generations: 
'-  they  call  their  lands  after  their  own 
names. 

12  Nevertheless  man  beinsr  ^  in  hon- 
or  abideth  not:  he  is  ^  like  the  beasts 
that  perish.  • 

13  This  their  way  is  •=  their  folly:  yet 
their  posterity  t  approve  their  sayings. 
Selah. 


rB9:43.      Prov.  10:2.   11:-).    Ec. 

8:8.     Zech.  1:5.     Luke   16:22, 

23. 
s  Ifi:10.     John  8:51,52.    Acts  2: 

27.31.   13:35—37. 
t  Ec.  2:16.   9:1,2.     Rom.  5:12— 

14.     Heb.  9:27. 
11  73:22.  92:6,7.  94:8 

I.   30:2.     Jer.  10:8. 
X   17.     17:14.    39:6.      Ec.   2:18, 

19,26.    5:13-16.     Jer.    17:11. 

Luke  12:20.     1  Tim.  6:5—10. 
T  5:9.  64:6.     Ez.  33:10.     Luke 


11:39.     Acts  8:22. 

*  Heb.  generation  and  gener- 
ation. 

z  Gen.  4:17.  1  Sam.  15:12.  2 
Sam.  18:18. 

a20.  39:5.  82:7.    Jam.    1:10,11. 
1  Pet.  1:24. 
PiOT.  12:  !  b  Ec.  3:18—21.   9:12. 

c  Luke  12:20.    1  Cor.  3:19. 

I  Heb.  delight  in  their  mouth, 
Jer.  44:17.  Luke  11:47,48.  16: 
27,28. 


14  '^  Like  sheep  ^  they  are  laid  in  the 
grave;  ^  death  shall  feed  on  them;  and 
s  the  upright  shall  have  dominion  over 
them  in  ^  the  morning;  and  'their 
^  beauty  shall  consume  { in  the  grave, 
from  their  dwelling. 

15  But  ^  God  will  redeem  my  soul 
from  the  h  power  of  ''^the  grave:  for  he 
'  shall  receive  me.     Selah. 

16  °  Be  not  thou  afraid  when  one  is 
made  rich,  when  "  the  glory  of  his 
house  is  increased; 

17  For  when  he  dieth  "  he  shall  carry 
nothing  away;  p  his  glory  shall  not  de- 
scend after  him. 


d  44:11.     Jer.  12:3.  Rom.  8:36. 

e  Job  17:13,14.  21:13,26.30:23. 
Ec.  12:7.     Is.  38:10,11. 

f  Job  24:19,20. 

g47:3.  Dan.  7:22.  Mai.  4:3. 
Luke  22:30.  1  Cor.  6:2.  Rev. 
2:26,27.  20:4,5. 

h  30:5.     Hos.  6:3. 

i  39:11.     Job  4:21. 

I  Ot,  strength. 

§  Or,  the  grave  being  an  hab- 
itation to  evert/  one  of  them. 
Job  30:23. 


k31:5.  56:13.    73:24.     Hos.   13: 

14.     Rev.  5:9.   14:13. 
II  Heb.  hand. 

ir  Or,  hell.   16:10.   86:13.  89:48. 
1  Luke  23:46.  John  14:3.      Act» 

7:59. 
m  5.  37:1,7.  Esth.  3:1—6.  Prov. 

28:12. 
n  Gen.  31:1.    Esth.  5:11.  Rev. 

21:24,26. 
0  Job    1:21.     Ec.   5:15.     Luke 

16:24.     1  Tim.  6:7. 
p  Is.  5:14.    10:3.     1  Cor.  15:43. 


V.  9.  'As  Ion  J  as  the  world  endureth  this  will 
'be  a  vain  endeavor — Let  him  attempt  it,  if  he 
'please,  upon  himself.  Can  he  prolong-  his  own 
'life, ...  that  it  shall  be  perpetuated  and  never  dis- 
'solved.="  Bp.  Patrick.  {.A''otes,  Prov.  10:2,3.  Ec. 
8:8.  Luke  16:22,23.)  And  if  even  this  be  a  vain  at- 
tempt, who  can  redeem  or  save  his  own  immortal 
soul  from  the  awful  sentence  of  eternal  punish- 
ment?— See  corruption.^    J^Tofe,  16:8 — 11. 

V.  10.  Every  man  may  see,  that  the  wise  and 
learned  of  the  world  die,  in  the  same  manner  as 
the  foolish  and  stupid:  and  those,  who  have  pros- 
pered in  heaping^  up  wealth,  leave  it  all  behind; 
perhaps  to  those  for  whom  they  never  intended  it, 
and  who  rejoice  at  their  death.  [JVofes,  92:6,7.  Ec. 
2:J2— 23.  5:13—17.  9:1—3.  Luke  12:13—21.) 

V.  11.  'Various  are  the  contrivances  of  vain 
'men,  to  have  their  names  written  on  earth,  and  to 
'procure,  after  death,  an  imas^inary  immortality 
'for  th...nselves  and  their  families,  in  the  memorj' 
'and  conversation  of  posterity;  which  is  not  often 
-obtained,  and  if  obtained  is  of  no  value:  when 
'with  less  trouble,  they  mig-ht  have  secured  to 
'themselves  a  blessed  immortality  in  the  kingdom 
'of  their  Redeemer.'  Bp.  Home.  {JVhtes,  Gen.  4: 
16,17.  11:1—4.   1  Sam.  r5:I2.  2  Sam.  18:17,18.) 

V.  12.     The  word  (pS^)  rendered  "abideth," 

signifies  to  lodge  all  night.  Man's  continuance 
in  the  world,  or  in  honor  and  distinction,  resem- 
bles a  traveller's  lodging  at  an  inn,  whence  he  re- 
moves in  the  morning;  or  is  even  still  more  pre- 
carious and  transient.  So  soon  must  wealth  and 
honor  be  relinquished,  and  the  most  honorable 
men  die  like  the  beasts  that  perish;  except  as  dis- 
tinguished by  an  immortal  soul,  and  a  future  state 
of  righteous  retribution.  {.N'ote.9,  20.  73:18 — 22. 
Ec.  3:18—21.  9:4—6.  Heb.  9:27,28.) 

V.  13.  Some  render  the  first  clause, 'This  their 
'way  is  their  confidence,'  meaning  a  rash  and  pre- 
sumptuous confidence.  'So  close  does  this  folly 
'stick  to  mankind,  that  they  that  succeed  in  their 
'possessions  make  no  benefit  of  this  observation; 
'but  are  as  very  fools  as  themselves,  and  tread  in 
'the  steps  of  those  that  went  beTore  them.'  Bp. 
Patrick.  Indeed,  ungodly  men  from  age  to  a^e, 
not  only  copy  the  example,  but  imbibe  the  prin- 
ciples, and  adopt  the  maxims,  of  those  who  went 
214] 


before  them  in  this  path,  as  admired  dictates  of 
wisdom.  [JVotes,  Matt.  b:22,23.  Luke  1(,:14,15.  I 
Cor.  3:18—23.) 

V.  1 4.  The  most  powerful  and  prosperous  are 
I  soon  carried  into  the  grave,  as  sheep  into  the 
!  slaughter-house.  There  death  feeds  upon  them, 
I  in  silence  and  darkness,  till  "the  morning"  of  the 
j  resurrection:  then  the  upright,  even  poor  op- 
1  pressed  believers  will  have  the  dominion  over 
I  their  haughtiest  persecutors.  The  grave  will 
consume  all  the  power,  glory,  and  beauty  of  the 
j  wicked,  which  they  possessed  in  their  splendid 
I  earthly  habitations;  and  meanness,  deformity, 
land  contempt  will  be  their  portion:  while  "the 
I  righteous  shall  shine  forth  as  the  sun  in  the  king- 
jdom  of  their  Father."  The  word,  repeatedly 
I  translated  </ie  ^raue,  is  often  rendered  Ae/Z,  and 
probably  means  the  unseen  state,  whether  of 
body  or  soul.  (J\''ote  16:8 — 11.) — 'Christ's  coming 
'is  as  the  morning,  when  the  elect  shall  reign, 
'with  Christ  their  Head,  over  the  wicked.'  Then 
all  the  beauty,  splendor,  and  external  decorations, 
which  the  most  admired  of  the  ungodiy  and  afflu- 
ent displayed  in  their  palaces,  will  appear  with- 
ered and  gone;  and  they  will  be  in  all  respects 
loathsome  and  contemptible.  [J^otes,  1  Cor.  15: 
39—54.  Phil.  3:20,21.  1  Thes.  4:13—18.  P.  O. 
Mai.  3:  close.) 

V.  15.  When  the  believer  dies,  his  soul,  re- 
deemed by  the  Savior's  blood,  is  received  by  him 
to  glory;  the  life  of  his  body  shall  also  be  restored; 
it  shall  be  redeemed  from  the  power  of  the  grave, 
refined,  and  rendered  incorruptible,  and  glorious. 
The  Psalmist  in  this  verse  expresses  a  full  confi- 
dence, both  that  his  soul  would  be  preserved  from 
hell,  and  his  body  raised  from  the  grave;  being 
received  by  the  Lord  to  be  for  ever  with  him. 
[j^otes,  31:5.  73:23—28.  Luke  23:39—43.  John 
14:2,3.  ^ds  7:54— 60.  iTim.  1:11,12.)  If  this  be 
left  out,  or  indeed  not  distinctly  and  fully  taken 
into  the  account,  what  does  the  solemn  exordium 
of  the  psalm  introduce.?  (JVbfe,  1 — 4.)  For  no 
other  important  distinction  between  the  righteous 
and  the  wicked,  in  respect  of  happiness,  is  men- 
tioned, or  even  intimated. 

V.  16,  17.  'Be  thou  not  troubled,  nor  dis- 
'mayed,   ...   whosoever  thou  art  that  heare?t  or 


B.  C.  1034. 


PSALM  L. 


B.  C.  1035. 


18  Though  *  while  he  Hved  he  i  bless- 
ed his  soul:  and  men  '  will  praise  thee, 
when  thou  doest  well  to  thyself. 

19  tHe  shall  go  'to  the  generation 
of  his  fathers;  they  shall  *-  never  see 
light. 


*  Heb.  in  his  life. 

q  Deut.  :J9:19.   Hos.  12:8.  Luke 

12:19. 
r  1  Sam.  25:6.     Esth.  3:2.   Acts 

12:20—22.     Rev.  13:3,4. 
t  Heb.  The  soul  sAaU^o.    Ec. 


3:21.    12:7.     Luke    12:20.     16: 

22,23. 

3  Gen.  15:15.     1  Kings  16:6. 
t  56:13.     Job  33:30.  Matt.  8:12. 

22:13.     Jude  13. 


20  "  Man  that  is  in  honor,  and  *  up- 
derstandeth  not,  ^  is  like  the  beasts  that 
perish. 

PSALM  L. 

The  mighty  Go  J  comes  in  awful  njajesty  from  Zion,  to  judge  his 
people,  in  the  sight  of  the  assembled  world,  J — 1.  He  com- 
mands that  the  saints  be  gathered  to  him;  and  declares  that 
the  heavens  shall  declare  his  ria;hteousness,  5,  6.  He  delightt 
not  in  legal  sacri6ces,  but  in  spiritual  worship,  7 — 15.  Hypo- 
crites are  rebuked  and  silenced,  16^21.  The  ungodly  arc 
solemoly  warned,  and  salvation  is  promised  to  the  upright,  22, 
23. 

u  12.  Esth.  5:11— 14.  7:10.  3t  Job  4:21.  y  73:18,19. 


'readest  this,  when  thou  seest  a  worldly  man  grow 
'very  rich,  and  great  honors  heaped  on  his  fami- 
'ly;  which  enables  and  emboldens  him  perhaps  to 
'use  the  meaner  sort  contemptuously.'  Bp.  Pat- 
rick. ( JVb<e«,  37: 1— 9.  73:2—14.)  When  he  dies, 
'nothing  shall  attend  him,  but  his  shroud  to  the 
'grave,  and  his  works  to  the  judgment-seat. 
'View  him  in  this  light,  which  is  the  proper  light 
'to  view  him  in,  and  he  will  cease  to  be  the  object 
'of  fear  or  envy.'  Bp.  Home.  {Jfote,  I  Tim.  6: 
6 — 10.) — Worldly  men  count  wealth  and  magnifi- 
cence i/ieir  ^/ory;  [Gen.  31:1.)  but  holiness,  be- 
ing the  moral  image  of  God,  is  the  true  glory  of 
our  rational  nature;  and  this  will  accompany  us 
to  heaven. 

V.  18.  Prosperous  sinners  count  themselves 
happy,  and  promise  themselves  much  enjoyment 
lor  many  years  to  come;  and  such  is  mankind, 
that  those  who  succeed  in  ambitious  or  covetous 
pursuits,  or  who  live  in  luxury  and  splendor,  will 
he  sure  to  find  foolish  and  selfish  admirers  and 
flatterers.  [JVotes,  1  Sam.  25:3—6,  v.  6.  Esth. 
5:9—14.  Acts  12:20—23.)  'Who  will  commend 
'thee  too,  if  thou  wilt  imitate  him'  (the  luxurious 
worldly  man)  'in  indulging  thine  own  appetite, 
'and  denying  nothing  to  thyself  and  companions: 
'but  doing  no  good  to  any  body  else.'  Bp. 
Patrick. 

V.  19.  "The  soul  shall  go,  &c."  {Marg.) 
Death  will  convey  one  generation  after  another 
from  the  light  of  this  world;  and  how  awful  are 
the  words,  "Thev  shall  not  see  light  for  ever!" 
{J^otes,  2  Pet.  2i]7.  Jude  U—V3.)  This  fully 
proves,  that  the  Psalmist  was  assured,  the  right- 
eous would  "see  light"  after  death,  and  for  ever. 
(JVb<e,  36:5—9.) 

V.  20.  He  who  in  prosperity  has  no  under- 
standing to  use  the  gifts  of  God  to  his  glory,  but 
abuses  them  in  wickedness,  willingly  renounces 
the  grand  distinction  between  a  rational  creature, 
and  the  beasts  that  perish.  As  to  this  world,  he 
gratifies  his  appetites  and  inclinations,  and  dies, 
as  they  do:  but  "after  death  is  the  judgment." 
{J\rote,  12.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  important  truths,  which  relate  to  the 
eternal  state  of  the  righteous  and  the  wicked, 
are  equally  interesting  to  all  the  inhabitants 
of   the   earth,    "both   high    and   low,   rich    and 

{)Oor,  together."  Blessed  be  God,  they  are  yilain- 
y  proposed  to  us  in  his  holy  word;  and  had  it  not 
been  for  man's  dislike  to  such  subjects,  they 
would  have  been  universally  heard  and  under- 
stood— 'At  the  call  of  folly,  what  multitudes  are 
'aljvays  ready  to  assemble!  But  Wisdom,  eternal 
'and  essential  Wisdom,  crieth  without;  she  lifteth 
'up  her  voice  in  the  streets;  and  who  is  at  leisure 
'to  attend  her  heavenly  lectures.'  The  "mouth" 
'of  Jesus  always  "spake  of  wisdom;"  but  few  re- 
'gardcd  him:  the  "meditation  of  his  h»art"  was 
'ever  "of  understanding;"  but  il  was  accounted 
'madness.'  Bp.  Home. — We  sliould,  however, 
still  endeavor  to  ilhistrate  and  enforce  tliese  im- 
portant instructions,  by  every  method  which  can 
soften  prejudice,  or  gain  attention:  especially  by 


shewing  their  influence  on  our  own  hearts,  in 
mortifying  covetousness,  ambition,  envy,  and  dis- 
content, and  all  selfish  and  sensual  passions;  in 
raising  us  above  the  fear  of  man,  and  rendering 
us  constant  and  cheerful  in  doing  the  will  and 
professing  the  truth  of  God,  amidst  the  successful 
enmity  of  persecutors  or  oppressors. — How  gene- 
ral, yet  how  absurd  and  infatuated,  is  it,  for  men 
to  boast  of  their  riches,  and  trust  in  them!  to  pur- 
sue them  as  the  one  thing  needful,  if  they  have  a 
prospect  of  acquiring  them;  and  to  repine  and 
murmur,  if  they  have  not!  Yet  it  is  most  evident, 
that  wealth  can  neither  prolong  the  life,  nor  save 
the  soul,  of  the  possessor,  or  of  his  most  beloved 
relative:  and  had  not  the  ransom  of  the  death  of 
Christ  intervened,  the  body  of  every  sinner  must 
have  finally  been  left  in  the  grave,  and  his  soul 
in  hell;  for  "the  redemption  was  too  precious"  to 
be  otherwise  effected,  and  "must  have  been  let 
alone  for  ever."  And  as  we  see  (hat  neither  wealth 
nor  worldly  wisdom  will  exempt  any  ^nan  from 
dying;  and  that  all  such  acquisitions  must  shortly 
be  relinquished  for  ever;  how  vain  are  all  our 
anxious  cares  and  labors!  W^hat  good  will  it  do 
any  man,  to  have  his  name  perpetuated  on  earth, 
when  he  has  no  name  iu  the  registers  of  heaven? 
Thus  foolish  are  the  thoughts  and  ways  of  ungod- 
ly men.     Yet  one  generation  after  another  ap- 
plauds their  maxims:  and  the  character  of  a  fool, 
as  drawn  by  heavenly  wisdom  itself,  continues  the 
favorite  model  for  imitation,  in  the  judgment  of  a 
vast  majority  even  of  professed  Christians!  (JV  o/e. 
Luke  12:15—2].)      Death  alone  can    convince 
men  in  general  of  the  folly  of  laying  up  treasures 
upon  earth:  and  were  there  no  future  state,  the 
most  wealthy  and  honorable  would  soon  be  level- 
led with  the  beasts  that  perish:  but  in  the  prospect 
of  the  resurrection  and  of  eternitj',  the  most  pros- 
perous of  the  wicked  are  infinitely  more  wretched 
and  base.     In  this  light,  let  the  believer  view  the 
riches  and  the  children  of  this  world,  that  he  may 
[  not  be  tempted  to  envy  or  impatience,  or  to  fear 
I  evil  consequences  to  himself  and  to  the  church  of 
'  God,  when   sinners  grow   rich  and    honorable. 
1  Soon  will  they  die,  and  carry  nothing  away  with 
I  them   of  all  their  splendor   and    magnificence. 
Though  they  foolishly  congratulate  themselves, 
j  and  others  applaud  them,  as  having  done  well  for 
themselves;  yetthey  are  goingto  "the  generation  of 
their  fathers,  and  shall  never  see  light;"  for  to  them 
"is  reserved  the  blackness  of  darkness  for  ever." 
But  the  real  Christian,  when  he  dies,  is  for  ever 
delivered  from  sin  and  son-ow;  his  soul  is  received 
to  glory;  his  body  shall  be  redeemed  from  the 
grave,  and  raised    incorruptible    and    glorious. 
His  inheritance  is  in  heaven;  and  in  the  resurrec- 
tion, he  will  sit  in  judgment  on  those  who  here 
oppressed  and  persecuted  him.    (JVb<e«,  1  Cor.  6: 
1 — 6.  Rev.  3:20 — 22.)    And  is  there  a  rational 
creature,  who  can  prefer  the  lot  of  the  rich  sinner 
to  that  of  poor  Lazarus.''  {JVotes,  Luke  16:19 — 31.) 
yet  is  not  this  more  than  brutish  stupidity  univer- 
sal to   the  human   race,  if  left   to   themselves? 
What  need  then  have  we  of  revelation  and  of  the 
teaching  of  the  Holy  Spirit;  when,  with  all  our 
boasted  powers,  we  are  prone  to  such  infatuation, 

[215 


B.  C.   1035. 


PSALM  L. 


B.  C.  1035* 


A  Psalm  *  of   Asaph. 

THE  *  mighty  God,  ^  even  the  Lord, 
<=  hath  spoken,  and  ^  called  the 
earth  from  the  rising  of  the  sun  unto  the 
going  down  thereof. 

2  ®  Out    of  Zion,  •"  the    perfection    of 
beauty,  s  God  hath  shined. 

3  ^  Our    God    shall    come,   and  shall 
not  '  keep    silence:  '''  a  fire   shall  devour 


*  Or,  for  AsapU.  73:— 83:  titles. 

1  Chr.  15:J7.    16:37.  26::2,6.    2 

Chr.  29:30. 
a  145:3—6.     Gen.  17:1.     Josh. 

22:2-Z     Neh.  9:6,32.     Jer.  lO: 

6.  32:19. 
b   1  Kings   18:21,36,37.     Is.  37: 

20.  54:5. 
C  Is.  1:2.     Am.  3:8. 
d   49:1,2.     113:3.       Mai.     1:11. 

Matt.  25:32. 
e  Is.    12:6.    26:21.     Hos     5:15. 

Hab.  2:20.     Hcb.  12:22—26. 


f  48:2.   87:2,3.  90:17.      Cant.  5: 

16.     Zech.  9:17. 
5  80:1.     Deut.  33:2.     Hab.  3:3, 

4.     Rev.  1:16.  21:23. 
h  48:14.  63:20. 

i21.  83:1.   Is.  42:13,14.  65:6,7. 
k  97:3.     Ex.  19:18.     I,ev.  10:2. 

jVum.    16:35.       Dent.     9:3.      1 

Kings     19:11,12.       Dan.    7:10. 

Nah.  1:5—7.     Hab.  3:5.  Mai. 

3:2,.3.  4:!.  Matt.  3:12.  2  Thus. 

1:8,9.     Heb.  2:3.    10:28,29.   12: 

18—21,29. 


in  the  most  important  of  all  concerns!  O  Lord, 
deliver  us  from  the  love  of  the  world,  and  teach 
US  to  set  our  affections  on  things  abovel  (JVo/e, 
Col.  3:1—4.) 

NOTES. 

Ps.iLM  L.  Title.  "Hezekiah  ...  commanded 
the  Levites  to  sing  praise  unto  the  Lord  with  the 
words  of  David,  and  of  Asaph  the  seer."  (2  Chr. 
29:30.)  Hence  it  appears  that  Asaph  was  a 
prophet,  and  wrote  some  Psalms,  and  probably 
tJiis  among  the  rest.  Some  expositors,  however, 
are  of  opinion,  that  "Asaph  the  seer"  was  a  differ- 
ent person  from  Asaph  the  Levite,  who  was  one 
of  the  chief  singers  in  the  daj's  of  David;  [Jtlarg. 
Ref.)  that  he  lived  at  a  later  period;  and  that  it 
is  not  unlikely  he  was  contemporary  with  Heze- 
kiah, and  referred  in  this  Psalm  to  "the  hypocrisy 
of  the  Jews  in  general,  even  during  Hezekiah's 
I'eformation. — But,  at  whatever  time  the  Psalm 
was  composed,  the  instructions  contained  in  it  are 
of  general  importance  and  utility.  It  is  a  most 
sublime  poem;  and  is  generally  supposed  to  pre- 
dict the  coming  of  Christ,  the  abolition  of  the 
Mosaic  dispensation,  and  the  introduction  of 
Christianity;  with  the  condemnation  of  the  Jews, 
especially  of  the  Scribes  and  Pharisees,  for  re- 
jecting it.  But  the  judgment  executed  upon  Je- 
rusalem prefigured  the  awful  proceedings  and 
consequences  of  the  general  judgment:  and  the 
Scribes  and  Pharisees  may  be  considered  as  the 
parents  of  a  numerous  progeny  of  superstitious, 
formal,  and  hypocritical  professors  and  teachers 
of  Christianity,  who  will  be  condemned  at  that 
solemn  day. 

V.  I,  2.  In  tlie  preceding  Psalm  all  the  in- 
habitants of  the  world  were  addressed  in  the  name 
of  God:  {J^'ote.,  49:1 — 4.)  but  here  the  mighty 
God  (or  "the  God  of  gods,"  J\^ole,  Josh.  22:21— 
29.)  Jehovah  himself,  is  introduced  with  inex- 
pressible solemnity;  and  all  the  inhabitants  of  the 
earth,  as  well  as  his  people  Israel,  are  summoned 
to  attend.  His  august  tribunal,  however,  is  not 
placed  on  mount  Sinai,  whence  he  delivered  his 
fiery  law;  but  on  mount  Zion,  where  his  glory 
was  manifested  above  the  mercy-seat  and  the 
ark  of  the  covenant,  which  prefigured  his  gra- 
cious gospel.  Accordingly,  Zion  is  here  called 
"the  perfection  of  beauty:"  as  reflecting  the  un- 
created glory  and  excellency  of  Jehovah,  who 
thence  shines  forth  in  the  periect  harmony  of  all 
liis  dijrine  attributes. — Indeed,  the  words  "per- 
fection of  beaut}^"  may  be  referred  to  God  him- 
selt";  who  appears  in  the  gospel,  at  once  infinitely 
srlorious  and  i/ifniitely  lovely.  [JS''oteii,  27:4 — G. 
90:1.5—17.  C«rtL  5:10—16.  Zech.'i:\'i.  2  Cor.  3: 
17.18.  4:5,6.)— ,S/(mefZ.  (2)     Marg.  Rcf.  g. 

V.  3.  (JVbfc,  16—21.)  God  is  said  to  "keep 
216] 


before   him,  and  '  it   shall  be  very  tem- 
pestuous round  about  him. 

4  He  shall  ■"  call  to  the  heavens  from 
above,  and  to  the  earth,  that  he  may 
"judge  his  people. 

5  °  Gather  p  my  saints  together  unto 
me;  those  that  have  i  made  a  covenant 
with  me  by  sacrifice. 

6  And  *■  the  heavens  shall  declare  his 
righteousness:  for  *  God  is  Judge  him- 
self,    t  selah. 


1  18:7—15.  97:4,5. 

m  6.      Deut.  4:36.  30:19.  31:28. 

32:1.    Is.  1:2.     Mic.  6:1,2. 
n  96:13.  98:9.    Is.  11:3,4.    John 

5:22,23. 
0  Matt.  24:31.     1  Thes.  4:16,17. 

'■:  Thes.  2:1. 
p  97:10.    Deut.  33:2,3.  Pror.  2: 

8.     Zech.  14:5.      1  Cor.   6:2,3. 


1  Thes.  3:13.     Jude  14. 
q    Ex.    24:3—8.      Matt.   26:28. 

Heb.  9:10—23.   13:20. 
r97:6.     Rom.   2:5.     Rev.   I6:i 

—7.  19:2. 
,s  75:7.  Gen.  18:25.     John  5:22, 

23.     Rom.   14:9—12.     2  Cor. 

5:10.     Rev.  20:11,12. 
t  7:3—5.  9:16. 


silence,"  when  he  exercises  long-suffering,  and 
does  not  immediately  punish  men  for  their  sins. 
{M)tes,Is.  42:13—17,  v.  14.  65:3—7.  Acts  14:11 
—18.  17:30,31.)  Thus  he  long  bore  with  the 
provocations  and  hypocrisy  of  Israel;  as  he  still 
bears  with  the  corruptions  and  abominations  of 
profeised  Christians,  and  with  the  wickedness  of 
mankind  in  general.  But  the  time  was  approach- 
ing %vhen  he  would  no  longer  keep  silence,  but 
would  come  to  execute  vengeance  on  the  guilty: 
and  though  his  tribunal  would  be  placed  in  Zion; 
yet  his  coming  would  be  attended  with  those  ter- 
rible displays  of  majesty,  justice,  and  holiness, 
with  which  the  law  was  given  from  mount  Sinai. 
(JIarg.  Ref.  k.  JVoles,  Ex.  19:16—20.  Deut. 
5:22—27.  Heb.  12:18-21.)  Thus  when  Christ 
came  among  the  Jews,  though  in  the  character 
of  a  Savior,  they  could  not  "abide  the  day  of 
his  coming;"  and  his  righteous  indignation,  like 
unquenchable  fire,  burnt  up  the  chaff;  that  is,  he 
destroyed  by  awful  judgments  the  bulk  of  the 
nation,  which  persisted  in  rejecting  him.  (JVbfes, 
Jia/.  3:1— 6.  4:1.  Jilatt.  3:1— 12.)  But  his  sec- 
ond coming  to  judge  the  world,  to  perfect  the 
salvation  of  his  people,  and  to  punish  the  wicked, 
will  be  attended  with  still  more  tremendous  dis- 
plays of  his  power  and  justice,  especially  against 
such  as  neglect,  oppose,  or  pervert  and  corrupt 
his  gospel. — 'The  Jewish  rabbles  affirm  the  sub- 
'ject  of  this  Psalm  to  be,  that  judgment  which 
'will  be  executed  in  the  days  of  Messiah: — igno- 
'rant,  alas!  that  they  themselves,  and  their  peo- 
'ple,  are  now  become  the  unhappy  objects  of  that 
'judgment.'    Bp~  Home. 

V.  4 — 6.  All  the  inhabitants  of  heaven,  as 
well  as  of  earth,  shall  be  summoned  to  witness 
the  proceedings  of  their  omnipotent  Sovereign; 
and  they  will  all  concur  in  declaring,  that  his 
decisions  are  perfectly  wise  and  righteous. — The 
whole  human  race  indeed  must  appear  in  judg- 
ment: yet  the  professed  worshippers  of  God,  who 
have  his  oracles  and  ordinances  among  them,  arc 
chiefly  spoken  of,  in  all  the  descriptions  given  us 
in  Scripture  of  that  solemn  season;  because  these 
description.^  were  especially  given  for  their  in- 
struction, warning,  or  encouragement.  [JVoteSy 
.Matt.  25:31—46.  Rom.  2:1— ]  6.  1  Cor.  4:3—5.  2 
Cor.  5:9—12.  2  Thes.  1:5—10.  Rev.  20:11—15.) 
— The  "saints"  may  mean  those  who  are  really 
such,  and  who  are  interested  in  the  new  cove- 
nant, through  the  sacrifice  of  the  great  Redeemer. 
These  were  separated  from  among  the  unbeliev- 
ing Jews,  before  vengeance  was  executed  on  the 
nation:  and  they  will  be  gathered  together  by 
thenlioly  angels,  previously  to  the  condemnation 
of  the  "wicked  at  the  last  judgment.— (J>/ar.^-. 
i  JR."/.  o.  p.)    But  some  think  that p7-cfessed  sainU 


B.  C.  1035. 


PSALM  L. 


B.  C.  1035. 


7  IT  "  Hear,  ^  O  my  people,  and  I 
will  speak;  O  Israel,  and  ^  I  will  testify 
against  thee:  '  I  am  God,  even  thy  God. 

8*1  will  not  reprove  tkee  lor  thy 
sacrifices  or  thy  burnt-offerings,  to  have 
been  continually  before  me. 

9  I  will  ^  take  no  bullock  out  of  thy 
house,  nor  he-goats  out  of  thy  fold, 

10  For  "^  every  beast  of  the  forest  is 
mine,  a?i<Z  "^  the  cattle  upon  a  thousand  hills. 

11  I  ^  know  all  the  fowls  of  the 
mountains:  and  ''  the  wild  beasts  of  the 
field  are  *mine. 

12  If  I  were  hungry,  I  would  not  tell 
thee;  for  ^the  Avorld  is  mine,  and  '' the 
fulness  thereof. 

13  Will  I  eat  the  flesh  of  bulls,  or 
drink  the  blood  of  goats? 

14  *  Offer  unto  God  thanksgiving; 
and  ^  pay  thy  vows  unto  the  most   High: 

15  And  '  call  upon  me  in  the  day  of 


11  SI.-8.     Is.  1:18.     Jer.    2:4,5,9. 
X  81:10—12.  Ex.  19:5,6.    Deut. 

i6: 17,18.     1  Sam.  12:22—25. 
y  Deut.  31:19-21.    2  Kin^s  17: 

13.   Neh.  9:29,30.  Mai.  3:5. 
z  Ex.  20:2.     2  Chr.  28:5.     Ez. 

20:5,7,19,20.     Zech.  13.9. 
a40:tj— 8.    51:16.     Is.    Ml.&c. 

.ler.  7:21—23.  Hos.  6:6.    Heb. 

10:4—10. 
b    Is.   43:23,24.       Mic.    6:6—8. 

Acts  17:25. 
C  8:6-8.     104:24,25.      Gen.    1: 

24,25.  2:19.  8:17.  9:2,3.    1  Clir. 

'J9;14_16.  Job40:55,&c.   Jer. 

27:5,6.     Dan.  2:38. 
dJ04:14.    Gen.  31:9.  Jon.  4:11. 
e   104:12.    147:9.     Gen.   1:20— 

22.    Job  38:41.  39:13—18,26— 

30.      Matt.     C;26.     10:29—31. 


Luke  12:24. 
f  Is.  56:9.    Ez.  14:15,16. 
*  Heb.  -with  me. 
g  24:1,2.   115:15,16.     Ex.   19:5. 

Deut.  10:14.  Job  41:11.   1  Cor. 

10:26,28. 
h  104:24.    145:15,16.    Gen.  1:11, 

12,28—30.  8:17. 
123.  69:30,31.   107:21,22.   147:1. 

Hos.  14:2.   1  Thes.  5:18.  Heb. 

13:15.      1  Pet.  2:5,9. 
k   56:12.    76:11.    116:12—14,17, 

IS.     Lev.  27:2,&c.     Num.  30: 

2,&c.     Deut.  23:21.     Ec.  5:4, 

5.     Nah.  1:15. 
177:2.  91:15.   107:6,13,19,28.     2 

Chr.     33:12,13.       Job    22:27. 

liUke  22:44.  Acts  16:25.  Jam. 

5:13. 


are  meant,  many  of  whom  trusted  to  the  national 
covenant  with  Israel,  through  the  appointed  sac- 
rifices, and  would  at  length  be  convicted  of  sub- 
stituting a  form,  instead  of  the  power  of  godli- 
ness.— As  "the  Father  judgeth  no  man,  but  hath 
committed  all  judgment  to  the  Son;"  it  must  be 
.•sufficiently  manifest,  who  it  is,  of  whom  it  is  said, 
"For  God  is  judge  himself,"  even  Emmanuel, 
the  second  person  in  the  sacred  Trinity,  "God 
manifest  in  the  flesh."  {JVotes,  31:16,17.  96:11— 
13.  John  5:20—21.) 

V.  7 — 1,5.  The  Israelites  in  general  confided, 
and  gloried,  in  their  relation  to  Jehovah  as  their 
God.  And  indeed  they  were  peculiarly  favored 
by  him,  and  were  bound  by  every  tie  to  wor- 
ship and  serve  him  only,  and  to  expect  their 
whole  happiness  from  him.  But  this  external 
profession,  when  insincere,  could  not  secure 
them  from  his  wrath:  na^s  "God,  even  their 
God,"  would  speak  and  testify  against  them. 
They  were  also  prone  to  place  their  chief  depen- 
dence on  legal  sacrifices,  without  attending  to 
their  typical  import,  or  offering  them  in  a  proper 
frame  of  mind:  thus  they  mistook  the  shadow  for 
the  substance,  and  at  length  were  condemned 
for  that  perverse  mistake,  when  they  pei-sisted  in 
rejecting  the  Messiali:  for  these  sacrifices,  when 
thus  offered  in  unbelief,  pride,  and  hypocris)', 
were  abominable  to  God.  [J^otes,  Prov.  15:8,9. 
/«.  1:10— 13.  58:1—7.  66:3,4.  Jer.  7:1— 7,2)— 23. 
.3ot.  5:21— 24.  ilom.  2: 1 7— 29.  J/e6.  10:26,27. 
former  part.)  To  lead  their  minds  therefor»kto 
an  attention  to  the  more  inward  and  essential 
parts  of  religion,  and  to  prepare  them  for  a  more 
spiritual  dispensation;  they  were  here  instruct- 
VoL.  III.  28 


trouble:  ™  I  will  'deliver  thee,  and  thou 

shall    «  glorify    me.  [Practical  Ohstrvation..] 

16  IF  But  unto  °  the  wicked  God 
saith,  P  What  hast  thou  to  do  to  declare 
my  statutes,  or  that  i  thou  shouldest 
take  my  covenant  in  thy  mouth.'' 

17  Seeing  thou  '  hatest  instruction, 
and  ^  easiest  my  words  behind  thee. 

18  When  thou  sawest  a  thief,  then 
'  thou  consentedst  with  him,  and  t  hast 
been  "  partaker  with  adulterers. 

19  Thou  t  givest  thy  mouth  to  evil, 
and  ^  thy  tongue  frameth  deceit. 

20  Thou  sittest  and  ^  speakest  again.st 
thy  brother;  thou  ^  slanderest  *  thine 
own  mother's  son. 

21  These  things  hast  thou  done,  and 
^  I  kept  silence;  thou  •=  thoughtest  that  I 
was  altogether  such  an  one  as  thyself: 
but  '^  I  will  reprove  thee,  and  ®  set  them 
in  order  before  thine  eyes. 


m  34:3,4.  66:13—20.     Luke  17: 

15—18. 
n  23.  22:23.     Matt.  5:16.     John 

15:8.     1  Pet.  4:11,14. 
o  Is.  48:22.  55:6,7.     Ez.    18:27. 
p  Prov.  26:7.     Is.  1:15.    48:1,2. 

58:1—7.     Jer.   7:4—7.      Matt. 

7:3—5,22,23.     Acts  19:13—16. 

Kom.  2:17—24.      1  Cor.   9:27. 

2  Pet.  2:15. 
q  25:14.  78:36— 33.     Ez.  20:37, 

38.     Heb.  8:9. 
rProv.  1:7,28,29.  ^2,13.  8:36. 

12:1.     John  3:20.     Rom.  1:28. 

2  Thes.   2:10— 12.     2  Tim.  4: 

3,4. 
s  Neh.  9:26.    Is.  5:24.  Jer.  8:9. 

18:12.  36:23,&c. 
t  Prov.  1:10—19.  Is.  5:23.   Mic. 

7:3.  Rom.  1:32.  Eph.  5:11-13. 
t  Heb.    thy  portion  was    a-ith 


adulterers.     Lev.  20:10.     Job 

31  9— 11.      Prov.   2:16—19.   7; 

19—23.  Jer.  5.8,9.    Heb.  13:4. 
u  Matt.  23:30.     1  Tim.  5:22. 
J  Heb.  ssndest.    52:2 — 4.     Jer, 

9:5. 
X  5:9.    10:7.    12:2,3.    36:3,4.  5.5: 

12,21.     64:3—5.       Is.     59:3,4. 

Hos.  4:2.  Kom.  3:13,14.   Jam. 

3:5—9.     Rev.  21:8. 
y31:18.  Matt.  5:11.  Luke  22:65. 
z  Lev.    19:16.     Prov.    10:18.     1 

Tim.  3:11.  Tit.  2:3.  Rev.  12:10. 
a  Matt.  10:21. 
b  3.     109:1—3.     Ec.    3:11.    Is. 

26:10.  57:11.    Rom.  2:4,5. 
c  73:11.   94:7— 11.    Num.  23:19. 

Is.  40:15—18. 
d  8.    Prov.  29:1.     Rev.  3:19. 
e  90:3.      Ec.    12:14.     Am.    8:7. 

1  Cor.  4:5. 


ed,  that  the  Lord's  controversy  with  them  would 
not  be  about  the  omission  of  sacrifices,  except 
as  that  arose  from  perverseness  and  rebellion. 
The  time  was  approaching,  when  he  would  take 
no  bullock  or  he-goat  from  them,  requiring  none 
but  spii'itual  sacrifices.  They  could  not  surely 
be  "so  gross  as  to  suppose,  that  he  wanted  their 
cattle,  seeing  he  was  the  sole  Proprietor  of  all 
things:  or  imagine  that  he  would  "eat  the  flesh  of 
bulls,  or  drink  the  blood  of  goats!"  Such  sacri- 
fices therefore  could  not  be  acceptable  to  hint, 
except  as  expressions  of  repentance,  faith,  and 
love.  On  the  other  hand  a  humble,  thankful 
heart,  disposed  to  worship  and  praise  God,  ((o 
'•'■sacrifice  unto  God  thanksgiving,"  JVoie,  Heb. 
13:15,16.)  and  to  fulfil  the  engagements  implied 
in  the  profession  of  being  his  people,  as  well  as 
the  vows  made  in  the  days  of  distress;  and  to 
confide  in  him  and  seek  help  from  him  in  trouble, 
by  earnest  prayer,  were  sacrifices  suited  to  his 
holy  nature.  This  spiritual  worship,  springing 
from  a  penitent  believing  heart,  and  connected 
with  humble  submission  and  obedience,  was  the 
grand  substance  of  true  religion,  even  under  the 
Mosaic  dispensation;  and  would  be  the  substance 
of  that  which  Avas  about  to  succeed:  and  wor- 
shippers of  this  character  would  be  accepted  and 
delivered,  and  would  render  glory  and  praise  to 
God  for  temporal  mercies,  and  eternal  salvation. 
{Marg.  Ref.  i — n.) — This  passage  was  evidently 
intended  as  an  intimation,  that  the  ceremonial 
la^  would  be  abrogated  at  the  coming  of  the 
Messiah;  as  well  as  an  encouragement  to  prayer 
and  praise. 
V.  16 — 21.     Multitudes  of  the  strictest  profess- 

[217 


B.  C.  1035. 


PSALIM  L. 


B.  C.   1035 


22  Now  f  consider  th!s,  ye  that  s  for- 
get God,  lest  ^  I  tear  you  in  pieces,  and 
there  be  '  none  to  deliver. 


Ec.  7:14.     Ez. 
1:5.      Luke  13. 


f  Deut.  32:18. 

18:28.     Hag 

17. 
g9:17.  10:4.     Job  8:13. 

13.     Jer.  2:32.     Hos.  4: 


1)  Ho5.  5:14.    13:8.     Rev.  6:16, 

17. 
i  7:2.     2  Sam.  22:42.     Is.  42:22. 

Am.  2:14.     Mic.  5:8. 


ors  and  teachers  of  the  Jewish  church  were, 
not  onl}'  superstitious  and  formal,  (and  so  either 
blind  guides  or  blindly  led,)  but  even  atrociouslv 
wicked;  and  yet  they  cloked  their  crimes  with 
apparent  zeal.  (JVbies,  J»/a«.  23:14— 33.)  Thus 
in  all  ages  many  love  the  credit  of  being  called 
Christians,  and  the  dignity  of  instructers,  who 
"hate  instruction;"  and  many  discourse  on  the 
word  of  God  with  their  lips,  who  pour  contempt 
upon   it  in   their  lives.     While  they  zealously 

})lead  for  some  parts  of  divine  truth,  they  secret- 
y,  nay,  perhaps  openly,  indulge  themselves  in 
lewdness,  dishonesty,  and  in  wicked  and  deceit- 
ful conversation,  and  the  basest  slander  and  cal- 
umny;   especially  against  those  who  are  strictly 
conscientious,  and  such  pious  persons  as,  being 
near  to  them,  put  them  to  shame  by  their  exam- 
ple.    Indeed,  in  this  manner  they  often  excuse 
their  crimes,  and  even  think  they  have  compen- 
sated for  them,  by   their  earnestness  in  promot-  j 
ing  what  they  suppose  to  be  the  cause  of  God.  i 
But  the  righteous    Judge    disdains   such  hypo- 1 
crites,  and  abhors  their  religious  profession  and  I 
preaching,  even  more  than  their  theft,  adultery,  j 
and  lies;  because  they  tend  more  to  disgrace  the  i 
gospel,  and  to  prejudice  or  deceive  the  souls  of 
men.     "What  have   they  to  do  to  declare    hisj 
statutes,  or  to  take  his  covenant  in  ttieir  mouths.'" 
His  cause  needs  not  such  helpers;  he  never  sent; 
nor  employed  them;    and  they  must  expect  his  • 
vengeance  as  their  recompense.     Such  were  the 
scribes  and  chief  priests,  who  were  scrupulously  | 
zealous  about  externals,  while  they  were  full  of 
rapine  and  covetousness;   and  were  seeking  to; 
murder  the  holy  Jesus,  by  bearing  false  witness  j 
against  him  before  Pilate,  in  the  most  atrocious  ^ 
manner.      The   whole   of  this   strange   delusion 
arises  from  a  perverse  construction,  put  upon  thej 
long-suftering   of  God:      [JVotes,    Ec.    8:11 — 13.  j 
Mom.  2:4 — 6.)  and  a  wilful  mistake  of  his  char-i 
acter  and  the  intention  of  his  gospel:    as  if  the  j 
methods  of  his  grace,  the  doctrines  of  his  word,  j 
or  the  ordinances  of  his  worship,  were  substitut-  '■ 
ed  in  the  stead  of  a  holy  life,  and  afforded  men  ] 
the  license  to  indulge  their  lusts  with  impunity!  j 
But  the  Jews  of  old  were  reproved,  convicted,  \ 
condemned,  and  punished  with  the  most  dreadful  j 
severity,  on  these  accounts:    and  so  will  all  the  j 
superstitious,  formal,  hypocritical,   enthusiastic, : 
or  antinomian  abusers  of  the  gospel;    when  the ! 
day  of  judgment  shall  come,  and  the  secrets  of  i 
men  shall  be  judged  by  Jesus  Christ. — Consent-  \ 
edst,   izc.    (18)     Or,  "Hadst   pleasure  in   him."; 
(JVo<e,  Rom.  1:28 — 32.  conclusion.)    Kept  silence,  j 
(2I)JVo<e,3. 

V.  22,  23.  The  Psalmist  in  conclusion  \varns 
all  of  every  description,  "who  forget  God,"l 
(which  is  the  cause  of  every  fatal  error  and  dar- , 
ing  crime,)  to  consider  the  account  which  they  i 
must  give,  and  to  "flee  from  the  wrath  to  come;"| 
for  when  the  Almighty  should  appear  as  their 
enemy,  no  deliverer  could  possibly  be  found.  , 
He  also  encourages  the  upright  to  offer  their  j 
humble  tribute  of  grateful  praise;  witli  which  j 
God  will  be  glorified,  through  the  promised  | 
Redeemer,  notwithstanding  their  deficiencies: 
[J^otes,  Col.  3:16,17.  1  Pet.  2:4—6.  conclusion;) 
and  in  a  circumspect  and  conscientious  conver- 
sation, to  wait  for  a  fuller  discovery  and  cxpei4- 
cnce  of  God's  salvation:  or,  as  the  last  clause 
218] 


23  •'Whoso  oiFereth  praise  glorifieth 
me:  '  and  to  him  that  *  ordereth  his  con- 
versation aright,  will  I  shew  ">  the  salva- 
tion of  God. 


k  14,15.  22:23.   86:9,12.     Rom. 

12:1.   15:6,9.     Gal.  1:24. 
124:4,5.    25:14.    85:9.     John  7: 

17.  8:31,32.    Acts  10:2—4.    11: 

14.    13.26. 


*   Heb.     disposeih    his    nay. 

Phil.  1:27.    Jam.  3:13.    1  Pet. 

1:15. 
m  91:16.      Is.  12:2.  45:17.  49:6. 

51.5,6.     Luke  2:30. 


may  be  understood,  to  look  for  the  coming  of  their 
promised  Savior.  [J^otes,  7 — 13.  24:3 — b.) — Ac- 
cording to  the  concluding  words  of  these  verses, 
no  man  "ordereth  his  conversation,"  or  conduct, 
"aright,"  who  trusts  in  his  own  works,  and  does 
not  seek  "the  salvation  of  God;"  none  seeks  that 
salvation  properly,  who  is  not  conscientious  in 
his  whole  conduct;  and  none,  who  unites  the 
two,  fails  of  salvation. — The  Latin  version  of 
Beza  is  very  striking:  '■Qui  componit  viam,  faciam 
'■ut  is  fruatur  salute  Dei:'*  'Him,  who  disposes,'  or 
regulates,  'his  conduct,  I  will  cause  to  enjoy  the 
'salvation  of  God.'  The  preventing  grace  of  God 
leads  a  man,  like  Cornelius,  to  regulate  his  con- 
duct piously  and  uprightly,  and  to  wait  for  God's 
salvation  in  this  way;  and  the  promise  ensures  to 
such  a  person  the  enjoyment  of  that  salvation. 
(JVb<e«,  Acts  10:1— 8,34,*35.)— What  a  noble  view 
does  this  psalm  give  of  God  and  of  Revelation! 
God  stands  forth  as  the  Parent,  the  Lord,  and  the 
Judge  of  all,  and  the  Savior  of  all  who  trust  in 
him;  exercising  a  universal  providence,  soliciting 
us  to  make  him  our  Refuge,  to  worship  and  serve 
him,  promising  us  his  reward  and  favor. — And  in 
the  Old  Testament  itself  which  enjoins  so  many 
ceremonies,  how  little  intrinsic  value  is  there 
ascribed  to  them,  compared  with  spiritual  wor- 
ship and  ordering  the  conversation  aright! 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
V.  1—15. 
The  almighty  and  eternal  Jehovah  has  spoken 
to  men  from  mount  Sinai  as  a  Lawgiver,  and  from 
mount  Zion  as  a  Savior:  and  ere  long  he  will 
speak  to  the  whole  human  race  from  his  righteous 
tribunal.  This  solemn  season  will  be  to  sinners 
"the  day  of  wrath,  and  revelation  of  the  righteous 
judgment  of  God,"  while  heaven  and  earth  will 
approve  the  sentence  denounced  against  them. 
But  those  who  have  been  favored  with  the  blessed 
gospel,  in  which  tlie  beauty  and  glory  of  all  the 
divine  perfections  shine  forth  in  the  face  of  Jesus 
Christ,  and  who  have  neglected  or  abused  it,  will 
hear  the  most  tremendous  doom.  Happy  are  they, 
who  are  saints  indeed!  who  have  acceded  to  the 
covenant  of  grace  by  faith  in  the  Redeemer's  aton- 
ing sacrifice,  and  who  have  shewn  the  sincerity  of 
their  love  by  the  fruits  of  righteousness!  These 
shall  first  be  severed  from  among  the  wicked,  and 
announced  heirs  of  eternal  life. — But  let  us  be- 
ware of  resting  in  any  form:  even  divine  truths 
and  institutions  may  be  held  and  attended  on  in 
unrighteousness;  and  God  will  testify  against  his 
own  professed  people,  who  trust  to  their  outward 
privileges,  and  frequent  his  sacraments  in  pride, 
superstition,  or  self- righteousness.  He  demands 
the  heart,  and  will  not  be  put  off  with  an  unmean- 
ing external  observance:  how  then  can  human 
inventions  please  him,  when  repentance,  faith, 
and  holiness  are  neglected.' — We  cannot  offer  unto 
God  any  thing,  which  he  has  not  bestowed  upon 
us,  nor  any  thing  which  can  profit  him:  so  that 
the  notion  of  meriling  from  him  is  replete  with 
ignorance,  as  well  as  arrogance.  [Jfole  and  P.  O. 
1  Chr.  29:10 — 19.)  As  the  Jews  and  their  costly 
oblations  were  abhorred,  when  thej'  rejected  him, 
of  «hom  Moses  and  their  prophets  had  written; 
so  will  attendance  on  the  ordinances  of  Chris- 
tianity be  rejecltd,  and  even  moral  obedience  it- 
self, if  substituted  in  his  place:    and  no  spirUiMxl 


B.  C.  10U4. 


PSAUl  LI. 


B.  C.  1034. 


PSALM  LL  I 

David  carnpstly  prays  for  mercy,  humbly  confesses  bis  sin"!,  and  Ij 
laments  his  orij;inal  depravity,  1 — 6.  He  entreats  forgiveness,  |  [ 
sanctification,  and  renewed  comfort,  that  he  may  gloi-ify  God  jj 
»nd  promote  the  couversion  of  sinners,  7 — 15.  He  shews,  that  i ; 
God  delig'lits  more  in  a  contrite  heart,  than  in  legal  sacrifices,  | 
16,  17.     He  prays  for  the  prosperity  of  the  church,  18,  19.  I 

To    the    chief    Musician,    A  Psahm  ofj| 
David,    =  when    Nathan    the    prophet 
came  unto  him,   ^  after  he  had  gone  in 
to  Bathsheba. 


a  2  Sam.  12:1—13. 


b  2  Sam.  11:2,  &c. 


AVE  mercy  upon  me,  O  God,  <=  ac- 
cording to  thy  loving-lcindness; 
according  unto  '^  the  multitude  of  tliy 
^  tender  mercies,  ^  blot  out  my  trans- 
gressions. 

2  ^  Wash    me    throughly   from    mine 
iniquity,   and  ''  cleanse  me  from  my  sin 


c25:«,7.  109:21.  119:124.  Ex. 
34:6,7.  Num.  14:18,19.  Dan.  9: 
9,18.  Mic.  7:18,19.  Rom.  5:20, 
21.   Eph.  1:6—3.  2:4—7. 

d  5:7.  tJ9:13,16.  106:7,45.  Is. 
63:7,15    JV/arg-.  Lam.  3:32. 

e  40:11.  77:9.  115:9. 


f9.    Neh.  4:5.    13.43:25.44:22. 

Jer.  18:23.  Acts3:19.  Col.  2:14. 
g7.     Ez.   36:25.      Zech.   13:1. 

1  Cor.  6:11.    Heb.  9:13,14.  10: 

21,22.   IJohn  1:7—9.    Rev.  1: 

5.  7:14. 
h7.  19:12. 


services  can  be  performed,  except  by  faith  in  him, 
and  by  the  supply  of  his  Spirit.  To  be  sensible 
of  our  own  indigence,  dependence,  and  iinworthi- 
ness;  to  seek  every  thing  from  the  all-sufficient 
God  by  faith  and  prayer;  to  render  him  the  trib- 
ute of  a  thankful  heart;  to  perform  the  vows  im- 
plied in  baptism  and  the  Lord's  supper;  [Jfote, 
56:12.  P.  O.  end;)  and  to  call  upon  him  in  every 
time  of  trouble,  as  our  only  Refuge  and  Friend; 
are  reasonable  sacrifices,  and  suited  to  him,  who 
*'is  a  Spirit,  and  secketh  such  to  worship  him,  as 
worship  him  in  spirit  and  truth."  (JVo<e,  Joh7i  4: 
21 — 24.)  Those,  who  thus  worship,  "glorify  God:" 
and  every  answer  to  prayer,  received  with  grati- 
tude, forms  an  earnest  of  their  eternal  salvation. 
V.  16—23. 
If  ignorant  formalists,  though  not  grossly  im- 
moral or  profane,  are  under  a  dangerous  delusion, 
what  will  be  the  doom  of  those,  who  understand, 
profess,  and  preach  the  truths  of  God;  attend  on, 
and  even  administer,  his  ordinances,  and  speak  of 
his  everlasting  covenant;  while  they  hate  instruc- 
tion, despise  his  commandments,  and  are  com- 
panions with  thieves,  adulterers,  liars,  slanderers, 
and  false  swearers.''  Yet  how  many  such  profess- 
ors and  teachers  of  Christianity  disgrace  the  pres- 
ent age!  How  many  such  scandals  are  found  even 
among  those,  who  are  zealous  for  the  doctrines  of 
grace!  nay  even  among  popular  and  admired 
preachers.  And  how  strangely  are  they  connived 
at,  and  enabled  to  keep  up  their  confidence,  as  if 
the  Judge  of  the  world  were  altogether  such  a 
one  as  themselves!  Indeed  their  present  impunity 
emboldens  them  to  expect,  that  they  shall  always 
escape.  But  the  Judge  will  come,  and  will  strip 
off  their  masks,  and  reprove,  convict,  and  con- 
demn them.  He  will  "set  in  order"  before  them, 
and  publish  to  the  world,  what  they  have  done; 
he  will  say  to  each  of  them,  'See  what  thou  hast 
'wrought!'  while  the  pages  which  record  their 
crimes  shall  be  read  to  their  confusion;  and  they 
will  be  speechless,  when  sentenced  to  "depart 
into  everlasting  fire,  prepared  for  the  devil  and 
his  angels."  Let  us  then  judge  ourselves,  and  be- 
ware of  h3'pocrisy:  let  ministers  see  to  it,  that 
they  preach  first  to  themselves,  and  love  and  prac- 
tise their  own  instructions:  let  every  one  inquire, 
whether  he  be  indeed  "allowed  of  God  to  be  put 
in  trust  with  the  gospel;"  or  whether  he  run  with- 
out being  sent.  It  is  evident  beyond  all  doubt, 
that  God  abhorreth  and  will  never  allow  of  those, 
who  presume  to  declare  his  truths,  wliilethej'  are 
living  in  the  love  and  habitual  practice  of  gross 
sin,  and  take  pleasure  in  those  who  do;  and  then 
slander  and  revile  their  more  pious  brethren,  be- 
cause not  of  their  party,  and  because  their  ex- 
ample puts  them  to  shame.  If  any  have  hitherto 
been  thus  forgetful  of  God,  or  given  up  to  wicked- 
ness, let  them  consider  their  urgent  danger:  for  if 
the  Judge  appear  against  them,  who  then  can 
rescue  them  from  his  almighty  indignation.'  He  j 
now  warns,  that  he  may  not  punish:  let  us^then  i 
thankfully  embrace  his  gospel,  and  praise  him  for 
his  mercy;   and,  endeavoring  to  glorify  him  in  \ 


word  and  deed,  wait  for  his  complete  and  eternal 
salvation. 

NOTES. 

Psalm  LI.  Title.  [JVotes,  2  Sam.  11:  12:1— 
12.)  When  Nathan  had  delivered  his  message,  we 
may  suppose  that  David  retired  to  his  chamber 
full  of  confusion,  remorse,  and  anguish;  and  there 
poured  forth  his  soul  before  God  in  unreserved 
confessions  and  fervent  prayers.  And  consider- 
ing his  rank,  his  age,  and  a  variety  of  circum- 
stances relating  to  his  family,  to  persons  disaffect- 
ed to  his  government,  and  to  his  character  among- 
the  surrounding  nations;  it  might  have  been 
thought  expedient  for  him  to  be  satisfied  with 
these  secret  acts  of  contrition  and  devotion,  with 
humbling  himself  before  God  by  fasting  and  pray- 
er, and  with  "bringing  forth  fruits  meet  for  re- 
pentance:" especially  as  God  had  already  remit- 
ted the  sentence  of  temporal  death,  to  which  the 
law  condemned  him.  (JVbie,  2  Sam.  12:13.)  But 
he  viewed  the  subject  in  another  light,  when 
brought  to  reflect  seriously  on  his  conduct,  and 
its  probable  consequences.  The  honor  of  God 
and  of  true  religion  was  deepl)'  concerned,  and 
with  it  the  best  interests  of  very  great  multitudes: 
nor  did  there  apnear  any  other  way,  in  which  the 
bad  effects  of  his  crimes  could  be  so  thoroughly 
prevented,  as  by  his  publicly  taking  the  deepest 
shame  to  himself,  for  having  acted  directly  con- 
trary to  that  holy  religion  which  he  professed. 
Zeal  for  the  glory  of  God  and  love  to  his  people 
having  now  revived,  and  gained  the  ascendency 
in  his  heart,  united  with  deep  self-abhorrence, 
and  a  kind  of  indignation  against  himself;  he 
seems  to  have  resolved  without  dela}',  whatever 
might  be  the  consequences  to  himself  and  his  rep- 
utation, to  publish  to  his  family,  his  subjects,  the 
world  at  large,  and  all  future  generations,  the 
judgment  which  he  now  entertained  of  his  late 
behavior,  in  the  substance  of  his  secret  confes- 
sions and  supplications;  and  the  way  in  which, 
with  deep  anguish  and  distress,  he  sought  forgive- 
ness and  salvation. — He  therefore  not  only  com- 
posed this  psalm  for  his  private  use,  or  to  shew  his 
friends,  or  leave  among  his  writings;  but  he  gave 
it  to  "the  chief  musician,"  that  it  might  form  a 
part  of  the  public  Psalmody  at  the  tabernacle,  and 
in  consequence  be  circulated  through  all  the 
land,  and  among  other  nations;  and  continue  in 
the  church,  with  his  other  sacred  poems,  for  the 
instruction  and  warning  of  mankind  in  all  fu- 
ture ages.  Nothing,  all  circumstances  consider- 
ed, can  be  conceived  more  humiliating  than  such 
a  measure;  nothing  could  more  decidedly  shew 
how  much  he  preferred  the  honor  of  God  to  his 
own  credit;  in  short,  nothing  could  more  decidedly 
manifest  the  depth  of  genuine  repentance.  (JVote, 
I  Sam.  15:30,31.) 

V.  1,2.  The  "mercy"  of  God,  his  "loving- 
kindness,"  his  "tender  mercies,"  "the  multitude 
of  his  tender  mercies,"  form  the  only  plea,  which 
the  royal  penitent  admits  in  seeking  forgiveness 
of  his  heinous  crimes.    He  does  not  once  mention 


(219 


B.  C.  1034. 


PSALM  LI. 


B.  C.  1034. 


3  For  '  I  acknowledge  my  trans- 
gressions, and  ^  my  sin  is  ever  before 
me. 

4  ^  Against  thee,  thee  only,  have  I 
sinned,  and  done  this  ™  evil  in  thy  sight; 
"that  thou  mightest  be  justified  when 
thou  speakest,  and  be  clear  °  when  thou 

JUdgeSt.  [Practical  Observations.] 

1  S2:3.    38:18.      Lev.   26:40,41.  I  m  Gen.   38:7.      2  Kings    17:17. 


Neh.    9:2.    Job  33:27.     Prov. 

-28:13.  Luke  15:18—21. 
k  40:12.     Is.    59:12.    Jer.    3:25. 
1  Gen.  9:6.  20:6.  39:9.     Lev.  6: 

2—7.      2  Sam.     12:9,10,13,14. 

Jam.  2:9—11. 


21:6. 
n  50:4,6.  Luke  7:29.  Rom.  3:4, 

19. 
0  Acts  17:31.    Rom.  2:5.    Rev. 

15:3,4.    J6:S.  19:J1. 


his  former  services  in  the  cause  of  religion;  or 
palliate  his  conduct,  by  the  peculiar  temptations 
of  his  high  rank,  and  the  customs  of  princes;  or 
plead  tliat  he  was  inadvertently  betrayed  into  it, ' 
and  led  on  by  imperceptible  degrees,  step  by  step: 
{A'oles,  1  Sam.  15:15,24,25.  Prow.  28:13.  Luke 
15:1 7 —  1 9.)  but,  as  a  vile  and  miserable  sinner,  with 
many  repetitions  and  an  accumulation  of  words, 
energetically  expressing  his  inmost  thoughts  and 
feelings,  he  dwells  on  the  only  cheering  thought 
his  case  allowed  of;  and  entreats,  that  God  would, 
"to  the  praise  of  the  glory  of  his  grace,"  forgive 
his  sins,  as  a  debt  which  when  remitted  is  blotted 
out;  [JVotes,  9.  Is.  43:22—25.  44:22.  Eph.  1:3—8. 
Col.  2:13 — 15.)  and,  as  the  stain  was  beyond  ex- 
pression deep,  that  he  would  throughly  wash  and 
cleanse  it  all  away.  {JVotes,  7.  Is.  1:16—20.  Ez. 
35:25—27.  Zech.l3:l.  John  13:6—11.  1  Cor. 6:9— 
11.  Tit.  3:4—7.  Rev.  1:4—6.  7:13—17.)  The  lan- 
guage is  taken  from  the  washings  and  purifica- 
tions of  the  Mosaic  law;  and  shews  that  the 
Psalmist  fervently  prayed  to  be  cleansed  from  the 
pollution,  as  well  as  the  guilt  of  his  sins;  that  he 
was  aware  no  outward  forms  or  endeavors  of  his 
own  could  effect  this  cleansing;  and  that  he  sought 
this  blessing  through  the  redemption  and  grace  of 
the  promised  Savior.    [J\Iarg.  Ref. ) 

V.  3.  [J^otes,  32:1— 5.)  While  JDavid  endeavor- 
ed to  cover  his  sins,  to  conceal  or  excuse  them, 
he  could  not,  sincerely  and  heartil}^  seek  forgive- 
ness from  God,  as  an  act  of  unmerited  mercy  and 
grace,  and  even  contrary  to  his  deservings.  And 
this  seems  to  have  been  his  state  of  mind  before 
Nathan  came  to  him:  but  now  "being  come  to 
himself,"  he  is  deeply  conscious  of  his  most  hein- 
ous guilt;  and  confesses  it  openly  and  ingenuous- 
ly, with  all  its  aggravations:  nay,  the  remem- 
brance of  his  complicated  atrocious  crimes  seems 
to  haunt  him  continually,  and  his  conscience  in- 
cessantly reproaches  him;  so  that  he  can  by  no 
means  exclude  the  most  distressing  reflections. 
Thus  he  "submits  to  the  righteousness  of  God," 
owns  that  lie  deserves  to  perish,  and  is  prepared, 
if  spared,  to  ascribe  the  whole  honor  of  salvation 
to  the  rich  mercy  and  grace  of  God  alone.  [Jfotes, 
'■IChr.  33:12,13.  Jo.6  33:27— 30.  Jer.  31:18— 20. 
Luke  15:17—21.  1  John  1:8—10.) 

V.  4.  'Itis  thy  prohibition  O  God,  that  can  make 
'a  sin.  I  have  sinned  against  men,  but  it  is  thy 
'law  that  I  have  violated,  in  that  is  my  offence.' 
Bp.  Hall. — ''If  thou  shouldst  pronounce  the  heav- 
'iest  sentence  upon  me  for  my  crimes,  and  exe- 
'cute  it  with  the  greatest  severity,  I  could  not  ac- 
•cuse  thee  of  too  much  rigor;  but  must  stiU  justi- 
'fy  thee  in  thy  proceedings,  and  clear  thee  from 
'all  such  unjust  imputations.'  Bp.  Patrick. — Da- 
vid's crimes  had  deeply  injured  Bathsheba,  Uriah, 
Joab  and  the  other  accessaries  to  Uriah's  murder, 
the  men  slain  with  him,  their  families,  and  the 
nation;  and  thej'  were  likely  to  occasion  most  fa- 
tal consequences  in  various  wa}'s  to  great  num- 
bers in  different  nations,  and  all  succeeding  ages. 
(JVbfe*,  2  .^am.  11:6-^17.  12:14.)  Yet  the  chief 
220] 


5  Behold,  p  I  was  shapen  in  iniquity; 
and  in  sin  did  my  mother  *  conceive 
me. 

6  Behold,  "J  thou  desirest  truth  in 
"■  the  inward  parts;  and  '^  in  the  hidden 
part  thou  shall  make  me  to  know  wis- 
dom. 


p  58:3.  Gen.  5:3.  8:21.  Job  14: 
4.15:14—16.  John  3:6.  Rom. 
5:12.   Eph.  2:3. 

*  Heb.  TrarTTi, 

q26:2.  125:4.  Gen.  20:5,6.  2 
Kings  20:3.  1  Chr.  29:17.  2 
Chr.  31:20,21.  Prov.  2:21.  Jer. 


5:3.  John  4:23,24.  2  Cor.  1:12. 

Jam.  4:8. 
r  5:9.    1  Sam.  16:7.    Job  38:35. 

Luke  11:39.  Rom.  7:22. 
sJob   32:8.   Jer.   31:33.   32:40. 

1  Pet.  3:4. 


malignity  of  his  conduct  consisted  in  this;  that  it 
was  a  complication  of  most  daring  rebellions 
against  the  great  and  glorious  Governor  of  the 
world;  contempt  of  His  majesty,  excellency,  and 
righteous  law;  a  most  ungrateful  return  for  im- 
mense obligations;  and  an  apostacy  in  heart  from 
God,  through  idolatrous  love  of  worldly  pleasure. 
{JVotes,  2  Sam.  12:9,10.)  Indeed  no  words  can 
express  the  heinousness  and  aggravations  of  his 
guilt  when  thus  weighed:  and  this  view  seems  to 
have  possessed  and  overwhelmed  his  mind  to  such 
a  degree,  as  to  make  every  other  consideration 
appear  comparatively  as  nothing.  Even  before 
the  law  was  given,  God  himself  stated  that  the 
grand  malignitj'  of  murder  consisted  in  its  being 
an  assault  on  man,  whom  he  created  in  his  own 
image.  [J^ote,  Gen.  9:5,6.) — Crimes  in  civil  so- 
ciety, which  are  injurious  to  individuals,  are  yet 
punished  as  violations  of  the  laws  of  the  land,  done 
against  the  king  and  the  peace  of  the  realm:  such 
are  called,  'Pleas  of  the  Crown;'  and  high  treason 
is  the  chief  crime  in  every  land.  David  indeed 
was  not  accountable  for  his  conduct  to  any  hu- 
man tribunal:  he  had  carefully  concealed  his 
transgressions  from  man;  but  he  was  sensible  that 
the  Lord  had  witnessed  the  whole,  and  would 
bring  it  to  light.  He  therefore  found  himself 
constrained  to  plead  guilty,  to  the  most  humiliat- 
ing charges  of  guilt  and  depravity,  brought 
against  mankind  in  general,  which  were  contain- 
ed in  the  word  of  God;  for  he  was  convinced  that 
his  base  conduct,  after  all  his  peculiar  advan- 
tages and  zealous  profession  of  religion,  would 
abundantly  justify  those  declarations  of  the  entire 
wickedness  of  the  human  heart;  and  fully  confute 
the  blasphemous  censures,  which  ungodly  men 
ventured  to  pass  upon  the  government  of  God, 
and  upon  his  denunciations  and  judgments,  as  if 
unjust  and  severe.  Thus,  in  every  sense,  the 
case  of  David,  when  well  understood,  is  suited  to 
justify  God  in  all  his  declarations,  and  to  vindi- 
cate his  whole  government  from  every  aspersion. 
{JVotes,  Gen.  6:5.  8:20—22.  Job  15:14—16.  Rom. 
3:3,4.) 

V.  5,  6.  David  was  the  ofTspring  of  lawful  and 
honorable  marriage;  nothing  is  intimated  against 
his  father  Jesse  in  the  sacred  oracles,  and  he  re- 
peatedly speaks  of  his  mother  as  "the  hand-maid 
of  the  Lord:"  (JVo/es,  86:16.  116:16.1  yet,  having 
received  from  his  parents  Adam's  fallen  nature 
with  all  its  evil  propensities,  he  confesses  that  he 
was  conceived  and  shapen  in  iniquity.  LMarg. 
Ref. )-~ilis  late  dreadful  fall  evinced  the  deprav- 
ity of  his  heart:  and  in  these  instances  he  had 
only  acted  according  to  its  corrupt  bias;  being  in 
himself  naturally  prone  to  rebellion  against  God. 
Uilarg.  Ref.  p.  JVotes,  Gen.  5:3.  Job  14: 1—6.  25: 
Eph.  2:3.)  This  he  confessed  in  deep  humilia- 
tion; yet  it  by  no  means  followed,  that  the  Lord 
should  relax  in  his  requirements,  because  of  tlie 
depraved  propensities  of  his  apostate  creatures. — 
His  perfect  law  requires  entire  truth,  purity,  and 
love  in  the  heart  and  conduct;  and  in  this  alone 


B.  C.   1034. 


PSALM  LI. 


B.  C.  1034. 


7  '  Purge  me  with  hyssop,  "and  I  shall 
be  clean:  wash  me,  and  I  shall  be 
^  whiter  than  snow. 

8  y  Make  me  to  hear  joy  and  glad- 
ness; that  ''the  bones  lohich  thou  hast 
broken  may  rejoice. 

9  *  Hide  thy  face  from  my  sins,  and 
^  blot  out  all  mine  iniquities 


t  Lev.     14:4— 7,49— oi.     Njm- 

19:18-20.   Heb.9:l9. 
u  Heb.    9:13,14.       1  John   1:7. 

Rev.  1:5. 
X  Is.  1:13.  Eph.  5:26,27.  Rev. 

7:13,14. 
y   13:5.  30:11.  119:81,82.    126.5, 

6.  Matt.  5:4. 


z  6:2,3.  38:3.     Job  5:17,18.     Is. 

57:15-18.     Hos.   6:1,2.     Luke 

4:13.    Acts   2:37 — «.    16:29— 

34. 
a  Is.  38:17.  Jer.  16:17.    Mic.  7: 

18,19. 
b  1.  Col.  2:14. 


10  *=  Create  in  me  '^  a  clean  heart,  O 
God;  and  ^  renew  a  *  right  spirit  within 
me. 

11  ^Cast  me  not  away  from  thy  pres- 
ence; and  6  take  not  thy  ^  Holy  Spirit 
from  me. 


c2Cor.  Sfl7.  Epb.2:10. 
d73:l.    Prov.  20:9.    Jer.  13:27. 

32:39.    Ez.  11:19.   18:31.  36:25 

—27,37.  Matt.  5:8.  Acts  15:9. 

1  Pet.  1:22. 
e  Rom.  12:2.      Eph.    4:22—24. 

Col.  3:10.  Tit.  3:5. 
*  Or,  constant.    73:8,37.    Josh. 

14:14.    1  Kings  15:3—5.    Acts 


11:23.   1  Cor.  15:58.    Jam.  1:8. 
f43:2.     71:9,18.         Gen.    4:14. 

2  Kinss  1.3:23.  17:10— 23.     23: 

27.  2Thes.  1:9. 
g  Gen.  6:3.  Judg.  13:25.  15:14. 

16:20.      1  Sam.     10:10.    16:14. 

2  Sa,m.  7:15.  Is.  63:10,11. 
b  Lufe'e  11:13.  John  14:26.  Rom. 

1:4.  8:9.   Eph.  4:30. 


he  delig'hts;  and  sincerity  from  the  inmost  soul, 
in  repentance,  faith,  and  renewed  obedience,  is 
requisite  even  according-  to  the  gospel.  This  the 
Psalmist  had  been  taught,  before  his  transgres- 
sions: "in  the  hidden  part  the  Lord  had  made 
him  to  know  wisdom,"  which  was  a  great  aggra- 
vation of  his  guilt,  in  that  he  sinned  against 
knowledge,  conscience,  and  the  peculiar  obliga- 
tions conferred  on  him.  If  we  read  the  clause  in 
tlie  future  tense,  as  in  our  translation,  and  as  it 
stands  in  the  Hebrew,  it  expresses  the  Psalmist's 
hope  and  prayer,  that  the  Lord  would,  notwith- 
standing his  "guilt  and  depravit}',  graciously  and 
by  his  effectual  inward  teaching,  communicate  to 
him  true  wisdom,  and  enable  him  to  know  and  do 
what  he  required  and  delighted  in. —  'I  am  so  far 
'froipi  representing  this'  (my  innate  propensity  to 
evil,)  'as  an  excuse  for  what  I  have  done;  that  I 
'confess  the  consideration  of  it  ought  to  have 
'made  me  the  more  watchful  and  diligent,  to  sup- 
'press  those  bad  inclinations,  which  I  knew  to  be 
'so  natural.  ...  I  am  amazed  at  my  folly,  that  I 
'should  be  so  careless;  when  I  was  not  ignorant 
'that  thou  requirest  us  not  to  entertain,  with  the 
'least  kindness,  those  first  motions  which  we  find 
'in  our  thoughts  and  desires  after  any  evil,  but! 
'uprightly  to  oppose  them.'  Bp.  Patrick.  (JVoie*, 
Jam.  1:13 — 18.) — Desirest.  (6)  mon  :  deligkt- 
est  in.  ""'^ 

V.  7.  The  hyssop,  employed  in  sprinkling  the 
blood  of  the  sacrifices,  (as  it  is  generally  thought,) 
in  the  offerings  of  the  cleansed  leper;  and  in 
sprinkling  the  water  of  purification;  represented 
tne  efficacy  of  faith,  in  applying  to  the  soul  the 
blood  of  Christ  for  pardon,  and  the  influences  of 
the  Holy  Spirit  for  sanctification.  [J^um.  19:18. 
—Jfotes,  Ex.  12:22,23.24:6— 8.  Lev.  14:4—7.  Ez. 
36:25—27.  Heb.  9:18—23.)  Thus  David  prayed 
to  be  completely  cleansed  from  all  sin,  both  as  to 
its  guilt  and  pollution,  that  he  might  be  as  if  he 
had  never  sinned:  and  thus  believers  will  at  i 
length  be  made  equal  to  the  angels,  who  are  ar- 
rayed in  spotless  robes  of  innocence,  whiter  than 
the  snow  itself.  [Marg.  Ref. — J\o<e,  Rev.  7:13 — 
17.) 

V.  8.  A  man,  who  has  fallen  from  a  precipice, 
and  broken  his  bones,  when  he  comes  to  himself 
will  feel  exquisite  torture,  and  be  utterly  disabled 
for  the  present;  and  probably  will  be  reminded  of 
his  fall  as  long  as  he  lives.  Thus  David  had, 
through  unwatchfulness,  been  induced  to  commit 
the  most  heinous  wickedness:  and  though,  by  the 
abundant  mercy  of  God,  he  was  preserved  from 
that  final  destruction  wliich  he  had  justly  merited; 
yet  he  experienced  such  anguish  of  conscience, 
and  such  a  sense  of  the  divine  displeasure,  and 
met  with  such  severe  rebukes  from  the  Lord,  that 
he  felt  as  if  all  his  bones  had  been  broken:  he  was 
full  of  pain  and  anguish;  he  was  crippled,  and 
disabled  from  bis  former  employments.  He  hoped, 
however,  and  prayed  that  "the  God  of  salvation" 
would  restore  his  peace  and  comfort;  and  thus  set 


his  broken  bones,  and  even  cause  them  to  rejoice. 
(JVbies,  12,13.38:4— 10.  /*.  61:1—3.  Hos.  6:1—3,) 

V.  9.  (JVoie,  1,2.)  'The  soul,  still  restless  and 
'uneasy,  reiterates  ner  request,  that  God  would 
'not  only  cease  to  behold  her  iniquity  for  the  pres- 
'ent,  as  a  man  who  turneth  away  his  face  from  a 
'writing;  but  that  he  would  not  behold  it  more, 
'as  a  man  who  blotteth  out  what  is  written,  so  that 
'it  can  never  be  read  again.'  Bp.  Home.  [J)Iarg. 
Ref.  e.  J\'ole,  1,2.) 

V.  10.  The  production  of  a  holy  disposition  in 
a  sinner's  heart, — the  forming  him  to  a  spiritual 
judgment  and  taste,  a  submissive  will,  a  pure  im- 
agination, and  well  regulated  afiections, — is  a 
"new  creation:"  even  as  if  Satan,  by  almighty 
power,  should  again  be  made  a  holy  angel.  This 
state  of  the  understanding  and  heart  is  "a  right 
spirit,"  it  is  reasonable  and  excellent,  such  as  all 
intelligent  beings  should  possess,  and  it  is  abso- 
lutely necessary  to  true  liberty  and  felicity.  Man 
originally  possessed  it;  but  it  was  lost  by  the  fall: 
and  where  it  is  again  produced,  it  is  the  '■^renewal 
of  a  right  spirit."  This  is  begun  in  regeneration, 
and  carried  on  by  progressive  sanctification,  and 
completed  in  glory.  When  the  sinner  is  deeply 
convinced  that  such  a  change  is  necessary,  and 
that  he  is  unable  to  work  it  in  himself;  and  when 
he  reads  the  promises  of  God  to  this  purpose, 
[JYotes,  Ez.  ]  1:17— 20.  18:30—32.  36:25—27.)  he 
asks  it  from  God:  and  every  discovery  of  remain- 
ing sinfulness  leads  the  believer  to  renew  this 
supplication;  and  thus  the  change  is  gradually  ef- 
fected till  it  be  finally  completed.— The  margin, 
however,  renders  it,  "Kencw  a  constant  (]i3j , 
established)  spirit  within  me."  Holy  angels  are 
established  iu  a  right  spirit;  and  so  are  "the  spirits 
of  just  men  made  perfect."  Even  on  earth  real 
Christians  have  in  a  measure,  this  constant,  estab- 
lished spirit:  but  hypocrites  are  unstable.  David 
had  experienced  the  inconstancy  o(  his  heart;  and 
was  sensible,  that  even  if  pardoned  and  restored, 
he  should,  in  case  he  were  left  to  himself,  be  again 
drawn  aside;  and  he  prayed  earnestly  for  that 
constancy,  which  might  enable  him,  "with  purpose 
of  heart  to  cleave  unto  the  Lord."  (JS'o^e.f,  J  2,13. 
J^um.  \4:24.  Josh.  14:6—15.  Ads  11:23,24.  1  Cor. 
15:55—50.  Jam.  1:5—8.)  , 

V.  II.  Eternal  banishment  from  the  gracious 
presence  of  God,  under  Lis  wrath  and  curse,  con- 
stitutes a  principal  part  of  the  misery  of  hell: 
{Mote  and  P.  O.  JIatt.  25:41—46.)  and  something 
like  this  misery  may  be  fell  on  earth,  even  by  the 
believer,  when,  excluded  from  comfortable  com- 
munion with  God,  he  finds  his  heart  oppressed 
with  the  sense  or  dread  of  deserved  wrath.  This 
heaviest  of  all  alilictions  David  deprecated. — The 
Spirit  of  the  Lord  departeii  from  Saul,  when  he 
was  rejected  from  being  king,  and  an  evil  spirit 
from  God  troubled  him:  {J\'ote,  1  Sam.  16:14.) 
and  David  feared  the  same  sentence  for  his  more 
atrocious  crimes,  as  in  some  respects  they  cer- 
tainly were.   All  his  sufficiency,  as  the  prophet  of 

[22  1 


B.  C.   1034. 


PSALM  LI. 


B.  C.  1034. 


12  '  Restore  unto  me  ^  the  joy  of  thy 
salvation;  and  '  upliold  me  ivitk  thy 
™  free  Spirit. 

13  "  Then  will  I  teach  transgressors 
"  thy  ways;  and  sinners  shall  be  p  con- 
verted unto  thee.  [Practical    Obsercaiions.] 

1 4  1  Deliver  me  from  *  blood-guilti- 
ness, O  God,  thou  "■  God  of  my  salvation: 
and  ^  my  tongue  shall  sing  aloud  of  *  thy 
righteousness. 


>  85:6—8.   Job  29:2,3.  Is.  57:17, 

18.  Jer.  31:9 — ^14. 
k  13:6.  21:1.  :i5:9.    Is.  49:13.  61: 

10.  Luke  1:47.  Rom.  5:2—11. 
1  17;5.     19:13.      119;!16,117,133. 

Is.  41:10.  Jer.  10:23.  Rom.  14: 

4.    1  Pet.  1:5.  Jude  24. 
m  Rom.  8:15.  2  Cor.  3:17.  Gal. 

4:6,7. 
n  32:5,8—10.  Luke  22:32.  John 

21:15—17.     Acts  2:38 — 41.    9: 

19—22.  2  Cor.  5:8—20. 
o  25:4,8.     Is.  2:3.     Acts  13:10. 


p    19:7.     Is.    6:10.     Jer.   31:18. 

Matt.  18:3.      Acts  3:19.     15:3. 

26:18—20.  Jam.  5:19,20. 
q  26:9.  55:23.    Gen.  9:6.  42:22. 

2  Sam.  3:28.    11:15—17.  12:9. 

21:1. 
*  Heb.  bloods.     Ez.  33:8.  Hos. 

4:2.    Acts  18:6.  20:26, 
r  33:22.    68:20.    88:1.     Is.    12:2. 

45:17.     Hab.  3:18. 
s  35:28.  71:15—24.  86:12,13. 
t  Ezra  9:13.     Neh.  9:33.    Dan. 

9:7,16.     Rom.  10.3. 


15  "O  Lord,  "open  thou  my  lips; 
and  y  my  mouth  shall  shew  forth  thy 
praise. 

16  For  thou  ^  desirest  not  sacrifice; 
t  else  would  1  giv^e  it:  "  thou  dehghtest 
not  in  burnt-offerings. 

17  ''The  sacrifices  of  God  are  "^  a 
broken  spirit:  a  broken  and  a  contrite 
heart,    O    God,  *"  thou  wilt  not  despise. 

18  ®  Do  good   in  "^  thy  good  pleasure 


u  Gen.  44:16.     1  Sam.  2:9.   Ez. 

16:63.     Matt.  22:12.     Rom.  3: 

19. 
I    Ex.  4:11.     Ez.  3:27.    29:21. 

Mark  7:34. 
y63:3— 5.  119:13.    Heb.  13:15. 
z  6.    Ex.    21:14.     Num.    15.30, 

31.  35:31.     Eeut.  22:22. 
t  Or,  iliat  I  should  give  it. 
a  40:6.  50:8.     Prov.  15:8    21:27. 

Is.  1:11—15.  Jer.  7:22,23.  Am. 

5.21—23.     Heb.  10:6,6. 
b  107:22.     Mark    12:33.     Rom. 

12:1.      Phil.  4:18.      Heb.    13: 


16.      1  Pet.  2:5. 
c  34:18.    147:3.     2  KingJ   22:19. 

Is.  57:15.  61:1— 3.  66:2.      Ez. 

9:3,4,6.     Matt.  5:3.     Luke   IC: 

11—14. 
A  22:24.   102:17.     2  Chr.    33:12, 

13.     Am.   5:21.     Luke  7:39— 

50.   ]5;2— 7,10,21— 32. 
e  25:22.    102:16.     122;t— 9.    127: 

5,6.     Is.  62:1,6,7.     Jer.  Sh.-iO. 

2  Cor    11:28,29. 
f  Luke  12  32.    Eph  1:5,9.   Phil. 

2:13.     -2  Thes.  1:11. 


God,  as  his  anointed  king,  and  as  the  Psalmist  of 
Israel,  was  derived  from  the  Holy  Spirit:  and  all 
his  comfort  and  usefulness  must  terminate,  if  the 
Holy  Spirit  should  be  finally  taken  from  him.  It 
is  indeed  maintained,  and,  as  it  appears  to  me,  on 
scriptural  ground,  that  the  spirit  of  life  and  sanc- 
tification  is  never  finally  taken  from  believers: 
but,  even  in  this  case,  their  comforts  may  expire 
in  despondings,  their  credit  in  disgrace,  and  all 
their  gifts  rmd  usefulness  may  wither  and  be  lost 
to  the  end  of  life;  and  they  cannot,  in  such  cir- 
cumstances, distinguish  themselves  from  hypo- 
crites. 

V.  1^,  13.  "The  joy  of  God's  salvation,"  arises 
from  a  persuasion  and  perception  of  the  mercy  and 
grace  of  God,  according  to  his  promises;  of  the 
nature  and  glory  of  his  salvation,  as  revealed  in 
the  Scriptures;  of  its  suitableness  to  the  sinner's 
wanls,  its  freeness,  and  sufficiency;  from  a  pre- 
vailing confidence  of  an  interest  in  this  mercy; 
and  from  communion  with  God,  and  the  exercise 
of  faith,  hope,  admiring,  adoring,  grateful  love, 
and  all  other  holy  affections,  as  springing  from  the 
Spirit  of  sanctification.     The  raptures  and  ecsta- 
sies peculiar  to  the  prophets  were  of  a  very  dif-| 
ferent  nature,  and  arose  from  the  sublime  discov-  [ 
erics  made  to  them  in  dreams  or  visions,  and  they  | 
did  not  always  imply  holiness  of  heart:   whereas  t 
"the  joy  of  salvation"  is  the  common  privilege  ofi 
the  regenerate,  according  to  the  degree  of  their  i 
faith  and  grace;    and  it  belongs  to  no  one  else.  ] 
{Mcirg.  Rpf.  k.)    This  joy  David  had  often  expe-j 
rienced,  but  he  had  lost  it  by  sin:  that  loss  he  i 
deeply  and   humbly  regrets;    and   he  earnestly  \ 
prays  for  the  restoration  of  his  joy:  for  it  cannot  { 
subsist,  unless  the  conscience  be  kept  tender,  the  ] 
heart  watchful  and  spiritu:il,  and  the  will  submis-  j 
sive;  and  unless  communion  with  God  be  main-  j 
tained,  and  the  Holy  Spirit  not  grieved,  or  quench-  i 
ed  by  gross  misconduct.     But  the  royal  penitent 
likewise  feared,  that  even  should  he  recover  this  j 
holy  joy,  he  should  again  lose  it,  if  left  to  himself;  j 
and  therefore  he  earnest)  y  prayed,  tliatGod  would ; 
"uphold  him  with  his  fre«!  Spirit."  The  Holy  Spirit 
may  be  thus  called,  because  he  k  freely  bestow- i 
ed  on  sinners  through  Ihe  gracious  Savior:    but! 
this  epithet  seems  rathe  r  to  mean,  that  the  sancti-  j 
fying  Spirit  sets  the  soul  at  liberty  from  sin  and 
Satan,  produces  a  not  le,  ingenuous,  and  liberal 
disposition,  and  teaches  us  to  serve  and  worship 
God,  as  children  and  n  ot  as  slaves.  [J^'otes,  Rom. 
8:1,2,14—17,  2  Cor.  3:17,18.  Gal.  A-A—1.  2  Tim. 
1:6 — 8.)    Thus  comfort  ed  and  upheld,  David  pur- 
posed yet  again  to  teach  sinners  the  ways  of  God, 
of  peace,  and  holine«s;  and  bv  using  his  influence 


for  this  purpose,  and  warning  and  encouraging 
them  by  his  experience,  he  trusted  that  he  should 
lead  many  to  "repent  and  turn  to  God,  and  do 
works  meet  for  repentance."  [Jfotes,  32:6,7. 
J\Iark  5:14—20.  Luke  22:31—34.  1  John  l:i— 4.) 

V.  14.  The  guilt  of  ??iMrder  as  it  were  haunt- 
ed David's  mind,  and  he  was  still  praying  for  the 
removal  of  it  from  his  conscience.  And  if  he 
might  but  obtain  this  blessing  from  "the  God  of 
his  salvation,"  though  dreadful  judgments  had 
been  denounced  against  him  and  his  family  for 
his  crimes;  he  3'et  engaged  to  be  open  in  vindi- 
cating the  justice  of  God  in  these  dispensations, 
even  if  connected  with  his  own  deep  disgrace.— 
Some  expositors  indeed  explain  the  words  to 
mean  that  he  would  celebrate  that  righteoumesi. 
by  which  sinners  who  believe  are  accounted 
righteous  before  God,  or  the  faithfulness  of  God 
to  his  promises:  but  the  former  meaning  appears 
to  me  more  satisfactory. 

V.  15.  Conscious  guilt  had  stopped  David's 
mouth,  when  he  attempted,  as  formerly,  to  shew 
forth  the  praises  of  God,  or  to  plead  his  cause: 
br,t  he  trusted  that  the  comforts  of  his  pardoning 
love,  and  the  returning  influences  of  his  Holy 
Spirit,  would  open  his  mouth,  and  give  him  con- 
fidence and  liberty  on  these  favorite  topics. 
[JSInrg.  Ref.) 

V.  16.  Murder  and  adultery  were  b}-  the  law 
punishable  by  death;  and  therefore  no  sacrifices 
were  appointed  to  be  offered  by  those  who  were 
guilty  of  them.  The  Lord  would  not  accept,  and 
did  not  desire,  any  sacrifices  in  David's  case:  in- 
deed he  had  no  ilelighl  in  sacrifices  and  burnt- 
offerings  /or  their  oum  sake;  but  merely  as  shad- 
ows of  the  true  atonement,  and  expressions  of  a 
penitent,  believing,  thankful  heart.  {Jfotes,  40: 
0—8.  50:7—15.) 

V.  17.  The  legal  sacrifices  were  continued 
above  a  thousand  years  after  this  time,  as  types  of 
the  Redeemer's  atoning  sacrifice.  Indeed  a  bro- 
ken heart  can  do  nothing  towards  meriting  for- 
giveness. But  a  humble  spirit,  broken  off  from  all 
self-dependence  and  the  love  of  sin,  and  crushed 
down  into  deep  self-abasement  and  abhorrence, 
is  a  spiritual  sacrifice  pleasing  and  honorable  to 
God:  for  he,  who  is  enabled  to  present  this  obla- 
tion, unreservedly  submits  to  the  justice  of  God; 
casts  himself,  without  plea  or  excuse,  upon  his 
free  mercy:  thankfully  accepts  of  his  salvation; 
and  will  walk  according  to  it,  in  all  humble  obe- 
dience, and  patient  submission  to  the  will  of  God. 
This  broken  and  contrite  spirit  man  despises,  as 
mean  and  contemptible;  and  the  possessor  is  apt 
to  deem  it  unmeet  to  be  presented  to  his  offended 


B.  C.  1034. 


PSALM  LI. 


B.  C.  1034 


unto  Zion:  ^  build  thou  the  walls  of  Jeru- 
salem. 

19  Then  shalt  thou  be    "^  pleased  with 

I  h  66:13— 15.    118:27.    Eph.  5:2. 


gXeh.  2:17.     Is.  58:13.     Dan 
9:-25.    Mic.  7:11.    Zech.  2:5. 


Sovereign:  but  God  will  never  despise  nor  reject 
such  an  unequivocal  effect  of  his  own  renewing 
grace.  [jYutes,  34:18.  2  Kin^s  22:15—20.  Is. 
37:15,16.  66:1,2.  Ez.  9:3,4.  Matt.  3:3.  2  Cor.  7: 
9—11.) 

V.  18,  19.  David  feared  lest  his  guilt  should 
render  him  as  an  Achan  in  the  congregation  of 
Israel:  {jYotes  and  P.  O.  Josh.  7:10—18.)  and 
therefore  he  concluded  his  penitential  prayer, 
with  entreating  God  to  protect  and  prosper  Zion; 
that  the  ordinances  of  his  house  might  be  admin- 
istered to  his  glory,  and  the  edification  of  his  peo- 
ple. [Marg.  Re/,  e,  g.)  For  though  the  Lord 
delighted  not  in  burnt-offerings,  for  their  own 
sake;  yet  as  they  were  sacramental  prefigurations 
of  the  Messiah's  atonement;  as  they  were  acts  of 
worship,  and  means  of  grace,  and  thus  subserved 
the  interests  of  true  piety;  and  as  they  were  ac- 
companied by  other  sacrifices  of  righteousness, 
he  was  pleased  with  them.  {Marg.  Rcf.  h,  i.) — 
'Thus  it  ought  to  be  the  fervent  prayer  of  every 
'man,  especially  ...  in  any  exalted  station,  ...  that 
'no  sins,  by  him  committed,  may  an}'  way  preju- 
'dice  others,  or  obstruct  the  edification  of  the 
'church.'    Bp.  Home. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
V.  1—4. 

If  the  most  eminent  believer  ceases  to  watch 
and  pray,  nay,  becomes  more  remiss  and  formal, 
than  he  once  was;  Satan  may  at  length  obtain 
such  advantages  against  him,  that  for  the  time  he 
shall  seem  perfectly  fascinated  and  stupified:  but 
the  Lord  will  at  length,  by  sharp  rebukes,  or 
most  painful  corrections,  bring  him  to  himself; 
and  the  depth  of  his  humiliation  will  be  propor- 
tioned to  the  heinousness  of  his  sins.  But  the 
hj'pocrite  is  durably  callous;  and  his  religious 
profession  and  opinions  are  perversely  emploj^ed, 
in  excusing  his  crimes,  and  buoying  up  his  pre- 
sumptuous confidence. — The  true  penitent,  even 
if  before  his  fall  he  had  been  eminently  holy  and 
useful,  has  nothing  to  plead,  except  his  own  mis- 
ery and  the  Lord's  abundant  mercy.  For  the 
more  we  ai'e  enabled  to  do  in  his  service,  the 
greater  are  our  obligations:  (./Voie,  1  C/ir.  29:10 
19.)  and  our  sins  are  the  more  aggravated,  when 
committed  against  knowledge,  mercies,  and  vows; 
when  they  do  violence  to  the  new  nature,  and  the 
strivings  of  the  Holy  Spirit;  and  when  they  are 
inconsistent  with  our  character  and  profession, 
and  tend  to  dishonor  the  gospel,  and  mislead  our 
brethren. — The  real  penitent  will  be  deeply  hum- 
bled and  afSicted;  but  he  will  not  sink  into  de- 
spair: and  in  proportion  as  he  renounces  every 
false  confidence,  the  more  earnestly  will  he  call 
upon  God  to  "have  mercy  on  him,  according  to 
the  multitude  of  his  tender  mercies."  He  longs 
to  have  the  whole  debt  of  his  sins  cancelled,  and 
every  stain  clean.sed.  He  would  be  ^Hhroiighly 
washed  from  his  iniquities,"  till  all  his  guilt  and 
defilement  be  completely  removed:  but  the  hypo- 
crite always  has  some  secret  reserves,  and  would 
spare  some  favorite  lust. — While  sinners  conceal 
or  palliate  their  sins,  they  are  out  of  the  way  of 
mercy:  but  when  they  humbly  and  ingenuously 
plead  guilty,  and  unreservedly  confess  their 
crimes,  they  may  even  plead  that  confession,  as 
a  reason  why  they  should  be  spared:  for  this 
yields  the  point  in  contest;  namely-,  that  the  Lord 
might  justly  punish,  and  that  salvation  must  be 
all  of  grace. — When  a  load  of  guilt  oppresses  a 
rnan  of  a  tender  conscience;  (he  recollection  of 
his  sins,  and  their  agg-ravntion-.  folloM-s  him  into 


'  the  sacrifices  of  righteousness,  with 
burnt-offering,  and  whole  burnt-offering: 
then  shall  they  offer  bullocks  upon  thine 
altar. 

i  4:5.     Mai.  3:3. 


company  and  into  retirement;  it  occurs  to  his 
mind  in  scenes  of  business  and  of  pleasure,  and 
even  breaks  his  rest,  and  disquiets  his  dreams;  so 
that  "his  sin  is  ever  before  him:"  but  slight  con- 
victions, where  the  heart  is  not  broken,  are  soon 
shaken  off;  and  the  wound  is  skinned  over,  but 
not  healed. — The  true  penitent  considers  every 
sin  as  rebellion  against  the  authority  and  infi- 
nite Majestj'  of  heaven.  Even  if  he^  has  been 
preserved  from  those  crimes  which  evidently  in- 
jure societ}-,  he  reflects  with  shame  upon  the  en- 
mity and  ingratitude  of  his  heart  against  God, 
which  have  been  manifested  in  his  general  con- 
duct; and  on  this  account  he  thinks  himself  a  chief 
sinner:  but  if  guilty  of  grosser  transgressions,  he 
considers  his  rebellion  against  God  in  them  far 
more  enormous  than  any  injury,  which  he  has  done 
to  men  like  himself.  He  is  also  ashamed  of  the 
folly  of  bestowing  pains  to  hide  these  actions  from 
men,  which  are  done  in  the  sight  of  his  Lord  and 
Judge;  he  takes  the  part  of  God  against  himself, 
and  pleads  guilty  to  the  most  humiliating  charge 
in  his  word,  as  true  in  his  own  case:  while  those, 
who  excuse  themselves,  commonly  venture  to  ar- 
raign and  censure  the  decisions  and  proceedings 
of  the  Almightjr. 

V.  5—13. 
When  the  heart  is  deeply  humbled  on  the  recol- 
lection of  heinous  transgressions,  the  penitent  is 
led  to  trace  back  the  streams  of  actual  sin  to  the 
fountain  of  original  depravity;  not  to  cavil  or  ob- 
ject, with  the  infidel  or  the  hypocrite,  but  for  his 
own  deeper  humiliation:  he  compares  the  propen- 
sities of  his  heart  as  well  as  his  outward  conduct, 
with  the  holy  law  and  glorious  perfections  of 
God;  and,  perceiving  the  contrarietj',  "abhors 
himself,  and  repents  in  dust  and  ashes."  [JVotc 
and  P.  O.  Job  42: 1 — 6.)  When  he  meditates  on 
that  "truth  in  the  inward  parts,"  in  which  the 
Lord  delights,  and  that  wisdom  which  he  teaches; 
and  considers  how  contrarily  he  has  often  acted 
to  both;  he  is  ashamed  of  his  temper  and  conduct, 
and  is  led  the  more  entirely  to  expect  every 
thing  good,  from  the  sole  influence  of  divine 
grace  overcoming  the  tendency  of  corrupt  na- 
ture. In  short,  he  feels  his  need  of  pardon  and  of 
holiness;  he  longs  for  peace  of  conscience  and 
purity  of  heart:  and  his  experience  of  his  own 
utter  inability  to  obtain  them  for  himself,  puts 
vigor  int(»  his  prayers  to  the  Lord,  to  purge  him 
by  the  blood  and  Spirit  of  Christ,  "that  he  may 
be  clean;  to  wash  him  that  he  may  be  whiter 
than  snoAv;"  to  "cause  him  to  hear  of  joy  and 
gladness,"  that  his  troubled  spirit  may  rejoice; 
and,  pardoning  all  his  sins,  "to  create  in  him  a 
clean  heart,  and  renew  a  right  spirit  within  him," 
by  his  own  almight)'  power;  that  for  the  future 
he  may  hat  ?  and  flee  from  all  siu.  He  longs  for 
this  renewal  to  holiness  as  much  as  for  "the  joy 
of  salvation;"  and  to  be  upheld  from  falling, 
equally  with  "the  light  of  God's  countenance," 
and  the  consolations  of  his  Holy  Spirit — Nothing 
so  animates  the  soul  to  teach  the  ways  of  God  to 
sinners,  and  to  seek  for  their  conversion,  as  a 
deep  experiencv^  of  the  bitterness  of  sin,  and  of 
the  consolations  of  the  pardoning  and  saving  love 
of  God,  and  the  freedom  and  pleasantness  of  liis 
service:  they  therefore  always  form  the  most 
zealous  preachers  to  others,  who  have  themselves 
been  most  deeply  humbled;  and  those  are  most 
earnest  for  the  salvation  of  their  fellow-sinner'^, 
who  most  value  and  rejoice  in  the  salvation  of 
God  themselves. 

[223 


B.  C.   1061. 


PSALM  LIl. 


B.  C.   1061. 


PSALM  LIL 

David  contrasts  the  deceit  and  malice  of  Docg,  with  the  good- 
ness of  God,  1 — 4.     He  predicts  Doeg's  ruin,  and  the  joy  of  the 

,io-htcou5,  5 7.     He   professes  confidence   in  God,  and  a  full 

persuasion  that  he  shall  praise  him  for  ever,  »,  9. 

To  the  chief  Musician,  Maschil,  A 
Psalm  of  David,  when  '^  Doeg  the 
Edomite  came  and  ''told  Saul,  and 
said  unto  him,  David  is  come  to  the 
house  of  Ahimelech. 

"HY  "^  boastest  thou  thyself  in 
''  mischief,  ^  O  mighty  man? 
^  the  goodness  of  God  endurcih  con- 
tinually. 

2  ^  Thy  tongue  deviseth  mischiefs; 
''  like  a  sharp  razor,  »  working  deceit- 
fully. 

3  Thou  ^  lovest  evil  more  than  good; 


P,54:3.     1  Sam.  21:7.  22:9— 19. 

b  59:7    Jer.  9:3.    Ez.  22:9. 

c  10:2.3.    94:4.     Rom.    1:30.     2 

Tim.  3:2. 
d  7: 14.    10:7.  36:3—6.      Prov.  6: 

14,13.    Is.  59:4.    Mic.  7:3. 
e    Gen.   6:4,5.     10:8,9.     1  Sam. 

21:7. 
f  103:17.  107:1.    1  John  4:7,8. 
L' 50:19.  64:2—6.  140.2,3.  Prov. 


6:16—19.  30:14.  Jer.  9:3,4, 
18:18.  Matt.  26:59.  Acts  6:11 
—13.  24:1.5.    Rev.  12:10. 

h  57:4.  59:7.  Prov.  12:13.  IS: 
21. 

i  109:2.  120.2.  2  Cor.  4:2.  11: 
13. 

k  Jer.  4:22.  Mic.  3:2.  Rom. 
1:25.     2  Tim.  y:4. 


V.     14—19. 

When  the  heart  is  humbled,  and  the  conscience 
tender,  renewed  recollection  of  heinous  trans- 
gressions again  and  af^ain  discourag'es  the  soul: 
but  this  excites  more  fervent  pra)"ers,  and  when 
mercy  is  bestowed  by  "the  God  of  salvation," 
.■inch  penitents  will  most  abound  in  thankful 
praises.  Yet  conscious  guilt  stops  the  mouth, 
and  the  humbled  sinner  is  afraid  or  ashamed  to 
speak  of  his  God,  as  in  times  past,  until  the  im- 
|)ediment  be  removed  by  some  tokens  of  pardon- 
ing- love,  and  the  comforts  of  the  Holy  Spirit. 
Such  a  one  would  do  anj'  thing,  or  part  with  any 
thing,  to  obtain  pardon  and  peace:  (.ATo^e,  Mic. 
6:6 — 8.)  but  human  inventions  are  worthless; 
and  even  divine  ordinances  are  no  more  than 
m«a?w  of  communicating  the  blessings,  procured 
by  the  sacrifice  of  Christ;  and  whicli  can  only  be 
received  by  a  broken  and  contrite  heart,  with 
which  God  is  well  pleased. — No  personal  fears 
or  troubles  of  conscience  can  render  the  soul  of 
a  true  Christian  forgetful  of  the  interests  of  the 
church,  or  indifferent  about  them:  the  humble 
believer  and  faitliful  minister  often  fear,  lest 
their  own  misconduct  should  blight  their  endeav- 
ors for  doing  good:  and,  whatever  they  may  suffer, 
or  whatever  may  become  of  them,  they  still  de- 
sire and  pray,  that  true  religion  may  prevail,  and 
that  spiritual  sacrifices  may  abound  through  Je- 
sus Christ,  to  the  praise  and  glory  of  God. — O 
L<3rd,  give  us  true  repentance,  for  thy  mercies' 
sake;  help  us  to  offer  the  sacrifice  of  a  contrite 
spirit;  preserve  us  from  hypocrisy  and  blood- 
guiltiness,  especially  that  of  occasionir^  the  ruin 
of  immortal  souls  bj^  our  example  or  neglect;  and 
enable  us  through  the  merits  and  mediation  of 
thy  Son  Jesus  Christ,  to  -walk  witli  increasing 
waichfulijcss.  and  to  pray  more  fervently  for  our 
fclkiw-Christiaus  and  fellow-sinners. 

NOTES. 

Psalm  LIl.     Title.    Js'bles,   1   Sam.  22:6—19. 

V.  1.  Doeg  is  hei-e  represented  as  boasting 
of  his  successful  treacher)',  and  savage  cruelty, 
in  murdering  a  multitude  of  unarmed  and  unre- 
sisting priests,  and  of  women  and  children,  as  if 
he  had  performed  some  great  exploit;  and  perhaps 
he  menaced  David  and  his  company  with  the  same 
224] 


and    *  lying  rather  than   to  speak  right- 
eousness.    Selah. 

4  Thou  lovest  all  "  devouring  words, 
*  O  thou  deceitful  tongue. 

5  "  God  shall  likewise  t  destroy  thee 
for  ever:  he  shall  take  thee  away,  and 
"pluck  thee  out  of  thy  dwelhng-place, 
and  P  root  thee  out  of  i  the  land  of  the 
living.     Selah. 

6  The  ^  righteous  also  shall  see,  and 
'  fear,  *■  and  shall  laugh  at  him: 

7  "  Lo,  this  is  the  man  that  ^  made 
not  God  his  Strength:  but  ^  trusted  in 
the  abundance  of  his  riches,  and 
^  strengthened  himself  in  his  +  wicked- 
ness. 


1  62:4.     Jer.  9:3—5,8.     John  S: 

44.     Rev.  22:15. 
m   1  Sam.    22:18,19.     Jam.  3:6 

—9. 
*  Or,  and  the  deceitful  tongue. 
n    7:14—16.     55:23.     64:7—10. 

120:2—4.     140:9—11.      Prov. 

1^:19.   Rev.  21:8. 
f  Heb.  beat  thee  rfoti  a, 
0  37:35,36.     Job  18:14.    20:6,7. 

Luke  16:27,23. 
p  Prov.  2:22. 


q  27:13.   116:9.     Is.  38:11. 

r  37:34.  97:8.     Mai.  1:5.     Rev. 

15:4.   16:5—7.   18:20.    19:1,2. 
s40:3.    119:120. 
158:10,11.  Is.  37:22. 
u  Is.  14:16,17.     John  19:5. 
X  146:3—5.     Jer.  17:5. 
V  49:6,&c.    62:9,10.     Job  31:24, 
'25.     1  Tim.  6:17. 
z   73:7—11,18—20.       Ec.    8.8. 
Hos.  12:7,3. 
I  I  Or,  substance. 


vengeance.  But  the  Psalmist,  by  contrasting 
Doeg's  malice  and  mischief  with  the  persevering 
goodness  of  God,  sharply  reproved  him:  and,  in 
fact,  relying  on  the  faithful  and  merciful  prom- 
ises of  God,  he  set  him  and  all  his  other  enemies 
at  defiance. 

V.  2.  Doeg  appeared  before  Ahimelech  with 
the  semblance  of  piety;  yet  treacherously  became 
his  accuser  and  murderer.  [J^otes,  1  Sam.  21:7.) 
This  unsuspected  malice  and  cruelty  were  like  a 
mor4:al  blow  given  with  a  well  set  razor,  so  as 
scarcely  to  be  felt,  at  the  moment  when  given. 
[J\Iarg'.  Ref.) 

V.  3,  4.  It  appears  that  Doeg  not  only  sought 
the  favor  of  Saul,  but  entered  cordially  into  the 
detestable  service  required  of  him.  His  heart, 
being  enmity  against  God,  hated  his  priests  and 
servants,  because  he  had  a  rooted  aversion  to 
piety  and  holiness.  He  loved  evil,  lying,  and 
mischief,  and  gave  them  a  decided  preference  to 
goodness,  righteousness,  and  truth:  for  he  took 
pleasure  in  gratifying  his  malignity  and  impiety, 
even  as  others  did  in  gratifying  avarice  or  sensu- 
al lusts.  Nor  was  this  all:  for  he  loved  and  pre- 
ferred in  others  the  same  hateful  dispositions,  in 
which  he  indulged  himself;  and  by  calumny  and 
lies  prepared  the  way  for  persecution  and  mur- 
der. Thus  he  resembled,  and  was  in  some  re- 
spects a  type  of  those  who  saw  and  hated  the 
holy  Jesus,  because  they  hated  the  Father  that 
sent  him;  and  accomplished  his  death  by  lying 
witnesses  and  virulent  accusations.  [Jyoies, 
Matt.  26:57—62.  John  8:41—47.  15:22—25.  16: 
1—3.  2  Thes.  2:8—12.  Jam.  3:3—6.) 

V.  5,  An  accumulation  of  most  expressive 
metaphors  is  here  used,  to  mark  the  certainty  of 
that  dreadful  and  eternal  punishment,  which 
awaited  this  prosperous  and  haughty  persecutor; 
and  which  awaits  all  who  bear  the  same  charac- 
ter, however  in  other  respects  distinguished. 

V.  6,  7.  The  righteous,  beholding  the  ruin  of 
this  haughty  and  atrocious  transgressor,  would 
reverence  the  divine  justice,  become  more  afraid 
of  sin,  and  be  confirmed  in  true  religion:  yea, 
they  would  exult  in  beholding  condign  ven- 
geance executed  upon  one,  who  was  become  so 
execrable  and  terrible  by  his  crimes;  and  ex- 
press cordial  satisfiiction  in  observing  the  event 


B.  C.  1021. 


PSALM  LIII. 


B.  C.  1021, 


S  But  I  am  *  like  a  green  olive-tree 
in  the  house  of  God:  ^I  trust  in  the 
mercy  of  God  for  ever  and  ever. 

9  "=  I  will  praise  thee  for  ever,  be- 
cause thou  hast  done  it:  and  I  will 
'^  wait  on  thy  name;  ®  for  it  is  good  be- 
fore thy  saints. 

PSALM  LIIL 

The  general  corruption  of  mankind;  the  madness  of  persecutors; 
and  the  terrors  which  seize  on  them,  1 — 5.  A  prayer  for  the 
salvation  of  Israel,  6. 

To  the  chief  Musician  upon  ^  Mahalath, 
Maschil,  A  Psalm  of  David. 

THE  ^  fool  hath  <=  said  in  his  heart, 
There  is  no  God.     ^  Corrupt   are 
they,  and  ®  have  done  abominable  iniqui- 


a9::12— 14.     Jer.  11:16.    Ho: 

H.-6— 8.  Rom.  11:24. 
b  13:5.  33:18.  147:11. 
c    145:1,2.     146:2.     Eph.    3:20, 

21. 
d  27:14.    40:1.    48:9,10.    62:1,5. 

123:2,3.    130:5,6.     Prov.  18:10. 
e  54:6.  73:25,26. 
a  88:   titU. 


b    14:l,&c.    92:6.      Matt.    5:22. 

Luke  12:20. 
c    10:6,11,13.       1    Kings    12:26. 

Rom.  1:21,23. 
d  Gen.  6:5,6,11—13.     Job  14:4. 

15:16. 
e  Lev.  18:24—30.    Dent.  12:31. 

1  Kings   14:24.     Ez.   16:47,31. 

1  Pot.  4:3. 


of  a  man's  trusting  in  wealth  and  prosperity,  en- 
couraging' himself  in  wickedness,  renouncing 
God,  and  setting  him  at  defiance.  [J^Iarg.  Ref- 
—JVb<e, 58:10,11.  Rev.  18:20.   19:1—6.) 

V.  8.  The  olive-tree  produces  tiie  oil,  which 
is  useful  to  man,  and  was  employed  in  the  wor- 
ship of  God.  (JVbfe,  Judg.  9:8—15,  v.  9.)  Thus 
David,  being  rooted  in  love  to  the  ordinances  of 
God,  would  abide  and  be  fruitful  in  his  house; 
while  Doeg,  who  was  "detained  before  the 
Lord,"  became  a  fire-brand  to  destroy  others 
and  himself.-  (JVbtes,  13:5,6.  92:12—15.  147:10, 
11.  Rom.  11:16—21.) 

/  trust  in  the  mercy  of  God  for  ever  and  ever.'\ 
"God  shall  destroy  thee  for  ever."  (5)  "I  will 
praise  thee  for  ever."  (9)  [J^oles,  145:1,2.  146: 
2.) — Can  any  unprejudiced  man  conceive,  that 
this  language  refers  to  nothing  beyond  this  poor 
perishing  life  on  earth.^ 

V.  9.  The  Psalmist  praised  God,  as  if  his  pre- 
diction had  already  been  fulfilled;  and  he  deter- 
mined to  wait  still  on  his  name. — The  J^ameo? 
God  is  glorious  and  excellent,  in  the  judgment 
of  all  his  "saints:"  and  they  all  deem  it  right, 
reasonable,  honorable,  and  profitable,  to  wait 
patiently  his  time,  in  his  ways,  for  the  perform- 
ance of  his  promises.     {Marg.  Ref. ) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

It  is  far  worse  to  glory  in  wickedness  than  to 
perpetrate  it:  yet  many  mighty  men  have  been 
ambitious  of  being  distinguished,  by  doing  ex- 
tensive mischief  with  valor  or  crafty  policy.  In- 
deed, poets,  orators,  and  historians  have  gene- 
rally celebrated  those  as  heroes,  whose  conduct 
has  been  the  reverse  of  the  divine  goodness,  and 
the  very  counterpart  of  Satan's  malice,  pride, 
deceit,  and  murder;  who  have  abused  superior 
advantages  and  endowments,  to  devise  and  exe- 
cute plans  of  more  extensive  devastation;  or 
who,  by  slanders  and  treachery,  excite  war  and 
bloodshed  among  those  who  were  at  peace. — 
The  words  of  a  deceitful  tongue  are  often,  not 
only  as  a  sharp  razor,  but  more  devouring  than 
the  sword;  and  numbers  in  all  ages  have  loved 
evil  more  than  good,  and  lies  more  than  truth, 
equity,  and  love.  But  it  is  wonderful,  'that  any 
'man  should  value  himself  for  being  able  to  do 
'mischief,  when  God  esteemeth  it  his  glory  to  do 
'good;'  (JVbr>-/.y,  in  Bp.  Home;)  and  his  goodness 
will  increase  the  condemnation  of  all  those,  who 
are  emboMened  by  it  in  committing  iniquity:  but 
Vol.  in.  29 


ty:    ''  there    is    none     that    doeth    good. 

2  s  God  looked  down  from  heaven 
upon  the  children  of  men,  to  see  if  there 
were  any  ^  that  did  understand,  that 
did  '  seek  God. 

3  *"  Every  one  of  them  is  gone  back: 
they  are  all  together  become  'filthy;  there 
is  ^  none  that   doeth  good,  no,  not  one. 

4  Have    °  the   workers   of  iniquity  no 
°  eat  up   my   people  as 

they   have  not  called 


knowledge.^  who 
they  eat  bread: 
upon  God. 

5  P  There    *  were 

f  Rom.  3:10,&c. 

g  33:13,14.   102:19.     Jer.  16:17. 

23:24. 
h  111:10.     Deut.  4:6.     Job  28: 

28. 
i    10:4.    27:8.     1   Chr.   28:9.    2 

Chr.  15:2.   19:3.     Is.  65:6. 
k  14:3.     2  Sam.  20:2.     Is.  53:6. 

64:6.     Jer.  8:5,6.    Zeph.  1:6. 
1  Job  15:16.    Ez.  36:25.    2  Cor. 

7:1.    Rev.  22:11. 


they 


in   great  fear 

1  John  2:29.     3 


m  Rom.  3:12. 

John  11. 
n  94:8.     Is.   27:11.     Jer.   4:22. 

Matt.  23:17,&c. 
0  27:2.    Jer.  10:25.   Rev.  17:16. 
p  Lev.    26:17,36,     Deut.   28:65 

—67.      1  Sam.  14:15.    2  Kings 

7:6,7.     Job  15:21.    Prov.  23:1. 
*  Heb.     they  Jenred  a  fear. 

14:5. 


it  forms  the  security  of  those,  who  depend  on  it, 
and  copy  it  as  their  example. — The  behever  fore- 
sees that  God  will  cast  down,  sweep  away,  erad- 
icate, and  extirpate  from  the  earth,  and  destroy 
for  ever  in  hell,  those  who  do  not  make  him 
their  Strength,  but  idolize  their  wealth  and  pros- 
perity, and  who  encourage  tliemselves  in  wick- 
edness: and  no  criminals  will  perish  with  greater 
exultation  to  the  righteous,  tlian  hardened  per- 
secutors. Their  success  is  like  the  luxuriant 
growth  of  some  poisonous  plant,  which  it  is  a 
public  service  to  destroy.  But  the  righteous 
man  is  a  fruitful  olive-tree,  planted  in  a  good 
soil:  he  trusts  in  the  everlasting  mercy  of  God, 
and  delights  in  his  opdinances;  and,  however  he 
may  be  now  afflicted,  and  thus  conformed  to  the 
suffering  Redeemer,  he  will  wait  on  the  name  of 
the  Lord,  and  will  praise  him  for  ever.  In  ex- 
pectation of  this  felicity,  let  us  begin  the  work 
of  heaven  on  earth;  praying  continually'  that  we 
may  only  witness,  but  never  share,  the  perdition 
of  the  ungodly. 

NOTES. 

Psalm  LIII.  Title.  This  psalm  differs  very 
little  from  the  fourteenth;  and  it  is  not  knov.^n, 
nor  has  it  been,  conjectured  with  much  proba- 
bility, on  what  account,  or  for  what  reason,  the 
same  sentiments  are  repeated  in  almost  the  same 
words.  The  variations,  however,  are  sufficient 
to  shew,  that  the  psalm  in  one  place  was  iyiten- 
tionally  altered  from  that  in  the  other;  and  it  is 
probable,  that  it  was  in  consequence  of  some 
change  in  the  Psalmist's  circumstances,  or  some 
events  which  had  occurred  subsequent  to  its  first 
publication The  word  Mahalath  seems  to  de- 
note a  hollow  instrument  of  music,  a  flute  lyr 
pipe:  and  Maschil,  or  instructing,  implies  the 
scope  of  it,  viz.  an  instruction  or  warning  against 
impiety  towards  God,  and  rebellion  against  his 
anointed  king. 

V.  1—4.  (JVb/e,  14:1—3.)  The  only  varia- 
tions in  these  verses  are  the  change,  in  some  in- 
stances, of  one  word  for  another  of  nearly  the 
same  import. 

Understand.  (2)  ^^■:)i:>-o~Maschil.  [Mote,  Ti- 
tle.) Causing  to  understand:  that  is,  "Applying 
the  heart  to  understanding."  {^JS'otcs.  Prov.  1 :7. 
2:1—6.  JoA«.  3:19—21.  Rom.  l-M['>—'32.)—Have, 
&c.  (4)  'Do  not  the  workers  of  iniquity  know, 
'that  they  eat  up  my  people,  &;c..'''  Thus  the 
verse  is  rendered  in  the  old  translation. 

[225 


B.  C.  1060. 


PSALM  LIV. 


B.  C.  1060. 


where  no  fear  was:  for  God  hath  "^  scat- 
tered the  bones  of  him  that  encampeth 
against  thee:  'thou  hast  put  them  to 
shame,  ^  because  God  hath  despised 
them. 

6  *  Oh,  that  the  salvation  of  Israel 
were  come  *  out  of  Zion!  When  God 
"  bringeth  back  the  captivity  of  his  peo- 
ple, *  Jacob  shall  rejoice,  and  Israel 
shall  be  glad. 

PSALM  LIV. 

David  complains  of  his  enemies,  and  prays  for  deliverance,  1 — 
3.  He  glories  in  the  help  of  God,  predicts  ruin  to  his  foes, 
and  vows  sacrifices  and  praises,  4 — 7. 

To  the  chief  Musician  on  Neginoth, 
Maschil,  A  Psalm  of  David,  *  when 
the  Ziphims  came  and  said  to  Saul, 
Doth  not  David  hide  himself  with  us.'' 

q  141:7.     Kz.  6:5.  37:1—11. 

r  35:4.26.  40:14.   83:16,17. 

s  -3:4.  73:20.  Is.  37:22,&c.  Lam. 
2:6. 

*  Heb.  Who  viill  give  salva- 
tions, &-C.  14:7. 

t  50:2.     Is.  12:6.   14:32. 


u  85:1.   126:4.     Job  42:10.    Jer. 

30:18.  31:23.     Joel  3:1.     Am. 

9:14. 
X  106:46— 48.  Ezra  3:11.   Neh. 

12:43.     Is.  12:1—3. 
a  1  Sam.  23:19,20.    26:1.     Mic. 

7:5,6.     Matt.  10:21. 


SAVE   me,   O    God,  ^  by  thy  name, 
and  "^  judge  me  by  thy  strength. 

2  ^  Hear  my  prayer,  O  God;  give  ear 
to  the  words  of  my  mouth. 

3  For  ^  strangers  are  risen  up  against 
me,  and  "^oppressors  seek  after  my  soul: 
£  they  have  not  set  God  before  them. 
Selah. 

4  Behold,  ''God  is  mine  Helper:. the 
Lord  is  with  them  that  '  uphold  my  soul. 

5  He  shall  ^  reward  evil  unto  *  mine 
enemies:  ^  cut  them  off  in  thy  truth. 

6  I  will  ™  freely  sacrifice  unto  thee: 
°  I  will  praise  thy  name,  O  Lord,  °  for 


it  is  good. 

b20:l.  43:10.    79:9.     Ex.  3:14,  | 
15.    23:21.    34:5,6.     Prov.    18: 

10.  Is  30.27.     Matt.  1:21,23. 
Acts  4:12. 

c  26:1.  43:1,2.    99:4.     Prov.  23: 

11.  Jer.  1:34. 

d   5:1—3.     13:3.    55:1,2.     130:2. 

143:7. 
e69:8.  86:14.    Job  19:13— 15. 
f  22: 16.  59:3—5.  Matt.27:20— 23. 
g  16:8.  36:1.  53:4.    John  16:3. 
h  118:6,7,13.     1  Chr.  12:18.    Is. 


41:10.    50:7—9.      Rom.    8;3J. 

Heb.  13:6. 
i  Is.  42:1. 
k  31:23.     137:8.      2  Tim.   4:14. 

Rev.  13:6. 
*  Heb.    those  that  observe  me. 

5:8.  27:11.  marg. 
1  89:49.   143:1,12. 
m    66:13-16.      107:22.      116:17. 

Deut.  12:6,7. 
D  7:17.  21:13.   140:13. 
o52:9.  92:1.    147:1. 


V.  3.  This  verse  contains  much  more  than 
the  fifth  verse  in  the  fourteenth  psahn;  while  the 
sixth  is  wholly  omitted.  (JVb<e,  14:4— 6.)— The 
rebels  who  rose  up  against  David's  authority, 
chiefly  because  they  hated  his  religion,  and  were 
instigated  by  the  spirit  of  persecution,  proved  on 
trial  very  cowardly;  for  no  doubt  God  was  pleas- 
ed to  impress  terror  on  their  hearts,  when  there 
was  no  adequate  danger.  {J\rotes,  Judg:  7:16 — 
22.  1  Sam.  14;11— 15.  2  Kings  7:6,7.  Prov.  28: 
1.)  Thus  the  army  of  Absalom,  which  encamp- 
ed against  David,  was  easily  routed;  numbers 
fell  in  the  forests;  and,  being" left  unburied,  their 
bones  were  scattered:  and  because  God  despised 
the  impotent  rage  of  this  abandoned  party,  his 
servant  easily  put  them  to  confusion.  (2  Sam. 
18:6—8.) 

V.  6.     J\'ote,  14:7. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  folly  of  sinners  greatly  appears  in  their 
acting,  as  if  they  could  escape  the  notice  of  Om- 
niscience, prosper  in  defiance  of  Omnipotence,  or 
be  happy  in  rebellion  against  the  Source  of  all 
felicity. — Those  who  go  back  from  a  religious 
profession,  generally  become  most  filthy,  or  most 
malicious  persecutors,  who  of  all  sinners  are  most 
infatuated:  for  God  "hath  despised,"  and  will  con- 
found and  destroy  them;  as  he  has  often  scattered 
the  bones  of  powerful  armies,  who  have  encamp- 
ed against  his  church — A  guilty  conscience  and 
a  dread  of  vengeance  frequently  fill  the  enemies 
ci  God  with  fears,  where  nothing  formidable  can 
be  perceived;  but  at  length  their  worst  terrors 
will  be  awfully  realized:  {JSTote,  Prov.  10:24.) 
and  as  the  deliverance  and  prosperity  of  the 
church  on  earth  will  be  attended  with  the  ruin  of 
all  antichristian  opposers;  so  the  eternal  joys  of 
the  redeemed  will  be  attended  with  the  everlast- 
ing shame  and  misery  of  all  their  impenitent  op- 
pressors. {jyote,Rev.  19:17—21.) 

NOTES. 
Psalm  LIV.  Title.  This  psalm  seems  to  con- 
tain the  prayer  and  confident  expectation  of  Da- 
vid, in  the  extremity  of  danger;  when  the  Ziph- 
ites  led  Saul  and  his  army  to  the  very  spot,  where 
David  and  his  small  company  lay  concealed;  and 
when,  surrounded  on  every  side  by  blood-thirsty, 
22C] 


deceitful  foes,  nothing  but  an  extraordinary  divine 
interposition  could  possibly  preserve  him.  Viewed 
in  this  light,  and  compared  with  the  event,  it  ap- 
pears peculiarly  interesting;  and  shews  that  the 
Psalmist's  confidence  in  God  and  fervency  in 
prayer,  increased  in  proportion  to  the  emergency. 
[M^tes,  1  Sa7n.  23:19—28.  26:1— 4.J 

V.  1.  The  honor  of  God,  and  of  nis  holy  name, 
was  deeply  concerned  in  David's  preservation;  as 
the  Lord  had  expressly  engaged  to  give  him  the 
kingdom.  And  as  the  Omnipotent  Judge  of  all 
could  not  want  power,  to  defend  his  servant  from 
the  cruelty  and  iniquity  of  Saul  and  his  party, 
and  thus  to  vindicate  his  own  glory;  the  Psalmist 
in  assured  faith  appealed  to  his  righteous  decision, 
and  applied  for  his  effectual  protection.  [JVotes, 
7:8—11.  26:1.  1  Sam.  24:8—15.)  His  argument 
resembles  that  of  Joshua: — "O  Lord,  what  shall 
I  say,  when  Israel  turneth  their  backs  before 
their  enemies.^  For  the Canaanites  shall ...  cutoff 
our  name  from  the  earth:  and  what  wiit  thou  do 
unto  thy  great  name.'"'  [Marg.  Ref. — JS'otes, 
Josh.  7:6—9.) 

V.  2,  3.  [Marg.  Ref.)  The  Ziphites  belonged  to 
the  same  tribe  as  David;  yet  they  acted  as  stran- 
gers: and  Saul,  the  Lord's  anointed  king,  and  his 
party,  were  become  most  cruel  and  blood-thirsty 
tvrants:  for  they  had  "not  set  God  before  Iheiii. 
Selah."    Let  that  be  noted.    {J^'otes,  3:1,2.  36:1.) 

V.  4.  {JMarg.  Ref.—Jfotes,  11:1—3.  1 18:5—13. 
/*.  12:2.)  Uphold,']  Jonathan  and  some  others  ad- 
hered to  David,  and  upheld  his  cause:  but  they 
were  comparatively  a  small  company.  This  how- 
ever encouraged  him,  that  "God  was  with  them, 
and  would  certainly  both  prosper  and  bless  them." 
(JVbfes,  Gen.  12:1—3.   1  Chr.  12:16—18.) 

V.  5.  In  thy  truth.l  In  fulfilling  his  promises 
the  God  of  trutli  would  certainly  cut  off  the  ene- 
mies of  his  servant.  (1  Sam.  26:10.)  This  was  well 
known;  and  therefore  David  only  prayed  for  the 
accomplishment  of  the  promises,  attended  with 
those  circumstances,  from  which  it  was  insepa- 
rable.— 'The  application  to  Christ  and  to  Chris- 
'tians  is  plain  and  easy;  for  which  reason  our 
'church  hath  appointed  this  psalm  to  be  read  on 
'Good  Friday.'  Bp.  Home.  {JVotes,  21:8—12.  69: 
22—28.  109:6—20.) 

V.  6.  It  is  good.]  To  offer  tliank-offerings  and 
praises  was  right,  pleasant,  and  honorable  and 


B.  C.  1021. 


PSALM  LV. 


B.  C.  1021. 


^  7  For    P  he  hath  delivered  me  out  of 
all  trouble:  and  i  mine  eye  hath  seen  his 
desire  upon  mine  enemies. 
PSALM   LV. 

David  prays  in  great  distress  and  terror,  1 — 8.  He  describes 
the  wickedness,  and  predicts  the  ruin  of  his  enemies,  9 — IS. 
He  determines  to  persevere  in  prayer;  and,  confiding  in  God 
to  deliver  him  and  confound  his  foes,  he  exhorts  others  to  trust 
in  God,  16—23. 

To   the    chief  Musician  on    *  Neginoth, 

Maschil,   ji  Psalm  of  David. 
^  ^T^  IVE    ear    to    my   prayer,  O  God; 
\J^  and    *=  hide  not  thyself  from  my 
supplication. 

2  Attend  unto  me,  and  hear  me:  ^  I 
mourn  in  my  complaint,  and  make  a 
noise; 

3  Because  of  the  voice  of  the  enemy, 
because  of  "^  the  oppression  of  the  wick- 


p  34:19.     Gen.  48.16.     2  Sam. 

4:9.     2  Tim.  4: 18. 
q  37:34.  58:10,11.    59:10.    91:8. 

92:11.  112:8. 
a  6:  54:  titles. 
b5:l.   17:1.  64:1.  80:1.  84:8.      1 


Pet.  3:12. 
c28:l.  80:4.   143:7.    Lam.  3:8. 
d  13:1,2.  32:3.  38:6.    43:2.   102: 

9,10.  Is.  38:14. 
e    12:5.  54:3.    73:8.     Lam.   3:34 

—36. 


acceptable  to  God.    {JSTotes,  92:1,2.  107:8,9.  116: 
17—19.  Heb.  13:15,16.) 

V.  7.  The  words  "/tj*  desire^''  are  not  in  the 
original,  either  in  this  or  in  any  of  the  similar  pas- 
sages. (JVbfe,  92:11.)  We  may  suppose  that  Da- 
vid, as  well  as  Jeremiah,  could  say,  "I  have  not 
desired  the  woeful  day,  thou  knowest."  (jyotes, 
J"er.  17:13-^18.  18:19,20.  iJom.  9: 1—3.)  But  he 
was  assured  that  he  should  witness  the  awful  judg- 
ments of  God  on  his  enemies,  as  well  as  the  per- 
formance of  his  engagements  to  him. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

Our  nearest  relations  may  prove  more  unkind 
than  strangers;  those  who  ought  to  protect  us  may 
■become  our  oppressors;  and  mere  professors  of 
true  religion  will  generally  behave  to  believers, 
with  malignity  and  treachery,  which  even  hea- 
thens would  avoid  and  condemn.  So  that,  look- 
ing unto  David  betrayed  b3'  the  men  of  Judah, 
and  to  Jesus  betrayed  b  •  his  apostle,  and  deliver- 
ed to  death  by  the  Jewish  rulers  and  people;  what 
can  we  expect  from  any  who  "have  not  set  God 
before  them,"  except  ingratitude,  treachery,  mal- 
ice, and  cruelty.'  But  God  is  the  Helper  of  his 
people:  he  will  favor  and  prosper  those  "that  up- 
hold their  souls,"  while  he  confounds  their  perse- 
cutors: and  his  truth  is  engaged  to  reward  evil  to 
their  enemies.  Let  us  trust  him  and  call  upon 
him,  when  injured  or  tempted:  for  his  name's  sake 
he  will  then  save  us,  and  plead  our  cause  with  all 
his  power. — We  should  recollect  past  deliverances 
to  encourage  our  faith  and  prayer  in  present 
trials:  and  it  is  good  and  acceptable  for  us  to  sac- 
rifice freely  our  spiritual  oblations  of  grateful 
praise  for  the  past,  while  we  wait  for  further  mer- 
cies.— As  the  risen  and  ascended  Jesus  could 
adopt  the  Psalmist's  words,  and  say,  "He  hath  de- 
livered me  from  all  trouble,  and  mine  eye  hath 
looked  upon  mine  enemies;"  so  will  his  risen  peo- 
ple at  length  be  enabled  to  join  in  them. — O 
Lord,  help  us  to  bear  our  cross  without  repining, 
and  at  length  bring  us  to  behold,  and  to  share  thy 
victories  and  glory. 

NOTES. 
Psalm  LV.  V.  1.  Hide  not  thyself,  kc]  That 
is,  'Do  not  disregard  my  prayer,  nor  leave  me  to 
'myself,  when  I  cry  for  help  in  my  extreme  dis- 
'trpss.'    {J^otfii,  28:1.  Lam.  3:2™.9,  v.  8.1 


ed:  '  for  they  cast  Iniquity  upon  me,  and 
in  wrath  they  hate  me. 

4  s  My  heart  is  sore  pained  within 
me;  and  '■  the  terrors  of  death  are  fallen 
upon  me. 

5  "  Tearfulness  and  trembling  are 
come  upon  me,  and  ^  horror  hath  *  over- 
whelmed me. 

6  And  I  said,  '  Oh,  that  I  had  wings 
like  a  dove!  for  then  would  I  fly  away, 
and  be  at  rest. 

7  Lo  then  ^  would  I  wander  far  off, 
and  remain  in  the  wilderness.     Selah. 

8  I  would  hasten  my  escape  from 
"  the  windy  storm  and  tempest. 


f  27:12.    35:11.       2  Sam.    15:3. 

16:7,8.     Matt.  26:59. 
g   6:3.     69:20.     88:3.     102:3—5. 

Matt.    26:37,28.     Mark   14:33, 

34.    John  12:27.     2  Cor.  1:8— 

10. 
h  18:4,5.    116:3.     Is.  38:10—13. 

Heb.  5:7. 
i  119:120.     2  Sam.    15:14.     Job 

6:4.  23:15,16. 


:15,16.     Luke 


k42:6.    61:2. 

22:44. 
*  Heb.  cm^ered. 
1  11:1.   139:9.     Rev.  12:14. 
m  1  Sam.  27:1.     2  Sam.   15:14. 

17:21,22.     Prov.  6:4,5.    Jer.  9: 

2.  37:12. 
n  18:4.     Is.    1712,13.     Matt.  7: 

25—27. 


V.  2.  David's  prayer,  under  great  discompos- 
ure of  mind  was  attended  by  lamentations,  sighs, 
and  groans.  [JVotes,  22:1,2.  32:3—5.  Is.  38:14,15. 
Hos.  12:3—6.  Rom.  8:24—27.  Heb.  5:7—10.) 

V.  3.  They  cast  iniquity,  &c.]  This  psalm  is 
supposed  to  have  been  composed  during  Absalom's 
rebellion.  The  leaders  of  that  faction,  both  out  of 
malice,  and  to  strengthen  their  party,  charged 
David  with  various  crimes  of  which  he  was  not 
guilty,  {jyotes,  2  Sam.  15:1—6.  P.  O.  1—12. 
J^ote,  16:5 — 14.) — Thus  Christ  was  falsely  accus- 
ed by  those  who  had  taken  counsel  to  put  him  to 
death. 

V.  4 — 8.  In  general  David  shewed  the  firmest 
courage  in  the  most  extreme  dangers:  but  the  un- 
natural rebellion  of  Absalom,  which  he  knew  to 
be  the  correction  of  his  sin  in  the  matter  of  Uriah, 
quite  unmanned  him;  and  he  was  filled  with  ter- 
ror and  consternation.  [Jfotes,  2  Sam.  15:13 — 15, 
23.)  Nay,  he  was  become  so  weary  of  the  treach- 
ery and  ingratitude  of  men,  and  of  the  cares  and 
disappointments  of  his  high  station;  that  he  longed 
to  have  done  with  society,  and  to  hide  himself  in 
some  desert  from  the  fury  and  fickleness  of  his 
people.  He  wished,  in  his  haste,  for  the  wings  of 
the  harmless  dove,  that  he  might  "fly  away  and  be 
at  rest;"  and  his  varied  expressions,  and  the  repre- 
sentation of  the  popular  commotion  as  a  violent 
tempest,  shew  the  vehement  agitation  of  his  mind. 
(JVbie,  116:10,11.)  Yet  in  his  more  collected  mo- 
ments he  could  not  approve  of  such  a  wish:  he 
was  not  at  liberty  to  leave  his  useful  station;  he 
could  find  no  rest  any  where,  but  in  God,  with 
whom  he  might  commune  in  the  midst  of  societ}'; 
and  he  must  wait  for  his  more  perfect  rest,  till  he 
had  fully  served  his  generation — 'These  words 
'describe  the  state  of  David's  mind,  when  he  went 
'over  the  brook  Cedron,  and  up  mount  Olivet, 
'  "weeping  as  he  went,"  and  expecting  speedily 
'to  be  cut  off: ...  they  describe  the  agony  of  the 
'Son  of  David,  when  he  likewise  went  over  the 
'same  brook  Cedron, ...  at  the  time  of  his  passion, 
'when  his  soul  was  ''sore  amazed,  and  ver}^  heavy, 
'and   exceeding  sorrowful    even  unto   death.'" 

Bp.  Home It  may  be  added,  that  at  that  awful 

crisis  the  Savior  also  prayed,  "If  it  be  possible, 
let  this  cup  pass  from  me;  nevertheless  not  my 
will  but  thine  be  done:"  [JSTotes,  Matt.  26:36—39, 
42 — 46.  John  18: 1 — 3.)  and  David  likewise  speed- 
ily recovered  his  composure,  and  .said,  "Behold, 

7 


[227 


B.  C.  1021, 


PSALM  LV. 


B.  C.  102T. 


9  Destroy,  O  Lord,  and  "  divide  their] 
tongues:  for  p  I  have  seen  violence  and 
strife  in  the  city. 

10  1  Day  and  night  they  go  about  it 
upon  the  walls  thereofj  ^  mischief  also 
and  sorrow  are  in  the  midst  of  it. 

1 1  s  Wickedness  is  in  the  midst  there- 
of: *  deceit  and  guile  depart  not  from 
her  streets. 

12  For  "  tV  loas  not  an  enemy  that 
reproached  me;  then  I  could  have  borne 
it:  neither  loas  it  he  that  hated  me, 
that  did  ^  magnify  himself  against  me; 
y  then  I  would  have  hid  myself  from 
him: 

13  But  it  loas  thou,  *a  man,  mine 
equal,  ''  my  guide,  and  ^  mine  acquaint- 
ance. 

oGen.  11:7— 9.     2  Sam.   15:31.  |    27.9:3—5.     Matt.  26:4. 


17:1—14.  John  7:4; 
23:6—10. 
pJer.  6:7.  23:14.     Matt.  23:.37, 

q  59:6,14,15.  1  Sam.  19:11.  2 
Sam.  17:1,2.  Hos.  7:6.  Mic. 
2:1,2.  John  18:3,28.  Acts  9:24. 

r  2  Sam.  16:21,22.  Is.  .19:6— 
15.     Ez.  9.4.    Zeph.  31—3. 

s  Ei!.  22:1— 12.     Acts  7:51,52. 

t  109:2,3.     Is.   59:7.     Jer.  5:26, 


u41:9. 

X  35:26.  38:16.     Is.  10:15. 

y  Matt.  26:21—23.    John  13:18. 

18:2,3. 
*   Heb.     a  man  according  to 

my  rank. 
z  2  Sam.  15:12.  16:23.   Jer.  9:4. 

Mic.  7:5. 
a  Job  19:13.     Matt.   26:47—50. 

Mark   14:44,45.       Luke  22:21, 

47,48. 


here  am  T,  let  him  do  to  me  as  seemeth  g'ood  unto 
him."  (JWe,?,  3:  2  Saw.  15:24— 29.)— The  several 
expressions  concur  in  fixing-  this  period  as  the 
date  of  the  psalm;  and  do  not  coincide  with  any 
thing-,  that  is  recorded  of  David,  during  his  perse- 
cution by  iSaul. 

V.  9 — ^11.  David  had  rescued  Jerusalem  from 
the  Jebusites;  and  it  became  "the  holy  city," 
when  the  ark  of  God  was  placed  there:  [J^Toles,  2 
Sam.  5:6 — 8.  6:12 — 19.)  yet  it  was  now  become 
the  seat  of  violence  and  strife.  This  he  perceiv- 
ed at  the  breaking  out  of  Absalom's  rebellion, 
and  therefore  he  would  not  venture  to  continue 
there.  {JS\jte,  2  Sam.  15:13—15.)  And  when 
the  usurper  had  got  possession,  mischief  and  sor- 
row, wickedness  and  guile,  occupied  the  city  in 
every  part,  parading  it  day  and  night,  and  guard- 
ing it  against  every  approach  of  piety,  equity, 
and  loyalty,  as  against  the  most  dangerous  foes. 
(JVo/fi,"2  Sam.  16:15 — 23.)  David  therefore  pray- 
ed, that  the  Lord  would  render  the  devices  of 
the  usurpers  like  Babel,  by  confounding  their 
language  and  counsels,  and  thus  leaving  them  to 
disunion,  and  mutual  jealousies  and  suspicions. 
This  was  granted,  when  Hushai's  counsel  was 
preferred  to  Ahithophel's;  and  when  that  crafty 
politician,  the  stay  of  the  whole  partv,  went  and 
hanged  himself.  "(JVbfe*,  2Sa7/i.  15:31.  17:1  —  14, 
23.) — Thus  the  nation  of  the  Jews,  after  they  had 
rejected  Christ,  were  destroyed  by  being  divid- 
ed: and  Jerusalem,  having  become  the  scene  of 
every  enormitv,  wasf  miserably  desolated  by  the 
Romans.     [J^otes,  Matt.  23:34—39.) 

V.  12 — 15.  Ahithophel's  treachery  was  pe- 
culiarly distressing  to  David;  and  it  was  the 
more  painful  for  being  wholly  unsuspected.  So 
far  from  having  been  an  avowed  enemy,  who 
now  took  occasion  to  reproach  him,  and  to  exult 
in  his  calamities,  or  menace  his  life;  Ahithophel 
had  been  David's  counsellor  and  bosom  friend, 
and  had  been  treated  by  him  as  an  equal,  or  as 
one  of  his  own  rank:  he  had  also  been  his  chosen 
and  pleasing  companion,  in  the  exercise  of  reli- 
gion, and  in  pious  conversation.  Yet  this  very 
man,  without  any  affront,  or  previous  quarrel, 
228] 


14  tWe  took  sweet  counsel  together, 
and  ^  walked  unto  the  house  of  God  in 
company. 

15  °  Let  death  seize  upon  them,  and 
'^  let  them  go  down  quick  into  \  hell:  for 
wickedness  is  in  their  dwellings,  and 
among  them. 

16  IF  As  for  me,  ^I  will  call  upon 
God;  and  the  Lord  shall  save  me. 

17  '^  Evening,  and  morning,  and  at 
noon,  will  I  pray,  and  ^cry  aloud,  and 
he  shall  hear  my  voice. 

18  '^  He  hath  delivered  my  soul  in 
peace  from  the  battle  that  was  against 
me:  for  'there  were  many  with  me. 

19  God  shall  '^  hear  and  afflict  them, 
even  '  he    that   abideth    of  old.     Selah. 

Luke  18:1—7.    Acts  10:3,9,30. 

Eph.  6:18.      1  Thes.  5:17. 
g   Job  19:7.     Lam.  3:8.     Heb. 

5:7. 
h  3:6,7.  27:1-3.  57:3.   118:10— 

12.     2  Sam.   18:28.  22:1    Acts 

2-33 3g_ 

i  2  Kings  6:16.    2  Chr.  32:7,8. 

Matt.  26:53. 
k  65:5.    143:12.      1  Thes.  2:15, 

16.  Rev.  6:10,11. 
190:1,2.     Deut.  33:27.     Mic.  5: 

2.  Col.  1:17. 


■[  Heb.  IVho  STveetened  counsel. 
b  42:4.    122:1.      Is.    2:3.      Ez. 

33:31. 
c  59:13.    69:22—28.    109:6—20. 

2  Sam.  17:23.     18:9,14.     Matt. 

27:5.     Acts  1:18—20. 
d  Num.    16:30—34.     Matt.   26: 

24.    Acts  1:25. 
I  Or,  the  grave.  9:17. 
e  50:15.    91:15.   109:4.     Luke  6: 

11,12.  22:37—44. 
f  5:2,3.  119:62,147,148,164.  Dan. 

6:10,13.     Mark  1:35.  6:46 — 48. 


became  an  apostate  and  a  traitor,  and  gave  Ab- 
salom the  most  malicious  and  infernal  counsel 
imaginable!  (JVb<e«,  2  Sam.  1 6:20— 23.  17:1—4.) 
— Thus  Christ  was  betrayed  by  one,  whom  he 
had  honored  as  a  companion,  a  disciple,  and  an 
apostle;  and  who  resembled  Ahithophel  in  his 
crinjes  and  in  his  doom:  fqr  both  were  speedily 
overtaken  by  divine  vengeance,  in  the  same 
dreadful  manner.  (JVbfe,  2  Sam.  17:23.  .Matt. 
27:3—5.  John  13:18—30.)  This  was  foretold  by 
David  concerning  Ahithophel,  and  by  Jesus  con- 
cerning Judas:  for  the  words  are  in  the  future, 
and  more  naturally  signify  a  prediction,  than  an 
imprecation.  [Marg.  Ref.) — 'The  sudden  de- 
'struction  of  Korah,  Dathan,  and  Abiram,  who, 
'for  stirring  up  rebellion  against  Moses  and 
'Aaron,  "went  down  alive  into  the  pit,"  seem.s 
'here  alluded  to;  as  the  grand  representation  of 
'the  manner,  in  which  the  bottomless  pit  shall 
'one  day  shut  her  mouth  for  ever  upon  all  the 
'impenitent  enemies  of  the  true  King  of  Israel, 
'and  great  High  Priest  of  our  profession.'  Bp. 
Hor7ie. 

V.  16,  17.  JVb<e.9,  50:7—15.  109:2—5.  Lulce 
6:12. — Evening.,  &c.  (17) — Probably  this  was 
David's  general  practice;  from  which  he  was  not 
diverted  by  any  of  his  troubles,  but  was  rather 
made  the  more  earnest  in  it.  [^Marg.  Ref. — 
JS'otes,  Dan.  6:10,11.  Acts  10:9— 16.)— 'I  will 
'never  give  over  my  importunity,  till  he  gracious- 
'ly  grant  my  petition,  and  send  me  relief.'  Bp. 
Patrick. 

V.  18.  As  this  verse  is  in  the  past  tense,  while 
those  which  precede  and  follow  it  are  future;  the 
Psalmist  seems  to  refer  to  his  former  experience 
of  the  Lord's  goodness  and  faithful  care  of  him; 
and  thus  to  encourage  himself  and  his  friends  to 
expect  a  happy  event  to  their  present  perils. 
(Motes,  1  Sa?/!.  17:34— 37.  2  Cor.  1:8— 11.)  In 
former  instances,  when  far  superior  forces  had 
attacked  him,  God  had  delivered  him  in  peace, 
and  made  him  triumphant;  for  his  invisible  pro- 
tectors and  helpers  were  more  numerous  and 
powerful  than  all  his  visible  foes.  [J^otes.,  2 
Kings  6:15— 17.)— Thus  our  Lord  said,  "Think- 


B.  C.   1021. 


PSALM  LV. 


B.  C.  1021. 


*  Because  they  have  "  no  changes,  there- 
fore they  fear  not  God. 

20  He  hath  "  put  forth  his  hands 
against  such  as  be  °  at  peace  with  him: 
he  hath  t  broken  his  covenant. 

21  P  The  words  of  his  mouth  were 
smoother  than  butter,  but  i  war  was 
in    his    heart:    his    words    were    softer 


*  Or,  JVith  uhom  also  there  be 

710  changes,  yet,  i^»-c. 
m  73:5,6.     Prov.    1:32.     Ec.  8: 

11.      Is.     36:m      Jer.    43:11. 

Zepl).  1:12. 
n  1  Sam.  22:17.  24:10.     2  Sam. 

18:12.     Acts  12:1. 
o  7:4.   109:5.   120:6,7. 


|Heb.   profaned.    89:28,34,38. 

2  Sam.    2:4.  5:3.   14:32,33.   15: 

10—12.      Kc.  8:2.     Ez.  17:16 

—19. 
p28:3.  57:4.  62:4.  64:3.     Prov. 

5:3,4.       12:18.       26:24—26,28. 

Matt.     26:25.     Luke  20:20,21. 
q  John  13:2. 


est  thou,  that  I  cannot  now  pray  to  my  Father, 
and  he  shall  presently  give  me  more  than  twelve 
legions  of  angels.?"  And  angels  terrified  and 
drove  away  the  Roman  soldiers,  rolled  away  the 
stone  from  the  sepulchre,  and  attended  his  res- 
urrection and  ascension.  (JVofes,  Matt.  26:47 — 
56.  28:1— 8J 

V.  19.  He  "who  inhabiteth  eternity,"  (JVbies, 
Dew*.  33:27,28.  /*.  57:15,16.  J»/ic.  5:2.)  hearing 
the  prayers  of  his  distressed  servants,  would  cer- 
tainly punish  their  persecutors;  who  had  been 
hardened  in  impiety,  by  uninterrupted  prosperi- 
ty. Or,  God  would  certainly  afflict  them,  be- 
cause they  would  not  turn  and  fear  him. 

He  that  abideth  of  old.'\    mp  aBf',  which  seems 

to  be  nearly    equivalent  to  iy  \oi:; ,    '  'he  who 

inhabiteth  eternity."    /y.  57:15. 

V.  20,  21.  Absalom,  or  Ahithophel,  seems  to 
have  been  here  intended:  but  the  character 
and  language  of  crafty  flattering  courtiers,  and 
of  malicious  dissemblers,  in  all  ages,  is  emphati- 
cally described.  Thus  Judas  betrayed  Christ, 
while  he  said,  "Hail,  Master,  and  kissed  him." 
{Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  22.  'Whatever  God  has  given  or  allotted 
'thee,  commit  it  all  to  his  keeping  by  faith  and 
'prayer.'  This  is  the  way  of  peace  and  safety. 
Quotes,  37:5—8.  Matt.  6.'25— 34.  Phil.  4:5—7.  1 
Pet.  5:5 — 7.) — "He  will  not  suffer  the  righteous, 
to  be  moved  for  ever."    {JVote,  37:27,28.) 

V.  23.  Half  their  days.']  Such  persons,  as 
are  here  described,  generally  come  to  a  violent 
end,  before  half  the  years  are  elapsed,  which 
they  might  otherwise  have  been  expected  to  live. 
(Jilarg.  Ref—JYotes,  2  Sam.  17:23.   18:9,14.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  most  excellent  persons  have  always  expe- 
rienced the  basest  treatment  in  this  evil  world; 
and  the  more  any  mere  man  has  resembled  the 
Son  of  God,  in  heavenly  zeal  and  purity;  the 
more  has  he  been  traduced  and  hated  by  them, 
whose  crimes  he  opposed,  or  whose  hypocrisy  he 
detected. — The  clamors  and  oppression,  the  cal- 
umnies and  malice,  of  ungodly  men  may,  howev- 
er, be  the  more  easily  endured,  if  we  possess  peace 
of  conscience,  and  a  sweet  sense  of  the  divine 
favor.  But  when  our  sufferings  from  men  excite 
in  us  the  sense,  or  the  dread,  of  the  anger  of  our 
offended  God;  when  a  guilty  conscience  gives 
Satan  advantage  in  assaulting  our  peace,  and 
sapping  the  foundations  of  our  hope;  we  must 
needs  "mourn  in  our  complaint,"  and  the  thoughts 
of  our  hearts  will  often  become  like  the  tempes- 
tuous waves  of  the  restless  ocean:  so  that,  in  this 
case,  even  eminent  believers  have  been  filled  for 
a  time  with  inexpressible  horror  and  consterna- 
tion. Yet  none  of  them  was  ever  so  overwhelm- 
ed with  terror  and  anguish,  as  the  holy  Jesus 
was;  when  "it  pleased  the  Lord  to  bruise  him, 
to  put  him  to  grief,  and  to  make  his  soul  an  ofTcr- 


than  oil,   yet  tvere   they  drawn  swords. 

22  •■  Cast  thy  ^  burden  upon  the  Lord, 
and  he  shall  sustain  thee:  Mie  shall 
never  suffer    the  righteous  to  be  moved. 

23  But  thou,  O  God,  *  shall  bring 
them  down  into  "  the  pit  of  destruction: 
{ bloody  and  deceitful  men  ^  shall  not  live 
out  half  their  days;  but  I  will  trust  in  thee. 


r  27:14.    37:5.    TOarg-.  42:10,11. 

62:8.  63:8.  Is.  50:10.    Matt.  6: 

31—34.   11:28.     Phil.  4:6,7.     1 

Pet.  5:7. 
+  Or,  gift. 
s  16.3.  37:24.  62:2,6.    1  Sam.  2: 

9.  .John  10:27—30.    1  Pet.  1:5. 
17:15,16.  58:9.    59:12,13. 


u  Prov.  15:11.  27:20.     Is.  38:17. 
ij  Heb.  men  of  bloods  and  deceit 

shall  not  halve  their  days.  5:6. 

2  Sam.  3:27.  20:9,10.     1  Kinjja 

2:5,6. 
X  Job  15:32.     Prov.  10:27.    Ec. 

7:17.     Matt.  27:4,5. 


ing  for  our  sins."  But  in  "his  agony  he  prayed 
more  earnestly,"  and  was  heard  and  delivered: 
and  if  we  trust  in  his  merits,  and  copy  his  exam- 
ple, we  too  shall  be  supported  under  all,  and  car- 
ried through  all. — Those,  who  are  most  conver- 
sant with  mankind,  will  see  the  most  to  disquiet, 
discourage,  and  disgust  them;  if  they  have  a  spir- 
itual judgment,  and  are  laboring  to  do  good. 
Disappointment  and  vexation,  arising  from  the 
experience  of  the  inconstancy,  ingratitude,  and 
treachery  of  mankind  in  general,  will  sometimes 
render  them  weary  of  the  most  eminent  stations, 
and  honorable  services;  and  make  them  long  for 
retirement  and  obscurity,  where  they  may  no 
longer  witness  the  miseries  and  crimes  which 
they  cannot  prevent.  This  should  induce  us  all 
to  seek  our  rest  in  God,  and  to  be  willing  to  do- 
part  hence  to  a  better  world  when  he  pleases; 
but  we  must  not  be  "weary  of  well-doing,"  or 
relinquish  our  work,  till  our  Lord  and  Master 
release  us:  and  at  last  no  change  can  add  to  cur 
present  continued  happiness,  except  that  wliicli 
augments  our  holiness. — No  wickedness  so  dis- 
tresses the  believer,  as  that  which  he  witnesses 
in  the  visible  church  of  God:  with  anguish  of 
heart  he  often  perceives  violence  and  discord  in 
the  congregations,  where  the  gospel  of  peace  is 
preached  and  professed;  by  which  the  common 
cause  is  weakened,  the  truth  disgraced,  and  far 
more  miscliief  done  than  by  all  the  fury  of  perse- 
cutors.— When  professed  Christians  forsake  God, 
and  give  way  to  malice,  wickedness,  and  deceit; 
destruction  and  sorrow  are  at  hand:  disunion  of 
heart,  and  intestine  quarrels,  make  way  for  far- 
ther evils;  and,  instead  of  a  holy  city,  a  Bubcl 
will  be  erected,  which  must  also  be  destroyed. — 
The  true  Christian  must  expect  trials  from  pro- 
fessed friends,  from  those  whom  he  has  most 
trusted  and  served,  and  even  from  those,  with 
whom  he  has  taken  sweet  counsel,  and  associat- 
ed in  the  ordinances  of  God.  This  will  be  very 
painful,  but  by  looking  unto  Jesus  he  will  be  en- 
abled to  bear  it. — Though  we  must  not  pray  for 
the  destruction  of  our  most  treacherous  inju'rers; 
yet  we  may  warn  them  of  the  doom  of  those,  who 
before  them  have  trodden  in  the  same  path:  and 
in  every  possible  trial  let  us  "call  upon  the  Lord, 
and  he  will  save  us." — Our  souls  need  spiritual 
nourishment  at  least  as  often  as  our  bodies  need 
food:  but  we  generally  starve  in  the  midst  of 
abundance;  because  we  pray  so  seldom,  so  su- 
perficially, and  so  formally. — David  had  more 
loyal  subjects  than  he  expected;  Christ  had  more 
favorers  than  appeared,  when  the  general  cry 
was,  "Crucify  him,  crucify  him:"  and  there  arc 
more  true  Christians,  and  believers  have  more 
real  friends,  than  in  their  gloomy  hours  they  sup- 
pose. If  however  God  be  for  us,  he  will  deliver 
our  souls  in  peace  from  every  conflict,  whether 
few  or  many  side  with  us:  and  it  is  better  to  have 
changes  and  afflictions,  than  to  be  hardened  by 
uninterrupted   prosperity,  and   thus  emboldened 

[229 


B.  C.  1061. 


PSALM  LVI. 


B.  C.  1061. 


PSALM  LVL 

David  prays  for  mercy,  depending  on  the  word  of  God,  amidst 
the  rage  and  malice  of  his  enemies,  1 — 7.  He  comforts  him- 
self by  thoughts  of  the  Lord's  providential  care  and  gracious 
promises;  and  by  praising  him  for  past  deliverances,  8 — 13. 

To  the  chief  Musician  upon  Jonath- 
elem-rechokim,  *  Michtam  of  David, 
*  when  the  Philistines  took  him  in 
Gath. 

E  merciful  unto   me,   O  God:  for 
man  would  <=  swallow  me   up;  he 
fighting  daily  oppresseth  me. 

2  Mine  t  enemies  would  daily  swal- 
low me  up:  for  theij  he  ^  many  that  fight 
against  me,  O  thou  ®  most  High. 

3  ^  What  time  I  am  afraid,  I  will  trust 
in  thee. 

4  ^  In  God  I  will  praise,  his  word;  ^  in 
God  I  have  put  my  trust:  I  will  not  fear 
what  flesh  can  do  unto  me. 


*  Or,  a  golden  Psalm.  16;  57: — 

60:  titles. 
a  1  Sam.  21:11—15. 
b3):9.  57:1—3.    69:10.    69:13— 

16.  136:10,15,17—20.    143:12. 
C  21:9.  27:2.    35:25.    57-3.    106: 

17.  124:3.     Prov.  1:12.     Lam. 
2:2,5,10.     1  Cor.  15:54. 

f  Heb.  ohservers.  54:5.  marg. 
d  3:1.  118:10— 12.  Acts  4:25— 
27.     Rev.  16:14. 


e  9:2.    91:1.    92:1,8.    93:4.      Is. 

57:15.     Dan.  5:18.     Mic.   6:6. 
f  34:4.  55:4,5.    1  Sam.  21:10,12. 

30:6.     2  Chr.  20:3.     2  Cor.  1:8 

—10.  7:5,6. 
g  10,11.  12:6.  19:7,3.   119:89.90, 

160.   138:2.     John   10:35. 
h  27:1.  46:1,2.    113:6.     Is.  313. 

41:10.     Rom.  8:31— 39.    Heb. 

13:6. 


5  Every  day  '  they  wrest  my  words: 
^  all  their  thoughts  are  against  me  for 
evil. 

6  They  '  gather  themselves  together, 
they  ■"  hide  themselves,  they  "  mark  my 
steps,  when  they  wait  for  my  soul. 

7  Shall  they  °  escape  by  iniquity.''  p  in 
thine  anger  cast  down  the  people,  O 
God. 

8  Thou  1  tellest  my  wanderings:  "■  put 
thou  my  tears  into  thy  bottle:  ^  are  they 
not  in  thy  book.'* 

9  When  '  I  cry  unto  thee,  "  then  shall 
mine  enemies  turn  back:  this  1  know; 
for  ^  God  is  for  me. 

10  y  In  God  will  I  praise  his  word:  in 
the  Lord  will  I  praise  his  word. 


11  In  God  have 

i  Is.  29:20,21.     Matt.  22:15.  26: 

61.     John  2:19.    2  Pet.  3:16. 
k    1  Sam.    18:17,21,29.   20:7,33. 

Jer.  18:18.     Luke  22:3—6. 
1   2:1—3.     59:3.      71:10.     140:2. 

Matt.  26:3,4,57.  27:1.     Acts  4: 

5,6.  23:12—14. 
m  10:8—10.  64:2—6.   Dan.  6:4. 
n  57:6.  89:51.     Job  14:16.  31:4. 

Jer.  20:10.     Luke  20:20. 
o  94:20,21.     Is.  28:15.      Jer.  7: 

10.     Hab.  1:13. 
p  55:9,15,23.     Jer.  10:25.    13:19 

—23. 
q  105:13,14.   121:3.    Num.  .33:2, 


I   put   my   trust:  ^  I 

&c.      1  Sam.   19:18.    22:1—5. 

27:1.     Is.  63:9.     2  Cor.   11:26. 

Heb.  11:8,13,38. 
r  39:12.   126:5,6.     2  Kings  20:5. 

Job  16:20.     Rev.  7:17. 
3  139:16.     Mai.  3:16.     Matt.  10: 

30.    Rev.  20:12. 
t    118:11—13.       Ex.     17:9—1]. 

Jer.  33:3. 
u  18:38—42.  27:2.     John  18:6. 
X  46:7,11.  Is.  8,9,10.  Rom.  8:31, 
y  .See  on  4.— 60:6.     Gen.  92:11. 

Matt.    24:35.      Heb.     6:18.     2 

Pet.  1:4. 
z27:l.   112:7,8.   Is.  51:7,8,12,13. 


to  treachery  and  cruelty;  which  generally  end 
in  untimely  death,  and  bring  men  down  into  the 
pit  of  destruction. — Flatterers,  whose  words  are 
soft  and  insinuating,  are  always  to  be  suspected 
and  dreaded:  for  many  of  this  company  "have 
war  in  their  hearts;"  and  by  smooth,  deceitful 
language  do  more  harm,  than  they  could  have 
done  with  their  drawn  swords.  But  let  us  learn 
to  trust  only  in  the  Jjord,  and  to  cast  every  bur- 
den upon  him,  by  faith  and  prayer:  for  he  will 
never  suffer  the  righteous  to  be  moved,  either 
for  want  of  inward  supports,  or  outward  protec- 
tion. And,  having  thus  found  comfort  ourselves, 
let  us  exhort  and  encourage  our  aSicted  breth- 
ren to  apply  for  the  same  relief. 

NOTES. 

Psalm  LVI.  Title.  "Jonath-elem-rechokim," 
signifies,  the  silent  dove  of  distant  places,  or,  in  a 
far  country.  David  had  been  harmless  as  a  dove, 
in  the  midst  of  Saul's  persecutions;  he  was  silent 
and  patient  under  oppression;  he  was  now  driven, 
like  a  timorous  dove,  to  a  distance  from  his  home, 
and  from  the  ordinances  of  God;  and  when  expos- 
ed to  extreme  danger  from  the  Philistines,  set  on 
perhaps  by  the  relations  of  Goliath,  he  bore  all 
patiently,  and  attempted  no  revenge.  In  this  he 
typified  the  harmless,  suffering,  and  patient  Jesus. 
(JVbfe,  1  Sam.  21:10— 15  ) 

V.  1,2.  While  David  remained  in  the  land  of 
Judah,  his  countrymen  fought  against  him;  and 
at  Gath  the  Philistines  sought  to  slay  him.  Thus 
Jews  and  Gentiles  united  against  Christ;  and  his 
disciples  are  "hated  of  all  men  for  his  name's 
sake." 

Swallow  me  t<jp.]  >jdnu'.  r^H-d ,  anhelavit,  aspira- 

vit,  ahsorpsit  anhelando.  Robertson.  'They 
'pant  after  me,  with  eagerness  and  rage  in  order 
'to  devour  me.'  Thus  Saul  of  Tarsus  "breathed 
out  threatenings  and  slaughter  against  the  disci- 
ples of  Christ."  {M)te.i,  27:1—3.  Job  .31:29— .32. 
Am.  2:6—8.  Arts  9:1,2.) 
2^0] 


O  thou  most  High.  (2)  ditd  ,  altum,  celsitudo. 
Robertson.  The  clause  may  be  rendered, 
"There  are  many  who  fight  against  me  from  on 
high,"  or,  from  a  safe  and  fortified  place.  The 
original  word  is  not  the  same,  as  is  generallj'  ren- 
dered, "most  High." 

V.  3,4.  David  was  himself  greatly  alarmed, 
when  at  Gath;  but  in  that  day  "when  he  feared," 
he  determined  still  to  trust  in  God;  and  to  honor 
his  word,  and  glory  in  it,  as  a  full  security  in  ev- 
ery possible  danger.  For,  in  celebrating  the  per- 
fections and  works  of  God,  he  would  especially 
praise  his  word,  his  most  gracious  promises,  and 
unfailing  faithfulness  in  performing  them,  and  this 
even  while  waiting  for  that  performance.  (JVbtes, 
12:5,6.  138:2.  JVum..  23:19,20.  Matt.  24:32—35. 
John  1:17.)  He  especially  referred  to  the  prom- 
ises of  God,  that  he  should  be  king  over  Israel. 
What  flesh,  &c.  (4)  2  Chr.  32:8.  J^ote,  Jer.  17:5 
—8. 

V.  5.  Wrest  my  words.]  Or,  "They  thwart 
me  in  all  my  concerns."  The  words,  in  either 
sense  of  them,  with  the  rest  of  this  and  the  follow- 
ing verses,  emphatically  describe  the  conduct  of 
the  scribes  and  priests  towards  the  Lord  Jesus, 
which  the  insidious  perverseness  and  disingenuity, 
with  which  Saul  and  his  courtiers  treated  David, 
greatly  resembled.  {Marg.  Ref.) 
V.  6,  7.  Marg.  Ref.—Jfote,  49:5. 
V.  8.  David  was  continually  removing  from 
place  to  place,  as  if  he  had  been  a  vagabond: 
[Gen.  4:14.)  but  the  Lord  numbered  all  his  wan- 
derings, and  watched  over  him  wherever  he  went. 
His  tears  also  were  noticed,  as  if  preserved  in  a 
bottle,  or  registered  in  a  book:  no  doubt  therefore 
his  life  would  be  precious  ia  the  sight  of  the  Lord. 
'If  God  keep  the  tears  of  his  saints  in  store,  much 
'more  will  he  remember  their  blood  to  avenge  it; 
-and  though  tyrants  burn  the  bones,  yet  can  they 
'not  blot  the  tears  and  blood  out  of  God's  register.' 
[Marg.  Ref.)— Wanderings.]  In  the  translatioa 
used  in  the  Common  Prayer  Book,  the  wordj^if- 
tings  is  u-ed.   This  is  n  provincial  term  for  remov- 


B.  C.  1060. 


PSALM  LVII. 


B.  C.  1060. 


will  not  be  afraid  what  man  can  do  unto 
me. 

12  ''Thy  vows  are  upon  me,  O  God: 
^I  will   render  praises  unto  thee. 

1 3  For  *^  thou  hast  dehvered  my  soul 
from  death:  *^  wilt  not  thou  deliver  my 
feet  from  falling,  that  I  may  "^  walk  be- 
fore God  in  ^  the  light  of  the  living? 

PSALM  LVII. 

In  extreme  danger,  David  fervently  prays  to  be  delivered  from 
his  cruel  foes,  1 — 6.  He  encourages  hiinself  in  praising  God, 
and  fervently  prays  that  he  may  be  universally  glorified,  7 — 
II. 

To  the  chief  Musician,  *  Al-taschith, 
Michtam  of  David,  ^  when  he  fled 
from  Saul  in  the  cave. 


a  66:13,14.    76:11.     1]6:H— 19. 

119:106.     Gen.  28:20—22.  35: 

1—3.    Num.  30:2,&c.     1  Sam. 

1:11,24—28.     Ec.  5:4— 6. 
b  9:1—3.   -21:13.    59:16,17.     Is. 

12:1. 
c  86:12,13.   116:8.     2  Cor.   1:10. 

1  Thes.  1:10.  Heb.  2:15.  Jam. 

5:20. 
d  17:5.  94:18.  145:14.  1  Sam.  2:9. 


e   116:9.     Gen.     17:1.     Is.  2:5. 

38:3. 
f  Job  33:30.     John  8:12.  12:35, 

36.  Eph.  5:8-14.  Rev.  21:23, 

24. 
*   Or,     destroy  not,   a  golden 

Psalm.  58:  59:  titles. 
a  142:   title.      1  Sam.   22:1.    24: 

3,8. 


ing  from  one  residence  to  another:  but  it  is  not 
g-enerally  understood. 

V.  9— 11.  J\'b<e»,  3,4.  27:1—3.  46:7.  62:1—7. 
Rom.  8:28—39. 

V.  12.  David  had,  it  seems,  made  solemn  vows 
under  his  distresses,  of  rendering-  public  praises 
unto  God,  when  delivered;  and  of  using-  the  re- 
gal authority,  which  God  had  promised  him,  to 
promote  his  glory:  and  he  confidently  expected,  j 
and  fully  purposed,  to  perform  these  vows. 
{Jilarg:  Ref.—Mjtes,  66:13—15.  Gen.  35:1—3.)     | 

V.    13.      The  Lord  had  rescued  David  from 
many  imminent  perils  of  death:  and  he  trusted  that 
he  would  keep  him  from  falling  by  the  hands  of  | 
his  enemies;   that  he  might  live,  to  walk  before  i 
him,  as  his  anointed  king,  in  prosperity  and  use-  j 
fulness.     Or  he  meant,  that  God,  having  saved  his  ! 
soul  by  converting  grace,  would   uphold  him  in 
the  ways  of  holiness,  in  which  he  desired  to  walk 
till  he  came  to  heaven.     [JSTotes,  116:8,9.  145:14.) 
— Light  of  the  living.}     J^otcs,  Job  33:27 — 30. 
Rev.  21:22—27. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  heavy  and  continued  trials,  through  which 
many  of  the  Lord's  servants  have  passed,  should 
teach  us  to  be  silent  and  patient  under  our  lighter 
afflictions.  "We  have  not  yet  resisted  unto  blood, 
striving  against  sin."  Our  good  words  may  in- 
deed be  wrested  to  an  evil  meaning;  and  our  foot- 
steps watched  by  those,  who  devise  evil  against 
us:  but  we  are  not  in  general  endangered  by  furi- 
ous assailants,  who  would  swallow  us  up,  and  de- 
stroy us;  or  at  least,  those  who  would  oppress  us 
have  their  hands  bound  or  otherwise  employed. 
Yet  are  we  often  tempted  to  repine  and  despond 
under  our  lighter  sorrows!  For  this  we  should 
check  and  condemn  ourselves;  and,  under  every 
disquieting  fear,  we  should  place  our  confidence 
in  God,  and  pray  more  earnestly  for  his  pardon- 
ing mercy. — Meditation  on  the  power  of  the  Most 
High,  engaged  by  his  most  gracious  and  faithful 
promises  to  his  people,  will  encourage  us  to  say 
with  boldness,  "The  Lord  is  my  Helper,  and  I 
will  not  fear  what  man  shall  do  unto  me."  [J^ote, 
Heb.  13:5,6.)  The  believer's  soul,  body,  charac- 
ter, and  interest,  are  all  safe  under  the  divine 
protection;  and  when  he  prays  earnestly,  his  ene- 
mies will  be  driven  back  and  disappointed. — Men 
may  for  a  time  prosper  in  and  fey  iniquity;  but 
God  in  his  anger  will  seen  cast  them  down:  and ; 


BE  merciful  unto  me,  O  God,  ^  be 
merciful  unto  me:  for  *  my  soul 
trusteth  in  thee:  yea,  ''in  the  shadow  of 
thy  wings  will  I  make  my  refuge,  ^  until 
these  calamities  be  over-past. 

2  I  will  cry  unto  ^  God  most  high; 
unto  God  s  that  performeth  all  things 
for  me. 

3  He  shall  •'send  from  heaven,  and 
save  me  ^from  the  reproach  of  him  that 
would  '  swallow  me  up.  Selah.  God 
shall  ^  send  forth  his  mercy  and  his 
truth. 

4  My   soul    is  '  among    lions:    and  I 


b56:l.  69:13—16.  119:76,77. 
c  9:10.  13:5.  125:1.  Is.  50:10. 
d  17:7,8.  36:7.    61:4.     63:7.    91: 

1,4,9.     Ruth   2:12.     Luke   13: 

34. 
e  Is.  10:25.  26:20.    Matt.  24:22. 

John     16:20.      Jam.     5:10,11. 

Rev.  7:14.  21:4. 
f56:2.   136:2,3.  Is.  57:15. 
e  138:8.   Is.  26:12.    Phil.  1:6.  2: 

12,13.  Heb.  13:21. 


h  ]8;6,&c.    144:5—7.    Matt.  23: 

2—6.     Acts  12:11. 
f  Or,   he  reproacheth  him,  that 

•would,  Src. 
i  66:2.     Num.  23:24.  Job  31:31. 

Mic.  3:2,3. 
k  40:11.  43:3.  John  1:17. 
1  10:9.    17:12,13.    22:13—16.  35: 

17.  53:6.     Prov.   28:15.    Dan. 

6:22—24. 


our  only  security  lies  in  escaping  yVom  iniquity. 
— The  Lord  graciously  notes  and  orders  the  re- 
movals of  his  people:  while  they  keep  in  the  path 
of  duty,  they  cannot  be  driven  from  his  gracious 
presence;  and  their  tears  of  godly  sorrow,  and 
those  which  are  extorted  by  persecution,  or  sym- 
pathy with  the  sufferings  of  others,  will  be  reserv- 
ed to  be  jewels  in  their  crown  of  glory.  Let  us 
then  be  careful  to  discharge  our  own  obligations. 
— General  vows  are  upon  us  as  Christians,  which 
have  been  ratified  at  baptism  and  the  Lord's  sup- 
per; and  we  have  made  promises  and  engage- 
ments in  seasons  of  trouble  and  distress.  Let  us 
conscientiously  perform  them,  when  delivered; 
and  then  we  may  leave  all  the  rest  with  the  Lord: 
and  if  his  grace  have  delivered  our  souls  from  the 
death  of  sin;  he  will  deliver  our  feet  from  falling, 
and  bring  us  to  heaven,  to  walk  before  him  for 
ever  "in  the  light  of  the  living,"  in  the  bright 
world  of  perfect  knowledge,  love,  purity,  and  fe- 
licity. 

NOTES. 

Psalm  LVII.  Title.  Al-taschith.]  ''Destroy 
no/."  This  may  intimate,  that  David  trusted, 
that  the  Lord  would  not  permit  him  to  be  destroy- 
ed, though  closely  pursued  by  Saul.  Some  think 
that  the  word  refers  to  the  restriction  David  laid 
on  his  officers,  not  to  destroy  Saul.  [J\Iarg, 
Ref.  a — JS'otes,  1  Sam.  24:4— 7.)— Cai^e.]  J^otes, 
1 42:  title.     1  Sam.  22: 1 ,2.  23: 1 9—29.  24: 1  —3. 

V.  1.  Marg.  Ref.—JSotes,  36:5—9.  63:7,8. 
Ruth  2:11,12.  /*.  26:20,21.  Matt.  23:37—39. 

V.  2.     Most  High.']  x^-hy  .     JVote,  56:[,2,  v.  2. 

— That  performeth,  Sic]  David  could  not  per- 
form for  himself  those  things,  which  were  requi- 
site for  his  security  and  advancement;  and  he 
would  not  seek  them  by  killing  Saul,  nor  would 
he  allow  his  soldiers  to  slay  him:  but  he  trusted 
in  God,  who  had  given  him  the  promise  of  the 
kingdom,  to  perform  all  things  necessary  to  its 
fulfilment  in  his  own  time  and  manner.  [JVotes, 
138:8.  1  Sam.  16:13.  24:4—7.  26:8—12.  1  Kings 
11:37.  12:2,3.  Phil.  1:3—6.) 

V.  3.  From  the  reproach,  &c.]  Or,  From  the 
reproof  of  him  that  would  swallow  me  up.  ( JVb<e, 
56:1,2.) — God  would  sooner  send  his  angels  from 
heaven  to  deliver  his  servant,  than  suffer  his  furi- 
ous enemies  to  destroy  him.  {Marg.  Ref.) — 
Mercy,  Sic.}  JVbtes,  40:11,12.  62:5—7.  86:14,15. 
89:1— 4.  John  1:17. 

[231 


B.  C.  1060. 


PSALM  LVm. 


B.  C.  lOGl. 


lie  even  among  them  that  are  "  set  on 
fire,  even  the  sons  of  men,  °  whose  teeth 
are  spears  and  arrows,  and  their  °  tongue 
a  sharp  sword. 

5  P  Be  thou  exalted,  O  God,  i  above 
the  heavens:  let  ^  thy  glory  be  above  all 
the  earth. 

6  They  have  prepared  ^  a  net  for  my 
steps;  *  my  soul  is  bowed  down:  they 
have  digged  a  pit  before  me,  into  the 
midst  whereof  they  are  fallen  themselves. 
Selah. 

7  "  My  heart  is  *  fixed,  O  God,  my 
heart  is  fixed:  ^1  will  sing  and  give  praise. 

8  y  Awake  up,  ^  my  glory;  awake, 
psaltery  and  harp;  I  myself  will  awake 
early. 


m  Jaig.  9:20.     Jam.  3:6. 

D  58:6.    Job  4:10,11.      Prov.  30: 

14. 
o   55:21.     64:3.       Prov.     12:18. 

25:18.  Rev.  19:15. 
n  21:13.    108:4,5.     iChr.  29:11. 

Is.  2:11, n.  12:4.  37:20.    Matt. 

6:9,10. 
qS:l.    113:4—6. 
r  72:19.    148:13.     A'am.    14:21. 

Is.  6:3.     Hab.  2:14.   3:3. 


S  7:15.    9:15,16.     35:7,8.    140:5. 

1  Sam.  23:22—26.    Prov.  29:5. 
t  42:6.    142:3.    143:4.     Matt.  26: 

37,38. 
u  108:1,2.   112:7. 
*  Or,  prepared. 
x34:4.     Is.  24:15.      Rom.   5:3. 

Eph.  5:20. 
yjudg.  5:12.     Is.  52:1,9. 
z  16:9.   30:12.    103:1-3.     Acts 


9*1  will  praise  thee,  O  Lord,  among 
the  people:  I  will  sing  unto  thee  among 
the  nations. 

10  For  ''  thy  mercy  is  great  unto  the 
heavens,  and  '^  thy  truth  unto  the  clouds. 

11  ''Be  thou  exalted,  O  God,  above 
the  heavens:  let  thy  glory  be  above  all 
the  earth. 

PSALM  LVm. 

David  reproves  unjust  elders  and  judges,  1,  2.  He  describes  the 
odious  character  of  the  wicked,  3 — 5.  He  predicts  their  ruin, 
and  the  joy  of  the  righteous,  on  beholding  the  just  judgments 
of  God  upon  them,  6 — 11. 

To    the    chief    Musician,    *  Al-taschith, 

Michtam    of    David. 
*  T\0  ye  indeed  speak  righteousness, 
JUf  ^  O    congregation.''  do    ye  judge 
uprightly,    "^  O  ye  sons  of  men.'' 

2  Yea,    ^  in    heart   ye  work  wicked- 

a  2:1.     18:49.     22:22,23.      96:3   |    Sam.  23:3.     2  Chr.  19:6,7.    Is. 


145:10—12.     Rom. 
85:10,11.  89:1,2. 


138:1,4,5 

15,9. 
b  36:5.    71:19. 

103:11.   108:4. 
c  Gen.  9:9—17.     Is.  54:7—10. 

Heb.  6:17,18. 
d5.   ?:1,9.     Rev.  15:3,4. 
*   Or,    destroy  not,  a  golden 

Psalm.  57:  59:  titles. 
a  72:1 — 4.     Deut.     16:18.19.    2 


11:3—5.  32:1.  Jer.  23:5,6. 
b  82:1,2.     Num.  11:16.  Deut  1: 

15,16.     2  Sam.  5:3.    Matt.  26: 

3.  27:1.    Luke  23:50,51.    Acts 

5:21. 
c  82:6,7. 
d  Ec.  3:16.     Is.  59:4—6.     Jer. 

22:16,17.     Ez.  22:12,27.    Mic. 

3:1—3,9—12.    John  11:47-53. 


V.  4.  Jt/y  soiily  &c.]  'The  fiercest  beasts, 
'the  most  devouring-  of  elements,  and  the  sharp- 
'est  of  military  weapons,  are  selected,  to  repre- 
'sent  the  power  and  fury  of  David's  enemies, 
'How  much  stronger  and  more  furious  were  the 
'enemies  of  Christ,  who,  in  the  day  of  his  passion, 
'resembled  Daniel  in  the  lion's  den,  and  the  three 
'children  in  the  fiery  furnace!'    Bp.  Home. 

Set  onjire.]  D^JOri^  •  'I'^^  means  those  who 
'are  inflamed,  or  incendiaries,  who  inflame  and 
'irritate  the  minds  of  others  by  lies  and  calum- 
'nies.'  Robertson. — The  tongue  "setteth  on  fire 
the  course  of  nature,  and  is  set  on  fire  of  hell." 
{.Tarn.  3:6.— JVoie*,  52:1—4.  1  Sam.  22:9,10. 
Prov.  16:27.  26:17—23.  Jam.  3:3—6.) 

V.  5.  If  David  had  been  destroyed  by  his 
fierce  enemies,  God  would  have  been  dishonored: 
but  his  marvellous  deliverance  and  advancement 
would  be  honorable  to  the  name  of  the  Ijord;  and 
even  angels  in  heaven,  as  well  as  men  on  earth, 
would  glorify  him  on  that  account.  [Jfotes,  21: 
13.  Jlatt.  6:9,13.) 

V.  6.     Marg.  Ref.—J^''otes,  7:14—16.  9:15,16. 

V.  7 — 1 1.  The  Psalmist  here  suddenly  chang-es 
his  language  from  deep  complaints  to  exulting 
praises.  His  heart,  delivered  from  desponding 
fears,  was  prepared,  and  fixed  in  a  determination 
to  praise  God,  and  to  employ  his  tongue  and  all 
his  musical  powers  in  that  service:  with  this  he 
would  awaken  the  morning,  or  begin  the  day; 
and  he  would  render  his  worship  as  public  as  he 
possibly  could,  that  both  the  Israelites  and  the 
surrounding  nations  might  hear. — This  may  with 
peculiar  propriety  be  applied  to  Jesus,  as  risen 
from  the  dead,  and  exulting  in  the  view  of  the 
glory  which  would  redound  to  God  in  the  con- 
version of  the  Gentiles.  {J^Totes,  5.  22:22—28 
40:9,10.    108:1— 5.)— r/ie  people.    (9)     \2>f2^ 

peoples:  both  the  nouns  are  plural. — Thy  mercy, 
&c.(IO)  JVbfes,  36:5— 9.  89:1—4.   103:11—13. 

PRACTIC/iL  OBSERVATIONS. 

Protection  from  man's  injustice  must  be  sought 
from  the  Lord's  mercy;  and  the  most  eminent  be- 
lievers need  frequently  to  reiterate  the  publican's 
232] 


prayer,  "God  be  merciful  to  me,  a  sinner."  But 
an  inward  consciousness,  that  our  souls  trust  in 
the  Lord,  may  enable  us  in  the  most  imminent 
dangers,  to  expect,  that  our  calamities  will  at 
length  be  over-past:  and,  in  the  mean  time,  by 
faith  and  prayer,  we  must  make  the  shadow  of 
his  almighty  wings  our  refuge. — If  we  have  fled 
from  the  wrath  to  come  unto  Jesus  Christ,  we 
are  interested  in  all  his  merits,  grace,  and  victo- 
ries; and  in  all  the  precious  promises  and  glori- 
ous perfections  of  our  God:  and  he,  who  hzs  per- 
formed all  things  requisite  to  the  salvation  of  his 
people,  will  in  answer  to  our  prayers  perform  all 
things  for  us,  and  in  us,  which  are  needful  to  our 
enjoyment  of  it.  It  is  true  that  the  sons  of  men, 
among  whom  we  live,  are  often  savage  as  lions, 
and  fierce  as  the  flaming  fire:  their  teeth  seem 
to  be  spears  and  arrows,  and  their  slanderous 
tongues,  sharp  swords:  and  Satan,  a  still  more 
subtle,  powerful,  and  cruel  enemy,  would  swal- 
low us  up.  But  notwithstanding  their  snares 
and  pits,  their  stratagems  and  assaults,  we  are 
safe,  if  we  belong  to  the  Lord.  The  Redeemer 
was  far  more  exposed  to  their  rage  and  malice, 
and  by  their  wicked  hands  was  crucified  and 
slain:  yet  the  Lord  sent  from  heaven  and  raised 
him  from  the  dead,  and  advanced  him  to  his  glo- 
rious throne:  and  he  will,  through  him,  send 
forth  his  mercy  and  truth,  and  graciously  accom- 
plish his  promises;  he  will  rescue  our  souls  from 
all  tempters  and  persecutors;  and  angels  shall 
join  with  men  in  beholding  and  celebrating  his 
glory  in  our  salvation.  Let  us  then  seek  to  have 
our  "hearts  fixed  on  him,  and  prepared  for  his 
spiritual  worship;  to  celebrate  the  praises  of  his 
boundless  mercy  and  unfailing  faithfulness,  and 
to  "glorify  him  with  body  and  spirit,  which  are 
his."  Let  us  assuredly  expect  and  wait  for  the 
completion  of  what  concerneth  us:  and  let  us 
earnestly  prav,  that  the  Lord  may  be  exalted 
above  the  heavens,  and  his  glory  above  all  the 
earth,  by  extending  the  blessings  of  his  gospel 
through  every  part  oi  every  land,  in  all  the  woi'ld. 
{J^otes,  67:) 


Psalm  LVIII. 


NOTES. 

Title.    JVote,  57:  title. 


B.  C.  1061. 


PSALM  LV  III. 


B.  C.   1001, 


ness;  ye  ®  weigh    the    violence   of  your 
hands  in  the  earth. 

3  The  wicked  are  '  estranged  from 
the  womb:  they  go  astray  *  as  soon  as 
they  be  born,  speaking  hes. 
"  4  Their  s  poison  is  t  hke  the  poison 
of  a  "  serpent;  they  are  hke  '  the  deaf 
+  adder  that  stoppeth  her  ear; 

5  Which  will  not  hearken  to  the 
voice  of  charmers,  5  charming  never  so 
wisely. 

6  ''  Break  their  teeth,  O  God,  in  their 
mouth;  break  out  the  great  teeth  of  '  the 
young  lions,  O  Lord. 

7  Let  them  ""  melt  away  as  waters 
which  run  continually;  when  he  bendeth 


e  94:20.     Is.  10:1.    26:7. 

f  51:5.  Job  15:14.  Prov.  22: 
15.    Is.  48:8.      Eph.  2:3.  4:13. 

*  Heb.  from  the  belly.  22:10. 
Is.  46:3.  ^ 

g  140:.').  Ec.  10:11.  Rom.  3: 
13.    Jam.  3:8. 

t  Heb.  according  to  the  like- 
ness of. 

h  Matt.  3:7.    2»33. 

i  Jer.  8:17. 

%   Or,   asp.     Job  20:14,16.    Is. 


11:8. 
§   Or,   be    the  charmer    never 

so  cunning,    Deut.  18:11.    Is. 

19:3. 
k3:7.    10:15.     .Job  4:10,11. '29: 

17.     Ez.  30:21,&c. 
1  17:12.  91:13.    Kum.  23:24.  Is. 

31:4.   Hos.  5:14.  Mic.  5:8. 
m  22:14.    64:7,8.    112:10.      Ex. 

15:15.      Josh.  2:9,11.     2  Sam. 

17:10.    Is.  13:7. 


V.  1,2.  It  is  conjectured  that  Saul  instituted 
a  leg-al  process  ag-ainst  David;  and,  by  corrupt- 
ing' the  assembly  of  the  elders,  obtained  an  ini- 
quitous seBtence  of  treason  ag-ainst  him,  in  order 
to  cover  his  malicious  persecution.  Thus  the 
Sanhedrim  and  the  people  of  the  Jews,  and  Pi- 
late, condemned  Jesus  to  be  put  to  death.  In 
both  cases,  the  persons  concerned  inwardly  de- 
signed and  loved  wickedness;  and,  while  they 
pretended  to  weig'h  the  cause  in  the  balance  of 
justice,  they  used  their  power  to  commit  violence, 
even  after  having-  deliberately  considered  the  na- 
ture and  consequences  of  their  conduct:  and  this 
was  the  more  heinous,  as  it  was  perpetrated  b}' 
the  magistrates  placed  over  the  people  of  God, 
"in  tlie  land''''  where  his  name  was  worshipped, 
and  his  (jracles  made  known.  In  respect  of  their 
conduct,  therefore,  the  Psalmist  makes  a  most 
solemn  appeal  to  their  consciences,  and  express- 
ly charges  them  with  extreme  guilt.  {J\larg. 
Ref.—JS'otes,  82:1—7.)  * 

V.  3 — 5.  The  Psalmist  here  traced  back  the 
base  conduct  of  his  persecutors,  (as  he  had  done 
his  own  crimes,  J^ote,  51:3,6.)  to  the  source  of 
original  depravity;  which ^ad  neither  been  coun- 
teracted by  proper  discipline,  nor  subdued  by 
regenerating-  grace. — All  wickedness  springs 
from  tlie  alienation  of  the  heart  from  God,  being 
"estranged"  from  him:  and  children  very  soon 
manifest  evil  tempers,  and  contract  habits  of  ly- 
ing and  of  other  vices.  If  therefore  they  grow 
up,  without  change  or  restraint,  and  escape  with 
impunity,  or  are  even  encouraged  in  wickedness, 
as  Saul's  courtiers  and  judges  were;  they  will  at 
length  be  hardened  in  sin,  and  ready  to  perpe- 
trate any  villany.  The  mpst  hateful  dispositions 
are  found  as  natural  to  them,  and  as  fatal  to  oth- 
ers, as  the  poison  of  a  serpent.  It  was  indeed 
commonly  allowed,  that  some  kind  of  music,  or 
skilful  incantiitions,  would  disarm  the  rage  of 
serpents,  in  general:  j'.et  one  species  of  adder 
seemed  to  be  deaf.,  or  as  if  she  stopped  her  ears 
against  the  most  skilful  strains  of  those  who  at- 
tempted to  charm  her:  thus  no  arguments,  per- 
suasions, or  services  of  David,  could  mollify  the 
envenomed  malice  of  Saul  and  his  party  against 
him. — In  like  manner  the  heavenly  discourses 
and  the  beneficent  miracles  of  Jesus  did  not  dis- 

Vol.  m.  30 


\his  hoio   to  shoot  his  arrows,  let  them  be 
as  cut  in  pieces. 

8  As  a  snail  which  melteth,  let  every 
one  of  them  "  pass  away:  like  °  the  un- 
timely birth  of  a  woman,  that  they  may 
not  see  the  sun. 

9  Before  your  pots  can  feel  ^  the 
thorns,  he  shall  take  them  away  i  as 
with  a  whirlwind,  II  both  living,  and  in 
his  wrath. 

10  'The  righteous  shall  rejoice  when 
he  seeth  the  vengeance:  he  shall  Hvash 
his  feet  in  the  blood  of  the  wicked, 

1 1  So  that  a  man  shall  say,  ^  Verily 
there  is  ^  a  reward  for  the  righteous: 
"  verily  he  is  a  God  that  judgeth  in  the 
earth. 


n  37:35,36.     Matt.  24:35.    Jam. 

1:10. 
o  Job  3:16.    Ec.  6:3. 
p  118:12.      Ec.  7:6. 
q  55:23.  73:18—20.     Job   18:18. 

20:5,&c.      Prov.    1:27.     14:32. 

Is.  17:13.  40:24.    Jer.  23:19. 
II    Heb.      as   living   as   wrath. 

Num.  16:30. 
r  52:6.    64:10.    63:1—3.    107:42. 


Judg.  5:31.   Prov.  11:10.  F..ev. 

13:20.   19:1—6. 
s  68:23.    Job  29:6.    Rev.  14:20. 
173:13-15.  92:15.     Mai.  3:14. 

Rom.  2:5. 
IT  Heb.  fruit  of  thee,  g(C.    Is. 

3:10.    Rom.  6:21,22. 
u9:l6.  64:9.67:4.   83:18.  96:13. 

Mai.  2:17.     2  Pet.  3:4— 10. 


arm  the  rage  of  that  "generation  of  vipers"  against 
him:  (JVbto,  140:1—3.  Malt.  3:7—10.  23:29— 
33.)  and  sinners  will  stop  their  ears,  and  close 
their  hearts  against  conviction  or  persuasion, 
while  they  rush  forward  in  rebellion  and  enmity 
against  God  and  his  cause.  i^Marg.  Ref. — JVotes, 
Ec.  10:11—15.  Jer.  8:17.) 

V.  6 — 9.  David's  enemies  were  strong  and 
fierce  as  young  lions:  he  therefore  prayed  that 
their  teeth  might  be  broken.,  even  their  strongest 
teeth,  their  grinders,  with  which  they  were  ready 
to  devour  him:  that  so  they  might  be  disabled 
from  doing  mi.schief.  [JVot'es,  27:1— 3.  56:1,2. 
57:4.)  They  overwlielmed  him  like  an  inunda- 
tion: but  he  desired  it  might  prove  like  a  land- 
flood,  which  is  soon  wasted.  They  were  about 
to  shoot  at  him:  but  he  would  have  their  bows, 
or  their  arrows,  to  be  shivered  to  pieces,  and 
become  like  straw,  and  do  no  execution;  and 
he  prayed  that  they  might  waste  insensibly  as 
the  snail,  which  leaves  its  substance  all  along  its 
track;  and  that  they  might  come  to  nothing,  like 
an  abortion.  He  also  predicted,  th  t;  their  pros- 
perous rage,  (which  resembled  the  crackling  of 
thorns  under  a  pot,)  would  soon  be  extinct,  and 
produce  no  effect:  while  the  Lord  in  his  wrath 
would  hurrj'  them  into  speedy  destruction;  as  a 
furious  whirlwind  drives  a  living  man  down  a 
precipice,  or  into  a  dreadful  pit.  This  seems  the 
meaning  of  the  passage;  but  the  original  is  some- 
what obscure  to  us.     [Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  10,  11.  David's  cause  was  that  of  true  re= 
ligion;  and  though  he  would  not  avenge  himself, 
he  knew  that  the  Lord  would,  and  with  terrible 
displays  of  his  power  and  wrath.  Then  the  right- 
eous would  rejoice,  not  in  the  misery  of  Saul  end 
his  party,  but  in  the  display  of  the  divine  glory, 
and  in  the  triumphs  of  truth  and  piety  over  un- 
godliness and  iniquity:  nay,  the  most  terrible  cir- 
cumstances of  their  ruin  would  add  to  the  com- 
fort and  purity  of  the  righteous;  as  if  a  man 
should  wash  his  feet  in  the  blood  of  those,  who 
had  trampled  upon  every  thing  sacred:  while 
all,  who  witnessed  these  events  would  be  con- 
strained to  confess,  "Verily  there  is  a  reward," 
[oT fruity)  "for  the  righteous;  veril}'  he  is  a  God 
that  judgeth  in  the  earth."  (Botli  tlie  word  lor 
"God,"  and  that  translated  "that  judgeth,"  are 

[233 


B.  C.  1061. 


PSALM  LIX. 


B.  C.  1061. 


PSALM   LIX. 

David,  in  great  danger,  prays  to  be  saved  from  his  enemies,  com- 
plains of  theircrielty.butstill  trusts  in  God,  1 — 10.  He  pray» 
for  and  predicts  their  confusion  and  ruin,  and  resolves  to  praise 
God  continually,  11 — 17. 

To  the  chief  Musician,  *  Al-taschith, 
Michtam  of  David;  *when  Saul  sent, 
and  they  watched  the  house  to  kill 
him. 

^'''^ELIVER  me  from  mine  enemies, 
O    my    God;    t  defend   me    from 

them  that  rise  up  against  me. 

2  Dehver  me  from  the  workers  of 
iniquity,  and  '^  save  me  from  bloody 
men. 

3  For,  lo,  "^  they  lie  in   wait  for  my 

*   Or,  Destroy  not,  a  golden 

Psalm.  67:  53:  titles. 
a  Judg.  16:2,3.      1  Sam.   19:11, 

&c.  2  Cor.  11:32,33. 
b   7:1,-'.     18:48.      71:4.     143:12. 

Luke  1:71,75.    2  Tim.  4:17,18. 


f  Jleb.   set  me  on  high.    12:5. 

91:14.  Is.  33:16. 
c  26:9.  27:2.  55:23.   139:19. 
d  10:9,10.  37:32,33.  33:12.  56:6. 

1  Sam.  19:1.  Prov.  12:6.   Mic. 

7:2.    Acts  23:21. 


in  the  plural.  JVote,  Gen.  1:1.)— All  this  was 
most  signally  verified  in  the  destruction  of  Jeru- 
salem, after  the  Jews  had  crucified  their  Messi- 
ah: and  it  has  had,  and  will  have,  repeated  ac- 
complishments, in  the  establishment  of  true 
Christianity  upon  the  ruins  of  its  opposers:  but 
the  day  of  judgment  will  be  its  grand  and  final 
accomplishment.  {JVotes,  96:11—13.  /s.  26:20, 
21.  31:  63:1—6.  Mat.  3:13—18.  iJev.  14:14— 20. 
18:20—24.  19:1—6,17—21.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

Injustice  established  by  law,  and  decreed  by 
judges,  is  more  (nalignant  than  any  other. — It  is 
gi-ievous  to  behold  the  sons  of  men  preying  upon 
their  own  species;    but  more  so  to  see  the  con- 
gregation of  those,  who  profess  to  be  the  children 
of  God,   combining  against  the  remnant  of  his 
true  people.     We  may  very  properly  appeal  to 
the  consciences  of  such  iniquitous  judges,  wheth 
er  indeed  they  speak  righteously  and  decide  up 
rightly.      But  the  malice,   avarice,  or  pride  of 
their  hearts  prevails   against  their  convictions; 
and  their  iniquity  is  intentional,  deliberate,  and 
determined. — While  we  behold  the  effects  of  nat- 
ural depravity  in  the  atrocious  crimes  of  others; 
we  should  be  humbled  by  recollecting,  that  the 
principles   of    them  all  are   in   our  hearts  also. 
Wg  ought  therefore  to  be  thankful  to  the  Lord 
for  merciful  restraints;    earnest  in  seeking  re- 
newing grace;  watchful  over  ourselves;    and  pa- 
tient under  the  effects  of  our  fallen  nature  in 
others.     We  may  see,  in  our  children,  the  wick- 
edness of  the  world  in  embryo:  their  dislike  to  re- 
ligion, their  ingenuity  at  inventing  lies,  their  pride, 
obstinacy,   vanity,   envy,   and    anger,  are  rank 
weeds,  which  if  neglected,  will  overspread  their 
minds,  and  prevent  the  growth  of  every  good 
thing.    It  is  our  duty  therefore  to  bestow  much 
pains  upon  their  education;  and  atove  all  to  pray 
for  converting  grace  to  make  them  new  creatures. 
— But,  though  the  poison  of  a  serpent  is  within 
us,  we  may  prevent  in  great  measure  its  break- 
ing forth  to  the  injury  of  others.     When  the  Sa- 
vior's instructions,  reasonings,  and  persuasions 
are  duly  regarded,   the  very  serpent  becomes 
harmless  and  gentle  like  the  dove.    (JVo<e,  Is. 
11:6 — 9.)    But  those,  who  refuse  to  hear  him  that 
speaks  to  them  in  strains  of  heavenly  wisdom, 
must  perish  miserably  and  eternally;    nor  can  all 
nature  furnish  images  adequately  to  represent 
tlieir  dreadful  doom.     Though  the  righteous  are 
not  "glad  at  calamities,"  yet  they  must  rejoice 
to  see  the  cause  of  God  triumphant,  and  men  on 
every  side  convinced  that  there  is  a  reward  for 
234] 


soul:  ^the  mighty  are  gathered  against 
me;  ^  not  for  my  transgression,  nor  for 
my  sin,  O  Lord. 

4  They  s  run  and  prepare  themselves 
without  my  fault:  ^  awake  to  t  help  me, 
and  behold. 

5  Thou  therefore,  O  Lord  God  of 
hosts,  '  the  God  of  Israel,  awake  to 
^  visit  all  ^  the  heathen:  ■"  be  not  mer- 
ciful to  any  wicked  transgressors.     Selah. 

6  They  °  return  at  evening:  they 
make  a  noise  like  a  dog,  and  go  round 
about  the  city. 


e  2:2.    Acts  4:26,27. 

f  7:3—6.  69:4.      1  Sam.  24:11. 

26:18.    John  15:25. 
g  1   Sam.    19:12—24.     Prov.  1: 

16.  Is.  59:7.  Acts  23:15.   Rom. 

3:15. 
h  5:6.  35:23.  44:23.   Is.  51:9. 
{  Heb.  meet. 


i  Gen.  33:20.  Ex.  3:15. 

k  Ex.  20:5. 

1  9:15.  54:3.    Is.  1:10.    Am.  9:7. 

Roni.  2:28,29.   9:6. 
ra  7:12,13.  55:15.  Is.  27:11.  Ez. 

18:27,23.  Jam.  2:13. 
n  14.    ISam.  19:11. 


the  righteous,  and  "a  God  who  judgeth  the  earth." 
They  must  therefore  exult  on  some  occasions,  in 
the  ruin  of  terrible  persecutors:  they  will  in  due 
time  rejoice  at  the  destruction  of  all  antichris- 
tian  corrupters  of  the  faith:  and  at  last,  they  will 
witness  the  perdition  of  ungodly  men  with  un- 
mingled  joy,  and  sing,  "So  let  all  thine  enemies 
perish,  O  Lord."  {J^otes,  68:1—3.  Judg.  5:31. 
Esth.8:l3—[1.  9:17—32.  Prm.  11:10,11.) 

NOTES. 
PsAi,M  LIX.  Title.  {J^ofes,  1  Sam.  \9:n— 
18.)  In  this  Psalm  'David  expresses  what  his 
'thoughts  and  affections  were,  when  Saul  sent 
'officers  to  watch  his  house  all  night,  and  to  slay 
'him  when  he  came  out  of  his  doors  in  the  morn- 
'ing.'  Bp.  Patrick. — His  triumphant  confidence 
in  God  in  this  extreme  danger,  and  his  antici- 
pated fervor  of  gratitude,  for  the  deliverance 
which  he  fully  expected,  shew  a  peculiarly  pious 
and  happy  state  of  mind,  in  such  trying  circum- 

V.  1,  2.  {Jlarg.  Ref.)  Defend.  (1)  Or, 
"Thou  shalt  set  me  on  high,  &c."  The  rlause  is 
future,  and  implies  the  strongest  assurance  of 
safety,  and  advancement  above  all  enemies, 
grounded  on  the  special  promises  of  God.  [JVotesy 
12:5,6.  27:4—6.  91:14—16.  /*.  33:15,16.) 

V.  3,  4.  David  had  not  in  any  thing  offended 
Saul,  but  was  persecuted  by  him  and  his  adhe- 
rents, for  his  good  deeds,  not  for  his  sins:  and 
in  this  he  typified  the  suffering,  but  perfectly 
holy  Jesus.  {J^otes,  7:3—5.  27:1—3.  1  Sam.  18: 
12—16.   19:1—7.  John  15:22— 25.) 

V.  5.  Heathen.l  a>iJ,  nations.  Gentiles.  {JVotes, 

8.  10:16.  Is.  1:10— 15.  Jer.  9:25,26.  Am.  9:1— 
10.) — Be  not  merciful,  &c.]  The  Lord's  mercy 
and  patience,  towards  the  inveterate  enemies  of 
his  cause,  appeared  to  David  ruinous  to  the  in- 
terests of  true  religion  in  Israel:  but  the  words 
are  also  a  prediction  of  that  judgment  "without 
mercy,"  which  will  be  executed  upon  all  the  im- 
placable opposers  of  Christ  and  his  people.-»- 
Those  who  repent  cease  to  be  "wicked  trans- 
gressors," and  "perfidious  workers  of  iniquity;" 
none  of  the  impenitent  will  find  mercy:  and  as 
far  as  it  can  be  ascertained,  that  this  is  the  awful 
case  of  any  persons,  we  are  not  required  to  pray 
for  them;  nor  forbidden  to  pray  against  them, 
that  by  the  righteous  judgment  of  God,  they  may 
be  prevented  from  doing  further  mischief.  [Marg. 
Ref.—J^otes,  I  Tim.  4:14,15.  1  John  5:16—18. 
Rev.  6:9—11.) 
V.  6.     David's  persecutors  remitted  their  pur- 


B.  C.   lOGl. 


PSALM  LIX. 


B.  C.   1061. 


7  Beliokl ,  °  they  belcli  out  with  then- 
mouth:  p  swords  are  in  tlieir  lips;  for 
•1  who,  say  they,  doth  hear? 

8  But  ■■  thou,  O  Lord,  shall  laugh  at 
them;  thou  shah  have  all  ^  the  heathen 
in  derision. 

9  Because  of  *-  his  strength  will  I 
wait  upon  thee:  for  God  is  my  *  De- 
fence. 

10  "  The  God  of  my  mercy  shall 
"  prevent  me:  God  shall  ^  let  me  see  my 
desire  upon  mine  t  enemies. 

1 1  ^  Slay  them  not,  lest  my  people 
forget:    *  scatter    them    by    thy    power; 


o  Prov.  15:2.   marg.    Matt.  12: 

S-i. 
p  55:21.  57:4.  64:3—5.    109:2,3. 

Prov.  13:18. 
q  10:11,13.  73:11.  94:7—9.  Job 

2rJ:  12,13.  Jer.  23:24. 
r2:4.    37:13.      1  Sam.   19:15,16. 

Prov.  1:26. 
s5.    Matt.  18:17. 
t  13:1,2.    27:1,14.    46:1.    62:5,6, 

Jl.      Is.    12:2.     26:3,4.     40:31. 

Matt.  6:13. 
*  Heb.    High  place.  9:9.  20:1. 

4&.1.  marg.   Is.  58:14.     Hab. 

3;19. 
u  17.     2  Cor.  1:3.     Eph.  2:4,5. 


1  Pet.  5:10. 
x21:3.  79:8.  Is.  65:24.   1  Thes. 

4:15. 
y   54:7.    91:8.    92:11.     112:8.    1 

Sara.     26:10.     2  .Sam.  1:1 1,12, 

17.      Jer.    17:16.     Luke  19:41 

—44.    Rom.  10:2,3. 
t    Heb.     observers.    5:8.    51:5. 

Tnarg.  56:6. 
z  Gen.  4:12—15.      Judg.  1:6,7. 

Ec.  9:5.     Ez.  12:15,16.    14:22, 

23. 
a  44:11.  52:5.  Lev.  26:33.  Dent. 

4:27.  28:64.  '30:3,4.    Ez.  12:15. 

Luke  1:51,62.  21:24. 


and  ^  bring   ihem  down,   O  Lord,  *=  our 
Shield. 

12  '^For  the  sin  of  their  mouth  and 
the  words  of  their  lips,  let  them  even  be 
^  taken  in  their  pride:  and  for  '^  cursing 
and  lying  which  they  speak. 

13  s  Consume  them  in  wrath,  con- 
sume them,  that  they  may  not  be:  and 
''  let  them  know  that  God  ruleth  in 
Jacob,  unto  the  ends  of  the  earth.  Se- 
lah. 

14  And  '  at  evening  let  them  return; 
and  let  them  make  a  noise  hke  a  dog, 
and  go  round  about  the  city. 

15  Let  them  *=  wander  up  and  down 
t  for  meat,  and  5  grudge  '  if  they  be  not 
satisfied. 


b  Job  40:12. 
c3:3.  84:11. 
d  64:7,8.  79:12.   120:3,4. 

10.     Prov.  12:13.    18:7. 

12:36,37.  27:25,63. 
e  10:2.     Prov.  6:2.    11:6. 
f  109:17,13.      Hos.   4:2. 

23:5. 
g  11.  7:9.    Num.    14:34,35.    32: 

13.   Deut.  2:14— 16.   7:22,23. 
h  83:18.  135:5,6.     1  Sam.    17:46, 

47.  1  Kings  18.36,37.   2  Kings 


140:9, 

Matt. 


Luke 


19:19.      Is.    54:5.     Ez.    38:23. 

39:7.    Pan.  4:25,32— 35. 
iO.  22:16. 
k  109:10.     Job   15:23.    30:1—7. 

Is.  8:21. 
X  Heb.  to  eat.     Deut.   28:48,53 

—53.  2  Kings  6:25 — 29.  Lam. 

4:4,5,9,10.    5:9,10.      Matt.  24: 

7,8.. 
5  Or,   if  they  be  not  satisfied, 

then  they  vull  stay  all  night. 
1  Is.  56:11.     Mic.  3:5. 


suit  of  his  life,  during'  the  day-time;  but  in  the 
evening-  they  returned  to  hunt  their  prey,  with 
menaces  and  reproaches,  as  the  hound  makes  a 
noise  when  upon  the  scent  after  the  hunted  ani- 
mal: thus  they  compassed  the  city  to  prevent  his 
escape.  The  Scribes  and  Pharisees  also  chose 
the  night  for  the  season  of  their  machinations 
against  the  Son  of  David.  [J^otes,  Matt.  27:1,2. 
John  18:1—3.) 

V.  7.  The  reviling  menaces  and  proud  boast- 1 
ings,  which  were  vented  from  the  furious  malice 
of  these  persecutors,  wounded  David's  peace  and 
reputation  like  swords,  and  subserved  their  de- 
signs of  murdering  him:  nor  would  they  have 
dared  to  utter  such  notorious  falsehoods,  if  they 
had  not  disbelieved  the  being  of  a  God,  or  their 
accountableness  to  him.  {Marg.  Ref. — JVotes, 
55:20  21.  57:4.) 

V.'s.  (JVbie*,  2:1— 6.)— In  this  Psalm,  (JVbfe, 
5.)  and  in  other  places,  the  Israelites,  who  set 
themselves  against  the  man  "after  God's  own 
heart,"  are  called  "the  heathen:"  and  in  like 
manner  the  Jews,  when  they  had  crucified  the 
Son  of  David,  and  persisted  in  refusing  to  submit 
to  him,  were  excluded  from  the  church  of  God, 
and  have  ever  since  been  treated  as  a  part  of 
the  Gentile  world;  except  as  marked  with  more 
striking  indications  of  the  divine  displeasure. 
(JVotes,  Is.  65:13—15.  Hos.  3:4,5.) 

V.  9.  'The  more  strong  and  tlie  more  mali- 
'cious  Saul  is,  the  more  will  1  look  unto  thee;  ... 
'for  thou,  O  God,  art  my  sure  Refuge  in  my 
'greatest  distresses.'  Bp.  Hall. — Some,  howev- 
er, suppose  that  the  Psalmist,  when  he  says,  "Be- 
cause of  his  strength,'"  refers  to  the  almighty 
power  of  God,  as  the  ground  of  his  cheerful  con- 
fidence.    (Jlarg.—JVote,  1,2.) 

V.  10.  God,  who  had  always  shewn  mercy 
and  loving-kindness  to  his  servant,  would  cer- 
tainly come  to  his  aid  in  this  emergency,  in  some 
way  beyond  all  human  expectation;  so  that 
when  he  seemed  to  stand  afar  off,  he  would  shew 
himself  present,  to  keep  his  enemies  from  hurt- 
ing him.  He  would  also  exceed  the  hope  of  his 
friends;  and  even  prevent  him,  by  answering  his 

firayers,  while  he  was  employed  in  oifering  them. 
Is.   65:24.)     Thus   God   would  cause   David  to 


look  on  his  enemies  without  dismay,  and  to  be- 
hold their  disappointment. — His  conduct,  when 
he  heard  of  Saul's  death,  implies,  that  he  had  not 
desired,  though  he  had  foreseen,  the  woeful  day. 
{Marg.  Ref.—Js-ote,  54:7.) 

V.  11—13.  The  rejection  of  the  Jewish  na- 
tion, their  long  continued  dispersion,  and  their 
preservation  as  a  distinct  people,  reminding  men 
all  over  the  earth  of  God's  vengeance  on  those 
who  reject  his  gospel,  and  proudly  despise  and 
blaspheme  his  Son;  (while  every  successive  g-en- 
eration  allows  the  deeds  of  their  fathers,  by  ibcir 
enmity  against  Christianity;)  form  such  a  strik- 
ing accomplishment  of  this  passage,  that  we  must 
conclude  the  Holy  Spirit  intended  these  events 
in  them:  though  it  is  probable  that  David  meant 
the  disgrace,  degradation,  and  gradual  extirpa- 
1  tion  of  Saul's  family,  for  their  opposition  to  the 
'  Lord's  Anointed,  and  all  their  imprecations  and 
j  calumnies  against  him.  Other  obstinate  oppo- 
sers  of  genuine  Christianity  may  also  be  intend- 
'ed.  {Marg.  iie/.)— "They  shall  be  taken  in 
i  their  pride,  &c."  (l2)  "And  they"  (or,  men,\ 
\  "shall  know,  unto  the  ends  of  the  earth,  that  God 
I  ruleth,  &c."  (13)  Had  the  nation  of  Israel  been 
1  wholly  extirpated  for  their  crimes,  especially  for 
j  crucifying  their  Messiah,  and  their  obstinate  and 
I  persevering  opposition  to  him  and  his  cause;  or 
I  had  they  been  incorporated  with  the  Gentiles, 
j  among  whom  they  were  dispersed;  the  awful 
I  event  would  in  time  have  been  forgotten,  and 
j  many  important  benefits  to  the  cause  of  true  re- 
ligion prevented.  But  their  continuance  through 
i  successive  ages,  a  separate  people,  scattered 
amidst  all  nations,  has  been,  and  is,  a  most  im- 
I  portant  proof  that  Christianity  is  of  God;  and  will 
I  doubtless  make  way  for  still  more  surprising 
i  events,  in  their  restoration,  and  the  consequen- 
I  ces  of  it  to  the  world  at  large.  {JS'^olos,  J^iim. 
123:9.  J«r.  30:10,11.  Hos.  3:4,5.  J?o?7i.  11:11— 15, 
122—32.) 

V.  14,15.  These  verses  may  mean,  that  the 
'  punishment  of  David's  persecutors  would  be  an- 
swerable to  their  crimes:    their  clamors  against 

I  him  would  be  followed  by  bowlings  of  distress, 
I  like  those  of  the  dog  that  is  starving  with  hunger: 

II  thev  would  in  vain  compass  the  citv  to  find  food, 

^  [235 


B.  C.   1061. 


PSALM  LX. 


B.  C.  1040. 


16  But  ""  I  will  sing  of  thy  power;  yea, 
I  will  °  sing  aloud  of  thy  mercy  "  in  the 
morning:  •'  for  thou  hast  been  my  De- 
fence and  Refuge  '^  in  the  day  of  my 
trouble. 

17  Unto  thee,  "■  O  my  Strength,  will 
I  sing:  ^  for  God  is  my  Defence,  and  the 
God  of  my  mercv. 

PSALM  LX. 

David  complains  of  the  heavy  judgments,  which  God  had  inflict- 
ed on  Israel,  1 — 3.  He  takes  courage  from  present  successes  to 
pray  for  more  complete  delii-erance,  and  lo  exult  in  the  pros- 
pect ol  subjugating  all  his  enemies;  according  to  the  promises 
of  God  to  him,  4 — \2. 

To  the  chief  Musician  upon  *  Shushan- 
eduth,  *  Michtam  of  David,  to  teach; 
^  when    he    strove    with    Aram-naha- 

Jer. 


in   9,10.     21:13.     106:8.    145:11. 

Ex.  15:6.    Job  37:23. 
n31:7.  36:5.  86:13.  89:1.   101:1. 

Rom.  15:9.  Eph.  1:6,7. 
O  5:3.  30:5.     143:3.      1  Sam.  19: 

11,12. 
p4:l.  61:2,3.      1  Sam.  17:37.    2 

Cor.  1:10.     Eph.  .3:20. 


q  77:2.    116:1—5.     133:7, 

30:7.     Heb.  5:7. 
r  18:1.  46:1. 
s  9,10. 
a  80:  title. 

*  Or,  a  goldeii  Psalm.  59:  title. 
b   2    Sam.    8.3,12,13.     10:16.     1 

Chr.  18:3,12,13.   19:16—19. 


and  would  jrrudg-8  all  that  went  beside  them. 
{Marg.  Ref.—JSTote,  6.)— The  extreme  famine 
in  Jerusalem,  when  besieged  by  the  Romans; 
and  the  state  of  the' Jewish  nation  ever  since,  as 
destitute  of  the  Bread  of  life,  might  be  alluded 
to. — But  some  think,  that  David  here  again  de- 
scribes the  conduct  of  his  enemies,  as  foretelling 
and  rejoicing  in  their  disappointment;  and  that 
having  repeated  what  he  said  before,  adds  what 
should  be  translated,  "They  wander  up  and  down 
to  devour  me:  and  if  they  be  not  satisfied,  they 
tarry  all  night."  The  words  are  throughout  in  the 
future  tense,  and  may  properly  be  thus  rendered: 
"Surely  they  shall  not  be  satisfied,  though  they 
tarry  all  night."    [Tit/e. — Marg.) 

V.  16.  In  the  morning.']  [Mote.,  title.')  David 
was  confident,  that  in  the  morning,  when  his  en- 
emies expected  to  devour  him,  he  should  in  per- 
fect safety  be  loudly  singing  the  praises  of  God. 
{Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  17.  Jiarg.  Ref.—J^oie,  1  Pet.  5:10,11. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

When  we  suffer  for  well-doing,  we  are  con- 
formed to  our  Redeemer,  and  have  an  evidence  of 
our  acceptance  with  God.  We  should  indeed 
greatly  fear  suffering  as  "evil-doers,  or  busy- 
bodies  in  other  men's  matters;"  but  we  ought  not 
to  be  either  afraid  or  ashamed  of  the  hatred  of  the 
workers  of  iniquity,  when  "they  prepare  them- 
selves, and  are  gathered  together  against  us,  with- 
out our  fault."  [J^otes,  Matt.  5:10—12.  1  Pet.  3: 
13—18.  4:12—16.)  They  maybe  both  mighty  and 
bloody;  their  words  may  be  as  swords,  and  their 
actions  may  correspond  with  them:  but  the  Lord 
will  awake,  and  behold,  and  hasten  to  the  help  of 
his  servants. — In  vain  did  Saul  and  his  mighty 
men  seek  the  life  of  David:  they  could  not  pre- 
vent his  advancement  to  the  throne,  but  thej'  oc- 
casioned their  own  ignominy  and  ruin.  Nor  could 
the  rulers  of  the  Jews,  by  crucifying  Jesus,  pre- 
vent his  glorification;  but  they  thus  hastened  their 
own  destruction:  and  neither  tempters  nor  perse- 
cutors can  succeed  any  better,  in  lying  in  wait 
for  the  soul  of  the  believer.  The  serpent  and  his 
seed  bruised  the  heel  of  the  Redeemer,  but  he 
will  cruh  their  head.  (jVb<e,  Gen.  3:14,15.)  "Be- 
cause of  the  Lotid's  strength,"  his  servants  may 
then  confidently  wait  on  him:  and  if  we  trust  in 
him,  as  the  God  of  our  merc}',  and  have  recourse 
to  him  in  every  temptation  and  tribulation,  he 
will  assuredly  be  our  Defence  against  all  those 
who  rise  up  against  us.  In  proportion  as  we  are 
23C] 


raim,  and  with  Aram-zobah,  when 
Joab  returned,  and  smote  of  Edom 
in  •=  the  valley  of  salt  twelve  thousand. 
GOD,  <!  thou  hast  cast  us  off, 
^  thou  hast  t  scattered  us,  thou  hast 
been  displeased;  ^  O  turn  thyself  to  us 
again. 

2  Thou  hast  ^  made  the  earth  to 
tremble;  ^  thou  hast  broken  it:  '  heal  the 
breaches  thereof;  for  it  shaketh. 

3  Thou  hast  ^  shewed  thy  people 
hard  things:  thou  hast  made  us  Uo  drink 
the  wine  of  astonishment. 


c  2  Kings  14:7.    2  Chi 

d  10.  44:9.  74:1.  89:33.    108:11. 

1  Chr.  28:9.    Rom.  11:1,2. 
e  59:11.     1  Sam.  4:10,11,17.    13: 

6,7,11,19—22.  31:1—7. 
t  Heb.  broken. 
f79:9.  80:3,7,19.  85:4.  90:13. 
g  104:32.     114:7.     2  Sam.    22:8. 

Job  9:6.      Is.  5:25.      Jer.  4:24. 

10:10.     Am.    8:8.    Hab.    3:10. 

Matt.  27:51. 


h  39:40.    2Sam.  2:8,&c.  3:11— 

14.     Is.    7:8.     Jer.   14:17.  48: 

33.    Hag.  2:6,7. 
i  2  Chr.  7:14.    Job  5:18.    Is.  30: 

26.     Lam.   2:13.      Ez.   34:16. 

Hos.  6:1. 
k  71:20.    Neh.  9:32.  Dan.  9:12. 
175:8.    Is.  51:17,22.  Jer.  25:15. 

Lam.     4:21.      Ez.     23:31,32. 

Hab.  2:16.     Rev.  16:19.    18:6. 


conscious,  that  we  are  not  "wicked  transgress- 
ors," who  continue  impenitent  in  known  sin,  we 
may  be  satisfied  that  our  cause  is  of  God. — The 
predictions,  which  we  read,  concerning  the  ven- 
geance to  be  executed  on  all  the  implacable  ene- 
mies of  Christ  and  his  kingdom,  and  upon  all  the 
impenitent  and  unbelieving;  and  the  accomplish- 
ment of  many  of  them  in  this  present  world; 
should  impress  our  minds  with  an  awe  of  the 
divine  Majesty  and  purity,  and  with  dread  of  all 
iniquity. — The  destruction  of  Jerusalem,  and  the 
state  of  the  Jewish  nation  for  much  above  seven- 
teen hundred  years,  when  viewed  in  connexion 
with  that  awful  imprecation  upon  themselves  and 
their  children,  which  accompanied  their  malice 
and  lying  testimony  against  Christ,  and  with  their 
cry,  "Crucify  him,  crucify  him;"  should  make  us 
tremble  at  the  thought  of  lies  and  imprecations, 
which  are  the  offspring  of  pride  and  hatred; 
[JSTotes,  Matt.  27:19 — 25.)  and  still  more,  lest  we 
should  at  last  be  found  despisers  or  abusers  of  his 
gospel.  But  we  should  also  pray  for  the  conver- 
sion of  that  people;  that  they  may  at  length  know, 
that  Jesus  is  Lord  and  God,  and  that  "he  ruleth 
in  Jacob,  and  unto  the  ends  of  the  earth."  Our 
prayers,  however,  for  our  personal  enemies  and 
the  opposers  of  our  holj'  faith,  should  be  attended 
with  solemn  warnings:  for  no  mercy  will  be  shewn 
to  obstinate  and  impenitent  transgressors;  but 
they  will  be  eternal  monuments  of  the  Lord's  ab- 
horrence of  sin,  while  his  wrath  will  be  unto  them 
as  a  devouring,  yet  unquenchable  fire.  But  the 
trials  of  the  upright  will  terminate  in  joy  and 
praise:  when  the  night  of  afiliction  is  over,  they 
will  sing  of  the  Lord's  power  and  mercy  in  the 
morning.  (JVbfe,  30:5.)  He  is  their  Defence  and 
Refuge  in  the  time  of  their  trouble:  let  them  now, 
therefore,  in  assured  faith  and  hope,  praise  him 
for  those  mercies,  for  which  they  will  rejoice  in 
him  and  praise  him  for  evermore.. 
NOTES. 

Psalm  LX.  Title.  "Shushan-eduth"  seems  to 
mean,  'a  psalm  of  testimony  set  to  an  instrument 
'of  six  strings.'  The  psalm  was  intended  to  testify, 
and  teach,  the  danger  of  opposing  the  servants  of 
God,  and  the  happiness  of  uniting  with  them. — 
^'■Aram-naharaim,'^  or  Syria  of  the  two  rivers, 
that  is,  Syria  between  the  Tigris  and  the  Eu- 
phrates, denotes  Mesopotamia;  and  Aram-zobah, 
Syria  to  the  west  of  the  Euphrates.  [J^otes,  Gen. 
24:10.  2  Sam.  8:13,14.)— Valley  of  salt.]  Marg. 
Ref.  c. 

V.  1—3.    When  Saul  and  his  sons  were  slain. 


B.  C.  1040. 


PSALM  LX. 


B.  C.  1040. 


4  Thou  hast  given  "  a  banner  to  them 
that  fear  thee,  iliat  it  may  be  displayed 
"because  of  the  truth.     Selah. 

5  °  That  thy  beloved  may  be  deliver- 
ed; P  save  loith  thy  right  hand,  and  hear 
me. 

G  1  God  hath  spoken  in  his  holiness; 
"■  I  will  rejoice,  ^  I  will  divide  '  Shechem, 
and   mete   out  "  the   valley  of  Succoth. 

7  ^  Gilead  is  mine,  and  Manasseh  is 
mine;  Ephraim  also  is  ^  the  strength  of 
mine  head;  ^  Judah  is  my  lawgiver; 

8  '*  Moab    is    my    wash-pot;    ^  over 

Is 


in20:5.    Ex.  17:15.    Marg 

11:12.    49:i2.  59:19. 
n  12:1,2.  45:4.  Is.  59:14,15.  Jer. 

5:1—3. 
o  12.  22:8.  108:6.     Deut.  7:7,8. 

33:3.     Matt.  3:17.   17:5. 
pl7:7.   18:35.   20:6.  74:11.    Kl. 

15:6.     Is.  41:10. 
q  89:19,35.     108:7—13.     132:11. 

2   Sam.  3:18.  5:2.     Jer.   23:9. 

Am.  4:2. 
r  56:4.   119:162.     2  Sam.  7:18— 

20.     Luke  1:45—47. 


2  Sam.  2:8,9.    5:1 
Sichem,     Josb. 


s  Josb.    1:6c 

—3. 
t  Gen.    12:6. 

20:7.  24:1.32. 
u  Josh.  13:27. 
X  Josh.  17:1,5,6.      1  Chr.  12:19, 

37. 
y  Deut.  33:17.    1  Sam.  23:2. 
z  Gen.  49:10. 

a  2  Sam.  3:2.      1  Chr.  18:1,2. 
b  Gen.  25:23.  27:40.    Num.  24: 

18.     2  Sam.  8:14.      1  Chr.  18: 

13. 


the  Pl'.ilistines  triumphed,  and  the  Israelites  were 
scattered  and  dismayed.  (JVote,  1  Sam.  31:7.) 
The  setting  up  of  Ishbosheth  over  the  ten  tribes, 
and  the  consequent  division  and  civil  war,  made 
the  land  to  tremble,  broke  its  force,  and  exposed 
it  to  the  common  enemy.  Thus  the  people  of 
God,  for  their  sins,  were  shewed  "hard  things," 
and  made  to  drink  the  wine  of  astonishment,  as  if 
they  had  been  his  enemies.  (J^Totes,  75:8.  Is.  51: 
17—23.  Jer.  25:15— n.  Lam.  4:21,22.  Hah.  2: 
15—17.  Malt.  20:20—23.  26:36-39-.)  For  the 
wound  made  by  a  skilful  surgeon  may  be  as  pain- 
ful, as  tliat  made  bj'  a  mortal  foe;  though  it  be 
given  with  a  contrary  intention,  and  save  life  in- 
stead of  destroying  it.  [J^'otes,  Job  5:18,19.  Is. 
30:26.  Hos.  6:1 — 3.) — When  the  Israelites  sup- 
jiorted  Saul,  whom  God  had  rejected,  and  who 
was  evidently  given  up  to  the  most  furious  pas- 
sions, and  to  adopt  the  most  ruinous  measures; 
when  to  please  him  they  concurred  in  persecut- 
ing David,  the  Lord's  anointed,  whose  wisdom  and 
courage,  as  well  as  exemplary  piety,  loyalty,  and 
patriotism,  entitled  him  to  their  highest  esteem 
and  confidence;  and  when  after  Saul's  death  they, 
at  Abner's  instance,  adhered  to  Ishbosheth,  and 
carried  on  war  against  David,  in  direct  opposi- 
tion to  the  known  will  of  God;  they  seemed  to  be 
perfectly  infatuated,  as  if  thej^  had  drunk  some  in- 
toxicating poison,  which  had  bereaved  them  of 
their  senses,  and  so  filled  them  with  terror  and 
amazement,  that  they  knew  not  what  they  did. 
{J^ote,  2  Sam.  2:9,12,13.  3:17—21.  5:1,2.) 

V.  4.  David,  as  anointed  by  God  and  advanced 
to  the  throne,  was  a  banner  given  to  the  pious 
remnant  of  Israel:  and  it  was  displayed,  that  they 
might  resort  to  it,  and  under  his  authority  and 
command,  expect  the  performance  of  the  Lord's 
faithful  promises,  and  the  triumphing  of  his  truth. 
[MAes,  20:5.  Ex.  17: 15,16.)— In  this  especially  he 
was  a  type  of  Christ,  and  his  kingdom  and  salva- 
tion. (J^otes,  Is.  11:11—16.  49:22,23.  59:16—19. 
62:10-12.  John  12:27— 33,  «.  32.) 

V.  5.  David  was  beloved  of  God,  as  his  name 
signifies;  [J^otes,  1  Sam.  16:10,11.  Ez.  34:23 — 31.) 
and  he  was  a  type  of  his  "beloved  Son,  in  whom 
he  is  well  pleased."  But  the  words  in  the  original 
are  plural,  and  evidently  relate  to  Israel  as  the 
Lord's  chosen  and  beloved  people:  {J\Ia)^g.  Ref.) 
and  the  verse  contains  the  intercession  of  David 
for  his  subjects;  prefiguring,  in  this,  our  heavenly 
Advocate,  who  never  fails  to  plead  in  behalf  of 


Edom  will  I  cast  out  my  shoe;  Philistia, 
*  triumph  thou  because  of  me. 

9  "  Who  will  bring  me  into  the 
t  strong  city.?  who  will  lead  me  into 
Edom.'' 

10  d  Wilt  not  thou,  O  God,  which 
^hadst  cast  us  off.?  and  thou,  O  God, 
which  *■  didst  not  go  out  with  our  ar- 
mies.'' 

11  s  Give  us  help  from  trouble:  for 
^  vain  is  the  ^  help  of  man. 

12  Through  God  'we  shall  do  val- 
iantly: for  he  it  is  that  shall  ^  tread 
down  our  enemies. 


*  Or,   triumph  thou  over  me 

(by  an  irony).    108-9.      2  Sam. 

5:17,&c.    8:1.  21:15—22. 
cJudg.  1:12,24,25.     1  Chr.    11: 

6,17—19. 
f  Heb.  cily  of  strength.  2  Sam. 

11:1.   12:26,&c. 
d20:7.  44:5—9.  118:9,10.    Is.  8: 

17.   12:1,2. 
e  1.   103:11.    Jer.  33:24—26. 
f  Deut.  1:42.  20:4.      Josh.  7:12. 


10:42.      1  Sam.    4:6,7,10,11.     1 

Chr.  I0:!,&c. 
g  25:22.  130:3. 
h    124:1—3.    146:3.       Is.    30:7. 

31:3. 
J  Heb.  salvation.  62:1. 
i  18:32—42.   144:1.      Num.    24: 

18,19.  Josh.  1:9.  14:12.  2  Sam. 

10:12.      1  Chr.  19:13. 
k44:5.     Is.    10:6.    ti3:3.     Zech. 

10:5.     Mai.  4:3.    Rev.  19:15. 


all,  however  heretofore  rebellious,  who  bow  to  the 
sceptre  of  his  grace,  and  come  to  God  by  him. 
[JSTote,  Heb.  7:23—25.    1  John  2:1,2.) 

V.  6—12.  fJVb<e*,  89: 19—37.  108:6—1,3.  2  Sam. 
7:)  God  had,  by  ordering  David  to  be  anointed,  as 
Saul's  successor  in  the  kingdom,  virtually  prom- 
ised him  the  throne  over  all  Israel;  as  he  had  to 
Israel  the  dominion  over  the  adjacent  countries. 
The  promises  had  been  in  part  fulfilled,  as  they 
related  to  David.  Shechem,  Succoth,  Gilead,  and 
Manasseh,  were  in  his  possession.  These  had 
been  subject  to  Ishbosheth;  who  had  also  been 
supported  by  Ephraim,  that  powerful  tribe,  which 
was  now  become  the  guardian  of  David's  govern- 
ment and  person:  the  legislative  authority  was 
transferred  to  the  tribe  of  Judah,  where  it  would 
continue  till  the  coming  of  the  Messiah:  and  while 
Israel,  being  willingly  subject  to  David's  equitable 
government,  shared  its  blessings;  the  neighboring 
nations  were  about  to  be  forced  into  submission. 
Moab  would  soon  be  reduced  to  bondage,  and  em- 
ployed in  the  lowest  menial  services.  David  also 
fully  expected  in  a  short  time  to  vanquish  Edom, 
and  take  possession  of  it,  by  casting  his  shoe  over 
it;  or  treading  it  under  his  feet  and  crushing  its 
strength,  as  it  had  been  predicted:  [J\Iarg.  Ref. 
b.)  and  let  Philistia  now  triumph  over  Israel  as  in 
times  past,  if  it  could.  This  appears  to  be  an 
ironical  challenge  and  defiance.  [Marg.)  These 
conquests,  however,  were  not  yet  completed. 
Bozrah  of  Edom,  or  some  other  strong  city,  (per- 
haps Rabbah  of  the  Ammonites,)  yet  remained 
unsubdued:  but  David  would  not  rely  on  his  own 
valor  and  conduct,  nor  on  those  of  his  captains  or 
allies,  for  completing  his  conquests;  but  on  the 
Lord,  who  had  before  "cast  off  his  people,"  but 
was  now  returned  to  them,  and  fought  for  them: 
and  their  enemies  would  soon  perceive  the  differ- 
ence between  the  armies  of  David,  which  Jeho- 
vah accompanied  to  the  battle,  and  those  of  vSaul, 
when  Jkhovah  had  doomed  him  to  destruction. 

Judah  is  my  lawgiver.  (7)  The  propliecy  of 
dying  Jacob  is  here  evidently  referred  to.  (JVbte, 
Gen.  49:10.) 

The  help.  (11)  ni^lJ^^iT  •  "Vain  is  the  salva- 
tion of  man."  [Marg.—^otes,  62:1,2,5—7.  /*. 
12:2.  45:20—25.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  anger  of  God  against  sin  is  the  sole  cause 
of   all   iniserv,  personal  or  public,  in   famihes, 

[237 


B.  C.  102]. 


PSALM  LXl. 


B.  C.  1021. 


PSALM    LXL 

DaviA  encourages  himself  by  past  experience,  to  persevere  in 
prayer,  1 — 3.  Because  of  former,  and  in  the  prospect  of  fu- 
ture mercies,  he  purposes  to  praise  and  serve  God  for  ever, 
4—8. 

To  the    chief  Musician  upon    ^  Neginah, 
A  Psalm  of  David. 

'EAR  my  cry,  O  Godj  attend  unto 
my  prayer. 
2  •=  From  the  end   of  the  earth  will  I 
cry  unto  thee,   when  ^  my  heart  is  over- 
whelmed:  lead  me  to  ®the  Rock  that  is 
higher  than  L 


a  4:  6:  54:  55:  titles. 

b  5:1—3.   17:1.  28:2.  55:1,2.  130: 

2.     Phil.  4:6. 
c  42:6.    139:9,10.      Deut.  4:29. 

Jon.  2:2—4. 


3  43:5.  55:5.  77:3.  142:3.  143: 
4.  Mark  14:33,34.  Luke  22: 
44. 

e  18:46.  27:5.  40:2.  62:2,6.  Is. 
32:2. 


churches,  and  nations,  which  has  been,  is,  or  shall 
be  endured,  in  time  or  to  eternity. — Professing 
churches  are  often  cast  off,  and  deprived  of  their 
privileges  for  their  sins;  nations  tremble  and  are 
broken  for  the  same  cause;  yea,  the  earth,  and 
creation  itself,  groans  under  the  load  of  man's 
guilt.  (JVbte,  Rom.  8:18—23.)  Even  the  true 
believer,  when  he  commits  iniquity,  will  some- 
times be  shewed  heavy  things,  and  made  to  drink 
of  the  wine  of  astonishment,  till  anguish  and  dis- 
may for  a  time  seize  upon  him.  In  all  these 
cases,  there  is  no  remedy,  but  by  returning  to  the 
Lord  with  repentance,  faith,  and  prayer;  and 
beseeching  him  to  return  to  us,  and  heal  the 
breaches  which  sin  has  made.  Blessed  be  his 
name,  "he  hath  given  a  banner,"  in  the  cross  of 
Christ,  to  those  who  fear  his  name;  that  resorting 
thither,  and  receiving  mercy,  thej"^  may  enlist  un- 
der him  who  now  fills  the  mediatorial  throne,  and 
so  wage  successful  war  against  the  enemies  of 
iheir  souls.  Oh,  may  this  banner  be  every  where 
displaj'ed,  that  all  nations  on  the  face  of  the  earth 
may  embrace  the  truth,  and  experience  the  faith- 
fulness of  God  to  his  promises! — He,  who  exalted 
the  Savior  by  his  own  right  hand  to  the  throne  of 
glory,  will  hear  his  intercession  for  all  who  pray 
in  his  name,  and  who  are  beloved  for  his  sake; 
and  save  them  also  by  his  almighty  power.  He, 
who  is  in  Christ  a  new  creature,  may  rejoice  in 
all  the  precious  promises,  which  God  "hath  spok- 
en in  his  holiness,"  and  bj-^  his  Holy  One;  and 
may  consider  the  whole  ransomed  inheritance  as 
his  own  reversion:  and  the  present  privileges  to 
which  he  is  called,  and  the  sanctifying  and  com- 
forting influences  of  the  Spirit  which  he  experi- 
ences, are  the  sure  earnests  of  heavenly  glory. 
If  Christ  be  ours,  all  things  are  ours;  mercy, 
grace,  peace,  wisdom,  rigliteousness,  strength, 
and  victory,  life  and  death,  angels  and  men,  earth 
and  heaven  are  ours;  and  all  things  shall,  in  one 
way  or  other,  be  rendered  subservient  to  our  eter 
nal  good.  {J^Totes,  Rom.  8:28—39.  1  Cor.  3:i8— 
23.)  We  are  not,  however,  as  yet  made  complete 
conquerors;  and  no  true  believer  will  abuse  these 
truths,  to  the  allowed  indulgence  of  sloth  or  vain 
confidence. — We  are  still  called  to  put  on,  and 
use  our  spiritual  armor,  and  to  prepare  for  fresh 
conflicts,  perhaps  more  trying  than  any  which  we 
have  yet  experienced:  [Jfoies,  Eph.  6:10 — 18.) 
trusting,  however,  in  God  to  lead  us  forth  and 
support  us,  and  to  give  us  strength  in  every  time 
of  trouble,  we  may  do  valiantly  and  tread  down 
all  our  enemies,  and  we  shall  ere  long  obtain  the 
conqueror's  crown.  But  vain  is  the  help  or  sal- 
vation of  man,  or  of  creatures,  even  far  more  in 
things  spiritual  and  eternal,  than  in  our  temporal 
concerns:  so  that  those  who  trust  and  pray  to 
238] 


3  For  *'  thou  hast  been  a  Shelter  for 
me,  and  a  ^  strong  Tower  from  the 
enemy. 

4  •'  1  will  abide  in  thy  tabernacle  for 
ever:  '  I  will  *  trust  in  the  covert  of  thy 
wings.     Selah. 

5  For  thou,  O  God,  ^  hast  heard  my 
v^ows:  thou  hast  given  me  ^  the  heritage 
of  those  that  fear  thy  name. 

6  Thou  t  wilt  prolong  the  king's  life: 
and  his  years  as  I  many  generations. 


f  4:6,7.   116:2.   140:7.    Is.  46:3,4. 

2  Cor.  MC. 
g  18:2.     Prov.  18:10. 
h  7.   15:1.  23:6.  27:4.   90:1.  91: 

1.  92:13.    Rev.  3:12. 
i  17:8.  63:7.  91:4.     Ruth   2:12. 

Matt.  2J:37. 
*  Or,   make  my  refuge.   57:1. 

62:7.   142:4,5.     Heb.  6:18. 


k  56:12.  65:1.  66:19. 

I  16:5,6.  115:13.  Mai.  3:16—18. 
Acts  10:35. 

■f  Heb.  shalt  add  days  to  the 
day}  of  the  king.  21:4,6.  72; 
15—17.     Is.  53:10. 

J  Heb,  generation  and  gener- 
ation.  89:36,37. 


saints  and  angels,  and  expect  salvation  from  them; 
will  be  overcome  by  the  enemy  and  finally  perish. 
— But  our  Mediator,  through  whom  we  come  to 
the  Father,  and  trust  in  him,  is  "Emmanuel," 
God  over  all  "blessed  for  evermore;"  and  believ- 
ers, when  strong  in  faith,  "can  do  all  things, 
through  Christ  who  strengtheneth  them."  [J^oteSy 
2  Cor.  12:7—10.  Phil.  4:10—13.)  The  church 
also,  over  which  oppressors  have  so  often  insulted, 
as  if  the  Lord  had  cast  her  off,  shall  speedily  tri- 
umph over  them  all:  and  while  those  who  willingly 
submit  to  our  anointed  King  shall  share  his  glo- 
ries, all  his  foes  shall  be  put  under  his  feet. 
(JVbfe,  1  Cor.  13:20—28.) 

NOTES. 

PsAlm  LXI.  V.  1,  2.  This  psalm  seems  to 
have  been  composed,  when  David  was  driven  by 
Absalom's  rebellion,  like  an  exile,  beyond  Jordan, 
to  the  extremities  of  the  promised  land,  and  far 
from  the  sanctuary  of  God.  [J^otcs,  41:1 — 3.  42: 
1_8.  43:  63:1— 4.  2  S'am.  15:13—15,23—30.)  His 
heart  was  overwhelmed  with  complicated  distress- 
es, as  by  an  inundation.  The  divine  mercy, 
support,  and  protection  formed  the  rock,  on  which 
he  desired  to  rest  his  soul,  out  of  the  reach  of  the 
tempestuous  waves,  which  dashed  and  raged  be- 
low: yet  he  was  like  the  shipwrecked  mariner, 
who  is  exposed  to  the  raging  billows,  from  which 
he  would  be  secured,  if  he  could  reach  the  sum- 
mit of  a  rock  that  is  close  to  him;  but  it  is  far 
too  high  for  him  to  climb  it  without  help.  Thus 
David  found,  that  he  could  not  by  faith  and  hope 
ascend  the  "Rock  of  salvation,"  and  be  establish- 
ed on  it,  unless  the  Lord  led  him  to  it  and  helped 
him  to  ascend  it,  and  to  stand  firm  upon  it. 
[Marg.  Ref.—JSTote,  40:1—5.) 

V.  3.  'Nothing  doth  more  strengthen  our  faith, 
'than  the  remembrance  of  God's  succor  in  times 
'past.'  [jyiarg.Ref.— J^Totes, 3:3— 5.11 -A', l^.  116: 
2.  1  Sam.  7:12.  17:34—37.  2  Cor.  1:8—11.) 

V.  4,  5.  The  Psalmist,  though  new  driven 
away  from  the  courts  of  God,  rested  assured  that 
he  should  be  restored  again  to  them,  and  perpet- 
ually enjoy  the  comfort  and  benefit  of  public  or- 
dinances: [JVote,  27:4 — 6.)  but  he  seems  also  to 
have  looked  through  the  shadow  of  the  earthly 
sanctuary,  to  "the  holy  places  not  made  with 
hands,"  and  to  have  exulted  in  hope  of  the  eter- 
nal felicity  of  heaven;  as  now  abiding  under  (he 
covert  of  the  Almighty,  and  being  "kept  by  his 
power  through  faith  unto  salvation."  For  it  can 
hardly  be  supposed,  that  he  meant  his  temporal 
authority,  which  was  given  to  him  alone,  by  that 
"heritage  of  those  that  fear  the  name  of  God," 
which  had  been  given  him  in  common  with  other 
pious  persons,  in  answer  to  his  earnest  prayers 
and  solemn  vows. 


B.  C.  1060. 


PSALM  LXII. 


B.  C.  1060. 


.'7  He  shall  ""  abide  before  God  for 
ever:  O  "  prepare  mercy  and  truth, 
which  may  preserve  him. 

8  So  will  I  °  sing  praise  mito  thy 
name  for  ever;  p  that  I  may  daily  per- 
form my  vows. 

PSALM  LXII. 

David  avows  liis  confidence  in  God,  and  warns  his  enemies  of 
tlieir  danger,  ]— 7.  He  exhorts  the  people  to  trust  in  the 
Lord;  and  not  in  men,  nor  in  iniquity,  nor  in  riches,  8 — 10:  for 
power  and  mercy  belong  to  God,  11,  12. 

To   the  chief  Musician,   to    "Jeduthun, 
A  Psalm   of  David. 


It)  41:15.     Is.  9:6,7.     Luke  1:33. 

Heb.  7:21— -25.  9:24. 
n  40:11.    57:3.     Gen.  24:27.  32: 

10.     Prov.  20:28.     Mio.   7:20. 

Luke  1:54,55. 


0  30:12.  79:13.   145:1,2.   146:2. 
p  65:1.    66:13—16. 
a  39:  77:  titles.  1  Chr.  16:41,42. 
25:1,2. 


For  ever.     (4)  For  ages.    (o^dSij')    This   must 

imply  far  more,  than  the  one  age,  which  David 
lived  on  earth,  and  which  at  the  time  when  this 
was  written  was  drawing  near  to  a  close.  {J\'otes, 
145:1,2.  146:2.)— Wings.]  {Marg.  Ref.—J^ote, 
Ruth  2:11,12.)  'Wing-s  of  the  cherubim,'  say 
some.  These  indeed  covered  the  mercy-seat. 
{Jfotes,  Ex.  25:10 — 21.)  But  they  were  placed  in 
the  holy  of  holies,  and  inaccessible  to  the  worship- 
pers, and  were  emblems  of  the  angels  looking 
into  the  mysteries  of  redemption,  and  joining  in 
the  worship  of  the  redeemed.  {JVotes,  1  Pet.  1: 
10— 12.  i2ev.  5:11— 14.) 

V.  6,  7.  David  might  here  mean  himself  as 
king  of  Israel:  though  apparently  deposed,  he 
trusted,  that  he  should  yet  live,  and  reign  over 
the  people  of  God,  for  soine  time  to  come;  and  his 
kingdom  would  be  continued  in  his  posterity  to 
future  generations,  according  as  God  had  merci- 
fully promised,  and  would  faithfully  perform. — 
But  the  King  Messiah,  as  descending  from  him, 
who  was  to  reign  for  ever  over  the  house  of  Isra- 
el, and  by  whom  the  mercy  and  truth  prepared 
for  sinful  men  was  to  be  conferred,  seems  to  have 
been  especially  intended.  [JVote,  John  1:17.) 
Whatever  became  of  David's  personal  interests, 
he  rejoiced  in  the  prospect  of  the  Messiah's  king- 
dom; and  prayed  for  the  faithful  performance  of 
God's  gracious  promises,  which  form  the  stabilit}' 
of  his  mediatorial  throne. — 'The  Chaldee  para- 
'phrast  expounds  this  passage  of  Messiah  only; 
'  'Thou  shalt  add  days  to  the  days  of  King  Messias; 
'  'his  years  shall  be  as  the  generation  of  this  world, 
'  'and  of  the  world  lo  come.' '    Bp.  Home. 

V.  8.     Jfar^.   i2e/.—JVb(e,  66:13—16. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

When  removed  from  other  comforts,  we  should 
more  earnestly  seek  consolation  from  God;  and 
when  cares,  fears,  sorrows,  or  temptations,  like  a 
wild  deluge,  overwhelm  our  hearts,  our  cries  unto 
liim  should  be  more  fervent  than  ever. — No  out- 
ward situation  can  exclude  us  from  communion 
with  God  through  Jesus  Christ;  but  without  di- 
vine assistance,  we  can  neither  climb,  nor  take 
shelter  in,  that  Rock  of  salvation:  when  therefore 
we  perceive  that  there  is  safety  in  him  and  none 
in  ourselves,  we  should  pray  fervently  for  the 
.Holy  Spirit  of  promise,  that  we  may  by  his  gra- 
cious teaching  and  assistance,  "believe  to  the 
saving  of  our  souls."  As  genuine  experience  is 
acquired,  encouragement  will  abound:  for  we 
shall  more  readily  trust  in  the  covert  of  his  wings, 
when  he  has  been  heretofore  "a  Shelter  for  us, 
and  a  strong  Tower  from  our  enemies." — When 
we  have  the  opportunity  we  should  keep  close  to 
the  ordinances  of  God:  and  we  should  remember, 


T 


tion. 


RULY  "J  my   soul    t^aiteth   upon 
God:  •=  from  him  cometh  my  salva- 


2  ^  He  only  is  ray  Rock  and  my  Sal- 
vation; he  is  my  ^  Defence;  *  I  shall  not 
be  greatly  moved. 

3  ^  How  long  will  ye  ^  imagine  mis- 
chief against  a  man.''  ^  ye  shall  be  slain 
all  of  you:  *  as  a  bowing  wall  shall  ye  be, 


and  as  a  tottering  fence. 


*  Or,   Only.    2,5,6. 

b25:5.  27:14.  33:20.  40:1.    123: 

2.     130:5,6.     Is.  30:18.    40:31. 

Luke  2:25,38.  Jam.  5:7. 
t  Heb.     is  silent.    37:7.     65:1. 

marg. 
c  37:39.  68:19,20.  121:2.   Is.  12: 

2.    Jer.  3:23.     Luke  2:30—32. 
d6.    18:2.21:1.    27:1.    73:25,26. 

Deut.  32:30,31.    Is.  26:4.  32:2. 


I  Heb.  high  place.  59:9.  marg. 
e  37:24.     Mic.  7:8,9.  1  Cor.  10: 

13.    2  Cor.  4:8,9. 
f  4:2.     82:2.     Ex.    10:3.  16:28. 

Prov.   1:22.    6:9.      Jer.   4:14. 

Matt.  17:17. 
g  21:11.  38:12.    140:2.     Hos.  7: 

15. 
h  73:18— 20.    1  Sam.  26:10. 
i  Is.  30:13,14. 


that  he  hears  our  vows,  and  witnesses  our  pious 
desires,  intentions,  and  engagements;  and  there- 
fore we  should  daily  perform  them.  If  he  have 
given  us  the  goodly  "heritage  of  those  that  fear 
his  name,"(JVo<e,  106:4,5.)  we  shall  have  enough: 
our  anointed  King  is  alive  for  evermore;  and  all 
his  true  subjects  shall  live  by  him  and  with  him, 
and  thus  "abide  before  God  for  ever."  Being 
made  partakers  of  that  grace  and  truth  which 
came  by  Jesus  Christ,  we  may  rejoice  and  sing 
praise  unto  him,  whatever  be  our  outward  circum- 
stances: and  while,  according  to  our  engage- 
ments, we  are  daily  employed  in  his  pleasant  ser- 
vice, we  may  cheerfully  hope  to  sing  praises  to 
him  for  ever  and  ever. 

NOTES. 

Psalm  LXII.  Title.  Jeduthun  was  first 
chosen  to  be  one  of  the  chief  musicians,  when  the 
ark  was  removed  to  mount  Zion:  [J^otes,  1  Chr. 
16:37 — 43.  25:1 — 6.)  and,  as  this  psalm  is  inscrib- 
ed to  him,  some  have  thought,  that  it  relates  to 
Absalom's  rebellion,  and  not  to  the  persecution 
which  David  endured  from  Saul.  But,  as  several 
other  psalms,  which  certainly  were  composed  be- 
fore David  came  to  the  throne,  are  inscribed  to 
"the  chief  Musician;"  we  must  suppose,  that 
when  the  Psalmody  at  the  sanctuary  was  appoint- 
ed, David  delivered  to  the  chief  musicians  the 
psalms  which  he  had  previously  written,  as  well 
as  those  which  he  afterwards  from  time  to  time 
composed. — Internal  evidence  does  not  clearly 
shew  to  which  .season  of  distress  the  Psalmist  re- 
ferred; as  his  language  seems  equally  suited  to 
either  of  them. — 'There  are  no  petitions  at  all  in 
'this  psalm,  nor  any  thanksgivings:  but  only  ex- 
'pressions  of  David's  faith  and  confidence  in  God.' 
Bp.  Patrick.  It  may  be  added,  'joined  with  ex- 
'hortations  and  encouragements  to  others,  to  trust 
'in  God,  and  pour  out  prayer  before  him.' 

V.  1,  2.  The  word  rendered  "waiteth"  signi- 
fies is  silent.  [Marg.)  "Yet  my  soul  keepeth 
silence  unto  God."  'Though  Satan  tempted  hira 
'to  murmur  against  God,  yet  he  bridled  his  afFec- 
'tions,  and,  resting  upon  God's  promise,  he  bear- 
'eth  his  cross  patiently.'  'The  prophet  abode 
'manifold  temptations,  but  resting  on  God,  he 
'overcame  them  all.' — David  was  conscious,  that, 
in  calm  submission  and  well  grounded  confidence 
he  sought  and  expected  protection  and  deliverance 
from  God.  He  therefore  steadily  adhered  to  the  line 
of  duty;  believing  it  "good  both  to  hope,  and  quietly 
wait  iorthe  salvation  of  the  Loud."  {JVote,  Lam.  3: 
2b — 30.)  And  he  rested  assured,  that  though  his 
enemies  might  for  a  while  give  him  disturbance, 
and  in  some  degree  prevail,  yet  he  should  not  be 
"greatly  moved,"  or  materially  injured,  either  in 

[23f 


B.  C.  1060. 


PSALM  LXII. 


B.  C.  1060. 


4  They  only  ^  consult  to  cast  him 
clown  from  his  excellency;  '  they  de- 
light in  lies:  "  they  bless  with  their 
mouth,  but  they  curse  *  inwardly.  Se-| 
lah. 

5  "  My  soul,  "  wait  thou  only  upon 
God;  for  p  my  expectation  is  from  him. 

6  He  only  is  ^  my  Rock  and  my 
Salvation:  he  is  my  Defence-  ^  I  shall 
not  be  moved. 

7  ^  In  God  is  my  Salvation  and  '  my 
glory:  "  the  Rock  of  my  strength,  and 
my  Refuge,  is  in  God. 

8  *  Trust  in  him  at  all  times;  ye  peo' 
pie,  y  pour   out  your  heart  before  him 


k  2:1—3.    Matt.  2:3,4,16.  22:15, 

23,34,35.    26:3,4.    27:1.     John 

11:47—50.     Acts  4:16,17,25— 

28. 
152:3.119:163.    Prov.  6:17.  13: 

5.    Hos.  7:3.  John  8:44.  Rom. 

1:32.     Rev.  22:15. 
m28:3.  55:21.     Luke   20:20,21. 
*  Heb.    in  their  inward  parts. 

5:9.  51:b.     Luke  11:39.    Rom. 

7:22. 
n  42:5,11.  43:5.    103:1,2.    104:1, 

35.   146:1. 
o  1.  27:13,14.    37:34.     Lam.  3: 

24—26.     Mic.  7:7.     Hab.  2:3. 

Zeph.  3:8.     John  6:67—69. 


p39;7.  71:5.     Jer.  17:17.    Phil. 

1:20. 
q2.    18f:31,32.     Is.  45:17.    Hos. 

1:7. 
r  16:8.  112:6.  Prov.  10:30.  12:7. 
3  Is.  45:25.  Jer.  9:23,24.  1  Cor. 

1:30,31.     Gal.  6:14. 
t  3:3.  4:2. 

u  13:2,46.  94:22.  95:1.    Is.  26:4. 
X  22:4,5.    34:1,2.    46:1—3.    Job 

13:15.    Is.  26:4.   50:10.    1  /ohn 

2:28. 
y  42:4.   102:  title.  142:2.   1  Sam. 

1:15.     Is.   26:16.     Lam.   2:19. 

Phil.  4:6. 


his  temporal  or  spiritual  concerns.     {^Marg.  Ref. 
—JVotes,  3—7.  37:23,24.  2  Cor.  4:8—12.) 

V.  3,  4.  The  Psalmist,  having  avowed  his 
confidence  in  God,  expostulates  with  his  ene- 
mies, warns  them  of  their  dang^er,  and  exposes 
their  wickedness. — Saul  and  his  party,  envious 
of  David's  reputation,  incessantl}'  plotted  against 
his  life;  and  aimed  to  exclude  him  from  the  royal 
dignity,  to  which  God  had  appointed  him;  and 
they  greatly  desired  to  see  him  disgraced  by 
some  evident  misconduct.  They  "delighted  in 
lies,"  both  when  they  falsely  accused  him,  and 
when  they  deceitfully  spoke  as  friends  to  him:  but 
by  this  they  would  only  provoke  God  to  cut  them 
oft  by  a  violent  death;  and  they  would  be  overturn- 
ed, like  a  wall,  which  first  bulges  out  and  totters, 
and  then  falls  down  at  once.  [J^otes,  /*.  30:12 — 
J4.  Ez.  13:10 — 16.) — In  like  manner,  Absalom, 
Ahithophel,  and  the  other  conspirators,  artfully 
formed  their  measures  for  driving,  with  disgrace, 
their  aged  monarch  from  that  honorable  station 
to  which  God  had  raised  him;  (JVb^e,  53:20,21.) 
and  they  covered  their  treachery  and  malice 
with  fair  pretences:  but  they  also  brought  on 
themselves  swift  and  dreadful  destruction. — The 
opposition  of  the  Jews,  and  other  enemies,  to 
Christ  and  his  cause,  springs  from  similar  mo- 
tives, is  conducted  in  the  same  manner,  and  has 
had,  or  will  have,  the  same  event.  [Marg.  Ref. ) 
V.  5 — 7.  The  Septuagint  render  the  fifth  verse, 
"Nevertheless,  my  soul,  submit  to  God;  for 
my  patience  is  from  him:"  and  no  doubt  quiet 
submission  to  God,  as  well  as  expectation  of  de- 
liverance, happiness,  and  honor  from  him  alone, 
in  his  own  time  and  manner,  was  meant. — The 
repetitions,  with  some  variation,  of  these  verses 
are  peculiarly  animated:  and  the  Psalmist,  by 
thus  dwelling  on  the  ground  of  his  encourage- 
ment, baffled  his  temptations,  and  found  his  faith 
and  hope  invigorated.  {JS''ote.,  1,2.)  He  says 
before,  "I  shall  not  be  greatly  moved;"  (2)  now, 
"I  shall  not  be  moved." 

V.  8 — 10.  The  Psalmist,  having  risen  above 
the  disquietude  and  fear  to  which  he  had  been 
tempted,  next  gives  counsel  and  caution  to  the 
people  in  general,  as  he  had  before  awfullv  warn- 
240] 


^  God   is    a    Refuge    for    us.       Selah. 

9  Surely  ^  men  of  low  degree  are 
vanity,  and  ^  men  of  high  degree  are  a 
lie:  to  be  *=  laid  in  the  balance,  they  are 
t  altogether  '^  lighter  than  vanity. 

10  ®  Trust  not  in  oppression,  and  be- 
come not  vain  in  robbery;  if  ^  riches 
increase,  ^  set  not  your  heart  upoji  them, 

11  ^od  hath  ''  spoken  once;  twice 
have  I  heard  this;  '  that  t  power  belong- 
eth  unto  God. 

12  Also  unto  thee,  O  Lord,  belongeth 
•^  mercy:  for  '  thou  renderest  to  every 
man  according  to  his  work. 


z   46:11.     Prov.   14:26.      Heb. 

6:18. 
a  39:5,11.     1  Sam.  18:5— 7.    23: 

12,19,20.     2  Sam.  15:6.    Matt. 

21:9.     John  19:15. 
b  55:13,14.    118:9. 

21—26.  26:21—25. 

31.     Rom.  3:4. 
c  Dan.  5:27. 
t  Or,  alike. 
(lis.  40:15,17. 
e  Job  20:19—29. 

12.    47:10.    59:4. 

17:11. 
f  39:6.    52:7.      Deut.  6:10—12. 

8:12—14.     Job  27:16,&c.  31: 


1  Sam.    18: 
2  Sam.  15: 


Is.  28:15.  30: 
Jer.    13:25. 


24,25.     Mark  3:36,37.     10:23, 

24.     Luke  12:15— 21.     1  Tim. 

6:17. 
g  91:14.     Prov.  23:5. 
h  Job  33:14.  40:5. 
i  68:34,35.     Is.   26:4.     Matt.  6: 

13.  28:18.     John  19:11.    Rev. 

19:1. 
1  Or,  strength. 
kS6:15.    103:8,17.     Ex.  34:6,7, 

Dan.  9:9,18.     Mic.  7:18. 
1  Job  34:11.     Prov.  24:12.    Jer, 

32:19.  Ez.  18:30.  33:20.  Matt. 

16:27.   Rom.  2:6.     2  Cor.  5:10: 

Eph.  6:8.     Col.    3:25.     1  Pet. 

1:17.    Rev.  22:12. 


ed  his  persecutors.  He  exhorts  them  to  "trust 
in  God  at  all  times,"  whatever  their  outward  cir- 
cumstances or  inward  conflicts  might  be;  and  by 
fervent  prayer  to  pour  out  their  hearts  before 
him,  [Marg.  Ref.  y.)  and  they  would  find  him  a 
secure  Refuge  in  every  danger. — But  as  for  men, 
no  confidence  could  be  reasonably  placed,  either 
on  the  fickle  multitude,  who  might  be  induced 
to  murder,  one  day,  the  very  person  whom  they 
almost  idolized  the  day  before,  or  on  the  great, 
who  generally  made  promises  which  they  never 
performed,  and  raised  expectations  which  they 
never  intended  to  answer:  so  that  even  vanity 
itself  seemed  heavier  in  the  balance  than  all  of 
them  together.  Yet  to  trust  in  oppression,  or 
injustice  and  robbery,  would  be  still  more  foolish 
and  wicked.  'Be  not  so  vain  as  to  trust  to  ill- 
'gotten  goods:  for  if  your  riches  increase  by  bon- 
'est  means,  they  are  not  things  wherein  to  place 
'either  your  confidence  and  hope,  or  your  love 
'and  joy.'  B p.  Patrick.  [J^ote,  Job  31:24— 28.) 
'He  who  is  made  vain  and  covetous  by  money, 
'however  honestly  gotten,  renders  that  a  curse  to 
'one,  which  was  designed  a  blessing  to  manj'; 
'and  drowns  himself  in  the  spring,  which  should 
'have  watered  all  around  him.'  Bp.  Home. — 
The  old  translation  of  this  last  verse  seems  more 
literal  than  the  present  version.  "Trust  not  in 
oppression,  nor  in  robbery:  be  not  vain:  if  riches 
increase,  set  not  your  heart  thereon."  Accord- 
ing to  the  construction  of  the  pointed  copies  of 
the  Hebrew  Bible,  the  verse  seems  more  prop- 
erly divided  thus:  "Trust  not  in  oppression  nor 
in  robbery;  be  not  vain  in  riches,  when  they  in- 
crease; set  not  your  heart  upon  them."  [Marg. 
Ref.—J^otes,  39:5—11.  52:6,7.  146:3—6.  Jer. 
9:23,24.  17:5—8.  1  Tim.  6:6— 10,17— 19.) 
jien  of  low  degree,  &c.  (9)    u'^n  >j3  ...  din  'Ja. 

JVb<e,  49:1— 4,1'.  2. 

V.  11,  12.  God  had  solemnly  declared,  as  it 
were,  once  for  all,  and  the  Psalmist  had  repeat- 
edly heard  it;  {JVote,  Job  33:14—18.)  or  he  had 
"heard  these  two  things;"  that  power  and  mercy 
belong  to  God.  'So  that  the  wicked  shall  feel 
'thy  power,  and  the  godly  thy  mercy.' — The  I.ord 
can  punish  and  destroy,  he  can  save  and  bless, 


B.  C.  1060. 


PSALM  LXIII. 


B.  C.  1060. 


PSALM  LXin. 

David  earnestly  thirsts  for  God,  and  longs  to  behold  his  glory  at 
the  sanctuary,  1,  2.  Regarding  the  love  of  God  more  than 
life,  he  determines  to  rejoice  in  praising  him,  3 — 5.  By  med- 
itation and  prayer,  he  rises  to  full  assurance  of  protection,  suc- 
cess, and  exulting  joy  in  God;  and  predicts  the  ruin  of  his  en- 
emies, 6 — 11. 

A  Psalm  of  David,  ^  when  he  was  in  the 
wilderness  of  Judah. 

OGOD,  ^  thou  art  my  God;  <=  early 
will  I   seek  thee:  ''  my  soul  thirst- 
eth  for  thee,  *  my  flesh  longeth  for  thee, 

a  1  Sam.  22:5.    23:14—16,23—  1:27,28.  8:17.  Hos.  5:15.  Matt. 

25.  26:1—3.    2  Sam.  15:28.  6:33. 

b    31:14.    42:11.     91:2.     118:28.  A   42:1,2.    84:2.     119:31.     143:6. 

143:10.     Kx.  15:2.     Jer.   31:1,  John  7:37.     Rev.  7:16,17. 

33.   Zecii.  13:9.  John  20:17.  e  102:3—5.     Cant.  5:8. 
c  5:3.    78:34.     Job   8:5.     Prov. 


as  he  pleases:  all  created  power  is  from  him,  and 
limited  by  him;  and  no  creature  can  do  more 
harm  or  good,  than  he  is  pleased  to  appoint,  or 
permit.  [Jfote,  Malt.  6:13.)  Mercy  also  be- 
longs to  him:  and  his  recompensing  the  defiled 
and  imperfect  services  of  believers,  and  blotting 
out  all  their  transgressions  for  the  Redeemer's 
sake,  and  so  punisliing  none  but  the  unbelieving 
and  impenitent,  is  a  full  proof  of  his  abundant 
mercy,  and  an  encouragement  to  trust  in  him. 
{Marg.  Ref.—JVotes,  Ex.  34:5—7.  Rev.  22:10— 
12.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  lively  believer,  conscious  of  sincerity,  can 
without  hesitation  avow,  "Trulj'  my  soul  waiteth 
upon  God."  From  the  Lord,  "his  Defence  and 
Salvation,"  he  expects  present  safety  and  eter- 
nal felicity;  he  considers  all  creatures  as  instru- 
ments in  his  hands;  and  he  waits  for  promised 
blessings  in  the  path  of  duty,  and  in  the  use  of 
appointed  or  allowed  means.  {J^otes,  Matt.  4:3 
— 7.) — Yet,  however  blamelessly  he  may  conduct 
himself,  he  must  expect  a  measure  of  the  same 
enmity,  with  which  the  world  treated  his  Savior; 
when  every  device  was  framed,  every  deceit 
used,  and  every  slander  propagated,  to  "cast 
him  down  from  his  excellency."  But  the  doom 
of  David's  persecutors,  and  of  the  crucifiers  of 
Christ,  may  be  expected  by  all,  who  endeavor  to 
tempt  his  people  to  sin,  or  to  vilifj'  their  charac- 
ters: and  none  will  be  punished  more  severely, 
than  those  who  deceive  men  with  "good  words 
and  fair  speeches;"  (Mote,  Rom.  10:17 — 20.)  who 
"delight  in  lies,"  who  "bless  with  their  mouth, 
but  curse  inwardly."  Let  us  however,  having 
fairly  warned  and  expostulated  with  such  infatu- 
ated persons,  wait  only  upon  God,  and  expect 
all  our  happiness  from  him:  then  shall  we  not 
"greatly  be  moved,"  either  to  anger,  to  pride, 
or  to  despondency,  by  the  malice  or  flattery  of 
the  ungodly:  nay,  when  our  faith  grows  strong, 
we  shall  be  confident  of  not  being  moved  at  all  to 
our  real  hurt:  and  meditation  and  prayer  are 
blessed  means  of  invigorating  faith  and  hope. 
(Motes,  Acts  20:22— 24.)— When  we  are  render- 
ed joyful  and  bold,  in  reliance  on  God  under  pe- 
culiar trials,  we  have  an  important  advantage  in 
exhorting  our  brethren  to  similar  confidence. 
We  may  and  ought  to  "trust  in  liimatall  times," 
in  persecution,  temptation,  affliction,  and  at  the 
approach  of  death:  for  this  is  our  privilege,  and 
honorable  to  God,  and  it  will  lead  us  to  "pour 
out  our  hearts  before  him;"  laying  open  all  our 
fears,  sorrows,  and  wants,  as  to  our  bosom  Friend; 
{Mote,  I  Savi.  1:12 — 16,  v.  15.)  and  making  him 
our  Refuge  from  every  danger  and  foe:  and  we 
shall  renounce  other  confidences,  that  we  may 
singly  depend  on  him.  Those  who  refuse  to  do 
this,  will  find  at  length,  that  their  dependence  on 
Vol.  in.  31 


Hn  a  *  dry   and   thirsty   land  where    no 
water  is; 

2  g  To  see  thy  power  and  thy  glory, 
so  as  I  have  seen  thee  ""in  the  sanctuary. 

3  Because  '  thy  loving-kindness  is 
better  than  hfe,  ^  my  lips  shall  praise  thee. 

4  Thus  '  will  I  bless  thee  while  I 
live:  ■»  I  will  lift  up  my  hands  in  thy 
name. 


f  Ex.    17:3.       Is.    35:7.     41:18. 

Matt.  12:43. 
*  Heb.    -uieary    land   -without 

water.   Is.  32:2. 
g27:4.   105:4.   145:11.     Ex.  33: 

18,19.     1  Sam.  4:21,22.   2  Cor. 

4:4—6. 
h  68:24.  73:17,18.   77:13,14.  96: 

6.   134:2. 


i  4:6.  21:6.  30:5.     Phil.  1:23. 
k  30:12.  51:15.    66:17.    Hos.  14: 

2.  Rom.  6:19.   12:1.     1  Cor.  6: 

20.     Heb.  13:15.     Jam.  3:5— 

10. 
1  104:33.    145:1—3.   146:1,2. 
m  134:2.  1  Kings  8:22,(Stc.  Hab. 

3:10. 


men,  whether  on  the  many  or  the  great,  will  ter- 
tninate  in  disappointment  and  shame:  and  woe 
be  to  those  who  trust  in  iniquitj'  and  oppression; 
who  accumulate  wealth  by  evading  good  laws, 
or  oppressing  under  the  color  of  bad  ones,  or 
setting  all  law  and  justice  at  defiance;  while  the 
miseries  of  multitudes  ripen  individuals  for  the 
vengeance  of  heaven.  Indeed  reliance  on  in- 
creasing riches,  however  obtained,  is  idolatry,  and 
totally  inconsistent  with  the  life  of  faith. — Yet 
the  idea  of  increased  wealth  is  associated  with 
that  of  augmented  felicity,  in  almost  ev pry  hu- 
man heart:  and  it  is  extremely  difficult  to  posses:> 
riches  without  trusting  in  them  and  setting  the 
heart  upon  them.  [Mote,  Matt.  19:23—26.  P. 
O.  23 — 30.)  The  true  and  consistent  believer, 
however,  receives  all  from  God;  and  usas  it  to 
his  glorj',  as  a  steward  who  must  render  an  ac- 
count. [Motes  and  P.  O.  Luke  16:1—13.) 
These  things  God  has  spoken,  and  we  have  heard: 
may  we  then  never  forget  that  power  belongeth 
only  to  him:  may  we  trust  in  his  mercy  and 
grace;  and  abound  in  his  work,  expecting  a  gra- 
cious recompense  from  him  alone! 

NOTES. 

Psalm  LXIII.  Title.  It  is  generally  and 
probably  supposed,  that  David  composed  this 
most  fervent  and  devout  Psalm,  when  pursued 
by  Saul  in  the  deserts  of  Judah.  [Marg.Ref.) 
Some,  however,  think  tliat  it  was  written  at  a 
later  period;  namely,  when  he  fled  from  ylbsa- 
lom.  and  before  he  passed  over  Jordan.  [Motes, 
2  Sam.  15:) 

V.  1 — 4.  The  Psalmist,  banished  from  the 
courts  and  ordinances  of  God,  considered  him- 
self as  a  weary  traveller,  in  a  desolate  and  parch- 
ed land,  when  ready  to  perish  by  thirst.  And  his 
earnest  desire  after  communion  with  God  and  his 
worshippers  at  the  sanctuar)',  seems  to  have  af- 
fected his  body,  as  well  as  his  soul;  perhaps  spoil- 
ing his  rest  and  appetite,  and  impairing  his  health 
and  vigor.  (JVbies,  42:1 — 3.  84:1 — 3.) — He  resolv- 
ed, however,  having  chosen  the  Lord  for  his  God, 
to  seek  him  early,  diligently,  and  with  decided 
preference. — 'The  true  Christian  dedicates  to 
'God  'the  sweet  hour  of  prime.'  He  opens  the 
'eyes  of  his  understanding  together  with  those  of 
'his  body,  and  awakes  each  morning  to  righteous- 
'ness.  He  arises  with  an  inextinguishable  thirst 
'after  those  comforts  which  the  world  cannot  give; 
'and  has  immediate  recourse,  by  prayer,  to  the 
'Fountain  of  the  water  of  life,  ever  longing-  to  be- 
'hold  the  divine  power  and  glory  in  the  sanctuary 
'above,  of  which  he  has  been  favored  with  some 
'glimpse,  in  the  services  of  the  church  below.' 
Bp.  Home. — Many  explain  the  words,  "To  see 
thy  power  and  glory,  iSic."  of  the  ark,  which  was 
the  symbol  of  the  Lord's  powerful,  glorious,  and 
gracious  presence  with  his  people.     But  the  aik 

[241 


B.  C.   1060. 


PSALM  LXIIL 


B.  C.  1060. 


5  °  My  soul  shall  be  satisfied  as  with 
*  marrow  and  fatness;  and  my  mouth 
shall  praise  thee  °  with  joyful  lips: 

6  When  i*  I  remember  thee  upon  my  bed, 
and  meditate  on  thee  in  the  night-watches. 

7  1  Because  thou  hast  been  my  help, 
therefore  ''in  the  shadow  of  thy  wings 
will  I  rejoice. 

8  My  soul  ^  followeth  hard  after  thee: 
*-  thy  right  hand  upholdeth  me. 


n  17:15.    36:7—9.    65:4.   104:34. 

Cant.  1:4.  Is.  25:6.     Jer.  31:4. 
*  Heb ^  Jattiess, 
o43:4.  71:-23.     113:14,15.    135:3. 

149:1—3.  Ezra  3: 11— 13.  Rev. 

19:5—7. 
p  4-2:8.   77:4—6.   119:55,147,148. 

139:17,18.149:5.     Cant.  3:1,2. 

Lam.  2:19. 
q  54:3,4. 


r5:ll.  21:1.  57:1.      1  Sam.    17: 

37.     2  Cor.  1:10. 
s  73:25.    143:6,7.     Gen.   32:26— 

28.     2  Chr.  31:21.     Cant.  3:2. 

Is.  26:9.      Matt.    11:12.     Luke 

13:24.   18:5—7. 
137:24.73:23.94:18.     Cant.  2: 

6.     Is.  41:10.   42:1.    Phil.  2:12, 

13.     Col.  1:29. 


'  that  seek   my  soul  to 
go  into  the  lower  parts 


itself  was  concealed  from  sight;  nor  does  it  ap- 
pear that,  in  the  days  of  David,  there  was  in  g^en- 
eral  anj'  external  display  of  the  divine  glory  at  the 
sanctuary.  It  may  therefore  be  supposed,  that 
he  referred  to  the  internal  and  spiritual  views, 
which,  under  the  influence  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  he 
had  experienced  of  the  perfections  and  glory  of 
God,  while  attending  on  those  ordinances;  which 
both  commemorated  the  wonderful  works  of  the 
Lord  for  his  people  Israel,  and  typified  the  salva- 
tion of  the  promised  Redeemer.  These  contem- 
plations and  discoveries,  had  often  excited  his  ad- 
miring and  adoring  love  and  gratitude,  and  ani- 
mated his  confidence  and  joy  in  God;  which  made 
him  regret  exceedingly  the  loss  of  such  pleasant 
and  profitable  opportunities.  This  enjoyment  of 
the  love  of  God,  as  an  anticipation  of  heavenly 
felicity,  he  valued  more  than  life  itself;  and  there- 
fore he  was  fully  determined  to  employ  himself, 
and  all  his  powers  of  body  and  soul,  in  praising 
the  Lord,  as  long  as  he  lived,  and  wherever  he 
was  driven;  ( JVbte*,  5 1 : 1 2,  i 3.  145:1,2.  146:2.)  con- 
fidently expecting,  that  the  sweet  experience 
which  he  recollected,  would  thus  be  renewed  to 
him,  even  if  banished  from  the  outward  means  of 
grace.  [Marg'.  Ref.) 

V.  3.  'The  remembrance  of  thy  favor  is  more 
'sweet  unto  me,  than  all  the  pleasures  and  dain- 
Hies  of  the  world.' — The  Psalmist  waited  for  the 
pleasure  of  communion  with  God,  with  more  ar- 
dent desire,  than  any  epicure  ever  anticipated  the 
enjoyment  of  sensual  pleasure;  and  the  remem- 
brance of  God,  during  the  night,  cheered  his  soul, 
when  dangers  or  cares  disturbed  his  rest.  [J^Iarg. 
Ref. — Jfotes,  Cant.  1:4.) — Can  any  candid  man 
read  this  Psalm,  and  then  speak  of  true  devotion, 
as  merely  intellectual,  a  dispassionate  exercise  of: 
the  understanding,  without  any  warm  emotions  or 
vehement  affections  of  the  heart.''  Weighed  in  the 
balance  of  such  phlegmatic  Christians,  the  man 
after  God's  own  heart  must  be  numbered  among 
enthusiasts:  for,  though  his  devotion  was  most  ra- 
tional, it  certainly  was  most  fervent  and  enraptur- 
ed; and  in  fact  the  more  rational  on  that  very  ac- 
count, j 

V.  6 — 8.  David's  recollection  of  past  protec- ! 
lion  and  deliverance,  which  occupied  his  thoughts 
as  he  lay  sleepless  in  his  bed,  during  the  watches 
of  the  night,  encouraged  him,  not  only  to  rely  on  { 
the  power,  truth,  and  love  of  God,  in  his  extrem-  j 
est  dangers,  but  to  rejoice  in  this  confidence  un- 1 
der  his  sharpest  afflictions. — His  soul  cleaved  unto  i 
God,  as  the  child  clings  about  its  kind  parent,  i 
when  alarmed  or  in  pain;  and  "followed  hard  | 
after  him,"  earnestly  seeking  nearer  communion  I 
and  conformity;  being  upheld  b)^  the  power  of! 
divine  grace,  in  thus  pressing  forward  in  his ! 
242] 


9  But  those 
destroy  it,  shall 
of  the  earth. 

10  tThey  shall  fall  by  the  sword;  they 
shall  be  y  a  portion  for  foxes. 

11  But  ''the  king  shall  rejoice  in 
God;  every  one  that  "  sweareth  by  him 
shall  glory:  but  ^  the  mouth  of  them  that 
speak  lies  shall  be  stopped. 


u  35:4,26.  38:12.  40:14.  70:2.  1 
Sam.  25:29. 

x9:17.  55:15,23.  86:13.  Num. 
16:30—33.  1  Sam.  28:19.  Job 
40:13.  Is.  14:9,15,19.  Ez.  32: 
13—32.     Acts  1:25. 

f  Heb.  Make  him  run  out,  like 
water,  by  the  hands  of  the 
sii;orii-     1  Sam.  26:10.  31:1— 


6.     Jer.  18:21.     Ez.  35:5. 
y  Ez.  39:4,17—20.    Rev.  19,17, 

18. 
z  2:6.  21:1.     1  Sam.   23:17.  24: 

20. 
a  Deut.  6:13.     Is.    19:18.  45:23. 

65:16.     Zeph.  1:5.    Heb.  6:13. 
b  31:18.      Rom.   3:19.     Tit.  1: 

10,11. 


heavenly  course.  (JVbie,  73:23 — 28.) — The  fervor 
of  David's  devotion,  whether  pouring  out  his  soul 
in  earnest  prayer,  with  vigorous  exercises  of  faith 
and  hope;  or  celebrating  the  praises  of  God  with 
admiring  love,  joyful  gratitude,  and  glowing  zeal 
for  his  honor  and  glory;  seems  especially  to  have 
procured  him  the  honorable  distinction  of  "the 
man  after  God^s  own  heart." — The  following 
verses  from  Dr.  Watts  well  support  the  animation 
of  tlie  leading  parts  of  this  exquisitely  beautiful 
psalm: 

With  heart,  and  eyes,  and  lifted  hands, 

For  thee  I  long,  to  thee  I  look; 
As  travellers,  in  thirsty  lands. 

Pant  for  the  cooling  Vfater-brook. 

With  early  feet  I  love  t'  appear 

Among  thy  saints,  and  seek  thy  face; 

Oft  have  I  seen  thy  glory  there. 

And  felt  the  power  of  sov'reign  grace. 

Nor  fruits  nor  wines  that  tempt  our  taste. 
Nor  all  the  joys  our  senses  know. 

Could  make  me  so  divinely  blest. 
Or  raise  my  cheerful  passions  so. 

My  life  itself  without  thy  love. 
No  taste  of  pleasure  could  afford; 

'Twould  but  a  tiresome  burthen  prove, 
If  I  were  banished  from  the  Lord. 

Amidst  the  wakeful  hours  of  night. 
When  busy  cares  afflict  my  head. 

One  thought  of  thee  gives  new  delight. 
And  adds  refreshment  to  my  bed. 

I'll  lift  my  hands,  I'll  raise  my  voice. 
While  I  have  breath  to  pray  or  praise; 

This  work  shall  make  my  heart  rejoice. 
And  spend  the  remnant  of  my  day  »■ 

V.  9 — 11.  The  Psalmist  while  employed  in 
these  devout  exercises,  clearly  foresaw  the  dis- 
graceful end  of  his  persecutors.  They  would 
perish  and  go  under  the  earth,  as  if  swallowed  up 
by  it,  with  bathan  and  Abiram;  [Jfole,  JViim.  16: 
28 — 34.)  or,  falling  by  the  sword,  they  would  be 
left  unburied,  for  food  to  the  foxes  with  which  the 
land  abounded.  This  was  probably  the  case  with 
many,  who  fell  at  Gilboa. — He  also  foresaw  him- 
self, as  advanced  upon  the  throne,  to  be  king  of 
Israel;  and  as  rejoicing  in  God,  and  not  in  his 
outward  dignity,  or  the  ruin  of  his  enemies:  while 
every  one,  who  cordially  sware  allegiance  to  him, 
or  who,  as  worshippers  of  God,  sware  with  solem- 
nity by  his  name,  would  glory  in  the  advancement 
of  his  servant;  and  all  who  falsely  accused  him,  or 
attempted  to  deceive  him,  would  effectually  be 
confuted  and  silenced.    [Marg.  Ref.  z — b.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  true  believer  is  convinced,  that  nothing  in 
this  world  can  satisfy  the  desires  of  his  immortal 


\ 


B.  C.  1060. 


PSALM  LXIV. 


B.  C.  1060. 


TITEAR 


PSALM  LXIV. 

David,  praying  for  delivrrance,  describes  the  inalicp  and  sub- 
tlety of  His  enemies,  1 — 6.  He  predicts  their  ruin,  and  the 
eflects  of  it  on  the  beholders,  7—10. 

To    the    chief    Musician,    A    Psalm   of 
David. 
my    voice,    O  God,  in  my 
prayer:    ''preserve   ray  Hfe  from 
fear  of  the  enemy. 

2  '  Hide  me  from  the  ^  secret  coun- 
sel of  the  wicked;  ®  from  the  insurrec- 
tion of  the  workers  of  iniquity; 

3  Who  ^  whet  their  tongue  like  a 
sword,  and  ^  bend  their  hows  to  shoot 
their  arrows,  even  bitter  words; 


a  27:7.    55:1,2.     130:1,2.     141:1. 

143:1—3.    Lam.  3:55,56. 
b  17:8,9.    31:13—15.    34:4.   56:2 

—4.     Acts  13:9,10.  27:24. 
c27:5.  31:20.   143:9.    Is.  32:2. 
i  56:6.   109:2,3.      1  Sam.  23:22, 

23.     2  Sam.  17:2—4.     Jer.  11: 


19.   13:23.    Matt.  26:3,4.     Acts 

23:14,15.  25:3. 
e  2:2.  3:1.     Luke  23:18— 23. 
f57:4.     Prov.  12:18.  30;14.    Is. 

54:17.    Jer.  9:3.    Jam.  3:6—8. 
gn:2. 


soul;  and  he  therefore  expects  happiness  from  the 
eternal  God,  as  his  God  and  Portion.  (.A'b^e.y, 
Dent.  33:27—29.)  When  his  soul  is  in  a  healthy 
and  prosperous  state,  an  inextinguishable  thirst 
after  the  discoveries  of  the  glor}'  of  the  Lord,  and 
the  experience  of  his  grace  and  love,  lead  him  to 
seek  him  early,  every  day,  with  the  best  of  his 
time  and  the  prime  of  his  affections.  He  Jii^vvise 
greatly  values  public  ordinances;  and  when  con- 
fined from  them,  or  constrained  to  live  among 
those  who  know  not  God,  he  regrets  his  loss;  feels 
as  one  banished  into  a  parched  wilderness;  and, 
with  a  mixture  of  pleasure  and  pain,  recollects, 
how  he  "has  seen  the  power  and  glory  of  God  in 
his  sanctuary."  (JVbic,  42:4,.^-)  This  uneasiness, 
to  which  he  is  occasionall}'  liable,  arises  from  the 
same  source  as  another  part  of  his  experience, 
which  is  habitual,  especially  when  faith  and  hope 
are  most  in  exercise:  the  world  itself  appears  to 
him  a  weary  desert,  and  he  longs  for  the  joys  of 
heaven,  of  which  he  has  had  some  foretastes  in  the 
ordinance  of  God  on  earth.  Yet,  even  in  this  wil- 
derness wells  of  salvation  are  opened:  [J^ote,  Is. 
12:3.)  his  gracious  thirst  is  in  part  allayed:  and 
the  want  of  stated  means  of  grace  sometimes  ex- 
cites more  vigorous  desires,  and  more  earnestness 
in  waiting  on  God  in  secret.  The  believer  in  this 
frame  of  mind  values  the  loving-kindness  of  God 
more  than  life;  and  is  even  willing  to  depart 
hence  that  he  ma}'  fully  enjoy  it.  [Mote,  Phil.  ! : 
21— 26.  P.  O.  21— 30.j  This  foretaste  and  pros- 
pect tune  his  heart  and  lips  to  praise  the  Lord, 
and  to  rejoice  in  the  midst  of  tribulation:  and  he 
desires,  as  a  sweet  solace  during  his  wear}'  pil- 
grimage, "to  bless  the  Lord  while  he  lives,  and 
to  lift  up  his  hands  in  his  name." — Then  the  pleas- 
ures of  the  world  lose  their  attraction:  "for  his 
soul  is  satisfied,  as  with  marrow  and  fatness," 
while  joyfully  praising  and  thinking  upon  God: 
and  such  contemplations  at  once  excite  his  grati- 
tude, increase  his  confidence,  and  animate  him  in 
seeking  conformity  and  nearness  to  the  Lord; 
aspiring  after  still  greater  attainments,  as  feeling 
himself  upheld  by  the  power  of  the  Almighty. — 
To  mount  with  David  towards  heaven,  in  these 
exalted  strains  of  devotion  and  zeal,  should  be  our 
holy  ambition:  true  Christians  can  in  some  meas- 
ure, and  at  some  times,  appropriate  his  emphati- 
cal  language;  but,  alas!  we  too  commonly  have 
to  complain,  "that  our  souls  cleave  to  the  dust." 
(JVb^e,  119:25.)  Let  us  then  be  more  instant  in 
prayer,  that  we  ma}'  be  quickened  according  to 
his  word  of  promise. — The  enemies  of  such  Chris- 
tians, as  have  been  feebly  described,  are  also  en- 
emies of  Christ  our  King:   present  disgrace  and 


4  That  they  may  ^  shoot  in  secret  at 
'  the  perfect:  ^'-  suddenly  do  they  shoot  at 
him,  and  fear  not. 

5  They  '  encourage  themselves  in  an 
evil  *  matter:  "  they  commune  t  of  lay- 
ing snares  privily;  they  say,  "  Who  shall 
see  them.'' 

6  They  °  search  out  iniquities;  +  they 
accomphsh  k  a  diligent  search:  both  p  the 


h  10:8,9.     Neh.  4:11.     Hab.  3: 
II. 

John  19:6.     1  Pet. 

19:10.     2 


i  59:3,4. 

2:22  23. 
k   7.  '  1   Sam.    18:11 

Sam.  15:14. 
1  Ex.  15:9.     Num.  22:6.     Prov. 

1:11—14.      Is.  41:6.     Rev.   11: 

10. 
*  Or,  speech. 
m  1  Sam.  23:19—23.     Matt.  23: 

1.5.  26:3,4. 
f  Heb.   to  hide  snares.    124:7. 


140:5. 
n  10:11.  59:7.  94:7.     Ez.    8:12. 
o  35:11.      1  Sam.    22:9—13.24: 

9.  25:10.     Dan.  6:4,5.      Matt. 

26:59—66.       John      18:29,30. 

19:7. 
J  Or,  7«c  are  consumed  by  that 

which    they    have    Ihrovgkly 

searched. 
$  Heb.  a  search  searched. 
p  5:9.     Prov.  20:5.     Is.   29:15. 

Jer.  17:9,10.      1  Cor.  4:5. 


eternal  ruin  will  be  tlieir  certain  doom,  if  they 
persist  in  their  enmity;  and  the  lies,  with  which 
they  blaspheme  the  Redeemer,  or  slander  his  peo- 
ple, or  deceive  one  another,  shall  be  silenced  in 
anguish  and  despair.  But  our  King  having  now 
entered  upon  "the  joy  set  before  him,"  all  who 
bow  before  him,  and  .swear  fealty  to  him,  shall  re- 
joice and  glory  in  God  with  him;  and  obtain  an 
honor  and  happiness  infinitely  superior  to  that  of 
the  most  exalted  throne  on  earth.  And  if  the  Is- 
raelites had  reason  to  rejoice  in  their  king;  how 
much  more  should  we  glory  in  our  "King  of  right- 
eousness and  peace!"  [.JVote,  Heb.  7:1 — 3.) 

NOTES. 

Psalm  LXIV.  V.  1.  From  fear,  Sic]  'De- 
'fend  us,  thy  humble  servants,  in  all  assaults  of 
'our  enemies;  that  we,  surely  trusting  in  thy  de- 
'fence,  may  not  fear  the  power  of  any  adversaries, 
'through  the  might  of  Jesus  Christ.'  Liturgy,  2 
Col.  Morn.  Prayer. — 'That  we,  being  defended 
'from  the  fear  of  our  enemies,  may  pass  our  time 
'in  rest  and  quietness.'  2  Col.  Even.  Prayer. — 
God  as  cfTectually  answers  these  petitions  by  in- 
creasing our  faith,  as  by  removing  the  danger. 
'A  victory  gained  by  the  fear  of  God  over  the  fear 
'of  man,  is  a  necessary  step,  and  a  happy  prelude, 
'to  a  full  and  final  triumph  over  every  enemy  of 
'our  salvation.'  Bp-  Home.  [JVotes,  53:4 — 8.  56: 
3,4.  Act.^  18:9—11.') 

V.  2,  3.  It  is  prooable,  that  the  secret  consult- 
ations of  Saul  and  his  courtiers  against  David, 
and  the  deceitful  and  violent  measures  which  they 
adopted  in  order  to  destroy  him,  gave  occasion  to 
this  Psalm. — Open  reproaches  and  false  accusa- 
tions wound  like  a  sword  in  close  fight:  secret  de- 
traction slays  like  an  arrow  shot  from  a  distance, 
or  in  the  dark,  or  by  one  concealed  from  view. 
[Marg.  Rtf.) 

V.  4,  5.  David  was  not  only  s.n upright  char- 
acter,  but  he  was  perfectly  innocent  of  those 
crimes  which  were  laid  to  his  charge:  (JS'b/e.?,  7: 
3 — 5.  17:1 — 5.)  yet  his  enemies,  not  having  the 
fear  of  God  before  their  eyes,  and  being  hardened 
against  the  dread  of  consequences,  propagated 
their  calumnies  secretly,  but  very  rapidly;  en- 
couraging one  another,  and  consulting  together  in 
what  way  to  ensnare  and  destroy  him;  fully  ex- 
pecting to  escape  detection,  and  acting  as  if  God 
himself  did  not  see  them,  or  would  nol  call  them 
to  account  for  their  wickedness.  [Marg.  Ref. — 
JVbto,  10:2—11.  36:1.  59:7.)— 'Envy  and  malice 
'crucified  the  Son  of  God:  but  during  the  course 
'of  the  proceedings  against  him,  you  hoar  only  of 

[2413 


B.  C.  1060. 


PSALM  LXV. 


B.  C.  1017. 


inward    thotight    of   every    one  of  them, 
and  the  heart,  is  deep. 

7  But  "i  God  shall  shoot  at  them  ivith 
an  arrow;  ''  suddenly  *  shall  they  be 
wounded. 

8  So  shall  they  make  ^  their  own 
tongue  to  fall  upon  themselves:  *  all  that 
see  them  shall  flee  away. 

9  And  all  men  "  shall  fear,  and  shall 
declare  the  work  of  God;  for  ^  they  shall 
wisely  consider  of  his  doing. 

10  y  The   righteous   shall  be   glad  in 


q  7:12,13.    18:14.      Dent.   3i23, 

42.    Job  6:4.      Lam.  3:12,13. 
r4.  73:19.  Prov.  6:15.  29:1.  Is. 

30:13        Matt.    24.40,50,51.      1 

Thes.  5:2,3. 
*  Heb.  their  rcovnd  shall  be.    1 

Kings  22:34.      1  Chr.    10:3—7. 
8  59:12.   140:9.    Job  15:6.   Prov. 

12:13.   18:7.  Matt.  21:41.  Luke 


19:22. 
t  Num.  16:34.     1  Sam.  31:3—7. 

Nah.  3:7.     Rev.  18:4,10. 
u53:5.     119:120.       Jer.    50:28. 

Rev.  11:13. 
X    58:11.     107:42,43.      Is.    5:12. 

Ez.  14:23.     Hos.  14:9. 
y  32:11.  3.3:1.    40:3.    53:10.68: 

2,3.     Phil.  4:4. 


<zeal  for  the  law,  and  loyalty  to  Csesar.'    Bp. 
Home. 

V.  6.  This  verse  may  be  rendered  perhaps 
more  literally,  "They  search  out  iniquities:  wej 
are  consumed  by  that  which  has  been  throughly 
searched  out:  [nlarg.)  for  the  inward  part  and  the 
heart  of  man  is  deep."  Saul  and  his  partisans 
searched  to  find  out  some  real  or  apparent  iniquity, 
which  David  had  committed,  in  order  to  cover 
the  malice  of  their  persecution:  and  they  sedu- 
lously contrived  new  methods  of  perpetrating 
their  crimes.  Their  intentions,  however,  were 
carefully  concealed;  and  the  malice,  dissimula- 
tion, and  wickedness  of  their  hearts,  were  deep 
and  unfathomable.  (JVbfes,  5:9.  Jei'.  17:9,10.  Rev. 
o.24_28.) 

V.   7 — 10.     While  the  persecutors  were  level- 
ling their  arrows,  and  about  to  shoot  suddenly  at 
David;   God  would  unexpectedly  cut  them  off; 
and  their  mortal  wounds  would  be  inflicted  at 
once,  while  they  ^vere  promising  themselves  com- 
plete success.  (JVote,  7:8—13.)  Their  blasphemies, 
perjuries,  imprecations,  and  slanders,  would,  as 
an  immense  load  of  guilt,  fall  on  them,  and  sink 
them  into  destruction.    {M)tes.,  Prov.  12:13.  13:3. 
18:6,7.)     Their  doom  would  be  so  dreadful,  that 
the  spectators  would  flee  away,  lest  they  should 
be  involved   in   it:    [JVum.  16:34.)    and  all  who 
heard  of  it  would  fear  to  imitate  their  conduct;  be 
constrained  to  acknowledge  the  hand  of  God;  and, 
learning  useful  instruction  from  the  awful  dispen-  ] 
sation,  would  cause  others  to  understand  it.  Thus  I 
the  benefit,  derived  from  it  by  numbers,  would  j 
illustrate  the  wisdom  and   goodness  of  God,  as  I 
well  as  his  justice,  in  his  severity  towards  these 
wicked  men:    while   "all  the  upright  in  heart"  [ 
would  be  glad  and  glory  in  him.  [Marg.  Ref.) — j 
The  dreadful  imprecation  of  the  Jews,  when  de-i 
manding  our  Lord's  crucifixion,  "His  blood  be  on  j 
us  and  on  our  children,"  has  indeed  fallen  upouj 
them.    (JVb/e,  Mutt.  27:24,25.)— The  destruction 
of  Jerusalem  filled  the  beholders  with  terror,  and 
forced  them  to  acknowledge  that  it  was  the  work 
of  God.     Even  Titus,  the  Roman  emperor,  con- 
fessed that  he  had  fought  and  conquered  by  the 
favor  of  the  Almighty;  and  the  nation  of  the  Jews, 
scattered  through  the  world,  affords  a  most  in- 
structive lesson  to  every  land,  and  to  all  succeed- 
ing generations. 

PEACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  continuance  or  renewal  of  our  trials  will 
render  the  repetition  of  the  same  petitions  requi- 
site: but  varied  expressions  may  often  be  affect- 
ing and  useful  to  ourselves  and  others. — ^When 
faith  in  God  triumphs  over  the  fear  of  oowerful 
244] 


the   Lord,   and    shall  trust  in  him;  and 
all  ^  the  upright  in  heart  shall  glory. 

PSALM  LXV. 

David  praises  God,  for  answering  prayer,  takint;  away  sin,  bless- 
ing; bis  chosen,  and  performing  wonders  in  their  belialf,  1 — 5; 
and  for  his  providential  goodness  and  bounty,  6 — 13. 

To  the  chief  Musician,  A   Psalm    and 
Song  of  David. 

^  XJRAISE  *  waiteth  for  thee,  O  God, 
JL      ^  in   Zion:  and  •=  unto   thee    shall 
the  vow  be  performed. 

2  O  '^  thou  that  hearest  prayer,  *=  unto 
thee  shall  all  flesh  come. 


z  97:11.   112:2.     1  Cor.  1:30,31. 

Gal.  6:14. 
a  21:13.   115:1,2. 
*  Heh.  is  silent.  62:1.  tnarg. 
b76:2.    78:68,69.      1  Chr.    11:7. 

15:29.  16:4142.  25:l,&c.    Rev. 

14:1—3. 
c  56:12.  76:11.   116:17,13. 


d  66:19.  102:17.  145:18,19.  1 
Kines  18:29,37.  2  Chr.  33:13. 
Is.  65:24.  Jer.  29:12,13.  Dan. 
9:17—19.  Luke  11:9,10.  Acts 
10:31.      1  John  5:14.15. 

e  22:27.  66:4.  86:9.  Is.  49:6.  66: 
23.     John  12:32.     Rev.  11:15. 


and  malicious  men,  our  prayers  are  certainly 
heard,  and  final  deliverance  from  the  danger  will 
in  due  time  follow. — The  most  blameless  will  be 
reviled,  and  the  most  useful  hated,  by  such  men 
as  took  secret  counsel,  or  made  open  insurrec- 
tion, against  the  perfect  and  divine  Savior;  and 
whetted  their  tongues,  and  shot  their  sarcasms, 
against  him,  before  they  shed  his  blood. — Such 
tranH^.fessors  are  often  inwardly  alarmed  with  the 
dread  of  consequences:  but  they  encourage  each 
other,  till  they  flatter  themselves  with  the  hopes 
of  impunity,  and  despise  the  all-seeing  eye  of  God. 
Actuated  by  the  most  malignant  enmity,  with 
deep  dissimulation  "they  search  out  iniquities," 
that  they  may  pretend  zeal  for  God's  glory,  while 
they  are  murdering  his  people:  [J^otes.,  Matt.  26: 
57 — 68.)  but  all  their  malice  will  rebound  upon 
themselves,  and  God  himself  will  fight  against 
them  and  destroy  them;  and  all  who  behold  their 
doom,  especially  in  a  future  state,  will  reverence 
his  power  and  justice  in  it.  But  it  is  our  wisdom 
now  to  fear  because  of  the  judgments  of  God,  and 
to  flee  from  the  wrath  to  come;  to  declare  and 
consider  his  works,  and  to  shun  the  rock  on  wliich 
others  have  split.  For  the  righteous  alone  can 
rejoice  and  trust  in  this  holy  Lord  God:  and  all 
who  uprightly  rely  on  his  mercy,  and  seek  to 
know  and  do  his  will,  shall  glory  in  him  as  their 
Salvation  and  eternal  Portion. 

NOTES. 

PsAi.M  LXV.  V.  1.  Some  expositors  think 
that  this  Psalm  was  composed  after  the  famine  of 
three  years,  which  occurred  towards  the  close  of 
David's  reign;  when  God  had  heard  the  prayer 
of  his  people,  and  was  entreated  for  the  land:  and 
the  concluding  part  of  it  renders  that  opinion 
highly  probable.  (JVb/es,  2  S«wi.  21:1— 14.)  'It 
'becomes  us,  O  God, ...  to  praise  thee  in  thy  sanc- 
'tuary,  (though  we  cannot  worthily  express,  but 
'must  rather  silently  adore,  thy  incomparable  ex- 
'cellencies;)  and  to  pay  the  vows  which  we  made 
'unto  thee  in  the  time  of  our  distress.'  Bp.  Pat- 
rick.— The  old  testament  church  waited  in  silent 
expectation  for  the  coming  of  the  Messiah,  and 
the  accomplishment  of  the  promises  relating  to 
him,  prepared  then  to  burst  forth  into  vocal 
praises,  and  to  perform  her  vows.  Zion  was  the 
centre  of  her  worship,  and  the  type  of  the  true 
church,  whence  alone  cordial  praises  are  render- 
ed by  any  of  our  fallen  race.  (JVbfe,  Rev.  14:1 — 5.) 

V.  2.  The  readiness  of  the  liOrd  to  answer 
prayer,  and  all  that  pertains  to  "the  throne  of 
grace,"  and  the  "way  of  access"  for  sinful  men, 
through  the  atonement  and  mediation  of  the  Great 
High  Priest,  to  the  glory  of  the  justice  and  mercy 


JB.  C.  1017. 


PSALM  LXV. 


B.  C.  lOlt. 


3  *  Iniquities  ^  prevail  against  me:  as 
for  s  our  transgressions,  thou  shalt  purge 
them  away. 

4  ''  Blessed  is  the  man  whom,  thou 
'  choosest,  and  ^  causest  to  approach 
unto  thee,  that  he  may  dwell  in  thy 
courts:  •  we  shall  be  satisfied  with  the 
goodness  of  thy  house,  even  of  thy  holy 
temple. 

^  By  ^  terrible  things  "  in  righteous- 
ness wilt  thou  answer  us,  **  O  God  of  our 
salvation;  who  art  Pthe  Confidence  of 
all  the  ends  of  the  earth,  and  of  them 
that  are  ^  afar  off  upon  the  sea 

*  Heb.   Words,  or  Matters,  of 


iniquity. 
f38.4.  40:12.    2  Sam.  12:7—13. 

Mic.   7:8,9.      Rom.    7:23— 25. 

Gal.  5:17. 
g  51:2,3,7.  79:9.     Is.  1:18,19.  6: 

7.     Zeph.     13:1.     John    1:29. 

Heb.     9:14.      1  John   1:7—9. 

Rev.  1:5. 
h  33:12.  84:4. 
i  4:3.  78:70,71.     106:4,5.     135:4. 

Eph.   1:4,5.     2  Thes.  2:13,14. 
k  15:1.  23:6.  24:7.   Rev.  3:12. 


1  17:15.  36:8.  63:5.     Jer.   31:12 

—14,25.    Rev.  7:16,17.  21:3,4. 
m45:4.    47:2,3.    66:3.    76:3—9. 

Dent.  4:34.    10:21.     Is.   37:36. 
n  145:17.     Rom.  2:5.     Rev.  15: 

3,4.   16:5.    19:1—3. 
o  68:19,20. 
p    Is.   45:22.       Matt.     28:19,20. 

Rom.  15:10—12. 
q  Is.  51:5.    60:5.  66:19.      Zeph. 

2:11.    Zech.  9:10.     Eph.  2:17, 

13. 


of  God,  as  prefigured  by  the  institutions  of  the 
law  of  Moses,  with  the  invitations  to  draw  near, 
and  the  precious  promises  to  encourage  men  to 
do  so,  when  extensively  made  known  on  earth, 
would  induce  men  of  all  nations  to  come  and  wor- 
ship him  on  his  mercy-seat  in  Zion:  and  the  an- 
swer of  the  church's  prayer,  in  the  coming-  of  the 
Messiah,  would  make  way  for  the  propagation  of 
the  gospel  among  the  gentiles;  till  at  length  all 
the  human  race  shall  come  to  God,  as  his  suppli- 
ants. These  events  the  Psalmist  evidently  pre- 
dicted. Indeed  all  men,  in  every  age,  should  be 
invited  to  come  to  God  on  the  throne  of  grace; 
and  if  they  accept  the  invitation,  as  they  certainly 
ought  to  do,  they  will  b}'  no  means  be  rejected. 
(JVbie*,  Heb.  4:14—16.  7:23—25.) 

V.  3.  'Nor  need  their  sins,'  (the  sins  of  those 
who  come  to  God,)  'discourage  them:  for  thou 
'hadst  matter  enough  of  that  kind  against  me,  to 
'have  hindered  the  prevalency  of  my  prayer,  if 
'thou  hadst  charged  my  iniquities  upon  me.  But 
'thou  hast  been  graciously  pleased  to  forgive  not 
'only  me,  but  all  thy  people  their  transgressions.' 
Bp.  Patrick.  'O  God,  our  iniquities  stand  in  the 
'way  of  thy  mercies,  and  prevail  strongly  against 
'all  the  endeavors  of  my  reformation:  but,  do  thou 
'both  mercifully  forgive,  and  powerfully  remedy, 
'our  offences.'  Bp.  Hall.  'He  imputeth  it  to  his 
'sins,  and  to  the  sins  of  the  people,  that  God,  who 
'was  accustomed  to  assist  them,  withdraweth  his 
'succor.' — The  Psalmist  evidentl}^  experienced, 
as  the  apostle  afterwards,  that  "when  he  would 
do  good,  evil  was  present  with  him:"  and  the 
mercy  and  grace  of  God,  through  the  promised 
Savior,  to  take  away  both  the  guilt  and  the  pow- 
er of  sin,  were  his  only  support.  [J^otes,  Rom.  7: 
13 — 25.)  Longing  and  hoping  for  this  deliverance 
from  guilt  and  depravity,  he  determined  to  persist 
in  waiting  on  God,  seeking  his  glory,  expecting 
his  help,  and  celebrating  his  praises. 

V.  4.  Here  the  Psalmist  seems  to  congratu- 
late the  priests  and  Levites  on  their  happiness,  in 
being  chosen  to  the  sacred  office  of  ministering  to 
God  in  holy  things,  as  their  constant  employment. 
But  this  was  only  an  emblem  of  the  spiritual 
priesthood,  the  chosen  of  God,  to  whom  David  be- 
longed, though  he  was  a  king,  and  of  the  tribe  of 
Judah:  and  therefore  he  joins  himself  with  those 
who  would  be  satisfied  with  the  rich  provisions  of 
the  sanctuary,  the  .spiritual  communion  with  God, 


6  Which  '  by  his  strength  setteth 
fast  the  mountains;  being  ^  girded  with 
power: 

7  Which  *stilleth  the  noise  of  the 
seas,  "  the  noise  of  their  waves,  and 
''the  tumult  of  the  people. 

8  They  also  that  dwell  y  in  the  utter- 
most parts  are  ^  afraid  at  thy  tokens: 
thou  makest  the  *  outgoings  of  the  morn- 
ing and  evening  to  +  rejoice. 

9  Thou  ''  visitest  the  earth,  ^  and  wa- 
terest  it:  <=  thou  greatly  enrichest  it  with 
■^  the  river  of  God,  which  is  full  of  water: 


r  24:2.  119:90.     Mic.  6:2.  Hab. 

3:6. 
s93:l.     1  Sam.  2:4.  Is.  51:9. 
t  89:9.     107:29.      Jon.     1:4,15. 

Matt.  8:26,27. 
u  93:3,4.   104:6—9.     Job  38:8— 

11. 
X  2:1—4.  76:10.     Is.    17:12,13. 

John  18:6. 
y  2:8. 
z   48:5,6.    66:3.      126:2.      135:9. 

Ex.  15:14— 16.    Josh.  2:9— 11. 

Hab.   3:3,&c.     Acts   5:38,39. 

Rev.  11:13. 


a  19:5.   74:16.   104:20-23.     136: 

8.      Gen.    8:22.        Deut.    4:19. 

Job  38:12. 

t  Or,  sing.   13.   148:3. 
b    104:13,14.       Deut.     11:11,12, 

Ruth  1:6.     Job  37:6—13.   Jer. 

14.22.     Acts  14:17. 
t  Or,   after  thou  hadst  made  it 

to  desire  rain.  63:1. 
C  11.  68:9,10.     104:13—15.   147: 

8,9.     Job    5:10,11.     Jer.   5:24. 

Joel  2:23—26. 
d46:4.     Rev.  22:1. 


of  which  the  feasts  on  the  peace-offering;s  were  an 
external  sign  and  sacramental  prefiguration. 
{J\rotes,  27:4—6.  36:5—9.  84:4,5,8—12.  Lev.  3:1.) 

V.  5.  The  terrible  judgments,  which  God  in 
righteousness  inflicted  upon  Pharaoh,  the  Egyp- 
tians, the  Canaanites,  and  the  other  enemies  of  Is- 
rael, were  answers  to  the  prayers  of  his  people; 
the  dreadful  judgments  on  the  Philistines,  Syri- 
ans, and  others  who  opposed  David,  were  the 
same:  and  so  were  the  terrible  things,  by  which 
the  Christian  dispensation  was  introduced,  and  the 
foundations  of  idolatry  overturned.  'Thou  wilt 
'declare  thyself  to  be  the  preserver  of  thy  church, 
'in  destroying  thine  enemies,  as  thou  didst  in  the 
'Red  Sea.' — ^It  is  however  evident,  that  the  ter- 
rible judgments  executed  on  those,  both  Jews  and 
Gentiles,  who  opposed  the  establishment  of  Chris- 
tianity, were  especially  predicted:  because  tlu-se 
happened  at  that  season,  when  the  "God  of  salva- 
tion" became  the  "Confidence  of  all  the  ends  of 
the  earth,  and  of  them  that  were  afar  off  upon  the 
sea;"  and  in  those  regions  which  were  called  "the 
isles  of  the  sea."  [Is.  11:11.24:15.) 

V.  6,  7.  That  almighty  God,  who  created  and 
preserves  the  lofty  mountains;  who  sets  bounds 
to  the  tempestuous  sea,  and  rules  its  waves  in 
the  most  furious  storms;  who  divided  the  Red 
Sea  before  Israel,  and  with  it  overwhelmed  Pha- 
raoh and  his  host;  still  protects  his  church:  and, 
by  the  same  power,  he  restrains  the  madness  of 
enraged  multitudes,  of  haughty  tyrants,  or  com- 
bined nations,  and  calms  their  fury  or  crushes 
their  power,  whenever  they  attempt  any  thing 
contrary  to  his  wise,  faithful,  and  merciful  de- 
signs.—Who  can  read  these  verses  without  think- 
ing of  Him  who  "rebuked  the  wind,  and  said  to 
the  sea,  Peace,  be  still;  and  the  wind  ceased 
and  there  was  a  great  calm.'"  and  who  said  to  the 
furious  company  that  came  to  apprehend  him, 
"I  am  he,"  and  "they  went  backward  and  fell 
to  the  ground.?"  {Mtes,  Matt.  8:23—27.  John 
18:4—9.) 

People.    (7)    didnS  {plural,)  peoples,  nations. 

V.  8.  Several  of  the  appearances  in  nature 
excited  a  fear  of  the  divine  power  among  the 
heathen:  while  the  ordinary  course  of  providence 
caused  them  to  rejoice;  even  from  the  most  east- 
ern regions,  whence  the  morning  sun  appears, 
to  the  most  western  whither  he  retires  when  it  is 
evening.    The  reports  also  of  the  judgments  of 

[245 


B.  C.  1017. 


PSALM  LXV. 


B.  C.  1017. 


*thou  prepares!  them   corn,   when  thou 
hast  so  provided  for  it. 

10  Thou  waterest  the  ridges  thereof 
abundantly;  thou  *  settlest  the  furrows 
thereof:  thou  t  makest  it  soft  with  show- 
ers: ^  thou  blessest  the  springing  there- 
of. 

1 1  Thou    s  crownest  the   year  f  with 


e  104:15.    107:37.     Gen.  26:12. 

1  Tirn.  6:17,18. 
*  Or,  causest  rain   to  descend 

u)to  tkefurroras  thereof, 
f  Heb.  dissolvest  it. 


f  147:8 
g  5:12. 

18.     Heb.  2:7— y. 
J  Heb.  of  thy  goodness. 


1  Cor.  3:6,7. 

arg.  103.4.  Prov.  14: 


God,  on  the  enemies  of  Israel,  excited  conster 
nation  in  distant  nations;    and  the  glad  tidings  of 
his  salvation  have  made,  or  will  make,  the  inhab- 
itants of  every  land  to  rejoice. 

V.  9.  "Thou  visitest  the  land,  and  causest  it 
to  desire,  and  greatly  enrichest  it;"  or,  "after 
thou  hast  made  it  to  desire  rain,  &c."  [Marg.) — 
"The  river  of  God,"  in  this  connexion,  evidently 
denotes  those  abundant  and  constant  supplies  of 
water,  with  which  the  Lord  replenishes  and 
fructifies  the  earth,  as  a  large  river  waters  the 
country  through  which  it  flows:  but  under  that 
emblem  the  pouring  out  of  the  Spirit,  after  the 
ascension  of  Christ,  and  the  blessed  effects  that 
followed,  seem  to  have  been  predicted.  (JVbie*, 
/*.  44:3—5.  Rev.  22:1.) 

V.  10.  "Do  thou  water  the  ridges  abundantly, 
do  thou  cause  the  rain  to  descend  into  the  fur- 
rows, &c."  This  verse  seems  to  be  a  prayer  for 
the  blessing. — Thus  the  land  is  made  ready  for 
the  seed,  after  man  has  properl}-  tilled  it;  and 
when  he  has  sown  the  corn,  the  Lord  causes  it 
to  grow  and  ripen.  In  like  manner,  while  his 
ministers  use  appointed  means,  and  sow  the  seed 
of  divine  truth;  God  both  prepares  the  hearts  of 
the  hearers,  and  gives  the  increase. 

V.  11.  'The  herbs,  fruits,  and  flowers,  pro- 
'duced  by  the  earth,  are  ...  as  a  beautifully  vari- 
'egated  crown,  set  upon  her  head,  by  the  ...  great 
'Creator.'  Bp.  Home.  Every  year  also  is  thus 
crowned  by  his  bounty.  Wherever  the  Lord 
passes,  he  scatters  abundance  around  his  paths; 
and  the  clouds,  which  are  called  his  chariots, 
drop  down  fatness  on  the  earth.     {Marg.  Ref.\ 

V.  12,  13.  Nothing  can  be  more  beautifully 
descriptive  of  a  fruitful  country,  in  a  favorable 
season,  than  these  verses:  while  the  poetical  rep- 
resentation of  the  "little  hills  girding  themselves 
with  gladness;"  and  of  pastures  and  valleys  cloth- 
ed with  flocks  of  sheep  and  covered  with  crops 
of  corn,  exulting  and  shouting  for  joy,  has  pecu- 
liar animation. — The  same  metaphors  are  often 
used  for  the  happy  effects  of  the  gospel,  when 
successfully  preached,  especially  in  places  before 
enveloped  in  darkness.  [Marg.  Ref. — J^otes, 
96:11—13.  98:7—9.  7«.  42:10— 12.  55:12,13.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

Our  God  reveals  himself  upon  a  mercy-seat, 
ready  to  hear  and  answer  the  prayers  of  all,  who 
come  to  him  by  faith  in  Jesus  Christ;  men  in 
general  are  invited  to  come  unto  him,  and  seek 
liis  face;  and  in  due  time  all  the  inhabitants  of 
the  earth  shall  become  his  worshippers.  As  the 
Lord  fulfils  his  promises,  the  church  reiterates 
his  praises:  the  new-testament  church  renders 
that  praise,  and  performs  those  vows,  which  the 
old-testament  church  engaged  for,  when  waiting 
and  praying  for  the  coming  of  the  promised  Re- 
deemer; future  generations  shall  praise  him  for 
hearing  our  prayers  for  the  predicted  success  of 
the  gospel  through  the  earth;  and  every  believer 
will  render  him  praises,  as  he  graciously  fulfils 
245] 


thy  goodness;  and  ''  tliy  paths  drop  >  fat- 
ness. 

12  They  "^  drop  upon  the  pastures  of 
the  wilderness;  and  the  little  hills  ;  re- 
joice on  every  side. 

13  'The  pastures  are  clothed  with 
flocks:  the  valleys  also  are  covered  over 
with  corn:  ^  they  shout  for  joy,  they 
also  sing. 

h  25:10.   104:13.  Joel   2:14,21— 
26.     Hag.  2:19.    Mai.  3:10. 
i36:8.     Rom.  11:17. 
k  104:10—13.     Job  38:26,27. 
^  Heb.    are  girded  iii-ithjny.  6. 


Is.  55:9—13.  61:10,11. 
1  104:24—28.    Zech.  9:17.  Acts 

14:17. 
m  96:11— 13.  98:7— 9.     Is.  35:1, 

2,10.  52:9.  55:12.     Jer.  48:33. 


his  promises.  Thus  "praise  waiteth  for  our  God 
in  Zion;"  and  thus  are  "the  vows  performed," 
which  continually  accompan)'  the  prayers  of  his 
people,  and  indeed  are  implied  in  them.  And 
we  may  urge  this  as  a  cogent  plea  for  the  grant- 
ing of  our  petitions,  seeing  it  will  redound  to  his 
glory.  Nor  can  either  the  number  or  prevalen- 
cy  of  those  iniquities,  for  which  we  are  humbled, 
invalidate  the  plea,  when  we  come  in  the  Re- 
deemer's name:  because,  "as  for  our  transgres- 
sions, he  will  purge  them  away,"  "to  the  praise 
of  the  glory  of  his  grace." — Blessed  indeed  is 
that  man,  whom  the  Lord  chooses,  and  by  his 
Spirit  causes  to  approach  him,  in  humble  faith 
and  prayer;  and  who,  finding  acceptance  with 
him,  learns  to  delight  in  his  courts  and  ordinan- 
ces, as  the  rest  of  his  soul. — We  may  find  that 
satisfaction  in  the  goodness  of  his  house,  which 
others  in  vain  expect  from  the  world:  and,  while 
we  see  these  blessings  spring  from  his  special 
love  and  choice,  we  may  rejoice  at  the  prospect 
of  the  eternal  completion  of  them  in  his  holy 
temple  above.  It  is,  however,  only  through  that 
blessed  One,  who  was  chosen  to  approach  unto 
the  Father,  and  to  abide  in  the  true  tabernacle 
as  our  Advocate,  that  we  sinners  can  expect  or 
experience  this  felicity:  and  through  him,  "the 
God  of  our  salvation"  is  become  "the  Confidence 
of  all  the  ends  of  the  earth;"  even  of  us  Britons, 
who  are  indeed  "afar  off  upon  the  sea,"  at  a  very 
great  distance  from  the  land,  in  which  the  sacred 
oracles  were  first  given.  But  these  blessings, 
communicated  to  mankind  in  answer  to  the 
prayers  of  his  people,  have  been  attended  with 
terrible  vengeance  upon  opposers:  still  more 
dreadful  things  will  accompany  the  further  prev- 
alence of  the  gospel:  and  the  complete  salvation 
of  the  church  will  be  attended  by  the  eternal  de- 
struction of  the  ungodly.  Nay,  the  Lord  often 
answers  the  prayers  of  his  people,  with  such  con- 
victions, rebukes,  and  corrections,  as  are  for  the 
timB  very  terrifying  to  them. — But  let  us  trust 
his  power,  truth,  and  love;  and  submit  to  his 
righteousness.  The  "strength,  which  setteth 
fast  the  mountains,"  upholds  the  believer:  the 
word,  which  "stilleth  the  stormy  ocean,"  can 
silence  the  tumult  and  rage  of  our  most  numer- 
ous and  potent  enemies:  and  he,  who  enriches 
the  earth  with  such  abundant  and  varied  liber- 
ality, can  neither  want  sutBciency  nor  bounty  to 
feed  the  souls  of  his  people.  We  should  then 
adore  the  tokens  of  his  power,  in  taking  right- 
eous vengeance  on  his  enemies,  and  rejoice  in 
beholding  it  displayed  in  mercy.  We  should, 
with  wonder,  gratitude,  and  praise,  behold  and 
participate  the  abundance,  which,  by  the  wise 
and  kind  providence  of  God,  is  diffused  through 
the  earth:  and,  while  we  see  year  after  year 
crowned  with  the  goodness  of  the  Lord,  so  that 
the  hills  and  valleys,  covered  with  corn  and  cat- 
tle, seem  to  proclaim  and  rejoice  in  their  Crea- 
tor's praise;  we  should  remember  our  unwor- 
thiness,  be  thankful  for  our  portion,  and  use  it 


B.  C.  1023. 


PSALM  LXVI. 


B.  C.  102^ 


PSALM  LXVL 

The  Psalmist  exhorts  all  men  to  observe  the  works  of  God,  and 
to  praise  him,  with  solemn  awe  and  lively  gratitude,  1—9. 
He  shews  how  God  had  tried  and  delivered  his  people,  10— 
1.!.  He  determines  to  perform  his  vows;  and  declares  how 
God  had  answered  his  prayers,  13 — 20. 

To  the  chief  Musician,  A  Song  or  Psalm, 
a  IV/TAKE   a  joyful    noise   unto   God, 
T  i    *  all  ye  lands: 

2  '^  Sing  forth  the  honor  of  his  name; 
make  his  praise  glorious. 

3  Say  unto  God,  <=  How  terrible 
art  thou  in  thy  works!  '^  through  the 
greatness  of  thy  power  shall  thine  ene- 
mies t  submit  themselves  unto  thee. 

4  ^  All  the   earth   shall    worship  thee, 

c47:2.  65;5.  7612.  Kx.  15;1— 
16,21.  Judg.  5:2—4,20—22. 
Is.  2:19.  64:3.    Jer.  10:10. 

d  18:44.  22:28,29.  68:30.    81:15. 

I  Or,  yield  feigned  obedience. 
Heb.  lie.  78:35,36. 

e  22:27.  65:5.  67:2.  96:1,2.   117: 

I.  Is.  2:2— 4.  11:9.  42:10—12. 
49:22,23.    Dan.  7:14.     Mai.  1: 

II.  Rev.  15:4. 


a   31:1.    95:1,2.    98:4.    100:1.    1 

Chr.  15:23. 
*  Heb.  all  the  earth.  96:1.  117: 

1.2.  150:6.  1  Chr.  16:23,24. 
Is.  24:16. 

6  47:6,7.72:13.    96:3—10.    105: 

2.3.  106:2.  107:15,22.  1  Chr. 
29:10—13.  Neh.  9:5  Is.  6:3. 
12:4—6.49:13.  Rev.  4:8— 11. 
5:13. 


to  tVie  glory  of  the  Giver;  admire  and  imitate  his 
bounty  to  the  indigent,  as  we  are  able,  and  his 
goodness  to  the  wicked  and  ungrateful  children 
of  men;  and  pity  and  pray  for  those,  who  abuse 
these  gifts  to  the  dishonor  of  the  Giver. — But 
these  temporal  mercies,  to  us  unworthy  crea- 
tures, shadow  forth  more  important  blessings. 
The  rising  of  "the  Sun  of  righteousness,"  and 
the  pouring  out  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  that  "River 
of  God"  full  of  the  waters  of  life  and  salvation, 
render  the  hearts  of  sinners,  which  before  were 
hard,  barren,  and  worthless,  fruitful  in  every 
good  work;  and  change  the  face  of  nations,  far 
more  than  the  sun  and  rain  do  the  face  of  nature. 
Wherever  the  Lord  passes,  by  the  preaching 
of  his  gos-.pel,  attended  by  his  Holy  Spirit,  "his 
paths  drop  fatness;"  and  numbers  of  every  de- 
scription are  taught  to  rejoice  in  him  and  praise 
him.  These  blessings  have  already  been  extend- 
ed to  many  nations,  which  were  far  off:  may  we 
unite  in  fervent  prayers  and  vigorous,  persever- 
ing, and  self-denying  endeavors,  that  they  may 
descend  upon  the  pastures  of  the  wilderness,  the 
heathen  world,  and  the  poor  benighted  Jews;  and 
that  the  whole  earth  may  hear  and  embrace  the 
gospel:  and  may  all,  who  are  favored  with  the 
means  of  grace,  bring  forth  abundantly  "those 
fruits  of  righteousness,  which  are  through  Jesus 
Christ,  to  the  glory  of  God  the  Father." 

NOTES. 

Psalm  LXVI.  Title.  The  double  title,  "A 
Song,  a  Psalm,"  is  supposed  by  some  to  mean,  a 
very  joyful  song'  of  praise. — The  name  of  David 
is  not  affixed  to  this  psalm;  and  various  opinions 
have  been  entertained  concerning  the  time,  au- 
thor, and  occasion  of  it;  but  it  is  highly  proba- 
ble, that  it  was  written  by  David,  when  estab- 
lished on  the  throne,  and  made  victorious  over 
his  enemies  on  every  side. 

V.  1 — 3.  The  Psalmist  earnestly  excites  all 
the  inhabitants  of  the  land.,  (the  noun  is  singular, 
tliough  the  verb  is  plural,)  to  exert  their  powers 
to  the  utmost,  in  celebrating  openly  and  with  ex- 
ultation the  works,  and  honoring  the  name,  and 
making  glorious,  or  a  glory,  the  praises,  of  God: 
rtr,  accounting  it  their  honor,  to  glorify  him  wlio 
had  remarkably  interposed  in  their  behalf;  and 
had  executed  such  terrible  punishment  on  their 
enemies,  that  many  who  inwardly  disliked  them 
and  their  religion,  being  alarmed  by  the  power 


and  shall  sing  unto   thee;  they  shall  sing 
to  thy  name.     Selah. 

5  '  Come  and  see  the  works  of  God: 
he  is  s  terrible  in  his  doing  toward  the 
children  of  men. 

6  ^  He  turned  the  sea  into  dry  land: 
they  went  through  the  flood  on  foot: 
'  there  did  we  rejoice  in  him. 

7  ^  He  ruleth  by  his  power  for  ever; 
'  his  eyes  behold  the  nations:  "  let  not 
the  rebellious  exalt  themselves.     Selah. 

8  "  O  bless  our  God,  ye  people,  and 
°  make  the  voice  of  his  praise  to  be 
heard: 


f  16.     46:8.     111:2.     126:1-3. 

Num.  23:23. 
g3.    99:3.    Ez.  1:18. 
h   78:13.     106:8-10.     114:5—7. 

136:13,14.     Ex.    14:21,22.     Is. 

63:13,14. 
i  106:11,12.  Ex.  15:1,&C.  Rev. 

15:2,3. 
k   62:11.      Dan.  4:35.    6,26,27. 


Matt.  6:13.  28:18. 
1  11:4.  33:13.     2  Chr.  l6:9. 
m  2:10—12.    52:1—5.  73:3—12. 

75:4,5.     Ex.    18:11.     Job   9:4. 

Is.  10:7—16.   37:28,29.      Dan. 

5:20—28. 
n  Deut.  32:43.     Rom.  15:10,11. 
o  2.  47:1.     Jer.  33:11.    Rev.  5: 

11—14.  19:1,5,6. 


of  his  works,  had  reluctantly  submitted  them- 
selves, and  professedly,  yet  insincerely,  become 
the  worshippers  of  Jehovah.  This  was  the  ef- 
fect produced  by  the  gospel  in  the  first  ages, 
when  numbers,  by  the  miracles  wrought,  and  the 
judgments  of  God  inflicted  on  the  Jews  and  other 
opposers  of  Christianity,  feigned  submission  to 
the  divine  Savior,  and  embraced  Christianity, 
without  any  real  change  of  heart  or  character. 
{Marg.—I8:i4.  marg.— Motes.,  78:36,37.  2  Saw. 
22:43—51,  v.  45.) 

Submit.     (3)     ^^^^"^ ,  shalllie. 

V.  4.  The  words  rendered  "all  the  earth" 
may  mean  all  the  land:  yet  the  verb  is  plural, 
and  all  the  inhabitants  are  meant. — The  passage, 
however,  is  not  so  evidently  a  prophecy  of  a  more 
enlarged  dispensation  than  that  of  Moses,  as 
many  are  which  occur  in  these  psalms;  yet  even 
these  were  entirely  overlooked  by  the  Jews  in 
the  time  of  Christ.  In  like  manner  the  clearest 
and  most  explicit  predictions,  that  the  kingdom 
of  Christ  shall  at  length  be  established  all  over 
the  earth,  are  little  attended  to  by  professed 
Christians  in  general;  but  they  will  most  certain- 
ly be  at  length  accomplished.     [Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  5.  'He  toucheth  the  slothful  dulness  of 
'man,  who  is  cold  in  the  consideration  of  God's 
'works.'     (JVb<e«,  46:8,9.   111:2—4.  126:1—3.) 

V.  6.  The  miraculous  passage  of  Israel  through 
the  Red  Sea,  which  overwhelmed  the  Egyptians, 
and  their  secure  march  through  the  divided 
streams  of  Jordan,  to  possess  Canaan  and  extir- 
pate the  inhabitants,  are  celebrated  in  this  verse. 
All  Israel  rejoiced  in  the  temporal  benefits  thus 
conferred  on  them;  but  the  true  church  rejoiced 
in  God  their  Savior  and  Friend,  and  the  display 
of  his  glory  in  these  events.  Israel,  as  the  visible 
church,  was  considered  as  one  body,  which  re- 
joiced and  exulted  on  that  occasion — Moses, 
Aaron,  and  Miriam,  led  the  song  of  joyful  praise 
of  Israel  on  the  banks  of  the  Red  Sea;  and  trans- 
mitted both  the  benefits,  and  the  grateful  and  tri- 
umphant remembrance  of  them,  to  the  next  gen- 
eration. {Motes,  106:6—14.  iJa:.  15:1— 21.)  Thus 
from  age  to  age  the  church  rejoiced  and  blessed 
God,  in  concert  with  those  who  were  eye-wit- 
nesses of  his  wonderful  works. 

V.  7.  (JVb^c,  2  C'/ir.  16:7— 10.)  'He  observes 
'the  motions  of  all  nations,  who  may  learn,  by  the 
'Egyptians  and  Canaanites,  that  they  who  con- 
'temn  his  authority,  in  vain  endeavor  to  exalt 

[247 


B.  C.  1023. 


PSALM  LXVI. 


B.  C.  1023. 


9  P  Which  *  holdeth  our  soul  in  hfe, 
and  "J  sufFereth  not  our  feet  to  be  mov- 
ed. 

10  For  thou,  O  God,  "■  hast  proved 
us;  thou  ^  hast  tried  us,  as  silver  is 
tried. 

11  Thou  *■  broughtest  us  into  the 
net;  thou  laidest  affliction  "  upon  our 
loins. 

12  Thou  hast  ^caused  men  to  ride 
over  our  heads:  we  went  ^  through  fire 
and  through  water;  ^  but  thou  brought- 
est us  out  into  a  t  wealthy  place. 

13^1   will    go    into   thy    house    with 
I    will    pay    thee    my 


burnt-offerings; 
vows, 

p  22:29.     1   Sam.   25:29.     Acts 

17:28.     Col.  3:3,4. 
*  Ileb.  putteth. 
q  37:23,24.  62:2,6.  94:18.   112:6. 

121:3.  125:3.  1  Sam.  2:9. 
r  17:3.  Deut.  8:2,16.  13:3. 
s  Prov.  17:3.    Is.  48:10.     Zech. 

13:9.     1  Pet.  1:6,7. 
t, Job  19:6.     Lam.  1:13.  3:2,&c. 

Matt.  6:13. 
u  Deut.  33:11. 
X  129:1—3.    Is.  51:23. 


y  Is.  43:1,2.  Acts  14.22.  1  Thes. 

3'3  4. 
z    33:19.     40:2,3.       Job    36:1G. 

Luke  16:25.    Jam.  5:11.  Rev. 

7:14,&c. 
t  Heb.  moist.   107:35—37.    Is. 

35:6,7. 
a   51:18,19.      100:4.      118:19,27. 

Deut.  12:11,12.    Heb.  13:15. 
b  22:25.  56:12.   116:14,18.     Ec. 

5:4.     Jon.  2:9.  Nab.  1:15. 


'themselves; ...  for  they  shall  certainly  be  abased.' 
Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  8—10.  [Marg.  Ref.)  The  dangers  and 
distresses,  by  which  Israel  had  been  tried  and 
proved  as  in  a  furnace,  during  their  bondage  in 
Egypt,  and  afterwards  in  the  time  of  the  judges, 
and  during  some  parts  of  Saul's  reign,  seemed  to 
threaten  the  destruction  of  their  existence  as  a 
nation:  yet  God  had  wonderfully  preserved  and 
delivered  them;  as  a  man's  life  is  saved  from  im- 
minent danger,  or  his  health  established  after 
some  very  dangerous  disease,  or  his  steps  upheld 
on  the  slippery  brink  of  a  precipice.  The  aston- 
ishing preservation  of  the  Jews  as  a  separate 
people,  during  their  long  continued  dispersions 
and  oppressions  to  this  day;  when  it  shall  be 
crowned  (as  assuredly  it  shall  be,)  by  their  con- 
version to  Christianity  and  restoration  to  the 
promised  land;  will  constitute  a  still  more  extra- 
ordinary instance  of  the  watchful  care  of  Provi- 
dence over  that  people,  who  in  this  particular 
may  be  regarded  as  a  type  both  of  the  church 
and  of  individual  believers.  [Jfoles,  JSTum.  33:9. 
Deut.  4:29— til.  28:46.  Jcr.  5:15— 18.  30:10,11. 
Hos.  3:4,5.) 

V.  11,  12.  The  Lord  had,  for  wise,  righteous, 
and  merciful  reasons,  brought  Israel  into  a  net, 
by  inducing  them  to  go  down  into  Egypt,  and 
settle  in  that  country.  Their  oppressors,  having 
thus  entangled  them,  laid  heavy  burdens  on  their 
loins,  using  them  like  beasts  of  burden.  INay, 
they  were  so  powerful,  cruel,  and  haughty,  that 
tliey  seemed  to  ride  over  their  heads;  and-,  having 
thrown  them  down,  to  trample  them  under  foot. 
{JVoies,  129:1 — 3.)  Yet  from  this  situation,  in 
which  they  "went  through  fire  and  water," 
through  fiery  trials,  and  seas  and  rivers,  God  had 
brought  them  to  rest  and  great  prosperity  in  Ca- 
naan. [Marg.  R€f.—M)te,  Is.  43: 1,2.  Zech.  13: 
8,9.) 

V.  13,  14.  The  Psalmist,  having  stirred  up  the 
people  to  praise  God  for  his  general  mercies  to 
l.srael,  avows  his  intention  ot  celebrating,  with 
.sacrifices  and  oblations,  those  deliverances  which 
he  had  lately  received,  both  personal  and  public; 
and  thus  to  perform  the  vows  which,  in  the  most 
open  and  solemn  manner,  he  had  made  in  the 
248] 


14  Which  my  lips  have  t  uttered, 
and  '^  my  mouth  hath  spoken,  '^  when  I 
was  in  trouble. 

15  1  will  offer  unto  thee  burnt-sacri- 
fices of  5  fatlings,  ^  with  the  incense  of 
rams;  'I  will  offer  bullocks  with  goats. 
Selah. 

16  ^  Come  and  hear,  all  ye  that  fear 
God,  ^  and  I  will  declare  what  he  hath 
done  for  my  soul. 

17  'I  cried  unto  him  with  my  mouth, 
and  ^  he   was  extolled   with  my  tongue. 

18  'If  I  regard  iniquity  in  my  heart, 
the  Lord  will  not  hear  me: 

19  But  "verily  God  hath  heard  me: 
he  hath  attended  to  the  voice  of  my 
prayer. 

J  Heb.    opened.    Judg.   11:35, 

36. 
c  Num.  30:2,9,12. 
a  Gen.  28:20—22.  35:3.  1  Sam. 

1:11.     2  Sam.  22:7. 
$  Heb.  7nnTrovi. 
e  Jer.  41:5. 
f  2  Sam.  6:13,17—19.     ]  Chr. 

16:1—3. 
g5.  34:2,11.    71:18.     Mai.  3:16. 

1  Tim.  1:15,16.   1  John  1:3. 


h  22:23,24.  32:5,6.  71:20.   1  Cor. 

15:8—10. 
i  30:8.  34:3,4,6.  116:1,2,12. 
k30:l.   145:1. 
1  Job  27:8,9.  Prov.    15:8,29.  21: 

13.  28:9.     Is.  1:15.    John  9:31. 

Jam.  4:3. 
m  6:9.  34:6.    116:1,2.     Lam.  3: 

65,56.     Heb.  5:7.    1  John  3:20 

—22. 


season  of  great  danger  and  affliction.  {J^otes,  22: 
25.  56:12.  116:17—19.  Gen.  28:20— 22.  35:1. 
J>fum.30:2.  Ec.  5:4—7.  Jon.  1:11—16.) 

V.  15.  This  verse  may  be  literally  rendered, 
"I  will  offer  unto  thee  the  burnt-sacrifices  of  fat- 
lings,  even  rams,  with  incense;  I  will  offer  bul- 
locks and  goats:"  That  is,  'I  will  liberally  pro- 
'vide  for  every  part  of  the  service  at  the  taberna- 
'cle.' — "The  incense  of  rams"  conveys  no  clear 
meaning.     {jYote,  Ex.  30:34—38.) 

V.  16.  The  psalm,  being  given  to  the  chief 
musician,  was  made  public,  and  all  might  read 
it:  but  the  Psalmist  especially  called  the  atten- 
tion of  those  who  feared  God,  or  were  truly  pious 
persons,  to  the  concluding  part;  as  they  alone 
were  prepared  to  enter  into  the  spirit  of  it,  to  de- 
rive instruction  from  his  experience,  and  to  glo- 
rify God  on  his  account.  [Marg.  Ref. — JVotes, 
5,6.) 

V.  1 7.  That  dependence  on  God,  and  expecta- 
tion from  him,  and  those  spiritual  affections, 
which  are  employed  in  believing  prayer,  are 
honorable  to  his  power,  truth,  and  love;  so  that  he 
is  extolled  or  magnified  by  them.     [Marg.  Ref  .) 

V.  18,  19.  It  is  probable,  that  the  Psalmist 
had  not  only  been  reproached  with  his  past  trans- 
gressions, but  also  charged  with  hypocrisy,  and  a 
secret  course  of  habitual  sin:  but  God  had  in- 
deed answered  his  prayers,  in  a  remarkable  man- 
ner, 'which  brought  along  with  it  a  testimony  of 
'my  sincerity,  far  more  valuable  than  my  king- 
'dom.  For  had  I  been  guilty  of  such  crimes,  or 
'entertained  so  much  as  a  thought  of  them,  as  my 
'enemies  charged  me  withal,  the  Lord,  who  hates 
'iniquity,  would  have  denied  me  my  request.' 
Bp.  Patrick. — The  original  is,  "If  I  looked  at 
iniquity  with  my  heart;"  tliat  is,  if  I  thought  of  it 
with  affection  and  desire.  He  that  "regards  ini- 
quity," entertains  the  thoughts  of  it  as  a  man 
does  a  welcome  visitant.  He  provides  for  their 
entertainment,  is  reluctant  to  part  with  them; 
and,  as  far  as  he  can  safely,  he  seeks  and  seizes 
the  occasion  of  practising  the  sin,  which  he  thus 
thinks  of  with  satisfaction.  This  evidences  the 
love  and  dominion  of  sin;  is  inconsistent  with 
true  repentance;  and,  if  connected  with  a  pro- 
fession of  religion,  it  is  a  clear  evidence  of  hypoc- 


B.  C.  1023. 


PSALM  LXVII. 


B.  C.  1023. 


20  Blessed  be  God,  "  which  hath  not 
turned  away  my  prayer,  nor  his  mercy 
from  me. 

PSALM  LXVn. 

A  prayer  for  an  increase  of  blessings  to  the  church;  that  all  na- 
tions may  know  and  rejoice  in  God's  salvation,  and  submit  to 
his  righteous  government,  1 — 7. 

To    the    chief   Musician   on  *  Neginoth, 


A  Psalm  or  Song. 


51:11.86:12,13.     2  Sam.  7:14,15. 


a  4:  6:  76:  titles. 


G" 


OD    be    merciful    unto    us,    and 
bless    us,    and  ^  cause   his  face 
to  shine  *  upon  us.     Selah. 

2  ^  That  ^  thy  way  may  be  known 
upon  earth,  e  thy  saving  health  among 
all  nations. 

3  ^  Let  the  people  praise  thee,  O 
God;  let  all  the  people  praise  thee. 


b  Num.  6:24— 27.     Deut.    21:8 

2  Cor.  13:14. 
c  28:9.     Eph.  1:3. 
d  4:6.  31:16.   80:1—3,7,19.    119: 

135.     2  Cor.  4:6. 
*  Heb.  viith  us. 
e  98:2,3.  Esth.  8:15—17.  Zech. 


8:20—23.     Acts  9:31. 
f  Acts  13:10.    18:25.  22:4. 
g43:5.  66:1—4.   117:2.  Is.  49:6. 

Luke  2:30,31.  3:6.    Tit.  2:11. 
h  5.  45:17.  74:21.    119:175.   142: 

7.  Is.  38:18,19. 


risy. — In  this  case  God  will  not  accept  or  answer 
a  man's  prayers.  [Marg.  Ref. — Abies,  Prov.  28: 
9.  /*.  1:10—15.  John  9:27—34,  v.  31.)  But  if 
the  consciousness  of  sin  in  the  heart,  or  the  intru- 
sion of  evil  thoughts,  create  uneasiness,  and  a  de- 
sire to  be  rid  of  them;  if  they  be  like  the  pres- 
ence of  an  impertinent,  intruding  visitant,  or  that 
of  a  dun  to  a  moneyless  debtor;  this  is  an  argu- 
ment of  sincerity  in  repentance,  faith,  and  regard 
to  God  and  his  will;  and  God  delights  in  the 
prayer  of  the  itpright.  {J^otes,  119:113.  Prov. 
15:8,9.)  So  that  evident  answers  to  solemn  and 
particular  prayers  are  divine  attestations  to  a 
man's  integrity. 

V.  20.     JVbfes,  40:11,12.  50:7—15.   116:1,2. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  glorious  perfections  and  works  of  God 
sliould  induce  all  men  in  every  land  to  delight  in 
praising  him,  in  "singing  forth  the  honor  of  his 
name,  and  in  making  his  praise  glorious;"  ac- 
counting it  their  highest  honor  thus  to  adore  and 
glorify  him:  and  nothing  but  human  depravity 
prevents  this  reasonable  and  delightful  emplo}'- 
ment  from  being  as  universal  on  earth  as  in 
heaven.  But  neither  his  exuberant  goodness, 
nor  his  terrible  judgments,  nor  the  greatness  of 
his  power,  can  bring  his  enemies  to  more  than  a 
forced  or  feigned  submission,  except  effectual 
grace  new  create  their  hearts  unto  holiness.  In 
this  wa}',  however,  great  multitudes  have  been, 
by  the  gospel,  brought  to  be  his  willing  servants 
and  spiritual  worshippers,  and  at  length  all  the 
inhabitants  of  the  earth  shall  sing  his  praise. — It 
is  very  proper  that  sinners  sliould  be  excited  to 
*'come,  and  behold  the  works  of  God,  and  how 
terrible  he  is  in  his  doing  toward  the  children  of 
men:"  that,  observing  how  "he  ruleth  by  his 
power,"  over  those  who  do  not  become  his  willing 
.subjects;  and  how  he  beholds  the  nations,  to  hin- 
der the  rebellious  from  exalting  themselves;  they 
ma}'  see  the  necessity  of  seeking  the  favor  of  him 
whose  wrath  is  so  destructive;  and,  considering 
the  deliverances  vouchsafed  his  people,  they  may 
desire  to  share  their  privileges.  His  servants 
also  should  consider  his  wonderful  works,  that 
they  may  be  excited  to  bless  their  God,  and 
"cause  the  voice  of  his  praise  to  be  heard:"  and 
in  redemption  by  the  death  of  Christ,  and  the  glo- 
ries which  followed  that  grand  event,  they  have 
far  more  surprising  and  affecting  subjects  to  con- 
template, than  Israel's  deliverance  from  Egyp- 
tian bondage — The  Lord  not  only  preserves  our 
temporal  life,  but  maintains  that  spiritual  life 
which  he  has  communicated:  nor  will  he  suffer 
tlie  feet  of  his  servants  to  be  moved,  to  their  ut- 
ter casting  down,  by  any  of  the  difficulties  of  their 
path,  or  assaults  of  their  enemies.  {JVote,  1  Sam. 
2:9.)  Yet  he  will  try  their  faith,  by  affliction,  as 
silver  is  tried  in  the  fire;  that  it  may  be  proved 
genuine  and  be  further  purified.  [JYotes,  1  Pel. 
1:6,7.  4:12 — 16.)  Oppressions  and  persecutions, 
and  even  temptations,  are  on  this  account  ner- 

VoL.  in.  32 


mitted  as  benefits  to  our  souls:  they  indeed  spring 
from  the  malice  of  men  or  devils;  but  we  must 
receive  them,  as  prescribed  by  our  God  to  effect 
his  gracious  purposes. — Through  various  convic- 
tions, conflicts,  and  troubles,  the  slave  of  Satan 
escapes  from  his  galling  yoke,  and  obtains  peace 
and  joy  in  believing:  and  ^'through  much  tribu- 
lation" the  believer  "must  enter  into  the  kingdom 
of  God." — While  our  praises  unite  with  those  of 
the  whole  church  of  God,  for  general  mercies 
vouchsafed  from  age  to  age;  and  our  prayers,  for 
all  that  yet  remains  to  be  done;  we  must  by  no 
means  overlook  our  own  concerns.  Under  every 
trouble  we  should  cry  unto  the  Lord  with  our 
mouth  and  from  our  heart;  and  take  occasion, 
from  our  distressing  situation,  more  solemnly  to 
engage  ourselves  to  his  service.  Then  he  will 
deem  himself  honored  by  our  worship:  and  when 
we  obtain  deliverance,  we  must  "pay  the  vows," 
which  our  mouth  hath  "spoken  in  the  day  of  our 
distress." — The  sacrifice  of  the  death  of  Christ 
has  superseded  the  legal  oblations,  by  which  the 
ancient  believers  expressed  their  grateful  zeal: 
but  we  must  offer  continually  the  sacrifices  ot 
praise  and  thanksgiving;  our  bodies  must  be  pre- 
sented as  a  living  sacrifice  unto  the  Lord,  while 
our  souls  are  as  consecrated  priests  to  him;  and 
without  grudging  we  must  expend  our  substance 
"in  doing  good"  to  our  brethren,  and  to  all  men 
as  we  have  opportunity;  "for  with  such  sacrifices" 
our  "God  is  well  pleased:"  and  the  commemora- 
tion of  the  Redeemer's  atoning  sacrifice,  accord- 
ing to  his  holy  institution,  is  especially  that  sacri- 
fice of  thanksgiving,  which  is  our  bounden  duty. 
— Besides  the  general  example  of  gratitude  for 
our  mercies,  which  we  publicly  exhibit;  we  should 
more  particularly  declare  to  those  who  fear  God, 
what  he  has  done  for  our  souls,  and  how  he  has 
heard  and  answered  our  prayers:  they  alone  are 
capable  of  understanding  our  experience,  and 
they  will  be  edified  and  encouraged  b}'  it,  and  will 
join  with  us  in  prayer  and  praise;  and  this  will 
turn  to  our  mutual  comfort,  and  to  the  glory  ot 
God.  But  without  uprightness  in  our  professed 
repentance,  faith,  and  love,  we  cannot  share  these 
spiritual  privileges:  if  we  love  iniquity  in  our 
hearts,  though  we  refrain  from  the  gross  practice 
of  it,  the  Lord  will  reject  our  hypocritical  suppli- 
cations. But  the  feeblest  petition  of  the  repent- 
ing sinner,  coming  from  a  broken  heart,  will  by 
no  means  be  despised:  and  when  we  pray  "in  sim- 
plicity and  godly  sincerity,"  our  requests  will  be 
evidently  answered;  and  this  will  "turn  unto  us 
for  a  teutimonj',"  increasing  our  assurance  of  the 
Lord's  love  to  us,  and  exciting  our  gratitude  (o 
him,  who  "hath  not  turned  away  our  prayer,  nor 
his  mercy  from  us." 

NOTES. 

Psalm  LXVII.  V.  1— 3.  It  is  probable  that 
David  composed  this  psalm;  perhaps  on  the  same 
occasion  as  the  foregoing. — It  may  be  considered 
either  as  a    prayer,  or  as  a   prophecy:   but  the. 

[249 


B.  C.  1023. 


PSALM  LXVIII. 


B.  C.  1045. 


4  *  O  let  the  nations  be  glad,  and  sing 
for  joy:  ^  for  thou  shalt  judge  the  people 
righteously,  '  and  *  govern  the  nations 
upon  earth.     Selah. 

5  "  Let  the  people  praise  thee,  O 
God;  let  all  the  people  praise  thee. 

6  Then  °  shall  the  earth  yield  her  in- 
crease; and  God,  even  °  our  own  God, 
shall  bless  us. 


i   97:1.     138:4,5.      Deut.    32:43. 

Is.  24:14—16.  42:10—12.  54:1. 

Rom.  1.5:10,11.     Gal.  4:27. 
k9:8.    96:10—13.    98:9.      Gen. 

18:25.    Acts  17:31.     Rom.  2:5. 
12:8.  82:6.    Rev.  11:15—17. 
*  Heb.  lead.    Is.  55:4. 


m  3.  Matt.  6:9,10. 

D  85:9—12.     Lev.  26:4.      Is.  1: 

19.  30:23,24.     Ez.  34:26,27.    1 

Cor.  3:6—9. 
0  43:14.     Gen.  17:7.     Ex.  3:15. 

Jer.  31:1,33. 


whole,  being  in  the  future  tense,  is  more  natural- 
ly interpreted  as  a  prediction,  than  as  a  supplica- 
tion. Most  versions  indeed  render  it  as  a  prayer, 
and  in  this  sense  it  is  exceeding-ly  animated:  yet 
it  may  be  questioned,  whether  the  method  of  ex- 
plaining the  language  of  direct  prophecy^  as  long- 
ing and  praying  for  the  event,  have  not  darkened 
the  evidence  from  prophecy  for  the  divine  inspira- 
tion of  scripture;  and  damped  the  expectations, 
exertions,  and  prayers  of  pious  persons  for  the  en- 
largement of  the  church.  Prophecy  may  easily 
be  converted  into  prayer  for  its  accomplishment: 
but  the  prayers  even  of  inspired  persons  must  not 
be  considered  as  prophecies. — The  believing  rem- 
nant of  the  old-testament  church  here  predicts 
that  God  would  continue  and  complete  his  mer- 
icies  to  them,  and  bless  them,  shining  on  them  as 
the  enlightening,  cheering,  fertilizing  sun,  and 
trailing  on  them  as  a  loving  Father.  [J^otes,  4:6 — 
8.  JVmn.  6:24— 26.)— The  effect  of  this  would  be, 
a  general  prevalence  of  truth  and  righteousness, 
of  love,  peace,  joy,  and  all  the  fruits  of  the  Spirit: 
and  when  the  visible  church  became  thus  pure, 
united,  and  happy,  it  would  powerfully  conduce 
to  its  enlargement;  till  "the  way  of  the  LORW'^ 
would  be  known  on  earth,  and  that  salvation, 
which  heals  the  distempered  souls  of  men,  would 
reach  all  nations;  and  all  the  "gentiles  would 
glorify  God  fir  his  mercy." — "The  people  shall 
praise  thee,  O  God;  the  people  shall  praise  thee,  i 
all  of  them."  [Jfotes,  117:  Rom.  15:8— IS.)— This! 
psalm  is  adopted  into  the  liturgy  of  our  church;  \ 
and  when  it  is  read  and  attended  to  with  under- 
standing and  affection,  the  prophecy  is  in  part 
fulfilled.  The  substance  also  of  these  verses,  asi 
a  petition,  is  inserted  in  the  excellent  prayer  'for^ 
'all  sorts  and  conditions  of  men:'  though  the  or- 
der being  reversed,  the  connexion  between  the 
purity  and  peace  of  the  church,  and  its  enlarge- 
ment into  all  lands,  is  not  so  clearly  maintained. 
— The  coming  of  Christ,  "the  Sun  of  Righteous- 
ness, who  arose"  on  the  land  of  Israel,  "with  heal- 
ing in  his  wings;"  the  success  of  the  gospel  in  the 
primitive  ages,  and  the  future  conversion  of  the 
nations  to  Christ-,  seem  to  have  been  predicted  in 
the  most  unequivocal  manner:  nor  can  the  proph- 
ecy be  considered  as  fulfilled,  while  any  part  of 
the  world  remains  in  pagan,  Moltammedan,  or 
Jewish  darkness;  or  while  any  part  of  the  church  I 
continues  in  bondage  to  antichristian  tyranny  and 
superstition,or  corrupted  with  heresy,  and  miser- 
ably divided,  as,  alas!  it  is  at  present. — Thy  sav- 
ing health.  (2)  Literally,  "Thv  salvation."  (JVbfes, 
Is.  49:5,6.  Ltike  2:25—32.  3:4 — 6.) 

V.  4.  This  is  literally,  "The  nations  shall  be 
glad  and  sing  for  joy,  &c."  By  the  knowledge  of 
God  through  the  gospel,  all  peoples,  nations,  and 
languages  shall  certainly  at  length  rejoice  in  his 
righteous  government,  and  in  the  prospect  of  his 
righteous  judgment.  And  the  establishment  of 
250] 


7  P  God   shall  bless  us;  and  i  all  the 
ends  of  the  earth  shall  "■  fear  him. 

PSALM  LXVIIL 

David  prays  for,  or  predicts,  the  confusion  and  destruction  of  the 
vficked,  and  the  joy  of  the  righteous,  1 — 3.  He  praises  the 
mercy  and  majesty  of  God,  especially  as  .shewn  in  bring- 
ing Israel  out  of  Egypt  into  Canaan,  4 — 14.  Under  the  type 
of  the  ark  of  God  taking  possession  of  Zion,  and  t!ie  prosper- 
ity of  Israel,  he  predicts  the  ascension  of  Christ,  the  rapid 
success  of  the  gospel,  and  the  punishment  of  obstinate  oppo- 
sers,  15 — 31.  He  exhorts  all  nations  to  praise  the  God  ol 
Israel,  32—35. 

To  the  chief  Musician,  a  Psalm  or  Song 
of  David. 


p   29:11.    72:17.      Gen.    12:2,3. 

Acts  2:28.     Gal.  3:9,14. 
q  22:27.    65:5.    98:3.     Is.   43:6. 

45:22.52:10.    Mic.  5:4.    Zech. 


9:10.     Mai.  1:11.     Acts  13:17. 
Rev.  15:4. 
r  Mai.  4:2.     Acts  13:26. 


his  kingdom  throughout  the  earth,  will  fill  the 
world  with  righteousness,  and  terminate  all  in- 
iquity, oppression,  fraud,  licentiousness,  and  im- 
piety. {Jfotes,Is.2:2—5.  11:6—9.  JRey.  20:4— 
6.) 

V.  6,  7.  These  verses  are  translated  as  vi  pre- 
diction, the  rest  as  a  prayer;  yet  the  original  is 
uniformly  the  future  tense,  and  the  language  of 
express  prediction.  [Jfotes,  1 — 4.) — The  increase 
is  that  which  God  gives,  while  his  faithful  servants 
plant  and  water;  (JVbfe,  1  Cor.  3:4 — 9.)  for  our 
God  blesses  us,  when  he  thus  prospers  the  work 
of  his  ministers:  and  we  are  assured,  that  he  will 
do  this  more  and  more,  till  the  remotest  regions, 
till  China,  Japan,  Peru,  with  every  region  of  un- 
explored Africa,  and  every  island  of  the  earth, 
shall  remember  themselves,  fear  the  Lord,  and 
become  his  worshippers. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  church  on  earth  still  greatly  needs  the 
mercy  of  God,  and  further  blessings  from  him  in 
performance  of  his  promises.  When  he  shines 
upon  his  people,  and  fills  them  with  light,  purity, 
and  consolation,  it  exceedingly  tends  to  spread 
the  knowledge  of  his  salvation.  [Jfote,  Acts  9:31.) 
— None,  except  narrow-minded  zealots  for  a 
party,  would  wish  to  confine  the  blessings  of  the 
gospel  within  any  other  limits,  than  the  whole  ex- 
tent of  the  earth.  Those  who  have  experienced 
the  salutary  efficacy  of  this  invaluable  medicine, 
would  have  all  their  fellow-sinners  to  share  their 
felicity:  and  they,  who  delight  in  praising  God, 
would  have  all  people  to  rejoice  in  him,  and  praise 
him  with  them;  for  his  precepts  are  as  equitable, 
as  his  mercies  are  abundant.  Thus  the  examples, 
prayers,  and  endeavors  of  zealous  Christians  make 
known  the  ways  of  God  on  earth. — When  the  ex- 
pected Redeemer  came,  the  gospel  was  preached 
to  the  Gentiles,  and  the  earth  at  large  began  to 
give  her  increase.  But  alas!  onlj^  a  small  part  of 
mankind  have  hitherto  embraced  Christianity; 
but  few  real  Christians  comparatively  are  found 
even  in  the  purest  Christian  countries;  and  la- 
mentable divisions  and  offences  prevail  even 
among  that  remnant.  We  have  therefore  still 
need  to  pray,  that  'our  own  God  would  fulfil  his 
'gracious  promises,  and  enlarged  predictions;  and 
'be  mercif^ul  to  his  church,  and  bless  it  with  in- 
'creasing  knowledge,  purity,  and  love;  that,  every 
'thing  being  removed,  which  tarnishes  the  beauty 
'of  the  Christian  religion,  or  weakens  the  en- 
'deavors  of  Christians  to  spread  the  gospel,  his 
'salvation  may  be  diffused  through  all  nations; 
'that  our  Redeemer  may  establish  his  righteous 
'kingdom  over  all  mankind;  that  they  may  yield  a 
'revenue  of  praise  and  glorj'  to  his  name;  and  that 
'all  the  ends  of  the  earth  may  worship  him  in  spirit 
'and  truth,  in  reverence  and  godly  fear.'    Amen. 


B.  C.   1045. 


PSALM  LXVIII. 


B.  C.   1045. 


^  ~W    ET    God    arise,    let    his    enemies 
i  A   ^be  scattered:  let  them  also  ^that 
hate  him  flee  *  before  him. 

2  '^  As  smoke  is  driven  away,  so  drive 
them  away;  ^  as  wax  melteth  before  the 
fire,  so  let  the  wicked  perish  *"  at  the 
presence  of  God. 

3  But  2  let  the  righteous  be  glad;  let 
them  ^  rejoice  before  God;  yea,  let 
them  t  exceedingly  rejoice. 

4  '  Sing  unto  God,  sing  praises  to  his 
name:  extol  him  that  ^  rideth  upon  the 
heavens  by  '  his  name  JAH,  and  rejoice 
before  him. 

5  ™  A  Father  of  the  fatherless,  and 
"  a  Judge  of  the  widows,  is  God  °  in  his 
holy  habitation. 


a7;6,7.    44:26.    78:05—68.   132: 

8,9.     Num.    10:35.      2  Chr.    6: 

41.    Is.  33:3.  4'J:13,H.   51:9,10. 
b  14,30.  59:11.  89:10.  Is.  41:15, 

16.     Ez.  5:2.   12:14,15.     Dan. 

2:35. 
c21:8.     Ex.  20:5.     Deut.   7:10. 

John  14:23,2-1. 
*  Heb.from  his  face. 
d  37:20.    Is.  9:18.     Hos.  13:3. 
e  97:5.    Is.  64:2.    Mic  1:4. 
f  76:7.    80:16.      Nah.    1:5,6.     2 

Thes.  1:8,9.     Rev.  6:16,17. 
g  32:11.  33:1.  58:10.    64:  lO.  97: 

12.     Rev.  18:20.    19:7. 
h  95:1,2.  98:8,9.    100:1,2.    Deut. 


12:12. 
f  Heb.   rejoice  'with  gladness. 

21:1.  43:4.  1  Pet.  1:8. 
i  66:4.  67:4.  Is.  12:4—6. 
k33.  13:10.   104:3.   Deut.  33:26. 

Is.  19:1. 
1  Ex.  3:14.  6:8. 
m   10:14,13.  82:3,4.    146:9.    Job 

31:16,17.      Jer.   49:11.      Hos. 

14:3. 
n  72:2,4.     Deut.  10:18.    Job  29: 

12,13.      Is.     1:23.       Jer.    5:28. 

Luke  18:2—7.     Eph.  5:1. 
0  33:14.     2  Chr.  6:2.  30:27.    Is. 

57:15.  66:1.    Acts  7:48,49. 


NOTES. 

Psalm  LXVIII.  V.  1—3.  This  psalm  is  sup- 
posed to  have  been  written  and  used,  when  the 
ark  was  carried  up  to  Mount  Zion. — The  first  of 
these  verses  evidently  refers  to  the  words  used  by 
Moses,  at  the  removal  of  the  ark:  (JV«m.  10:35, 
36.)  but  the  sacred  name  Jehov.^h,  used  in  that 
passage,  is  here  chang-ed  for  Elohim,  or  God; 
and  the  future  tense  in  the  first  clause  is  substi- 
tuted instead  of  the  imperative,  the  lang-uag-e  of 
prediction  for  that  of  prayer.  Indeed  the  old 
version,  more  literally  than  the  present,  renders 
the  whole  of  these  verses  as  a  prophecy,  "God  will 
arise,  and  his  enemies  shall  be  scattered,  &c." 
for  all  the  verbs  are  future.  {Jfotcs,  5: 10, 1 1.  67:1 
— 3.) — The  Psalmist  looked  back  to  the  former 
mercies  of  God  to  Israel,  and  predicted  further 
prosperity  to  his  people,  now  the  symbol  of  God's 
presence  had  taken  po,isession  of  its  appointed 
residence  among  them. — The  presence  of  God 
with  Israel  had  dissipated  the  force  and  projects 
of  those  who  hated  him  and  them,  as  the  cloud  of 
smoke  is  dispersed  by  the  wind,  or  as  the  wax  is 
liquefied  by  the  fire.  And  while  the  wicked  had 
perished  at  his  presence,  the  righteous  had  ex- 
pressed their  admiring  gratitude  and  joy,  in  every 
imaginable  way.  Thus  it  had  been  of  old;  thus  it 
would  certainly  be  in  future  times;  and  thus  the 
worshippers  prayed  that  it  might  be,  then  and  at 
all  times. 

V.  4.  Rideth  upon  the  heavens."]  [JVofes,  31 — 
33.  Deut.  33:26.)  Or,  as  some  render  the  words, 
"Rideth  through  the  deserts,"  (n"ia^;? ,)  as  the  Pro- 
tector of  Israel — JAH  is  an  abbreviation  of  Je- 
Hov.\H,  and  signifies  self-existence  and  eternity. 
This  name  is  used  very  frequently,  in  conjunction 
with  Hallelu.  forming  the  word  Hallelujah;  (hat 
is,  'Praise  J  ah,'  or  'Jehovah.'  (18.  Heb.  jyotes, 
Ex.  3:14,15.  6:2,3.)  He,  who  derives  his  being 
from  none,  but  gives  being  to  all,  is  engaged  by 
promise  and  covenant  to  protect  and  bless  his  peo- 
ple; who  on  that  account,  as  well  as  on  many 
others,  are  called  on  to  extol  and  rejoice  in  him 


6  P  God  setteth  the  solhary  in  t  fam- 
ilies: ^  he  bringeth  out  those  which  are 
bound  with  chains:  but  "^  the  rebellious 
dwell  in  a  dry  land. 

7  O  God,  ^  when  thou  wentest  forth 
before  thy  people,  when  *■  thou  didst 
march    through    the    wilderness;    Selah: 

S  The  "  earth  shook,  ^  the  heavens 
also  dropped  at  the  presence  of  God: 
even  ^  Sinai  itself  zvas  moved  at  the  pres- 
ence of  God,  ^  the  God  of  Israel. 

9  Thou,  O  God,  *  didst  5  send  a  plen- 
tiful rain,  whereby  thou  didst  II  confirm 
thine  inheritance,,. when  it  was  weary. 

10  ^  Thy  congregation  hath  dwelt 
therein:  *^  thou,  O  God,  hast  prepared  of 
thy  goodness  for  the  poor. 

11  '^The   Lord   gave  the  word:  great 


p  107:41.     113:9.     1  Sam.  2:5. 

Gal.  427. 
I  Heb.  a  house. 
q    107:10,14.     146:7.      Is.   61:1. 

Acts  12:6,&c. 
r    107:34,40.       Deut.     28:-23,24. 

Hos.  2:3.     ft^al.  1:3. 
s  114:l,&c.     Ex.  13:21.     Deut. 

4:34.    Judg.  4:14.    Hab.  3:3. 
t  Judg.  5:4.     Mic.   2:13.     Hab. 

3:12. 
u  77:18.    114:7.    Is.  64:3.     Heb. 

12:26.     Rev.  11:19. 
X  Judg.  5:4,5. 


y  Ex.  19:18.    Deut.  5:23—25. 
z  35.  41:13.     Is.  45:3. 
a65:9,&c.  77:16,17.    78:24—27. 

Dent.  11:10,11.  Ez.  34:26. 
^  Heb.  shake  out. 
II  Heb.  co7)Jirm  it. 
b  74:1,2,19.     Ex.  19.5,6.  Nurn. 

16:3.      1  Pet.  5:3. 
c  Deut.    26.5,9,10.    32:8-14.    t 

Sam.  2:8.     Job  5:10,11.    Luke 

1:53. 
d   40:3.      Ex.     14:15.    ]7:9,&.c. 

Judg.  4:6,&c.    Eph.  4:11. 


V.  5,  6.  The  God  of  immutable  and  eternal 
majesty  and  glory,  whose  ark,  the  symbol  of  his 
presence,  abode  in  the  sanctuary  of  Israel,  (as  typ- 
ical of  the  human  nature  of  Jesus  Christ,  his  true 
temple  in  which  he  will  dwell  for  ever;)  was  the 
condescending  Patron  of  orphans,  widows,  and  all 
destitute  persons.  Those  who  had  lost  their  rela- 
tions in  Egypt  and  the  wilderness,  and  were  left 
as  lonely  individuals,  were  brought  into  other  fam- 
ilies in  Israel,  and  settled  in  Canaan:  the  people, 
who  had  been  in  cruel  bondage  to  Pharaoh,  were 
set  at  liberty:  but,  as  the  surviving  rebellious 
Egyptians  inhabited  a  country  desolated  by  divine 
judgments;  so  the  rebellious  Israelites  dwelt  dur- 
ing forty  years  in  the  barren  wilderness — The 
calling  of  the  Gentiles,  and  the  rejection  of  the 
unbelieving  Jews,  seem  likewise  to  have  been. 
predicted;  while  the  general  plan  of  divine  Prov- 
idence is  briefly  described.     [Mai^g.  Ref.) 

V.  7,  8.  When  Jehovah,  displaying  his  glory 
from  the  pillar  of  fire  and  cloud,  conducted  Israel 
in  triumph  out  of  Egypt,  and  through  the  wilder- 
ness; the  whole  creation  appeared  to  stand  in  awe 
of  the  Creator,  who  thus  manifested  his  glory,  as 
the  God  of  Israel. — Tlie  earth  trembled,  the  heav- 
ens poured  down  impetuous  showers,  while  the 
sea  divided  to  open  a  path  for  Israel,  and  return- 
ed to  overwhelm  their  pursuers.  [Jfotes,  Ex.  13: 
21,22.  14:  15:1— 21.)— But  especially,  when  the 
people  were  encamped  before  Sinai,  that  moun- 
tain shook  to  its  foundations,  at  the  presence  of 
Israel's  God.  [J^otes,  Ex.  19:16—20.  Judg.  5:4, 
5.) 

V.  9,  10.  The  aivful  displays  of  Jehovah's 
glory  were  not  more  extraordinary,  than  his  gra- 
cious interpositions  in  behalf  of  his  people.  In 
order  to  provide  for  their  urgent  wants,  "he  com- 
manded the  clouds  from  above,  and  opened  the 
doors  of  heaven;  and  rained  down  manna  upon 
them  to  eat."  "He  rained  flesh  also  upon  them 
as  dust,  and  feathered  fowl  like  as  the  sand  of  the 
sea."  (105:40—42.  JS'otes,  78:17—31.  Ex.  16:13 
— 36.)    Thus  thev  were  plentifully  supplied,  and 

[251 


B.  C.  1045. 


PSALM  LXVIII. 


B.  C.  1045. 


was   the  *  company    of  those  that  pub- 
lished it. 

12  ®  Kings  of  ai-mies  t  did  flee  apace: 
and  *"  she  that  tarried  at  home  divided 
the  spoil. 

13  Though  s  ye  have  hen  among  the 
pots,  yet  shall  ye  be  as  ^  the  wings  of  a 
dove  covered  with  silver,  and  her  feath- 
ers with  yellow  gold. 

14  '  When  the  Almighty  scattered  kings 
*  in  it,  ^  it  was  white  '  as  snow  in  Salmon. 


*  Heb.  army.  25.     Ex.    15:20, 

21.     Judg.    5:1,&C.     Rev.  19: 

13,14. 
e  Ex.  14:25.  Num.  31:8,9.  Josh. 

10:16,42.    )2:7,&c.  Judg.  5:19. 

Rev.  6:15.    19:17—20. 
f  Heb.  did  flee,  didjlee. 
f  Num.  31:27.      1  Sam.  30:24. 
e81:6.    Ex.  1:14.     1  Cor.  6:9— 

11.    12:2.      Eph.   2:1—3.     Tit. 


3:3. 
h  74:19.  105:37.  149:4.    1  Kings 

4:20,21.     Ez.  16:6—14.    Luke 

15:16,22.    Eph.  5:26,27.    Rev. 

1:6,6. 
i  Num.  21:3,21,&c.  Josh.  10:10, 

&c.    12:    Rev.  19:14—21. 
I  Or, for  her,  she  uas. 
k  Judg.  2:7.     Jer.  2:3. 
1  51:7.     Is.  1:18. 


their  hearts  were  confirnned,  or  streng^thened  and 
encouraged,  when  wearied  with  marching-  through 
the  wilderness.  They  dwelt  in  the  midst  of  their 
provisions:  and  the  poorest  of  them  were  as  suffi- 
ciently provided  for,  as  if  they  had  inhabited  Ca- 
naan, when  rendered  most  fruitful  by  the  early 
and  latter  rains. — The  word  rendered  "congrega- 
tion," seems  to  mean  any  livi7ig  thing;  and  to 
mark  out  in  one  general  term,  the  immense  mul- 
titude of  living  creatures,  which  were  in  this  as- 
tonishing manner  continually  maintained.  The 
Septuagint  render  it,  "Thy  living  creatures." — 
Considering  the  psalm  as  predictive  and  descrip- 
tive of  the  Ascension  of  the  Savior,  our  thoughts 
are  naturally  led  to  the  events  that  followed;  and 
many  parts  of  it  are  peculiarly  applicable  to  those 
events.  In  this  view,  how  weary  and  barren  was 
the  visible  church  at  the  death  of  Christ!  But 
what  a  gracious  and  refreshing  rain  was  soon  sent 
down  upon  it,  in  the  pouring  forth  of  the  Spirit  at 
the  day  of  Pentecost  and  afterwards!  What  pro- 
vision was  then  made  for  the  poor  souls,  who  had 
long  waited  for  redemption  in  Israel,  or  who  had 
groped  in  darkness  in  other  lands!  (JVbie*,  72;  I 
—7.) 

V.  11,  12.  In  many  instances  the  Lord  himself 
"gave  the  word,"  commanding  the  Israelites  to 
march  against  their  enemies,  or  logo  forward  re- 
gardless of  them:  and  when  he  had  given  his  peo- 
ple the  victory,  he  put  into  their  mouths  the  word 
of  praise  and  thanksgiving.  Then  "great  was  the 
army  of  those  that  published  it." — The  word  ren- 
dered "published,"  is  feminine:  and  the  Psalmist 
seems  to  allude  to  the  custom  of  the  women  in 
companies,  joining  to  celebrate  the  successes  of 
the  nation  with  songs  of  praise  and  triumph,  as 
Miriam  and  the  women  of  Israel,  and  Deborah, 
and  others  did.  {jVotes,  Ex.  ]5:l— 21.  Judg.  5:) 
— So  decided  were  their  victories,  that  while  the 
kings  commanding  numerous  and  powerful  armies 
fled,  with  the  greatest  precipitation,  but  in  vain; 
the  spoil  which  was  taken  was  so  large,  that  even 
the  women  who  remained  at  home  received  a 
share  of  it.  {Marg.  Ref. ) — Thus  when  our  Lord, 
having  risen  as  a  Conqueror  from  the  grave,  gave 
the  word  to  preach  his  gospel,  great  numbers 
were  raised  up  to  publish  the  glad  tidings:  oppos- 
ing rulers  and  empires  fell  before  them;  (JVbie*, 
Rev.  6:1,2.  12:7 — 12.)  and  millions  have  shared 
the  blessings,  who  have  been  exempted  from  the 
persecutions  and  sufferings,  which  apostles  and 
evangelists  endured. — It  is  also  remarkable,  that 
the  whole  of  these  verses  is  in  the  future  tense; 
and  therefore,  though  properly  applied,  as  the 
language  of  poetry,  to  past  events,  it  may  well  be 
considered  as  prophetical  likewise. — "The  Lord 
will  give  the  word,  &c." 
252] 


15  ""The  hill  of  God  is  as  the  hill  of 
Bashan;  an  high  hill,  as  "  the  hill  of 
Bashan. 

16"  Why  leap  ye,  ye  high  hills.''  this 
is  1*  the  hill  tvhich  God  desireth  to  dwell 
in;  yea,  the  Loud  will  dwell  in  it  for 
ever. 

17  1  The  chariots  of  God  are  twenty 
thousand,  even  5  thousands  of  angels:  the 
Lord  is  among  them  "■  as  in  Sinai,  in  the 

holy  place.  [Practical  Observations.] 

18  ^  Thou    hast    ascended    on    high, 


m  2:6.    78:68,69.    87:1,2.     Is.  2: 

2,3. 
n  Deut.  3:10.    Mic.  7:14. 
0  114:4,6.  Is.  2:2. 
p    132:13,14.        Deut.     12:5,11. 

Heb.  12:22,23.     Rev.  21:2,3. 
q  18:10.     Deut.  33:2.     2  Kings 

2:11.  6:17.  Ez.  1:15,&C.  Dan. 


7:10.     Matt.   26:53.     Rev.   5: 

11. 
^  Or,  many  thousands. 
r  Ex.  3:5.  19:22,23. 
3  24:3,7—10.47:5.   110:1.   Mark 

16:19.    Luke  24:51.     Acts  1:9. 

Eph.  4:8—10.     Heb.   4:14.  6: 

20.  8:1.     1  Pet.    3:22. 


V.  13.  Israel  making  bricks  in  Egypt,  and 
lodging  like  slaves  between  the  rows  of  the  kilns, 
or  furnaces,  being  covered  with  clay  and  smoke, 
appeared  very  mean:  but  when  possessed  of  Ca- 
naan, during  the  reigns  of  David  and  Solomon, 
they  appeared  in  beauty  and  splendor;  and  still 
more  so,  as  "they  were  a  holy  people  unto  the 
Lord." — Thus  the  slaves  of  Satan,  when  convert- 
ed to  Christ,  being  justified  and  sanctified  by  him, 
begin  to  look  comely  and  honorable:  and  when 
they  shall  arrive  in  heaven,  all  remains  of  their 
sinful  estate  shall  disappear,  and  they  shall  be  as 
"the  wings  of  a  dove  covered  with  silver,  and  her 
feathers  with  yellow  gold."  UVote,  149:4.  P.  O. 
—J^otes,  1  Cor.  15:45—54.  2  Thes.  1:5—10.) 

V.  14.  When  the  Almighty  scattered  and  de- 
stroyed the  kings  of  Canaan  for  the  church  of  Is- 
rael, (the  dove  mentioned  in  the  preceding  verse, 
the  words  being  feminine,)  it  not  only  became 
very  honorable;  but  was  likewise  so  purified  from 
sin,  and  adorned  with  holiness,  that  it  appeared 
white  like  the  top  of  Salmon  when  covered  with 
snow.  {J^otes,  51:7.  Is.  1:16 — 20.) — The  genera- 
tion which  fought  under  Joshua  was  peculiarly 
excellent:  {J^otes,  Josh.  5:2—8.  22:34.)  and  un- 
der the  Judges,  and  in  after  ages,  they  were  gen- 
erally reformed,  before  they  were  delivered  and 
made  victorious. — But  the  original  is  in  the  future 
tense,  and  seems  an  evident  prediction,  under 
allusions  to  these  past  events,  of  the  purity  of  the 
church,  and  the  success  of  the  gospel,  in  the  prim- 
itive ages,  and  at  the  approach  of  the  millennium. 
The  nineteenth  chapter  of  the  Revelation  seems 
to  be  a  prophetic  exposition  of  this  verse,  far 
more  striking  than  any  which  can  be  found  in  the 
histor)'  of  Israel. 

V.  15,  16.  It  is  supposed  that  this  part  of  the 
psalm  was  sung,  when  the  company  attending  the 
ark  came  within  view  of  mount  Zion. — If  the  for- 
mer of  these  verses  be  read  with  notes  of  interro- 
gation, the  passage  may  be  thus  rendered,  "The 
hill  of  God,  is  it  the  hill  of  Bashan.?  The  hill  with 
craggy  eminences,  the  hill  of  Bashan.-"  Why  leap 
ye  so,"  (or,  'why  look  ye  askance  with  envy;'J 
"ye  hills  with  craggy  eminences.'  This  is  the  hill 
which  God  desireth  for  his  habitation;  yea, 
Jehovah  will  dwell  in  it  perpetually." — The 
apostrophe  is  exceedingly  animated  and  poetical, 
viewed  in  this  light.  God  had  preferred  Zion  to 
the  loftiest  mountains,  as  the  place  of  his  perma- 
nent residence,  and  the  type  of  his  true  church  in 
which  he  will  dwell  to  eternity.  [JS'otes,  78:67 — 
69.  87:1— 6J 

V.  1 7.  The  God  of  Israel  is  here  described  as 
a  mighty  Prince  and  Conqueror  coming  to  his 
palace,  to  take  possession  of  his  throne,  with  a 
very  large  army  of  chariots  and  horsemen;  as  his 


B.  C.    1045. 


PSALM  LXVIII. 


B.  C.  1045. 


t  thou  hast  led  captivity  captive:  "  thou 
hast  received  gilts  *  for  menj  yea,  for 
*  the  rebelUous  also,  >'  that  the  Lord 
God  might  dwell  among  them. 

19  ^  Blessed  be  the  Lord,  who  *  daily 
loadeth  us  with  benefits,  even  the  God  of 
our  salvation.     Selah. 

20  He  that  is  ''our  God,  is  the  God 
of  salvation;  and  "  unto  God  the  Lord 
belong  '^  the  issues  from  death. 

2 1  But  *  God  shall  wound  the  head 
of  his  enemies,  and  the   hairy   scalp  ^  of 

t  Judg.  5:12. 

u  Luke  24:49.     John  14:16,17. 
16:7,13—15.     Acts  1:4.    2:4,33 


—38.     Eph.  4:8. 
*  Heb.  in  the  man.    1  Cor.  15: 

45—47.      Col.    1:18,19.     2:3,9. 

Heb.  1:3. 
X  Prov.  1:22,23.  Is.  55:7.    Matt. 

9.13.     Luke  24:47.     Acts  2:23, 

36,38—41.  9:17.      1  Tim.   1:13 

—15.     Tit.  3:3—7. 
y  132:13,14.     2  Chr.  6:13.     Is. 

57:15.     Ez.  48:35.      John   14: 

17,23.     2  Cor.    6:16.     Rev.    1: 


Eph. 


20.  2:1.    21:3 
z  72:17—19.     103:1,&C. 

1:3. 

a  32:7.    139:17,18.     Lam.  3:23. 
b  Is.  12:2.  45:17—22.    Hos.  1:7. 

John  4:22. 
c  118:17,18.  Deut.  32:39.  1  Sam. 

2:6.    John  5:21,23,28.29.   11:25, 

26.     Heb.2:14,15.     Rev.  1:18. 
d  Prov.  4:23. 

e  110:6.  Hab.  3:13.    Mark  12:4. 
f  18.  7:12.   Prov.  l:24,&c.     Ez. 

18:27—30.     Luke  13:5.     Heb. 

2:1—3.   12:2.5.     Rev.  2:14— 16. 


thousands  of  angels  were  a  far  more  splendid  ret- 
inue, than  ever  attended  the  g-reatest  monarch. 
Thus  he  descended  upon  mount  Sinai;  thus  he 
would  dwell  upon  mount  Zion:  thus  the  Messiah 
ascended  into  heaven,  attended  with  an  innume- 1 
rable  company  of  angels;  and  thus  he  shall  at  I 
length  come  to  judge  the  world.  [Marg.  Ref.  q.) 
— The  original  word  (jnJl:^)  does  not  seem  to  mean 

angels;  yet  they  are  evidently  intended.  The 
marginal  reading  many  thousands  is  more  literal. 
^Thousands  of  repetition;'  or  'thousands  again  and  ' 
'again  repeated.'  Among  these  the  Lord  mani- 
fested himself,  as  he  had  done  "in  Sinai,  in  the 
holy  place."     [J^otes,  Ex.  3:4,5.  19:16—20.) 

V.  18.  When  the  ark  was  placed  upon  mount 
Zion,  the  tabernacle  was  enriched  with  the  spoils 
of  the  vanquished  nations,  which  were  there  de- 
posited for  the  benefit  of  the  Israelites,  notwith- 
standing their  rebellions,  that  "the  Lord  God 
might  dwell  among  them:"  and  of  these  spoils  the 
temple  was  chiefly  built.  (JVoies,  2  Sam.  8:9 — 
11.  1  Chr.  26:28.  29:3— 9.)— But  the  ascension  of 
Christ  must  here  be  meant,  who  is  thus  proved 
to  be  Jehovah.  When  he  ascended  into  heaven, 
he  led  captive  Satan,  sin,  and  death,  which  had 
held  all  men  in  captivity;  and  he  received,  as  the 
recompense  of  his  deatii  upon  the  cross,  all  those 
gifts  which  were  needful,  in  order  to  the  conver- 
sion of  sinners,  and  completing  the  salvation  of 
believers:  these  he  continually  bestows  on  those 
for  whom  he  received  them;  even  on  rebellious 
men,  that  "the  Lord  God  may  dwell  among 
them,"  as  their  Friend  and  Father.  The  apostle 
cites  this  passage,  and  explains  it  in  respect  of 
the  gifts  bestowed  by  the  risen  and  ascended  Sa- 
vior. {JVotes,  Eph.  4:1 — 13.)  He  does  not,  how- 
ever, take  it  from  the  Septuagint,  but  gives  the 
sense  in  other  words. — To  receive  a  gift  for  anoth- 
er, implies  giving  it. — Some  render  the  word 
translated  "for  men,"  in  man,  as  referring  to  the 
human  nature  of  Christ. — The  original  name,  or 
title,  of  God  is  here  "J ah  Elohim."     (J^ote,  4.) 

V.  19,20.  The  preceding  review  of  the  Lord's 
dealings  with  his  people,  and  the  prophetic  fore- 
sight of  far  greater  benefits,  [J^ote,  I  Pet.  1:10 — 
12.)  caused  the  Psalmist  to  break  forth  abruptly 
into  adoring  praises. — This  must  have  had  great 
effect,  when  sung  by  the  numerous  bands  which 
attended  the  ark,  accompanied  with  instrumental 
music,  in  great  variety  and  perfection.  {JVote, 
1  Chr.  16.34— 36.)— The  God  of  salvation,  day  by 
day,  or  every  day,  heaped  benefits  on  his  people. 


such  an  one  as  goeth  on  still  in  his  tres- 
passes. 

22  The  Lord  said,  s  I  will  bring  again 
from  Bashan,  ^  I  will  bring  my  people 
again  from  the  depths  of  the  sea: 

23  That  '  thy  foot  may  be  t  dipped 
in  the  blood  of  thine  enemies,  and  ^  the 
tongue  of  thy  dogs  in  the  same. 

24  IF  They  have  seen  thy  goings,  O 
God;  '  even  the  goings  of  my  God,  my 
King,  in  the  sanctuary. 

25  The  singers  went  before,  "  the 
players  on  instruments  foUoioed  after; 
"  among  them  were  the  damsels  playing 
with  timbrels. 


g  Num.  21:33.  Is.  11:11— 16.49: 

22. 
h   Ex,   14:22,29.      Is.   51:10,11. 

Jer.  23:5—8.    Ez.  36:24.  Hos. 

1:10,11. 
i  58:10. 
t  Heb.  red. 
k  1  Kings  21:19.  22:38.  2  Kings 


9:33—37.     Rev.  19:17-21. 
1  24:7—10.  47:5—7.     2  Sam.  6: 

12—17.      1  Chr.  13:8.    15:1(3— 

24. 
m  87:7.    150:3—5.    Rev.  14:2,3. 
n  148:12,13.     Ex.  15:20.    Jiidg. 

11:34.     1  Sam.  18:6.     Jer.  31: 

4,13. 


and,  as  it  were,  loaded  them  with  favors;  and 
therefore  it  was  but  reasonable,  that  he  should 
be  praised  every  day. — Unto  him,  even  God  the 
Lord,  belonged  the  outgoings  from  death.  Life 
and  death,  heaven  and  hell,  are  absolutel}'  at  his 
disposal.  The  Lord  Jesus  is  "the  Resurrection 
and  the  Life."  He  has  "the  keys  of  death  and 
hell;"  {Marg.  Ref.—Kole,  Rev.  1: 12— 20,  v.  18.) 
He  has  'opened  the  kingdom  of  heaven  to  all  be- 
'lievers,'  he  has  made  a  way  for  their  deliverance 
from  spiritual  and  eternal  death;  he  has  taken 
away  the  sting  and  terror  of  death,  and  made  that 
"king  of  terrors"  the  gain  and  privilege  of  his 
people;  he  has  consecrated  the  grave  as  the  re- 
pository of  their  bodies,  which  he  will  raise  at 
length  incorruptible  and  immortal. — Our  God  is- 
the  God  of  salvation.  (20)  Or,  salvations.  [JSota; 
Is.  12:1—3.  John  4:21—24.) 

V.  21.  The  gifts  received  by  the  ascended 
Savior,  though  for  "rebellious  man,"  would  not 
preserve  such  from  destruction  as  went  on  still  in 
their  sins.  The  God  of  salvation,  while  he  par- 
dons and  blesses  the  repenting  rebel,  is  peculiarly 
terrible  to  the  impenitent  and  unbelieving-.  [JVote., 
E.v.  34:5 — 7.) — "The  hairy  scalp"  means,  the 
crown  of  the  head,  the  principal  strength,  confi- 
dence, and  glory  of  the  enemy. — Christ  will 
crush  the  serpent's  head.  [Marg.  Ref. — JVote, 
Gen.  3:14,15.) 

V.  22,  23.  The  Lord  had  promised  to  save  Is- 
rael from  their  enemies  by  the  hand  of  David:  he 
would  therefore  renew  the  wonders  which  he 
wrought,  when  Og  king  of  Bashan  was  slain,  and 
when  the  Egyptians  perished  at  the  Red  Sea. — 
The  ascension  of  Christ  made  v/ay  for  most  signal 
displays  of  the  Lord's  power,  in  spreading  the 
gospel,  and  in  taking  vengeance  on  his  enemies: 
and  the  more  glorious  prevalence  of  Christianity 
shall  be  attended  with  such  slaughter  of  antichris- 
tian  opposers,  as  will  literally  verify  the  words 
here  used,  (jflarg.  Ref. — Mtes,  149-C — 9.  Is. 
34:  63:1—6.  Rev.  19:17— 21.)— As  the  verses  fol- 
low the  prophecy  of  our  Lord's  ascension,  these 
events  seem  more  directly  predicted;  and  espe- 
cially the  conversion  of  the  Jews,  their  restora- 
tion to  their  own  land,  and  the  vengeance  on 
those  who  shall  oppose  them.    [Jfotes,  Ez.  38:  39:) 

V.  24,  25.  When  the  solemnity  of  the  day  was 
nearly  finished,  these  verses  seem  to  have  been 
sung.  The  congregation  had  been  spectators  of 
the  triumphant  manner,  in  which  their  God  and 
King  had  gone  up  to  take  possession  of  his  sanc- 

[253 


B.  C.  1045. 


PSALM  LXVllI. 


B.  C.  1045. 


26  °  Bless  ye  God  in  the  congrega- 
tions, even  the  Lord,  *  from  p  the  foun- 
tain of  Israel. 

27  There  is  ^  little  Benjamin  loith 
their  ruler,  ^  the  princes  of  Judah  t  and 
their  council,  the  princes  of  Zebulun, 
and  the  princes  of  Naphtali. 

28  Thy  God  hath  ^  commanded  thy 
strength:  *  strengthen,  O  God,  that  which 
thou  hast  wrought  for  us. 

29  "  Because  of  thy  temple  at  Jerusa- 
lem ^  shall  kings  bring  presents  unto  thee. 

30  y  Rebuke  the  +  company  of  spear- 

•2  Cor.  12:9, ]0 


o  107:32.  111:1.  135:19—21.  1 
Chr.  I6:7.8,&;c. 

*  Or,  ye  theit  are  of  the  foun- 
tain of  Israel. 

p  Deut.  33:28.  Prov.  5:16.  Is. 
48:1. 

q  Gen.  42:32.  Judg.  20:35.  21: 
6,&c.  1  Sam.  9:21.  1  Chr. 
12:16,29.   15:3.    27:12. 

r  47:9.  60:7.  Is.  11:13.  Ez. 
37:19—27. 

f  Or,  with  their  company. 

s  42:8.  44:4.  71:3.     John  5:8,9. 


Acts  3:6 
t  133:8.     Eph.  3:17— 20.     Phil. 

1:6.     2Thes.  1:11. 
u  1  Chr.  17:4—12.  22:7—11.  23: 

10,&C.  29:3.  2  Chr.  2:5,6.  6:8,9. 
X  72:10,11.    76:11.      1  Kings  10: 

10,25.     2  Chr.  32:23.    Ezra  7: 

13—28.     Neh.  2:8.     Is.  60:6— 

11,16. 
y  2  Sara.  8:  10:  2  Chr.  14:  20:   Is. 


J  Or,  beasts  of  the  reeds. 
51:32,33. 


Jer. 


tuary,  attended  with  sacred  music  and  rejoicing. 
He  had  accepted  their  services;  and  all  was  so 
happily  concluded,  as  to  presage  future  prosper- 
ous days.  {J\rotes,  24:7—10.  1  Chr.  15:16—24.  16: 
4 — 6,37 — 43.)  In  like  manner  the  prophecy  of  the 
Son  of  David,  (the  King  of  kings  and  Lord  of 
lords,)  going  forth  to  destroy  his  enemies  and  en- 
large his  kingdom,  is  introduced  by  a  vision  of 
"much  people  in  heaven,  saying  Alleluia;  salva- 
tion, and  glory,  and  honor,  and  power,  unto  the 
Lord  our  God;  &c."  {J^otes,  Rev.  19:)  A  scene 
not  wholly  unlike,  but  immensely  more  august, 
than  that  procession  with  the  ark  to  mount  Zion, 
which  was  the  pledge  of  David's  further  victories 
and  prosperity. 

Ml/  God,  my  King.  (24)  145:1. — Damsels. 
(25) '148: 11— 14.  J\^otes,  11,12.  Jer.  31:3— 5,10— 
14,  V.  13. — The  triumphant  entrance  of  the  as- 
cending Savior,  amidst  the  loud  acclamations  of 
the  heavenly  hosts,  is  shadowed  forth  under  these 
images. 

V.  26.  From  the  fountain.,  &c.]  That  is,  'Ye, 
'who  spring  from  the  fountain,'  or  the  stock,  'of 
'Israel.'  Thus  the  people  in  companies  seem  re- 
sponsively  to  have  called  upon  each  other,  to  bless 
the  Lord.  (134:  135:1—3,15—21.) 

V.  27.  The  tribe  of  Benjamin,  from  which  Saul 
the  first  king  of  Israel  sprang,  joined  in  this  so- 
lemnit}'^,  as  willingly  subject  to  David;  and,  though 
a  small  tribe,  descended  from  Jacob's  youngest 
son,  and  almost  destroyed  in  the  war  at  Gibeah; 
[J^otes,  Judg.  20:)  and  now  eclipsed  by  Judah 
whose  princes  supported  David  as  his  council,  or 
by  their  multitudes;  it  manifested  no  jealousy  or 
envy.  Not  only  the  rulers  of  the  other  tribes  in 
the  vicinity  of  Jerusalem  attended  on  this  occa- 
sion, but  those  of  Zebulun  and  Naphtali  which  lay 
most  remote:  so  harmonious  was  the  whole  na- 
tion on  this  occasion!  [Kates.,  1  Chr.  12:22 — 40. 
13: 1 — 4.  J — Thus  after  Christ's  ascension,  rival  na- 
tions ana  people,  near  and  far  off,  thronged  into 
his  church. 

V.  28.  The  people  seem  here  to  have  address- 
ed the  king.  The  Lord  his  God  had  commanded 
all  parties  thus  to  strengthen  David's  cause,  and 
had  effected  their  willing  submission;  and  they 
prayed,  that  he  would  establish  what  he  had  by 
iiim  wrought  for  his  people,  in  preserving  the 
unity  of  the  nation,  and  increasing  its  prosperity. 
'May  it  please  thee,  O  God,  to  increase  and  cou- 
'flrm  it:  for,  as  it  is  begun,  so  it  must  be  perfect- 
254] 


men,  ^  the  multitude  of  the  bulls,  with 
the  calves  of  the  people,  till,  *  every  one 
submit  himself  with  pieces  of  silver: 
k  scatter  thou  the  people  that  ^  delight  in 
war. 

31  "^  Princes  shall  come  out  of  Egypt; 
•^  Ethiopia  shall  soon  ®  stretch  out  her 
hands  unto  God. 

32  Sing  unto  God,  ^  ye  kingdoms  of 
the  earth;  O  sing  praises  unto  the  Lord; 
Selah: 

33  To  him  that  Sj-Jdeth  upon  the 
heavens  of  heavens,  which  were  ''  of  old: 


lo,   he   doth  1|  send 

out  '  his   voice,  and 

that  a  mighty  voice. 

z  22:12,13.    Is.  34:7.    Jer.  50:11. 

f  67:2— 5.   100:1.  117:1,2.  Deiif. 

a  2:12.  18:44.    2  Sam.  8:2,8—11. 

32:43.     Rom.  15:10,11.     Rev. 

$  Or,  he  scattereth.    14. 

15:4. 

b  120:7.     Rom.  7:22.    Jam.  4:1. 

g4.    13:10.    104:3. 

c  72:8— 11.     Is.    19:18—25.    45: 

h  93:2.   102:25. 

14.  60:6,7.  66:19. 

llHeb.give. 

d  Zeph.  3:10.     Acts  8:27,&c. 

i  29.3— 9.    77:17,18.     Ez.   10:5. 

e  44:20.   88:9.     143:6.     1  Kings 

John  12:28,29.    Rev.  11:12,15, 

8;22. 

19. 

'ed,  by  thee  alone.'  Bp.  Patrick.    {JVotes,  138:8. 
Eph.  3:20,21.  Phil.  1:3—6.) 
V.  29.     The  word  (S^in)  rendered  "temple"  is 

also  used  for  the  tabernacle:  (1  Sam.  3:3.)  yet  it 
is  probable,  that  David  spoke  this  prophetically, 
and  foretold  that  the  temple,  which  was  to  be 
built  at  Jerusalem,  would  render  the  worship 
there  performed  so  much  known,  that  kings  would 
bring  presents  and  oblations  to  Jehovah,  to  be 
offered  there.  This  was  a  figure  of  the  conver- 
sion of  the  kings  of  the  earth  unto  Christ  in  the 
latter  davs.  {J\rotes,  72:8—11.  Ezra  7:11—28.  Is. 
49:22,23."' 60:4—14.) 

V.  30.  The  same  word  is  here  rendered  "com- 
pany," as  is  before  translated  "congregation,"  but 
which  signifies  a  living  creature:  [JSTote.  9,10.) 
and  it  seems  in  this  place  to  mean  a  tvild  heast. — 
The  whole  verse  may  be  thus  rendered:  '  "Re- 
'buke  the  wild  beast  of  the  reeds,  the  congrega- 
'tion  of  the  mighty  among  the  calves  of  the  na- 
'tions,  skipping,"  or  exulting,  "with  pieces  of 
'silver;  scatter  the  people  that  delight  in  war."' 
Bp.  Home.  Some  interpret  "the  beast  of  the 
reeds"  to  mean  the  crocodile,  the  emblem  of 
Egypt;  and  the  "calves  of  the  nations,"  the  ob- 
jects of  the  Egyptian  idolatry;  while  their  "skip- 
ping with  pieces  of  silver,"  is  supposed  to  refer  to 
the  rites  of  their  worship.  As,  however,  David 
was  not  attacked  by  the  Egyptians,  or  about  to 
make  war  on  them,  this  interpretation  is  not  ver)' 
satisfactory. — "The  beast  of  the  reed"  or  lance, 
seems  to  denote  a  warrior,  fierce  as  a  wild  beast, 
perhaps  Hadadezer  king  of  Syria.  "The  multi- 
tude of  the  bulls  and  the  calves  of  the  people'*^ 
were  the  powerful  and  numerous  commanders, 
with  their  troops:  and  I  apprehend  the  prayer  is, 
'O  Lord,  rebuke  them,  enraged  and  strong  as 
'they  are,  till  they  lay  themselves  doivnfor  us  to 
'■set  our  feet  on  their  necks,  and  supplicate  their 
'lives,  offering  pieces  of  silver  for  tribute,  as  own- 
'ing  themselves  subject  to  us.  Yea,  "scatter  the 
'people  that  delight  in  war,"  as  thev  evidently  do.*^ 
(JVbies,  2  Sam.  8:  10:)  The  word" (Dfl-jj-in  .) 
rendered  "submit  themselves,"  means  the  most 
unreserved  humiliation.  It  is  used  only  here  and 
Prov.  6:3.  where  it  is  rendered,  "Humble  thy- 
self." It  is  no  doubt  to  be  considered  also  as  a 
typical  prophecy,  and  a  prayer  of  the  church  for  a 
decided  victory,  over  the  most  furious  and  haughty 
of  her  oppressors  and  persecutors.   [Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  31—33.     The  victories,  gained   by  David 


B.  C.  1045. 


PSALM  LXVIII. 


B.  C.  1045 


34  **  Ascribe  ye  strength  unto  God: 
'  his  excellency  is  over  Israel,  and  his 
strength  is  in  the  *  clouds. 


k  29:1,2.    96:6—3.     1  Chr.   16:  I  1  Deut.  33:26.     2  Pet.  1:17. 
28,29.     Rev.  19:6.  *  Or,  heavens. 


and  Israel  over  the  surrounding  nations,  would 
induce  even  those  who  were  more  distant,  and 
most  addicted  to  idolatry,  to  corne  to  Jerusalem, 
and  join  themselves  to  the  worshippers  of  the  true 
God.  {JIarg.  Ref.  c,  d.)  The  conversion  of  the 
nations,  in  consequence  of  the  judgments  of  God 
on  the  opposers  of  the  gospel  in  the  primitive 
times,  and  before  the  millennium,  is  evidently 
foretold:  for  the  kingdoms  of  the  earth  are  called 
upon  to  join  in  the  praises  of  Israel;  and  to  adore 
him,  who  rode  on  the  heavens  to  the  help  of  his 
people,  [J^ote,  Deut.  33:26.)  and  who  spake  with 
a  mighty  voice  to  them  from  mount  Sinai. — When 
the  Messiah  ascended  on  high,  to  "the  glory  which 
he  had  with  the  Father  before  the  world  was,"  he 
sent  forth  the  powerful  word  of  his  gospel,  calling 
on  all  men  to  submit  to  him,  "and  honor  him  even 
as  they  honored  the  Father  that  sent  him." 

Ethiopia,  8ic.  (31)  The  Ethiopians  shall  hasten 
with  their  willing  oblations  to  the  God  of  Israel. 
As  connected  with  Egypt,  it  is  probable  that 
Ethiopia  in  Africa  is  meant:  the  land  of  negroes. 
[J^otes,  Acts  8:26 — 40.)  This  may  encourage  our 
efforts  and  prayers  for  the  conversion  of  the  much 
injured  Africans. 

V.  S'l,  35.  All  the  glorious  perfections  of  God, 
which  are  his  "excellency,"  concur  in  protecting 
liis  church.  The  power  which  made  the  clouds, 
and  rules  the  highest  heavens,  is  exerted  in  be- 
half of  his  people  and  communicated  to  them, 
"out  of  his  holy  places;"  the  sanctuary  of  old,  as 
the  type  of  "heaven  itself,"  "whither  the  Fore- 
runner is  for  us  entered;"  and  whence  especially 
he  is  terrible  to  his  enemies;  for  "holy  and  rever- 
end is  his  name."  (JVTjfe*,  29:  111:9,10.  148:13,14. 
Dent.  33:21— 2d.)— Blessed  be  God.  (33)  Jfotes, 
41:11— -13.  72:17—19.  Eph.  1:3—8. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
V.  1—17. 
When  God  arises  to  plead  the  cause  of  his  peo- 
ple, the  confederated  power  of  those  who  hate 
him  will  be  dissipated  and  dissolved;  and  at  length 
all  the  wicked  will  perish  at  his  presence.  The 
same  display's  of  his  power  and  glory  will  rejoice 
the  righteous;  and  words  cannot  express  the 
cause  which  they  have,  and  ever  will  have,  to 
triumph  in  him  as  their  unchangeable  Friend,  and 
to  celebrate  his  praises.  His  condescension  is 
equal  to  his  majesty:  he  always  patronises  the  af- 
flicted and  oppressed;  and  poor  sinners,  helpless 
and  exposed  more  than  any  destitute  orphans,  are 
readily  admitted  among  his  sons  and  daughters, 
and  share  all  tlie  blessings  of  that  high  relation. 
Indeed  all  the  company  of  his  chosen  were  once 
bound  in  Satan's  chains,  and  employed  ia  a  baser 
drudgery  than  that  of  making  bricks;  and  far 
more  wretched  and  abject,  than  the  Israelites  in 
Egypt.  But  when  he  comes  to  break  off  their 
chains,  and  claim  them  for  his  own,  he  leads 
them  forth  to  liberty,  to  victory,  and  to  eternal 
glory.  They  are  made  willing  to  follow  him, 
and  he  goes  before  them:  heaven  and  earth  con- 
cur in  supplying  their  wants,  and  promoting  their 
salvation:  difficulties  in  their  path  only  make 
way  for  their  almighty  Friend  to  shew  "his  care 
of  tliem;  he  guides  and  guards  them;  he  feeds 
their  souls  with  the  Bread  of  heaven,  and  gives 
them  the  Water  of  life  to  drink:  and,  while  he 
graciously  prepares  for  the  souls  of  "the  poor 


35  O  God,  thou  art  •"  terrible  out  of 
thy  holy  places:  the  God  of  Israel  is  "  he 
that  giveth  strength  and  power  unto  his 
people.     °  Blessed  be  God. 


m  45:4,5.     65:5.     66:5.     76:12. 

Neh.    1:5.      Heb.     12:24—29. 

Rev.  6:16,17. 
n  29:11.     Deut.  33:25.     Is.  40: 


31.     Zech.  10:12.     Eph.  3:16. 
Phil.  4:13.     Col.  1:11. 
0  72:13,19. 


in  spirit,"  he  will  not  withhold  what  is  needful 
for  their  bodies  or  families.  They  reap  the  ben- 
efit of  the  Redeemer's  victories;  and,  fighting 
under  his  banner  and  by  his  word  of  command, 
they  profit  by  the  assaults  of  every  enemy:  until 
complete  salvation  render  those  "white  as  snow 
in  Salmon,"  and  beautiful  beyond  all  that  is 
lovely  in  the  visible  creation,  who  once  were 
most  mean  and  loathsome,  through  the  guilt  and 
defilement  of  their  sins. 

V.  18—35. 
The  death  of  our  Redeemer  was  the  redemp- 
tion-price of  all  the  blessings  which  he  confers 
on  sinners,  and  his  resurrection  and  ascension 
made  way  for  his  conferring  them  on  mankind. 
When  he  ascended  on  high,  our  God  declared  his 
church  of  ransomed  sinners  to  be  his  residence, 
which  he  greatly  desired  and  delighted  in;  while  in 
its  exalted  Head  "all  the  fulness  of  the  Godhead 
dwelleth  bodily."  He  now  reigns  over  heaven, 
and  earth,  and  hell,  with  unlimited  authority.  In 
vain  do  kings  or  nations  envy  or  oppose  his  sove- 
reigntj:  all  must  submit,  or  be  destroyed  by 
him;  and  his  wrath  is  more  dreadful  from  mount 
Zion  than  it  was  from  mount  Sinai.  Having  led 
our  oppressors  captive,  "he  hath  received  gifts 
for"  rebellious  "man,"  which  he  never  refuses 
to  such  as  humbly  sue  for  them;  and  those  who 
partake  of  them  become  thenceforth  "an  habita- 
tion of  God  through  the  Spirit."  The  gifts  of  his 
written  word,  and  of  the  ministry  of  his  gospel, 
are  vouchsafed  to  our  land.  He  gave  tlie  word, 
great  was  the  multitude  of  those  who  published 
it;  and  they  have  been  raised  up  successively 
even  to  the  present  day:  may  he  give  command- 
ment that  thousands  more  may  be  raised  up,  to 
go  forth  and  preach  the  gospel  in  everj'  part  of 
the  earth!  And  may  we, — may  all  the  inhabit- 
ants of  Britain, — profit  by  our  peculiar  privileges! 
If  we  have  embraced  from  our  hearts  this  prof- 
fered mercy,  let  us  "bless  the  Lord  who  daily 
loadeth  us  with  benefits."  "Our  God  is  the  God 
of  salvation:"  he  has  quickened  us  when  dead  in 
sin,  and  will  not  leave  us  till  he  has  brought  us  to 
glory,  honor,  and  eternal  life.  But  he  will  crush 
the  serpent's  head,  and  utterly  destroy  all  those 
who  "go  on  still  in  their  trespasses:"  for  his  mer- 
cies to  his  church  will  be  attended  with  judgment 
on  his  enemies,  till  the  complete  salvation  of  the 
one  be  accompanied  with  the  final  ruin  of  the  other. 
— And  as  our  Lord  and  King  condescends  to 
come  and  dwell  among  his  people,  let  us  observe 
the  tokens  of  his  presence;  and  let  all  of  every 
rank,  age,  and  sex,  concur  in  blessing  his  name: 
for  union  and  harmony  are  the  stability  of  the 
church. — All  our  strength  is  in  and  from  the 
Lord;  and  if  he  has  begun  to  communicate  his 
grace  to  our  souls,  we  may  pray  in  faith,  that  he 
would  daily  stablish  that  wliich  he  has  wrought 
for  us  and  m  us.  May  he  speedily  so  strengthen 
his  cause  upon  earth,  that  all  the  proud,  idola- 
trous, and  oppressive, — all  that  delight  in  war, 
or  maintain  opposition  to  his  church, — may  be 
scattered  and  brought  down;  that  all  kings  and 
nations  may  share  the  blessings  of  his  gospel, 
and  sing  praises  to  his  name.  May  these  predic- 
tions be  fulfilled  in  their  most  extensive  meaning, 
that  all  the  inhabitants  of  the  world  may  adore 
and  rejoice  in  "his  excellency  over  Israel;"  and 
i  that  he  may  no  longer  be  terrible  to  any  of  them 

[25.> 


B.  C.  1021. 


PSALM  LXIX. 


B.  C.  1021. 


PSALM   LXIX. 

David,  as  the  type  of  Christ,  mingles  doleful  complaints  with 
fervent  prayers  for  himself  and  his  people,  1 — 21.  He,  as  the 
type  of  the  Redeemer,  devotes  his  enemies  to  destruction,  22 

29.     He  engages  to  praise  and  bless  God,  calls  on  the  whole 

creation  to  join  him,  and  predicts  the   enlargement  and  pros- 
perity of  the  church,  30 — 36. 

To    the  chief  Musician  upon  *  Shoshan- 
nim,  A  Psalm  of  David. 
I  AVE   me,   O    God;  for  ^the  waters 
are  come  in  unto  7ny  soul. 

2  *=  I  sink  in  *  deep  mire,  where  there 
is  no  standing:  I  am  come  into  t  deep 
waters,  where  '^the  floods   overflow  me. 

3  ®  I  am  weary  of  my  crying:  ^  my 
throat  is  dried;  ^  mine  eyes  fail  while 
^  I  wait  for  my  God. 

4  They  that  '  hate  me  without  a 
cause  are  ^  more  than  the  hairs  of  mine 
head:  they  that  would   destroy  me,  '  be- 


a  45:  60:  80:    titles. 

b  H:15.   18:4.    4-2:7.      Is.   28:17. 

43:2.     Lam.  3:54.     Jon.  2:3 — 

5.     Rev.  12:15,16.    17:15. 
c  40:2.     Jer.  33:6,22. 
*  Heb.  the  mire  of  depth. 
t  Heb.  depth  of  -waters.  88:6,7. 

Ez.  27:26—34. 
d32:6.     Gen.  7:17— 23.     Matt. 

7:25.  26:37,38. 


e  6:6.    13:1—3.    22:2.    Heb.  5:7. 
f21.    22:15.      John    19-28—30. 
Deut.  28:32.    Job 
Is.  38:14.  Lam. 


g  119:82,123. 

11:20.   16:16. 

2:11. 
h  25:21.  39:7. 
i  John  15:25.     1  Pet.  2:22. 
k  40:12. 
1    7:3—5.     35:12,19.     33:19,20. 

109:3—5. 


out  of  his  holy  places:  but  that  all  may  "have 
p:race  to  worship  him  ia  reverence  and  g-odly 
fear."  {J^otc,  Heb.  12:26—29.)  And  vehile  all 
unite  in  ascribing  power  and  dominion  unto  him, 
may  all  experience  strength  communicated  from 
him,  enabling  them  to  resist  temptation,  and  to 
overcome  every  enemy  of  their  salvation;  {Jfoles, 
188:3.  2  Cor.  12:7—10.  Eph.  3:U— 19.  Phil.  4: 
10 — 13.  Col.  1:9 — 14.)  thus  may  one  nation  call 
upon  another  to  bless  the  Lord,  and  all  on  earth 
form  one  general  chorus,  like  that  of  angels  in 
lieaven,  continually  saying  with  alacrity  and 
gratitude,  "Blessed  be  God,"  even  "the  God 
and  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,"  through- 
out'all  ages,  for  evermore. 

NOTES. 
Psalm  LXIX.  V.  1—3.  It  is  probable  that 
David,  in  great  distress  during  Absalom's  rebel- 
lion, composed  this  psalm  with  reference  to  his 
own  case:  but  the  Holy  Spirit  evidently  spoke  of 
"the  sufferings  of  Christ,  and  the  glory  that  should 
follow."  (.A'bie,  1  Pet.  1:10—12.)  Indeed  it  is 
so  manifest  a  prophecy  of  Christ,  that  we  should 
consider  him  as  the  Speaker  in  most  parts  of  it. 
— In  these  verses  he  compares  himself  to  a  man 
sinking  in  the  mire,  while  the  floods  of  waters 
go  over  his  head.  [Marg.  Ref. — Jifotes.,  14,15. 
40:1—5.  42:6—8.  88:6—9.)  His  sufferings  from 
the  hands  of  wiclced  men,  from  the  powers  of 
hell  beneath,  and  from  the  justice  of  the  Father, 
while  external  torment  united  with  internal  agony 
to  enhance  his  distress,  were  thus  represented 
with  peculiar  propriety.  He  continued  to  cry 
for  help,  till  his  throat  was  parched  with  thirst, 
and  his  eyes  grew  dim  and  failed  in  the  agonies 
of  death;  while  in  perfect  faith  and  patience,  but 
in  the  extremity  of  conflict,  he  waited  for  his 
God  to  deliver  "him.  [Xotes,  'Matt.  26:36—46. 
27:46—50.  John  19:28—30.  Gal.  3:10—14.  Heh. 
5:7—10.)     The  Jloods.     (2)     rh^ff ,  a  food:  "the 

water-flood."  (15)     {J^ote,  Judg.  12:1—6.) 

V.  4.  The  multitudes  who  hated  the  Lord 
.Tesus  without  a  cause;  nay,  though  his  mira- 
cles of  unmingled  mercy  merited  their  most 
grateful  love;  and  who  demanded  his  crucifixion, 
could  not  be  numbered.  The  rulers  of  the  Jews 
and  of  the  Romans,  who  had  all  the  power  in 
256] 


ing  mine  enemies  wrongfully,  are  mighty: 
™  then  I  restored  that  which  I  took  not 
away. 

5  O  God,  thou  knowest  my  foolish- 
ness; °  and  my  ^  sins  are  not  °  hid  from 
thee. 

6  P  Let  not  them  that  wait  on  thee, 
O  Lord  God  of  hosts,  be  ashamed  for 
my  sake:  let  not  those  that  seek  thee  be 
confounded  for  my  sake,  "^  O  God  of 
Israel. 

7  Because  ^  for  thy  sake  I  have 
borne  reproach;  ^  shame  hath  covered 
my  face. 

8  I  am  *  become  a  stranger  unto  my 
brethren,  "  and  an  alien  unto  my  moth- 
er's children. 


m  Is.   53:4—7.     2  Cor.  5:21.    1 

Pet.  2:24.  3;1S. 
n  17:3.   19:12.  44:20,21. 
±  Ileb.  guiltirtess. 
o3S:9.    Jer.   16:17. 
p  7:7.  25:3.  35:26,27.    Is.  49:23. 

Luke   24:19—21.     Acts  4:7— 

16. 
q  72:18.    2  Sam.  23:3.    Acts  13: 

17,23. 


r  22:6—8.    44:22.     Jer.    16:15-. 

John  15:21—24. 
5  Is.  50:6.    53:3.     Matt.    26:67, 

68.  27:29,30,38—44.    Luke  23: 

11,35 — 37.     Heb.  12:2. 
131:11.     Job  19:13— 19.     Matt. 

28:48—50,56,70—74.    John  1: 

11.  7:5. 
u  1    Sam.    17:28.      Mic.   7:5,6. 

Matt.  10:21,22,35,36. 


their  hands,  combined  to  destroy  him,  being  his 
enemies  wrongfully.  Then  did  he  make  restitu- 
tion for  our  robbery,  and  satisfaction  for  our 
crimes,  and  restored  that  honor  to  the  divine  law 
which  he  had  not  taken  awa)'.  [JVotes,  7:3 — 5. 
25:2,3.  Matt.  21:19— 25.  John  15:22— 25.)— Da.- 
vid  indeed  was  hated  wrongfully,  and  in  many 
things  receded  from  his  right:  but  the  whole,  and 
especially  the  concluding  words,  were  far  more 
emphatically  verified  in  Christ,  f  JVofes,  Is.  53:4 
—7.  Zech.  13:7.  1  Pet.  2:18—25.) 

V.  5.  'O  God,  the  righteous  Judge,  I  make 
'my  appeal  to  thee,  who  knowest  the  very  worst 
'of  me;  and  protest  that,  whatever  my  mistakes 
'or  my  wilful  sins  have  been,  which  cannot  es- 
'cape  thy  sight,  I  never  did  them  any  injury,  nor 
'gave  them  cause  to  persecute  me.'  Bp.  Pat- 
rick.— The  words,  as  spoken  by  David,  have  no 
difficulty:  yet  they  may  be  considered  as  an  ap- 
peal to  the  heart-searciiing  God  for  his  general 
integrity,  as  well  as  a  confession  of  folly  and  sin 
in  many  instances. — If  applied  to  the  Lord  Jesus, 
as  spoken  by  him,  they  must  be  interpreted  of 
our  folly  and  iniquity  being  imputed  to  him;  as 
the  debt  which  he  had  not  contracted,  but  was 
required  to  pay;  the  robbery  which  he  had  not 
committed,  but  was  made  answerable  for.  {JVote, 
4.) — Thus  many  expositors  understand  the  verse: 
though  perhaps  it  should  be  explained  as  the  lan- 
guage of  the  type,  rather  than  of  the  Antitype. 

V.  6,  7.  The  Psalmist  fervently  prayed,  that 
his  sufferings  might  not  prove  an  occasion  of  sin 
or  discour-'^gement  to  his  pious  brethren;  because 
he  was  persecuted  and  reproached,  not  for  his 
crimes,  but  for  his  religion.  Thus  St.  Paul  ear- 
nestly desired  that  the  Ephesians  might  not  fajnt, 
because  of  his  sufferings  on  their  account.  [J^'ote, 
Eph.  3:13.)— But  the  case  of  our  Lord's  disci- 
ples, of  those  who  "trusted  that  it  was  he  that 
should  redeem  Israel,"  while  they  witnessed  the 
contempt  and  cruelty  which  he  endured,  and  the 
ignominious  death  which  he  submitted  to,  and 
while  he  lay  in  the  grave,  seems  most  emphati- 
cally described.  He  however  foretold  and  prom- 
ised them  that  their  sorrow  should  be  turned  into 
joy.  (JVb«e,  John  16:16—22.)  This  indeed  will 
assuredly  be  the  case  at  length  with  all  his  true 
disciples;  because  "he  suffered  once  for  sins,  the 


B.  C.  102L 


PSALM  LXIX; 


B.  C.  1021 


9  For  ^  the  zeal  of  thine  house  hath 
eaten  me  up;  ^  and  the  reproaches  of 
them  that  reproached  thee  are  fallen 
upon  me. 

10  When  ^I  wept,  and  chastened  my 
soul  with  fasting,  that  was  to  my  re- 
proach. 

11  *I  made  sackcloth  also  my  gar- 
ment; and  ^  I  became  a  proverb  to 
them. 

12  <=They  that  sit  in  the  gate  speak 
against  me;  and  •*  I  was  the  song  of  the 
*  drunkards. 

13  But    as    for    me,    ®  my    prayer    is 
unto  thee,   O   Lord,  ^  in  an   acceptable 
time:  O  God,  ^  in  the   multitude  of  thy 
mercy  hear  me,   in  the  truth  of  thy  sal 
vation. 


I   119:139.     J    Kin-3    19:10.    1 

Chr.    13:27—29.    29:3.     Mark 

11:15—17.     John  2:14—17. 
y  89:50,51.   Rom.  15:3. 
z  102:3,9.    109:24,25. 

Luke  7:33,34. 
a  35:13,14.       Is.    20:2.     22:12. 

Joel  1:8,13. 
h  44:13,14.  Deut.  23:37.  1  Kings 

9:7.     Jer.  24:9 
c  Deut.  16:18.      Matt.  27:12,13, 

20,41,42,62,63.        Luke    23:2. 

Acts  4:26,27. 


(1:15:15,16.     Job  30:3,9.     Mark 

15:17—19. 
*  Heb.      drinkers     of    strong 

drink.     Dan.  5:2 — 1,23. 
6  55:16,17.91:15.     Matt.  26:36, 

&c.    Luke  22:44.     John   17:1, 

&c.     Heb.  5:7.    1  Pet.  2:23. 
1'  1  Sam.  25:8.    Esth.  5:2,6.  7:2. 

Is.  49:3.  55:6.    2  Cor.  6:2. 
g  40:10,11.    98:3.     Gen.   24:27. 

Mic.  7:20.     Luke   1:72.     Acts 

13:32,33.     Rom.  16:8,9. 


just  for  the  unjust,  that  he  might  bring  us  to 
God."  (J^otes,  32:6,7.  35:25—28.  Is.  50:5,6.  53: 
2—6.  Heb.  12:2,3.   1  Pet.  3:17,18.) 

V.  8,  9.  The  Lord  Jesus  "came  to  his  own, 
but  his  own  received  him  not;"  his  countrymen 
called  him  "a  Samaritan  who  had  a  devil;" 
"neither  did  his  brethren  believe  in  him,"  and 
the  inhabitants  of  Nazareth,  where  he  had  been 
brought  up,  attempted  to  destroy  him:  because 
his  zeal  for  the  honor  of  the  law,  and  the  purity 
of  the  worship  of  God,  which  entirely  occupied 
his  soul,  and  raised  him  above  all  inferior  consid- 
erations; and  his  plain  reproofs  of  hj'pocrisy  and 
iniquity,  exasperated  the  mercenary  and  worth- 
less teachers  and  rulers  of  the  Jews,  and  set  all 
orders  of  men  against  him.  In  calumniating 
him,  they  ascribed  the  miracles,  which  he  wrought 
b}^  the  Spirit  of  God,  to  Beelzebub;  and  in  many 
ways  they  reproached  God,  in  reproaching  his 
beloved  Son,  who  was  "the  express  Image  of  his 
person;"  for  "they  both  saw  and  hated  both  him 
•and  his  Father." — As  two  apostles  have  quoted 
the  ninth  verse,  with  express  application  to 
Christ;  we  are  warranted  in  explaining  it  as  a 
direct  prophecy  of  him,  or  even  as  his  words. 
(JVbfe,  89:50,51.  John  2:14—17.  7:3—10.  Rom. 
15:1 — 3.)  Yet  the  usage  which  David  experi- 
enced from  his  son  Absalom,  his  relations,  his 
counsellors,  and  his  subjects,  chiefly  because  of 
his  zeal  for  the  honor  of  God  and  true  religion, 
rendered  him  a  striking  type  of  Christ  in  this  re- 
spect, and  doubtless  occasioned  this  complaint. 
(JVo<e,  31:10— 13.  88:6—9.  Jo6  19:5— 22.  Jer. 
15:1.5—18.) 

V.  10—12.  The  "Lord  of  glory"  voluntarily 
became  a  "man  of  sorrows."  "lu  the  likeness 
of  sinful  flesh,"  and  as  a  poor  man,  he  appeared 
in  the  habit  of  humiliation,  as  if  he  had  been  a 
penitent  in  sackcloth.  He  wept,  and  fasted,  and 
prayed,;  and  he  was  despised  and  reproached  fpr 
it.  He  was  called  "a  Samaritan  who  had  a 
devil,"  "a  Nazarene,"  and  "this  deceiver;"  and 
he  was  made  a  by-word  and  a  proverb  to  the 
people.     (J\Iarg.  lief,  b— d.)     The  chief  priests 

Vol.  in.  '  33 


14  ''  Deliver  me  out  of  the  mire,  and 
let  me  not  sink:  '  let  me  be  delivered  from 
them  that  hate  me,  and  ''  out  of  the  deep 
waters. 

15  ^  Let  not  the  water-flood  overflow 
me,  neither  let  the  deep  swallow  me  up, 
and  ■"  let  not  the  pit  shut  her  mouth 
upon  me. 

16  Hear  me,  O  Lord;  "  for  thy 
loving-kindness  is  good:  °  turn  unto  me 
P  according  to  the  multitude  of  thy  ten- 
der mercies. 

17  And  1  hide  not  thy  face  from  thy 
servant;  "■  for  I  am  in  trouble:  Hiear  me 
speedily. 

18  ^Draw  nigh  unto  my  soul,  and, 
*  redeem    it:    deliver    me    "  because    of 


mme  enemies. 

19  Thou  hast  known 


h  40:1— 3.  Jer.  38:6— 13.  Lam. 

3:55. 
i  25:18,19.  35:19.  109:3,21.  Luke 

19:14,27.  Acts  5:30,31. 
k  2.  42:7.   124:4,5.    144:7.    Mark 

14:34,&c.   15.34. 
1  Jon.   2:2—7.        Matt.    12:40. 

Rev.  12:15,16. 
m  88:4 — 6.  Num.  16:33,34.  Acts 

2:24,31. 
n  36:7.  63:3.    109:21. 
0  25:16.  26:11.   86:15,16. 


my  reproach, 

p  13.  51:1.     Is.  63  7. 

q  13:1.  22:24.  27:9.    44:24.  102: 

2.    143:9.     Matt.  27:46. 
r  Matt.  26:33.  « 

f  Heb.  make  haste  to  hear  int. 

40:13.   70:1.     Job  7:21. 
s  10:1.  22:1,19.     Jer.  14:8. 
1315.    111:9.     Job  6:23. 
u  Deut.  32:27.   Josh.  7:9. 
X  7—9.  22:6,7.     Is.  53.3.    Heb. 

12:2.      1  Pet.  2:23. 


and  rulers,  who  sat  as  judges  in  the  gate,  with 
deliberate  malice  conspired  his  death:  and  the 
very  drunkards  profanely  made  songs  of  him,  and 
diverted  themselves  amidst  their  intemperate 
revels,  by  reviling  and  ridiculing  him.  (JVotes, 
22:7,8.  35:15,16.  Dan.  5:1—4.  Hos.  7:5—7. 
Matt.  27:27— 81,39-44.)  Something  of  this 
kind  had  befallen  David;  but  Jesus  was  far  more 
derided  and  abhorred. — The  Septuagint  render 
the  first  clause  in  these  verses,  "I  bowed  down 
my  soul  with  fasting." — The  word  chastened  is 
not  in  the  original,  and  seems  not  so  well  to 
suit  the  case,  as  afflicted,  or  humbled,  would  have 
done.     (JVb<e,  35:" 1 3, 14.   109:22—24.) 

V.  13.  An  acceptable  time.]  Or,  A  time  of 
good  will,  or  special  favor.  'Knowing,  that 
'albeit  I  now  suffer  trouble;  yet  thou  hast  a  time 
'wherein  thou  hast  appointed  my  deliverance.' — 
'I  commend  myself  with  the  greatest  earnestness 
'unto  thee,  O  Lord;  who  now  that  I  am  so  des- 
'picable,  wilt  think  it,  I  hope,  the  fittest  time  to 
'be  favorable  to  me.'  Bp.  Patrick — When  the 
Redeemer  was  enduring  his  extremest  sufferings, 
that  he  might  glorify  God  and  save  the  souls  of 
his  people,  it  was  an  acceptable  time  for  his 
prayers  in  behalf  of  himself  and  them.  Through 
him  it  is  "an  acceptable  time"  for  our  prayers, 
when  his  gospel  is  preached  to  us,  and  his  Spirit 
is  striving  with  us.  [Marg.  Ref. — JVotes,  Is.  49: 
7,8.  2  Cor.  6:1,2.  Heb.  5:7— lO".) 

The  truth  of  thy  salvation.]  The  faithful  prom- 
ises assuredly  to  be  fulfilled  to  all,  who  embrace 
them  in  genuine  faith,  and  plead  them  in  prayer. 
{M)te,  John  1  ill.) 

V.  14,  15.  The  clause,  "Let  me  be  delivered 
from  them  that  hate  me,"  (14)  explains  the  mean- 
ing of  the  figurative  language  in  these  verses, 
and  in  the  beginning  of  the  Psalm.  [JVote,  J — 3.) 
— They  contain  the  prayer  and  expectation  of 
the  Redeemer  in  the  depth  of  his  humiliation, 
when  his  eucmies  and  sufferings  seemed  about 
entirely  to  overwhelm  him:  but  he  knew  that  his 
soul  would  not  be  left  in  the  place  of  separate 
spirits,  nor  his  body  in  the  grave  to  see  corrup- 

[257 


B.  C.  1021. 


PSALM  LXIX. 


B.  C.  1021. 


and  my  shame,  and  ^  my  dishonor:  ^  mine 
adversaries  are  all  before  thee. 

20  ^  Reproach  hath  broken  my  heart, 
and  ''I  am  full  of  heaviness:  and  "^  I 
looked  for  some  to  *  take  pity,  ^  but 
there  was  none;  and  for  ^  comforters, 
but  I  found  none. 

21  They  gave  me  also  •"  gall  for  my 
meat;  and   in  my    thirst  they   gave    me 

S  vinegar   to    drink.         [PracUcal  observations.] 

22  IT  Let  *•  their  table  become  a  snare 
before  them:  and  that  ivhich  should  have 
been  for  their  welfare,  let  it  become  '  a 
trap. 

23  Let  ^  their  eyes  be  darkened,  that 
they  see  not;  and  ^  make  their  loins  con- 
tinually to  shake. 


y  JohD  8:49. 

z  2:2 — I.  38:9. 

a  42: 10.    123:4.     Heb.    11:36. 

b  42:6.     Matt.  26:3'J,38.     John 

12:27. 
c  Is.  63:5.     Mark  14:37. 
*  Heb.  to  lament  with  me. 
d  142:4.     John    16:32.     2  Tim. 

4:16,17. 
e  Job  16:2.    19:21,22.     Matt.  26: 


56. 
f  Jer.  8:14.    9:15 
27:34. 


23:15.     Matt. 


g  Mark     15:36.      Luke    23:36. 

John  19:29. 
h  Prov.  1:32.    Mai.  2:2.      Rom. 

11:2—10. 
i  Is.  8:14,15.      1  Pet.  2:8. 
k  Is.  6:9,10.  29:9,10.     Matt.  13: 

14,15.      John    12:39,40.     Acts 

28:26,27.     Rom.  11:25.   2  Cor. 

3:14. 
1   Deut.  28:65—67.     Is.  21:3,4. 

Jer.   30:6.     Dan.   5:6.     Rom. 

11:10. 


tion;  but  that  his  resurrection  and  exaltation 
would  make  way  for  him  to  accomplish  his  pur- 
poses of  love.     (Marg.  Ref.—J^ote,  16:8—1 1.) 

V.  16 — 20.  To  understand  these  verses,  and 
be  suitably  affected  with  them,  it  is  peculiarly 
necessary  to  compare  them  with  the  history,  giv- 
en by  the  Evangelists,  of  our  Lord's  agony  in  the 
garden,  and  his  sufferings  on  the  cross. — In  the 
garden,  "his  soul  was  exceeding  sorrowful,  even 
unto  death,"  and  "being  in  an  agony  he  prayed 
more  earnestly:"  but  so  far  from  having  any  one 
to  condole  with  him  or  comfort  him,  the  apostles 
themselves  "could  not  watch  witli  him  one  hour." 
Then,  having  been  betrayed  by  Judas,  denied  by 
Peter,  and  forsatfcen  by  all,  he  was  nailed  to  the 
cross,  surrounded  by  his  cruel  enemies,  who  re- 
proached and  insulted  him  to  the  utmost;  and  in 
this  extremity  he  exclaimed  also,  "My  God,  my 
God,  why  hast  thou  forsaken  me."  He  had  not 
at  this  crisis  the  comfort  of  his  Father's  manifest- 
ed loving-kindness,  which  he  knew  to  be  good, 
yea  better  than  life:  but  "he  hid  his  face  from 
him."  And  while  he  suffered  for  sinners,  that 
the  "multitude  of  God's  mercies"  might  be  shewn 
to  them,  he  was  excluded  from  mercy;  men 
shewed  him  no  mercy,  and  he  was  smitten  with 
the  sword  of  divine  justice.  But  he  prayed  "witti 
strong  crying  and  tears;"  and  he  was  heard 
speedily,  and  rescued  from  his  foes  and  from 
death.     [Marg.  Ref.—Heb.  5:7.) 

V.  ^l.  The  word,  rendered  "gall,"  signifies 
any  thing  either  poisonous,  or  exceedingly  bitter. 
(/Tote,  Deut.  29:18.  Jer.  8:14—16.  Ads  8:18—24, 
1).  23.) — The  literal  accomplishment  of  this  verse, 
in  the  case  of  our  Lord,  is  one  instance  out  of 
many,  of  the  particularity  with  which  the  circum- 
stances of  his  passion  were  described,  by  "holy 
men  of  God,  who  spake  as  they  were  moved  by 
the  Holy  Ghost."  [Preface  to  Psalms,  1  page, 
J^ote,22:lQ — 18.)  But  the  vinegar  and  the  gall 
were  but  a  feeble  emblem  of  that  bitter  cup  which 
he  exhausted,  that  we  might  drink  "the  cup  of 
salvation."  {J\Iarg.  Ref.—jYoies,  Matt.  27:3r2— 
34.  Mark  15:21—24,  v.  23.) 

V.  22 — 28.  Some  commentators  read  this  aw- 
ful passage  entirely  in  the  future  tense,  as  a  pre- 
258] 


24  •"  Pour  out  thine  indignation  upon 
them,  and  let  thy  wrathful  anger  "  take 
hold  of  them. 

25  °  Let  their  t  habitation  be  deso- 
late; and  t  let  none  dwell  in  their  tents. 

26  For  P  they  persecute  him  i  whom 
thou  hast  smitten;  and  "■  they  talk  to  the 
grief  of  5  those  whom  thou  hast  wounded. 

27  ^  Add  II  iniquity  unto  their  iniquity: 
and  *  let  them  not  come  into  thy  right- 
eousness. 

28  Let  them  be  "  blotted  out  of  the 
book  of  the  living,  and  not  ^  be  written 
with  the  righteous. 

29  But  y  I    am   poor  and   sorrowful: 


m  79:6.     Lev.  26:14,&c.    Deut, 

28:15,&c.      29:18—28.     31:17. 

32:20—26.     Hos.  5:10.     Matt. 

23:35—37.       Luke     21:22.      1 

Thes.  2:15,16.    Rev.  16:1. 
n  Ex.    15:15.     Is.   13:8.     Zech. 

1:6. 
o   1  Kings   9:8.     Jer.  7:12—14. 

Matt.  23:38.  24:1,2.  Acts  1:20. 
t  Heb.  palace.  Is.  5:1.  6:11. 
i    Heb.      let    there    not    be  a 

dweller, 
p  109:16.     2  Chr.  28:9.    Job  19: 

21,22.     Zech.  1:15.     1   Thes. 

2:15. 
q  Is.  53:4,10.     Zech.  13:7> 
r  Hark  15:28—32. 


^  Heb.  thyjaounded. 

s    81:12.        Ex.     8:15,32.     9:12. 

Lev.  26:39.       Is.    5:6.     Matt. 

21:19.  23:31,32.  27:4,5.    Rom. 

1:28.    9:18.     2  Thes.    2:11,12. 

Rev.  22:10,11. 
II  Or,  pitji  is, 

109:17-19. 
t24:5.     Rom.  9:31.   10:2,3. 
u  Ex.  32:32,33.   Is.  65:15.    Hos. 

1:9.     Rev.  3:5.  22:19. 
X  Is.  4:3.     Ez.  13:9.     Luke  10: 

20.      Phil.  4:3.      Heb.    12:23. 

Rev.  13:8.  20:12—15. 
y  40:17.  109:22,31,     Is.   53:2,3 

Matt.  8:20,     2  Cor.  8:9. 


meni  pf  iniquity 
2  Tim.  4:14. 


diction  ;  id  not  an  imprecation:  but  most  of  the 
verbs  are  in  the  imperative;  and  the  apostles 
quote  from  it  as  an  imprecation.  (Jfotes,  Acts  1: 
20 — 22.  Rom.  11:7—10.)  If  we  consider  the 
whole  as  the  language  of  Christ,  denouncing  the 
doom  of  his  implacable  enemies,  and  as  recorded 
for  a  warning  to  others;  no  reasonable  objection 
can  be  made  to  this  interpretation:  for  in  reading 
them,  we  only  assent  to  the  justice  of  the  sen- 
tence. (JVbfe,  Deut.  27:15.) — As  our  example, 
Christ  on  the  cross  prayed  for  his  crucifiers;  and 
his  prayer  was  answered  in  the  conversion  of 
numbers  of  them:  but,  being  exalted  upon  his 
throne,  he  asks  of  the  Father,  and  receives  from 
him,  authority  to  break  in  pieces  with  his  iron 
rod  all  obstinate  opposers,  as  well  as  to  save  all 
humble  supplicants.  [Kote,  2:7 — 9.) — The  case 
of  the  Jewish  nation  in  particular,  is  here  pro- 
phetically described.  Not  only  were  their  tem- 
poral advantages  made  an  occasion  of  mischief  to 
them:  but,  depending  on  those  sacrifices  and  in- 
stitutions which  were  originally  appointed  for  the 
good  of  their  souls,  and  ensnared  in  their  own 
counsels,  they  persisted  both  in  enmity  to  Christ, 
and  in  resistance  to  the  Romans.  Being  shut  up 
in  Jerusalem,  when  they  were  assembled  to  eat 
the  passover,  "their  table  became  their  snare:" 
infatuated  beyond  all  example,  and  disunited 
among  themselves,  the  horrors  of  intestine  massa- 
cres weakened  and  terrified  them:  at  length  the 
Romans,  the  instruments  of  the  Lord's  indigna- 
tion, got  possession  of  the  city  with  most  dreadful 
slaughter,  destroyed  the  temple,  [the  palace  here 
mentioned,  25.  viarg.)  and  desolated  their  city 
and  habitations,  so  that  none  of  them  were  left  to 
dwell  there.  The  remnant  of  the  nation  were 
excluded  the  church,  and  left  in  judicial  dark- 
ness to  "add  iniquity  to  iniquity,"  without  obtain- 
ing an  interest  "in  the  righteousness  of  God." 
Thus  they  have  been  blotted  out  of  the  register, 
in  which  the  people  of  God  were'  enrolled,  and 
were  no  longer  "written  among  the  righteous:" 
and  all  this  was  laid  on  them  for  rejecting  and 
crucifying  the  Messiah,  v.ith  the  most  determined 
contempt  and  cruelty.— The  twenty-fifth  verse  is 
applied  by  St.  Peter' lo  the  traitor  Judas,  "who 


B.  C.   1021, 


PSALM  LXIX. 


B.  C.  1021. 


'let  thy    salration,  O  God,  set  me  up  on 


high. 

30  ^  I  will  praise  the  name  of  God 
with  a  song,  and  will  "magnify  him  with 
thanksgiving. 

31  This  '^  also  shall  please  the  Lord 
better  than  an  ox  or  bullock,  that  hath 
horns  and  hoofs. 

32  ^  The  *  humble  shall  see  this,  and 
be  glad:  and  ^your  heart  shall  live  that 
seek   God. 


z    18:48.     122t-2-?— 31.     89:^6,07. 

91:14—16.  Eph.  ]:21,'22.    Phil. 

2:9—11. 
a  28:7.  40:1—3.   118:21,28,29. 
b  34.3. 
«  50:13,14,23.    Hos.  14:2.   Eph. 


5:19,20.     Heb.  13:15.     1  Pet. 

2:5. 
d34:2.     John  16:22.  20:20. 
*  Or,  meek.    25:9.     Is.  61:1—3. 
e  22:26,29.   Is.  55:6,7. 


was  guide  to  them  that  took  Jesus;"  and  thus  a 
proper  representative  of  the  apostate  but  hypo- 
critical nation,  which  as  with  one  voice  demand- 
ed, even  while  celebrating  the  passover,  the  cru- 
cifixion of  their  Prince  and  Savior. — But,  the 
original  word  rendered  habitation,  meaning 
palace,  the  destruction  of  the  temple,  the  pride  of 
the  nation,  seems  also  predicted:  and  when  our 
Lord  said,  "Your  house  is  left  unto  j-ou  desolate," 
he  may  be  supposed  to  have  referred  to  this  pas 
sage.  (JNo/e,  Matt.  2:3:37— 39.)— The  twenty 
second  Psalm,  after  predicting  the  sufferings  of 
Christ,  closes  with  the  triumphs  of  his  gospel; 
{JVotes,  22:19 — 31.)  but  this  first  denounces  the 
ruin  of  his  enemies.  Some  render  the  words, 
translated  "Add  iniquity  unto  their  iniquity;" 
'-Add  punishment  to  their  iniquity:"  and  the 
marginal  references  will  shew,  that  to  be  given 
up  to  wickedness  is  often  the  punishment,  in  aw- 
ful justice,  awarded  to  obstinate  transgressors. 
(Jfotes,  5: 10,11.  109:6— 20.)— 'It  were  to  be  wish- 
'ed,'  says  Bp.  Home  on  the  twenty-sixth  verse, 
'that  the  sorrows  of  the  penitent,  when  wounded 
'with  a  sense  of  sin,  never  subjected  him  to  the 
'scorn  and  contempt  of  those  who  would  be 
'thought  Christians.' 

V.  29.      40:17.    Jfote,  22:4— &,v.  6 Let  thy 

■falvation,  &c.]  Or,  "Thv  salvation,  O  God,  shall 
set  me  up  on  high."  [jXotes,  88:1,2.  91:14—16.) 
Thus  tiie  Savior,  in  tVie  depth  of  his  passion  and 
humiliation,  anticipates  his  exaltation  "far  above 
all  heavens,  that  he  might  fill  all  things."  {JVotes, 
Eph.   \:15— 23.  Phil.  2:9—11.) 

V.  30,  31.  'Here,  as  in  the  twenty-second,  and 
'many  other  Psalms,  the  scene  changes  from  sor- 
'row  to  joy;  from  a  state  of  suffering  to  one  of  tri- 
'umph;  from  the  passion  to  the  resurrection.'  Bp. 
Home. — The  praises  of  the  great  Redeemer  and 
of  his  redeemed  church;  and  indeed  his  whole 
work,  with  the  eternal  glory  thence  redounding 
to  the  God  of  solvation;  are  far  more  acceptable 
to  him  than  the  sacrifices  of  the  law  ever  had 
been  in  themselves:  but  when  the  Jews  rejected 
Christ  and  preferred  their  sacrifices,  these,  even 
though  clean  animals  offered  according  to  the 
law,  became  abominable;  being  a  declaration  of 
their  unbelief,  and  their  refusal  to  "submit  to  the 
righteousness  of  God."  [JVotes,  40:6 — 8.  50:7 — 
15,22,23.    /*.  66:3,4.  Hcb.  10:5—10,26,27.) 

V.  32.  [.l\roteR,  22:26,29.)  The  meek  and  hum- 
ble, hearing  of  the  Savior's  sufferings  and  exalta- 
tion, rejoice;  and  the  souls  of  all  that  seek  the 
Lord,  shall  througli  his  atonement  be  made  par- 
takers of  life  spiritual  and  eternal. — In  how  many 
millions  of  instances  has  this  already  been  fulfil- 
led!   {J^otes,  1  Chr.  16:10,11.  /*.  55:6—9.) 

V.  33.    His  prisniiern.]    Those  who  are  bound 


33  For  '■  the  Lord  heareth  the  poor, 
and  despiseth  not  s  his  prisoners. 

34  ''  Let  the  heaven  and  earth  praise 
him,  the  seas,  and  every  thing  that  t  mov 
eth  therein. 

35  For  '  God  will  save  Zion,  and  will 
^  build  the  cities  of  Judah:  that  they  may 
dwell  there,  and  have  it  in  possession. 

36  '  The  seed  also  of  his  servants 
shall  inherit  it:  and  ■"  they  that  love  his 
name  shall  dwell  therein. 


f  10:17.    34:6.    72:12—14.     102: 

17,20.     Is.  66:2.    Luke  4:18. 
g  107:10.   146:7.     Zech.  9:11,12. 

Acts  5:18,19.   12:4—11.     Eph. 

3:1.     Rev.  2:10. 
h  96:11.  98:7,8.     148:l,&c.   150: 

6.     Is.  44:22,23.    49:13.    55:12. 

Rev.  7:11— 13. 
t  Heb.   creepeth.     Gen.    1:20. 


marg. 
i   51:18.     102:13,16.     147:12,13. 

Is.  14:32.  44:26.  46:13.      Rev. 

14:1. 
k  48:11-13.  Jer.  33:10,11. 
1  90:16,17.     102:28.     Is.    44:3,4. 

61:9.     Acts  2:39. 
m  91:14.     Rom.   8:23.     Jam.  1: 

12.   2:5. 


in  prison,  as  enslaved  to  sin  and  condemned  for 
their  crimes,  when  they  are  alarmed,  and  stirred 
up  to  seek  deliverance,  shall  not  be  despised;  but 
on  the  contrary,  through  the  Redeemer's  inter- 
cession, shall  be  brought  into  "the  glorious  liber- 
ty of  the  children  of  God." — Some  explain  the 
words,  of  those  who  were  cast  into  prison,  by  such 
as  persecuted  the  preachers  of  the  gospel  and 
those  who  followed  them;  but  the  figurative 
meaning  seems  far  more  suitable  to  the  general 
tenor  of  the  Psalm,  and  indeed  to  that  of  the 
prophecies  and  promises  of  the  scripture  in  every 
part  of  it.  [JVotes,  102:13—22.  107:10— 16. /s.  61: 
1—3.  Zech.  9:11,12.  Luke4:l6—22.  Acts26:l6— 
18.) 

V.  34.  'The  mercies  of  God  in  Christ  are  such, 
'that  they  cannot  worthily  be  praised  by  any  thing 
'less,  than  an  universal  chorus  of  the  whole... 
'creation.'  Bp.  Home.  "Heaven and  earth  sha'l, 
&c."  The  future  tense  is  used,  and  it  is  a  predic- 
tion, rather  than  a  pious  wish.  [JVotes,  148:  Luke 
2:8—14.  Rev.  5:11—14.  19:1—6.) 

V.  35,  36.  Zion  seems  to  denote  the  church  at 
large;  the  cities  of  Judah,  the  several  divisions  of 
the  church  throughout  the  world;  evangelical 
bles.sings  being  predicted  under  allusions  taken 
from  the  then  existing  state  of  things.  [JVotes,  Is. 
60:4—7.  66:19—23.  Ez.  40:2.  Heb.  12:18—21.)— 
God  will  preserve  his  church,  and  every  sound 
part  of  it,  and  all  true  Christians;  continuing  to 
them,  and  entailing  on  their  posterity,  the  bless- 
ings of  the  new  covenant. — Yea,  all  that  love 
God  shall  dwell  for  ever  in  Zion,  in  the  church 
militant  on  earth,  without  being  finally  overcome 
by  any  enemy,  and  in  the  church  triumphant  in 
heaven. — The  future  conversion  and  restoration 
of  the  Jews  also  were  here  foretold  in  connexion 
with  the  other  blessings,  which  those  events  will 
introduce.  [J\'otes,  22:30,31.  Is.  53:9—12.  65:8 — 
10.  Jer.  33:17—26.  Rom.  1 1: 11— 15.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
V.  1—21. 
It  behoves  us  carefully  to  examine,  whether  the 
things  which  pertain  to  the  Lord  Jesus  form  as 
important  a  part  of  our  religion,  as  they  do  of  the 
holy  scriptures;  and  whether  our  judgment,  ex- 
perience, and  affections  are,  as  it  were,  imbued 
with  them,  as  the  word  of  God  is  in  all  its  parts: 
that,  while  the  prophecies,  as  compared  with  (he 
accomplishment,  confirm  our  belief  that  the  Bible 
is  a  divine  revelation;  our  hope  may  rest  on  the 
Foundation  laid  in  it,  and  our  conduct  be  influ- 
enced by  the  motives  proposed  in  it. — We  cannot 
too  often  be  called  to  contemplate  the  scene,  here 
again  presented  to  our  minds.  We  should  fre- 
quently consider  the  person  of  the  Sufferer  spok- 


B.  C.  1023. 


PSALM  LXX. 


B.  C.  1023. 


PSALM  LXX. 

David  prays  for  speedy   help,  to  the   confusion  of  his  foes,  and 
the  triumph  of  the  righteous,  1 — 5. 

To    the    chief  Musician,    A    Psalm   of 
David,  *  to  bring  to  remembrance. 
\/§AKE  haste,    ^O  God,   to  dehver 
me;  make    haste  *to  help  me,  O 

LOKD. 

2  •=  Let  them  be   ashamed   and   con- 

a.nZ:  title.  I  c  6.10.    35:4,-26.    71:13.    109:29. 

b40:13,&c.  69:18.  71:12.   143:7.       Is.  41:11. 
*  Heb.  to  my  help.  | 


founded  that  seek  after  my  souh  let  them 
^  be  turned  backward,  and  put  to  confu- 
sion, that  desire  my  hurt. 

3  Let  them  be  turned  ^  back  for  a 
reward  of  their  shame,  that  say,  '  Aha, 
aha. 

4  s  Let  all  those  that  seek  thee  re- 
joice and  be   glad   in  thee:  and  let  such 


d  Is.  23:13.     John  18:6. 

e  40:15.     Acts  1:18. 

f  35:21,25.    Prov.  24:17,18.   Ez. 


25:3.  26:2.  36:2. 
g5:ll.  35:27.  40:16.     Is.  65:13. 
14.     John  16:20. 


en  of;  and  inquire  where/ore,  as  well  as  what,  he 
suffered:    that  beholding  the  Son  of  God  incq,r- 
nate,  overwhelmed  by  his  inexpressible  sorrows, 
bereft  of  comfort,  seeming  in  vain  to  cry  for  re- 
lief, conflicting  with  Satan's  horrid  temptations, 
and  even  bearing  the  wrath  of  God  for  us; — that 
viewing  him  hated  without  cause,  and  apparently 
left  in  the  power  of  cruel  enemies,  treated  as  a 
stranger  and  an  alien  by  his  brethren  and  people; 
reproached,  insulted,  derided,  condemned  by  the 
rulers,  and  made  the  sport  of  the  soldiers  and  the 
vilest  of  the  multitude;  betrayed,  denied,  or  for- 
saken by  his  disciples;    nailed  to  the  cross,  and 
mocked,  when  athirst,  with  vinegar  mingled  with  | 
gall  to  drink: — that  meditating,  I  say,  on  these  i 
scenes,  we  may  be  led  to  deeper  humiliation  for  I 
sin,  to  a  greater  admiration  of  the  justice  and| 
mercy  of  our  God,  a  higher  valuation  of  our  im-  [ 
mortal  souls,  a  clearer  conviction  of  our  danger, 
and  the  vanity  of  every  other  dependence,  except  | 
on  his  great  atonement;  to  a  fuller  perception  of! 
our  infinite  obligations  to  our  gracious  Redeemer,  j 
and  a  more  lively  gratitude  and  love  constraining 
us  to  live  to  his  glory.  Let  us  further  learn  hence, 
to  expect  the  enmity  of  the  many  and  the  mighty, 
of  our  relatives,  and  of  those  whom  we  have  most 
served.     We  may  perhaps  plead  that  they  "hate 
us  wrongfully  and  without  cause:"   but  our  fool- 
ishness and  our  sins  are  not  hid  from  God;  and 
alas!  they  too  often  appear  to  man,  and  give  mal- 
ice that  occasion  which  it  sought  against  us.    We 
need   not,   however,  be   discouraged,  when   re- 
proached and  put  to  shame  for  the  Lord's  sake;  if 
our  zeal  for  the  truths,  precepts,  and  worship  of 
God,  in  some  small  measure  resembling  that  of 
our  Redeemer,  should  disgust  and  exasperate  our 
neighbors,  and  make  our  former  friends  treat  us 
as  strangers;  if  those,  whose  words  and  works  re- 
proach the  Lord,  should  despise  and  revile  us  for 
his  sake;  if  even  judges  and  rulers  should  speak 
against  us;  and  "drunkards  make  songs  of  us," 
and  turn  our  godly  sorrow,  our  tenderness  of  con- 
science, our  deadness  to  the  world,  and  even  our 
prayers  for  them,   into   derision  and  mockery. 
Whatever  deep  waters  of  affliction  or  temptation 
we  are  sinking  into;  whatever  floods  of  trouble, 
or  of  ungodly  men,  seem  ready  to  overwhelm  us; 
we  should  persevere  in  prayer,  and  in  waiting  on 
our  God  to  save  us;  though  we  be  weary,  and  as  j 
it  were  hoarse,  with  crying  for  help,  and  our  eyes  | 
be  ready  to  fail  with  looking  for  deliverance:  and  | 
the  more  men  despise  and  desert  us,  the  more  i 
earne:^t  should  be  our  cries  unto  the  Lord  to  help  j 
and  comfort  us.     Such  extremities  will  be  found  ] 
acceptable  times  of  approach  to  God,  if  we  plead 
with  him  the  multitude  of  his  mercies,  and  the 
truth  of  those  promises,  which  secure  the  believ- 
er's salvation:  but  we  should  in  these  emergen- 
cies remember  others,  who  seek  the  Lord;  and 
pray  for  them,  that  they  may  not  be  ashamed  or 
discouraged,  through  our  afflictions,  or  our  mis- 
conduct.— He  who  brought  the  Redeemer  from 
the  grave,  and  exalted  him  above  all  his  enemies, 
will  hear  those  who  come  in  his  name:  he  will 
deliver  them  out  of  temptation  and  affliction;  and 
260] 


with  his  refreshing  loving-kindness  he  will  turn 
unto  them  and  comfort  them,  and  that  speedilj; 
and  he  will  at  length  receive  their  souls,  and 
raise  their  bodies  from  the  grave,  and  thus  rescue 
them  from  every  enemy.  Indeed  reproach  and 
contempt  are  hard  to  bear,  and  often  fill  our  hearts 
with  heaviness;  and  we  may,  at  some  times,  look 
in  vain  for  compassion  or  comfort  from  our  fellow- 
creatures.  But  the  Redeemer  exhausted  that  cup 
of  wrath,  which  contained  nothing  but  vinegar 
and  gall;  and  he  will  infuse  sweetness  into  all  our 
sorrows.  We  need  not  therefore  fear  suffering 
with  him,  or  for  him,  and  should  look  to  him, 
"lest  we  be  weary  and  faint  in  our  minds." 

V.  22—36. 
In  this  our  day  especiallj'  "in  this  acceptable 
time,"  "while  it  is  called  to-day,"  we  ought  to  fear 
coming  short  of  the  salvation  set  before  us;  and 
lest  an\-  of  us  should  suffer,  as  the  enemies  of 
Christ,  from  his  awful  indignation.  For  many, 
besides  the  nation  of  the  Jews,  have  had  their 
table  made  their  snare,  and  the  things  which 
should  have  been  for  their  welfare,  a  trap  to  them; 
because  they  have  opposed,  or  neglected  his  sal- 
vation: many  are  given  up  to  judicial  blindness, 
and  to  desperation:  the  hot  displeasure  of  God 
pursues  them  from  their  habitation  on  earth;  and, 
being  "driven  away  in  their  wickedness,"  they 
"add  iniquity  to  iniquity,"  and  that  for  ever:  for 
they  are  "blotted  out  of  the  book  of  the  living, 
and  are  not  written  among  the  righteous."  Let 
us  then  fear  lest  this  should  be  our  case,  and  be 
careful  not  to  "persecute  those,  whom  God  hath 
smitten;  or  to  speak  to  the  grief  of  those,  whom 
he  hath  wounded."  Let  us  call  upon  the  Lord 
without  further  delay,  and  persist  in  calling  upon 

■  him,  as  on  the  "throne  of  grace,"  "waiting  to  be 
gracious:"  and  then,  though  we  be  not  only  poor 

1  and  sorrowful,  but  guilty  and  defiled,  "the  salva- 
j  tion  of  God  will  set  us  up  on  high."  And  not  only 
'  the  atonement  of  the  Redeemer,  but  the  praises 
I  of  the  redeemed,  who  "magnify  the  name  of  the 
I  Lord  with  thanksgiving,"  are  more  pleasing  to 
j  him  "than  bullocks  with  horns  and  hoofs."  The 
I  humble  will  perceive  and  rejoice  in  these  encour- 
I  aging  truths;  and  the  souls  of  those,  who  seek  the 
j  Lord  according  to  this  blessed  gospel,  shall  live 
1  for  ever.  Through  our  exalted  Advocate,  he  will 
I  hear  the  prayers  of  those  who  have  been  the  pris- 
j  oners  of  Satan,  when  they  long  for  liberty  and 
salvation;  and  he  will  not  despise  the  poorest  or 
i  the  most  guilty,  who  come  to  "trust  in  him." 
j  "Let  then  heaven  and  earth  praise  him,  the  seas 

■  and  every  thing  that  moveth  therein:"  for  God 
will  protect  and  save  his  church,  and  enlarge  her 

I  borders;  that  his  people  "may  dwell  there,  and 
I  have  it  in  possession."  He  will  bless  them  and 
i  their  children  after  them;  "a  seed  shall  serve  him" 
I  on  earth,  and  his  servants  shall  inherit  his  heaven- 
'  ly  kingdom;  and  those  who  love  his  name,  shall 
'  dwell  before  him  for  ever.  "He  that  spared  not 
his  own  Son,  but  delivered  him  up  for  us  all;  how 
shall  he  not  with  him  also  freely  give  us  all 
'l  things.^" 


B.  C.   1021. 


PSALM  LXXl. 


B.  C.  102 1. 


as    love    thy    salvation    say    continually, 
Let  God  be  magnified. 

5  But  ''  I  am  poor  and  needy:  make 
haste  unto  me,  O  God:  thou  art  my 
Help  and  my  Deliverer;  '  O  Lord,  make 
no  tarrying. 

PSALM  LXXL 

The  Psalmist  professes  his  trust  in  GocI,  and  prays  for  help  to 
the  end,  and  for  the  confusion  of  his  enemies,  1 — 13.  He  re- 
solies  to  confide  in  God  and  praise  him,  14 — 16.  He  renews 
his  petitions,  that  he  may  not  be  cast  off  in  the  decline  of  life, 
but  may  be  enabled  to  transmit  to  posterity  his  views  of  the 
power  and  grace  of  God,  17,  18.  He  exults  in  the  prospect  of 
complete  deliverance,  joy,  and  triumph,  19 — 24. 

IN  thee,  O  Lord,  *  do  I  put  my  trust: 
''  let  me  never  be   put  to  confusion. 

2  DeHver  me  '^  in  thy  righteousness, 
and  "^  cause  me  to  escape:  ®  incline  thine 
ear  unto  me,  and  save  me. 

3  Be    thou    *my   strong    Habitation, 

h  40:17.  69:29.   109:22. 

i  13:1,2.     Heb.  10:37.   Rev.  22: 

20. 
a  22:5.  25:2,3.    125:1.    146:5.    2 

Kings  18:5.   1  Chr.  5:20.  Rom. 

9:33.     1  Pet.  2:6. 
b  Is.  45:17.     Jer.  17:18. 


17:2.     31:1.     43:1.      143:1,11. 
Dan.  9:16. 

d  1  Cor.  10:13. 

e  10:17,18.   17:6.   116:1,2. 

*  Heb.    to  inc  for  a  rock  of 
habitation.      31:2,3.       91:1,2 
Prov.  18:10.     Is.  33:16. 


NOTES. 
Psalm  LXX.  V.  1—5.  [JVotes,  40:13—17.) 
This  Psalm  is,  for  substance,  the  same  as  the  con- 
cluding verses  of  the  fortieth  Psalm;  3'et  there  are 
verbal  alterations  in  every  part  of  it,  though  none 
that  materially  affect  the  sense. — Some  fiiink,  that 
it  was  parted  from  the  fortieth  Psalm,  (with  some 
variation,)  as  suggesting  general  hints  for  prayer, 
to  pious  persons,  under  very  afflictive  circum- 
stances. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

No  worldly  possessions  or  distinctions  can  pre- 
vent the  humbled  sinner  from  feeling  himself  to 
be  poor  and  needy:  hence  his  entire  dependence 
upon  a  merciful  God,  and  his  fervent  applications 
to  him  on  all  occasions;  while  the  proud  can  only 
pray  formally  and  hypocritically.  [J^otes,  Matt. 
5:3.  Luke  18:9—14.)  But  "the  poor  in  spirit" 
have  God  for  their  Helper  and  Deliverer;  and 
shame  must  be  the  portion  of  all  who  seek  after 
their  souls,  desire  their  hurt,  or  rejoice  in  their 
calamities.  Sometimes  these  are  so  ashamed  as 
to  repent  and  seek  forgiveness:  but  unless  this  be 
the  case,  they  will  be  treated  as  the  enemies  of 
Christ;  because  they  tread  in  the  steps  of  those 
who  persecuted  him,  in  his  poverty  and  humilia- 
tion; and  hate  his  image  and  his  cause  in  his  poor 
disciples.  But  those  who  "seek  the  Lord,"  and 
"love  his  salvation,"  have  the  "prayers  of  all"  the 
people  of  God  on  earth,  and  the  intercession  of 
Christ  in  heaven,  in  their  behalf.  Joy  and  glad- 
ness will  therefore  be  vouchsafed  them,  and  they 
will  eternally  magnify  the  God  of  their  salvation. 

NOTES. 

Psalm  LXXI.  V.  1.  The  name  of  David 
is  not  prefixed  to  this  beautiful  Psalm:  yet  there 
can  be  no  doubt  that  he  wrote  it  during  Absa- 
lom's rebellion;  and  probably  at  the  crisis  when 
he  heard  of  the  sanguinary  counsel,  which  Ahith- 
ophel  had  given  respecting  him.  [JVotes,  2  Sam. 
17:1—4,17—21.) 

V.  2.  In  thy  righteousness.']  "It  is  a  right- 
eous thing  with  God  to  recompense  tribulation 
to  those  that  trouble  you,  and  to  you  who  are 
troubled,  rest"  and  deliverance.  (JVb<e,  2  Thes. 
1:5 — 10.)  This  kind  of  appeal  to  the  justice  of 
God,  in  David's  circumstances,  seems  by  much 
the  most  natural  interpretation.    (^'Vo/e.?,  7: 1 — 11. 


whereunto  I  may  continually  resort: 
^  thou  hast  given  commandment  to  save 
me;  for  thou  art  s  my  Rock  and  my 
Fortress. 

4  Deliver  me,  O  my  God,  ''  out  of 
the  hand  of  the  wicked,  out  of  the  hand 
of  the  unrighteous  and  cruel  man. 

5  For  '  thou  art  my  hope,  O  Lord 
God:  thou  art  ^  my  trust  from  my  youth, 

6  '  By  thee  have  I  been  holden  up 
from  the  womb:  "thou  art  he  that  took 
me  out  of  my  mother's  bowels:  "  my 
praise  shall  he  continually  of  thee. 

7  I  am  °  as  a  wonder  unto  many;  but 
P  thou  art  my  strong  Refuge. 


f44:4.  68:28.  91:11,12.     Ez.  9: 

6.     Rev.  7:2,3. 
g  18:2.   144:2. 
h    17:8,9,13.     69:1,2.     140:1—4. 

2   Sam.    16:21,22.     17:1,2,12— 

14,21. 
i  13:5.    39:7.    42:11.   119:31,166. 

Jer.  17:7,13,17.    Rom.  15:13. 
k   17.    22:9,10.      1   Sam.    16:13. 

17:33—37,45—47.       Ec.    12:1. 


Luke  2:40.     2  Tim.  3:15. 
1  Prov.  8:17.     Is.   46:2,4.     Jer. 

3:4. 
m  139:15,16.    Is.  49:1,5.    Jer.  1; 

5.   Luke  1:31,32.     Gal.  1:15. 
n  14.  34:1.    Eph.  5:20. 
o  Is.  8:18.      Zech.  3:3.    Luke  2: 

34.    Acts  4:13.      1  Cor.  4:9.    "2 

Cor.  4.8—12.  6:8—10. 
p  62:7.    142:4,5.    Jer.  16;19. 


17:1 — 3.  143:1,2.)  But  some  suppose  the  faith- 
fulness of  God  to  his  promises  to  be  meant;  and 
•<:hers  explain  the  words,  as  spoken  of  that 
"■righteousness  of  God,  which  is  unto  all  and 
upon  all  that  believe."  [JVotes,  16.  iZoni.  3:21 — 
26.) 

V.  3.  The  idea  of  an  impregnable  fortress,  in 
a  country  liable  to  be  invaded  by  pow>;rful  ene- 
mies, with  a  ready  admission  on  any  emergency, 
and  habitual  residence  in  it,  admirably  illustrates 
the  believer's  privilege  of  access  to  God  at  all 
times;  with  the  security  and  confidence  which 
spring  from  a  due  improvement  of  it.  [.Kotcs., 
31:2—4.  91:1,2.  2Sani.  22:2,3.  Pj-ou.  18:10,1 1. 
/*.  32:1,2.) — The  promises,  which  God  had  made 
to  David,  and  to  his  posterity  by  Solomon,  were 
such  express  declarations  of  his  purposes,  as 
amounted  to  "a  commandment  to  save  him," 
which  all  the  servants  of  God  in  heaven  and 
earth  ought  to  concur  in  performing.  [Mai'g. 
Ref.) 

V.  4.  The  unrighteous  and  cruel  wian.]  That 
is,  Ahithophel.     (Jiarg.  Ref.  h.) 

V.  5,  6.  David  was  conscious  that  he  had 
trusted  God  from  his  early  youth:  and  the  rec- 
ollection of  the  numerous  instances,  in  which 
the  Lord  had  answered  his  expectations  and 
prayers,  through  a  long  course  of  years,  not  only- 
encouraged  his  confidence,  but  animated  him  to 
praise  and  gratitude  amidst  all  difficulties. — In 
this  he  was  a  feeble  type  of  Christ,  who,  with 
infinite  condescension,  passed  through  the  slate 
of  childhood  and  youth  for  our  sakes,  and  with- 
out the  least  spot  of  sin.  {M)tes,  22:9,10.  Is.  49: 
1,2.  P.  O.  Luke  2:41— 52.) 

V.  7.  Numbers  no  doubt  wondered  that  Da- 
vid should  meet  with  such  uncommon  afflictions, 
and  perhaps  suspected  him  of  some  prodigious 
wickedness,  which  he  contrived  to  hide  from 
men:  [JVote^Job  2:12,13.)  many  might  wonder  at 
his  unabated  confidence  in  God,  and  be  anxious 
to  know,  whether  he  would  be  delivered,  or  not: 
and  others  might  be  surprised  to  see  him  pro- 
tected and  comforted  under  his  afflictions,  and 
astonished  especially  at  the  wonderful  deliver- 
ances which  he  had  experienced. — 'Christ,  in  his 
'state  of  humiliation  upon  earth,  %vas  a  "sign" 
'every  where  "spoken  against."...  The  Christian, 
'who  lives  by  faith,  who  quits  possession  for  re- 
'version,  and  who  chooses  to  suffer  with  his  Sa- 

[261 


B.  C.  1021. 


PSALM  LXXI. 


B.  C.  1021, 


S  1  Let  my  mouth  be  filled  xvith  thy 
praise,   and  with  thy  honor  all  the  day. 

9  ■■  Cast  me  not  off  in  the  time  of  old 
age;  forsake  me  not  ^  when  my  strength 
faileth. 

10  For  mine  enemies  speak  against 
me;  *  and  they  that  *  lay  wait  for  my 
soul  "  take  counsel  together, 

11  Saying,  ^  God  hath  forsaken  him: 
persecute  and  take  him;  ^  for  there  is 
none  to  deliver  Mm. 

12/0  God,  be  not  far  from  me:  O 
my  God,  ^  make  haste  for  my  help. 


q    15,24.  33:23.  51:14,15.   145:1, 

2.    146:2. 
r   18.    92:13—15.      Is.   4G:4.     2 

Tini.J:12.  4:18. 
S  73:26.    90:10.     2  Sam.   19:35. 

21:15—17.  Ec.  12:1—7. 
t  10:9.  56:6.  Prov.  1:11. 
*  Heb.  watch  or  observe.    37: 

32,33.     iSam.  19:11.    Jer.  20: 


I     10. 
u  2:2.     83:3.     2  Sam.    17:1,&C. 

Matt.  2tt:3,4.  27:1. 
X  3:2.    37:25,28.    41:7,8.    42:10. 

Matt.  27:42,43,46,49. 
y7:2.    50:22.     2  Chr.   32:13,14. 

Dan.  3:15. 
z  22:19.  35:22.    38:21,22.  69:13. 
a  70:1,2.   143:7. 


13  *>  Let  them  be  confounded  and 
consumed  that  are  adv-ersaries  to  my 
soul;  let  them  be  '^  covered  with  re- 
proach  and   dishonor  that  seek  my  hurt. 

14  But  ''1  will  hope  continually,  and 
will  yet  *  praise  thee  more  and  more. 

15  ^My  mouth  shall  shew  forth  thy 
righteousness  and  thy  salvation  s  all  the 
day;  for  ^  I  know  not  the  numbers  there- 
of. 

16  1  will  go  '  in  the   strength  of  the 
i  Lord    God:    ^1    will    make   mention    of 


'vior  here,  that  he  may  reig'n  with  him  hereafter, 
'appears  to  the  men  of  the  world  as  a  monster  of 
'folly  and  enthusiasm.  But  God  is  the  "strong' 
'Refuge"  of  all  such.'  Bp.  Home.  [JVotes,  2 
Kings  9:11.  Zech.3:8.) 

V.  8,  9.  The  Psalmist  especially  prayed,  that 
he  might  be  delivered  and  comforted,  in  order  that 
his  mouth  might  be  opened,  contioually  to  cele- 
brate the  praises  of  God,  and  to  recommend  his 
salvation  to  all  around  him,  and  all  that  should 
come  after  him.  He  had  long  endeavored,  with 
all  his  influence,  to  promote  tlie  worship  and  ser- 
vice of  God;  antl  he  had  been  very  useful  to  Is- 1 
rael:  but  he  was  not  capable  of  such  services  as  j 
he  had  been  formerh;  and  his  rebellious  son,  I 
and  ungrateful  people,  rejected  and  despised  hisj 
authority.  And  he  earnestly  prayed,  that  his 
sins,  in  the  matter  of  Uriah,  might  not  be  thus 
visited  upon  him.  {J\''ofes,  51:11  — 13.)  He  was, 
however,  persuaded  that  God,  who  had  favored 
and  helped  him  all  his  life  long,  would  not  cast 
him  off  in  his  old  age.     [JVhtes,  17,18.  Is.  46:3,4.) 

V.  10,  1 1.  Absalom,  Ahithophel,  and  the  other 
conspirators,  while  they  consulted  together  to 
destroy  David,  may  be  supposed  to  have  excused 
their  own  detestable  wickedness,  by  charging 
him  with  many  real  or  supposed  crimes;  and  it 
is  probable,  they  spoke  most  virulentl}'  of  his 
conduct  in  respect  of  Bathsheba  and  Uriah.  Per- 
suading themselves,  therefore,  that  David  had, 
by  that  scandalous  wickedness,  forfeited  the  di- 
vine protection;  which  they  could  not  deny  that 
he  had  formerly  enjoyed,  when  he  slew  Goliath, 
was  delivered  from  Saul,  and  made  victorious 
over  the  surrounding  nations;  they  concluded 
that  God  had  forsaken  him,  and  that  they  might 
proceed  in  persecuting  him,  %vith  confidence  of 
success;  for  there  was  now  no  Deliverer.  [J^^otcs, 
4:2.  41:4—8.  42:9,10.)  But  David,  while  sub- 
missively enduring  the  correction  of  Ins  heaven- 
ly Father,  was  conscious  that  he  had  deeply  re- 
pented, and  had  obtained  forgiveness.  He  M'as 
also  aware,  that  profane  contempt  of  God  was 
united  with  enmity  to  himself,  in  the  conduct  of 
his  foes:  and  thence  he  deduced  arguments  to 
strengthen  his  assurance,  that  God  would  for  his 
own  glory  rescue  his  persecuted  servant  from  his 
impious  persecutors. — Those  who  consulted  to 
put  our  Lord  to  death,  and  tried  to  find  accusa- 
tions against  him,  could  not  but  own  that  he  had 
wrought  many  miracles;  yet  when  they  prevail- 
ed so  far  as  to  get  him  nailed  to  the  cross,  they 
insulted  him,  as  if  God  had  finally  forsaken  him. 
(JVb/«s,  Jlfn«. '27:39— 44.  John  11:47,48.) 
262] 


thy  righteousness,  even  of  thme  only. 

b  24.    6:10.    35:4,26.    40:14,15.         " 

Is.  41:11.     Jer.  20:11. 
c  109:29.   132: IS.     1  Pet.  5:5. 
d43:5.    Job  13:15.     Lam.  3:21, 

26.     Heb.  10:35.     1  Pet.  1:13. 

1  John  3:3. 
e6.     Phil.   1:9.     1  Thes.   4:10. 

2  Pet.  3:18. 
f8,24.    22:22—25.    30:12.  40:9, 

10.    145:2,5—14. 


g35:2.'?.    89:16. 

h  40:5,12.   139:17,18. 

129:11.     Deut.    33:25.     Is.   40: 

31.  45:24.     Zech.  10:12.  Eph. 

3:16.   6:10.  Phil.  4:13.  2  Tim. 

2:1. 
k  Is.  26:13.  63:7. 
12,15,19.24.51:14.    MaU.  6:33. 

Rom.  1:17.  3:21.     10:3.     Phil. 

3:9.     2  Thes.  1:6. 


V.  12.  'O  my  God,  who  hast  hitherto  so  won- 
'derfully  preserved  me,  let  this  their  vain  confi- 
'dence  and  insulting  language  incline  thee  to 
'make  the  greater  speed  to  relieve  me.'  Bp. 
Patrick. 

V.  13 — 15.  These  verses  throughout  are  in 
the  future  tense;  the  language  of  prediction,  or 
confident  expectation,  and  not  necessarily  of  I'm- 
precation.  It  might  not  be  so  material  to  ob- 
serve this,  if  many  had  not  taken  occasion  from 
the  latter  interpretation,  to  charge  "the  man  af- 
ter God's  own  heart"  with  malevolence  and  a 
revengeful  spirit;  and  to  represent  the  Old  Tes- 
tament as  sanctioning  such  a  spirit,  though  un- 
suitable to  the  evangelical  dispensation.  Nay, 
some  very  pious  and  respectable  persons  have 
admitted  charges  of  this  kind,  to  a  very  great 
extent;  but  they  are  highly  dishonorable  to  God. 
His  perfections  and  commandments,  his  holiness, 
and  the  sanctifying  work  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  are 
unchangeably  the  same.  And  there  is  no  reason 
to  think,  that  David  had  recorded  one  prayer  ia 
the  Psalms,  which  St.  Paul  would  in  similar  cir- 
cumstances have  scrupled.  When  he  spoke  as 
the  type  of  Christ,  or  by  the  Spirit  of  prophec)', 
he  might  very  properly  either  predict  or  de- 
nounce destruction  on  those,  who  persisted  in 
opposing  him;  as  the  apostle  says,  "If  any  man 
love  not  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  let  him  be  Anath- 
ema Maranatha."  (JVbto,  1  Cor.  16:21—24.) 
And  when  he  was  engaged  in  devotion  or  medi- 
tation, he  might,  in  assured  faith,  foresee  the  ruin 
of  his  own  wicked  persecutors,  such  as  Saul  and 
Ahithophel,  and  even  pray  for  their  confusion, 
as  the  apostle  said  of  Alexander  the  coppersmith, 
"The  Lord  reward  him  according  to  his  works;" 
being  fully  persuaded  that  he  was  given  over  to  a 
reprobate  mind,  and  if  not  restrained  would  do  a 
great  deal  of  mischief  to  the  church  of  God. 
[J^otes,  5-A0,l\.  35:4—9.  40:13—15.  69:22—28. 
109:6—20.  2  Tim.  4: 14,15.)— 'Because  thy  bene- 
'fits  toward  me  are  innumerable,  I  cannot  but 
'continually  meditate  on  them,  and  rehearse 
'them.'  [jfotes,  8,9,22—24.  40:1—5,9,10.  139: 
17,18.    145:9—13.   Is.  45:20—25.) 

V.  16.  The  Psalmist,  in  the  sharp  and  peril- 
ous contest  in  which  he  was  engaged,  determin- 
ed to  trust  in  the  power  of  God  for  deliverance, 
and  to  "mention  his  righteousness  alone." — He 
had  not  deserved,  from  his  son  and  subjects,  the 
ill  usage  which  he  received  from  them:  he  would 
not,  however,  attempt  to  justify  himself  before 
God;  but  would  submit,  with  adoring  reverence, 
to  his  righteousness  under  this  heavy  trial:  com- 


B.  C.  1021. 


PSALM  LXXI. 


B.  C.  1021. 


17  O   God,    ""thou    hast    taught   me! 
from  my  youth;    and    "  hitherto   have  I 
declared  thy  wondrous  works.  | 

18  "Now  also,  *  when  I  am  old  and  i 
grey-headed,    O   God,  forsake  me   not;  [ 
P  until  I  have  shewed  thy    t  strength  unto  | 
this  generation,  and  thy  power   to  every 
one  that  is  to  come. 

19  1  Thy  righteousness  also,  O  God, 
is  very  high,  "■  who  hast  done  great 
things:  O  God,  ^  who  is   like  unto  thee.^ 

20  Thou,  *  which  hast  shewed  me 
great  and   sore  troubles,   shalt  "  quicken 


mS.   119:9,102. 

n   66:16.     1   Sam.    17:36,37.    2 

Sam.  4:9.  22:l,&c.    1  Chr.  J6: 

4,&c. 
o9.  Gen.  27:1.    1  Sam.  4:15,18. 

Is.  46:4. 
*  Heb.  unto  old  age  and  grey 

hairs, 
p  78:4— 6.    145:4,5.      Ex.    13:8, 

14—17.  1  Chr.  29:10,&c.  Acts 

13:3G. 
tHeb.  arm.    Is.  51:9.  53:1. 


q  36:5,6.    57:10.    139:6.     Prov. 
15:24.  24:7.  Is.  5:16. 

r  72:18.   126:2,3.     .loh  5:9. 

s  35:10.  86:8.    89:6—8.    Kx.  15; 
11.     Is.  40:18,25.,   .)er.  10:7. 

1 40:1— 3.  60:3.  66:10—12.  88:  ! 
6,&c.  138:7.  2  Sam.  12:11.  j 
Mark  14:33,34.  15:34.  2  Cor.  | 
11:23—31.     Rev.  7:14.  | 

u  80:18.  Is.  26:19.  Hos.  6:1,2.  | 
Acts  2:24,32—34.  I 


mitting  his  cause  to  him  as  a  rig-htcous  Judge, 
without  the  least  reserve. — The  Christian  also 
goes  forth  to  conflict  with  his  enemies,  in  the 
strength  of  the  Lord;  and  mentions  the  right- 
eousness of  Christ,  the  righteousness  of  God  by 
faith,  as  the  only  meritorious  cause  of  his  accep- 
tance: and  many  think  David  here  spoke  of  that 
righteousness,  as  the  ground  of  his  confidence. 
Others  interpret  it  of  the  Lord's  faithfulness  to 
his  promises:  but  the  foregoing  sense  seems  most 
to  agree  with  the  context.     {Jfote,  51:14.) 

V.  17,  18.  David  had  early  been  taught  by 
the  Spirit  of  God  the  way  of  truth  and  holiness, 
and  employed  in  many  useful  services  during  a 
long  course  of  years;  especially  in  declaring  the 
wondrous  works  of  God  as  the  sweet  Psalmist  of 
Israel:  [J^ole,  2  Sam.  23:1,2.)  and  he  prayed,  in 
the  language  of  confident  expectation,  that  he 
might  he  preserved  in  his  old  age,  till  he  had 
completed  this  work,  and  shewn   more  fully  the 

!)ower  of  God,  and  his  glorious  perfections  and 
tingdom,  not  only  to  that,  but  to  all  future  gen- 
erations. [J^ote,  5,6,8,9.) — The  usefulness  of  his 
Psalms  to  the  whole  church,  in  all  successive 
ages,  is  a  most  wonderful  performance  of  this, 
whether  considered  as  a  prayer,  or  a  prediction: 
for  many  of  his  Psalms,  especially  some  of  those 
which  conclude  the  book,  seem  to  have  been 
Avritten,  and  the  complete  arrangement  of  the 
Psalmody  at  the  tabernacle  to  have  been  made, 
after  this  time. 

Strength.  (18)  "Arm."  Marg.  [J^otes,  Is. 
51:9—11.  53:1.)  And  as  Christ  is  "the  Arm  of 
the  Lord,"  so  the  gospel  is  "the  power  of  God 
xmto  salvation:"  (.A'o^es,  110:2.  Rom.  1:13 — 16, 
V.  16.  1  Cor.  1:20—24.  2  Cor.  10:1—6.)  and  the 
psalms  of  David  especially  declare  this  Arm  and 
power  of  God,  to  every  generation. 

V.  19.  The  methods,  by  which  God  governs 
and  will  judge  the  world  in  righteousness,  are 
so  high  that  man  cannot  comprehend  them.  This 
is  peculiarly  the  case,  in  respect  of  the  harmony 
of  mercy  and  truth  with  perfect  justice  in  the 
mediatorial  government  of  Jesus  Christ,  and  the 
way  in  which  believers  are  "made  the  righteous- 
ness of  God  in  him."  [Marg.  Ref. — JYotes,  36: 
.5—9.  97:2.  Rom.  3:21—20.  ]  1:33-36.  Eph.  3:9 
—  12.   1  Pd.  1:10—12.) 

V.  20,  12.  David  had  already  been  carried 
through  many  and  grievous  troubles;  and  now 


me  again,  and    "  shalt  bring  me  up  again 
from  the  depths  of  the  earth. 

21  Thou  shalt  ^  increase  my  great- 
ness, and  ^  comfort  me  on  every  side. 

22  I  will  also  praise  thee  with  the 
t  psaltery,  '^  even  thy  truth,  O  my  God: 
unto  thee  will  1  sing  with  the  harp,  ^  O 
thou  Holy  One  of  Israel. 

23  *=  My  lips  shall  greatly  rejoice 
when  I  sing  unto  thee;  and  '^  my  soul, 
which  thou  hast  redeemed. 

24  ®  My  tongue  also  shall  talk  of  thy 
righteousness  all  the  day  long:  ^  for  they 
are  confounded,  for  they  are  brought 
unto  shame,  that  seek  my  hurt. 


X  16:10.  40:2.  86:13.     Is.  38:17. 

Ez.  37:12,13.    Jon.  2:6,  Eph. 

4:9. 
y  72:11.  2  Sam.  3:1.  Is.  9:7.  49: 

6.  Rev.  11:15. 
z  32:10.     2  Cor.    1:4,5.  2:14.  7: 

6,13.     1  Thes.  3:9. 
I  Heb.  instrument  of  psaltery. 

92:1—3.  150:3-5.  Hab.  3:18,19. 
a  25:10.  56:4.  89:1,2.  93:3.   138: 

2.   Mlc.  7:20.    Rom.  15:8. 


b  89:18.     2  Kings  19:22.     Is.  5: 

16,19,24.   12:6.   30:11,12.   43:3. 

57:15.    60:9. 
c  63:5.  104:33.   Luke  1:46,47. 
d  103:4.     Gen.  48:16.     2   Sam. 

4:9.     Rev.  5:9. 
e  15.  37:30.   Deut.  11:T9.  Prov. 

10:20,21.     Matt.  12:35.     Eph. 

4:29. 
f  13.  18:37—43.  92:11.     1  Cor. 

15:25. 


in  the  depth  of  his  present  distress,  he  was  like 
one  who  is  dead  and  buried:  but  he  expected 
that  God  would  revive  him;  and  not  only  restore 
him  to  his  former  comforts,  but  abundantly  in- 
crease them:  nor  was  he  disappointed. — He  like- 
wise seems  here  to  have  spoken  as  the  type  of 
Christ,  under  his  deepest  humiliation,  about  to 
die  and  be  buried,  but  expecting  his  resurrec- 
tion, and  exaltation  to  the  throne  of  glory,  and 
the  enlargement  of  his  kingdom  to  the  ends  of  the 
earth.     {J\Iarg.  Ref.) 

V.  22 — 24.  This  exulting  anticipation  of  the 
high  praises,  which,  with  heart-felt  joy  and  grati- 
tude, the  Psalmist  expected  to  sing  to  his  great 
Deliverer  and  Benefactor,  using  every  method  of 
making  them  more  solemn  and  triumphant,  when 
it  is  considered  as  his  languag-e  in  the  depth  of 
distress,  is  worthy  of  special  consideration;  and 
shews  the  strength  of  his  faith,  the  confidence  of 
his  hope,  and  the  fervency  of  his  piety. — The 
"truth,"  or  faithfulness,  of  God  is  here  mention- 
ed distinctly,  as  well  as  his  "righteousness."  Da- 
vid had  grounded  his  confidence  on  the  divine 
promises,  and  referred  the  cause  between  him 
and  his  rebellious  subjects  to  the  decision  of  di- 
vine justice;  both  of  which  he  would  celebrate 
continually,  and  "with  joyful  lips,"  when  he  had 
received  that  merciful  deliverance  and  redemp- 
tion which  he  was  hourly  expecting.  [Marg. 
Ref—JVote,  63:5,6.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

It  is  very  honorable  to  the  mercy  of  God,  that 
his  word  encourages  sinners  to  plead  their  confi- 
dence in  him,  as  a  reason  why  he  should  save 
and  help  them. — He  always  inclines  his  ear  to 
the  prayer  of  faith:  and  those  who  trust  in  him, 
and  seek  all  their  happiness  from  him,  shall  nev- 
er be  put  to  shame.  His  power,  truth,  and  love 
will  be  their  residence  and  fortress,  to  which 
they  may  always  resort;  and  in  which  they  will 
be  secure  and  comfortable,  even  amidst  troubles 
and  alarms.  He  has  "given  commandment  to 
save  them,"  not  only  from  "unrighteous  and  cruel 
men,"  but  from  the  wicked  and  cruel  enemies  of 
their  souls.  Happy  therefore  are  all  they,  who 
make  the  Lord  their  hope:  but  most  happy  those 
who  have  been  taught  by  him,  and  so  have  trust- 
ed him  from  their  youth;  and  who,  with  advancing 
years,  have  acquired  increasing  experience  of 

[263 


B.  C.  1015. 


PSALM  LXXII. 


B.  C.  1015. 


PSALM  LXXIL 

David  prays  for  Solomon,  and  for  the  Messiah  under  the  type  of 
Solomon;  and  predicts  the  peace,  righteousness,  honor,  extent, 
and  duration  of  his  kingdom,  as  typifying  that  of  the  Messiah, 

J 17.     He  ardently  blesses  God  on  these  accounts,  and  prays 

that  the  earth  may  be  filled  with  his  glory,  18 — 20. 

A  Psalm  *  for  Solomon. 
IVE   the   king    thy  judgments,    O 
God,   and  thy  righteousness  unto 
ing's  son. 

♦Or,  o/.    12':  title.  I     11:2.     John  3:34.     Heb.  1:8,9. 

a  )  Kings  l:39,&c.  1  Chr.  22:  b  1  Kings  1:47,48.  2:1—4.  Jer. 
12,13.-29:19.     2  Chr.  1:10.    Is.  I     23:5,6. 


»>  the 


his  faithfulness  and  mercy. — As  he  formed  each 
of  us,  and  tooii  us  out  of  our  mother's  womb,  and 
as  by  him  we  have  been  holden  up  ever  since; 
our  praise  ought  to  be  always  of  him:  but  alas! 
how  few  grow  up  in  his  fear,  and  spend  their 
lives  to  his  glory!  It  is  indeed,  a  great  mercy  to 
young  people  to  be  early  instructed  in  the  things 
of  God:  parents  have  an  important  obligation 
upon  them  in  this  respect;  and  children  who  are 
thus  favored  have  additional  reasons  to  love, 
honor,  and  requite  their  parents.  Yet  let  none 
of  us  expect  much  quiet  in  this  world:  those,  who 
from  their  earliest  youth  have  loved  the  Lord,  and 
declared  his  wondrous  works,  and  walked  before 
him  in  truth  and  equity,  have  often  been  shewed 
sore  troubles,  and  have  been  exceedingly  hated 
and  persecuted;  nay,  they  have  been  "men  won- 
dered at,"  for  their  principles,  their  conduct,  and 
their  trials. — Their  enemies  have  often  thought 
that  God  had  forsaken  them,  and  that  they  could 
crush  them  with  ease  and  impunity;  but  reproach 
and  dishonor  have  at  length  come  upon  those  who 
laid  wait  for  their  soul,  while  they  have  "hoped 
continually,  and  praised  God  more  and  more." 
Indeed  their  leading  desire  is,  that  their  "mouths 
may  be  filled  with  his  praise  and  honor  all  the 
day  long:"  in  their  best  moments,  the)'  only  wish 
to  live  on  earth  to  shew  forth  the  righteousness 
and  salvation  of  God,  for  his  glory  and  the  en- 
couragement of  his  people:  and  the  subject  is  so 
copious,  and  the  blessings  and  the  instances  of  his 
love  are  so  numerous,  that  they  can  never  re- 
count them  all.  They  therefore,  who  would  rec- 
ommend this  salvation  to  others,  as  well  as  en- 
sure it  to  themselves,  must  "go  forth  in  the 
strength  of  the  Lord  God,  and  make  mention 
of  his  righteousness  only." — Indeed,  as  old  age 
approaches,  our  strength  in  many  respects  will 
fail  us:  but  God  will  not  cast  off  his  grey-headed 
•servants,  when  they  are  no  longer  capable  of  la- 
boring as  they  have  done.  And  his  people  should 
imitate  his  example,  in  their  kindness  towards 
such  as  have  spent  their  health  and  strength  in 
their  service. — He  indeed  often  favors  his  aged 
senants  with  peculiar  vigor  in  their  souls,  when 
nature  is  sinking  into  decay;  that  their  faith, 
hope,  love,  and  joy,  may  shew  to  all  around  them, 
what  a  faithful  Friend  he  is  to  his  people.  The 
experienced  believer,  in  such  circumstances, 
ouglit  to  speak  of  the  perfections  and  works  of 
God,  to  his  neighbors:  and,  if  able,  he  will  do 
well  to  leave  some  testimony  of  his  happy  expe- 
rience and  decided  judgment,  upon  record  for 
posterity;  to  shew  his  "strength  to  the  present 
generation,  and  his  power  to  all  them  who  are 
yet  for  to  come."  (JVbfe,  2  Pet.  1 :  12— 15.)— But 
God  is  so  exalted,  that  it  is  far  above  our  ability 
to  praise  him  worthily:  he  has  done  great  things, 
and  there  is  none  like  unto  him:  yet  "the  ever- 
lasting righteousness,"  which  was  brought  in, 
when  the  Redeemer  had  passed  through  his  great 
and  sore  troubles,  and  ^vas  raised  again  from  the 
depth  of  tlie  earth,  and  exalted  to  the  throne  of 
glory,  demands  our  most  admiring  gratitude  and 
praise.  JRe^ting  our  Ijupes  on  that  foundation, 
264] 


2  <=  He  shall  judge  thy  people  with 
righteousness,  and  "^  thy  poor  with  judg- 
ment. 

3  ^  The  mountains  shall  bring  peace 
to  the  people,  and  ^  the  httle  hills,  s  by 
righteousness. 

4  "^  He   shall  judge  the   poor  of  the 


c  12—14.  45:6,7.  1  Kings  3:5— 
10.  Is.  11:3—5.  32:1.  Jer.  33: 
15.   Rev.  19:11. 

d  12:5.  82:3,4.    Job  34:19. 

e  16.  Is.  32:16,17.  52:7.  Ez. 
34:13,14.     Joel  3:18. 


f  65:12. 

g    85.10,11.    96:11- 


-13.    98:8,9. 


Dan.  9.24.    2  Cor.  5:19—21. 
h  12—14.   109:31.  Is.  11:4.    Ez. 
34:15,16.  Zech.  11:7,11.  Malt. 
11:5. 


we  may  bear  up  under  our  lighter  trials,  and 
even  go  down  with  confidence  into  the  grave: 
for  the  Lord  will  receive  our  "souls,  which  he 
hath  redeemed;"  and  will  quicken  our  bodies 
also,  and  raise  them  from  the  dust  of  the  earth 
again,  and  thus  "increase  our  greatness,  and 
comfort  us  on  every  side."  [j^Totes,  ]  Cor.  15:.50 
—38.  P/t?/.  3:20,21.)  Anticipating  this  final  de- 
liverance and  victory,  let  us  here  spend  our  days, 
while  waiting  the  approach  of  death,  in  praising 
the  Holy  One  of  Israel,  with  all  our  powers  and 
attainments:  and  while  we  are  speaking  of  his 
righteousness,  and  earnestly  praising  his  name, 
we  shall  rise  superior  to  our  fears  and  infirmities, 
and  have  sweet  earnests  of  the  joys  of  heaven. 

NOTES. 

Psalm  LXXII.  Title.  David  had  'the  satisfac- 
'tion  to  see  all  the  great  men  do  homage  to  Solo- 
'mon,  and  acknowledge  him  for  their  succeeding 
'sovereign  before  he  died:  ...  (1  C/ir.  29:24.)  and 
'thereupon,  the  spirit  of  the  holy  man  being  trans- 
'ported  with  an  extraordinary  joy,  he  indited  this 
'psalm,  in  which  he  recommends  Solomon  to  the 
'divine  benediction,  and  instructs  him  how  to 
'make  his  people  happy;  ...  which  he  carries  on 
'in  so  high  a  strain,  in  some  places,  tliat  the 
'words  had  not  a  full  accomplishment,  ...  till  the 
'appearing  of  that  great  King,  Christ,  of  whose 
'...  kingdom  his  father  David  here  prophesies.' 
Bp.  Patrick. — 'The  aged  monarch  of  Israel,  be- 
'ing  about  to  resign  the  kingdom  into  the  hands 
'of  his  son  Solomon,  makes  unto  God  the  request 
'of  a  wise  father  for  him.  He  asks  such  a  portion 
'of  wisdom  and  integrity  from  above,  as  might 
'enable  the  young  prince  to  govern  aright  the 
'people  of  God,  and  exhibit  ...  a  fair  resemblance 
'of  the  Messiah.'  Bp.  Home.  {JVotes,  1  Chr. 
22:11—13.  29:10— 19,21— 25.)— The  prayer  of 
Solomon,  for  wisdom  to  govern  Israel,  was  evi- 
dently grounded  on  the  instructions  of  this  psalm, 
which  shews  how  deeply  he  was  impressed  by  it. 
{J\rotes,  1  Kings  3:5— \4.) 

V.  1,2.  Solomon  was  both  "king"  and  "the 
king's  son,"  which  no  king  of  Israel  had  before 
been:  and  his  pious  father  ardently  desired,  that 
"the  wisdom  of  God  might  be  in  him  to  do  jus- 
tice;" that  he  might  understand  the  statutes  and 
laws  of  God,  and  copy  his  righteousness  in  his 
administration;  especially  in  exercising  his  au- 
thority to  defend  and  redress  the  wrongs,  and  re- 
lieve the  distresses,  of  the  poor.  [J^ote,  2  Sam. 
23:3,4.  Prov.3]:4 — 9.)  Thus  his  reign  would  be 
an  apt  resemblance,  as  it  was  an  evident  type,  of 
the  kingdom  of  the  Messiah;  of  whom  the  whole 
psalm  must  be  considered  as  a  direct  prophecy, 
and  many  of  the  expressions  in  it  can  be  interpret- 
ed of  no  other. 

V.  3.  The  peace  and  righteousness  of  Solo- 
mon's reign  were  visible,  in  the  mountains  and 
hills,  covered  with  vines,  corn,  and  cattle;  the 
people  quictlj'^  gathering  in  their  abundance,  and 
enjoj-ing  it,  without  fear  of  invasion  or  oppression; 
and  the  magistrates,  botli  superior  and  inferior, 
being  exact  in   administering  justice.  — Thus  the 


B.  C.  1015. 


PSALM  LXXII. 


B.  C.  1015. 


people;  he  shall  save  the  children  of  the 
needy,  and  shall  '  break  m  pieces  ^  the 
oppressor. 

5  '  They  shall  fear  thee  ■"  as  long  as 
the  sun  and  moon  endure,  throughout  all 
generations. 

6  He  shall  come  down  "  like  rain 
upon  the  mown  grass;  as  showers  that 
water  the  earth. 

7  **  In  his  days  shall  the  righteous 
flourish;  and  p  abundance  of  peace  *  so 
long  as  the  moon  endureth. 

8  1  He  shall  have  dominion  also  from 
sea  to  sea,  and  from  the  river  unto  ^  the 
ends  of  the  earth. 

9  ^  They  that  dwell  in  the   wilderness 


i  2:9.    94:5.      Job    19:2.    34:24. 

Prov.  20:26.  Jer.  51:20—23. 
k  Is.  9:4.     Dan.  2:34,35.    Zech. 

9:3—10.     Rev.    18:6—3,20,24. 

19:2. 
1  1  Sam.    12:18.      1  Kinirs  3:23. 
in  17.  89:29,36,37.   Is.  9:7.  Dan. 

2:44.    7:14,27.      Luke   1:32,33. 

1    Cor.    15:24,25.     Eph.   3:21. 

Rev.  11:15. 
n   Deut.    32:2.      2  Sam.  23:4. 

Prov.    16:15.    19:12.      Is.   5:6. 

44:3—5.   Ez.  34:23—26.    Hos. 

6:3.    14:5—7. 


0  132:15—13.  Is.  11:6—9.  32:3 
—3,15—20.  35:l,&.c.  54:11— 
17.  55:10—13.  60:1,22.  61:3— 
6,10,11.    Mai.  4:2.     Acts  4:32. 

p  1  Kings  4:25.  1  Chr.  22:3,9. 
Is.  2:4.  9:6,7.  Luke  2:14.  Eph. 
2:14—17. 

*  Heb.  till  there  be  no  moon. 

q  2:8.  80:11.  89:25.  E'.x.  23:31. 
1  Kings  4:21—24.  Zech.  9:10. 
Rev.  11:15. 

r  22:27,28. 

s  1  Kings  9:18,20,21.    Is.  35:1,2. 


Redeemer's  kingdom,  established  in  mercy,  and 
governed  in  peace  and  righteousness,  produces 
abundautly  the  fruits  of  holiness,  in  all  places 
where  it  is  truly  established.  [Jfotes.,  85:10 — 13. 
96:10—13.    98:7—9.) 

V.  4 — 7.  'As  this  is  true  in  all  godly  kings,  so 
'it  is  chiefly  verified  in  Christ,  who,  with  his  heav 
*enly  dew,  maketh  his  church  ever  to  flourish.' 
'He  sheweth  wherefore  the  sword  is  committed 
'to  kings;  to  wit,  to  defend  the  innocent,  and  sup- 
'press  the  wicked.' — Solomon  reigned  only  forty 
years,  and  his  king-dom  lost  much  of  its  splendor, 
when  left  to  his  descendants;  and  even  the  king- 
dom of  Judah  as  continued  to  them,  terminated 
in  a  few  centuries:  but  Christ  shall  reign  through 
all  generations  to  the  end  of  time. — Solomon's 
peaceful  and  equitable  administration  was  refresh- 
ing and  beneficial,  as  the  gentle  showers  upon  the 
new  mown  grounds,  or  on  the  grass  when  parch- 
ed by  the  burning  sun.  'He  shall  not  endeavor 
'to  be  formidable  to  them,  like  a  tyrant,  whose 
'government  imitates  the  thunder,  storms,  and 
'tempests:  but  condescend  most  graciously  to  tlie 
'meanest;  and  rule  them  in  so  soft  and  gentle  a 
'manner,  as  shall  make  his  authority  no  less  ac- 
'ceptable  and  beneficial,  than  the  rain  is  to  the 
'after-grass,  or  dripping  showers,  which  fall  in 
'summer-heat,  to  refresh  the  parched  earth.' 
Bp.  Patrick.  [Mites,  Deut.  32:2.  2  Sam.  23:3,4.) 
— But  the  effects  of  the  gospel  of  Christ,  accom- 

fianied  by  the  influences  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  and  of 
lis  mediatorial  kingdom,  are  thus  most  aptly  de- 
scribed. By  these  the  distressed  conscience  is 
comforted,  the  barren  heart  made  fruitful,  and  the 
beauties  of  holiness  communicated,  where  before 
vice  and  deformity  alone  were  visible.  If  then 
the  righteous  flourished  and  were  multiplied  inj 
Solomon's  peaceful  reign;  much  more  has  this  [ 
been,  and  will  be,  the  effect  of  the  setting  up  of  j 
the  kingdom  of  our  Prince  of  peace:  and  more  I 
especially  in  the  latter  ages  of  the  world;  when  it  I 
is  foretold  that  men  "shall  learn  %var  no  more." , 
{JVotes,  89:\—i.  Is.  2:2—5.  9:6,7.  11:2—9.  32:16 
—20.  Jer. 23:5,6.  Luke±8—14.  Heb.  7:1—3.  Hev. 
20:4 — 6.) — As  long  as  the  moon  endureth.  (7) 
"Till  tkere  be  no  moon."    Marg. 

Vol.  ni.  34 


shall  bow  before  him;  and  *  his  enemies 
shall    "  hck  the  dust, 

10  ^  The  kings  of  Tarshish  and  of  the 
isles  shall  bring  presents:  the  kings  of 
Sheba  and  Seba  shall  offer  gifts. 

1 1  Yea,  >■  all  kings  shall  fall  down 
before  him:  ^  all  nations  shall  serve  him. 

12  For  ^  he  shall  deliver  the  needy 
when  he  crieth;  the  poor  also,  and  ^  him 
that  hath  no  helper. 

13  He  shall  spare  the  poor  and 
needy,  and  *=  ehall  save  the  souls  of  the 
needy. 

14  He  '^  shall  redeem  their  soul  from 
deceit  and  violence:  and  ®  precious  shall 
their  blood  be  in  his  sight. 


t2:9.  21:8,9.  110:1,6.    Luke  19: 

27. 
u  Is.  49:23.     Mic.  7:17. 
X  45:12.  68:29.   1  Kings  10:1,10, 

25.     Is.  43:6.  49:7.  60:3,6,9. 
y  2:10— 12.    138:4,5.     Is.  49:23. 

Rev.   11:15.   17:14.  21:24,26. 
z  86:9.  Is.  11:9.  54:5.  Rom.  11: 

25.    Rev.  20:1— B. 
a  4.    10:13.    82:3,4.    102:17,20. 

Job  29:12.     Is.  41:17.     Luke  4: 

18.  7:22.     2  Cor.  8:9.    Rev.  3; 


17,18. 
b  Ec.  4:1.     Is.  63:4,5. 
c  109:31.     Job  5:15,16.   Ez.  SI: 

16.     Matt.  5:3.    18:11.     Jam. 

2:5,6. 
d  25:22.   130:8.     Gen.  48:16.    2 

Sam.  4:9.  Luke  1:08—75.  Tit. 

2:14. 
e   116:15.     Matt.  23:30—06.    1 

Thes.  2:15,16.     Rev.  6:9—11. 

17:6.    18:20—24.   19:2, 


V.  8 — 11.  Solomon  reigned  from  the  river  of 
Egypt,  and  the  coast  of  the  Mediterranean  sea, 
to  the  Euphrates,  and  perhaps  to  the  Persian 
gulph  into  which  the  Euphrates  runs.  [Mote, 
1  Kings  4:21.)  The  inhabitants  of  the  desert 
countries  which  lay  between  submitted  to  him; 
and  opposition,  as  it  were,  lay  prostrate  before 
him.  The  queen  of  Sheba  came  to  Jerusalem 
with  munificent  presents,  and  all  the  kings  round 
about  brouglit  tribute  or  gifts  to  him.  {J\/'otes, 
1  Kings  10:1 — 15.)  Yet  this  faintly  shadowed 
forth  the  Redeemer's  kingdom.  The  prophet 
Zechariah  uses  these  very  words  in  foretelling  the 
extent  of  it.  [Zech.  9:10.)  The  wise  men  from 
the  East,  with  their  presents,  first  hailed  the  new- 
born King  of  the  Jews.  (15)  His  kingdom  has 
alreadj'  been  set  up  in  many  nations,  and  a  full 
completion  of  these  predictions  will  at  length  take 
place;  when  all  "kings  shall  indeed  fall  down  be- 
fore him,"  as  his  worshippers,  "all  nations  shall 
serve  him." — It  is  absurd  to  interpret  this  of 
the  forced  submission,  which  even  the  wicked 
will  make  to  Christ  at  the  day  of  judgment:  for 
how  will  they  "serve  him"  by  "going  away  into 
everlasting  fire  prepared  for  the  devil  and  his  an- 
gels.?" No  doubt  the  millennium  is  here  foretold. 
[JVotes,  86:9,10.  138:4,5. /2ev.  1]:]5— 18.  20:1— 6.) 

V.  12,  13.  'Nor  shall  they  be  induced  to  thehc 
'.submissions  so  much  by  the  greatness  of  his  pow- 
'er,  ...  as  by  the  fame  of  his  justice,  mercy,  and 
'compassion;  (wherein  he  shall  resemble  the  Lord 
'Christ:)  for  no  sooner  shall  any  miserable  wretch, 
'who  hath  no  friend  in  the  world,  implore  his  pro- 
'tection,  but  he  shall  instantly  succor  ...  him.' 
Bp.  Patrick. — The  verses,  however,  far  more 
properly  express  the  spiritual  blessings  of  Christ's 
kingdom,  than  any  temporal  effects  of  the  very 
best  government  on  earth.  [JVotes,  10:17,18.  82: 
2—4.  /*.  41:17—20.  37:15,16.  61:1—3.  66:1,2. 
JIalt.  5:3—3.  11:2—6.  Jam.  2:5—7.  Rev.  3:17 — 
19.) 

V.  14.  Solomon,  as  a  wise  and  good  king, 
rescued,  as  a  redeemer,  the  poor  from  fraud  and 
violence;  and  he  was  tender  of  tlie  blood  of  his 
subjects:  he  put  none  to  death  by  the  sword  of 
justice,  when  mercy  could  safely  be  exercised; 

[2G5 


B.  C.  1015. 


PSALM  LXXU. 


B.  G.  1015. 


15  And  'he  shall  hve,  and  sto  him 
*  shall  be  given  of  the  gold  of  Sheba: 
^  prayer  also  shall  be  made  for  him  con- 
tinually; and  '  daily  shall  he  be  praised. 

16  ''There  shall  be  an  handful  of 
corn  in  the  earth  '  upon  the  top  of  the 
mountains;  "•  the  fruit  thereof  shall  shake 
^ike  Lebanon:  and  they  "  of  the  city 
shall  flourish  like  grass  of  the  earth. 

17  °   His    name    +  shall    endure    for 


f  21:4.     John    11:25.     14:19.     1 

John  1:2.     Rev.  1:13. 
fC  1  Kings  10:14.     Matt.  2:1]. 
*  Heb.  one  skatl  ^ive. 
h  19.    45:4.     Matt.   6:10.    21:9. 

John   10:23.24.       1   Cor.  1:2,3. 

2  Cor.  13:14.      1  Thcs.  3:11.  2 

Tim.  4:22.     Heb.  10:19—22. 
i  2   Chr.    2:11.12.  9:4—8,23,24. 

.lohn  5:23.     Phil.  2:];.   2  Pet. 

3:13.    Rev.  1:5,6.  5:8—14.  7:9 

k  Job  8:7.      Is.  30:23.  32:15,20. 


Matt.  13.31—33.     Mark  16:]  5, 

16.      Acts    1:15.    2:41.  4:4.     1 

Cor.  3:6—9.     Rev.  7:9. 
1  Is.  2:2,3. 
ra    92:12—14.     Is.  29:17.    35:2. 

Hos.  14:5—7. 
n  6.     1  Kings   4:20.     Is.  44:3— 

5.    Jer.  33:22.     Rev.  7:4. 
o  45:17.  89:36.      Is.  7:14.    Matt. 

1:21,23.     Luke  1:31—33.   Phil. 

2:10. 
t  Heb.  shall  be. 


and  he  did  not  waste  their  blood  in  wars  of  any 
kind. — But  the  Redeemer  shed  his  own  blood  to 
redeem  the  souls  of  his  people;  he  does  not  ex- 
pose them  to  unnecessary  suffering's;  and  when 
they  shed  their  blood  for  his  sake,  it  is  precious 
in  his  sight,  and  will  be  abundantly  recompensed 
to  them,  and  avenged  on  their  persecutors. 
[J^otes,  116:15.  JIatt.  23:29—36.  Rev.  2:10,11.  6: 
9—11.) 

V.  15.  During  the  course  of  a  long  and  pros- 
perous reign,  Solomon  rece'ved  tribute  from  the 
Arabians  and  other  nations;  and  those  who  solicit- 
ed his  favor  brought  him  presents.  The  contin- 
uance of  his  life  was  prayed  for  by  his  pious  sub- 
jects; and  numbers  joined  them  in  bestowing 
daily  the  highest  commendations  on  him.  But  in 
these  things  he  was  no  more  than  a  type  of  the 
Messiah.  The  ancient  church  fi'om  the  begin- 
ning prayed  for  his  coming:  his  church  now  prays 
for  the  success  of  liis  gospel:  prayers  are  contin- 
ually ascending  through  himybr  the  blessings  of 
his  salvation:  while  praises  and  adorations  are 
presented  before  him,  by  his  people  in  every  part 
of  the  world,  yea,  by  all  theinhabitants  of  heav- 
en.— The  clause  rendered,  "Prayer  also  shall  be 
made  for  him  continually,"  is  translated  in  the 
book  of  common  prayer,  "Prayer  shall  be  made 
ever  unto  him;"  and  by  the  Septuagint,  "they 
shall  pray  continually  concerning  him."  The 
original   word    (nya)  may    be   rendered   either 

through  Mm,  or,  on  account  of  him:  and  maj' 
therefore  be  understood,  either  of  the  prayers  of- 
fered for  his  coming,  and  the  success  of  his  gos- 
pel; or  of  those  daily  presented  through  his  inter- 
cession, and  on  the  ground  of  his  merits  and  atone- 
ment. No  doubt  prayer  as  well  as  praise  is  daily 
offered  to  him,  throughout  the  whole  church;  but 
this  does  not  appear  to  be  the  meaning  of  the 
words.  [Marg.  Ref.) — He  shall  live,  &c.l 
J^otcs,  John  14:18—20.  Rom.  5:7—10.  8:32— 3-t'. 
Col.  3: 1—4. 

V.  1 6.  A  handful  of  com,  sown  on  the  ridge 
of  a  mountain,  the  least  fertile  part  of  the  country; 
yet  producing  a  crop  so  strong  and  thick,  that, 
when  waving  in  the  wind,  it  would  resemble  the 
forests  of  Lebanon;  is  the  allusion  here  used,  to 
illustrate  the  fruitfulness  of  Canaan  in  this  favor- 
ed reign.  In  consequence,  the  inhabitants  of  Je- 
rusalem would  become  numerous  as  the  blades  of 
grass.  The  old  translation  of  the  last  clause  runs 
thus,  "the  children  shall  flourish  out  of  the  city, 
like  (he  grass  of  the  earth."  It  is  a  prediction  of 
a  vastly  increased  population,  and  all  abundantly 
provided  for. — The  rapid  promulgation  of  Chris- 
tianity, fiom  small  beginnings,  among  the  Gen- 
266]  ' 


ever:  Uiis  name  shall  be  continued  as 
long  as  the  sun;  and  ^  men  shall  be 
blessed  in  him:  i  all  nations  shall  call 
him  blessed. 

18  ""Blessed  he  the  Lokd  God,  the  God 
of  Israel,  ^  who  only  doeth  wondrous  things, 

19  And  'blessed  he  his  glorious  name 
for  ever:  "  and  let  the  whole  earth  be 
filled  with  his  glory.    ^  Amen,  and  amen. 

20  y  The  prayers  of  David  the  son  of 
Jesse  are  ended. 


+  Heb.  shall  be  as  a  son  to  con- 
tinue his  father^s  name  for 
ever.  Eph.  3:14.  Col.  1:3. 
1  Pet.  1:3. 

p  Gen.  12:3.  22:18.  Acts  3:26. 
Gal.  3:14.     Eph.  1:3. 

qJcr.  4:2.  Luke  1:48.  Rev. 
15:4. 

r  41:13.  68:35.  106:48.  1  Chr. 
29:10,20. 

s  77:14.  86:10.     136:4.     Ex.  15: 


11.     Job  9:10.     Dan.  4:2,3. 
t  Neh.  9:5. 
u  Num.   14:21.     Is.   6:3.    11:9. 

Hab.  2:14.     Zech.  14:9.  Mai. 

1:11.     Matt.  6:10,13. 
X  41:13.  89:52.     Num.    5:22.    I 

Kings  1:36.     Jer.  28:6.     Rev. 

1:13.  22:20. 
y  2  Sam.  23:1.    Job  31:40.   Jer. 

51:64.     Luke  24:51. 


tiles  as  well  as  Jews;  the  numerous  converts 
raised  up,  strong  in  faith,  holy  in  their  lives,  and 
filled  with  consolation;  and  the  continual  increase 
of  these  inhabitants  of  the  new  Jerusalem,  and  the 
abundant  provisions  made  for  them,  were  thus,  in 
a  striking  manner,  typically  predicted. — When 
two  or  three  missionaries  are  sent,  with  "the  word 
of  the  truth  of  the  gospel,"  to  a  heathen  nation:  a 
handful  of  seed  corn  is  carried  to  be  sown  in  a 
most  unpromising  situation:  yet  this,  increasing- 
by  the  special  blessing  of  God;  and  the  increase 
being  as  it  were  sown  again  and  again,  from  year 
to  year;  a  whole  nation  or  continent  may  at 
length  be  covered  with  the  abundant  harvest,  and 
the  spiritual  prosperity  of  populous  cities  amply 
provided  for.  {JS'otes,  67:6,7.  85:10—13.  /*.  30: 
23—25.  32:15—20.  Matt.  13:31,32.  John  15:12— 
16.) 

V.  17 — 19.  These  verses  contain  a  most  ex- 
traordinary prediction  of  Christ  and  his  kingdom; 
and  notwithstanding  Solomon's  durable  and  ex- 
tensive renown,  they  can  scarcely  be  at  all  ap- 
plied to  him,  without  enervating  their  energy. 
"Behold,  a  greater  than  Solomon  is  here!" — The 
words  rendered,  '■'■Men  shall  be  blessed  in  him;"  all 
nations  shall  call  "him  blessed,"  seem  to  mean, 
"All  nations,"  while  "blessing^ themselves  in  him," 
shall  call  him  blessed,  or  celebrate  his  praises. 
(J\''otes,  Gen.  12:1—3.  18:18,19.22:16—18.)  Near- 
ly the  very  words  of  the  Lord  to  Abraham  [Gen. 
22:18.)  are  here  used. — Thus  God  alone  has  done 
most  wonderful  things,  in  blessing  the  nations  by 
Jesus  Christ;  and  he  will  do  wonderful  things. — 
The  last  clause  is  future,  and  may  be  exactly 
rendered,  "The  whole  earth  shall  be  filled  with 
his  glory;"  being  a  prediction  of  the  universal 
prevalence  of  the  kingdom  of  Christ,  and  the  dis- 
play of  the  glory  of  God  in  him.  {Marg.  Ref. — 
JVote.iJs.  11:6—9.  Hah.2:\2—U.  Zech.  14:6—9.) 
To  this  the  Psalmist  and  all  the  people  added, 
Amen,  amen.  (JVb^e,  41:11— 13.  JV/««.  6:9,10,13.) 
Be  it  so,  be  it  so.  'Let  the  whole  earth  be  filled 
with  the  glory  of  God  and  of  Christ.' — 'Blessed, 
'therefore,  be  thou,  O  Lord  Jesu,  for  thou  art  the 
'Lord  God,  even  the  God  of  Israel,  who  hast 
'wrought  such  miracles  of  mercy  for  the  salvation 
'of  thy  church:  and  blessed  by  the  tongues  of  men 
'and  angels  be  thv  holy  and  glorious  name;  and 
'let  the  whole  earth  be  filled  with  thy  most  ex- 
'cellent  glory!  ...  So  be  it,  so  be  it.'  Bp.  Home. 
— Perhaps  the  eighteenth  verse  may  be  consider- 
ed, as  addressed  to  the  God  and  Father  of  our 
Lord  Jesus;  and  the  beginning  of  the  nineteenth 
to  the  divine  Savior. 

V.  20.     The  dying  Psalmist,  having  thus  pray- 


B.  C.  1020. 


PSALM  LXXIII. 


B.  C.  1020. 


PSALM    LXXin. 

The  Psalmist,  assured  that  God  is  good  to  his  people,  shews  that 
his  faith  had  almost  failed,  on  seeing  the  prosperity  of  the 
wicked,  1 — 14.  He  states  how  he  overcame  the  temptation  in 
the  sanctuary,  by  learning  their  dreadful  end,  lH — iO.  He, 
with  deep  humility,  avows  his  unreserved  dependence  on  God, 
and  determines  to  cleave  to  him,  expecting  present  support 
and  future  glory,  21 — 23. 

A  Psalm  *  of  Asaph, 
t  r¥lRULY  ^  God    is   good    to  Israel, 
even  ^  to  such  as  are  ^  of  a  clean 


heart. 

*  Or,  f,r  Asaph.  50:  74:  83: 
titles.  1  Chr.  6:39.  15:17.  16: 
7.J7.  25:1—6.    2  Chr.  29:30. 

t  Or,    Yet.   2:6.  4J:11. 

a  18— i8.  84:11.  Is.  63:7—9. 
Luke  12:32. 


b  John  1:47.     Rom.  2:28,29.   4: 

16.  9:6,7. 
X  Heb.   clean  of  heart.  51:10. 

Jer.   4:14.      Matt.   5:3.      Tit. 

3:5.    Jam.  4:S. 


ed  for,  and  foreseen,  his  son's  prosperous  reign; 
and  having  looked  forward  to  the  coming  of  the 
Jlcdeemer,  and  viewed  the  whole  earth  filled  with 
his  glory;  had  no  more  to  ask  or  to  do,  but  to  lie 
down  and  rest  in  hope.     [JVotes,  2  Sam.  23: 1 — 5.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

Pious  parents  will  be  the  more  earnest  in  pray- 
er for  their  children,  in  proportion  to  the  import- 
aQce  of  those  stations,  which  they  are  likely  to 
occupy  in  society,  and  in  the  church  of  God:  and 
those  who  have  faithfully  served  their  generation, 
and  are  going  to  rest,  will  be  equally  attentive  to 
the  interests  of  posterit}%  especially  with  respect 
to  true  religion. — As  it  is  in  every ^vay  so  import- 
ant to  mankind,  that  rulers  should  be  men  of  wis- 
dom and  righteousness,  protectors  of  the  indus- 
trious poor,  and  terrors  to  evil-doers  of  every  de- 
gree; it  becomes  the  duty  of  every  man,  to  pray 
that  God  would  give  the  king,  and  his  -accessor, 
and  all  legislators  and  magistrates,  his  judgments 
and  righteousness,  that  "they  may  judge  the  peo- 
ple with  righteousness  and  the  poor  with  judg- 
ment." And  princes  should  be  reminded  by  such 
as  have  access  to  them,  especially  |he  ministers  of 
religion  who  are  thus  distinguished,  that  they  are 
the  vicegerents  of  God,  to  whom  thej^  must  give 
an  accountof  their  authority,  and  that  they  oug-ht 
to  imitate  him  in  their  government.  While  we 
therefore  meditate  on  the  nature  of  the  Redeem- 
er's kingdom,  let  it  be  observed,  that  in  this  re- 
spect he  is  especially  an  example  to  all  rulers,  and 
,  will  be  followed  by  all  such  as  are  wise  and  right- 
eous. The  wisdom  and  justice  of  God,  as  well  as 
hi-:  authority,  are  in  him.  He  is  "the  King  of 
righteousness,  and  of  peace:"  and,  having  once 
"made  peace  by  the  blood  of  his  cross,"  he  brings 
all  spiritual  blessings  to  sinners;  and,  by  their 
conversion  and  salvation,  renders  them  like  a 
precious  harvest  springing  forth  in  every  part  of 
the  earth.  The  poor  in  spirit,  the  broken  in  heart, 
apply  for  and  obtain  from  him  peace  of  con- 
science, and  that  "peace  of  God  which  passeth  all 
understanding;"  but  he  will  crush  the  obstinate, 
ttie  proud,  and  the  impenitent.  By  the  warnings 
and  encouragements  of  his  gospel,  multitudes, 
through  successive  generations,  are  brought  to 
fear,  submit  to,  and  worship  God:  and  this  shall 
be  more  and  more  the  case,  as  long  as  the  sun  and 
moon  endure.  His  gracious  truths,  attended  by 
the  influences  of  his  Spirit,  distil,  like  the  refresh- 
ing and  fructifying  rain  upon  the  parched  earth; 
and  holiness,  comfort,  and  usefulness  are  the 
never-failing  effects.  Thus  "in  his  days  the  right- 
eous flourish;"  and,  while  they  enjoy  abundance 
of  peace,  they  are  multiplied  exceedingly.  His 
people  are  taught  to  behave  with  such  equit)^ 
truth,  and  love;  and  so  to  bear  with  and  foro-ive 
each  other,  and  to  follow  peace  with  all  men;  that 
as  far  as  his  kingdom  is  really  set  up,  discords  and 
contentions  cease,  in  families,  neighborhoods,  and 
nations:    and  he  defends  his  harmless  subjects. 


steps   had  well  nigh 


2  But  *=  as    for    me,    ^  my  feet 
almost  gone;    ^  my 
slipped. 

3  For  ^  I  was  envious   at  the  foolish, 
when  I  saw  the  prosperity  of  the  wicked. 

4  For  (here   are    e  no   bands  in  their 
death;  but  their  strength  is  5  firm. 

5  *'  They  are  not    II  in  trouble  05  other 

"     ■  g  17:14.      Job  21:23,24.    24:20. 

Ec.  2:16.  7:15.    Luke  16:22. 
§  Hub.  fat.  17:10. 
h  12.     Prov.   3:11,12.     Jer.  12: 

1,2.      iCor.    11:32.     Heb.  12: 

8.    Rev.  3:19. 
II  Heb.    in  the  trouble  of  other 

viev. 


c   5:7. 

17:15. 

35:13. 

Josh.   24 

15.     1  Sam. 

12:23. 

1  Chr.  22 

7.    Job  21:4 

d  116:8 

IS 

am.  2:9 

Rom.  7 

23,24. 

e  17:5. 

38:16 

94:18. 

Job  12:5 

f  37:1,7 

Prov.  3:31. 

24:1.   Jer 

12:1. 

Jam. 

4:5. 

against  those  who  would  treat  them  with  deceit 
and  violence.  He  delivers  the  needy,  perishing 
sinner,  when  he  cries  unto  lum,  from  the  tyranny 
and  oppression  of  Satan:  he  spares  believers, 
though  they  deserve  punishment,  and  saves  their 
souls  from  destruction;  he  redeems  them  from  all 
their  enemies,  "and  precious  shall  their  blood  be 
in  his  sight."  Thus  he  becomes  precious  to  their 
hearts,  and  love  of  him  constrains  them  to  live  de- 
voted to  his  service  and  glory. — The  good  seed  of 
his  gospel  being,  as  it  were,  but  a  handful,  sown 
upon  the  before  barren  mountains  of  the  Gentile 
world,  has  already  produced  an  immense  increase 
of  believers,  fruitful  in  good  works,  to  the  glory 
of  God,  and  the  benefit  of  mankind:  and  they 
shall  still  increase  more  and  more.  His  dominion 
has  already  extended  very  widely;  many  kings 
and  nations  have  become  his  subjects;  and  many 
of  his  enemies  have  licked  the  dust.  At  length 
"all  kings  shall  fall  down  before  him,  all  nations 
shall  do  him  service:"  he  shall  crush  the  head  of 
the  great  oppressor,  and  destroy  all  who  withstand 
his  cause:  "his  name  and  glory  shall  endure  as 
long  as  the  sun;"  and  "men  shall  be  blessed  in 
him,"  and  with  one  consent  shall  call  him  blessed 
for  evermore.  May  we  then  submit  to  his  au- 
thority, and  partake  of  his  righteousness  and 
peace:  may  we  daily  celebrate  his  praises,  and 
bless  the  God  of  Israel  ibr  the  wonders  of  his  re- 
deeming love:  may  we  spend  our  days,  and  end 
our  lives,  praying  and  using  all  proper  means  in 
our  power,  for  the  success  of  the  gospel,  and  long- 
ing for  that  time  when  "the  whole  earth  shall  be 
filled  with  his  glory!  Amen,  and  amen." 
NOTES. 

Psalm  LXXIII.  Title.  This,  and  several  of 
the  following  psalms,  are  ascribed  to  Asaph,  in 
the  same  manner  of  expression  by  which  others 
are  ascribed  to  David:  [Jlarg.  Rff.)  yet  some 
think  that  David  wrote  them,  and  only  delivered 
them  to  Asaph  to  be  set  to  music,  or  sung;  while 
others  think  that  another  Asaph,  in  later  ages, 
wrote  some  of  them.  (2C/ir.  29:30.)  ^^ 

V.  1.  The  Psalmist,  after  much  consideration^ 
and  a  sharp  contest  with  temptation,  thus  abruptly 
expressed  his  assurance  that,  notwithstanding  ap- 
pearances, the  Lord  was  kind  to  his  true  people, 
who  served  him  in  uprightness  of  heai't. — I'hc 
same  distinction  between  an  Israelite  by  nation, 
and  the  true  Israelite,  which  is  often  made  in  the 
New  Testament,  is  here  explicitly  established. 
(JVb/e.?,  Matt.  5:8.  John  1 :47— .51.  Rom.  2:25—29.) 

V.  2,  3.  {Notes,  37:1,2,5—8.  94:16—18.  Jn: 
12:1 — 4.)  'I  began  to  doubt,  and  stagg-er  in  my 
'faith.  ...  The  reason  was,  that  having  a  just  in- 
'dignation  against  the  folly,  or  rather  madness,  of 
'wicked  men,  it  first  vexed  me  to  see  tliem  ...  in  a 
'very  flourishing  condition;  and  then  tempted  me 
'to  think  it  very  hard,  that  sober  men  should  not 
'equal,  if  not  exceed  thero,  in  such  happiness.' 
Bp.  Patrick. 

\     V.  4.     Wicked  men  often  lire  to  old  age,  in 

[267 


B.  C.  1020. 


PSALM  LXXIII. 


B.  C.  1020. 


men:    neither   are    they    plagued    *  Hke 
other  men. 

6  '  Therefore  pride  compasseth  them 
about  "  as  a  chain;  ^  violence  "■  covereth 
them  as  a  garment. 

7  Their  "  eyes  stand  out  with  fatness: 
they  t  have  °  more  than  heart  could 
wish. 

8  P  They  are  corrupt,  and  i  speak 
wickedly  concerning  oppression:  "■  they 
speak  loftily. 

9  They  ^  set  their  mouth  against  the 

f  Hi'b.  fass  the  thoughts  of  the 

heart, 
o  12.     17:11.       1    Sam.   25:2,36. 

Luke  12:16—19. 
p  53:1—4.     Prov.  30;1.'!,14. 
q    10:2,10,11.     12:4,5.     Ex.    1:9, 

10.      1    Sam.    13:19.     1  Kings 

21:7,&c.     Jer.  7:9—11. 
r  2  Pet.  2:13.  .Tude  16. 
s  Ex.  5:2.     2  Chr.    32:15.     Job 

21:14.     Dan.  3:15.  7:25.   Rev. 

13:6. 


*  Heb.  with 

i  Deut.   8:13,14.    32:15.     Esth. 

3:1,5,6.  5.9—11.  Job  21:7—15. 

Ec.  8:11.     Jer.  48:11,29.     Ez. 

28:2—5.      Dan.  4:30. 
k  Judg.  8:26.     Prov.  1:9.  Cant. 

4:9.     Is.  3:19.     Ez.  16:11. 
1  Prov.  3:31.  marg.  4:17.  Mic. 

2:1,2.   3:5.     Jam.  5:4 — 6. 
m  109:29.     1  Pet.  5:5. 
n  17:10.    119:70.     Job  15:27.   Is. 

3:9.     Jer.  5:28.     Ez.  16:49. 


firm  strength  and  health,  as  well  as  prosperity; 
and  end  their  lives  without  great  pain:  while 
many  pious  persons  scarcely  know  what  health  is, 
and  die  with  great  sufferings.  Naj^,  numbers' of 
the  wicked  are  so  hardened  in  presumption,  that 
they  die  without  terror  or  remorse.  (JVbte«,  17:13 
—15.  Job  21:7—22.24:18—20.)  The  original  may 
be  rendered,  "They  have  no  bands  till  their 
death."  They  are  not  put  in  chains  for  execution, 
like  condemned  criminals;  but  are  let  alone,  till 
they  are  taken  out  of  the  world  like  other  men. — 
'There  is  neither  pangs  of  bod)-,  nor  remorse  and 
'terror  of  soul,  in  their  death.'     Bp.  Hall. 

V.  5.  The  wealthy  sinner,  'far  from  poverty 
'as  free  from  disease,  seems  to  pass  his  da)'s  ex- 
'empted  from  the  miseries  of  mankind,  without 
'labor  and  anxiety;  and  not  so  much  as  to  think  of 
'those,  who,  distressed  on  all  sides,  can  scarcely 
'earn  their  bread  by  the  sweat  of  their  brows.' 
Bp.  Home.    {JVhtes,  Heb.  12:4—13.) 

V .  6 — 9.  The  haughtiness  of  these  prosperous 
ungodly  men  appeared  in  their  external  decora- 
tions; nay,  they  counted  that  display  of  their  pride, 
which  is  falsely  called  magnificence,  their  high- 
est ornament;  as  conquerors,  and  other  eminent 
persons,  wore  cliains  of  gold  round  their  necks  for 
decoration  and  distinction.  [Marg.  Ref.  k.)  At 
the  same  time,  their  whole  conduct  was  so  notori- 
ous for  violence  and  oppression,  that  they  were 
covered  with  them  as  with  a  garment.  Perhaps 
it  is  also  implied,  that  their  violence  bore  the  ex- 
pense of  their  ostentation,  which  they  gratified  in 
rich  garments  and  costl}'  ornaments.  They  like- 
wise indulged  and  pampered  their  bodies,  in  the 
most  luxurious  manner;  and  their  looks  discover- 
ed their  excessive  sensuality  and  voluptuousness. 
Yet  they  reserved  more  from  their  enormous  ex- 
penses, than  a  wise  man  would  wish  for;  or  more 
than  they  formerly  could  have  thought  of:  such 
unexpected  success  attended  them! — But,  instead 
of  being  thankful  for  their  abundance,  their  cor- 
rupt passions  were  thus  exceedingly  strengthened 
and  inflamed:  and,  so  far  from  restraining  or  con- 
cealing them,  they  openly  gloried  in  them;  avow- 
ing their  designs  and  politic  methods  of  oppressing 
the  poor,  and  crushing  opposition;  despising  the 
laws  of  man,  and  even  those  of  almighty  God;  and 
haughtily  uniting  to  their  licentious,  selfish,  and 
unfeeling  conversation,  the  language  of  infidelity 
or  atheism;  saying,  not  "within  themselves,"  but 
openly,  "I  neither  fear  God,  nor  regard  man;" 
thus  setting  the  Judge  of  the  world  at  defiance, 
and  propagating  far  and  wide  their  pernicious  and 
impious  principles.  [Marg.  Ref. — JVotes,  1  Sam. 
268] 


heavens,    and     ^  their    tongue    walketh 
through  the  earth. 

1 0  Therefore  his  people  return  hither: 
and  "  waters  of  a  full  cup  are  wrung  out 
to  them. 

1 1  And  they  say,  ^  How  doth  God 
know.'*  and  ^  is  there  knowledge  in  the 
most  High.^ 

12  Behold,  ^  these  ai-e  the  ungodly, 
who  prosper  in  the  world;  ^  they  increase 
in  riches. 

13  Verily,  '' I  have  cleansed  my  heart 
in  vain,  and  "^  washed  my  hands  in  in- 
nocency. 


t  52:4.    Luke  18:4.    Jam.  3:6. 

u  75:8. 

x9.   10:11.  94:7.     Job  22:13,14. 

Ez.  8:12.     Zeph.  1:12. 
y  44:21.   1,39:1—6.     Hos.  7:2. 
z  37:35.  52:7.  Jer.  12:1,2.  Luke 

16:19.    Jam.  5:1-3. 


a   17:14.    62:10.     Jer.   5:27,28. 

Hos.  12:7,3. 
bJob   21:15.    34:9.35:3.     Mai. 

3:14. 
c24:4.  26:6.  51:10.   Heb.  10:19 

—22.    Jam.  4:8. 


2:3.  Job  21:7—16.  22:15—20.  Luke  18:1—8.)— 
Alas!  how  many  are  there  in  modern  times,  who 
seem  to  have  sat  for  the  odious  and  detestable  por- 
trait here  exhibited! — 'A  circle  of  fawning  de- 
'pendents  is  never  wanting,  to  whom  the  ...  vain 
'and  ignorant  wretch,  exalted  in  his  own  conceit 
'above  the  level  of  mortality,  ma)',  from  the  chair, 
'without  control,  dictate  libertinism  and  infidelity.' 
Bp.  Home. 

V.  10.  This  verse  is  generally  allowed  to  be 
very  difficult,  and  a  variety  of  discordant  inter- 
pretations have  been  given  of  it. — The  original 
may  literally  be  rendered,  "On  this  account  his 
people  shall  return  hither,  and  waters  of  fulness 
shall  be  wrung  out  to  them."  "His  people,"  seems 
to  mean  the  people  of  God,  who,  witnessing  the 
prosperity  of  tTie  wicked,  and  experiencing  many 
sorrows  and  hardships,  were  tempted  to  "return 
hither,"  (i.  e.  to  the  company  of  the  ungodly,)  in 
order  to  share  their  ease  and  pleasure:  but  the 
consequence  in  general  was,  that  "waters  of  a  full 
cup  were  wrung  out  to  them;"  they  brought  many 
chastisements  on  themselves,  and  were  oppressed 
with  sorrow  for  their  guilt  and  folly.  'Not  only 
'the  reprobate,  but  also  the  people  of  God,  often- 
'times  tall  back,  seeing  the  prosperous  estate  of 
'the  wicked,  and  are  overwhelmed  with  sorrows; 
'thinking  that  God  considereth  not  aright  the 
'state  of  the  g^dly.' — The  verse  is  in  the  future, 
and  it  seems  most  natural  to  explain  it,  as  the 
Psalmist's  apprehension,  that  the  prosperity  of 
daring  sinners  would  eventually  prove  an  invin- 
cible temptation,  and  a  great  source  of  sorrow  to 
believers.  The  clause,  "waters  of  a  full  cup  are 
wrung  out  to  them,"  probably  refers  to  the  cups 
of  liquor  mingled  with  poison,  which  were  in  those 
days  given  to  criminals:  but  whether  it  denote  the 
inordinate  sorrow  of  tempted  believers  under  their 
own  sufferings,  contrasted  with  beholding  the  suc- 
cess and  indulgence  of  the  wicked;  or  to  the  pain- 
ful consequences  of  yielding  to  the  temptation, 
and  imitating  those  whom  they  envied,  must  re- 
main doubtful. 

V.  1 1 .  This  verse  is  by  some  interpreted  in 
connexion  Avith  the  foregoing,  as  the  language  of 
the  tempted  believer,  who  is  even  induced  by 
what  he  feels  and  witnesses,  to  adopt  the  language 
\  of  the  ungodly,  and  to  question,  whether  God  do 
I  indeed  know,  and  take  cognizance  of  human  af- 
!  fairs.  This  interpretation  rises  naturally  from 
the  words:  but,  as  it  is  thought  by  many,  that 
pious  persons  cannot  well  be  supposed  to  use  such 
infidel  language,  they  conclude  that  the  Psalmist 
here  returns  to  bis  subject,  and  that  the  profli- 


B.  C.  1020. 


PSALM  LXXIII. 


B.  C.  1020. 


14  For  ^  all  the  day  long  have  I  been 
plagued,  and  *  chastened  every  morning. 

[Practical  Observations.] 

15  If  I  say,  I  will  speak  thus;  behold, 
I  should  ^  offend  against  ^  the  genera- 
tion of  thy  children. 

IG  5  When  I  thought  to  know  this, 
it  was  t  too  painful  for  me. 

17  ''Until  I  went  into  the  sanctuary 
of  God;  '  then  understood  I  their  end. 

18  ''Surely  thou  didst  set  them  in 
slippery  places:  ^  thou  castedst  them 
down  into  destruction. 

19  ■"  How  are  they  brought  into  des- 
olation, as  in  a  moment!  °  they  are  ut- 
terly consumed  with  terrors. 

20  °  As  a  dream  when  one  awaketh; 
so,  O  Lord,  P  when  thou  awakest,  thou 
shalt  despise  i  their  image. 

21  Thus  "■  my  heart  was  grieved,  and 
I  was  pricked  ®  in  my  reins. 

A   34:19.    94:12.     Job   7:3,4,18. 

10:3,17.     Jer.  15:18.    Am.  3:2. 

Heb.  12:5.      1  Pet.   1:6. 
*  Heb.  my  chastisenie7\t  was. 
e  1  Sam.  2:24.    Mai.  2:8.  Matt. 

18:6,7.  Rom.  14:15,21.     1  Cor. 

8:11—13. 
f  22:20.  24:6.     1  Pet.  2:9. 
g  36:6.    77:19.    97:2.     Prov.  30: 

2,3.     F.c.  8:17.    Rom.  11:33. 
f  Heb.    labor  in  viine  eyes.  39: 

6.    Luke  18:32—34.     John  16: 

18,19. 
h  27:4.  63:2.  77:13.    119:24,130. 
i  37:37,38.  Job  27:8.     Ec.  8:13, 

13.     Jer.  5:31.      Luke    12:20. 


16:22,23. 
k35:6.     Deut.   32:35.     Jer.  23: 

12. 
1  37:20,24,35—33.    55:23.    92:7. 

94:23.     2  Thes.  1:9. 
m   58:9.     Job   20:5.    Is.    30:13. 

Acts  12:23.  1  Thes.  5:3.   Rev. 

13:10. 
D  Num.  17:12,13.   1  Sam.  28:20. 

Job    15:21.    20:23—25.     Prov. 

28:1.   Is.  21:3,4.   Dan.  5:6. 
o  90:5.  Job  20:8.  Is.  29:7,8. 
p  7:6.  78:65. 
q  39:6. 
1-3.  37:1,7. 
sJob  16:13.     Lam.  3:13. 


gates  above  described,  and  those  whom  they  per- 
vert, are  again  introduced.  [J^otes,  6 — 9.  10:2 — 
]1.  94:1—9.) 

V.  12 — 14.  'These  worthless,  ungodly,  blas- 
'phemous  wretches,  whose  characters  I  have  been 
'delineating;  these  are  the  men  who  prosper  in 
'the  world,  who  succeed  in  every  thing  they  un- 
'dertake,  and  roll  in  riches!  What  are  we  to 
'think  of  God,  his  providence,  and  his  promises.'' 
'...All  my  faith,  my  charity,  and  my  devotion, 
'all  my  watching  and  fastings, ...  all  the  labor 
'and  pains  I  have  taken...  have  been  altogether 
'vain  and  fruitless.'  Bp.  Home.  [JVutes,  Job 
34:5—9.  35:1—3.  J»/a/.  3:13— 18.)— The  clause, 
"Washed  my  hands  in  innocency,"  seems  equiv- 
alent to  St.  Paul's  words,  "Herein  do  I  exercise 
myself  to  hr.ve  a  conscience  void  of  offence  to- 
wards God  and  man."  [JVote,  26:6 — 8.  Acts  24: 
10—21,  V.  16.) 

V.  15 — 17.  The  Psalmist,  having  related  the 
progress  of  his  temptation  till  it  came  to  tiie  crisis, 
next  shews  how  by  faith  and  grace  he  prevailed 
against  it.  In  his  greatest  despondency,  he 
could  not  but  respect  and  wish  well  to  "the  gen- 
eration of  God's  children;"  and  he  considered, 
that  if  he  gave  utterance  to  such  sentiments  as 
had  arisen  within  him,  he  should  grieve,  con- 
demn, or  deceive  them,  and  so  cause  them  to 
offend.  He  therefore  purposed  to  acquire  a  full 
understanding  of  the  mystery  in  Providence; 
and  in  the  mean  while  to  keep  silence:  but  the 
more  he  reflected  and  reasoned  on  the  subject, 
the  deeper  was  his  conviction  that  it  was  too  dif- 
ficult for  him,  and  the  greater  perplexity  he  ex- 
perienced; until  he  went  at  length  into  the  sanc- 
tuary of  God,  to  consult  the  priests,  the  Lord's 
imiiiisters,  and  to  examine  his  word,  and  spread 


22  *  So  foolish  was  I,  and  t  ignorant: 
I  was   "  a5  a  beast  {  before  thee. 

23  Nevertheless  *  I  am  continually 
with  thee:  y  thou  hast  holden  me  by  my 
right  hand. 

24  ^  Thou  shalt  guide  me  with  thy  coun- 
sel, and  afterward  *  receive  me  to  glory. 

25  ''Whom  have  I  in  heaven  but  thee'? 
and  there  is  <=  none  upon  earth  that  I  de- 
sire beside  thee. 

26  '^  My  flesh  and  my  heart  faileth: 
®  but  God  is  the  II  Strength  of  my  heart, 
and  ^  my  Portion  for  ever. 

27  For  lo,  e  they  that  are  far  from 
thee  shall  perish:  thou  hast  destroyed  all 
them  ^  that  go  a  whoring  from  thee. 

28  But  *  it  is  good  for  me  to  draw  near 
to  God:  I  have  put  my  trust  in  the  Lord 
God,  ^  that  1  may  declare  all  thy  works. 


1 69:5.  92:6.     Prov.  30:2.     Ec. 

3:18. 
J  Heb.    Iknewnot. 
u  32:9.   Is.  1:3. 
$  Heb.  -with  thee. 
X  16:8.  23:4.  139:1—12,18.  Gen. 

17:1.  Matt.  1:23.   28:20.    Heb. 

13:5. 
y  37:17,24.    63:8.     Is.  41:10,13. 

42:1. 
z  16:7.  25:9.  32:8.  48:14.    143:8 

—10.  Prov.  3:5,6.  8:20.   Is.  30: 

21.    48:17.    53:3,11.     Luke  11: 

13.  John  16:13.    Jam.  1:5. 
a  49:15.    84:11.      Luke    23:46. 

John  14:3.    17:5,24.    Acts  7:59. 

2  Cor.  5:1.      1  Pet.  1:4,5. 
b  16:5,11.    17:15.  37:4.  43:4.  63: 

3.  89:6.    Matt.  5:3.     1  John  3: 

2.    Rev.  21:3,22,23. 
c  42:1,2.   104:34.    143:6 — 3.     Is. 


26:8,9.     Hab.   3:17,18.     Matt. 

10:37.     Phil.  3:8. 
d  63:1.  84:2.   119:81,82.    Job  13: 

15.      2     Cor.     4:8—10,16-18. 

Phil.  1:21.     2  Tim.  4:6—8.     2 

Pet.  1:14. 
e  18:2.  27:14.    138:3.     Is.  40:29 

—31.    2  Cor.  12:9,10. 
II  Heb.  rock. 
f  16:5,6.   119:57.   142:5.    Lam  3: 

24.     Rev.  21:3,4,7. 
g  Job  21:14,15.    Is.  29:13.    Jer. 

12:2.     M.att.    15:7,8.     Eph.   2: 

13,17. 
h  Ex.  34:15.  Num.  15:39.  Jara. 

4:4.     Rev.  17:1—5. 
165:4.    84:10.     116:7.     Lam.  3: 

25,26.     Luke  15:17—20.   Heb. 

10:19—22.     Jam.  4:8.      1  Pet. 

3:18. 
k  66:16.  71:17,24.  107:22.  118:17. 


the  case  before  him  in  prayer;  and  then  he  was 
enabled  to  look  forward  to  the  last  end,  and  to 
understand  the  final  doom  of  prosperous  sinners, 
so  that  he  could  no  longer  envy  them,  or  com- 
plain of  his  own  condition.  (JSTotes,  37:35 — 38. 
92:6,7.  Luke  16:19—23.) 

V.  18—22.  By  the  light  of  truth,  and  the  eye 
of  faith,  the-  Psalmist  clearly  saw,  that  prosper- 
ous ungodly  men  stand  on  the  slippery  summit  ot 
a  tremendous  precipice;  whence  in  the  appoint- 
ed time  God  casts  them  down  by  death,  with  a  fall 
equal  to  the  height  to  which  they  were  elevated. 
In  a  moment  tViey  are  desolated  and  ruined,  and 
overwhelmed  with  terrors.  (.N'ofes,  58:6 — 9.  Job 
20:4—9.  Z,M^e  12:15— 21.)  The  dread  of  death 
and  judgment  mars  their  enjoyment;  and  the 
death  of  any  one  of  them  terrifies  the  survivors. 
So  that  their  happiness  is  but  a  transient,  dis- 
turbed dream  of  pleasure:  and  God  pours  con- 
tempt upon  this  lifeless  image  of  felicity;  [JVotes, 
39:6.  Zech.  1 1:15 — 17.)  when  arising  to  take  ven- 
geance, he  by  death  awakes  them  to  see  substan- 
tial good  for  ever  lost,  and  real  misery  unavoida- 
ble and  eternal. — These  considerations  convinc- 
ed the  Psalmist  of  his  sin  and  folly,  in  envying 
such  wretched  men.  He  was  deeply  ashamed, 
on  recollecting  the  disquietude  and  impatience  of 
his  heart,  and  the  effect  produced  even  upon  his 
animal  frame,  without  any  suflScient  cause.  And 
he  appeared  to  himself,  and  knew  that  he  must 
appear  in  the  sight  of  God,  to  be  ignorant  and 
stupid  as  a  beast,  which  has  no  conception  of  any 
other  good  than  present  sensual  enjoyment. 
[JVotes,  Prov.  30:2,3.) 

V.  23 — 28.  Emerging  from  his  temptation, 
the  Psalmist  found  his  heart  humbled,  and  his 
valuation  of  spiritual  blessings  greatly  enhanced. 

£209 


B,  C.  1020. 


PSALM  LXXIII. 


B.  C.  1020. 


He  reflected,  with  pleasure  and  gratitude,  on  Ins 
privileges  as  a  believer.  He  was  persuaded  that 
he  was  under  the  immediate  care  of  an  ever- 
present,  wise,  and  faithful  Friend,  who  had  hith- 
erto upheld  him,  especially  under  his  urgent 
temptation;  as  a  tender  parent  holds  his  child  by 
the  hand,  lest  he  should  fall  and  hurt  himself. 
He  was  assured  that  the  Lord  would  guide  him 
in  wisdom  through  life,  and  at  death  "receive 
him  to  glory:"  nor  could  any  thing  in  heaven  or 
on  earth,  be  worthy  of  being  put  in  competition 
with  his  favor,  or  necessary  to  his  happiness  in 
accession  to  it.  He  relied  on  none  of  the  real 
or  supposed  inhabitants  of  heaven;  he  expected 
not  his  future  happiness  from  the  society  of  the 
most  exalted  or  excellent  creatures;  he  did  not 
delight  even  in  his  earthly  friends  and  comforts, 
when  compared  with  the  Fountain  of  felicity, 
who  was  in  every  respect  his  All  in  all.  He  was 
aware  that  his  body  would  speedily  decay,  his 
natural  spirits  fail,  and  his  heart  no  longer  beat; 
but  God  would  strengthen  and  support  his  soul 
in  that  last  conflict  which  would  terminate  all  his 
sorrows,  and  then  he  would  be  his  eternal  Por- 
tion. (JVofey,  84:11,12.  John  14:2,3.  17:24. 
i2o??i.  2:7— 11.  5:1,2.  2  Cor.  3: 1 7,18.  4:13—18. 
I  Pet.  1:8,9.  5:1—4.)  This  would  be  his  felici- 
tj',  while  the  most  prosperous  of  those  who  were 
alienated  from  God,  and  under  his  wrath,  must 
perish;  and  Israelites  especially,  who  broke  their 
national  covenant  by  apostacy,  idolatry,  and  re- 
bellion against  God,  would  be  more  severely 
punished  than  others. — But  for  his  part,  he  was 
satisfied  that  it  was  "good"  (advantageous,  pleas- 
ant, and  honorable,)  for  him,  to  wait  upon  God, 
and  walk  with  him,  confiding  in  his  mercy,  and 
celebrating  his  praises,  whatever  should  be  his 
outward  circumstances  and  situation.  Thus  the 
psalm  concludes  with  the  language  of  assur- 
ed hope,  and  joyful  anticipation  of  future  and 
eternal  glory  in  heaven:  and  as  the  sinners, 
above  described,  are  supposed  to  prosper  even  to 
the  end  of  life;  the  firm  belief  of  a  future  state 
of  punishment  and  perdition  to  ungodly  men,  is 
likewise  as  explicitly  avowed,  as  almost  in  any 
part  of  the  new  testament.  [Marg.  Ref.)  'He 
*who,  but  a  little  while  ago,  seemed  to  question 
'the  providence  of  God  over  the  affairs  of  men, 
'now  exults  in  happy  confidence  of  the  divine 
'mercy; ...  nothing  doubting,  but  that  he  would 
'ever  continue  to  guide  him  upon  earth,  till  glory 
'should  crown  him  in  heaven.  Such  are  the 
'blessed  effects  of  "going  into  the  sanctuary," 
'and  consulting, "the  lively  oracles,"  in  all  our 
'doubts,  difficulties,  and  temptations.'  Bp.  Home. 
— The  doctrine  established  in  this  Psalm  is  high- 
ly useful,  in  understanding  the  arguments  con- 
tained in  the  book  of  Job.  [Jfotes,  Job  8:20—22. 
9:22—24.  42:7—9.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
V.  1—14. 
The  distinction  has  been  obvious  in  every  age, 
betAveen  mere  professors  of  even  the  true  reli- 
gion, and  those  who  are  inwardly  sanctified  by  the 
Holy  Spirit:  and  it  has  always  been  an  undis- 
puted maxim  in  the  church,  that  the  Lord  is  kind 
to  his  people,  whose  hearts  are  upright  with  him. 
Yet  appearances  have  often  been  against  this 
truth;  and  Satan  has  had  his  advantage  in  excit- 
ing the  impatience  and  unbelief  even  of  pious 
persons,  and  causing  them  to  disquiet  themselves, 
and  dishonor  God,  by  their  surmises:  so  that 
many  of  them  have  had  cause  to  say,  "My  feet 
were  almost  gone,  my  steps  had  well  nigh  slip- 
ped; for  I  was  envious  at  the  foolish,  when  I  saw 
the  prosperity  of  the  wicked."  It  is  indeed,  at 
first  sight,  a  mystery  in  Providence,  that  the 
wicked  so  often  prosper,  and  the  righteous  are 
so  much  afflicted.  Health,  long  life,  affluence. 
270] 


and  an  easy  death,  are  often  granted  to  the  basest 
of  men.  Thus  their  pride,  ambition,  covetous- 
ness,  and  sensuality  are  increased;  they  grow 
more  daring  in  impiety  and  iniquity;  and,  by 
their  example  and  discourse,  widely  diff'use  con- 
tagion and  misery  around  them:  while  their  im- 
punity emboldens  them  to  infidelity,  and  they 
say,  "How  doth  God  know?  and  is  there  knowl- 
edge in  the  most  High?"  The  mischief  which 
these  prosperous  infidels  and  scorners  occasion 
in  the  world  is  indeed  very  great:  many  profess- 
ed Christians  are  by  them  drawn  into  apostacy; 
and  even  believers  are  often  greatly  discourag- 
ed; so  that  sometimes  they  are  ready  to  think 
that  their  repentance,  faith,  love,  zeal,  watch- 
fulness, and  conscientiousness  have  been  in  vain. 
For  being  chastened  from  time  to  time,  they  are 
apt  to  call  this  "being  plagued  all  the  day  long." 
— But  though  temptations  may  thus  darken  and 
perplex  a  true  Christian,  and  very  rebellious 
thoughts  may  be  stirred  up:  yet  there  is  a  holy 
engrafted  principle  within,  which  will  counter- 
act them,  prevent  their  effects,  and  at  length 
gain  the  ascendency;  and  when  he  has  escaped 
the  snare,  he  will  be  the  better  able  to  counsel 
and  comfort  his  brethren.  [JVote,  Luke  22:31 — 
34.) 

V.  15—28. 
Sometimes,  when  "the  fire  burns  within,"  an 
unwillingness  to  grieve  or  stumble  his  fellow 
Christians,  or  to  gratify  the  malice  of  the  wick- 
ed, imposes  silence  on  the  tempted  believer:  for 
he  must  perceive,  on  reflection,  that  if  outward 
prosperity  were  of  prime  importance,  "the  gen- 
eration of  God's  children,"  in  every  age,  have 
acted  most  imprudently,  or  been  greatly  deluded, 
in  enduring  so  many  afflictions  for  the  Lord's 
sake.  We  shall,  however,  never  get  ground 
against  temptations  of  this  kind,  by  merely  spec- 
ulating; and  shall  rather  find  our  minds  perplex- 
ed with  new  difficulties  and  objections,  till  we 
bring  the  whole  matter  and  weigh  it  in  the  bal- 
ance of  the  sanctuary.  But  attention  to  the  sa- 
cred Scriptures,  and  fervent  prayer,  will  soon 
extricate  us  from  these  labyrinths:  we  shall  then 
be  led  to  look  off  from  things  seen  and  temporal, 
to  things  unseen  and  eternal:  and  when  we  con- 
sider the  end  of  wicked  men,  we  shall  be  con- 
vinced of  their  folly  and  misery;  and  clearly  per- 
ceive that  they  are  no  more  to  be  envied,  than  a 
state-criminal,  who  is  bound  in  chains  of  gold  till 
he  be  put  to  some  tormenting  death.  We  shall 
then  see  that  their  wealth  and  prosperity  were 
given  them  in  anger,  as  a  punishment  of  their 
impiety  and  enmity  against  God;  and  that  they 
were  "treasuring  up  wrath,"  until  the  time, 
when  they  were  to  be  cast  down  headlong  from 
their  slippery  pre-eminence  into  eternal  destruc- 
tion; of  which  in  the  mean  while  they  are  often 
tortured  with  the  apprehension.  {JVotes,  Prov.. 
10:22.  28:1.)  Thus  their  happiness  is  only  a 
dream;  speedily  they  will  awake,  and  the  en- 
chantment will  be  dissolved,  and  they  will  too 
late  perceive  their  own  misery.  If  we  have  ever 
envied  such  ruinous  prosperity,  or  complained  of 
the  salutary  corrections  of  our  heavenly  Father; 
and  if  our  hearts  have  rebelled  against  his  ap- 
pointment; surel)^  on  reflection  we  must  be 
ashamed  of  our  folly  and  brutish  stupidity,  as 
well  as  of  our  perverseness  and  ingratitude!  And 
indeed  we  do  not  gain  a  complete  victory  over 
the  enemy,  unless  his  buffetings  prove  the  occa- 
sion of  our  deeper  humiliation  before  God. 
(JVb/e,  2  Cor.  12:7—10.)  Surely,  that  man  has 
no  right  or  reason  to  complain,  or  to  envy,  who 
has  God  for  his  Friend  and  Father,  to  provide 
for,  comfort,  and  uphold  him,  to  guide  him  here 
with  his  counsel,  and  then  to  receive  him  to  eter- 
nal glory!  Indeed  heaven  itself  could  not  render 
us  happy  without  his  presence  and  love:  much 


B.  C.  580. 


PSALM  LXXIV. 


B.  C.  580, 


PSALM  LXXIV. 


Heavy  complaints  to  God,  that  in  anger  he  had  left  his  congre- 
gation, without  any  encouraging  token,  while  insulting  con- 
querors desolated  the  sanctuary,  1 — 9.  Earnest  pleas,  that  he 
would  help  his  people,  according  to  his  former  powerful  works 
for  Israel,  and  in  remembrance  of  his  covenant;  and  thus  si- 
lence the  blasphemies  and  reproaches  of  his  enemies,  10 — 23. 

*  Maschil  of  Asaph. 

OGod,  "  why  hast  thou  cast  us  off 
for  ever?  why  doth  thine  anger 
^  smoke  against  ■=  the  sheep  of  thy  pas- 
ture? 

2  Remember  thy  congregation,  ^  which 
thou  hast  purchased  of  old;  the  t  rod  of 
^  thine  inheritance,  ^  tvhich  thou  hast  re- 
deemed; s  this  mount  Zion,  wherein  thou 
hast  dwelt. 


*  Or,  A   Psalm  for  Asaph   to 

give  instruction.  78;   title. 
a  10.1.  42:9.    44;9.    60:1,10.  77: 

7.  Jer.  31:37.  33:24—20.  Rom. 

11:1,2. 
b  79:5.     Deut.  29:20. 
c  79:13.  95:7.   100:3.     Jer.  23:1. 

¥.z.    34:3,31.       Luke     12:32. 

John  I0:2t>— 30. 


d  Ex.  15:16.     Deut.  9:29.   Acts 

20:28. 
t  Or,  tribe. 
e  33:12.     106:40.     135:4.     Deut. 

4:20.  32:9.     Jer.  10:16. 
f   Is.  51:11.    62:12.     Tit.    2:14. 

Rev.  5:9. 
g  48:1,2.  73:68,69.    132:13,14. 


3  ^  Lift  up  thy  feet  unto  *  the  per- 
petual desolations;  even  ^  all  that  the 
enemy  hath  done  wickedly  in  the  sanc- 
tuary. 

4  ^  Thine  enemies  roar  in  the  midst 
of  thy  congregations;  ""  they  set  up  their 
ensigns /or  signs. 

5  A  man  "  was  famous  according  as 
he  had  lifted  up  axes  upon  the  thick 
trees. 

6  But  now  they  break  down  °  the 
carved  work  thereof  at  once,  with  axes 
and  hammers. 

7  P  They   have    X  cast   fire    into    thy 


h  44:23,26.  Josh.  10:24.  2  Sam. 

22:39 — 43.    Is.  10:6.  25:10.  63: 

3—6.     Mic.  1:3. 
i  102:13,14.     Neh.   1:3.     2:3,13. 

Is.  64:10,11.     Dan.  9:17.    Mic. 

3:12.    Luke  21:24.    Rev.  11:2. 
k  79:1.   Jer.  52:13.     Lam.  1:10. 

Dan.    8:11—14.     9:27.     11:31. 

Mark  11:17. 
12Chr.  36:17.  Lam.  2:7.  Luke 


13:1.   Rev.  13:6. 
m   Jer.   6:1—5.      Matt.    24:15, 

Luke  21:20. 
n  1  Kings  5:6.  2  Chr.  2:14.  Jer. 

46:22,23 

0  1  Kings  6:18,29,32,35. 
p  2  Kings  25:9.  13.64:11.  Matt. 

22:7. 
\  Heb.  sent  thy  sanctuary  into 

thejire. 


less  could  earth  and  all  its  possessions  satisfy  the 
desires  of  an  immortal  soul.  And  if  the  Lord  is 
our  Portion,  we  need  desii-e  no  more  besides  him; 
for  he  is  all-sufficient  and  everlasting'.  The 
world  and  all  its  glory  vanishes;  our  "flesh  and 
hearts  will  soon  fail;"  but  God  will  be  the  Strength 
of  our  hearts,  and  our  Happiness  for  ever.  By 
sin  we  are  all  indeed  far  off  from  God,  in  the 
temper  of  our  minds  and  the  state  of  our  souls; 
and  at  this  distance  misery  is  inevitable:  but  by 
the  gospel  we  are  invited  to  draw  nigh  to  him; 
and  as  nothing,  but  preferring  other  portions  and 
confidences  to  him  and  his  salvation,  can  prevent 
our  happiness,  so  the  ruin  of  such  as  refuse  this 
gracious  offer  is  most  certain;  and  a  profession  of 
Christianity,  if  men  go  on  in  sin,  or  return  back 
to  it,  will  increase  their  condemnation.  May  we 
then  "choose  that  good  part,  which  can  never  be 
taken  from  us."  May  we  prefer  those  enduring 
riches,  those  holy  pleasures,  and  that  genuine 
honor,  which  God  bestows  on  his  people.  May 
we  draw  near  and  keep  near  to  him  by  faith  and 
prayer,  and  find  it  good  to  do  so;  that  putting 
our  trust  in  the  Lord,  and  declaring  our  experi- 
ence of  his  love,  patiently  bearing  our  cross,  and 
despising  worldly  objects,  we  may  encourage  our 
brethren  to  resist,  and  teach  them,  by  our  coun- 
sel and  example,  to  overcome  these  dangerous 
temptations  of  the  enemy  of  our  souls. 

NOTES. 

Psalm  LXXIV.  Title.  This  psalm  is  so 
adapted  to  the  case  of  the  Jews,  during  the  Bab 
ylonish  captivity,  that  if  Asaph,  who  lived  in  the 
time  of  David,  were  the  writer  of  it,  he  must 
have  composed  it  by  the  Spirit  of  prophecy.  But 
it  is  far  more  probable,  that  it  was  written  by 
some  other  Asaph,  wbo  lived  at  the  time  of  the 
captivity;  or,  as  some  think,  by  one  of  Asaph's  de- 
scendants. 

V.  1,2.  Israel  as  a  nation  was  typically  (what 
true  Christians  are  really,)  the  sheep  of  God's 
pasture,  his  purchased  congregation  and  ran- 
somed inheritance,  whom  he  redeemed  by  deso- 
lating Egypt;  and  among  whom  he  dwelt,  by 
the  ark  the  sjanbol  of  his  presence;  which,  from 
the  days  of  David  to  the  captivity,  was  stationed 
on  mount  Zion,  and  then  was  finally  lost  or  de- 
stroyed. (JVy<e.v,  95:7.  Ex.\b:\i~Ui.  /.y.  4o::j,4. 
.4dA'i20:2».)  Both  the  ten  tribes  and  the  king- 
dom of  Judah  had  given  abundant  cause  for  the 
anger  of  God  to  smoke  against  then\;  and  had 


even  deserved  to  be  "cast  off  for  ever:"  yet  the 
pious  remnant  of  the  nation,  remembering  what 
the  Lord  had  formerly  done  for  their  ancestors, 
and  how  he  had  repeatedly  pardoned  their  rebel- 
lions, especially  when  they  humbled  themselves 
before  him;  knowing  also  that  the  promises  and 
prophecies  of  the  Messiah  were  not  yet  accom- 
plished, and  witnessing  the  insults  of  idolaters 
over  the  worshippers  of  the  true  God;  were  em- 
boldened thus  to  plead,  and  as  it  were  expostu- 
late with  him,  for  seeming  finally  to  cast  off  his 
people,  and  to  retain  his  anger  for  ever.  (JVbif*, 
79:8—13.  /*.  63:7— 19.  64:5—12.  Jer.  33:23—26.) 
— The  church,  and  every  true  member  of  it,  un- 
der persecution  or  oppression,  though  deserving 
worse  than  all  that  is  inflicted,  may  on  similar 
grounds  plead  for  deliverance. 

V.  3.  The  idolatrous  Chaldeans  had  wickedly 
burnt  the  temple,  and  left  it  to  perpetual  desola- 
tions; and  God  himself  seemed  to  stand  at  a  dis- 
tance, and  pay  ng  regard  to  it:  but  the  Psalmist 
called  on  him  to  come  speedily,  that  he  might 
survey  and  restore  his  ruined  Sanctuary.  (JVbie, 
44:23— 26.)— Some  render  it,  "Lift  up"  thy  feet, 
that  thou  mayest  destroy  every  enemy,  which 
hath  done  evil  in  thy  Sanctuary."  [JVotes,  Is.  25: 
10—12.  6.3:1—6.  Rev.  14:14—20.) 

V.  4  The  Chaldeans,  rushing  into  the  temple, 
shouting  for  victory  amidst  the  affrighted  wor- 
shippers, and  setting  up  their  standards,  or  erect- 
ing trophies  of  their  success,  on  that  sacred 
ground,  seem  to  be  here  described.  [Jfotes., 
Lam.  1:8 — 11.  2:6,7.)  Antiochus  Epiphanes 
afterwards  greatly  profaned  the  temple,  and  dis- 
persed the  worshippers;  but  he  did  not  burn  it. — 
The  prevalence  of  infidelity,  and  the  triumphs  of 
heathens,  infidels,  and  antichristian  persecutors 
and  corrupters  of  Christianity,  are  events  equally 
lamentable;  and  the  proper  directory  for  prayer 
on  such  occasions  is  here  given. 

V.  5,  6.  "It  was  heretofore  thought  an  em- 
'ployment  of  much  honor  and  merit  in  those  men, 
'who  did  cut  down  and  square  the  timber-trees, 
'for  the  building  of  the  holy  sanctuary.  But  noAV 
'every  man  thinks  himself  to  deserve  most  thanks, 
'that  can  do  most  havoc  to  thy  holy  place.'  Bp. 
Hall. — 'As  a  ...  skilful  person  ...  lifteth  up  the 
'axe  in  the  thick  wood;  so  now  men  set  them- 
'■seJve.s  to  work,  to  demolish  the  oniameuls  aiul 
'timbers  of  the  sanctuary.'  13 p.  Home.  '■'■Hi: 
that  lifted  tlie  axes  upon  the  thick  trees,  was  re- 
nowned as  one  that  brought  a  thing  to  perfection: 

[271 


B.  C.  580. 


PSALM  LXXIV. 


B.  e.  580. 


sanctuary,  ^  they  have  defiled  hy  casting 
down  "■  the  dvveUing  place  of  thy  name 
to  the  ground. 

8  s  They  said  in  their  hearts,  Let  us 
*  destroy  them  together:  they  have  burn- 
ed up  '  all  the  synagogues  of  God  in  the 
land. 

9  "  We  see  not  our  signs:  there  is 
^  no  more  any  prophet;  neither  is  there 
among  us  any  that  knoweth  how  long. 

10  O  God,  yhow  long  shall  the  ad- 
versary reproach?  shall  the  enemy  blas- 
pheme thy  name  for  ever.'' 

11  Why  ^  withdrawest  thou  thy  hand, 
even  thy  right  hand?  ^  pluck  it  out  of 
thy  bosom. 

12  For  ^  God  is  my  King  of  old, 
"=  working  salvation  in  the  midst  of  the 


earth. 


q  89:39.   Ez.  24.-21 

r  Ex.   20:24.      Deut.     12:5.    1 

Kings  8:20. 
s  83:4.   137:7.  Esth.  3:8,9. 
*  Heb.  break. 
t  2  Kings    2:3,5.   4:23.      2  Chr 

17:9.    Matt.  4:23. 
u  Ex.  12:13.   13:9,10.     Judg.  6 

17.    Ez.  20:12.    Heb.  2:4. 
X   1   Sam.   3:1.      Am.   8:11,12 


[Practical  Ohservations.'] 


Mic.  3:6. 
y   13:1,2.     79:4,5.     89:46,50,51. 

Dan.  12:6.    Rev.  6:10. 
z  Is.  64:12.     Lam.  2:3. 
a  44:23.   78:65,66. 
b  44:4.     Ex.   19:5,6.     Num.  23: 

21,22.  Is.  33:-22. 
C  Ex.  15:-3— 15.     Judg.  4:23,24. 

1  Sam.   19:5.     Is.  63:8.    Hab. 

3:1-2—14. 


13  "^Thou  didst  t  divide  the  sea  by 
thy  strength:  thou  ^  brakest  the  heads 
of  the  +  dragons  in  the  waters. 

1 4  Thou  brakest  the  heads  of  ''  levi- 
athan in  pieces,  and  gavest  him  to  he 
s  meat  to  the  people  inhabiting  the  wil- 
derness. 

15  Thou  didst  ''  cleave  the  fountain 
'and  the  flood:  thou  driedst  up  {mighty 
rivers. 

16  ''The  day  w  thine,  the  night  also 
is  thine:  thou  hast  '  prepared  the  light 
and  the  sun. 

17  Thou  hast  ™  set  all  the  borders  of 
the  earth;  thou  hast  H  made  summer  and 
winter. 

18"  Remember  this,  that  the  enemy 


but  now  thej^  break  down,  &c."  Old  Version. — 
The  eagerness  of  the  destro3'^ers,  and  the  honor 
which  the}'  acquired  by  the  work  of  destruction, 
are  evidently  intended.  [Marg.  Ref. — Thick 
trees.     (5)     "  The  density  of  the  wood."    Heb. 

V.  7,  8.  {J^otes,  2  Kings  25:8—10.  Is.  64:9— 
12.  Zech.  11:1  —3.)  The  word  (o>^J.nD) ,  rendered 
synagogues,  is  in  the  fourth  verse  translated  con- 
gregations. It  means,  according  to  the  context, 
either  the  stated  seasons  of  assembling,  the  places 
in  which  the  people  met  statedly,  or  the  congre- 
gations collected  togetlier  at  the  solemn  feasts, 
or  the  solemn  feasts  themselves.  As  it  is  doubt- 
ful whether  synagogues,  in  the  common  sense  of 
the  word,  had  become  general  before  the  captivi- 
ty; it  is  probable,  that  the  courts  of  the  temple,  in 
which  the  people  assembled,  were  intended;  and 
that  the  passage  might  be  rendered,  "They  have 
burned  God's  places  of  assembling  even  to  the 
ground."  The  LXX  translate  tlie  clause,  'Let 
'us  cause  the  feasts  of  the  Lord  to  cease  from 
nhe  earth.'  (JVbfes,  2  Kings  4:23.  2  Ch7\  17:7— 
9.) 

V.  9.  The  constant  sacrifices  on  the  altar,  and 
the  observance  of  the  solemn  feasts,  were  signs  of 
the  Lord's  presence  with  his  people,  which  ceased 
during  the  captivity:  neither  had  they  any  mirac- 
ulous interpositions  in  their  favor.  They  had 
little  encouragement  from  prophets,  were  desti- 
tute of  prudent  counsellors,  and  could  not  well 
determine  when  these  calamities  would  cease. — 
Jeremiah  indeed  prophesied  in  Jerusalem  before 
the  destruction  of  the  temple,  and  in  Egypt  after 
that  event;  and  Ezekiel  and  Daniel  in  Babylon: 
yet  they  were  often  silent  for  a  long  while  to- 
gether, and  the  case  of  the  pious  Jews  was  very 
discouraging,  and  their  prospect  gloomy.  Many 
of  the  predictions,  likewise,  of  all  these  prophets, 
after  the  destruction  of  Jerusalem,  related  prima- 
rily to  other  nations  and  to  distant  periods.  [Jer. 
46:— 51:  Ez  25:— 'S^:)  And  though  Daniel,  and 
doubtless  many  others,  understood  from  Jeremi- 
ali's  predictions,  when  to  expect  some  favorable 
crisis;  3'et  it  is  evident  that  even  these  eminent 
persons  had  considerable  difficulty  in  knowing 
272] 


d  66:6.  78:13.   106:8,9.  136:13— 

16.      Ex.    14:21.      Neh.  9:11. 

Is.  11:15,16. 
f  Heb.  break. 
e  Ex.  14:28.    Is.  51:9,10.     Ez. 

29:3. 
t  Or,  Tohales.  Ez.  32:2. 
f  104:25,26.     Job  3:8.     Mar?. 

41:l,&c.    Is.  27:1.     Rev.  20:2. 
g  Ex.  12:35,36.   14:30. 
h   105:41.     Ex.   17:5,6.     Num. 

20:11.  Is.  48:21. 
1  Josh.   3:13,&c.      2  Kings  2:8, 


14.    Is.  11:16.  4-1:27.     Hab.  3: 

9.  Marg.  Rev.  16:10. 
^  Heb.  rivers  of  strength. 
k  136:7—9.    Gen.  1:3—5. 
18:3.    19:1—6.   136:7-9.     Gen. 

1:14—18.  Matt.  5:45. 
m  24:1,2.      Deut.   32:3.     Acts 

17:26. 
II   Heb.    made  them  summer, 

i-c.  Gen.  8:22.  Acts  14:17. 
n22.  89:50,51.   137:7.      Is.  62:6, 

7.  J\Iarg.    Rev.  16:19. 


what  that  crisis  would  be,  and  when  the  nation 
would  be  restored  to  prosperity.  [J^otes,  Dan. 
9:)  Consequently  the  pious  remnant,  dispersed 
in  distant  places,  must  in  general  have  been 
greatly  at  a  loss  on  these  subjects;  and  have  deep- 
ly regretted  the  want  of  prophets,  bringing  them 
explicit  and  encouraging  messages  from  God, 
suited  to  their  distressed  condition. — The  passage, 
however,  is  still  more  aptly  descriptive  of  the 
state  of  the  Jews,  in  their  present  long  continued 
dispersion:  and  we  may  well  suppose,  that  when 
numbers  of  that  nation  shall  be  led  to  inquire, 
on  what  account  they  have  been  left  in  captivity 
and  oppression,  for  a  term  of  years  so  vastly  ex- 
ceeding the  duration  of  the  Babylonish  captivity, 
without  priest,  prophet,  or  token  for  good,  or  in- 
dication how  long  it  will  be  before  they  are  re- 
stored; this  Psalm  will  direct  or  even  express 
their  complaints  and  devotions.  (JVbies,  Gen.  49: 
10.  Deut.  4:25—28.  Hos.  3:4,5.)— It  may  also 
suit  the  state  of  the  Christian  church,  under  the 
tyranny  of  antichrist,  the  entire  termination  of 
which  cannot  yet  be  precisely  ascertained. 

V.  10,  11.  The  reproaches  and  blasphemies, 
which  insulting  idolaters  incessantly  poured  out 
against  God  and  his  worshippers,  seem  to  have 
more  grieved  these  supplicants,  than  their  own 
distresses;  and  this  was  their  principal  plea  in 
prayer.  [J^otes,  44:23—26.  79:8—13.  89:38—45, 
50,51.  Is.  51:9—11.) 

V.  12.  'Why  .should  we  despair  of  it,  since 
'the  great  God,  whom  they  deride,  has  many 
'ages  ago  undertaken  the  government  and  pro- 
'tection  of  us,'  (the  nation  of  Israel,)  'working  for 
'us  such  deliverances  in  this  land,  which  now  lies 
'waste,  as  astonished  all  the  world.'  Bp.  Patrick. 
{Marg.Ref.—2Kings  19:  2  CAr.  14:9—15.  20: 
1—30.) 

Salvalion.]  The  original  is  plural,  Salvations; 
referring  to  the  many  wonderful  dehverances, 
which  God  had  in  former  ages  wrought  for  Israel. 

V.  13—17.  Pharaoh  as  the  great  leviathan, 
[jYoles,  Job  41:)  and  his  captains  and  soldiers  as 
sea-monsters  of  inferior  size,  were  ready  to  de- 
vour Israel  in  the  Red  Sea;  but  were  themselves 


B.  C.  580. 


PSALM  LXXIV. 


B.  C.  580. 


hath  reproached,  O  Lord,  and  that 
°  the  foolish  people  have  hlaspher*ed  thy 
name. 

19  O  deliver  not  the  soul  of  Pthy 
turtle-dove  unto  the  multitude  of  the 
wicked:  i  forget  not  the  congregation  of 
thy  poor  for  ever. 

20  ■■  Have  respect  unto  the  cove- 
nant: for  ^  the  dark  places  of  the  earth 
are   full   of  the  ^  habitations  of  cruelty. 


o    1-1:1.    39:  .    94:2—3.     Deut. 

32:27.    Is.  37:23,24.    Ez.  20:14. 
Hti8:13.     Cant.    2:14.    4:1.  6:9. 

Is.  «0:.'?.     Matt.  10:16. 
q  63:10.  72:2.  Zeph.  3:12.  Jam. 

2:5,6. 
r  89:28,34-^6,39.    105:3.    106: 


Gen.  17:7.      Kx.  24:6—: 

Lev.    26:40—42.      Deut.    9:27. 

Jer.  33:20—26.     Luke   1:72  — 

75. 
s  Deut.  12:31.     Rom.  1:29—31. 

Eph.  4:17,18. 
t  5:S.    Gen.  49:5—7. 


entirely  destroyed:  and  the  people  were  enriched 
and  armed  by  the  spoils  of  their  enemies,  as  well 
as  encouraged  for  their  march  through  the  wil- 
derness. {J^otes,  Ex.  14:  1.5:)  There  the  rock 
was  cleft  to  give  them  water,  and  then  Jordan's 
flood  was  dried  up  to  open  tlieir  passage  into  Ca- 
naan. [Jfotes,  Ex.  11:1— 1.  Josh.  3:  4:)  These 
had  been  the  tokens  of  Jehovah's  care  of  them, 
and  his  power  displayed  in  their  behalf:  and  the 
appointment  of  the  succession  of  night  and  da}', 
and  of  summer  and  winter,  through  all  the  bor- 
ders of  the  earth,  by  Israel's  God,  was  a  most  en- 
couraging demonstration  of  his  omnipotence;  and 
an  emblem  of  the  favorable  change,  which  the 
afflicted  Jews  hoped  he  would  effect  in  their  cir- 
cumstances. [JVotes,  Gen.  1:3 — 5,14 — 19.  8:20 — 
22.  h.  54:6 — 10.) — The  words,  rendered  "the 
people  inhabiting  the  wilderness,"  may  signify  the 
wild  beasts  which  live  in  deserts;  and  the  clause 
may  mean,  that  the  bodies  of  Pharaoh  and  his 
captains,  being  thrown  on  shore,  were  devoured 
by  beasts  of  prey. 

V.  Iti.  J^otes,  21,22.14:1.89:50,51.  Deut.  32: 
26,27. 

V.  19.  The  word,  rendered  first  "multitude" 
and  then  "congregation,"  signifies  living,  or  a 
lioing  creature.  It  is  often  translated  "beast,"  or 
collectively  "beasts:"  but  in  many  places  it  evi- 
dently means  a  living  multitude.  (jVb<e,  68:30.) 
Some  read  this  verse  in  connexion  with  the  fore- 
going, "O  deliver  not  the  life  of  thy  turtle  into 
the  hand  of  that  multitude,"  namely,  the  multi- 
tude of  the  foolish  people  who  blasphemed  God. 
— The  church,  as  faithful  and  loving,  pure  and 
harmless,  destitute  and  defenceless,  and  silently 
mourning  under  the  displeasure  and  at  the  ab- 
sence of  her  Beloved,  is  described  under  this 
beautiful  image.  Surely  the  Lord  valued  his 
turtle-dove  too  much,  to  leave  her  to  be  devoured 
by  the  hawks  and  eagles  which  surrounded  her. 
[Mclrg.  Ref.)  'Yet  hear  our  cries,  and  at  last 
'relieve  a  poor  helpless  compan}',  who  flee  unto 
'thee,  and  depend  upon  thee  alone  for  safety.'  Bp. 
Patrick. 

V.  20.  Though  Israel  was  unworthy  of  God's 
regard,  and  had  broken  their  national  covenant; 
yet  even  that  covenant  gave  intimation  of  return- 
ing favor  to  the  nation,  when  brought  to  confess 
their  sins  and  seek  humbly  to  God,  even  from  the 
ends  of  the  earth;  and  of  a  reinstatement  in  Ca- 
naan, after  their  dispersions.  [JVotes,  Lev.  26:40 
—42.  Deut.  4:29—31.  30:1—10.  1  Kings  8:46— 
53.)  And  the  covenant  with  Abraham  and  his 
seed,  and  that  with  David  and  his  seed,  were  in 
full  force.  {Marg.  Ref.  r.) — The  coming  of  the 
promised  Messiah  from  that  race  was  thus  unal- 
terably secured:  and  how  should  the  dark  places 
of  the  earth,  which  were  filled  with  the  habita- 
tions of  cruelty,  be  enlightened  and  converted,  or 
the  worship  of  God  be  at  all  maintained,  if  Israel 
Vol.  m.  35 


21  "  O  let  not  the  oppressed  return 
ashamed:  "  let  the  poor  and  needy  praise 
thy  name. 

22  ^  Arise,  O  God,  plead  thine  own 
cause:  ^  remember  how  the  foolish  man 
reproacheth  thee  daily. 

23  ^  Forget  not  the  voice  of  thine 
enemies:  *  the  tumult  of  those  that  rise 
up   against  thee    *increaseth    continual- 


u  9:18.     12:5.    102:19—21.     109: 

22.     Is.  45:17. 
V  102:21.     Ezra  3:11.     Jer.  33: 

11. 
X  9:19,20.  79:9,10. 


jr  IS.  75:4,5.  89:50,51.    Is.  52:5. 

z  10:11,12.   13:1. 

a  4.  2:1,2.     Is.  37:29.     Lam.  2: 

16.    Rev.  17:14. 
*  Heb.  ascendetk. 


were  destroyed  before  the  coming  of  that  Re- 
deemer, who  was  to  be  a  "Light  to  the  Gentiles, 
and  the  glory  of  his  people  Israel.'"' — 'All  places 
'where  thy  word  shineth  not,  there  reigneth  tyr- 
'anny  and  ambition.'  What  a  different  view  does 
this  verse  give  us  of  those  countries,  where  the 
oracles  of  God  are  not  known,  from  that  which 
some  travellers  and  speculators  draw  of  them! 
But  the  view  here  given  is  found  on  examination 
to  accord  with  the  real  state  of  things  all  over  the 
earth;  and  it  should  stimulate  Christians  to  exert 
themselves  in  endeavoring  to  send  the  light  of 
truth  to  the  regions  of  darkness,  and  the  habita- 
tions of  cruelt}^,  in  all  its  varied  and  horrid  form.-j. 

V.  21,  22.  'It  is  thy  own  cause,  as  well  as  ours: 
'therefore,  though  thou  waitest  to  be  called  on  by 
'us;  yet  thou  wilt  certainly  and  effectually  plead 
'it  in  due  time:  and  in  this  hops  we  thus  call  on 
'thee  to  arise  for  our  deliverance,  and  the  glory  of 
'thine  own  name.'  [J^otes,  9:18—20.  21:13.  79:0 
—13.  115:1,2.  Matt.  6:13.) 

V.  23.  'While  speaking,  she  seems  to  hear  the 
'tumultuous  clamors  of  the  approaching  enemy 
'growing  every  minute  louder,  as  they  advance; 
'and  we  leave  the  turtle-dove,  without  the  divine 
'assistance,  ready  to  sink  under  the  talons  of  the 
'rapacious  eagle.'    Bp.  Home.    [J^otes,  1 — 4. ) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

y.  1—12. 

Churches  and  nations,  professing  true  religion, 
have  often  provoked  God  finally  to  cast  them  off; 
so  that  he  would  no  longer  acknowledge  them  as 
his  flock  or  inheritance.  But  "the  sheep"  whom 
he  has  purchased,  and  brought  into  his  pasture, 
and  made  to  answer  in  character  to  this  instruct- 
ive emblem,  and  in  whom  he  dwells  by  his  Spirit, 
shall  never  be  thus  cast  off.  Yet  the  rod  of  hi.s 
fatherly  correction  may  sometimes  be  mistaken 
for  the  sword  of  his  vengeance;  the  purification  of 
his  church,  by  the  destruction  or  dispersion  of  de- 
generate professors,  may  make  his  people  think 
that  he  intends  to  "make  a  full  end"  with  them; 
and  the  methods  used  for  the  mortification  of  the 
evil  propensities  of  believers,  sometimes  seem  to 
threaten  the  destruction  of  their  souls.  [JVotes, 
Rom.  7:22 — 25.)  But  God  will  never  utterly  for- 
sake any  individual,  who  turns  to  him,  by  penitent 
faith,  wnen  he  is  corrected;  nor  any  church,  while 
there  is  a  considerable  remnant  of  such,  as  wrestle 
with  him  in  fervent  prayer  to  spare  and  deliver 
them:  nor  can  the  gates  of  hell  prevail  against 
his  cause. — Infidels,  persecutors,  and  heretics, 
who  do  wickedly  in  God's  sanctuary,  may  make 
grievous  desolations;  they  may  erect  their  trophies, 
and  glory  in  the  mischief  which  they  have  devised; 
they  may  run  down  the  truth,  .silence  faithful 
ministers,  shut  up  places  of  worship,  and  perse- 
cute Christians:  and  they  may  say  in  their  hearts, 
'Let  us  destroy  them  and  their  religion  together.' 

[273 


B.  C.  1048. 


PSALM  LXXV. 


B.  C.  1048. 


PSALM  LXXV. 


The  people  bless  God  for  the  tokens  of  his  presence,  1.  The 
Psalmist  determines  to  judje  uprightly,  2,  3.  He  expostulates 
with  the  wieked,  warning  them  of  the  power  and  righteous 
vengeance  of  God,  4 — 8.  He  resolves  to  praise  God,  and  to 
administer  justice  impartially,  9,  JO. 

To   the    chief  Musician,     *  Al-taschith, 
A  Psahn  or  Song  t  of  Asaph. 

UNTO  thee,  O  God,  do  we  give 
thanks,  unto  thee  do  we  give 
thanks;  ''^  for  that  thy  name  is  near,  ^  thy 
wondrous  works  declare. 

*   Or,     Destroy    not.      51:    53: 

litles. 
f  Or,  for  Jlsaph. 


a  76:1.     138:2.     Ex 
6,7.  Jer.  10:6. 
b  Deut.  4:7,33,34. 


In  the  mystery  of  Providence  they  may  for  a  time 
prosper:  and  the  oppressed  servants  of  God  may 
complain,  that  they  see  no  tokens  of  deliverance, 
have  none  to  encourage  or  counsel  them,  and  can- 
not tell  how  long-  these  calamities  will  last.  But 
this  remnant  is  the  seed  of  a  future  harvest:  they 
pray  with  fervent  zeal  for  the  glory  of  God,  that 
he  would  not  withdraw  his  hand,  or  delay  his 

Eowerful  interposition;  but  that  he  would  "pluck 
is  right  hand  out  of  his  bosom,"  to  defend  the 
Ga>use  of  his  people,  and  to  vindicate  his  own  in- 
sulted honor.  Such  prayers  have  hitherto  pre- 
vailed: and  the  despised  church  has  survived  vast 
numbers  of  those  assailants,  who  once  triumphed 
over  her,  but  are  now  perished  as  the  dung  of  the 
«arth.  Indeed  we  cannot  be  too  confident  that 
the  cause  of  God  will  prevail:  we  are  allowed  to 
expostulate  with  him  freely,  according  to  our 
feelings,  when  we  are  grieved  to  hear  his  name 
blasphemed,  and  his  truth  reviled;  and  every  for- 
mer mercy  to  his  church  constitutes  a  cogent  ar- 
gument, why  he  should  again  interpose  to  perfect 
what  he  has  so  gloriously  begun. 
V.  13—23. 
The  triumph  of  Christ  over  Satan,  by  his  cru- 
cifixion and  resurrection,  and  the  consequent 
success  of  his  gospel  among  the  Gentiles,  may  be 
urged  as  a  far  greater  display  of  his  power  and 
mercy,  than  any  of  the  miracles  wrought  for  the 
deliverance  of  Israel.  If  this  God,  who  thus 
wrought  salvation  in  the  midst  of  the  earth,  be  our 
King  whom  we  willingly  obey;  he  will  make  every 
assault  of  Satan,  that  great  leviathan,  and  of  all 
his  progeny,  to  be  profitable  to  our  souls.  If  we 
drink  of  those  waters,  which  flow  from  our  smit- 
ten Rock,  even  the  sanctifying  influences  of  the 
Spirit  of  Christ;  U^oles,  Ex.  17:1—6.)  he  wUl  also 
divide  Jordan's  flood  before  us,  that  we  may  pass 
comfortably  from  this  wilderness  to  the  inherit- 
ance prepared  for  us. — The  vicissitudes  of  day 
and  night,  summer  and  winter,  (through  the 
changing  of  our  situation  in  respect  of  the  sun, 
the  fountain  of  light  which  God  has  prepared,) 
are  emblematic  of  those  changes  in  our  circum- 
stances and  experiences,  which  must  take  place 
on  earth;  and  should  remind  us  neither  to  be  se- 
cure, nor  to  despond.  (JVb<e,  Jam.  1:16 — 18.)  But 
in  the  world  above,  we  shall  have  no  more  changes: 
"our  Sun  shall  no  more  go  down,  and  the  days  of 
our  mourning  will  be  ended"."  While,  in  faith, 
and  hope,  and  patience,  we  wait  for  this  comple- 
tion of  our  personal  felicity;  we  may  also  confi- 
dently expect  a  glorious  event  of  all  the  oppres- 
sions, persecutions,  and  corruptions,  which  have 
hitherto  harassed  the  Christian  church.  We  may 
indeed  well  inquire  of  the  Lord,  with  astonish- 
ment, how  long  he  will  permit  his  adversaries  to 
blaspheme  his  name.  But  it  shall  not  be  for  ever: 
and  the  folly  of  such  as  reproach  him  and  his  ser- 
vants, will  at  length  be  as  visible  to  all  men,  as  it 
now  is  to  the  remnant  of  despised  believers. 
(JVoie,  2  Tim.  3:6— 9.)— The  true  church  is  as 
amiable  and  pleasant  to  the  Lord  as  a  turtle-dove, 
274] 


2  •=  When  I  shall  +  receive  the  consrre- 
gation,  I  will  judge  uprightly. 

3  ^  The  earth  and  all  the  inhabitants 
thereof  are  dissolved:  *  I  bear  up  ^  the 
pillars  of  it.     Selah. 

4^1  said  unto  the  fools.  Deal  not 
foohshly:  and  to  the  wicked,  ^  Lift  not 
up  the  horn: 


c  78:70—72.   101:2.   2  Sam.  2:4. 

5:3.  8:15.  23:3,4. 
\  Or,  take  a  %et  time.     Ec.  3: 

17.     John  7:6.     Acts   1:7.   17: 

31. 
d  60:1—3.    78  60—72.      1  Sam. 

31:1—7.  Is.  24:1— 12. 


e  1  Sam.  18:7.    25:23.     2  Sam. 

5:2.  Is.  49:8.  Heb.  1:3. 
f  1  Sam.  2:8. 
g   82:2,&.c.    94:8.     Prov.    1:22. 

8:5.  9:6. 
h  39:17.   148:14.     Dan.  7:20,21. 

Zech.  1:21. 


though  poor  and  despicable  in  the  world's  estima- 
tion. His  covenant  with  the  Redeemer  engages 
for  more  extensive  blessings  than  have  yet  been 
vouchsafed.  Ere  long  the  Jews  shall  be  convert- 
ed, the  visible  church  purified,  every  antichrist 
destroyed,  and  the  fulness  of  the  Gentiles  called. 
This  time  approaches:  let  us  then  call  upon  ou. 
God  to  "have  respect  unto  his  covenant;"  to  en- 
lighten all  the  dark  nations  of  the  earth,  which 
are  filled  with  cruelty  and  wickedness;  and  tc 
rescue  his  people  from  shame  and  dishonor,  that 
the  poor  and  needy  may  praise  his  name.  Let  us 
call  upon  him  to  arise  and  "plead  his  own  cause," 
and  to  silence,  effectually  and  finally,  the  boast- 
ings and  clamors  of  his  enemies,  which  increase 
continually.  This  is  our  duty  and  privilege;  and 
all  the  prayers,  offered  in  this  behalf,  will  at 
length  terminate  in  loud  acclamations  of  praise 
and  thanksgiving. 

NOTES. 

Psalm  LXXV.  Title.  [Marg.Ref.)  If  Asaph 
wrote  this  psalm,  it  is  probable  that  he  did  it  by 
the  desire  of  David,  upon  his  accession  to  the 
throne  over  all  Israel:  and  the  psalm  seems  well 
suited  to  that  occasion. — Some,  however,  think 
that  another  Asaph  wrote  it,  in  tlie  days  of  Heze- 
kiah. 

V.  1.  Thy  name  is  near.'^  Jehovah,  exercis- 
ing all  the  perfections  of  his  glorious  name.,  or 
character,  was  evidently  nigh  unto  his  people;  as 
it  appeared  by  his  wondrous  works  for  them, 
which  excited  their  fervent  gratitude.  {JVotes,  76: 
i.  138:2.  Ex.  33:20—23.  34:3—7.  Jer.  10:6— -8. 
Matt.  28:19,20.) 

V.  2.  The  foregoing  verse  is  the  language  of 
the  congregation;  this,  and  those  which  follow, 
of  a  single  person,  and  that  person  a  ruler.  Some 
suppose,  that  the  Lord  himself  is  the  Speaker;, 
who  declares,  that  when  his  appointed  time  came, 
he  would  execute  judgment  in  righteousness. 
[Marg.  reading  and  Ref. — J'/'ote,  74:7,8.)  But 
others  think  that  David,  as  the  type  of  Christ, 
engages  to  rule  in  equity  v.hen  placed  over  the 
congregation  of  the  Lord.     [Jfoles,  fOl:) 

V.  3.  The  land  of  Israel  was  reduced  to  great 
distraction,  towards  the  close  of  Saul's  reign; 
every  thing  in  church  and  state  was  unhinged; 
and  the  defeat  at  Gilboa,  with  the  intestine  di- 
visions which  followed,  increased  the  confusion: 
but  David  had  been  anointed,  by  God's  com- 
mand, to  uphold  and  establish  the  estate  of  Is- 
rael. Even  before  his  accession,  he  had  been 
the  chief  stay  of  his  country:  and  when  the  whole 
nation  willingly  submitted  to  his  government, 
he,  by  those  magistrates  whom  hh  appointed,  and 
supported  in  the  exercise  of  their  authoritj',  soon 
brought  their  affairs  to  a  happy  settlement. 
[J^otes,  60:1-4.  Is.  24:1—12.  49:7,8.) 

V.  4.  The  words  rendered  "fools,"  and  "deal 
not  foolishly,"  seem  properly  to  denote  mad  per- 
sons, and  acting  in  an  infatuated  manner. — Saul 
of  Tarsus  was  exceedingly  "mad"  against  the 


B.  C.  1048. 


PSALM  LXXVI. 


B.  C.  710. 


the 
7 

teth 


5  Lift  not  up  your  horn  on  high: 
•  speak  not  with  a  stiff  neck. 

6  For  promotion  cometh  neither  from 
the   east,   nor   from  the   west,   nor  from 

*  south. 

But  ''God  is  the   Judge:  'he   put- 
down   one,  and  setteth  up  another. 

8  For  "  in  the  hand  of  the  Lord 
there  is  a  cup,  and  the  wine  is  red;  °  it 
is  full  of  mixture;  and  he  poureth  out  of 
the  same:  °  but  the  dregs  thereof,  all  the 
wicked  of  the  earth  shaU  wring  them  out, 
and  drink  them. 

9  But    P  I  will   declare    for    ever;    I 

15:16.     Rom.    11:15.      Gal.   1: 


i  Ex.  32:9.  Deut.  31:27.    2  Chr. 

30:8.  Is.  48:4.     Ez.  2:4.    Acts 

7:51. 
*  Heb.  desert. 
k50r6.  63:11. 
!  113:7,8.      iSam.   2:7,3.   15:23, 

28.   16:1.     2  Sam.  3:17,18.  5:2. 

6:21.      Je.r.   27:4—8.     Dan.  2: 

37.    5:18.      Luke    1:52.     John 


15. 
m  11:6.    60:3.     Job  21:20.     Is. 

51:17,22.     Jer.  25:15,17,27,28. 

Rev.  14:10.   16:19. 
n  Prov.  23:30.    Is.  5:22. 
o  73:10. 
p9:14.    104:33.    145:1,2.    146:2. 


church  of  Christ;  but  when  he  came  to  himself, 
and  was  endued  abundantly  with  heavenly  wis- 
dom, men  began  to  think  him  mad.  [JVotes,  Acts 
26:9—1 1 ,24— 29.)— Lift  not  up  the  /iorn.]  J\Ia7-g. 
Ref.  h. 

V.  5.  The  last  clause  may  be  rendered,  "Ye 
wUl  speak  with  a  stiff  neck,"  or,  "Will  ye,"  &c..' 
[J^Iarg.  Ref.) 

V.  6,  7.  Jpod,  the  supreme  Judg'e,  had  put 
down  Saul's  family,  and  appointed  David  to  the 
throne:  and  his  promotion  had  come  from  no  oth- 
er quarter  or  cause.  It  would  be  madness  there- 
fore to  oppose  any  long-er  the  sovereign  appoint- 
ment of  .Jehovah.  {JIarg.  Ref. — JVbles,  2:  1 
Sam.  2:4—8.) 

V.  8.  Heavenly  blessings  are,  in  scripture, 
represented  by  a  cup  full  of  wholesome,  exhil- 
arating wine:  [Jfotes,  116:13.  Matt.  26:26—29.) 
but  the  wrath  of  God  is  represented  by  a  cup  of 
wine,  mingled  with  ingredients  of  that  kind, 
which  tend  to  produce  fear,  distress,  and  despon- 
dencj';  and,  if  drunk  to  excess,  horror,  infatua- 
tion, anguish,  and  despair.  From  this  cup  the 
Lord  dispenses  as  he  pleases  to  sinners  in  this 
world;  and  even  his  people  drink  some  of  the 
wine  contained  in  it,  when  chastened  in  his  fa- 
therly displeasure:  but  the  dregs  of  it  will  be  the 
portion  of  all  the  impenitent  hereafter;  who  will 
wring  them  out,  and  drink  them,  to  all  eternity. 
[Marg.Ref.—J^ote,   11:6.) 

V.  9,  10.  Before  David  came  to  the  throne, 
he  warned  the  wicked  not  to  proceed  in  their 
evil  courses:  but  he  purposed,  now  that  he  had 
acquired  authority,  effectually  to  break  the  power 
of  triumphant  wickedness,  and  to  encourage  and 
prefer  the  righteous;  as  an  apt  representative  of 
that  righteous  King,  whom  he  typified.  (Marg. 
Ref.—J\'ote,  2.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  whole  church,  militant  and  triumphant, 
unites  in  thanksgivings  to  God  for  exalting  the 
Redeemer  to  his  mediatorial  throne;  and  the  dis- 
coveries made  of  the  glorious  perfections  of  God, 
in  those  wonderful  works,  by  which  this  was  ef- 
fected, especially  declares  his  presence  with  his 
people.  Without  him,  the  earth  and  all  its  in- 
habitants would  rush  impetuously  into  univc:  sal 
confusion,  impietj-,  iniquity,  and  ruin:  he  alone 
"bears  up  the  pillars  of  it;"  and  upholds  and  sup- 
ports all  those,  whom  he  employs  in  supporting 
his  cause  in  the  world:  {JVote,  1   Tim.  3:14,15.) 


will  sing  praises  to    the   God  of  Jacol). 
10  'J  All  the  horns  of  the  wicked  also 
will    I    cut  off;    but  "■  the   horns   of  the 
righteous  shall  be  exalted. 

PSALM    LXXVL 

The  Psalmist  praises  God,  who  had  defended  his  people  and 
crushed  their  enemies,  1 — 10.  He  exhorts  all  to  serve  God 
reverently,  11,  12. 

To    the    chief   Musician  on  '^  Neginoth, 
A  Psalm  07'  Song  *of  Asaph. 
N  Judah  ''  is  God  known:  "=  his  name 
is  great  in  Israel. 

2  In    "^  Salem  also  is   his  tabernacle, 
and  ®  his  dwelling-place  in  Zion. 

3  ^  There  brake  he  the  arrows  of  the 

Jer.  48:25.     Zech.  1: 


q  101:8 

20,21. 
r  89:17.    92:10.    148:14.     Luke 

1:69. 
a  4:  54:  61:  67:  titles. 
*  Or,  for. 
b  48:1— 3.    147:19,20.     Deut.  4: 

34—36.     Acts  17:23.    Rom.  2: 

17,&c.  3:1,2. 


c  98:2,3.   148:13,14.     1  Chr.  29: 

10—12.     2  Chr.  2:5,6.     Dan. 

3:29.  4:1,2. 
d  Gen.  14:18.     Heb.  7:1,2. 
e    132:13,14.      2   Chr.  6:6.     Is. 

12:6. 
f46:9.      2  Chr.  14:12,13.  20:25. 

32:21.  Ez.  39:3,9,10. 


and  all  the  present  hopes  and  future  happiness  of 
any  of  the  human  race  spring  from  the  righteous- 
ness, atonement,  intercession,  and  authority  of 
the  incarnate  Son  of  God.  Having  received  his 
congregation  of  redeemed  sinners,  and  the  king- 
dom over  all  for  their  sake,  he  judges  uprightly: 
and  by  his  ministers  he  warns  such  as  proudly 
rebel,  and  exalt  themselves  against  him,  not  to 
deal  madly  and  foolishly,  or  to  harden  their  hearts 
to  their  own  destruction. — That  God,  who  exalt- 
ed the  Redeemer  to  his  throne,  is  the  Fountain 
of  honor,  as  well  as  the  Judge  of  all:  none  can 
prosper  who  do  not  submit  to  him.  He  will  ac- 
count all  to  be  his  enemies,  who  will  not  have  his 
beloved  Son  to  be  their  Lord  and  Savior;  and 
such  must  for  ever  drink  of  the  cup  of  his  dread- 
ful vengeance.  But  while  all  the  horns  of  tlie 
wicked  shall  be  cut  off,  and  their  ruin  completed; 
his  church  shall  inherit  the  throne  of  glory.  Let 
sinners  then  submit  to  him:  let  believers  rejoice 
in  and  obey  him:  and  let  Christian  magistrates 
remember  their  obligations  to  imitate  him,  from 
whom  they  have  their  authority;  that  they  maj'^ 
judge  righteously,  maintain,  by  the  improvement 
of  their  talent,  and  by  all  scriptural  means,  the 
cause  of  piety:  that  they  may  crush  the  haughty 
oppressor,  and  protect,  advance,  and  exalt  the 
righteous.  And  let  the  people  recollect,  fVom 
whom  their  rulers  have  their  authority;  that  they 
"may  be  subject  not  only  for  wrath,  but  also  for 
conscience'  sake."  ^ 

NOTES. 

Psalm  LXXVI.  Title.  Some  copies  of  the 
Septuagint  add  to  this  title,  "against  tlie  Assyr- 
ian." The  deliverance  from  Sennacherib  indeed 
seems  to  have  been  celebrated  in  this  Psalm. 

V.  1.  In  Judah  and  Israel  God  was  known 
and  worshipped,  and  his  name  was  honored;  but 
in  no  other  part  of  the  world,  except  as  Jews  or 
Israelites  were  dispersed  through  other  nations. 
[Jlarg.  Ref .—JVotes,  4V,:2,3.  147:19,20.  Acts  11  z 
22—31.  I  Cor.  1:20— 24.)— Indeed  to  this  day, 
all  the  genuine  knowledge  of  the  one  living  and 
true  God,  which  is  found  on  earth,  may  be  trac- 
ed back  to  writers  and  teachers  of  this  despised 
nation.  Where  neither  they  nor  their  writings 
have  come,  God  is  still  unknown;  and  if  there  be 
any  religion,  it  is  idolatry.  This  assertion  ad- 
mits of  no  exception  or  qualification.  (JVote, 
Zech.  8:20—23.   Rom.  3:1,2.) 

V.  2.  [Jlarg.  Ref.)  "Salem"  here  evidently 
medins  Jerusalem.     (jVote.,  Gen.  14:18 — 20.) 

[275 


B.  C.  710. 


PSALM  LXXVI. 


B.  C.  710. 


bow,  the  shield,   and   the  sword,  and  the 
battle.     Selah. 

4  Thou  art  more  glorious  and  excel- 
lent than  ^  the  mountains  of  prey. 

5  ''  The  stout-hearted  are  spoiled, 
'  they  have  slept  their  sleep:  ^  and  none 
of  the  men  of  might  have  found  their 
hands. 

6  *  At  thy  rebuke,  O  God  of  Jacob, 
™both  the  chariot  and  horse  are  cast 
into  "  a  dead  sleep. 

7  Thou,  °  even  thou,  art  to  be  fear- 
ed,: and  P  who  may  stand  in  thy  sight 
*i  when  once  thou  art  angry? 

8  Thou  "■  didst  cause  judgment   to  be 

20.     Nah.  2:13.    3:18.     Zech. 


gjer.  4:7.     Ez.    19:1 — 1,6.    3S: 

1-2,13.     Dan.  7:4— 8,17,&,c. 
h    Job    40.10—12.      Is.     46:12. 

Dan.  4:37.    Luke  1:51,52. 
i    13:3.     Is.   37:36.     Jer.   61:39. 

Nah.  3:18. 
k  Is.  31:8.  Ez.  30:21—25. 
1  13:15.  80:16.   104:7. 
m  Ex.    14:27,28.    15:4—6,10.    2 

Sam.  10:18.  Is.  37:36.    Ez.  39: 


12:4. 
n  1  Sam.  26:12.  Jer.  51:39,57. 
o  89:7.     Jer.   10:7—10.'      Matt. 

10:23.  Rev.  14:7.   15:4. 
p  90:11.    Nah.  1:6.     1  Cor.  10: 

22.     Rev.  6:16,17. 
q2:12. 
r  Judj.  5:20.    2  Chr.  32:20—22. 

Ez.  38:20—23. 


heard    from   heaven;    the   eai-th   feared, 
'^  and  was  still, 

9  When  *  God  arose  to  judgment, 
"to  save  all  the  meek  of  the  earth.  Se- 
lah. 

10  Surely  ''the  wrath  of  man  shall 
praise  thee;  ^  the  remainder  of  wrath 
shalt  thou  restrain. 

11^  Vow,  and  pay  unto  the  Lord 
your  God:  "  let  all  that  be  round  about 
him  bring  presents  *  unto  him  that  ought 
to  be  feared. 

12  ^  He  shall  cut  off  the  spirit  of 
princes:  he  is  '^  terrible  to  the  kings  of 
the  earth. 


s  46:10.     2  Chr.  20:29,30.  Hab. 

2:20.     Zech.  2:13. 
t9:7— 9.    72:4.82:2-5.     Is.  11: 

4.  Jer.  5:28. 
u25:9.   149:4.  Zeph.  2:3.  Matt. 

5:5.     1  Pet.  3:4. 
X   Gen.   37:18—20,26—28.     50: 

20.      Ex.     9:16,17.      15:9—11. 

Acts  4:26— 23.   Rev.  11:18. 
y  46:6.   65:7.   104:9.    Matt.  2:13 


—16.  24:22.    Acts  12:3.&c. 
z  50:14.     119:106.      Num.  30:2. 

Ec.  5:4—6. 
a  68:29.    89:7.     Dent.  16:16.    2 

Chr.  32:22,23. 
*  Heb.  tofear.    Gen.  31:42. 
b48:4— 6.  68:12,35.     Josh.  5:1. 

2  Chr.  32:21.     Zeph.  3:6. 
c  Is.  13:6—8.  24:21.  Rev.  6:15. 

19:17—21. 


V.  3.  The  enemies  of  Judah  had  often  march- 
ed to  besiege  Jerusalem,  with  every  kind  of  war- 
like preparation:  but,  by  the  power  of  God,  tliese 
formidable  preparations  became  entirely  useless, 
and  they  were  unable  to  join  battle  with  them. 
[Marg.  Ref.—JVotes,  5,6.  46:8,9.  2  Chr.  14:9— 
15.  20:22—25.  32:17—22.) 

V.  4.  Zion,  the  chosen  residence  of  Jehovah, 
was  immensely  more  glorious  and  excellent  than 
Babylon  or  Nineveh;  and  the  kingdom  of  Judah, 
than  those  renowned  monarchies,  which  con- 
tended with  each  other,  to  the  destruction  of  the 
human  species,  as  the  beasts  of  prey  on  the 
mountains  devour  the  feebler  animals.  (JVbie, 
Dan.  7:2,3.)  The  success  of  the  ambitious  war- 
riors, in  these  destructive  contests  for  power, 
were  deemed  their  glory  and  excellency:  but 
the  church,  beloved  and  protected  by  the  Lord, 
and  devoted  to  his  service,  had  a  glory  and  ex- 
cellency of  a  nobler  kind.  U^otes,  87:3 — 6.  P. 
O.—JTotes,  Ez.  15:1—6.  P.  O.) 

V.  5,  6.  These  verses  fix  the  date  of  this 
psalm,  to  the  time  of  the  destruction  of  Senna- 
cherib's army  before  Jerusalem.  Then,  his 
stout-hearted  captains  and  soldiers  were  sudden- 
ly deprived  of  life:  and,  so  far  from  being  able  to 
destroy  Jerusalem,  as  they  had  boasted  they 
would;  they  could  make  no  more  resistance  to 
the  power  of  the  destroying  angel,  than  if  their 
hands  had  been  cut  off:  for,  at  the  rebuke  of  that 
God  whom  they  had  blasphemed,  those  who  rode 
in  chariots  and  on  horses,  as  well  as  the  common 
soldiers,  were  cast  into  a  dead  sleep.  They  went 
to  sleep  in  the  evening  as  in  security;  but  they 
awoke  no  more  in  this  world:  and  thus  they  were 
left  to  be  plundered  by  those  whom  they  came  to 
plunder.  {JIarg.  Ref. — J^otes,  2  Kings  19:35— 
37.) 

V.  7.  [Koles,  10—12.  Jer.  10:6—10.  Matt. 
10:27,20.  ilei).  6:15— 17.  15:1— 4.)— 'Neither  the 
'wisdom  of  the  wise,  nor  the  power  of  the  mighty, 
'no,  not  the  world  itself,  can  stand  a  single  mo- 
'ment  before  him,  "when  once  he  is  angry." 
'Yet  we  continue  to  dread  any  frowns  but  those 
'of  heaven:  and  one  poor,  vain,  sinful  man  shall, 
'through  a  course  of  sixty  or  seventy  years,  in- 
'cessantly  and  undauntedly  tempt  and  provoke 
'him,  who  destroyed  185,000  in  a  night.  What 
'is  this  but  madness.'*'     Bp  Home. 

V.  8,  9.  riezekiah  referred  his  cause  to  God 
by  fervent  prayer;  who  by  the  prophet  Isaiah 
276] 


gave  judgment  from  heaven  against  the  blasphe- 
mous invaders:  and  then  the  angel  carried  the 
sentence  into  execution.  [JSTotes,  2  Kings  19:14 
—35.  /«.  ]0:7—19,24— 34.  29:5,6.  30:29—33.  33:) 
Thus  the  Lord  saved  his  humble  and  afflicted 
people  throughout  the  land;  the  nations  of  the 
earth,  being  intimidated,  silently  <&si.sted  from 
their  designs  of  destroying  or  enslaving  them; 
and  the  land  of  Israel  enjoyed  profound  peace. 

V.  10.  The  rage  and  malice  of  the  most  mighty 
persecutors  and  tyrants,  were  always  rendered 
subservient  to  the  display  of  Jehov.'Vh's  glory, 
and  to  the  good  of  his  people.  And  if  they,  hav- 
ing undesignedly  accomplished  his  purposes,  pro- 
ceeded to  attempt  any  thing  which  was  inconsist- 
ent with  that  object,  he  failed  not  to  restrain  or 
destroy  them.  This  he  had  exemplified  in  the  case 
of  Sennacherib,  who,  being  "ordained  for  cor- 
rection," fJVbte,  Hah.  1:12—17.)  and  sent 
"against  a  hypocritical  nation,"  was  successful 
in  his  undertakings,  till  he  had  fulfilled  the  part 
of  the  divine  counsel  which  had  been  allotted 
him;  but  when  he  attempted  to  exceed  his  com- 
mission, he  was  suddenly  and  effectually  restrain- 
ed from  proceeding  any  further.  And  this  must 
be  considered  as  a  specimen  of  the  divine  conduct 
in  all  similar  cases.  [Marg.  Ref. — J^otes,  46:5 — 
11.  Gen.  50:20.  Dan.  11:2— 4.  Acts  2:22— 24.  4: 
23—28.) 

V.  11,  12.  As  the  Lord  had  shewn  himself  ter- 
rible to  the  kings  of  the  earth,  by  intimidating 
the  most  courageous,  and  crushing  the  most 
powerful  and  haughty;  so  he  ought  to  be  wor- 
shipped with  reverence  and  awe  by  all  that  ap- 
proached him:  (JVbtes,  48:4—7.  89:6—12.  Jer. 
5:20—25.  Dan.  5:5—9.  Heb.  12:26—29.  Rev.  6: 
12 — 17.)  and  his  late  interposition,  in  hehalf  of 
his  people,  should  excite  them  to  pay  the  vows 
which  they  made  in  the  day  of  their  distress,  and 
to  accompany  their  prayers  with  vows  on  all 
similar  occasions;  being  liberal  as  well  as  fervent 
in  expressing  their  gratitude  to  their  gracious 
Benefactor.  [Marg.  Ref. — JVotes,  66:13 — 15. 
116:13—19.  Ec.  5:4—7.  J\''ah.  1:9—15.) 
PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
God  is  more  fully  known,  in  the  harmony  of 
his  attributes,  under  the  Christian  dispensation, 
than  he  was  in  Judah:  and  his  glory  is  greater, 
as  dwelling  in  human  nature,  than  it  was  former- 
ly, when  he  had  his  tabernacle  on  mount  Zion, 
and  was  the  Protector  of  Jerusalem.     In  vain  do 


B.  C.   1020. 


PSALM  LXXVII. 


B.  C.  1020. 


PSALM   LXXVIL 

The  Psalmiit  relates,  what  a  sharp  conflict  against  despondency 
he  had  sustained,  when  under  affliction,  1—9;  and  how  he 
baffled  the  temptation,  by  meditating  on  the  wondrous  works 
of  God  for  Israel,  10—20. 

To   the    cliicf  Musician,  to   *  Jeduthun, 

A  Psalm  *of  Asaph. 
*»  T  CRIED  unto  God  with  my  voice, 

i  even  unto  God  with  my  voice;  *=  and 
he  gave  ear  unto  me. 

2  ^  In  the  day  of  my  trouble  I  sought 
the  Lord:  ®  ray  t  sore  ran  in  the  night, 
and  ceased  not:  ^  my  soul  refused  to  be 
comforted. 

3^1  remembered  God,  and  was  trou- 


a  39:  62:  titles.  1  Chr.  16:41,42. 
25:3,6. 

»  Or,/or.  50:  title. 

b  3:4.  34:6.  55:16,17.    142:1—3. 

C  116:1,2. 

i  18:0.  50:15.  83:1—3.  102:1,2. 
130:1,2.  Gen.  32:7—12,28.  2 
Kings  19:3,4,15—20.  Is.  26:9, 
16.    Jon.  2:1,2.     2  Cor.  12:7,3. 


Heb.  5:7. 
e  6:2,3.    38:3-3.     2  Chr.  6:28. 

Is.  1:5,6.  Hos.  5:13.  6:1. 
fHeb.   hand. 
f  Gen.    37:35.       Ksth.    4:1—4. 

Prov.  18:14.    Jer.  31:15.  John 

11:31. 
g  Job  6:4.  23:15,16.  31:23.  Jer. 

17:17. 


Satan  and  his  servants  wage  implacable  war,  with 
tremendous  preparations,  ag-ainst  the  church:  the 
Lord  has  often  confounded  their  devices,  marred 
their  weapons  of  war,  and  destroyed  their  armies. 
His  peaceful,  harmless,  and  holy  people  have  fre- 
quently been  shewn  to  be  more  formidable  by 
their  prayers,  as  well  as  more  honorable  and  ex- 
cellent, than  the  most  successful  scourges  of 
mankind:  and  happy  is  that  nation,  whicli  is  well 
fortified  with  these  bulwarks;  for  what  is  valor, 
strength,  or  numbers,  against  the  Almighty.'  At 
his  rebuke  they  tremble,  stumble,  and  are  not! 
He  "alone  is  to  be  feared;  for  who  may  stand  in 
his  sight  when  once  he  is  angry.''"  Yet  puny 
mortals  dare  madly,  through  their  whole  lives,  to 
defy  the  vengeance  of  that  God,  one  of  whose  in- 
numerable company  of  angels  in  one  night  de- 
stroyed a  hundred  and  eighty-five  thousand  men! 
But  if  temporal  judgments  excite  such  consterna- 
tion, what  will  be  the  case  when  the  Lord  shall 
arise  to  judgment  at  the  last  day!  Happy  they, 
who  are  now  meek  and  "poor  in  spirit;"  who  trust 
in  his  mercy  and  submit  to  his  will,  who  vow 
allegiance  to  him,  and  dedicate  their  all  to  his 
service!  Man  may  despise  or  be  enraged  at  them, 
and  the  powers  of  darkness  may  excite  storms 
around  them;  but  all  shall  turn  to  the  glory  of 
God  in  their  salvation:  and  when  their  enemies 
attempt  any  thing,  which  would  do  them  real 
harm,  God  will  restrain  this  remainder  of  their 
wrath.  {JS'otes,  Rom.  8:28—39.)  Let  us  then 
seek  his  favor  as  our  portion;  and  commit  all  our 
concerns  to  his  wise,  powerful,  and  gracious  care, 
who  can  dispirit  or  destroy  the  most  courageous 
and  mighty,  and"  is  terrible  to  the  ungodly  kings 
of  the  earth. 

NOTES. 
Psalm  LXXVIL  Title.  'A  psalm  composed 
'by  Asaph,  and  sent  by  him  to  that  Song-master, 
'who  was  over  the  children  of  Jeduthun.'  Bp. 
Patrick. — It  is  however  uncertain,  when  the 
psalm  was  written,  and  whether  it  refers  to  the 
personal  trials  of  the  Psalmist,  or  to  public  ca- 
lamities, or  to  both  combined. — Some  conjecture 
that  it  was  composed,  as  expressive  of  Hezekiah's 
feelings,  during  his  sickness;  and  others  that  it 
was  written  during  the  captivity:  but,  as  no  refer- 
ence is  made  to  any  of  God's  dealings  with  Israel, 
subsequent  to  their  deliverance  out  of  Egypt,  it 
seems  more  likely  that  it  was  written  as  early  as 
the  time  of  David,  and  by  that  Asaph  who  was 
his  contemporary.     {Marg.  Ref.) 


bled:  ''  I  complained,  and  '  my  spirit  was 
overwhelmed.     Selah. 

4  Thou  ^  boldest  mine  eyes  waking: 
'  I   am  so  troubled  that  I  cannot  speak. 

5  ■"  I  have  considered  the  days  of  old, 
the  years  of  ancient  times. 

6  I  call  to  remembrance  °  my  song  in 
the  night:  °  I  commune  with  mine  own 
heart;  p  and  my  spirit  made  diligent 
search. 

7  1  Will  the  Lord  cast  off  for  ever? 
and  'will  he  be  favorable  no  more.'' 

8  ^  Is  his  mercy  clean  gone  for  ever.'* 
*  doth  his  promise  fail  +  for  evermore.'' 


h88:3,&c.    102:3,&C.  Job  7:11. 

Lam.  3:39. 
155:4,5.  61:2.    142:2,3.  143:4. 
k6:6.  Estb.  6:1.    Job  7:13— 15. 
1  Job  2:13.  6:3. 
m  74:12—13.    143:5.  Deut.  32:7. 

Is.  51:9.63:9— 15.  Mic.  7:1 1,15. 
n42:8.     Job  35:10.     Hab.3:17, 

13.     Acts  16:25. 
o4:4.    Ec.  1:16. 


p  139:23,24.  Job  10:2.  Larn. 
3:40.     1  Cor.  11:20— 32. 

q  13:1,2.  37:24.  74:1.  89:38,46. 
Jer.  33.24—26.    Rom.  11:1,2. 

r79:5.  85:1,5. 

s  Is.  27:11.    Luke  16:25,26. 

tNum.  14:34.  23:19.  Jer.  15; 
18.    Rom.  9:6. 

t  Heb.  to  generation  and  gen- 
eration. 


V.  1.  The  abruptness  of  the  original  is  very 
expressive  of  the  agitation  of  mind,  which  the 
Psalmist  had  experienced.  "My  voice  unto 
God,  and  I  cried;  my  voice  unto  God,  and  he 
gave  ear  unto  me." — Till  his  prayer  received  a 
gracious  answer,  this  agitation  of  mind  continued, 
and  he  proceeds  to  describe  it,  and  to  shew  how 
he  struggled  against  impatience  and  unbelief. 
(JVbfe*,  40:1— 3.    116:1—4.) 

V.  2.  My  sore.'\  According  to  this  transla- 
tion, the  Psalmist  represents  his  affliction,  what- 
ever it  was,  as  a  wound  which  bled  or  ran  inces- 
santly, wasting  his  strength  during  the  night, 
while  others  were  recruiting  theirs  by  sleep. 
(Aoies,  4.  6:6,7.  32:3—5.  38:1—10.  Jo6  7:l— 6, 
13,14.  Is.  38:9—13.)  But  the  original  word  is 
my  hand;  and  it  is  probable  the  following  is  a 
just  paraphrase  of  the  passage:  "In  the  day  of 
my  trouble,"  'I  have  restlessly  implored  help 
'from  the  Lord.  In  the  night,  Avhen  men  are 
'wont  to  bury  their  troubles  in  sleep,  I  have  with 
'unwearied  diligence  ^spread  out  my  hands  unto 
'him; ...  resolving  to  admit  of  no  consolation,  till 
'I  obtained  a  gracious  answer.'  Bp.  Patrick. 
[Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  3.  "1  remembered  God,  and  was  greatly 
disturbed  in  mind:  I  meditated,  and  m}'  spirit  was 
overwhelmed." — 'He  sheweth  that  we  must  pa- 
'tiently  abide,  although  God  deliver  us  not  out  of 
'our  troubles  at  the  first  cry.' — The  Psalmist  de- 
scribes his  inward  perturbation,  by  a  word  ex- 
pressive of  the  tumult  of  the  waves  in  a  storm,  or 
that  of  an  enraged,  disorderly  multitude.  It  is 
probable,  that  conscious  guilt  gave  Satan  the  oc- 
casion of  exciting  in  him  disma}'  and  distress, 
when  he  reflected  on  the  divine  perfections;  and 
that  impatience  and  despondency  thus  combined, 
in  rendering  his  soul  like  the  troubled  sea:  inso- 
much that  the  thoughts  of  the  Lord's  mercy  and 
truth,  his  former  kindnesses,  and  the  comfort 
which  he  had  experienced  in  religion  on  other 
occasions,  instead  of  giving  him  encouragement, 
served  to  enhance  his  disquietude,  now  that  God 
hid  his  face  from  him,  and  seemed  to  become  his 
enemy.  (JVb<e*,  Job  6:1—4.  19:5—22.  23:13— 
17.  Jer.  17:15—18.  Jl/a«.  26:36— 39.) 

V.  4.  Our  Lord  was  kept  Avatching  during 
that  dreadful  night,  in  which,  being  "sore  amazed 
and  very  heavy,"  he  said,  "My  soul  is  exceeding 
sorrowful  even  unto  death:"  this  was  just  before 
he  stood  silent  in  the  presence  of  Caiaphas,  Her- 
od, and  Pilate:  and  the  language  in  this  part  of 

[277 


B.  C.  1020. 


PSALM  LXXVII. 


B.  C.  1020. 


9  Hath  "  God  forgotten  to  be  gra- 
cious? hath  he  in  anger  ^  shut  up  his 
tender  mercies?     Selah. 

10  And  I  said,  ^  This  is  my  infirmity: 
but  I  will  remember  '■  the  years  of  the 
right  hand  of  the  Most  High. 

11  I  "will  remember  the  works  of 
the  Lord;  surely  I  will  remember  thy 
wonders  of  old. 

12  I  '^  will  meditate  also  of  all  thy 
work,  '^  and  talk  of  thy  doings. 

13  "^  Thy  way,  O  God,  is  in  the  sanc- 
tuary: ®  who  is  so  great  a  God  as  our 
God? 

1 4  Thou  art  ^  the  God  that  doest 
wonders:  ^thou  hast  declared  thy  strength 
among  the  people. 

Deut 


u  Is.  40:27.  49:14,15.  63:15. 
X  Luke  13:25—28.   Rom.  11:32. 

ynarg.     1  John  3:17. 
y  31:22.  73:22.    116:11.    Job  42: 

3.     Lam.  3:18—23.     Mark  9: 

24. 
z  5.    Ex.  15:6.    Num.  23:21,22. 

Deut.  4:34.  Hab.  3:2—13. 
a  10.    28:5.    78:11.      1  Chr.    16: 

12.    Is.  5:12. 
b  104:34.   143:5. 


c  71:24.   105:2.  145:4,11. 

6:7.    Luke  24:14—32. 
d27:4.  63:2.  73:17. 
e  89:6—8.  Ex.  15:11.  Deut.  32: 

31.   Is.  40:18,25.  46:5. 
f  7-2:18.     86:10.     105:5.      136:4. 

Ex.  15:11.   Rev.  15:3. 
g  Ex.    13:14.    15:6.     Josh.   9:9, 

10.   Is.  51:9.  52:10.    Dan.  3:29. 

6:27. 


the  psalm  is  so  emphatical,  that  the  attentive 
reader  can  hardly  fail  to  recollect  that  of  Christ 
during  the  depth  of  his  humiliation. 

V.  5 — 12.     In  these   verses   the  Psalmist  de- 
scribes his  inward  struggle  against  unbelief  and 
despair.     In  the  depth  of  his  distress,  he  applied 
his  mind  to  meditate  on  ancient  times,  when  God 
had  wonderfully  interposed  in  behalf  of  his  peo- 
ple, and  shewn  himself  most  ready  to  pardon  their 
sins,  compassionate   their  sorrows,  and   to   hear 
their  prayers.     He  also  determined  to  recollect 
his  own  experience  of  such  mercies  and  deliver- 
ances, as  had  led  him  to  spend  a  part  of  the  night 
in  singing  praises  to  God:  [JVotes,  42:6 — 8.  Acts 
16:25 — 28.  Jam.  5:13.)  and  likewise  to  call  him- 
self to  strict  account,  and  diligently  to  examine  ] 
and  inquire,  'both  the  causes,  why  he  was  chas- 
'tened,  and  when  his  sorrows  should  have  an  end.' 
He  was,  however,  strongly  tempted  to  conclude, 
that  God  had  cast  him  off  for  ever,  and  would  shew 
him  no  more  favor.     'But,'  says  he,  'Can  this  be.' 
'Can  he  who  was  known    to    delight  in  mercy 
'cease  to  be  merciful.''    Will  he  break  his   own 
'promise.''  Is  he  so  angry,  as  no  more  to  pardon 
'the  penitent  and  pity  the  miserable.?  This  cannot 
'be.     I  will  reject  with  abhorrence  the  dishonora- 
'ble  thought.     It  is  the  disease  and  weakness  of 
'my  soul,  that  I  ever  harbored  it.     Whatever  ap- 
'pearances  may  be,  God  continues  merciful  and 
'faithful,  ready  to  forgive,  and  plenteous  in  good- 
'ness  and  compassion.     "The  years  of  the  right 
'hand  of  the  Most  High,"  the  times  when  he  lift- 
'ed  up  his  right  hand  to  deliver  his  people,  prove 
'this;  I  will  therefore  fix  my  attention   on  those 
'ancient  works  of  Jehovah,  and  thus  endeavor 
'to  encourage  my  desponding  heart,  and   to  calm 
'my  conflicting  passions.'      [JVotes,  42:4,5.    73:1, 
15 — 22.  1  Sam.  30:6.) — Most  expositors  seem  to 
think,  that  the  Psalmist's  alarm  and  distress  were 
occasioned  by  public  calamities,  in  great  meas- 
ure at  least.     But  there  is  no  intimation  of  this; 
and  personal  trials  and  temptations  might  be  so 
great  and  complicated,  as   to  excite  the  sharp 
conflict  which  he  so  afFectingly  describes:  and 
indeed  these  are,  in  general,  more  apt  to  produce 
the  state  of  mind  and  experience  here  described. 
(JV/aj'i,".  R''f-)     'This  considoration  makes  the  eu- 
278] 


15  Thou  hast  ^  with  thine  arm  re- 
deemed thy  people,  '  the  sons  of  Jacob 
and  Joseph.     Selah. 

16  ^  The  waters  saw  thee,  O  God, 
the  waters  saw  thee;  they  were  afraid: 
the  depths  also  were  troubled. 

17  The  clouds  *  poured  out  water: 
the  skies  sent  out  a  sound:  *  thine  arrows 
also  went  abroad. 

18  ""The  voice  of  thy  thunder  ivas  in 
the  heaven:  "the  hghtnings  lightened  the 
world:    °the   earth  trembled  and  shook. 

19  P  Thy  way  is  in  the  sea,  and  thy 
path  in  the  great  waters,  and  '^  thy  foot- 
steps are  not  known. 

20  ^  Thou  leddest  thy  people  like  a 
flock  by  the  hand   of  Moses  and  Aaron. 


h   136:11,12.     Ex.   6:6.     Deut. 

9:26.  Is.  63:9. 
i  Gen.  43:3—20. 
k  114:3—6.    Ex.  14:21.  Josh.  3: 

15,16.  Hab.  3:8—10,15. 
*  Heb.  tetre  poured  forth  -with 

■water.  68:3,9. 
1  18:14.   144:6.  Hab.  3:11. 
m  29:3— 9.     Ex.  19:16.  Job  37: 

1—5.  Rev.  11:19. 


n97:4.     Hab.   3:4.     Rev.  18:1. 
o  Ex.  19:18.  2  Sam.  22:8.   Matt 

27:51.  23:2.     Rev.  20:11. 
p  29:10.  97:2.  Neh.  9:11.  Nah. 

1:3,4.     Hab.  3:15. 
q  Ex.  14:2S.      Rom.    11:33. 
r  73:52.  80:1.    Ex.  13:21.   14:19. 

Is.  63:11,12.   Hos.  12:13.  Acts 

7:33,36. 


'charistic  psalms  ever  pleasing  and  ever  comfort- 
'able  to  the  mind:  they  are  appeals  to  those  at- 
'tributes,  which  have  been  so  often  displayed,  in 
'the  cause  of  the  church;  they  are  acts  of  faith, 
'looking  backward  to  the  past,  and  forward  to 
'the  future;  they  are  praises,  and  they  arc 
'prayers.'     Bp.  Home. 

V.  13.  The  Psalmist's  faith  and  grace  now 
obtained  the  ascendency  over  his  rebellious  will, 
his  unbelief,  and  his  temptations;  and  he  was  sat- 
isfied, that  the  "way  of  God,"  (or  the  exercise  of 
his  sovereign  authority,  over  the  world,  the 
church,  and  every  individual,)  is  under  the  direc- 
tion of  infinite  wisdom,  and  ordered  in  perfect 
justice,  truth,  and  goodness.  (JVbie,  25:10.)  It 
is  "in  AoZmeM,"  (C^"Tp!}  0  ^"d  so  consists  with 

his  testimonies,  his  promises,  and  his  covenant. 
It  is  "in  the  sanctuary;"  and  being  beyond  the 
reach  of  man's  wisdom  cannot  be  understood,  ex- 
cept by  those  who  enter  into  the  sanctuary,  and 
weigh  all  things  in  the  balances  of  the  sanctuary. 
For  his  unrivalled,  his  infinite  greatness,  seems 
to  cloud  the  glory  of  his  justice  and  goodness,  to 
the  sinful  children  of  Adam.  {JVotes,  i9,20.  36: 
5_9.  92:4—7.  91:2.  Rom.  11:33—36.) 

V.  14,  15.  'Thou  art  the  mighty  God,  wh» 
'canst  do  miracles,  as  easily  as  the  most  ordinary 
'works:  ...  having  delivered  thy  people  descend- 
'ed  from  Jacob,  and  miraculously  preserved  by 
'Joseph,  from  the  Egyptian  bondage,  by  a  long 
'series  of  stupendous  judgments  upon  Pharaoh 
'and  his  servants.'  Bp.  Patrick.  {Marg.  Ref.) 
— The  people.  (14)  o^Dj?  :  Peoples,  plural;  the 
surrounding  nations. 

V.  16—18.  The  waters,  even  to  the  bottom  of 
the  Red  sea,  are  here  most  poetically  described 
as  affrighted,  and  as  rendered  sensible  of  the 
presence  of  God  their  Creator  with  Israel,  and 
as  obedient  to  his  will;  nay,  all  nature  is  repre- 
sented, as  put  into  consternation  and  violent 
commotion  before  him.  (JVbfe,  114:3 — 8.)  It  is 
probable,  that  the  destruction  of  the  Egyptians 
was  attended  by  most  tremendous  and  destruc- 
tive tempests,  thunders,  lightnings,  and  earth- 
quakes. [Marg.  Ref.— Motes,  Ex.  14:  15:1—19.) 

V.  19,  20.     All   the  dispensations  of  God  to- 


B.  C.  1000. 


PSALM  LXXVIII. 


B.  C.  1000 


PSALM  LXXVIIL 

An  exhortation  to  Israel  to  consider  the  works  and  word  of  God; 
that  what  they  had  learned  from  their  fathers,  they  might 
teach  their  children,  for  the  benefit  of  even  their  remote  pos- 
terity, 1 — 8.  An  abstract  of  the  history  of  Israel's  deliver- 
ance from  Egypt,  passage  through  the  wilderness,  settlement 
in  Canaan,  and  the  subsequent  events;  in  which  the  mercies 
of  God  to  them  are  contrasted  with  an  account  of  their  unbe- 
lief, apostacies,  and  idolatries,  9 — 66.  God  at  length  chooses 
Judah,  Zion,  and  David,  67 — 72. 

*  Maschil  of  Asaph. 
*  g^  IVE  ear,  O  my  people,  to  my  law: 
\Jf  incline  your  ears  to  the  words  of 
my  mouth. 

2  '^  I  will  open  my  mouth  in  a  para- 


*  Or,  A  Psalm  for  Asaph,  to 
give  instruction.  74:  title. 
a  49:1—3.      Judg.   5:3.      Prov. 


I     8:4—6.    Is.  51:4.  55:3.     Matt. 
13:9. 
b  49:4.  Matt.  13:34,35. 


wards  his  people  are  in  mercy;  but,  like  Israel's 
passage  through  the  Red  sea,  they  are  often  at- 
tended with  circumstances  of  dismay.  His  ways 
of  dealing  with  them  can  no  more  be  traced, 
than  the  path  of  Israel,  when  he  led  them,  as  a 
flock,  through  the  Red  sea;  [Jfotes,  Is.  63: 11 — 14.) 
and  they  are  called  to  trust  in  him,  while  he  con- 
ducts them  by  a  way,  with  which  they  are  whol- 
ly unacquainted,  and  which  is  displeasing  and 
discouraging  to  the  flesh.  {JIarg.  Ref.) — By  these 
meditations  the  Psalmist  at  length  found  his  heart 
encouraged;  and  therefore  he  left  them  upon 
record  for  the  benefit  of  posterity.  [JVotes,  73: 18 
—28.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
In  tliis  world  our  praises  are  often  interrupted 
by  complaints.  Sin,  temptation,  afHiction,  the 
calamities  of  the  church,  and  the  miseries  of  the 
world,  must  cause  us  to  "groan,  being  burdened." 
{JSTote,  Rom.  8:18—23.)  When  the  heart  is 
greatly  pained,  nature  expresses  that  pain  by  the 
voice;  but  ^race  will  teach  us  to  send  our  cries 
to  heaven  with  earnest  importunity  for  rehef. 
Yet  sometimes  even  those,  who  are  instant  in 
prayer,  may  be  tempted  to  despond,  and  to  over- 
looK  the  sources  of  comfort  which  are  pointed  out 
to  them;  and  a  deep  sense  of  their  own  unworthi- 
ness  may  afford  Satan  an  opportunity  of  suggest- 
ing such  gloomy  apprehensions,  that  even 
thoughts  of  God  may  increase  their  disquietude 
and  horror.  Thus  the  eyes  may  be  holden  from 
sleep,  and  the  mouth  may  be  closed,  while  sor- 
rows too  big  for  utterance  distend  and  distract 
the  heart.  But  this  will  not  last  very  long  with 
the  upright  believer:  the  troubled  fountain  will 
work  itself  clear  again;  and  even  the  recollection 
of  former  times  of  more  joyful  experience,  though 
it  cause  his  wounds  to  bleed  afresh,  will  often 
suggest  a  hint,  or  inspire  a  hope,  tending  to  his 
relief.  It  is,  however,  always  good  to  "commune 
with  our  own  hearts;"  and  to  "make  diligent 
search,"  concerning  the  cause,  the  intention,  and 
the  remedy  of  our  distresses;  especiallj',  that  we 
may  ascertain,  whether,  notwithstanding  our  un- 
worthiness,  we  be  indeed  truly  humbled  believ- 
ers. And  if  the  enemy  would  lead  us  to  suspect, 
that  the  "Lord  will  cast  off  his  people  for  ever," 
and  be  no  more  favorable  to  them,  we  should  re- 
ject the  injurious  suggestion  with  horror  and  in- 
dignation. What!  will  God  no  more  favor  those 
who  have  walked  with  him,  and  are  now  mourn- 
ing after  him.''  Has  his  everlasting  mercy  come 
to  an  end.''  Is  his  faithful  promise  failed.''  Has 
God  forgotten  to  be  gracious,  and  in  anger  shut 
up  his  tender  mercy.-'  And  will  he  dishonor  him- 
self, by  leaving  the  humble,  penitent,  praying 
soul  to  perish?  (JVb^e,  13:5,6.)  His ouv infinnity, 
for  which  we  should  rebuke  ourselves,  if  we  have 
for  a  moment  entertained  such  Uioughts:  and  we 
should  without  delay  turn  our  minds  to  more  en- 
couraging meditation.      The  years   of  ancient 


ble:    I  will  utter    ^  dark    sayings  of  old; 

3  ^  Which  we  have  heard  and  known, 
and  our  fathers  have  told  us. 

4  ®  We  will  not  hide  them  from  their 
children,  *^  shewing  to  the  generation  to 
come  s  the  praises  of  the  Lord,  and  his 
strength,  and  his  wonderful  works  that 
he  hath  done. 

5  For  ''  he   established    '  a  testimony 


cProv.   1:6.     Matt.   13:11—13. 

Mark  4:34. 
d44:l.  48:8.     Ex.  12:26,27.  13: 

8,14,15. 
e    145:4—6.      Deut.    4:9.     6:7. 

Joel  1:3. 
f  71:18.     Deut.  11:19.    Josh.  4: 


6,7,21—24. 
g  9:14.     105:1—5.    145:5,6.    Is. 

63:7,&c. 
h  81:5.  119:152.   147:19.     Deut. 

4:45.     Is.  8:20.     Rom.  3:2.     1 

John  5:9—12. 
i£x.  25:16,21.  40:3,20. 


times,  and  the  Lord's  wonders  for  his  people  of 
old,  form  proper  subjects  for  our  contemplation 
and  discourse  on  such  occasions;  as  thej'  are  illus- 
trious evidences  of  his  power,  mercy,  and  love  to 
his  church.  But  the  mysteries  of  redeeming  love, 
and  the  great  events  which  attended  the  Savior's 
sufferings,  and  exaltation  to  his  glorious  throne, 
should  be  our  favorite  theme.  There  all  the  di- 
vine perfections  are  displaj'ed:  and  the  sinner, 
who  understands  and  believes  the  sure  testimony 
of  Scripture  on  this  subject,  will  be  encouraged 
to  expect  every  thing  from  the  power,  truth,  and 
love  of  that  God,  who  "spared  not  his  own  Son, 
but  delivered  him  up  for  us  all,  that  with  him,  he 
might  freely  give  us  all  things."  {J^otes,  Rom. 
8:28 — 34.)  It  is  true,  that  the  Lord's  way  is  "in 
the  sea,"  but  it  is  also  "in  the  sanctuary:"  he  leads 
his  people  through  deep  waters  of  affliction  or 
temptation;  but  he  goes  with  them,  and  brings 
them  forth,  when  he  has  thus  destroyed  their  en- 
emies. We  cannot  trace  his  footsteps,  nor  un- 
derstand the  reasons  of  his  dispensations:  but  we 
are  called  to  believe  that  he  will  guide  us  by  his 
counsel;  and  that  those  things,  which  we  are 
tempted  to  ascribe  to  his  having  "forgotten  to  be 
gracious,"  are  the  result  of  his  unsearchable  wis- 
dom choosing  for  us,  in  order  to  our  good,  what 
we  should  never  have  chosen  for  ourselves.  If 
he  see  proper,  he  can  soon  raise  up  such  instru- 
ments as  Moses  and  Aaron,  to  lead  his  people, 
like  a  flock,  through  intervening  seas  and  deserts, 
to  their  inheritance:  and  if  the  under  shepherds 
neglect  their  charge,  he  will  feed  and  guide  them 
himself.  "Happy  then  are  the  people  who  are 
in  such  a  case;  yea,  blessed  are  the  people,  who 
have  the  Lord  for  their  God." 

NOTES. 

Psalm  LXXVIII.  Title.  It  is  probable 
that  Asaph  wrote  this  psalm  some  time  after  the 
death  of  David.  As  nothing  is  referred  to,  later 
than  David's  advancement  to  the  throne,  and  his 
subsequent  conduct,  there  is  no  ground  for  sup- 
posing that  it  was  written  at  a  much  later  period. 

V.  1.  The  word  rendered  law,  in  this  connex- 
ion, evidently  means  the  doctrine,  or  instruction, 
which  the  Psalmist  was  divinely  inspired  to  set 
before  the  people:  to  which,  in  the  name  of  the 
Lord,  he  demanded  their  reverent  attention. 
[Marg.  Ref.—J^otes,  19:7—11.  119:1.) 

V.  2.  The  Evangelist  says  that  this  was  fulfil- 
led, when  Christ  spake  to  the  people  in  parables. 
{J^otes,  Ps.  49:1—4.  Matt.  13:34,35.)  Yet  the 
psalm  contains  nothing  but  a  plain  narrative  of 
facts,  without  any  thing  of  parable  or  riddle  in  it; 
except  as  the  history  of  Israel,  like  the  parables 
of  Christ,  was  a  picture,  or  simihtude,  of  heavenly 
things;  and  these  records  would  remain,  in  this 
respect,  dark  sayings  to  tliose  who  understood  not 
the  typical  meaning  of  them.  {Marg.  Ref. — 
JVotes,  1  Cor.  10:1—10.) 

[279 


B.  C.  1000. 


PSALM  LXXVm. 


B.  C.  1000. 


in  Jacob,  and  appointed  a  law  in  Israel, 
which  he  commanded  our  fathers,  ^  that 
they  should  make  them  known  to  their 
children: 

6  '  That  the  generation  to  come  might 
know  them,  even  the  children  which 
should  be  born,  '"who  should  arise  and 
declare  them  to  their  children: 

7  That  they  might  °  set  their  hope  in 
God,  and  °  not  forget  the  works  of  God, 
but  P  keep  his  commandments: 

8  And  might  not  be  ^  as  their  fathers, 
a  stubborn  and  rebellious  generation;  a 
generation  that  *  set  not  their  heart 
aright,  and  •■  whose  spirit  was  not  stead- 
fast with  God. 

9  *The  children  of  Ephraim,  being 
armed,  a7id  t  carrying  bows,  ^  turned 
back  in  the  day  of  battle. 


k  3,4.     Gen.   18:19.     Is.  38:19. 

Eph.  6:4. 
1  48:13.     71:18.    102:18.     145:4. 

Esth.  9:28. 
m  90:16.     Deul.  4:10.  Josh.  22: 

24,25.     Joel  1:3. 
n   40:4.    «2:5.      91:14.     130:6,7. 

146:5.     Jer.    17:7,8.      1  Pet  1: 

21. 
0  77:10— 12.   103:2.   105:5.     Ex. 

12:24—27.    Deut.  4:9.  7:18,19. 

8:2,11.     Esth.  9:27,23.     1  Cor. 

11:24. 
p  Deut.  5:29.     John   14:21—24. 

1   John  3:22—24.    5:3.     Rev. 


14:12. 
q  106:7.     Ex.  32:9.    33:5.  34:9. 

Deut.  9:6,13.    31:27.     2  Kings 

17:14.     Ez.  20:8,18.    Matt.  "23: 

31—33.     Acts  7:51. 
*  Heb.      prepared     not     their 

heart.  37.     2  Chr.  12:14.   19:3. 

20:33.   30:19. 
r37.     Deut.  4:4.     Josh.  14:8,9. 

Acts  11:23. 
sDeut.   1:41—44.     Josh.    17:16 

—13.     1  Sam.  4:10.  31:1. 
t  Heb.  throwing  forth. 
t  Judj.   9:28,38 — 40.     Luke  22: 

33,56—60. 


V.  3 — 8.  *  The  Israelites  were  frequently  and 
earnestly  instructed,  to  render  their  children,  by 
every  means,  familiarly  acquainted  with  the 
works  and  commandments  of  God;  and  as  the 
Psalmist,  and  his  contemporaries,  had  derived  tlie 
benefit  of  this  most  useful  information  from  their 
ancestors,  he  was  determined,  and  aimed  to  in- 
duce others  also,  to  deliver  down  the  same  to  the 
rising  race,  and  through  them  to  the  next  gener- 
ation, and  thus  successively  to  the  end  of  time. 
For  this  was  the  proper  method  of  bringing  them 
to  trust  in  God  and  obey  him;  to  imitate  the  faith 
and  holiness  of  their  pious  ancestors;  and  to  take 
warning  not  to  copy  the  rebellion,  unbelief,  and 
ungodliness  of  such  as  had  brought  the  judgments 
of  God  upon  them  by  their  sins.  [Mnrg.  Ref, — 
Jfotes,  71:17,18.  145:4— 7.  JGar.  13:11— 16, -y.  14. 
Deut.  6:6 — 9.)  The  word  testimony  is  used  for 
the  ark,  and  for  the  law  written  on  tables  of 
stone  put  within  the  ark,  and  covered  with  the 
mercy-seat.  This  testified  the  Lord's  gracious 
presence  with  his  people,  and  seemed  to  point  out 
to  them  both  the  way  of  access  and  acceptance, 
and  the  standard  or  rule  of  their  duty.  (JVb<e, 
1:^:.  25:10— 21.) 

V.  9 — 1 1 .  Nothing  is  recorded  in  the  history 
of  Israel,  concerning  the  cowardice  of  the  Ephra- 
imites,  as  distinct  from  that  of  the  other  tribes: 
some  therefore  think,  that  "the  children  of  Ephra- 
im" is  put  by  a  figure  of  speech,  for  the  nation  in 
general.  Others  suppose,  that  this  tribe  greatly 
influenced  their  brethren,  when  they  refused  to 
go  up  and  possess  the  land,  at  the  express  com- 
mand of  God,  who  promised  to  fight  for  them: 
and  then,  after  the  sentence  of  exclusion  was  ir- 
revocably passed,  they  armed  themselves,  and 
presumptuously  would  go  up,  contrary  to  the 
warning  of  God  by  Moses;  but  when  the  Amo- 
rites  came  out  against  them,  they  fled,  and  were 
chased  like  bees  to  Hormah.  (JVbtes,  J^um.  14:) 
But  the  passage  may  relate  to  the  defeat  of  Israel 
by  the  Philistines,  when  the  ark  of  God  was  tak- 
280] 


10  "  They  kept  not  the  covenant  of 
God,  and  refused  to  walk  in  his  law; 

1 1  And  ^  forgat  his  works,  and  his 
wonders  that  he  had  shewed  them. 

[^Practical  Observations.'^ 

12  IF  y  Marvellous  things  did  he  in 
the  sight  of  their  fathers,  in  the  land  of 
Egypt,  in  the  field  of  ^  Zoan. 

13  *  He  divided  the  sea,  and  caused 
them  to  pass  through;  and  *>  he  made  the 
waters  to  stand  as  an  heap. 

14  'In  the  day-time  also  he  led  them 
with  a  cloud,  and  all  the  night  with  a  light 
of  fire. 

1 5  He  ^  clave  the  rocks  in  the  wilder- 
ness, and  gave  them  drink  as  out  of  the 
great  depths. 

16  He  ^  brought  streams  also  out  of 
the  rock,  and  caused  waters  to  run  down 
hke  rivers. 

17  IT    And   f  they  sinned  yet  more 


u  Deut.  31:16,20.     Judg.  2:10— 

12.  2  Kings   17:14,15.     Neh. 
9:26—29.     Jer.  31:32. 

x7.   106:13,21,22.     Deut.  32:18. 

Jer.  2:32. 
y   42—50.      105:27— «3.     135:9. 

Ex.  7:— 12:     Deut.  4:34.  6:22. 

Neh.  9:10. 
z  43.     Num.    13:22.     Is.  19:11, 

13.  Ez.  30:14. 

I  66:6.     106:9,10.     136:13—15. 
Ex.  14:  15:     Is.  63:13.    1  Cor. 


10:2,3. 

b33:7.     Josh.  3:16.    Hab.  3:15. 
c  105:39.      Ex.  13:21,22.    14:24. 

40:35—38.     Neh.  9:12,19. 
d    105:41.      114:8.       Ex.     17:6. 

Num.  20:11.     Is.  41:13.  43:20. 

John    7:37,38.       1    Cor.    10:4. 

Rev.  22:1,17. 
e  Deut.  8:15.  9:21. 
f    32.      95:8—10.       106:13—32. 

Deut.  9:8,12—22.   Heb.  3:16. 


en. — Shiloh  was  situated  in  the  lot  of  Ephraim: 
[and  perhaps  the  men  of  that  tribe  led  on  the  battle; 
but,  giving  way,  their  misconduct  brought  on  a 
general  defeat.  [J^Totes.,  1  Sam.  4:)  In  either 
case,  the  cowardice  of  the  people  was  the  efi'ect 
of  their  unbehef  and  disobedience.  They  answer- 
led  not  the  expectations  formed  of  them;  "they 
kept  not  the  covenant  of  God,  and  refused  to 
walk  in  his  law;  and  forgat  his  works  and  his 
wonders  that  he  shewed  them." — These  verses 
however  may  be  understood  of  Israel,  who,  in 
their  general  conduct,  imitated  that  of  Ephraim, 
in  some  notorious  instances  of  cowardice  and  ill 
behavior. 

V.  12.  The  reader  must  once  for  all  be  refer- 
red to  the  notes  upon  the  parts  of  the  preceding 
history,  pointed  out  in  the  margin,  in  which  all 
the  events  here  recapitulated  have  been  fully 
considered.  This  poetical  abstract  would  greatly 
assist  the  people,  in  becoming  acquainted  with 
their  most  instructive  history,  and  preserving  a 
ready  remembrance  of  it.  Zoan  was  a  principal 
city  of  Egypt,  in  which  perhaps  Pharaoh  kept  his 
court.    [Jlarg.  i2f/.— 43— 49.) 

V.  13 — 16.  These  verses  are  read  in  some  ver- 
sions in  the  pluperfect  tense:  "He  had  divided, 
&c."  He  had  wrought  these  miracles  for  Israel, 
before  those  rebellions  which  the  Psalmist  was 
enumerating;  and  this  rendered  their  unbelief  and 
disobedience  the  more  inexcusable. — Two  rocks 
were  smitten  in  the  wilderness.  [J^otes,  E.v.  17:1 
—7.  JVum.  20:8— 13.)— 'Let  us,'  says  Bishop 
Taylor,  'by  the  aids  of  memory  and  fancy,  con- 
'sider  the  children  of  Israel  in  the  wilderness,  "ia 
'a  barren  and  dry  land  where  no  water  was," 
'marching  in  dust  and  fire,  not  wet  with  the  dew 
'of  heaven,  but  wholly  without  moisture,  save  only 
'what  dropt  from  their  own  brows: ...  suppose,  I 
'say,  these  thirsty  souls  hearing  Moses  promise 
'thathe  will  smite  the  rock,  and  that  a  river  should 
'break  forth  from  thence;  observe  how  presently 
'they  run  to  the  foot  of  the  springing  stone  thrust- 


B.  C.  1000. 


PSALM  LXXVIII. 


B.  C.  1000. 


against  him  by  provoking  the  most  High 
in  the  wilderness. 

18  And  they  tempted  God  in  their 
heart,  s  by  asking  meat  for  their  lust. 

19  Yea,  ^  they  spake  against  God: 
they  said,  '  Can  God  *  fm-nish  a  table  in 
the  wilderness? 

28  Behold,  ''  he  smote  the  rock,  that 
the  waters  gushed  out,  and  the  streams 
overflowed;  ^  can  he  give  bread  also.^  can 
he  provide  flesh  for  his  people? 

21  Therefore  ™  the  Lord  heard  this, 
and  was  wroth:  so  °  a  fire  was  kindled 
against  Jacob,  and  anger  also  came  up 
against  Israel; 

22  °  Because  they  believed  not  in  God, 
and  trusted  not  in  his  salvation: 

23  Though  P  he  had  commanded  the 
clouds  from  above,  and  i  opened  the 
doors  of  heaven, 

24  And  ■'  had  rained  down  manna  upon 
them  to  eat,  and  had  given  them  of  the 
corn  of  heaven. 

25  t  Man  did  eat  angels'  food:  ^  he 
sent  them  meat  to  the  full. 


g  106:14,15.     Ex.  16:2,3.  Num. 

11:4.      1  Cor.  10:6.    Jam.  4:2,3. 
h  Ex.  16:8—10.     Num.  21:5.    2 

Chr.  32:19.     Job  34:37.    Rom. 

9:20.   Rev.  13:6. 
i  Num.  11:4,13. 
*  Heb.  order. 
k  Ex.  17:6,7.     Num.  20:11. 
141.  Gen.  18:12—14.  Num.  11: 

21—23. 
m  31.    Num.  11:10.     1  Cor.  10: 

5,11.  Jude  5. 
n  Num.    11:1—3.     Deut.  32:22. 


Heb.  12:29. 

0  106:24.     Is.   7:9.     Heb.   3:12, 
13,16.  11:6.      1  John  5:10. 

p33:9.    Is.  5:6. 

q  Gen.  7:11.     2  Kings   7:2,19. 

Mai.  3:10. 
r  63:9.  105:40.   Ex.  16:4.    Deut. 

8:3.    Neil.  9:15,20.    John  6:31, 

&c.     1  Cor.  10:3. 

1  Or,    Every   one   did   eat    the 
bread  of  the  mighty.  103:20. 

s  Ex.  16:8.    Matt.  14:20.  15:37. 


'ing  forth  their  heads  and  tongues  to  meet  the 
'water,  impatient  of  delay,  crying  out  that  the 
'water  did  not  move,  hire  light,  all  at  once:  and 
'then  suppose  the  pleasure  of  their  drink,  the  in- 
'satiableness  of  their  desire:  ...  they  took  in  as 
'much  as  they  could,  and  they  desired  much  more. 
'This  was  their  sacrament,  and  this  was  their 
'manner  of  receiving  it.  And  if  that  water  was  a 
'type  of  our  sacrament,  or  a  sacrament  of  the 
'same  secret  blessing,  then  is  their  thirst  a  sig- 
'nification  of  our  duty.' 

V.  17 — 31.  Some  time  after  the  manna  and  the 
water  from  the  rock  had  been  vouchsafed,  the 
people  began  again  to  murmur  and  rebel  against 
Ood,  and  some  of  them  were  consumed  by  light- 
ning; "and  yet  for  all  this  his  anger  was  not  turn- 
ed ,away,"  because  they  murmured  still  more. 
The  table,  which  they  insolently  required,  was 
not  the  manna;  for  that  had  been  sent  with  a  mul- 
titude of  quails  also,  before  the  water  from  the 
rock.  [JsTotes,  Ex.  16:)  But  they  loathed  and  de- 
spised manna  as  light  bread;  and  wanted  such 
provisions,  as  the  inhabitants  of  cultivated  coun- 
tries live  upon,  which  tliey  tliought  God  was  not 
able  to  provide  in  the  desert.  Perhaps  they  en- 
deavored to  persuade  themselves,  that  the  man- 
na, and  the  water  from  the  rock,  were  supplied 
from  natural  resources;  and  only  directed  or  reg- 
ulated in  a  supernatural  manner  by  Jehovah's 
power:  but  they  supposed  it  to  be  impossible  even 
for  Omnipotence  to  furnish  bread  and  flesh  to  so 
vast  a  multitude.  This  conclusion,  after  all  the 
works  of  God  which  they  had  witnessed,  and  his 
special  favors  and  express  promises  to  them,  was 
exceedingly  provoking:  he  therefore  determined 
Vol.  m.  36 


26  *  He  caused  an  east  wind  to  ^  blow 
in  the  heaven:  and  by  his  power  he 
brought  in  the  south  wind. 

27  "  He  rained  flesh  also  upon  them 
as  dust,  and  5  feathered  fowls  like  as  the 
sand  of  the  sea. 

28  And  he  let  ii  fall  in  the  midst  of 
their  camp,  round  about  their  habita- 
tions. 

29  So  they  did  eat,  and  were  well 
filled:  ^  for  he  gave  them  their  own  de- 
sire; 

30  They  were  not  estranged  from  their 
lust:  y  but  while  their  meat  was  yet  in 
their  mouths, 

31  The  wrath  of  God  came  ujion 
them,  and  slew  the  fattest  of  them,  and 
II  smote  down  the  ^  chosen  men  of  Is- 
rael. 

32^  IT  For  all  this  ^  they  sinned  still, 
and  *  believed  not  for  his  wondrous 
works. 

33  Therefore  ^  their  days  did  he  con- 
sume in  vanity,  and  *^  their  years  in 
trouble. 

34  ^  When   he   slew  them,  then  they 

t  135:7.  Num.  11:31. 

};  Heb.  go. 

u  16:12,13.     Num.  11:18,19,32. 

5  Heb.  Jowl  of-wi-ng. 

X  106:15.    Num.  11:20. 

y  Num.      11:33,34.      22:20—22. 

Prov.  1:32.     Luke  16:19—23. 
II  Heb.  made  to  bow. 
If  Or,  youne  men, 
z  Num.  14:  l6:  17:  21:1—6.  25: 


Ex.  20:13. 
a  22.    Luke  16:31.     John  12.37. 
b  90:7—9.      Num.  14:29,35.    26; 

64,65.     Deut.  2:14—16. 
c  Gen.  3:16—19.    Job  5:6,7.  H: 

1.    Ec.  1:2,13,14.  12:8,13,14. 
d  Num.  21:7.     Judg.  3:8,9,12 — 

15.  4:3.    10:7—10.     Jer.  22:23. 

Ho3.  5:15.  7:14. 


to  vindicate  the  honor  of  his  own  name,  by  shew- 
ing that  he  was  able  to  feast,  as  well  as  feed  them, 
in  the  wilderness:  and  then  amidst  their  excessive 
indulgence,  to  punish  their  unbelief  and  rebellion, 
by  cutting  off  the  most  powerful,  healthy,  and 
luxurious  among  them.  [JJarg.  Ref. — A''otes, 
JVum.  11:1— 23,31— 34.)— Manna,  descendirg 
from  the  clouds,  is  here  called  "the  corn  of  heav- 
en," and  "angels'  food,"  or  "</ie  bread  of  the 
mighty;''''  perhaps,  because  it  rendered  the  people 
health)',  and  vigorous  for  their  marches  and  wars. 
But  it  typified  "that  Bread  which  came  down  from 
heaven,  and  giveth  life  to  the  world;"  by  which 
man  is  brought  to  feed  on  angels'  food,  and  to  par- 
ticipate their  felicity.  [JVote.s,  John6:30 — 35,41  — 
58.)  'The  blessings  chosen  for  us  b)'  God  are 
'blessings  indeed,  and,  like  the  manna,  bring  no 
'sorrow  with  them;  but  when  we  choose  for  our- 
'selves,  and  are  so  unhappj'  as  to  be  gratified  in 
'that  choice,  our  portion  too  often  proves  a  curse; 
'and  while  the  much  loved  morsel  is  yet  between 
'our  teeth,  "the  wrath  of  God  comes  upon  us," 
'for  making  a  wrong  choice.  This  will  always  be 
'the  case,  ...  whenever  earth  is  preferred  to  heav- 
'en,  and  sense  to  faith.'    B/j.  IIoi~iie. 

V.  32,  33.  Here,  that  instance  of  unbelief  and 
rebellion,  which  provoked  God  to  exclude  the 
whole  generation  from  the  promised  land,  is  pe- 
culiarly adverted  to:  for  that  sin,  they  were  con- 
demned to  die  in  the  wilderness,  without  ever  en- 
joying or  witnessing  the  comforts  of  a  cultivated 
country,  and  a  settled  abode. — Their  lives,  even 
more  than  those  of  other  men,  were  indeed  spent 
in  vanity;  and  as  scarcely  any  of  that  vast  multi- 
tude had  arrived  at  tlie  age  of  sixty,  when  their 

[281 


B.  C.  1000. 


PSAL3I  LXXniI. 


B.  C.  1000. 


sought  him:    and  they  returned   and  in- 
quired early  after  God, 

35  And  ^  they  remembered  that  ''  God 
VMS  their  Rock,  and  the  high  God  s  their 
Redeemer. 

36  Nevertheless  ''  they  did  flatter  him 
with  their  mouth,  and  '  they  hed  unto  him 
with  their  tongues. 

37  For  ^  their  heart  was  not  risiht  with 
mm,  neither  were  they  '  stedfast  in  his 
covenant. 

38  But  ^  he,  heing  full  of  compassion, 
forgave  their  iniquity,  and  destroyed 
them  not:  yea,  "  many  a  time  turned  he 
his  anger  away,  and  did  not  stir  up  all  his 
wrath. 

39  For  °  he  remembered  that  they 
were  hut  flesh;  p  a  wind  that  passeth 
away,  and  cometh  not  again. 

40  "1  How  oft  did  they  *  provoke  him 
in  the  wilderness,  and  ^  grieve  him  in  the 
desert! 

41  Yea  Uhey  turned  back  and  tempt- 
ed God,  and  *  limited  the  Holy  One  of; 
Israel. 


e  7,11,42.  106:13,21. 

f  Deut.  32:-l,15,30,31. 

g  Ex.  6:6.  15:13.    Deut.  7:8.  15: 

15.    Is.  41:14.  44:6.  48:17.  63:8, 

9.    Tit.  0:14. 
h  106:12,13.   Is.  29:13.     Ez.  33: 

31.    Hos.  11:12. 
i  23:4-1.  marg. 
k  119:80.       Hos.   7:14,16.    10:2. 

Acts  8:21. 
J  8.44:17,18.  Deut.  31:20.  Hos. 
■8:1. 
m  106:43—45.        Ex.    34:&— 9. 

KiiDi.      14:13—20.     16:44 — 18. 


Is.  44:21,22. 
n  Is.  48:9.     Ez.  20:8,9,13,14,17, 

21,22. 
0  103:14—16.     Gen.  6:3. 
p  Job  7:7,16.    Jam.  4:14. 
q  17.       95:8—10.        106:14—33. 

Num.  lill.     Deut.  9:21,22. 
*  Or,  rebel  against. 
r  Is.  7:13.    63:10.      Eph.    4:30. 

Heb.  3:15—17. 
s  Num.    14:4,22.       Deut.   6:16. 

Acts  7:39.      Heb.  3:8— 11.      2 

Pet.  2:21,22. 
t   19,20.    Mark  5:35,36. 


wandering's  were  ended,  ("for  the  hand  of  the 
Lord  was  against  them  to  consume  them,")  it 
mig-ht  well  be  said,  "their  years  were  consumed 
in  trouble"  or  perturbation  of  mind.  [Mar^.  Ref. 
—JVofes  and  P.  O.  J^um.  14:)— 'Though  they 
'travelled  up  and  down,  very  much  and  long,  yet 
'it  was  to  no  purpose;  for  they  were  never  the 
'nearer  to  their  journey's  end;  nor  were  ever  free 
'ff-om  one  plague  or  other,  till  they'  (that  genera- 
tion) 'were  utterly  destroyed.'  Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  34.  'Who,  that  hath  been  conversant  in  the 
'house  of  mourning,  and  about  the  bed  of  sick- 
'ness,  but  must  have  seen  frequent  instances  of  a 
'temporary  and  deceitful  repentance.'"  Bp.  Home. 
{Marg.  Ref.—Xotes,  Jer.  22:20—23.  Hos.  3:15. 
Luke  17:11—19.) 

V.  35.  Redeemer.']  That  is,  from  Egyptian  bon- 
dage; for  the  bulk  of  the  people  did  "not  under- 
stand the  spiritual  redemption,  which  was  typified 
by  that  transaction.    {Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  36,  37.  'Such  was  their  h)-pocrisy,  that  they 
'sought  unto  God  for  fear  of  punishment,  though 
'in  their  heart  they  loved  him  not.' — 'Whatsoever 
'cometh  not  from  the  pure  fountain  of  the  heart,  is 
'hypocrisy.'  [Marg.  Ref.)— Right.  (37)  joj ,  con- 
stant.  [JV'ote.,  51:10.) 

V.  38.  'Had  God  stirred  up  all  his  wrath,  the 
'Israelites  must  have  been  exterminated  in  the 
'wilderness.  But  then  the  pronises  made  to  Abra- 
'ham  and  to  all  mankind  had  failed. — Therefore 
'they  were  forgiven  and  not  destroyed;  judgment 
'was  executed  from  time  to  time  upon  ...  offend- 
'ers;  but  the  nation  subsisted, until  the  Seed  came, 
'to  whom  the  promise  was  made.  Nay. ..'.  the  race 
282] 


42  They  "  remembered  not  his  hand, 
nor  ^  the  day  when  he  delivered  them 
from  t  the  enemy. 

43  How  y  he  had  \  wrought  his  signs 
in  Egypt,  and  his  ='■  wonders  in  the  field 
of  Zoan; 

44  And  had  ^  turned  their  rivers  into 
blood;  and  their  floods,  that  they  could 
not  drink. 

45  He  ^  sent  divers  sorts  of  flies  amone; 
them,  which  devoured  them;  and  •=  frogs, 
which  destroyed  them. 

46  He  '1  gave  also  their  increase  unto 
the  caterpillar,  and  their  labor  unto  the 
locust. 

47  He  h  destroyed  their  vines  ^  with 
hail,  and  their  sycamore-trees  with 
II  frost. 

48  He  "^  gave  up  their  cattle  also  to 
the  hail,  and  their  flocks  to  **  hot  thun- 
derbolts. 

49  He  ^  cast  upon  them  the  fierceness 
of  his  anger,  wrath,  and  indignation,  and 
trouble,  ^  by  sending  evil  angels  among 
them. 


u  11,21,22.  136:10—15.    Ex.  13: 

9.   Is.  11:11.  Jer.  32:21. 
X  106:7—10.   Ex.  14:12,30,31. 
t  Or,  affliction, 
y  105:27—38.  135:9.     Ex.  3:19, 

20.    Deut.  4:34.  6:22.     Neh.  9: 

10. 
J  Heb.  set. 
z  12. 
a  105:29.     Ex.  7:17—21.     Rev. 

16:3—6. 
b  105:31.    Ex.  8:21— 24. 
c  105:30.  Ex.  8:2—15.  Rer.  16: 

13. 


d  105:34,35.        Ex.     10:12—15. 

Joel  1:4—7.  2:25.     Am.  7:1,2. 

Rev.  9:2—11. 
$  Or,  killed.     ■ 
e  105:32,33.     Ex.  9:18—34. 
II  Or,  great  hail-stones. 
IT  Heb.  shut  up. 
**  Or,  lightnings.     Ex.  9:28; 
f  11:6.      Job  20:23.      Is.  42:25. 

Lam.  4:11.    Zeph.  3:3.    Rom. 

2:8,9. 
g  1  Kings  22:21,22.  Job  1:12.  2: 

6,7. 


'is  yet  marvellously  preserved,  and,  we  trust,  pre- 
'served  for  mercy,  to  be  shewn  them  in  the  last 
'days.'  Bp.Horne.  [J^otes,  J\'um.  14:13— 19,27— 
300 

V.  39.  [Marg.  Ref.)  The  frailty  of  man,  as  in- 
capable of  enduring  the  wrath  of  God,  is  here 
emphatically  described;  as  well  as  the  divine 
compassion  for  such  feeble  worms:  but  it  is  not 
to  be  supposed,  nor  can  the  language  be  fairly  in- 
terpreted to  mean,  that  God  considers  man's  sin- 
ful nature  as  a  palliation  of  his  actual  rebellions; 
vet  the  passage  is  sometimes  thus  explained. 
{J\''otcs,  Gen.  6:3.  Matt.  26:40,41.) 

V.  41.  Limited.]  The  Israelites  did  not  be- 
lieve, that  God  could  and  would  destroy  the  An- 
akims  before  them,  and  give  them  the  laud  o.4 
Canaan:  but  in  this  and  many  otlier  instances 
they  set  bounds  to  his  power,  as  if  some  things. 
were  beyond  it.  [J^otes,  17 — 31.  Johii  11:20 — 
32.) 

V.  42—45.  JVotes,  Ex.  I:— 9:— Devoured. 
(45)  This  word  shews,  that,  besides  the  loath- 
someness of  flies,  and  their  maggots;  a  variety 
of  venomous  insects,  reptiles,  or  animals,  were 
sent  among  tlie  Egyptians,  to  bite,  and  sting, 
and  harass  them;  and  that  in  many  instances 
their  bite  or  sting  was  mortal.  Indeed  the  word 
rendered  "divers  sorts  of  flies,"  is  so  general, 
that  even  devouring  wild  beasts  may  be  meant 
by  it,  as  weU  as  insects  and  reptiles.  [JVote, 
E.t.  8:21.) 

V.  46— 49.  [Marg.  Ref .—JVotes,  Ex.  9:10:) 
Perhaps  evil  angels  terrified  the  Egyptians,  dur- 
ing the  plague  of  darkness:  they  were,  however, 


B.  C.  1000. 


PSALM  LXXVIII. 


B.  C.  1000. 


50  He  *  made  a  way  to  his  anger;  •'  he 
spared  not  their  soul  from  death,  but  gave 
their  t  hfe  over  to  the  pestilence; 

61  And  *  smote  all  the  first-born  in 
Egypt;  ^  the  chief  of  thei?-  strength  in 
'  the  tabernacles  of  Ham: 

52  But  ^  made  his  own  people  to  go 
forth  like  sheep,  and  guided  them  in  the 
wilderness  "  like  a  flock. 

53  And  he  led  them  on  safely,  "  so 
that  they  feared  not:  p  but  the  sea  ^  over- 
whelmed their  enemies. 

54  1  And  he  brought  them  to  the  bor- 
der of  his  sanctuary,  even  to  this  mountain, 
which  ■■  his  right  hand  had  purchased. 

[Practical  Obstrvations.'\ 

55  He  ^  cast  out  the  heathen  also  be- 
fore them,  and  '  divided  them  an  inherit- 
ance by  line,  "  and  made  the  tribes  of  Is- 
rael to  dwell  in  their  tents. 

56  ^  Yet  they  tempted  and  provoked 
the  most  high  God,  and  kept  not  his  tes- 
timonies; 

*  Heb.  weighed  a  path. 

h  Job  27:22.     Ez.  5;]!.  7:4,9.  8: 

18.  9:10.    Rom.  8:32.  2  Pet.  2: 

4,5. 
f  Or,   beasts   to   the    imirrain. 

Ex.  9:^—6. 
i   10.5:36.  13.5:8.  136:10.    Ex.  12: 

12,29,.'?0.  13:15.     Heb.   11:23. 
k  Gen.  49:3. 
1  10'):23.  106:02.  Gea.  9:23— 25. 

10:6. 
in  77:20.  105:37.    Neh.  9:12.  Is. 

^3:11— 14. 
<>  95:7.  100:3.  Is.  40:11.  Jer.  23: 

2—4.  Kz.  34:1  l,&c.   Luke  15: 

4—6.   John  10: 1  l,&c. 


o  Ex.  14:19,20.     Heb.  11:29. 
p  136:15.    Ex.  14:27.  15:10. 
j:  Heb.  covered. 
q  Ex.  15:13,17.    Dan.  9:16—20. 

11:4,5. 
r  44:3.     Eph.  1:14.- 
s  44:2.     105:44,45.     1.35:10—12. 

136:18—22.  Josh.  6:— 21:  Neh. 

9:22—25. 
t  Num.  33:54.     Josh.    13:7.    19: 

51. 
II  Deut.  6:10—12. 
X  40,41.    Deut.  31:16—20.  32:15 
—21.    Judsr-  2:11,12.     2  Kins-i 

17:7,&c.     Neh.  9:25,26.     Ez. 

16:15—26. 


permitted  to  deceive  and  harden  them  to  their 
destruction.  They  were  'horribly  astonished, 
'and  troubled  with  strange  apparitions.  For 
'neither  might  the  corner  that  held  them  keep 
'them  from  fear:  but  noises  as  of  waters  falling 
'down  sounded  about  them;  and  sad  visions  ap- 
'peared  unto  them  with  heavy  countenances. 
'No  power  of  the  fire  might  give  them  light; 
'neither  could  the  bright  flames  of  the  stars  en- 
'dure  to  enlighten  that  horrible  night. ...  Though 
'no  terrible  thing  did  fear  them;  yet  being  scared 
'with  beasts  that  passed  by,  and  hissing  of  ser- 
'pents,  they  died  for  fear.'  Wisdom  of  Solomon, 
17:3 — 5,9,10.  Such  were  the  traditions  of  the 
Jews  on  this  subject,  when  this  apocryphal  book, 
was  written. 

V.  50,  51.  The  preceding  miracles  and  judg- 
ments, during  which  the  long  suffering  of  God 
had  given  the  Egyptians  space  for  repentance, 
had  only  proved  an  occasion  to  them  of  filling  up 
the  measure  of  their  sins;  and  this  made  a  way 
(or,  weighed  a  path,  marg.)  for  the  execution  of 
his  righteous  vengeance  in  a  still  more  awful 
manner,  by  the  sudden  destruction  of  all  the 
first-born  in  the  land,  as  by  a  pestilence.  [Marg. 
Ref.—J^otes,  Ex.  12:29,30.  2  Sam.  24:15,16.) 

V.  52— 55.     JVb«es,  77:19,20.    80:1.  Gm.  9:24, 

25.    Ex.    14:21—31.    Hch.    11:29 Purchased. 

(54)  Or,  claimed,  and  taken  possession  of,  for  the 
inheritance  of  his  chosen  people.  The  whole 
land  of  Canaan  seems  to  have  been  intended. — 
Notwithstanding  Israel's  multiplied  rebellions, 
and  the  terrible  judgments  inflicted  on  them, 
mercy  at  last  prevailed,  and  the  nation  enjoyed 
the  promised  inheritance.  {Marg.  Rcf. — J^ote, 
Ex.  15:13.) 


57  But  y  turned  back,  and  dealt  un- 
faithfully like  their  fathers:  '■  they  were 
turned  aside  like  a  deceitful  bow. 

58  For  they  provoked  him  to  anger 
with  *  their  high  places,  and  ^  moved 
him  to  jealousy  '^  with  their  graven  im- 
ages. 

59  When  "^  God  heard  this,  he  was 
wroth,  ®  and  greatly  abhorred  Israel: 

60  ^  So  that  he  forsook  the  taberna- 
cle of  Shiloh,  the  tent  ivhich  he  placed 
among  men: 

61  And  delivered  ^  his  strength  into 
captivity,  ^  and  his  glory  into  the  enemy's 
hand. 

62  He  'gave  his  people  over  also  unto 
the  sword,  and  was  ^  wroth  with  his  in- 
heritance. 

63  '  The  fire  consumed  their  young 
men;  and  "  their  maidens  were  not  5  given 
to  marriage. 

64  "  Their  priests  fell  by  the  sword; 
"and  their  widows  made  no  lamentation. 


y41.  Jiidg-.  3:.5— 7,12. 
z  8—10,37.  Hos.  7:16. 
a  Lev.  26:30.    Ifum.  33:.52.  Ez. 

20:28,29. 
b  79:5.  Ex.  34:14.     Deut.  32:16, 

17:21.     Ez.  8:3—5.     1  Cor.  10: 

22. 
c  97:7.     Ex.  20:4,5.    Deut.  4:16 

—25.  -:'7:15.    Judg.  2:11,17.  10: 

6.     1  Kings  11:10.     Jer.  8:19. 

Hos.  13:2. 
d  11:4.  14:2—5.     Gen.  18:20,21. 
e  106:40.       Ler.    20:23.    26:44. 

Lam.  2:7.     Zech.  11:8. 
f  Josh.  13:1.     1  Sam.  1:3.  4:4— 


11.    Jer.  7:12— 1-1.  26:6— 9. 
%  132:8.   I  Sam.  5:1,2.  2  Chr.  6: 

41. 
h24:7.    Ex.  40:34.   1  Sam.  4:21, 

i   1  Snm.  4:2,10. 

k  89:38.   Is.  64:9. 

1  21.    Deut.  29:20.  32:22. 

m  Is.  4:1.  Jer.  7:34.  16:9.  26:10. 

5  }ieh. 'praised. 

n  1  Sam.  2:33,34.  4:11,17.  22:18. 

19. 
o  1   Sam.   4:19,20.      Job  27:1.5. 

Ez.  24:23. 


V.  56 — 60.  The  history  of  Israel,  from  the 
death  of  Moses  to  that  of  Eli,  as  contained  in  the 
books  of  Joshua  and  Judges,  and  the  first  four 
chapters  of  the  first  of  Samuel,  forms  the  best 
comment  on  these  verses.  (JVb/es,  106:7 — 46.  2 
Kings  11:1—13.  JVe/i.  9:7— 35.  Jer.  7:12— 15. 
26:3—9.  Ez.  16:  20:10—38.  23:)  'We  can  hard- 
'ly  read  two  chapters  in  the  book  of  Judges,  but 
'we  meet  with  the  words,  "And  the  children  of 
'Israel  did  evil  in  the  sight  of  the  Lord." '  Bp. 
Horne.  These  continually  repeated  apostacies 
of  the  Israelites  to  idolatry  rendered  them  like  a 
deceitful  bow,  that  never  sends  the  arrow  to  the 
mark,  but  always  disappoints  the  archer's  ex- 
pectations. [JVotes,  9—  1 1 ,35,37.) 
■  V.  61.  His  strength.]  That  is,  Tlie  ark,  Ihe 
symbol  of  Jehovah's  protecting  presence  with 
his  people,  and  which,  as  typifying  the  harmoni- 
ous display  of  his  perfections  in  the  salvation  of 
Christ,  is  also  called  "his  glory,"  or  his  beavty. 
(JSTotcs,  Ex.  25:10—21.  2  Chr.  6:41,42.) 

V.  63.  The  wrath  of  God  gave  up  the  army 
of  Israel  into  the  hands  of  the  Philistines,  to  be 
consumed  as  by  fire.  Thus  their  young-  men 
perished,  their  enemies  triumphed,  and  their  vir- 
gins were  not  praised,  {jnarg.)  according  to  the 
custom  of  commending  them  in  songs,  when  they 
were  married.  Either  they  remained  single;  or 
in  a  time  of  public  calamity,  amidst  the  insulting 
oppressions  of  their  enemies,  all  the  customary 
tokens  of  joy  were  omitted.  [Jy'otes,  1  Sam. 
4:) 

V.  64.  The  wife  of  Phinehas,  hearing  of  his 
death,  soon  expired,  and  so  did  not  survive  to 
lament  her  loss:  others,  perhaps,  had  been  pre- 
viously taken  off;    or  they  were  made  captives, 

[283 


R.  C.    1000. 


PSALM  LXXVIII. 


B.  C.  1000. 


65  Then  p  the  Lord  awaked  as  one  out 
of  sleep,  1  and  like  a  mighty  man  that 
shouteth  by  reason  of  wine. 

66  And  *■  he  smote  his  enemies  in  the 
hinder  part:  ^  he  put  them  to  a  perpetual 
reproach. 

67  Moreover  *  he  refused  the  taberna- 
cle of  Joseph,  and  chose  not  the  tribe  of 
Ephraim: 

68  But "  chose  the  tribe  of  Judah,  ^  the 
mount  Zion,  which  he  loved. 

69  And   y  he    built  his  sanctuary  like 


p  7  6.  4-5:23 •     Is.  51:9. 

q  Is.  4:  13,14. 

r  1  Sam.  6:6  -12.  6:4.     Job  40: 

12. 
s  Jer.  23:10. 
t  iSam.  «:21.  7:1.2.     2  Sam.  6: 


3,17. 
u  Gen.  49:8—10.      Ruth  4:17— 

22.   iSam.  lfi:l.    Q  Chr.  6:6. 
s  87:2.  132:12—14. 
y  1  Kings  6:2.  9:8.    2  Chr.  3:4. 


^  high  palaces,  like   ^  the  earth  which  he 
hath  *  established  for  ever. 

70  He  ''chose  David  also  his  servant, 
•^  and  took  him  from  the  sheep-folds: 

71  t  From  following  •*  the  ewes  great 
with  young,  '^  he  brought  him  to  "^feed  Ja- 
cob his  people,  and  Israel  his  inheritance. 

72  So  he  fed  them  e  according  to  the 
integrity  of  his  heart:  and  ^  guided  thein 
by  the  skilfulness  of  his  hands. 


z  1  Chr.  29:1,19.     2  Chr.  2:9. 
a  102:25.    104:5.     119:90,91.       1 

Sam.  2:8.    Job  26:7.     Is.  48:13. 

51:6.   Col.  1:16,17.   Rev.  20:11. 
*  Heb.  founded, 
b  89:19,20.      1   Sam.    16:12.     2 

Sam,  3:18.  6:21.    Acts  13:22. 
c  Kx.  3:1,10.    1  Sam.  17:15,&c. 

2  Sam.  7:8.      1  Kino;s  19:19,20. 

Am.  7:14,15.   Matt.  4:18—22. 
f  Heb.  Fro7n  after. 
d  Gen.  33:13.     Is.  40:11. 


e  75:6,7.  113:7,8.     I  Sam.  2:7,8. 

Jer.  27:.5,6. 
f  2  Sam.  5:2.   1  Chr.  11:2.    F.z. 

34:23,24.    Mic.  5:2 — 4.     Zech. 

ll:4,&c.        Matt.    2:6.    marg. 

John  21:15— 17.      1  Pet.  5:2. 
g  7.5:2.  101:1—8.     2  Sam.   3:1.5. 

1  Kings  9:4.  15:5.     Is.  11:2—4. 

Acts  13:22,36. 
h  1  Kings  3:6—9,28.    Zech.  11: 

15—17.     2  Cor.  3:5,6.    2  Tim. 

2:15.  Jam.  1:5. 


and  dared  not  lament,  lest  they  should  enrage 
their  conquerors.     [J\Iarg  Re/.) 

V.  65,  66.  While  the  Philistines,  were  inflict- 
ing deserved  punishment  on  the  Israelites,  the 
Lord  seemed  like  one  asleep,  and  as  not  regard- 
ing either  liis  people,  or  even  "the  Ark  of  his 
strength."  But  when  their  resentment  or  their 
ambition  had  accomplished  his  purposes,  he  sud- 
denly and  effectually  interposed  to  rebuke  the 
impious  triumphs  of  the  idolaters,  and  to  put 
them  and  their  idol  to  a  perpetual  shame:  [J^ote, 
76:10.)  even  as  a  might)'  man  of  valor  would  rest, 
or  refresh  himself,  notwithstanding  the  advance 
of  the  enemy,  till  the  moment  arrived  for  ex- 
ecuting his  own  plan;  and  then  he  would  burst 
forth  on  them  with  unexpected  and  irresistible 
fury.  (JVofes, /*.  42:13— 17.  51:9— 11.)  By  the 
emerods,  the  Lord  disgraced  as  well  as  discom- 
fited the  Philistines,  and  constrained  them  to  send 
back  the  ark:  and  by  the  golden  images  of  the 
emerods  and  of  the  mice  that  marred  the  land, 
they  were  led  to  publish  and  perpetuate  their 
own  disgrace.     (JVoies,  1  Sam,  5:  6:1 — 18.) 

V.  67—69.  [Marg.  Ref.—JK'otes,  13^.::6— 17. 
Gen.  49:8—10.  JoAn  4: 19— •24.)  These  verses  shew 
that  the  Psalm  was  written  after  the  building  of 
the  temple,  and  consequently  not  sooner  than 
eleven  or  twelve  years  after  the  death  of  David. 
For  the  language  cannot  suit  the  tabernacle 
which  he  placed  on  mount  Zion;  as  that  was  soon 
to  be  superseded  by  a  magnificent  temple,  which 
was  at  length  erected  so  strong,  that  it  appeared 
Jikely  to  stand  as  long  as  the  earth  endured.  It 
was,  however,  destroyed  by  Nebuchadnezzar: 
and  though  Zion  continued  the  centre  of  Jeho- 
vah's worship,  till  the  coming  of  Christ;  j'et  it 
has  now  been  trodden  under  foot  of  the  Gentiles 
for  above  seventeen  hundred  years.  [J\ote,  Luke 
21:20—24.) 

V.  70—72.  {JSTotes,  89:19—37.  1  Sam.  15:26— 
28.  16:1—13.  17:  2  Srm.  5:1,2.  7:8—11.  Is.  40: 
9—11.  Ez.  34:23—31.)  What  an  emphatical 
attestation  to  the  excellence  of  David's  general 
conduct,  as  king  of  Israel,  does  this  passage  con- 
tain! {M)tes,  2  Sam.  23:3,4.  1  Chr.  29:10—19,26 
— 28.  2  Chr.  31:20,21.)  In  this  especially  he 
was  a  type  of  our  Savior,  and  a  pattern  both  to 
rulers,  and  to  Christian  ministers.  'The  qualifi- 
'cations,  requisite  for  the  due  discharge  of  high 
'offices,  are  best  learned,  at  first,  in  an  inferior 
♦station;  especially  if  it  be  one  that  will  inure 
'them  to  labor  and  vigilance.'    Bp.  Home. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1— n. 

The  instructions  of  the  sacred  word  are  dark 
284] 


sayings  to  the  inattentive  and  self-confident:    and 
yet  they  are  very  plain  to  the  humble,  diligent,  and 
obedient  inquirer,  who  earnestly  prays  for  the 
teaching  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  and  reduces  to  prac- 
tice,  and   realizes   in  his  experience,   what  he 
learns  from  1  hence.     [JVotes,  Prov.  1:1 — 6.  2:1  — 
6.   14:6.)     The  truths,   precepts,   and    works  of 
God,  which  have  been  recorded  and  transmitted 
to  us  by  our  progenitors,  form  a  sacred  deposit, 
which  we  must  hand  down  to  posterity:  "shewing 
to  the  generation  to  come  the  praises  of  the  Lord, 
and  his  strength,  and  his  wonderful  works  that  he 
hath  done;  that  they  ...  should  arise,  and  declare 
them  to  their  children;  that  thej'  might  set  their 
hope  in  God,  and  not  forget  the  works  of  God,  but 
keep  his  commandments."    [.N'ofe,  Rom.  3:1,2.) 
To  perform  this  important  duty  to  good  purpose, 
we  must  enforce  our  instructions  by  a  consistent 
example:  and  it  is  awful  to  think  how  many  pa- 
rents, by  their  negligence  and  wickedness,  be- 
come the  murderers  of  the  souls  of  their  children. 
But  should  any  young  persons  read  these  obser- 
vations, who  cannot  but  know  that  their  parents 
are  stubborn  and  rebellious:  let  them  remember, 
that,  though  they  must  not  expose  their  faults,  or 
neglect  to   submit  to  them  in  all  things  lawful; 
yet  they  must  neither  obey  their  sinful  orders,  nor 
copy  their  examples.     On  the  contrary,  they  are 
bound  to  requite  their  kindness  in  things  tempo- 
ral, by  earnestly  praying  for  their  conversion: 
and  by  recommending  the  profession  of  the  gos- 
pel to  them,  with  the  most  respectful,  obliging, 
and  affectionate  behavior;    and  by  such  modest 
hints,  as  may  consist  with  the  honor  due  to  that 
superior  relation. — The  lax  principles,  the  diso- 
bedience, and   the  apostacy  of  many  professed 
Christians  shew,  that  they  never  set  their  hearts 
aright,  and  that  their  spirit  was  never  stedfast 
with  God:  they  were  never  duly  humbled  and  set 
against  sin;    they  never  were  weaned  from  the 
world,  or  prepared  for  the  cross  and  the  conflict; 
they  never  cordially  received  the  Lord  for  their 
Portion  and  Salvation,  counting  all  but  loss  in 
comparison  of  him.    In  time  of  temptation,  there- 
fore, like  the  cowardly  Ephraimites,  though  arm- 
ed as  soldiers,  they  basely  turn  their  backs  on  the 
enemy;  "they  renounce  the  covenant  of  God,  and 
refuse  to  walk  in  his  law." 

V.  12—54. 
We  cannot  avoid  repeating,  that  in  Israel's 
history  we  have  a  picture  of  our  own  hearts  and 
lives,  and  a  compendium  of  the  history  of  the 
world,  and  of  the  church.  (P.  O.  Mh.  9: )  The 
common  benefits  afforded  by  the  Creator  to  the 
1  whole  human  race,  when  viewed  in  connexioa 


B.  C.  1000. 


PSALM  LXXVIII. 


B.  C.  1000. 


with  our  conduct  towards  him,  evidently  leave 
us  without  excuse.  His  snn  rises  to  g-ive  us 
light,  his  rain  descends  to  make  the  earth  fruitful, 
and  the  seasons  in  succession  pour  forth  an  exu- 
berance for  our  use  and  indulgence:  yet  these 
blessings  are  generally  received  with  unthank- 
fulness,  and  abused  in  intemperance;  few  are  con- 
tent with  meat  for  their  use,  but  almost  all  crave 
provision  for  their  lusts,  and  are  unwilling  to 
trust  the  power  and  goodness  of  God  for  the  fu- 
ture. Insensible  of  the  protecting  hand  of  him, 
"in  whom  they  live,  and  move,  and  are,"  most 
men  spend  their  lives  in  rebellion:  and  when  he 
is  provoked  to  bring  them  into  troubles  and  dan- 
gers, there  are  but  few  who  seem  to  return  to  him 
and  inquire  after  him;  and  the  event  proves,  that 
most  of  these  few  only  "flatter  him  with  their 
mouth,  and  lie  unto  him  with  their  tongues."  So 
that  the  patience  of  God,  and  the  warnings  and 
mercies  which  he  sends,  "to  lead  men  to  repent- 
ance," embolden  them  to  harden  their  hearts,  and 
treasure  up  wrath,  until  the  measure  of  their  ini- 
quities is  full;  and  then  he  casts  upon  them  the 
fierceness  of  his  wrath,  and  gives  them  up  to  be 
hardened  and  destroyed. 

The  history  of  nations  is  in  many  respects  the 
same.  God  has  not  indeed  dealt  with  any  nation, 
in  every  respect,  as  he  did  with  Israel:  but  in- 
creasing atfluence  and  prosperity  have  almost 
uniformly  produced  proportionable  pride,  luxurj^ 
licentiousness,  and  impiety:  and  judgments  and 
mercies  have  generally  been  neglected,  or  very 
superficiall}'  attended  to,  until  the  measure  of  na- 
tional guilt  was  filled;  and  then  some  other  peo- 
ple were  employed  to  execute  the  vengeance  of 
God  upon  them.  This  has  appeared  with  pecu- 
liar evidence,  in  nations  favored  with  the  word  of 
God  and  professing  his  truth.  The  outward 
means  of  grace  have  been  to  them,  like  the  pillar 
of  cloud  and  fire,  and  the  Bread  and  Water  of 
life;  and  manifold  providential  favors  have  been 
vouchsafed.  But  where  is  that  nation  professing 
Christianity,  which  has  not  copied  Israel's  ex- 
ample? Certainly  Britain  is  no  exception  to  this 
rule.  On  us  the  manna  has  been  rained  all 
around  our  habitations;  and  wells  of  salvation 
have  been  opened,  and  the  waters  of  life  have 
flowed,  in  almost  every  corner  of  our  land.  We 
have  been  equally  favored  by  an  indulgent  Pi'ovi- 
dence,  and  have  experienced  many  former  and 
later  extraordinary  deliverances:  but  neither 
judgments  nor  mercies  have  prevented  the  rapid 
increase  of  infidelity,  profligacy,  impiety,  and  op- 
pression. And  if,  under  any  pressing  calamities, 
we  have  seemed  sensible  of  our  obligations  and 
dependence;  and  have  returned,  and  inquired 
after  God  "our  Rock  and  our  Redeemer;"  the 
event  has  detected  our  base  hypocrisy.  Hither- 
to, the  Lord,  being  full  of  compassion,  has  spared 
us:  but  if  v/e  still  forget  his  mercies,  and  neglect 
and  abuse  his  gospel,  what  can  we  expect,  but 
that  he  will  cast  us  off",  and  number  us  with  the 
hardened  Egyptians;  that  he  will  make  a  way  for 
his  anger,  and  glorify  himself  by  inflicting  judg- 
ments on  us,  as  singular  as  our  mercies  have 
been? 

Even  in  those  collective  bodies,  which  have 
made  a  stricter  profession  of  his  truth,  the  case 
has  been  similar.  Distinguished  advantages 
have  not  prev#nted  churches,  one  after  another, 
from  degenerating  into  formality  or  heresy,  from 
forsaking  the  covenant  of  God,  and  casting  off" 
his  commandments.  The  profession  and  knowl- 
edge of  the  truth  have  in  many  instances  only 
increased  pride  and  presumption;  men  have  ad- 
ministered the  sacred  ordinances  as  mere  ex- 
ternal forms;  and  they  have  rested  upon  the 
baptism  of  water,  and  the  sacramental  bread  and 
wine,  without  the  inward  and  spiritual  grace 
signified    by  them.     {JYotes,  1   Cor.  10:1—12.) 


Many  religious  societies  have  split  into  parties, 
and  turned  aside  unto  vain  jangling;  many  have 
evidently  returned  back  into  the  world;  and 
others  have  declined  to  superstition  and  will- 
worship,  and  provoked  God  to  jealousy  with  their 
high  places  and  graven  images:  and  neither 
warnings,  mercies,  nor  judgments  have  stopped 
their  course,  till  their  candlesticks  have  been  re- 
moved, and  their  privileges  given  to  others.  JN'or 
has  any  collective  body  yet  been  found,  which 
has  been  durably  preserved  from  such  declen- 
sions. Let  those  "who  think  they  stand,  take 
heed  lest  they  fall." 

Even  true  believers  are  not  unconcerned. 
Many  of  them  can  recollect,  that  for  years  they 
perverted  the  kindness  of  Providence  into  an  oc- 
casion of  sin.  The  Lord's  patience  emboldened 
them  in  their  evil  courses;  his  bounty  increased 
their  self-ind>ilgence;  and  even  the  warnings  of 
his  word,  and  their  convictions  of  conscience, 
served  onl}'  to  discover  their  obstinacy  in  rebel- 
lion. Perhaps  a  near  prospect  of  death  sometimes 
frighted  them  to  their  devotions,  but  upon  recov- 
ery they  relapsed  into  ungodliness.  Thej'  must 
therefore  now  admire  the  Lord's  compassion  and 
forbearance,  in  that  he  did  not  stir  up  all  his 
wrath  against  them  and  destroy  them.  At  length 
he  came  with  an  outstretched  arm  for  their  deliv- 
erance: and  he  found  them  slaves  of  Satan  and  in 
love  with  their  bondage,  nor  could  they  be  per- 
suaded to  accede  to  his  invitations;  nay,  they  hat- 
ed and  resisted  his  truths  and  convictions,  until 
his  new-creating  grace  had  powerfully  made  them 
willing.  Then  he  broke  off  their  chains,  and  res- 
cued them  from  their  oppressor;  he  foi'gave  their 
sins,  and  supplied  their  wants,  and  opened  their 
waj'  to  liberty:  and  their  salvation  in  its  full  lati- 
tude, far  exceeded  in  love  and  power,  that  which 
Israel  experienced  when  brought  up  out  of  Egypt. 
Since  that  time  of  mercy,  he  has  guided  and 
guarded  them:  they  have  fed  upon  the  Bread  of 
heaven,  and  drunk  water  from  the  wells  of  salva- 
tion. But  though  many  of  them  have  been  mer- 
cifully preserved  from  scandalous  offences;  yet 
how  often  have  they  grieved  his  Holy  Spirit,  and 
provoked  his  chastening  rod!  Frequently  they 
have  been  discontented  with  their  temporal  pro- 
vision, and  "craved  meat  for  their  lusts:"  they 
have  secretly  murmured  at  his  appointments,  and 
distrusted  his  power  and  love;  they  have  limited 
him  to  their  methods,  and  doubted  whether  he 
could  otherwise  provide  or  deliver!  Alas!  we 
have  all  provoked  him  by  our  unbelief,  forgetful- 
ness,  and  ingratitude;  and  have  often  been  chas- 
tened, by  having  our  inordinate  desires  graited 
in  anger.  Severe  afflictions  have  been  nece*  afy 
to  recover  us  from  our  backslid ings;  and  though 
we  were  not  mere  hypocrites  in  returning  to  the 
Lord,  yet  we  have  soon  forgotten  the  salutary 
lesson:  if  our  hearts  have  perhaps  been  sincere, 
yet  they  have  not  been  stedfnst  with  him.  So  that 
'it  is  of  the  Lord's  mercies,  that  we  are  not  con- 
sumed" with  our  fellow-sinnei's;  and  we  have 
cause  to  review,  with  shame  and  gratitude,  every 
stage  of  our  journey  through  the  wilderness.  And 
when  we  shall  come  to  our  inheritance,  how  shall 
we  admire  the  Lord's  patience  and  mercy,  who 
led  us  forth  like  a  flock,  safely,  and  without  cause 
of  fear;  who  destroyed  our  enemies,  and  brought 
us,  through  every  intervening  difficulty,  to  the 
"purchased  possession"  of  his  heavenly  kingdom! 
Then  indeed  we  shall  no  more  distrust  or  dishonor 
our  God;  we  shall  no  more  rebel  or  be  ungrateful. 
In  the  mean  time  we  should  walk  humbly  and 
watchfully;  trusting  only  in  his  mercy,  and  cheer- 
fully submitting  to  the  discipline  and  chastise- 
ment, which  our  remaining  perverseness  renders 
necessary;  and  praying  daily  and  fervently  that 
we  may  profit  by  all  our  trials,  our  miscarriages, 
and  our  mercies. 

[285 


B.  C.  58S. 


PSALM  LXXIX. 


B.  C.  588.. 


PSALM  LXXIX. 

The  Psalmist  complains  to  God  of  the  desolations  of  Jerusalem, 
and  the  cruel  insults  of  the  heathen,  1 — 5.  He  prays  for  de- 
liverance and  forg-iveness;  and  that  the  Lord  would  glorify 
himself,  by  avenging  his  people  on  their  oppressors,  6 — 13. 

A  Psalm  *  of  Asa^jh. 
GOD,  "  the  heathen  are  come  ^  into 
thine  inheritance;   '^  thy  holy  tem- 
ple have   they  defiled;  "^  they  have   laid 
Jerusalem  on  heaps. 

2  ®  The  dead  bodies  of  thy  servants 
have  they  given  to  be  meat  unto  the  fowls 


*  Or,  for.  74:  title.    Marg. 

a  74:3,4.  80:12,13.  2  Kings  21 
12—16.  25:4—10.  2  Chr.  3fi:3, 
4,6,7,17.  Luke  21:24.  Rev.  11: 
2. 

b  74:2.  78:71.    Is.  47:6. 


I  c  74:7,8.    2  Kings  24:13.     Lam. 

1:10.  Ez.  7:20,21.9:7. 
d  2  Kings  25:9,10.  2  Chr.  36:19. 

Jer.  26:13.39:8.  52:13.    Mic.  3: 

12. 
e  Jer.  7:33.  15:3.  16:4.  34:20. 


V.  55—72. 
The  power  and  mercy  of  God  have  been  as 
conspicuous,  in  preserving-  the  church  at  larg-e 
from  being  ruined  by  intestine  corruptions,  as  in 
protecting  her  against  external  violence.  Her 
histor}',  from  the  first  promise  to  fallen  Adam,  to 
the  coming  of  the  Redeemer,  has  appeared  to  be  a 
constant  succession  of  gracious  interpositions  of 
God  in  her  behalf,  requited  with  continual  rebel- 
lions and  apostacies.  Often  did  the  Lord  pour 
contempt  upon  the  externals,  in  which  his  pro- 
fessing people  confided;  and  even  delivered  "the 
ark  of  his  glory  and  strength"  into  captivity,  and 
suffered  their  priests  to  be  massacred  by  the 
heathen:  yet  in  due  time  he  arose  again  for  their 
help,  and  put  their  enemies  to  shame,  or  cast  them 
down  into  destruction.  This  appears  very  remark- 
ably in  the  history  of  Israel  till  the  days  of  David, 
whom  he  took  from  the  sheep-folds  to  rule  and  feed 
his  people,  and  to  promote  their  prosperit)"  and 
religious  advantage.  And  their  subsequent  his- 
tory, until  the  coming  of  the  Son  of  David,  is  of 
the  same  kind.  Then  Cliristianity  succeeded  to 
the  Mosaic  dispensation;  and  Jerusalem  being 
desolated,  the  Jews  as  a  nation  were  deprived  of 
all  their  distinguished  privileges.  Under  the  rule 
and  guidance  of  the  good  Shepherd,  who  feeds  his 
flock  with  most  perfect  integrity  and  skilfulness, 
one  would  have  expected  a  better  state  of  affairs: 
j^et  the  history  of  the  Christian  church  hitherto 
has  been  of  the  same  cast;  and  nothing  but  the 
patience  of  God  could  have  borne  with  the  abom- 
inations, which  have  prevailed  among  men  who 
aretalled  by  the  name  of  Christ!  Nor  are  matters 
j'ct  much  mended:  and  the  result  of  all  the  meth- 
ods, by  which  God  has  made  trial  of  human  na- 
ture, under  every  dispensation,  confirms  his  testi- 
mony, "that  the  heart  is  deceitful  above  all  things, 
and  desperately  wicked:"  and  that  nothing  but  a 
new  creation  by  the  power  of  the  Holy  Spirit, 
can  cure  anj^  of  the  human  race,  of  their  propen- 
sity to  ungodliness  and  iniquity.  May  tlie  Lord 
then  arise  as  one  awcked  out  of  sleep,  and  put  his 
enemies  to  a  perpetual  reproach!  may  he  purify 
and  unite  his  church;  and  raise  up  kings  and  pas- 
tors like  David,  and  like  Christ,  under  whom  his 
work  may  prosper,  and  true  religion  spread 
througliout  the  earth!  And  let  us  not  limit  our 
God:  he  can  do  all  things,  and  can  easily  form 
proper  instruments  and  make  them  successful, 
and  render  true  piety  as  universal  as  iniquity  has 
hitherto  been. — But  let  every  reader  fear  the 
doom  of  his  enemies,  and  read  with  reverent  at- 
tention, in  the  history  of  tlie  Egyptians,  and  of 
those  Israelites  whose  "days  were  consumed  in 
vanity  and  their  years  in  trouble,"  the  power  of 
the  wrath  of  God  against  the  workers  of  iniquity. 
Let  us  all  diligently  seek  the  privileges  of  his  true 
•people,  whom  he  spares  and  "pities,  as  a  father 

286] 


of  the  heaven,  the  flesh  of  thy  saints  unto 
the  beasts  of  the  earth. 

3  ''Their  blood  have  they  shed  hke 
water  round  about  Jerusalem;  s  and  there 
was  none  to  bury  them. 

4  We  are  ''become  a  reproach  to  our 
neighbors,  '  a  scorn  and  derision  to  thein 
that  are  round  about  us. 

5  ^  How  long.  Lord?  '  wilt  thou  be 
angry  for  ever?  shall  ■"  thy  jealousy  burn 
like  fire? 


f  10.    Matt.  23:35.     Rom.  S:30. 

Rev.  16:6.  17;6.  18:24. 
g  141:7.     Jer.  8:1,2.  14:16.  15:3. 

25:33.  Rev.  11:9. 
h  44:13,14.  80:6.  39:41.    Jer.  24: 

9.25:13.42:18.     Lam.  2:15,16. 

5:1.    Ez.  35:12.  36:3,15. 


i  1  Kings  9:7.  Neh. 2:19.4:1— 4. 
k  13:1,2.     74:10.      80:4.      89:46. 

Rev.  6:10. 
I   85:5.  103:9.    Is.  64:9.    Mic.  7: 

18. 
m  Deut.  29:20.  32:16,22.      Ez. 

36:5.    Zeph.  1:18.  3:8. 


doth  his  children;"  "for  he  remembereth,  that 
they  are  but  flesh;  a  wind  that  passeth  aAvay  and 
cometh  not  again:"  (JVo^es,  103:1 1 — 18.)  but  let 
us  be  careful  not  to  grieve  our  kind  Friend,  by 
distrust  and  ingratitude,  and  forgetfulness  of  his 
mercies,  which  will  tend  to  our  own  loss.  And  if 
we  would  be  useful  and  honorable  in  our  genera- 
tion, we  must  learn  to  stoop,  to  labor,  to  deny 
ourselves,  and  to  be  faithful  and  diligent  in  lower 
situations.  For  persons  of  this  character  have 
often  been  advanced  to  more  eminent  stations: 
and  if  as  magistrates  or  ministers  the)'  feed  the 
Lord's  flock  with  integrity  and  skill,  by  the  al- 
lowance of  candid  and  liberal  men;  it  will  prove 
no  real  objection  or  reproach  to  them,  in  the 
judgment  of  the  wise  and  holj^  though  they  have 
been  formerly  employed  with  Moses,  with  Amos, 
and  with  David,  in  tending  sheep,  with  Elisha  in 
following  the  plow,  or  with  the  apostles  in  the 
fisherman's  boat,  or  even  at  the  receipt  of  cus- 
tom. [J^otes,  Ex.  2:16— 21.  \  Kings  10:19— 2\. 
Am.  7:14—17.  JIatt.  4:18— 22.  9:9.) 

NOTES. 
PsAT.M  LXXIX.  v.  1—5.  This  psalm  una- 
voidably leads  our  thoughts  to  the  Babylonish 
captivity:  yet  some  think  that  it  was  written  long 
before;  the  Holy  Spirit  directing  the  Psalmist 
thus  to  furnish  the  church  with  proper  medita- 
tions, in  all  such  seasons  of  public  calamity. 
[JVotes,  44:  74:  Deut.  31:14—23.  32:)— When 
Judah  was  desolated  by  hostile  armies,  the  hea- 
then possessed  the  inheritance  which  God  had 
given  his  people.  When  Jerusalem  was  taken, 
the  temple  was  profaned  and  destroyed;  part  of 
the  inhabitants  were  buried  in  the  ruins  of  tlie 
city;  and  others  of  them,  whose  blood  was  shed 
abundantly  on  every  side,  were  left  to  be  devour- 
ed by  birds  and  beasts  of  prey:  thus  the  people 
of  Jehovah  were  exposed  to  reproach  and  con- 
tempt, because  they  had  provoked  him  to  jeal- 
ousy by  their  idolatries:  and  the  pious  remnant 
was  led  earnestly  to  inquire,  "how  long"  these 
calamities,  and  this  triumph  of  their  blaspheming 
oppressors  would  continue;  and  was  ready  to 
fear,  that  the  anger  and  jealousy  of  the  Lord 
would  burn  like  fire  for  ever.  The  case  has 
often  been  similar,  when  persecutors  and  cor- 
rupters of  the  faith  have  profaOid  the  church, 
and  murdered  the  saints  of  God. ,  (JVbies,  80:8 — 
13.  Jer.  8:1— 3.  26:16—19.  Z-am.  2:11,12.  4:1— 
6.  Ez.  9:5—7.  Mic.  3:8—12.  Rom.  8:35—39. 
Rev.  11:1—12.) — 'To  behold,  or  even  to  imagine, 
'heaps  of  slaugntered  bodies,  lying  unburied  and 
'exposed  to  birds  and  beasts  of  prey,  is  inex- 
'pressibly  shocking  to  humanity.  But  with  what 
'unconcern  are  we  accustomed  to  view,  on  all 
'sides  of  us,  multitudes  "dead  in  trespasses  and 
'sins,"  torn  in  pieces  and  devoured  by  wild  pas- 


B.  C.  588. 


PSALM  LXXIX. 


B.  C.  588. 


G  "  Pour  out  tliy  wratli  °  upon  the 
heathen  that  p  have  not  known  thee,  and 
upon  the  kingdoms  '^  that  have  not  called 
upon  thy  name. 

7  For  "■  they  have  devoured  Jacob, 
and  ^  laid  waste  his  dwelling-place. 

8  *  O  remember  not  against  us  *  for- 
mer iniquhies:  "  let  thy  tender  mercies 
speedily  prevent  usj  for  ^  we  are  brought 
very  low. 

9  Help  us,  O  God  of  our  salvation, 
y  for  the  glory  of  thy  name;  and  dehver 
us,  ^  and  purge  away  our  sins,  ®  for  thy 
name's  sake. 

10  **  Wherefore    should   the    heathen 


n  69:24.     Is.  42:25.     Kev.  16.1, 

&c. 
o  Is.  13:  21:  23:     Jer.  10:25.  25: 

29.  46:— 51: 
|)  9:16,17.   Is.  45:4,5.  John  16:3. 

17:25.  Acts  17:23.    Rom.  1:28. 

2  Thes.  1:8. 
q  14:4.  145:13.  Rom.  10:12—14. 

1  Cov.  1:2. 
r  30:13.    Is.  9:12.    Jer.  50:7.51: 

34,35.   Zech.  1:15. 
s  2Chr.  36:21.  Is.  24:1—12.  64: 

10,11. 
t  25:7.    Ex.  32:34.     1  Km^s  17: 

18.     Is.  64:9.     Hos.  8:13.  9:9. 


Rev.  18:5. 
*  Or,  Me  iniquities  of  them  thai 

Toere  before  us.      Gen.    15:16. 

Kz.  2:3.   Dan.  9:16.    Matt.  23: 

32—36. 
u  21:3.  69:16,17. 
X  106:43.  116:0.  142:6.  Dent.  28: 

43. 
y  115:1.  2Chr.  14:11.  Mai.  2:2. 

Eph.  1:6. 
z  25:11.  65:3.     Dan.  9:9,19. 
a  Josh.  7:9.  Is.  43:25.48:9.  Jer. 

14:7.    Ez.  20:9,14. 
b  42:3,10.  115:2.  Joel  2:17.  Mic. 

7:10. 


*sions,  filthy  lusts,  and  infernal  spirits,  those  dog's 
'and  vultures  of  the  moral  world!  Yet,  to  a  dis- 
'cerning-  eye  and  a  thinking'  mind,  the  latter  is 
'b}'  far  the  more  melancholy  sight  of  the  two.' 
Bp.  Home.     (Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  6,  7.  The  Jews  deserved  their  sufferings 
from  God;  but  their  ravagers  were  extremely 
unjust,  cruel,  and  impious. — As  the  church  can- 
not be  delivered  without  the  confusion  and  de- 
struction of  implacable  persecutors;  so  we  cannot 
pray  for  the  one,  without  at  least  implying  the 
other.  (JVbies,  69:22—28.  Is.  63:17—19.)  Jer- 
emiah has  the  same  prayer  with  little  variation; 
but  it  is  not  agroed  whether  he  took  it  from  this 
psalm,  or  the  Psalmist  from  him;  though  the  lat- 
ter is  most  probable.  (JVofe,  Jer.  10:23 — 25.) — 
The  Chaldeans,  whose  destruction  God  had  fore- 
told, were  especially  meant:  and,  so  far  from 
worshipping  Jkhovah,  they  blasphemed  him,  and 
cruelly  oppressed  his  worshippers.  [Marg.  Ref. 
—JVote,  Lam.  3:52—57.) 

V.  8 — 13.  The  Psalmist  dofes  not  plead,  as  in 
some  other  places,  that  his  people,  though  op- 
pressed and  persecuted,  were  free  from  the  guilt 
of  idolatry  and  other  atrocious  crimes:  ( JVbie,  44: 
9 — 22.)  but,  allowing  that  they  and  their  fathers 
had  been  so  criminal  as  to  deserve  extirpation, 
(to  wliicii  they  seemed  fast  approaching,)  he 
draws  all  his  pleas  from  the  compassion  and  ten- 
der mercies  of  God;  from  his  regard.,  or  rather 
zeal,  for  the  honor  of  his  name,  which  the  idola- 
ters would  insolently  blaspheme,  if  Israel  should 
be  destroyed;  from  the  abject  condition  to  which 
they  were  reduced,  in  which,  unless  prevented 
by  speedy  help,  they  must  perish;  from  the  great- 
ness of  Jehovah's  power;  and  from  the  import- 
ance of  his  still  having  a  people  to  praise  his 
name,  to  the  end  of  time. — The  word  rendered 
"purge  away  our  sins,"  means  cover  them,  with 
an  atonement. — No  sacrifices  were  offered  during 
the  captivity;  but  this  was  a  prayer  for  the  res- 
toration of  the  temple  and  those  expiatory  obla- 
tions, as  typifying  the  great  atonement  of  "Christ, 
which  purges  away  the  guilt  of  all  believers,  to 
the  praise  of  the  glory  of  God. — Some  expres- 
sions towards  the  close,  are  like  tliose  used  by 
the  martyrs  and  saints  in  St.  John's  prophetical 
vision,  or  revelation;    and  it  seems   obvious  to 


say,  Where  is  their  God.^  "  let  him  be 
known  among  the  heathen  in  our  sight, 
^  by  the  t  revenging  of  the  blood  of  thy 
servants  which  is  shed. 

1 1  Let  ^  the  sighing  of  the  prisoner 
come  before  thee:  ^  according  to  the 
greatness  of  ^  thy  power  k  preserve  thou 
those  that  are  appointed  to  die; 

12  And  s  render  unto  our  neighbors 
sevenfold  into  their  bosom,  their  re- 
proach, ^  wherewith  they  have  reproach- 
ed thee,  O  Lord. 

13  So  we  '  thy  people  and  sheep  of 
thy  pasture  will  give  thee  thanks  for 
ever:  ^  we  will  shew  forth  thy  praise  to 
II  all  generations. 


c  9:16.  53:11.  83:17,18.   Ex.  6:7. 

7:5.    Ez.  36:23.  39:21,22. 
d  Jer.  51:35.   Rev.  18:20. 
I  Heb.  vengeance.   Rom.  12:19. 
e  12:5.  69:33.  102:30.     Ex.  2:23, 

24.    Is.  42:7. 
f  146:6,7.         Num.     14:17—19. 

Matt.  6:13.     Eph.  3:20. 
t  Heb.  thine  arm.    Is.  33:2. 


§  Heb.  reserve  the  children  of 
death.  102:20.  -marg. 

g  Gen.  4:15.  Lev.  26:21,28.  Is. 
65:6,7.  Jer.  32:18.    Luke  6.38. 

hSee  om  44:16.  74:13,22. 

i  74:1.  95:7.  100:3. 

k  45:17.    145:4.    Is.  43:21. 

11  Heb.  generation  and  genera- 
tion. 


conclude,  that  the  captivity  of  the  church,  under 
the  New-Testament  Babylon,  was  specially  in- 
tended by  the  Holy  Spirit.  [Motes,  Rev.  18:4 — 
4,11—20.  19:1— 6.)— The  plea,  taken  from  the 
greatness  of  Jehovah's  power,  exactly  resembles 
that  doxology  which  concludes  the  Lord's  prayer: 
— "For  thine  is  the  kingdom,  and  the  power,  and 
the  glory,  for  ever  and  ever.  Amen."  [JV'uteSy 
21:13.  Jl/att.  6:13.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

Wo  ought  to  be  very  thankful,  that  we  are  not 
called  to  "resist  unto  blood,"  and  that  the  mur- 
derous rage  of  persecution  is  suspended  for  a 
season.  Yet  it  is  grievous  to  consider,  how 
many,  who  are  heathens  in  their  tempers  and 
conduct,  and  in  their  principles  or  instructions, 
occupy  most  important  stations  in  the  visible 
churcii,  by  which  "the  holy  temple  is  defiled," 
and  Christianity  is  exposed  to  the  reproach  and 
scorn  of  infidels.  It  is  also  lamentable,  that  the 
horrors  and  carnage  of  war  are  so  much  known 
among  nations,  professing  themselves  the  disci- 
ples of  "the  Prince  of  peace;"  and  that  ambition 
and  avarice  shed  the  blood  of  Christians  like  wa- 
ter on  every  side,  and  render  Jerusalem,  as  it 
were,  "a  heap  of  ruins."  [JVole,  Lam.  4:1,2.) — 
The  believer  has  also  continual  cause  to  lament, 
that  in-dwelling  sin,  and  the  incursions  of  temp- 
tation, often  pollute  his  body  and  soul,  which  are 
"the  temple  of  God." — But  every  trouble,  per- 
sonal or  public,  springs  from  the  anger  of  God, 
whom  we  often  provoke  to  jealousy  by  our  idol- 
atrous attachments  to  earthly  objects.  We 
should  therefore  first  deprecate  his  wrath,  and 
seek  forgiveness  of  our  iniquities;  and  beseech 
"the  God  of  our  salvation"  to  cleanse  away  the 
pollution  and  the  guilt  of  our  sin;  and  then  he 
will  prevent  us  with  his  tender  mercies,  and  de- 
liver us,  however  low  we  may  be  brought.  When 
our  calamities,  or  those  of  the  church,  give  oc- 
casion to  infidels  and  blasphemers  to  reproach 
the  gospel,  or  to  inquire,  "Where  is  their  God.'" 
we  have  got  a  prevailing  plea  in  prayer;  for 
wherefore  should  persons  of  this  character  have 
cause  given  them  to  triumph  over  the  Lord's  ser- 
vants.' [Mjtes,  42:1— 3,9,10.  115:1,2.)  But  we 
have  no  cause  to  be  uneasy  on  our  own  account, 

[287 


B.  C.  712 


PSALM  LXXX. 


B.  C.  712. 


PSALM   LXXX. 

The  Psalmist  prays  for  the  tokens  of  God's  special  presence 
with  his  people^  and  deprecates  his  displeasure,  1 — 7.  The 
former  and  present  state  of  Israel  is  represented  by  a  vine, 
planted,  and  flourishinj;'  heretofore,  but  now  wasted  and  trod- 
den down,  8 — 13.  A  prayer  that  the  Lord  would  cause  this 
vine  agafn  to  prosper,  14—^19. 

To  the  chief  Musician  upon  ^  Shoshan- 

nim-eduth,  a  Psalm  *  of  Asaph. 

"1^  IVE  ear,   <=  O  Shepherd   of  Israel, 

Vir  thou  that  '^  leadest  Joseph  like  a 

flock:  tliou  that    ®  dwellest   between  the 

cherubims,  ■"  shine  forth. 

2   s  Before  Ephraim,   and   Benjamin, 

a  45:  60;  Hiles. 
*  Or,/or  Ssaph. 
b  5:1.  55:1. 
c23:l.     Is.   40:11 


Ez.  34:23 
John    10:14.      Heb.   13:20.      1 
Pet.  2:25.  5:4. 
d  77:20.  73:52.      Is.   49:9,10.  63 
11.  John  10:3,4. 


e99:l.    Ex.  25:20— 22.    ]  Sam. 

4:4.  2  Sam.  6:2.  2  Kings  19:15. 

Ez.  1:13.  10:4. 
f  3,7,19.  50:2.    Deut.  33:2.    Job 

10:3.  Is.  60:1.  Ez.  43:2.    Dan. 

9:17.     Rev.  21:23. 
g  Num.  2:18—23.  10:22—24. 


if  we  are  reproached  for  our  piety  or  our  suffer- 
ing's: we  should  chiefly  fear  being  reproached 
for  acting-  inconsistently  with  our  profession.  We 
ought,  however,  to  pray  for  the  deliverance  of 
the  church  from  the  contempt,  as  well  as  oppres 
sions  of  her  enemies;  and  in  so  doing-,  should  our 
desires  for  their  conversion  not  be  granted,  our 
prayers  for  the  church  will  eventually  be  answer- 
ed, in  the  ruin  of  all  such  as  "devour  Jacob,  and 
lay  waste  his  dwelling-place." — The  blood  of  Je- 
HoViiH's  servants  will  at  length  be  avenged  sev- 
en-fold upon  those  who  shed  it,  and  do  not  re- 
})ent;  and  his  wrath  will  be  poured  out  upon  all 
kingdoms,  families,  and  persons,  who  have  not 
known  or  called  upon  his  name.  But  by  the 
greatness  of  his  power,  and  for  the  glory  of  his 
name,  he  will  rescue  his  oppressed  people:  their 
sighing  in  captivity  and  in  imprisonment  comes 
before  him;  and  he  will  either  preserve  the  lives 
of  those  whom  persecutors  appoint  to  die,  or  he 
will  receive  them  to  glory.  So  that  the  harm- 
less "sheep  of  his  pasture  will  give  him  thanks 
for  ever,"  according  to  the  desire  of  their  hearts; 
a  succession  of  believers  shall  praise  him  to  all 
generations;  and  the  cause  of  God,  however  now 
run  down,  will  finally  triumph  upon  earth,  as 
well  as  eternally  in  heaven. 

NOTES. 

PsAi.M  LXXX.  Title.  {Marg.  Ref.)  Many 
are  of  opinion,  that  this  psalm  was  written,  at  the 
time  when  Jerusalem  was  destroyed  by  Nebu- 
chadnezzar: but  some  think,  that  it  relates  to  the 
desolations  made  by  Sennacherib.  The  reasons 
for  the  latter  opinion  are,  that  after  the  destruc- 
tion of  the  city  and  temple  by  Nebuchadnezzar, 
God  no  longer  "dwelt  between  the  cherubim," 
above  the  mercy-seat;  (1)  for  the  ark  and  the 
mercy-seat,  and  the  cherubim  of  gold,  were  de- 
stroyed, and  never  replaced:  nor  is  the  Ijord, 
ever  after  that  event,  thus  spoken  of  in  Scrip- 
ture; but  Hezekiah,  praying  against  Sennache- 
rib, addressed  God„by  this  very  title.  (A-.  37:16, 
17.) — The  Septuagmt  also  expressly  call  this, 
"A  psalm  concerning  the  Assyrian."  Again, 
Ephraim  and  Manasseh,  (2)  seem  to  have  had 
but  little  concern  in  tlie  affairs  of  Judah,  at  tlie 
time  of  the  Babylonish  captivity:  but  during 
the  reig-n  of  Hezekiah,  manj-^  of  these,  and  the 
other  tribes  constituting  the  kingdom  of  Israel, 
accepted  of  his  invitation,  joined  the  Jews  in 
keeping  the  passover,  and  afterwards  assisted  in 
breaking  down  the  idolatrous  high  places  aud 
altars,  not  only  in  Judah,  and  in  Beiijamia  as 
connected  with  Judah;  but  likewise  in  Ephraim 
288] 


and  Manasseh,   ''  stir  up  thy  strength,  and 
tcome  and  save  us. 

3  •  Turn  us  again,  O  God,  and  ^  cause 
thy  face  to  shine;  and  we  shall  be  saved. 

4  O  Lord  God  of  hosts,  ^how  long 
wilt  thou  X  be  angry  against  the  prayer  of 
thy  people.'' 

5  Thou  ■"  feedest  them  with  the  bread 
of  tears;  and  givest  them  tears  to  drink 
in  great  measure. 

6  "  Thou  makest  us  a  strife  unto  our 


h  35:23.  44:23—26.   78:38.      Is. 

42:13,14. 
t  Heb.  come  for  salvation  to 

vs.     Is.  25:9.  33:22. 
i  7,19,  85:4.   1  Kings  18:37.  Jer. 

31:18,19.  Lam.  5:21. 
k  1.4:6.  67:1.  119:135.    Num.6: 

25,26. 


1  35:5.   Is.  58:2,3,6—9.    Lam.  3: 

44.  Matt.  15:22—28.  Luke  18: 

1—8. 
t  Heb.  smoke.  74:1.     Deut.  29: 

20. 
m  42:3.  102:9.    Job  6:7.     Is.  30: 

20.    Ez.  4:16,17. 
n  Jer.  15:10. 


and  Manasseh.  [J^Totes,  2  Chr.  30:  31:1.)— Yet 
soon  after,  Sennacherib  invaded  the  land,  reduc- 
ed the  remnant  of  the  ten  tribes  to  abject  sla- 
very, invaded  Judah,  and  threatened  to  destroy 
Jerusalem  and  the  temple.  It  was  therefore 
natural,  at  this  crisis,  to  implore,  that  God  would 
stir  up  his  strength,  and  come  to  save  Judah; 
and  thus  shew  his  glory,  in  the  presence  of  Ben- 
jamin, in  whose  lot  part  of  Jerusalem  and  of  the 
temple  was  situated;  and  also  before  Ephraim 
and  Manasseh,  to  encourage  them,  and  to  shew 
that  God  approved  Hezekiah's  zeal  for  reforma- 
tion. 

V.  1.  The  Psalmist  seems  to  have  offered  this 
prayer,  not  for  Judah  only,  but  for  the  whole  na- 
tion of  Israel,  including  the  ten  tribes,  which 
were  subjugated,  carried  captive,  and  scattered 
by  the  Assyrians.  Jehovah  "the  Shepherd  of  Is- 
rael," the  Protector,  Ruler,  and  Guide  of  that 
favored  nation,  had  led  Joseph,  as  well  as  Judah, 
like  a  flock,  out  of  Egypt,  through  the  desert,  and 
into  Canaan:  [J^otes,  23:1—3.  77:19,20.  Is.  40:9— 
11.  63:11 — 14.)  and  there  he  dwelt  between  the 
cherubim,  at  Shiloh,  in  the  tribe  of  Ephraim,  be- 
fore the  ark  was  stationed  at  Jerusalem.  [Marg. 
Ref.)  The  Psalmist  therefore,  remembering 
these  ancient  displays  of  the  glory  of  God  in  the 
midst  of  his  people,  implores  him  again  to  shine 
forth  in  the  splendor  of  his  power,  truth,  and  love; 
to  dismay  their  enemies,  and  to  rescue  and  cheer 
his  worshippers.  This  divine  interposition  is  rep- 
resented by  the  breaking  forth  of  the  sun  after  a 
dismal  tempest,  and  that  pleasing  change  which 
ensues.     [J^otes,  2  Sam.  23:3,4.  Mai.  4:2,3.) 

V.  2.  (JVb<e,  title.)  These  three  tribes,  in  the 
wilderness,  marched  immediately  after  the  ark 
and  the  cherubim,  by  divine  appointment,  which 
seems  to  be  here  alluded  to.  (JVwni.  2:17 — 24.) — 
Stir  up,  &c.]     J\Iarg.  Ref.  h. 

V.  3.  In  order  to  renewed  prosperity  and  com- 
fort, the  Psalmist  was  deeply  convinced,  that  a 
revival  of  pure  religion  was  necessary;  and  there- 
fore he  repeatedly  prayed,  and  thus  taught  the 
people  to  pray,  for  converLing  grace,  in  order 
that  God  might  cause  "his  face  to  shine  on  them." 
(7,19.  J^oles,  4:6—8,  v.  6.  85:4.  JTum.  6:24—26. 
Jer.  31:18—20.  Lam.  5:19—22.) 

V.  4.  This  verse  seems  to  mark  out  the  time 
of  Sennacherib's  invasion,  and  his  rapid  success, 
not'vithstanding  the  zeal  of  Hezekiah,  Isaiah,  and 
others  for  reformation,  and  their  continual  prayers 
for  the  uiterposition  of  God  in  behalf  of  his  peo- 
ple. 'The  faithful  fear  God's  anger,  when  they 
'perceive  that  their  praj'ers  are  not  forthwith 
'heard.'  [A''()tes,'!l  Kings  18:3—6,13—17.  19:1 
—4,14—19.) 


B.  C.  712. 


PSALM  LXXX. 


B.  C.  712. 


neighbors:  and  °  our  enemies  laugh  among 
themselves. 

7  P  Turn  us  again,  O  God  of  hosts, 
and  cause  thy  face  to  shine;  and  i  we 
shall  be  saved. 

8  IT  Thou  hast  brought  "■  a  vine  out  of 
Egypt:  ^  thou  hast  cast  out  the  heathen, 
and  planted  it. 

9  Thou  ^  preparedst  room  before  it, 
and  didst  cause  it  "  to  take  deep  root, 
^  and  it  filled  the  land. 

10  The  hills  were  covered  with  the 
shadow  of  it,  and  the  boughs  thereof 
ivere  like  the  *  goodly  cedars. 

1 1  y  She  sent  out  her  boughs  unto 
the  sea,  and  her  branches  unto  the  river. 

12  Why  hast  thou  then  '^broken  down 
her  hedges,  so  that  all  they  which  pass 
by  the  way  do  pluck  her.'' 


0  44:13,14.   79:4.      Jiidg.   16:25. 

Is.  36:3,1::— 20.  37:23.    Jer.  43: 

27.  Ez.  36:4.   Rev.  11:10. 
p  3,18.  .51:10.     Luke  1:16,17. 
<)  Is.   30:15.    64;.5.       Jer.    4:14. 

]Hai-k4:12.    2  Tim.  2:25,26. 
r  Is.   5:1—7.   27:2,3.     Jer.  2:21. 

Ez.  15:6.  17:6.     Matt.  21:33— 

41.    John  15:1—8. 
s  44:2.78:53.  Jer.  18:9,10. 


t   105:44.    Ex.  23:28—30.  Josh. 

23:13—15.  Neh.  9:22— 25. 
u  Is.  27:6.  37:31.  Jer.  12:2. 
X  1  Kings  4:20,25.     1  Chr.  21:5. 

27:23,24. 

*  Heb.  cedars  of  God.   104:16. 
y72:8.    Gen.  15:18.    Ex.  23:31. 

1  Kings  4:21;24.    1  Chr.  18:3. 
z  89:40,41.  Is.  5:5.  18:5,6.  Nab. 

2:2.    Luke  20:16. 


V.  5,  6.  The  afflictions  of  Israel  were  so  heavy 
and  of  such  long-  continuance,  that  their  bread 
seemed  to  be  dipped  in  their  tears,  and  their  cup 
filled  to  the  brim  with  them;  while  their  neigh- 
bors contended  about  dividing  their  spoil,  and 
derided  their  miseries.  [Marg.  Rcf. — J^otes,  2 
icings  18:23 — 27.)  The  original  word  for  "great 
measure,"  is  supposed  to  mean  a  large  cup, 
much  larger  than  those  which  were  common!)' 
used  to  drink  from.     {Js^otes,  102:3 — 11.) 

V.  8 — 13.  The  nation  of  Israel,  brought  out 
of  Egypt,  planted  in  Canaan,  (the  ancient  inhab- 
itants having  been  extirpated  to  make  room  for 
it,)  and  favored  with  many  great  advantages,  tem- 
poral and  spiritual,  above  all  other  nations,  is  here 
represented  under  the  emblem  of  a  vine,  planted 
in  a  well-cultivated  vineyard.  {^Marg.  JRef.  r.) 
Tlie  people  so  multiplied  and  prospered,  especially 
in  the  daj's  of  David  and  Solomon,  that  this  vine, 
having  taken  deep  root,  overspread  the  whole 
country,  from  the  Mediterranean  sea  to  the  river 
Euphrates;  and  its  luxuriant  branches  grew 
strong  like  cedars,  or  covered  the  cedars  to  the 
top,  by  clinging  to  them.  But  nothing  is  here 
said  of  its  fruitfulness;  for  it  brought  forth  wild 
grapes.  (.7Vb<e*,  /s.  5:1— 7.  Jer.  2:20,21.)  This 
indeed  was  the  reason,  why  the  heathen  were  al- 
lowed to  desolate  the  land,  as  the  wild  boar 
would  waste  a  vineyard;  why  the  Romans  were 
afterwards  permitted  to  destroy  Jerusalem;  and 
why  the  Lord  took  from  the  Jews  their  peculiar 
privileges,  and  conferred  them  on  the  Gentiles 
churches.  {J^otes,  89:38—51.  J\IaU.  21:33—44.) 
— The  vine  is  a  constant  emblem  of  the  church 
of  Christ,  under  every  dispensation.  It  is  a  fee- 
ble tree,  which  needs  support,  and  is  of  no  value 
except  for  its  excellent  fruit.  [Motes  and  P.  O. 
Ex.  15:)  It  produces  a  large  quantity  of  lux- 
uriant branches,  which  not  only  yield  no  grapes, 
but  must  be  pruned  away,  or  they  will  hinder 
those  upon  the  fruitful  branches  from  ripening. 
Thus  mere  professors  of  Christianity  are  branch- 
es of  the  true  Vine,  which  must  be  taken  away 
and  cast  into  the  fire,  in  order  that  true  believers 
may  become  more  abundantly  fruitful.  [Motes, 
Vol.  III.  37 


13  '^  The  boar  out  of  the  wood  doth 
waste  it,  and  the  wild  beast  of  the  field 
doth  devour  it. 

14  ^Return,  we  beseech  thee,  O  God 
of  hosts:  '^  look  down  from  heaven,  and 
behold,  and  visit  this  vine; 

1 5  And  '^  the  vineyard  v,  hich  thy  right 
hand  hath  planted,  and  "  the  Branch  that 
thou  madest  strong  for  thyself. 

IQ  It  ^  is  burned  with  fire,  it  is  cut 
down:  s  they  perish  at  the  rebuke  of  thy 
countenance. 

17  Let  thy  hand  be  upon  ''the  Man 
of  thy  right  hand,  upon  the  Son  of  man 
whom  thou  madest  strong  for  thyself. 

18  ^  So  will  not  we  go  back  from  thee: 
■^  quicken  us,  and  we  will  call  upon  thy 
name. 


a  2  Kings  13:  19:  24:  25:    2  Chr. 

32:  36:  Jer.  4:7.  39:1—3.  51:34. 

.52:7,12—14. 
b  7:7.  90:13.    15.63:17.    Joel  2: 

14.  Mai.  3:7.    Acts  15:16. 
c  33:13.    Is.  63:15.     Lam.  3:50. 

Dan.  9:16—19. 
d  8.    Ii.  5:1,2.  Jer.  2:21.    Mark 

12:1.     John  15:1. 
e  89:21.    Is.  11:1.  49:5.    Jer.  23: 

5,6.    Ez.  17:22—24.    Zech.  6: 


12. 
f  79:5.  Is.  27:1  J.     Ez.  20:47,48. 

John  15:6. 
g  39:11.  76:6,7.  90:7.  2  Thea.  1: 

9. 
h  15.  110:1.  Dan.  7:13,14.  John 

5:21—29. 
i  79:13.    John  6:66— 69.     Heb. 

10:38,39. 
k  85:G.  119:25,37,40,107,154,166. 

Cant.  1:4.    Phil.  2:12,13. 


John  \5:1 — 8.) — Goodly  cedars.  (10)  "Cedars  of 
God."     Marg.     [Mote,  104:16.) 

V.  14,  15.  [Marg.  Ref.)  The  family  of  David, 
(which  God  had  advanced  and  prospered  for  the 
good  of  Israel,  and  for  his  own  glory,)  as  typical 
of  Christ,  was  perhaps  meant  by  this  Branch. 
Yet  Christ  himself,  even  the  promised  Messiah, 
seems  to  have  been  principally  intended.  The 
Septuagint  translate  it,  'The  Son  of  man.'  (17) 
— The  clause  may  be  literally  rendered,  "The 
son,  whom  thou  hast  made  strong  for  thvself." 
[Mote,  89:19—37.)  'The  Chaldee  Paraphrast 
"expounds  the  Branch  of  Messiah  liimself,  ...  'On 
'  'King  Messiah,  whom  thou  hast  established,  &c.' 
'So  do  the  Rabbies,  Aben  Ezra,  and  Obadiah, 
'cited  by  Dr.  Hammond.  ...  To  the  advent  of 
'this  Son  of  man,  Israel  was  ever  accustomed  to 
'look  forward  in  time  of  affliction;  on  his  second 
'and  glorious  advent  the  Christian  church  must 
'fix  her  eye,  in  the  day  of  her  calamities.'  Bp. 
Home. 

V.  16.  The  vine,  above  described,  (or  the  na- 
tion which  God  had  brought  out  of  Egypt,  and 
planted  in  Canaan,)  was  in  great  measure  cut 
down  and  burned  with  fire,  by  the  dispersion  of 
the  ten  tribes,  and  the  success  of  the  Assyrians 
in  Judah:  and  though  a  remnant  still  remained, 
and  a  strong  branch  of  David's  race;  yet  if  the 
anger  of  God  were  not  turned  away  from  them, 
they  likewise  must  soon  perish.  [Motes,  2  Kings 
19:4,30,31.) 

v.  17,  18.  This  may  imply  a  request  that  God 
would  uphold,  strengthen,  and  defend  his  king', 
of  David's  race,  on  the  throne  of  Judah,  for  the 
protection  of  his  people  and  the  maintenance  of 
true  religion.  [Mote,  1  Kings  19:14 — 19.)  But 
"the  Man  of  God's  right  hand,"  and  "the  Son  of 
man,"  point  out  the  promised  Messiah  vory 
clearly,  and  may  be  considered  as  a  prayer  of  the 
church  for  his  coming',  as  "the  power  of  God," 
for  tlie  conversion  of  sinners,  and  the  salvation  of 
his  people.  [Mote,  14,1.5.)  Those  who  refer  tl»e 
Psalm  to  the  Babylonish  captivity,  interpret  the 
preceding  verse  of  the  subversion  uf  the  kingdom, 
in  the  family  of  David  after  the  death  of  Josiah; 

[289 


B.  Q.  1045. 


PSALxM  LXXXI. 


B.  C.  1045. 


19  '  Turn  us  again,  O  LpRD  God  of 
hosts,  ""  cause  thy  face  to  shine;  and  we 
shall  be  saved. 

PSALM   LXXXI. 

Ad  exhortation  to  praise  God  with  psalms  and  musical  instru- 
ments, especially  on  the  solemn  feasts,  1 — 3.  God  ordained 
this,  when  he  delivered  Israel  from  the  Egyptians,  4 — 7.  He 
commands  the  people  to  renounce  idolatry,  and  trust  in  him 
alone;  and  complains  of  their  disobedience,  which  had  turned 
to  their  own  loss,  8 — ]6 

To    the    chief  Musician   upon    ^  Gittith, 
A  Psalm,  *of  Asaph. 
ING  aloud  unto  God  •=  our  Strength: 
•*  make    a  joyful    noise  unto  ^  the 
God  of  Jacob. 


1  3,7.    Jcr.  3:22,23. 

ni  1.  27:4,9.  31:16.  44:3. 

a  8:  tille. 

*  Ot,for  Jlsaph. 

b  67:4.     Jer.  31:7. 


C  18:1,2.  28:7.  53:7.  Phil.  4:13. 
d  33:1— 3.    46:1—7.    66:1.    100; 

1,2. 
e  46:11.    Gen.  50:17.    Matt.  22: 

32. 


2  Take  ^a  psalm,  and  bring  hither 
the  timbrel,  the  pleasant  harp  with  the 
psaltery. 

3  s  Blow  up  the  trumpet  ^  in  the  new 
moon,  in  the  time  appointed,  on  '  our 
solemn  feast-day. 

4  For  this  was  a  statute  for  Israel,  and 
a  law  of  the  God  of  Jacob. 

5  This  he  ordained  ^  in  Joseph  ^for 
•a  testimony,  when  he  went  out  t  through 
the  land  of  Egypt;  ™  where  I  heard  a 
language  that  I  understood  not. 

Chr.    2:4.     8:13.      Lam.    2:6. 
Nah.  1:15. 


f92:3.  95:1,2.   149:1—3.     Mark 

14:26.      Eph.  5:19.     Col.  3:16. 

Jam.  5:13. 
g  9ii:6.     Num.  10:1—9.     1  Chr. 

15:24.     16:6,42.      2  Chr.    5:12. 

13:12,14. 
h  Lev.   23:24.    Num.  10:10.  28: 

11.    2  Kings  4:23.  Col.2:16. 
i   Num.   15:3.     Deut.    16:15.    2 


k  77:15.  80:1,2.  Am.  6:6. 

1  78:6.  Ex.  13:8,9,14—16.  Deut 

4:45.  Ez.  20:20. 
fOr,  against.    Ex.  12:12,27,29. 
m  114:1.     Deut.  28:49.     Is.  23: 

11.     Jer.   5:15.     1  Cor.    14:21, 

22. 


and  these  verses  as  a  prayer  for  another  king  of 
the  same  race  to  be  advanced  to  the  throne,  in 
order  that  the  people  might  be  induced  and  en- 
couraged to  adhere  to  the  worship  of  God,  and  to 
call  on  him  in  every  time  of  trouble. — Quicken  us, 
(18)  Make  us  to  live,  or  to  be  lively.  (JVbies,  22: 
29.  119:25.  Eph.  2:4—10.) 

V.  19.  An  increase  of  earnestness  in  prayer 
seems  discernible,  in  comparing  the  three  repe- 
titions of  this  important  request.     (3,7  ) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

He,  who  dwells  on  the  mercy-seat,  is  the  good 
Shepherd  of  his  people,  and  leads  them  as  a  val- 
ued flock  with  all  attention  and  tenderness.  In 
all  troubles  and  dangers  let  us  beseech  him  to 
"shine  upon  our  souls,"  and  upon  our  path,  that 
we  may  be  cheered  and  directed  by  his  presence 
and  favor:  and  let  us  entreat  him  continually  to 
"stir  up  his  strength,  and  come"  and  save  us. 
But  we  can  neither  expect  the  com-forts  of  his 
love,  nor  the  protection  of  his  powerful  arm,  ex- 
cept we  are  partakers  of  his  converting  grace. 
When  we  discover  our  need  of  this  invaluable 
blessing,  we  ought  to  pray  earnestly  for  it:  the 
same  must  be  our  conduct,  when  we  have  lost 
our  comfort,  and  are  exposed  to  rebukes  by  hav- 
iug  relapsed  into  sin,  and  are  become  sensible  of 
the  necessity  of  returning  to  the  Lord  our  Rest: 
(.Vo^e*,  51:10,12,13.  116:7.)  and  in  all  public  ca- 
lamities, whether  of  churclies  or  nations,  we  must 
observe  the  same  order,  and  pray  that  they  may 
be  prepared  by  conversion,  for  returning  comfort 
and  prosperity. — The  Lord  is  really  angry  at  the 
prayers  of  the  hypocrite,  who  employs  them  as  a 
duke  for  his  iniquity:  but  not  with  those  of  any 
sinner,  however  vile,  who  sincerely  seeks  his 
mercy  and  grace.  {J^ote.  Prov.  15:8,9.)  Yet, 
while  he  proves  our  sincerity,  and  increases  our 
humility  and  fervency,  by  delays;  we  often  think 
that  he  is  angry  against  our  prayers,  and  will  not 
accept  them:  but  we  shall  certainly  find  the  con- 
trary, if  we  persevere  in  asking  and  seeking. — 
The  church  of  God  in  times  of  grievous  oppres- 
sions, and  the  believer  in  times  of  darkness  and 
distress,  (especially  when  occasioned  by  sin,)  may 
for  a  while  be  sunk  in  sorrows,  and  exposed  to 
contempt  and  reproach:  but  when  this  leads  to 
repentance,  having  sown  in  tears  they  will  reap 
in  more  abundant  joy.  [JVotes,  126:5,6.  Matt.  5: 
4.  2  Cor.  7:8 — 11.) — When  we,  in  this  favored 
land,  consider  our  manifold  advantages,  and  our 
very  disproportionate  improvement  of  tliem,  we 
shall  perceive  great  cause  for  humiliation.  We 
•are  planted,  as  in  a  well  cultivated  enclosure, 
Avith  ever}  means  of  being  fruitful  in  the  works 
290] 


of  righteousness:  but  alas!  the  useless  leaves  of 
profession,  and  the  empty  boughs  of  notions  and 
forms,  abound  far  more,  than  substantial  piety 
and  charity.  The  Christian  religion  also,  as 
planted  by  the  apostles  and  primitive  evangelists, 
took  deep  root,  and  spread  very  wide,  so  that  it 
has  filled  many  nations;  but  it  has  too  generally 
proved  an  empty  vine.  The  Lord's  zeal  for  the 
honor  of  his  own  truth,  precepts,  and  ordinances, 
may  be  pleaded  with  him  as  a  reason,  why  he 
should  not  break  down  the  hedges,  and  permit 
infidels,  and  heretics,  and  persecutors,  to  root 
up  the  vineyard;  and  may  suggest  an  inquiry 
why  he  permits  them  so  long  to  practise  and  pros- 
per. But  when  we  consider  the  state  of  the  pur- 
est parts  of  the  visible  church,  we  cannot  wonder 
that  we  are  visited  with  sharp  corrections.  He, 
however,  who  is  not  only  the  strongest  Branch, 
but  the  Root  and  Stem  of  the  vine;  who  is  "the 
Man  of  God's  right  hand,"  "the  Son  of  man 
whom"  the  Father  "hath  made  so  strong  for  him- 
self;" has  been  carried  through  his  work  for  his 
church,  and  is  possessed  of  all  power  in  heaven 
and  earth  for  her  benefit  The  vine  cannot  there- 
fore be  ruined,  nor  can  any  fruitful  brand;  per- 
ish: but  the  unfruitful  will  be  cut  off  and  cast  into 
the  fire.  Ijet  us  then  come  to  him  and  abide  in 
him,  "without  whom  we  can  do  nothing;"  let  us 
beg  of  him  to  uphold  and  strengthen  us,  that  we 
may  not  go  back  from  him;  and  let  us  still  call 
upon  his  name,  in  behalf  of  ourselves  and  of  the 
whole  church:  "Turn  us  again,  O  Load  God  of 
Hosts;  cause  thy  face  to  shine,  and  we  shall  be 
I  saved." 

i  NOTES. 

Psalm. LXXXI.  V.  1—5.     It  is  probable,  that 
i  this  psalm  was  composed  in  the  time  of  David, 
'<  when  the  ark  had  been  removed  to  mount  Zion; 
j  and  that  it  was  especially  intended  for  the  new 
I  moons,  and  that  in  particular  which  began  the 
I  seventh  month,  called  the  feast  of  trumpets,  or 
',  the  new  year  according  to  the  old  computation. 
\{JVotes,  Ex.  12:2.  Lev.  23:24,25.  JSTum.  J  0:2— 10. 
129:1 — 6.)     Some  think,  that  on  this  day  Moses 
!  came  down  from  the  mount  the  second  time,  with 
the  tables  of  the  law,  and  full  orders  to  erect  a 
tabernacle,  in  the  most  sacred  place  of  which 
these  tables  might  be  placed,  in  the  ark  of  the 
covenant,  and  covered  with  the  mercy-seat,  over 
which  the  glory  of  God,  as  dwelling  among  his 
people  was  displayed;  and  that  this  day  was  ob- 
served as  a  memorial  of  that  event,  and  a  teslimo- 
ny  of  the  relation  which  subsisted  between  God 

and   Israel The  word  rendered  "Psalm,"  (2) 

may  signify  the  instruments  of  psalmody,  some  of 


B.  C.  1045. 


PSALM  LXXXl. 


JB.  C.  1045. 


6  °  I  removed  his  shoulder  from  the 
burden:  his  hands  *  were  dehvered  °  from 
the  t  pots. 

7  PThou  calledst  in  trouble,  and  1 
delivered  thee;  1  answered  thee  in  i  the 
secret  place  of  thunder:  ""  I  proved  thee 
at  the  waters  of  +  Meribah.     Selah. 

8  '  Hear,  O  my  people,  and  I  will 
testify  unto  thee:  O  Israel,  ^  if  thou  wilt 
hearken  unto  me; 

9  "  There  shall  no  ^  strange  god  be  in 
thee;  neither  shalt  thou  worship  any 
strange  god. 


n  Ex.  1:14.  6:6.     Is.  9:4.  10:27. 

Matt.    11:29. 
*  Heb.  passed  away. 

0  68:13. 

1  Or,  baskets. 

p  50.15.  91:14,15.   Ex.  2:23.    14: 

10,30,31. 
q  Ex.  14:24.   19:19.  20:18—21. 
r   Ex.   17:6,7.     Num.  20:13,24. 

Deut.  33:8. 


♦:  Or,  strife. 

s  50:7.     Deut.  32:46.    Is. 

John  3:11,32,33.  Acts  21 

John  5:9. 
t  13.  Ex.  15:26.  Deut.  5:27.  Is 

1:19. 
u  Ex.  20:3—5.    1  Cor.  8: 
X  Deut.  6:14.  32:12.    Is 

Mai.  2:11. 


55:3,4. 
0:21.   1 


!:5,6. 
43:12. 


which  are  afterwards  enumerated. — 'Joseph's  fam- 
'ily  was  counted  the  chief  before  that  Judah  was 
'preferred.'  No  doubt  the  descendants  of  Joseph 
were  counted  the  chief,  during-  most  of  the  time, 
that  the  Israelites  continued  in  Eg3'pt;  as  Joseph 
had  there  been  the  protector  of  the  whole  family. 
— God  tvent  through  the  land  of  Egypt  destroy- 
ing all  the  first  born;  or  against  the  land  [marg.) 
in  all  the  plagues  which  he  inflicted:  [J\''otes,  Ex. 
11:4,5.  12:11 — 14,29,30.)  yet  the  feast  of  trumpets 
did  not  take  place  till  almost  seven  months  after 
Israel  left  Egypt;  for  their  deliverance  was  in 
some  sense  incomplete,  till  Moses  descended  the 
second  time  from  the  mount,  with  the  tokens  of 
God's  reconciliation  to  his  offending  people. — In 
tlie  last  clause,  the  Psalmist  evidently  speaks  in 
the  name  of  the  nation,  or  the  church  of  God,  as 
a  corporate  body  from  ag-e  to  age.  It  seems  that 
the  Israelites  did  not  understand  the  language  of 
their  haughty  oppre.ssors,  which  must  have  tend- 
ed to  render  their  bondage  more  distressing. 
{Jfotes,  114:1,2.   Gen.  42:2.3.) 

V.  6.  It  is  evident  that  the  Lord  himself 
speaks,  through  the  remainder  of  the  psalm, 
though  the  change  of  person  is  not  noticed.  Some 
suppose,  that  the  voice  of  God,  with  which  Israel 
in  Egypt  was  unacquainted,  was  meant  by  "the 
language  which  he  understood  not;"  (5)  and  then 
tliis  and  the  following  verses  may  be  considered 
as  a  recapitulation  of  the  messages  of  God  to  the 
nation,  by  Moses,  during  the  events  attending  its 
deliverance. — God  then  said  concerning  Israel, 
"I  remove  his  shoulder,  &c." — It  is  not  certain 
what  is  meant  by  the  word  ("l?!*!)  translated 
"the  pots:"  whether  any  earthen  vessels  ivhich 
the  Israelites  were  employed  to  make;  or  tlie 
kilns  in  which  the  bricks  were  burnt,  or  baskets 
used  in  their  work;  i^marg.)  or  the  pots,  in  which 
the  food  for  this  immense  number  of  slaves  was 
prepared,  the  flesh  pots  which  they  afterwards  re- 
gretted.    [J^ote,  Ex.  16:1—3.) 

V.  7.  [Marg.  Ref.)  Tlie  secret  place,  &c.] 
Some  think  that  this  refers  to  the  cloudy  pillar, 
from  the  hidden  recess  of  which  Jehovah  spake 
in  mercy  to  his  people,  and  in  thunder  to  his  ene- 
mies. (JVbies,  99:6,7.)  But  perhaps  mount  Si- 
nai is  meant,  from  wliose  inaccessible  summit, 
out  of  the  midst  of  the  thunder  and  lightning,  the 
Lord  spake  the  ten  commandments,  the  first  of 
which  is  afterwards  referred  to.  (10.  J^otes, 
Ex.  19:  20:)—Iprcfved  thee,  Sic]  JYotes,  Ex.  17:1 
—7.  JSTum.  20:2—13. 

V  8 — 10.     The  old  translation  of  these  verses 


10  -■  I  fl»i  the  Lord  thy  God,  which 
brought  thee  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt: 
^  open  thy  mouth  wide,  and  I  will  fill  it. 

11  But  ^  my  people  would  not  heark- 
en to  my  voice;  and  Israel  ^  would  none 
of  me. 

12  So  •=  I  gave  them  up  unto  Hheir 
own  hearts'  lust:  and  ^  they  walked  in 
their  own  counsels. 

13  ^  Oh,  that  my  people  had  heark- 
ened unto  me,  and  Israel  had  walked 
in  my  ways! 

14  '^  I  should  soon  have  subdued  their 


y  Ex.  20:2.     Jer.  11:4.  31:31— 

33. 
z  37:4.    John  7:37.  15:7.  16:23. 

Eph.  3:19,20.     Rev.  21:6.   22: 

17. 
a  106:12,13.     Jer.  2:11—13.  7: 

23,24.    Zeeh.  7:11. 
b  Ex.  32:1.  Deut.  32:15.    Prov. 

1:30.     Heb.  10:29. 
c  Geu.  6:3.     Acts  7:42.     14:16. 

Rom.  1:26,27.     2  Thes.   2:9— 


11. 
^  Or,    the   haidness    of  their 

hearts,  or,  i'lnagmations. 
d  Ex.  11:9.    Is.  30:1.   Jer.  7:24. 

44:16,17. 
e    Deut.  5:29.    10:12,13.    32:29. 

Is.  48:18.     Matt.  23:37.    Luku 

19:41,42. 
f  Num.    14:9,45.      Josh..  23:13. 

Judg.  2:20—23. 


seems  as  literal  as  the  present  version,  and  more 
expressive. — "Hear,  O  my  people,  and  I  wiU 
protest  unto  thee:  O  Israel,  if  thou  wilt  heatken 
unto  me,  and  wilt  have  no  strange  god  in  thee, 
neither  worship  any  strange  god;  [For  I  am  the 
Lord  thy  God,  which  brought  thee  out  of  the 
land  of  Egypt;)  open  thy  mouth  wide,  and  I  will 
fill  it."  'If  thou  adherest  to  the  worship  of  Je- 
'HovAH  alone,  according  to  the  terms  of  the  na- 
'tional  covenant;  I  will  grant  the  largest  desires  of 
'thy  heart,  and  requests  of  thy  lips.' — According, 
to  the  present  translation  of  the  ninth  verse,  the 
future  is  evidently  put  for  the  imperative,  as  is 
tlie  case  with  several  of  the  ten  commandments; 
and  it  means  "Let  no  straiige  God,  &c."  'There 
I  'will  be  no  need;  I  will  abundantly  supply  all  thy 
'wants.'  The  larger  their  desires  and  expecta- 
tions were,  and  the  more  copious  and  compre- 
hensive their  prayers,  the  more  abundantly  would 
they  receive  from  the  all-sufficiency  of  God. — It 
is  almost  impossible  not  to  think  in  this  place  of 
our  Lord's  address  to  the  Jews,  "If  anj-  iDan 
thirst,  let  him  come  unto  me  and  drink."  (j\lurg. 
Re/.— Mote,  John  7:37— 39.)— The  former  paVt 
of  the  tenth  verse  may  perhaps  be  rendered;  "I, 
jEHov-iH,  who  brought  thee  out  of  the  land  of 
Egypt,  am  thy  God."  'With  such  an  onmipotent 
'and  all-sufficient  Protector  and  Friend,  thou 
■•canst  not  want  anj^  other  god.'  {JVotes,  Ez.  20:7 
—9,17—22.) 

V.  11,  12.  Israel,  as  a  nation,  were  the  peo- 
ple of  God,  by  profession,  covenant,  and  Iho 
strongest  obligations;  but  they  were  not  so  by 
their  own  choice  of  him.  They  would  hot  have 
him  for  their  Portion,  and  their  Lord;  biit  ex- 
pected more  advantages  from  their  dumb  idols 
than  from  him:  and  therefore  they  were  left  to  bo 
judicially  deceived,  hardened,  and  ruined,  as  the 
just  punishment  of  tlieir  sins. — Thus  wisdom 
(that  is,  Christ)  complains,  "They  would  none  of 
my  counsel,  they  despised  all  my  reproot':"  anil 
this  was  the  cause  of  their  destruction.  [J\'otcs, 
Pro y.  1:20— 33,  ./3c<*  7:37— 43.  Rom.  J:21— 27. 
2  Thes.  2:8—12.) 

V.  13.  LN'otes,  Devt.  5:28,29.  32:29.)  Such  ex- 
pressions denote  the  Lord's  willingness  to  receive 
returning  sinners,  and  the  delight  which  he  takes 
in  shewing  mercy  and  doing  good,  and  in  the 
faith  and  obedience  of  his  people:  and  the}'  prove, 
that  the  ruin  of  sinners  is  altogether  the  effect  of 
their  own  pride  and  obstinacy.  liut  it  would  be 
absurd  to  draw  inferences  from  them,  which  can- 
not consist  with  other  parts  of  Scripture.  {^JVotes, 

[201 


B.  C.  1045. 


PSALM  LXXXII. 


B.  C.  1048. 


enemies,  and  "  tnrned  my  hand  against 
their  adversaries. 

15  ''The  haters  of  the  Lord  should 
have  *  submitted  themselves  unto  him: 
but  '  their  time  should  have  endured  for 
ever. 

16  He  should  have  ^  fed  them  also 
with  the  t  finest  of  the  wheat:  and  with 
'  honey  out  of  the  rock  should  I  have 
satisfied  thee. 

PSALM    LXXXIL 

T)ie  Psalmist  reminds  magistrates  of  God's  authority  over  them, 
reproves  their  injustice,  and  urges  them  to  do  their  dnty,  ] — 4. 
He  exposes  their  ignorance  and  wickedness,  nnd  warns  them 
of  their  approaching  doom,  5 — 1.  He  prays  for  the  establish- 
ment of  God's  kingdom,  S. 


g  Am.  1:8.     Zech.  13:7. 

b  83:2,&c.  Ex.  20:5.  Deut.  7: 
10.  John  15:22,23.  Rom.  1: 
30.  8:7. 

♦  Or,  yielded  feigned  obedi- 
ence.   Heb.   lied.  18:44.  66:3. 

i  102:28.    Is.  65:22.    Joel  3:20. 
k  147:14.     Deut.  32:13,14.   Joel 

2:24. 

*Heb.fat  of -wheat. 
1  Judg.  14:8,9,18.   1  Sam.  14:25, 

26.     Job  29:6. 

marg. 

/*.  48:17—19.  Ez..  18:23.  33:11.  1  Tim.  2:3,4.)— 
'One  cannot  help  observing'  the  similitude  be- 
'tween  the  complaint  here  uttered,  and  one  which 
'hath  been  since  breathed  fortli  over  the  same 
'people;  "O  Jerusalem,  Jerusalem  ...  how  often 
'would  I  have  gathered  thy  children  together, 
'even  as  a  hen  gathereth  her  chickens  under  her 
'wings,  and  ye  would  not!"  '  Bp.  Home.  (JVofe, 
Matt.  23:37—39.) 

V.  14,  1.5.  '1  should  in  a  short  time  have 
'quelled  all  their  enemies;  and  by  one  victory 
'after  another  have  quite  destroyed  their  adver- 
'saries.  ...  All  that  maligned  their  prosperity,  and 
'set  themselves  against  the  design  of  the  Lord  to 
'make  them  victorious  over  their  enemies,  should 
'have  been  so  daunted,  that  they  should  have  dis- 
'sembled  their  inward  hatred,  and  been  forced,  at 
'least,  to  a  counterfeit  submission:  but  his  people 
•should  have  seen  blessed  days,  and  enjoyed  a 
'substantial  and  durable  happiness,  without  any 
'interruption.'  Bp.  Patrick. — The  nation  of  Is- 
rael, if  they  had  been  obedient,  would  have  pos- ; 
sessed  their  privileges  to  the  coming  of  Christ,  | 
and  have  been  then  incorporated  into  his  church,  ■ 
which  shall  continue  on  earth  to  the  end  of  time, ; 
and  in  heaven  to  all  eternity. — Submitted.  (15) 
"Lied."  Jl/f.-ro-.     (JVbte,  66:1— 3.)  [ 

V.  16.     Marg.  Ref.—JVotes,Deia.2±\2,\A. 

I 
PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.  I 

It  is  our  duty  and  privilege  to  attend  on  the 
ordinances  of  God,  and  to  abound  in  praise  and| 
thanksgiving:  and  we  should  excite  one  another  i 
to  these  pleasant  services,  embracing  every  op- 1 
portunity  for  them,  and  improving  all  our  ability 
in  them.  For  the  Lord  is  the  Strength  of  his  \ 
people;  and  all  the  worship,  which  we  can  render,  ■ 
is  far  beneath  his  glorious  excellences,  and  our 
immense  obligations  to  him,  especially  in  our  re- 
demption from  wrath  and  sin.  When  therefore  | 
he  commands  this  reasonable  service,  and  inti- 1 
mates  his  acceptance  of  it,  he  testifies  his  mercy ' 
and  condescending  love  to  us.  For  we  ought 
never  to  forget  the  base  and  ruinous  drudgery  to 
which  Satan  had  reduced  us;  or  our  rebellions 
against  God,  for  which  we  deserved  to  be  left  the 
bond-slaves  of  this  cruel  tyrant,  and  to  have  our 
final  portion  with  him.  But  when  in  distress  of 
conscience  we  are  led  to  cry  for  deliverance,  the 
Lord  answers  our  prayers,  and  sets  us  at  liberty. 
— As  the  giving  of  the  law  from  mount  Sinai,  and 
the  trials  of  Israel  in  the  wilderness,  were  proofs 
of  the  liord's  peculiar  regard  to  that  people;  so 


A  Psalm  *  of  Asaph. 
^  ^~^  OD   standeth  in  the   congregation 
\IW  of  the  mighty;    he  judgeth  among 
''the  gods. 

2  *=  How  long  will  ye  "^  judge  unjustly, 
and  ^  accept  the  persons  of  the  wicked.'' 
Selah. 

3  t  Defend  the  poor  and  fatherless: 
^  do  justice  to  the  afflicted  and  needy. 

4  s  Deliver  the  poor  and  needy: 
''  rid  them  out  of  the  hand  of  the 
wicked. 

5  They  '  know  not,  neither  will  they 


*  Or,  for  Jisap/i. 

a  Ex.  18:21.  2  Chr.  19:6,7.  Ec. 

5:8. 
b  6,7.   138:1.    Ex.  22:28.    John 

10:35. 
c  62:3.     Ex.  10:3.      1  Kings  18: 

21.     Matt.  17:17. 
d  58:1,2.     Ex.  23:6,7.    Lev.  19: 

15.    Mic.  3:1—3,9—12. 
e  Job  34:19.     Prov.  18:5.     Gal. 


2:6. 
t   Heb.     Jtidge.    10:13.     Deut. 

10:18.    Is.  1:17,23. 
f  J er.  5.28.  22:3,16.    Jam.  1:27. 
g   72:12—14.     Job    29:12,16,17. 

Prov.  24:11,12. 
h   140:12.     Neh.  5:1—13.     Job 

5:15,16. 
i53:4.      Prov.    1:29.      Mic.  3:1. 

Rom.  1:28. 


humiliating  convictions  of  sin,  and  sharp  afflic- 
tions, are  generally,  and  the  law  written  in  our 
heart  is  always,  evidential  of  the  love  of  God  to 
our  souls. — But  he  speaks  to  multitudes,  both  by 
the  awful  requirements  and  sanctions  of  his  law, 
and  by  the  invitations  and  promises  of  his  gospel, 
and  even  to  man}'  who  profess  themselves  his  peo- 
ple, who  yet  will  not  hearken  to  his  voice,  or 
have  him  for  their  Portion;  for  they  foolishly  ex- 
pect more  satisfaction  from  their  sins,  than  from 
the  all-sufficient  God.  Thus  the}'  provoke  him 
to  give  them  up  to  their  own  hearts'  lust,  and  to 
leave  them  to  their  perverse  choice:  and  then, 
whilst  they  prosper  in  wickedness,  and  are  envied 
by  their  fellow-sinners,  they  ripen  apace  for 
eternal  rum.  But  the  Lord  delights  in  the  con- 
version of  sinners,  and  in  the  faith  and  obedience 
of  his  people.  They  may  desire  and  ask  as  much 
as  they  will;  and  he  will  answer  and  exceed  their 
expectations:  their  enemies  shall  be  subdued;  and 
their  souls  satisfied  with  those  unspeakable  bless- 
ings, which  flow  from  "the  Rock  of  salvation:" 
their  bodies  also  shall  be  fed  with  "food  conve- 
nient for  them,"  and  their  eternal  inheritance  se- 
cured to  them;  while  all  the  haters  of  the  Lord 
shall  fall  under  his  power,  and  perish  for  ever. 
May  he  then  incline  our  hearts  to  obey  his  call, 
and  walk  in  his  ways:  and  may  he  enlarge  and 
assist  our  prayers;  that,  being  delivered  from  our 
enemies,  we  may  "open  our  mouths  wide,"  both 
in  fervent,  and  copious,  and  large  requests,  and 
take  in  abundantly  the  waters  of  life  and  salva- 
tion, and  so  to  drink  and  live  for  ever. 

NOTES. 

Psalm  LXXXII.  V.  1.  Jehovah,  who  judges 
the  principalities  and  powers  of  the  invisible 
world,  will  call  to  account  the  greatest  of  those, 
who  exercise  dominion  over  their  fellow-creatures 
on  earth.  "He  judgeth  in  the  midst  of  gods." 
Rulers  seem  as  gods  to  their  subjects,  and  they 
indeed  are  the  Lord's  appointed  vicegerents: 
(J^otes,  6,7.  Rom.  13:1—7.)  but  they  are  the 
subjects  of  his  kingdom,  even  as  other  men;  and 
he  is  especially  at  all  times  present  in  their  courts, 
to  animadvert  on  the  justice  or  injustice  of  their 
decisions;  to  receive  appeals  from  their  sentence, 
when  unrighteous;  and  to  call  them  to  a  strict 
account  if  they  abuse  their  power.  [J\Iarg.  Ref.) 
— It  is  not  known  by  whom,  or  when,  this  psalm 
was  written:  some  date  it  in  David's  time,  and 
others  in  that  of  Hezekiah. 

V.  2 — 4.     'Is  it  not  time  to  leave  off  your  par- 


B.  C.  1048. 


PSALM  LXXXIII. 


B.  C.  892. 


understand;  ''they  walk  on  in  darkness: 
'  all  the  foundations  of  the  earth  are  *  out 
of  course. 

6  "  I  have  said,  Ye  arc  gods;  and 
all  of  you  art  children  of  the  most 
High. 

7  But  "ye  shall  die  like  men,  and  fall 
°  like  one  of  the  princes. 

8  P  Arise,  O  God,  judge  the  earth: 
for  thou  "i  shalt  inherit  all  nations. 

PSALM  LXXXIIL 

The  Psalmist  appeals  to  God  concerning  a  formidable  conspir- 
acy of  the  enemies  of  Israel,  1 — 8.  He  prays  that  they  may 
be  confounded,  for  a  warning  to  others,  and  for  the  honor  of 
God,  9^13. 

A  Song  or  Psalm  t  of  Asaph. 


k    Prov.  2:13.  4:19.      Ec.  2:14. 

John  3:19.   12:35.   IJohn  2:11. 
1  11:3.   75:3.     Ec.3:16.     Is.  5:7. 
*  Heb.  moved. 
ml.    Ex.  22:28.    John  10:34— 

36. 


n  49:12.    Job  21:32,    Ez.  31:14. 

o  83:11. 

p  7:6.  44:26.   96:13.  102:13.     Is. 

51:9.      Zeph.  3:8. 
q  2:8.  22:28.    Rev.  11:15.   15:4. 
\  Or,  for  Asaph. 


'tiality;  and  no  longer  to  favor  a  bad  cause,  be- 
'cause  the  man  is  rich  and  great;  and  can  either 
'give  you  a  large  bribe,  if  you  will  judge  it  for 
'him,  or  do  you  a  mischief  if  you  give  sentence 
'against  him.''  Your  duty  is  to  do  equal  justice  to 
'all  men  that  come  before  you;  and  to  take  a  par- 
'ticular  care,  that  the  poor  and  the  fatherless  do 
'not  suffer  because  they  have  no  money  to  give, 
'nor  any  friend  to  solicit.'  Bp.  Patrick.  [Mai-g. 
Ref.—J^otes,  58:1,2.  Ex.  23:6—9.  2  Chr.  19:5— 
II.)  'Every  upright  judge  will  endeavor  to  re- 
'semble  the  Redeemer.  For  this  purpose,  he  will 
'be  always  willing  to  admit,  diligent  to  discuss, 
'solicitous  to  expedite  the  cause  of  a  poor  and  in- 
'jured  person,  and  to  afford  such  a  one  the  speed- 
'iest,  the  cheapest,  and  the  most  effectual  redress, 
'equally  despising  the  offers  of  opulence,  and  the 
'frov/ns  of  power.'  Bp.  Home-  (JVbie.v,  72:1 — 7. 
2  Sam.  23:3,4.)— Z)o  justice,  &c.  (3)  "Justify  the 
afflicted,  &:c."  (JVoie,  Prov.  17:5.) 

V.  5.  'They  will  not  study  the  laws  of  God;  or 
'if  they  do,  will  not  think  it  their  interest  to  be 
'governed  by  them;  ...  insomuch,  that  the  founda- 
'tions  of  the  kingdom,  which  are  justice  and  truth, 
'are  shaken;  all  things  are  in  confusion,  and  in 
'danger  to  come  to  utter  ruin.'  Bp.  Patrick. 
{Marg:  Ref.—J\^te,  75:3.) 

V.  6,  7.  The  rulers  of  Israel,  as  immediately 
appointed  by  Jehovah  to  be  his  representatives, 
to  judge  according  to  his  law,  and  to  be  types  of 
his  Anointed,  were  especially  honored  v/ith  this 
high  title,  "Ye  are  gods;"  in  which  other  magis- 
trates share,  in  proportion  to  their  religious  ad- 
vantages. But  though  outwardly  honored  as 
"gods,"  as  "children  of  the  most  High,"  and  as 
representing  the  Son  of  God  himself;  yet,  seeing 
they  in  general  abused  these  distinctions,  the 
Lord  would  soon  shew  tliem  their  weakness,  as 
mean  mortal  men;  and  leave  them  to  be  cast 
down  from  their  dignity,  like  one  of  the  princes 
whom  Israel  crushed  when  they  came  up  out  of 
Egypt,  or  in  their  subsequent  wars.  (83:6 — 11. 
M)tes,  John  10:32—39.) 

V.  8.  'Seeing  none  amendment,  he  desireth 
'God  to  undertake  the  matter,  and  execute  jus- 
'tice  himself.' — This  verse,  however,  is  evidently 
a  prophetical  prayer  for  the  coming  of  the  Mes- 
siah, and  the  conversion  of  the  nations  to  him. 
{JSTotes,  2:'!~9.  72:8—11.  86:9,10.  98:7—9.  Rev. 
11:15—18.) 


*Ty"EEP  not    thou  silence,   O    God: 
j\^  hold  not  thy  peace,  and  **  be  not 
still,  O  God. 

2  For,  lo,  •=  thine  enemies  make  a 
tumult:  and  they  ^  that  hate  thee  have 
®  lifted  up  the  head. 

3  They  *"  have  taken  crafty  counsel 
against  thy  people,  and  consuhed  against 
s  thy  hidden  ones. 

4  They  have  said,  '"  Come,  and  let  us 
cut  them  off  from  being  a  nation;  that 
the  name  of  Israel  may  be  no  more  in 
remembrance. 

5  For   '  they  have  consulted  together 


a  23:1.   35:22.  44:23.    50:3.    109: 

1,2. 
b  Is.  42:14. 
c  2:1,2.  74:4,23.   2  Kings  19:28. 

Jer.  1:19.    Matt.  27:24.     Acts 

4:26,27.   16:22.   17:5.  19:28,&c. 

21:30.  22:22.  23:10. 
d  81:15. 
e  75:4,5.  93:3.    Is.  37:23.    Dan. 

5:20—23. 


f  10:9.  56:6.  64:2.  1  Sam.  13: 
19.   Is.  7:6,7.    Luke  20:20—23. 

g27:5.  31:20.  91:1.    Col.  3:3. 

h  Ex.  1:10.  Esth.  3:6—9.  Prov. 
1:12.  Jer.  11:19.  31:36.  Dan. 
7:25.  Matt.  27:62—66.  Acts 
4:17.   9:1,2. 

i  Prov.  21:30.  Is.  7:5—7.  8:9, 
10.  John  11:47—53.  Acts  23: 
12,13.    Rev.  17:13.   19:19. 


PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  authority  of  God  should  be  acknowledged, 
honored,  and  submitted  to,  in  those  governors 
whom  his  providence  places  over  us.  But  fheij 
also  must  be  reminded,  that  they  are  only  vice- 
roys of  the  King  of  heaven,  bound  under  the 
strictest  obligations,  and  the  most  awful  responsi- 
bilitj',  to  do  his  will,  and  copy  his  example;  that 
he  witnesses  the  use  which  they  make  of  their  au- 
thority, and  will  judge  them  for  it;  and  that  if, 
with  present  impunity,  they  "judge  unjustly  and 
accept  the  persons  of  the  wicked,"  they  will  have 
a  most  terrible  sentence  denounced  on  them  at 
last. — These  plain  truths  are  too  generally  for- 
gotten or  discredited  by  those  in  authority:  they 
know  not,  because  they  "wi//  not  understand;" 
therefore  they  walk  on  still  in  darkness:  [JSTote, 
John  3:19 — 21.)  and  the  perversion  of  law  and 
justice,  through  their  impiety  and  iniquity,  sub- 
verts the  foundations  of  social  felicit}',  and  en- 
hances exceedingly  the  miseries  of  mankind. 
[JVotes,  11:1—3.  ]4:'l— 7.  J\Iic.  7:1—4.)  God  has 
indeed  honored  rulers,  (especially  those  placed 
over  his  people,)  by  intrusting  to  them,  as  it  were, 
a  share  of  his  autliority;  and  favoring  them,  as 
children,  with  a  portion  of  his  inheritance:  and 
honorable  and  happ)'  are  they,  who,  out  of  a  re- 
gard to  him,  "defend  the  poor  and  fatherless,"  do 
justice  to  the  afflicted  and  needy,  and  deliver 
them  out  of  the  hands  of  the  wicked. — But  as  for 
ungodly  rulers,  their  disgrace  and  misery  will 
equal  their  present  abused  distinctions;  and  they 
will  feel  the  insignificancy  of  that  pre-eminence, 
which  made  them  forget  that  they  were  men, 
when  death  shall  arrest  them  and  hurry  them  to 
judgment;  and  they  shall  be  condemned  with 
those  princes  who  made  war  against  Israel  of  old. 
— We  should,  however,  be  thankful  for  the  bless- 
ings of  civil  government,  which,  with  all  its  de- 
fects, is  of  immense  advantage  to  mankind.  And 
we  should  pray  for  our  rulers,  and  leave  such  as 
misbehave  to  the  judgment  of  God,  and  be  thank- 
ful for  our  peculiar  advantages  in  this  respect. 
But,  considering  the  state  of  affairs  in  the  world, 
from  the  beginning  hitherto,  we  have  need  even 
on  that  account,  to  pray  most  earnestly  and  con- 
stantly, that  the  Lord  Jesus  would  arise  and  take 
possession  of  his  inheritance,  and  rule  over  all  na- 
tions, in  truth,  and  i-ighteousness,  and  peace. 

[293 


B.  C.  892. 


PSALM  LXXXUI. 


B.  C.  892. 


with  one  *  consent;    ^  they  are   confede- 
rate against  thee: 

6  The  tabernacles  of '  Edom,  and  the 
Ishmaehtes;  of  Moab,  and  ^  the  Haga- 
renes; 

7  "  Gebal,  and  Amnion,  and  Amalek^ 
the  Phihstines  with  the  inhabitants  of 
Tyre; 

8  °  Assur  also  is  joined  with  them: 
they  have  t  holpen  p  the  children  of  Lot. 
Selah. 

9  Do  unto  them  i  as  unto  the  Midian- 
ites;  •■  as  to  Sisera,  as  to  Jabin,  at  the 
brook  ^  of  Kison: 

10  Which  perished  at  ^  En-dor:  they 
became  "  as  dung  for  the  earth. 

1 1  Make  their  nobles  like  ^  Oreb,  and 
like  Zeeb:  yea,  all  their  princes  as  >'  Ze- 
bah,  and  as  Zalmunna: 


*  Heb.  heart. 

k  Josh.  ]0:3— 5.    2  Sam.  ]0:6— 

8.  Is.  7:2. 
12Chr.  20:l,]0,n. 
m  Gen.  25:12—18.   1  Chr.  5:10, 

19,20.  Hagarites. 
n  Josh.  13:5.     Ez.  27:9. 
o  Gen.  10:11.  Mhur.  25:3. 
f  Heb.  been  anarmto.,^c.  Is. 

33:2. 


p  Gen.  19:37,38.     Deut.  2:9. 
q  Num.  31:7,3.    Judff.  7:22—25. 

Is.  9:4.   10:26. 
r  Judg.  4:15—24. 
s  Judg.  5:21.    Kishon. 
t  Josh.  17:11.    1  Sam.  28:7. 
u2  Kings  9:37.     Jer.  8:2.    16:4. 

Zeph.  1:17. 
X  Judg.  7:25. 
yJudg.  8:12— 21. 


NOTES. 

Psalm  LXXXIII.  V.  1—5.  It  is  g-enerally 
and  with  probability  conjectured,  that  this  psalm 
was  written,  (perhaps  by  some  of  Asaph's  descend- 
ants,) in  the  reign  of  Jehoshaphat,  when  a  most 
formidable  confederacy  was  formed  against  him; 
and  when  Judah  was  invaded  by  a  very  large 
army  composed  of  many  nations,  of  whom  the 
Moabites  and  Ammonites  seem  to  have  been  the 
principal,  and  the  others  their  allies:  and  it  ap- 
pears, that  enmity  to  God  and  religion,  stirred  up 
by  Jehoshaphat's  zeal  for  reformation,  had  a  con- 
siderable effect  in  exciting  them  against  him. 
(JVbto,  2  Chr.  20:1—4.)  So  that  it  was,  in  fact, 
the  cause  of  God  which  they  opposed;  uniting 
crafty  policy  with  powerful  exertions,  entirely  to 
destroy  his  people,  and  to  blot  out  the  memorial 
of  them  from  the  earth.  (JVbie*,  Esth,  3:6 — 15.) 
The  terra  "hidden  ones"  seems  to  denote  the 
Lord's  peculiar  people,  who  were  hidden  under 
his  immediate  protection  from  the  devices  of  their 
enemies.  {Marg.  Ref.  g.) — Some  render  the 
words,  "hidden  things,"  understanding  them  of 
the  treasures  reposited  in  the  treasuries  of  the 
temple. 

V.  6—8.  [Marg.  Ref.)  Assur  (or  the  Assyri- 
ans,) was  called  in  by  the  other  confederates,  as 
a  powerful  ally,  to  ensure  the  destruction  of  the 
hated  nation.  [Mote,  2  Kings  15:19,20.)^ 

V.9— 11.  {urates,  Judg.  4:— C:)  Endor  lav 
in  the  north  of  Canaan,  near  the  place  in  which 
Sisera's  army  was  destroyed.  {J\Iarg.  Ref.) 

V.  12.  "The  houses  of  God"  seem  to  denote, 
not  only  the  temple  and  its  out-buildings,  but 
also  the  palaces  and  houses,  in  which  the  princes, 
priests,  and  chief  persons  of  God's  people  dwelt. 
It  is  not  certain,  that  any  buildings  for  the  pub- 
lic worship  of  God  (like  the  sj'nagogues  of  later 
ages,)  were  at  this  time  erected.  (Jvbie,  74:7,8.) 
But  perhaps  these  idolaters  might  consider  the 
high  places  as  houses  of  God,  especiallj^  such  as 
were  not  used  in  idolatry.  [JVote,  2  Kings  18:22.) 

V.  13 — 18.  These  verses  must  be  interpreted 
as  a  prayer,  and  not  merely  as  a  prediction:  but 
it  should  be  observed,  that  the  persons  prayed 
294] 


12  Who  said,  ^  Let  us  take  to  our- 
selves the  houses  of  God  in  possession. 

13  *0  my  God,  make  them  ''like 
awheel;  <=  as  the  stubble  before  the 
wind. 

14  '^  As  the  fire  burneth  the  wood, 
and  as  ^  the  flame  setteth  the  mountains 
on  fire; 

15  So  "■  persecute  them  with  thy 
tempest,  and  make  them  afraid  with  thy 
storm. 

16  8  Fill  their  faces  with  shame; 
they  may  seek  thy  name,  O  Lord. 

17  "^  Let    them    be    confounded 
troubled  for  ever;    yea, 
to  shame,  and  perish: 

18  'That  men  may  know  that  thou, 
^  whose  name  alone  is  JEHOVAH,  art 
^  the  most  High  over  all  the  earth. 


that 

and 
let  them  be  put 


z4.  74:7,8.  2  Chr.  20:11 
a  22:1.  44:4.  74:11,12. 
b  Is.    17:12—14. 

;  68:1,2.    Ex.  15:7.     Job  13:25. 

2]:18.     Is.   40:24.    41:2.     Jer. 

13:24. 
d    Is.    30:33.    33:11,12.      64:1,2. 

Ez.  20:47,48.    Mai.  4:1. 
e  Deut.  32:23.     Nah.  1:6,10. 
f   11:6.  50:3.  58:9.   Job  9:17.  27: 

20—23.   Is.  28:17.  30.30.     Ez. 


13:11—14.    Matt.  7:27.    Heb. 

]2:18. 
g6:l0.    9:19,20.  34:5. 
h  35:4,26.  40:14,15.   109:29. 
19:16.    59:13.      1    Kings   13:37. 

2  Kings  19:19.    Is.  5:16.    Jer. 

16:21.    Ez.  30:19.    38:23. 
k  Gen.  22:14.    Ex.  6:3. 
1  92:8.    Is.  54:5.     Dan.  4:25,32. 

Mlc.  4:13.    Zech.  4:14. 


against  were  the  enemies  and  haters  of  God,  who 
sought  with  implacable  malice  to  extirpate  his 
people,  and  destroy  ^rue  religion;  and  that  the 
honor  of  God,  and  the  interests  of  truth  and  right- 
eousness, as  well  as  the  preservation  of  Israel, 
required  this  example  of  severity.  The  images 
employed  are  very  striking,  and  are  best  ex- 
plained by  the  marginal  references.  The  ex- 
pression "that  the}'  may  seek  thy  name"  implies, 
that  the  imprecation  was  only  meant,  in  the 
strongest  sense,  on  the  supposition  that  the  in- 
vaders remained  incorrigible  in  enmity  to  God, 
in  which  case,  "let  them  be  confounded  and 
troubled  for  ever,"  that  men  of  other  nations  may 
take  warning,  and  learn  bj'  their  doom,  that  Jk- 
HovAH,  the  God  of  Israel,  is  alone  the  almighty 
Lord  and  Sovereign  of  the  whole  earth,  and  not 
merely  the  local  Deity  of  one  nation. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

Enmity  to  the  holiness  and  authoritj'^  of  God  is 
the  real  cause  of  the  hatred  borne  to  his  people. 
Men  of  different  nations,  interests,  parties,  hu- 
mors, and  sentiments,  readily  unite  against  the 
church.  The  formal  self-righteous  Pharisee,  the 
time-serving  Herodian,  and  the  infidel  Sadducee, 
agreed  to  hate  and  oppose  Christ:  Herod  and  Pi- 
late, though  before  at  enmitj- ,  were  made  friends, 
as  being  of  one  mind  to  treat  Jesus  with  con- 
tempt: (JVoto,  Matt.  16:1—4,  v.  1.  22:15—33. 
Luke  22:() — 12.)  and  hypocrisy  and  profaneness, 
superstition  and  skepticism,  and  even  enthusi- 
asm and  atheism  often  confederate  against  his 
humbling  doctrine  and  holy  cause.  For  the  con- 
sultation has  been  from  the  beginning,  how  to 
extirpate  the  church,  that  neither  preacher  nor 
professor  of  the  truth  should  be  left,  and  "that 
the  name  of  Israel  should  be  had  no  more  in  re- 
membrance." (JVof6>,?,.^c<«  5: 17—28.)  But  what- 
ever arrogance,  tumult,  subtlety,  or  resolution, 
may  be  found  among  those  who  hate  the  Lord, 
and  would  la}^  hands  on  his  worshippers,  and 
"take  to  themselves  his  houses  in  possession;" 
their  intentions  must  ultimately  be  frustrated. 
His  people,  whose  "life  is  hid  with  Christ  in 


B.  C.  1021. 


PSALM  LXXXIV. 


B.  C.  1021. 


PSALM  LXXXIV. 

The  Psalmist  expresses  his  strong  affection  for  the  courts  of  God, 
1 — 3.  He  shews  the  blessedness  of  those  who  attend  there, 
or  cordially  resort  thither,  4 — 7.  He  prays  to  be  restored  to 
them;  and  celebrates  the  great  goodness  of  God  to  his  people, 
8—12. 

•To  the  chief  Musician  upon  *  Gittith, 
A  Psahn  *  for  the  sons  of  Korah. 
"OW  amiable  are  thy  tabernacles, 
'^  O  Lord  of  hosts! 
2  '^  My  soul  longeth,  yea,  even  fainteth, 
for  the  courts  of  the  Lord:  ®  my  heart 
and  my  flesh  crieth  out  for  the  living 
God. 

a  8:  81:  titles. 

*  Or,  of. 

b  26:3.  27:4.  48:1,2.  87:2,3.  122: 

I.    Heb.  9:23,24.     Rev.   21:2. 

3,22,-23. 


c   103:20,21.       1   Kings    22:19. 

Neh.  9:6.     Is.  6:2,3. 
d  13:1,2.   63:1,2.    73:26.   119:20, 

81.    143:6.    Cant.  2:4,5.  5:8. 
e  Job  23:3.      Is.  26:9.  64:1. 


God,"  and  whose  excellency  is  equall/  hidden 
fi-om  the  carnal  eye,  are  safe  under  his  protec- 
tion. [Mote^  Col.  3:1 — 4.) — While  the  Lord  is 
still  and  keeps  silence,  and  persecutors  insult 
and  triumph,  the  apparent  danger  often  excites 
believers  to  great  fervency  in  prayer;  and  then 
in  due  time  he  arises  to  plead  their  cause:  so  that 
the  doom  of  the  ancient  enemies  of  the  church, 
or  one  even  more  dreadful,  will  be  that  of  all 
others  to  the  end  of  the  world.  For  such  are 
"vessels  of  wrath  fitted  for  destruction,"  even  as 
a  bowl  is  fitted  to  roll  impetuousl}' down  a  decliv- 
ity; as  stubble  to  be  driven  before  a  vehement 
v.'ind;  or  as  the  dry  wood,  thorns,  and  brambles 
upon  the  mountains,  are  fitted  to  be  consumed 
by  the  flames.  (JVote,  Luke  23:26—31,  ^.31.) 
Thus  the  stormy  tempest  of  divine  vengeance 
will  persecute  them  with  dreadful  consternation 
into  "the  fire  prepared  for  the  devil  and  his  an- 
gels;" unless  they  be  so  humbled,  and  ashamed 
of  their  sins,  as  to  repent  and  seek  the  pardoning 
mercy  of  their  offended  Lord:  for  assuredly  all 
impenitent  sinners  shall  be  troubled,  and  a.sham- 
ed,  and  perish  for  ever. — The  Lord  will  be  glori- 
fied in  the  punishments  which  he  inflicts:  if  pres- 
ent judgments  fail  of  bringing  those  who  suffer 
them  to  repentance,  they  are  often  so  evidential 
of  his  power  and  justice,  as  to  warn  others  to  flee 
from  his  wrath  and  seek  his  favor:  and  doubtless 
the  final  punishment  of  the  wicked  will  answer 
most  important  purposes,  throughout  the  univer- 
sal and  everlasting  kingdom  of  God.  But  may 
we  so  know,  that  "he  whose  name  is  Jehovah, 
is  most  high  over  all  the  earth,"  as  to  fear  his 
powerful  wrath,  seek  his  inestimable  favor,  trust 
his  mercy  and  grace,  and  yield  ourselves  to  be 
his  willing  and  devoted  worshippers  and  servants: 
and  may  we  chiefly  seek  the  destruction  of  those 
tumultuous  and  confederated  enemies,  our  "flesh- 
ly lusis,  which  war  against  the  soul." 
NOTES. 
Psalm  LXXXIV.  V.  1,  2.  It  is  not  said,  by 
whom,  or  on  what  occasion,  this  psalm  was  writ- 
ten; but  it  is  generally  thought,  that  David  com- 
posed it,  when  driven  from  Jerusalem  by  Absa- 
lom.'s  rebellion.  [J^oles,  42:  43:  63:)  Yet  this  is 
by  no  means  certain:  and  some  think  that  it  wr.s 
written  by  some  pious  Levite,  in  the  days  of  Hez- 
ekiah,  when  kept  from  the  temple  by  the  Assyri- 
an army. — The  Psalmist,  however,  reflecting 
with  regret  on  the  beauties  of  the  sanctuary  from 
which  he  was  banished,  and  the  delight  which  he 
had  taken  in  attending  on  the  ordinances  there 
administered,  not  only  breaks  out  in  the  language 
of  strong  and  ardent  desire,  to  be  restored  to  the 
courts  of  God;  but  declares  that  his  soul  so  ear- 
nestly longed  after  the  living  God  himself,  and  the 
enjoyment  of  his  love,  that  liis  body  also  was  af- 


3  Yea,  ^the  sparrow  hath  found  an 
house,  and  the  swallow  a  nest  for  her- 
self, where  she  may  lay  her  young,  even 
thine  altars,  O  Lord  of  hosts,  my  King 
and  my  God. 

4  e  Blessed  are  they  that  dwell  in  thy 
house:  ^  they  will  be  still  praising  thee. 
Selah. 

5  Blessed  is  the  man  '  whose  strength 
is  in  thee;  ^  in  whose  heart  are  the  ways 
of  them. 

6  '  Who  passing  through  the  valley  of 


f90:l.  91:2.   116:7.     Matt.  8:20. 

23:37. 
g23:6.  27:4.  65:4.   134:1—3. 
h  71:8,15.   145:1,2,21.   Is.  12:4,5. 

Rev.  7:15. 
i  28:7,8.   Is.  45:24.  Zech.  10:12. 


2  Cor.  12:9.     Phil.  4:13. 
k    40:8.    42:4.    55:U.     Is.  26:9. 

Jer.  31:33.  50:4,5*  Mic.  4:2. 
166:10—12.     John  16:33.    Acts 

14:22.     Rom.   5:3—5.  8:37.    2 

Cor.  4:17.  Rev.  7:14. 


fected  by  it.  [J^otes,  73:23—28.  119:19—21,81, 
82.  Cant.  2:5.  5:8.)  Or  he  may  mean,  that  he 
longed  to  "present  his  body  as  a  living  sacrifice," 
by  such  external  acts  of  worship,  as  would  most 
suitably  express  the  fervent  affections  of  his  soul. 
—Living  God.  [2)  J^otes,  Josh.  3:10— 13.  I  Sam. 
17:25,26,  Jer.  10:9,10.  Dan.  6:25—28.  1  Thes. 
1:9,10. 

V.  3.  The  Psalmist  seems  here  to  envy  the 
birds  their  privilege  of  building  their  nests  at,  or 
near  to,  the  altars  of  God;  (meaning  the  taber- 
nacle or  temple,  whete  were  the  altar  of  burnt- 
offering  and  the  altar  of  incense;)  while  he  was 
driven  as  an  exile  to  a  great  distance  from  them. 
Yet,  as  it  can  scarcely  be  conceived,  that  the 
birds  were  left  unmolested  in  their  nests  to  hatch 
and  brood  their  young,  at  the  altar  of  God,  in  the 
days  of  David  or  Hezekiah;  it  has  been  suppos- 
ed, that  he  only  meant,  that  the  birds  found  in 
their  nests  that  tranquillity,  repose,  and  satisfac- 
tion, which  the  ordinances  of  God  had  afforded 
him,  but  of  which  he  was  ridw  deprived.  (JVbie, 
JIatt.  8:in— 20.)— My  King,  &c.]  Jfotes,  44:4. 
45:1.   145:1,2.  Matt.  25:34—40,  v.  34. 

V.  4.  Some  of  the  priests  and  Levites  dwelt 
continually  at  the  sanctuary,  which  to  a  carnal 
mind  might  appear  a  wearisome  confinement: 
but  the  Psalmist  deemed  them  very  happy;  and 
those  also  who  resided  so  near  to  the  courts  of 
God,  that  they  could  constantly  join  in  the  prais- 
es and  adorations  there  presented,  and  who 
counted  this  their  delightful  employment.  (JVb<e«, 
10.  26:6—8.  27:4—6.  65:4.  134:  135:1—3.  1  Chr. 
16:37—43.)      The  Septuagint  render  the  latter 

clause;   Ejs  tkj  aiuvaj   T(i)v   atwvwv  aivecuai  at,   "They 

will  praise  thee  for  ever  and  ever,"  the  strongest 
term  for  eternity  contained  in  tlie  Greek  lan- 
guage; and  no  doubt  the  Psalmist  counted  those 
happy  who  perpetually  praised  God  at  the  sanc- 
tuary on  earth;  because  this  was  both  a  prepa- 
ration for  the  eternal  worship  of  heaven,  and  an 
earnest  of  it.     (JVofcs,  30: 11, 12.   145:1,2.  146:2.) 

V.  5.  {JVotes,  11,12.  1:1—3.  32:1,2.  119:1.) 
'Happy  also  is  that  man,  (how  mean  soever  his 
'outward  condition  be,)  who,  relying  on  the 
'divine  protection,  {Ex.  34:24.)  goes  up  three 
'times  a  year  to  the  solemn  feasts  at  Jerusalem; 
'or  when  he  is  debarred  that  liberty,  as  I  now 
'am,  is  one  of  tliose  devout  persons,  whose  hearts 
'are  more  in  the  high  ways  that  lead  thither,  than 
'at  their  own  home.'  Bp.  Patrick. — The  man, 
who  trusting  in  God  for  strength  and  protection, 
pressed  through  dangers  and  difficulties,  from 
cordial  love  to  the  courts  of  God,  aptly  repre- 
sented those,  who,  being  strong  in  the  Lord, 
walk  with  alacrity  in  his  ways,  aspiring  after  and 
longing  for  the  joys  of  heaven.  {Marg.  Ref. — 
Jfotes,  Phil.  3:12—14,20,21.) 

f  [295 


B    C.  1021. 


PSALM  LXXXIV. 


B.  C.  102L 


*  Baca,   make  it  a  well;  •"  the  rain  also 
^  filleth  the  pools. 

7  "  They  go  from  *  strength  to  strength, 
every  one  of  them  °  in  Zion  appeareth  be- 
fore God. 

8  O  Lord  God  of  hosts,  hear  my 
prayer:  give  ear,  O  God  of  Jacob. 
Selah. 

9  Behold,  O  God  Pour  Shield,  and 
look  upon  1  the  face  of  thine  anointed. 

10  For   '  a  day  in  thy  courts  is  better 


*   Or,     Tnulberry-trees,    make 

him  a  leell,  ij-c.     2  Sam.   5:22 

—24. 
iri  68:9.   2  Kings  3:9—20. 
f  Heb.  covereth. 
n  Job  17:9.     Prov.  4:18.    Is.  40: 

31.     John   15:2.     2  Cor.  3:18. 

2  Pet.  3:18. 
J  Heb.   company  to  company, 

Luke  2:44. 


o43:3.     Deut.  16:16.    Is.  46:13. 

Jer.  31:6.     Zech.  14:16.   John 

6:39,40.   14:3.     1  Thes.  4:17. 
p  11.  98:1.     Gen.   15:1.     Deut. 

33:29. 
q  2:2,6.    Marg.  89:20.     1  Sam. 

2:10.     2  Sam.  23:1.     2  Chr.  6: 

42.     Acts  4:27. 
r  1,2.  27:4.    43:3,4.  63:2.     Luke 

2:46.     Rom.  8:5,6.    Phil.  3:20. 


V.  6,  7.  The  valley  of  Baca,  or  'of  mulberry- 
'trees,  was  a  barren  place;  so  that  they  which 
'passed  through  must  dig  pits  for  water,  signify- 
'ing  that  no  lets  can  hinder  them,  that  are  fully 
'bent  to  come  to  Christ's  church;  neither  yet 
'that  God  will  ever  fail  them.' — Some  translate 
"Baca,"  weeping:  and  probably  it  was  a  dreary 
valley,  through  which  from  some  parts  of  the 
land  the  people  must  pass,  in  going  up  to  Jeru- 
salem: but  in  one  way  or  other,  those,  who  from 
regard  to  the  ordinances  of  God  encountered  the 
difficulty,  were  carried  well  through  it.  They 
'pass  it  as  cheerfully,  as  if  it  abounded  in  pleasant 
'springs;  and'depending  on  God,  as  the  Fountain 
'of  what  they  want,  receive  from  him  the  blessing 
'of  plentiful  and  seasonable  showers  to  refresh 
'them  on  their  journey.  So  that  the  whole  com- 
'pany  go  from  stage  to  stage  with  unwearied 
'vigor.'  Bp.  Patrick. — The  word  (niDia)  ren- 
dered "pools,"  signifies  also  blessings.  [J^otes, 
Is.  43:14—21,1).  19,20.  Jer-  31:8,9.  Ez.  34:23— 
31,  V.  26.)  Thus  they  were  enabled  to  proceed 
with  increasing  vigor  and  alacrity,  till  each  of 
them  appeared  before  God  in  his  courts  on  mount 
Zion;  or,  till  "the  God  of  gods  appeared  to  them 
in  Zion,"  manifesting  his  glory  and  communicat- 
ing spiritual  blessings  through  his  holy  ordinances. 
(JVotes,  Job  17:8,9.  /*.  40:27— 31.)— The  whole 
description  may  be  properly  accommodated  to  the  j 
Christian's  pilgrimage,  through  this  vale  of  tears; 
to  the  felicity  of  heaven.  I 

V.  8,  9.  The  power  of  the  Lord  God  of  hosts 
to  repel  every  enemy,  and  remove  every  obstacle, 
and  his  readiness  to  hear  the  requests  of  the  patri- 
arch Jacob  and  his  descendants,  encouraged  the 
Psalmist's  earnest  prayer,  to  be  permitted,  ac- 
cording to  the  desire  of  his  heart,  to  return  to  the 
courts  of  God.  Urates,  Gen.  32:9—12,24—30. 
Hos.  12:3 — 6.) — He  also  entreated  him  to  "look 
on  the  face  of  his  Anointed," — his  Messiah, — his 
Christ,  the  king,  as  the  type  of  Christ.  If  David 
wrote  this  psalm,  he  might  mean  to  request  God, 
that  he  would  favor  his  king,  whom  he  had  ex- 
pressly chosen,  and  ordered  to  be  anointed;  and 
not  suffer  a  rebel  and  an  usurper  to  prevail  against 
him.  (JVofes,  2:1 — 6.)  But  he  is  generally  sup- 
posed to  have  looked  forward  to  the  promised 
Messiah,  of  whom  he  was  the  type  and  progenitor: 
and  indeed  he  might  plead  this  as  a  powerful  ar- 
gument, why  the  Lord  should  rescue  him  from 
his  enemies,  that  the  Messiali  was  to  descend 
from  him;  and  he  might  expect  that  the  root 
should  be  preserved  for  "the  sake  of  that  illustri- 
ous Branch.  {JVotes,  Is.  6: 13.  7:2.  65:8—10.  Matt. 
24:21,22.) 

V.  10.  {Marg.  and  Marg.  Re/.—JsTotes,  1,2. 
296] 


than  a  thousand.  U  had  rather  be  a 
door-keeper  in  the  house  of  my  God, 
than  no  dwell  in  the  tents  of  wicked- 
ness. 

1 1  For  the  Lord  God  is  ^  a  Sun  and 
"  Shield:  ^  the  Lord  will  give  grace 
and  glory:  ^  no  good  thing  will  he 
withhold  from  them  that  ^walk  up- 
rightly. 

12  O  Lord  of  hosts,  ^blessed  is  the 
man  that  trusteth  in  thee. 


$  Heb.   /  -would  choose  rather 

to  sit  at  the  threshold.   Jam. 

2:3. 
s  17:14,15.   26:8—10.   141:4,5. 
t27:l.     Is.  60:19,20.     Mai.  4:2. 

John  h9,]0.  8:12.  Rev.  21:23. 
u  9.    3:3.  47:9.     115:9—11.    119: 

114.     Gen.  15:1.   Prov.  2:7. 


X  John    1:16.     Rom.   8:16 — 18. 

2  Cor.  3:18.    4:17.    Phil.  1:6. 
y  34:9,10.    85:12.     Matt.    6:33. 

Phil. ■4:19. 
z  15:2.     Prov.    2:7.    10:9.    28:6, 

18.     Mic.  2:7.     Gal.  2:14. 
a  2:12.  34:8.  62:8.  146:5,6.     Is. 

30:18.    50:10.    Jer.  17:7,8. 


Luke2:4l— 52.  Rom.  8:5—9.  Rev.  3:12,13.)  'I 
'would  rather  choose  to  be  in  the  lowest  and  bas- 
'est  room  in  thy  holy  tabernacle,  than  to  be  set- 
'tled  in  whatsoever  dignity  out  of  the  bounds  of 
'thy  church.'    Bp.  HalL 

V.  11,  12.  The  sun  enlightens,  warms,  enliv- 
ens, and  fructifies  the  face  of  the  earth:  thus  the 
Lord  gives  light,  comfort,  and  fruitfulness  to 
those,  on  whom  he  shines  with  the  beams  of  his 
saving  grace.  This  sun  may  indeed  be  clouded 
or  eclipsed;  but  it  remains  unchanged,  and  will 
soon  burst  forth  again,  as  if  with  increasing  splen- 
dor. [J^otes,  2  Sam.  23:3,4.  Mai.  4:2,3.  John  8: 
12.  Rev.  21:22— 27.)— In  this  world  the  Lord  gives 
"grace,"  which  he,  as  a  Sun,  ripens  into  "glory" 
in  the  world  above:  [JsTotes,  73:23—28.  Rom.  5:1, 
2.)  while  as  a  Shield,  he  protects  the  happy  man 
who  trusts  in  him,  against  all  assailants,  how- 
ever formidable;  and  withholds  nothing  trulj'  good 
from  any  who  walk  before  him  in  uprightness  of 
heart.  {Marg.  Rcf.—J^otes,  Gen.  15:1.  Deut.  33: 
29.  2  Sam.  12:8.  Matt.  6:33,34.  1  Tim.  4:6—10.) 
— This  the  Psalmist  knew,  which  cheered  his 
spirits  amidst  his  tribulations,  and  while  he  wait- 
ed the  answer  to  his  prayers:  and  he  concludes 
with  most  emphatically  declaring  that  man  happy, 
however  poor  or  persecuted,  tempted  or  afflicted, 
who  trusted  in  the  Lord. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

Divine  ordinances  are  the  believer's  solace  in 
this  evil  world;  because  in  them  he  communes 
with  "the  living  God,"  and  enjoys  his  gracious 
presence.  {JVotes,  122:1,2.  /*.  58:13,14.)  This 
renders  his  tabernacles  so  amiable  in  his  eyes, 
and  dear  to  his  heart:  this  causes  him  to  value  the 
privilege  of  attending  them;  and  to  regret,  as  the 
greatest  calamity,  the  banishment  or  confinement 
from  them.  Indeed  the  Lord  himself  is  "the  Rest" 
of  his  people;  [JVotes,  90:1,2.  91:1,2.  1)6:7.)  but 
on  earth,  they  cannot  approach  him,  except 
through  his  appointed  means  of  grace:  so  that 
these  are  to  their  souls,  as  the  nest  to  the  bird, 
which  resorts  thither  and  is  contented  and  easy, 
but  is  unsettled  when  absent:  yet  this  is  only  an 
earnest  of  the  happiness  of  heaven,  where  the 
blessed  inhabitants  are  always  praising  their  God. 
But  how  can  they  dream  of  entering  that  holy 
habitation,  and  .sharing  its  pure  pleasures  and  so- 
ciety, who  complain  of  the  worship  of  God  on 
earth  as  a  tedious  and  wearisome  task?  {J\rote, 
Am.  8:4 — 10,  v.  o.)  who  think  tliose  wretched, 
that  spend  all  their  days  in  his  service;  because 
they  share  not  the  carnal  pleasure  and  dissipation, 
which  they  themselves  prefer  to  the  employment 
of  angels.''  But  not  only  are  those  happy,  who  have 


B.  C.  520. 


PSALM  LXXXV. 


B.  C.  520. 


PSALM  LXXXV. 

Thankful  recolleclions  of  former  mercies  from  God  to  Israel,  1 
— 3.  Earnest  prayers  for  grace,  mercy,  and  peace,  4 — 7. 
Prophetical  assurances  of  a  gracious  answer,  especially  by  the 
coming  of  the  Messiah,  and  in  his  glorious  salvation,  8 — 13. 

To    the  chief  Musician,    A  Psalm    *  for 
the  sons  of  Korah. 

LORD,   *thou   hast  been   t  favorable 
unto  thy  land:  ''thou  hast   brought 
back  the  captivity  of  Jacob. 

2  Thou  hast  '^  forgiven  the  iniquity  of 
thy  people;  thou  hast  covered  all  their 
sin.     Selah. 

3  Thou  hast  ^  taken  away  all  thy 
wrath:  thou  hast  Uurned  thyself  kom  the 
fierceness  of  thine  anger. 


*  Or,  of.  42:  title. 

a  Lev.  26:42.  Joel  2:18.    Zech. 

1:16. 
^  Or,  well  pleased  7cith.    77:7. 
b  14:7.   126:1,2.     Kzra   Ml.  2: 

1.    Jer.  30:18.  31:23.     Ez.  39: 

25.     Joel  3:1. 


c  32:1.  79:8,9.    Jer.  50:20.  Mic. 

7:18.   Acts  13:39. 
d  Is.  6:7.    12:1.  54:7—10.    John 

1:29. 
J  Or,   turned  thine  anger  from 

■waxing    hot.      Ex.    32:11,22. 

Deut.  13:17. 


arrived  at  heaven:  they  likewise  may  be  con 
gratulated,  who  have  set  out,  with  the  desire  of 
their  hearts,  in  the  search  and  pursuit  of  that  fe- 
licity; and  who,  making  the  Lord  their  Streng-th, 
walk  with  pleasure  in  his  ways  and  approve  them 
in  their  hearts.  They  may  have  to  pass  through 
many  a  valley  of  weeping,  and  many  a  thirsty 
desert:  but  wells  of  salvation  shall  be  opened  for 
them,  and  consolations  sent  for  their  support. 
The  journey  itself,  and  the  prospect  of  its  happy 
end,  will  revive  their  hearts;  they  shall  go  from 
strength  to  strength,  with  increasing  cheerfulness 
and  confidence,  till  every  one  of  them  arrives 
safe  in  the  holy  city,  to  appear  before  God,  to  see 
him  as  he  is,  and  to  be  for  ever  with  him,  and  like 
unto  him.  (JVoie,  1  John  3:1 — 3.)  May  the  Lord 
then  incline  the  heart  of  every  one  of  us  to  set 
out  and  proceed  with  alacrity  in  this  pilgrimage, 
and  may  he  defend  us  through  it:  may  we  pray 
without  ceasing,  (through  the  great  Mediator, 
"the  Lord's  Anointed,"  whose  face  he  beholds, 
and  whose  intercession  he  delights  in,)  for  our- 
selves and  for  all  our  fellow-travellers.  Thus  we 
shall  learn  to  count  one  day  in  the  courts  of  God 
better  than  a  thousand  spent  elsewhere;  to  value 
the  little  time  which  we  have  employed  with  him, 
more  than  all  the  rest  of  our  lives;  and  to  deem 
the  meanest  place  in  his  service  preferable  to  the 
highest  preferments  in  the  tents,  or  even  in  the 
palaces,  of  the  ungodly.  If  we  do  not  choose  in 
this  manner,  we  are  carnally-minded;  and  "to  be 
carnally-minded  is  death."  But  what  can  all  the 
honors,  riches,  and  distinctions  of  the  world  do 
for  us,  compared  with  the  blessings  of  his  favor, 
who  is  a  "Sun  and  a  Shield?"  If  he  gives  us  grace 
here  and  glory  hereafter,  he  will  not  withhold  any 
thing  truly  good  from  us.  He  has  not  indeed  en- 
gaged to  give  riches  and  temporal  dignities;  but 
he  has  promised  to  give  grace  and  glory  to  ever}' 
one,  who  seeks  them  in  his  appointed  way;  and 
ho  delights  in  fulfilling  this  promise.  What  is 
grace,  but  heaven  begun  below,  in  the  knowledge, 
love,  and  service  of  God.''  What  is  glory,  but  the 
completion  of  this  felicity,  in  perfect  conformity 
to  him,  and  the  full  enjoyment  of  him  for  ever.' 
And  if  he  has  begun  to  give  us  grace,  his  grace 
will  be  sufficient  for  us,  and  will  certainly  ripen 
into  glory.  Let  us  then  seek  this  true  happiaess; 
and  desire  to  be  fruitful,  through  the  benign  in- 
fluences of  the  Sun  of  righteousness,  as  well  as 
safe  and  cheerful  under  the  protection  of  "the 
Shield  of  salvation."  Let  us  study  to  walk  up- 
VoL.  m.  38 


4  ^  Turn  us,  ^  O  God  of  our  salvation, 
Sand  cause  thine  anger  toward  us  to  cease. 

5  ^  Wilt  thou  be  angry  with  us  for 
ever.''  wilt  thou  '  draw  out  thine  anger  to 
all  generations.'* 

6  Wilt  thou  not  ^  revive  us  again; 
*  that  thy  people  may  rejoice  in  thee.^ 

7  ™  Shew  us  thy  mercy,  O  Lord,  and 
grant  us  thy  salvation. 

8  "  I  will  hear  what  God  the  Lord 
will  speak:  °  for  he  will  speak  peace 
unto  his  people,  and  p  to  his  saints:  i  but 
let  them  not  turn  again  to  ''  foil}' 

e  80:3,7,19 


Jer.  31:13.     Lam. 

5:21.     Mai.  4:6. 
f  25:2.  27:1.     Mic.    7:7,18—20. 

John  4:22. 
g  78:38.  Is.  10:25.  Dan.  9:16. 
h  74:1.    77:9.    79:5.    89:46.    Is. 

64:9—12.     Mic.  7:13. 
i  Luke  21:24.      Rev.    18:21—23. 
k  80:18.   138:7.     Ezra  9:8,9.   Is. 

57:1.5.     Hos.  6:2.     Hab.  3:2. 
1   53:6.     Ezra  3:11—13.      Jer. 

33:11. 
m  50:23.  91:16.   Jer.  42:12. 


n  Hab.  2:1.    Heb.  12:25. 

0  29:11.     Is.    57:19.      Zech.   9: 

10.  John  14:27.  20:19,26.  Acts 

10:36.     2  Cor.  5:18— 20.    Eph. 

2:17.  2Thes.  3:16. 
p  50:5.  F.ph.  1:1,2. 
q  John   5:14.    8:11.     Acts  3:26. 

Gal.  4:9.      2  Tim.  2:19.    Heb. 

10:26—29.       2   Pet.  2:20—23. 

Rev.  2:4,5.    3:19. 
r   Gen.    34:7.       1    Sam.    25:25. 

Prov.  26:11.  27:22. 


rightly  in  his  ways,  and  to  trust  in  his  mercies: 
let  us  thankfully  receive  what  he  gives,  and  be 
well  satisfied  to  be  without  what  he  withholds,  or 
takes  away;  for  we  may  be  sure  that  he  sees  it 
evil  for  us:  and  let  us  hold  it  fast,  as  an  indisput- 
able principle,  notwithstanding  all  possible  tribu- 
lation, that  the  man  is  happy,  who  trusts  in  the 
Lord  of  hosts,  the  God  of  Jacob 

NOTES. 

Psalm  LXXXV.  V.  1 — 3.  This  psalm  seems 
to  have  been  written,  either  during  the  Baby- 
lonish captivity,  or  before  the  people  were  re- 
established in  their  own  land. — 'It  might  be  much 
'better  used  by  them,'  (the  Jews,)  'after  their  re- 
'turn  from  the  captivity  of  Babylon,  than  at  any 
'other  time;  when  they  were  infested  with  many 
'enemies,  who  disturbed  the  peaceable  enjoyment 
'of  their  country  and  religion.'  Bp.  Patrick. 
[JVoles,  Ezra  4: — 6:) — The  Lord  had  formerly 
been  favorable  unto  their  fathers,  and  had  often 
brought  back  their  captivity,  having  pardoned 
those  sins  for  which  they  had  been  sold  into  the 
hands  of  their  enemies;  and  this  gave  the  captive 
Jews  encouragement  again  to  expect  deliverance. 
[Marg.  Hef.)  Or,  'We  have  received  the  begin- 
'nings  of  deliverance,  as  a  token  of  thy  forgive- 
'ness  and  reconciliation:  therefore  "perfect  what 
'concerneth  us."  '    (JVo^e,  138:8.) 

Covered,  k.c.  (2)    JVb<e,  32:1,2. 

V.  4.  'Our  sins  indeed  deserve  worse  than  all 
'our  sufferings,  and  retard  our  re-establishment: 
'but  turn  and  convert  us  to  thyself  by  thy  special 
'grace,  and  make  way  for  the  more  complete  ef- 
'tects  of  thy  reconciliation  tons.'  {JS''otes,  80:3,19. 
Jer.  31:18—20.  Dan.  9:14—19.) 

V.  5— 7.  [JiIarg.Ref.—J\roles,  74:1,2.  77:5— 
12.)  'He  confesseth  that  our  salvation  cometh 
'only  of  God's  mercy.'  [Jfotes,  Ezra  3:8 — 13. 
Jer.  33:10,11.)  'Though  we  deserve  to  be  more 
'miserable  than  we  are,  3'et  let  thy  mercy  prevail 
'with  thee  to  grant  us  a  complete  deliverance.' 
Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  8.  The  prophet,  having  prayed  for  mercy 
and  salvation,  waited  to  hear  what  message  "Go5 
the  Lord"  would  send  by  him;  being  assured  that 
he  had  thoughts  of  peace  towards  the  nation  of 
Israel,  whom  he  had  taken  for  his  people  and  spe- 
cially favored,  and  that  a  Peace-maker  would  at 
length  be  sent  to  them.  But  as  folly,  or  idolatry 
and  wickedness,  had  brought  on  them  their  for- 
mer miseries,  he  warned  them  to  beware,  when 

[297 


B.  C.  520. 


PSALM  LXXXV. 


B.  C.  520. 


9  Surely  ^  his  salvation  is  nigh  them 
that  fear  him;  that  *  glory  may  dwell  in 
our  land. 

10"  Mercy  and  truth  are  met  togeth- 
er; ^  righteousness  and  peace  have  kiss- 
ed each  other. 

11   y  Truth   shall    spring   out   of  the 


S24;4,5.  50:23.  119:155.  Is.  46: 
13.  Mark  12:32—34.  John  7: 
17.  Acts  10:2—4.  11:13,14. 
13:26. 

t  Is.  4:5.  Ez.  26:20.  Ha^.  2: 
7—9.  Zech.  2:5,8.  Luke  2: 
32.  John  1:14. 

u  89:14.   100:5.   E«.  34:6,7. 


Mic.  7:20.  Luke  1:54,55.  John 

1:17. 
X  72:3.  Is.  32:16—18.  45:24. 

Jer.  23:5,6.  Rom.  3:25,26.  5: 

1,21.  Heb.  7:2. 
y  Is.  4:2.  45:8.  53:2.  John  14: 

6.  1  John  5:20,21. 


again  favored  and  prospered,  not  to  return  to  the 
same  foolish  and  rebellious  conduct. — After  the 
captivity,  the  nation  was  preserved  from  g-ross 
idolatry  till  the  Redeemer  came;  and  he  both 
went  himself  and  sent  his  apostles  and  ministers, 
to  speak  peace  to  Israel  first,  and  to  "bless  them 
by  turning  every  one  of  them  from  his  iniquities." 
[Motes,  Acts  3:22 — 26.)  But  the  nation  rejected 
him  and  his  message,  and,  returning  to  rebellion 
and  folly,  was  deprived  of  its  peculiar  privileges; 
and  then  peace  was  spoken  in  Christ's  name  to 
the  Gentiles,  who  became  the  people  and  "saints" 
of  God  by  faith  in  Christ  Jesus,  and  returned  no 
more  to  their  dumb  idols  and  evil  courses.  [Marg. 
Ref.) 

V.  9.  The  temple  and  ordinances  of  God  had 
been  "the  glory"  of  Israel:  and  that  glory  in  some 
measure  dwelt  among  them  again  after  the  cap- 
tivity. But  the  Redeemer,  who  appeared  in  that 
land,  was  its  chief  Glory;  his  coining  approached, 
and  his  salvation  was,  at  all  times,  nigh  those  who 
feared  the  Lord.  [J^otes,  Luke  1:46 — 55,  v.  50. 
2:25 — 32.)  Christ  himself,  "the  Salvation  of 
God,"  and  "the  glory  of  his  people  Israel,"  was 
evidently  predicted;  and  the  expectation  of  this 
great  Deliverer  was  intended  to  be  the  support 
of  true  believers  under  their  trials,  through  suc- 
cessive ages;  even  as  the  expectation  of  his 
coming  to  make  his  cause  triumphant,  and  at 
length  to  raise  the  dead,  and  judge  the  world,  is, 
under  the  new  testament-dispensation.  [JVotes, 
1  Cor.  4:3—5.   Tit.  2:11—14.   Heb.  9:27,28.) 

V.  10 — 13.  When  God  restored  the  captive 
Jews,  he  mercifully  fulfilled  his  faithful  promises 
to  them.  He  had  glorified  his  justice  in  their 
sufferings,  and  he  might  consistently  return  unto 
them  in  peace.  Thus  while  truth  was  performed 
on  earth,  righteousness  looked  down  from  heaven 
with  approbation.  The  Lord  conferred  manifold 
benefits  on  his  people:  their  land  again  gave  its 
increase,  both  of  the  fruits  of  the  earth,  and  of 
the  fruits  of  righteousness:  for  the  justice  and  ho- 
liness of  God,  which  had  been  so  conspicuous  in 
those  dispensations,  had  a  powerful  effect  to  at- 
tach the  people  to  his  ordinances  and  command- 
ments, and  to  teach  them  to  copy  the  example  of 
his  equity,  truth,  and  mercy. — Thus  this  pas- 
sage may  be  explained;  but  the  interpretation 
is  comparatively  uninteresting,  and  falls  greatly 
below  the  energy  of  the  expressions  made  use  of 
It  is  therefore  generally,  and  no  doubt  justly,  in- 
terpreted in  a  far  higher  and  fuller  sense,  of  the 
harmony  of  the  divine  attributes  in  the  redemp- 
tion of  sinners  by  Jesus  Christ.  The  truth  of  the 
promises  is  manifested  by  the  mercy  of  God  in 
sending  the  Redeemer;  and  the  truth  of  the 
types  and  prophecies,  in  his  person,  miracles, 
obedience,  and  atonement:  [JVotes,  John  1:17. 
14:4 — 6.)  but  especially  the  truth  of  tlie  thrcaten- 
ings  now  consists  with  the  exercise  of  mercy  to 
believers,  through  the  great  Surety,  "who  bare 
our  sins  in  his  own  body  on  the  tree."  {JSTotes,  Is. 
53:4—12.  Dan.  9:24.   1  Pet.  2:18—25.  1  John  2: 


earth;  and  ^  righteousness  shall  look  down 
from  heaven. 

12  Yea,  ^the  Lord  shall  give  that 
which  is  good;  and  ^  our  land  shall  yield 
her  increase. 

13  *=  Righteousness  shall  go  before 
him;  and  "^  shall  set  us  in  the  way  of  his 


steps. 

z  Is.   42:21.     Matt.  3:17.     17:5. 

Luke  2:14.     2  Cor.  6:21.  Kph. 

1:6. 
a  84:11.  Mic.  6:8.     1  Cor.  1:30. 

Eph.  1:3.     Jam.  1:17. 
b  67:6.  72:16.     Is.  30:23,24.  32: 

15.     Matt.  13:8,23.    Acts  2:41. 


21:20.  Gr.    1  Cor.  3:6—9. 

c  72:2,3.  39:14.   Is.  58:3. 

d  M.-itt.  20:27,23.  John  13:14 
-16,34.  2  Cor.  3:18.  Ga!. 
2:20.  Eph.  6:1,2.  Phil.  2:5 
—8.  Heb.  12:1,2.  1  Pet.  2: 
13—24.  4:1.     1  John  2:6. 


298] 


1,2.)  The  justice  of  God,  which  renders  to  all 
their  due,  demanded  the  punishment  of  the  trans- 
gressor, and  seemed  to  preclude  all  hope  of  his 
obtaining  favor:  but  it  is  now  satisfied  by  the 
great  atonement,  and  amicably  embraces  and 
unites  with  peace;  and  entirely  approves  of  the 
believing  sinner's  being  treated  as  a  righteous 
person  by  a  reconciled  Judge.  UVotes,  Is.  9:6, 
7.  45:23—25,  2  Cor.  5:18— 21.  Eph.  2:11  — W. 
Heb.  7:1—3.)  Thus  Christ,  "the  Truth  and  the 
Life,"  sprang  out  of  the  earth,  when  he  was 
born  of  a  woman:  and  "justice"  looked  down 
upon  his  character,  obedience,  and  atonement, 
well  pleased  and  satisfied.  [J^otes,  Matt.  3:16,17. 
17:5 — 8.  John  14:4 — 6.)  For  his  sake  the  Father 
gives  all  good  things,  especially  his  Holy  Spirit, 
to  those  who  ask  him;  (jVotes,  Matt.  7:7 — 11. 
Luke  11:5 — 13.)  and  by  his  influence  every  land, 
where  the  gospel  is  preached,  produces  an  in- 
crease of  believers,  and  of  holiness  to  the  glo- 
ry of  God.  "Righteousness,"  as  a  harbinger, 
marched  before,  and  marked  out  the  Redeemer's 
path,  which  he  pursued  without  deviation  through 
his  whole  course:  his  righteousness  went  before 
to  prepare  his  m.ediatorial  throne;  and  when  it  is 
discovered  to  the  believer  for  his  justification,  by 
the  teaching  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  it  becomes  also 
his  example,  and  he  learns  to  walk  in  Oie  steps 
of  Christ,  as  well  as  to  rely  on  his  merits.  This 
harmony  of  the  divine  attributes  in  man's  salva- 
tion is  the  grand  peculiarity  of  the  Christian  re- 
ligion, by  which  it  displays  the  glory  of  God  in 
full  perfection.  No  other  religion,  no  otlier  view 
of  Christianity,  than  that  for  substance  here 
stated,  makes  any  provision  for  the  honor  of  the 
divine  justice  in  the  exercise  of  mercy:  and  this 
accords  to  the  language  of  the  prophets  and  apos- 
tles in  many  places.  [J^otes,  Is.  45:20 — 22.  Jer. 
23:5,6.  Rom.  3:21—26.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  mercies  shewn  to  Israel,  in  their  deliver- 
ance from  bondage  and  captivity,  were  external 
signs  of  that  redemption  afforded,  in  all  ages,  to 
the  remnant  of  believers,  in  setting  them  free 
from  the  bondage  of  sin  and  Satan,  which  always 
accompanies  the  "covering  of  their  sins,"  and  tlie 
turning  away  of  the  fierce  wrath  of  God  from 
them. — The  awakened  sinner,  when  distressed  in 
conscience,  should  attend  to  this  report,  and  cry 
earnestly  to  "the  God  of  salvation,"  to  convert 
him  by  his  grace,  and  mercifully  to  cause  his  an- 
ger to  cease  from  him:  nor  will  that  anger  endure 
for  ever  against  any,  but  the  impenitent  and  un- 
believing.— Even  the  true  people  of  God,  when 
they  commit  sin,  may  expect  sharp  and  tedious 
aiBictions:  but  when  they  return  to  him,  humbly 
pra}'ing,  that  he  would  "shew  them  his  mercy, 
and  grant  them  his  salvation;"  he  will  in  due  time 
revive  their  comforts,  and  make  them  again  to 
rejoice  in  him.  (JVbie,  51:12,13.) — Having  spok- 
en unto  the  Lord  in  praj'er,  we  should  compose 
ourselves  to  hear  him  speak  to  us  by  his  word; 


B.  C.  1021. 


PSALM  LXXXVI. 


B.  C.  1021. 


PSALM  LXXXVL 

David  pleads  his  indigence,  and  the  fervor  of  his  devotion,  in 
imploring  help  from  the  God  of  grace  and  mercy,  1 — 7.  He 
praises  God,  as  alone  worthy  of  universal  adoration;  and 
prophesies  that  all  nations  shall  thus  adore  him,  8 — 10.  He 
prays  for  teaching  and  grace,  renders  thanks  for  former  mer- 
cies, complains  of  his  haughty  foes,  and  craves  some  special 
token  of  divine  favor,  11 — 17. 

A    Prayer  of  David. 
OW   down    thine    ear,    O    Lord, 
hear    me;    ''for   I   am  poor  and 
needy. 

2  "  Preserve  my  soul;  for  I  am  t  holy: 
O  thou  my  God,  '^  save  thy  servant  that 
^  trusteth  in  thee. 

3  ^  Be  merciful  unto  me,  O  Lord; 
s  for  I  cry  unto  thee  t  daily. 

4  *"  Rejoice   the   soul  of  thy  servant; 


B 


*  Or,  A  prayer,  being  a  Psalm 
of  David,  iS,-c.  102:  142:  titles. 

a  31:2.    Is.  37:17.     Dan.  9:18. 

b  10:14.  34:6.  40:17.  72:12—14. 
102:17.  119:22.  140:12.  Is.  66: 
2.  Matt.  5:3.  Luke  4:18.  Jam. 
1:9,10.  2:5. 

c  4:3.  37:23.  119:94.  1  Sam.  2: 
9.  John  10:27—29.  17:11.  1 
Pet.  5.3—5. 

I  Or,  one  whom  thou  favorest. 


18:19.     Deut.  "7:7,8.     Rom.  9: 

18,23,24. 
d  119:124,125.   143:12.  John  12: 

26. 
e  13:5.    16:1.    31:1.     Is.  26:3,4. 

Rom.  15:12,13.     Eph.  1:12,13. 
f57:l. 
g  55:17.    88:8.    Luke  2:37.   11:8 

—  13.  18:7.  Eph.  6:18. 
X  Or,  all  the  day.  25:5. 
h  51:12,  Is.  61:3.65:18.66:13,14. 


and  to  expect  an  answer  by  his  Spirit,  or  in  his 
providence.  He  will  certainly  "speak  peace  to 
his  people,"  whom  he  has  separated  and  sanctified 
to  himself.  Yet  let  them  take  warning  that  they 
do  not  turn  again  to  folly,  forgetful  of  his  rebukes 
and  corrections,  and  abusing  his  mercj':  for  this 
conduct  so  much  resembles  that  of  hypocrites, 
that  it  must  bring  them  into  uncertainty  and  dis- 
tress; and  the  Lord  will  greatly  resent  it,  if  their 
falls  do  not  teach  them  watchfulness,  and  their 
recoveries  gratitude. — The  preaching  of  the  gos- 
pel, and  the  lively  ordinances  of  God,  confer 
more  honor  on  any  land,  citj',  or  village,  than  all 
external  distinctions  can  do:  and  "his  salvation 
is  nigh  those,  who  fear"  his  wrath,  reverence  his 
authority,  and  humbly  seek  his  mercj'.  For  in 
the  Redeemer's  person  and  work,  all  things  are 
ready  for  the  reception  of  every  one,  whose  heart 
is  prepared  to  accept  of  mercy:  all  the  Persons 
and  perfections  in  the  Godhead  will  be  eternally 
glorified  in  the  salvation  of  sinners:  and  the  re- 
demption of  their  souls,  when  they  repent  and  be- 
lieve the  gospel,  is  a  continuation  of  the  display, 
which  was  made  of  the  divine  truth,  justice,  and 
mercy,  when  the  Redeemer  paid  the  all-suffi- 
cient ransom.  Through  him  the  sinner  asks  and 
receives  "all  things  pertaining  to  life  and  godli- 
ness," and  thus  becomes  fruitful  in  every  good 
work:  and,  by  looking  unto  the  Savior's  righteous- 
ness, he  finds  his  feet  "set  in  the  way  of  his  steps." 
(Jfote,  2  Cor.  3:17,18.)— May  this  salvation  be 
communicated  to  our  hearts,  and  appear  in  our 
lives;  that  as  the  divine  attributes  harmonize  in 
our  redemption,  so  all  Christian  graces  may  har- 
monize in  our  characters.  [J^ote,  2  Pet.  1:5 — 7.) 
May  this  glory  dwell  in  our  land,  and  yield  a  large 
increase  of  truth  and  goodness,  of  purity  and 
equity,  through  successive  generations.  May 
the  Lord  revive  his  church  tliroughout  all  the 
earth,  that  his  people  may  rejoice  in  him:  may 
he  grant,  that  'all  who  are  called  Christians  may 
'be  led  into  the  way  of  truth,  and  hold  the  faith 
'in  unity  of  spirit,  in  the  bond  of  peace,  and  in 
'righteousness  of  life:'  and  may  he  put  an  end  to 
all  remains  of  idolatry  and  vice,  and  fill  the  world 
with  truth  and  righteousness. 

NOTES. 
PsAi.M  LXXXVL     Title.     It  is  not  certain, 
whether  David  offered  this  prayer  when  persecut- 


for  unto  thee,   O  Lord,  •  do  I  lift  up  my 
soul. 

5  For  ^  thou,  Lord,  art  good,  9nd 
•  ready  to  forgive;  and  ™  plenteous  in 
mercy  "  unto  all  them  that  call  upon 
thee. 

6  °  Give  ear,  O  Lord,  unto  my  pray- 
er; and  attend  to  the  voice  of  my  sup- 
plications. 

7  P  In  the  day  of  my  trouble  I  will 
call  upon  thee;  for  thou  wilt  answer 
me. 

8  1  Among  the  gods  there  is  none  like 
unto  thee,  O  Lord;  •"  neither  are  there 
any  works  like  unto  thy  works. 


i25:l.  62:8.   143:8. 

k  15.    25:8.    36:7.    52:1.    69:16. 

119:68.    145:8,9.     Ex.  34:6.    1 

John  4:8,9. 
1  Neh.  9:17.    Is.  55:7.     Dan.  9: 

9.     Mic.  7:18. 
m  103:8.   130:4,7.     Joel  2:13,18. 

Rom.   5:20,21.      Eph.    1:6—3. 

2:4. 
n   145:18.     Jer.  33:3.     Ez.  36: 

33,37.     Luke  11:9,10.    John  4: 


10.     Acts  2:21.     Rom.    10:12, 

13. 
o  5:1,2.   17:1.   130:2. 
p  18:6.    34:4—6.  50:15.    55:16— 

13.    77:1,2.  91:15.  142:1,2.     Is. 

26:16.     Lam.  3:55—57.     Jon. 

2:2.     Luke  22:'W.   Heb.  5:7. 
q  89:6,8.     Ex.  15:11.     Is.  40:18, 

25.  Jer.  10:6,7,16.     Dan.  3:29. 
r  136:4.    Deut.  3:24.  4:34. 


ed  by  Saul,  or  when  driven  out  of  the  land  by  Ab- 
salom; though  the  latter  seems  most  probable. 

V.  1,  2,  [Ma7'g.  Ref.—J\rotes,  16,17.  34:1—6. 
J\Intt.  5:3.) — 'All  prayer  is  founded  on  a  sense  o 
'our  own  wants,  and  God's  ability  to  supply  them. 
'In  the  sight  of  his  Maker,  every  sinner  is  "poor 
'and  needy,"  and  he  must  become  so  in  his  own, 
'that  his  petitions  may  be  regarded;  he  must  pray 
'with  the  humility  and  importunity  of  a  starving 
'beggar,  at  the  gate  of  heaven,  if  he  expect  the 
'great  King  to  "bow  down  his  ear,  and  hear 
'him."  '    Bp.  Home. 

Holy.  (2)  'One  whom  thou  favorest,  [marg.) 
'hast  set  apart  for  thyself,  and  made  partaker  of 
'sanctifying  grace:'  one  who  has  found  favor  and 
learned  mercy.  It  is  the  same  word  as  in  the 
sixteenth  Psalm  is  translated  "holy  One,"  and  it 
is  generally  rendered  "a  saint."  When  St.  Paul 
spoke  of  himself,  as  "less  than  the  least  of  all 
saints;"  he,  as  David  does  here,  united  the  deep- 
est poverty  of  spirit,  with  the  fullest  confidence 
that  he  was  in  a  state  of  grace,  and  an  accepted 
servant  of  God.     [Marg.  Ref.—J^ote,  Eph.  3:8.) 

V.  3 — 5.  David  prayed  not  onl)'  evert/  dai/. 
but  all  the  day,  that  is,  frequently,  constantly, 
and  importunately:  [J^otes,  25:4,5.  Luke  18:1 — 8.) 
and  he  not  only  lifted  up  his  voice,  but  his  soul, 
his  most  earnest  desires,  unto  God:  {JVotcs,  25:1. 
1  Sam.  1:12 — 16,  v.  15.)  and  therefore  he  expect- 
ed that  he  should,  and  prayed  that  he  might,  be 
made  joyful  by  an  answer  to  his  supplications; 
because,  though  conscious  of  sin  in  many  instan- 
ces, yet  he  firmly  believed  that  God  was  abun- 
dantly kind,  propitious,  and  compassionate  to  all 
who  thus  called  on  him.  [J\Iarg.  Ref. — JVb/e, 
14,15.)  Thou  'art  no  less  bountiful  ...  than  I  am 
'indigent;  ready  also  to  pardon  those  that  have 
'offended  thee;  yea  to  shew  abundant  kindness 
'to  ever}'^  one  of  them  in  their  greatest  distress, 
'when  with  unfeigned  devotion  they  call  upon 
'thee.'    Bp.    Patrick. 

V.  6—8.  {Marg.  Ref.—J^otes,  50:7—15.  91: 
14—16.  130:1—4.)  The  Gentiles  indeed  might 
call  on  their  gods,  and  yet  perish  in  their  perils 
and  miseries;  as  the  objects  of  their  idolatry  had 
no  power  to  save  tliem:  but  the  God,  whom  Da- 
vid worshipped,  was  not  like  them,  but  infinitely 
powerful  as  well  as  merciful;  and  his  former 
works  for  his  people  encouraged  the  expectation 
of  effectual  aid  to  all  his  upiight  worshippers. 

[299 


B.   C.   1021. 


PSALM  LXXXVI. 


B.  C.  1021. 


9  «  All  nations  whom  thou  hast  made 
shall  come  and  worship  before  thee,  O 
Lord;  and  shall  *  glorify  thy  name. 

10  For  "  thou  art  great,  and  doest 
wondrous  things:  ^  thou  art  God  alone. 

\_P7-actical  Observations.] 

1 1  y  Teach  me  thy  way,  O  Lord;  ^  I 
will  walk  in  thy  truth:  *  unite  my  heart 
to  fear  thy  name. 

12  ■*  I  w^ill  praise  thee,  O  Lord  my 
God,  '^  with  all  my  heart:  and  ^  I  will 
glorify  thy  name  for  evermore. 

13  For   ®  great  is  thy  mercy  toward 

6:45,46.     Eph.4:21. 
z   26:3.     119:30.       Mai.   2:6.    2 

John  4.     3  John  3,4. 
a  Jcr.  32:38,39.    Hos.  10:2.    14: 

8.    Zeph.  1:3.    Matt.  6:22—24. 

Acts   2:46.       1    Cor.    10:21.    2 

Cor.  11:3.     Col.  3:17,22,23. 
b34:l.   103:1—3.    104:33.   115:1 

—.'5.146:1.2.      1  Chr.  29:13,20. 

Is.  12:1.    Rev.  5:9— 13.   19:5,6. 
c9:I.      Deut.  6:5.     Piov.  3:5,6. 

Acts  8:37.      F.ph.  5:15. 
d  Rom.    15:6.      1  Cor.  6:20.   10: 


»   22:27—31.    66:4.    67:7.    72; 

19.     102:15.     l3.  2:2 — 1.     11:9. 

69  19.      66:23.        Zech.     14:9. 

Horn.    11:25.     Rev.  11:15.  15: 

4.  20:3. 
t  Rom.  15:9.    Eph.  1:12.   1  Pet. 

2:9. 
u  S.  72:18.  77:14.    145:3—5.    Job 

11:7.     Dan.  6:26,27.     Acts   2: 

19-22.   4:30.     Rom.  15:18,19. 

Heb.  2:4. 
X  Deiit.  6:4.  32:39.  Is.  37:16,20. 

44:6—3.     Mark  12:29.     1  Cor. 

8:4.     Eph.  4:6. 
y5.3.  25:4,12.  27.11.   119:33,73. 

113:8—10.     Job   34:32.     John 


31. 

e  57:10.  103:8—12.  108:4.  Luke 
1:58. 


{jYotes,  Ex.  15: 1 1.  Deut.  32:30,3] .  33:26.  2  Kings 
19: 14— 19.  Is.  40:18—20,25,26.  Jer.  10:16.) 

V.  9,  10.  Probably  David  hoped,  that  God's 
interposition  in  }iis  behalf,  and  the  celebration  of 
his  glory  and  wonderful  works  b)^  him  and  bis 
subjects,  would  bring  many  of  the  neighboring 
nations  to  renounce  idolatry  and  worship  the  Cre- 
ator: but  "the  Spirit  of  God  which  spake  by  him, 
and  whose  words  were  on  his  tongue,"  evidently 
predicted  the  calling  of  the  gentiles  by  the  gospel, 
and  the  universal  prevalence  of  Christianity. 
The  original  is  expressly  a  prediction;  and  is  gen- 
erally so  translated — 'This  proveth  that  David 
'prayed  in  the  name  of  ...  the  Messias,  of  whose 
'kingdom  he  doth  here  prophesy.'  [J^otes,  22:27 
—31.67;  72:8— 11,17— 19. /s.  2:2—5.  11:6—9.43: 
8—13.  Jer.  10:6—11.  Zech.  8:20—23.  14:6—9. 
Rev.  11:15—18.  20:1— 6.)— .^Zone.  (10)  JVotes, 
Deut.  6:4,5.  32:37— 39.  Is.  44:6—8.  Rev.  1:8—11. 

V.  11.  (Jnite,  Sic]  Naturally  all  the  powers 
of  our  mind  are  "out  of  course."  The  judgment 
is  darkened,  the  will  perverted,  and  the  affections, 
instead  of  clieerfully  following  the  directions  of 
the  higher  powers  of  the  soul,  tumultuate  and  re- 
bel against  them.  The  effect  of  grace  is,  to  cor- 
rect this  disorder;  and  to  subject  the  passions  to 
the  dominion  of  right  reason,  by  subjecting  the 
whole  soul  to  the  authority  of  God.  But  its  oper- 
ations are  never  in  this  world  carried  to  perfec- 
tion. Still  the  mind  which  loves  God,  and  "de- 
lights in  his  law  after  the  inner  man,"  "finds 
another  law"  within  "warring  against  the  law" 
which  it  would  fain  obey.  "It  cannot  therefore 
do  the  things  which  it  would:"  still  the  affections 
are  apt  to  wander  after  forbidden  objects;  and 
too  often  the  consent  of  the  will  is,  for  the  time, 
drawn  over  to  that  which  it  habitually  rejects. 
{J^Totes,  Rom.  7:1.5—25.  Gal.  5:16—18.)  The 
harmony  of  holiness  is  broken,  or  not  yet  per- 
fectly restored:  "the  flesh  lusfeth  against  the 
spirit,"  and  is  contrary  to  it.  Thus  the  heart  is 
divided  and  an  inward  strife  maintained,  to  the 
deep  afHiction  of  the  believer  who  cries  out,  "Oh 
wretched  man  that  I  am!"  and  at  all  times  praj's, 
'^  Unite  my  heart,"  so  liable  to  distraction,  so 
prone  to  division  between  God  and  the  world,  "to 
fear  thy  name."  {J^otes,  Matt.  6:24.  2  Cor.  11:1 
—6,  V.  3.) 

V.  12,  13,  [Marg.  Ref.)  Many  confine  the 
300] 


me:    and  thou   ^  hast  delivered  my  soul 
from  the  lowest  *  hell. 

14  O  God,  2  the  proud  are  risen 
against  me,  and  ''the  assemblies  of  t vi- 
olent men  have  sought  after  my  soul; 
'  and  have  not  set  thee  before  them. 

15  ''But  thou,  O  Lord,  art  a  God 
full  of  compassion,  and  gracious;  long- 
suffering,  and  plenteous  in  ^  mercy  and 
truth. 

16  O  ""turn  unto  me,  and  have  mercy 
upon  me;  "^give  thy  strength  unto  thy 
servant,  and  save  °  the  son  of  thine  hand- 
maid. 


fl6:l0.  56:13.  88:6.   116:8.   Job 

33:18,22,24,28.  Is.  38:17.    Jon. 

2:3—6. 
*  Or,  gjave. 
g  36:11.  54:3.  119:51,69,85.  140: 

5.    2  Sam.  15:l,&c. 
h  2  Sam.  16:20—23.  17:1—4,14. 

Matt.  26:3,4.    27:1,2.     Acts  4: 

27,28. 
f  Heb,  terrible. 
i  10:4,11,13.    14:4.  36:1.    Ez.  8: 

12.  9:9. 


k5.  103:8.  130:4.  145:8.  Ex. 
34:6,7.  Num.  14:18.  Neh.  9: 
17.  Joel  2:13.  Mic.  7:18.  Rom 
5:20,21.    Eph.  1:7.  2:4—7. 

1  98:3.  John  1:17.  Rom.  15: 
8,9. 

m  25:16.  69:16.  90:13.    119:132. 

n  28:7,8.  84:5.  138:3.  Is.  40:29 
—31.  Zech.  10:12.  Eph.  3: 
16.  6:10.  Phil.  4:13.  Col.  1: 
11. 

0  116:16.   119:94.    Luke  1:38. 


meaning  of  these  words  to  the  imminent  danger 
of  death,  from  which  God  had  delivered  his  ser- 
vant. But  probably  David  referred  to  the  guilt 
of  murder  and  adultery,  which  he  had  contracted, 
and  which  merited  the  severest  vengeance,  tem- 
poral and  eternal:  yet  the  Lord,  of  his  great  mer- 
cy, had  pardoned  these,  as  well  as  all  his  other 
sins,  and  had  thus  "delivered  his  soul  from  the 
lowest  hell." — It  is  the  same  word  as  is  used  con- 
cerning Christ,  and  translated  hell.  (JVb<e,  16:8 
— 11.)  It  means  the  invisible  state,  whether  of 
the  body  in  the  grave,  or  of  the  soul  in  the  world 
of  spirits:  but  the  word  "lowest"  greatly  favors 
the  latter  interpretation.  Some  think  that  David 
here  also  spake  as  the  type  of  Christ. 

/  will  glorify  thy  name  for  evermore.  (12") 
J^otes,  145:1,2.  146:2. — 'I  do  now  most  thankfully 
'acknowledge  thee;  and  will  never  cease  to  hon- 
'or  thee,  and  to  do  thee  service,  so  long  as  I  have 
'any  being.'     Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  14,  15.  Many  a  time  God  had  rescued  his 
servant  from  the  most  extreme  danger;  but  again 
he  stood  in  urgent  need  of  the  same  powerful  aid. 
Absalom,  Ahithophel,  and  the  other  conspirators, 
being  proud,  violent,  cruel,  and  impious  men, 
sought  to  murder  him;  and  perhaps  were  encour- 
aged to  hope  for  success  by  an  idea,  that  David's 
crimes  had  provoked  God  to  forsake  him.  [J^otes, 
3:1,2.  71:10,11.)  And  indeed,  David  seems  here 
to  allow,  that  this  would  have  been  the  case,  had 
the  Lord  dealt  with  him  in  strict  justice:  but  the 
abundant  compassion,  long-suffering,  and  mercy 
of  God  to  the  most  guilty  and  miserable,  and  his 
faithfulness  to  his  promises,  gave  the  humble  pen- 
itent a  firm  ground  of  confidence,  that  he  was 
pardoned,  and  should  be  delivered  from  such 
haughty  and  impious  assailants.  [Marg.  Ref. — 
5.  J^oies,  Ex.  34:5—7.  Lam.  3:21— 23.'~Mic.  7:18 
— 20.  ./o/in  1:17.) 

V.  16.  'As  thou  O  Lord,  art  a  God  full  of 
'compassion,  mercj^  and  truth,  for  thy  name's  sake 
'both  pardon  my  sins,  and  by  thy  strength  uphold 
'me  in  thy  ways,  and  defend  and  save  me  from  my 
'powerful  assailants.'  [J^Totes,  143:10— 12.)— TAe 
son  of  thine  handmaid.']  David  seems  here  to 
plead,  that  his  pious  mother  had  brought  him  up 
in  the  fear  of  God,  and  offered  many  prayers  for 
him;  and  therefore  he  was  devoted  to  him  from 
his  birth,  and  intrusted  to  his  keeping,  having 


B.  C.  1021. 


PSALM  LXXXVII. 


B.  C.  1045. 


17  P  Shew  me  a  token  for  good;  ithat 
they  which  hate  me  may  see  it,  and  be 
ashamed:  because  'thou,  Lord,  hast 
holpen  me,  and  comforted  me. 

p  41:10,11.  74:9.  Is.  38:22.  |    —10. 

q   71:9— 13.     109::i9.      Mic.    7:8  |  r  40:1.  71:20,21. 


been  brought  up  as  a  servant  in  his  family;  as 
the  children  of  the  female  slaves  were  brought 
up  in  their  master's  family,  were  considered  as 
his  property,  and  were  entitled  to  his  protection. 
[J^Totes,  51:5,6.  116:16.  2  Tm.  1:3— 5.)— The 
Lord  Jesus  was  the  Son  of  her,  who  said,  "Behold 
the  handmaid  of  the  Lord,  be  it  unto  me  accord- 
ing to  thy  word."    [Ltike  1:38.) 

V.  17.  Perhaps  David  hoped,  that,  if  God 
would  shew  some  evident  token  of  favor,  and  so 
evidently  interpose  that  all  might  see  his  deter- 
mination to  help  and  comfort  his  servant,  even 
his  virulent  enemies  might  be  put  to  shame,  and 
brought  to  repentance,  and  so  share  the  plente- 
ous mercy  of  God. — The  resurrection  of  Christ 
and  the  descent  of  the  Holy  Spirit  were  "tokens 
for  good"  to  the  church;  which  put  all  those, 
who  had  crucified  the  Lord  of  glory,  to  shame 
and  confusion,  and  many  of  them  were  likewise 
brought  to  repent  and  believe  the  gospel. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1—10. 

The  condescension  of  our  God,  in  bowing  down 
his  ear  to  receive  the  prayers   of  us  miserable 
sinners,  is  very  wonderful:  yet  our  very  poverty 
and  wretchedness,  when  felt  and  acknowledged, 
form  a  powerful   pica  at  the  throne  of  grace:  and 
the  greatest,  and  most  powerful  and  prosperous,  j 
among  the  rulers  of  the  world,  must  thus  feel,| 
acknowledge,  and  plead  them  in  penitent  faith,  j 
or  their  prayers  will  in  no  way  resemble  those  of  i 
king  David,  or  be  accepted  and  answered,  as  his 
were. — It  is  a  great  encouragement  in  praj'er,  to! 
be  conscious  that  we  have  experienced  the  con-  j 
verting  grace  of  God,  and  have  learned  to  trust, 
in  him  and  to   be  his  servants:  for,  once  we  serv-j 
ed  other  masters,  and  leaned  on  other  depend- ! 
ences;  but  he  has  mercifully  effected  the  impor-  j 
tant  change. — If  we  "cry  unto  the  Lord  daily,''''  | 
and  lift  up  our  souls  unto  him,  we  may  hope  that  j 
he  will  both   preserve  and  "rejoice  our  souls." 
Yet  our  defective  holiness,  our  scanty  services, 
and  our  imperfect  prayers,  would  be  no  ground  i 
of  confidence,  if  we  had  not  a  God  of  infinite 
mercy  to  approach  unto.     His  "readiness  to  for- 
give," through  that  great  atonement  which  he 
has  provided,  and  his  "plenteous  mercy  to  all  that 
call  upon  him,"  is  the  original  source  of  our  en- 
couragement: and  our  own  consciousness  of  in- 
tegrity and  most  devoted  obedience,  is   merely 
evidential  of  the  reality  of  our  faith,  and  of  the 
grace  of  God  bestowed  upon  us. — The  abundance 
of  his  mercy,  to  pardon  the  sins  and  to  supply  the 
wants  of  those  who  call  upon  him,  how  many  so- 
ever they  may  be,  is  sufiBcient  to  encourage  all, 
who  come  with  the  desire  of  their  hearts  to  pray 
before  him:  yet  even  this  plenteous  mercy  will 
not  profit  those  who  remain  too  careless,  proud, 
carnal,  and  unbelieving,  to  call  on  him  for  grace 
and  salvation. — The  vanities  of  the  heathen  could 
not  assist  their  deluded  votaries;  angels  and  saints 
cannoL  relieve  those  who  wor.ship  them:  our  God 
alone  possesses  omnipresence  and  omniscience, 
almighty  power,  and  infinite  love;  without  which 
none  can  know  all  our  necessities,  or  help  us  in 
them,  and  bear  with  all  our  provocations.     None 
of  the  works  ascribed  to  idols,  are  at  all  like  the 
works  of  Jehovah,  among  which  that  of  redemp- 
tion stands  pre-eminent.     Nor  can  those  worldly 


PSALM  LXXXVIL 

Zion  is  honorable  above   the   rest  of  the  laud,  I — 3;    and  the 
church,  above  the  nations  of  the  earth,  4 — 7. 

A  Psalm  or  Song  *  for  the  sons  of  Korah. 

♦  Or,  of. 


objects,  which  men  idolize,  give  them  any  assist- 
ance in  the  hour  of  distress,  at  the  approach  of 
death,  or  at  the  day  of  judgment.  "All  nations" 
therefore,  "whom  God  hath  made,"  are  bound,  in 
interest  as  well  as  in  duty,  to  come  and  worship 
before  him,  and  to  glorify  his  name;  seeing  "he 
is  great,  and  doeth  wondrous  things,  and  is  God 
alone:"  and  the  time  approaches,  when  they  shall 
understand  their  interest,  and  in  this  respect  do 
their  duty;  and  for  this  we  should  pray  without 
ceasing,  and  use  whatever  means  we  can. — The 
soul  that  is  born  of  God  is  often  more  desirous  to 
be  taught  the  way  and  truth  of  God,  in  order  to 
walk  in  them,  than  to  be  delivered  out  of  severe 
distress. 

V.  11—17. 

The  most  upright  believers  find  it  difficult  to 
attain  to  that  simplicity  and  "singleness  of  heart," 
which  they  long  for;  and  they  still  find  cause  to 

Eray,  "Unite  my  heart  to  fear  thy  name,"  O 
.ORD.  Nay,  the  most  eminent  Christian  will 
most  readily  confess,  that  he  has  deserved  "the 
lowest  hell,"  and  expects  deliverance  from  it  only 
by  the  rich  mercy  of  God:  and  being  thus  hum- 
bled, and  taught  to  trust  in  him  for  salvation,  and 
prepared  to  "praise  him  for  it  with  his  whole 
heart,  and  to  glorify  his  name  for  evermore,"  he 
possesses  an  evidence,  that  he  is  indeed  "deliver- 
ed from  the  wrath  to  come."  (JVb/e,  1  Thcs.  1:9, 
10.)  But  men  of  this  character  will  often  have 
reason  to  complain,  that  the  proud,  the  violent, 
and  those  who  "set  not  God  before  them,"  have 
arisen  against  them  to  conspire  their  hurt;  and 
especially  that  the  powers  of  darkness  seek  after 
their  souls.  Still  however,  the  compassion,  long- 
suffering,  and  plenteous  mercy  and  truth  of  God, 
will  be  their  refuge  and  consolation:  to  him  they 
will  look  for  help  and  strength,  as  well  as  for  par- 
don; and  they  will  wait  on  him  to  give  thern, 
from  time  to  time,  some  token  for  good,  in  their 
own  experience  and  from  his  comforting  Spirit, 
and  in  the  sight  of  others  from  his  providential 
interpositions;  that  those  who  hate  them  may  see 
and  be  ashamed,  and  either  converted  or  intimi- 
dated.— It  is  an  encouragement  to  us,  when  we 
pray,  to  recollect,  that  others  have  prayed,  or  are 
praying  for  us:  and  the}',  whose  parents  were  the 
servants  of  the  Lord,  and  who  brought  them  up 
for  him,  may  urge  that  as  a  plea  why  he  should 
hear  and  help  them. — But  in  considering  David's 
experience,  and  that  of  the  believer  as  corres- 
ponding with  it;  we  must  not  lose  sight  of  him, 
"who,  though  he  was  rich,  for  our  sakes  became 
poor,  that  we  through  his  poverty  might  be  rich." 
[JVote,  2  Cor.  8:6—9.)  He  most  perfectly  served 
and  continually  called  upon  his  heavenly  Father; 
and  through  him  the  plenteous  mercy  of  our  God 
is  exercised  towards  the  chief  of  sinners.  Being 
raised  from  the  dead,  he  is  made  triumphant  over 
the  assemblies  of  proud  and  violent  men,  who 
sought  after  his  soul;  and  "all  nations  shall  come 
and  worship  before  him,"  and  glorify  the  name  of 
the  Lord;  but  all  who  hate  him  shall  be  ashamed 
and  perish  for  ever.  May  we  rely  wholly  on  his 
righteousness,  propitiation,  and  intercession,  and 
copy  his  example;  and  may  we  learn  from  him  to 
bear  poverty,  hardship,  or  persecution,  with 
cheerfulness  and  resignation;  and  to  hope  and 
wait  for  a  happy  issue  out  of  all  our  tribula- 
tions. 

[301 


B.  C.  1045. 


PSALM  LXXXVII. 


B.  C.  1045. 


IS    foundation    is    in  ^  the    holy 
mountains. 

2  «  The  Lord  loveth  the  gates  of 
Zion  more  than  all  the  dwellings  of 
Jacob. 

3  ''  Glorious  things  are  spoken  of 
thee,  O  city  of  God.     Selah. 

4  I  will  make  mention  of  ®  Rahab  and 
*'  Babylon  to  them  that  know  me:  behold 


a2Chr.  3:1.     Is.  28:16.     Matt. 

16:13.     1  Cor.  3:10,11.   Eph.  2: 

20—22.     1  Pet.  2:4—8. 
b  48:1,2.  68:16.   121:1.  Is.  2:2,3. 

56:7.     Zech.  8:3.     2  Pet.  1:13. 
C   78:68,69.      132:13,14.      Deut. 

1-2:5.     2  Chr.   6:6.     Is.    14:32. 

Joel  2:32. 
d  48:2,3,11—13.   125:1,2.  Is.  12: 

6.     49:14,&c.     59:20,21.    60:1, 


&c.  6l:3,&c.  62:l,&c.  Jer.  3: 
14—17.31:12,13.  Ez.  36:2,11, 
&c.  37:27,23.  40:— 48:  Hcb. 
12:22,23.  Rev.  14:1.  21:10—27. 

e  89:10.    Is.  51:9. 

f  137:1,8,9.  2  Kings  20:17,18. 
Is.  13:l,&c.  14:4—6.  Jer.  25: 
9.  50:  51:  Dan.  2:47,48.  4:30. 
Rev.  17:5.    13:2. 


NOTES. 

Psalm  LXXXVII.  V.  1.  Some  think  that  this 
Psahn  was  composed  to  be  sung-,  when  the  foun- 
dation of  the  temple  on  mount  Moriah  was  laid; 
or  when  David  fixed  on  the  spot  where  the  temple 
was  to  be  erected.  [JVotes,  Ge/i.  22:2.  1  Chr.  21:26 
—30.  22: 1.  2  Chr.  3: 1 ,2. )  Mount  Moriah  seems  to 
have  been  a  part  of  mount  Zion — "/<  is  his"  (that 
is,  God's)  "foundation  in  the  mountains  of  holi- 
ness." Or,  "Its  foundation,"  that  is,  the  temple's. 
Tiie  abruptness  of  the  beginning  shews  how  full 
the  Psalmist's  mind  was  of  joy  and  admiration. 
The  tabernacle  placed,  and  the  temple  afterwards 
built,  by  express  divine  direction,  on  these  holy 
mountains,  were  typical  of  Christ  as  the  Foun- 
dation, and  of  his  church,  as  builded  on  this 
Foundation,  for  "an  habitation  of  God  through 
the  Spirit."  [jYotes,  Is.  28:16.  1  Cor.  3:10—15. 
£1^/1.2:19—22.) 

V.  2.  Because  of  the  temple  and  its  typical 
ordinances,  the  Lord  delighted  in  Zion  more  than 
in  all  the  dwellings  of  Jacob,  and  in  all  the  se- 
cret and  social  worship  performed  by  that  peo- 
ple, who  were  selected  from  the  nations  of  the 
earth,  to  be  near  unto  him  as  his  worshippers. 
{Marg.  Ref.—M)te,  78:67—69.) 

V.  3.  'Pleasant  for  situation,  and  magnificent 
*in  its  buildings,  Jerusalem  was  ...  the  joy  of  the 
'whole  earth.  There  was  the  royal  residence  of 
'the  kings  of  Judah;  there  was  the  temple  and 
'the  ark,  and  the  glory,  and  the  King  of  heaven 
'dwelling  in  the  midst  of  her;  her  streets  were 
'honored  with  the  footsteps  of  the  Redeemer  of 
'men;  there  he  preached, ...  and  died,  and  rose 
'again;  thither  he  sent  down  the  Spirit,  and  there 
'he  first  laid  the  foundations  of  his  church.'  Bp. 
Home. — The  glorious  things  spoken  by  the  Spir- 
it of  prophecy  concerning  Zion,  certainly  related 
to  future  ages,  to  the  coming  of  Christ,  the  gos- 
pel sent  forth  from  ^rusalem  to  all  the  nations, 
the  establishment  of  the  church,  and  to  that 
church  itself,  both  as  i^Iitant  on  earth,  and  tri- 
umphant in  heaven.  "For  even  that  which  was 
made  glorious,"  (in  Zion  the  type  and  feeble 
shadow,)  "had  no  glory  in  this  respect,  by  reason 
of  the  glory  that  excelleth."^^'Though  thy  glo- 
'rious  estate  do  not  }'et  appear,  yet  wait  with  pa- 
'tience,  and  God  will  accomplish  his  promise.' 
{Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  4.  This  is  generally  understood  as  a  pre- 
diction of  the  calling  of  men,  from  all  these  na- 
tions into  the  church  by  the  gospel:  but  it  seems 
rather  to  be  a  comparison  between  the  most  em- 
inent characters,  which  other  nations  had  pro- 
duced, and  in  whom  they  gloried;  and  the  wor- 
thies of  Zion,  or  the  church 'I  am  wont  to 

302] 


Philistia,   and   s  Tyre,  with  •■  Ethiopia; 
'  this  man  was  born  there. 

5  And  ^  of  Zion  it  shall  be  said, 
This  and  that  man  was  born  in  her:  and 
'the  Highest  himself  shall  estabhsh  her. 

6  The  Lord  shall  count,  ™  when  he 
writeth  up  the  people,  that  "  this  man  was 
born  there.     Selah. 

7  °  As  well  the  singers  as  the  players 
on  instruments  shall  be  there:  p  all  my 
springs  are  in  thee. 


g  45:12.  Is.  23:    Ez.  27:  28: 
h  1  Kings  10:l,&c.  Acts  8:27. 
i  1  Sam.  17:8.     2  Sam.  21:16— 

22.     Is.  19:11.     Ez.  28:2. 
k  Is.  44:4,5.     John  1:12—14.   3: 

3—5.  Gal.  3:26— 28.  Heb.  11: 

32 — 10.   12:1,2,22—24.     1  Pet. 

1:23,24. 
1  Ez.  48:35.  Matt.  16:18.  Rom. 

3:31. 


m  22:30.  Is.  4:3.    Ez.  9:4.  13:9. 
Luke  10:20.     Phil.  4:3.    Rev. 

n   Jer.    3:19.       Gal.   4:26—31. 

Rev.  20:15. 
0  63:24,25.       1    Chr.    15:16,&C. 

25:1—6.     Rev.  14:1—3. 
p  46:4.    Is.  12:3.     John  1:16.  4: 

10,14.    7:37—39.      Rev.  21:6. 

22:1,17. 


'make  honorable  mention  among  my  acquaint- 
'ance  ...  of  Egypt  and  Babylon; ...  bidding  them 
'observe  that  such  a  notable  person  was  bom 
'there.'    Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  5.  'But  what  is  this  to  Zion.'  of  whom  it 
'shall  be  said  in  future  times,  that ...  "this  and 
'that  man,"  a  great  many  worthies  and  far  more 
'eminent ...  were  born  in  her:  for  she  hath  no 
'meaner  instructer  than  the  Most  High,  who 
'shall  settle  her  in  a  flourishing  estate,  by  edu- 
'cating  and  forming  her  inhabitants  to  the  most 
'excellent  qualities.'  Bp.  Patrick — The  word 
rendered  "Man"  is  generally  used  for  a  person 
of  eminence;  and  the  clause  "this  and  that  man," 
is  simply,  "a  Man  and  a  Man,"  which  some 
think  is  used  as  a  peculiar  superlative,  and 
means,  the  most  eminent  of  men,  even  the  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,  and  they  suppose,  that  He,  in  his 
divine  nature,  is  "the  Highest"  who  "shall  es- 
tablish the  church."  No  doubt,  He  is  the  glory 
of  the  church,  and  of  his  people  Israel:  [JVotes, 
Lukel-.lb — 32.  /2om.  9:4,5.)  but  his  crucifixion 
was  the  deepest  disgrace  imaginable  to  Jerusalem 
itself. — It  should  here  especially  be  remembered, 
that  almost  all  the  sacred  writers  belonged  to 
Zion,  or  to  that  despised  nation,  which  met  to 
worship  at  Zion:  and  no  nation  on  earth,  or  part 
of  a  nation,  has  been  preserved  or  delivered  from 
idolatry,  except  through  the  revelation  which 
God  made  by  the  prophets  and  apostles  of  Israel. 
[JVotes,  Gen.  1-2:1— 3.  Zech.  8:20— 23.  Preface 
to  Luke.) 

V.  6.  Writeth  up  the  people.']  'When  he 
'calleth  by  his  word  them  into  his  church,  whom 
'he  had  elected  and  written  in  his  book.' — Rath- 
er, the  Lord  will  number  up,  at  the  last  day,  all 
the  true  children  of  the  church;  shew  the  emi- 
nence and  excellence  of  their  characters;  and 
contrast  them  as  "one  in  Christ  Jesus,"  with  all 
that  which  the  world  has  admired  and  celebrated 
in  ungodly  men.  'In  the  book  of  life,  that  regis- 
'ter  of  heaven,  kept  by  God  himself,  our  names 
'are  entered,  not  as  born  of  flesh  and  blood  by 
'the  will  of  man;  but  as  born  of  water  and  the 
'Spirit  by  the  will  of  God:  of  each  person  it  is 
'written  "that  he  was  born  there,"  in  the  church 
'and  city  of  God.'     Bp.  Home. 

V.  7.  'The  literal  version  ...  seems  to  be, 
"They  shall  sing,  as  those  that  lead  up  the 
'dance,"  that  is,  most  joyfully:  ...  and  the  burden 
'of  the  song...  was  to  be' this",  "All  my  springs  ... 
'are  in  thee."'  Bj).  Home.  'The  prophet 
'setteth  his  whole  affections  and  comfort  in  the 
'church.'— The  Psalmist  himself  evidently  de- 
cides for  the  church,  and  against  the  world;  be- 
cause all  the  springs  of  life  and  salvation  arein 


B.  C.  1020. 


PSALM  LXXXVIII. 


B.  C.  1020. 


PSALM  LXXXVIIL 

The  Psalmist  bewails  before  God  his  complicated  sufferings,  with 
great  energy  and  variety  of  expression;  and  pleads  earnestly 
for  deliverance,  1 — 18. 

A  Song  or  Psalm  *  for  the  sons  of  Ko- 
rah,  to  the  chief  Musician  upon  "  Ma- 
halath  Leannoth,  ^  Maschil  of  ^  Heman 
the  Ezrahite. 

O*^  Lord   God  of  my  salvation,   •*  I 
have  cried   day  and  night  before 
thee: 


*  Or,  of. 
a  .W:  title. 

t  Or,  A  Psalm  of  Heman  the 
Ezrahite,  giving  instruction. 
b  1  Kings  4.-3].    1  Chr.  2:6. 
c.;7:l.  51:14.  62:7.  65:5.  68:19, 


20.  79:9.  140:7.  Gen.  49:18. 
Is.  12:2.  Luke  1:47.  2:30.  Tit. 
2:10,13.  3:4—7. 

d  22:2.  86:3.  Neh.  1:6.  Is.  62: 
6.  Lulfe  2:37.  18:7.  1  Thes. 
3:10.     2  Tim.  1:3. 


the  church,  and  none  elsewhere.  For  "the  Lord 
dwelleth  in  Zion,"  as  "God  in  Christ  reconciling 
the  world  unto  himself;"  and  "from  his  fulness" 
all  believers  in  every  age,  "have  received;"  as 
"drawing  water  with  joy  from  the  wells  of  sal- 
vation."— Perhaps  the  singing  and  music  at  the 
sanctuary  were  mentioned,  as  external  expres- 
sions of  that  joy  and  praise,  which  would  most 
abound  in  the  church  after  the  coming  of  the 
Messiah.  To  close  the  contrast;  'AH  the  foun- 
'tains  of  life,  "the  wells  of  salvations,"  whence  I 
'  "draw  water  with  joy,"  day  by  day,  are  in  Zi- 
'on,  and  none  elsewhere.'  {Jfotes,  Is.  12:3 — 6.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

It  is  not  merely  our  duty;  but  our  privilege, 
interest,  and  whole  salvation,  to  build  all  our 
hopes  on  that  foundation,  on  which  God  has  built 
his  church,  and  his  whole  plan  of  manifesting  the 
glory  of  all  his  perfections  in  complete  harmony: 
and  "other  foundation  can  no  man  lay,  than  that 
is  laid,  which  is  Jesus  Christ."  Those  who  build 
on  this  holy  Foundation,  thence  derive  sanctify- 
ing grace,  and  become  a  holy  temple  and  priest- 
hood, offering  spiritual  sacrifices  acceptable  to 
God  through  him.  {JVote,  1  Pet.  2:4— 6.)— Pub- 
lic worship,  properly  conducted,  is  most  honora- 
ble, and  therefore  most  acceptable,  to  the  Lord; 
and  ought  not  by  any  means  to  be  neglected  by 
those,  who  would  be  accounted  denizens  of  the 
city  of  our  God.  When  we  duly  consider  the 
glorious  things,  which  are  spoken  of  her  pleasant 
situation,  her  holy  temple,  her  royal  palaces,  her 
fortifications;  her  righteous  King,  and  his  wise, 
just,  and  merciful  government;  the  character  of 
her  inhabitants;  and  all  their  privileges,  immuni- 
ties, and  durable  advantages;  we  can  do  no  other 
tlian  desire  to  be  enrolled  among  her  citizens. — 
After  all  the  encomiums,  which  have  been  lavish- 
ed on  the  heroes,  statesmen,  orators,  poets,  and 
philosophers,  of  whom  Egypt,  China,  Greece,  and 
Rome,  and  all  other  nations  have  boasted;  impar- 
tiality must  allow,  that  the  despised  church  of 
God  has  produced  an  illustrious  and  numerous 
catalogue  of  worthies,  who  have  done  immensely 
more  to  render  mankind  wise,  holy,  and  happy, 
than  all  who  have  appeared  on  earth  besides. 
Though  Emmanuel,  the  divine  Savior,  born  of 
Israel's  race,  as  Zion's  most  glorious  Son,  her 
honor  and  felicity,  infinitely  outshines  all  the  rest; 
yet  his  followers  are  justly  deserving  of  esteem, 
applause,  and  gratitude,  above  all  other  men. 
But  no  one  expects  that  they  will  receive  due 
honor,  who  reflects  how  the  Son  of  God  himself, 
and  his  prophets  and  apostles  were  treated,  as  they 
severally  appeared  on  earth,  and  performed  their 
respective  services  to  mankind.  But  in  the  rec- 
ords of  heaven  the  meanest  of  those  who  are 
"born  again"  stands  registered:  "the  Lord  him- 
self, when  he  writeth  up  the  people,"  will  allow 
them  all  the  privileges  of  citizens  of  Zion,  and 


2  ^  Let  my  prayer  come  before  thee: 
incline  thine  ear  unto  my  cry; 

3  For  ^  my  soul  is  full  of  troubles, 
and  2  my  life  draweth  nigh  unto  the 
grave. 

4  ''  I  am  counted  with  them  that  go 
down  into  the  pit:  I  am  '  as  a  man  that 
hath  no  strength: 

5  ^  Free    among   the   dead,    like  the 


6  79:11.141:1,2.     1  Kings  8:31. 

Lam.  3:8. 
f   14,15.    22:11—21.    69:17—21. 

77:2.   143:3,4.     Job  6:2—4.    Is. 

53:3,10,11.        Lam.     3:15—19. 

Matt.  26:37—39.    Mark  14:33, 

34. 
g  107:18.    Job  33:22. 


h  28:1.  30:9.   143:7.     Job    17:1. 

Is.  38:17,18.     Ez.  26:20.    Jon. 

2:6.     2  Cor.  1:9. 
i  31:12.   109:22— 24.     Rom.  5:6. 

2  Cor.  13:4. 
k  Is.  14:9—12.  38:10—12.     Ez. 

32:18—32. 


honor  them  before  the  assembled  world;  and  this 
honor  and  happiness  alone  are  worthy  of  the  ar- 
dent desires  of  all  men,  in  every  age  and  every 
clime.  For  "the  Highest  himself  shall  establish 
Zion:"  a  vast  and  eternal  revenue  of  praise  will 
redound  to  him,  from  his  church  of  redeemed  sin- 
ners, and  their  joy  to  eternity  shall  equal  their 
largest  capacities.  All  the  springs  of  life  and 
consolation  are  in  the  church  alone:  and  those 
who  draw  not  from  these  wells  of  salvation,  will 
most  certainly  be  for  ever  put  off  with  broken 
cisterns  which  can  hold  no  water. 

NOTES. 

Psalm  LXXXVIII.  Title.  Hemaa  the  Ezra- 
hite, so  distinguished,  according  to  the  general 
opinion  of  learned  men,  as  a  descendant  of  Zerah, 
the  son  of  Judah,  was  a  different  person  from 
Heman  the  chief  singer,  in  the  days  of  David, 
who  was  a  Levite.  [Motes,  1  Kings  4:30 — 34.  I 
Chr.  2:5,6.  25:1—6.)  But  it  is  not  at  all  certain, 
at  what  time,  or  on  what  occasion,  the  psalm  wis 
composed. — Some  think  the  word  Leannoth  sig- 
nifies, "for  dejection,"  as  almost  the  whole  psalm 
is  the  emphatic  language  of  the  deepest  despond- 
ency: but  others  suppose  the  word  to  mean  no 
more,  than  that  the  psalm  was  to  be  sung  respon- 
sively,  and  that  it  is  merely  a  musical  term. 

V.  1,2.  Probably  the  Psalmist  wrote  this  psalm 
under  heavy  afflictions  and  great  distress  of  soul, 
and  meant  to  describe  his  own  case:  yet  the  lan- 
guage unavoidably  leads  the  thoughts  of  the  at- 
tentive reader  to  the  Redeemer,  who  was  doubt- 
less intended  by  the  Holy  Spirit;  and  the  history 
of  his  closing  scene  forms  tliebest  comment  upon 
it. — It  is  called  by  many  'a  penitential  psalm:* 
but  there  is  not  one  confession  of  sin,  or  pra3'er 
for  pardon,  contained  in  it;  nor  one  comfortable 
word,  except  the  address,  "O  Lord  God  of  my 
salvation,"  which  may  be  applied  to  Christ  with 
reference  to  his  deliverance  from  his  sufferings 
and  enemies.  {Marg.  Ref.) — 'The  Ixxxviii  Psalm 
'agrees  in  all  things  with  the  xxii  and  the  Ixix 
'Psalms,  which  is  an  argument,  that  it  ought  to 
'be  explained  by  us  in  the  same  manner.  It  con- 
'tains  therefore  equally  a  prayer  of  Christ  to  the 
'Father,  poured  out  from  the  cross.'  Vitringa  in 
Bp.  Home.  It  is  with  this  view  of  it,  that  it  is  ap- 
pointed by  our  cliurch,  as  one  of  the  proper 
Psalms  on  Good  Friday. 

V.  3.  [Mdes,  22:1—21.  69:1—21.  Matt.  26:36 
—39.)  '  "Full"  indeed  "of  troubles,"  was  thy  soul, 
'blessed  Jesus,  in  that  dreadful  hour,  when,  uii- 
'der  the  united  weight  of  our  sins  and  sorrows, 
'thou  wert  sinking  into  the  grave.  ...  Let  us  judge 
'of  thy  love  by  thy  sufferings,  and  of  both  by  the 
'impossibility  of  our  fully  comprehending  them.' 
Bp.  Home.  [Marg.  Rt-f.—JYole,  Eph.  3:14—19.) 

V.  4.  Christ  'died  to  all  appearance,  like  the 
'rest  of  mankind;  nay,  he  was  forcibly  put  to 
'death  as  a  malefactor,  and  seemed  in  the  hands 

[303 


B.  a  1020. 


PSALM  LXXXVIII. 


B.  C.  1020. 


slain  that  lie  in  the  grave,  '  whom  thou 
vememberest  no  more:  and  they  are 
■"  cut  off  *  from  thy  hand. 

6  Thou  hast  laid  me  "  in  the  lowest 
pit,  °  in  darkness,  p  in  the  deeps. 

7  1  Thy  wrath  lieth  hard  upon  me, 
and  thou  hast  afflicted  7iie  ■"  with  all  thy 
waves.     Selah. 

8  °  Thou  hast  put  away  mine  acquaint- 
ance far  from  me;  *  thou  hast  made  me 
an  abomination  unto  them:  "  /  am  shut 
up,  and  I  cannot  come  forth. 

9  *  Mine  eye  mourneth  by  reason  ofj 
affliction:  Lord,  y  I  have  called  daily 
upon  thee,  ^  I  have  stretched  out  my 
hands  unto  thee. 


i  136:23.     Gen.  8:).   19:29. 
ra  16.  31:22.     Job  6:9.  11:10. 
*  Or,  by  thy  hand, 
n40:2.  86:13.    Deut.  32:M. 
0  143:3.      Prov.  4:19.     Lam.  3; 

2.   John  12:46.  Jude  6,13. 
p  69:13.    130:1. 
q    38:1—6.     90:7—11.      102:10. 

Job   6:4.     10:16.       John   3:36. 

Rom.  2:5—9.    Rev.  6:16,17. 
r  42:7.     Jon.  2:3. 
s  18.  31:11.    142:4.     1  Sam.  23: 


18—20.    Job  19:13—19.  John 

11:57. 
t  Is.   49:7.    53:3.      Zech.    11:8. 

Matt.  27:21—25.     John  15:23, 

24. 
u  Job  19:8.      Lam.  3:7—9. 
X   38:10.    42:3.     102:9.     Job  16: 

20.  17:7.     Lam.  3:48,49.  John 

11:35. 
y  See  on  1.-55:17.  86:3. 
z  44:20.  68:31.    143:6.     Ex.  17: 

11.     Job  11:13. 


10  *  Wilt  thou  shew  wonders  to  the 
dead.^  ^  shall  the  dead  arise  and  praise 
thee.^     Selah. 

11  Shall  thy  loving-kindness  be  de- 
clared in  the  grave.^  or  thy  faithfulness 
*^  in  destruction.'' 

12  Shall  thy  wonders  be  known  "^  in 
the  dark.^  and  thy  righteousness  ^  in  the 
land  of  forgetfulness.^ 

13  But  unto  thee 
LoRDj  ^  and  in  the 
prayer  prevent  thee. 

14  Lord,  ^  why  castest  thou  off  my 
soul.'*  ^why  hidest  thou  thy  face  from 
me.'' 

15  '  I  am  afflicted  and  ready  to  die 
from  my  youth  up:  ^  while  I  suffer  thy 
terrors  I  am  distracted. 


have    I    cried,  O 
morning  shall  my 


a  6:5.  30:9.   115:17.   113:17.    Is. 

38:18,19.  Mark  5:35,36. 
b  Job  14:7—12.  Is.  26:19.     Ez. 

37:11—14.     Luke  7:12—16.   1 

Cor.  15:52—57. 
c  55:23.    73:18.     Job  21:30.    26: 

6.     Prov.   15:11.     Matt.   7:13. 

Rom.  9:22.     2  Pet.  2:1. 
d  143:3.    Job  10:21,22.    Is.  8:22. 

Matt.  8:12.     Jude  13. 
e  5.  31:12.    Ec.  2:16.  8:10.  9:5. 


fS«oii5:3.  119:147,148.  Mark 

1:35. 
g  43:2.  77:7—9.     Matt.  27:46. 
h   13:1.    44:24.    69:17.     Job  13: 

24. 
i  73:14.     Job    17:1,11—16.     Is. 

53:3. 
k  22:14,15.     .Tob  6:4.    7:11—16. 

Is.  53:10.     Zech.   13:7.     Luke 

22:44. 


Sjf  his  executioners  "as  a  man  that  had  no 
'streng-th."...  The  people  shook  their  heads  at 
'him,  saying,  "He  saved  others,  himself  he  cannot 
'save." '  Bp.  Home.  [J^otes,  Matt.  27:39—44.  2 
Cor.  13:1—4.) 

V.  5.  A  dead  man  has  done  with,  and  is  free 
from,  the  concerns  of  this  world.  {JVote,  Job  3:11 
— 19.)  So  long-  as  he  lived,  he  was  the  object  of 
God's  providential  care:  but  when  he  is  laid  in  the 
grave,  he  seems  forgotten  and  cut  off  from  his 
hand;  that  is,  until  the  resurrection.  [J^otes,  Job 
14:7—15.)  Thus  the  Psalmist  thought,  that  he 
had  done  with  life,  and  all  its  interests,  employ- 
ments, comforts,  and  cares;  [JVotes,  Is.  38:9 — 13, 
17 — 20.)  and  should  be  no  more  regarded  by 
Providence,  than  the  dead  corpses  of  men  slain  in 
battle,  and  thrown  into  one  common  grave,  appear 
to  be.  Thus  Christ,  when  expiring  on  the  cross, 
seemed  to  be  deserted  and  forgotten  by  God;  and 
when  he  was  laid  in  the  sepulchre,  the  Jewish  ru- 
lers concluded  that  by  sealing  and  guarding  his 
body,  they  should  cause  his  name  and  doctrine  to 
be  speedily  forgotten.    [JSTotes,  Matt.  27:62 — ^^66.) 

V.  6—9.  (Ma7-g.  Ref.)  Many  of  the  emphati- 
cal  expressions,  here  employed,  are  nearly  simi- 
lar to  those,  which  more  evidently  relate  to  the 
sufTerings  of  Christ,  (especially  in  the  Psalms 
above  referred  to,)  at  the  awful  season  in  which 
his  enemies,  urged  on  by  the  powers  of  darkness, 
nailed  him  to  the  cross,  insulted  him  when  expir- 
ing, and  rejoiced  when  they  had  shut  his  body  up 
in  the  dark  and  gloomy  sepulchre:  but,  in  acces- 
sion to  all  that  they  could  do,  "it  pleased  the  Lord 
to  bruise  him,"  and  "to  make  his  soul  an  offering 
for  sin:"  yea,  he  "was  made  a  curse  for  us." 
LYotes,  Is.  53:9,10.  Gal.  3:10—14.)  Thus  he  was 
laid,  by  the  Lord  himself,  "in  the  lowest  pit,  in 
darkness,  in  the  deeps:"  because  "the  wrath  of 
God  lay  hard  on  him,  and  he  was  afflicted  with 
all  his  waves." — ^In  the  mean  while,  his  disciples 
forsook  him,  Judas  beti'ayed  him,  Peter  denied 
him,  all  were  afraid  or  ashamed  to  own  him;  and 
he  was  left  bound  and  in  confinement  without  re- 
dress; though  he  just  before  "had  offered  up  pray- 
ers and  supplications,  with  strong  crying  and 
tears,  unto  him  that  was  able  to  save  him  from 
304] 


death;  and  was  heard,  in  that  he  feared."  {J\Iarg. 
/2e/:-^/Vb<es,  18.  31:10— 13.  Jo6  19:5— 22.  John 
16:31—33.) 

V.  10 — 12.  It  was  not  to  be  expected,  that  the 
dead  should  arise  from  the  grave,  or  the  soul  re- 
turn from  the  place  of  departed  spirits,  to  praise 
i  God  in  his  congregations  on  earth,  and  celebrate 
among  them  his  power,  truth,  and  mercy:  and 
I  therefore  the  Psalmist  may  seem  to  plead  for 
present  deliverance,  as  Hezekiah  and  others  did. 
\{Marg.Ref.—Jfotes,  6:5.30:9,10.  Is.  38:17—20.) 
i  But,  considering  the  psalm  as  the  language  of  our 
j  suffering  Redeemer,  these  verses  may  be  explain- 
I  ed  as  his  earnest  prayer  to  be  carried  through  his 
arduous  work;  that  "his  soul  might  not  be  left  in 
hell,  nor  his  flesh  see  corruption:"  but  that  he 
might  make  known  to  men  the  way  of  salvation, 
to  the  praise  of  the  Lord's  power,  mercy,  and 
truth;  and,  as  the  first  fruits  of  the  resurrection, 
not  only  preserve  their  souls  from  destruction,  but 
also  raise  their  bodies  from  the  grave,  that  land  of 
darkness  and  forgetfulness.  [JVotes,  22:22 — 31. 
69:29 — 36.) — The  word  rendered  "destruction"  is 
Abaddon,  which  St.  John  gives  as  a  name  of  the 
devil,  that  great  destroyer,  or  of  one  of  his  princi- 
pal ministers  in  the  work  of  destruction.  It 
seems  therefore  to  denote  the  pit  of  destruction^ 
as  the  other  words  do  the  grave.  (JVb<e,  Rev.  9; 
11.) — Without  the  mercy  of  God  in  Christ,  the 
bodies  of  all  sinners  must  have  finally  been  left  ia 
the  grave,  and  their  souls  in  hell:  for  "he  is  the 
Resurrection  and  the  Life."  (JVbie,  John  11:20 — 
27.) 

V.  13.  'Thus  I  cry  in  the  anguish  of  my  soul, 
'which  keeps  me  awake,  to  present  my  prayers 
'unto  thee  before  the  morning  light.' B/?.  Patrick. 

Prevent  thee,']  'Come  more  early  before  thee, 
'than  is  usual  with  men.'     [Mark  1:35.  j 

V.  14.  Castest  off.]  "About  the  ninth  hour 
Jesus  cried  with  a  loud  voice, ...  saying, ...  My 
God,  my  God,  why  hast  thou  forsaken  me.^" 
[Marg.  Re/.~JVote,  Matt.  27:46.) 

V.  15.  By  a  trivial  change  in  the  pointing, 
this  vej'se  may  be  rendered,  "I  am  afflicted  and 
expiring:  from  my  youth  I  suffer  thy  terrors;  I 
am  distracted." — '£  am  now  in  the  greatest  an- 


B.  C.  1020. 


PSALM  LXXXIX.. 


B.  C.  968. 


16  1  Thy  fierce  wrath  goeth  over  me; 
thy  terrors  have  "  cut  me  off. 

17  °  They  came  round  about  me 
*  daily  hke  waters;  they  compassed  me 
about  together. 

18  °  Lover  and   friend    hast  thou  put 


138:1,2.  89:46.  90:7,11.   103:10. 

Is.  53:4—6.     Rom.  8:32.   Gal. 

3:13. 
m  Is.  53:8.    Dan.  9:26. 
n  22:16.  42:7.  69:1,2.  116:3.  Job  i 


16:12,13.    30:14,1.5.      Lam 
—7.     Malt.  27:39—44. 

*  Or,  all  the  day. 

0  8.  31:11.     Job  19:12—15. 


^juish,  and  about  to  expire.'  From  my  youth,  I 
looked  forward  to  this  dreadful  season;  knowing 
what  I  had  to  endure  from  thy  wrath  against  the 
oins  of  men.  Thus  I  have  been  "a  man  of  sor- 
rows" all  my  life.  And  I  am  now  so  distressed, 
that  1  am  at  a  loss  what  to  do. — The  original 
words  in  the  Gospel  of  St.  Mark,  respecting  our 
Lord's  agony  in  the  garden,  [eK&aixBuaSai,  koi  aSrijio- 
vetv,)  seem  exactly  to  convey  the  meaning  of  the 
word  (njlDN)  here  rendered  (/wfraderf.  (JVb<e, 
Mark  14:32 — 36.)  He  was  filled  with  amazement, 
horror,  anguish,  and  dejection,  beyond  all  utter- 
ance and  conception. 

Distracted.]  HJ^Sj^;  animi  dubii  sum,  vel 
animi  pendeo.  ...  Qui  metuit  el  solicitus  est,  cogi- 
tat,  ne  forte  hoc,  aut  ne  forte  illud  eveniat.  Rob- 
ertson. ^ 

V.  16,  17.  "He  was  cut  off  from  the  land  of 
the  living."  "It  pleased  the  Lord  to  bruise  him." 
*'He  spared  not  his  own  Son."  USTote,  Rom.  8:28 
— 32.) — The  terrors  that  pursued,  and  environed, 
and  overwhelmed  the  suffering  Redeemer,  in  that 
"hour  and  power  of  darkness,"  cannot  be  known, 
even  by  those  who  know  most  of  "the  terrors  of 
the  Lord."^-The  original  is  peculiarly  emphati- 
cal. 

Terrors.  (16)  ipoSepianoi.  Sept. — Have  cut  me  off.] 
^^innQV  •  Quidam  ob geminationem  exponunt, 
pro,  it'a  arctare  el  constringere,  ut  respirare,  aut 
evadere  nequeat.     Robertson. 

V.  18.  'It  is  mentioned  again,  as  a  most  affect- 
'ing  instance  of  Christ's  passion,  that  he  was  en- 
'tirely  forsaken,  and  left  all  alone,  in  that  dread- 
*ful  day.  ...  His  "lovers  and  friends,"  his  disciples 
'and  acquaintance  ''were  put  far  from  him;"  they 
'all  "forsook  him  and  fled,"  to  hide  themselves 
'from  the  fury  of  the  Jews,  "in  darkness,"  in 
'dark,  that  is,  in  secret  places.'  Bp.  Home. — 
But  the  darkness  and  distress  of  the  minds  of  our 
Lord's  disciples,  at  this  doleful  crisis,  seem  like- 
wise to  have  been  predicted.    (JVb<e,  6 — 9.) 

PR.\CTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

TTie  sacred  Scriptures,  if  carefully  investigated, 
will  continually  remind  us  of  the  apostle's  words; 
"Let  us  lay  aside  every^  weight, ...  and  let  us  run 
with  patience  the  race  that  is  set  before  us;  look- 
ing unto  Jesus,  ...  who  for  the  joy  that  was  set 
before  him  endured  the  cross,  despising  the 
shame."  Heft,  12:1,2.  When  his  life  drew  nigh 
unto  the  grave,  his  soul  was  full  of  trouble;  and 
his  gloom  was  as  deep,  as  could  possibly  consist 
with  the  perfect  exercise  of  faith,  and  hope,  and 
love.  The  enmity  and  insult  of  those,  who  "count- 
ed him  with  them  that  go  down  into  the  pit"  of 
destruction,  and  despised  him  as  one  deprived  of 
strength  and  help;  his  confinement,  bonds,  and 
stripes,  and  dying  pains;  the  treachery,  coward- 
ice, and  neglect  of  his  disciples,  professed  friends, 
and  acquaintance;  who  either  stood  aloof  from  his 
sufferings,  or  turned  away  from  him  as  an  abom- 
ination, while  his  enemies  compassed  him  about 
like  floods  of  water,  and  all  the  hosts  of  hell  as- 
saulted his  soul; — all  these  things  formed  a  va.st 
aggregate  of  sufferings  beyond  what  human  lan- 

VoL.  m.  39 


far  from  me,  aiid  mine  acquaintance  into 
darkness. 

PSALM  LXXXIX. 

The  Psalmist  praises  God  for  his  covenanted  mercies  to  David: 
celebrating  his  greatness,  excellency,  and  wonderfnl  works; 
and  shewmg  the  felicity  of  his  peoiile,  1 — 13.  He  enlarges 
on  the  promises  of  the  covenant  made  with  David  luid  his 
Seed,  19 — 37.  He  complains  of  the  aftlictbd  state  of  David's 
kingdom,  with  earnest  prayers  and  expostulations,  38 — 51.  He 
concludes  with  blessing  the  Lord,  52. 

*  Maschil  of  *  Ethan  the  Ezrahite. 

*  Or,   A  Psalm  for  Ethan   Me  |  a  1  Kings  4:31.   1  Chr.  2:6. 
Ezrahite,  to  give  instruction.    | 


guage  can  express.     But  the  wrath  of  God  infus- 
ed the  greatest  bitterness  into  his  cup:    this  lay 
hard  upon  him,  and  weighed  him  down  into  "the 
lowest  pit,  in  darkness,  in  the  deeps."    The  very 
prospect  of  this   indignation   afflicted    him,  and 
made  him  "ready  to  die,"  from  his  youth  up:  and 
when  he  actually  suffered  these  terrors,  he  was 
as  one  distracted.     Still,  however,  the  Redeemer 
cried  day  and  night  unto  his  heavenly  Father, 
and  stretched  out  his  hands  unto  him,  as  in  the 
utmost  extremity  of  distress:    "in  his  agony  he 
prayed  more  earnestly,"  and  his  prayer  was  in- 
deed heard  and  accepted;   (JVo/e,  Heb.  5:7 — 10.) 
though  he  seemed  to  be  cast  off,  and  no  more  re- 
membered, than  a  dead  man  who  is  laid  in  the 
grave.     But  there  was  no  reason  for  the  Savior's 
unequalled  sorrows,  in  any  part  of  his  own  con- 
duct: perfectly  free  from  sin  himself,  and  infinite- 
ly dear  to  his  heavenly  Father,  "he  was  wounded 
for  our  transgressions,"  and  bare  the  heavy  wrath 
of  God  due  to  our  sins.    While  therefore  we  hear 
him  plead  to  be  delivered  and  exalted,  that  he 
might  shew  forth  the  loving-kindness,  righteous- 
ness, faithfulness,  and  wonderfnl  works  of  God, 
in  the  salvation  of  his  people;  let  us  consider  what 
our  case  would  have  been,  if  we  had  been  left  to 
bear  this  wrath  of  God  for  ourselves;  and  what 
they  will  endure  who  "neglect  so  great  salvation;" 
that  we  may  know  the  value  of  his  love,  and  feel 
the   immensity  of  our  obligations. — And  should 
any  of  us,  wretched  sinners,  be  left  to  experience 
anguish  of  spirit,  terrors  of  conscience,  and  hor- 
rible temptations;    should  we    suffer  tribulation 
from  the  worjd,  in  such  various  forms,  and  with 
so  many  imbittering  circumstances,  as  to  be  con- 
strained to  appropriate  some  of  the  expressions  of 
this  most  doleful  psalm;  still  let  us  remember, 
that  we  are  not  in  "the  depths  of  hell,"  and  may 
therefore  yet  hope  in  the  Lord  God  of  salvation. 
Let  us  persevere  in  earnest  prayer,  and  plead  the 
glory  which   will  arise  to   him  from    saving  us 
rather  than  from  destroying  us;  while  we  desire  to 
be  monuments  of  his  mercy,  that  we  may  be  em- 
ployed in  celebrating  his  prai.ses.  Let  us  remem- 
ber, that  every  affliction  comes  from  his  hand, 
from  whom  alone  we  expect  relief;  and  that  all 
creatures  are  his  instruments.   Let  us  also  recol- 
lect the  glory  that  followed  our  Redeemer's  ex- 
treme suffering.     Let  us  not  then  yield  to  impa- 
tience, or  to  despair;    but  still  expect  a  day  of 
comfort,  after  the  darkest  and  most  tedious  nights 
of  temptation.    And  even  if  we  should  be  forced 
to  conclude  one  prayer  after  another,  without  a 
glimpse  of  encouragement;    let  us  begin  again 
and  again,  and  still  hope  against  hope,  and  we 
shall  at  length  prevail.     But,  if  we  are  exempted 
from  such  dreadful  trials,  let  us  bless  the  Lord  for 
it,  and  sympathize  with,  and  pray  for,  our  afflict- 
ed and  tempted  brethren. 

NOTES. 
Psalm  LXXXIX.  Title.  Many  learned  men 
are  of  opinion,  that  this  psalm  was  written  during 
the  Babylonish  captivity,  when,  the  family  of  Da- 
vid being  entirely  dethroned,  the  promises  of  God 
seemed  to  be  made  void:  but  if  it  were  composed 

[305 


B.  C.  968. 


PSALM  LXXXIX. 


B.  C.  96S. 


WILL   sing  of  tlie  mercies  of  the 

Lord   for   ever:  '^  with   my  mouth 

will  I  make   known   "^  thy  faithfulness  to 
*  all  generations. 

2  For  I  have  said,  ®  Mercy  shall  be 
built  up  for  ever:  ^  thy  faithfulness  shah 
thou  estabhsh  in  the  very  heavens. 

3  s  I  have  made  a  covenant  with  ^  my 
chosen,  '  I  have  sworn  unto  David  my 
servant; 

4  ^  Thy  seed  will  I  estabhsh  for  ever, 
and  build  up  thy  throne  to  all  genera- 
tions.    Selah. 

5  And  '  the   heavens   shall   praise  thy 


b  86:12,13.  101:1.  106:1.136:1, 
&c. 

c  409,10.    71:a,l5— 19. 

i  i,»,33 — 49.  3t):5.  92:2.  Is.  25: 
1.  Lam.  3:23.  Mic.  7:20.  Tit. 
1:2. 

*  Heb.  generation  and  genera- 
tion. 4.   119:90.  marg. 

e  36:5.  103:17.  Nell.  1:5.  9:17, 
31.     Liike  1:50.  Eph.  1:6,7. 

f  5,37.  119:39.  146:6.  Num. 
23:19.  Matt.  24:35.  Heb.  6: 
18. 

g  23,34,39.  2  Sam.  7:10—16. 
23:5.  Is.  55:3.  Jer.  30:9.  33: 
20,21.     Ez.  34:23,24.     Hos.  3: 


5.     Luke  1:32,33. 

h  19.  78.70.  Is.  42:1.  Matt.  3: 
17.   12:18—21. 

i35.  132:11.  2  Sam.  3:9.  Acts 
2:30.     Heb.  7:21. 

k  29,36.  72:17.  132:12.  2  Sam. 
7:12—16,29.  1  Kings  9:5.  1 
Chr.  17:11—14.  22:10.  Is.  9: 
6,7.  Zech.  12:8.  Luke  1:32, 
33.  20:41—44.  Acts  13:32— 
37.  Rom.  1:3,4.  15:12.  Phil. 
2:9—11.     Rev.  22:16. 

1  19:1.  50:6.  97:6.  Is.  44:23. 
Luke  2:10—15.  Eph.  3:10.  1 
Pet.  1:12.  Rev.  5:11—14.  7: 
10—12. 


at  SO  late  a  period;  no  account  can  possibly  be 
given  why  it  was  ascribed  to  Ethan  the  Ezraliite. 
{^Marg.  Ref.  a.)  Indeed,  it  seems  to  contain  in- 
ternal evidence,  that  it  belong-s  to  earlier  times: 
for  none  of  the  deliverances  vouchsafed  to  the 
kings  or  people  of  Judah,  after  the  days  of  David, 
are  mentioned  in  it:  and  the  Psalmist,  in  com- 
plaining' of  the  degraded  and  deplorable  condition 
of  David's  family,  is  silent  as  to  any  desolations  of 
Jerusalem  and  the  temple,  and  the  captivity  and 
dispersion  of  the  people;  which  the  psalms  evi- 
denily  relating  to  Nebuchadnezzar's  devastations 
particularly  insist  upon.  It  seems  therefore  to 
have  been  written  on  occasion  of  some  events,  in 
which  the  honor  and  power  of  the  kings  of  Da- 
vid's race  were  fallen,  and  apparently  ruined; 
but,  without  either  the  destruction  of  Jerusalem 
and  the  temple,  or  the  captivity  of  the  people: 
and  what  period  so  exactly  suits  this  view  of  the 
subject,  as  the  reign  of  Rehoboam.^  Ten  of  the 
tribes  of  Israel  had  revolted  from  him;  Jeroboam, 
the  king  placed  over  them,  was  his  powerful  ad- 
versary; and  Shishak,  king  of  Egj^pt,  so  entirely 
reduced  and  impoverished  him,  that  he  only  seems 
to  have  retained  the  kingdom,  by  the  clemency, 
and  perhaps  contempt,  of  his  haughty  conqueror. 
{Jfotes,  I  Kings  12:16—24.  14:22—30.  2  Chr.  12: 
1 — ll.j — It  is  probable,  that  "Ethan  the  Ezra- 
hite"  lived  in  the  reign  of  Solomon:  and  if  he  sur- 
vived him,  and  witnessed  these  events,  after  hav- 
ing seen  the  glory  and  power  of  Solomon's  king- 
dom; it  would  be  very  natural  for  him  to  lament 
the  change,  in  the  language  made  use  of  towards 
the  close  of  the  psalm. — As  the  preceding  psalm, 
ascribed  to  Heman,  seems  to  have  been  occasion- 
ed by  his  private  trials  and  distresses,  and  yet  was 
an  evident  prophecy  of  the  sufferings  of  Christ; 
perhaps  this  psalm,  occasioned  by  the  calamities 
which  had  befallen  David's  race,  may  likewise  be 
considered  as  a  prophecy  of  the  afflictions  and 
persecutions,  to  wliich  the  Christian  church  has 
been  exposed;  and  especially  of  the  triumphs  of 
the  Roman  Antichrist. 

V.  1 — 4.  The  Psalmist,  being  about  to  deplore 
the  apparent  I'ailure  of  the  covenant  made  with 
David,  begins  with  declaring  his  determined  pur- 
pose of  praising  for  ever  the  mercies  and  faithful- 
306] 


wonders,  O   Lord;    thy  faithfulness  also 
■"  in  the  congregation  of  the  saints. 

6  For  "  who  in  the  heaven  can  be 
compared  unto  the  Lord.''  who  among 
°  the  sons  of  the  mighty  can  be  hkened 
unto  the  Lord? 

7  P  God  is  greatly  to  be  feared  in  the 
assembly  of  the  saints,  and  to  be  had  in 
reverence  of  all  them  that  are  about  him. 

8  O  *!  Lord  God  of  hosts,  who  is  •"  a 
strong  Lord  ^  like  unto  thee.^  or  to  thy 
faithfulness  round  about  thee.^ 

9  Thou  ^  rulest  the  raging  of  the  sea: 
when  the  waves  thereof  arise^  thou  still- 
est them. 

10  "Thou    hast    broken    +  Rahab    in 


m  7.      Deut.    33:2.     Dan.  7:10. 

2  Thes.    1:7.     Heb.    12:-22,23. 

Jude  14,15.  Rev.  19:1—6. 
n  3.    40:5.    71:19.    73:25.    86:3. 

113:5.    Ex.  15:11.  Jer.  10:6. 
o29:l.     Marg.  52:1. 
p  76:7—11.     Lev.   10:3.    Is.  6:2 

—7.    66:2.  Jer.  10:7,10.    Matt. 

10:28.     Luke    12:4,5.     Acts  5: 

11.     Heb.  12:28,29.     Rev.  15: 

3,4. 
q  84:12.     Josh.   22:22.     Is.  28: 

22. 


r  13.   24:3.    147:5.     1  Sam.    15.' 

29.      Job  9:19.      Is.   40:25,26. 

Jer.  32:17.     Matt.  6:13. 
s  71:19.    Deut.   32:31.     1  Sam. 

2:2. 
t   29:10.    65:7.    66:5,6.      93:3,4. 

107:25—29.        Job      38:8—11. 

Nah.  1:4.    Matt.  8:24—27.  14: 

32. 
u  78:43,&c.    105:27,&c.    Ex.  7: 

—15: 
t  Or,  Egypt.  87:4.    Is.  51:9. 


ness  of  God,  which  he  desired  to  make  known  to 
all  future  generations.  [JVotes,  145:1,2.  146:2.) 
Indeed  he  was  assured  that  his  words,  being  dic- 
tated by  the  Holy  Spirit,  would  continue  through 
all  generations,  as  a  testimony  to  this  effect.  For 
he  had  said,  and  he  would  not  retract  it,  however 
appearances  might  then  be;  that  the  mercy,  of 
which  the  foundation  had  been  laid  in  the  cove- 
nant with  David,  would  be  "built  up  for  ever;" 
and  that  the  faithfulness  of  God  to  his  promises 
would  be  "established  in  the  heavens;"  or  like 
them,  that  is,  above  the  reach  of  the  changes 
which  take  place  in  this  lower  world.  These  em- 
phatical  expressions  are  literally  verified  in  fhe 
kingdom  of  Christ,  the  promised  Seed  of  David, 
whose  throne  is  established  in  heaven,  and  whose 
true  subjects  will  all  be  exalted  thither. — The 
Psalmist  then  introduces  Jehovah  himself  de- 
claring the  purport  of  this  covenant  made  with 
his  chosen  servant  David  and  his  posterity. — 'The 
'covenant  relates  to  David's  "seed;"  and  to  the 
'  "establishment  of  his  throne  in  that  seed,"  lit- 
'erally  in  Solomon  for  a  time;  spiritually  ia 
'Christ,  for  ever.  "When  thy  days  shall  be  fulfil- 
'led, ...  I  will  set  up  thy  seed  after  thee. ...  He 
'shall  build  an  house  for  my  name,  and  I  will  es- 
'tablish  the  throne  of  his  kingdom  for  ever.  I 
'will  be  his  Father,  and  he  shall  be  my  son." 
'These  last  words  are  cited  by  th-^  apostle,  Heb. 
'1:5.  as  spoken  of  Christ,  to  evince  his  superiority 
'over  the  angels.  Yet  that  the  whole  passage 
'does,  in  the  letter,  relate  to  Solomon,  can  admit 
'of  no  doubt;  he  being  the  "seed"  and  immediate 
'  "successor"  of  David,  and  appointed  to  "build 
'an  house  for  God's  name."  Here  then  we  have 
'an  incontcstible  proof  that  the  covenant  with 
'David  had  Messiah  for  its  object;  that  Solomon 
'was  a  figure  of  him;  and  that  the  Scripture  hath 
'sometimes  a  double  sense.'  Bp.  Horne.  [Marg. 
Ref.—Jfotes,  19—37.  2  Sam.  7:8—16.) 

V.  5.  Notwithstanding  present  difficulties,  the 
Psalmist  was  confident  that  God  would  perform 
"such  wonders  in  fulfilling  his  covenant,  as  w  ould 
excite  the  praises  of  all  the  inhabitants  of  heaven; 
as  well  as  cause  his  saints  on  earth  in  their  as- 
semblies to  celebrate  his  faithfulness.  [.N'otes,  6 
—12.  50:4—6.  97:3—7.  Is.  44:23—28.  Luke  2:8— 


B.  C.  968. 


PSALM  LXXXIX. 


B.  C.  968. 


pieces,  as  one  that  is  slain;  ^  thou  hast 
scattered  thine  enemies  with  *  thy  strong 
arm. 

1 1  J'  The  heavens  are  thine,  the  earth 
also  is  thine:  as  for  the  world,  and  the 
fulness  thereof,  thou  hast  founded  them. 

12  '^  The  north  and  the  south  thou 
hast  created  them:  ^  Tabor  and  "^  Her- 
mon  shall  "^  rejoice  in  thy  name. 

13  Thou  hast  ^  a  mighty  arm:  strong 
is  thy  hand,  and  high  is  thy  right  hand. 

14  '^Justice  and  judgment  are  the 
t  habitation  of  thy  throne:  ^  mercy  and 
truth  shall  go  before  thy  face. 

15  Blessed  is  the  people  that  ""know 


X  59:11.   fi3:30.    144:6.     Is.  24:1. 
*  Heb.  Me  arm  of  thy  strength. 

Ex.  3:19,20.      Deut'4:34. 
y  24:1,2.    50:12.     115:16.     Gen. 

1:1.    2:1.       1  Chr.  29:11.    Job 

41:11       I  Cor.  10:26,28. 
Z  Job  26:7. 

a  Josh.  19:22.     Jud^.  4:6. 
b   133:3.      Deut,  3:8,9.      Josh. 
12:1. 
C   65:12,13.     Is.    35:1,2.    49:13. 

55:12,13. 


f  Heb.    an   arm   -with   might. 

10.  62:11.  Dan.  4:34,35.  Matt. 

6:13. 
d   45:6,7.    97:2.      99:4.      145:17. 

Deut.  32:4.     Rev.  15:3. 
\  Or,  establishment.    Prov.  16: 

12. 
e2.  85:13.     John  1:17. 
f  98:4—6.     100:1.       Lev.    25:9. 

Num.  10:10.  23:21.    Is.  52:7,3. 

Nah.    1:15.      Luke   2:10—14. 

Rom.  10:15. 


14.  Eph.  3:9—12.  1  Pet.  1:10—12.  Rev.  5:8—14. 
19:1 — 6.) — Congregation  of  the  saints. '\  7.  JVotes, 
Deut.  33:2.   Jude  14—16. 

V.  6 — 12.  The  majestj',  holiness,  wisdom,  and 
power  of  God,  infinitely  excelling  all  the  endow- 
ments of  the  noblest  creatures,  demand  the  rever- 
ential fear  of  all  the  assembled  saints  on  earth, 
and  of  the  ang'els  who  surround  his  throne  in 
heaven;  and  accordingly  "the  assembly  of  his 
holy  ones,"  all  the  holy  worshippers  in  heaven 
stand  in  awe  of  him,  abhor  whatever  would  offend 
him,  and  worship  him  with  the  most  profound 
veneration  of  his  manifested  glory:  and  his  saints 
on  earth  ought,  in  the  same  spirit,  to  wait  the 
event  of  their  difficulties  and  trials.  The  word 
rendered  "to  be  feared,*'  is  translated  reverend. 
111:9. — The  Lord,  by  his  '■'■power''''  would  cer- 
tainly manifest  his  faithfulness:  as  he  rules  and 
bounds  the  raging  ocean,  which  none  else  can 
govern;  so  would  he  restrain  the  progress  of  those 
enemies,  who  seemed  about  to  swallow  up  his 
church  with  irresistible  force  and  fury.  'The  ex- 
'tent  of  the  ocean,  the  multitude  of  its  waves,  and 
'their  fury,  when  excited  by  a  storm,  render  it 
'in  that  state,  the  most  tremendous  object  in  na- 
'ture:  nor  doth  any  thing,  which  man  beholds, 
'give  him  so  just  an  idea,  of  human  impotence, 
'and  of  that  divine  po'ver,  which  can  excite  and 
'calm  so  boisterous  an  element,  at  pleasure.'  Bp. 
Home.  (J\rotes,  65:6,7.  93:3,4.  Job  38:8—11. 
Matt.  8:23— 27.)— The  God  of  Israel  had  former- 
ly broken  Rahab,  (or  Egypt,)  and  delivered  his 
people,  and  afterwards  crushed  the  nations  of 
Canaan;  and  with  his  strong  arm  he  was  able  to 
scatter  their  present  enemies.  [Jfote,  Is.  51:9 — 
11.)  Being  the  Creator  and  Proprietor  of  heaven 
and  eartli,  and  having  chosen  Israel  as  his  people; 
he  would  certainly  make  the  land  in  all  its  parts, 
from  north  to  soutli,  from  east  to  west,  (which 
Tabor  and  Rermon,  two  distant  mountains,  repre- 
sented,) to  rejoice  in  his  name,  and  resound  with 
his  praise— Strong  LORD.  (8)  JAIL  JSTole,  68: 
4. 

V.  13,  14.  [Marg.  Ref.)  Jehovah's  throne  is 
established  in  justice  and  judgment:  his  almighty 
power  and  sovereign  authority  are  always  exer- 
cised in  perfect  justice  and  wisdom,  and  in  entire 
consistency  with  his  mercy  and  truth;  and  these 
mark  out  the  path  in  which  he  walks  with  his 


the  joyful   sound:    they    shall    walk,    O 
Lord,  ^  in  the  light  of  thy  countenance. 

16  ''  In  thy  name  shall  they  rejoice  all 
the  day:  and  '  in  thy  righteousness  shall 
they  be  exalted. 

17  For  ^  thou  art  the  glory  of  their 
strength:  and  in  thy  favor  '  our  horn  shall 
be  exalted. 

18  ""  For  Hhe  Lord  is  our  Defence; 
and    "  the    Holy  One  of  Israel  is  °  our 

JVing.  [Practical  Observations.] 

19  ^  Then  p  thou  spakest  in  vision 
to   1  thy  Holy  One,  and  saidst,  ''  I  have 


g  4:6.    44:3.     Num.   6:26.     Job 

19:3.       Prov.    16:15.      Is.    2:5. 

John    14.21— -23.      Acts  2:28. 

Rev.  21:23. 
h  12.  20:5,7.  33:21.  44:8.  Luke 

1:47.     Phil.  4:4. 
140:10.  71:15,16.     Is.  45:24,25. 

46:13.     Jer.  23:6.     Rom.  1:17. 

3:21—26.     2  Cor.  5:21.     Phil. 

3:9. 
k28:7.     1  Cor.  1:30,31.    2  Cor. 

12:9,10.     Phil.  4:13. 
124.  75:10.    92:10.     112:9.     132: 

17.  148:14.     1  Sam.  2:1,10. 


m  62:1,2,6.  91:1,2.     Deut.  33:27 

—29. 
^    Or,    our    Shield   is    o/"    the 

LORD,  and  our  King  is  of 

the  Holy  One  of  Israel.  47:9. 

84:11.     Gen.  15:1. 
n  71:22.     Is.    1:4.    12:6.  29:19. 

30:11.  43:3,14. 
0  44:4.      Is.  33:22. 
p  1  Sam.  16:1.    2  Sam.  7:8—17. 

Luke  1:70.     2  Pet.    1:21.  3:2. 
q  Mark  1:24.    Rev.  3:7. 
r  1  Sam.    16:13.     Is.   9:6.     Jcr. 

30:21. 


people.  'Thou  dost  not  rule  the  world  merely  by 
'thy  absolute  power;  but  hast  placed  thy  princi- 
'pal  glory  in  justice  and  equity,  mercy  and  fidel- 
'ity,  from  which  thou  never  swervest.'  Bp.  Pat- 
rick. 'After  this  model  should  the  thrones  of 
'princes,  and  the  tribunals  of  earthly  magistrates 
'be  constituted  in  justice  and  judgment,  adorned 
'with  mercy  and  truth.'  Bp.  Horne.  (J^otes,  25: 
10.  45:6,7.  85:10—13.  86:14,15.  93:1,2.  99:4.  John 
1:17.) 
Habitation.  (14)  jisd:  Basis,  sedes.  The  fmm- 

dation,  support,  establishment,  or  prepared  place, 
of  thy  throne. 

V.  15—18.  {J^ofcs,  Lev.  25:8— 13.— P.  O. 
Jfian.  10:1 — 10.)  The  sound  of  the  sacred  trum- 
pets, calling  the  people  to  their  solemn  feasts,  and 
announcing  the  year  of  jubilee,  seems  here  al- 
luded to.  If  the  difference  between  that  typical 
dispensation  and  the  clear  light  of  Christianitj'  be 
duly  considered;  it  will  be  allowed,  that  those  who 
attentively  hear,  who  understand,  believe,  and 
obey  the  gospel,  who  experience  its  efficacy  upon 
their  hearts,  and  bring  forth  the  fruits  of  it  in 
their  lives,  are  "the  people  that  know  the  joyful 
sound."  Such  persons  are  happy:  they  walk  in 
the  comfort  of  God's  manifested  presence  and  fa- 
vor; thej'  rejoice  in  his  name,  or  perfections,  as 
their  security  and  felicity;  they  are  "made  the 
righteousness  of  God  in  Christ,"  and  even  the 
justice  of  God  ensures  their  exaltation;  they  glory 
in  him  as  their  Strength,  and  give  him  the  glory 
of  all  that  they  are  enabled  to  do;  and  his  favor 
will  exalt  them  above  all  their  enemies,  as  it  is 
their  ornament  and  honor:  for  they  are  now  the 
subjects  of  the  Holy  One  of  Israel,  their  King,  and 
entitled  to  his  omnipotent  protection.  [JVotes,  1:1 
—3.  32:1,2.  65:4.  J»/a«.  5:3— 12.)— The  old  trans- 
lation renders  the  eighteenth  verse  more  literal- 
ly, "For  our  shield  appertaineth  to  the  Lord,  and 
our  king  to  the  Holy  One  of  Israel."  [.Marg.) 
'Though  the  kings  of  David's  race  be  at  present 
'enfeebled  and  unable  to  defend  us:  yet  their 
'cause,  as  placed  over  the  people  of  God,  and  as 
'types  of  the  Messiah,  Israel's  King,  is  iiis  cause, 
'and  he  will  not  suffer  it  to  be  permanently  run 
'down.  USTote,  Is.  7:2.)  The  Lord,  the  Holy  One 
'of  Israel,  will  take  care  of  our  king,  that  he  may 
'be  the  shield  of  his  true  worshippers.'  [Marg. 
Ref.—JVote,  2  Chr.  13:4—12.) 

[307 


r>.   C.  968. 


PSALM  LXXXIX. 


B.  C.  968. 


laid  help  upon  one  that  is  mighty,  ^  I 
have  exalted  one  chosen  out  of  the  peo- 
ple. 

20  '  I  have  found  David  my  servant; 
with  my  holy  oil  have  I  anointed  him; 

21  "  With  whom  my  hand  shall  be  es- 
tabhshed:  ^  mine  arm  also  shall  strength- 
en him. 

22  y  The  enemy  shall  not  exact  upon 
him;  nor  ^  the  son  of  wickedness  afflict 
him. 

23  And  *  I  will  beat  down  his  foes 
before  his  face,  and  ''  plague  them  that 
hate  him. 

24  But  ^  my  faithfulness  and  my  mer- 
cy shall  he  with  him:  and  ^  in  my  name 
shall  his  horn  be  exalted. 

25  ®  I  wiH  set  his  hand  also  in  the  sea, 
and  his  right  hand  in  the  rivers. 

26  He  shall  cry  unto  me,  ^  Thou  art 
my  Father,  °my  God,  and  ''the  Rock  of 
my  salvation. 

27  Also  '  I  will  make  him  my  first- 
born, '^  higher  than  the  kings  of  the 
earth. 

28  '  My  mercy  will  I  keep  for  him  for 


s  3.  Phil.  2:6—11.     Heb.  2:9— 

17. 
t  1  Sam.  16:1,12,13.      Is.  61:1— 

3.  John  3:34. 
u  18:3^—39.  i30:15— 17.     Is.  42: 

1.  49.8. 
X  13.     Is.  41:10.     Ez.  30:24,25. 

Zeoh.  10:12. 
y  1  Cbr.  17:9.    Malt.  4:1—10. 
z  John  17:12.    2  Thes.  2:3. 
a  2  Sam.  3:1.   7:1,9.    22:40 — 44. 
b2:l— 6.  21:8,9.    109:3,&c.  110: 

1.     132:13.       Luke     19:14,27. 

John  15:23. 
c  2— 5,28,33.  61:7.     John  1:17. 

2  Cor.  1:20. 
d  16,17.  20:1,5.    91:14.     1  Sara. 


2:1.     John  17:6,11,26. 
e2:8.  72:8—11.  .S0:11.    1  Kings 

4:21.     Rev.  11:15. 
f  2   Sam.   7:14.      1  Chr.    22:10. 

Matt.    26:39,42.     Luke   23:46. 

John  11:41.  20:17.     Heb.  1:5. 
g  43:4.     Mark  15:34. 
h  18:46.    62:2,6,7.  95:1.    Is.  50: 

7—9. 
i  2:7.     Rom.  8:29.     Col.  1:15, 

13. 
k  2:10— 12.  72:11.     Num.  24:7. 

2  Chr.  1:12.  9:23,24.     Is.  49:7. 

Rev.  21:24. 
1  2  Sam.  7:15,16.    Is.  54:10.  55: 

3.   Acts  13:33—34. 


V.  19 — 37.  Samuel  may  be  meant,  as  "the  holy 
one,"  or  the  saint  andprophetofGod,towhomHe 
spake  in  vision  respecting'  David;  for  '-holy  men 
of  God  spake  as  they  were  moved  by  the  Holy 
Ghost."  [Xotes,  1  Sam.  13:13—15.  15:26—28.  16: 
1,2,6—13.  2  Pet.  1:20,21.)  The  Lord  had  made 
trial  of  several  others  to  govern  his  people,  but 
had  laid  them  aside  again.  After  Saul's  rejection, 
he  found  David,  and  chose  him  from  among  tlie 
people,  and  endued  him  with  courage  and  capaci- 
ty, that  he  might  exalt  him  to  the  throne,  and  lay 
help  upon  him  for  the  deliverance  and  prosperity 
of  Israel:  but  especially,  that  he  might  be  a  type 
of  Christ,  that  Mighty  One,  who  in  human  nature 
is  chosen  and  qualified  to  fill  the  mediatorial 
throne,  for  the  salvation  of  his  people.  The  Lord, 
by  the  hand-  of  Samuel,  anointed  David  with  the 
holy  oil:  not  only  as  an  emblem  of  the  graces  and 
gifts  conferred  upon  him;  but  as  a  type  of  Christ, 
the  King,  Priest,  and  Prophet,  whom  the  Father 
provided,  and  anointed  with  the  Holy  Spirit  with- 
out measure. — After  David  had  been  anointed, 
he  was  exposed  to  severe  trials  and  persecutions, 
especially  from  Saul,  that  "son  of  -wickedness:" 
but  none  could  obtain  any  advantage  against  him, 
either  bv  policy  or  power;  for  the  Lord  powerful- 
ly established  and  strengthened  him,  and  finally 
made  him  victorious  over  every  enemj^,  and 
brought  terrible  plagues  on  those  who  hated  him. 
He  also  established  his  authority  over  all  Israel, 
308] 


evermore,  and  "  my  covenant  shall  stand 
fast  with  him. 

29  "  His  seed  also  will  I  make  to  en- 
dure for  ever,  and  °  his  throne  as  p  the 
days  of  heaven. 

30  1 1f  his  children  '  forsake  my  law, 
and  =walk  not  in  my  judgments; 

31  If  they  *  break  my  statutes,  and 
keep  not  my  commandments; 

32  *  Then  will  I  visit  their  transgres- 
sion with  a  rod,  and  their  iniquity  with 
stripes. 

33  "  Nevertheless  my  loving-kindness 
will  I  tnot  utterly  take  from  him,  nor 
suffer  my  faithfulness  to  ^  fail. 

34  *  My  covenant  will  I  not  break, 
^'  nor  alter  the  thing  that  is  gone  out  of 
my  lips. 

35  '■  Once  have  I  sworn  by  my  holi- 
ness, 5 that  I  will  not  lie  unto  David. 

36  ^  His  Seed  shall  endure  for  ever, 
^  and  his  throne  as  the  sun  before  me. 

37  It  shall  be  estabhshed  for  *"  ever  as 
the  moon,  and  as  •*  a  faithful  witness  in 

heaven.        oelah.  [Practical  Observationa.] 


m  34.     111:5,9.      2  Sam.  23:5. 

Jer.  33:20,21. 
n  4,36.     132:11.     1  Chr.   17:11, 

12.    Is.  59:01.     Jer.  .33:17— 26. 
o45:6.      1  Chr.   22:10.     Is.  9:7. 

F.z.  37:24,25.  Dan.  2:44.  Luke 

1:32,33. 
p21:4.    Deut.  11:21. 
q  132:12.     2  Sam.  7:14.    1  Chr. 

28:9.     2  Chr.  7:17—22. 
r  119:53.    Prov.  4:2.  28:4.    Jer. 

9:13. 
sEz.  18:9,17.  20:19.    Luke  1:6. 
*  Heb.  profane.  50:20.   marg. 
t  Ex.   32:34.      1  Kings   11:6,14, 

31,39.     Prov.  3:11,12.    Am.  3: 

2.     iCor.   11:31,32.     Heb.  12: 

6—11. 
u  2  Sam.  7:15.     1  Kings   11:13, 

32,36.    Is.  54:3—10.      Jer.  33: 


20—26.    1  Cor.  15:25. 
f  Heb.    not  7nake  void  from 

kim.  39.  1  Sam.  15:29. 
J  Heb.  lie.  Heb.  6:18. 
X  Lev.  26:44.  Jer.  14:21. 
y  Num.  23:19.  Mai.  3:6.    Matt. 

24:35.     Rom.   11:29.     Jam.  1: 

17. 
z  Ps.   110:4.     132:11.     Am.  4:2. 

8:7.     Heb.  6:13,17. 
$  Heb.   If  I  lie.     2  Tim.  2:13. 

Tit.  1:2. 
a4,29.     2  Sam.  7:16.    Is.  53:l0. 

59:21.     John  12:34. 
b  72:5,17.     Is.  9:7.     Jer.  33:20. 

Luke   1:33. 
c  72:7.   104:19.     Gen.  1:14— 18. 

Jer.  31:35,36. 
d  Gen.  9:13—16.     Is.  54:9,10. 


and  extended  his  dominion  from  the  Mediterra- 
nean sea  to  the  Euphrates:  and  while  David  ad- 
hered to  the  worship  of  the  Lord,  as  "his  Father, 
his  God,  and  the  Rock  of  his  salvation;"  he  was 
treated  as  his  first-born  or  favorite  son,  and  made 
higher  and  more  honorable  than  the  kings  of  the 
earth.  {JIarg.  Ref.oa  21.  J^ote,  Heb.  12:22—25, 
V.  23.)  All  this,  however,  but  feebly  represented 
the  sufferings,  deliverance,  and  consequent  glory 
and  authority  of  the  chosen  and  anointed  Re- 
deemer, in  whom  alone  all  these  predictions  and 
promises  are  fully  accomplished.  The  promises 
of  the  covenant  to  the  posterity  of  David  were  in 
some  measure  performed  to  Solomon,  and  to  the 
long  succession  of  kings  which  reigned  over  Ju- 
dah  till  the  captivity:  [J^otes,  2  Sam.  7:)  yet  in 
Christ,  and  in  his  spiritual  seed,  they  have  their 
only  full  accomplishment.  From  the  Redeemer, 
and  his  church  which  is  one  with  him,  the  loving- 
kindness  of  the  Father  will  never  be  utterly  re- 
moved. God  has  pledged  the  honor  of  his  own 
holiness,  that  he  will  exactly  perform  the  cove- 
nant made  with  Christ,  whom  David  typified.  So 
that  his  kingdom  shall  remain  illustrious  and  en- 
during, as  the  sun  and  moon,  to  the  end  of  time; 
and  continue,  (like  the  rainbow,  "that  faithful 
witness  in  the  heavens"  to  the  truth  of  God  in 
his  covenant  with  Noah,)  a  constant  witness  that 
God  has  fulfilled  his  covenant  with  the  Redeemer. 
{J^otes,  Gen.  9:9—17.  Is.  54:6—10.)     And  as  the 


B.  C.  968. 


PSALM  LXXXIX. 


B.  C.  908. 


38  IT  ®  But  thou  hast  cast  off  ^  and 
abhorred,  thou  hast  been  ^  vvroth  with 
thine  anointed. 

39  Thou  hast  ^  made  void  the  cove- 
rant  of  thy  servant:  '  thou  hast  profaned 
his  crown  by  casting  it  to  the  ground. 

40  Thou  hast  ^  broken  down  all  his 
hedges;  thou  hast  '  brought  his  strong 
holds  to  ruiii. 

41  "All  that  pass  by  the  way  spoil 
him:  °  he  is  a  reproach  to  his  neighbors. 

42  Thou  hast  °  set  up  the  right  hand 
of  his  adversaries;  thou  hast  made  all 
his  enemies  to  rejoice. 

43  Thou  hast  also  p  turned  the  edge 


e44:9,&c.    60:1,10.  27:7.     Jer. 

12:1. 
f  78:59.    106:40.     Deut.   32:19. 

Lam.  2:7.     Zech.   11:8. 
gSl.  84:9.    2  Sam.  1:21.   15:26(1 

2  Chr.    12:1—12.     Lam.  4:20. 

Zech.  13:7. 
h  34—36.  77:10.   116:11.     John 

13:7. 
i44.  74:7.   143:3.    Is.  25:12.  43: 

28.     Lara.  5:16. 
k  80:12.    Job  1:10.    Is.  5:5. 


1  2  Chr.  12:2—5.   15:5.    Lam.  2: 

2,5.      Rev.  13:1—7. 
m  44:10—14.    80:13.      Is.   10:6. 

Jer.  50:17. 
n    74:10.      79:4.       Deut.    28:37. 

Neh.    5:9.      Jer.    24:9.    29:18. 

42:18.  44:8,12.   Lam.  5:1.    Ez. 

5:14,15.      Dan.  9:16. 
o  Lev.   26:17,25.     Deut.   28:25, 

43.     Lam.   2:17.     John  16:20. 

Rev.  11:10. 
p  Ez.  30:21—25. 


Lord  by  various  corrections  visited  upon  the  pos- 
terity of  David  tlieir  transgressions  of  his  law,  but 
did  iiot  utterly  cut  them  off;  continuing  them  in 
regal  authority  over  Judah  till  the  captivity',  and 
afterwards  preserving  the  family  till  Christ  de- 
scended from  it,  and  received  the  kingdom;  so  he 
will  correct  his  people,  but  never  finally  cast 
them  off.  (JVb<cs,  72:  1  ^m^«  9:3— 9.  11:9—13. 
/*.  9:6,7.  Jer.  23:5,6.  33: 14— 26.  £r.  34:23— 31. 
37:24,25.  Hos.  3:4,5.  ^m.  9:11,12.  Luke  1:26— 
33^67—75.  Ads  15:13— 18.)— No  doubt  the  em- 
phatical  language  used  in  the  covenant  of  God 
with  his  servant  David,  as  it  is  here  brought  to- 
gether and  enlarged  on,  must  have  excited  in  be- 
lievers at  that  time  very  high  expectations,  which 
Solomon's  unprecedented  prosperity  was  calcu- 
lated to  confirm.  But  it  is  probable,  that  most  of 
them,  (like  the  apostles,  in  respect  of  the  Redeem- 
er's kingdom,  before  his  crucifixion,)  interpreted 
the  promises  in  a  manner  rather  different  from 
their  real  meaning;  and  so  entertained  unwar- 
ranted hopes  of  temporal  prosperity  under  the 
kings  of  David's  line:  without  duly  considering, 
what  had  also  been  repeatedly  declared  concern- 
ing them,  in  case  they  forsook  tlie  worship  of  God; 
and  without  properly  looking  forward  to  Christ, 
the  Son  of  David,  in  whom  all  the  promises  were 
to  have  their  full  accomplishment.  When,  there- 
fore, they  saw  a  king  of  David's  race  deprived  of 
a  very  large  part  of  his  dominions;  opposed  by 
Jeroboam;  vanquished,  plundered,  and  put  under 
tribute  bj'  Shishak,  in  a  very  short  time  after  Sol- 
omon's death;  and  perceived  little  hope  of  his 
emerging  from  his  diflBculties:  it  is  not  at  all  won- 
derful, if  they  were  tempted  to  conclude,  that  the 
promises  and  covenant  of  God  (though  confirmed 
with  an  oath  by  his  own  holiness,  or  all  his  moral 
perfections,)  had  failed  and  would  come  to  noth- 
ing.— This  was  the  temptation;  yet  the  Psalmist 
evidentiv  resisted  it  strenuously  and  successfully, 
and  taught  others  to  do  the  same. 

Higher  than,  &c.  (27)  'Till  I  raise  him  to  the 
'prime  dignity,  among  all  those  wliom  I  call  my 
'sons,  and  set  him  so  high  above  all  other  kings  in 
'the  world,  that  he  shall  be  a  most  eminent  type 
'of  my  Son  Christ,  the  "King  of  kings,  and  tlie 
'Lord  of  lords." '    Bji.  Patri<h:    {.Notes,  Eph.  1 ; 


of  his  sword,  and   ''  hast  not  made  him 
to  stand  in  the  battle. 

44  Thou  ■■  hast  made  his  *  glory,  to 
cease,  and  ^  cast  his  throne  down  to  the 
ground. 

45  ^  The  days  of  his  youth  hast  thou 
shortened;  "  thou  hast  covered  him  with 
shame.     Selah. 

46  ^  How  long,  Lord.''  >'  wilt  thou 
hide  thyself,  for  ever.''  shall  ^  thy  wrath 
burn  like  fire.'' 

47  **  Remember  how  short  my  time  is: 
"  wherefore  hast  thou  made  all  men  in 
vain.'' 

48  "^  What  man  is  he  that  liveth,  and 
shall  not  ^  see   death.''    ®  shall  he  deliver 


q   Lev.  26:36,37.     Num.  14:42, 

45.     Josh.  7:4,5,8—12.    2  Chr. 

25:8. 
r  1  Sam.   4:21,22.     1  Kings  12: 

16—20.   14:25—28.     Lara.  4:1, 

2.  2  Thes.  2:3—10. 
*  Heb.   brightness. 
s  39.      Dan.  7:20—25. 
t  28,29.     2  Chr.    10:19.      Is.   63: 

18. 
u  44:15.   109:29.  Mic.  7:10. 
X  13:1.2.  79:5.    85:5.   90:13. 


y  10:1.  83:14.     Job  23:9.    Is.  8; 

17.  45:15. 
z  Jer.  4:4.  21:12.     2  Thes.  1:3. 

Heb.  12:29. 
a  39:5,6.  Job  7:7.  9:25,26.   10:9. 
b  144:4.     Job   14:1.     Jam.  4:14. 
c  49:7— 9.     Job  30:23.     Ec.   S: 

19,20.  8:8.  9:5.   12:7.     Heb.  9: 

27. 
i  John  8:51.    Heb.  11:5. 
e  49:15.     Acts  2:27.     2  Cor.  4: 

14. 


15—23.  Phil.  2:9—11.  Col.  1:15—20.  Rev.  19:11 
—16,1;.  16.) 

V.  38 — 45.  'Because  of  the  horrible  confusion 
'of  things,  the  prophet  complaineth  unto  God,  as 
'though  he  saw  not  the  performance  of  his  prom- 
'ise;  and  thus  discharging  his  cares  on  God,  he 
'resisteth  doubt  and  impatience.' — 'He  meanetli 
'the  horrible  dissipation,  and  renting  of  the  king- 
'dom,  which  was  under  Jeroboam.' — 'He  sheweth 
'that  the  kingdom  fell  before  it  came  to  perfection 
'or  was  ripe.' — 'In  joining  prayer  with  his  com- 
'plaints,  he  sheweth  that  his  faith  never  failed.' — 
When  the  calamities  above-mentioned  [Jfote, 
title,)  befel  Rehoboam,  it  seemed  as  if  the  Loi-d 
had  been  provoked  to  abhor  and  cast  off  his 
anointed  king:  the  covenant  with  David  appear- 
ed to  be  made  void,  his  crown  trampled  upon  in 
disgrace,  and  the  divine  protection  withdrawn. 
The  Israelites  spoiled  and  reproached  the  house 
of  David;  the  Egyptians  were  victorious  and  tri-  ^ 
umphant;  and  in  the  early  days  of  that  royal  race, 
it  was  put  to  shame  and  reduced  to  the  brink  of 
ruin:  and  how  could  this  consist  with  the  faithful- 
ness of  God  to  his  covenant.^  Doubtless  the 
Psalmist  meant  to  urge  this  as  a  plea  with  him, 
to  return  in  mercy,  and  restore  the  family  of  Da- 
vid to  prosperity;  and  likewise  to  propose  it  (o 
the  distressed  prince  and  people  of  Judah,  for 
their  instruction;  that  they  might  consider  the 
dispensation  as  a  chastisement  for  their  sins,  and 
so  be  led  by  it  to  repentance.  Probably  he  also 
meant  to  lead  their  thoughts  to  the  promised  Seed 
of  David,  whom  the  covenant  principally  respect- 
ed. {Marg.  Ref.)  'When  the  faithful  few  be- 
'held  the  true  Son  of  David,  and  Anointed  of  Je- 
'hovah,  in  the  days  of  his  sufferings  ...  delivered 
'over  to  a  shameful  as  well  as  painful  death;  they 
'then  began  to  think  "the  covenant  made  void," 
'and  the  promises  at  an  end.  "We  trusted,"  said 
'ihey,  "that  it  had  been  he  which  should  have  re- 
'deemed  Israel."  '  Bp.  Home. — The  early  cor- 
ruption of  (Christianity  by  "damnable  heresies," 
the  lamentable  schisms  which  have  rent  it,  and 
the  oppressive  persecutions  and  multiplied  cor- 
ruptions, to  which  it  has  so  long  been  exposed, 
have  precisely  the  same  effect  on  Christians  in 
general,  in  respect  of  the  promises  and  predic- 

[309 


B.  C.  968. 


PSALM  LXXXIX. 


B.  C.  968. 


his  soul  from  the   hand    of   the    graver 
Selah. 

49  Lord,  ^  where  are  thy  former  lov- 
ing-kindnesses, ivhich  £  thou  svvarest  unto 
David  in  thy  truth? 

50  "  Remember,  Lord,  the  reproach 
of  thy  servants;  how  I  do  bear  in  my 
bosom  the  reproach  of  all  the  mighty 
people; 

('77:9,10. 
g-  3,4,35. 


?!l. 


Is.  63:7—15. 
132:11,12.     2  Sam.  3: 
9.  7:15.    Is.  55:3.   Heb.  7:21. 


h  44:1.3—16.    69:9,19,20.    74:18, 
22.  79:10—12.    Rom.  15:3. 


51  Wherewith  thine  enemies  have  re- 
proached, O  Lord;  wherewith  '  they 
have  reproached  ''  the  footsteps  of  thine 
anointed. 

52  *  Blessed  be  the   Lord   for 
more.     Amen,  and  Amen. 


ever- 


i  Matt.  5:10—12.  Acts  5:41.  1 1 
Cor.  4:12,13.  Heb.  10:33.  11: 
36. 

k  56:5,6.  57:3.  2  Sam.  16:7,8. 
Matt.   12:24.    26:61.     John  8: 


48.     1  Pet.  2:20,21.  3:16.  4:14 
—16. 

141:13.  72:18,19.  106:48.    Keh. 
9:5.    Matt.  6:13.     1  Tim.  1:17. 


tions,  contained  in  the  scriptures,  concerning  a 
universal  [yopagation  and  triumph  of  the  gospel, 
(^'o^e,  Rev.  20:4—6.) 

V.  4b— 41].  [Marg.  Ref.)  The  Psalmist  here 
seems  to  have  personated  the  family  of  David,  or 
one  of  the  kings  of  that  race,  or  to  have  formed 
the  psalm  for  the  use  of  his  afflicted  prince.  The 
reigns  of  David  and  Solomon  were  soon  over;  the 
glory  of  their  kingdom  had  been  very  transient, 
if  it  were  thus  to  terminate;  and  they  seemed  al- 
most to  be  made  in  vain:  for  the  short  glimpse  of 
Israel's  prosperity  was  row  extinguished;  and  in- 
deed as  every  one  must  die,  if  the  prosperity  of 
the  church  depended  upon  the  life  of  any  man,  it 
would  soon  be  buried  in  his  grave.  "Wherefore 
hast  thou  made  in  vain  all  the  sons  of  Adam.'"' 
Probably  the  prophet  looked  forward  to  "the  sec- 
ond Adam,  the  Lord  from  heaven,"  who  indeed 
saw  death,  and  went  down  into  the  grave,  and 
the  unseen  state;  (JVoff,  16:8 — 11.)  yet  was  able 
to  deliver  his  life  from  the  power  of  it;  and  who 
rose  again,  and  lives  from  age  to  age,  to  perpetu- 
ate the  safutv  and  provide  for  the  happiness  of  his 
people.  (JVoie,  1  Cor.  15:45—49.)  With  this  he 
might  also  endeavor  to  comfort  himself,  under  the 
prospect  of  his  own  death;  though  he  had  surviv- 
ed the  external  glory  of  David's  kingdom,  and 
expected  soon  to  die,  and  leave  it  in  disgrace  and 
distress.     (JVb<e«,  90:3— 17.) 

V.  49.  [Marg.  Ref.)—J\rotes,  19—37.  77:5—12.  i 
7*.  63:15 — 19.)  'These  "loving  kindnesses"  are 
'called  in  Is.  55:3.  "the  sure  mercies  of  David,"  i 
•which  "sure  mercies  of  David,"  are  affirmed  by  ^ 
'St.  Paul,  Acts  13:34.  to  have  been  then  confer- j 
^red  on  Israel,  when  in  the  person  of  Jesus,  God  I 
'raised  our  nature  from  the  grave.'  Bp.  Home. 
{JVotes,  Is.  55:1—3.  Acts  13:24—37,  v.  34.)  j 

V.  50,  51.  [Marg.  Ref.)  'They  laugh  at  us  j 
'who  wait  patiently  for  the  coming  of  thy  Christ.'' 
— The  enemies  of  the  family  of  David  invidiously! 
traced  \.\\e  footsteps  of  those  princes;  that  is,  they 
examined  every  part  of  their  conduct,  in  order  toi 
find  matter  of  accusation  against  them;  they  over-  j 
looked  all  their  eminent  services,  and  aggravated  I 
every  slip  which  they  made,  and  even  reproached ! 
them  with  such  things  as  they  had  never  done: ! 
and  thus  thev  slandered  the  anointed  of  God.  | 
(JVb<es,  1  Kings  12:4,16.)  Perhaps  they  also  rid- j 
iculed  the  expectations,  which  were  formed,  of 
returning  prosperity  to  the  family  of  David,  and  I 
of  the  Messiah  as  descending  from  him. — The  ru-  \ 
lers  and  scribes  and  chief  priests  of  the  Jews,  in  1 
like  manner,  watched  our  Lord's  footsteps;  they 
sought  for  false  witness  to  put  him  to  death;  Her-  j 
od  and  Pontius  Pilate  agreed  in  setting  him  at 
nought;  and  Romans  combined  with  Jews  in  in-  I 
suiting  and  reviling  him,  as  he  hung  upon  the  | 
cross.  Thus  did  he  "bear  the  reproach  of  all  the ' 
mighty  people,"  who  "reproached  the  footsteps  of  j 
the  Lord's  Anointed."  And  men  of  the  same , 
character  always  have  reviled,  and  always  will 
rc-'ile,  those  who  tread  in  the  Savior's  footsteps,  j 
(JVbies,  Matt.  26:57—68.  27:39—44.  Lnke  23:6— 
12.  Joftn  15:17— 21.   19:1— 7.)  ! 

310] 


V.  52.  'But  let  them  laugh  on;  neither  their 
'scolTs  nor  our  calamity  shall  hinder  us  from  prais- 
'ing  the  Lord,  and  speaking  good  of  him  continu- 
'ally,  in  assured  hope  that  he  will  at  last  deliver 
'us.  Let  it  be  so,  we  beseech  thee,  let  it  be  so 
'as  we  desire  and  hope,  that  we  may  ever  praise 
'thee  for  our  happy  restoration.'  Bp.  Patrick. 
(J^otes,  34:1—6.  41:11—13.  72:17—19.  106:47,48. 
Phil.  4:4—7.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
V.  1—18. 
When  the  dispensations  of  Providence  seem 
contrary  to  the  promises  of  God,  and  we  venture 
to  state  our  difficulties  and  discouragements  be- 
fore him;  we  should  always  recur  to  first  princi- 
ples, and  take  it  for  granted  that  he  is  doing  right, 
though  we  are  not  able  to  discern  it.  [P.  O.  John 
jl3:l — 7.) — Faith,  resting  on  the  boundless  and 
j  everlasting  mercy  and  truth  of  God,  brings  com- 
fort into  the  heart,  and  fills  the  mouth  with  praise, 
even  in  the  deepest  scenes  of  adversity:  and 
I  while  we  are  assured,  that  "mercy  shall  be  built 
j  up  for  ever,"  and  "faithfulness  established  in  the 
[heavens;"  we  should  seek  and  pray  that  all  men, 
;  through  successive  generations,  may  be  acquaint- 
[  ed  with  these  perfections  of  our  God,  and  praise 
him  for  them.  His  covenant  with  the  seed  of 
I  David  his  servant,  is  immutably  ratified;  for  the 
i  throne  of  David  "is  budded  to  all  generations,'* 
lyea,  for  ever  and  ever:  and  all  the  inhabitants  of 
I  Heaven,  as  well  as  the  congregations  of  saints 
'on  earth,  will  continually  praise  the  wonders  of 
jhis  power,  displayed  in  performing  the  engage- 
I  ments  of  his  word. — We  should  be  careful  never 
jto  speak  or  act,  as  if  we  thought  any  of  the  an- 
!  gels  in  heaven,  or  "any  of  the  sons  of  the  mighty" 
Ion  earth,  fit  to  be  compared  unto  the  Lord.  He 
i  is  not  limited  to  such  methods  as  we  can  conceive, 
or  to  such  operations  as  creatures  can  perform. 
i  His  thoughts  and  ways  are  infinitely  above  our 
I  comprehension;  and  it  is  our  part  to  adore  the 
[depths  which  we  cannot  fathom,  and  to  expect 
covenanted  blessings,  when  wf  can  see  no  way  in 
which  they  can  be  communicated. — Our  "God  is 
greatly  to  be  feared,  even  in  the  assembly  of  his 
I  saints,"  and  to  be  had  in  reverence  of  all  them, 
;  that  are  about  him."  Nor  should  our  filial  confi- 
dence in  his  love  abate  our  awful  veneration  of 
his  Majesty;  for  then,  our  worship  on  earth  would 
bear  no  resemblance  to  that  of  angels  in  heaven. 
[J^otes,  Is.  6:1 — 5.)  Surely  then  our  external 
posture,  and  our  serious  attention,  should  indicate 
the  reverence  of  our  hearts,  when  we  assemble 
to  worship  this  glorious  God!  [J^'ote,  Acts  21:1  — 
6,  V.  5.)  But  alas!  how  little  of  this  appears  in 
general  in  our  congregations!  and  how  much 
cause  of  humiliation,  have  we  all  on  this  account! 
— It  is  a  joyful  consideration,  that  the  power 
which  created  and  upholds  the  earth,  and  which 
rules  the  impetuous  waves  of  the  sea,  is  engaged 
to  perform  the  promises;  and  that  the  Proprietor 
of  the  universe  is  "the  Portion"  of  his  people. 
That  high  and  strong  right  hand  and  mighty  arm. 


B.  C.  1460. 


PSALM  XC. 


B.  C.  1460. 


PSALM  XC. 

The  Psalmisl  comforts  himself,  by  considering  the  favor  of  the 
eternal  God  to  his  people,  1,  2.  He  laments  the  frailty,  suf- 
ferings, and  shortness  of  human  life,  as  the  effects  of  the  wrath 


which  smote  Egypt,  will  to  the  end  scatter  the 
enemies  of  his  church;  and  all  who  trust  in  the 
mercy  of  God  shall  rejoice  in  his  name:  for  as 
justice  and  judgment  are  the  stability  of  his  throne, 
so  mercy  and  truth  direct  all  his  dealings  towards 
his  believing  servants.  Happy  then  are  those, 
who  know,  believe,  and  obey  the  joyful  sound  of 
his  gospel!  for  their  present  safety  and  their  eter- 
nal felicity  are  secured  in  the  favor  of  him,  whom 
they  trust  as  a  Savior,  love  and  revere  as  a  Fa- 
ther, and  obey  as  a  King. 

V.  19—37. 
The  Lord  has  spoken  to  his  prophets  and  apos- 
tles, in  diverse  times  and  various  ways,  %vith  an 
especial  purpose  of  making  known  to  sinful  men, 
that  he  "hath  laid  help  upon  one  that  is  mighty, 
and  exalted  one  chosen  out  of  the  people:"  who, 
being  infinite  in  power  and  love,  as  the  eternal 
Son  of  God,  and  having  become  one  of  us  by  as- 
suming our  nature,  "is  not  ashamed  to  call  us 
brethren."  This  is  the  Redeemer,  whom  Jeho- 
vah himself  has  appointed  for  us,  and  who  alone 
is  adequate  to  the  arduous  work  of  our  salvation. 
Having  been  anointed  immeasurably  with  the  Holy 
Spirit,  and  strengthened  by  the  power  of  God,  he, ; 
in  our  nature,  withstood  and  repelled  the  combin- ' 
ed  assaults  of  earth  and  hell;  and  "is  now  exalted  | 
by  the  right  hand"  of  the  Father  "to  be  a  Prince 
and  Savior,  to  give  repentance,  and  forgiveness 
of  sins,"  and  to  beat  down  and  destroy  all  who 
hate  his  disciples.  In  the  name  of  Jehovah  his 
horn  is  exalted,  and  mercy  and  truth  come,  > 
through  and  by  him,  to  the  ruined  sons  of  men; ; 
and  his  kingdom  shall  extend  throughout  the 
whole  earth.  He,  in  a  peculiar  sense,  could  cry 
unto  the  Lord,  "Thou  art  my  Father,  my  God, 
and  my  strong  Salvation:"  being  indeed  his  first- 
begotten,  his  only  begotten  Son,  and  made,  even 
in  our  nature,  far  higher  than  the  kings  of  the 
earth.  With  him  the  everlasting  covenant  is  rat- 
ified for  evermore,  and  through  him  alone  is  mer- 
cy exercised  towards  the  guilty.  "His  dominion 
shall  be  for  ever,  and  his  throne  as  the  days  of 
heaven."  While  he  invites  sinners  to  incline 
their  ear  and  come  to  him,  that  he  may  make 
with  them  this  everlasting  covenant:  (JVbie,  Is. 
55:1 — 3.)  he  treats  all  his  willing  subjects  as  his 
friends  and  children:  the  oath,  with  which  that 
covenant  is  ratified  to  him,  as  the  Son  of  Abra- 
ham, and  the  Son  of  David,  is  recorded,  in  order 
"that  we  might  halve  a  strong  consolation  who 
have  fled  for  refuge  to  lay  hold  upon  the  hope  set 
before  us:"  and  the  name  of  God  would  be  dishon- 
ored, if  this  security  could  possibly  fail,  or  the 
thing  be  once  altered  which  he  has  spoken. 
{J^ofes,  Heb.  6: 13— 20.)  So  that  the  whole  church 
of  Christ,  as  his  spiritual  seed,  is  secured  in  its 
immunities  and  privileges,  by  the  covenant  made 
and  ratified  with  its  glorious  Head.  Let  us  then 
seek  an  interest  in  these  blessings;  and  an  assur- 
ance that  we  belong  to  this  happy  company,  by 
the  witness  of  the  Holy  Spirit  in  our  hearts,  as 
the  counterpart  of  "the  faithful  record  in  heaven," 
of  our  names  written  in  the  book  of  life;  that  so 
we  may  habitually  "rejoice  in  hope  of  the  glory 
of  God." 

V.  30—52. 
Notwithstanding  the  security  of  the  covenant 
of  grace,  it  is  also  very  plainly  foretold,  that 
damnable  heresies,  and  grievous  scandals  and 
corruptions,  would  take  place  among  professed 
Christians;  and  when  these  predictions  are  com- 
pared with  what  we  read  and  witness,  they  may 


of  God  against  tije  sins  of  men,  3 — Jl.  He  prays  that  these 
considerations  may  be  wisely  improved  by  him  and  his  people; 
and  entreats  for  the  comforts  of  God's  mercy,  and  for  a  sensi- 
ble experience  of  his  power,  glory,  and  favor,  with  them  and 
their  children,  12 — 17. 


serve  to  confirm  our  faith,  though  they  must 
deeply  grieve  our  hearts. — Indeed  even  true 
Christians  offend  in  many  things.  Hence  it  is, 
that  corrections  become  necessary,  in  order  to 
the  performance  of  the  covenant  to  the  honor  of 
God.  When  this  is  the  case,  the  Lord  "will 
visit  their  transgressions  with  the  rod,  and  their 
iniquities  with  scourges:  nevertheless  he  will  not 
utterly  take  away  his  loving-kindness  from  them, 
nor  suffer  his  truth  to  fail."  The  records  of  the 
Lord's  dealings  with  the  family  of  David,  are  set 
before  us  as  an  emblem  of  his  dealings  with  his 
church,  and  with  believers.  Grievous  may  be 
the  afflictions  which  they  endure;  great  the  dis- 
grace and  distress  of  soul  which  come  upon  them: 
but  the  gates  of  hell  shall  not  prevail  against 
the  church,  neither  will  God  finally  forsake  or 
abhor  the  true  believer.  We  should  then  rejoice 
in  this  security;  but  we  should  "rejoice  with 
trembling:"  many  self-deceivers  pervert  the  doc- 
trine; and  even  those  who  are  interested  in  the 
blessing  may  notwithstanding,  by  their  miscon- 
duct, bring  themselves  into  such  darkness  and 
distress  as  can  scarcely  be  conceived.  We 
ought,  therefore,  to  rely  on  it  for  our  encourage- 
ment in  the  path  of  duty,  and  in  bearing  the 
cross;  and  not  when  yielding  to  sloth  and  self-in- 
dulgence. Neither  should  we  give  way  to  de- 
spondency, while  we  witness  the  success  of  idol- 
atry, superstition,  heresy,  or  infidelity,  against 
the  religion  of  Christ.  These  early  began  ta 
corrupt  or  to  oppose  the  church:  and  their  suc- 
cess seems  often  to  make  void  the  covenant,  and 
profane  the  Redeemer's  crown,  to  break  down 
the  strong  holds  of  his  royal  city,  and  to  expose 
his  religion  to  reproach.  But  though  his  cause 
may  appear  to  suffer  loss,  and  his  glory  to  be 
eclipsed,  and  his  enemies  to  conquer  and  tri- 
umph; yet  this  will  be  only  for  a  time.  The 
Lord  will  not  "hide  himself  for  ever,"  nor  suffer 
"his  wrath  to  burn  like  fire;"  whatever  his  peo- 
ple fear,  or  his  enemies  expect.  But  when  his 
purposes  are  effected,  he  will  return,  cause  his 
servants  to  rejoice,  and  put  his  enemies  to  silence 
and  shame.  For  the  Savior  ever  liveth  to  effect 
his  grand  designs,  and  a  thousand  years  are  in 
his  sight  but  as  one  day:  and,  though  one  instru- 
ment after  another  die,  and  effect  very  little; 
though  we  all  must  shortly  drop  into  the  grave, 
and  may  perhaps  leave  the  church  under  a  thick 
cloud;  and  though  all  the  sons  of  Adam  seem 
made  in  vain;  yet  the  Lord  himself  will  surely 
arise  and  plead  his  own  cause,  and  fulfil  his  larg- 
est promises  in  their  fullest  meaning.  If  then, 
we  can  do  little  else,  during  our  few  remaining 
da)'s  on  earth,  let  us  give  ourselves  unto  prayer: 
let  us  plead  with  the  Lord  his  former  mercies  to 
his  people,  and  the  promises  of  his  word:  let  us 
humbly  represent  before  him,  the  reproach  cast 
upon  his  servants  by  his  enemies,  through  the 
prevalence  of  impiety  in  the  visible  church,  and 
through  tlie  apparent  delay  of  his  making  his 
truth  universally  triumphant.  And  though  our 
hearts  must  needs  be  grieved  by  the  blasphemies 
and  slanders  of  the  proud  and  mighty,  who  revile 
or  ridicule  those  who  expect  the  coming  of  the 
Lord's  anointed  King,  and  who  walk  in  his  foot- 
steps; yet  let  us  still  hope  for  the  commencement 
of  a  more  glorious  scene  on  earth,  as  well  as  for 
eternal  fclicty  in  heaven;  and,  in  the  prospect 
of  these  approaching  seasons  of  joy  and  praise, 
let  us  now  mix  our  tears  and  prayers  with  halle- 
lujahs, and  still  say  from  our  hearts,  "Blessed  be 
the  Lord  for  evermore,  Amen,  and  Amen." 

(_311 


B.  C.  1460. 


PSALM  XC. 


B.  C.  146a 


*  A  Prayer  of  Moses  *  the  man  of  God. 

LORD,   ^  thou  hast  been  our  dwell- 
ing-place in  I  all  generations. 

2  "  Before  the  mountains  were  brought 
forth,  ''  or  ever  thou  hadst  formed  the 
earth  and  the  world,  even  *  from  ever- 
lasting to  everlasting,  ^thou  art  God. 

3  sThou  turnest  man  to  destruction; 
and  sayest.  Return  ye  children  of  men. 

4  For  "  a  thousand  years  in  thy  sight 
<ere  but  as  yesterday,  when  it  t  is  past, 
and  '  as  a  watch  in  the  night. 

5  ''  Thou  carriest  them  away  as  with 
a  flood;  '  they  are  as  a  sleep:  ™  in  the 
morning  they  are  like  grass  which  5  grow- 
eth  up. 

*  Or,  j9  prayer,  being  a  Psalm  ]  i  Is.  45:22. 
ofJUoses.  g  104:29.   146:4. 


a  Ex.   33:14—19.     Deut.   33:1. 

1  Kind's  13:1.     1  Tim.  6:11. 
b71:3.  91:1,9.    Deut.  33:27.    Is. 

8:14.     Ez.    11:16.     John  6:56. 

1  John  4:16. 
I  Heb.  generation  and  genera- 
lion.  89:1.   marg. 
c  Job   38:4—6,28,29.     Prov.  8: 

25,26. 
d  33;<J.   146:6.     Gen.  1:1. 
e93:i    102:24—27.   103: 17.     Ig^ 

44:6.  57:15.      Mic.  5:2."   Hab. 

1:12.     1  Tim.  6:15,16.     Heb. 

1:10—12.   13.2.     Kev.  1:8. 


Gen.  3:19.  6: 
6,7.  Num.  14:35.  Job  12:  IC. 
34:14,15. 

h  2  Pet.  3:8. 

J  Or,  viken  he  hath  passed 
them. 

i  Matt.  14:25.  24:43.     Luke  12: 

k  Job  9:26.  22:16.  27:20,21.    Is. 

8:7,8.     Jer.  46:7,8. 
1  ■B:20.  Is.  29:7,8. 
m  103:15,16.    Is.  40:6.     Jam.  1: 

10,11.    1  Pet.  1:24. 
§  Or,  is  changed. 


iXOTES. 
Psalm  XC.      Tille.      "Moses,    the    man    of 
God,"  (Marg.  Ref.)  the  prophet  Moses,  and  not 
one  of  the  same  name  in  after  ages,  as  some  have 
imagined,  may  very  reasonably  be  supposed  to 
have  composed  this  most  instructive  and  affect- 
ing psalm,  when  the  generation  of  Israel,  which  j 
God  had  by  him  brought  out  of  Egypt,  was  sen-  j 
tenced  to  fall  in  the  wilderness;    or  when  he  had  j 
witnessed  in  a  great  degree  the  execution  of  that ! 
sentence.     (JVo<es,  JSum.   13:  14:)     It  is  not  in- 
deed improbable  that  it  was  used  at  the  taberna-  { 
cle,  as  well  as  published  among  the  people,  dnr-  ] 
ing  that  solemn  season,  when  death  marched  his 
rounds  among  them  in  so  remarkable  a  manner. 
It  seems  to  have  been  preserved  along  with  the 
books  of  Moses,  and  afterwards  to  have  been  in- 
serted in  the  book   of  psalms. — To  obtain  the 
most  interesting  view  of  this  picture,  so  to  speak, 
we  must  consider  Moses  as    the  principal   fig- 
ure;   and  carefully   advert  to   his  peculiar  cir- 
cumstances at  that  season.     The  sentiments  in- 
deed  of  the  psalm  are  never  unsuitable  to  our 
situat'ion  in  this  world;    but  they  would  be  pe- 
culiarly adapted  to  the  case  of  a  pious  man,  in  a 
time  of  pestilence,   when  tens  of  thousands  were 
swept  away  on  every  side  of  him.     (jVb<e,  91:3 
-8.) 

V.  1,2.  The  Israelites  were  shut  up  in  the 
desert,  and  not  allowed  to  find  habitations  in  the 
promised  land,  or  in  any  cultivated  region;  but 
the  Psalmist  recollected,  that  even  Abraham, 
Isaac,  and  Jacob,  were  strangers  and  pilgrims  in 
Canaan.  Indeed  God  himself  had,  in  all  ages, 
been  the  Home^  Rest,  Safety,  and  Comfort  of  his 
people:  and  into  that  "Dwelling-place"  they  might 
enter  by  faith  and  prayer,  even  in  the  wilderness; 
(JVo<e*,  John  6:52 — 58.  1  John  4:13 — 17.)  seeing 
he  was  the  same  self-existent,  all  sufficient,  and 
almighty  God;  the  same  holy,  just,  merciful,  and 
faithful  God,  even  before  he  had  "created  the 
heavens  and  the  earth;'"  yea,  from  eternity  to 
cternitv.  [J^oles,  103:1.5—10.  Gen.  1:1.  E.r.  3:14. 
Z>e«<.  33:27,28.   /.?.  57:15,16.   iTefe.  13:7,8.) 

V.  3 — 6.  When  man  sinned,  his  Creator  sen- 
312] 


6  °  In  the  morning  it  flourisheth,  and 
groweth  up;  in  the  evening  it  is  cut 
down,  and  withereth. 

7  For  *  we  are  consumed  by  thine 
anger,  and  by  thy  wrath  p  are  we  trou- 
bled. 

S  ^  Thou  hast  set  our  iniquities  before 
thee,  '  our  secret  sins  ^  in  the  light  of  thy 
countenance. 

9  For  *  all  our  days  are  II  passed  away 
in  thy  wrath:  we  spend  our  years  as  ^  a 
tale  that  is  told. 

10  **  The  days  of  our  years  are  three- 
score years  and  ten;  and  if  by  reason 
of  strength  they  he  fourscore  years, 
"  yet  is  their  strength  labor  and  sor- 
row; for  '^  it  is  soon  cut  off,  and  we  fly 


away.    o. 

n  92:7.    Job  H:2.    Matt.  6:30. 
o9,ll.  39:n.  59:13.     Num.  17: 

12,13.     Deut.  2:14—16.    Heb. 

3:10,11,17—19.   4:1,2. 
p  Ex.  14:24.   Rom.  2:8,9. 
q  10:11.     50:21.    139:1 — 1.     Job 

34:21.    Jer.  16:17.  23:24.     Ez. 

8:12.     Rev.  20:12. 
r  19:12.  Prov.  5:21.     Ec.  12:14. 

Luke    12:1,2.     Rom.   2:16.     1 

Cor.    4:5.      Heb.    4:12,13.    1 

John  3:20. 


sS0:16. 

t  78:33. 

{{  Heb.  turned  aviay. 

^\  Heh.  a  meditation.   4.   39:5.^ 

**  Heb.  As  for  the  days  of  our 

years,   in    them   are    seventy 

years.    Gen.  47:9.    Deut.  34:7. 
u   2   Sam.    19:35.      1  Kings   1:1. 

Ec.  12:2—7. 
X  73:39.     Job  14:10.  marg.   24. 

24.  Is.  38:12.  Luke  12:20.  Jam. 

4:14. 


tenced  him  "to  return  to  the  dust  from  whence  he 
was  taken. V  Ackim,  however,  and  several  of  his 
descendants  lived  almost  a  thousand  years:  but  in 
the  sight  of  the  eternal  God  this  was  but  as  yester- 
day;  and  it  was  soon  past  like  a  watch,  or  three 
hours  of  the  night,  which  glides  away  while  men 
sleep.  {JVotes,  Gen.  3:17—19.  P.  O.  5:1—20. 
Kote,  2  Pet.  3:8.)  Thus  the  Lord  turned  them  to 
destruction,  as  well  as  their  more  short-lived  pos- 
terity; and  the  human  race  had  all  along  been 
swept  away  by  death  as  by  an  impetuous  torrent: 
life  appeared  but  a  sleep;  and  all  earthly  pros- 
perity only  resembled  the  verdure  and  variegated 
hues  of  the  meadow  in  a  summer's  morning; 
which  before  night  was  cut  down  by  the  scythe, 
and  withered  by  the  sun.  [J^otes,  39:5,6.  103:11 — 
18.  7*.  40:6— 8.  Jam.  1:9—11.  4:13—17.  1  Pet.  U 
23 — 25.) — The  word  translated,  "Thou  carriest 
them  away  as  with  a  flood,"  may  be  rendered, 
"Thou  over-flowedst  them;"  and  may  be  consid- 
ered  as  a  reference  to  the  desolations  of  the  gen-, 
eral  deluge. 

V.  7 — 10.  The  Israelites  had  provoked  the 
Lord,  by  their  unbelief  and  rebellion,  to  "swear 
in  his  wrath  that  they  should  not  enter"  Canaan: 
and  this  passage  maj'  refer  to  those  events.  Ac- 
cordingly they  ^ere  swept  away  by  the  anger  of 
God,  in  so  extraordinary  a  manner,  that  they 
were  kept  in  constant  trouble  of  mind  by  the 
dread  of  his  judgments.  Not  only  were  their  open 
transgressions  punished  with  awful  judgments  de- 
stroying thousands  at  once;  but  their  "secret 
sins,"  or  the  inicjuUies  of'  their  youth,  (as  some 
render  the  word,)  were  called  to  remembrance 
by  their  righteous  Judge.  Thus  their  days  and 
years  were  turned  away  from  hope  and  comfort 
by  the  wrath  of  God:  they  were  spent  to  little 
purpose;  and  soon  came  to  an  end,  as  a  tale,  a 
meditation,  a  waking  dream.  [JVote,  JSTum.  26:62 — 
65.)  Perhaps  the  lives  of  men  in  general  were  at 
this  era  reduced  to  about  the  present  limits:  for 
after  (he  death  of  iMoses  and  Joshua,  few  in- 
stances of  a  much  longer  life  occur  in  the  scrip- 
ture. At  least  it  was  thus  with  that  generation 
of  Israel;  very  few  of  whom  would  exceed,  and 


B.  C.  1460. 


PSALM  XC. 


B.  C.  1460. 


11  y  Who  knoweth  the  power  of  thine 
anger.''  even  according  to  thy  fear,  so  is 
thy  wrath. 

12  ^  So  teach  us  to  number  our  days, 
"that  we  may  *  apply  our  hearts  unto 
wisdom. 

13  •*  Return,  O  Lord,  "  how  long.^ 
and  •*  let  it  repent  thee  concerning  thy 
servants. 

14  0®  satisfy  us  early  with  thy  mer- 


y  Lev.  26:18,21,24,28.      Deut. 

28:59.     29:20,&c.       Is.    33:14. 

Nah.  1:6.     Luke  12:5.    2  Cor. 

5:11.     Rev.  6:17. 
z  39:4.     Deut.  32:29.  Ec.  9:10. 

Luke     12:35—40.      John  9:4. 

Epli.  5:16,17. 
a  Job  28:28.  Prov.  2:2— 6.   3:13 

—18.  4:5.  7:1—4.  8:32—36.  16: 

16.    18:1,2.    22:17.    23:12,23. 


*    Heb.     came   our  hearts   to 

come. 
b  6:4.  80:14.     Jer.  12:15.     Joel 

2:13,14.     Zech.  1:16. 
c  89:46. 
d   106:45.    132:14.       Ex.    32:14. 

Deut.  32:36.     Hos.  11:8.    Am. 

7:3,6.     Jon.  3:9. 
e  36:7,8.  63:3—5.  65:4.   l03:3— 

5.    Jer.  31:14.    Zech.  9:17. 


most  would  come  short  of  eig-ht)'  j'ears. — The 
verses  however  are  equally  applicable  to  the  gen- 
eral state  of  human  nature.  [Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  11 .  This  verse  is  thus  rendered  by  some 
learned  men:  "Who  knoweth  the  power  of  thy 
anger.'  or  of  thy  wrath,  according  as  thou  art  ter- 
rible.'" That  is,  'Who  is  there,  that  fears  the 
*wrath  of  the  Almighty,  in  proportion  to  the  de- 
*gree  in  which  it  ought,  in  all  reason,  to  be  dread- 
^ed.'  or  in  due  proportion  to  his  fear  of  mortal 
*men,  when  possessed  of  power.'  Who  does  not 
'fear  the  wrath  of  powerful  men  too  much,  and  the 
'wrath  of  almighty  God  too  little.-'  when  in  fact, 
'the  latter  cannot  be  feared  according  to  its  ter- 
♦ribleness.  Who  is  sufficiently  afraid  of  offending 
'God,  or  earnest  in  seeking  to  be  reconciled  to 
'him.^'  We  know  the  worst  which  the  most  pow- 
erful men,  when  most  enraged,  can  do;  the}'  can 
kill  the  body,  and  nothing  more:  but  who  knows 
or  can  conceive  the  worst,  which  the  Almighty 
and  everlasting  God  can  do  against  the  objects  of 
his  righteous  indignation.'  [J\Iarg.  Ref. — Jfotes, 
Matt.  10:27,28.  Heb.  10:28— 3l,t>.  31.)— 'Accord- 
'ing  as  men  do  more  or  less  tremble  at  thy  judg- 
'ments;  so  dost  thou  more  or  less  execute  them.' 
Bp.  Hall. 

V.  12.  The  shortness,  uncertainty,  and  sor- 
rows of  life,  as  the  effects  of  the  powerful  wrath 
of  God  against  the  sins  of  men;  when  considered 
in  connexion  with  the  doctrine  of  an  eternal  state 
oi~  future  retribution,  and  that  of  salvation  by  the 
mercy  and  grace  of  God,  through  the  promised 
Redeemer;  arc  suited  to  teach  men  true  wisdom: 
and  Moses  prayed,  that  he,  and  all  his  people, 
might  be  taught  by  the  Lord  himself  duly  to  lay 
them  to  heart;  that,  by  meditation,  prayer,  and  a 
constant  application  of  the  whole  soul  and  all  its 
powers,  to  the  pursuit  of  heavenly  wisdom,  as  their 
one  object,  they  might  both  be  wise  unto  salva- 
tion, and  glorify  God,  and  do  good  to  men,  while 
they  waited  for  the  speedy  approach  of  death. 
[J^otes,  39:1—4,  v.  4.  Deut.  32:29.) 

V.  13 — 17.  The  Israelites,  notwithstanding 
their  transgressions,  were  the  Lord's  people  and 
avowed  worshippers,  and  he  had  many  faithful 
servants  among  them.  These  no  doubt  thought 
the  time  very  long,  during  which  they  continued 
under  the  severe  rebukes  of  God,  without  the  ac- 
customed tokens  of  his  favor.  They  tlierefore 
pi-ayed  aloug  witli  Moses,  that  for  their  sakes  he 
would  at  length  change  his  conduct  towards  the 
nation:  {.N'otes,  Gen.  0:6,7.  Deut.  32:36.)  and, 
though  the  sentence  respecting  Canaan  was  irre- 
versible; that  lie  would  yet  without  delay  satisfy 
their  souls  with  tlie  comforts  of  his  mercy  and 
Vol.  III.  40 


cy;  •"  that  we  may  rejoice  and  be  glad  all 
our  days. 

15  sMake  us  glad  according  to  the 
days  wherein  thou  hast  afflicted  us,  and 
''  the  years  wherein  we  have  seen  evil. 

16  '  Let  thy  work  appear  unto  thy 
servants,  and  ^  thy  glory  unto  their  chil- 
dren. 

17  And  ^  let  the  beauty  of  the  Lord 
our  God  be  upon  us;  and  ™  establish 
thou  the  work  of  our  hands  upon  us, 
yea,  the  work  of  our  hands  establish 
thou  it. 


f  23:6.  85:6.  86:4.   149:2. 

Phil. 

3:2. 

4:4. 

kNum.    14:22,31.     Den!.    1:39 

g30:5.   126:5,6.     Is.  12:1 

40:1, 

Josh.  4:22— 24.  23:14. 

2.  61:3.   65:18,19.     Jer. 

31:12, 

1  27:4.    50:2.    80.3,7.     2  Cor.  3- 

13.     Matt.    5:4.      John 

16:20. 

18.     1  John  3:2. 

Rev.  7:14—17. 

m  68:28.      118:25.     Is.    26:12.    1 

h  Deut.  2:14—16. 

Cor.  3:7.    2  Thes.  2:16,17.  3:1. 

i44;l.     Num.  14:15— 24. 

Hab. 

grace;  which  would  enable  them  to  spend  their 
few  remaining  days  in  holy  joy,  and  counterbal- 
ance their  long  continued  afflictions.  They  fur- 
ther besought  the  Lord  that  he  would  cause  them 
again  to  witness  his  works  of  power  and  mercy  in 
behalf  of  the  nation,  as  an  earnest  of  those  more 
glorious  displays,  which  were  to  be  afforded  to 
their  children;  and  that  "the  beauty  of  the  Lord 
their  God  might  be  upon  them."  This  imphes  a 
request,  that  he  would  appear  to  them  in  his 
tabernacle,  "the  beautiful  sanctuary:"  tliat  he 
would  continue  his  ordinances  among  them,  which 
were  their  glory  and  beauty;  but  especially  that 
he  would  shine  upon  them  with  the  beams  of  his 
holiness,  which  is  his  heauiij;  that,  like  the  moon 
irradiated  and  beautified  by  the  reflected  beams 
of  the  sun,  they  might  be  made  to  shine  in  the 
beauty  of  holiness  as  derived  from  him.  [J^otes, 
50:1,2.  149:4.  P.  O.—A'otc,  2  Cor.  3:17,18.)  Thus 
Moses,  Aaron,  and  others,  especially  desired  that 
the  Lord  would  prosper  and  establish  their  work, 
though  they  must  die,  and  leave  it  unfinished; 
that  their  pious  and  zealous  endeavors  i;'''_,'-ht  have 
their  full  effect,  by  rendering  the  Israelites  a  holy 
and  a  happy  people;  which  would  best  pi-epare 
them  for  the  conquest  of  Canaan,  and  for  the 
blessings  which  God  had  engaged  to  bestow  on 
the  nation,  and  that  this  might  continue  and  be 
established  for  generations  long  to  come. — 'Ex- 
'cept  thou  guide  us  with  thy  Holy  Spirit,  our  en- 
'terprises  can  have  no  good  success.'  [Marg. 
Ref.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  favor  and  protection  of  God  are  the  only 
suitable  rest  and  comfort  of  the  soul,  in  this  evil, 
world:  and  in  Christ  Jesus  he  is  become  the  Ref- 
uge and  Dwelling-place,  to  which  we  may  repair, 
whenever  pursued  by  the  accusations  of  con- 
science, or  the  unkindness  of  men;  when  wearied 
with  the  cares  and  toils  of  life;  or  disquieted  by 
sickness  and  the  prospect  of  death.  [.N'ule,  Prov. 
18: 10,1 1.)  His  truth,  love,  and  power  are  eternal 
and  immutable;  and  this  habitation  can  never  fail 
those  who  resort  to  it  for  rest  and  peace:  for  "his 
mercy  is  on  them  that  fear  him  from  generation 
to  generation."  Compared  with  him,  who  "from 
everlasting  to  everlasting  is  God"  alone,  how  do 
fhe  most  renowned  of  the  human  race  shrink  into 
insignificance!  The  longest  life,  which  men  havt"> 
passed  on  earth,  has  been  but  as  "a  watch  of  Ibc 
night;"  and  then  the  word  of  the  Almighty  has  re- 
manded their  bodies  to  their  original  dust.  What 
images  in  nature  then  can  .sufficiently  illustrate 
the  brevity  of  our  present  soan  of  life.'  the  impel - 

[313 


B.  C.  1017. 


PSALM  XCI. 


B.  c.  ion. 


PSALM  XCL 

The  believer's  security  under  the  divine  protectioa,  amidst  ene- 
mies and  dangers,  ] — lO.  Angels  charged  to  take  care  of  him, 
11,  12.  Promises  to  him  who  loves,  knows,  and  trusts  in  God, 
13—16 

"E  that  ^  dwelleth  in  the  secret  place 
of  the  most  High,  shall  *  abide  ''un- 
der the  shadow  of  the  Almighty. 

2  «=  I  will  say  of  the  Lord,  He  is  my 


a  27:5.  31:20.    32:7.    61:3,4.  90:  I 
J.    Is.  8:14.  Ez.  11:16.   1  John 
4:15,16. 

*  Heb.  iod^e.  25:13.  mars'. 

b  17:8.  36:7.  57:1.     Judg.  9:15. 


Cant.  2:3.     Is.  4:5,6.     Lam.  4; 
20. 
c   9.     18:2.     46:1.    71:3.     142:5. 
Deut.      32:30,31.     33:27—29. 
Prov.  18:10. 


uous  current  of  time  hurries  mortals,  as  in  a  sleep, 
into  eternity,  where  most  of  them  first  awake,  and 
lift  up  their  eyes:  and  all  the  external  splendor 
and  gaiety,  which  excite  the  envj^,  the  desires,  or 
the  admiration  of  the  thoughtless  beholder,  are 
destroyed  and  withered  as  in  a  moment.  [JYote, 
Luke  16:22,23.)  So  that  the  supposed  pleasure  of 
a  worldly  life  passes  as  a  "tale  that  is  told,"  and 
generally,  taken  altogether,  it  proves  a  doleful 
tale.  Few  in  comparison  reach  the  seventy  years 
assigned  as  the  date  of  man's  present  life;  and  if 
a  small  number  linger  out  a  longer  space,  their 
lives  are  but  a  continuation  of  labor  and  sorrow, 
and  soon  tliey  are  "cut  off  and  fly  away." — But 
wherefore  has  the  Lord,  as  it  were,  made  all  men 
thus  in  vain.''  [J^Tote,  89:46 — 48.)  To  this  inquiry 
the  scriptural,  and  the  only  rational  answer  is, 
that  we  are  a  company  of  condemned  criminals, 
and  are  thus  "troubled  and  consumed  by  his  an- 
ger;" he  has  his  ej'e  upon  our  most  secret  sins,  as 
well  as  our  more  open  iniquities,  on  the  past,  as 
well  as  the  present:  and  therefore  we  pass  our  days 
in  his  deserved  wrath.  The  sentence  of  temporal 
death  is  gone  forth,  and  is  irreversible,  however 
the  time  and  circumstances  of  it  may  vary.  This 
indeed  is  very  little,  compared  with  "the  wrath  to 
come:"  yet  alas!  how  few  seem  to  understand  or 
regard  the  powerful  wrath  of  that  God,  who  is 
able  to  destroj'  body  and  soul  in  hell;  though  no 
apprehensions  can  possibly  equal  the  terror  of  it! 
Instead  then  of  wasting  our  precious  fleeting  days 
in  pursuing  the  phantoms  of  the  world,  which 
elude  our  grasp,  and  will  leave  their  possessors 
for  ever  poor;  we  should  employ  ourselves  in 
seeking  forgiveness  of  sins  and  an  inheritance  in 
heaven.  Let  us  earnestly  pray,  that  the  Lord 
would  so  teach  us  to  consider  the  shortness  and 
uncertainty  of  life,  and  the  proportion  of  it  which 
is  already  past;  perhaps  thirty,  forty,  fifty,  sixty, 
or  more  of  our  threescore  years  and  ten;  that  we 
raa^  apply  our  hearts  to  this  true  wisdom.  A 
proper  attention  to  this  "one  thing  needful"  will 
prove  us  wise  to  eternity,  whatever  else  be  re- 
nounced or  neglected:  but  inattention  to  it  will 
stigmatize  us  as  fools  for  ever,  though  we  should 
gain  the  whole  world.  [J^ote,  Luke  12:15 — 21.)  If 
this  grand  interest  be  safe,  the  shortness  of  life 
may  rather  be  matter  of  mutual  congratulation 
than  condolence:  and  as  to  the  evils  that  we  feel 
or  witness,  persevering  prayer  will  prevail  either 
for  a  mitigation  of  them,  or  comfort  under  them. 
Whatever  else  be  withheld,  the  mercy  and  favor 
of  our  God  will  satisfy  our  souls:  and  in  commun- 
ion with  him  we  may  "rejoice  and  be  glad  all 
our  days,"  even  in  this  miserable  world.  'These 
'are  the  days  wherein  God  afilicteth  us,  these  the 
'years  wherein  we  see  evil:  but  he  will  hereafter 
'make  us  glad  according  to  them. ...  "Ttiese  light 
'afilicf.ions,  which  are  but  for  a  moment,  work  for 
'us  a  far  more  exceeding  and  eternal  weight  of  I 
'glory."  Then  shall  our  joy  be  increased,  and  re- 
'ceive  an  additional  relish.  Yi-oin  the  remembrance ' 
'of  our  former  sorrow;  then  shall  ive  bless  the  1 
314] 


Refuge  and  my  Fortress;  "*  my  God,  ®  in 
him  will  I  trust. 

3  Surely  he  shall  deliver  thee  from 
^  the  snare  of  the  fowler,  ^  and  from  the 
noisome  pestilence. 

4  He  shall  ^  cover  thee  with  his  feath- 
ers, and  under  his  wings  shalt  thou  trust: 

his  truth  shall  be  thy  shield  and  buckler. 


d   43:4.    48:14.     67:6,7.       Gen. 

17:7.     Deut.    26:17—19.     Jer. 

31:1.    Luke  20:38.  Heb.  11:16. 
e  62:5—8.     Is.  12:2.  26:3,4. 
f  124.7.   141:9.  Prov.  7:23.    Ec. 

9:12.     Hos.    9:8.     Am.   3:5.    1 

Tim.  6;9.     2  Tim.  2:26. 


g  6.    Num.  14:37,38.    16:46 — IS. 

2  Sam.  24:15.  Job  5:19—22. 
h  61:4.  Deut.  32.11.    Ruth  2:12. 

Matt.  23:37. 
i  89:23,24.    138:2.     Gen.   15:1. 

Is.  43:1,2.     Mark  13:31.     Tit. 

1:2.   Heb.  6:17,18. 


'daj's  and  the  years,  which  exercised  our  faith, 
'and  perfected  our  patience;  and  then  shall  we 
'bless  God,  who  chastised  us  for  a  season,  that  be 
'might  save  us  for  ever.'  Bp.  Home. — In  the 
mean  while,  we  should  lay  ourselves  out  to  do 
what  good  we  can  in  this  evil  world,  and  especial- 
ly to  such  as  are  likely  to  survive  us;  earnestly 
and  constantly  praying,  that  the  work  of  redeem- 
ing love  may  be  more  and  more  made  known,  in 
its  glory  and  efiicacy,  to  our  souls;  that  we  may 
more  fully  experience  the  sanctification  and  con- 
solation of  the  Holy  Spirit;  that  the  beauty  of  ho- 
liness, even  the  divine  image,  may  be  evidently 
visible  in  all  our  character  and  conduct;  that  the 
same  blessings,  in  still  larger  proportion,  may  be 
extended  to  our  children  and  more  remote  pos- 
terity; that  the  Lord  would  "establish  the  works 
of  our  hands  upon  us,"  when  we  are  about  to  be 
taken  from  them,  can  no  more  do  any  thing  re- 
specting them,  and  perhaps  are  leaving  them  in 
an  unfinished,  unsettled,  and  unpromising  situa- 
tion. This  especially  should  be  our  prayer,  if 
employed  in  the  sacred  ministry,  or  other  impor- 
tant services;  and  also  that  he  would  illuminate 
his  church  with  the  light  and  beauty  of  his  truth 
and  purity,  and  establish  the  Redeemer's  kingdom 
and  work  throughout  the  whole  earth. 
NOTES. 
Psalm  XCI.  V.  1,2.  It  is  probable  that  Da- 
vid wrote  this  psalm,  though  his  name  is  not  pre- 
fixed to  it.  'The  authorof  this  Psalm  is  not  known, 
'but  the  occasion  seems  to  have  been  some  great 
'pestilence,  in  which  the  Psalmist  commends  a 
'humble  confidence  in  God  and  an  ardent  love  to 
'him,  as  the  best  security,  both  in  that  and  in  all 
'other  dangers. ...  The  Talmudists  call  it,  A  Song 
'■of  evil  spirits.''  Bp.  Patrick.  "The  secret  place 
of  the  most  High,"  may  be  an  allusion  to  the  ark 
of  the  covenant,  fixed  in  the  most  holy  place,  as 
in  a  secret  pavilion;  and  may  denote  the  security 
and  tranquillity  arising  from  confidence  in  God, 
and  communion  with  him,  at  his  mercy-seat. 
[Jfotes,  27:4—6.  31:19,20.)— By  faith  and  prayer, 
believers  put  themselves  under  the  protection  of 
God,  relying  on  his  power,  wisdom,  truth,  and 
love;  and  thus  they  dwell  in  an  invisible  fortress, 
and  are  secured  by  an  almighty  Friend,  in  a  way 
kept  secret  from  the  unbelieving  world  around 
them.  {J\'ijte,  Col.  3:1—4.)  While  the  Psalmist 
recommended  this  Refuge  and  Rest  to  others,  he 
avows  his  purpose  to  avail  himself  of  it,  and  to 
place  his  entire  confidence  in  the  Lord.  (JVo^es, 
14—16.  84:11,12.  90:1,2.  Gen.  15:1.  17:1—3.  2 
Sam.  22:2,3.  Prov.  18:10,11.)— The  two  verses, 
however,  may  be  thus  rendered,  "He  that  dwell- 
eth in  the  secret  place  of  the  most  High,  shall 
lodge  under  the  shadow  of  the  Almighty;  saying 
of  the  Lord,  My  Refuge  and  my  Fortress."  In 
every  dark  season  of  affliction  and  danger,  he 
shall  have  security  and  comfort,  while  with  his 
heart  he  relies  on  the  Almighty,  and  with  his  lips 
avows  that  his  expectation  is  from  him  alone. 
{JIarg.  Ref.) 


B.  C.  1017. 


PSALM  XCI. 


B.  C.   1017. 


5  ^  Thou  shall  not  be  afraid  for  '  the 
terror  by  night:  wor  ""  for  the  arrow  that 
flieth  by  day; 

6  JYor  for  "  the  pestilence  that  walk- 
eth  in  darkness;  "  nor  for  the  destruction 
that  wasteth  at  noon-day. 

7  P  A  thousand  shall  fall  at  thy  side, 
and  ten  thousand  at  thy  right  hand;  but 
it  shall  not  come  nigh  thee. 

8  1 0nly  with  thine  eyes  shalt  thou 
behold,  and  see  "■  the  reward  of  the 
wicked. 

9  Because  *  thou  hast  made  the 
Lord  which  is  my  Refuge,  even  *■  the 
most  High,  thy  Habitation; 

10  "  There  shall  no  evil  befal  thee, 
^  neither  shall  any  plague  come  nigh  thy 
dwelling. 

11  For    y  he    shall    give    his    angels 


k    3:6.     27:1—3.     46:2.     112:7. 

Prov.  28:1.    Matt.  8:26.    Heb. 

13:6. 
1  3:5.     2  Kings  7:6.    .Tob  4:13— 

15.     24:14-16.     Prov.    3:23— 

2.5.  Is.  21:4.    Luke  12:20,39. 
m  Job  6:4.     Lara.  3:12,13. 
n  121:6.   Ex.  12:29,30.    2  Kin^s 

19:35. 
o  Num.    16:48.     2  Sam.    24:15. 

Matt.  24:6,7.     1  Cor.  10:6—10. 
1>  32:6.      Gen.   7:23.    Ex.   12: 


12,13.     Num.  14:37,38.     Josh. 

14:10. 
q  37:34.  58:10,11.  92:11.     Mai. 

1:.5. 
r  Is.  3:11.     Heb.  2:2. 
s  142:4,5.   146:5,6. 
t  1.    71:3.  90:1. 
u  121:7.    Prov.  12:21.     Rom.  8: 

28. 
z  Deut.  7:15.     Job  5:24. 
y  34:7.     2  Kings  6:16,17.   Matt. 

4:6.     Luke  4:10.     Heb.  1:14. 


V.  3 — 8.  Under  a  variety  of  expressions,  in 
the  most  beautiful  style  of  eastern  poetry,  the 
Psalmist  represents  the  manifold  dangers  to  which 
believers  are  exposed,  from  the  wickedness  of 
men,  and  from  pestilences  and  diseases  in  all  their 
multiplied  forms;  and  the  protection  which  they 
find  under  the  mercy,  faithfulness,  and  power  of 
the  Almighty.  {Marg.  Ref.—Jfotes,  36:5—9. 
Ruth  2:11,12.  Job  5:18—27.  JVIa«.  23:37— 39.) 
Yet  these  are  only  a  shadow  of  the  perils  by  which 
their  souls  are  threatened,  from  the  subtlety  and 
power  of  Satan,  the  plausible  delusions  of  false 
teachers,  the  terrors  of  persecutors,  the  allure- 
ments of  flattery  and  prosperity,  the  infectious 
■wickedness  of  the  world,  and  the  depravity  and 
deceitfulness  of  their  own  hearts.  Yet  from  all 
these  formidable  perils  and  enemies,  they  "are 
kept  by  the  power  of  God  through  faith  unto  sal- 
vation." [J^Tote,  1  Pet.  1:3— 5.)— The  Septuagint 
render  the  clause,  "the  destruction  that  wasteth 
at  noon-day,"  (6)  Saifioviu  fitanfi^pivu  Hhe  noon-day 
demon.''  'Avarice  and  ambition  are  abroad  in  the 
'day;  while  concupiscence  like  a  pestilence  walk- 
'eth  in  darkness.  In  adversity  the  soul  is  disturb- 
'ed  by  terrors;  in  prosperity,  still  more  endanger- 
«ed  by, pleasures.  But  Jesus  Christ  has  overcome 
'the  world,  to  prevent  us  from  being  overcome  by 
'it.'  Bp.  Home.  {JVote,  John  lb:3\— 23.)  Yet, 
as  thousands  and  ten  thousands  fall,  during  a  fatal 
pestilence,  while  others  witnessing  the  desolations 
are  preserved;  so  immense  multitudes  are  swept 
into  destruction   by  delusions   and    temptations, 

while  a  few  escape  to  mourn  over  them 'The 

'go'lly  shall  have  some  ex|ierience  of  God's  judg- 
'ments  against  the  wicked  even  in  this  life;  hut 
'fully  they  shall  see  it  at  that  day  when  all  things 
<shail  be  revealed.'  [J^ofcs,  92:1 1.  .Matt.  25:31— 
46.  Rom.  2:4—6.  2  Thes.  1:.5— 10.  i^ei'.  20:11  — 
15.) 

V.  9,  10.  These  verses  are  thus  rendered  in 
the  old  version.  ^^For  thou  ha.it  xai/l,  the  Lord 
is  mine  Hope,  thou  hast  set  the  most  High  for  thy 


charge   over   thee,   to   keep  thee  ^  in  ail 
thy  ways. 

12  ^They  shall  bear  thee  up  in  their 
hands,  •'  lest  thou  dash  thy  foot  against  a 
stone. 

13  Thou  shalt  *=  tread  upon  the  Hon 
''  and  *  adder:  the  young  Hon  and  ®  the 
dragon  shalt  thou  trample  under  feet. 

14  ^Because  he  hath  set  his  love 
upon  me,  therefore  will  I  deliver  him: 
s  I  will  set  him  on  high,  "^  because  he 
hath  known  my  name. 

15  '  He  shall  call  upon  me,  and  I  will 
answer  him:  ^  I  will  be  with  him  in 
trouble;  '  I  will  deliver  him,  ""  and  honor 
him. 

16  "  With  tlong  life  will  I  satisfy  him, 
and  °  shew  him  my  salvation. 


z  Prov.  3:6.     Is.  31:1.     Jer.  2:  | 

18. 
a  Is.  46:3.  63:9. 

b  37:24.     Job  5:23.    Prov.  3:23. 
cJudg.    14:5,6.      1  Sam.    17:37. 

Dan.  6:22.     2  Tim.  4:17. 
d  Mark   16:18.     Acts   28:3—6. 

Rom.  16:20. 
*Or,  asp.   Rom.  3:13. 
e  Is.  27:1.    Rev.  12:9.  20:1,2. 
(9.     1  Chr.   29:3.     John  14:23. 

16:27.     Rom.  8:28.    Jam.  1:12. 

2:5. 
g59:l.  Mar^.  89:16,17.  Is.  33: 

16.     Phil.  2:9— 11. 
h9:l0.  John  17:3.     Gal.  4:9. 


i  10:17.    18:3.    50:15.     Is.   58:9. 

Jer.  29:12,13.  33  3.     Rom.  10: 

12,13.     Heb.  5:7. 
k23:4.   138:7.    Is.  41:10.  43:1,2. 

Matt  38:20.  John  16:32.    Acts 

18:9,10.  2  Tim.  4:17, 
1  37:40.  2  Cor.  1:9,10. 
m  1  Sam.  2:30.     John  5:44.   12: 

26,43.     1  Pet.  1:21.    3:22.  5:4. 

Rev.  3:21. 
n21:4.     Gen.  25:8.     Job    5:26. 

Prov.  3:16.    19.65:20—22. 
t  Heb.  length  of  days. 
o  16:11.    50:23.  Is.  15:17.    Luke 

2:30.  3:6. 


Eefuge.  There  shall  none  evil  come  unto  thee, 
&c."  'Because  this  is  thy  avowed  and  real  confi- 
'dence,  therefore  thou  art  and  shalt  be  safe  and 
'happy,  and  thy  family  shall  for  thy  sake  share  the 
'blessing.'   {JYotes,  121:.5— 8.  125:1.) 

V,  11,  12.  The  Lord  is  pleased  to  employ  the 
ministration  of  his  holj'  angels,  for  the  protection 
of  his  people  from  outward  harm,  "in  all  their 
ways"  while  in  the  path  of  duty:  but  if  they  de- 
sert their  post  and  path,  they  are  not  warranted 
to  depend  on  that  protection:  and  not  angels,  but 
the  Holy  Spirit  must  inwardly  guide  them  in  his 
ways,  or  bring  them  back  when  thej'  wander. 
(JVofes,  Gen.  24:2— 9.  Heb.  1:13,14.)— The  muti- 
lated and  sophistical  quotation  which  Satan  made 
of  this  text,  in  tempting  our  Savior,  seems  to  im- 
ply, that  the  Messiah  was  supposed  to  be  princi- 
pally., though  not  exclusively  meant.  This  might 
be,  and  probably  was  the  case;  but  the  subtle  en- 
emy that  misquoted.,  could  also  misapply  the  sacred 
scripture:  and  his  testimony  contains  no  proof. 
[Jfote,  Matt.  4.5—7.) 

V.  13.  By  these  figurative  expressions  taken 
from  the  fiercest  of  beasts,  and  most  poisonous  of 
serpents.  Satan  and  his  progeny  of  wicked  men 
are  figuratively  described,  who  persecute  the 
people  of  God,  or  attempt  to  terrify  or  seduce 
them  from  their  duty;  but  over  whom  they  shall 
at  length  triumph  as  their  Captain  has  already 
triumphed.  [Marg.  Re/.~JVotes,  Gen.  3:I4,!5. 
Mark  16:17,18.  Luke  \0:]  1—20.  i2om.  8:32— 39. 
16:17—20.  Rev.  12:7—12.  20:1—3.) 

V.  14—16.  'To  assure  the  faithful  of  God's 
'protection,  he  bringeth  in  God  himself  to  con- 
'firm  the  same.'  So  that  Jehovah  himself  is  here 
introduced  as  tlie  Speaker;  and  the  persons  in- 
tended are  charayterized.  They  have  known 
the  name  of  the  Lord,  and  set  their  love  on  him, 
delighting  themselves  in  him,  cleaving  to  him  in 
reverent  and  holy  love,  expecting  aU  their  hap- 
piness from  him,  and  seeking  help  from  him  by 
the  persevering  prayer  of  faith,   and  fervently 

[31.5 


B.  C.   1017. 


PSALM  XCI. 


B.  C.  1017, 


thirsting-  for  him,  and*  for  his  favor,  and  the  lig-ht 
of  his  countenance.  Persons  of  this  character 
he  will  deliver,  honor,  exalt,  and  satisfy  with 
long  life;  if  not  here,  yet  in  heaven,  where  he 
will  shew  them  his  complete  salvation.  [J\larg. 
Re/.— J^otes, 9:1— 12.21:1— 1.  34:15—20.  1  Chr. 
28:9.  Lnke  2:25— -32.  John  17:1—3.  Rom.  8:28— 
31.  2  Tan.  1:11,12.) — Even  the  most  encourag- 
ing promises  of  Scripture  imply,  that  "in  this 
world"  the  best  Christians  "must  have  tribula- 
tion;" by  engaging  that  the  Lord  will  afford  them 
liis  gracious  presence  under  all  their  troubles  and 
trials. 

The  following  view  of  this  beautiful  Psalm, 
with  an  interchange  of  speakers,  which  has  been 
transmitted  to  me,  seems  worthy  of  consideration. 
'Imagine  the  Psalmist  to  have  been  addressing 
'himself  to  some  person  hopefully  disposed  to- 
'wards  religion,  in  sentiments  and  language  of 
'which  the  first  verse  affords  a  specimen:  this 
'person  being  much  affected  and  confirmed  in  his 
'religious  purpose  by  the  discourse,  comes  to  the 
'resolution  of  the  second  verse,  "I  will  say,  &c." 
'Encouraged  and  excited  by  this  success,  the 
'Psalmist  resumes  the  conversation,  and  in  yet 
'more  animated  strains  sets  forth  the  security  and 
'blessedness  of  the  man  "whose  hope  the  Lord 
'is:"  "Surely,"  (if  you  do  so,)  "he  will  deliver, 
'&c."  The  Almighty  himself  at  the  fourteenth 
'verse,  assumes  the  part  of  the  Speaker,  and  con- 
'firms  all  that  his  servant  had  urged,  and  thus  the 
'Psalm  concludes.' 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  divine  protection  and  consolation,  which 
believers  enjoy,  are  deemed  visionary  by  ungodly 
men:  but  they  really  do  abide  and  repose  under 
"the  shadow  of  the  Almighty,"  which  the  scorch- 
ing sun  of  temptation  and  tribulation  cannot  pen- 
etrate, and  in  a  fortress  which  no  power  of  the 
enemy  can  force.  {J^otes,  Is.  32:1,2.  33:15,16. 
JMalt.  23:37 — 39.)  Let  then  sinners  come  to  him 
upon  his  mercy-seat,  through  the  Redeemer's 
name:  and  let  those  who  have  experienced  his 
salvation,  boldly  avow  their  confidence  in  him, 
and  encourage  others  also  to  trust  in  him. — Eve- 
ry man  must  perceive,  that  in  this  world  we  are 
exposed  to  innumerable  evils  and  perils,  from 
which  no  prudence,  courage,  or  strength  of  our 
own  can  secure  us:  and  it  must  be  allowed  de- 
sirable in  the  highest  degree,  to  have  an  al- 
mighty, omnipresent,  and  omniscient  Protector, 
who  is  likewise  infinite  in  goodness,  mercy,  and 
truth:  One,  that  can  preserve  our  lives  from  fam- 
ine, pestilence,  and  sudden  death;  from  the  des- 
olations of  war,  the  open  assaults  of  robbers  and 
murderers;  from  the  dark  designs  of  false  accus- 
ers and  perjurers;  and  from  innumerable  evils  to 
which  we  are  exposed  by  day  and  by  night. 
But  those,  who  violate  the  commands  and  neg- 
lect the  salvation  of  the  Lord,  cannot  possi- 
bly have  any  well  grounded  confidence  in  his 
protection:  and  should  he  bear  with  their  provo- 
cations, and  continue  their  lives  for  many  years; 
yet  except  they  repent  they  must  at  length  per- 
ish in  their  sins.  He  therefore,  who  is  aware  of 
his  real  situation,  discovers  far  more  formidable 
evils  to  which  he  is  exposed,  than  those  which 
liave  been  above  mentioned.  He  wants  a  refuge 
from  the  deserved  wrath  of  God,  and  from  the 
miseries  of  the  eternal  world.  He  needs  an  effec- 
tual and  permanent  deliverance  from  Satan,  who 
takes  men  captive  at  his  will,  as  the  fowler  en- 
snares the  unsuspecting  bird;  (JVb<e,  2  Tim.  2: 
23 — 26.)  who  appears  as  a  roaring  lion  when  he 
excites  persecution  against  the  church,  or  as  a 
subtle  serpent  and  a  destructive  dragon,  when 
he  opposes  the  faith  with  seducing  lies,  vain  rea- 
sonings, fascinating  flatteries,  or  proffered  secu- 
lar advantages;  or  when  he  transforms  himself 
316] 


into  an  angel  of  light  to  deceive  men  with  false 
religion.  {.N'ote,2  Cor.  11:1—6,13—15.  Rev.  12: 
7 — 12.)  He  wants  also  protection  against  the 
pestilence  of  a  wicked  world;  that  he  may  not  be 
infected  with  fashionable  or  epidemical  vices, 
which  form  "a  destruction  that  wasteth  at  the 
noon  day;"  or  by  any  other  more  silent  and  un- 
suspected contagion  of  example,  influence,  or 
false  principles,  which  constitute  "a  pestilence 
that  walketh  in  darkness:"  nay,  he  is  sensible, 
that  the  remainder  of  corrupt  nature  often  ren- 
ders solitude  as  dangerous,  as  the  world  itself 
can  be.  He  also  longs  to  be  delivered  from  the 
terror  of  these  evils,  and  to  be  assured  that  he 
shall  not  at  last  perish  with  the  multitudes,  who 
are  on  every  side  thronging  the  road  to  destruc- 
tion. This  security  and  assurance  the  Chris- 
tian seeks  as  his  principal  object:  being  persuad- 
ed, that  if  his  eternal  interests  be  safe,  the  Lord 
will  manage  all  his  inferior  and  temporal  con- 
cerns wisely  and  well;  and  preserve  his  life  on 
earth  as  long  as  is  good  for  him,  to  whatever  per- 
ils it  maj'  seem  exposed.  For  his  encourage- 
ment in  this  grand  concern,  he  by  faith  daily 
looks  unto  Jesus:  he  contemplates  the  beloved 
Son  of  God,  boldly  and  patiently  marching  for- 
ward on  his  perilous  and  rugged  path;  entirely 
preserved  from  the  combined  hosts  of  foes  which 
beset  his  road,  and  made  completely  victorious 
over  them;  in  no  degree  entangled  by  any  of 
Satan's  snares,  injured  by  any  of  his  fiery  darts, 
or  terrified  by  his  furious  assaults;  and  not  in  the 
least  infected  by  the  pestilence  of  sin,  the  con- 
tagious love  of  the  world,  or  the  fear  of  man.  He 
considers  the  Redeemer  upheld  by  the  arm  of 
the  Lord,  ministered  unto  by  angels,  trampling 
upon  the  head  of  Satan,  overcoming  the  world, 
and  triumphing  over  the  king  of  terrors.  He 
hears  the  Father  say  of  him,  "Because  he  hath 
set  his  love  upon  me,  therefore  will  I  deliver 
him;  I  will  set  him  on  high,  because  he  hath 
known  my  name:"  and  while  he  recollects  that 
the  Redeemer's  conflicts,  sufferings,  and  exalta- 
tion were  all  intended  for  the  benefit  of  his  true 
disciples;  he  finds  himself  animated  with  a  holy 
courage,  to  deny  himself  and  take  up  his  cross, 
and  follow  him.  Relying  on  the  truth  and  mer- 
cy of  God,  through  the  Savior's  great  atone- 
ment, he  has  come  to  "put  his  trust  under  the 
shadow  of  his  wings;"  and  to  shelter  his  soul  un- 
der his  word,  as  his  "shield  and  buckler."  He 
now  knows  the  name  of  the  Lord,  and  has  seen 
some  beams  of  his  glory:  he  has  set  his  affections 
on  things  above,  and  given  his  heart  unto  the 
Lord,  and  desires  to  love  him  more  and  more: 
he  now  lives  by  faith,  and  daily  calls  upon  the 
Lord  for  all  he  wants.  Dangers,  temptations, 
fears,  and  troubles,  make  him  more  to  prize  his 
Refuge  and  Rest.  In  many  a  sharp  conflict  he 
comes  off  victorious;  many  a  danger  he  narrowly 
escapes;  thousands  go  on  in  sin,  or  fall  away 
from  their  professed  devotedness  to  God;  yet,  by 
a  sort  of  miracle,  he  finds  himself  preserved:  no 
real  evil  comes  upon  him,  nor  is  any  plague  al- 
lowed to  come  nigh  his  dwelling-place.  Often 
he  experiences  extraordinary  protection  in  Prov- 
idence: and  he  has  the  comfort  to  know,  that  all 
the  angels  in  heaven  are  "ministering  spirits  to 
the  heirs  of  salvation."  His  chief  fear  is,  lest  he 
should  be  drawn  aside  from  the  path  of  duty:  but 
he  prays  to  be  led  and  upheld  in  it,  and  to  be  re- 
stored with  rebukes  and  corrections  ifhe  wander. 
At  length  the  conflict  ends,  and  he  is  crowned 
conqueror,  and  has  done  for  ever  with  trouble, 
sin,  and  temptation:  he  "is  set  on  high,"  and 
honored  in  the  presence  of  the  angels  of  God; 
and  "with  his  eyes  shall  he  behold,  and  see  the 
reward  of  the  wicked."  O  Lord,  visit  our  souls 
with  this  salvation,  and  this  "length  of  days  even 
for  ever  and  ever."    Amen. 


B.  C.  104S. 


PSALM  XCII. 


B.  C.   1045. 


PSALM   XCII. 

TliP  Psalmist  shews  that  it  is  good  to  be  thankful,  to  praise  GoJ, 
and  to  Cfilebi-ate  his  perfections  and  works,  1 — 5.  He  con- 
trasts the  judgments  of  God  on  the  wicked,  with  the  abiding 
felicity  of  the  righteous,  6 — 15. 

A  Psalm  or  Song  ^  for  the  Sabbalh-Day. 

JT  is  a    ''good   thing  to  give  thanks 
unto   the   Lord,  and  to  sing  praises 
unto  thy  name,  *^  O  most  High: 

2  To  '^  shew  forth  thy  loving-kindness 
in  the  morning,  and  thy  faithfulness 
*  every  night: 

3  ®  Upon  an  instrument  of  ten  strings, 
and  upon  the  psaltery;  upon  t  the  hai'p 
with  X  a  solemn  sound. 

4  For  thou.  Lord,  '  hast  made  me 
glad  through  thy  work:  I  will  triumph  in 
the  works  of  thy  hands. 

5  O    Lord,     s  how    great    are    thy 

6.  2  Chr.  29:25. 

f  Or,  the  solemn  sound  Tcith  the 
karp, 

X  Heb.    Higgaion.  9:16. 

f  64:10.  104:31,34.  106:47,48. 
126:3.  145:6,7.  Is.  61:2—11. 
65:13,14.  66:10,11.  Jer.  31:7, 
11  —  13.  Zeph  3:14—16.  Luke 
1:47.  John  16:22.  2  Cor.  2: 
14.     Rev.   18:20. 

g40:5.  66:3.  104:24.  111:2.  145: 
3,4.     Rev.  15:3. 


a    Is.     58:13,14.       Heb.    4:9. 

Marg.      Rev.  4:8 — 11. 
b33:l.  50.-23.  52:9.   54:6.  73:28. 

107:1,8,15,21,22.     135:3.    147:1. 

Eph.  5:19.     Heb.  13:15. 
c  8.  82:6.   Is.  57:15.     Dan.  4:34 

—37.  5:13.  Acts  7:48,49. 
d  71:15.  89:1,2.    145:2.    Is.  63:7. 

Lam.  3:22,23.     John  1:17. 
*  Heb.  in  the  nights.  42:8.    77: 

2.  Job  35:10.     Acts  16:25. 
e33:2.  57:3.  68:25.  81:2,3.   149: 

3.  150:3—5.    1  Chr.  15:16.   25: 


NOTES. 
Psalm  XCII.  Title.  The  writer  of  this 
psalm  is  not  mentioned,  and  the  Jews  have  many 
absurd  traditions  respecting  it:  but  in  all  proba- 
bility, David  composed  it,  about  the  time  that 
the  ark  was  conveyed  to  mount  Zion,  to  be  used 
in  the  worship  at  the  sanctuary  on  the  sabbath 
days.  [J^otes,  1  Chr.  15:16.  16:7.)  Indeed  the 
sabbath  was  origfinaily  intended  to  give  men 
leisure  and  opportunity  for  contemplating  the 
works  of  God,  and  rendering  him  worship  and 
praise.  (JVb/le*,  Gen.  2:2,3.  Ex.  20:8—10.  /*. 
58:13,14.  Mark  2:27,28.  i7e6.  4:3— 11.) 

V.  1,2.  'It  is  no  less  delightful,  than  it  is 
'profitable,  to  sing  hymns  in  the  praise  of  the 
'divine  perfections,  which  infinitely  transcend  all 
'that  can  be  said  or  thought  of  them. ...  This  is  the 
'sweetest  employment  in  the  morning;  and  no 
'entertainment  can  equal  it  at  night.'  Bp.  Pat- 
rick. The  majesty  and  greatness  of  God,  with 
his  loving-kindness  in  promising  a  Savior  and 
salvation,  and  his  faithfulness  in  performing  his 
promises,  are  especially  noticed.  {JIarg.  Ref. — 
JVbfes,  33:1.  89:1—4.   145:1,2.) 

V.  3.  Harp,  &c.]  Or,  "With  a  meditation," 
or  song,  "on  the  harp."  Perhaps  the  tune  is 
meant.  [Marg.—Jfotes,  9:13,16.  33:2,3.  130:3 
—6.   1  Chr.  16']  4— 6.) 

V.  4,  5.  The  wisdom,  power,  and  goodness  of 
God,  displayed  in  the  works  of  creation  and  prov- 
idence, are  worthy  of  all  admiration  and  grati- 
tude: and  the  Psalmist  had  experienced  much  of 
the  tender  care  of  the  Lord  towards  him,  and 
perceived  many  deep  counsels  and  purposes  of 
his  wisdom,  in  all  the  events  of  his  past  life.  Yet 
it  is  probable  that  he  was  led  by  the  Holy  Spirit 
to  look  forward  to  the  great  work  of  redemption, 
by  the  promised  Messiah,  as  the  ground  of  his 
hope,  the  source  of  his  triumph  and  joy,  and  the 
chief  subject  of  his  praise. — 'AH  are  too  little,  O 
'Lord,  to  express  the  joy  I  have  in  the  acts  of 
'thy  providence,  by  whom  as  the  world  was  made, 
'so  it  is  still  governed.  It  ravishes  my  spirit,  and 
'makes  me  shout  for  joy,  to  think  how  excellently 


works!     and    ''  thy    thoughts     are     very 
' deep. 

6  "^  A  brutish  man  knoweth  jioi; 
neither  doth  •  a  fool  understand  this. 

7  When  '"the  wicked  spring  as  the 
grass,  and  when  "  all  the  workers  of 
iniquity  do  flourish;  "  it  is  that  they  shall 
be  destroyed  for  ever. 

8  But  thou.  Lord,  p  art  most  high 
for  evermore. 

9  ^  For,  lo,  thine  enemies,  O  Lord, 
for,  lo,  thine  enemies  shall  perish;  all 
the  workers  of  iniquity  shall  be  ""  scat- 
tered. 

10  But  ^  my  horn  shalt  thou  exalt 
hke  the  horn  of  ^  an  unicorn:  "  I  shall 
be  anointed  with  fresh  oil. 


h  139:17.  Is.  28:29.  55:8,9.  Jer. 

23:20.     Rom.  11:33,34. 
i  64:6.  i:c.  7:24.    1  Cor.  2:10. 
k  32:9.    73:22.    94:8.     Prov.  30: 

2.   Is.  1:3.    Jer.  10:14.     1  Cor. 

2:14. 
114:1.49:10.75:4.     Prov.  1:22. 

24:7.     Luke  12:20. 
m  37:2.    90:5,6.     103:15,16.    Is. 

37:27.     40:6,7.     Jam.    1:10,11. 

1  Pet.  1:24. 
n  7.3:12.      Job   12:6.     21:7—12. 

Jer.  12:1.     Mai.  3:15. 
o  37:35,36,38.  73:18—20.  1  Sara. 

25:36—38.    Prov.  1:32.     Luke 


16:19—25. 
p  83:18.     102:26,27.     Ex.  18:11. 

Ec.  5:8.     Dan.  4:34,35.     Acts 

12:1,22—24. 
q  21:8,9.    37:20.    68:1,2.    73:27. 

Judg.    5:31.      Luke     19:27.    2 

Thes.  1:7-9. 
r  1:4.  59:11.  68:30.    Lev.  26:33. 

Num.  10:35.     Deut.  23:64.    Is. 

17:13.    Ez.  5:12.     Luke  21:24. 
9  89:17.24.     112:9.     132:17.148: 

14.  1  Sam.  2:1,10.    Luke  1:69. 
t  Num.  23:22.  24:S. 
u  23:5.  45:7. 


'thou  orderest  and  disposest  all  things.  ...  Whose 
'administration,  though  I  cannot  fully  compre- 
'hend,  yet  I  admire  ...  the  astonishing  greatness 
'of  thy  works,  and  reverence  the  unsearchable 
'depths  of  thy  counsels  and  designs.'  Bp.  Pat- 
rick.— 'A  prospect  of  creation,  in  the  vernal  sea- 
'son,  fallen  as  it  is,  inspires  the  mind  with  a  J03', 
'which  no  words  can  express.  But  how  doth  the 
'regenerate  soul  exult  and  triumph  at  beholding 
'that  "work"  of  God's  "hands,"  whereby  he  hath 
'created  all  things  anew  in  Christ  Jesus!  If  we 
'can  be  pleased  with  such  a  world  as  this,  where 
'sin  and  death  have  fixed  their  habitation,  shall 
'we  not  much  rather  admire  those  other  heavens 
'and  that  other  earth,  wherein  dwell  rig'hteousness 
'and  life.?'  Bp.  Home.  [J^otes,  19:1 — 1 1.  40:1  — 
5.  71:17—24.   86:6—8.  1.39:14.  Rom.    11:33—36.) 

V.  6,  7.  "The  natural  man  receiveth  not  the 
things  of  the  Spirit  of  God:  for  they  are  foolish- 
ness unto  him:  neither  can  he  know  them,  because 
they  are  spiritually  discerned."  (JVb/e,  1  Cor.  2: 
14 — 16.)  So  that,  while  the  sensualist,  who,  like 
the  brutes,  seeks  his  happiness  in  animal  indul- 
gence, takes  no  pleasure  in  contemplating  the 
works  of  creation  and  providence,  and  is  incapa- 
ble of  perceiving  or  admiring  the  glory  of  God 
displayed  in  them;  all  other  unregenerate  men  (the 
persons  denominated  /bo/*  in  scripture,)  are  inca- 
pable of  discerning  or  delighting  in  the  works  of 
God,  especially  in  the  glorious  and  harmonious 
display  of  the  divine  perfections,  in  the  work  of 
man's  redemption  and  salvation.  And  not  only 
the  sensualist,  but  all  worldly  men  in  general,  not 
excepting  the  most  renowned  for  wisdom,  sagaci- 
ty, and  learning,  being  destitute  of  faith  and 
spiritual  discernment,  are  blind  to  the  tendency 
and  eternal  consequences  of  ungodly  prosperity 
and  pleasure.  {Marg.  Ref.—JSTotes,  37:35—38. 
73:18—22.  1  Sam.  25:36—38.  Luke  12: 15—21.  16: 
19—25.) 

V.  8,  9.  JSIarg.  Ref.—JVotes,  21:8—12.  68:1  — 
3.  h.  41:10—16.  2  Thes.  1:5—10. 

V.  10.  Fresh  oil.}  Perhaps  David  might  re- 
fer, by  this  expression,  to  his  being  re-anointed 

[317 


B.  C.  1045. 


PSALM  XCIL 


B.  C.  1045. 


1 1  ^  Mine  eye  also  shall  see  my  de- 
sire on  mine  enemies;  and  mine  ears 
shall  hear  my  desire  of  the  wicked  that 
rise  up  against  me. 

12  ^  The  righteous  shall  flourish  like 
the  palm-tree;  he  shall  grow  hke  ^  a 
cedar  in  Lebanon. 

13  ^  Those  that  be  planted  in  the 
house  of  the  Lord,  ^  shall  flourish  *^  in 
the  courts  of  our  God. 

Rom.  6:5.    11:17. 


X  37:34.  54:7.  59:10.  91:8.  112:8. 
V    7.     52:S.      Is.   55:13.     65:22. 
'  Hos.  14:5,6. 
z  104:16.  143:9.     Am.  2:9. 


a  Is.    60:21. 
Eph.  3:17. 
b  Is.  61:3.    2  Pet.  3:18. 
c  100:4.   135:2.    2  Chr.  4:9. 


14  ^  They  shall  still  bring  forth  fruit 
^  in  old  age;  they  shall  be  fat  and 
*  flourishing; 

15  *■  To  shew  that  the  Lord  is  up- 
right: he  is  s  my  Rock,  •>  and  there  is  no 
unrighteousness  in  him. 


d  1:3.     Matt.  3:10.     John  15:2 

—5.    Gal.  5:22,23.    Phil.  1:11. 

Jude  12. 
e  71:13.     1  Chr.  29:l,&c..     Job 

17:9.      Prov.   4:13.      Is.   46:4. 

Jer.  17:8. 
*  Heb.  green.     Ez.  47:12. 


f  John  10:27—29.  15:1—3.  1 
Cor.  1:8,9.  I  Thes.  5:23,24. 
Tit.  1:2.      1  Pet.  1:4,5. 

g  18:2.  62:6.    Deut.  32:4. 

h  145:17.  Rom.  9:14.  2  Thes. 
1:6,7. 


king'  upon  his  accession  to  the  throne.  This, 
liowever,  was  only  an  emblem  of  the  fresh  acces- 
sions of  wisdom,  strength,  and  grace,  which  be- 
lievers derive  continually  from  the  renewed  unc- 
tion of  the  Holy  Spirit'.  (JVotes,  23:5,6.  45:6,7. 
Is.  40:27—31.  2  Cor.  1:21 ,22.  1  John  2:20—29,  vv. 
20,27.) 

V.  1 1.  There  is  nothing,  for  ?»iy  desire,  repeat- 
edly inserted  in  this  verse,  in  the  Hebrew;  nor  is 
any  thing  inserted  in  several  versions  ancient  and 
modern:  and  the  passage  might  better  be  read 
without  them; — "Mine  eye  shall  look  upon  mine 
enemies,  and  mine  ears  shall  hear  of  the  wicked 
that  rise  up  against  me."  [Jfotes,  37:34.  54:7.  59: 
10.  91:3 — 8.)  The  Psalmist  indeed  foresaw  their 
dreadful  doom,  but  it  does  not  follow  that  he  de- 
sired it. 

V.  12.  The  palm-tree  spreads  its  branches 
very  wide,  and  grows  to  a  very  large  size;  and 
affords  a  refreshing  shade  to  travellers.  It  also 
bears  dates,  a  most  grateful  fruit  in  those  coun- 
tries where  it  grows,  and  it  is  in  every  way  a 
most  beautiful  tree,  and  an  invaluable  treasure 
to  the  inhabitants. — The  cedar  grows  immensely 
large,  and  flourishes  for  ages,  and,  when  cut 
down,  its  valuable  timber  is  exceedingly  durable. 
These  trees,  compared  with  the  gaudy,  withering 
grass,  mark  and  illustrate,  very  forcibly  indeed, 
the  difference,  in  character  and  condition,  be- 
tween the  prosperous  wicked  man  and  the  right- 
eous, between  the  unbeliever  and  the  believer. 
{J\rotes,  6,7.  104:16.  Hos.  14:4—8.) 

V.  13 — 15.  All  holiness  and  spiritual  consola- 
tion are  derived  from  the  fulness  of  Christ, 
through  the  ordinances  of  his  appointment.  The 
grace  which  teaches  sinners  to  love  and  frequent 
those  ordinances,  in  order  to  obtain  these  spiritu- 
al blessings,  "plants"  them,  as  "trees  of  right- 
eousness," in  the  courts  of  the  Lord.  {J\ote,  Is. 
6]:1 — 2.)  Others,  who  attend,  are  only  withering 
branches:  but  these  take  root,  and  derive  nourish- 
ment from  Christ;  they  grow,  and  flourish,  and 
bear  fruit,  and  are  often  most  eminent  in  grace 
and  usefulness  to  others,  even  amidst  the  infirmi- 
ties of  old  age.  [JVulcs,  1:1—3.  71:17,18.  Jer.  17: 
5—8.  John  15:1—8.  Eph.  3: 14— 19.)  'Happy  the 
'man,  whose  goodness  is  always  progressive,  and 
'whose  virtues  increase  with  his  years;  who  los- 
'eth  not,  in  the  multiplicity  of  worldly  cares  or 
'pleasures,  the  holy  fervors  of  his  first  love,  but 
'goeth  on  burning  and  shining  more  and  more,  to 
'the  end  of  his  days.'  Bp.  Home.  This  is  order- 
ed on  purpose  to  shew  that  the  Lord  does  indeed 
fulfil  his  covenant-engagements  to  all,  who  truly 
make  him  the  Foundation  of  their  hope,  and  the 
Rock  of  their  salvation,  as  the  Psalmist  did:  and 
it  is  an  earnest,  that  he  will  also  perform  to  them 
his  promise  of  giving  them  eternal  life.  For 
"there  is  no  unrighteousness,''^  or  fraud,  in  him: 
and  though  his  promises  were  all  made  of  mere 
grace  and  mercy;  yet  being  made,  it  would  not 
consist  with  the  perfection  of  his  righteousness, 

318] 


in  any  measure  to  fail  in  the  performance  of  them. 
{Marg.  Ref.  f.  h.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

To  praise  the  Lord  most  High,  and  give  thank.s 
unto  his  name,  is  not  only  our  bounden  duty  and 
reasonable  service;  but  it  is  a  most  profitable, 
delightful,  and  honorable  employment,  by  which 
we  emulate  tlie  work  of  angels,  and  anticipate  the 
joys  of  heaven.  Yet,  while  we  live  upon  his 
bounty,  and  daily  experience  his  loving-kindness 
and  faithfulness,  how  backward  are  we  in  render- 
ing this  reasonable  and  pleasant  tribute!  We 
should  then  stir  up  ourselves,  and  all  around  us, 
to  join  in  his  praises:  and  as  his  truth  and  mercies 
are  renewed  to  us  by  day  and  by  night,  we  should 
at  least  every  morning  and  evening  adore  his  con- 
descension and  goodness,  and  give  him  thanks  for 
all  his  benefits;  employing  every  means  of  render- 
ing the  service  as  solemn  and  affecting  as  we  can. 
But  on  his  own  day,  which  we  should  "remember 
to  keep  holy,"  how  ought  we  to  abound  in  praise, 
in  secret,  in  our  families,  with  our  friends,  and  in 
the  great  congregation!  For,  however  glorious 
the  works  of  God  in  creation  and  providence  are 
in  themselves,  or  however  liberally  we  are  sup- 
plied with  temporal  benefits;  none  of  his  opera- 
tions could  give  us  sinners  cause  of  joy  and  tri- 
umph in  him,  if  it  were  not  for  that  great  work, 
on  this  day  especially  commemorated  by  Chris- 
tians; when  He,  who  '-died  for  our  sins,  was  rais- 
ed again  for  our  justification."  And  if  distant 
views  of  this  great  Deliverer  so  animated  the 
praises  of  ancient  believers;  how  should  we 
abound  in  these  expressions  of  exulting  gratitude, 
who  enjoy  the  meridian  light  of  this  "Sun  of 
Righteousness,"  which  kings,  prophets,  and  right- 
eous men  so  long  desired  to  see!  (JVbfe*,  Matt. 
13:16,17.  Luke  10:23,24.)  Well  may  we  say,  on 
contemplating  the  mysteries  of  redemption,  "O 
Lord,  how  great  are  thy  works!  and  thy  thoughts 
are  very  deep."  For  in  them  angels  and  arch- 
angels behold  and  adore  the  manifold  wisdom  and 
love  of  God.  [jYotes,  Eph.  3:9—12.  1  Pet.  1:10— 
12.)  But  how  many,  who  are  called  Christians, 
in  the  arrogant  folly  of  infidelity,  or  in  the  brutish 
stupidity  of  a  licentious  and  worldly  life,  despise 
and  disregard,  and  therefore  know  nothing  of, 
the  glorious  displays  which  God  has  made  of  him- 
self to  us!  Nor  indeed  do  men,  under  the  clear 
light  of  the  gospel,  generally  understand,  that 
God  grants  prosperity  to  wicked  men  in  awful 
displeasure;  and  that  their  momentary  flourishing 
is  in  order  to  their  being  "destroyed  for  ever." 
Yet  as  "the  Lord  is  most  High  for  evermore," 
it  certainly  follows  that  "all  his  enemies  shall  per- 
ish, and  that  all  the  workers  of  iniquity  shall  be 
scattered."  Let  us  not  then  envy  their  prosper- 
ity, but  pity  their  misery,  and  pray  for  their  con- 
version, whilst  we  seek  for  ourselves  the  salvation 
and  the  grace  of  the  gospel;  that,  being  daily 
anointed  with  the  renewed  unction  of  the  Holy 


B.  C.  1045. 


PSALM  xcni. 


B.  C.  1045. 


PSALM   XCIIL 

The  majesty,  stability,  power,  and  holiness  of  JEHOVAH'S 
kingdom  shewn;  and  how  he  triumphs  over  all  opposition,  1 — 
4.    His  testimonies  are  sure,  and  holiness  becomes  his  house,  5. 

THE  "  Lord  reigneth;  ^  he  is  cloth- 
ed with  majesty:  the  Lord  is 
clothed  with  strength,  wherewith  ■=  he 
hath  girded  himself:  '^  the  world  also  is 
established,  that  it  cannot  be  moved. 

2  ®  Thy  throne  is  established  *  of  old: 
^thou  art  from  everlasting 


aS9;13.    96:10.    97:1.    99:1.103: 

19.   145:13.     1  Chr.  29: la.    Is. 

52:7.     Dan.   4:32—34.     Matt. 

6:13.     Heb.   1:8.     Rev.    11:15 

—  17.    19:6. 
b  104:1,2.    Job  40:10.   Is.  59:17. 

63:1. 
c  18:32.  65:6.   Is.  11:5. 


d  75:3.  96:10.      Is.  45:12,18.  49: 

8.  51:16.     Heb.  1.2,3. 
e  45:6.    145:13.     Prov.    8:22,23. 

Dan.  4:34.     Mic.  5:2. 
*  Heb.  from  thern. 
f90:2.     102:24—27.     Heb.  1:10 

—12.   13:8.    Rev.  1:8,11,17,18. 

2:8. 


3  5  The  floods  have  lifted  up,  O 
Lord,  the  floods  have  '^  lifted  up  their 
voice:  'the  floods  hft  up  their  waves. 

4  The  Lord  on  high  is  ^  mightier 
than  the  noise  of  many  waters,  yea,  than 
the  mighty  waves  of  the  sea. 

5  '  Thy  testimonies  are  very  «ure: 
"  hohness  becometh  thine  house,  O 
Lord,  t  for  ever. 


g  18:4.  69:1,2,14—16.  Is.  17:12, 

13.  Jer.  46.7,8.  Jon.  2:3.  Rev. 

12:15.   17:1.5. 
h  96:11.  98:3.    Is.  55:12. 
I   2:1—3.     107:25,26.     124i3— 5. 

Acts  4:25 — 27. 
k65:7.  89:6.   114:3—5.     Job  38: 

11.   Jer  5:22.     Mark  4:37— 39. 


1  19:7,8.  119:111,129,138,144.  Is. 

8:20.    Matt.  24:35.    Heb.  6:17, 

18.     1  John  5:9—13. 
m    5:4—7.    99:5,9.     Lev.    10:3. 

19:2.     Is.  52:11.     Zech.  14:20, 

21.  John  4:24.     1  Cor.  3:16,17. 

Rev.  21:27. 
I  Heb.   to  length  of  days. 


Spirit,  we  may  at  length  be  exalted  to  behold  and 
share  our  Redeemer's  glory,  and  to  witness  the 
ruin  of  all  impenitent  sinners,  and  of  those  espe- 
cially who  have  been  our  enemies  because  of  our 
relation  to  Christ.  For  the  flourishing  of  the 
righteous  is  of  a  permanent  nature:  amidst  tribu- 
lations and  temptations,  they  grow  in  strength  of 
faith  and  depth  of  experience,  obtain  increasing 
influence,  and  become  fruitful  and  useful.  Such 
Christians  are  real  blessings  to  many  while  they 
live,  and  even  after  they  are  departed;  {J^fotes, 
John  15:12—16.  2  Pet.  1:12— 15.)  and  they  them- 
selves shall  be  most  "blessed  for  evermore."  Let 
us  then  seek  to  be  planted  by  faith,  and  rooted  by 
love,  "in  the  courts  of  the  Lord:"  that  we  may 
flourish,  not  merely  in  the  leaves  and  blossoms  of 
knowledge,  profession,  and  discourse,  but  in  the 
substantial  fruits  of  a  holy,  useful  life;  and  this 
more  and  more,  as  we  advance  towards  the  close 
of  our  pilgrimage.  Let  us  learn  to  detest  the 
sentiment  of  many,  who  profess  much  zeal  for  the 
peculiar  doctrines  of  the  gospel,  yet  would  per- 
suade us,  that  believers  generally  grow  less  zeal- 
ous as  they  grow  older.  (JVbie,  Rev.  2:2 — 5.) 
It  is  true,  that  rash,  indiscreet,  and  ostentatious 
earnestness  will  gradually  be  laid  aside,  to  make 
way  for  more  simple,  humble,  prudent  zeal  and 
diligence:  but  a  real,  evident,  and  permanent  de- 
crease in  the  substantial  fruits  of  piety  and  charity, 
is  enough  to  bring  any  man's  former  integrity 
into  question,  whatever  his  profession  may  have 
been.  Nay  indeed,  the  uprightness  and  faithful- 
ness of  the  Lord  himself  are  concerned:  the 
branches  of  the  true  Vine,  which  are  fruitful, 
shall  be  purged,  and  made  more  fruitful.  [John 
15:2.)  But  ifwe  have  made  him  "the  Rock  of 
our  salvation,"  he  will  make  it  appear,  that  "there 
is  no  unrighteousness  in  him,"  hy  enabling  us  to 
go  on,  with  increasing  delight  and  fruitfulness, 
even  under  the  decays  of  nature;  until  he  trans- 
plant us  to  his  courts  above,  there  to  grow  and 
flourish,  and  be  fruitful  for  evermore. 

NOTES. 
Psalm  XCIII.  V.  1,2.  There  is  no  title  to 
this  psalm,  in  the  Hebrew;  but  in  the  Septuagint 
it  is  entitled,  'For  the  day  before  the  sabbath, 
'when  the  earth  had  been  inhabited,  An  ode  of 
'David:'  and  the  Jews  have  a  tradition,  that  it  was 
composed  to  be  sung  on  the  sixth  day  of  the  week, 
in  commemoration  of  the  earth  being  on  that  day 
completed  and  replenished  with  inhabitants. 
(JVo.'es,  Gen.  1:20— 31.)— The  great  Creator  of  the 
world,  the  eternalJEHovAn,  is  the  universal  and 
everlasting  King  and  Governor  over  all  his  crea- 
tures. He  is  also  "clothed,"  or  arrayed,  not  as 
other  kings  witii  costly  robes,  but  "with  majesty 
and  power"  incomprehensible,  yea  infinite,  which 
appertain  to  him,  as  self-existeiit,  in  such  a  man- 


ner that  they  are  absolutely  his  own;  "he  hath 
girded  himself  with  them,"  and  not  derived  them 
from  any  other.  And  the  same  power,  which  at 
the  creation  established  the  earth  and  the  whole 
world,  and  gave  a  law  which  cannot  be  broken, 
has  also  established  the  throne  of  the  Creator  on 
an  immoveable  basis,  as  necessarily  resulting  from 
his  own  eternity  and  all-sufiiciency. — The  govern- 
ment of  God,  however,  over  his  own  people, 
seems  especially  intended:  and  the  Jews  them- 
selves acknowledge  that  the  stabiljit}'  of  the  Mes- 
siah's kingdom  is  predicted,  and  that  he  is  pecu- 
liarly meant  in  this  and  several  of  the  following 
psalms.  Indeed,  Immanuel  is  clothed  and  hath 
girded  himself  with  majesty  and  strength;  and 
the  power  which  established  the  world,  estab- 
lishes also  the  mediatorial  kingdom  of  the  Re- 
deemer, "whose  goings  forth  have  been  of  old, 
from  everlasting."  [Jfoles,  45:1—7.  96:10—13. 
97:1.  99:1—4.  Jer.  10:9—11.  Mic.  5:2.  Zech.  9: 
9,10.  Matt.  2:3—6.) 

V.  3,  4.  The  impetuous  torrents  of  large  riv- 
ers, swelled  by  sudden  floods,  and  bearing  down 
all  before  them,  with  irresistible  fury  and  tre- 
mendous noise;  and  especially  "the  mighty  waves 
of  the  sea,"  during  a  violent  storm,  which  abso- 
lutely baffles  description,  and  distances  imagina- 
tion; are  the  emblems  of  the  numerous  and  pow- 
erful enemies,  which  have  in  every  age,  by  varied 
means,  set  themselves  furiously  and  clamorously 
to  oppose  the  kingdom  of  God  and  his  Christ. 
(.Ao<e*,  46: 1— 3.  65:6,7.  /*.  17:12—14.  Jer.  46:7, 
8.)  But  he  who  at  first  set  bounds  to  the  proud 
ocean;  who  drove  back  the  waters  of  the  deluge 
to  their  ancient  channel;  who  divided  the  Red 
Sea  and  Jordan  for  his  people  to  pass  through; 
who  "walked  on  the  waves  of  the  sea,"  and  "re- 
buked the  winds  and  waves,  saying.  Peace,  be 
still,  and  there  was  a  great  calm:"  even  he  is 
higher  and  more  powerful  than  all  "the  floods  of 
ungodly  men,"  who  rage  against  him  and  his  peo- 
ple; as  well  as  "mightier  than  the  noise  of  many 
waters."  [Marg.  Ref.—J^otes,  104:6—9.  107:23 
—30.  Gen.  8: 1—3.  Ex.  14:21—23,26—30.  Josh. 
3:16,17.  Jo6  38:8— 11.  Jer.  5:20— 23.  Jtfa«.  8:23 
—27.   14:23—27.) 

V.  5.  Revealed  truth,  and  the  promises  ground- 
ed on  it,  are  "the  testimonies"  of  God,  which 
"are  verv  sure,"  and  can  never  fail.  [JVotes.,  19:7 
—  11.  ri9:ll  1,129.  /*.  8:20.  1  JoAn  5:9— 12.) 
These  ensure  the  safety  of  the  church  and  the 
salvation  of  each  believer.  In  these  testimonies, 
and  his  faitlifulness  to  them,  God  shews  his  own 
holiness:  and  it  becomes,  or  is  the  ornament  and 
beauty  of,  all  who  belong  to  his  family,  to  resem- 
ble and  imitate  him  in  holiness.  [JVotes,  Lev.  10: 
3.  21:6—8.  /*.  52:11,12.  Ez.  44:1— U.  1  Pel.  I: 
13—16.  2:9,10.)  "The  foundation  of  God  stand- 
eth  sure,  having  this  seal,  The  Lord  knowetli 

[319 


B.  C.  lOGO. 


PSALM  XCIV. 


B.  C.  1060. 


PSALM  XCIV. 

The  Psalmist  calls  on  God  to  take  vengeance  on  the  persecutors 
of  his  church.  ) — 4.  He  complains  of  their  cruelty  and  impi- 
ety, and  sharply  reproves  their  atheistical  folly,  5 — 11.  He 
shews  the  benefits  of  affliction,  attended  by  divine  teaching; 
and  the  security  of  God's  people,  12 — 15.  He  calls  for  help- 
ers against  evil-doers;  declares  his  experience  of  God's  good- 
ness, and  foretels  the  destruction  of  persecutors,  16 — 23. 

OLoRD  *  God,  to  whom  vengeance 
belongeth;  ^  O  God,  to  whom  ven- 
geance belongeth,  t  shew  thyself. 

2  ^  Lift  up  thyself,  <=  thou  Judge  of 
the  earth:  ^  render  a  reward  to  the 
proud. 

3  Lord,  *  how  long  shall  the  wicked, 
how  long  shall  ^  the  wicked  triumph? 

4  How  long  s  shall  they  utter  imd 
speak  hard  things?  and  all  the  workers 
of  iniquity  ^  boast  themselves? 


*  Heb.  God  of  revenges. 

a.  Deut.  32:35,41,42.  Is.  35:4.  59: 

17.      Jer.     50:28.      Nah.    1:2. 

Rora.     12:19.       2   The;.    1:3. 

Heb.  10:30. 
t  Heb.   shine  forth.   80:1. 
b  7:6.  68:1.  74:22.     Mic.  5:9. 
c  50:6.    Gen.  18:25.     John  5:22, 

23.    2  Cor.  5:10. 
d    31:23.     Job   40:11,12.     Is.  2: 

11,12,17.   10:12.    37:23,29,36— 

S8.    Jer.  50:31,32.     Dan.  4:37. 

5:22—24.     1   Pet.    5:5.     Rev. 


18:6-3. 
e  43:2.  74:9,10.    79:5.  80:4.  89: 

46.  Jer.  47:6.    Rev.  6:10. 
f  Esth.  5:11,12.  6:6—10.  7:6,l0. 

Job  20:5.     Acts  12:22,23. 
g  31:18.  59:7,12.   64:3,4.    73:8,9. 

140:3.     Prov.  30:14.     Jer.  18: 

18.     Matt.  12:24,34.    Jude  14, 

15. 
h   10:2—7.    52:1.     Ex.    15:9,10. 

Job  21:14,15.      Is.    10:13—15. 

37:24,25.   Dan.  7:8,11,25.  8:11. 

11:36,37.     Rev.  13:5,6. 


them  that  are  his;  and,  Let  every  one  that  nameth 
the  name  of  Christ  depart  from  iniquity."  [JSTotes, 
2  Tim.  2:  J  9 — 22.)  'Sacred  and  inviolable  is  the 
'word  of  our  King;  sacred  and  inviolable  should 
'be  the  loyalty  of  his  subjects.'    Bp.  Home. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

Jehovah  might  have  determined  to  shew  his 
justice,  holiness,  and  awful  power  alone,  in  his 
<iealings  with  the  inhabitants  of  this  revolted 
province  of  his  universal  kingdom.  But  he  has 
been  pleased  to  make  choice  of  fallen  men,  for 
the  display  of  the  riches  of  his  mercy,  and  of  the 
power  of  his  renewing  grace.  In  effecting  this 
great  design,  the  Father  has  "given  all  power  in 
heaven  and  earth"  to  his  only-begotten  Son,  "the 
second  Adam,  the  Lord  from  heaven;"  {J\'^otes,  1 
Cor.  1.5:20 — 28,45 — 49.)  who,  by  his  humiliation 
and  sufferings,  has  made  atonement  for  our  sins 
and  purchased  our  salvation.  "He  is  able  to 
save  to  the  uttermost  all  those  who  come  to  God 
by  him;"  and  can,  to  the  glory  of  all  the  divine 
attributes,  not  only  pardon,  but  deliver,  uphold, 
and  protect  all  who  trust  in  him.  The  combined 
legions  of  evil  spirits  and  ungodly  men  do  indeed 
furiously  threaten  and  assault  his  kingdom  on 
earth,  as  the  tempestuous  waves  once  did  the  bark 
in  which  Jesus  sailed.  But  he  needs  only  to 
arise,  and  speak  with  authority,  and  they  will 
tremble  and  desist;  as  knowing  that  "the  Lord 
on  high  is  mightier"  than  they  all.  While  "his 
sure  testimony"  engages  his  protection  to  his 
church,  his  true  disciples  have  nothing  to  fear. — 
But  we  should  all  carefully  inquire  whether  his 
kingdom  have  indeed  been  set  up  in  our  hearts. 
This  will  best  be  decided  by  examining,  whether 
we  so  believe  his  testimonies  and  depend  on  him 
for  salvation,  as  to  be  led  to  love  and  follow  after 
I'liat  holiness,  which  his  precepts  command  and 
his  example  displays,  which  becomes  all  who 
profess  the  tnilh,  and  is  bewtowed  on  aJl  his  real 
servants,  in  a  measure  on  cartli,  and  completely 
in  heaven  for  ever. 

NOTES. 

Ps.\i.>T  XCIV.  V.  1—7.  The  writer  of  this 
psalm  is  not  known;  and  though  some  parts  of  it 
answer  vei'y  well  to  the  conduct  of  Saul  and  his 
320] 


5  They  *  break  in  pieces  thy  people, 
O  Lord,  and  ^  afflict  thine  heritage. 

6  They  '  slay  the  widow  and  the 
stranger,  and  murder  the  fatherless. 

7  Yet  ""  they  say,  The  Lord  shall  not 
see,  neither  shall  the  God  of  Jacob  re- 
gard it. 

8  Understand,  °  ye  brutish  among  the 
people;  and  "  ye  fools,  when  will  ye  be 
wise? 

9  P  He  that  planted  the  ear,  "^  shall  he 
not  hear?  he  that  formed  the  eye,  shall 
he  not  see? 

10  He  that  ■■  chastiseth  the  heathen, 
'  shall  not  he  correct?  ^  he  that  teacheth 
man  knowledge,  shall  not  he  knovfl 


7:2.  14:4.  44:22.  74:8,19,20. 

79:2,3,7.  129:2.3.  Is.  3:15.  52: 

5.  Jer.  22:17.  51:20—23,34. 

Mic.  3:2,3.  Rev.  17:6. 
k  Ex.  2:23,24.  Jer.  60:11.  Rev. 

11:3. 
1  Is.  10:2.  13:15—18.  Jer.  7:6. 

22:3.  Ez.  22:7.  Mai.  3:5. 
m  10:11—13.  59:7.  Job  22:12, 

13.  Is.  29:15.  Ez.  8:12.  9:9. 

Zeph.  1:12.  Luke  18:2,4. 
n  49:10.  73:22.  92:6.   Prov. 

12:1.  Is.  27:11.  Jer.  8:6—8. 

10:8. 


o  Deut.  32:29.  Prov.  1:22.  8:5. 

Tit.  3:3. 
p  Ex.  4:11.  Prov.  20:1. 
q  11:4.  17:3.  44:21.  139:1—12. 

Jer.  23:23,24 
r  9:5.  10:16.  44:2.  135:8—12. 

149:7.  Is.  10:12.  37:36.  Jer. 

10:25. 
s  Is.  10:5,6.  Am.  3:2.  Hab.  1: 

12. 
t  25:8,9.  119:66.   Job  35:11. 

Prov.  2:6.  Is.  2:3.  28:26.  54: 

13.  John  6:45. 


courtiers,  especially  in  the  slaughter,  not  only  of 
the  priests,  but  of  their  widows  and  fatherless  chil  • 
dren,  and  also  that  of  the  unoffending  Gibeonites; 
(5,6.  Notes,  1  Sam.  22:17—19.  iSam.  21:1—3.) 
yet  it  might  equally  suit  many  other  corrupt  times 
of  the  church  of  Israel,  and  of  the  Christian 
church  also. — Whatever  persecutions,  cruelties, 
and  iniquities  the  Psalmist  and  his  pious  friends 
experienced  or  witnessed;  they  did  not  consider 
themselves  as  allowed  to  execute  vengeance:  but 
they  called  on  "the  God  of  revenges,"  (to  whom 
it  belonged  to  punish  criminals  and  defend  his  peo- 
ple,) to  appear  in  glory  and  majesty,  and  to  recom- 
pense the  blasphemies  and  proud  boastings  of 
their  haughty  persecutors.  {J^otes,  7:6,7.  Deut. 
32:34,35.  /*.  59:16— 19.  63:1— 6.  Rom.  12:11— 2]. 
Heb.  10:28—31.  Rev.  6:9—11.  18:20.  19:1—6.) 
They  were  grieved  and  distressed,  and  thought  it 
long,  while  they  were  compelled  to  hear  and  wit- 
ness the  triumphs  and  revilings  of  ungodly  men, 
and  to  learn  how  they  encouraged  themselves  in 
their  detestable  cruelties  by  atheistical  principles. 
[JVotes,  74: 10,11.  79:) — The  last  verses  are  future 
in  the  original,  and  in  several  versions,  and  may 
be  thus  paraphrased:  'Unless  thou  appear  to  exe- 
'cute  vengeance,  they  will  entirely  crush  thy  peo- 
'ple,  and  reduce  thy  heritage,  the  nation  of  Israel, 
'to  the  deepest  misery;  for  they  are  direct  Atheists, 
'or  at  least  they  do  not  believe  that  God  at  all  be- 
'holds  or  regards  the  actions  of  men,  or  will  call 
'them  to  account  for  any  part  of  their  conduct. 
'  "They  say,  JAH  shall  not  see." '  (JVbfe,  68:4.) 
— 'Seeing  the  church  was  then  so  sore  oppressed, 
'it  ought  not  to  appear  strange  to  us,  if  we  see  it 
'so  now;  and  therefore  we  must  call  to  God,  to 
'take  our  cause  in  hand.*  {Marg.  Ref. — JVotes, 
10:2—13    59:7,8.) 

V.  8,  9.  [Jlarg.  Ref.— JVotes,  49:10.  92:6,7.) 
'Shall  not  he  hear  your  blasphemies,  who  gave  you 
'the  faculty  of  hearing.''  and  shall  not  he  see  all  you 
'do,  who  gave  you  the  power  of  seeing.''  Is  it  pos- 
'sible  he  should  give  to  others,  what  he  wants  him- 
'self.?'  Bp.  Patrick.  {.Note,  Prov.  20:12.)— 'The 
'Psalmist  uses  the  word  planted  to  describe  the 
'situation  of  the  ear;  and  the  word. /brmerf  to  de- 
'note  the  structure  of  the  eye.  ...The  rnechan- 
'isin  of  the  ear,  like  a  root  planted  (j?oj)  in  the 


B.  C.  1060. 


PSALM  XCIV. 


B.  C.  1060. 


11"  The  Lord  knoweth  the  thoughts 
of  man,  that  they  are  vanity. 

[Practical  ObscTvalions.] 

12  *  Blessed  is  the  man  whom  thou 
chastenest,  O  Lord,  and  ^  teachest  him 
out  of  thy  law; 

13  That  thou  ^mayestgive  him  rest 
from  the  days  of  adversity,  ^  until  the 
pit  be  digged  for  the  wicked. 

14  For  ''the  Lord  will  not  cast  off 
his  people,  neither  will  he  forsake  "=  his 
inheritance. 

15  But  ''judgment  shall  return  unto 
righteousness:  and  ®  all  the  upright  in 
heart  *  shall  follow  it. 

1 6  ^  Who  will  rise  up  for  me  against 

u     49:10—13.       Job     11:11,12. 

Kom.  1:21,22.     1  Cor.  1:19,21, 

25.  3:18—20. 
I   119:67,71.  Job  5:17.  Prov.  3: 

11.  ICor.  11:32.  Heb.  12:6—11. 
y   Job    33:16—25.       Mic.    6:9. 

Rev.  3:19. 
z  Is.    26:20,21.     Hab.    3:16.     2 

Cor.   4:17,18.      2  Thes.    1:7,8. 

Heb.  4:9.     Rev.  14:13. 
a  9:15.  55:23.     Jer.  18:20,22.    2 

Pet.  2:9.    3:3—7.     Rev.    6:10, 

11.   11:18. 
b  37:28.     1  Sam.  12:22.    Is.  49: 

14,15.      Jer.   32:39,40.      John 

10:27—31.      Rom.    8:30,38,39. 


11:1,2.     Heb.  13:5. 
c  5.    33:12.     Deut.   32:9.     Jer. 

10:16.     Fph.  1:18. 
d  2,3.  7:8,9.  9:16.    58:11.   125:3. 

Deut.     32:35,36.       Job    35:14. 

Mic.  7:9.     Mai.    3:18.     2  Pet. 

3:8—10.     Rev.  15:3,4. 
e  37:5—7,34.     125:4,5.     Job  17: 

9.    23:11,12.     Jam.  5:7—11.     1 

John  2:19. 
*  Heb.   shall  be  after  it. 
f  Ex.  32:26—29.     Num.  25:6- 

13.     JuHg-,    5:23.      1  Kingjs  18: 

39,40.  2  Kings  9:32.   10:15.  Is. 

59:16.  63:5.     .ler.  5:1.  F,z.  22: 

30.     Matt.  12:30.    3  John  8. 


'earth,  is  sunk  deep  into  the  head,  and  concealed 
'from  ...  view.  Whereas  the  ball  of  the  eye  ...  is 
'promineut  on  the  face,  and  presented  to  g^eneral 
'observation.'  Hervey. 

V.  10,  II.  The  word  rendered  "chastise" 
generally  implies  force,  constraint,  punishment, 
or  even  binding;  whereas  that  translated  "cor- 
rect" denotes  milder  and  gentler  discipline  and 
instruction. — 'If  God  punish  whole  nations  for 
'their  sins,  it  is  mere  folly  for  any  one  man,  or 
'else  a  few,  to  think  that  God  will  spare  them.' 
[J^ote,  9:17.1 — He  first  taught  Adam  in  Paradise, 
and,  since  tne  fall,  has  in  various  ways  taught  his 
posterity,  all  the  useful  knowledge  which  they 
possess;  even  those  of  them  who  abuse  their 
talents  in  rebellion  against  him:  and  is  not  he 
himself  omniscient,  as  well  as  omnipotent.'  [Marg. 
Ref.)  But  he  well  knows  the  emptiness  and  pre- 
sumption of  the  thoughts,  reasonings,  specula- 
tions, and  imaginations  of  apostate  men,  even  of 
the  very  wisest  and  most  ingenious  of  them;  and 
how  worthless,  pernicious,  and  false  they  are. 
(JVotes,  2:1—3.  49:10—13.  Rom.  1:21—23.  1  Cor. 
3:18—23.) 

V.  12— 14.  (JVoies,  1:1— 3.  32:1,2.  Jo&  5:17. 
JVatt.  5:3—12.  Heb.  12:4—13.)  'Not  he  that 
•prospers  in  his  wickedness  is  happy,  but  he  whom 
'thou  chastenest,  O  Lord,  when  he  doeth  amiss; 
'and  thereby  teachest  to  study  and  obey  thy  law 
'with  greater  care  and  dihgence:  which  will  quiet 
*his  mind  under  all  his  troubles,  and  at  last  pro- 
'cure  the  removal  of  them;  when  absolute  destruc- 
'tion  and  ruin,  mean  time,  are  preparing  for  the 
'ungodly.'  Bp.  Patrick. — The  sharpest  correc- 
tion, by  which  God  leads  men  to  search,  believe, 
and  obey  his  word,  are  inestimable  benefits;  perse- 
cutors and  tyrants  often  are  the  instruments  of 
this  salutary  correction  to  the  chosen  tribes  of 
God;  the  persecuted  and  oppressed,  not  the  per- 
secutors and  oppressors,  arc  the  happy  persons: 
they  will  have  rest,  when  the  day  of  vengeance 
overwhelms  the  wicked.  {.Marg.  Ref. — JS'oles, 
2  Thes.  1:5 — 10.)  God  may  indeed  let  his  people 
endure  sharp  and  tedious  sufferings,  but  he  "will ' 
never  leave  them,  no  nor  ever  forsake  them." 

Vol.  m.  41 


the  evil-doers?    or  s  who   will    stand  up 
for  me   against  the  workers  of  iniquity? 

17  "^  Unless  the  Lord  had  been  my 
Help,  my  soul  had  t  almost  '  dwelt  in 
silence. 

18  When  I  said,  ^  my  foot  slippeth; 
thy  mercy,  O  Lord,  held  me  up. 

19  'In  the  multitude  of  my  thoughts 
within  me,   thy  comforts  deliglit  my  soul. 

20  Shall  "  the  throne  of  iniquity  have 
"  fellowship  with  thee,  which  °  frameth 
mischief  by  a  law? 

21  They  ^  gather  themselves  together 
against  the  soul  of  the  righteous,  and 
^  condemn  the  innocent  blood. 


g   Neh.    5:7.      Jer.    26:16—19. 

John  7:50,51. 
h    118:13.      125:1—3.      142  4,5. 

John  16:32.    2  Cor.  1:8—10.    2 

Tim.  4:16,17. 
t  Or,  qiuckly. 
i  13:3.  31:17.   115:17. 
k  17:5.  37:23,24.33:16.   119:116, 

117.   121:3.      1  Sam.  2:9.     Job 

12:5.    Is.  41:10.  Luke  22:32.   1 

Pet.  1:5. 
143:2—5.    61:2.    73:12—16.  77: 

2—10.      Jer.  20:7—11.     Hab. 

3:16—18.  Rom.  5:2— 5.   2  Cor. 

1:4,5.     1  Pet.  1:7,8. 
m  52:1,2.  82:1,2.     1  Sam.  22:17 


—19.    Ec.  3:16.  5:8. 
n   Is.    l;il— 20.     Jer.   7:4—11. 

John  18:28.      2  Chr.  6:14—16. 

1  John  1.5,6. 
o  1  Kings  12:32.  Esth.  3:6—12. 

Is.  10:1.     Dan.  3:4— 7.  6:7—9. 

Mic.  6:16.     John  9:22.    11:57. 

Rev.  13:15—17. 
p  2:1—3.     2.':  16.     59:3.      Matt. 

27:1.    Acts  4:5— 7,27,28. 
q    Ex.    23:7.       1   Kings    21:19. 

Prov.  17:15.     Jer.  26:15.    Ez. 

22:6,12,27.       Matt.    23:32—38. 

Acts  7:52,53—60.      Jam.  5:6. 

Rev.  17:6. 


(JVbfe*,  37:27,28.  1  Sam.  12:22.  John  10:26—31.) 
"Therefore  they  may  boldly  say.  The  Lord  is  my 
Helper,  and  I  will  not  fear  what  man  shall  do  unto 
me."     {J^ote,Heb.  13:5,6.) 

V.  15.  When  iniquity  triumphs,  judgment 
seems  to  decline  from  righteousness:  but  when  the 
Lord  executes  vengeance  on  the  wicked,  and  de- 
livers his  people,  then  "judgment  returns  to  right- 
eousness." This  the  upright  in  heart  confidently 
expect;  and  therefore  they  adhere  to  the  cause  of 
piety,  and  continue  to  wait  upon  God  in  the  midst 
of  all  discouragements.  [Marg.  Ref. — Moles,  37; 
5— 8,34.  Jam.  5:7— 11.) 

V.  16 — 18.  It  is  probable,  that  the  Psalmist 
had  expected,  that  many  would  join  him  in  with- 
standing the  oppression  to  which  he  was  exposed, 
and  which  was  the  common  cause  of  the  nation; 
and  that  he  called  on  them  for  that  purpose. 
[JKotes,  Ex.  2:11  —  15.  32:27—29.  Acts  7:17—29.) 
But  when  he  found  himself  disappointed,  he  was 
ready  to  give  up  all  for  lost;  and  had  not  God  been 
his  Helper,  he  must  soon  have  been  laid  in  the 
silent  grave.  His  experience,  however,  did  not 
accord  to  his  fears;  for  when  his  foot  slipped,  and 
he  seemed  to  himself  about  to  fall  without  remedy, 
his  merciful  God  upheld  him. — When  our  Lord 
entered  on  his  last  scene  of  sufferings,  he  called 
on  his  disciples  to  watch  with  him  one  hour;  but 
he  called  in  vain.  They  first  slept,  and  then  the}' 
all  forsook  him  and  fled.  [J^otes,  Matt.  26:40— 
56.)  Yet  he  was  carried  through  all,  and  advanc- 
ed to  the  throne  of  glory:  and  David's  case  was 
but  a  feeble  shadow  of  Christ's,  either  in  his  hu- 
miliation or  exaltation.  [Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  19.  The  thoughts,  contrivances,  anxieties, 
and  perplexities  of  the  Psalmist's  mind,  seem  to 
be  here  represented  by  the  intricacies  of  a  tliick- 
et,  or  labyrinth,  from  winch  there  appears  to  be 
no  way  of  escape:  (for  this  is  the  import  of  the 
original  word:)  but  communion  with  God,  and  th^ 
consolations  of  his  Spirit,  so  filled  his  heart  with 
joy  and  gladness,  as  entirely  to  raise  him  above 
them  all,  and  to  fill  his  soul  with  delight,  and 
adoring,  thankful  joy.  [Jfotes,  42:4—11.  73:3—13.) 

V.  20,21.     The  evident  injustice,  oppression, 

[??1 


B.  C.  lOGO. 


PSALM  XCIV. 


B.  C.  i060. 


22  ■■  But  the  Lord  is  my  Defence; 
and  my  God  is  nhe  Rock  of  my  ref- 
uge. 

23  And  *■  he    shall   bring    upon  them 

j:   10.    27:1—3.    59:9,16,17.    62:  I  t   7:)  6.     9:16,17      55:23.      64:8. 
2,6.  Esth.  7:10.     Piov.  1:J1.    5:22. 

s  13:2.    Is.  33:16.  Dan.  7:24. 


their  own  iniquity,  and  shall  "  cut  them 
off  in  their  own  wickedness;  yea,  the 
Lord  our  God  shall  cut  them  off. 

u  12:3.      1  Sam.  2(J:10,11.  Prov.  14:32.    Ez.  13:24.     Dan.  9:26. 


and  fraud  of  persecuting  rulers,  who  perhaps  at 
the  same  time  pretend  zeal  for  the  honor  of  God, 
form  an  encouragement  to  the  persecuted:  for  it 
is  certain  that  the  righteous  Lord  will  have  no 
f'iUowship  with  such  workers  of  iniquity,  under 
the  color  of  law  and  justice,  and  will  give  no 
countenance  to  them;  however  for  a  time  he  may 
permit  them  to  escape  with  impunity. — 'Right- 
'eousness  and  innocence  are  most  atrocious 
'crimes,  in  the  eyes  of  wickedness  and  guilt.  For 
'these  crimes  Cain  slew  his  brother  Abel,  the 
'Jev/s  crucified  Christ,  the  pagans  tortured  and 
*murdered  his  disciples,  and  bad  men  in  all  ages 
'have  persecuted  the  good.  "Marvel  not,  my 
'brethren,  if  the  world  hate  you."  '  Bp.  Home. 
— The  narrative,  in  the  New  Testament,  of  the 
chief  priests,  scribes,  elders  and  people  of  Israel, 
with  Pilate  and  his  soldiers,  and  the  Roman  pow- 
er, all  collected  against  the  innocent  and  right- 
eous Savior,  fully  answers  to  this  description:  and 
it  is  hardly  possible  to  think,  that  the  Holy  Spirit 
did  not  intend  those  events,  whatever  occasioned 
the  Psalmist  thus  to  express  himself.  (jVbie,  58: 
1,2.) — The  words  righteous  and  innocent  are  in 
the  singular  number:  and  the  Jews  themselves 
allow,  that  this  psalm  relates  to  the  Messiah's 
kingdom.    [Mars;.  Ref.) 

V.  22,  23.  [J^otes,  7:8—11.  27:1—3.  2  Tim.  4: 
16 — 18.)  The  nation  of  the  Jews,  speaking  by 
their  rulers,  teachers,  and  priests,  and  the  con- 
gregation assembled  at  Jerusalem  to  keep  the 
passover,  when  demanding  the  crucifixion  of 
Christ,  vehementljr  exclaimed,  "His  blood  be  on 
us  and  on  our  cliildren:"  and  the  destruction  of 
Jerusalem  with  unexampled  slaughter,  and  the 
state  of  the  Jews  ever  since,  form  an  instance  of 
the  manner  in  which  God  brings  on  persecutors 
"their  own  iniquity,  and  cuts  them  off  in  their 
own  wickedness:"  indeed  those  events  seem  to 
have  been  expressly  foretold.  [JVotes,  9:15,16. 
Esth.  1:10.  Dan.  9:25—27.  Jl/a«. 27: 24,25.)  'Arm- 
'ed  with  the  shield  of  faith,  and  the  sword  of  the 
'Spirit,  we  rise  superior  to  every  effort  of  diaboli- 
'cal  malice,  and  secular  power;  waiting  in  pa- 
'tience  and  hope  for  the  coming  of  that  day,  when 
'He  who  hateth  unrighteousness,  and  with  whom 
'the  throne  of  iniquity  can  have  no  fellowship, 
'shall  visit  the  wickedness  of  the  wicked  upon 
'them;  when...  the  righteous  shall  be  glorified 
'witli  their  Lord  and  Savior.'    Bp.  Home, 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
V.  1—11. 
Those,  who  imagine  that  the  exuberant  good- 
ness and  mercy  of  God  are  inconsistent  with  the 
exercise  of  rigorous  justice,  and  with  the  infliction 
of  vengeance  on  the  wicked,  must  certainly  have 
formed  very  erroneous  conceptions  of  his  char- 
acter: for  he  is  indeed  "a  God  of  revenges.'''' 
[marg.)  "Vengeance  belongs  to  him"  alone,  ex- 
cept as  he  delegates  others  to  be  his  executioners 
of  it:  (JVbie,  Rom.  13:3 — 5.)  and  such  as  have 
seen  his  "glory  in  the  face  of  Jesus  Christ,''  read- 
ily perceive  the  most  perfect  harmony  between 
his  justice  and  mercy;  while  others  are  "blinded 
by  the  god  of  this  world,"  whatever  wisdom  thej' 
seem  to  possess,  or  have  the  reputation  of.  (JV'bfei-, 
2  Cor.  4:3 — 6.)  We  should  however  remember, 
tliat  vengeance  does  not  belong  to  us;  and  there- 
fore we  must  "render  to  no  man  evil  for  evil," 
but  leave  our  cause  with  the  Judge  of  the  earth. 
Under  oppression  and  persecution  we  should  be- 
2Z21 


seech  him  to  "shine  forth,"  and  shew  himself,  and 
to  render  a  reward  to  the  proud  and  ungodly:  not 
so  much  that  we  may  be  freed  from  suffering;  as 
that  we  may  not  be  grieved  by  beholding  the  tri- 
umphs, and  hearing  the  slanders,  blasphemies,  and 
boastings,  of  the  workers  of  iniquit}'. — It  is  most 
horrible  wickedness  in  any  case  to  "murder  the 
widow,  the  stranger,  and  the  fatherless:"  but  when 
these  are  the  Lord's  heritage,  his  chosen  people, 
who  are  broken  in  pieces  and  butchered  for  his 
sake,  the  impiety  becomes  still  more  atrocious; 
and  the  pious  spectator  must  needs  be  filled 
with  the  deepest  sorrow  and  indignation.  Such 
wretches,  as  commit  these  daring  crimes,  cannot 
believe  that  there  is  a  God,  or  that  he  sees,  and 
will  call  them  to  an  account  for,  their  conduct: 
and  indeed  infidelity  and  atheism  are  the  proper 
attendants  on  injustice  and  cruelty.  But  the 
Christian,  while,  in  earnestl}'  pleading  for  the  de- 
liverance of  the  church,  he  must  request  the  ruin 
of  all  her  enemies,  if  they  continue  implacable, 
would  still  be  far  more  gratified  by  their  conver- 
sion. He  will  therefore  pray  that  this  change  may 
take  place:  and  with  boldness  and  meekness,  as 
he  has  opportunity,  he  will  expostulate  with  them 
on  the  brutish  folly  of  their  principles  and  conduct. 
— It  would  not  be  credible,  if  it  were  not  undeni- 
able, that  millions  of  rational  creatures  should 
live,  move,  speak,  hear,  understand,  remember, 
will,  and  effect  their  purposes;  and  yet  discourse 
and  behave,  as  if  tliey  verily  believed,  that  the 
God,  from  whom  they  derive  all  these  capacities, 
could  neither  see,  nor  hear,  nor  understand,  and 
would  never  punish  their  rebellious  abuse  of  them! 
But  they  will  find,  that  Jehovah  is  the  Fountain 
of  knowledge,  wisdom,  and  power,  as  well  as  of 
goodness  and  justice:  and  he  will  shew  them,  tliat 
he  was  acquainted  with  the  secret  thouglits  of 
their  hearts;  which  are  equally  unreasonable  and 
wicked,  and  are  sure  to  terminate  in  vexation,  if 
not  in  destruction.  We  may  therefore  conclude, 
without  hesitation,  that  the  most  afflicted  believer 
is  far  happier  than  the  most  prosperous  among  un- 
godly men.  [JSTotes  and  P.  O.  Luke  16:19—26.) 
V.  12—23. 
Afilictions  are  frequently  the  means  of  bringing 
sinners  to  repentance,  and  faith  in  the  Savior:  and 
every  man  should  think  himself  happy,  who,  being 
chastened  of  the  Lord,  is  under  the  correction 
taught  his  truths  and  will,  from  the  sacred  word, 
and  by  the  Holy  Spirit.  For  he  will  find  rest  to 
his  soul  under  adversities,  and  at  length  rest  from 
them;  and  the  wicked  will  harass  him,  only  till 
the  pit  be  prepared,  into  which  they  shall  sink  and 
rise  no  more  for  ever.  Let  not  then  the  upright 
in  heart  fear,  lest  the  Lord  should  cast  off  his  peo- 
ple: let  them  still  cleave  to  him  and  follow  after 
righteousness;  and  at  length  the  just  Judge  will 
terminate  the  triumphs  of  his  enemies,  and  the 
sorrows  of  his  servants. — We  should,  according  to 
our  station  in  the  church  or  in  sociely,  endeavor 
to  unite  all  around  us,  in  attempting  to  stem  the 
torrent  of  impiety;  but  we  need  not  wonder,  if  we 
find  the  remnant  of  believers  timid  and  inactive, 
in  proportion  as  the  wicked  are  daring  and  enter- 
prising. Yet  we  must  bear  our  testimony  to  the 
truth,  and  use  our  endeavors  to  serve  the  cause  of 
godliness,  though  we  do  it  alone,  and  in  sackcloth: 
and  the  Lord  will  help  and  protect  us,  till  our  tes- 
timony be  finished;  let  who  will  attempt  to  silence 
us,  by  terror,  or  in  a  dungeon,  or  in  the  grave. 
But  unless  he  uphold  us,  our  feet  will  slip:  and  if 


B.  C.  1045. 


PSALM  XCV. 


B.  C.  1045. 


PSALM   XCV. 

An  exhortation  with  exulting  joy  to  praise  God  the  Rock  of  our 
salvation,  for  his  greatness,  as  the  Creator  and  Sovereign  of 
the  world,  1 — 5;  and  to  worship  him,  as  his  creatures,  and  his 
peculiar  people,  6,  7:  v/ith  a  solemn  warning  not  to  tempt  him, 
as  Israel  did  in  the  wilderness,  8 — 11- 

a  ^^    COME,  let    us    "sing   unto  the 
\^    Lord:  <=  let  us  make  a  joyful  noise 
to  '^  the  Rock  of  our  salvation. 

2  ®  Let  us  *  come  before  his  presence 
with  thanksgiving,  and  make  a  joyful 
noise  unto  him  with  *"  psalms. 

3  For  s  the    Lord   is    a    great   God, 


Uli 


and  ''  a  great   Ki 

a34.-3.  66:8.    107:8,15,21.   117:1. 

118:1.     136:1—3.      148:11—13. 

130:6. 
b  47.6,7.    66:1,2.     81:1.    96,1,2. 

101:1.  Ex.  15:1,21.    1  Chr.  16: 

9.   Eph.  5:19.   Col.  3:16.  Rev. 

5:9.   14:3.    15:3. 
c66:l.    98:4—8.    100:1.     Ezra 

3:11—13.   Is.  12:4—6.  Jer.  33: 

11.    Matt.  21:9.    Rev.  19:6. 
d  89:26.     Deut.  32:15.     2  Sam. 

22:47.     1  Cor.  10;4. 


*  above  all  gods 

e  5:7.   100:2,4.    Jer.  31:12,13. 

*  Heb.  prevent  Ids  f<i(:e.   17:13. 
marg. 

f  105:2.    Jam.  .5:13. 

g   86:8—10.    96:4.     97:9.   145:3. 

Jer.  10:6,7. 
h  47:2.  48:2.    Jer.  10:10.    46:18. 

48:15.     Dan.  4:37.     Mai.  1:11, 

14.     Matt.  5:35. 
i    135:5.     Ex.    18:11.      Is.  44:8. 

Jer.  10:10—16. 


we  have  been  preserved  from  falling  into  sin,  or 
shrinking  from  our  duty,  on  trying  occasions,  we 
should  give  him  the  whole  glory,  and  encourage 
our  brethren. — When  urgent  difSculties  press 
upon  our  minds,  respecting  our  own  case  and  our 
peculiar  temptations,  conflicts,  and  trials,  or  about 
the  cause  of  God,  multitudes  of  thoughts,  con- 
trivances, and  apprehensions  will  arise  within  us; 
the  indulgence  of  which  only  increases  vexation, 
solicitude,  or  distrust,  and  renders  our  views  more 
and  more  gloomy  and  defeponding.  Then  should 
we  retire,  and  spread  the  case  before  the  Lord, 
and  pour  out  our  hearts  in  prayer  unto  him:  thus 
we  shall  find  light  arise  in  the  midst  of  our  dark- 
ness; and  divine  consolations  will  often,  not  only 
satisfy  and  calm,  but  even  delight  our  souls. — The 
believer  needs  not  be  anxious  about  the  event, 
either  to  himself,  or  to  the  church:  even  though 
he  should  see  those  in  autliorit3s  who  frame  mis- 
chief in  enacting  persecuting  laws,  and  multi- 
tudes "gathering  themselves  together  against  the 
soul  of  the  righteous  to  condemn  the  innocent 
blood."  The  righteous  Lord  may  indeed  for  a 
while  bear  with  these  things,  but  he  will  never 
patronise  "the  throne  of  iniqtiity:"  and  while  he 
defends  his  cause,  and  is  the  Rock  and  Refuge  of 
every  saint,  he  will  bring  upon  their  haughtiest 
enemies  "their  own  iniquity,  and  cut  them  off  in 
their  own  wickedness;  yea,  the  Lord  our  God 
shall  cut  them  off."  May  we  then  join  and  ad- 
here to  that  party,  which  is  sure  at  length  to  pre- 
vail and  triumph  over  all  opposition,  and  that  for 
evermore. 

NOTES. 
Psalm  XCV.  V.  1.  This  Psalm  has  no  title 
in  the  Hebrew:  but  the  Septuagint  call  it,  'A 
'Psalm  of  David;'  and  the  apostle  fully  sanctions 
this  testimon)',  by  his  manner  of  quoting  it; 
"Wherefore  as  the  Holy  Ghost  saith.  To-day  if 
ye  will  hear  his  voice,  &c."  "Again  he  limiteth 
a  certain  day,  saying  in  David,"  '"To-day,  after 
so  long  a  time,  To-day,  if  ye  will  hear  his  voice, 
harden  not  your  hearts."  (jVoie*,  7 — 11.  Heb.  3: 
1 — 13.  4:3 — 11.)  This  passage  also  manifestly 
shews,  that  the  apostles  considered  the  scriptures 
of  the  old  Testament  as  the  language  of  the 
Holy  Spirit,  whoever  committed  that  language  to 
writing.  The  Holy  Ghost  spake  by  David. 
(JVb<e*,  Mall.  22:41—40.  JSiark  12:35— 37.)— The 
Psalm  appears  to  have  been  composed  for  the 
use  of  the  Israelites,  as  they  ascended  in  compa- 
nies to  the  sanctuary,  or  as  soon  as  thev  entered 


4  ''In  this  hand  are  ^  the  deep  places 
of  the  earth:  ""  the  i  strength  of  the  hills 
is  his  also. 

5  5  The  sea  is  his,  and  he  made  it: 
and  "  his  hands  formed  the  dry  land. 

6  °  O  come,  p  let  us  worship  and  bow 
down:  '^  let  us  kneel  before  the  Lord 
*■  our  Maker. 

7  For  ^  he  is  our  God;  and  we  are 
^  the  people  of  his  pasture,  and  the  sheep 


k24:l.    Job  11:10. 

j  Heb.  vihose. 

1  135:6. 

m  65:6.    97:5.     Job    9:5.      Mic. 

1:4.  Nah    1:5.    Hab.  3:6,10. 
^  Or,  heights  ...  are. 
5  Ileb.  IVhose  the  sea  is.  33:7. 

Gen.    1:9,10.        Job    38:10,11. 

Prov.  8:29.  Jer.  5:22. 
n  Prov.  8:26. 
o  1.    Hos.  6:1.  Matt.  4:2.  Rev. 

22:17. 
p  72:9.      Ex.   20:5.      Matt.  4:9. 

Mark   14:35.      Acts   10:25,26. 


Rev.  22:8. 
q    1  Kings    8:54.     2  Chr.   6:13. 

Ezra  9:5.     Dan.   0:10.     Luke 

22:41.     Acts  7:60.  20:36.  21:.5. 

Eph.  3:14. 
r  100:3.     Job  35:10.     Ec.   12:1. 

Is.  54:5.     John  1:3.     1  Pet.  4: 

19. 
s  48:14.  67:6.   115:3.     Ex.  15:2. 

20:2.     Jer.  31:33.    Heb.  11:16. 
t  23:1.    79:13.    80:1.    100:3.    Is. 

40:10,11.     Ez.  34:30,31.    John 

10:3,4.14—16.     Acts  20:28.    1 

Pet.  2:25. 


into  the  courts  of  the  Lord;  being  an  introduc- 
tion to  the  sacred  services  there  performed,  and 
especially  the  Psalmody,  which  had  recently  been 
instituted.  And  it  is  still  retained  in  the  offices 
of  our  church  for  similar  purposes. — The  Psalm- 
ist 'sheweth  that  God's  service  standeth  not  in 
'dead  ceremonies,  but  chiefly  in  the  sacrifice  of 
'praise  and  thanksgiving.'  (JVo/e,  50:7 — 15.) — 
Rock  of  our  salvation.']  J\Iarg.  Ref.  d. — J^otes, 
89:19—37,  v.  26.  E.t.  17:5,6.  Is.  12:2. 

V.  2.  [Marg.  and  Marg.  Ref.)  'Let  us  ... 
'triumphantly  laud  the  Author  of  all  the  good  we 
'enjojr,  and  in  whom  we  may  safely  confide  for 
'ever.  Let  us  approach  unto  his  presence  with 
'thankful  hearts,  to  acknowledge  the  benefits  we 
'have  received  from  him;  and  devoutly  proclaim 
'with  triumphant  hymns,  what  a  joy  it  is  to  us, 
'that  we  may  address  ourselves  unto  him.'  Bp. 
Patrick. 

V.  3.  Gods.']  'Even  the  angels,  (who  in  re- 
'spectof  men  are  thought  as  gods,)  are  nothing 
'in  his  sight;  much  less  the  idols  which  man's 
'brain  inventeth.'  {J^otes,  82:1,6—8.  97:3—7. 
138:1.  Heh.  1:5—7.) 

V.  4,  5.  The  recesses  of  the  earth,  which  man 
cannot  penetrate  or  investigate,  are  in  the  hand 
of  our  Creator,  and  open  to  his  inspection.— The 
word  rendered  "strength,"  and  in  the  margin 
heights,  is  derived  from  a  root  signifying  to  wea- 
ry: because  men  are  wearied  in  ascending  the 
heights  of  the  mountains. — 'The  treasures  which 
'lie  hid  in  the  deep  places  of  the  earth  beneath; 
'the  majestic  pride  and  strength  of  the  hills, 
'which  tower  above  and  lift  up  their  heads  to 
'heaven;  the  unnumbered  waves  of  the  great  and 
'wide  sea,  which  roll  in  perpeKial  motion  round 
'the  world;  the  rich  and  variegated  produce  of 
'the  dry  land,  crowned  witli  verdure  and  beauty; 
'together  with  every  thing  that  liveth  in  the  wa- 
'ters  or  on  the  earth,  are  all  under  the  govcrn- 
'ment  of  our  God.'  Bp.  Home.  [Marg.  R/f. — 
J^ote,  93:3,4.) 

V.  6.  The  former  verses  were  intended  (o 
animate  the  people  in  joyful  praise  and  thanks- 
giving: but  this  seems  a  call  to  humble  p!a\fT 
and  supplication. — 'Since  God  made  our  bodies, 
'as  well  as  our  souls,  it  is  meet  and  right  tlint  they 
'should  bear  their  part  in  his  service,  and  that 
'internal  worship  should  be  accompanied  and  sig- 
'nified  by  that  which  is  external.'  Bp.  Uornc— 
Three  words  are  used:  "We  will  prostrate  cui- 
selves,  we  will  bow  our  heads,  we  will  knee!, 
&c."     (JVo/^.9,   Gen.    17:1—3.     1   Kings    V.-22.)— 

[323 


B.  C.  1045. 


PSALM  XCV. 


B.  C.  1045. 


of  his  hand.      "  To-day,   ^  if  ye  will  hear 
his  voice, 

8  y  Harden  not  your  heart,  as  ^  in  the 
*  provocation,  and  as  in  the  day  of  temp- 
tation in  the  wilderness: 

9  When  *your  fathers  tempted  me, 
proved  me,  and  ^  saw  my  work. 


u  Heb.  3:7,13,15.   4:7. 

i  Prov.  8:t3.    Is.  55:3.     Matt.  3i 

2,3.    ]7:.5.      Rpv.  3:20. 
Y  Ex.  8:J5.     1  .^am.  6:6.    Dan. 
'5:20.     Acts    19:9.     Rom.   2:5. 

Heb.  3:13    12:.;o. 
2  Ex.    17:2,7.     Num.    14:11,22, 


2U:]3.    iJeut.  1:34,35.  6:16. 

Heb.   3:3,9,15—19.     Jude  .5. 
*  Heb.   contention. 
a  73:17,18,40,41.      1  Cor.  10:9. 
b  Num.    14:2i.     Matt.    11:20— 

22.   John  15:24. 


'Let  us  all,  with  the  lowest  prostrations  devoutly 
'adore  his  majesty:  let  us  ...  bow  both  our  bodies 
'and  souls,  in  token  of  our  subjection  to  him:  let 
'U5  fall  on  our  knees,  and  submissively  acknowl- 
'edge  the  duty  we  owe  to  the  great  Lord,  who 
'gave  us  our  Being.'  Bp.  Patrick. — Kneeling 
is  the  posture  of  prayer  most  commonly  mention- 
ed, both  in  the  old  Testament,  and  in  the  new. 
(Marg.  Re/.— JVut.es,  Dan.  G:  10,11.  Acts  21:1— 
6.) 

V.  7.  {JVotes,  Ex.  ]9:5,e>.  20:2.)~The  Creator 
of  the  world  became  the  God,  or  the  covenanted 
Friend,  of  Israel:  and  the  nation  was  under  spe- 
cial obligations  to  devote  themselves  to  his  wor- 
ship and  service;  being  taken  peculiar  care  of 
by  him,  and  favored  with  manifold  advantages 
above  all  other  nations.  They  were  "his  people 
and  the  sheep  of  his  pasture."  [JVotes,  23: 1 — 3. 
80: 1 .)  Yet  this  was  only  an  outward  relation  and 
privilege  to  most  of  them:  the  whole  company 
^7ere  a  type  of  the  true  Israel;  and  nations  pro- 
fessing Christianity  are  in  great  measure  in  a 
similar  situation  to  that  of  Israel.  Now,  in  large 
congregations,  some  may  be  supposed  to  be  spir- 
itual worshippers;  and  others  to  be  destitute  of 
saving  and  sanctifying  faith,  though  attending  on 
the  means  of  grace.  The  former  part  of  the 
Psalm,  therefore,  may  be  considered  as  an  ad- 
dress to  the  true  worshippers,  exciting  them  to 
alacrity  and  fervency  in  their  spiritual  sacrifices: 
but  the  latter  part  of  it,  is  a  warning  to  the  unbe- 
lievers, from  the  example  of  the  Israelites  in  the 
days  of  Moses;  and  the  apostle  has  taught  us  to 
apply  it  to  the  case  of  professed  Christians,  and 
to  that  of  ail  who  hear  the  gospel.  If  they  ever 
mean  to  hear,  that  is,  to  believe  and  obey,  the 
voice  of  God,  let  them  lose  no  time,  but  attend 
without  delay;  lest  the  sentence  of  exclusion 
should  be  past,  and  the  door  be  for  ever  shut. — 
'He  sheweth  wherein  they  are  God's  flock,  that 
'is,  if  they  hear  his  voice.'  {J\Iars:  Ref. — JVotes, 
i  Cor.  10:1—12.  Heb.  3:7—13.  Jude  5— 8J 

His  pasture.'}  'From  those  pastures,  O  thou 
'good  Shepherd,  suffer  us  not  to  stray,  or,  if  we 
'do  stray,  bring  us  speedily  back  again,  by  any 
'means,  which  tUou,  in  thine  infinite  wisdom, 
'shalt  think  fit.  Wholesome  is  the  discipline, 
'which  drives  us  into  the  fold,  and  keeps  us  there. 
' ...  What  follows  to  t5(8  end  of  the  psalm  is  un- 
'doubtedly  spoken  in  the  person  of  God  himself, 
'who  may  be  considered,  as  addressing  us  in  these 
'latter  days,  by  the  gospel  of  his  Son.'  Bp.  Home. 

V.  8.  Harden,  &c.]  JVotes,  Ex.  4:21.  9:12. 
Is.  6:9,10. — The  original  words  for  "provoca- 
tion" and  "temptation,"  are  J>leribah  and  Mas- 
sah.     [JVotes,  Ex.  17:7.  JVmot.  20:10—13.) 

V.  9—11.  {J^ofes,  Minn.  14:22,23.  Matt.  4:5 
— 7.) — The  word  (CO^pK)  translated  was  "griev- 
ed," is  rendered  bv  the  Septuagint,  provoked; 
and  the  apostle  has  followed  that  reading,  though 
our  version  uses  the  word  grieved.  Some  ver- 
sions render  it,  'I  held  them  in  abhorrence.'  It 
i»  certainly  a  much  more  indignant  word,  go  to 
324]       ' 


10  *=  Forty  years  long  was  I  ^  grieved 
with  this  generation,  and  said,  It  is  a 
people  that  do  ^  err  in  their  heart,  and 
'  they  have  not  known  my  ways: 

11  Unto  whom  ^I  sware  in  my  wrath, 
^  that  they  should  not  enter  into  ^  my  rest. 


cNum.  14:33,34.  32:13.     Deut. 

1:3.  2:14—16.     Heb.  3:9. 
d  Gen.  6:6.     Eph.  4:30. 
e  Is.  63:17.     Heb.  3:10,17. 
f   Prov.    1:7,22—29.       .J<;r.    9:6. 

John  3:19— 21.     Rom.  1:28. 


g  Num.  14:23,28 — 30.    Deut.  1: 

34,35.  Htb.  3:11,18. 
t  Heb.  if  they  enter. 
h  Gen.  2:2,3.   Jer.  6:16.     Matt. 

11:28,29.    Heb.  4:4—11.  Rev. 

14:13. 


speak,  than  that  used  by  the  apostle,  when  he 
says,  "Grieve  not  the  Holy  Spirit,  &c."  [JVole, 
Eph.  4:30 — 32.)  for  he  is  speaking  of  the  wrong 
tempers  and  other  failures  of  true  Christians;  but 
the  Psalmist,  or  rather -the  Holy  Spirit  by  him, 
refers  to  the  obstinate  unbelief  and  rebellion  of 
that  generation  which  fell  in  the  wilderness,  after 
all  which  they  had  seen  and  heard  of  Jehovah's 
power,  majesty,  and  goodness.  "They  rebelled 
and  vexed  his  Holy  Spirit:  therefore  he  was 
turned  to  be  their  enemy,  and  fought  against 
them."  (JVo^es,  /*.  63:10.  ./Sds  7:51— 53.)  The 
root  of  all  this  rebellion  lay  in  their  hearts;  they 
"erred,"  or  wandered,  "in  their  hearts;"  they 
were  influenced  by  "an  evil  heart  of  unbelief,  in 
departing  from  the  living  God."  They  were 
apostates  and  idolaters:  they  disliked  the  holy 
service  of  God,  and  delighted  in  the  sensual 
mirth  and  indulgences  of  idolatrj^  and  in  worldly 
pursuits;  they  were  "carnally-minded,  and  en- 
mity against  God;"  they  "said  to  God,  Depart 
from  us,  for  we  desire  not  the  knowledge  of  thj' 
wa^'s."  The  Lord  therefore  passed  the  irrevoca- 
ble sentence  of  exclusion  from  Canaan,  confirm- 
ed with  an  oath:  and  he  set  them  forth  in  his 
word  as  a  warning  to  all  ages  and  nations;  lest 
by  imitating  their  example,  they  should  be  for 
ever  secluded  from  that  heavenly  rest,  of  which 
Canaan  was  a  faint  shadow.  (^JVotes,  Ex.  32:1. 
Mtm.l4:l—20.  P.  O.  26— 45.  JYotes,  Heb.  A:\ 
-11.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  Lord,  being  infinitely  powerful,  wise,  just, 
merciful,  and  faithful;  the  Creator,  Benefactor, 
Spvereign,  and  Proprietor  of  all  worlds;  ought  to 
be  universally  adored,  loved,  and  praised  by  all 
his  rational  creatures;  and  gratitude  to  him  should  - 
be  the  joy  of  every  heart.  But  none  of  our  fall- 
en race  cordially  render  him  this  reasonable 
tribute,  unless  they  have  known  him  as,  in  Christ 
Jesus,  "the  Rock  of  our  salvation."  This  "great 
God,"  this  "King  above  all  gods,"  in  whose  "hand 
are  the  deep  places  of  the  earth,"  and  the  reser- 
voirs of  the  mighty  ocean,  and  whose  is  "the 
strength  of  the  hills"  which  he  has  formed,  is  the 
Friend,  the  Father,  and  Portion  of  all  believers. 
Their  Creator  is  become  their  Shepherd:  he 
sought  them  when  lost,  and  brought  them  to  his 
fold,  and  now  feeds  them,  with  tenderness  and 
care,  as  the  sheep  of  his  hand:  UVotes,  119:176. 
/,.  40:9— II.  Luke  15:3—7.  1  Pet.  2:18—25,1'. 
25.)  yea,  "he  laid  down  his  life  for  the  sheep." 
[JTotes,  Is.  53:4—6.  John  10:10—18.  Heb.  13:20, 
21.)  How  should  they  then  delight  in  celebrat- 
ing the  praises  of  their  glorious  and  gracious 
Benefactor,  and  in  thanking  him  for  his  unspeak- 
able mercies!  and  how  gladly  should  thej'  em- 
brace every  opportunity  of  meeting  in  his  courts, 
to  join  their  grateful  songs  of  praise  with  those  of 
their  fellow  Christians! — When  we  thus  assem- 
ble together  to  ^Torship  our  God,  we  should  en- 
deavor to  express  by  our  deportment,  as  well  as 
to  cultivate  in  our  minds,  believing  confidence. 


B.  C.  1045. 


PSALM  XCVI. 


B.  C.  1045. 


PSALM    XCVL 

Israel,  and  all   nations,  are  called  on  to  celebrate  the  praises  of 
God,  to  shew  forth  his  salvation,  and  to  join  in   his  worship,  1 

10.     The  whole  creation  is  excited  to  rejoice  in  the  prospect 

of  his  coming,  and  of  his  righteous  judgment,  11 — 13. 

*  SING  unto  the  Lord  a  new  song: 

^  sing  unto  the  Lord,  all  the  earth. 

2  Sing   unto    the    Lord,    «=  bless    his 

name;  '^  shew    forth    his    salvation    from 

day  to  day. 


a  33:3.  93:1.  149:1.  I  Chr.  16: 
23—33.     Rev.  5:9.   14:3. 

b  67:3—5.  68:3-2.     Rom.    15:11. 

c  72:17,18.  103:1,2,20—22.  104: 
1.     145:1,10.        1    Chr.     29:20. 


I    Eph.  1:3.     Rev.  5:1.3. 
d  40:10.  71:1.5.    Is.  40:9.   53:7,8. 
Mark  16:15.  Acts  13:26.  Rom. 
10:14—13. 


ioyful  g^ratitude,  and  reverential  awe:  and,  as 
conscious  of  our  own  meanness  and  unworthi- 
ness,  and  mindful  of  his  infinite  majesty  and  glo- 
ry, we  should  "bow  down,  and  kneel  before  the 
Lord  our  Maker." — But  we  must  not  imagine, 
that  all,  who  meet  in  our  religious  assemblies,  are 
at  present  capable  of  rendering  such  spiritual 
worship,  or  that  they  partake  of  such  inestimable 
privileges.  In  general  it  is  to  be  feared,  they 
are  but  a  remnant;  like  the  few  believers  found 
in  Israel,  when  as  a  nation  they  were  excluded 
from  Canaan  through  unbelief. — While  therefore 
the  true  people  of  God  should  excite  each  other, 
and  ministers  should  excite  them,  to  rejoice  in 
God  and  to  render  him  praise;  and  they  ought  to 
consider  his  solemn  worship,  as  the  chief  business 
of  their  assembling  togetlier;  the  rest  are  to  be 
addressed,  in  the  name  and  by  the  authority  of 
God,  to  hear,  and  obey  his  voice,  and  accept  of 
his  salvation.  The  abundant  encourag-ements  of 
the  gospel  should  be  set  before  them,  as  well  as 
the  awful  terrors  of  the  law;  to  convince  and  as- 
sure them,  that  the  Lord  is  still  "readj^  to  for- 
give," and  to  save  all  who  come  to  him.  But  it 
is  a  concern,  which  admits  of  no  dela}':  death 
may  come  before  to-morrow,  if  the  sinner  will 
not  hear  the  voice  of  God  to-day;  or  he  may  be 
consigned  to  final  impenitence,  and  be  "harden- 
ed by  the  deceitfulness  of  sin."  Yet  men  in  gen- 
eral procrastinate,  and  "harden  their  hearts" 
against  present  convictions:  they  do  violence  to 
their  own  consciences,  and  plunge  into  those 
pleasures  and  pursuits,  which  banish  reflection, 
and  increase  their  natural  a\'ersion  to  the  truths 
and  service  of  God.  Thus  is  he  "grieved"  and 
provoked  by  their  obstinacj';  and  his  patience  is 
wearied  out  by  their  contempt  of  his  favor,  their 
disregard  of  his  displeasure,  and  their  unbeliev- 
ing neglect  of  his  salvation.  When  this  is  the 
case,  the  Lord  "gives  them  up  to  their  own  hearts' 
lusts:"  and  then  they  will  never  be  able  to  enter 
heaven,  any  more  than  the  condemned  genera- 
tion of  Israel  could  enter  Canaan.  Let  sinners 
then  take  warning  by  this  awful  example,  and 
not  approach  the  brink  of  that  precipice,  whence 
these  ancient  rebels  were  cast  down  into  destruc- 
tion. Let  them  fear  giving  way  to  temptation, 
by  presuming  upon  the  patience  and  mercy  of 
God;  let  them  be  careful  not  to  sin  on  under  the 
means  of  grace,  and  against  the  conviction  of 
their  own  consciences:  let  them  be  aware  of  the 
evil  of  their  own  hearts,  which  leads  them  to 
wander  from  God,  and  to  remain  ignorant  of  his 
ways,  because  haters  of  them:  and  let  them  dread 
giving  into  prejudices,  or  infidel  objections  to  the 
gospel,  because  they  are  averse  to  its  salutary  re- 
straints; or  devising  a  scheme  of  religion  more 
suited  to  their  pride  and  lusts,  and  less  disquiet- 
ing to  their  consciences.  These  are  a  few  of  the 
numerous  methods,  by  which  Satan  blinds  and 
hardens  numbers  in  our  religious  assemblies,  to 
their  everlasting  destruction.  Finally,  let  us  all  I 
then  "fear,  lest  a  promise  being  left  us  of  entering ' 


"3  ^  Declare  liis  glory  among  the  hea- 
then, his  wonders  among  all  people. 

4  For  '  the  Lord  is  great,  and  great- 
ly to  be  praised;  he  is  ^to  be  feared 
above  all  gods. 

5  For  ^  all  the   gods   of  the   nations 


e  22:27.  72:18,19.  117:  Is.  19: 
23—25.  49:6.  Dan.  4:1— 3.  6: 
26,27.  Mic.  4:2.  Zech.  9:10. 
Matt.  23:19.  Luke  24:47.  Rev. 
14:6,7. 

f  36:10.  89:7.  145:3.  Ex.  18:11. 
1  Sam.  4:8.     Neh.  9:5. 


g  66:3,5.  76:7.  89:7.  95:3.     ,Ter. 

5:22.   10:6,7.    Luke  12:5.  Rev. 

15:4. 
h  115:3— 8.    135:15—13.     Is.  44: 

8,&c.  46:1,2.    Jer.  10:3—5,14, 

15.   Acts  19:26.      1  Cor.  8:4. 


into  his  rest,  any  of  us  should  seem  to  come  short 
of  it."     (P.  O.  'Heb.  3:7—19.  4:1—11.) 

NOTES. 

Psalm  XCVI.  V.  1.  The  Septuagint  prefixes 
the  following  title  to  this  Psalm,  'When  the  house 
'was  built  after  the  captivity,  an  Ode  of  David.' 
Hence  it  has  been  conjectured,  that  after  the  cap- 
tivity, when  the  temple  was  finished,  it  was  se- 
lected, (perhaps  by  Haggai  or  Zechariah,)  from 
the  rest  of  the  song  of  praise,  used  by  David  at 
the  removal  of  the  ark;  and  that,  some  alterations 
having  been  made,  it  was  appointed,  as  a  proper 
expression  of  the  people's  thankful  joy  on  that  oc- 
casion. {JVofes,  1  Clir.  16:7—36.  Ezra  3:Q— II. 
6:16 — IS.)  It  is,  however,  generally  allowed  to 
contain  a  prediction  of  the  Messiah's  coming  and 
kingdom.  '  "A  new  Song;"  a  song  calculated  to 
'celebrate  new  mercies,  prefigured  by  old  ones 
'wrought  for  Israel  in  former  times:  a  song  fit  for 
'the  voices  of  renewed  and  regenerate  men  to 
'sing  in  the  new  Jerusalem,  in  those  new  heavens 
'and  that  new  earth,  which  constitute  the  new  crea- 
'tion,  or  kingdom  of  Jesus  Christ.'  Bp.  Home. 
{M)tes,  33:2,3.  40:1—5.  Rev.  5:8—10.  14:1—5.)— 
'The  prophet  sheweth,  that  the  time  shall  come,  that 
'all  nations  shall  have  occasion  to  praise  the  Lord 
'for  the  revealing  of  his  gospel.' — The  greatest 
part  of  the  Psalm  has  already  been  considered,  as 
constituting  a  part  of  that  Psalm  of  praise,  which 
was  sung  when  David  removed  the  ark  to  mount 
Zion.  [JTotes,  1  Chr.  16:23—33.)  It  is  not  there 
called  "A  new  Song:"  and  this  perhaps  implies 
that  it  was  altered  by  some  prophet,  as  adapted 
to  a  new  occasion. 

V.  2.  The  clause  rendered  "Shew  forth  his 
salvation,  &c."  literally  means  "Proclaim  the  glad 
tidings  of  his  salvation  from  day  to  day."  The 
public,  unremitting,  and  zealous  preaching  of  the 
gospel,  by  the  apostles  and  primitive  evangelists, 
to  Jews  and  Gentiles,  and  by  a  succession  of 
ministers  ever  since;  with  the  praises  and  tlianks- 
givings  offered  to  God  by  them,  and  their  nume- 
rous converts,  are  evidently  predicted.  [J\''otes, 
1  Chr.  16:23,24.   Is.  40:9—11.  52:9,10.) 

V.  3,  4.  "The  glorj'  of  God,  or  that  which  con- 
stitutes him  altogether  glorious,  even  his  attri- 
butes, especially  his  M'isdom,  justice,  truth,  and 
mercy;  is  manifested  by  his  word,  and  in  his 
works,  of  which  that  discovery  is  most  distin- 
guished, which  he  has  made  of  his  harmonious 
perfections  in  the  person  and  salvation  of  Christ, 
and  in  the  wonders  of  redeeming  love.  The  glo- 
ry of  God,  in  his  wonderful  works  for  Israel  of 
old,  had,  by  various  means,  been  made  known  to 
the  heathen;  yet  they  adhered  to  their  idols: 
[J\Iarg.  Ref.)  but  when  the  apostles  declared  his 
glory,  as  displayed  by  the  gospel;  immense  multi- 
tudes renounced  idolatry,  and  at  length  the  whole 
ancient  system  of  idolatry  was  subverted,  through 
a  large  part  of  the  world. — 'Seeing  he  will  reveal 
'himself  to  all  nations  contrary  to  their  own  ex- 
'pectation;  thev  ought  all  to  worship  him  contrary 

[325 


B.  C.   1045. 


PSALM  XCVI. 


B.  C.  1045. 


are  idols:    but    '  the    Lord    made    the 
heavens. 

6  ^  Honor  and  majesty  a?-e  before 
him:  '  strength  and  beauty  are  in  •"  his 
sanctuary. 

7  o  Give  unto  the  Lorb,  °  O  ye  kin- 
dreds of  the  people,  give  unto  the  Lord 
P  glory  and  strength. 

8  Give  unto  the  Lord  i  the  glory 
*  due  unto  his  name:  ''bring  an  offering, 
and  ^  come  into  his  courts. 

9  O  worship  the  Lord  ^  in  the  t  beau- 
ty of  holiness:  "  fear  before  him,  all  the 
earth. 


i  Gen.  1:1.    Is.  42:5.  Jer.  10:11. 
k8:l.   19:1.    63:2,3.93:1.    104:1. 

Heb.  1:3.     2  Pet.  1:16,17. 
1  27:4.  29:9.  50:2. 
m  1  Chr.  16:27. 

n  29:1,2.  68:32—34.   Luke  2:14. 
o  22:27.    66:1,2.    67:3,4.     Rom. 

15:9,10.     Rev.  5:9.    19:6. 
p  1  Chr.  29:1 1—13.    Matt.  6:13. 

1  Pet.  5:11.    Jude  24,25.  Rev. 

5:13.  7:12.   14:7.   19:1. 
q   108:3—5.      111:9.     148:13,14. 


Ex.  34:5—9.     Rev.  15:4. 
*  Heb.    of  his  name. 
r  Is.  60:6,7.     Mai.  1:11.     Rom. 

12:1.   15:16.     Phil.  2:17.    4:18. 

Heb.    13:15,16.       1    Pet.     2:5. 

Rev.  8:3,4. 
s  100:4. 

t29:2.   110:3.   Ezra  7:27. 
f  Or,  gloriovs  mnctuary.     Ez. 

7:20.     Dan.    11:45.     Luke  21: 

5,6. 
u33:8.    76:7,11. 


10  ^  Say  among  the  heathen  that  y  the 
Lord  reigneth:  ^  the  world  also  shall 
be  established  that  it  shall  not  be  mov- 
ed: ^  he  shall  judge  the  people  right- 
eously. 

11  '' Let  the  heavens  rejoice,  and  let 
the  earth  be  glad;  "=  let  the  sea  roar, 
and  the  fulness  thereof. 

12  ^  Let  the  field  be  joyful,  and  all 
that  is  therein:  then  shall  all  the  trees  of 
the   wood  rejoice 

13  Before  the  Lord:  ^  for  he  cometh, 
for  he  cometh  to  judge  the  earth:  •"  he 
shall  judge  the  world  with  righteousness, 
and  the  people  with  his  truth. 


X  13:49.     126:2.      Mai.    1:11,14. 

Gal.  1:16. 
y  2:8—12.  59:13.  93:1.  97:1.  99: 

1.  Dan.  2:44.  Matt.  3:2.  Rev. 

11:15.   19:6. 
z  Is.  49:8.     Col.  2:7.    Heb.  1:3. 
a  13.  9:8.  67:4.  98:9.   Is.  11:3— 

5.    Acts    17:31.     Rom.   2:5,6. 

3:5,6.    Rev.  19:11. 
b  69:34.  148:1—4.   Is.  44:23.  49: 

13.      Luke  2:10,13,14.      15:10. 


Rev.  12:12.   19:1—7. 
c  98:7—9. 
d  65:12,13.     Is.  42:10,11.  55:12, 

13. 
e  98:9.     Is.  25:8,9.     Mai.  3:1,2. 

1  Thes.  4:16—18.     2  Thes.  1: 
10.     2  Tim.    4:8.      Tit.  2:13. 

2  Pet.  3:12—14.     Rev.   11:18. 
22:20. 

f  10.    Rev.  19:11. 


«to  their  imaginations,  and  only  as  he  hath  ap- 
'pointed.'  {JSTotes,  22:27,28,  67:  86:9,10.  1  Chr. 
16:25,26.) 

,  V,  5.  Idols.']  Vanities,  Things  of  nought. 
The  Septuag'int  renders  it  "daemons,"  or  devils. 
(M)tes,  1  Cor.  8:4—6.  10:18—22.)  Demon 
(Jqi/jojv,  Saifioviov,)  bears  a  favorable  meaning  in 
heathen  vocabularies,  so  to  speak;  but  always 
signifies  an  evil  spirit,  or  devil  in  the  New  Testa- 
ment. 'The  idols,  or  whatsoever  made  not  the 
•heavens,  are  not  God.'     {J^ote,  Jer.  10:11.) 

V.  6.  jVb<es,  27:4— 6.  50:1,2.  63:1—4.  1  Chr. 
16:27. 

V.  7 — 9.  'Asci'ibe  unto  the  Lord,  O  ye  peo- 
*ple,  from  whatever  family  ye  cjme,  ascribe  unto 
'him  that  incomparable  majesty,  and  supreme 
'dominion,  ...  which  you  give  to  imaginary  gods: 
'and  renounce  them  all;  and,  acknowledging  the 
♦Lord  alone  to  be  the  omnipotent  King  of  all  the 
'world,  do  him  honor  suitable  to  the  excellency 
♦of  his  majesty:  bring  him  an  oblation,  in  token 
♦of  your  subjection  to  him,  and  humbly  worship 
♦him  in  his  temple, ...  where  he  hath  fixed  his  glo- 
♦rious  residence  among  us.'  'Adore  his  transcend- 
♦ent  perfections;  and  let  all  the  people  approach 
♦his  presence  with  a  pious  trembling,  and  dread 
♦to  offend  their  Sovereign.'  Bp.  Patrick.  {J^otes, 
19:1,2.   1  Chr.  16:28,29.  2  Chr.  20:20,21.) 

V.  10.  'He  prophesieth  that  the  Gentiles  shall 
'be  partakers  with  the  Jews  of  God's  promise.'— 
When  the  apostles  went  and  preached  the  media- 
torial kingdom  of  God,  as  set  up  and  administered 
by  the  Son  of  his  love,  to  all  the  nations,  what  did 
they  but  fulfil  the  command  here  given.?  [JVbtes, 
Jlfa<(.  28:19,20.  JIark  16:14-16.  Luke  24:44— 
49.)  And  as  far  as  their  doctrine  has  been  cor- 
dially received,  the  moral  state  of  the  world  has 
been  established  on  an  immoveable  basis.  But 
we  are  still  loudly  called  on  to  pray,  "Thy  king- 
dom come;"  [J^otes,  Matt.  3:2.  6:10,13,33,34. 
Rev.  11:15 — 18.)  and  to  exhort  one  another  to 
"say  among  the  heathen,  The  Lord  reigneth:" 
as  weU  as  to  do  all  in  our  power,  according  to 
our  several  stations  and  talents,  to  make  known 
God  our  Savior  to  all  the  nations  of  the  earth. 
{J^otes,  93:1,2.   1  Chr.  16:30.) 

V.  1 1 — 13.  These  verses  have  peculiar  anima- 
tion, as  a  call  on  the  universe  at  large,  to  break 
forth  into  joyful  praise,  and  celebrate  the  coming, 
rederriotion,  and  kingdom  of  the  Savior:  but  thev 
326]  ' 


are  more  literally  rendered  as  a  direct  prediction. 
"The  heavens  shall  rejoice,  and  the  earth  shall  be 
glad;  the  sea  shall  roar,  &c."  (JVbies,  98:7 — 9. 
148:7—14.  1  Chr.  16:31—33.  /*.  42:10—12.  44: 
23.  55:12,13.)  The  second  coming  of  Christ,  as 
well  as  the  first,  seems  predicted;  when  "Uie 
creature,"  or  creation,  "shall  be  delivered  from 
the  bondage  of  con-uption,  into  the  glorious  liber- 
ty of  the  sons  of  God."  {JSTote,  Rom.  8:18-23.) 
The  kingdom  of  the  Redeemer  is  the  kingdom  of 
righteousness  and  tridh:  he  rules  the  world  in 
equity,  justice,  and  truth;  he  fulfils  the  gracious 
promises  to  his  believing  people;  and  the  triumpli 
of  righteousness  and  truth,  over  wickedness  and 
falsehood,  is  the  certain  effect.  And  when  he 
shall  come  to  judge  the  world,  the  justice  and 
truth  of  God  will  be  revealed  and  glorified, 
in  the  destruction  of  the  wicked  according  to  his 
threatenings;  and  the  faithfulness  of  God,  in  ful- 
fil Hng  his  largest  and  kindest  promises  to  his  re- 
deemed and  devoted  servants.  [J^otes,  Ps.  50:3 
—6.  2Thes.  1:5—10.  i?£u.  20:11— 15.) 

The  people.  (13)  o'Dj?  :  "Peoples,"  plural,  in- 
cluding the  inhabitants  of  every  land. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

When  our  Emmanuel  had  finished  his  work  on 
earth,  and  was  received  to  his  glory  in  heaven, 
the  church  began  to  "sing  a  new  song"  unto  him, 
and  to  bless  his  name:  and  his  apostles  and  evan- 
gelists lost  no  time,  but  "having  received  the 
promise  of  the  Father"  in  the  pouring  out  of  the 
Holy  Spirit,  on  the  day  of  Prntecost,  they  imme- 
diately proclaimed  the  glad  tidings  of  his  salva- 
tion; hO  that  "daily  in  tlie  temple,  and  from  house 
to  house  they  ceased  not  to  teach  and  to  preach 
Jesus  Christ;"  and  in  "a  short  time  they  began  to 
declare  his  glory  among  the  heathen,  and  his 
wonders  among  all  people."  His  honor  and  maj- 
esty, his  strength  and  excellency,  were  at  that 
eventful  period  so  displayed  in  his  doctrine  and 
by  his  miracles,  that  vast  multitudes  renounced 
their  idols,  to  worship  Jehovah  in  "the  beauty  of 
holiness,"  as  "God  in  Christ  reconciling  the  world 
unto  himself;"  to  "render  unto  him  the  honor  due 
unto  his  name;"  to  bring  their  spiritual  sacrifices, 
and  to  come  into  his  courts.  Still  tliis  salvation 
is  spread  abroad;  it  is  said  "among  the  heathen, 
that  Jehovah  reigneth;"  and  we  are  taught  to 


R  C.  1045. 


PSALM  XWII. 


B.  C.  1045. 


PSALM   XCVIL 

The  nations  are  called  on  to  rejoice  in  the  coming  of  the  rigfht- 
eous  kingdom  of  God,  and  in  (he  subversion  of  idolatry,  1 — 7. 
The  church  rejoices  because  of  hisjudgments,  and  in  his  uni- 
versal sovereignty,  8,  9.  An  exhortation  to  holiness,  and  joy 
in  God,  10—12. 

THE  *  Lord  reigneth;  ^  let  the  earth 
rejoice;    *=let    the    *  multitude    of 
isles  be  glad  thereof. 

2  "  Clouds  and  darkness  are  round 
about  him:  ^  righteousness  and  judgment 
are  the  t  habitation  of  his  throne. 

3  ''A  fire  goeth  before  him,  and  burn- 
eth  up  his  enemies  round  about. 

a  93:1.  9d:]0,ll.  99:1.     Ob.  21.  |     Rom.   11:33 
Matt.  3:3.    t):10,13.     Mark   11  "'      "    ""  " 


10.     Col.  1:13.     Rev.  11:17. 
b  98:4—6.      Is.  49:13.     Luke  2: 

10,11. 
c  Gen.  10:5.     Is.  11:11.  24:14— 

16.    41:5.     42:4,10—12.     49:1. 

51:5.  60:9.  66:19.     Zcph.  2:11. 
*  Heb.  many,  or,  great  isles. 
d  18:11,12.    77:19.     Ex.   20:21. 

24:16—18.       Deut.    4:11,12.     1 

Kings    8:10—12.      Nah.     1:3. 


e  43:6,7.  89:14.  99:4.     Gen.  18: 

25.  Heb.  1:8,9. 
f  Or,  establishment.     Prov.  16: 

12. 
f  18:8.    21:8,9.    50:3.     Deut.  4: 

11,36.  5:4,23,24.  32:22.     Dan. 

7:10.     Nah.    1:5,6.     Hab.  3:5. 

Mai.  4:1.     2  Thes.  1:8.    Heb. 

12:29.     2  Pet.  3:10—12.    Rev. 

11:5.  20:15. 


4  s  His  lightnings  enhghtened  the 
world:  ''the  earth  saw  and  trembled. 

5  '  The  hills  melted  like  wax  at  the 
presence  of  the  Lord,  at  the  presence 
of  ''  the  Lord  of  the  whole  earth. 

6  '  The  heavens  declare  his  right- 
eousness, and  ""all  the  people  see  his 
glory. 

7  "  Confounded  be  all  they  that  serve 
graven  images,  that  boast  themselves  of 
idols:  °  worship  him,  all  ye  gods. 


g  77:18.     144:5,6.     Ex.    19:16— 

18. 
h  104:32.   114:7.     Job  9:6.    Jer. 

10:10.     Matt.  27:50,51.  28:2,3. 

Rev.  11:19.   19:11. 
i  Judg.  5:4,5.      Is.  24:19,20.    64: 

1,2.      Mic.    1:3,4.      Nah.    1:5. 

Hab.  3:6. 
k47:2.  83:18.     Is.  54:5.   Mic.  4: 

13.     Zech.  4:14.     Mark    11:3. 

1  Cor.  1:2. 


1  19:1.  36:5,6.  50:6.   89.2,5 

1:2.     Rev.  19:2. 
me7:4,  93:3.     Num.  14:21.     Is, 

6:3.    45:6.  60:2,3.     Hab.  2:14. 

Matt.  6:9,10. 
n  Ex.  20:4.     Lev.  26:1.    Is.  37 

18,19.  41:29.    42:17.    44:9— 

Jer.  10:14.    Rev.  14:3—10. 
o  Ex.  25:20.    2  Chr.  3:13.  Heb 

1:6.     1  Pet.    1:12.     Rev. 

—  14. 


Is. 


II. 


11 


hope  and  pray  for  that  time,  when  he  sliall  estab- 
lish his  kingdom  in  righteousness  over  all  nations, 
and  when  the  whole  creation  shall  rejoice  in  him, 
and  shew  forth  his  praise. — At  length  the  incar- 
nate God  will  come  to  judge  the  earth,  to  exe- 
cute his  just  vengeance  on  his  enemies,  and  to 
fulfil  his  promises  to  his  people. — What  then  are 
wp.""  Would  that  day  be  welcome  to  our  hearts.' 
Are  we  prepared  to  join  the  joyful  acclamations 
of  all  his  servants  on  earth  and  in  heaven.'  If  this 
be  not  our  case,  let  us  now  begin  to  prepare  to 
meet  our  God,  by  seeking  the  pardon  of  our  sins, 
and  the  renewal  of  our  souls  to  holiness.  If  we 
are  ready,  let  us  bless  his  name,  bear  up  cheer- 
fully under  our  difficulties,  endeavor  to  promote 
the  peace  and  enlargement  of  his  kingdom;  and 
in  our  proper  place,  and  doing  our  proper  work, 
let  us  be  as  faithful  servants,  who  arc  habitually 
expecting  and  desiring  the  coming  of  their  Lord. 

NOTES. 
Psalm  XCVII.  V.  I.  The  Septuagint  en- 
title this  'A  Psalm  of  David,  after  his  land  was  re- 
'stored  to  him,'  meaning  that  he  composed  it,  when 
he  was  re-established  in  his  government,  after  Ab- 
salom's rebellion. — But,  whatever  gave  occasion 
to  it,  no  doubt  "the  Spirit  of  God,  speaking  by" 
the  Psalmist,  foretold  the  kingdom  of  Christ,  and 
his  victories. — This  verse  ma)'^  literally  be  thus 
rendered,  "Jehovah  reigneth,  the  earth  sliall  re- 
joice; yea  the  multitude  of  the  isles  shall  be  glad 
thereof."  It  is  a  direct  prediction  of  the  conver- 
sion of  the  Gentiles  to  Christ,  and  their  joy  in  him: 
and  the  evidence  from  prophecy  appears  very 
much  obscured,  by  rendering  such  prophecies  as 
exhortations.  When,  in  the  twelfth  verse,  the 
righteous  are  exhorted  to  rejoice  in  God,  the  im- 
perative, not  the  future  tense,  is  used. — 'He  shew- 
'eth  that  where  God  reigneth,  there  is  all  felicity 
'and  spiritual  joy. — The  gospel  shall  not  be  only 
'preached  in  Judea,  but  through  all.  isles  and 
'countries.' — 'We  Britons,  as  inhabiting  one  of 
'those  heathen  isles,  and  enjoying  so  fair  a  portion 
♦of  evangelical  blessings,  have  reason  to  repeat 
'this  verse  with  a  particular  pleasure  and  energy. 
' — The  Hebrews  called  by  the  name  of  "isles," 
'D"N  ,  not  only  countries  surrounded  by  the  sea, 
'but  all  the  countries  which  the  sea  divided  from 
'them;  so  that  the  term  became  synonymous  with 
'  "Gentiles."  Thus  it  is  said.  Is.  41:4.'  "The  isles 
'shall  wait  for  liis  law;"  whicli  passage,  Jlait.  )'?: 
'21.  is  expounded  as  follows,  "In  him  shall  tlie 
'Gentiles  trust."  '  Bp.  Home. — Europe,  however, 
and  the  isles  betv/een  Abia  and  Europe,  seem 


more  generally  meant  by  this  expression.  {Jfotes, 
Gen.  10:2— 5,  conclusion.  Is.  24:13—15.  42:10— 
12.  60:8,9.  66:19—23.    Zeph.  2:11.) 

V.  2.  "Clouds  and  darkness"  maj'  either  denote 
the  terrors,  with  which  the  Lord  appals  his  ene- 
mies, when  he  goes  forth  to  execute  righteous 
vengeance  upon  them;  or  the  obscurity  which 
rests  upon  his  dispensations  and  deahngs  with  his 
people,  till  the  accomplishment  of  his  promises  and 
prophecies  throws  light  upon  them.  [JSTotes,  77: 19, 
20.  J^ah.  1:2 — 6,  v.  3.)  But,  however  it  may  ap- 
pear to  his  creatures,  or  even  to  liis  most  eminent 
saints;  however  they  may  be  ready  to  say,  "All 
these  things  are  against  me,"  or,  "Hath  God  for- 
gotten to  be  gracious.'"  and  however  the  wicked 
may  blasphemously  revile  his  aAvful  justice,  as 
tyranny  or  cruelty;  yet  righteousness  and  judg- 
ment are  tlie  basis,  the  support  and  establishment, 
"of  hiv  throne."  [J^otes,  89:13,14.  99:4.)  His 
mercy-seat  is  founded  on  judgment  and  righteous- 
ness; the  justification  of  the  believer,  through  the 
merits  and  atonement  of  Christ,  magnifies  the 
law,  and  honors  the  justice  of  God,  as  well  as  his 
grace.  Every  providential  dispensation,  whatever 
present  appearances  may  be,  springs  from  the 
same  glorious  union  of  justice  and  mercy,  in  the 
manifold  wisdom,  truth,  and  faithfulness  of  God. 
And  "the  day  of  wrath  will  be  the  revelation  of 
the  righteous  judgment  of  God,  who  will  render 
to  everv  man  according  to  his  deeds."  [Jfotes, 
Rom.  2:4-6.  3:21—31.) 

V.  3 — 7.     In  the  deep  but  rigliteous  judgment 
of  our  King,  Jerusalem  and  its  inhabitants  wore 
miserably  destrojed,  as  by  a  consuming  fire,  for 
their  enmity  to  him  and   his  kingdom,    [JVotes, 
\Mait.  22:1—10.  24:1,2.)— Tlie  subversion  of  the 
deep-rooted  foundations   of  idolatry,  throughout 
I  the  immense  Roman  empire,  during  the  first  three 
1  centuries,  and  by  the  conversion  of  Constantine 
;  tlie  emperor  to  Christianity,  may  next  be  pr.i-dict- 
ed,  in  metaphorical  language  taken  from  the  dis- 
plays of  the  divine  power  and  presence  at  mount 
Sinai.     {Miles,  [,{}:\—^.  E.x.   19:16— 20.  Z)ew/.  4: 
11.  5:22—29.  33:2.  Heh.  12:18—21.)     The  moun- 
tainous obstructions,  which  before  seemed  to  ren- 
der the  general  promulgation  of  Christianity  in- 
surmountable, thus  melted  before  God,  like  wax 
before  tlie  fire:  [Moles,  Is.  64:1—3.  Mic.  1:2—4.) 
the  devoted  worshippers  of  idols,  even  the  great- 
est of  them,   were   alarmed  •  as   by  tremendous 
I  lightnings  and  earthquakes.     His  righteousness, 
I  in   the  destruction  of  the  persecuting  tyrants  ot" 
hliose  times,  was  conspicuous  as  the  heavens:  all 
.  the  people,  or  peoples,  beheld  tlie  divine  glory,  in 

[327 


B.  C.   1045. 


PSALM  XCVII. 


B.  C.  1045. 


8  PZion  heard,  and  was  glad;  and 
the  daughters  of  Judah  rejoiced,  i  be- 
cause of  thy  judgments,  O  Lord. 

9  For  thou,  LoBD,  art  ■"  high  above 
all  the  earth:  thou  art  exalted  ^  far  above 
all  gods. 

10  ^Ye  that  love  the  Lord,  "hate 
evil:    ^  he   preserveth   the    souls    of  his 


p48; 
11. 


n.    Is.  51:3.  5:1:7—10.  6i: 
Zeph.  3:14—17.    Zech.  9: 
Matt.  21:4—9. 
6.    58:10.     Rev.  13:20.   19: 


q  52; 

1—7. 
r  83:13.     Eph.    1:21.     Phil.  2:9 


s  95: 

Kx. 

191: 


3.    96:4.     115:3—8.     135:5. 
13:11.    Jer.  10:8,10. 
14.     Rom.  3:28.     1  Cor.  8: 


3.    Jam.  1:12.  2:5.      1  Pet.  1:8. 

lJohn4:19.  5:2,3. 
u3f>:4.  101:3.  119:104,163.  Prov. 

8:13.  Am.  5:15.  Rom.  7:15,24. 

12:9. 
X    31:23.     37:28,39,40.      145:20. 

Prov.   2:8.      Is.   45:17.      John 

10:28—30.        Rom.     8:28—30. 

1  Pet.  1:5. 


making-  his  cause  triumphant:  and  the  pagans 
were  confounded,  and  ashamed  of  their  idols,  in 
which  they  had  so  long  gloried.  Not  only  did 
angels  worship  the  exalted  Redeemer;  but  rulers, 
who  are  the  vicegerents  of  the  great  God,  sub- 
mitted to  him,  and  became  his  subjects:  and  all 
the  mighty  ones  of  the  earth  prostrated  them- 
selves before  him,  who  had  thrown  down  the  idol 
gods  of  the  heathen,  by  his  presence  and  power. 
[Marg.  Ref.) — The  Septuagint  render  the  word 
translated  "gods,"  hy  angels;  and  thus  the  apostle 
quotes  the  verse,  when  speaking  of  the  dignity  of 
Christ.  {J^otes,  95:3.  Heb.  1:5 — 7.)  Hence  we 
learn  that  Christ  himself  as  Emmanuel,  is  pecu- 
liarly intended.  He  is  the  Object  of  universal 
adoration:  and  all  the  angels  of  God,  (instead  of 
receiving  worship  from  Christians,  according  to 
the  abominable  idolatry  of  the  Roman  Antichrist,) 
are  fellow-worshippers  with  Christians,  when 
adoring  the  great  Redeemer. — Thus  they  were, 
under  the  law,  represented  by  the  Cherubim  bow- 
ing down  over  the  ark,  "desiring  to  look  into  these 
things;"  and  in  many  respects  joining  in  Israel's 
worship:  and  thus  they  are  introduced  by  John, 
as  joining  in  the  praises  of  the  church,  and  saying, 
"Wortliy  is  the  Lamb  that  was  slain  to  receive 
power,  and  riches,  and  wisdom,  and  strength,  and 
honor,  and  glory,  and  blessing."  [J^otes,  Ex.  25: 
10—21.   1  Pet.  1:10—12.  Rev.  5:11—14.) 

V.  8,  9.  {J^ote,  48:11.)  'Jerusalem,  the  mother 
'city,  hath  received  the  news  of  thy  victories  with 
'a  joyful  heart;  after  whose  exainjile  all  the  otlier 
'cities  of  Judah  are  exceeding  glad,  O  Lord,  be- 
'cause  thou  hast  judged  righteously  in  destroying 
'our  idolatrous  enemies,  and  defending  thy  faith- 
'ful  servants.'  Bp.  Patrick.  Whatever  events 
gave  occasion  to  the  Psalm,  the  spiritual  victories 
of  the  Lord  our  Savior  were  certainly  predicted. 
The  church  and  all  her  assemblies,  hearing  of 
these  revohitions,  would  greatly  rejoice  to  see  the 
judgment  of  God  upon  his  enemies,  and  his  exalt-  j 
ation  above  all  the  gods  of  the  heathen. — "There 
is  joy  in  the  presence  of  the  angels  of  God,  over 
one  sinner  that  repenteth;"  much  more  was  there 
when  the  Redeemer  triumphed  over  the  idols  of 
the  heathen,  and  the  kingdom  of  the  devil.— Thus 
tiie  tidings  brought  to  the  apostles,  concerning  the 
conversion  of  the  Gentiles,  caused  them  to  rejoice 
and  glorify  God.  [JIarg.  Ref. — JVb<e«,  Luke  15: 
tj— to.  Acts  15:1—6.  21:17—21.  Rev.  19:1—6.) 

V.  10.  'Shew  your  love  to  the  Lord,  by  hating 
•and  forsaking  all  sin.' — There  is  a  peculiar  em- 
phasis in  this  caution,  with  reference  to  tlie  events 
.supposed  to  have  been  predicted;  as  it  is  well 
known,  that  secular  prosperity  soon  corrupted  the 
visible  church,  in  a  most  lamentable  maimer,  and 
brought  in  an  inundation  of  evils,  whicli  are  by  no 
means  terminated  at  this  day.  Yet  the  souls  of 
the  faithful  remnant  have  in  every  age  been  pre- 
served, notwithotanding  the  snares  of  tlie  world, 
328] 


saints;  >  he  delivereth  them  out  of  the 
hand  of  the  wicked. 

II''  Light  is  "  sown  for  the  righteous, 
and  gladness  for  the  upright  in  heart. 

12  "Rejoice  in  the  Lord,  ye  right- 
eous; and  '^  give  thanks  *  at  the  remem- 
brance of  his  holiness. 


y   125:3.     Jer.    15:21.     Dan.  3: 

as.  6:22,27.     2  Thes.  2:8—12. 

3:2.      1  John  5:18.     Rev.  13:8. 
z  18:28.  112:4.    Esth.  8:16.  Job 

22:28.     Prov.  4:18.    Is.  60:1,2. 

62:1.     Mlc.  7:9.     John  12:46. 

Rev.  21:23.    22:5. 


a  126:5,6.     Gal.   6:8.     Jam.  5:7 

—11. 
b  32:11.    33:1.      Hab.  3:17,18. 

Zeph.  3:14— n.     Phil.  4:4. 
c   30:4.      60:6.      Hab.    1:12,13 

Heb.  12:10. 
*  Or,  to  the  memorial. 


in-dwelling  sin,  the  contagion  of  false  doctrine, 
and  the  fury  of  persecution.  [Marg.  Ref. — J^otes^ 
37:27,28.  1  Savi.  2:9.  1  Pet.  1:3—5.)  'The  re- 
'deemed  ...  are  characterized  by  their  "love  of 
'God;"  they  are  enjoined  to  "hate  evil:"  this  ha- 
'tred  is  indeed  a  consequence  and  a  sure  proof  of 
'that  love,  when  it  is  genuine  and  sincere.  ...  A 
'Christian  must  not  only  serve  God  outwardly,  but 
'must  inwardly  "love"  him:  he  must  not  content 
'himself  with  abstaining  from  overt  acts  of  sin,  but 
'must  truly  hate  it.  They  who  do  so,  are  "the 
'saints  of  God,  whose  souls  he  preserveth"  from 
'evil,  and  will  finally  "deliver"  from  the  evil  one, 
'and  his  associates,  by  a  happy  death,  and  a  glori- 
'ous  resurrection.'  Bp.  Home.  [JVotes,  Rom.  ir. 
28—39.) 

V.  11.  'Though  God's  deliverance  appear  not 
'suddenly;  yet  it  is  sown  and  laid  up  in  store  for 
'them.'  {mtes,  112:4.  126:5,6.  Gal.  6:6-10.)— 
Light  is  the  emblem  of  knowledge,  holiness,  and 
joy:  and  it  is  here  compared  to  seed,  which  lies 
long  under  the  clods,  but  at  length  comes  up  and 
yields  an  increase.  [Jfote,  1  John  1:3 — 7.)  St. 
James  exhorts  Christians  to  wait  and  be  patient, 
after  the  example  of  the  husbandman:  but  he 
means  real  Christians,  "the  upright  in  heart," 
who  hate  evil,  and  are  true  saints;  for  God  will 
surely  preserve  them.  [Marg.  Ref. — J^otcs,  73:1. 
84:10,11.  Jam.  5:7—11.) 

V.  12.  Give  thanks,  kc]  Or,  "Praise,  for  a 
memorial,  &c."  that  is,  "Celebrate  the  memorial 
of  his  holiness."    [JTotes,  30:4.  111:4.  Matt.  26:26 

28.)     'Tribulation  ...  should  not   prevent  our 

'  "rejoicing  in  Jehovah  our  righteousness,"  who 
'justifieth  us  from  our  sins;  no  adversity  oiight  to 
'make  us  negligent  in  celebrating,  with  thanks- 
'giving,  the  "commemorations  of  his  holiness,"  ... 
'to  the  end  that  we  may  alway  remember,  with 
'gratitude,  how  great  things  he  hath  done  for  us 
'already,  and  reflect  with  comfort  on  those  much 
'greater  things,  which  he  hath  promised  to  do  for 
us  hereafter.'  Bp.  Home. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  wise  and  rigliteous  government  of  God  is 
well  calculated  to  rejoice  the  hearts  of  all  rational 
creatures,  except  rebels,  who  have  exposed  them- 
selves to  his  powerful  vengeance:  but  the  kingdom 
of  Jehovah,  as  administered  by  the  eternal  Son, 
who  has  pardons  to  confer  on  the  most  guilty,  is  a 
source  of  joy  even  to  the  sinful  inhabitants  of  the 
earth.  The  gospel  also,  when  preached  to  those, 
who  before  "sat  in  darkness,"  calls  for  the  exer- 
cise of  gratitude  and  gladness;  and  this  our  favor- 
ed isle  has  peculiar  cause  to  be  thankfid:  yet, 
alasl  how  few  prize  these  privileges,  or  rejoice 
properly  on  account  of  them!— Under  every  dis- 
pensation, the  counsels  and  dealings  of  the  infinite 
God  are  too  mvsterious  for  man's  comprehension: 
but  in  the  event  wc  shall  see,  and  now  v,-e  ought 


B.  C.  1045. 


psALxM  xcvm. 


B.  C.  1045. 


PSALM   XCVIII. 

The  Psalmist  calls  on  the  whole  world  to  praise  the  Lord,  for 
overcoming  all  opposition,  in  making  known  his  salvation  to 
Israel,  and  to  the  ends  of  the  earth;  and  to  rejoice  in  the  pros- 
pect of  his  coming  to  judgment,  1 — 9. 

A  Psalm. 
*  SING  unto  the  Lord  a  new  song, 
for     ^  he    hath     done    marvellous 
things:    "^  his   right  hand,  and   his    holy 
arm,  hath  gotten  him  the  victory. 

2  The   Lord  hath  ''  made  known  his 
salvation;    ®  his    righteousness    hath  he 


a  33:3.  96:1.    149:1.      Is.  42:10. 

Rev.  5:9.    14:3. 
b  77:14.   105:5.     Ex.  15:11.    Is. 

43:18—20.     .ler.  31:22.     Luke 

1:49.      2:10—14.       Acts   2:11. 

Rev.  15:3,4. 
c  2:5,6.  45:3—5.  110:2—6.  Gen. 

3:15.      Is.  52:10.    59:16.    63:5. 

John  16:33.     Acts  19:20.    Col. 

2:15.     Heb.  2:14,15.     Rev.  3: 


21.  6:2.   17:14.    19:11—21. 
d   Is.    45:21—23.    49:6.       Matt. 

28:19.     Mark    16:15.     Luke  2: 

30^32.  3:6.  Rom.  10:18.    Tit. 

2:13. 
e  22:31.  24:5.      Is.  45:24,25.  46: 

13.  62:2.    Jer,  23:6.     .John  IB: 

8—10.     Rom.    3:21—26.   9:30. 

10:3,4.     2  Cor.  5:21.     Phil.  3: 

9.  2  Pet.  1:1. 


to  believe,  that  when  "clond.s  and  darkness  are 
round  about  him,  righteousness  and  judgment  are 
the  basis  of  his  throne." — It  is,  however,  evident 
from  history,  that  from  time  to  time,  his  wrath, 
like  a  consuming'  fire,  has  gone  "before  him  to 
burn  up  his  enemies  round  about."  When  he 
comes  in  his  power  to  set  up  his  kingdom,  all  op- 
position must  melt  away  like  wax  before  the  fire; 
and  dismay  and  ruin  must  be  the  effects  of  obsti- 
nate rebellion  against  him:  whilst  the  inhabitants 
of  heaven  will  "adore  his  righteousness,  and  all 
the  people  shall  see  his  glory."  Confusion  Will 
be  the  portion  of  all  those,  who  worsliip  and  glory 
in  graven  images;  and  surely  this  idolatry  is  no 
less  criminal  within,  than  it  is  without,  the  pale  of 
the  visible  church!  The  destruction  of  the  im- 
perial authority  of  pagan  Rome,  which  had  for 
ages  been  employed  to  support  idolatry,  was  but 
a  prelude  of  the  destruction  of  that  anti-christian 
power  which  soon  succeeded  it,  but  has  far  sur- 
passed it  in  impieties  and  iniquities:  [J^otes,  2 
Thes.  2:8—12.  Rev.  18:4—8.)  and  the  Lord  Je- 
sus will  ere  long  come,  and  confound  all  idolaters 
throughout  the  earth,  and  put  an  end  to  idolatry  of 
every  kind. — All  the  angels  of  God  worship  him: 
we  cannot  therefore  err  in  joining  their  adora- 
tion, and  in  "honoring  the  Son,  even  as  wc  honor 
the  Father:"  {Jfote,  John  5:20—23.)  and  the 
monarchs  of  the  earth  will  never  consult  their 
own  interest  and  honor,  till  they  prostrate  them- 
selves before  him,  and  use  their  authority  in  obe- 
dience to  his  commandments.  (JVb<e,  2:10 — 12.) 
As  these  events  take  place,  the  church  of  God,  in 
every  land,  does  greatly  rejoice:  nay,  we  cannot 
but  be  glad  on  account  of  those  judgments  of  God 
upon  persecuting  tyrants,  which  promote  the  suc- 
cess of  his  gospel. — But  if  we  really  love  the 
Lord,  and  desire  that  his  "name  should  be  hal- 
lowed, his  kingdom  come,  and  his  will  be  done 
on  earth  as  in  heaven;"  {JVofes,  Malt.  6:9,10.) 
we  shall  in  proportion  hate  and  dread  the  evil  of 
sin,  and  carefully  watch  against  tlie  commission 
and  the  occasions  of  it.  This  is  the  best  expres- 
sion of  our  love,  and  our  most  effectual  method  of 
forwarding  those  desirable  events. — The  remnant 
of  upright  believers  shall  be  preserved  in  the 
worst  of  times;  and  the  light  of  joy  and  consola- 
tion is  sown  for  them,  in  a  good  soil,  and  will 
surely  spring  up  and  ripen  to  a  glorious  harvest. 
Let  us  then  rejoice  in  the  Lord,  though  in  the 
world  we  have  tribulation:  let  us  thankfully  rec- 
ollect, that  his  purity,  justice,  truth,  and  good- 
ness, are  pledged  to  support  and  deliver  all,  who 
trust  in  him:  and,  as  he  infinitely  hates  sin,  yet 
freely  loves  the  person  of  the  sinner  who  believes 
Vol.  IIL  42 


*  openly    shewed    in    the    sight   of  the 
heathen. 

3  He  hath  '^  remembered  his  mercy 
and  his  truth  toward  the  house  of  Israel: 
s  all  the  ends  of  the  earth  have  seen  the 
salvation  of  our  God. 

4  ''  Make  a  joyful  noise  unto  the 
Lord,  all  the  earth;  make  a  loud  noise, 
and  rejoice,  and  sing  praise. 

5  Sing  unto  the  Lord  »  with  the 
harp;  with  the  harp,  and  the  voice  of  a 
psalm. 

6  ^  With  trumpets  and  sound  of  cor- 


*  Or,  7-evealed.   Rom.  1;17. 

f  106:45.       Lev.    26:42.     Deut. 

4:31.     Mic.    7:20.      Luke  1:54, 

55,72.     Rom.  15:8,9. 
g  2.  22:27.  67:7.     Is.  45:22.  52: 

10.     Acts  13:47.  23:28.     Rev. 

5:9. 
h    47:1—5.    66:1,4.    67:4.    95:1. 

100:1.    Is.  12:6.    42:11.    44:23. 


33:11.     Zeph.  3:14.  Matt. 

21:9.    Rev.    19:1,6. 
i  33:2.    92:3,4.       1    Chr.    15:16. 

25:1—6.     2  Chr.  29:25.     Rev. 

5:R.   14:2,3. 
k47:5.    81:2—4.     Num.   10:1— 

10.    1  Chr.  15:28.    2  Chr.  5:12, 

13.  29:27. 


in  Christ;  he  will  certainly  make  a  final  separa- 
tion between  the  man  whom  he  loves,  and  the 
sin  which  he  hates,  and  sanctify  his  people  wholly, 
in  body,  soul,  and  spirit. 

NOTES. 

Psalm  XCVIIL  V.  1.  This  is  called  A 
Psalm;  the  Septuagint  add,  'of  David.' — It  very 
much  resembles  the  ninety-sixth.  It  especially 
celebrates,  prophetically,  the  salvation  of  the  Ke- 
deemer,  by  his  almighty  pov/er  accomplishing  his 
holy  decrees,  notwithstanding  (he  opposition  of 
earth  and  hell.  (JVb/e,  96:1.)  'lie,  by  his  almighty 
'goodness  alone,  and  incomparable  strength,  hadi 
'wi-ought  salvation  for  those,  who  were  as  unwor- 
'thy  to  be  helped  by  him,  as  they  were  unable  to 
'help  themselves.'  Bp.  Patrick.  The  words, 
rendered  "gotten  him  the  victory,"  are  literally, 
"hath  saved  for  him;"  but  in  doing  this  he  obtain- 
ed the  most  glorious  victories:  and  others  still 
more  glorious  will  at  lengtli  be  acquired;  of 
which  the  deliverances  and  victories  of  Israel, 
from  their  departure  out  of  Egypt  to  the  termi- 
nation of  the  Mosaic  dispensation,  were  but  faint 
shadows.     [Mar^.  Re/-) 

V.  2.  Tlie  salvation  and  righteousness  of  God 
are  often  united  in  Scripture,  as  shewing  the  way 
of  a  sinner's  acceptance,  "by  the  righteousness 
of  our  God  and  Savior,  Jesus  Christ:"  [J^otcs, 
51:14.  71:13—15.  85:9—13.  /.?.  45:8,20— 25.  46: 
12,13.  51:4—6.  61:10,11.  Zech.  9:9,10.  Rem.  3: 
21 — 26.)  and  these  were  made  known,  to  the 
heathen,  in  the  most  public  manner,  by  the 
preaching  of  the  apostles.  But  perhaps  (he  aw- 
ful, yet  righteous  vengeance,  executed  on  the 
Jewish  nation  for  rejecting  tlie  gospel,  while  sal- 
vation was  thus  sent  to  the  gentiles  and  welcom- 
ed by  them,  was  intended.  "Behold  therefore  tha 
goodness  and  severity  of  God:  on  them  which 
fell,  severity;  but  toward  thee,  goodness!"  {J^Tole^ 
Rom.  11:22—24.) 

V.  3.  'In  sending  the  Messiah,  God  shewed 
'himself  mindful  of  the  promises,  wliich  "mercy" 
'prompted  him  to  make,  and  "truth"  required 
'him  to  perform.  These  promises  were  made  to 
'the  house  of  Israel,  ...  and  the  apostles  offered 
'salvation  first  to  the  Jews:  but  to  llicm  it  was 
'never  intended  that  evangelical  blessings  should 
'be  confined.  ...  The  gospel  was  accordingly 
'preached  to  the  nations,  the  apostles  made  their 
'progress  through  the  world,  and  "all  the  ends  of 
'the  earth  saw  the  salvation  of  God."  ...  Yet  once 
'again,  let  all  the  "ends  of  tlie  earth  see  thy  sal- 
'vation."  '  Bp.  Home.  (JVofes, '.>2:27,28.  67:  85: 
10—13.  89:1—1.  Is.  45:20—22.    52:9,10.  Jer.  3.3: 

[329 


B.  C.  1040. 


PSALM  XCIX. 


B.  C.   1040. 


net,    make    a    joyful    noise   before   the 
Lord,  '  the  King. 

7  "  Let  the  sea  roar,  and  the  fulness 
thereof;  °  the  world,  and  they  that  dwell 
therein- 

8  Let  °tlie  floods  clap  ^AetV  hands: 
^  let  the  hills  be  joyful  together. 

9  Before  the  Lord;  i  for  he  coraeth 
lo  judge  the  earth:  ""  with  righteousness 
shall  he  judge  the  world,  and  the  peo- 
ple with  equity. 

147:6,7.      Matt.  25:34.     Rev.  |  p  65:12,13. 

19:16.  q  96:13. 

m96:n,&c.  r  67:4.  72:2.  Is.  5:16.     Acts  17: 

n97:l.    Is.  49:13.  61:11.  31.24:25.    Rom.  2:5,6. 

o.47:l.  2Kin?sll:12.  Is.  55:12. 


14—16.  Am.  9:11,12.  Mic.  7:18—20.  Luke  1:67 
—75.  2:25—32.  Acts  13:42—48.  Rom.  15:8—13.) 
V.  4— 6.  {JTarg.  Re/.~J^otes,  41:5—1.  81:1 
— 5.)  'The  Psalmist  ...  bids  the  whole  earth 
'break  forth  into  joy,  and  exult  in  God  her  Sa- 
'vior,  with  every  token  of  gratitude;  ...  with 
'voices,  and  instruments  of  aU  kinds,  in  perfect 
'harmony,  with  tempers  and  affections  according 
'in  like  manner,  men  are  enjoined  to  sound  aloud 
'the  praises  of  their  great  Redeemer.'  Bp. 
Home. 

V.  7—9.  (JVbfe,  96:11—13.)  "The  floods" 
and  "hills,"  (or  more  literally,  the  rivers  and 
mountains,)  are  here  substituted  for  "the  fields 
and  the  trees  of  the  wood"  which  are  mentioned 
in  the  ninety-sixth  psalm. — .The  different  orders 
of  rational  creatures  in  the  universe  seem  to  be 
poetically  described  under  these  metaphors,  as 
sejoicing  and  exulting'  all  at  once  with  every  ex- 
pression of  triumph  and  delight  in  tne  reign  of 
the  great  Messiah.  [J^otes,  148:)  Angels  cele- 
brated his  birth  with  glad  songs  of  triumphant 
praise,  and  fervent  congratulatiShs  of  man's  fe- 
licity. No  doubt  they  triumphed  with  joyful 
praise  at  his  ascension.  They  rejoice  over  every 
sinner  that  repents;  they  are  his  "ministering 
spirits  to  the  heirs  of  salvation;"  and  they  will 
execute  his  sovereign  decisions  at  the  day  of 
judgment;  admiring  the  equity  and  rectitude,  as 
well  as  the  truth  and  mercy,  of  his  whole  admin- 
istration. [J^otes,  1  Chr.  16:32,33.  Is.  55:12,13.) 
— The  passage,  as  before,  is  future,  and  rather  a 
prediction,  than  an  exhortation,  though  implying 
both. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
The  great  Redeemer,  by  "his  right  hand  and 
his  holy  arm,"  obtained  for  himself  here  on  earth 
most  glorious  victories:  by  his  life,  death,  and 
resurrection,  he  overcame  the  world,  sin,  Satan, 
and  death;  and  by  his  triumphant  ascension  he 
'opened  the  kingdom  of  heaven  to  all  believers.' 
These  are  the  marvellous  works  of  Jehovah, 
Jesus,  which  demand  from  us  new  and  perpetual 
songs  of  praise. — But  we  are  more  especially  to 
inquire,  whether  "his  holy  arm  have  gotten  him 
the  victory"  in  our  hearts,  over  the  power  of  Sa- 
tan, unbelief,  and  sin.  If  this  be  our  happy  case, 
we  shall  soon  exchange  all  profane,  light,  and 
sensual  strains,  for  new  songs  of  joy  and  tlianks- 
giving;  and  our  lives  will  harmonize  with  our  lips 
in  celebrating  Emmanuel's  praise.  To~  bring 
sinners  to  experience  this  needful  change,  he  has 
made  known  his  salvation  by  the  pi'eaching  of  his 
gospel.  "The  ministration  of  condemnation" 
shews  the  justice  of  that  sentence,  which  is  de- 
nounced against  transgressors;  and  "the  minis- 
tration of  righteousness"  and  "of  the  Spirit"  de- 
clares the  way,  in  wliich  sinners  mav  be  justified 
330] 


PSALM  XCIX. 

Exhortations  to  adore  the  power,  equity,  and  holinv^s  of  the 
Lord  as  reigning  in  Zion,  1 — 5.  Encouragements  to  worship 
him,  from  the  examples  of  Moses,  Aaron,  and  Samuel,  6^9. 

THE  *  Lord  reigneth;  ^  let  the  peo- 
ple tremble:  '^  he    sitteth    between 
the  cherubims;  *^  let  the  earth  *  be  moved. 

2  The   Lord  is  ^  great  in  Zion;  and 
he  is  ^  high  above  all  the  people. 

3  Let  them    praise    ethy    great    and 
terrible  name;  ^for  it  is  holy 


Luke  1 


a  2:6.  93:1.   96:10.  9' 

19:12,14.     Rev.  11:17. 
b  2:11,12.  21:8,9.    97:4. 

19:27.  Phil.  2:12. 
c  18:10.  80:1.     Ex.  25:22. 

10:l,&c. 
d  82:5.     Marg.    Jer.  4:24.    49: 

21.  50:46.     Rev.  6:14.  20:11. 
*  Heb.   stagger.    Is.  19:14.  24: 

19,20. 


Luke 
Ez. 


1—3.  o0:2.    76:1,2.    Is.  12: 

6.      14:32.      Heb.     12:22—24. 

Rev.  14:l,&c. 
f   66:7.     97:9.       Dan.  4:34,35. 

Jam.  4:6,7. 
g  66:3.  76:12.  Deut.  7:2!.  Neh. 

1:5.  4:14.    9:32.    Jer.  20:11. 
h   111:9.    145:17.     Josh.  24:19. 

1  Sam.  2:2.    Is.  6:3.     John  17: 

II.    Rev.  4:8.  15:3,4. 


and  sanctified  before  him.  {JVote,  2  Cor.  3:7 — 
11.)  Thus  "his  righteousness  hath  he  shewed 
openly,"  and  not  by  types  and  shadows,  "in  the 
sight  of  the  heathen:"  and  his  ministers  are  re- 
quired to  use  "great  plainness  of  speech,"  in 
warning,  instructing,  and  inviting  men  to  par- 
take of  these  blessings. — When  the  Redeemer 
came,  Jehovah  remembered  the  engagements, 
which  his  mercy  dictated  and  his  truth  perform- 
ed, to  the  house  of  Israel:  and,  blessed  be  his 
name,  this  remote  corner  "of  the  earth  hath  seen 
the  salvation  of  our  God!"  Let  then  his  people 
in  all  lands  rejoice  in  their  Savior  and  King:  and 
let  them  celebrate  his  praises,  in  every  way  and 
bj^  every  means,  which  can  express  how  greatly 
they  rejoice  and  glory  in  him;  how  they  welcome 
him  to  the  throne  in  their  hearts,  delight  in  his 
pleasant  service,  and  "find  rest  to  their  souls"  by 
rehance  upon  him. — As  all  nature  proclaims  the 
Creator's  glory,  may  all  nations  speedily  resound 
with  the  Redeemer's  name,  whilst  the  blessings 
of  his  kingdom  fill  the  earth  with  gladness.  Yet 
sin  in  its  dreadful  effects  will  not  be  utterly  abol- 
ished, until  the  Lord  shall  "come  to  judge  the 
world  in  righteousness."  Then  tliis  visible  crea- 
tion will  be  dissolved;  and  his  people  will  enter 
those  "new  heavens,  and  that  new  earth,  where- 
in dwelleth  righteousness."  "Seeing  tlien  wc 
look  for  such  things,  let  us  be  diligent,  that  we 
may  be  found  of  him  in  peace,  without  spot,  and 
blameless."     {J\otes,  2  Pet.  3:10—16.) 

NOTES. 
Psalm  XCIX.  V.  1—3.  The  Septuagint 
assign  this  psalm  also  to  David;  it  is  uncertain, 
whether  on  sufficient  grounds  or  not. — The  word, 
rendered  "tremble,"  signifies  also  to  rage  oi\frel; 
(JVbie,  4:3 — 5.)  and  hemg  future,  the  opposition 
of  the  Jews  and  Gentiles  to  the  establishment  of 
Messiahs  kingdom,  and  their  furious  persecutions 
of  the  church  in  the  primitive  times,  seem  to  be 
predicted:  [Jfote,  2:1 — 3.)  as  well  as  the  conster- 
nation of  the  opposers;  while  they  witnessed  the 
success  of  the  gospel,  and  saw  their  resources^ 
one  after  another,  faiUng  them,  and  every  thing 
forboding  their  disgrace  and  ruin.  For  it  was 
evident  that  "the  Lord  was  great  in  Zion,"  and 
reigning  on  a  throne  of  grace;  [J^otes,  Ex.  25:22. 
JEfefc.  4:14— 16.  12:22—25.  Rev.  14:1— 5.)  and  was 
determined  to  effect  a  revolution  in  the  moral  and 
religious  state  of  the  world;  and  to  shew  himself 
"high  above  all  people,"  or,  over  all  the  peoples, 
[plur.)  So  that  nothing  remained  but  unresen^ed 
and  cordial  submission;  and  a  wilhng  exchange  of 
idolatry  and  superstition,  for  the  spiritual  worship 
of  tlie  awful  and  holy  name  of  Israel's  God. — 
"They  shall  praise,"  &c.  {Marg.  Re/.—J^otCy 
lll:9;i0.) 


B.  C.  1040. 


PSALM  XCIX. 


B.  C.  1040. 


4  The  King's  '  strength  also  loveth 
judgment;  "^  thou  dost  establish  equity, 
thou  •  executest  judgment  and  righteous- 
ness in  Jacob. 

5  "Exalt  ye  the  Lord  our  God,  and 
worship  at  °  his  footstool;  for  *  he  is 
holy. 

6  °  Moses  and  Aaron  among  his 
priests,  and  Samuel  among  them  that 
call  upon  his  name;  p  they  call  upon  the 
Lord,  and  he  answered  them. 


i  45:6,7.    72:1,2.     Deut.   32:3,4. 

2   Sam.   23:3,4.     Job    36:5—7. 

37:23.    rs.  11:3— 5.      Jer.  23:5. 

Rev.  19:11,16. 
k  Is.  9:7.  42:4.  61:11. 
1  Deut.  10:18.    Jude  15. 
m  9.    21:13.    34:3.    108:5.     Ex. 

15:2.  Is.  12:4.  25:1.   Hos.  11:7. 


n  132:7.     1  Chr.  23:2.    Is.  66:1. 
*  Or,  it  is  holy.  3.    Lev.  19:2. 
0  Ex.  24:6— 8.  29:n,&c.   40:23 

—29.     Num.  16:47,43. 
p  Ex.  14:15.     15:25.    32:11—14. 

33:12—15.       Num.    14:13—20. 

16:21,22.      1  Sara.  7:9—12.    12: 

18—24.     Jer.  15:1. 


V.  4.  'Though  none  can  resist  him,  yet  he  is 
*not  a  King  that  uses  his  power  to  wrong-  or  op- 
•press  his  subjects;  hut  to  do  them  right,  and  to 
*give  them  relief,  in  which  he  delights.'  ...  He 
hatli  'hitherto  governed  the  seed  of  Israel  with 
'exact  justice  and  singular  mere}'.'  Bp.  Patrick. 
— 'Although  the  strength  of  our  King  be  infinite, 
'yet  it  is  never  exerted,  but  in  righteousness  and 
'just  judgment,  which  are  his  delight;  they  com- 
'pose  the  firm  basis  of  his  throne,  and  direct  his 
'whole  administration.  Impenitent  rebels  must 
'feel  the  weight  of  his  arm,  and  none  can  accuse 
♦the  ju.stice  of  their  punishment:  but  in  all  other 
•cases,  he  is  "mighty  only  to  save."  '  Bp.  Home. 
(JVb(e,?,  45:6,7.  72:1—7.  89:13,14.  96:11—13.  97: 
1,2.  7*.  9:6,7.   11:2—5.  32:1,2.  Zec;^.  9:9,10.) 

V.  5.  This  is  a  call  on  the  trembling  or  raging 
persecutors,  to  submit  to  God,  and  bow  to  the 
Mes.siah's  sceptre,  (9.  Jfotes,  2:7 — 12.)  as  well  as 
on  his  people  to  extol  and  worship  their  God  and 
Savior.  The  temple,  or  the  ark  of  the  covenant, 
was  the  footstool  before  which  they  were  to  pros- 
trate themselves  in  humble  adoration.  These 
were  typical  of  the  person  and  mediation  of  Em- 
manuel.    {J^otes,  1  Chr.  28:2.  Lam.  2:1.) 

V.  6.  God  had  often  been  so  provoked  at  Israel, 
as  to  threaten  to  destroy  the  nation:  but  Moses 
and  Aaron,  at  one  time,  and  Samuel  at  another, 
and  in  like  manner  the  priests,  and  prophets,  and 
zealous  believers,  in  different  ages,  interceded; 
and  so  the  nation  was  spared.  These  however, 
were  only  types  of  that  great  Mediator,  "who  is 
able  to  save  to  the  uttermost  all  tliein  that  come 
to  God  through  him;  seeing  he  ever  liveth  to 
make  intercession  for  them."  [J^otes,  He.b. 
7:20 — 25.) — The  wrath  of  God,  therefore,  against 
the  opposers  of  the  gospel,  need  not  drive  any  to 
despair:  for  he,  who  heard  Moses,  Aaron,  and 
Samuel,  through  the  typical  sacrifices,  and  spared 
Israel,  would  spare  all  who  submitted,  and  sought 
mercy  through  the  sacrifice  and  intercession  of 
Christ.  The  same  consideration  was  also  well 
calculated  to  encourage  the  prayers  and  supplica- 
tions of  the  persecuted  and  afflicted  church. 
iMarg.  Ref.—J^ote^;  106:19—23.  E.r.  32:1 1— 14. 
JVwni.  14:13—19.  16:22.  I  Sam.  1:9.  Jer.  15:1.) 
—Priests.]  J^Totes,  Ex.  24:5.  Lev.  8:25—32. 
Deut.  18:15—19. 

V.  7.  In  the  cloudy  pillar.]  Or  '■'■From 
the  cloudy  pillar."  [Jfotes,  Ex.  19:7—9.  33:8— 
11.  JVwm.  12:4—8.)  Thus  saith  the  Lord,  in  a 
most  condescending  manner,  made  known  his 
will  to  Moses  and  Aaron,  and  by  them  to  Israel. 
To  Samuel  also  he  revealed  himself  with  great 
clearness,  though  in  another  way:  and  they  an- 
swered his  kindness,  by  an  habitual  course  of 
spiritual  worship,  according  to  his  ordinances,  and 


7  He  spake  unto  them  i  in  the 
cloudy  pillar:  "■  they  kept  his  testimo- 
nies, and  the  ordinance  that  he  gave 
them. 

8  Thou  an.sweredst  them,  O  Lord 
our  God:  ^  thou  wast  a  God  that  for- 
gavest  them,  *  though  thou  tookest  ven- 
geance of  "  their  inventions. 

9  ^  Exalt  the  Lord  our  God,  and 
worship  at  ^  his  holy  hill;  for  ^  the  Lord 
our  God  is  holy. 


q  Ex.  19:9.  33:9.  Num.  12:5. 
r  F:x.  40:16.  Num.  16:15.  Deut. 

4:5.     33:9.       1    Sam.    12:3—5. 

Prov.      28:9.        Heb.    3:2.     1 

John  3:21,22. 
s  Num.  14:20.    Deut.  9:19.  Jer. 

46:28.     Zeph.  3:7. 
t  Ex.  32:34,35.     Num.  11:33,34. 

14:20—34.  20:12.      Deut.  3:26. 


9.20. 

u  F.c.  7:29.     Rom.  1:21. 
x5. 

y  2:6.  48:1,2.  87:1—3. 
z  3,5.     1  Sam.  2:2.     Is.  5:16.  6: 

3.  57:15.    Hab.  1:12,13.    Luke 

1:49.      iPet.  1:15,16.     Rev.  3: 

7.   4:8. 


zealous  obedience  to  his  commandments;  so  that 
they  were  both  blessed  and  blessings  to  Israel. 
[Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  8.  Tookest  vengeance,  &c.]  In  answer  to 
the  prayers  of  Moses,  Aaron,  and  Samuel,  the 
Lord  repeatedly  spared  the  nation  of  Israel:  yet 
he  took  vengeance  on  the  ringleaders  of  rebel- 
lion among  them;  and  he  caused  the  people  to 
suffer  for  "their  own  inventions"  and  even  by 
means  of  them.  (Jfotes,  Ex.  32:34,35.  J^um.  14: 
22,23,33,34,39—45.)  When  Aaron  burned  in- 
cense between  the  living  and  the  dead,  the  plague 
was  stayed;  yet  many  of  the  people  had  previous- 
ly died" of  it.  (.A'bie*,  JSTum.  16:41—50.)  And 
when  Samuel  prayed  for  the  people,  they  were 
spared;  but  their  king,  whom  they  had  sinfully 
desired,  proved  a  severe  scourge  unto  them.  (I 
Sam.  12:16—23.  Hos.  13:10,11.) 

V.  9.  [Jfote,  5.)  "His  holy  hill,"  is  here  sub- 
stituted, for  "his  footstool;"  which  confirms  the 
interpretation  above  given.  'Imitate  therefore 
'the  piety  of  those  admirable  men;  and  raise  jour 
'thoughts,  and  affections,  and  voices,  to  extol  and 
'magnify  the  Lord  our  God,  as  much  as  3  ou  arc 
'able;  for  you  can  never  do  it  enough.  ...  For 
'the  Lord  our  God  is  incomparably  above  all 
'other  beings,  and  alone  worthy  of  your  adoration.' 
Bp.  Patrick. — 'Singing  with  the  spirits  above, 
'  "Great  and  marvellous  are  thy  works  ...  LoiJ 
'God  Almighty;  just  and  true  are  thy  ways,  lliou 
'King  of  saints."  '  Bp.  Home.  [JYote,  liev.  13:1 
—4,  V.3.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

Jehovah  reigning  on  a  mercy-scat  may  be 
viewed  witli  joy  by  all  iiis  faithful  subjects;  but 
his  great  salvation  will  aggravate  the  guilt  of  ob- 
stinate rebels:  and,  as  hitherto  the  greatest  num- 
ber, even  of  those  who  have  heard  the  gospel, 
have  continued  impenitent  and  unbelieving-,  the 
inhabitants  of  the  earth  have  abundant  cause  to 
tremble  at  tlie  report  of  the  Redeemer's  absolute 
authority  and  almighty  power.  But  he  still 
"waiteth  to  be  gracious:"  let  then  all  who  hear, 
take  warning  and  seek  his  mercy. — Our  God  is 
"great  in  Zion,  and  iiigii  above  all  people;"  and 
the  chief  of  sinners  may  yet  rejoice,  and  praise 
his  great  and  terrible  name;  though  "he  is  holy,'" 
yea,  because  he  is  holy.  His  power  is  exercised 
in  perfect  wisdom  and  justice:  and  while  lie  exe- 
cutes just  punisliment  on  his  enemies,  he  most  de- 
lights in  shewing  mercy  to  the  liumblcd  trans- 
gressor. As  he  loves  judgment  and  righteous- 
ness in  his  own  administration;  so  he  establishes 
equity  among  his  subjects,  and  requires  them  to 
be  "holy,  because  he  is  holy."  His  worshippers 
must  bow  before  him  in  humility  and  rcvcreuce, 

[331 


B.  C.  1038. 


PSALM  C. 


B.  C.  1038. 


PSALM  C. 


A  solemn  call  to  the  joyful  worship  of  God,  as  oi.r  Creator  and 
Shepherd,  and  to  adore  his  everlasting  goodness,  mercy,  and 
truth,  1—5. 

^  A   Psalm   of  *  praise. 
~AKE    a    joyful    noise     unto  the 
Lord,  'all  tye  lands. 

2  ''  Serve    the    Lord    with    gladness: 
*  come  before  his  presence  with  singing. 

3  ^  Know   ye    that    the   Lord    he    is 
God:  £  it  is   he   that  hath   made  us,  and 


a  145:  title. 

*  Or,  thanksgiving. 

b  32:11.  47:1,5.    ljri:],4.    95:],^. 

9y:4.  Is.  -24:14—16.  42:10— IJ. 

Zeph.  3:14.    Luke  19:37. 
c  67:4.    68:32.     117:      Deut.  31: 

43.     Zecb.  14:9.     Rom.  15:10. 
t  Heb.    Me  eartk. 
d  63:4,5.  71:23    107:21,22.  Deut. 

12.12.   16:11,14.28:47.   1  Kings 

8:fif>.     Arts  2;4fi,47.     Phil     4:  t. 


e  42:4.    95:2.     2  Chr.  20:27,28. 

31:2. 
f  46:10.    95:3,6,7.     Deut.    4:35, 

39.    7:9.      1  Sam.    17:46,47.     1 

Kings  13:36—39.     2  Kings  19: 

19.     Jer.    10:10.      John    17:3. 

Acts    17:23,24.      2   Cor.     4:6. 

Gal.  4:3,9.      1  John  5:20. 
g95:6.   119:73.   139:13,&c.    149: 

2.      Job   10:8—13.      Ec.    12:1. 

Kph.  2  10.     1  Pet.  4:19. 


*  not  we  ourselves;  ''  we  are  his  people, 
and  the  sheep  of  his  pasture. 

4  '  Enter  into  his  gates  with  thanks- 
giving, and  into  his  courts  with  praise: 
^  be  thankful  unto  him,  and  bless  his 
name. 

5  For  '  the  Lord  is  good;  ™  his  mer- 
cy is  everlasting;  "  and  his  truth  en- 
dureth  to  ^  all  generations. 


X  Or,  his  we  are.   12:4.     1  Cor. 

6:19,20. 
h  74:1,2.  78:52.  79:13.  95:7.  Is. 

40:9—11.    63:11.      Ez.    34:30, 

31.      John     10:14—16,26—28. 

Acts  20:28,29.      1  Pet.    2:9,25. 

5:2—4. 
i  66:13.   116:17—19. 
k  96:2.   103:1,2,20—22.     145:1,2. 

1  Chr.  29:13,20.     Col.  3:16,17. 

Heb.  13:15. 


1  52:1.  8fi:5.  106:1.  307:1,8,15, 
22.   119:63.     Jer.  33:11. 

m36:5.  103:17.  118:1-4.  136: 
],&c.     Luke  1:50. 

n  85:10.  89:1,2.  119:90,91.  146: 
6.  Ex.  34:6,7.  Deut.  7:9.  Jer. 
33:20,21.  Mic.  7:20.  Rom. 
15:8,9.  Tit.  1:2.  Heb.  6:ia 
—18. 

5  Heb.  generation  and  genera- 
tion.  89:1.    marg. 


and  seek  conformity  to  him;  whilst  they  exalt 
him  by  their  adorations,  and  give  him  the  glory 
of  their  salvation. — There  have  always,  however, 
been  many  professed  worshippers  of  God,  who 
have  neither  believed  his  truths,  nor  obeyed  his 
will:  and  there  is  so  mucli  faulty  in  all  of  us,  that 
our  persons  and  services  mig-lit  justly  be  rejected 
by  him.  But  our  Prophet  and  High  Priest,  of 
far  greater  dignity  than  Moses,  Aaron,  or  Samuel, 
who  received  and  declared  to  us  the  will  of  the 
Father;  who  himself  perfectly  observed  his  testi- 
monies and  ordinances,  and  who  "bare  our  sins 
in  his  own  body  on  the  tree;"  continually  pleads 
for  us  before  the  throne,  and  prevails  for  our  par- 
don and  acceptance.  Encouraged  by  these  glad 
tidings,  we  may  come  before  him  and  call  upon 
his  name,  and  expect  an  answer  of  peace;  nay, 
our  supplications  for  others  may  be  an  extensive 
blessing  to  them;  "for  the  effectual  fervent  prayer 
of  a  righteous  man  availeth  much."  But  would 
we  thus  be  heard,  we  must  uprightly  walk  in  all 
the  ordinances  and  commandments  of  the  Lord. 
And  as  no  prayers  will  prevent  the  ruin  of  impeni- 
tent sinners;  so  believers  will  surely  be  corrected 
by  their  own  inventions,  when  they  commit  ini- 
quity, though  the  Savior's  intercession  prevent 
their  final  condemnation.  [JS/'btes,  1  Cor.  11:29 — 
34.  Heb.  12:4—13.  Rev.  3:18,19.)  Let  us  then 
entertain  high  and  honorable  thoughts  of  the 
Lord  our  God;  and  not  only  exalt  him  with  our 
lips,  but  give  hi  n  the  throne  in  our  hearts:  and 
while  we  worship  hitn  upon  his  mercy  seat;  let  us 
never  forget  that  he  is  holy;  and  that  he  abhors 
hypocrisy,  and  dead  formality  in  worship,  as  much 
as  profaneneoS  and  infidelity. 
NOTES. 

Psalm  C.  Title.  'There  is  no  other  psalm 
'hath  the  like  title  with  this;  which  is  called  "A 
'Psalm  of  praise,"  or  rather  of  thanksgiving,  and 
'acknowledgment  for  divine  blessings,  as  tlie 
•word  is  translated  v.  4,  and  in  most  other  places. 
'...  The  Hebrews  imagine. ..it  was  peculiarly  ap- 
'pointed  to  be  sung,  when  the  sacrifices  of  thanks- 
'giving  were  offered.'  Bp.  Patrick.  [J^Toies,  lib: 
17—19.  Lev.  7:12—18.  Jer.  33:10,11,  f.  11.  Heb. 
13:15,16.) 

V.  I.  The  Psalmist  'invites  all  the  world  to 
'join  with  the  Israelites,  in  the  service  of  him, 
'who  was  kind  and  gracious  to  them  beyond  ex- 
'p -ession..  Accordingly,  we  Christians  now  prop- 
'erly  use  it,  in  acknowledgment  of  God's  wonder- 
'ful  love  to  us  in  Christ;  by  whom  we  offer  up 
'continually  spiritual  sacrifices,  for  redeeming  us 
'by  the  sacrifice  he  made  of  himself;  for  making 
'the  world  anew,  and  creating  us  again  unto  good 
'works,  according  to  his  faithful  promises,  which 
'we  may  depend  upon  forever.'  Bp.  Patrick. — 
332] 


Jill  ye  lands.]      JVb«es,P*.  66:1— 3.     117:  P.  O. 

Joyful  noise.']  The  sound  of  the  trumpets,  at 
the  beginning  of  the  Jubilee,  seems  alluded  to. 
(JVofe*,  89:13— 18.  Lev.  25:8— 13.) 

V.  2.  These  reiterated  calls  to  joy  and  glad- 
ness, in  serving  God,  should  not  pass  unnoticed: 
for  they  shew,  that  exalted  piety  is  the  most  abun- 
dant source  of  true  rejoicing:  and  that  sorrow 
and  dejection  do  not  spring  from  piety,  even  in 
religious  persons;  but  arise  from  the  want  of 
more  religion,  and  from  occasional  circumstances. 
{Marg.  Ref.—J^otes,  33:1.  iJom.  14:13— 18,  v. 
17.  Gal.  5:22—26.  Phil.  4:4.  1  Pet.  1:8,9.) 

V.  3.  Some  versions  render  this  verse  as  fol- 
lows: "Acknowledge  that  Jehovah  is  God:  It  is 
he,  (and  not  we  ourselves,)  that  made  us  his  peo- 
ple, and  the  sheep  of  his  pasture:"  and  this  is  in- 
deed the  more  literal  translation. — 'His  we  are; 
'and  by  his  power  and  goodness,  not  our  own,  we 
'are  become  so  great  and  mighty  a  nation;  whom 
'of  his  own  good  will  alone  he  hath  made  his  pe- 
'culiar  people,  of  whom  he  takes  a  tender  care.' 
Bp.  Patrick.  {J^otes,  Deut.  7:6—8.  ]  Sam.  12: 
22.  John  15:12— 16.)— S/iee/j,  fee.  {J\rotes,  23: 
95:7.  Ez.  34:23—31.  John  10:26— 31.)— 'To deny 
'that  we  created  ourselves,  is  altogether  needless: 
'but  that  it  is  not  to  be  ascribed  to  our  industry 
'or  wit,  that  we  are  raised  to  a  happy  condition, 
'is  a  proper  expression  of  humility.'  Bp.  Patrick. 
— ''He  chiefly  means  touching  the  spiritual  regen- 
'eration,  wherebv  we  are  his  sheep  and  people.' 
[JVotes,  John  3:"7,8.  2  Cor.  4:5,6.  Tit.  3:4—7. 
Jam.  1:16 — 18.) — The  marginal  reading,  His  we 
are,  requires  an  alteration  in  the  original  text. 

V.  4.     Jilarg.  Rcf.—Jfotes,  95:1,2. 

V.  5.  '  "Jehovah  is  good:"  he  is  the  source 
'of  all  beauty  and  perfection  in  the  creature;  how 
'altogether  lovely  must  he  needs  be  in  himself! 
'  "His  mercy  is  everlasting,"  extending  through 
'time  into  eternity:  "and  his  truth,"  or  his  fidcli- 
'ty  in  accomplishing  his  promises,  "endureth  to 
'all  generations,"  evidenced  to  the  whole  race  of 
'mankind,  from  Adam  to  his  last  born  son.  The 
'Psalms,  which  celebrate  these  attributes,  will 
'never,  therefore,  be  out  of  date,  but  each  suc- 
'cessive  generation  will  chant  them,  with  fresh 
'propriety  and  with  fresh  delight,  until  by  saints 
'and  angels  they  are  sung  new  in  the  kingdom  of 
'God.'  Bp.  Home. — The  word  good  seems  also 
to  mean,  the  bounty  and  kindness  of  God  to  all 
his  creatures.  "God  is  Love."  [Mar^.  Ref. — 
Js''otes,  103:15—18.  136:1—3.  John  1:17.  1  John 
4:7,8.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  service  of  God  would  be  the  delight  of  all 
rational  creatures,  did  they  all  know  and  love  his 
glorious  excellences,  and  were  they  sensible  of 


B.  C.  1046. 


PSALM  CI. 


B.  C.  1046. 


PSALM  CL 

"David  declares  in  what  manner  he  purposes  to  rule  his  house- 
hold, and  his  king^dom,  for  the  suppression  of  sin,  and  the  en- 
couragement of  piety,  1 — 8. 

A  Psalm   of  David. 
"  T  WILL  sing  of  mercy  and  judgment: 
JL  ''  unto   thee,   O  Lord,  will  I  sing. 
2  '"I  will   behave  myself  wisely   in  a 


wilt    thou 
within  my 


perfect  way.  '^  Oh,  when 
come  unto  me?  ®  I  will  walk 
house  with  ^  a  perfect  heart. 

3  I  will  s  set  no  *  wicked   thing 

I  f    1  Kings  9:4 


a  89:1.  97:3.  103:6—8.  138:10— 
22.  Rom.  9:15—18,22,23.  11 
22.    Rev.  16:3,4.   19:1—3. 

b  71:22,23. 

c6.  75:1,2.  Il9:l06,ll5.  1  Sam 
13:14,15.  22:14.  2  Sam.  8:15 
2Chr.  30:12.  31:20,21.  Jer. 
23:5,6. 

d40:17.   143:7,8. 

e  Gen.  18:19.  Deut.  6:7.  Josh. 
24:15.      1  Tim.  3:4,5. 


be- 

11:4.  2  Chr.  15: 

17.    Is."38:3. 
g  18:20—23.    26:4,5.  39:1.    119: 

37,113.     Ex.    20:17.      2   Sam. 

11:2,3.     1  Kings  21:2,&c.    Job 

31:1.     Prov.    6:25.    23:31—35. 

Ec.  6:9.     Jer.  22:17.      Hos.  7: 

6,7.       Mic.    2:2.      Matt.    5:28. 

Jam.  1:13—15. 
*  Heb.      thing    of  Belial.     1 

Kings  21:13. 


their  immense  obligations  to  him.  As  far  ^s  we 
on  earth  take  pleasure  in  worshipping  him,  and 
can  serve  him  with  gladness  of  heart,  and  songs 
of  fervent  praise;  we  emulate  the  employment, 
and  anticipate  the  joys  of  heaven.  Let  us  then 
study  to  know  more  and  more  fully  the  glorious 
and  eternal  Jehovah,  as  our  Creator,  and  the 
God  in  whom  we  hve,  and  move,  and  are;  by 
whose  arm  we  are  upheld,  and  on  whose  bounty 
we  are  fed;  and  then  we  shall  understand  how 
reasonable  it  is,  that  we  should  be  thankful  and 
obedient  to  him.     But  if  we  can  also  say,   - 

'And  when  like  wandering  sheep  we  strayed, 
'He  brought  us  to  his  fold  again;'     IValts. 

we  shall  have  abundant  cause  "to  enter  into  his 
courts  with  praise,  to  be  thankful  to  him,  and  to 
bless  his  name."  His  goodness  to  us  has  been 
great  beyond  expression:  the  effects  of  his  mercy 
will  be  everlasting  to  our  souls;  and  his  faithful- 
ness is  the  perpetual  security,  for  the  performance 
of  his  largest  promises.  And,  as  Jehovah's  truth 
and  mercy  endure  for  ever ;  sinners  of  every  land 
should  be  invited  to  come  and  rejoice  in  his  salva- 
tion  In  the  fulness  of  time  the   Gentiles  were 

admitted  into  the  Christian  church,  in  perform- 
ance of  the  Old  Testament  prophecies,  but  con- 
trary to  the  narrow  expectations  of  the  Jews: 
and  assuredly  the  inhabitants  of  all  lands  will  ere 
long  come,  and  "make  a  joyful  noise  before  God 
our  Savior."  So  that  this  song  of  praise  should 
be  considered  as  a  prophecy,  and  even  used  as  a 
prayer,  for  the  coming  of  that  time,  when  all  peo- 
ple shall  "know  that  the  Lord  he  is  God,"  and 
shall  become  his  worshippers  and  "tlie  sheep  of 
his  pasture." 

NOTES. 

Psalm  CI.  Title.  'The  title  tells  us  who 
'made  this  psalm:  and  the  matter  of  it  is  so  plain, 
*that  any  body  may  see,  that  it  is  a  pious  resolution 
*of  David,  to  govern  first  himself,  and  then  his  court, 
'and  tVien  his  kingdom,  with  so  much  care,  that 
'the  good  might  expect  all  favor  from  him;  but 
'no  wicked  man,  of  any  sort,  liave  the  least  coun- 
'tenance.'  Bp.  Patrick.  [JVotes,  75:2 — 4.  Oen. 
18:17 — 19.) — 'In  the  person  of  David  advanced 
'to  the  throne  of  Israel,  we  hear  King  Messiah 
'declaring  how  he  intended  to  walk,  and  to  gov 
'ern  his  household  the  church;  and  also  describ- 
'ing  the  qualifications,  which  he  should  require 
'in  his  ministers  and  servants.'     Bp.  Hornc. 

v.  I.  The  mercy  of  God  shewn  towards  him, 
and  his  righteous  judgments  upon  his  persecutors, 
were  not  only  the  subjects  of  David's  grateful 
praise,  but  the  pattern  which  he  proposed  to  imi 


fore  mine  eyes:  ''  I  hate  the  work  of 
'  them  that  turn  aside;  ^  it  shall  not 
cleave  to  me. 

4  '  A  froward  heart  shall  depart  from 
me:  I  will  not  ""  know  a  wicked  person. 

5  Whoso  "  privily  slandereth  his 
neighbor,  him  will  I  cut  otf:  him  that 
hath  °  an  high  look  and  a  proud  heart 
will  not  I  suffer. 

6  P  Mine  eyes  shall  he  upon  the  faith- 


h  97:10.     Rom.  12:9. 

i  14:3.  36:3.  40:4.  73:41,57.  125: 

5.      Ex.    32:8.      1  Sum.    15:11. 

Is.  30:11.     Zeph.  1:5,6.     Gal. 

4:9.    Heb.  10:39.     2  Pet.  2:21. 

1  John  2:19. 
kDeut.  13:17. 
1    Prov.    2:12—15.    3:32.    8:13. 

11:20. 
m  6:8.   119:115.     Prov.  9:6.  22: 

24.     Matt.   7:23.     2  Cor.  6:14 

—16.     2  Tim.  2:19. 


n  15:3.  50:20.  Ex.  20:16.  23:1. 
Lev.  19:16.  Prov.  10:13.  20: 
19.  25:23.  Ez.  22:9.  1  Cor. 
5:11.     1  Tim.   3:11.     Tit.   2:3. 

0  10:2—4.  13:27.  138:6.  1  Sam. 
2:3.  Job  40:11,12.  Prov.  6:16 
—19.  30:13.  Is.  2:11.  Dan. 
4:37.  Ob.  3,4.  Luke  18:14. 
1  Pet.  5:5,6. 

p  15:4.  34:15.  119:63.  Prov. 
28:28.  29:2.  Matt.  24:45.  Luke 
12:43,44.  Rom.  13:1—4. 


tate  in  his  administration.  (JVbfes,  89:1 — 4.  136: 
10—22.  Ro7n.  11:22—24.)  'David  considereth 
'what  manner  of  king  he  would  be,  when  God 
'should  place  him  in  the  throne,  promising  openly 
'that  he  would  be  merciful  and  just.'  [Marg. 
Ref.—JVotes,  2  Sam.  23:3,4.) 

V.  2.  'Though  as  yet  thou  deferrest  to  place 
'me  in  the  kingly  dignity;  yet  I  will  give  myself 
'to  wisdom  and  uprightness,  being  a  private  man.' 
Some,  however,  think  that  the  psalm  was  com- 
posed while  David  ruled  over  Judah,  but  not 
over  Israel. — David  purposed  to  unite  wisdom 
and  piety  with  justice  and  mercy,  in  his  behavior 
before  his  family  and  court,  as  well  as  in  his  pub- 
lic administration.  He  fully  determined  to  walk 
uprightly  in  the  ordinances  and  commandments 
of  God,  as  an  example  to  his  people.  (JVofe*, 
title.  Z)eM<.  6:6— 9.  Josh.  24:15.  2  &a?w.  6:20.  1 
Tim.  3:4,5.)  But  knowing  that  his  ability  to 
perform  his  vow  would  depend  upon  the  Lord's 
presence  with  him;  he  prayed  with  earnest  de- 
sires, and  as  impatient  of  delay,  that  the  Lord 
would  speedily  come  and  dwell  with  him,  and 
bless  him.  (Mat-g.  Re/.— Mite,  Ex.  3:12.)  'O 
'when  wilt  thou  perfect  what  thou  hast  begun  for 
'me;  and  settle  me  peaceably  in  my  kingdom: 
'then  I  shall  be  able  to  live  more  regularly  than 
'now  in  this  state  of  war  and  confusion.'  Bp. 
Patrick. 

V.  3.  'I  will  not  propose  to  myself,  or  think 
'of  carrying  into  execution,  any  iniquitous  scheme 
'of  politics,  however  advantageous  and  tempting 
'it  may  appear;  I  will ...  reject  it  at  once:  "I  hate 
'the  work  of  them  that  turn  aside,"  of  them  who, 
'in  their  counsels  and  their  actions,  deviate  from 
'the  divine  law,  to  serve  their  own  interest.  ... 
'No  such  corrupt  principle  shall  adhere  to  my 
'soul,  or  find  a  place  in  my  affections.  How  no- 
'ble  a  resolution  for  a  king  to  make;  but  how 
'difficult  an  one  for  a  king  to  keep!'  Bp.  Home. 
— 'He  sheweth  that  magistrates  do  not  their  duty, 
'except  they  be  enemies  to  all  vice.'  [J\Iarg. 
Ref.—M)tes,26:\—4.    125:4,5.) 

V.  4.  'I  will  turn  him  instantly  out  of  my 
'service,  who  shall  dare  to  suggest  to  me  any 
'crooked  counsels:  I  will  have  no  familiarity  with 
'him,  much  less  make  him  my  favorite,  who 
'makes  no  conscience  how  he  compasses  his  ends.' 
Bp.  Patrick.  [JWarg.  Ref.—Mdes,  2  Sam.  13: 
3,4.  16:20—23.  17:1 — i.  \  Kings  2\A—\&.  Prov. 
29:12.) 

V.  5.  'In  promising  to  punish  these  vices, 
'which  are  most  pernicious  in  them  that  are  about 
'kings,  he  dcclareth  that  he  will  punish  all.' — 
'Detraction,  ambition,  and  avarice,  are  three 
'weeds,  which  spring  and  flourish  in  the  rich  soil 

[333 


B.  C.  1046. 


PSALM  CI. 


B.  C.  1046. 


ful  of  the  land,  "^  that  they  may  dwell 
with  me:  he  that  walketh  *in  a  per- 
fect way,  he  shall  serve  me. 

7  ""He  that  worketh  deceit  shall  not 

«J  John  12:26.  14:3.   17:2-1.  Rev. 

3:20,21.  21:3. 
*  Or,  perfect  in  the  may.    119:1 

—3.  marg.    Phil.  3:12—15. 


r  2  Sam.  4:10— 12.  2Kings5: 
26,27.  Prov.  29:12.  Acti  1:16 
—20,25.  5:1—10. 


♦of  a  court.  ...  Shall  we  imagine  these  vices  less 
♦odious  in  the  eyes  of  that  king-,  whose  cliaracter 
♦was  composed  of  humility  and  charity.'  Or  will 
♦Christ  admit  those  tempers  into  heaven,  which 
♦David  determined  to  exclude  from  his  court  upon 
♦eartW  Bp.  Home,  [Marg.  Ref. — J^otes,  30: 
16—21.  52:3,4.  2  Sam.  16:1— 4.  19:24— 30.  Prov. 
6:12—19.  25:23.) 

V.  6.  Ono  great  improvement  of  power  or 
authority,  as  a  talent,  either  in  church  or  state, 
consists  in  carefully  and  wisely  selecting  fit  per- 
sons for  all  tlie  different  services  required,  in  or- 
der to  the  prosperity  and  good  order  of  both: 
though  alasl  this  is  very  rarely  indeed  attended 
to,  and  men  with  David's  spirit  in  this  respect  are 
every  where  exceedingly  wanted.  [Marg.  Ref. ) 
♦I  will  look  out  for  trusty  persons,  men  fearing 
♦God,  and  of  clear  integrity;  and  ...  make  them 
♦of  my  privy  council;  and  no  man  shall  bear  any 
♦other  office  in  my  coui't,  but  he  that  lives  un- 
♦blameably.'  Bp.Patnck. — David  found  it  much 
easier  to  resolve  and  purpose,  though  sincerely,  and 
in  the  sight  of  God,  than  to  accomplish  his  pur- 
poses: as  many  things  in  his  subsequent  adminis- 
tration proved;  especially  his  sparing  Joab,  and 
continuing  him  in  authority,  after  his  murder  of 
Abner;  and  also  his  conduct  respecting  Absalom; 
not  to  speak  of  his  more  awful  transgressions. 
iM)tes,  2  Sam.  3:28,29,38,39.  14:13—22.  Rom.  7: 
15—17.) 

V.  7.  'No  subtle  knave, ...  that  devises  cun- 
*ning  cheats  to  oppress  my  subjects,  shall  remain 
*in  my  service.  Though  he  have  craftily  got  into 
♦it  under  a  guise  of  simplicity;  yet  no  false  informer, 
^flatterer,  or  any  other  sort  of  liar,  shall  continue 
^in  my  favor.'  Bp.  Patrick.  [J^otes,  2  Sam.  4: 
9—12.  2  Kings  5:20—27.  Prov.  20:8.  29:12. 
Acts  5:1— U.) 

V.  8.  Early.']  Or,  "in  the  mornings,"  that 
is,  every  morning.  (JVb<e,  Jer.  21:11,12.)  'In 
♦the  very  beginning  of  my  reign,  and  as  the  first 
♦concern  of  every  day,  I  will  thus  endeavor  to 
♦crush  and  cut  off  the  wicked,  and  to  reform  the 
♦city  of  God.'  Promptitude,  activity,  and  perse- 
verance are  alike  necessary  to  suppress  vice  in 
the  state;  and  to  keep  the  visible  church,  and 
even  its  most  sacred  offices,  pure  from  the  pollu- 
tion of  ambitious  and  covetous  hypocrites.  The 
latter  is  called  "the  city  of  the  Lord:"  but  it  has 
too  often  been  made  a  city  of  merchandise,  and 
even  "a  den  of  thieves"  or  robbers.  [Marg.  Ref. 
—J^Totes,  Matt.  21:12,13.  JoAra  2:13— 17.)  In  all 
this,  David  was  an  evident  t^^pe  of  Christ,  our 
righteous  King,  who  alone  fully  accomplishes 
these  most  excellent  purposes.  [Jiote,  45:6,7.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

When  we  celebrate  the  praises  of  the  divine 
perfections,  we  should,  in  many  cases,  consider 
them  as  patterns  for  our  imitation:  but  we  never 
can  so  clearly  understand  in  what  respect  this 
example  is  imitable  by  us,  as  when  we  view  it 
exhibited  in  the  person  of  the  incarnate  Son  of 
God.  [JVotes,  John  1:14— 11.  Eph.  5:1,2.  Phil. 
2:5—8.  lPe(.  2:18— 25.)  His  compassionate  and 
condescending  love  to  sinners  harmonizes  with 
the  most  perfect  abhorrence  of  sin:  and  his  con- 
duct, as  our  exalted  King,  is  conformable  to  his 
holv  life  on  earth.  He  does  not  connive  at  any 
334] 


dwell  within    my  house:  he  that  telleth 
lies  shall  not  t  tarry  in  my  sight. 

8  I  will  ^  early  destroy  all  the  wicked 
of  the  land;  that  I  may  *  cut  off  all  wick- 
ed doers  from  the  city  of  the  Lord. 

t  Heb.  be  established.  I  t  48:2,8.     Hos.  9:3.    Mic.  2:8— 

s  75:10.     Prov.    16:12.    20:8,26.        10.     Rev.  21:27.  22:14,15. 
Jer.  21:12.    Mic.  3:1— 4,9. 


wickedness,  or  bear  it  in  his  presence;  he  abhors 
"the  work  of  them  that  turn   aside"    from  his 
righteous  ways;  and  can  no  more  allow  his  disci- 
ples to  cleave  to  sin,  than  he  can  commit  it  him- 
self.    Those  who  continue  of  a  perverse  disposi- 
tion must  depart  from  him;  and  at  the  day  of  judg- 
ment he  will  reject  all  the  workers  of  iniquity, 
as  those  whom  he   "never  knew."    He  will  as 
certainly  punish  the  subtle,  undermining  slander- 
er, as  the  murderer:    pride  and  covetousness  will 
no  more  escape,  than  adultery  or  drunkenness: 
and  hypocrites,  and  liars  of  every  kind,  will  be 
doomed  to  the  lake  which  burneth  with  fire  and 
brimstone.     [JYotes,  Rev.  21:5— 8.  22:14,15.)     In 
short,  he  will  destroy  all  impenitent  sinners;  and 
those  with  peculiar  detestation,  who  form  a  part 
of  his  visible  church,  and  are  a  scandal  to  it. 
Such  are  often  removed  from  the  earth,  to  pre- 
vent further  mischief;    but  at  length  a  final  and 
eternal  separation  shall  be  made,  and  no  wicked 
person  shall  ever  enter  the  city  of  the  Lord,  in 
the  world  to  come.  [Jfote,Rev.  21:22—27.)    But 
he  will  search  out  the  faitliful,  who  repent  and  re- 
nounce their  sins,  trusting  in  his  meicy;  watch- 
ing over  them,  and  shewing  them  all  favor:  and 
they,  by  his  grace,  learn  to  walk  before  him  in 
truth  and  righteousness.     These  are  his  servants 
on  earth,  and  they  shall  dwell  with  him  for  ever 
in  heaven.    This  is  his  determination,  and  invari- 
able conduct;    nor  will  he  treat  any  as  his  people, 
whom  he  does  not  "redeem  from  all  iniquity,  and" 
progressively  "purify  unto  himself,  a  pecuUar  peo- 
ple zealous  of  good  works." — This  example  should 
be  copied  by  rulers  and  magistrates  especially: 
justice,  truth,  goodness,  and  piety  should  be  visible 
in  their  whole  conduct:  and  then  their  patronag-e 
and  influence  would  unite  with  the  impartial  and 
vigorous  exercise  of  their  authority,  in  discoun- 
tenancing all  vice  and  impiety,  in  protecting  the 
righteous,  and  in  promoting  the  cause  of  God.   By 
a  resolute  and  steady  adherence  to  such  a  plan, 
wicked  doers  might  be  reclaimed  or  restrained; 
and  we  might  appear  like  a  part  of  the  city  of  God, 
by  the  prevalence  of  equity  and  piety.  Ministers, 
heads  of  families,  and  all  others,  in  the  superior 
relations  or  stations  of  life  especially,  have  also  an 
important  duty  in  this  matter.     Their  example 
I  and  influence,  and  the  exercise  of  their  authority; 
'  their  refusal  to  be  at  all  acquainted  with  notorious 
I  sinners,  or  to  shew  favor  to  them,  or  even  to  em- 
j  ploy  them;  their  decided  disapprobation  of  slan- 
!  derers,  flatterers,  and  all  dissemblers;  and  the  en- 
1  couragement  of  the  faithful,  humble,  and  upright, 
I  would  have  an  extensive  good  effect;  if  they  would 
1  adopt  David's  resolutions,  or  rather  imitate  Christ's 
I  example.     It  is  true  this  would  require  much 
j  wisdom  and  courage;  and  of  ourselves  we  are  not 
I  sufficient  for  such  services:  but  the  Lord  would 
come  to  us,  and  even  abide  with  us,  if  we  ear- 
I  nestly  and  cordially  entreated  him;  and  then  his 
j  grace  would  be  sufBcient  for  ns,  his  favor  would 
render  any  station  comfortable,  and  his  blessing 
would  crown  our  endeavors  with  success.     But 
let  us  recollect,  that  if  we  refuse  to  obey  his  com- 
]  mand  and  copy  his  example,  while  we  call  him 
I  our  Lord  and  Master,  he  will  treat  us  as  hypo- 
I  crites  and  liars,  exclude  us  from  his  famity,  and 
I  drive  us  with  indignation  from  his  presence,  as 
I  workers  of  iniquity,  whom  he  never  acknowledg- 
|ed  or  approved.  [J^otes,  Matt.  7:21—27.) 


B;  C.  1040. 


PSALM  CII. 


B.  C.  1040. 


PSALM  CII. 

The  Psalmist  pours  out  doleful  complaints  before  the  Lord,  1 — 
11.  He  takes  comfort  from  the  eternity  of  God,  12.  He 
predicts  the  triumph  of  the  church,  though  then  desolated, 
according  to  the  promises  of  God,  at  the  appointed  time,  and 
in  answer  to  the  prayers  of  his  people,  13 — 17.  He  records  the 
mercies  of  the  Lord  for  the  benefit  of  posterity,  18 — 22.  Con- 
scions  of  his  own  weakness,  he  rests  his  hope  on  the  unchange- 
ableuess  of  God  our  Savior,  23 — 28. 

A  prayer  *  of  the  afflicted,  when  he  is 
^  overwhelmed,  and  ^  poureth  out  his 
complaint  before  the  Lord. 

•^  TTEAR   my  prayer,   O   Lord,  and 

1  1    ^  let  my  cry  come  mito  thee. 

2  ^  Hide  not  thy  face  from  me  in  the 
day  ivhen  I  am  in  trouble;  ^  incline  thine 
ear  unto  me:  ^  in  the  day  when  I  call, 
answer  me  speedily. 

3  For  ''  my  days  are  consumed  t  like 
smoke,  and  '  my  bones  are  burned  as  an 
hearth. 

4  ^  My  heart  is  smitten,  and  '  wither- 
ed like  grass;  ""  so  that  I  forget  to  eat 
my  bread. 

5  By   reason   of   "  the   voice  of  my 


*  Or,  for. 

a  12:5.  61:2.  69:1,2.   142:3.   143: 

4.    Lam.  3:18—20.     Mark  14: 

33,34.     Luke  22:44.    Heb.  5:7. 
b  42:4.  62:8.  77:3.  142:2.   iSam. 

1:15,16.      ■ 
C  5:2.  55:1—5.    57:1—3.    130:1, 

2.   141:1,2.   143:7. 
d  18:ft     Ex.2;23.    Judg.  10:16. 

1   Sam.   9:16.      2  Chr.  30:27. 

Lam.  3.3,44. 
e  13:1.  27:9.  69:17.    88:14.    104: 

29.   143:7.    Job  34:29.  Is.  8:17. 
f71:2.  83:2,&c. 
g22:19.    40:13.    70:1,5.     Job.7: 


21.  Is.  65:24.    Acts  12:5,&C. 
h  37:20.   119:83.  Jam.  4:14. 
■f    Or,     (as    some    read)    into 

smoke. 
122:14,15.31:10.38:3.    Job  30: 

30.  Lam.  1:13.  3:4. 
k  6:2,3.  42:6.    55:4,5.  69:20.  77: 

3.    143:3,4.       Job     6:4.      10:1. 

Lam.  3:13,20.     Matt.  26:37,33. 
1  11.  37:2.    Is.  40:7. 
m  9.    1  Sam.  1:7,8.     Ezra  10:6. 

Acts  9'9. 
D   6:6,8.  32:3,4.  38:8—10.     Job 

19:20.    Prov.  17:22.    Lam.  4:8. 


NOTES.  'm 

Psalm  CII.  Title.  "A  prayer  for  the  afflict- 
ed, when  he  shall  be  overwhelmed,  and  shall  pour 
out  his  meditation  before  the  face  of  Jehovah." 
— This  psalm  seems  to  have  been  written  towards 
the  conclusion  of  the  Babylonish  captivity;  or,  as 
some  think,  just  after  the  return  of  the  remnant 
under  Zerubbabel;  for  the  use  of  the  pious  Jews 
who  were  overwhelmed  with  affliction,  on  account 
of  the  desolations  of  their  holy  city  and  temple:  yet 
they  poured  out  their  complaint  with  hopes  of  re- 
dress, as  God  had  promised  to  restore  them  ag^ain 
to  their  own  land.  (JVbto,  137:  Ezra  3:8—13.  9:5 
—IS.JVeh.  1:4—11.  9:5— 38.  Jer.  29:11— 14.  Dan. 
9:) — The  termination  of  the  reign  of  antichrist, 
and  the  glorious  consequences  of  that  event,  seem 
also  to  be  clearly  predicted.  [JS'otes,  Is.  63:15 — 
19.  64:) 

V.  1,2.  'Albeit  we  be  in  never  so  great  miser- 
*ies;  yet  there  is  ever  place  left  for  prayer.' 
{Marg.  Re/.—JSTotes,  50:7—15.  91:14—16.  Phil. 
4:5—7.) 

V.  3 — 11.  'These  excessive  kinds  of  speech 
'shew  how  much  the  affliction  of  the  church  ought 
*to  woTinii  the  hearts  of  the  godly.' — Perhaps  the 
Psalmist  was  grievously  afflicted  in  his  own  per- 
son, as  well  as  on  account  of  public  calamities: 
but  he  seems  to  personate  Jerusalem  and  the 
church,  during  the  desolations  of  the  captivity. 
lie  complains  that  his  hfe  and  health  vanished  like 
the  smoke,  wliich  is  scattered  by,  the  wind;  his 
strength  decayed  as  wood  is  consumed  by  the  fire; 
and  his  spirits  dried  up  as  tlie  grass  is  withered  by 
the  scorching  sun.  He  had  lost  his  appetite,  was 
reduced  to  a  skeleton,  courted  solitude  as  the  pel- 
ican, or  bittern,  and  the  owl;   was  deprived  of  j 


groaning,  my  bones  cleave  to  my  +  skin. 

G  I  am    °  like  p  a  pelican  of  the  M'il- 

derness:  I  am  hke  an  owl  of  the  desert. 

7  I  *i  watch,  and  am  as  a  sparrow 
■■  alone  upon  the  house  top. 

8  ^Mine  enemies  reproach  me  all  the 
day;  and  they  that  are  '  mad  against 
me,  are  "  sworn  against  me. 

9  For  ^  I  have  eaten  ashes  hke 
bread,  and  ^  mingled  my  drink  with 
weeping. 

10  ^Because  of  thine  indignation  and 
thy  wrath;  for  *  thou  hast  hfted  me  up, 
and  cast  me  down. 

1 1  ^  My  days  are  like  a  shadow  that 
declineth;  and  *^  I  am  withered  like 
grass. 

12  But  ^  thou,  O  Lord,  shall  endure 
for  ever;  and  ®  thy  remembrance  unto 
all  generations. 

13  *^Thou  shalt  arise,  and  have  mercy 


X  Or,  flesh. 

0  Job  30:29,30.  Is.  38:14.     Mic. 

1:8. 
p    Is.   34:11—15.      Zeph.  2:14. 

marg.    Rev.  18:2. 
q  22:2.    77:4.  130:6.     Deut.  28: 

66,67.     Job   7:13—16.      Mark 

14:33—37. 
r  38:11.     Lam.  3:28— 30. 
s  31:11— 13.     55:3.     69:9,10,20. 

89:51.     Rom.  15;3. 
t  2:1.     Luke   6:11.     Acts  7:54. 

26:11. 
u  Acts23:12,&c. 
X  69:21.    Is.  44:20.      Lam.  3:15, 

!6.  Mic.  1:10.  7:17. 
y  42:3.  80:5.     Job  3:24.     Lam. 

3:48,49. 


z  38:3,18.  39:11.90:7—9.  Lam. 

MS.  3:3P— 42.    5:16.     Dan.  9: 

8—14.     Rom.  3:19. 
a   30:6,7.    73:18—20.     147:6.    1 

Sam.  2:7,8.  2  Chr.  25:8.  2  Cor. 

4:9. 
b  3.  39:5,6.   109:23.   144:4.    Job 

14:2.     Ec.  6:12.     Jam.  4:14. 
c  4.     Is.  40:6—8.     Jam.  1:10.   I 

Pet.  1:24. 
d24— 27.  9.T  90:1,2.  Deut.  33: 

27.    Is.  44:6.    60:15,     Lam.  .5: 

19.    Heb.  13:8.     Rev.  1:17,18. 
e  135:13.    Ex.  3:15. 
f  7:6.    44:26.    51:18.     69:35,36. 

Is.  14:32.  60:10—14.     Jer.  31: 

10-12,23.     Zech.  2:10-12. 


sleep,  and  spent  his  time  in  mourning  and  com- 
plaints. The  unjust  reproaches  and  formidable 
combinations  of  his  enraged  enemies,  united  with 
the  just  indignation  of  God,  to  fill  him  with  deep 
distress.  It  seemed  as  if  the  Lord  had  only  raised 
him  to  prosperity,  in  order  to  cast  him  down:  and 
he  was  constrained  to  feed  upon  sorrow  as  his 
bread,  and,  as  it  were,  mingle  his  drink  with 
tears.  In  short  he  was  like  a  man  about  to  ex- 
pire of  some  wasting  sickness.  'Whilst  I  wait  for 
'better  times,  my  life  declines  apace;  like  a  shad- 
'ow,  which  being  come  near  to  its  utmost  length, 
'is  ready  to  vanish.'  Bp.  Patrick.  (JVb<e*,  6:1 — 7. 
32:3—5.  38:1—10.  42:1—3.  55:4—8.  69:1—4,16— 
20.  80:5,6.  88:3—9.  Job  6:1—4.  7:1—6.  19:5—22. 
30:15—24.  Is.  38:9— 15.)— All  this  well  applies  to 
the  state  of  the  church,  during  the  Baliylonish 
captivity;  and  corresponds  to  the  language  of  Jer- 
emiah in   tlie  book   of   Lamentations.    [Mars;. 

V.  12.  It  is  very  beautiful  and  instructive  to 
view  the  Psalmist  consoling  himself,  under  all  his 
afflictions  and  the  prospect  of  a  speedy  dissolu- 
tion, while  his  people  and  the  church  were  in 
deep  distress;  by  the  thoughts  tliat  God  would 
still  be  glorious,  would  still  favor  the  church,  and 
restore  her  from  her  desolations.  (JVb<e«,  13 — 
28.)  His  sufferings  and  death,  therefore,  might 
be  regarded  as  comparatively  of  little  conse- 
quence.— "Thy  remembrance"  may  mean  either 
the  church's  remembrance  of  Jehovah's  wonder- 
ful works  for  Israel,  and  engagements  to  her;  or 
ratlier  his  remembrance  of  his  holy  covenant,  and 
of  her  desolate  and  afflicted  state,  from  which  he 
had  promised  to  deliver  her.  (135:13.  JVbfe,  Ex. 
3:15.)    'All  generations  have  transmitted  down 

[335 


B.  C.  545. 


PSALM  ClI. 


B.  C.  545. 


upon  Zion:   for  the  time    to  favor  her, 
yea,  ^  the  set  time  is  come. 

14  For  ""thy  servants  take  pleasure 
in  her  stones,  and  favor  the  dust  thereof 

1 5  So  '  the  heathen  shall  fear  the 
name  of  the  Lord,  and  all  the  kings  of 
the  earth  thy  glory. 

16  "^  When  the  Lord  shall  build  up 
Zion,  '  he  shall  appear  in  his  glory. 

17  ■"  He  will  regard  the  prayer  of  the 
destitute,  and  "not  despise  their  prayer. 

18  "  This  shall  be  written  for  the 
generation  to  come;  and  p  the  people 
which  shall  be  created,  shall  praise  the 
Lord. 

19  For  'I  he  hath  looked  down  from 
•"the  height  of  his  sanctuary;  from  heav- 
en did  the  Lord  behold  the  earth; 

20  ^  To  hear  the  groaning  of  the  pris- 
oner; *to  loose  *  those  that  are  ap- 
pointed to   death; 


g  Ezra  l.l,&c.   Is,  40:2.     Dan. 

9:2,&c.    12:9,1-2,13.     Acts  1:7. 

Gal.  4:4.     2  Pet.  3:3,12.  Rev. 

11:15—13. 
h  79:7—10.   137:5,6.     Ezra  1:5. 

3:1—3.    7:27.     Neh.  1:3.    2:3, 

17.  4.2,6,10.  Dan.  9:16. 
,67:2 — 4.  68:31,32.  72:11.   86:9. 

133:4.     1  Kings  8:43.    Is.  55:5. 

60:3,&c.  Zech.  7:20—23.  Rev. 

11:15.  21:24. 
k  51:18.  69:35.   147:2.    Is.  2:2,3. 

44:26.    66:18.     Jer.  31:4.  33:7. 
1  97:6.   Is.  60:7.  61:3.     Mic.  2:9. 

Zech.  2:6—13. 
m  9:18.  72:12.     Deut.  4:29.  32: 

36.  Neh.  1:6,11.  2:8.     Jer.  29: 

11_]4.     Dan.  9:3—21. 
n  22:24.  50:28. 


0   71:18.    78:4—6.      Ex.    17:14. 

Deut.  31:19,&c.    Job  19:23,24. 

Dan.  9:2.     John  20:31.     Rom. 

15:4.      1  Cor.  10:11.     2  Tim.  3: 

16,17.    2  Pet.  1:15. 
p  22:30,31.  45:16,17.  Is.  43:7,21. 

65:17 19.      2    Cor.     5;17,13. 

Eph.  2:10.      1  Pet.  2:9,10. 
q   14:2.    33:13,14.     Deut.  26:15. 

1  Kings  8:39,43.  2  Chr.  16:9. 
r  Job  22:12.  Heb.  8:1,2.  9:23,24. 
s  79:11.     Ex.  2:23— 25.    3:7.2 

Kings    13:4,22,23.     Job   24:12. 

Is.  14:17.  61:1—3.    Jer.  51:34, 

34.    Zech.  9:9—12. 
t  2  Chr.  33:11—13.     Jer.  52:32 

—34.     Acts  12:6—11. 
*   Heb.    Me  children  of  death. 

Eph.  2:2,3. 


'unto  us  the  memorial  of  thy  faithfulness,  and  the 
'g-lorious  things  thou  hast  done  for  thy  people.' 
Bp.  Patrick. 

v.  13—22,  God  had,  by  his  prophet  Jeremiah, 
fixed  a  time  for  liberating  the  captive  Jews,  and 
for  I'ebuilding  the  city  and  the  temple:  that  time 
was  come;  and  this  excited  the  prayers  of  be- 
lievers, who  favored  the  very  dust  and  stones  of 
Zion,  for  the  sake  of  the  temple  which  had  stood 
upon  it.  (JVbies,  137:1— 6.  2  Chr.  2b:2l.  Jer. 
2,5:8—12.  27:4—9.  29:10—14.  Dan.  9:2,3.)  In 
their  destitute  and  forlorn  condition,  they  not  only 
"groaned  being  burdened,"  with  the  oppression 
and  persecution  of  those  who  detained  them  pris- 
oners; but  they  were  instant  in  prayers,  which 
doubtless  they  accompanied  with  humiliation  for 
their  sins.  These  prayers  the  Lord  would  not 
despise;  but  in  answer  to  them,  as  one  "who 
looked  down  from  his  holy  heaven,"  he  would 
surely  appear  for  their  release;  and  when  he  had 
conducted  them  to  Jerusalem,  they  would  there 
declare  his  name  and  his  praise.  Under  his  pro- 
tection and  by  his  assistance,  the  temple  would 
be  rebuilt  upon  mount  Zion:  when  he  would  ap- 
pear so  glorious  in  his  power,  truth,  and  love, 
that  the  heathen  would  fear  his  wrath,  and  all 
kings  around  him  would  stand  in  awe  of  his  glo- 
ry; many  people  would  gather  together  out  of  the 
adjacent  kingdoms  to  serve  the  Lord;  and  these 
events  would  be  recorded  for  the  edification  of 
future  ages,  and  of  other  nations,  which  should  at 
length  be  brought  into  the  church  by  the  new 
irealing  power  of  God.  (Jlar^-  Rff. — JVotes, 
22:30,31.  /*.  53:9,10.  I  Pe<.  2:9,10.)— But  this 
piophecy  will  have  a  more  full  accomplishment, 
when  the  Jews  shall  be  converted  to  Christianity, 
336] 


21  "To  declare  the  name  of  the 
Lord  in  Zion,  and  his  praise  in  Jerusa- 
lem; 

22  ^  When  the  people  are  gathered 
together,  and  the  kingdoms,  to  serve  the 
Lord. 

23  y  He  ^  weakened  my  strength  in 
the  way:  ^  he  shortened  my  days. 

24  "I  said,  O  my  God,  take  me  not 
away  in  the  midst  of  my  days:  ''thy 
years  are  throughout  all  generations. 

25  "  Of  old  hast  thou  laid  the  foun- 
dation of  the  earth;  and  the  heavens  are 
the  work  of  thy  hands. 

26  <i  They  shall  perish,  but  thou  shalt 
X  endure:  yea,  all  of  them  shall  wax  old 
like  as  a  garment;  as  a  vesture  shak  thou 
change  them,  and  they  shall  be  changed: 

27  But  ^  thou  art  the  same,  and  thy 
*^  years  shall  have  no  end. 

28  s  The  children  of  thy  servants 
shall  continue,  and  ^  their  seed  shall  be 
established  before  thee. 


u  9:13,14.  22:22.  51:14,15.  79:13. 

Is.  51:11.     Eph.  2:4— 7.    3:21. 

1  Pet.  2:9. 
X  72:8— 11.    Gen.  49:10.   Is.  49: 

22,23.  60:3,&c.    Hos.  1:9—11. 

Zech.   8:20—23.     Matt.  24:14. 

Rom.  15:19. 
y  89:33 — 47.     2  Thes.  2:3—12. 

1  Tim.  4:1—3.  2  Tim.  3:l,&.c. 

Rev.  ll:2,&c.    12:13,&c. 
t  Heb.  afflicted. 
z  Job  21V2I. 
a  39:13.    Is.  38:l0,&c. 
b    12.    9:7.    90:1,2.      Hab.  1:12. 

Rev.  1:4,8. 


c  Gen.  1:1.  2:1.  Ex.  20:11.  Job 

38:4—7.     Prov.  8:23,&c.    Jer. 

32:17.   Heb.  1:10—12.  3:3,4. 
d  Is.    34:4.   51:6.    65:17.    66:-22, 

Luke  21:33.  Rom.  8:20.  2  Pet. 

3:7—12.  Rev.  20:11.  21:1. 
J  Heb.  stand.  12.  Ex.  3:14. 
e   Mai.  3:6.     John  8:58.     Heb. 

13:8.     Jam.  1:17.   Rev.  1:8,17, 

18. 
f  90:4.  Job  36:26. 
g  22:30,31.    45:16,17.    69:35,36. 

Is.  53:10.    59:20,21.    65:22.66: 

22. 
h  90:16,17. 


and  ^atilpred  from  their  dispersions;  when  the 
tedious  captivity  of  the  church,  under  the  new- 
testament  Babylon,  shall  finally  be  terminated; 
and  when  the  fulness  of  the  Gentiles,  with  all 
their  kings  and  kingdoms,  shall  be  brought  into 
the  church.  {JVotes,  Rev.  18:  19:)— The  old  ver- 
sion of  the  fifteenth  and  two  following  verses,  is 
quite  literal,  and  very  expressive: — "Then  the 
heathen  shall  fear  the  name  of  the  Lord,  and  all 
the  kings  of  the  earth  thy  glory,  when  the  Lord 
shall  build  up  Zion,  and  shall  appear  in  his  glory, 
and  shall  turn  unto  the  prayer  of  the  desolate, 
and  not  despise  their  prayer." 

V.  23,  24.  Perhaps  the  Psalmist  personally,, 
from  his  time  of  life  and  state  of  health,  had  ex- 
pected to  see  the  re-establishment  of  Jerusalem,, 
the  prosperity  of  his  people,  and  multitudes  throng- 
ing to  the  temple  to  sacrifice,  and  to  worship  God- 
But  he  was  unexpectedly  seized  with  a  debilitat- 
ing disease,  and  concluded  that  he  was  about  t» 
be  taken  away  in  the  midst  of  his  days;  as  Job, 
Hezekiah,  and  others  had  done:  and  he  praj^ed, 
as  Moses  also  did,  that  he  might  live  to  witness 
the  prosperity  of  his  people,  which  he  by  faith 
clearly  foresaw. — Some,  however,  apply  this  to 
the  church  of  Israel.  She  was,  as  it  were,  on 
her  way  to  meet  her  expected  King;  but  at  the 
captivity  her  strength  was  weakened,  and  her 
days  seemed  to  be  shortened:  but  she  prayed  to 
be  spared,  that  she  might  receive  the  promised 
blessing. — The  midst  of  my  days.  (24)  JVote,  .55: 
23._r/'7/  years,  &c.]  Mtes,  12.  90:1,2.  Joh7i 
14:18—20.  i?om.  5:7— 10.  8:32—34.  Co/.  3:1— 4. 
Rev.  1:12-20,7).  18. 

V.  25 — 28.  The  eternity  and  immutability  of 
God,  the  Creator  of  the  world,  and  the  Savior  of 


B.  C.  1030. 


PSALM  cm. 


B.  C.  1030. 


PSALM  CIIL 

David  earnestly  praises  God  for  his  plenteous  mercy  and  good- 
ness to  him,  and  to  Israel,  1 — 10;  for  his  fatherly  compassion 
to  the  frailty  of  those  who  fear  and  obey  him;  and  for  his  con- 
stant regard  to  their  posterity,  11 — 18.  He  calls  on  men,  and 
angels,  and  all  creatures,  to  join  him  in  blessing  the  Lord,  the 
universal  Sovereign,  19 — 22. 

A  Psalm  of  David. 


the  church,  encouraged  the  pious  Jews  under 
their  distresses.  The  visible  creation  indeed 
waxes  old,  and  is  wearing  out,  and  will  at  length 
be  changed  as  an  old  garment  for  a  nev7  one. 
{^Totes,  Is.  51:4—8.  MM.  24:32—35,  r.SS.  2  Pet. 
3:10 — 13.)  But  the  Creator  is  "the  same,  yes- 
terda}^  to-daj',  and  for  ever."  (JVbfe,  Heh.  13:7, 
{j,  V.  8.)  And  because  he  lives  and  reigns,  his 
church  must  be  preserved;  a  succession  of  be- 
lievers, as  the  children  of  Abraham,  shall  serve 
him  whilst  the  world  endures;  and  all  tlie  redeem- 
ed shall  live  with  him  in  heaven  for  ever. — We 
cannot  but  know,  from  the  scriptures  above  re 
ferred  to,  what  views  the  inspired  writers  of  the 
Old  Testament  had  of  the  expected  Messiah, 
whom  they  spake  of  as  the  eternal  and  unchangea- 
ble Creator,  as  well  as  tlie  Redeemer  and  King 
of  Israel.  [Marg.  Ref. — J^otes,  Is.  9:5,6.  John 
1:1—3.  Co/.  1:15— 20.  iJe6.  1:1— 4.)  The  apos- 
tle, writing'  to  the  Hebrews,  no  doubt  quoted  this 
Psalm,  in  the  sense  in  which  it  was  generally  un- 
derstood, [jyote,  Heb.  1:10— 12.)— 'It  ca,nnot  be 
'too  hard  for  thee  to  raise  Zion  out  of  her  ruins, 
'wlio  hast  many  ages  ago  created  this  goodly  fab- 
*ric  of  heaven  and  earth  by  thy  eternal  Word. ' 
Bp.  Patrick. — Thou  art  the  same.  (27)  "Thou 
art  He."  [J^otes,  Ex.  3:14.  Is.  41:2 — 4.  John  8: 
54—59.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  more  overwhelming  our  afSictions  are,  the 
greater  cause  have  we  to  "pour  out  our  com- 
plaint before  God;"  and  he  has  invited  and  com- 
manded us  to  "call  upon  him  in  the  time  of  trou- 
ble," and  has  assured  us,  that  he  will  not  hide  Itis 
face  from  us,  or  "leave  us  comfortless." — In  this 
world  we  must  expect  tribulation,  and  we  know 
not  how  deep  and  durable  our  sorrows  may  be; 
but  should  they  be  so  vui'ious  and  grievous,  as  to 
warrant  the  use  of  the  strong  language  of  this 
psalm,  they  would  not  be  equal  to  our  deservings; 
and  it  would  still  be  "of  the  Lord's  mercies  tliat 
we  are  not  consumed:"  still  there  would  be  hope 
for  us  to  humble  ourselves  before  liim,  and  pa- 
tiently to  wait  and  pray  for  his  forgiving  love. 
[J^otes,  Lam.  3:21—30,39—41.)  Then,  should  we 
even  lose  our  relish  for  every  earthly  comfort, 
and  be  kept  by  pain  and  anguish  from  taking  any 
rest;  should  we  be  treated  with  general  contempt 
and  hatred,  and  struggle  with  sore  temptations 
and  anguish  of  spirit,  and  have  death  continually 
before  our  eyes;  we  should  still  have  inward  sup- 
ports, and  hope  would  brighten  our  otherwise 
gloomy  prospect. — The  believer,  who  has  attain- 
ed to  a  good  measure  of  ripeness  in  judgment  and 
experience,  will  feel  himself  deeply  interested  in 
the  concerns  of  the  church.  Her  desolations, 
divisions,  and  corruptions,  pain  his  lieart,  in  his 
most  prosperous  days;  and  double  the  poignancy 
of  liis  personal  afflictions.  The  triumphs  of  infi- 
dels and  profligates,  and  the  sorrows  of  true  be- 
lievers, cause  him  to  partake  of  the  bread  and 
water  of  affliction,  and  to  humble  himself  be- 
fore God  in  lamentations  and  prayers.  On  the 
other  hand  he  rejoices  in  the  promises  of  God, 
relating  to  the  security  and  prosperity  of  his 
church:  and  the  revival  or  increase  of  the  power 
and  purity  of  religion,  and  the  enlargement  and 
peace  of  the  church,  revive  his  heart,  even  under 

Vol.  III.  43 


I  LESS  the  Lord,  O  my  soul:  and 
^  all  that    is  within   me,  hless  his 
holy  name. 


1  2-3.   104:1.    146:1,2.     Luke  1: 

46,47. 
3  47:7.    57:7—11.    63:5.    86:12, 

13.    111:1.   138:1.     Mark  12:30 


—33.  John  4:24.    1  Cor.  14:15. 
Phil.  1:9.    Col.  3:16. 
c  99:3.  Is.  6:3.  Rev.  4:8. 


grievous  pains,  and  at  the  approach  of  death. 
This  might  afford  us  never-failing  comfort,  if  we 
duly  attended  to  the  word  of  God.  The  success 
of  the  gospel  has  indeed  hitherto  been  small,  com- 
pared witli  the  hundreds  of  millions  of  the  human 
species.  The  low  estate  of  vital  godhness,  within 
the  visible  church,  has  often  made  her  appear 
like  one  dying  of  a  consumption:  but  "the  Lord 
will"  certainly  "arise,  and  have  mercy  on  Zion." 
Though,  like  Jerusalem  of  old,  the  Christian 
church  seems  laid  in  ruins,  by  the  assaults  of  open 
enemies,  and  the  treachery  of  professed  friends, 
and  through  the  prevalence  of  idolatry,  supersti- 
tion, infidelity,  and  impiety;  yet  the  servants  of 
God  "take  pleasure"  even  in  her  ruins,  and  their 
prayers  incessantly  ascend  to  heaven  in  her  be- 
half. They  are  indeed  often  poor  and  destitute 
in  the  world,  and  despised  by  proud,  ungodly  men; 
and  sometimes  they  are  laid  to  groan  in  prisons, 
as  men  appointed  to  death:  but  the  Lord  regards 
them,  and  will  honor  them;  he  will  look  down  from 
heaven  to  hear  and  deliver  them;  he  will  build  up 
Zion,  that  his  glory  may  appear:  and  indeed  "the 
set  time"  to  favor  her  is  near  at  hand,  and  many 
revolutions,  within  the  former  kingdom  of  the  papal 
Antichrist,  seem  evident  presages  of  its  approach- 
ing ruin.  Shortly  tlie  Lord  will  deliver  and  pu- 
]-ify  his  church,  and  Jews  and  Gentiles  shall  unite 
in  worshipping  God  our  Savior,  and  in  declaring 
his  name  and  glorj':  and  all  tlie  kingdoms  of  the 
earth  shall  become  his  worshippers  and  servants. 
Were  not  these  things  written  for  the  use  of  "the 
generations  to  come,"  that  nations  then  unborn 
might  praise  the  Lord,  Mhen  they  beheld  the 
performance  of  these  ancient  prophecies.''  It  is 
true,  the  Christian  church  was  so  soon  debilitat- 
ed and  corrupted,  her  days  of  prosperity  were  so 
shortened,  and  her  enfeebled  estate  has  been  so 
prolonged,  that  many  despair  of  happier  days. 
Yet  such  are  most  evidently  predicted,  and  tlie 
predictions  are  multiplied  and  varied,  throughout 
the  sacred  volume:  and  he,  who  laid  the  founda- 
tion of  the  earth,  is  the  unchangeable  and  eternal 
Support  of  his  church:  and  as  he  has  foretold  the 
dissolution  of  the  frame  of  nature,  he  has  also  as- 
sured us  that  his  cause  shall  triunipli  on  earth  be- 
fore that  grand  con.summatioii.  Let  us  then  re- 
joice in  God  our  Savior,  and  give  ourselves  unto 
prayer;  assured  that  the  children  of  his  servants 
shall  continue,  and  be  multiplied  exceedingly,  to 
the  end  of  time;  and  that  their  seed  shall  be  es- 
tablished for  over  in  heaven. 

NOTES. 

PsAMW  cm.  Title.  David  is  supposed  (o 
have  written  this  most  beautiful  Psalm,  when  he 
was  newly  recovered  from  a  dangerous  sicknes.s 
to  vigorous  health.  [JVotes,  30:  38:  title.  1  — 10. 
41:1—8.) 

V.  1.  'He  wakcncth  his  dulncss  to  praise 
'God,  shewing  that  both  understanding  and  af- 
'fections,  mind  and  heart,  are  too  little  to  set 
'forth  his  praise.'  [Marg.  Ref. — J^Totes,  G3:5,G. 
Deut.  6:5.  Mark  12:28—34.)  'He  callcth  forth 
'all  his  powers  and  faculties,  all  that  is  withia 
'him,  that  every  part  of  his  frame  may  glorify  its 
'Savior;  that  the  understanding  may  know  him, 
the  will  choose  him,  the  affections  delight  in 
him,  the  heart  believe  in  him,  and  the  tongue 
confess  him.'    Dp.  Hwne. 

[337 


B.  C.   1030. 


PSALM  cm. 


B.  C.  1030. 


2  Bless  the  Lord,  O  my  soul,  and 
^  forget  not  all  his  benefits; 

3  Who  ^  forgiveth  all  thine  iniquities; 
who  •"  healeth  all  thy  diseases; 

4  Who  5  redeemeth  thy  Ufe  from  de- 
struction; who  ^  crowneth  thee  with  lov- 
ing-kindness and  tender  mercies; 

5  Who  '  satisfieth  thy  mouth  with 
good  things;  so  that  ^  thy  youth  is  re- 
newed hke  the  eagle's. 

6  The  Lord  ^  executeth  righteous- 
ness and  judgment  for  all  that  are  op- 
pressed. 

7  He    ™  made   known  his  ways  unto 

d  105:5.   106:7,21.  116:12.   Deut.  I  i  23:5.  63:5.  65:4.     104:28.   107: 


-4,10—14.  32:6,13.   2Chr 

32:25.   Is.  63:1,7.    Jer   2:31,32. 

Luke  17:15—18.     Eph.  2:11— 

13. 
e  32:1—5.      51:1—3.      130:3.     2 

Sam.  12:13.     Is.  43:25.     Matt. 

9:2—6.   Luke  7:47,48. 
f30:2.  38:1—7.  41:3,4,8.   107:17 

—22.   147:3.    Ex.  15:26.   Num. 

12:13.  21:7—9.  Is.  33:24.  53:5. 

Jer.  17:14.   Jam.  5:15. 
g  34:22.  56:13.   71:23.     Gen.  48: 

IB.  Job  33:19— 30.   Rev.  5:9. 
li  5:12.    Marg.  8:5.  21:3.  65:11. 

Jam.  1:12.     1  Pet.  5:4. 


9.  145:15,16.     1  Tim.  6:17 
k  Is.  40:31.    Hos.  2:15.     2  Cor. 

4:16. 
1  9:9.    10:14—18.    12:5.  72.4,12. 

109:31.   146:7.    Deut.  24:14,15. 

Job   27:13,&c.       Prov.    14:31. 

22:22,23.23:10,11.   Is.  14:4,&c. 

17—19.    58:6,7.     Jer.   7:6,&e. 

Ez.  22:7,12— 14.     Mic.  2:1— 3. 

3:2—4.    Jam.  2:6.  5:1—0. 
m  77:30.   105:26,&C.     Ex.  19:3, 

20.  20:21.  24.2—4.     Num.  12: 

7.  Deut.  34:10.   Neh.  9:14.  Is. 

63:11,12.    John  5:45 — 17.  Acts 

7:35,&c. 


V.  2.  David's  fear  of  losing  the  sense  and  re- 
membrance of  the  benefits,  which  God  had  be- 
stowed on  him,  shews  both  what  the  fallen  nature 
of  man  is  most  prone  to,  and  what  divine  grace 
teaches  the  regenerate  chiefly  to  watch  and  pray 
against;  namely,  ingratitude  to  God,  and  forget- 
fulness  of  his  benefits;  especially  by  means  of 
present  trials,  conflicts,  and  discouragements. 
(Marg.  Ref.—Jfotes,  106:12—14.  2  Chr.  32:24— 
26,31.     Luke  17:11—19.  P.  O.) 

V.  3,  4.  The  sickness,  with  which  the  Psalm- 
ist had  been  visited,  was  the  correction  of  his 
sin:  but,  having  obtained  forgiveness  of  all  his 
iniquities,  the  malady  also  was  removed.  Sinful 
passions  are  the  diseases  of  the  soul:  but  if  sin 
be  pardoned,  these  also  will  be  healed:  and  in 
proportion  as  they  are  healed,  we  have  evidence 
that  our  guilt  is  pardoned.  [M'otes,  32:3 — 5.  107: 
17—22.  Job  33:19—30.  Is.  38:17—20.  Matt.  9:2 
— 8.  P.  O.  1 — 8.) — Crowneth  (or,  encircleth)  thee 
with  loving-kindness  and  tender  mercies.  (4)  Jfote, 
32:6,7,  V.  7.  Thus  his  life  was  redeemed  from 
the  grave,  and  his  soul  from  "the  pit  of  destruc- 
tion;" and  all  his  comforts  were  restored  and  in- 
creased.    [Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  5.  Eagles.l  It  is  generally  agreed,  that 
the  eagle  is  very  long-lived,  and  seems  at  an  ad- 
vanced age  to  possess  the  vigor  of  youth.  Per- 
haps the  Psalmist  had  nothing  more  in  vieiv  than 
this.  He  had  been  reduced  to  great  weakness, 
with  loss  of  appetite  and  other  infirmities,  which 
he  supposed  to  indicate  his  approaching  death, 
or  the  labor  and  sorrow  of  old  age.  But  he 
unexpectedly  recovered  health,  appetite,  and 
strength;  and  seemed,  like  the  eagle,  to  be  re- 
stored to  the  vigor  of  youth,  at  an  advanced  time 
ofMfc. — Many  traditions  about  the  eagle  seem 
not  sufficiently  proved:  nor  is  it  certain,  that  in 
moulting  her  feathers,  she  materially  differs  from 
other  birds. — 'I  can  never  sufficiently  bless  thy 
'goodness,  who  ...  dost  restore  my  strength,  and 
'makest  my  youth  and  freshness  return  like  the 
'eagle's.  Oh,  that  I  may  with  fresh  delight  and 
'joy  be  still  praising  thee,  and  be  lifted  up  to 
'heaven,  (as  they  are  when  they  have  renewed 
'their  plumes,)  in  more  vigorous  love,  and  affec- 
'tionate  desires  and  endeavors,  to  employ  all  my 
'renewed  strength  in  thy  faithful  service.'  Bp 
.338] 


Moses,  °  his   acts    unto    the  children  oi 
Israel. 

8  The  Lord  is  °  merciful  and  gra- 
cious, P  slow  to  anger,  and  *  plenteous  in 
mercy. 

9  He  will  not  always  chide;  i  neither 
will  he  keep  his  anger  for  ever. 

10  He  hath  not  ■'dealt  with  us  after 
our  sins;  nor  rewarded  us  according  to 
our  iniquities. 

1 1  ^  For  t  as  the  heaven  is  high  above 
the  earth,  so  great  is  *  his  mercy  toward 
them  that  fear  him. 

12  As  far  "  as  the  east  is  from  the 
west,  ^  so  far  hath  he  removed  our 
transgressions  from  us. 


n73:5.   147:19. 
86:5,15.   130:7.   145:8.   Ex.  34: 

6,7.    Num.  14:18.     Deut.  5:10. 

Neh.  9:17.     Is.  55:7.     Jer.  32: 

18.  Rom.  5:20,21.    Eph.  1:7,8. 
p  Joel  2:13.  .Ion.  4:2.  Nah.  1:3. 

Heb.   great  of  mercy. 
q  30:5.  Is.  57:16.  Jer.  3:5.  Mic. 

7:18,19. 
r  130:3.   Ezra  9:13.     Neh.  9:31. 

Job  11:6.    Lam.  3:22.    Dan.  9: 


18,19.    Hab.3:2. 
s   36:5.    57:10.    89:2.     Is.    55:9. 

Eph.  2:4—7.    3:18,19. 
f  Heb.   according  to  the  height 

of  heaven.    Job  22,12.     Prov. 

25:3. 
tl7.   Luke  1:50. 
u50:l.   113:3.  Is.  45:6. 
x»Is.  43:25.     .ler.  31:34.    50:20. 

Mic.   7:18.      Heb.    10:2—4.    I 

John  1:7. 


Patrick.     {JVbtes,  Is.  40:27—31.     Ez.    1:5—14. 
Rev.  4:6—8.) 

V.  6 — 8.     Lively  gratitude  for  recent  personal 
benefits  led  the  Psalmist  to  remember,  with  ador- 
ing praise,  the  glorious  perfections  of  his  gra- 
cious Benefactor,  as  manifested  in  his  dealings 
with  his  creatures.     The   omnipotent  Sovereign 
of  the  world  uses  his  power  in  executing  right- 
eousness, relieving  the  oppressed,  and  crushing 
the  oppressor.     [Marg.  Ref. — JSTotes,  12:5,6.    72: 
4 — 7.     99:4.)     This  he  especially  did  when  he 
delivered  Israel  from  Egyptian  bondage;  and  by 
Moses  made  himself  known  to  the  people,  and 
brought  them   acquainted  with  his   works,    his 
truth,  and  laws:    and   especially  he  shewed  his 
glory  to  Moses,  and  proclaimed  his  name,  as 
"merciful  and  gracious,  slow  to  anger,  and  plen- 
teous in  mercy."     [Marg.  Ref. — J\''ote,  Ex.  34:5 
— 7.)     'How  full  of  consolation  to  the  penitent 
'soul  are  the  words  of  this  verse!'    (8)     '  "The 
'Lord  is  merciful"  (oim;)  the  bowels  of  his  ten- 
'der  compassion  yearn  over  us,   as  those  of  a 
'mother  yearn  over  the  child  of  her  womb.     He 
'is  "gracious"   (pjn,)  ready  to  give  us  freely  all 
things  that  are  needful  for  our  salvation.     He  is 
"slow  to  anger,"  bearing  with  the  frowardness 
of  his  children; ...  giving  them  by  this  his  long 
suffering,  time  for  repentance:  and  he  is  "plen- 
teous in  mei-cy,"   (ion  an,)  "great,  mighty  in 
mercy,"  placing  his  chief  glory  in  this  attribute.' 
Bp.  Home. 

v.  9.  'He  sheweth  first  his  severe  judgment; 
'but  so  soon  as  the  sinner  is  humbled,  he  receiv- 
'ethhim  to  mercy.' — Assurances  of  tliis  kind  must 
always  be  understood  of  true  believers;  or  of 
those  who  by  affliction  are  brought  to  "repent- 
ance, and  works  meet  for  repentance:"  for  God 
will  keep  his  anger yo>'  ever,  in  the  fuU  meaning 
of  the  words,  against  all  that  continue  to  the  end 
of  life  impenitent  and  unbelieving.  [JVotes,  1 1 
—13.  30:5.  77:5—12.  92:6,7.  Is.  57:15,16.  Jer. 
3:4,5.  Mic.  7:18-20.) 

V.  10.  'Blessed  be  his  holy  name,  there  is 
'mercy  even  in  our  punishments:  our  suflferings 
'are  never  so  great  as  our  sins.'  Bp.  Patrick. 
Every  mitigating  circumstance,  every  remaining 
comfort  or  hope,  is  mercy:  all  short  of  final  mis- 
lery  is  mercy;  and  even  the  chastisements  them- 


B.  C.   1030. 


PSALM  cm. 


B.  C.   1030. 


13  Like  >'  as  a  father  piiieth  his  chil- 
dren; so  the  Lord  pitieth  ^  them  that 
fear  him. 

14  For  *  he  knoweth  our  frame;  he 
remembereth  that  ''  we  are  dust. 

1 5  As  for  man,  "^  his  days  are  as  grass: 
as  **  a  flower  of  the  field,  so  he  flourisheth. 

16  For  ^  the  wind  passeth  over  it, 
and  *  it  is  gone;  ^  and  the  place  thereof 
shall  know  it  no  more. 

17  But  s  the  mercy  of  the  Lord  is 
from  everlasting  to  everlasting  upon  them 


y  Num.  11:12.  Deut.  8:5.  Prov. 
3:12.  Is.  63:15,16.  .ler.  31:9, 
20.  Matt.  6:9,32.  Luke  11:11, 
12.  15:21,22.  Jobn20:l7.  Heb. 
12:5—11. 

z  11,17.  147:11.  Mai.  3:16,17. 
4:2.   Acts  13:26. 

a  78:38,39.  39:47. 

b  Gen.  3:19.  Job  7:5— 7,21.  10: 
9.    13:25.    14:2,3.     Ec.  12:7. 

C  90:5,6.  Is.  40:6,7.  51:12.  Jam. 


1:10,11.,  1  Pet.  1:24. 

d  Is.  28:1,4.    Nah.  1:4. 

e  Job  27:20,21.    Is.  40:7. 

*  Heb.  it  Is  not.  Gen.  5:24.  42: 
36.    Job  14:10. 

f  Job  7.6—10.  8:18,19.  20:9. 

g  89:1,2.  100:5.  118:1.  136:1, 
&c.  Jer.  31:3.  Rom.  8:28— 
30.  Eph.  1:4—8.  2:4—7.  2 
Thes.  2:13,14.     2  Tim.  1:9. 


selves  are  mercies,  as  means  of  grace  used  by 
our  gracious  Father,  for  our  profit.  [JVotes,  Ezra 
9:15.  Job  11:5,6.  Lam.  3:21—23.  Hab.Z:2.  Heb. 
12:4—11.) 

V.  11 — 13.  The  immeasurable  height  of  the 
arch  of  heaven,  is  an  emblem  continually  before 
ns,  of  the  infinite  mercy  of  God  to  his  people. 
The  space,  between  the  rising  and  setting  sun, 
may  remind  us  of  the  immense  distance  to  which 
their  guilt  is  removed  from  them;  and  the  com- 
passion of  a  tender  Father  feebly  represents  the 
Ivindness  and  tenderness  of  God  to  them.  [Marg. 
Ref.—J^ote,  Is.  55:8,9.  Matt.  7:7—11,  i^.  11.)  A 
wise  and  good  father  will  not  be  severe  to  mark 
every  failure  in  his  child;  he  will  encourage  his 
feeble  attempts  to  obey  him;  he  will  feel  every 
stroke  which  he  inflicts,  when  chastising  him  for 
his  good;  and  he  will  always  gladly  remove  his 
Buft'erings  when  he  is  able.  The  character,  to 
which  these  blessings  exclusively  belong,  even 
those  "who  fear  God,"  should  be  carefully  noted. 
{j^otes,  15—18.  147:10,11.  Gen.  22:11,12.  Ec. 
12:11-14,1;.  13.  Acts  10:1,2,34,35.) 

V.  14.  The  word  rendered  "our  frame," 
generally  means,  the  device  or  ima^-inatioti  wliich 
we  franie  in  our  hearts.  The  clause  seems  to 
mean,  that  God  knoweth  our  fallen  nature,  both 
in  respect  of  its  depravity,  and  frailty;  and 
should  he  deal  with  us  in  strict  justice,  we  must 
all  be  crushed  and  destroyed.  He  therefore  ex- 
ercises fatherly  compassion  to  tliose  who  fear 
him;  notwithstanding  the  evil  whfch  he  witnesses 
in  their  hearts  and  lives:  and  he  is  long-suffer- 
ing to  the  wicked,  giving  them  space  for  repent- 
ance, and  repeatedly  warning  them,  before  he 
inflicts  deserved  punishment.  {Jfotes,  Rom.  2:4 
—6.  2  Pet.  3:9,14—16.  Rev.  2:20—23.)  Our 
frame.']  ^yV^''-  Geii.  6:5.  8:21.— Quod  for- 
mamtis,  fmgirhus,  cogitamvs.  Robertson.  [JS'otes, 
Gen.  6:5.  8:20—22,  v.  21.) 

Dust.]  {JVote,  Gen.  18:27,28.)  The  sentence 
"Dust  thou  art  and  to  dust  shall  thou  return," 
was  pronounced  against  man  as  fallen.  (JVbie, 
Gen.  3:17 — 19.)  "By  one  man  sin  entered  into 
the  world,  and  deaOi  by  sin;  and  so  death  passed 
upon  all  men,  for  that  all  have  sinned."  {JVole, 
Rom.  5: 12—14.) 

V.  15—18.  (JVbifii,  90:3—6.  Ts.  40:6—8.  Jam. 
1:9—11.  1  Pet.  1:23—25.)  This  aflecting  illus- 
tration of  human  frailty,  and  the  transient  nature 
of  all  earthly  glory  and  prosperity,  frequently 
occurs  in  Scripture:  but  it  is  here  contrasted, 
most  beautifullv,  with  the  everlasting  merry  and 


that    fear    him,    and  ''  his  righteousness 
'  unto  children's  children; 

18  To  ^  such  as  keep  his  covenant, 
and  to  those  that  '  remember  his  com- 
mandments to  do  them; 

19  The  Lord  hath  ""  prepared  his 
throne  in  the  heavens;  and  °  his  king- 
dom ruleth  over  all. 

20  °  Bless  the  Lord,  ye  his  angels, 
*  that  excel  in  strength,  that  p  do  his 
commandments,  hearkening  unto  the 
voice  of  his  word. 


h  22.31.    Is.  46:13.  51:6.     Dan. 

9:24.     Mic.  6:5.  Rom.  1:17.  3: 

21—26.   2  Pet.  1:1. 
i  90:16.     Deut.  10:15.     Is.  41:3. 

Jer.   33:24—26.     Acts   13:32— 

34.   Rom.  15:8. 
k  25:10.    132:12.     Gen.  17:9,10. 

Ex.  19:5.    24:8.     2  Chr.  34:31. 

Heb.  8:6—13. 
1  119:9—11.  Deut.  4:23.  6:6—9. 

Prov.  3:1.    Matt.  23:20.    Luke 

1:6.     Acts  24:16.     1  Thes.  4: 


1,2. 
m2:4.    9:7.    11:4.   115:3.    Is.  66; 

1.  Heb.  8:1. 
n47:2.     Dan.  4:34,35.    Eph.  1: 

21,22.     Phil.  2:9,10.     1  Pet.  3i 

22. 
0  143:2.  Luke  2:13,14.  Rev.  I9i 

5,0. 
*    Heb.    mighty  in  itrength. 

2  Kings  19:35.     Is.  6:2.    Matt. 

26:53. 
p  Matt.  6:10.   Luke  1:19. 


truth  of  God. — 'Let  not  man  presume,  who  with- 
'ereth  like  the  green  herb:  but  then  let  not  man 
'despair,  whose  nature,  with  all  its  infirmities, 
'the  Son  of  God  hath  taken  upon  him.  The 
'flower  which  faded  in  Adam,  blossoms  anew  in 
'Christ,  never  to  fade  again.'  Bp.  Home. — The 
language  used  by  the  Psalmist  is  very  emphat- 
ical:  "The  mercy  of  Jehovah,  is  from  eternity, 
and  to  eternity."  { JVbte,  90: 1 ,2.  Eph.  1:3—8.  3: 
9 — 12.  2  Tm.  1:9.)  And  this  mercy,  which  is 
from  everlasting  in  its  source,  and  to  everlasting 
in  its  efficac}',  is  ensured  to  all  those  who  fear 
God,  in  every  generation;  who  must  therefore 
be  the  same  with  true  Christians.  (Z,«A:e  1:50.) 
— "And  his  righteousness  unto  children's  chil- 
dren." 'His  just  and  faithful  keeping  of  his 
'promise;'  that  is  the  promise  made  to  Abraham, 
and  in  him  to  all  believers,  of  special  benefits  to 
their  posterity.  [JSTotes,  Gen.  17:7,8.  Jer.  32:39 
—41.  .^c<s  2:37-40.  /Jow.  4:9— 12.  Gal.  3:10— 
14.  Heb.  6:13 — 15.)  But  then  the  persons  spoken 
of,  to  prevent  mistakes,  are  further  character- 
ized; "To  such  as  keep  his  covenant,  and  to 
those  that  remember  his  commandments  to  do 
them."  They  come  to  God,  according  to  tVie 
covenant  of  mercy  ratified  "with  Abraham  in 
Christ,  which  the  law  given  four  hundred  and 
thirty  years  afterwards  could  not  disannul;" 
{JSTotes,  Gal.  3:15—18,26—29.)  they  adhere  to  it 
as  their  only  ground  of  hope;  and  daily  endeavor 
to  "walk  in  all  his  commandments  and  ordinan- 
ces blameless."  They  cannot  indeed  perform 
liis  commandments;  (20)  but  they  remember 
them,  with  a  real  desire  and  purpose  of  unrescrv-. 
ed  obedience,  and  habitually  endeavor  to  accom- 
plish that  purpose. 

V.  19.  The  mediatorial  kingdom  of  God,  as 
administered  by  Emmauuel,  seems  especially  in- 
tended. This  "kingdom  he  "hath  prepared,"  and 
estabhshed  "in  the  heavens,"  out  of  the  reach  of 
all  the  changes  of  this  lo^VBr  world.  Accoi-ding 
to  his  everlasting  purpose,  he  began  to  do  thi.s 
by  the  promises  and  predictions  of  the  great  Re- 
deemer, from  the  fall  of  Adam;  and  by  the  vari- 
ous introductory  dispen.sations  and  institutions 
which  made  way  for  his  coming;  all  of  %vhich 
have  received  their  accomplishment  in  C^hrist 
our  King,  and  in  his  exaltation  in  heaven,  zs 
"Head  over  all  things  to  the  clnirch,"  "angels, 
principalities,  and  powers"  in  licaven,  as  well  as 
all  men,  being  subject  unto  him.  [JS'otes,  47:6 — 
9.  Dan.  2:44,45.  7:13,14,23—27.  Matt.  3:2.  Eph. 
1:15—23.    Rev.  11:15—18.) 

[339 


B.  C.  1030. 


PSALM  cm. 


B.  C.  1030. 


21   Bless  ye  the   Lord,    'J  all    ye  his 
hosts;  ye  "■  ministers  of  his,   that  do  his 


pleasure. 

q  33:6.    Gen.  31:2. 


1  Kings  22: 
19.  2Chr.  18:18.  Luke  2:13. 
68:17.    104:4.     Neh.  9:6.  Dan. 


7:10.  Matt.  13:41.  24::J0,31. 
2  Thes.  1:7,8.  Heb.  1:6,7,14. 
Rev.  22:8,9. 


V.  20 — 22.  'In  that  we,  which  naturally  are 
'slow  to  praise  God,  exhort  the  angels  v/hic!i 
'willing-ly  do  it,  we  stir  up  ourselves  to  consider 
'our  duty,  and  awake  out  of  our  sluggishness. ' 
[J^otes,  148:1—13.  Luke  2:8—14.  Rev.  5:11  —  14. 
19:1 — 6.) — The  language  used,  concerning  tlie 
obedience  of  "the  angels,  who  excel  ir.  strength," 
should  be  compared  with  that  which  describes 
the  obedience  of  frail,  sinful  man.  (18)  The 
business,  privilege,  and  felicity  of  angels  consist 
in  perfectly  doing  their  Maker's  will.  'The 
'heart  of  the  Psalmist  is  full,  and  overfloweth 
'with  joy.  Unable  worthily  to  praise  Jehovah 
'for  his  mercies  vouchsafed  to  the  church,  he  in- 
'viteth  heaven  and  earth  to  join  with  him,  and  to 
'celebrate,  in  full  chorus,  the  redemption  of  man.' 
Bp.  Home.  [Marg.  Ref.) — 'Let  all  with  one 
'consent  bless  his  holy  name:  and  thou,  my  soul, 
'be  sure  thou  never  forget  to  make  one.  O  fail 
'not  to  bear  thy  part  in  this  joyful  quire,  that 
'daily  sing  his  praise.'     Bp.  Patrick.     [JVble,  1, 


PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

"God  is  a  Spirit,"  and  must  be  worshipped  "in 
spirit  and  truth."  We  must  therefore  "call  upon 
our  souls,  and  all  that  is  within  us,  to  bless  his 
holy  name:"  we  must  also  entreat  him  to  assist 
us,  that  we  maj^  "lift  up  our  souls"  unto  him; 
otherwise  the  most  excellent  words,  and  the  most 
melodious  singing,  will  be  entirely  unacceptable. 
But  alas!  how  prone  are  we  all  to  forget  his  ben- 
efits! Without  constant  recollection  we  shall 
continually  omit  to  render  thanks  to  God,  for  the 
unceasing  favors  of  his  providence  and  grace: 
and  indeed  we  never  keep  pace  with  our  great 
Benefactor  in  these  returns,  or  in  making  a 
proper  use  of  his  goodness.  His  readiness  to 
forgive  makes  way  for  all  his  other  benefits  to 
the  sinful  race  of  men:  and  without  an  interest 
in  his  pardoning  mercy,  no  natural  endowments, 
or  providential  gifts,  will  prove  real  blessings. 
But  the  true  believer  may  praise  the  Lord,  for 
having  forgiven,  and  for  daily  forgiving,  all  his 
iniquities,  having  set  forth  his  own  "Son  to  be  the 
propitiation  for  our  sins,  and  for  the  sins  of  the 
whole  world."  ( JVoie,  1  Jo/iti  2: 1  ,'2. )  He  is  also 
daily  healing  the  diseases  of  the  soul,  which  are 
far  more  malignant  than  those  of  the  body:  and 
as  he  preserves  our  temporal  lives,  so  he  redeems 
the  souls  of  his  people  from  merited  destruction, 
"and  crowneth  them  with  loving-kindness  and 
lender  mercies."  The  plentiful  provision  made 
for  our  outward  wants,  and  even  for  our  enjoy- 
ment, demands  a  tribute  of  grateful  praise:  but 
the  feast,  with  which  our  God  satisfies  the  souls 
of  his  people,  is  a  far  more  important  obligation. 
[JVoles,  63:1 — 6.)  The  renewal  of  health  after 
wasting  sickness  is  very  pleasant,  and  should  be 
acknowledged  with  hearty  thanksgiving:  yet  the 
renewal  of  our  souls  to  holiness,  and  the  renewal 
of  our  spiritual  strength  from  day  to  day,  are 
blessings  of  a  nobler  and  more  enduring  nature. 
But  we  cannot  recount  the'  half  of  our  mercies, 
nor  by  any  means  form  a  due  estimate  of  them, 
till  they  be  completed  in  eternal  glory.  We 
should  therefore,  to  enliven  our  gratitude,  trace 
these  streams  back  to  the  fountain,  and  consider 
the  Lord's  constant  goodness  to  liis  people,  as 
well  as  his  peculiar  kindness  to  us.  He  is  the 
righteous  Judge  of  the  world,  and  the  Patron  of 
all  that  are  oppressed:  he  rescued  Israel  from 
Egyptian   bondag-e,  and  executed   judgment  on 


22  Bless  the  Lord,  ^all  his  works, 
in  all  places  of  his  dominion:  *  bless  the 
Lord,  O  my  soul. 


3    145:10.    148:3—12.   150:6.    Is 
42:10—12.  43:20.    44:23.49:13 


Rev.  5:12—14. 
t  1.   104:1,35.    146:1. 


their  hauglity  oppressors:  but  he  redeems  his 
people  from  a  far  more  deplorable  slavery.  "He 
made  known  his  ways  unto  Moses,  and  his  acts 
to  the  children  of  Israel:"  but  he  has  displayed, 
more  clearly,  his  glorious  perfections  by  his  Son 
Jesus  CJhrist;  and  has  afforded  us  far  greater  ad- 
vantages than  they  enjoyed.  We  are  shewn  in 
tlie  most  effectual  manner,  that  "the  Lord  is 
merciful  and  gracious,  sIoav  to  anger,  and  plen- 
teous in  mercy:"  and  liappy  are  we,  if  we  have 
come  at  his  invitation  to  share  tlie  blessings  of 
his  gospel.  In  this  case,  we  may  indeed  experi- 
ence rebukes  and  corrections;  but  "he  will  not 
always  chide,  neither  will  he  keep  his  anger  for 
ever:"  and  every  humbled  penitent  knows,  "that 
he  hath  not  dealt  with  him  after  his  sins,  nor  re- 
warded him  according  to  liis  iniquities."  If  in- 
deed this  be  our  character,  we  need  not  yield 
to  discouragement,  at  the  consideration  of  our 
most  atrocious  and  multiplied  transgressions; 
seeing  the  mercies  of  God  are  stiU  larger  than 
they  all:  and  when  we  trust  in  those  mercies,  he 
will  put  away  our  sins  far  from  us,  and  "bury 
them  in  flie  depths  of  the  sea."  Indeed  we  are 
yet  weak  and  frail;  our  days  are  few,  our  tempo- 
ral comforts  are  withering  as  the  grass,  and  we 
shall  soon  be  gone,  and  "our  place  will  know  us 
no  more:"  but  our  heavenly  Father  "knoweth 
our  frame,  and  remembereth  that  we  are  dust;" 
and  he  pities  us  under  all  our  sorrows  and  trials. 
He  will  indeed  thwart  our  wayward  inclinations, 
and  will  not  indulge  us  to  our  hurt;  he  will 
also  rebuke  and  correct  us  for  our  sins:  but  he 
will  support  and  comfort  us  under  every  trial, 
and  he  cannot  want  power  to  relieve  his  afflicted 
children.  His  mercy  is  from  everlasting  in  its 
origin,  and  to  everlasting  in  its  blessed  effects, 
and  should  be  habitually  contrasted  with  all  the 
fading  glories  of  this  world:  and  those,  who  be- 
long to  the  Lord,  have  the  fairest  prospect  of  fe- 
licity for  their  children;  and  may  entertain  a 
cheerful  hope,  that  he  will  make  known  his  right- 
eousness and  salvation  even  to  their  remote  pos- 
terity. But  they  are  distinguished  by  their  char- 
acters, as  well  as  by  their  privileges:  for  tliey 
"join  themselves  to  tlie  Lord"  according  to  his 
gracious  covenant,  and,  while  they  trust  in  his 
mercy,  they  "remember  his  commandments  to 
do  them."  (J^otes,  Is.  55:1— 3.  56:3—7.)  Our 
glorious  God  and  King  has  prepared  a  mercy- 
seat  for  his  throne  in  heaven,  on  which  he  rules 
over  all.  Let  us  then  rejoice,  that  innumerable 
hosts  of  angels,  who  "excel  in  strength,"  are 
continually  celebrating  his  praises.  Their  em- 
ployment and  happiness  consist  in  doing  his  com- 
mandments, in  hearkening  to  the  voice  of  his 
word,  in  being  his  servants,  and  doing  his  pleas- 
ure. Such  would  have  been  our  constant  de- 
light, if  we  had  not  hceu  fallen  creatures;  such 
it  is  in  a  measure  become,  if  we  are  "born  of 
God;"  and  such  it  will  be  for  ever  in  heaven  to 
all  who  arrive  there:  nor  can  we  be  perfectly 
happy,  till  we  can  take  unwearied  pleasure  in 
perfect  obedience  to  the  will  of  our  God.  Let 
us  then  copy  the  examples  of  these  bright  spirits; 
and  cordially  join  our  feeble  hallelujahs  to  their 
exalted  praises  of  God  our  Savior:  let  us  glorify 
him,  along  with  "all  his  works  in  all  places  of  his 
dominion;"  and  rejoice  in  hope,  that  the  earth, 
as  well  as  the  heavens,  will  at  length  be  filled 
with  those  who  praise  the  Lord,  and  "do  his 
commandments,  hearkening  unto  the  voice  of  his 
word." 


340] 


B.  C.  1030. 


PSALM  CIV. 


B.  C.  1030. 


PSALM  CIV. 


The  Tsalmist  celebrates  the  glorj'  of  the  divine  perfections,  as 
displayed  in  rreation  and  providence,  1 — 3^  He  determines 
perpetually  to  meditate  wilh  delight  on  God  and  his  works, 
and  predicts  the  destruction  of  the  wicked,  33 — 35. 

LESS  the   Lord,  O  my  soul:  '^O 


Lord  my  God,  '^  thou  art  very 
great:  '^  thou  art  clothed  with  <=  honor 
and  majesty. 

2  Who  coverest  thyself  ^  with  light  as 
with  a  garment:  who  ^  stretchest  out  the 
heavens  like  a  curtain: 

3  Who  ^  layeth  the  beams  of  his 
chambers  in  the  waters:  who  '  maketh  the 
clouds  his  chariot:  ^  who  walketh  upon 
the  wings  of  the  wind: 

4  Who  '  maketh  his  angels  spirits; 
"  his  ministers  a  flaming  fire: 


a  See  on  35.  103:1,2,22. 
b7:)— 3.  Dan.  9:4.    Hab.  1:12. 
c  145:3.  Jer.  23:24.  32:17—19. 
d  93:1.  Is.  59:17.  Dan.  7:9. 
e  29: 1—4.  9G:6. 
f  Matt.    17:2.      1  Tim.  6:16.  1 

John  1:5. 
g  Is.  40:22.  45:12.     Zech.  12:1. 


Heb.  1:10— 12. 
h  18:11.    Am.  9:6. 
i  Is.  19:1.  Matt.  26:64.  Rev.  1:7, 
k    18:10.     139:9.    2  Sam.  23:11, 

Nah.  1:3. 
1  Acts  23:8.    Heb.  1:7,14. 
m  2  Kings  2:11.   6:17.  Kz.  1:13, 

14. 


NOTES. 

Psalm  CIV.  V.  1.  The  Septuagint  ascribe 
this  psalm  to  David;  and  as  it  opens  with  the 
same  words,  which  both  begin  and  close  the  pre- 
ceding Psalm,  some  expositors  conjecture  that  it 
was  written  at  the  same  time.  [JVotes,  103:1,2, 
20 — 22.)  The  Psalmist  'celebrates  the  mig-hty 
'power  and  goodness  of  God,  in  the  fabric  of  the 
'world;  as  the  hundred  and  tliird  doth  his  benefits 
'to  himself,  and  to  the  rest  of  the  children  of 
'men.'  Bp.  Patrick. — 'The  prophet  sheweth 
'that  we  need  not  to  enter  into  the  heavens  to 
'seek  God;  for  as  much  as  all  the  order  of  nature, 
'with  the  propriety  and  placing  of  the  elements, 
'are  most  lively  mirrors  to  see  his  majesty  in.' — 
He  manifests  himself  in  each  of  his  works;  and 
though- he  himself  is  invisible,  yet  his  garments 
of  glory  and  beauty  are  every  where  most  clearly 
seen.  [J^otes,  2.  93:1.  Is.  59:16—19.  Dan.  7:9— 
12.  Rom.  1:18—20.) 

V.  2.  The  formation  of  light  was  the  begin- 
ning of  the  work  of  this  visible  creation,  by  which 
God  discovered  his  glory  in  the  beauty  and  ex- 
cellency of  his  other  works.  [JVotes,  Gen.  1:3 — 
5,14—19.  Jo6  38:19— 21.  /s.  45:7.  2  Cor.  4:5,6.) 
Knowledge,  wisdom,  purity,  and  felicity,  are  de- 
noted by  the  emblem  of  light;  and  witli  these  the 
Lord  is  most  gloriously  arrayed.  [Jfotes,  97:11. 
Col.  1:9— 14,  V.  12.  1  John  1:5—7.)  'Thou  art 
'kept  from  all  mortal  eyes  by  that  inaccessible 
'light,  wherein  thou  dwellcst  above.'  (JVb<e,  1 
Tim.  6:13— 16.)— The  writers  of  the  New  Testa- 
ment expressly  ascribe  the  work  of  creation  to 
the  divine  Savior:  and  when,  at  his  transfigura- 
tion, "his  face  did  shine  as  the  sun,  and  his  rai- 
ment was  white  as  the  light;"  he  gave  his  disci- 
ples a  glimpse  of  "that  glory,  which  he  had  with 
the  Father,  before  the  world  was."  (JVotes  and 
P.  O.  Matt.  17:1—13.  Motes,  John  1:4,5.  Rev. 
1:12 — 20.)  'The  spacious  heavens  are  the  royal 
'pavilion,  which  thy  sovereign  power  hath  ex- 
.'tended,  like  a  canopy,  for  thy  Majesty,  in  this 
'great  palace  of  the  world.'  Bp.  Patrick.  (148: 
8.  J^Totes,  102:25—28.  /s.  40:21— 24.  45:12,13.) 

V.  3.  Jehovah  is  here  represented,  as  build- 
ing the  upper  stories  of  his  magnificent  palace, 
in  those  waters  above  the  firmament,  whence  the 
clouds  are  formed;  upon  which  he  comes  riding 
as  in  a  chariot,  when  by  his  thunder  and  liglit- 


5  *  Who  laid  "  the  foundations  of  the 
earth,  °  that  it  should  not  be  removed 
for  ever. 

6  Thou  I"  coveredst  it  with  the  deep 
as  ivith  a  garment:  the  waters  ^tood 
above  the  mountains. 

7  1  At  thy  rebuke  •■  they  fled;  at  the 
voice  of  thy  thunder  they  hasted   away. 

8  ^They  ^  go  up  by  the  mountains; 
they  go  down  by  the  valleys,  unto  the 
place  which  thou  hast  founded  for  them. 

9  Thou  ^  hast  set  a  bound  that  they 
may  not  pass  over;  that  they  turn  not 
again  to  cover  the  earth. 

10  tHe  "  sendeth  the  springs  into 
the  valleys,  which  5  run  among   the  hills. 


*   Heb.    ffe  hath  founded  the 

earth  ufon  her  bases. 
n  24:2.  33:9.    136:6.     Job  26:7. 

33:4—7. 
o93:l.  96:10.     Ec.  1:4.    2  Pet. 

3:10,11.  Rev.  6:14.  20:11. 
p  Gen.  1:2—10.  7:19,20.   2  Pet. 

3:5,6. 
q  Gen.  8:1.  Prov.  8:28,29.  Mark 

4:39. 


r  114:3—7. 

j-  Or,    The  inountains  ascend, 

the  valleys  descend. 
s  Gen.  8:6. 
t33:7.     Gen.  9:11— 15.  Job  26: 

10.  38:10,11.  Is.  54:9.     Jer.  5: 

t*Heb.  Who  sendeth.  107:35. 
u  Deut.  8:7.  Is.  ,35:7.  41:11:. 
5  Heb.  v,alk. 


ning  he  appals  or  destroys  the  inhabitants  of  the 
earth:  and  he  "walketh  upon  the  wings  of  the 
wind,"  when  storms  and  tempests  execute  his 
commands.  [J^otes,  2  Sam.  22:1— 16.  Is.  19:1. 
Am.  9:5,6.  JVah.  1:2—6.  Matt.  26:63—68.  Rev. 
1:7.)  'How  astonishingly  magnificent  and  tre- 
'mendous  is  the  idea  ...  of  the  great  King,  riding 
'upon  the  heavens,  encompassed  with  clouds 
'and  darkness,  attended  by  the  lightnings,  those 
'ready  executioners  of  his  vengeance,  and  caus- 
'ing  the  world  to  resound  and  tremble  at  the 
'thunder  of  his  power.'     Bp.  Home. 

V.  4.  The  old  translation  of  this  verse  is 
strictly  literal,  "Which  maketh  the  spirits  his  mes- 
sengers, and  a  flaming  fire  his  ministers."  The 
word  rendered  "spirits"  may,  however,  be  trans- 
lated winds. — 'As  the  prophet  here  sheweth,  that 
'all  visible  powers  are  ready  to  serve  God;  so 
'the  apostle  to  the  Heb.  1:7.  beholdeth  in  this 
'glass,  how  the  very  angels  also  are  obedient  to 
'his  commandment.' — 'He  sends  his  angels,  (and 
'what  king  is  there  that  hath  such  noble  minis- 
'ters.?)  sometimes  in  vehement  winds,  and  sonie- 
'times  in  lightning  and  thunder,  whereby  they 
'execute  his  royal  pleasure.'  Bp.  Patrick. 
'Who  maketh  those  glorious  spirits  of  heaven  his 
'messengers;  and  causeth  them  to  appear  in  the 
'forms  of  fire;  and  maketh  both  the  winds  and 
'the  fire  to  execute  those  offices  of  revenge,  or 
'preservation,  which  he  committeth  to  them.'  Bp. 
Hall.  The  apostle's  infallible  exposition,  how- 
ever, seems  to  include  the  whole  mini.stration  of 
angels,  and  to  confine  the  verse  to  tliat  subject; 
whence  we  learn  that  tlje  holy  angels  are  swift, 
like  the  wind,  in  obeying  the  commands  of  the 
Lord;  and  as  a  flame  of  fire  with  love  and  zeal. 
[JVote,  Heb.  1:5—7.) 

V.  5.  The  great  Creator  so  formed  tlie  earth, 
and  ordered  every  thing  respecting  it,  as  to  pro- 
vide effectually,  that  it  should  preserve  its  rela- 
tive situation  in  the  universe,  and  its  regular 
course,  without  deviation,  perpetually,  until  the 
appointed  time  for  its  final  dissolution.  (J^otcs^ 
24:1,2.  93:1,'2.  96:10.  Jo6  38:4— 7.  Rev.  20:1 1— 
15.) 

V.  6 — 9.  In  the  beginning  the  waters  cover- 
ed the  whole  chaotic  mass,  so  that  no  mountains 
appeared  above  them:  but  at  the  voice  of  the 
Creator,   which   was   as    thunder,    they    hasted 

[341 


B.  C.   1030. 


PSALM  CIV. 


B.  C.  1030. 


11  They  ''give  drink  to  every  beast 
of  the   field:  ^the  wild   asses    *  quench 

their  thn'St.  [Practical    Observations.^ 

12  By  them  shall  ^  the  fowls  of  the 
heaven  have  their  habitation,  which  +  sing 
among  the  branches. 

13  He  *  watereth  the  hills  from  ''his 
chambers:  *  the  earth  is  satisfied  with 
the  fruit  of  thy  works. 

14  He  "^  cause th  the  grass  to  grow 
for  the  cattle,  and  ^  herb  for  the  service 


X  145:16. 

y  Job  39.5—9. 

*  Heb.  break. 

z     16,17.    50:11.    84:3.     143:10. 

Matt.  6:26. 
f  Heb.  give  a  voice.  147:9. 
a  147:8.     Deut.  11:11.     Job  38: 

25—28,37.      Jer.  10:13.   14:22. 


Matt.  5:45.    Acts  14:17. 
b  3.    Am.  9:6. 
c  65:9—13. 
d  145:15,16.   147:8,9.  Gen.  1:11, 

12,29,30.    2:5.       1  Kings  18:5. 

Jer.  14:5,6.     Joel  2:22. 
e  Gen.  2:9,16.  3:18.    9:3. 


away.  ''And  the  mountains  ascend,  and  the 
valleys  descend,  to  the  place  which  thou  hast 
established  for  them.  But  thou  hast  set  them" 
(the  waters)  "a  bound  which  they  shall  not  pass: 
they  shall  not  return  to  cover  the  earth."  (8,9.) 
— This  is  the  old  version:  it  accords  with  the 
Septuagint,  and  is  more  clear  than  the  present 
translation.  'Immediately  the  dry  land  was 
'seen;  part  of  which,  by  thy  wonderful  contriv- 
'ancc,  O  Lord,  rose  up  in  lofty  hills;  and  the 
'rest  sunk  down  in  lowly  valleys;  where  thou 
'hast  cut  channels  for  the  waters  to  run  into  the 
'main  ocean,  the  place  thou  hast  appointed  for 
'them:  and  there,  though  they  restlessly  toss  and 
'swell;  yet  they  cannot  get  over  the  shores, 
'wherein  thou  hast  enclosed  them,  nor  shall  they 
'ever  recover  their  former  liberty,  to  overflow 
'the  earth  again.'  Bp.  Patrick. — 'Upon  thy  com- 
'mand  the  waters  sunk  down  into  one  place,  so 
'as  the  hills,  (thereupon  appearing,)  seemed  to  as- 
'cend,  and  the  valleys  to  go  down  into  their  set- 
'tled  hoUowness:  thither,  by  thy  divine  appoint- 
'ment,  did  tlie  waters  gather  themselves,  and 
'there  abide."  Bp.  Hall.  [JYotes,  Gen.  1:2,9. 
Job  38:8—11.  Prov.  8:26—30.  Jer.  5:20—25.)— 
Some  suppose  that  the  retiring  of  the  waters  after 
the  deluge  was  meant;  and  the  clauses,  "the  wa- 
ters stood  above  the  mountains,"  and  "that  they 
turn  not  again  to  cover  the  earth,"  favor  the  in- 
terpretation. 'The  process  at  the  creation  was 
'so  exactly  similar  to  that  at  tlie  deluge,  with  re- 
'gard  to  the  circumstances  here  mentioned,  that 
'it  matters  not  to  which  we  apply  the  beautiful 
'and  truly  poetical  passage  before  us.  In  both 
'cases,  the  earth  was  covered  with  the  waters,  as 
'with  a  garment,  in  every  part;  in  both  cases 
'they  fled  at  the  Almightj^  word,  like  the  scatter- 
'ed  remains  of  a  routed  army;  from  the  heights 
'of  the  mountains,  whither  they  had  ascended, 
'they  sunk  down  into  the  valle)'s;  and  from  the 
'valleys  they  retired  to  the  bed  of  the  ocean.' 
Bp.  Home.  Yet  the  Psalmist  is  speaking  of 
creation:  and  a  single  exception  (the  miracle  of 
the  deluge,)  does  not  abrogate  the  general  rule, 
which  is  often  spoken  of.  [Jfotes.,  Gen.  7: 10 — 23. 
8:1—3,20—22.-9:9—17.  /*.  54:6— 10.  .4m.  9:5,6. 
Matt.  8:23—27.  2  Pet.  3:5—7.) 

V.  1 0, 1 1 .  'The  waters  of  the  sea  are  not  only 
'prevented  from  destroying  the  earth,  but,  bj'  a 
'wonderful  machinery,  are  rendered  the  means 
'of  preserving  every  living  thing  which  moveth 
'thereon.  Partly  ascending  from  the  great  deep, 
'through  the  strata  of  the  earth,  partly  exhaled 
'in  vapor  from  the  surface  of  the  ocean  into  the 
'air,  and  from  thence  falling  in  rain,  especially 
'on  the  tops,  and  by  the  sides  of  mountains,  they 
'break  forth  in  fresh  snrings,  having  left  tlieir 
342] 


of  man;  that  Hie  may  bring  *  forth  food 
out  of  the  earth; 

15  And  Swine  that  maketh  glad  the 
heart  of  man,  and  t  oil  to  ^  make  his 
face  to  shine,  and  '  bread  ivhich  strength- 
eneth  man's  heart. 

16  The  ''trees  of  the  Lord  are  full 
of  sap;  the  cedars  of  Lebanon  which  he 
hath  planted;. 

17  Where    '  the    birds    make    their 


f  136:25.    Gen.  4:12.     Job  28:5. 

1  Cor.  3:7. 
g  23:5.     Judg.  9:13.     Prov.  31: 

6,7.      Ec.    10:19.     Jer.   31:12. 

Zech.  9:15-17.      Mark  14:23. 

Eph.  5:18. 
J   Heb.  to  7iiake  his  face  shine 

with  oil,  or  more  than  oil.   92: 

10.     Deut.  28:40.     Judg.   9:9. 

Ec.  9:7,8.  Cant.  1:2—4.  Heb. 


1:9.     1  John  2:20,27. 
h  Ec.  8:1. 
i    105:16.     Lev.  26:26.     Deut. 

8:3.     Is.  3:1.     Ez.  4:16.    5:16 

14:13. 
k  29:5.  92:12.     Num.  24:6.  Ez. 

17:23. 
1  12.  Jer.  22:23.  Ez.  31:6.  Dan. 

4:21.  Ob.  4.    Matt.  13:32. 


'salts  behind  them;  they  trickle  through  the  val- 
'lej's  between  the  hills,  receiving  new  supplies  as 
'they  go;  they  become  large  rivers,  and  after 
'watering,  by  their  innumerable  turnings  and 
'windings,  immense  tracts  of  country,  they  re- 
'turn  to  the  place  from  whence  they  came. 
'Thus  every  animal  hath  an  opportunitj'  of 
'quenching  that  thirst,  which  must  otherwise  soon 
'put  a  period  to  its  existence.  The  "wild  asses" 
'are  particularly  mentioned;  because  tliey  live  in 
'remote  and  sandy  deserts:  jet  thej^...are,  by 
'the  God  of  nature,  taught  the  way  to  the  waters; 
'insomuch  that  the  parched  traveller...  findeth 
'them  to  be  the  best  guides  in  the  world;  and  need- 
'eth  only  to...  follow  the  herds  of  them  descend- 
'ing  to  the  streams.'  Bp.  Horns.  (JVb<es,  27 — 30. 
Gen.  1:9.  Job  39:5— 8.  Is.  41:17--20.  43:14—21.) 

V.  12.  By  the  springs  of  waters,  in  the  val- 
leys, the  birds  delight  to  build  their  nests;  and, 
concealed  in  the  branches  of  the  trees,  to  pour 
out  their  cheerful  notes. — 'The  music  of  birds 
'was  the  first  song  of  thanksgiving  which  was 
'offered  from  tlie  eartli,  before  man  was  formed. 
'AU  their  sounds  are  different,  but  all  harmoni- 
'ous;  and  altogether  compose  a  choir  which  we 
'cannot  imitate.'  Wesley  in  Bp.  Horne,  {Marg. 
Ref.) 

V.  1 3.  'As  for  the  liills,  which  constantly  thus 
'enrich  the  lower  grounds,  he  waters  them  from 
'the  regions  above;  whence  dews  distil,  and 
'showers  of  rain  come  pouring  down.'  Bp.  Pat- 
rick. [J^otes,  3.  .41m.  9:5,6.)  Thus  the  whole 
earth  is  satisfied  and  enriched,  by  "the  fruit"  or 
effects  of  the  Lord's  most  wonderful  contrivance. 
[J^otes,  65:8—13.) 

V.  14,  15.  'He  describeth  God's  provident 
'care  over  man,  who  doth  not  only  provide  neces- 
'sary  things  for  him,  as  herbs  and  other  meat; 
'but  also  things  to  rejoice  and  comfort  him,  as 
'wine,  and  oil,  or  ointments.' — Under  the  word 
herh.,  all  kinds  of  corn,  pulse,  and  vegetable  food 
are  comprised;  and  likewise  the  produce  of  the 
vineyards  and  olive-vards.  [Marg.  Ref. — JVotes, 
Gen.  1:11,12.  Jud'g:  9:8—15.  Matt.  26:29.) 
Bread  and  wine,  and  oil,  and  every  thing  useful 
for  man  and  beast,  are  produced  from  the  soil, 
according  to  the  purpose  and  power  of  God.  He 
could  have  sent  all  down  from  the  clouds,  as  he 
did  the  manna,  had  he  seen  good. 

V.  16.  The  largest  trees,  and  the  most  flour- 
ishing, as  the  cedars  of  Lebanon,  grow  without 
man's  care.  They  are,  both  on  this  account,, 
and  also  by  reason  of  their  magnitude,  "the  trees 
of  the  Lord,  ...  which  he  hath  planted;"  yet  by 
no  means  comparable  to  "the  trees  of  righteous- 
ness, the  planting  of  the  Lord,  that  he  might  be 
glorified."     {Jfotes,  92:12—15.  Is.  61:1—3.) 


B.  C.  1030. 


PSALM  CIV. 


B.  C.  1030. 


nests:    ■"  as  for  the   stork,   the   fir-trees 
are  her  house. 

18  The  high  hills  are  a  refuge  for 
"  tlie  wild  goats,  and  the  rocks  for  °  the 
conies. 

19  IF  He  appointeth  p  the  moon  for 
seasons:  the  sun  knovveth  his  going  down. 

20  Thou  ^  makest  darkness,  and  it 
is  night:  wherein  all  the  beasts  *  of  the 
forest  do  creep  forth. 

21  'The  young  Hons  roar  after  their 
prey,  and  ^seek  their  meat    from   God. 

22  *  The  sun  ariseth;  they  gather 
themselves  together,  and  lay  them  down 
in  their  dens. 


m  Lev.  11:19.     Jer.  8:7. 

r.  1  Sam.  24:2.    Job  39:1. 

o  Deut.  14:7.     Prov.  30:26. 

p  8:3.    136:7—9.      Gen.    1:14—. 

18.     Deut.  4:19.     Job  31:26— 

23.  38:12.    Jer.  31:35. 
<}  74:16.   139:10—12.     Gen.  1:4, 

5.  8:22.  Is.  14:7.     Am.  4:13. 


*   Heb.  thereof  do  trample  on 

the  forest. 
r  34:10.  Job  38:39.  Is.  31:4.  Ez. 

19:2,&c.   Am.  3:4. 
s  147:9.     Job  38:41.     Joel  1:18, 

20.  3:22. 
t  Job  24:13—17.      Nah.   3:17. 

John  3:20. 


V.  17,  18.  {J^ote,  12.)  'Most  admirable  is 
'that  wisdom  and  undei'standing',  which  the  Cre- 
'ator  hath  imparted  to  the  birds  of  the  air,  where- 
'by  they  distinguisli  times  and  seasons,  choose  the 
'properest  places,  construct  their  nest  with  an 
'art  and  exactness  unatainable  by  man,  and  se- 
'cure  and  provide  for  their  young.'  Bp.  Home. 
The  kind  and  condescending  attention  of  the  om- 
nipotent Creator,  to  the  meanest  of  his  creatures, 
as  thus  introduced  along  with  his  special  regard 
to  man,  is  very  beautiful  and  affecting  to  a  seri- 
ous mind.     {Marg.  Re/.—JVote,  Prov.  30:'24— 


""i 


19.  The  Psalmist  next  celebrates  the  wis- 
dom of  God,  in  the  motions  and  revolutions  of 
the  heavenly  bodies.  The  moon  divides  time 
into  months,  and  its  changes  divide  the  months 
also:  tlie  seasons  of  the  year  were  anciently  com- 
puted by  moons,  and  the  Jewish  festivals  were 
fixed  in  the  same  manner. — 'Tlie  sun,  or  solar 
'light...  seemeth  to  know  the  exact  time  of  its 
'coming  on,  and  going  off,  and  fulfilleth  the  course 
'prescribed  to  it  without  tlie  least  deviation.' 
Bp.  Home.  [J^Totes,  Gen.  1:14—19.  Lev.  23:4. 
J^um.  28:11— l.'-j.  Deut.  4:19.  Job  2Q:  12— 15,  v. 
12.  74:13—17.  Jer.  31:33— 37.) 

V.  20 — 23.  The  bountiful  and  wise  Creator 
has  so  ordered  it,  that  the  beasts  of  prey  natural- 
ly shun  the  light,  and  seldom  leave  their  dens, 
till  it  is  dark,  and  man  is  retired  to  his  rest:  so 
that  there  is  no  great  danger  from  thc:n,  even  in 
the  regions  where  they  most  abound,  except  in 
the  night-time.  Then  they  range  abroad,  and, 
in  their  way,  "seek  their  meat  from  God;"  till 
the  sun  arises,  and  man  returns  to  his  work,  and 
then  they  retire  to  their  dens.  [Jdarg.  Ref. — 
J^Totcs,  Gen.  1:3 — .5.  Is.  45:7.)  Wicked  men, 
who  choose  darkness,  as  best  suited  to  the  com- 
mission of  their  crimes  with  secrecy  and  impu- 
nity, and  who  "hate  tlie  light"  of  God's  word, 
"because  their  deeds  arc  evil,"  resemble  the  sav- 
age beasts,  in 'this  and  many  other  respects: 
(JVb<e«,  Jo6  24:13— 17.  Jo/w  3:19— 21.  Rom.  13: 
11—14.  Eph.  5:8—14.  1  Thes.  5:1—3.)  as  do 
tliey  also,  who  spend  the  night  in  revels  and  dis- 
sipation, and  retire  to  rest  when  they  ought  to 
set  about  some  useful  employment;  for  thus  they 
seem  to  renounce  their  kindred  to  the  human 
species,  and  to  be  afnbitious  of  a  relation  to  the 
wild  beasts  of  the  forest.— In  nations  which  sit  in 
darkness  for  want  of  revelation,  Satan  seems  to 
have  permission  to  range  and  devour  at  pleasure: 


23  "  Man  goelh  forth  unto  his  work 
and  to  his  labor  until  the  evening. 

24  O  Lord,  ^  how  manifold  are. thy 
works!  y  in  wisdom  hast  thou  made  them 
all:  ^  the  earth  is  full  of  thy  riches. 

25  So  is  ''this  great  and  wide  sea, 
wherein  are  things  creeping  innumera- 
ble, both  small  and  great  ^  beasts. 

26  "  There  go  the  ships;  there  is  that 
'^  leviathan,  whom  thou  hast  ^  made  ^  to 
play  therein. 

27  These  '"wait  all  upon  thee;  that 
thou  mayest  give  them  their  meat  in  due 
season. 


u  Gen.  3:19.     Judg.  19:16.    Ec. 

a  95:4,5.        Gen.    1:20—22,28. 

5:12.     Eph.  4:28.     2  Thes.  3:3 

Deut.  33:14—16,19. 

—12. 

b  Gen.  3:1.  Acts  28:5. 

X  8:3.   40:5.   107:31.     Neh.  9:6. 

c  107:23.     Gen.  49:13. 

Job  5:9. 

d  74:14.     Job  3:8.  marg.  41:1, 

y  136:5.  Gen.  1:31.    Prov.  3:19, 

&c.    Is.  27:1. 

20.  8:22,&c.  Jer.  10:12.  Rom. 

f  Heb.  formed. 

11:33.    Eph.  1:8.  3:10. 

e  Job  41:5,29. 

z24:l.  50:10—12.  65:11.    Gen. 

f36:6.   136:26.   145:15,16.   147:9. 

1:11,12,24,25.     1  Tim.  6:17. 

Job  38:41.     Luke  12:24—28. 

[J^ote,  Ex.  22:18.)  but  when  "the  Sun  of  Right- 
eousness" arises,  this  roaring  lion  has  his  power 
diminished,  and  men  are  stirred  up  to  "labor  for 
the  meat  which  endureth  unto  everlasting  life." 

V.  24.  'Transported  with  a  survey  of  the 
'wonders  which  present  themselves  in  heaven 
'above,  and  on  earth  below,  the  Psalmist  breaks 
'forth  into  an  exclamation,  (and  what  heart  has 
'not  already  anticipated  him.^)  on  the  variety  and 
'magnificence,  the  harmony  and  proportion,  of  the 
'works  of  God,  in  this  outward,  and  visible,  and 
'perishable  world.  What  then  are  the  miracles 
'of  grace  and  glory!  What  are  those  invisible 
'and  eternal  things,  "which  God  hath  prepared 
'for  them  that  love  him!"  '  Bp.  Home.  {JSTotes, 
8:3—9.  139:17,18.  Rom.  11:33—36.  1  Cor.  2:6— 
9.  Eph.  3:9—12.) 

V.  25,  26.  'This  great  and  spacious  sea  also, 
'which  seems  to  embrace  the  earth  in  its  arms,  is 
'no  less  full  of  thy  wonderful  works.'  Bp.  Pat- 
rick.— 'There  is  not  in  all  nature  a  more  august 
'and  striking  object  than  the  ocean.  Its  inhabit- 
'ants  are  as  numerous  as  those  upon  the  land; 
'nor  is  the  wisdom  and  power  of  the  Creator  less 
'displayed,  perhaps,  in  their  formation  and  pres- 
'ervation,  from  the  smallest  fish  that  swims,  to 
'the  enormous  tyrant  of  the  deep,  the  leviathan 
'himself.  By  means  of  navigation,  Providence 
'hath  opened  a  communication  between  the  most 
'distant  parts  of  the  globe;  the  largest  solid  bod- 
'ies  are  wafted  with  incredible  swiftness,  upon 
'one  fluid,  by  the  impulse  of  another,  and  seas 
'join  the  countries  which  they  appear  to  divide.' 
Bp.  Home.  {JVote,  Gen.  1:9.)— 'There  the  ships 
'sail  as  swiftly  as  the  fishes  swim;  fetching  us  the 
'riches  both  of  sea  and  land:  and  there  that  great 
'leviathan  (in  forming  of  whom  thou  hast  sliewn 
'thy  mighty  power,)  finds  room  enough  to  tumble 
'up  and  down,  and  sport  himself  in  his  absolute 
'dominion  over  all  that  the  sea  contains.'  Bp. 
Patrick. — Many  authors,  and  among  the  rest, 
Bishop  Patrick,  in  commenting  on  Job,  suppose 
the  leviathan  to  mean  the  crocodile:  but  the  text 
before  us  so  fully  decides  the  leviathan  to  be  an 
inhabitant  of  the  sea,  that  this  respectable  author 
paraphrases  it,  in  direct  opposition  to  his  exposi- 
tion of  the  scripture  before  referred  to!  [JVoics, 
74:13—17.  Job  41:  /*•.  27:1.)— The  word,  ren- 
dered "things  creeping,"  is  used  concerning  the 
fishes,  in  the  history  of  the  creation:  and  as  none 
of  them,  properly  speaking,  have  legs  and  feet, 
and  many  of  tliem  in  great  measure  lie  and  crawl 

[343 


B.  C.  1030. 


PSALM  CIV. 


B.  C.  1030. 


28  That  thou  givest  them  they  gather: 
thou  openest  tliine  hand,  they  are  filled 
with  good. 

29  Thou  g  hidest  thy  face,  they  are 
troubled;  ^  thou  takest  away  their  breath, 
they  die,  and  '  return  to  their  dust. 

30  Thou  ^  sendest  forth  thy  Spirit, 
they  are  created;  and  thou  '  renewest 
the  face  of  the  earth. 

{^Practical  Observations.] 

31  "'The  glory  of  the  Lord  shall 
*  endure  for  ever:    "  the  Lord  shall  re- 


joice in  his  works. 

g  30:7.  Job  13:24.  34:29.    Rom. 

8:20—22. 
h  146:4.     Job  34:14,15.    Ec.  12: 

7.  Acts  17:25. 
i  90:3.     Gen.  3:19. 
k33:6.     Job  26:13.  33:4.  Is.  32: 

15.     Ez.  37:9.     Eph.  2:1,4,5. 

Tit.  3:5. 
1  Is.  63:17.  66:22.   Rev.  21:5. 


m    102:16.     Rom.   11:36.     Gal. 

1:5.     Eph.  3:21.     2  Tim.  4:18. 

Heb.    13:21,      1   Pet.  5:11.    2 

Pet.  3:13.     Rev.  5:12,13. 
*  Heb.  be  for  ever, 
n  Gen.  1:31.    Ex.  31:17.   Is.  62: 

5.  65:18,19.    Jer.  32:41.  Zeph. 

3:17.    Luke  15:5,6,23—24. 


at  tlie  bottom  of  the  water;  there  is  a  propriety 
in  considering  them  as  a  peculiar  species  of  rep- 
tiles. {Gen.  1:20.  marg.) — Beasls.  (25)  Or, 
"Living'  creatures."    (JVofe,  Rev.  4:6 — 8.) 

V.  27 — 30.  The  immense  creation,  forming 
one  great  family,  maintained  upon  the  riches  and 
bounty  of  Jehovah,  as  the  great  Householder,  is 
a  very  striking  idea:  whilst  at  his  will  one  gene- 
ration of  creatures  perish,  a  new  generation  suc- 
ceeds; and  successive  crops  of  vegetable  produc- 
tions renew  and  cover  the  face  of  the  earth. 
{Marg.  Ref.—JVotes,  Matt.  6:25— 32.)— The 
Holy  Spirit  seems  to  be  spoken  of  in  Scripture, 
as  the  immediate  agent  in  giving  and  preserving 
life,  both  natural,  spiritual,  and  eternal.  IJ^otes, 
33:4—6,  V.  6.  Gen.  1:2.  Job  33:1— 7, d.  4.) 

V.  31.  The  old  version  here  is,  "Glory  be  to 
the  Lord  for  ever;  let  the  Lord  rejoice  in  his 
%vorks."  Our  present  translation  is  more  literal: 
but  the  variation  shews,  that  no  certain  rule  has 
been  adopted,  in  rendering  such  passages;  some 
being  rendered  in  the  future,  as  predictions,  oth- 
ers as  prayers,  in  the  imperative;  and  that  the  con- 
text in  general  must  determine  in  which  sense  we 
should  understand  them.  'All  future  ages  shall 
'praise,  as  well  as  we,  the  same  power,  and  wis- 
'dom,  and  goodness  of  the  Lord;  which  appear  so 
'gloriously  in  all  his  works,  that  he  himself  is  still 
'delighted  in  the  continuance  of  them,  as  he  was 
'at  first  in  their  contrivance.'  Bp.  Patrick. 
{Marg.  Ref.—J\otes,  Gen.  1:31.  Is.  62:1—5. 
Jer.  32:39—41.  Zeph.  3:14—17.  Luke  15:3—7, 
22—32.  2  Thes.  1:5—10.) 

V.  32.  'At  his  presence  the  very  earth  trem- 
'bles,  and  the  mountains,  as  our  fathers  saw  at 
'mount  Sinai,  are  full  of  fire  and  smoke.'  Bp. 
Patrick.  It  is  probable,  however,  that  earth- 
quakes and  volcanos,  as  terrific  displays  of  the 
Creator's  power,  (in  whatever  way  men  account 
for  them,)  were  also  intended;  and  perhaps  there 
may  be  some  reference  to  the  last  general  con- 
flagration. {Marg.  Re/.—JVotes,2,2.  Ex.  19:16— 
20.  Hab.3:3—5.  Heb.  12:18—21.  2Pe«.  3:10— 13.) 

V.  33.     J^Totes,  145:1,2.   146:2. 

V.  3^.  Meditation  on  the  glorious  perfections 
of  God;,  as  displayed  in  all  his  works  of  creation 
and  providence;  and  still  more,  as  harmoniously 
manifested  in  his  works  of  redemption  and  grace; 
must  be  delightful  to  the  soul,  in  proportion  as  it 
becomes  spiritually  minded.  For  it  excites  the 
most  pleasing  sensations  of  adoring,  complacent, 
and  grateful  love,  with  admiration  still  more  and 
more  augmented,  by  further  discoveries  of  the 
manifold  wisdom,  righteousness,  faithfulness,  and 
344] 


32  He  "  looketh  on  the  earth,  and  it 
trembleth:  p  he  toucheth  the  hills,  and 
they  smoke. 

33  1 1  will  sing  unto  the  Lord  as 
long  as  I  live:  I  will  sing  praise  to  my 
God,  while  I  have  my  being. 

34  My  •■  meditation  of  him  shall  be 
sweet:  ^I  will  be  glad  in  the  Lord. 

35  Let  *  the  sinners  be  consumed  out 
of  the  earth,  and  let  the  wicked  be  no 
more.  ,"  Bless  thou  the  Lord,  O  my 
soul.     Praise  ye  the  Lord. 


0  77:16.  97:4,5.  114:7.    Is.  64:2. 

Jer.  4:23—26.   5:22.     Am.  8:8. 

Nah.  1:5,6.    Hab.  3:5,6.  Rev. 

20:11. 
p50:3.   144:5.    Is.  64:1,2.    Rev. 

19:3. 
q  63:4.   145:1,2.   146:2. 
r    1:2.     63:5,6.     77:12.     119:15, 


16,111,127,128,167.     139:17,18. 

Prov.  24:14. 
s  32:11.     Hab.   3:18.     Luke  1: 

47.  Phil.  4:4. 
t   37:38.     59:13.    63:1,2.    73:27. 

101:8.  Judg.  5:31.    Prov.  2:22. 

Rev.  19:1,2. 
u  1.   103:1,2,22. 


mercy  of  our  God;  and  creating  a  sort  of  tri- 
umphant exultation,  combined  with  confidence 
and  self-congratulation,  that  this  most  glorious 
God  is  become  our  Salvation  and  our  God,  our 
Father,  our  Friend  and  Portion  for  ever.  The 
felicity  of  heaven,  no  doubt,  greatly  consists  in 
the  joy  of  such  contemplations,  and  rapturous  ad- 
orations and  thanksgivings;  the  beginning  of  this 
happy  frame  of  mind  is  the  earnest  of  heaven; 
and  the  capacity  of  delighting  in  such  medita- 
tions and  praises,  is  in  good  measure  "the  meet- 
ness  for  the  inheritance  of  the  saints  in  light." 
{JVotes,  1:1—3.  63:1—6.  139:17,18.  Phil.  4:4.) 

V.  35.  Let  the  sinners,  Sicl  Or,  "The  sinners 
shall  be  consumed,  &c."  {Marg.  Rcf. — J^ote^ 
68:1 — 3.)  The  Psalmist  concludes  as  he  began, 
"Bless  tnou  the  Lord,  O  my  soul;"  only  calling 
on  all  that  read  and  sing  the  psalm,  and  on  all 
creatures,  to  join  with  him  in  praising  the  eter- 
nal and  glorious  God  of  heaven  and  earth:  Hal- 
lelvjah.     {JVotes,  68:4.  103:1,2,20—22.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
V.   1—11. 

Every  object,  which  we  behold  or  reflect  on, 
may  remind  us  to  bless  and  praise  the  Lord,  who 
is  very  great,  and  arrayed  with  majesty,  glory, 
and  excellency,  infinitely  surpassing  our  compre- 
hension. "His  eternal  power  and  Godhead"  are 
clearly  seen,  by  the  things  which  he  has  made: 
his  glory,  like  the  sun,  becomes  visible  by  its 
own  splendor;  and  they  are  without  excuse,  who 
do  not  love,  and  thank,  and  worship  him.  (JVote, 
Rom,  1:18 — 23.)  The  heavens  stretched  forth  as 
his  curtain;  the  light  as  his  magnificent  garment; 
the  clouds  as  his  chambers,  or  his  chariot;  the 
winds  and  flames  as  his  servants  and  messengers; 
and  the  holy  angels,  executing  his  commands 
with  inconceivable  zeal,  alacrity,  and  prompti- 
tude, are  so  many  demonstrations  of  his  power 
and  authority;  and  shew  that  all  his  creatures 
serve  him,  apostate  spirits,  and  apostate  man, 
alone  excepted.  The  less  we  can  comprehend 
of  the  manner,  in  which  the  Creator  retains  the 
earth  in  its  course,  and  the  seasons  in  their  order; 
the  more  we  should  admire  and  adore  his  power, 
wisdom,  and  goodness:  and  while  we  consider  the 
numerous  and  invaluable  advantages,  which  we 
derive  from  the  ocean,  and  from  the  wonderful 
process,  by  which  tlie  earth  is  watered  from  that 
great  reservoir;  we  should  remember  to  bless  the 
Lord  for  his  faithfulness  to  Noah  and  his  posterity. 
V.    12—30. 

In  these  verses  we  are  called  on   to  observe, 


B.  C.  1045. 


PSALM  CV. 


B.  C.  1045. 


PSALM  CV. 

An  exhortation  to  praise  God,  to  make  known  hi;  works,  to  glory 
in  him,  and  to  seek  his  favor,  1 — 7.  A  brief  history  of  God's 
goodness  to  his  people,  from  the  cull  of  Abraham,  to  the  settle- 
ment of  Israel  in  Canaan,  8 — 45. 

O"  GIVE    thanks'   unto    the    Lord; 
^  call     upon     his     name:     •=  make 
known  his  deeds  among  the  people. 
2  ^  Sing   unto   him,    sing   psalms  imto 


a    136:1—3.      1  Chr.    16:7—22. 

■25:3.  29:13,-20. 
b  Is.  12:4.  Joel  2:32.  Acts  9:14. 

Rom.  10:13.     1  Cor.  1:2. 
C    89:1.     96:3.      145:4—6,11,12. 


Num.  23:23.  Is.  51:10.     Dan.  3: 

29.  4:1—3.  6:26,27. 
d  47:6,7.  96:1,2.  98:1,5.     Jud?. 

5:3.  Is.  12:5,6.  42:10—12.  Eph. 

5:19.    Rev.  1.5:3,4. 


admire,  and  adore  the  wisdom,  love,  and  power 
of  God,  in  the  instinctive  propensities  of  all  ani- 
mals; by  which  they  are  not  only  led  to  the 
means  of  their  own  preservation,  and  the  contin- 
uance of  each  species,  but  are  rendered  subser- 
vient to  our  comfort  and  benefit.  And  when  we 
reflect  on  the  provision,  whicli  the  bounteous 
Creator  has  made  for  the  wants  of  all  his  crea- 
tures, we  should  also  notice  the  nntural  worship, 
so  to  speak,  which  tliey  render  unto  him;  while 
the  feathered  songsters  warble  his  praises,  and 
even  the  lions,  roaring  in  the  woods,  "seek  their 
meat  from  God."  Yet  man,  forgetful  and  un- 
grateful man,  is  favored  with  the  largest  measure 
of  his  kindness:  to  him  he  gives  all  things  rich]y 
to  enjoy;  not  only  bringing  food  out  of  the  earth, 
but  wine  and  oil  for  his  exhilaration  and  pleasure. 
He  has  put  the  animal  tribes  under  his  dominion: 
even  those,  which  render  him  no  service,  stand 
in  awe  of  him,  and  are  taught  to  retire  to  their 
dens,  when  the  rising  sun  calls  him  to  his  work; 
and  in  general  they  only  venture  forth,  when 
night  has  drawn  her  sable  curtain  to  favor  his  re- 
pose. Well  then  may  we  break  forth  in  admi- 
ration, aud  say,  "O  Lord,  how  manifold  are  thy 
works!  ia  wisdom  hast  thou  made  them  all:  the 
earth  is  full  of  thy  richesl"  For  the  seas  and  the 
dry  land,  the  air,  and  even  the  bowels  of  the 
earth,  are  abundantly  replenished  with  useful 
treasures  for  the  service  of  man.  Yet  let  us  re- 
member that  we  are  pensioners,  and,  in  some 
sense,  fellow  commoners,  with  the  inferior  crea- 
tures; which  "all  wait  upon  the  Lord,"  who 
"giveth  them  their  meat  in  due  season;"  which 
gather  what  he  gives,  and  are  examples  to  us  of 
contentment  and  moderation.  Let  us  also  recol- 
lect, that  death,  which  sweeps  away  the  innu- 
merable multitudes  of  living  creatures  that  peo- 
ple the  earth,  and  makes  room  for  successive  gen- 
erations, first  entered  by  man's  sin;  and  likewise 
that  we  are  not  sent  into  tlie  world,  as  leviathan 
into  the  great  deep,  "to  play  therein;"  either  by- 
living  merely  for  amusement,  or  by  preying  upon 
our  inferiors.  We  have  much  to  do:  we  are  sen- 
tenced to  eat  our  bread  in  the  sweat  of  our  brow; 
and  he  who  does  nothing  useful  to  society,  lives 
upon  the  labor  of  others.  We  ought,  therefore, 
to  "work  out  our  own  salvation,"  to  improve  our 
talents,  and  to  serve  our  generation,  from  the 
morning  to  the  evening  of  our  lives;  and  then  the 
faithful  servant  will  enter  into  rest,  and  tlie  sloth- 
ful will  be  called  to  a  severe  account.  Man 
alone  lives  beyond  death.  When  the  Lord  takes 
away  his  breath,  his  soul  enters  on  another  state 
of  existence;  and  his  body  shall  at  length  be  rais- 
ed either  to  eternal  glory  or  misery. — May  the 
Lord  then  send  forth  his  Spirit,  and  new  create 
our  souls  to  holiness;  and  renew  the  face  of  the 
earth  by  tlie  conversion  of  sinners. 
V.  31—3.'?. 
The  power  of  the  glorious  God  will  be  found  at 
last,  and  often  is  seen  to  be  at  present,  as  terrible 
to  the  impenitent  workers  of  iniquity,  as  benefi- 
cial to  his  humble  worshippers  and  devoted  ser- 
Vol.  m.  44 


him:  *  talk  ye  of  ail  his  wondrous  works. 

3  ''  Glory  ye  in  his  holy  name:  e  let 
the  heart  of  them  rejoice  that  seek  the 
Lord. 

4  ''  Seek  the  Lord  and  '  his  strength: 
^  seek  his  face  evermore. 

5  '  Remember    his   marvellous   works 


e   77:12.   78:4—6.    119:27.     Ex. 

13:8,9,14.  Deut.  6':6— 9.    Luke 

24:14,&c. 
f  34:2.    Is.  14:25.     Jer.  9:23,24. 

1  Cor.  1:29,31.    Gal.  6:14. 
g  9:10.      Prov.  3:17.     Is.  45:19. 

55:6,7.     Lam.  3:25.     Luke  1 1: 


Zeph.  2:2,3. 
■2  Chr.  6:41. 


9,10. 

h  Am.  5:4—6. 

1  73:61.   132.8. 

k  27:8. 

I  77:11.  103:2.  Deut.  7:18,19. 
8:2.  32:7.  Is.  43:18,19.  Luke 
22:19.     1  Cor.  11:24—26. 


vants:  and  in  every  way  "his  glory  shall  endure 
for  ever;  the  Lord  shall  rejoice  in  his  works." 
If  he  look  with  a  frown  upon  the  earth,  it  trem- 
bles; if  he  touch  the  hills  in  anger,  lliey  smoke, 
and  kindle  into  a  flame;  and  at  length  "the  day 
of  the  Lord  will  come  ...  in  which  the  elements 
shall  melt  with  fervent  heat;  the  earth  also,  and 
the  works  that  are  therein,  shall  be  burnt  up:" 
and  then  sinners,  however  numerous  or  powerful, 
shall  perish  without  hope  and  for  ever.  But  those 
who  trust  in  his  mercy,  and  love  his  name,  shall 
sing  his  praises  as  long  as  they  have  their  being, 
even  to  eternal  ages.  And  if  meditation  on  the 
glories  of  creation  be  so  sweet  to  the  soul;  what 
superior  glories  must  appear  to  the  enlightened 
mind,  when  contemplating  the  great  work  of  re- 
demption! There  all  the  divine  perfections,  with 
combined  splendor,  beam  upon  the  soul,  exciting 
astonishment,  love,  gratitude,  and  joy:  there  spir- 
itual riches  are  discerned,  far  more  unsearchable, 
than  those  temporal  treasures  which  supply  the 
wants  of  the  whole  visible  creation:  and  there 
alone  can  a  sinner  perceive  ground  of  confidence, 
and  joy  in  God.  While  then  we  thankfully  re- 
ceive, and  use  moderately,  and  fear  to  abuse,  the 
bounty  of  Providence;  while  we  learn  to  trust  in 
him  who  feeds  the  young  lions,  assured  that  he 
will  not  desert  his  children;  let  us  fix  our  atten- 
tion and  choice  on  "that  good  part,  which  shall 
never  be  taken  from  us:"  and  not  only  let  us 
shew  our  gratitude  by  fervent  songs  of  praise, 
and  by  exciting,  as  far  as  we  are  able,  all  around 
us,  to  join  in  this  delightful  and  heavenly  employ- 
ment; but  by  devoting  ourselves,  all  we  have  and 
are,  to  the  service  of  our  God,  and  imitating  his 
liberality  and  mercy,  as  we  have  opportunity  and 
ability. 

NOTES. 

Psalm  CV.  V.  1,2.  (JVb/e.?,  1  Chr.  16:7— 
9.)  'The  first  part  of  this  psalm  at  least  (to  the 
'end  of  the  fifteenth  verse)  was  made  by  David: 
'...  and  it  is  most  probable  that  he  afterwards  en- 
'larged  it;  (for  wlio  else  would  adventure  to  do 
'it.'')  that  it  might  be  a  more  complete  commemo- 
'ration  of  all  the  mercies  of  God  towards  their 
'nation.'  Bp.  Palrick. — 'Music  and  conversa- 
'tion  are  two  things,  by  which  the  mind  of  man 
'receiveth  much  good,  or  a  great  deal  of  harm. ... 
'They,  who  do  in  reality  love  tlieir  Savior,  will 
'always  find  themselves  inclined  to  sing  oi'  hirn, 
'and  to  talk  of  hun.  In  whom  should  tlie  redeem- 
'ed  "glory"  and  exult,  but  in  their  Redeemer.^' 
Bp.  Home.  (J^ote,  Phil.  3:1—7,  v.  7.)  'By 
'faith  we  find  our  Redeemer  in  tliis  life,  and  ex- 
'perience  the  power  and  comfort  of  his  grace:  but 
'hope  and  love  still  seek,  and  wish,  and  aspire 
'after  the  sight  and  enjoyment  of  him  in  heaven, 
'whither  he  is  ascended.'     Bp.  Home. 

Talk  ye.  (2)  TtT^*;  mcditalc  ye:  ^H^^,  my 
meditation,  104:34.  'Meditate  on  the  wonderful 
'works  of  God,  that  you  may  talk  of  them,  as 
'from  the  abundance  of  the  heart.' 

[345 


B.  C.  1045. 


PSALM  CV. 


B.  C.  1045. 


that   he    hath    done;    his  wonders,   and 
"■  the  judgments  of  his  mouth; 

6  O  °  ye  seed  of  Abraham  his  ser- 
vant, ye  children  of  Jacob  °  his   chosen. 

7  He  is  P  the  Lord  our  God:  i  his 
judgments  are  in  ail  the  eartli. 

8  ''  He  hath  remembered  his  covenant 
for  ever,  the  word  which  he  commanded 
to  =  a  thousand  generations. 

9  Which  *  covenant  he  made  with 
Abraham,  and  his  oath  unto  Isaac; 

10  And  confirmed  the  same  unto  Ja- 
cob for  a  law,  and  to  Israel  for  "  an 
everlasting  covenant: 

1 1  Saying,  ^  Unto  thee  will  I  give 
the  land  of  Canaan,  the  *  lot  of  your  in- 
heritance: 

12  When  they  were  but  ^a  few  men 
in  number;  yea,  very  iew,  ^  and  stran- 
gers in  it. 

13  When  they  went  from  one  nation 
to  another,  from  one  kingdom  to  another 
people; 


m  119:13.   Rev.  16:7.  19:2. 

n  Ex.  3:6.     Is.  41:8,14.    44:1,2. 

Rom.  9:4,&c. 
o   Deut.  7:6— 8.     John  15:16.  1 

Pet.  2:9. 
p  95:7.  100:3.    Gen.  17:7.    Ex. 

20:2.     Deut.  26:17,18.  29:10— 

15.  Josh.  24:15—24. 
q48:l0,n.    Is.  26:9.    Rev.  15:4. 
r    42.     111:5,9.     1   Chr.   16:15. 

Neh.  1:5.     Dan.  9:4.    Luke  1: 

72—74. 
s  Deut.  7:9. 


t  Gen.  17:2.  22:16,17.  26:3.  28: 

13.  35:11.   Neh.  9:8.   Acts  7:8. 

Heb.  6:17. 
u   Gen.    17:7,8.      2   Sam.   23:5. 

Heb.  13:20. 
X  Gen.  12:7.   13:15.   15:13.  26:4. 

28:13. 

*  Heb.   cord.  78:55. 
y  Gen.  34:30.      Deut.  7:7.  26:5. 

Is.  51:2.     Ez.  33:24,&c. 
z    Gen.    17:8.    23:4.     Acts  7:5. 

Heb.  11:9,12. 


V.  3—7.  Marg.  Re/.— Mites,  1  Chr.  16:10 
—14. 

V.  8—12.  Marg.  Ref.—JVotes,  1  Chr.  16:15— 
19.  He  hath  remembered,  Sfc.  (8)  In  Chroni- 
cles, the  Psalmist  exhorts  the  people  to  be  mind- 
ful of  the  covenant,  which  the  Lord  had  made 
with  their  fathers;  but  here  he  teaches  them 
to  praise  God  for  having  always  remember- 
ed it.  [Marg.  Re/.— Motes,  42.  Luke  1:67— 
75.) 

V.  13—15.  Marg.  Re/.— Mote,  1  Chr.  16:20 
— 22.  Prophets.  (15)  'Meaning  the  old  fa- 
thers, to  whom  God  shewed  himself  plainly,  and 
'who  were  setters  forth  of  his  word.'  {Mote,  Gen. 
20:7.) 

V.  16.  Famine  is  here  figuratively  spoken  of, 
as  the  servant  of  God,  which  at  his  call  promptly 
attends  to  fulfil  his  righteous  will.  [Motes,  Gen. 
41:28—32,55—57.  42:)— Bread  is  called  the  staff, 
or  the  support,  of  life:  and  the  experience  of  sea- 
sons, in  which  corn  is  very  scarce  and  dear, 
though  short  of  absolute  famine,  gives  a  very  af- 
fecting and  distressing  exposition  of  the  phrase. 
{Motes,  Lev.  26:25,26.  Is.  3:1—9,  v.  1.  Ez.  4:9— 
17.    14:13—21.) 

V.  17.  The  word  translated  "a  man,"  is  by 
some  rendered  an  eminent  man.  Joseph  was  an 
eminent  character,  though  envied  by  his  breth- 
ren, and  sold  for  a  slave:  he  was  a  great  deliver- 
er, and  one  of  the  most  illustrious  types  of  the 
Savior,  in  the  whole  old  testament.  When  God 
purposed  to  call  for  a  famine  in  the  land,  he  had 
sent  an  extraordinary  man  into  Egypt,  to  make 
provision  for  Jacob's  family.  Joseph's  brethren 
indeed  "thought  evil  against  him,  but  God  meant 
it  for  good."  {Motes,  Gen.  37:  45:5—8.  49:22— 
26.  50:20.) 

346] 


14  *  He  suffered  no  man  to  do  them 
wrong:  yea,  he  reproved  kings  for  their 
sakes; 

1 5  Saying,  ^  Touch  not  "  mine  anoint- 
ed, and  do  '^  my  prophets  no  harm. 

16  Moreover,  ^he  called  for  a  famine 
upon  the  land:  ^  he  brake  the  whole  staff 
of  bread. 

17  s  He  sent  a  man  before  them, 
even  ^  Joseph,  who  was  sold  for  a  ser- 
vant: 

18  'Whose  feet  they  hurt  with  fet- 
ters: the  was  laid  in  iron. 

19  Until  the  time  that  ^  his  word 
came,  the  word  of  the   Lord  tried  him. 

20  The  '  king  sent  and  loosed  him, 
even  the  ruler  of  the  people,  and  let  him 
go  free. 

21  He  ^  made  him  lord  of  his  house, 
and  ruler  of  all  his  *  substance: 

22  To  bind  his  princes  at  his  pleas- 
ure;   and  °  teach   his   senators   wisdom. 

[Practical  Observations.] 


a   Gen.  12:14—17.  20:1—7.  26: 

14,&c.   31:24—29.    35:5.     Ex. 

7:16,17. 
b  Gen.  26:11.  Zech.  2:8. 
c  1  Kings  19:16.   1  John  2:27. 
d  Gen.  20:7.  27:39,40.  48:19,20. 

49:3,&c. 
e  Gen.  41:25—32,54.    42:5,6.  2 

Kings  8:1.     Am.   3:6.    7:1^. 

Hag.  1:10,11.     2:17.      Matt.  8: 

8,9.    Rev.  6:8. 
f  104:15.     Gen.  47:13,19.    Lev. 

26:26.     Is.  3:1.  Ez.  4:16.  Acts 

7:11. 


g  Gen.  45:5,7,8.  50:20. 

h  Gen.  37:27,28,36.   39:1.    45:4. 

Acts  7:9. 
i  Gen.  39:20.    40:15.    Acts  16: 

24. 
t  Heb.  his  soul  came  into  iron. 

107:10. 
k    44:4.        Gen.  41:11 — 16,25. 

Prov.  21:1.     Dan.  2:30.     Acts 

7:10. 
1  Gen.  41:14. 

m  Gen.  41:40—44,55.  45:8,26. 
t  Heb. possession, 
n  Gen.  41:33,38,39.  Is.  19:11,12. 


V.  18.  It  seems  by  this,  that  Joseph  was  very 
severely  used,  when  first  imprisoned  by  Potiphar. 
{Motes,  Gen.  39: 1 9—23.) 

V.  19 — 21.  "Until  his  appointed  time  came, 
and  the  counsel  of  the  Lord  had  tried  him." 
Old  Version. — The  word  which  Joseph  spoke,  as 
from  God,  when  he  interpreted  the  dreams  of  the 
chief  baker  and  chief  butler,  was  reported  to 
Pharaoh:  and  when  Joseph  had  interpreted  Pha- 
raoh's extraordinary  dream  too,  he  was  not  only 
released,  but  likewise  advanced  to  the  highest 
dignity.  {Marg.  Ref. — Motes,  Gen.  40:  41: 
Prov.  21:1.)  But  till  this  time  arrived,  Joseph 
continued  in  prison,  according  to  "the  word,"  or 
the  counsel  and  decree,  of  God;  that  he  might  be 
tried  as  gold  is  tried  in  the  furnace.  {Motes,  66: 
8—12.   1  Pet.  1:6,7.) 

V.  22.  "That  he  should  bind  his  princes  unto 
his  will."  Old  Version.  The  clause  seems  rath- 
er to  denote  the  efiicacious  means  used  by  Pha- 
raoh, to  secure  the  obedience  of  his  princes  to 
Joseph;  than  any  severe  measures  used  by  Joseph 
himself,  to  punish  the  disobedient,  or  in  requiring 
submission  to  his  high  authoritj'. — The  Septua- 
gint  thus  render  the  verse:  'That  he  should  in- 
struct his  princes  even  as  himself;  and  make  his 
elders  wise;'  which  well  expresses  the  meaning. 
— Perhaps  the  wise  maxims,  which  the  elders  or 
counsellors  of  Egypt,  at  this  time,  (a  period  far 
more  ancient,  than  that  of  any  other  authentic 
history  of  Egypt,)  learned  from  Joseph,  or  rather 
from  God  by  him,  being  delivered  down  to  their 
successors,  contributed  to  stamp  the  counsels  of 
Egypt  with  that  character  of  wisdom,  for  which 
they  were  celebrated  in  after  ages.  {Motes,  Gen. 
41:37—44.  1  ^mg-s  4:30— 34.  /*.  19:11—14.  Acts 
7:17— 29,  f.  22.) 


B.  C.  1045. 


PSALM  CV. 


B.  C.  1045, 


23  °  Israel  also  came  into  Egypt; 
and  P  Jacob  sojourned  in  ^  the  land  of 
Ham. 

24  And  ■■  he  increased  his  people 
greatly;  and  ^  made  them  stronger  than 
their  enemies. 

25  *  He  turned  their  heart  "  to  hate 
his  people,  to  deal  subtlely  with  his  ser- 
vants. 

26  He  ^  sent  Moses  his  servant,  and 
y  Aaron  whom  he  had  chosen. 

27  ^  They  shewed  *  his  signs  among 
them,  and  ^wonders  iii  the  land  of  Ham. 

28  He  ^  sent  darkness,  and  made  it 
dark;  and  <=  they  rebelled  not  against 
his  word. 

29  He  ^  turned  their  waters  into 
blood,  and  slew  their  fish. 

30  Their  land  ®  brought  forth  frogs 
in  abundance,  in  the  chambers  of  their 
kings. 

31  He  spake,  and  ''there  came  divers 
sorts  of  flies  s  and  lice  in  all  their  coasts. 

32  He  gave  t  them  ''  hail  for  rain, 
and  flaming  fire  in  their  land. 

33  He  '  smote   their   vines    also    and 


o  Gen.  45:9—11.  46.'2— 7.  Josh. 

24:4.     Acts  7:11—15. 
p  Gen.  47:6—9,-28. 
q27.  78:51.   106:22.    Gen.  10:6. 
r    Gen.    13:16.    46:3.     Ex.  1:7. 

Deut.    26:5.       Acts    7:17,18. 

Heb.  11:12. 
s  Ex.  1:9.   12:37. 
t  Gen.  15:13.     Ex.  9:16.    10:1. 

Deut.  2:30.     Rom.  9:17— 19. 
u  Ex.  1:11—14,16.    2:23.     Acts 

7:19. 
X   77:20.     Ex.  3:10.    4:12—14. 

6:11,26,27.     Josh.  24:5.     Mic. 

6:4.    Acts  7:34.35. 
y  Ex.  7:1,12.     28:1,2.12,29-33. 

29:5,&c.     Lev.  8:7,&c.    Num. 

16:5—11,40,47,48.  17:5.  1  Sam. 

12:6. 


z  78:43—51.   135:8,9.     Ex.  7:— 

11:    Deut.  4:34.    Neh.  9:10,11. 

Is.  63:11,12.     Jer.  32:20,21. 
*  Heb.  -words  of  his  signs. 
a  23.    106:22. 
b    Ex.  10:21—23.      Joel  2:2,31. 

Luke  23:44,45.    2  Pet.  2:4,17. 
c  99:7.     Ez.  2:4—8. 
d  78:44.     Ex.  T.20,21.    Is.  50:2. 

Ez.  29:4,5.    Rev.  16:3. 
e  78:45.    Ex.  8:3—14.    Rev.  16: 

13,14. 
f  78:45.    Ex.  8:21— 24.   Is.  7:18. 
g  Ex.  3:16—18. 
I  Heb.  their  rain  hail, 
h  78:47,48.  Ex.  9:18-28.  Rev. 

8:7.    11:19.  16:21. 
i  Rev.  9:4. 


V.  23—25.  {J^otes,  Gen.  42:— 47:  Acts  7:9— 
14.)  At  first  the  Eg'yptians  were  friends  to  Ja- 
cob's family,  for  Joseph's  sake:  but  after  the 
death  of  Joseph  and  his  patron,  and  the  succes- 
sion of  another  "king-  who  knew  not  Joseph,"  the 
Eg'yptians  became  enemies  to  Israel.  Their 
rapid  increase,  from  a  single  family  to  a  power- 
ful people,  excited  envy,  jealousy,  dread,  and 
hatred;  which  prompted  both  the  king  and  his 
subjects  to  devise  politic  and  detestable  meas- 
ures, for  diminishing-  their  numbers  and  strength, 
and  for  retaining  them  in  bondage.  [J^otcs,  Ex. 
1:)  And  as  the  events  which  had  taken  place, 
by  the  providential  appointment  of  God,  gave 
occasion  to  this  change  in  the  disposition  of  the 
Egyptians;  as  he  foresaw,  and  had  predicted,  that 
this  would  be  the  case;  and  as  he  determined  to 
leave  them  to  themselves  and  the  natural  tenden- 
cy of  their  depraved  hearts,  in  such  circumstan- 
ces; it  is  said,  "He  turned  their  heart  to  hate  his 
people."  {J\otes,  Gen.  15:12—15.  Ex.  3:19,20. 
4:21.  8:18,19.  9:12.  Ezra  6:22.  Ez.  14:9—11. 
i2om.  9:15— 21.   2  T%c*.  2:8— 12.) 

v.  26—28.  Theij  rebelled  not,  &c.  (28)  Mo- 
ses and  Aaron  boldly  executed  their  commission, 
in  every  particular.  They  "feared  not  the 
wrath  of  the  king;  but  endured  as  "seeing  him 
who    is    invisible."      [JVoies,    Heb.    11:2J— 27.) 


their   fig-trees;    and  brake  the  trees  of 
their  coasts. 

34  He  spake,  and  ^  the  locusts  came, 
and  caterpillars,  and  that  without  num- 
ber; 

35  And  did  eat  up  all  the  herbs  in 
their  land,  and  devoured  the  fruit  of 
their  ground. 

36  '  He  smote  also  all  the  first-born 
in  their  land,  "the  chief  of  all  their 
strength. 

37  He  "^  brought  them  forth  also  with 
silver  and  gold;  and  there  was  not  one 
feeble  person  among  their  tribes. 

38  Egypt  was  °  glad  when  they  de- 
parted; P  for  the  fear  of  them  fell  upon 
them. 

39  He  ^  spread  a  cloud  for  a  cover- 
ing; and  fire  to  give  light  in  the  night. 

40  The  people  ""  asked,  and  he  brought 
quails,  ^  and  satisfied  them  with  *  the 
bread  of  heaven. 

41  He  "  opened  the  rock,  and  the 
waters  gushed  out:  they  ran  in  the  dry 
places  like  a  river. 

42  For  ^  he  remembered  his  holy 
promise,  ^  and  Abraham  his  servant. 

43  And  ^  he  brought    forth   his  peo- 


k  78:46.   E;x.  10:12—15.   Joel  1: 

4—7.  2:25.    Rev.  9:3—10. 
1   78:51.   1.35:3.   136:10.      Ex.  4: 

23.    11:4,5.   12:12,29,30.     Heb. 

11:28. 
m  Gen.  49:3. 
n  Gen.  15:14.     Ex.  3:22.   12:35, 

36.    Acts  13:17. 
o  Ex.  10:7.   12:33. 
p  Gen.  35:5.  Josh.  2:9. 
q   78:14.     Ex.  13:21,22.     14:24. 

Num.  9:15—22.    Neb.  9:12,19. 

Is.  4:5.     1  Cor.  10:1,2. 
r  78:18,26—28.      B'.x.   16:12,13. 

Num.  11:4—6,31—33. 
s  Ex.  16:14—35.     Num.  11:7— 


9.  Deut.  8:3.  Josh.  5:12.  Neh. 

9:20. 
t  78:23—25.     John  6:31—33,43 

—58. 
u  78:15,16,20.   114:8.     Ex.  17:6. 

Num.   20:11.     Neh.   9:15.    Is. 

48:21.     1  Cor.  10:4. 
X  See  on  8—11 Gen.  12:7.  13: 

14—17.  15:14.  Ex.  2:24.  Luke 

1:54,55,72,73. 
y  Ex.  32:13.  Deut.  9:5,27.  Mic. 

7:20. 
z  73:52,53.   106:8—12.     Ex.  15: 

13.  Deut.  4:37,38.    Is.  63:11- 

14.  Acts  7:36.   13:17. 


They  were  sent,  like  Ezekiel,  to  deliver  the 
message  of  God  to  haughty  rebels;  and  were 
careful  not  to  imitate  tlieir  rebellion.  [J\''otes, 
Ez.  2:3 — 8.) — Some,  however,  explain  the  clause 
of  the  Egyptians,  reading  it  as  an  interrogation: 
— "Did  they  not  rebel  against  his  word.''"  'Did 
'they  not  persist  in  rebelling,  amidst  all  the 
'plagues  inflicted  on  them.''  [J^otes,  Ex.  2: — 15: 
Acts  7:20—36.) 

V.  29—36.     Mars;.  Re/.—JsToles,   78:42—50. 

v.  37,  38.  {Marg.  Ref.—JVotes,  Ex.  12:35— 
38.  13:17,18.  /*.  63:11—14.)  'Among  such  a 
'number  of  men,  women,  children,  and  cattle, 
'nothing  was  "weak  and  feeble,"  nothing  unable 
'to  perform  the  journey.  The  order  was  that 
'  "not  a  hoof  should  be  left  behind;"  {Ex.  10:26.) 
'and  he  who  commanded,  gave  strength  to  obey.' 
Bp.  Home. 

V.  39—41.  JVotes,  78:12—31.  Ex.  13:21,22. 
16:  17:1—7.   t  Cor.  10:1—5. 

V.  42.  In  this  Psalm  the  sacred  writer  re- 
cords the  goodness  of  God  to  Israel,  without  no- 
ticing Israel's  ingratitude  and  rebellion;  which 
form  in  great  measure  the  subject  of  the  ensuing 
psalm.  Yet  he  intimates,  in  this  verse,  that  the 
Lord  conferred  all  these  benefits  on  them,  en- 
tirely from  regard  to  their  ancestor  "Abraham, 
liis  friend;"  "and  to  the  word  of  his  holiness," 

{347 


B.  C.  1045. 


PSALM  CV. 


B.  C.  1045. 


pie    *  with    joy,    and   his    chosen    with 
*  gladness; 

44  And  ^  gave  them  the  lands  of  the 


a  Is.  35:10.  51:10,11.  55.12. 

31:11, 12. 
*  Heb.    singing.    106:12. 

15;l,&c. 


I  b  44:2,3.  78:55.  80:8.  135:10— 
12.  136:21,22.  Josh.  11:23.  23. 
4.  24:3,13.  Neh.  9:22— 25. 


heathen:  and  '^  they  inherited   the  labor 
of  the  people; 

45  '^  That  they  might  observe  his 
statutes,  and  keep  his  laws,  t  Praise  ye 
the  Lord. 

c  Dfut.  6:10,11.     Josh.  5:11.        I     8—10.   Tit.  2:14. 
d    Deut.  4:40.    5:33.     6:1,2,21—     f  Heb.  Hallelujah.  106:1.   150: 
25.      Ez.   36.24—28.     Eph.  2:  |     1.   marg.     Rev.  19:3,4. 


which  he  had  spoken  to  Abraham.  [Jfotes.,  3 — 
17,  Gen.  12:1—3.  15:17—21.  17:7,8.  26:2— .5. 
28:13—15.  Er.  3:15.  DewL  7:6— 8.  9:2— 17.  i*. 
41:8,9.  Mk.  7:18—20.  Luke  1:46—55.) 

V.  43—45.  Marg.  Ref.—JTote,  44:1—3.— 
Might  observe  his  statutes,  &c.  (45)  Many  of  the 
laws  given  to  Israel  were  of  such  a  nature,  that 
they  could  not  be  obeyed  in  the  wilderness,  or  at 
a  distance  from  the  sanctuary:  [Jfotes,  JVum.  9: 
1 — 5.  Deut.  12:8,9.)  so  that"  there  wa.s  a  special 
reason,  why  they  must  inhabit  Canaan,  in  order 
to  observe  the  statutes  and  obey  the  laws  of  God: 
but  in  g-eneral,  all  their  relig-ious  advantages  and 
all  the  favors  bestowed  on  them,  were  expressly 
vouchsafed,  in  order  to  separate  them  from  other 
nations,  and  to  render  them  the  obedient  wor- 
shippers of  the  true  God.  'Let  all...  whose  lot 
'hath  fallen  in  "a  land  flowing  with  milk  and 
'honey,"  upon  earth,  reflect,  that  God  hath  given 
'them  riches,  and  the  leisure  which  riches  pro- 
'cure,  not  for  the  purpose  of  indulging  and  cor- 
'rupting  themselves  and  others;  but  that  they 
'may  glorify  him,  benefit  their  neighbors,  and 
'save  their  own  souls.'  Bp.  Home.  [JSTotes,  Ez. 
11:17—20.  36:25—27.  i>Mfce  1:67— 75.  Ti(.  2:11— 
14.) — This  Psalm,  like  the  preceding,  and  several 
which  follow,  concludes  with  the  word  Hallelu- 
jah. (JVbie,  106:1.)  'For  which,  and  all  other 
'his  benefits,  excite  yourselves  to  praise  the  Lord.' 
Bp.  Patrick. — The  labor  of  the  people.  (44) 
Deut.  6:10,11.  Josh'.  24:13.  JVeA.  9:25. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
.  V.  1—22. 
Our  meditations  on  the  works  of  the  Creator, 
and  on  his  providential  goodness,  should  lead  us 
to  consider  his  special  love  to  his  chosen  people; 
that  we  may  have  more  enlarged  views  of  his 
glory,  and  be  more  enlivened  in  admiring  love 
and  gratitude. — Whilst  ungodly  men,  by  their 
vain  songs  and  corrupt  conversation,  inflame  one 
another's  passions;  Christians  should  edify  each 
other,  by  singing  the  praises  of  God,  and  by 
"talking  of  all  his  wondrous  works:"  and  the 
New  Testament  furnishes  us  with  more  sublime 
and  interesting  subjects,  than  even  the  history  of 
Israel's  deliverance  from  Egypt,  and  settlement 
in  the  promised  land,  afforded  that  favored  na- 
tion. (JVb<es,£;>/^.  5:15— 20.  CoZ,  3:16,17.)  Let 
believers  then  "glory  in  his  holy  name;"  let  sin- 
ners seek  liis  face;  and  let  us  all  remember  the 
Redeemer's  "marvellous  works,  his  wonders,  and 
the  judgments  of  his  mouth."  The  Lord  has  in- 
deed remembered  his  covenant  with  Abraham,  in 
raising  up  his  promised  "Seed,  in  whom  all  the 
families  of  the  earth  shall  be  blessed:"  and  we 
Gentiles  are  in  him  become  a  chosen  generation 
to  shew  forth  his  praises.  [Mote,  1  Pet.  2:9,10.) 
Indeed  true  Christians  have  been  hitherto  but 
few  in  number,  compared  with  the  population  of 
the  globe;  and  they,  strangers  and  pilgrims  upon 
earth:  yet  a  far  better  inheritance  than  that  of 
Canaan  is  ensured  to  them,  by  the  oalli  and  cov- 
enant of  God.  And  if  we  have  the  unction  of  the 
Holy  Spirit,  no  kings  or  people  can  do  us  harm; 
but  our  God  will  reprove  the  greatest  of  those 
who  so  much  as  attempt  to  injure  us. — We  greatly 
mistake,  if  we  do  not  rank  afflictions  among  our 
mercies:  (17 — 19.)  as  they  tend  to  prove  the  re- 
ality of  our  faith  and  love,  to  humble  our  pride, 
348] 


to  wean  us  from  the  world,  to  quicken  our  pray- 
ers, to  enlarge  our  experience  of  the  Lord's  failii- 
fulness  to  his  promises,  to  encourage  our  depend- 
ence, to  bow  our  hearts  into  submission,  and  to 
soften  them  into  compassion  to  our  brethren. 
{M)tes,  Rom.  5:3—5.  2Cor.  1:1— 7.  4:13—18. 
Heb.  12:4—11.  Jam.  1:2—4.  1  Pet.  1:6,7.  4:12— 
16.) — When  the  Lord  calls,  famines  obey  his 
word;  and  by  withholding  bread  he  breaks  "the 
staff"  of  life,"  to  punish  the  iniquities  of  guilty  na- 
tions, and  to  exercise  the  faith  and  patience  of 
his  people.  But  he  will  assuredly  provide  for 
those  who  trust  in  him:  and  he  often  previously 
makes  arrangements,  in  order  to  supply  those 
wants  of  which  his  servants  had  no  foresight. 
Thus,  in  his  foreknowledge  of  our  lost  estate, 
long  before  we  had  an  existence,  he  appointed 
his  beloved  Son,  whom  Joseph  typified,  to  be  our 
Redeemer.  In  the  fulness  of  time  he  appeared 
on  earth  in  "the  form  of  a  servant;"  and  though 
perfectly  holy,  he  was  accused  of  grievous  crimes, 
treated  with  the  utmost  insult,  crucified,  and  laid 
in  the  grave;  and  by  these  sufferings  he  paid  the 
ransom  of  our  souls.  At  the  appointed  time  the 
bands  of  death  were  loosed,  and  by  his  resurrec- 
tion he  was  fully  justified  from  all  which  had 
been  laid  to  his  charge:  he  was  then  exalted,  by 
tlie  right  hand  of  the  Father,  to  the  mediatorial 
throne:  ail  the  treasures  of  grace  and  salvation 
are  entirely  at  his  disposal;  and  perishing  sin- 
ners come  to  him,  and  are  relieved  from  his  in- 
exhaustible stores.  But  with  this  example  in 
view,  we  can  expect  nothing  else,  than  humilia- 
tion and  hardship,  before  honor  and  usefulness  on 
earth,  and  complete  felicity  in  heaven.  We 
should  then  prepare  for  the  cross,  and  for  the 
hatred  of  the  world:  we  should  submit  to  the  will 
of  our  God,  and  wait  his  time,  and  commit  our 
all  to  his  disposal:  and  in  the  depth  of  our  dis- 
tress, the  case  of  Joseph  also  may  teach  us  to 
hope  for  speedy  and  important  changes  in  our 
circumstances,  even  in  tliis  present  world.  Nor 
is  it  improper  to  observe,  that  Jesus  has  power  to 
bind  kings  and  princes  at  his  will;  (Jfotes,  2:10 — 
12.  149:7—9.  Rev.  6:12—17.)  and  that  he  alone 
can  teach  senators  and  statesmen  true  wisdom 
and  sound  policy. 

V.  23—45. 
As  the  believer  commonly  is  most  prosperous 
in  his  soul,  when  under  trials  and  afflictions;  so 
the  church  has  often  flourished  most  in  holiness, 
and  increased  in  number,  under  oppression  and 
persecution. — But  the  image  and  favor  of  God 
are  sure  to  excite  the  enmity  of  wicked  men; 
whose  hearts  will  thus  be  "turned  to  hate  his 
servants,"  and  to  join  force  with  subtlety  to  de- 
stroy them:  and  tiiat  which  ungodly  counsellors 
think  a  wise  political  measure,  often  proves,  on 
examination,  to  be  a  "most  detestable  project  of 
the  devil  against  the  church  of  Christ.  Yet  in- 
struments shall  be  raised  up  for  her  good,  suited 
to  her  emergencies:  and  multiplied  plagues  may 
be  expected  by  obstinate  persecutors,  who  persist 
in  their  rebellion  under  the  gentler  strokes  of 
God's  correcting  rod.  The  whole  creation  is 
ready  to  rise  up  in  arms  against  his  enemies;  and 
when  he  gives  the  word,  every  thing  will  concur 
to  render  them  contemptible  and  miserable.  He 
will  fulfil  his  largest  promises  to  his  people,  and 
make  them  a  terror  to  those  who  hate  them:   and 


B.  C.  1045. 


PSALM  CVI. 


B.  C.  1045. 


PSALM  CVL 


The  Psalmist  praises  GoJ,  admires  the  happiness  of  his  people, 
and  prays  to  partake  of  it,  1 — 5.  He  recapitulates  Israel's 
provocations,  from  their  bondage  in  Egypt,  to  the  time  when 
they  were  settled  in  Canaan,  and  imitated  the  idolatries  of 
the  Canaanites,  6 — 46.     He  concludes  with  prayer  and  praise, 


47,  48. 


►RAISE 


the    Lord:    *  O 


give 


*  "PRAISE    ye    tlie 

Jl      fhanks  unto  the  Lord;  ^  for  he  is 
good:  for  his    mercy   endureth    forever. 

2  *=  Who  can  utter  the  mighty  acts  of 
the  Lord.''  who  can  shew  forth  '^  all  his 
praise.'* 

3  ^  Blessed  are  they  that  ^  keep  judg- 

•      Hallelujah.   105:45.  '  -"r   i.    n.c 


*  Heb 

a  100:4,5.     107:1.    118:1.    136:1. 

1  Chr.  16:34.     Ezra  3:11.  Jer. 

33:11.      1  Thes.  5:18. 
b  103.17.     119:68.     Matt.  19:17. 

Rom.  5:20,21. 
c40:5.  139:17,18.  145:3—12.  .Job 

5:9.  26:14.    Rom.  11:33.   Eph. 

1:19.  3:18—21. 


d  Neh.  9:5. 

e    1:1—3.     84:11,12.      119:1—3. 

Mark    3:35.       Luke   6:47—49. 

11:28.  John  13:17.  15:14.  Jam. 

1:25.   Rev.  7.15.  22:14. 
f  119:106.  Is.  56:1,2.  Jer.  22:15, 

16.    Luke  11:42.  John  14:21— 

23. 


all  the  benefits  conferred  on  Israel,  as  a  nation, 
were  only  shadows  of  the  "spiritual  blessings 
with  which  he  hath  blessed  us  in  Christ  Jesus." 
Having  redeemed  us  with  Ms  blood,  enriched  us 
from  his  treasures,  restored  our  souls  to  health 
and  holiness,  and  set  us  at  liberty  from  Satan's 
bondage;  he  guides  and  guards  us  all  the  way; 
he  satisfies  our  souls  with  the  Bread  of  heaven, 
and  with  the  Water  of  life  from  the  Rock  of  sal- 
vation, and  will  bring  us  safe  to  our  incorruptible 
inheritance. — But  let  it  never  for  a  moment  be 
forgotten,  that  the  Lord,  by  all  he  does  for  us, 
intends  to  teach,  incline,  and  enable  us,  to  "ob- 
serve his  statutes,  and  keep  his  laws;"  and  to 
shew  forth  his  praise,  first  liere  on  earth,  and 
then  in  heaven  for  ever;  and  that  he  "redeems" 
his  servants  "from  all  iniquity,  and  purifies  them 
unto  himself,  a  peculiar  people,  zealous  of  good 
works." 

NOTES. 

Psalm  CVI.  V.  1.  Praise  ye  the  Lord.] 
Hallelujah.  (105:45.)  'There  is  little  doubt,  ... 
'but  this  is  the  title  of  the  psalm,  ...  whereby  the 
'author  excites  tliem  to  acknowledge  God's  boun- 
'ty  to  their  ungrateful  forefathers.'  Bp.  Patrick. 
— Many  commentators  affix  a  very  late  date  to 
this  psalm;  supposing  it  to  have  been  written 
during  the  Babylonish  captivity,  or  even  so  long 
after,  as  the  persecution  of  Antioclms  Epiphanes. 
(.AOi/e,  47,48.)  But  tlie  concluding  verses,  on 
which  they  ground  that  opinion,  is  found  for  sub- 
stance in  the  psalm,  which  was  used  when  David 
removed  the  ark  to  mount  Zion.  [Mote,  1  Chr. 
16:34 — 36.) — Indeed  this  seems  to  be  an  appen- 
dix to  the  preceding  psalm:  for  as  that  celebrat- 
ed the  mercies  of  God  to  Israel;  [J^otes,  105:)  so 
this  confesses  and  deplores  the  rebellions  of  Is- 
rael against  God. — 'The  prophet  exhorteth  the 
'people  to  praise  God  for  his  benefits  past,  that 
'thereby  their  minds  may  be  strengthened  against 
'all  present  troubles  and  despair.' — He  is  good, 
&c.]  J^otes,  136:1—3.  Ezra  3:8—11,  i;.  11.  Jer. 
33:10,11,  V.  II. 

V.  2.  'When  ye  glorify  the  Lord,  exalt  him 
'as  much  as  ye  can:  for  even  yet  he  will  far  ex- 
'ceed:  and  when  ye  exalt  him,  put  forth  all  your 
'strength,  and  be  not  weary;  for  ye  can  never  go 
'far  enough.  Who  hath  seen  him,  that  he  might 
'tell  us.'  and  who  can  magnify  him  as  he  is.?'  Ec- 
clesiasticus  43:30,31.  [Jlarg.  Rcf.—JVote,  JVe/i. 
9:5.) 

v.  3.  The  Israelites  had  been  put  in  posses- 
sion of  Canaan,  by  the  immediate  power  of  Je- 
hovah, "that  they  might  keep  liis  statutes,  and 


ment,  and  he  that  s  doeth  righteousness 
^  at  all  times. 

4  '  Remember  me,  O  Lord,  vi^ith  the 
favor  that  thou  bearest  unto  thy  people: 
O  ^  visit  me  with  thy  salvation; 

5  That  '  1  may  see  the  good  of  thy 
chosen,  that  I  may  ™  rejoice,  in  the  glad- 
ness of  thy  nation,  that  °  I  may  glory 
with  thine  inheritance. 

6  IT  We    have  "  sinned    with   our    fa- 


g   15:2.    119:44.     Is.  64:5.     Ez. 

18:21,22.     Luke  1:74,75.    Acts 

24:16.     Rom.    2:7.      Gal.   6:9. 

Rev.  22:14. 
h  119:20,112.     Deut.  5:29.  11:1. 
i  25:7.   119:132.     Neh.  5:15.   13: 

14,22,31.   Luke  23:42. 
k  Luke  1:68,69.     Acts  15:14. 
1  105:6,43.     Deut.  7:6.  John  15: 

16.     Acts  9:15.     Eph.   1:4.    2 


Thes.  2:13.    Jam.  2:5.     1  Pet. 

2:9.    Rev.  17:14. 
m   14:7.  48:11.     Is.  12:6.  35:10. 

66:10.    Joel  2:23.     Zeph.  3:14. 

Zech.9:9.  Phil.  3:3. 
nis.  45:25.  Eph.  1:18. 
o  73:S.     Lev.  26:40.     Num.  32: 

14.     Ezra  9:6,7.    Neh.  9:16,32 

—34.    Dan.  9:5—8.     Matt.  23: 

32.  Acts  7:51,52. 


observe  his  laws:"  {JSTote,  105:43 — 45,  v.  45.)  and 
they  would  have  been  very  happy,  if  they  had 
thus  "kept  judgment,  and  done  righteousness  at 
all  times;"  that  is,  if  they  had  persevered  in  at- 
tendance on  the  ordinances  of  God,  and  in  obe- 
dience to  his  commandments.  [JSTotes,  1:1 — 3. 
32:1,2.  81:13—15.  119:3—5.  Matt.  5:3—12.  Luke 
11:27,28.) — But  though  Israel,  as  a  nation,  had 
lost  much  of  their  prosperitj'  by  sin;  yet  every 
individual,  who  thus  ordered  his  conduct,  was 
and  would  be  happj'. — No  mere  man  indeed  obeys 
God  perfectly;  yet  every  true  believer  makes 
this  his  constant  aim:  nor  shall  we  ever  be  per- 
fectly happy  till  we  are  perfectly  obedient;  that 
is,  till  fully  delivered  from  sin  and  ail  its  conse- 
quences.   [Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  4,  5.  The  Psalmist  well  understood  the 
difference  between  the  nation  of  Israel,  and  the 
true  Israelites  found  among  them.  [JVotes,  73: 
].  John  1:41— 51.  jRom.  2:25— 29.  9:6— 9.)  He 
was  one  of  that  nation,  and  shared  all  its  external 
privileges:  but  his  desire  and  prayer  was,  that  he 
miglit  be  remembered  with  the  favor  or  gracious 
forgiveness  and  acceptance,  shewn  to  the  true 
people  of  God,  and  visited  with  his  salvation;  and 
that  he  might  see  and  share  the  blessings,  the 
joy,  and  the  triumphs,  on  earth  and  in  heaven,  of 
those  who  are  indeed  "a  chosen  generation,  a 
holy  nation,"  and  the  Lord's  highly  valued  in- 
heritance. {M}te,  1  Pei.  2:9,10.)— Many  expos- 
itors understand  tliese  verses  merely  of  the  tem- 
poral felicity  promised  to  Israel  when  obedient: 
but  that  was  merely  a  shadow  of  tlie  spiritual 
and  eternal  blessings,  ensured  to  the  elect  of 
God;  and  scarcely  any  passage  of  the  New  Tes- 
tament breathes  out  a  more  fervent  longing  after 
those  spiritual  blessings,  than  this  does.  '  "Re- 
'member  me,  O  Lord,  with  the  favor,"  whicli 
'thou  hast  always  shewn  to  "thy  people,"  in  whom 
'thou  hast  delighted  from  the  ibundation  of  tlie 
'world,  and  on  whom  it  is  tliy  good  pleasure  to 
'confer  a  glorious  kingdom.  "O  visit  me  with 
'thy  salvation,"  with  whicii  so  many  patriarchs, 
'prophets,  and  kings,  have  desired  to  be  visited, 
'the  salvation  of  thy  Christ:  ...  "that  I  may  see 
'the  good  of  thy  chosen,"  their  felicity  in  behold- 
'ing  thy  countenance,  and  living  for  ever  in  thy 
'presence,  "that  I  may  rejoice  in  the  gladness  of 
'thy  nation,"  the  unspeakable  gladness  of  those 
'who  enter  into  "the  joy  of  their  Lord;"  and 
'  "glory  with  tliine  inheritance;"  singing  hallelu- 
'jahs  before  thine  everlasting  throne,  in  the  Jeru- 
'salem  wliich  is  above.'  Bp.  Home.  [Marg. 
Re/.—JVotes,  51:12,13.  119:41,42,81,82,123,132, 
166.  Gen.  49:18.  1  Sam.  2:1.  Is.  49:5,6.  Luke2: 
25—32.  3:4—6.  1  Cor.  1:26—31.   Phil.  3:1—7.) 

[349 


B.  C.  1045. 


PSALM  CVI. 


B.  C.  1045. 


thers,  we  have    committed  iniquity,  we 
have  done  v/ickedly. 

7  P  Our  fathers  understood  not  thy 
wonders  in  Egypt:  ^they  remembered 
not  ■■  the  multitude  of  thy  mercies;  but 
^provoked  him  at  the  sea,  even  at  the 
Red  sea. 

8  Nevertheless  *  he  saved  them  for 
his  name's  sake,  "  that  he  might  make 
his  mighty  power  to  be  known. 

9  He  ^  rebuked  the  Red  sea  also, 
and  it  was  dried  up:  ^  so  he  led  them 
through  the  depths  as  through  the  wil- 
derness. 

10  And  ^  he  saved  them  from  the 
hand  of  him  that  hated  them,  and  *  re- 
deemed them  from  the  hand  of  the  ene- 
my, 

11  And  ''the  waters  covered  their 
enemies;  there  was  not  one  of  them 
left. 

12  Then  •=  believed  they  his  words; 
they  sang  his  praise. 

13  "^  They  *  soon  forgat  his  works; 
^  they  waited  not  for  his  counsel: 


p  Deut.  29:4.    32:28,29.     Prov. 

1:22.    Is.  44:18.     Mark  4:12.   8: 

17—21.     2Thes.  2:10— 12. 
q   78:42.      105:5.     Deut.    15:15. 

Eph.  2:11. 
r45.  5:7.  51:1.   Is.  63.7.    Lam. 

3:3'2. 
s  Ex.  14:11,12. 
1 143:11.  Num.  14:13—16.  Deut. 

32:26,27.     Josh.  7:9.     Jer.  14: 

7,21.  Ez.  20:9,14,22,44.    Dan. 

9:17—19. 
u  111:6.  Ex.  9:16.   15:6.     Rom. 

9:17. 
a  66:6.    78:13,52,53.     114:3—7. 

136:13—16.    Ex.  14:21,22,27— 


29.    Neh.  9:11.    Is.  11:14—16. 

Nah.  1:4.    Matt.  8:26. 
y  77:19,20.  Is.  63:11—14. 
z  Ex.  14:30.   15:9,10.    Deut  11: 

4.  Neh.  9:11. 
a  107:2.   136:24.  Ex.  15:13.  Job 

6:22,23.     Mic.  6:4. 
b  78:53.    Ex.  14:13,27,28.    15:5, 

10,19. 
c  Ex.  14:31.  15:l,&c.     Luke  8: 

13.   John  8:30,31. 
d  78:11.   Ex.  15.24.   16:2.   17:2. 
*  Heb.  made  haste,  they  for- 
gat. 
e  Prov.  1:25,30.    Is.  48:17,18. 


V.  6.  'We  are  no  better  than  our  forefathers; 
'but  have  offended  after  their  example,  by  which 
'we  ought  to  have  been  amended.  We  are  guilty 
'of  many  iniquities  against  one  another,  and 
much  impiety  against  thee.'  Bp.  Patrick.  (JSTotes, 
Ezra  9:6,1.  Dan.  9:7- -10.) 

V.  7.  The  Israelites  in  general  did  not  so  un- 
derstand the  miracles  wrought  for  them  in  Egypt, 
as  to  expect  deliverance  from  the  love  and  power 
of  God;  nor  were  they  suitably  impressed  or  af- 
fected by  what  they  had  heard  and  seen,  when 
pursued  by  the  Egyptians  to  the  banks  of  the 
Red  sea:  so  that  they  soon  provoked  the  Lord  bj' 
their  unbelief  and  distrustful  murmurs.  [Marg. 
Ref.—JVotes,  Ex.  U-.lO—l'il.) 

V.  8.  'He  gave  them  a  new  deliverance,  that 
'the  world  might  not  imagine  he  wanted  power 
'to  complete  what  he  had  begun  to  do  for  them.' 
Bp.  Patrick.  {M>tes,  Ex.  14:13—18.  Is.  64:1— 
3.   Ez.  20:7— 9.) 

V.  9—11.  J^otes,  Ex.  14:19—31.  15:1—21. 
Is.  51:9— 11.  63:7—14.   Heb.  11:29. 

V.  12 — 14.  The  faitli  of  the  Israelites  was  ex- 
actly the  same,  as  is  represented  by  "the  seed 
sown  upon  stony  ground,"  and  widely  different 
from  that  which  springs  up  in  a  broken  and  pen- 
itent heart.  {M)te,  Matt.  IS:20,2\.)  They  were 
surprised,  gratified,  and  delighted,  by  their  un- 
expected deliverance  and  the  destruction  of  their 
enemies:  and  they  experienced  a  mighty  flow  of 
natural  joy  and  gratitude,  such  as  may  be  ob- 
350] 


14  ^But  t  lusted  exceedingly  in  the 
wilderness,  ^  and  tempted  God  in  the 
desert. 

1 5  And  ^  he  gave  them  their  request; 
but  sent  leanness  into  their  soul. 

16  IT  They  '  envied  Moses  ^Iso  in 
the  camp,  and  Aaron  ^  the  saint  of  the 
Lord. 

17  ^The  earth  opened  and  swallow- 
ed up  Dathan,  and  covered  the  compa- 
ny of  Abiram. 

18  And  ™  a  fire  was  kindled  in  their 
company;  the  flame  burned  up  the  wick- 
ed. 

19  IF  They  "made  a  calf  in  Horeb, 
and  worshipped  the  molten  image. 

20  Thus  °  they  changed  their  glory 
P  into  the  similitude  of  an  ox  that  eateth 
grass. 

21  They  ^forgat  'God  their  Savior, 
^  which  had  done  great  things  in   Egypt; 

22  *  Wondrous  works  in  the  land  of 
Ham,  and  "  terrible  things  by  the  Red 
sea. 

23  Therefore  ^  he  said  that  he  would 
destroy  them,   had  not  Moses  ^  his  cho- 


f  78:18,30.       Num.    11:4,33,34. 

Deut.  9:22.    1  Cor.  10:6. 
■f  Heb.    lusted  a  lust. 
g  78:18-20,40,41.  95:8,9.      Ex. 

17:2.     Num.  14:22.     1  Cor.  10: 

9.    Heb.  3:8—10. 
h   78:29—31.     Num.  11:31—34. 
'  Is.  10:16.  24:16. 
i  Num.  ie:3,&c. 
k  Ex.  28:36.    Lev.  21:6—8,10— 

12.    Num.  16:7. 
1  Num.  16:29—33.  26:10.  Deut. 

11:6. 
m  Num.  16:35—40.  Heb.  12:29. 
n  Ex.  32:4— 8,35.    Deut.  9:12— 

16,21.   Neh.  9:18.   1  Cor.  10:7. 


o  89:17.    Jer.  2:11.     Rom.  1:22, 

23. 
p  Ex.  20:4,5.   Is.  40:18— 25. 
q   13.     78:11,12,42—51.      Deut. 

32:17,18.    Jer.  2:32. 
r  Is.  12:2.  4521.  63:8.     Hos.  1: 

7.     Luke  1:47.     Tit.  1:3.  2:10. 

3:4—6. 
s    74:13,14.    135:9.     Deut.  4:34. 

6:22.  7:18,19.    Neh.  9:10,11. 
t  78:51.   105:23,27—36. 
u  Ex.  14:25—28.    15:10. 
X   Ex.  32:10,11,32.     Deut.  9:13, 

14,19,25.10:10.     Ez.  20:13,14. 
y  105:6,26.     Num.  16:5.     Matt. 

12:18.    John  15:16,19. 


served  in  children  when  they  are  humored. 
[JYotes,  Ex.  14:26 — 31.)  But  there  was  no  hu- 
miliation for  sin;  no  abiding  apprehensions  of  the 
glorious  perfections  of  Jehovah;  no  steady,  ha- 
bitual reliance  on  his  power,  wisdom,  truth,  and 
love;  no  submission  to  his  will,  or  preparation  for 
self-denying  obedience:  and  therefore  "in  time  of 
temptation  they  fell  away,"  having  no  root  in 
themselves.  "They  made  haste,  they  forgat  his 
works."  [JVarg.)  'Within  three  days,  they  be- 
'came  impatient  again.'  Bp.  Patrick.  And 
when  their  wishes  were  thwarted,  they  murmur- 
ed, rebelled,  forgat  the  works  of  God,  would  not 
wait  for  his  counsel;  but  "lusted  exceedingly  in 
the  wilderness,  and  tempted  God"  by  their  un- 
belief. [Marg.  Ref.—J\rotes,  Ex.  15:22—24.  16: 
17:1—7.  1  Cor.  10:6—12.) 

V.  15.  Instead  of  being  benefited  by  the 
abundance  of  the  quails  sent  them,  the  Israelites 
surfeited  through  excess,  and  multitudes  died  by 
disease.  [JVotes,  J^um.  11:4 — 34.) — They  "knew 
not  what  they  asked,"  or  "what  manner  of  spirit 
they  were  of:"  and  their  sensual  request  was 
granted  as  a  punishment,  and  proved  injurious 
both  to  their  health,  and  to  their  souls.  {JVotes, 
78:17—31.  3  Jo/m  1—4.) 

V.  16—18.  Marg.  Ref.—J^otes,  Mim.  16:— 
Saint  of  the  Lord.  (16)  Or,  "The  holy  pri>*<  of 
Jehovah;"  whom  he  had  chosen  and  sanctified 
to  himself,  as  the  type  of  our  Great  High  Priest. 
{Jfote,  Deut.  33:8.) 


B.  C.  1045. 


PSALM  CVI. 


B.  C.  1045. 


sen  ^  stood  before  him  in  the  breach,  to 
turn  away  his  wrath,  lest  he  should  de- 
stroy them. 

24  IF  Yea,  *  they  despised  *  the 
*  pleasant  land;  <^  they  beheved  not  his 
word: 

25  But  ^  murmured  in  their  tents, 
and  ®  hearkened  not  unto  the  voice  of 
the  Lord. 

26  '  Therefore  he  ^  Hfted  up  his  hand 
against  them,  to  overthrow  them  in  the 
wilderness: 

27  To  k  overthrow  their  seed  also 
among  the  nations,  and  ''to  scatter  them 

m   the    lands.  [practical  observations.] 

28  IT  They  'joined  themselves  also 
unto  Baal-peor,  and  ate  the  sacrifices 
^  of  the  dead. 


r  Ex.  32:14.     Jer.  5:1.    Ez.  13: 

5.    22:30.    Jam.  5: 16. 
a  Gen.  25:34.     Num.  13:32.    14: 

31.   Matt.  22:5.    Heb.  12:16. 
*  Heb.  a  land  of  desire. 
b  Deut.  8:7— 9.  11:11,12.     Jer. 

3:19.  Ez.  20:6. 
C  Num.  14:11.  Deut.  1:32.  Heb. 

3:12,18,19.  4:2,6,14.    Jude  5. 
d  Num.  14:1—4,27—29.     Deut. 

1:26,27. 
€95:7—9.     Num.  14:22.     Heb. 

3:7,C,15. 


f  95:11.  Num.  14:28—35.  Deut. 

1:34,35.     Heb.  3:11. 
g  Gen.  14:22,23.    Deut.  32:40— 

42.    Ez.  20:15.    Rev.  10:5,6. 
f  Heb.    make  them  fall. 
h  44:11.     Lev.  26:33.     Deut.  4: 

26,27.     23:37,64,65.     32:26,27. 

Ez.  20:-23. 
i  Num.  25:1— 3,5.   31:16.  Deut. 

4:3.  32:17.    Josh.  22:17.    Hos. 

9:10.     Rev.  2:14. 
k  115:4—8.  Jer.  10:3—10.  1  Cor. 

10:19,20. 


29  Thus  they  provoked  him  to  anger 
•  with  their  inventions:  and  ™  the  plague 
brake  in  upon  them. 

30  Then  "  stood  up  Phinehas,  and 
executed  judgment:  and  so  the  plague 
was  stayed. 

31  And  "that  was  counted  unto  him 
for  righteousness  unto  all  generations  for 
evermore. 

32  IF  They  p  angered  him  also  at  the 
waters  of  strife,  ^  so  that  it  went  ill  with 
Moses  for  their  sakes: 

33  Because  T  they  provoked  his  spirit, 
so  that  ^  he  spake  unadvisedly  with  his 
lips. 

34  IT  They  *  did  not  destroy  the  na- 
tions, "  concerning  whom  the  Lord  com- 
manded them: 


1  39.     99:8.      Deut.  32:16—21. 

Ec.  7:29.  Rom.  1:21—24. 
m  Num.  25:9.  1  Cor.  10:8. 
n  Num.   25:6—8,14,15.      Deut. 

13:9—11,15—17.      Josh.   7:12. 

J  Kings  18:40,41.     Jon.  1:12- 

15. 
0  Num.  25:11—13.  Deut.  24:13. 

Mark  14:3—9. 
p  78:40.   31:7.  Num.  20:2— 6,13. 
q    Num.    20:12,23,24.    27:13,14. 


Deut.  1:37.  3:26.  4:21. 
r  Num.  20:10,11. 
s39:l.   141:3.     Gen.  30:1.  35:16 

—18.     Job  2:10.    38:2.    40:4,5. 

42:7,8.  Jam.  3:2. 
t  Josh.  15:63.   16:10.   17:12—16. 

23:12,13.      Judg.    1:19,27—35. 

Matt.  17:19—21. 
u  Num.  33:52,55,56.     Deut.  7:2, 

16,23,24.  20:16,17.     1  Sam.  15: 

3,22,23. 


V.  19—23.  (JVbfcs,  Ex.  32:— 34:)  'All  idola- 
'ters  renounce  God  to  be  their  glory,  when  in- 

'steadofhim  they  worship  any  creature.' 'It 

'is  to  be  hoped,  that  we  shall  never  live  to  see  a 
•time,  when  the  miracles  of  our  redemption  shall 
*be  forgotten; ...  and  when  the  people  shall  solicit 
'their  teachers,  to  fabricate  a  new  philosophical 
'deity  for  them  to  worship,  instead  of  the  God  of 
'their  ancestors.'  Bp.  Home. — The  place,  even 
Horeb,  where  the  Israelites  made  and  worship- 
ped the  calf;  and  all  the  preceding  miracles  of 
mercy  to  them,  and  judgment  on  their  enemies, 
which  they  had  witnessed,  constituted  so  many 
highly  aggravating  circumstances  of  their  base 
and  ungrateful  conduct.  And  by  parity  of  rea- 
son, is  not  the  idolatry  of  professed  Christians,  es- 
pecially of  such  as  have  access  to  the  oracles  of 
God,  proportionably  more  heinous  and  inexcusa- 
ble, than  that  of  poor  benighted  pagans.' — the 
idolatry  of  papists,  than  that  of  the  Chinese.' — 
Moses  stood  before  God,  in  behalf  of  Israel,  by 
fervent  prayer:  but  when  he  stood  before  Israel, 
protesting  against  their  wickedness,  and  execut- 
ing judgment  on  the  idolaters;  he  was  equally 
employed  for  the  good  of  the  nation,  and  his  exer- 
tions were  equally  efficacious  in  preventing  their 
destruction.     [JSTotes,  28—31.    Ex.  32:7—14,25— 

35.  Deut.  9:2—18.  JVeA.  9:7—19.  Ez.  16:15—22. 
20:11—18.) 

V.  24—27.  [J^otes,  JVum.  13:  14:)  'He  sol- 
'emnly  sware,  that  not  one  of  that  wicked  gene- 
'ration  should  ever  come  there;'  (into  Canaan;) 
'but  all  perish  in  the  wilderness.'  Bp.  Patrick. 
(JVofes,  95:9— 11.    JVwm.  32:6— 15.    Deut.  1:22— 

36.  fle6.  3:7— 19.  4:1-11.  Jude  5—8,  v.  5.)— 
The  prophetical  threatenings  in  the  t^venty-sixth 
of  Leviticus,  the  twenty-eighth  of  Deuteronomy, 
and  other  parts  of  the  books  of  Moses,  wliich  are 
fulfilling  at  this  day,  seem  also  to  be  referred  to. 
'Discomfiture  and  dispersion  were  also  tlireaten- 
'ed  to  their  posterity,  that  is,  if  they  should  go  on 
'in  the  same  spirit  of  rebellion,  and  fill  up  the 
'measure  of  their  fathers'  iniquities:  which  they 
'have  since  done,  and  are  accordingly  "over- 


'thrown  among  the  nations,  and  scattered  among 
'the  lands  to  this  day." '  Bp.  Home.  [Marg. 
Ref.—JVotes,  Deut.  4:25—28.  28:65—67.  Ez.  20: 
5,6,  V.  6,15,23—28.) 

V.  28—31.  (JVbfes,  JVwwi.  25:)  The  word 
(^*^^^)  rendered  "executed  judgment,"  means 

also  "prayed,"  and  is  so  translated  in  the  Book  of 
common  prayer:  but  the  conduct  of  Phinehas, 
as  recorded  by  Moses,  shews  that  the  translation 
here  used  is  proper.  He  interposed,  (for  this 
seems  the  precise  meaning  of  the  word,  in  this 
connexion,)  not  merely  by  prayer;  but  as  a  mag- 
istrate, by  punishing  two  most  daring  and  auda- 
cious criminals. — The  Septuagint  render  it,  "He 
made  atonement." — 'Tliis  act  declared  his  livel)' 
'faith,  and  for  his  faith's  sake  was  accepted.' 
(JVbfes,  19— 23.  Deut.  4:3,4.  Josh.  22:11.  Hos. 
9:9,10.  Rev.  2:14 — 16.)— Sacrifices  of  the  dead. 
(28)  J\rotes,  115:3—8.  Is.  8:19.  Jer.  10:9,10.  1 
Cor.  10:18 — 22.  The  word  signifies  dead  men; 
and  the  idols  of  the  gentiles  were  generally  war- 
riors, kings,  or  lawgivers,  whom  they  deified, 
when  dead,  as  the  papists  worship  dead  saints. 

V.  32,  33.  {JVotes,  JVum.  20:2—13.  Deut.  3: 
23 — ^28.)  '  "The  wrath  of  man"  found  admission, 
'and  that  "worketh  not  the  righteousness  of 
'God."  Thou,  blessed  Jesus,  art  tlie  only  perfect 
'pattern  of  patience  and  love!  O  grant  to  all, 
'but  above  all  to  the  pastors  of  thy  flock,  a  "spir- 
'it"  not  easy  to  be  "provoked,"  and  lips  not 
'hasty  to  "speak  unadvisedly."  '  Bp.  Home. — 
'If  so  notable  a  prophet  of  God  escape  not  pun- 
'ishment,  though  others  provoked  him  to  sin;  how 
'much  more  shall  they  be  subject  to  God's  judg- 
'ment,  who  cause  God's  children  to  sin.'  {Marg. 
Ref.— Motes,  J^um.  27:12—17.  Deut.  1:37.) 

V.  34.  God  commissioned  Israel  to  execute 
his  righteous  sentence  of  extermination  on  the 
Canaanites,  who  had  filled  up  the  measure  of 
their  crimes:  and,  while  many  in  every  age  de- 
claim against  them  for  tlie  supposed  cruelty  of 
their  conduct  in  this  respect;  tliey  are  repeatedly 
i  in  scripture  charged  with  guilt,  for  sparing  those 
whom  God  had  doomed  to  death;  and  their  crime 

[3^1 


B.  C.  1045. 


PSALM  CVI. 


B.  C.  1045. 


35  But  ^  were  mingled  among  the 
heathen,  y  and  learned  their  works. 

36  And  ^  they  served  their  idols; 
*  which  were  a  snare  unto  them. 

37  Yea,  ^  they  sacrificed  their  sons 
and  their  daughters  unto   "^  devils, 

38  And  '^  shed  innocent  blood,  even 
the  blood  of  their  sons  and  of  their 
daughters,  whom  they  sacrificed  unto  the 
idols  of  Canaan:  and  ®  the  land  was  pol- 
luted with  blood. 

39  Thus  were  they  ''  defiled  with  their 
own  works,  and  ^  went  a  whoring  with 
^  their  own  inventions. 

40  Therefore  was  '  the  wrath  of  the 
Lord  kindled  against  his  people,  ^  inso- 
much that  he  abhorred  '  his  own  inher- 
itance. 

41  And 
of  the   heathen;  and    "they   that    hated 
them  ruled  over  them. 


™  he  gave  them  into  the  hand 


X  Josh.  15:63.     Judg.  1:27—36. 

2:2,3. 
y  Is.  2:6.   1  Cor.  5:6.   15:33. 
z  78:58.     Ex.  34:15,16.  Judg.  2: 

12.  3:5—7.    10:6.     2  Kings  17: 

8—11,16,17.     2  Chr.   33:2—9. 

Ez.  16:15,&c.  20:28—32. 
a  Ex.  23:33.     Deut.  7:16.  Josh. 

22:13.     Judg.  2:3. 
b  Deut.  12:30,31.  18:10.  2KiDgs 

16:3.  17:17.  21:6.  Is.  57:5.  Jer. 

7:31.  32:35.     Ez.  16:20,21.  20: 

26.  23:37,47. 
C  Lev.  17:7.  Deut.  32:17.  2  Chr. 

11:15.  1  Cor.  10:20.  Rev.  9:20. 
d   Deut.   21:9.      2  Kings  21:16. 

24:4.     Jer.  2:34. 


e  Num.  35:33.     Is.  1:15.  26:21. 

Ez.  7:23.  22:3. 
f  Is.  24:5,6.  59:3.    Ez.  20:18,30, 

31,43. 
g  Ex.  34:16.    Lev.  17:7.  20:5,6. 

Num.  15:39.     Jer.  3:1,2.     Ez. 

16:15,&c.    23:3,&c.     Hos.  9:1. 

Rev.  17:1—6. 
h29. 

i  78:59—62.    Judg.  2:14,20.  3:8. 
k   Lev.    20:23.       Deut.    32:19. 

Zech.  11:8. 
1  74:1,2.   Deut.  9:29. 
m    Deut.  32:30.     Judg.  2:14.  3: 

8,12.    4:1,2.    6:1—6.     10:7,&c. 

Neh.  9:27,&c. 
n  Deut.  28:25,29,33,43. 


was  awfully  punished  by  its  consequences. 
(JVb<e«,  JVMm.  31:2,14— 18.  33:51—56.  Deut.  7:1 
— 4.  Josk.  6:21.  23:13.  Judg.  2:1—5.) 

V.  35—38.  Marg.  Ref.—JVotes,  78:56—60.  2 
Kings  17:7—17.  Jer.  2:10—13,33—37.  Ez.  16: 
15—22.  20:25,26.  23:39.— IFkich  were  a  snare, 
&c.  (36)  "They  were  to  them  for  a  snare." 
The  Canaanites,  whom  the  Israelites  spared, 
were  a  snare  unto  them,  by  tempting  them  to 
join  in  their  abominable  idolatries. — Sacrificed 
their  sons  and  their  daughters  unto  devils.  (37) 
{J\'otes,  Lev.  20:2— 3.  Deut.  32:11.)  No  instance 
is  recorded,  in  which  the  Israelites  were  guilty  of 
this  most  horrid  crime,  till  long-  after  the  days  of 
David;  and  this  circumstance  seems  to  favor  the 
opinion,  that  the  psalra  was  composed  by  some 
other  person,  during  the  captivity.  The  Israel- 
ites, however,  in  the  days  of  the  judges,  might 
imitate  the  idolaters,  among  whom  they  lived,  in 
this,  as  well  as  in  their  other  abominations,  though 
it  is  not  expressly  recorded.  And  no  allusion  is 
made,  in  any  part  of  the  psalm,  to  the  rebellions 
and  idolatries  of  the  kings  of  Judah  or  of  Israel, 
to  the  golden  calves  worshipped  by  the  latter,  or 
to  the  profanations  of  the  temple  by  the  former: 
yet  these  are  prominent  subjects,  in  the  enume- 
ration given  by  other  inspired  writers,  of  the 
crimes  which  provoked  God  to  cast  off  Israel, 
and  to  punish  Judah  by  the  Babylonish  captivity; 
and  would  scarcely  have  been  passed  over  in  en- 
tire silence,  if  the  psalm  had  been  written  after 
those  events. — Indeed,  it  would  be  wonderful,  in 
that  case,  that  nothing  should  be  said,  either 
about  the  temple,  or  Jerusalem,  or  any  of  the 
kings  of  Judali,  good  or  bad. 

V.  39.  JTutes,  Ex.  34:11—17.  Lev.  17:3—7.  20: 
2—6.  Jer.  3:1—3.  Rev.  17:1—6. 
352] 


42  Their  enemies  also  oppressed 
them,  and  they  were  brought  into  sub- 
jection under  their  hand. 

43  °  Many  times  did  he  deliver  them; 
but  they  provoked  Am  p  with  their  coun- 
sel; and  were  *  brought  low  for  their 
iniquity. 

44  Nevertheless,  '^  he  regarded  their 
affliction,  when  he  heard  their  cry; 

45  ■■  And  he  remembered  for  them 
his  covenant,  and  ^  repented  according 
to  ^  the  multitude  of  his  mercies. 

46  "  He  made  them  also  to  be  pitied 
of  all   those   that   carried  them  captives* 

47  ^  Save  us,  O  Lord  our  God,  and 
y  gather  us  from  among  the  heathen,  ^  to 
give  thanks  unto  thy  holy  name,  and  ta 
triumph  in  thy  praise. 

48  ^  Blessed  be  the  Lord  God  of  Is- 
rael from  everlasting  to  everlasting:  and 
let  all  the  people  say.  Amen,  t  Praise 
ye  the  Lord. 


0   Judg.  2:16—18,     1  Sara.  12:9 

—11.     Neh.  9:27,28. 
p29.   1:1.   81:12. 
*  Or,  ivipoverishfd.  or,  v>eak- 

ened.  Judg.  5:8.  6:5,6.  1  Sam. 

13:19—22. 
q  Judg.  2:18.    6:8—10.    10:10— 

16.     1  Sam.  7:8—12.     2  Kings 

14:26,27. 
r    105:8.       Lev.    26:40 42.    2 

Kings  13:23.     Luke  1:71,72. 
3    90:13.     135:14.       Ex.   32:14. 

Deut.    32:36.       Judg.    2:18.  2 

Sam.  24:16.     Hos.  11:8.     Am. 

7:3,6. 


t51:l.  69:16.  Is.  63:7.    Lam.  3: 

32. 
u  1  Kings  8:50.    Ezra  9:9.  Jer. 

15:11.  42:12. 
X  14:7.  126:1—4.     1  Chr.  16:35, 

36. 
y  Jer.  32:37—41.     Ez.  36:24— 

28.  37:21—28.  39:25—29. 
z  107:1— 3.     2  Cor.  2:14.    Rer. 

7:10—12. 
a  41:13.  72:18,19.  89:52.    1  Chr. 

29:10.      1  Cor.  14:16. 
t  Heb.   Hallelujah.   1.   105:45. 

7narg. 


V.  40 — 45.  The  history  contained  in  the  book 
of  Judges  and  in  the  former  part  of  the  first 
book  of  Samuel;  and  especially  those  parts  of  it 
which  are  referred  to  in  the  margin,  form  a  full 
comment  on  these  verses.  {J\otes,  Lev.  26:11,12. 
Devt.  32:19,20.  Zech.  11:7—9.)  'This  is  an  epit- 
'ome  of  the  history  of  the  Israelites.  ...  Trans- 
'gressions  brought  on  chastisements,  chastise- 
'ments  produced  repentance,  and  repentance  ob- 
'tained  mercy.  For  their  last  and  grand  rebel- 
'lion  against  the  Son  of  God,  and  their  king  Mes- 
'siali,  whom  they  murdered,  the  sore  burden  of 
'heaven's  displeasure  hath  rested  upon  the  nation 
'these  seventeen  hundred  years:  but  their  eyes 
'are  not  yet  opened;  their  hearts  have  not  hither- 
'to  relented.'  Bp.  Home.  [J^otes,  Lev.  26:40 — 
45.  Deut.  4:29—31.  30:1—10.  Zech.  12:9—14.) 

V.  46.  Had  the  several  nations,  into  whose 
hands  God  successively  sold  Israel  for  their  sins, 
determined  on  extirpating  the  nation,  as  they  had 
the  Canaanites;  there  was,  in  many  instances, 
nothing  of  external  difficulty  sufficient  to  hinder 
them:  but  the  Lord  inclined  the  hearts  of  the 
conquerors  to  compassionate  their  slaves  and  cap- 
tives, and  thus  the  effects  of  their  vehement  re- 
sentments were  prevented.  The  Israelites,  be- 
ing pitied,  were  only  impoverished  and  enslaved, 
and  not  destroyed.  [J^otes,  Ezra  6:22.  7:27,28. 
Jer.  42:10—12.) 

V.  47,  48.  (JVbfe,  1  Chr.  16:34—36.)  If  David 
did  not  write  this  psalm,  but  it  was  composed  by 
some  prophet  during  the  captivitj';  the  writer 
took  this  passage  from  David's  psalm,  and  ap- 
plied it  to  the  state  of  the  Jews  in  his  own  time. 
— Indeed  the  words  are  very  applicable  to  the 
present  condition  of  the  Jews;  and  will  doubtless 
be  used  by  them,  when  the  veil  shall  be  taken 


B.  C.  1045. 


PSALM  CVI. 


B.  C.  1045. 


from  their  hearts,  and  they  shall  turn  to  the  Lord. 
■ — Triumph,  &c.  (47)  "Glory  in  thy  praise:"  1 
Chr.  16:35.  The  original  word  is  the  same  in 
both  places. — Blessed  be,  Sic.  (48)  JVotcs,  41:11 
— 13, -y.  13.  7'2:17— 19.  89:52.  JVeh.  9:5.  Matt.  6: 
13. — 'Let  the  great  Lord  of  all  the  world  who 
'hath  been  so  gracious  unto  Israel,  as  to  choose 
•them  for  his  own  peculiar  people,  be  most  heart- 
'ily  blessed  and  praised.  Let  all  generations 
•bless  him,  as  long  as  the  world  shall  last,  and 
♦unto  all  eternity:  and  let  all  his  people  concur  in 
these  desires,  and  wish  it  may  be  so;  let  them  all 
'praise  the  Lord,  and  desire  that  he  may  be  ever 
'praised.'  Bp.  Patrick.  This  Psalm  "also  con- 
cludes with  Hallelujah. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
V.  1—27. 

None  of  our  sins  or  sufferings  should  prevent 
our  ascribing  glory  and  praise  to  the  Lord,  and 
thanking  him  for  his  undeserved  and  everlasting 
goodness  and  mercy:  indeed  the  more  unworthy 
we  are,  the  more  admirable  is  his  kindness,  in 
continuing  to  us  any  of  our  comforts  and  hopes. 
"But  who  can  utter  the  mighty  acts  of  the  Lord, 
or  shew  forth  all  his  praise?"  This  as  much  ex- 
ceeds our  ability,  as  it  does,  to  fulfil  the  whole  of 
his  righteous  law  witliout  defect  or  failure:  yet 
those,  who  depend  on  the  Redeemer's  righteous- 
ness, will  copy  the  example  of  his  persevering 
obedience,  and  endeavor,  both  by  word  and  deed, 
to  shew  forth  his  praises  as  they  are  able.  These 
are  indeed  a  happy  people;  for  sin  is  the  only 
cause  of  all  the  misery  in  the  universe:  how  ab- 
surd then  is  it  for  men  to  amuse  themselves  with 
the  notion  of  a  religion,  which  they  fancy  will  save 
and  bless  them,  without  rendering  them  obedient 
to  the  will  of  God! — Multitudes  indeed  abuse 
their  outward  privileges,  and  many  professed 
Christians  run  into  extravagant  sentiments,  and 
inconsistent  practices:  yet  God  has  a  people  in 
every  age,  who  enjoy  his  favor,  and  experience 
the  power  and  comfort  of  his  salvation;  whom  he 
has  chosen  to  himself,  and  to  whom  he  will  do 
good;  who  are  holy  and  happy  under  his  govern- 
ment and  protection;  and  for  whom  gladness,  and 
victory,  and  eternal  glory  are  reserved.  Let  us 
pray,  earnestly  and  constantly,  to  be  thus  remem- 
bered and  distinguished,  and  to  participate  their 
privileges  and  felicity.  We  shall  not  be  exclud- 
ed from  this  favor,  tliough  "we  have  sinned  with 
our  fatliers  and  done  very  wickedly,"  if  indeed  we 
are  truly  humbled  for  our  iniquities. — But  when 
man  is  left  to  himself,  no  miracles,  mercies, 
warnings,  or  judgments,  will,  deeply  and  dura- 
bly, influence  his  heart  to  trust  and  serve  the 
Lord.  We  have  then  no  right  to  charge  our  mis- 
ery upon  the  sins  of  our  fathers,  seeing  we  have 
copied  and  perhaps  exceeded  them:  rather  we 
sliould  be  humbled  to  reflect  how  we  arise,  one 
generation  after  another,  "an  increase  of  sinful 
men,  to  provoke  the  Lord  to  anger:"  so  that,  if 
he  did  not  "save  us  for  his  own  name's  sake,"  and 
to  the  praise  of  his  glorious  power  and  grace,  wc 
should  all  perish  without  remedy. — In  reviewing 
our  past  lives,  we  shall  often  find  that  the  tuning 
of  our  rebellions  has  exceedingly  aggravated  the 
guilt  of  them.  We  have  perhaps  distrusted  the 
Lord,  after  having  just  before  experienced  his 
merciful  interpositions  in  our  favor.  When  re- 
markable deliverances  have  excited  a  transient 
joy  and  gratitude;  we  have  speedily  forgotten  all, 
and  relapsed  into  murmurs  and  disobedience! 
Under  distress  of  conscience,  we  have  perliaps 
been  ready  to  say  to  the  Lord,  'Save  our  sonis, 
'and  deal  with  us  in  all  otlier  things  as  thou 
'pleasest:'  yet,  it  may  be,  eve  long  we  have  grown 
impatient  of  poverty  and  hardship,  have  lusted 
after  some  worldly  indulgence,  and  tempted  in- 
stead of  trusting  Providence;  and  thus  have  we 

Vol.  III.  45 


provoked  God  to  send  "leanness  into  our  souls," 
or  to  inflict  severe  corrections  upon  us,  in  order 
to  bring  us  to  a  sense  of  our  folly.  We  cannot 
but  know,  that  we  have  often  given  way  to  envy, 
ambition,  and  self-preference:  and  instead  of  sit- 
ting down  quietly  "in  the  lowest  place"  of  his 
church,  (which  is  far  too  good  for  such  vile  sin- 
ners,) and  rejoicing  in  the  gifts  and  usefulness  of 
his  saints  and  ministers;  we  have  been  secretly 
repining,  or  openly  rivalling  or  censuring  them'. 
So  that  even  the  believer  will  sec  abundant  caUse 
to  say,  "It  is  of  the  Lord's  mercies  that  1  am  not 
consumed,"  after  the  example  of  Korah  and  his 
company.  Often  have  we,  forgetful  of  the  ter- 
rors of  mount  Sinai,  and  even  of  the  scene  exhib- 
ited on  mount  Calvary,  and  of  our  marvellous  de- 
liverance from  the  hand  of  our  enemy,  been  set- 
ting up  idols  in  our  hearts,  and  cleaving  to  some 
forbidden  object:  so  that  if  a  greater  than  "Mo- 
ses had  not  stood  in  the  breach,  to  turn  away  the 
anger  of  the  Lord;"  we  should  have  provoked 
him  to  destroy  us.  Even  thotigh  we  have  not  en- 
tirely disbelieved  the  word  of  God,  or  despised 
the  heavenly  inheritance;  yet  the  feebleness  of 
our  desires,  and  the  weakness  of  our  faith,  and 
our  eagerness  about  worldly  things,  have  fre- 
quently argued  a  very  perverse,  ungrateful,  and 
carnal  frame  of  spirit.  In  short  we  have  put  the 
patience  of  the  Lord  himself  to  trial,  and  no  other 
could  have  borne  with  us;  we  have  broug-ht  upon 
ourselves  many  rebukes  and  corrections;  we  have 
continual  reason  to  join  humiliation  with  our 
gratitude:  and  though  the  Lord  has  many  a  time 
delivered  us,  and  renewed  our  comforts,  yet  we 
have  again  provoked  him,  and  have  been  brought 
low  for  our  iniquity.  Still,  however,  mercy  has 
prevailed;  he  has  heard  our  prayers,  remember- 
ed his  covenant,  and  spared  us  for  his  name's 
sake. 

V.  28—48. 
If  the  rcaZ  Christian's  review  of  his  past  con- 
duct alfords  so  much  ground  for  humiliation,  the 
case  ofprofessed  Christians  is  still  worse.  A  great 
part  of  the  visible  church  has  forgotten  God  our 
Savior,  and  turned  aside  to  the  worship  of  molten 
images,  saints,  and  angels;  changing,  like  Israel, 
their  "glory  into  the  simililude"  of  their  fellow- 
creatures.  Great  multitudes  seem  desirous  of 
discarding  the  God  and  Savior  of  the  Bible,  and 
substituting  in  his  place  ^philosophical  diily,  not 
indeed  the  work  of  their  own  hands,  but  the  crea- 
ture of  their  own  imaginations,  and  no  moie  a 
just  resemblance  of  Jkhovah,  than  tbe  golden 
calf  was.  Among  those  who  do  not  adopt  such 
sentiments,  we  find  conformity  to  the  world,  in 
its  vainest,  if  not  most  criminal  practices;  the  in- 
dulgence, instead  of  (he  mortification,  of  every 
carnal  lust;  nay,  an  imitation  of  the  lewdness,  ex- 
cesses, extortions,  oppressions,  and  cruelties  of 
the  heathen,  even  to  the  polluting  of  the  lands 
where  they  live,  with  the  blood  of  great  numbers 
sacrificed  to  their  avarice.  And  many  train  up 
their  children  in  vanity  and  vice,  and  in  contempt 
of  every  tiling  sacred;  as  if  they  meant  (hat  they 
should  be  devoted  to  Satan,  and  were  determined 
to  nmrder  their  precious  souls.  While  nations 
professing  Christianity  are  openly  and  generally 
guilty  of  such  enormities,  no  wonder  that  the 
wrath  of  the  Lord  is  kindled  against  them;  and 
we  ma)'^  expect  that,  after  repeated  deliverances, 
he  will  bring  them  very  low  for  their  iniquities: 
and  except  a  general  and  deep  repentance,  and 
"works  meet  for  repentance,"  intervene,  there 
can  be  no  prospect  but  of  increasing  calamities 
and  confusion.  It  would  be  well,  if  those,  who 
fill  up  the  important  stations  of  legislators  and 
magistrates,  were  inspired  with  tiie  mtrepid  zeal 
of  Phinehas,  to  execute  judgment  upon  daring 
criminals:  this  would  be  "accounted  to  them  for 
righteousness"  by  the  Judge  of  the  world,  how- 

£353 


B.  C.   1045. 


PSALM  CVII. 


B.  C.  1045. 


PSALM  CVIL 

Sxhortations  to  praise  God,  for  redemption  from  captivity,  and 
guidance  in  perilous  journeys  to  a  safe  habitation,  1 — 9:  for 
deliverance  from  prison,  10 — 16:  for  recovery  from  sickness,  17 
—  22:  for  preservation  when  in  imminent  dano;er  of  shipwreck, 
23—3-2:  an!  for  the  care  of  his  providence  over  the  afl'airs  of 
men,  33 — i3. 


o 


*  GIVE  thanks  unto  the  Lord,  for 
he  is    ^  good:  '^  for   his  mercy   en- 
dureth  for  ever. 

2  Let  "^  the  redeemed  of  the  Lord 
say  so,  whom  he  hath  redeemed  ^  from 
the  hand  of  the  enemy; 

3  And  ''gathered  them  out  of  the 
lands,  from  tlie  east,  and  from  the  west, 
from  the  north,  and  *  from  the  south. 

4  They  s  wandered  in  the  wilderness 
in  a  solitary  way;  they  found  no  city  to 
dwell  in. 


a    106:1.     113:1.      )36:1,&C.    1 

Chr.  16:34,41.     2Chr.  5:13.  7: 

3,6.  20:21. 
b  119:68.     Matt.  19:17. 
c  103:17.    Luke  1:50. 
d31:5.    130:3.   Ex.  15:16.  Deut. 

15:15.  Is.  35:9.  43:1.  44:22,23. 

Luke  1:63.    24:21.     Gal.  3:13. 

Tit.  2:14.      1  Pet.  1:13,19. 
e   106:10.     Deut.  7:8.     Jer.  15: 


21.  31:11.    Mic.  4:10.  Luke  1: 

74. 
f  106:47.    Is."ll:ll— 16.  43:5,6. 

49:12.  Jer.  29:14.  31:8,10.  K2. 

3ri:24.  39:27,2.3.    Rev.  5:9. 
*  Heb.  from  the  ^ea. 
g  40.     Gen.  21:14—16.     Num. 

14:33.     Deut.  8:15.    .lob  12:24. 

Kz.  34:6,12.  Heb.  11:38.  Rev. 

12:6. 


ever  it  were  blamed  by  the  criminals  or  their 
abettors.  Every  one  of  us  however,  should  imi- 
itate  Moses,  by  "standing  in  the  breach  to  turn 
away  the  wrath"  of  God  from  a  guilty  land;  both 
by  our  earnest  and  persevering  prayers,  and  by 
our  zealous  endeavors  to  promote  reformation, 
and  tlie  revival  of  true  religion,  in  our  several 
circles.  But  it  behoves  us,  in  our  zeal  against 
sin  and  siuners,  to  watch  over  our  own  passions 
and  expressions;  lest  we  speak  unadvisedly  with 
our  lips,  and  it  should  go  ill  with  us  also  for  their 
sakes. — Our  general  duty  is,  however,  the  most 
pleasant  and  the  safest:  and  when  many  are  left 
in  any  church  or  nation,  who  attend  to  the  duties 
of  their  .several  stations;  there  remains  a  hope  that 
God  will  turn  away  his  wrath,  and  not  destroy 
tliem.  Let  us  then  beseech  him  to  separate  his 
church,  and  to  distinguish  his  professed  people, 
from  the  heathen,  by  his  sanctifying  grace;  and  to 
unite  them  in  love  that  they  may  "give  thanks 
unto  his  holy  name,  and  triumph  in  his  praise." 
Let  us  beseech  liim  to  bring  a^ain  into  his 
church  the  poor  dispersed  Jews:  let  us  bless  his 
name  for  our  peculiar  mercies,  and  desire  that 
our  God  may  be  universally  and  everlastingly 
praised;  and  that  all  the  people  of  the  earth  may 
say,  "Amen;  Hallelujah." 

NOTES. 
Psalm  CVII.  V.  1—7.  {J^ote,  136:1-3.] 
'Eternal  mercy  is  the  theme  here  proposed;  and 
Hhey  who  have  tasted  its  sweets,  are  invited  to 
'join  in  setting  forth  its  praises.  The  members  of 
'the  Christian  church  are  now,  in  the  most ... 
'emphatical  sense  of  the  words,  "the  redeemed  of 
'JeIiovah,  whom  he  hath  redeemed  from  the 
'hand  of  the  enemy,  and  gathered  them,"  by  the 
<gospcl,  out  of  all  lands.'  Bp.  Home.— It  is  prob- 
able that  this  Psalm  was  composed  by  David,  if 
he  indeed  were  the  author  of  the  two  preceding 
psalms:  as  those  relate  to  the  Lord's  dealings  with 
Israel;  aud  this  calls  our  attention  to  his  provi- 
dential care  of  mankind  in  general.  But,  while 
we  primarily  notice  the  literal  sense;  we  shall 
also  perceive,  that  the  instances,  which  are  se- 
lected, are  pictures,  or  similitudes,  of  tlie  bless- 
ings pertaining  to  salvation. — There  seems  in 
these  verses  some  reference  to  the  deliverance  of 
354] 


5  •"  Hungry  and  thirsty,  their  soul 
fainted  in  them. 

6  Then  '  they  cried  unto  the  Lord  in 
their  trouble,  and  ^  he  dehvered  them 
out  of  their  distresses. 

7  And  '  he  led  them  forth  by  the  right 
way,  ™  that  they  might  go  to  a  city  of 
habitation. 

8  "  Oh,  that  men  would  °  praise  the 
Lord  for  his  goodness,  and  for  p  his 
wonderful  works  to  the  children  of  men! 

9  For  1  he  satisfieth  the  longing  soul, 
and  iilleth  the  hungry  soul  with  good- 
ness. [Practical  Observations.] 

10  IT  Such  'as   sit  in  darkness  and  in 


hJudj.  15:18,19.     iSam. 30:11, 

12    Is.  44:12.  Jer.  14:18.  Lam. 

2:19.     Mark  8:2,3. 
i  13,19,23.  50:15.  91:15.    Is.  41: 

17,18.     Jer.    29:12—14.     Hos. 

5:15.     Heb.  4:15,16. 
k   2  Cor.    1:8—10.     12:3—10.  2 

Tim.  3:11. 
1  ■i7.20.  78:52.   136:16.     Ezra  8: 

21—23.      Is.   .30:31.     35:8—10. 

48:17.  49:8—11.  63:13,14.  Jer. 

6:16.  31:9.     2  Pet.  2:15,21. 
m  4,36.   Neh.  11.3.     Jer.  31:24, 


38—40.  33:10—13.    lieb.  11:9, 

10,16.   12:22.     Re  v.  21 :2— 4, 10 

—27. 
D    15,21.31.    81:13—16.      Deut. 

5:29.  32:29.  Is.  48:13. 
0  34:3.  92:1,2.  147:1.  Is.  63:7. 
p  40:5.    78:4.    111:4.     Dan.  4:2, 

3.  6:27. 
q  34:10.   132:15.   146:7.    Is.  55:1 

—3.     Jer.    31:14,25.     Matt.  5: 

6.   JUike  1:53.  Rev.  7:16,17. 
r  Job  3:5.     Is.  9:2.     Matt.  4:16. 

22:13.     Luke  1:79. 


Israel  out  of  Egypt,  their  wanderings  in  the  des- 
ert, and  their  settlement  in  Canaan;  yet  they  do 
not  exactly  or  exclusively  apply  to  these  events. 
The  Israelites  were  not  gathered  out  of  the  lands, 
from  the  east,  west,  north,  and  south:  but  they 
were  redeemed  from  the  power  of  Pharaoh;  and 
wandered  in  the  wilderness,  and  hungered  and 
thirsted,  and  were  led  far  round,  yet  in  a  right 
way.  [Jfutes,  Deut.  8:2 — 3.)  For  a  long  time, 
they  "found  no  city  to  dwell  in:"  (JVotCj  JSTum. 
14:27 — 30.)  at  length  they  were  settled  in  a  land, 
where  cities  were  ready  prepared  for  them,  and 
where  they  were  abundantl)'  satisfied  with  every 
earthly  blessing. — The  case  of  travellers  in  those 
countries  seems  also  referred  to.  A  number  of 
people,  collected  from  all  quarters,  march  to- 
gether through  the  sandy  deserts;  where  they  are 
liable  to  be  assaulted  by  robbers  and  plunderers, 
and  are  in  danger  of  losing  their  way,  or  of  per- 
ishing by  hunger  and  thirst.  But  when  they  are 
in  trouble,  and  call  upon  the  Lord,  he  delivers 
them  from  their  enemies  and  dangers,  and  guides 
them,  in  his  providence,  to  the  cities  which  they 
mean  to  inhabit. — The  words  likewise  exactly 
describe  the  case  of  those,  whom  the  Lord  has 
redeemed  from  the  bondage  of  Satan,  and  col- 
lected from  all  parts  of  the  earth;  who  pass 
through  the  world  as  a  perilous  and  dreary  ^vil- 
derness:  who  are  often  ready  to  faint  through 
troubles,  fears,  and  temptations;  who  learn  to  call 
upon  the  Lord  in  every  danger  and  difficulty,  and 
are  guarded,  fed,  and  refreshed,  till  they  at 
length  arrive  at  that  city,  which  the  Lord  has 
prepared  for  their  habitation;  where  their  long- 
ing souls  will  be  for  ever  satisfied  with  his  good- 
ness.— Perhaps  the  recovery  of  the  Jews  from 
their  dispersions  was  also  predicted;  as  the  con- 
clusion of  the  foregoing  Psalm  seems  peculiarly 
applicable  to  their  present  condition.  {J)Iarg: 
Ref.—JVote,  106:47,48.) 

V.  8,  9.  "Let  them  praise  the  Lord  for  his 
goodness."  The  kindness  and  compassion  of  God 
to  the  sons  of  fallen  Adam,  in  abundantly  supply- 
ing- their  temporal  wants,  demands  the  return  of 
admiring  praise  and  thanksgiving:  but  his  mercy, 
in  providing  for  the  spiritual  wants  of  perishing 
sinners,  and  thus  "satisfying  the  longing  soul, 
and  filling  the  hungry  soul  with  goodness,"  which 


B.  C.  1045. 


PSALM  CVIL 


B.  C.   1045. 


the   shadow   of   death,   being  ^  bound  in 
affliction  and  iron; 

11  Because  *  they  rebelled  against 
the  words  of  God,  and  "  contemned  the 
counsel  of  the  most  High: 

12  Therefore  ^  he  brought  down  their 
heart  with  labor;  they  fell  down,  y  and 
there  was  none  to  help. 

13  Then  '^  they  cried  unto  the  Lord 
in  their  trouble,  and  he  saved  them  out 
of  their  distresses. 

14  He  ^brought  them  out  of  dark- 
ness and  the  shadow  of  death,  and 
''  brake  their  bands  in  sunder. 

15  Oh,  "^that  men  would  praise  the 
Lord /or  his  goodness,  and  for  his  won- 
derful works  to  the  children  of  men! 

1 6  For  ''  he  hath  broken  the  gates  of 


s  105:18.      Ex.  2.-23,24.     2  Chr. 

33:11.     Job  36:8.    Lam.  3:6,7. 

Rom.  6:20,21. 
t  68:6,18.    106.43.     Is.  63:10,11. 

Lam.  3:39—42.    .S:15— 17. 
U  73:24.    2  Chr.  25:15,16.  33:10. 

Prov.  1:25,30,31.   Is.  5:19.  Jer. 

44:16.  Luke  7:30.  16:14.  Rom. 

1:28. 
X  Ex.  2:23.    5:18,19.     Jiidg.  10: 

16—13.     16:21,30.     Neh.  9:37. 

Is.  51:19,20,23.  52:5.     Lam.  5: 

5,6.     Luke  15:14—17. 
7  18:40,41.142:4.    2  Kings  6:26, 

27,.33.   Is.  63:5. 


z  6,19,28.    18:6.   llb:3— 6.     E 
3:7,8.     Juds-  4-3.   6:6—10.    10: 
10,&c.     2  Chr.  33:12,13,18,19. 
Jer.  31:13— 20. 

a  10.  Job  3:5.  10:21,22.  15:22, 
30.  19:8.  33:30.  42:10—12.  Is. 
42:16.  49:9.  60:1—3.  Eph.  5: 
8     1  Pet    2'9. 

b  102:20.  105:19,20.  116:16.  146: 
7.  Job  36:8.  Is.  61:1.  Jer.  52: 
31—34.  Zech.  9:11,12.  Acts 
5:19,25.    12:7—10.   16:26. 

c  8,21,31.    116:17—19. 

d  Judg.  16:3.  Is.  45:1,2.  Mic. 
2:13. 


brass,  and  cut  the  bars  of  iron  in  sunder. 

17  IT  ®  Fools,  ^  because  of  their  trans- 
gression, and  because  of  their  iniquities, 
are  afflicted. 

18  Their  soul  s  abhorreth  all  manner 
of  meat;  and  ''  they  draw  near  unto  the 
gates  of  death. 

19  Then  '  they  cry  unto  the  Lord  in 
their  trouble,  and  he  saveth  them  out  of 
their  distresses. 

20  He  "^  sent  his  word  and  'healed 
them,  and  ""  delivered  them  from  their 
destructions. 

21  Oh,  "  that  men  would  praise  the 
Lord  for  his  goodness,  and  for  his 
wonderful  works  to  the  children  of  men! 

22  And  let  them  °  sacrifice  the  sa- 
crifices of  thanksgiving,  and  ^  declare 
his  works  whh  *  rejoicing. 

[Practical  Observations.] 


e    14:1.   92:6.     Prov.  1:22.    7:7, 

22. 
f  38:1— 8.     Num.   11:33,34.  12: 

10—13.  21:5—9.    Is.  57:17,18. 

Jer.  2:19. 
g  Job  33:19—22. 
h  9:13.  SS.3.  Is.  38:10. 
i  6,13,28.  .30:8—12.  34:4—6.  78: 

34,35.    116:4—8.     Jer.  33:3. 
k    147:15,19.      2   KIdjs   20:4,5. 

Matt.  8:8. 


1  30:2,3.   103:3,4.    147:3.     Num. 

21:8,9.   Job  33:23—26. 
m  49:15.  56:13.     Job  33:28— 30. 
n  8,15.31.     2  Chr.  32:25.    Luke 

17:18. 
0  50:14.     116:12,17.     Lev.  7:12. 

Heb.  13:15.      1  Pet.  2:5,9. 
p9:11.    73:28.    105:1,2.    118:17. 

Is.  12:4. 
*  Heb.  singing. 


shall  endure  for  ever  in  full  perfection,  is  most 
astonishing;  and  to  eternity  every  one  of  the  re- 
deemed, with  all  his  powers,  will  celebrate  his 
goodness  of  the  Lord,  and  his  wonderful  works  to 
the  sons  of  Adam.  {J^otes,  34:9,10.  36:5—9.  104: 
27 — 30.  Luke  1:46 — 55.)  Our  translation  is  not 
strictly  literal;  yet  it  g^ives  the  evident  sense  of 
the  passage;  and  it  has  a  peculiar  animation,  as 
repeated  after  every  instance  of  the  divine  good- 
ness and  mercy.   [JVarg.  Ref.) 

V.  10—16.  The  Psalmist  next  selected  the 
case  oi  prisoners  delivered  from  their  dreary  cells. 
We  are  led  to  conceive  of  persons  shut  up  in  a 
dark  and  unwholesome  dungeon,  barricadoed  on 
every  side  by  gates  of  brass  and  bars  of  iron,  and 
loaded  with  galling  fetters;  condemned  to  die,  and 
hourly  expecting  to  be  led  to  execution.  This 
they  are  supposed  to  have  merited  by  their  crimes; 
having  both  violated  the  laws  of  man,  and  rebel- 
led against  the  word  of  God.  In  this  deplorable 
condition,  bowed  down  with  pain  and  anguish  of 
spirit,  they  are  represented  as  praying  to  the 
Lord,  and,  by  his  power  over  the  hearts  and  af- 
fairs of  men,  marvellously  set  at  liberty.  Multi- 
tudes, through  successivegenerations,  have  doubt- 
less experienced  such  an  unmerited  and  unex^ 
pected  escape:  and  the  deliverance  of  the  Jews 
from  their  abject  slave rj'  in  Eg3'pt,  and  their  cap- 
tivity in  Babylon,  must  occur  to  tlie  mind  of  the 
attentive  reader,  with  many  particular  instances 
recorded  in  scripture.  [Mars;.  Rrf. — JiTotes,  2 
Kings  25:'27— 30.  2  Chr.  33:11— 19.)— But  it  is 
r.lso  a  shadow  of  the  sinner's  deliverance  from  a 
far  worse  imprisonment.  By  rebellion  against 
God,  men  are  brought  under  the  condemnation 
of  his  holy  law;  and  Satan,  by  means  of  their  lusts, 
has  obtained  dominion  over  them,  and  holds  tiicm 
fast  in  the  most  miserable  bondage.  This  the 
awakened  sinner  discovers,  and  becomes  sensible 
of  his  guilt,  misery,  and  danger:  and,  having 
struggled  hard,  but  in  vain,  for  deliverance,  he 
finds  there  is  no  help  for  him  but  in  the  mercy 
and  grace  of  God.     For  this  be  seeks  by  earnest. 


persevering  prayer;  and  thus  he  receives  liberty 
and  peace.  [JVbtes,  Is.  49:9—13.  52:2,3.  61:1—3. 
Zech.  9:11,12.  Ltike  4:\6—22.  Acts  26:16— IB.)— 
Let  us  revert  to  the  poor  prisoner  before  de- 
scribed; if  a  free  pardon  be  sent  him,  his  chains 
are  soon  knocked  oft";  the  gates  and  bars  of  iron 
and  brass  fly  open;  the  jailor  has  no  longer  pow- 
er to  detain  hiin;  the  gloom,  hoiTor,  and  despair 
of  the  dungeon  are  exchanged,  for  the  cheerful 
light  of  the  sun  and  the  wholesome  air;  the  com- 
pany of  malefactors,  the  presence  of  the  keeper, 
the  rattling  of  chains,  the  expectation  of  the  ex- 
ecutioner with  the  implements  of  death,  and  the 
squalid  attire  of  a  prison,  are  changed  for  his  own 
house,  the  society  and  congratulations  of  his 
friends  and  relatives,  and  all  the  comforts  of  lib- 
erty. All  this  is  in  a  measure  the  case  with  the 
true  Christian  in  this  world:  but  a1  the  resurrec- 
tion, when  the  gates  of  the  grave  shall  be  thrown 
open,  and  sin  and  death  shall  be  finally  done  with, 
his  deliverance  and  his  gratitude  will  together  be 
perfected.  (Marg.  Ref.—J\ute,  8,9.) 

V.  17 — 22.  The  next  case  selected  is  that  of 
recovery  from  sickness,  especially  when  the  sick- 
ness has  been  the  effect  of  licentiousness,  excess, 
or  iniquity:  for  though  all  diseases  spring -from 
sin,  yet  some  are  more  immediately  the  effect  of 
men's  personal  transgres.sioiis.  {A'bte,  John  5:10 
— 14.)  The  righteous  j)rovidence  of  God  has  con- 
nected several  loathsome  and  dreadful  diseases, 
with  different  kinds  of  excessive  or  forbidden 
gratifications;  yet  men  rush  forward  without  re- 
gard to  consequences:  thus,  "fools,  because  of 
their  transgression  ...  are  afflicted."  Loss  of 
strength  and  of  appetite  are  attended  with  exces- 
sive pain,  and  death  presents  itself  before  their 
affrighted  minds:  then  the  most  profane  will  some- 
times cry  unto  the  Lord;  and  though  their  prayer 
is  often  the  mere  instinctive  voice  of  distress,  and 
only  means,  "Torment  me  not:"  yet  he  frequent- 
ly hears  them,  and  unexpectedly  Vestores  their 
health  and  strength.  [JYotes,  Job  33:19—30.)— 
Probablv,   Christ   by   his  powerful  word  healed 

[•'55 


B.  C.   1045. 


PSALM  CVII. 


B.  C.  1046. 


23  IT  They  that  ^  go  down  to  the  sea 
in  ships,  that  do  business  in  great  wa- 
ters; 

24  These  see  the  works  of  the  Lord, 
and  ■■  his  wonders  in  the  deep. 

25  For  ^  he  commandeth,  and  *  rais- 
eth  the  stormy  wind,  which  '  hfteth  up 
the  waves  thereof. 

26  They  mount  up  to  the  heaven, 
they  go  down  again  to  the  depths;  "  tlieir 
soul  is  mehed  because  of  trouble. 

27  They  reel  to  and  fro,  and  *  stag- 
ger like  a  drunken  man,  ^  and  ■  are  at 
their  wits'  end. 


q  48:7.     Ez.  27:26.     Acts  27:9, 

&c.    Rev.  18:17. 
r  95:5.    104:24 — 27.     Job  38:3 — 

11. 
8  135:7.   143:8.     Jon.  1:4,&C. 
♦  Heb.  makelh  to  stand. 
t   93:3,4.     Matt.  8:24.     John  6: 


I 

u  22:14.  119:28.  2  Sam.  17:10.1 
Is.  13:7.   Nab.  2:10.  I 

X  Job  12:25.   Is.  19:14.  29:9,10. 

y  Acts  27:15—20.  ! 

f  Heb.  all  their  ■wisdom  is 
suallo-wed  up.  Job  37:20.  Is.  I 
19:3.  marg.  I 


28  Then  '  they  cry  unto  the  Lord  in 
their  trouble,  and  he  bringeth  them  out 
of  tlieir  distresses. 

29  He  ■''  maketh  the  storm  a  calm,  so 
that  the  waves  thereof  are  still. 

30  Then  are  they  glad  because  they 
be  quiet;  so  ^  he  bringeth  them  unto 
their  desired  haven. 

31  •=  Oh,  that  men  would  praise  the 
Lord  for   his   goodness,  and  for    ^  his 

wonderful  works  to  the  children  of  men! 

32  Let  them  ®  exalt  him  also  ^  in  the 
congregation   of  the   people,  and   praise 

jhim  in  the  assembly  of  the  elders. 

\Practical  Ohservations.^ 

4,5.    Rom.  1:20,21.     2  Tim.  3: 

2.  Heb.  13:15. 
d  71:17.  72:13,19.  77:11,14.  105: 

2.  Rev.  15:3. 
e  18:46.  46:10.  99:5,9.     Ex.  15: 

2.  Is.  12:4.  25:1. 
f  22:22,25.    40:9,10.    111:1.   119: 

46.  Acts  4:8— 12. 


z  6,13,19.     Jon.  1:5,6,14 

Matt. 

8:25.    Acts  27:23— 25. 

a  65:7.   89:9.     Jon.  1:15. 

Matt. 

8:26.     Mark   4:39^-41. 

Luke 

8:23—25. 

b  John  6:21. 

c  8,15,21.     103:2.    105:1 

Hos. 

2:3.     Jon.    1:16.    2:9. 

Mic.  6: 

some  of  this  description  when  he  was  on  earth: : 
and  all  his  miracles  were  emblematic  of  his  heal- 
ing the  far  worse  diseases  of  our  souls.  We  are, 
as  fallen  creatures,  prone  to  pride,  ambition, 
envy,  malice,  covetousness,  and  sensual  lusts:  but 
most  men  exceedingl}'^  increase  these  fatal  dis- 
tempers by  habits  of  indulgence.  The  convinc- 
ed sinner  knows  that  these  maladies  must  termi- 
nate in  hopeless  misery,  unless  cured;  and  he 
finds  by  experience,  that  he  can  increase,  but 
cannot  remedy  them:  he  even  feels  his  carnal 
mind  and  heart  recoil  at  those  things,  which 
should  be  the  nourishment  of  his  soul,  and  he  of- 
ten apprehends  that  his  destruction  is  inevitable. 
But  he  fervently  and  importunately  cries  unto 
the  Lord  in  this  distressing  emergency,  and  by 
his  word  and  Spirit  his  soul  is  gradually  restored 
to  liealth  and  holiness. — The  original  is  future, 
"He  will  save,  &c."  implying  an  encouragement 
to  all,  in  every  age  and  land,  who  feel  their  mise- 
ry, to  cry  unto  God  for  help;  and  a  call  on  those 
who  are  helped,  to  bless  God  for  his  mercies,  and 
to  excite  others  to  seek  the  same  blessings.  [JVote, 
8,9.)— Sacrifice,  &c.  (22)  Mftrg.Ref.—J^otes,bO: 
22,2.3,^.23.   116:17—19.   i/e6.  13:15,16. 

V.  23 — 30.  The  case  of  mariners  is  next  dwelt 
on.  They  transact  their  business  upon  the  unsta- 
ble and  tempestuous  ocean,  and  there  witness 
scenes,  and  experience  deliverances,  of  which 
others  can  scarcely  form  a  conception.  When, 
at  the  command  of  that  God,  whom  the  winds 
and  waves  obey,  a  storm  arises;  their  situation 
becomes  most  tremendous,  and  it  seems  every 
moment  as  if  the  vessel  must  be  swallowed  up  by 
the  raging  billows.  In  this  perilous  situation,  the 
most  courageous  are  often  dismayed:  they  are 
tossed  about  by  the  violent  motion  of  the  vessel, 
as  if  thsv  staggered  tlirough  drunkenness;  and, 
being  baffled  in  all  their  efforts,  "all  their  wis- 
dom is  swallowed  up,"  [marg.)  or  has  totally  ex- 
hausted itself;  and  the  most  skilful  and  experi- 
e.aceJ  are  at  a  loss  what  further  to  do,  to  escape 
impending  death.  But  when  they  call  upon  the 
Lord  in  their  distress,  they  are  often  rescued,  as 
from  the  very  jaws  of  destruction,  by  the  ceasing 
of  the  storm,  or  by  some  unexpected  way  of  es- 
cape; and  their  terror  is  succeeded  by  propor- 
tionable gladness,  when  they  arrive  safe  at  their 
destined  and  much  desired  harbor.  [Jfotes,  Jon. 
1:4—16.  Matt.  8:23—27.  Acts  27:14— 44.)— Tliis 
too  may  be  a  picture  or  emblem  of  those  terrors 
and  that  distress  of  conscience,  which  many  ex- 
356] 


perience,  when  they  first  apply  their  minds  to  re- 
ligion: and  of  those  deep  scenes  of  trouble  and 
temptation,  which  some,  far  more  than  others, 
pass  through,  in  their  subsequent  course;  when, 
like  Job,  they  seem  to  be  set  up  as  marks,  at 
which  Satan  is  permitted  to  shoot  all  his  fiery 
darts;  and  by  every  suggestion  to  fill  them  with 
hard  thoughts  of  God,  and  desperate  conclusions 
concerning  themselves.  These  are,  like  the 
mariner,  exposed  to  tempests  unknown  to  others, 
and  are  sometimes  almost  'at  their  wits'  end;' 
tlieir  wisdom  is  swallowed  up,  and  their  hearts 
and  hope  seem  entirely  to  fail  them:  yet  in  an- 
swer to  their  liumble  and  earnest  cries,  the  Lord 
turns  their  storms  into  a  calm,  and  causes  their 
trials  to  terminate  in  gladness  and  praise.  (JVb^cs, 
Job  3:1.  9:14—21.  P.  O.  22— 35.)— 'The  church 
'is  a  ship;  the  world  is  a  sea;  temptations,  perse- 
'cutions,  and  afflictions  are  the  waves  of  it;  "the 
'prince  of  the  power  of  the  air,"  is  the  stormy 
'wind  which  raises  them;  and  heaven  is  the  onl)' 
'port  of  rest  and  security.  Often,  during  the 
'voyage,  for  our  punishment,  or  our  trial,  God 
'permitteth  us  to  be  thus  assaulted.  The  succes- 
'sion  and  the  violence  of  our  troubles,  the  eleva- 
'tions  and  depressions  of  mind  and  fortune,  ...  and 
'our  utter  inability  to  help  ourselves,  are  finely 
'represented  by  the  multitude  and  impetuosity  of 
;  'the  waves,  the  tossings  and  agitations  of  the  ves- 
'sel,  the  confusion,  terror,  and  distress  among  the 
i'sailors.  ...  With  the  earnestness  of  affrighted 
'mariners  ...  we  should  cry  unto  tlie  Lord  Jesus 
1  'in  our  trouble;  we  should  as  it  were  awake  him, 
;  'like  the  disciples,  with  repetitions  of  "Lord,  save 
'us,  we  perish."  Then  will  he  arise,  and  rebuke 
I  'the  authors  of  our  tribulation,  saying  unto  them, 
'  "Peace,  be  still."  ...  He  will  make  the  storm  a 
!  'calm,  so  that  the  waves  thereof  shall  be  still:  and 
i'at  length  he  will  bring  us,  in  peace,  joy,  and 
'gladness,  to  "our  desired  haven,"  there  to  exalt 
;  'him  in  the  congregation  of  his  chosen,  and  praise 
I  'him  in  the  great  assembly  of  saints  and  angeL». 
!  'This  is  the  consummation  so  devoutly  ...  request- 
'ed  by  the  church  for  all  her  children,  at  the  time 
'of  their  baptism,  that  they  'being  delivered  from 
'  'God's  wrath,  may  be  received  into  tlie  Ark  of 
'  'Christ's  church;  and  being  stedfast  in  faith,  joy- 
'  'ful  through  hope,  and  rooted  in  charity,  may  so 
'  'pass  the  waves  of  this  troublesome  world,  that 
'  'finallj'  they  may  come  to  the  land  of  everlast- 
'  'ing  life.'  '   Bp.  Home. 

V.  31,  32.    'Oh,  that  they,  who  are  thus  unex- 


B.  C.  1045. 


PSALM  CVII. 


B.  C.  1045. 


33  H  He  s  turneth  rivers  into  a  wil- 
derness, and  ^  the  water-springs  into  dry 
ground; 

34  '  A  fruitful  land  into  *  barrenness, 
for  the  wickedness  of  them  that  dwell 
therein. 

35  He  ^  turneth  the  wilderness  into  a 
standing  water,  and  dry  ground  into  wa- 
ter-springs. 

36  And  '  there  he  maketh  the  hun- 
gry to  dwell,  that  they  may  prepare  ■"  a 
city  for  habitation; 

37  And  "  sow  the  fields,  and  plant 
vineyards,  °  which  may  yield  fruits  of 
increase. 

38  P  He  blesseth  them  also,  so  that 
they  are  multiplied  greatly;  and  ^  sufFer- 
eth  not  their  cattle  to  decrease. 


g  1  Kings  17:1  Is.  13.19—21. 
19:5—10.  34:9,10.  4-2:15.  44: 
27.  50:2.  Ez.  30:12.  Joel  1: 
20.  Nah.  1:4.     Zeph.  -2:9,13. 

h  1  Kings  18:5.  Jer.  14:3.  Am. 
4:7,8. 

i  Gen.  13:10,13.  19:25.  Deut. 
29:23—28.    Is.  3-2:13—15. 

*  Heb.  siiltnese.  Gen.  14:3. 
Ez.  47:11. 

k  114:3.  Num.  21:16—18.  2 
Kings  3:16— 20.  Is.  35:6,7.  41: 
17—19.  44:3—5.  Ez.  47:6—12. 

1  146:7.    Luke  1:53. 


m  7.   Acts  17:26. 

n  Is.  37:30.  Jer.  29:5.  31:5.  Ez. 

23:26.    Am.  9:13—15. 
o  65  9— 13.     Gen.  26:12.     Joe! 

1:10—1-2.     Hag.  1:5,6,10,11. -2: 

16—19.     Zech.  8:12.  Acts  14: 

17.      1  Cor.  3:7.     2  Cor.  9.10. 
p  123:1—6.     Gen.  1:23.  9:1.  12: 

2.     17:16,20.     Ex.   1:7.     Deut. 

28:4,11.  30:9.   Jer.  30:19.    Ez. 

37:26. 
q    144:13,14.     Gen.  30:43.  31:9. 

Ex.  9:3—7.    1-2:38.   Deut.  7:14. 

Prov.  10:22. 


'pectedly  preserved,  would  never  forget  to  make 
'their  thankful  acknowledgments  to  the  Lord 
'for  this  singular  kindness;  but  every  where  pro- 
'claim  what  wondei-s  lie  liath  done  for  them!  Let 
'them  magnify  his  power  and  goodness  in  the 
'greatest  assemblies  of  the  people,  especially  in 
'his  temple.  Let  them  praise  him  in  the  supreme 
'court  of  the  kingdom;  that  judges  and  governors 
'may  be  excited  to  make  him  their  Trust  and 
'Confidence.'  Bp.  Patrick.  [JVotes,  22:22—24. 
40:9,10.  119:46.  138:4,.5.  Matt.  10:16—18.) 

V.  33 — 43.  The  righteous  Lord  also  effects 
changes,  as  he  pleases,  in  the  face  of  nature  and 
the  affairs  of  nations;  drying  up  rivers,  and  turn- 
ing well-watered,  fertile  countries  into  barren 
deserts,  for  the  wickedness  of  the  inhabitants. 
Thus-  Canaan  itself  is  now  remarkable  for  its 
sterility.  {J^ote,  Deut.  29:21— 25.)— On  the  con- 
trary, other  regions,  which  were  barren  and  un- 
cultivated, in  the  course  of  his  providence  be- 
come most  fruitful  and  flourishing;  where  colo- 
nies of  destitute  persons  build  cities,  cultivate  the 
lands,  and  are  blessed  and  increased  exceedingly. 
[JVote,  I — 7.) — The  casting  of  the  Jews  out  of  the 
church,  and  the  preaching  of  the  gospel  to  the 
Gentiles,  answer  to  this  picture.  The  well-wa- 
tered and  fruitful  soil  is  become  dry  and  barren; 
while  the  wilderness  is  filled  with  pools  of  water 
and  wells  of  salvation.  [J^Totes,  Is.  24:13 — 16.  30: 
23—2.5.32:1.5—20.  35:1,2,5—7.  41:17—20.  43:14 
—21.  44:3—5.  55:12,13.)  The  gospel  flourished 
for  a  time  exceedingly  among  the  Gentiles:  but  it 
has  been  brought  low  and  minished,  in  different 
places,  through  oppression  and  persecution,  and 
internal  corruptions  or  divisions.  Yet  contempt 
has  repeatedly  been  poured  upon  persecuting 
princes;  and  even  upon  such  as,  professing'friend- 
ship,  have  attempted  to  "lord  it  over  God's  her- 
itage;" so  that  they  have  been  bewildered  and  in- 
fatuated in  their  counsels,  like  men  who  have  lost 
their  way:  (JVb/es,  2  Kings  3:7—14.  Js.  23-8,9.) 
while  the  poor  and  persecuted  church  of  God  has 
been  revived  from  the  dust,  and  again  increased 
and  prospered.     This  will  be  more  eminently  the 


39  Again,  ""  they  are  minished  and 
brought  low,  through  ^  oppression,  af- 
fliction, and  sorrow. 

40  He  '  poureth  "  contempt  upon  prin- 
ces, and  ^  causeth  them  to  wander  in  the 
t  wilderness,  tchere  there  is  no  way. 

4 1  Yet  5'  settcth  he  the  poor  on  high 
^  from  affliction,  and  ^-  maketh  him  fami- 
lies like  a  flock. 

42  The  ^  righteous  shall  see  it,  and 
rejoice;  and  all  ''  iniquity  shall  stop  her 
mouth. 

43  Whoso  *=  is  wise,  and  will  observe 
these  things,  even  **  they  shall  under- 
stand the  loving-kindness   of  the  Lord. 


r  30:6,7.     Gen.  45:11.     Ruth  1: 

20,21.    1  Sam.  2:5— 7.  2  Kings 

4:8.  8:3.     Job  1:10—17. 
s  Ex.  1:13,14.  2:23,-24.  Judg.  6: 

3—6.     2  Kings  10:32.    13:7,2-2. 

14:26.     2  Chr.  15:5,6.    Jer.  51: 

33,34. 
t  Job  12:21.    Is.  23:3,9. 
u    78:66.     Ex.  8:3,17,24.     Josh. 

10:24—26.     Judg.  1:6,7.    4:21. 

1  Sam.  5:9.     6:4.     1  Kings  21: 

19.     2  Kings  9:35—37.     Dan. 

4:33.  5:5,6,13—30.  Acts  12:23. 

Rev.  19:18. 
x  4.  Job  12:24.    Jer.  13:15—18. 
j  Or,  void  place. 


|y  113:7,3.  Ruth  4:14—17.  1 
Sam.  2:3.  Esth.  3:15—17.  .Tob 
5:11.  8:7.  11:15—19.  42:10— 
12.  Jer.  52:31—34.   Jam.  5:11. 

I  Or,  aftei: 

z  128:6.  Gen.  33:5—7.  4B:11. 
1  Sam.  2:21.  Job  21:11.  42:16. 
Prov.  17:6.    Is.  49:20—22. 

a52:6.  58:11.  Job  22:19.  Is.  66: 
10.11,14. 

b  63:11.  112:10.  Ex.  11:7.  Job 
5:16.    Prov.  10:11.    Rom.  3:19. 

c  -23:5.  64:9.  Is.  5:12.  Jer.  9: 
12.    Dan.  10:12.     Hos.  14:9. 

d  50:23.  Jer.  9:24.  Eph.  3:13, 
19. 


case  in  fiiture  times,  when  the  righteous  will  see 
it  and  rejoice,  and  all  iniquity  will  be  finallv  si- 
lenced. [J^Totes,  Rom.  2:4— b.  3:19,20.)  In  the 
mean  while,  the  wise  will  notice  these  varied 
dispensations  of  Providence,  and  will  learn  to 
walk  in  those  ways,  in  which  the  loving-kindness 
of  the  Lord  may  be  understood  and  experienced. 
{A''otes,  64:7 — 9.  Hos.  14:9.) — 'A  truly  "wise" 
'person  will  treasure  up  in  his  heart  the  contents 
'of  this  most  instructive  and  dehghtful  psalm.  By 
'so  doing,  he  will  fully  "understand"  ...  the  weak- 
'ness  and  wretchedness  of  man,  and  the  power 
'and  "loving-kindness"  of  God;  who,  not  for  our 
'merits,  but  for  his  mercy-sake,  dispelleth  our  ig- 
'norance,  breakcth  off  our  sins,  healeth  our  iu- 
'firmities,  preserveth  us  in  temptations,  placeth 
'us  in  the  church,  enrichetli  us  with  his  grace, 
'sheltereth  us  from  persecution,  blesseth  us  in 
'time,  and  will  crown  us  in  eternity.'  Bp.  Horne. 
— Barrenness.  (34)  "Saltness."  Marg.  [.N'oics, 
Gen.  14:1—3.  Deut.  29:21—25.  Ez.  47:11.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
V.  1—9. 
Wherever  we  turn  our  thoughts,  we  perceive 
the  effects  of  the  Lord's  goodness  and  mere}', 
which  should  excite  our  grateful  praises:  but  the 
redeemed  alone  will  unfeignedly  thank  him  even 
for  providential  benefits. — The  Bible  instructs  us, 
and  faith  will  enable  us,  to  perceive  the  hand  of 
God  in  those  events,  which  unbelief  ascribes  to 
chance,  to  second  causes,  or  subordinate  agents. 
[JVote,  Luke  10:30 — 37,  end.)  Whatever  means 
or  instruments  are  employed,  the  Lord  is  the 
great  Agent.  We  siiould  therefore  mark  his  op- 
eration in  the  ordinary  occurrences  of  life, 
and  render  him  thanks  for  everj"  instance  of  his 
kindness,  to  us  and  to  our  connexions. — When 
we  have  been  preserved  or  delivered  from  hostile 
invasions,  and  the  assaults  of  robbers  and  a.ssas- 
sins;  when  we  are  brought  safe  home  from  long 
or  perilous  journeys;  when  provided  with  things 
needful  for  our  bodies,  placed  in  convenient  hab- 
itations, or  enjoying  domestic  comforts;  how  pleas- 

[357 


B.  C.  1045. 


PSALM  CVII. 


B.  C.   1045. 


ant  and  ri^ht  is  it,  that  we  should  "praise  the 
LoRi>  for  his  goodness,  and  for  liis  wonderful 
works"  to  us,  the  sinful  children  of  fallen  Adam! 
But  alas!  we  are  most  apt  to  forget  the  hand  of 
God,  when  every  thing  corresponds  to  our  wish- 
es: and  therefore  he  brings  us  into  trouble  and 
danger,  that  we  may  feel  our  dependence,  and 
call  upon  him  for  deliverance;  and  that,  when  our 
desires  are  g'ranted,  we  may  either  render  him 
our  tribute  of  praise,  or  be  left  inexcusable  in 
our  neglect. 

V.  10—22. 
Sin  is  always  to  be  considered  as  tlie  source  of 
all  our  troubles;  and  we  might  justly  be  left  to 
struggle  with  them,  or  to  sink  under  them,  with- 
out help  from  that  God,  against  whom  we  have 
rebelled,  and  whose  counsel  we  have  rejected. 
But  there  are  many  afflictions,  which  are  the  im- 
mediate consequences  of  men's  crimes.  Such 
are  especially,  in  most  instances,  the  horrors  of  a 
prison,  and  the  prospect  of  an  ignominious  death. 
Yet  alas!  how  many  are  in  this  most  dreadful 
situation,  brought  down  with  anguish  of  heart, 
and  having  none  to  help  them!  And  when  such 
persons  unexpectedly  obtain  liberty  and  all  its 
comforts,  how  should  they  praise  the  Lord  for  his 
goodness  to  them!  Yet  it  is  but  seldom  that  their 
sorrows  and  tensors  are  productive  of  genuine 
humiliation  before  God,  and  fervent,  prayer  unto 
him:  and  therefore  thej'  commonljr  return  to  their 
former  courses,  and  perish  at  last  more  inexcusa- 
ble and  unpitied. — Thus  also  infatuated  multi- 
tudes entail  upon  themselves  months  and  years  of 
disease  and  pain,  by  moments  of  licentious  in- 
dulgence: and  if,  in  answer  to  their  cries  of  dis- 
tress or  prayer  of  faitli,  the  Lord  bring  them  back 
from  the  gates  of  death,  surel}'  they  should  praise 
him  for  his  goodness,  and  sacrifice  to  him  the 
sacrifices  of  thanksgiving,  with  fervency  equal  to 
their  great  unworthiness  of  such  favors,  and  pro- 
portioned to  the  consequences  of  dying-  in  such  a 
manner!  Yet,  while  thousands  are  cured  in  our 
hospitals,  and  by  various  charities,  as  well  as  in 
other  ways,  even  of  diseases  contracted  by  licen- 
tiousness and  excess;  it  is  to  be  feared  that,  a 
very  small  number  excepted,  they  generally  man- 
ifest their  ingratitude,  by  returning  to  their  for- 
mer excesses;  and  the  event  generally  illustrates 
the  benevolence  as  well  as  wisdom  and  piety,  of 
fervently  exclaiming,  "Oh,  tliat  men  would  praise 
the  Lord  for  his  goodness,  and  for  his  wonderful 
works  to  the  children  of  men!  That  they  would 
offer  the  sacrifices  of  thanksgiving,  and  declare 
his  works  with  rejoicing."  {J\~ote  and  P.  O.  Luke 
17:11—19.) 

V.  23—32. 
The  perils,  to  which  seamen  are  exposed,  are 
not  commonly  the  effect  of  tlieir  own  transgres- 
sions: but,  as  they  "do  their  business  in  great 
waters,"  thej'  see  so  much  of  the  wonderful  works 
of  God,  that  their  too  general  irreligion  forms 
one  of  the  most  lamentable  demonstrations  of  the 
depravity  of  the  human  heart.  If  we  were  stran- 
gers to  these  truths  and  facts,  we  should  expect 
that  those,  who  had  once  beheld  the  storm  arise 
in  obedience  to  the  Creator's  will,  and  had  expe- 
rienced the  horrors  of  the  tremendous  scene, 
which  baffles  all  description;  with  that  dismay 
and  astonishment,  which  must  be  inseparable 
from  the  idea  of  being  every  moment  liable  to  be 
swallowed  up  bj'  the  raging  billows,  without  be- 
ing able  to  do  any  thing  to  prevent  it;  who  in 
their  extreme  distress  had  cried  unto  the  Lord 
for  help,  and  had  in  some  marvellous  manner 
been  unexpectedly  preserved,  and  restored  in 
peace  to  their  desired  haven;  we  might  expect,  I 
say,  that  they  would  certainly  unite  fervent  grat- 
itude with  their  overflowing  gladness;  and  not 
only  employ  their  tongues,  but  spend  the  remnant 
of  tlieir  davs,  to  the  glory  of  their  great  Pre- 
358] 


server,  "exalting  him  in  the  congregation  of  the 
people,  and  praising  him  in  the  assembly  of  the 
elders."  This  ought  uniformly  to  be  the  case: 
but  how  evident  and  lamentable  is  the  o"eneral 
and  awful  reverse! 

V.  33—43. 
The  surprising  changes,  which  are  continually 
taking  place  in  the  affairs  of  nations,  families, 
and  individuals;  while  some  are  cast  down  from 
the  summit  of  prosperity,  and  others  advanced 
from  the  depth  of  adversity;  evince  our  absolute 
dependence  upon  God  in  every  thing,  and  shew 
that  neglect  of  him,  or  rebellion  against  him,  are 
as  unreasonable  as  they  are  wicked.  (JVb/f,  113: 
7—9.  1  Sam.  2:4—8.)  The  fertility  and  populous- 
ness  of  nations  depend  on  his  sovereign  will;  and 
he  effects  what  changes  he  pleases,  for  the  display 
of  his  justice,  or  of  his  mercy.  In  his  providence, 
a  few  poor  hungry  outcasts  have  sometimes  mi- 
grated into  a  waste  howling  wilderness,  and  have 
there  been  enabled  to  build  cities,  and  to  culti- 
vate the  previously  barren  desert;  and  so  have  be- 
come prosperous,  and  multiplied  exceedingly:  yet, 
after  a  time  perhaps,  affluence  has  introduced 
luxury  and  impiety;  and  for  their  punishment  they 
have  been  minished  and  brought  low,  by  oppres- 
sion and  pubUc  calamities.  He,  who  set  them  up 
when  afflicted  and  poor,  pours  contempt  upon 
them  when  they  are  become  powerful  princes, 
and  perhaps  reduces  them  to  their  former  abject 
state.  The  righteous,  beholding  these  judgments 
of  God,  will  rejoice  in  his  just  and  gracious  sove- 
reignt}':  and  thus,  from  time  to  time,  iniquity  re- 
ceives a  check,  and  infidelity  stands  confuted: 
and  he  that  is  truly  wise  will  observe  these  things, 
and  will  be  encouraged  in  trusting  and  wailing 
for  the  loving-kindness  of  the  Lord. — But  the 
same  persons  will  see  still  more  of  the  wisdom, 
power,  and  love  of  God,  in  his  dealings  with  his 
church  of  redeemed  sinners,  whom  he  has  gath- 
ered from  the  east,  the  west,  tlie  north,  and  the 
south,  to  be  unto  him  a  peculiar  people.  Having 
redeemed  them  from  the  power  of  the  enemj-,  he 
guides  them  through  this  desolate  wilderness  to 
his  holy  habitation.  Having  caused  them  to  hun- 
ger and  thirst  after  righteousness,  when  they 
were  ready  to  faint  and  perish,  he  supplied  their 
wants  from  his  abundant  stores:  having  taught 
th^  to  seek  help  from  him,  he  will  never  leave 
them,  till  he  has  fully  satisfied  their  longing  souls 
with  his  goodness.  From  bondage,  terror,  and 
the  borders  of  despair,  he  brings  them  forth  to 
liberty,  to  confidence,  ami  comfort.  He  heals 
their  diseases,  restores  their  strength  and  vigor, 
and  even  removes  those  troubles  which  they  have 
brought  upon  themselves  by  their  own  folly.  He 
preserves  them  through  tlie  storms  of  temptation 
and  persecution:  he  speaks  peace,  and  commands 
a  calm,  to  their  souls,  when  they  are  ready  to 
give  up  all  for  lost.  While  they  are  steering  to 
the  haven  where  they  would  be,  they  will  be 
praising  the  Lord  for  his  goodness,  celebrating  his 
wonderful  works  for  them,  "sacrificing  the  sacri- 
fices of  thanksgiving,  declaring  his  works  with 
gladness,"  and  "exalting  him  in  the  congrega- 
tion of  his  people."  At  length  their  souls  will  ar- 
rive at  their  expected  rest;  and  at  the  appointed 
season  the  brazen  gates  and  iron  bars  of  death 
will  be  burst  by  the  power  of  their  redeeming 
God:  but  who  can  describe  their  joy  and  grati- 
tude, when  "mortalit)'  shall  thus  be  swallowed  up 
of  life!"^ — Let  us  also  remember  to  praise  our 
God,  for  turning -the  wilderness,  which  we  Gen- 
tiles inhabited,  into  a  fruitful  land,  and  opening 
for  us  the  wells  of  salvation.  [J^ote,I.i.  12:3.)  Let 
us  pray  that  the  Jewish  nation,  which  lias  been  so 
long  a  barren  desert,  may  again  be  watered  with 
his  grace,  and  bring  forth  the  fruits  of  faith  and 
holiness.  Let  all  the  Lord's  ministers  and  people 
cultivate  their  fields  and  vineyards,  their  own 


B.  C.  1040. 


PSALM  CVIII. 


B.  C.  1040. 


my 

9. 


PSALM  cvin. 

David  earnestly  praises  God,  1—5.  He  fervently  prays  for  help, 
and  expects  great  success  according  to  the  promises  of  God  to 
him,  6—13. 

*  A  Song  or  Psalm  of  David. 

OGOD,  "  my  heart  is  fixed;  •=  I  will 
sing  and  give  praise,  even  with 
glory. 

*  Awake,  psaltery  and  hai-p:  *"  I  my- 
self will  awake  early. 

3  1  will  s  praise  thee,  O  Lord,  among 
the  people;  and  I  will  sing  praises  unto 
thee  among  the  nations. 

4  For  ''  thy  mercy  is  great  above  the 
heavens;  and  thy  truth  reacheth  unto  the 
*  clouds. 

5  '  Be  thou  exalted,  O  God,  above 
the  heavens;  and  "^  thy  glory  above  all 
the  earth. 

6  That  '  thy  beloved  may  be  deliver- 
ed; "■  save  with  thy  right  hand,  "  and 
answer  me. 


a  68:  title. 
b  57:7—11. 
c30:12.  34:1.  104:33.  138:1.  145: 

1,-2.    146:1,2.   Ex.  15:1. 
d    16:9.  71:8,15,23,24.  145:21. 
e    33:2.    69:30.    31:2.     92:1—4. 

Judg.  5:12, 
f57:8.    103:22. 
g  22:22,27.    96:10.    117:1,2.   138: 

4,5.    Zeph.  3:14,20. 
h36:5.  85:10,11.89:2,5.   103:11. 

Is.  55:9.   Mic.  7:13-20.    Eph. 

2:4—7. 


I  *  Or,  shies. 
i   8:1.  21:13.    57:5,11.   148:13.   1 

Chr.  29:10l-13. 
k  72:19.     Is.  6:3.     Matt.  6:9,10, 

13. 
160:5—12.  Deut.  33:12.  2Sam. 

12:25.   Matt.  3:17.    17:5.    Rom. 

1:7.   Eph.  1:6.   Col.  3:12. 
m  35:1— 3.    54:1.    98:1,2.    144:5 

—7.   Ex.  15:6.    Is.  51:2—11. 
n   1    Kings    18:24,26,29,36,37.  2 

Chr.  32:20—22.   Is.  65:24.  Jer. 

33:3. 


7  God  hath  °  spoken  in  his  holiness; 
P I  will  rejoice,  I  will  divide  ''  Shechem, 
and  mete  out  ""  the  valley  of  Succoth. 

8  ^  Gilead  is  mine;  Manasseh  li- 
mine; ^  Ephraim  also  is  the  strength  of 
mine  head;  "  Judah  is  my  lawgiver; 

9  ^  Moab  is  my  wash-pot;  over  Edom 
will  J'  I  cast  out  my  shoe;  ^  over  Philistia 
will  I  triumph. 

10  Who  will  bring  me  into  the  strong 
city.''  "  who  will  lead  me  into  Edom? 

11  Wilt  not  thou,  O  God,  ^  who  hast 
cast  us  off.''  and  wilt  not  thou,  O  God, 
•^  go  forth  with  our  hosts.'* 

12  •*  Give  us  help  from  trouble;  *"  for 
vain  is  the  help  of  man. 

13  'Through  God  we  shall  do  val- 
iantly; for  he  it  is  that  shall  ^  tread 
down  our  enemies. 


souls,  and  those  of  their  families  and  congrega- 
tions; that,  being  blessed  exceedingly,  the  church 
may  yield  more  abundantly  "the  fruits  of  in- 
crease." Let  us  pray  for  the  revival  of  religion 
in  those  places,  where  the  church  is  minished  and 
brought  low,  through  oppression,  or  corrupted 
with  superstition  and  error:  and  tliat  God  would 
convert,  or  pour  contempt  upon,  all  those  princes 
or  people,  who  oppose  the  promulgation  of  his 
pure  gospel,  that  they  may  lose  their  labor,  and 
be  baffled  in  all  their  devices;  and  that  he  would 
replenish  the  poor  in  spirit  and  afflicted  in  cir- 
cumstances, and  increase  every  one  of  his  people 
into  families,  like  large  flocks  of  sheep.  Then 
shall  the  righteous  behold  and  rejoice,  and  iniqui- 
ty shall  be  disgraced  and  repressed;  and  the  v.ise 
observer  will  more  and  more  understand  and 
admire  and  adore  "the  loving-kindness  of  the 
Lord." 

NOTES. 
Psalm  CVIII.  V.  1—3.  This  psalm  consists  of 
the  latter  part  of  the  fifty-seventh  psalm,  and  the 
latter  part  of  the  sixtieth,  with  no  material  alter- 
ation. The  fifty-seventh  was  composed,  when 
David  fled  from  Saul  in  the  cave;  and  begins 
with  grievous  complaints,  which  are  here  omit- 
ted. {JYotes,  57:  title.  1 — 6.)  The  sixtieth  was 
written,  after  David  had  for  some  time  reigned 
over  all  Israel,  and  when  he  was  engaged  in  a 
war  with  the  Syrians  and  otliers.  (J^otes,  60:  title. 
1 — 4.)  It  also  begins  with  complaints  of  the  ca- 
lamities to  which  Israel  had  been  exposed;  and 
these  likewise  are  left  out.  So  that  this,  as  a 
psalm,  is  more  in  the  strain  of  confidence,  grati- 
tude, and  joyful  hope,  tlian  either  of  those  from 
which  it  is  taken;  and  thus  moi-e  suited  to  a  sea- 
son of  thanksgiving  for  past  mercies,  and  prayer 
for  further  deliverance:  and  it  is  probable,  it  was 
compiled  for  that  purpose. — Even  with  my  glory. 
[I)  My  tongue,  'because  it  chiefly  setteth  forth 


0  89:35,36.  Am.  4:2. 

p  16:9—11.      2   Sam.   7:20,&c. 

1  Pet.  1:3,8.     2  Pet.  1:3,4. 
q  Josh.  17:7.  20:7.  24:1. 
r  Gen.  33:17.     Judg.  8:5,6. 
s  Josh.  13:8— 11.     2  Sam.  2:8,9. 

5:5. 
t  Deut.  33:17.   1  Sam.  28:2. 
u  122:5.     Gen.  49:10. 
X  60:3— 10.   2  Sam.  8:1,2.  John 

13:8,14. 
y  Ruth  4:7,8. 
z  2  Sam.  21:15—22.    Is.  14:29— 

32. 


a  20:6— 8.  m.  title.  Is.  63:1— 6. 

Jer.  49:7—16.    Ob.  3,4.     , 
b44:9.     ISam.  29:&c. 
c  Num.    10:9.      Deut.  20:3,4.   1 

Sam.  17:26,36.      2  Chr.   13:12. 

14:11.  20:15. 
d  20:1,&C. 
e  146:3— 5.     Job  9:13.     Is.  30:3 

—5.  31:3.    Jer.  17:5 — 8.  Lam. 

4:17. 
f   18:29—34.    118:6—13.    144:J. 

1  Cor.  15:10.      Eph.  6:10— 18. 
g  18:42.  60:12.     Judg.  15:8.    Is. 

25:10.  63:3.    Rom.  16:20. 


'the  glory  of  God.'  [Marg.  Ref.—P.  O.  16:JVb<e, 
30:11,12.^ 

V.  4.  'It  is  fit  that  my  thankfulness  should  be 
'as  boundless  as  tliy  mercy,  which  infinitely  tran- 
'scends  all  my  expressions,  and  hath  nothing 
'equal  to  it,  but  thy  faithfulness  and  truth.'  Bp. 
Pair  ick.    [Marg.  Ref. ) 

V.  5.  'Let  all  the  world  see  tliy  judgments,  in 
'that,  that  tliou  art  God  over  all,  and  so  confess 
'that  thou  art  glorious.'  {Marg.  Ref. — J^otes,  Ps. 
57:7—11.) 

V.  6 — 13.  'Grant  my  humble  petitions,  that  by 
'thy  mighty  power  accompanying  my  arms,  I 
'may  be  an  instrument  of  delivering-  thy  beloved 
'people  from  their  oppressors.'  Bp.  Patrick.  The 
word,  rendered  "beloved,"  is  plural:  as  is  the 
verb  also. — 'As  he  hath  spoken  to  Samuel  con- 
'cerningme,  so  he  will  shew  himself  constant  and 
'holy  in  his  promise;  so  that  these  nations  foUow- 
'ing  shall  be  subject  to  me.'  {Marg.  Ref. — 
jybtes,  60:5—12.  P.  O.  latler part.)— Nathan  aho 
had  just  before  dehvered  a  very  encouraging 
message  from  God  to  David.  (2  Sam.  7:6 — 17.) — 
Will  I  triumph.  (9)  "Triumph  tliou  over  me." 
60:8.  marg.     An  ironical  challenge. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

We  may  with  great  utility  select  passages  from 
different  psalms,  to  assist  our  devotions,  encour- 
age  our  expectations,  or  enhven  our  gratitude,  in 
■  our  private  concerns,  or  in  tl)Ose  of  the  church 
'and  nation. — When  the  heart  is  established  in 
I  faith  and  love,  the  tongue  being  employed  in 
!  grateful  praises  will  be  indeed  our  glory:  and  ev- 
!  ery  endowment  will  become  honorable  and  prof- 
itable to  the  possessor,  in  proportion  as  it  is  em- 
1  plo3'ed  in  the  service  and  (o  tlic  glor>  of  God. — 
I  Those,  who  can  sincerely  use  the  Psalmist's  lan- 
guage of  adoring  praise,  may  pray  with  assured 
faith  and  hope  for  all  the  blessings  of  salvation; 
!  which  are  secured  to  tliem  by  the  faithful  prom- 

[359 


B.  C.  1021. 


PSALM  CIX. 


B.  C.  1021. 


PSALM  CIX. 

David,  as  the  type  of  Christ,  complains  of  the  slanders,  deceit, 
and  malice  of  his  enemies,  1 — 5.  He  predicts  the  doom  of 
Judas,  by  devoting^  one  person,  in  particular,  to  destruction,  6 
— 20.  He  complains  of  his  suflerings,  prays  for  relief,  and  de- 
termines to  praise  the  Lord,  21 — 31. 

To   the    chief    Musician,    A    Psalm    of 
David. 

HOLD  ^  not  thy  peace,  ^  O  God  of 
my  praise; 

2  For  •=  the  mouth  of  the  wicked  and 
the  mouth  *  of  the  deceitful  t  are  opened 
against  me:  they  have  spoken  against 
me  '^  with  a  lying  tongue. 

3  They  ®  compassed  me  about  also 
with  words  of  hatred;  and  ^  fought  against 
me  without  a  cause. 

4  ^  For  my  love  they  are  my  adver- 
saries: ^  but  I  give  myself  unto  prayer. 

5  And  '  they  have  rewarded  me  evil 
for  good,  ^  and  hatred  for  my  love. 

6  IT  '  Set  thou  a  wicked  man  over 
him:  "^  and  let  *  Satan  stand  at  his  right 
hand. 

7  When  he  shall  be  judged,  let  him 
i  be  condemned;  °  and  let  his  prayer  be- 
come sin. 


a  28:1.    35:22,23.    83:1.     13.42: 

1-i. 
b  118:28.     Ex.  15:2.     Deut.  10: 

21.    Jer.  17:14. 
c  31:13,18.  64:3,4.  140:3.  2  Sam. 

15:3—8.  17:l,&c.    Prov.  15:28. 

Matt.  26:59—62. 
*  Heb.  of  deceit. 
■f    Heb.      have    opened  them- 
selves, 
d  120:3.  Prov.  6:17.  12:19.  Jer. 
,  9:3,5. 
e  17:11.    22:12.    88:17.     2  Sam. 

16:7,8.     Hos.  11:12. 
f  35:7,20.  59.3,4.   69:4.     1  Sam. 

19:4,5.     26:18.     2  Sam.   15:12. 

John  15:24,25. 


g  35:7,12.  3li:20.     2  Sam.  13:39. 

John  10:32.    2  Cor.  12:15. 
h    55:16,17.    69:12,13.      2  Sam. 

15:31,32.    Dan.  6:10.    Luke  6: 

11,12.  23:34. 
i  35:12.  Gen.  44:4.  Prov.  17:13. 
k  55:12— 15.     2  Sam.    15:12,31. 

Mark  14:44,45.  Luke  6:16.  22: 

47,43.  John  13:18. 
1  Matt.  27:4. 

m  Zech.  3: 1.    .Tohn  13:2,27. 
t  Or,  an  adversary.  Matt.  5:25. 
^  Heb.  go  out  guilt)/,  or  wick- 
ed. Rom.  3:19.   Gal.  3:10. 
n  2  Sara.  15:7,8.  Prov.  15:3.  21: 

27.  23:9.    Is.  1:15.    66:3.  Matt 

23:14. 


8  '^  Let  his  days  be  few;  and  p  let  an- 
other take  his  II  office. 

9  Let  1  his  children  be  fatherless,  and 
his  wife  a  widow. 

10  Let  '"his  children  be  continually 
vagabonds,  and  beg:  let  them  seek  their 
bread  also  out  of  their  desolate  places. 

1 1  Let  ^  the  extortioner  catch  all  that 
he  hath;  and  ^  let  the  stranger  spoil  his 
labor. 

12  Let  there  be  "  none  to  extend 
mercy  unto  him;  neither  let  there  be  any 
^  to  favor  his  fatherless  children. 

13  Let  5' his  posterity  be  cut  off;  and 
in  the  generation  following  let  ^  their 
name  be  blotted  out. 

14  Let  "the  iniquity  of  his  fathers  be 
remembered  with  the  Lord;  and  ^  let 
not  the  sin  of  his  mother  be  •=  blotted  out. 

15  Let  them  be  '^  before  the  Lord 
continually,  that  he  may  ^  cut  off  the 
memory  of  them  from  the  earth. 

1 6  Because  that  ^  he  remembered  not 
to  shew  mercy,  but  2  persecuted  the  poor 


0  55:23.     Matt.  27:5. 

p  Acts  1:16—26. 

{{  Or,  charge. 

q  Ex.  22:24.     Jer.  13:21.  Lam. 

5:3. 
r  37:25.  Gen.  4:12— 14.    2  Sam. 

3:29.     2  Kings  5:27.     Job  24:8 

—12.  30:3—9.    Is.  16:2. 
s  Job  5:5.    18.9.  20:18-29. 
t  Deut.  28:29,33,34,50,51.  Judg. 

6:3—6. 
u  Is.  27:11.  Luke  6:88.   Jam.  2: 

13. 
X  137:8,9.     Is.  13:18.    Matt.  27: 

25.   Luke  11:50,51. 
v  37:28.    1  Sam.  2:31-33.  3:13. 
'2  Kings    10:10,11.     Job   18:19. 


Is.  14:20—22.     Jer.  22:30. 
z  Deut.  9:14.  25:19.  29:20.  Prov. 

10:7. 
a  Ex.  20:5.  Lev.  26:39.  2  Sam. 

3:29.    21:1,8,9.     Matt.  23:31— 

36. 
b  2  Kings  8:27.    9:27.    10:13,14. 

11:1.  2  Chr.  22:3,4. 
c  Neh.  4:5.  Jer.  13:23. 
d  51:9.   90:8.  Deut.  32:34.    Jer. 

2:22.     Hos.  7:2.     Am.  8:7. 
e  13.  34:16.     Job  18:17.    Is.  65: 

15. 
f  2  Sam.  17:1,2.     Matt.  5:7.  13: 

33—35.  Jam.  2:13. 
g  10:2,14.     Gen.  42:21.   Job  18: 

2,3,21,22.   Matt  27:35—46. 


ise  and  covenant  of  God,  and  will  be  effected  by 
i«s  powerful  arm,  and  communicated  from  his 
everlasting  love  and  mercy.  Let  them  then  ex- 
pect, "through  God,  to  do  valiantly;"  and  to  re- 
ceive from  him  help  in  every  trouble,  and  victo- 
ry in  every  conflict;  till  Satan  and  every  enemy 
be  bruised  under  their  feet.  (J^otes,  Rom.  8:35 — 
39.2  Cor.  12:7—10.  Eph.  6:10—20.  Phil.  4:10— 
13.  2  Tim.  2:1,2.) 

'Assured  that  Christ  our  King, 

'Will  put  our  foes  to  flight, 
'We  on  the  6eld  of  battle  sing, 

'And  triumph  while  we  fight.' 

Jfe-wton^piney  Hytnns. 

O  Lord,  "visit  all  our  souls  with  this  salvation," 
even  with  this  "favor  which  thou  nearest  to  thj' 
chosen  people!"    (JVb<e,  106:4,5.) 
NOTES. 

Psalm  CTX.  V.  I.  Most  expositors  suppose 
that  David  composed  this  psalm,  when  persecut- 
ed by  Saul,  who  was  rendered  more  implacable, 
by  the  base  and  malicious  calumnies  of  Doeg  and 
others:  but  some  expressions  favor  the  opinion, 
that  it  was  written  wlien  David  fled  from  Absa- 
lom, and  that  Ahithophel,  rather  than  Doeg,  is 
the  typical  person  principally  referred  to.  [JVoles, 
41:9.  69:22—28.  2  Sam.  15:12.)— "The  God  of  my 
praise;"  'whom  I  am  accustomed  to  praise,  and 
'whom  I  take  delight  ii^  praising.'  (JSTole,  Jer. 
17:14.) 

V.  2 — 5.  David  was  most  basely  deceived  by 
his  ungrateful  and  rebellious  son,  Absalom,  whose 
insinuations  also  tended  to  depreciate  his  charac- 
360] 


ter:  and  the  cursings  and  revilings  of  Shimei,  who 
charged  him,  to  his  face,  with  being  the  murder- 
er of  Saul  and  his  family,  were,  no  doubt,  the 
echo  of  calumnies  circulated  against  him  among 
many  of  his  subjects;  while  other  slanders,  as  ma- 
licious and  groundless,  would  be  better  calculat- 
ed for  different  descriptions  of  men.  Thus  the 
minds  of  the  people  were  alienated  from  their 
aged  king;  and  they  readily  joined  Absalom  ii» 
levying  war  against  him,  "without  a  cause,"  or 
gratuitous ty,,  when  he  had  done  nothing  to  de- 
serve it,  but  entirely  the  contrary.  {J^ote,  John 
15:22 — 25.)  His  indulgent  affection  for  Absalom 
was  excessive;  he  had  preferred  and  honored 
Ahithophel,  as  his  counsellor  and  friend;  and  he 
had  spent  his  life  in  promoting  the  benefit  of  his 
people,  and  in  pouring  out  his  prayers  for  them: 
yet  he  was  thus  ungratefully  used  by  all  parties. 
(JVbic*,  38:19,20.  69:10—12.  2  Sam.  15:1—6,10— 
15.  16:5 — 14.) — David  had  been  very  useful  to 
Saul,  and  to  Israel  in  general;  and  to  some  of 
those  in  particular,  who  joined  in  persecuting 
him :  but  he  had  never  shewn  that  affection  for 
Saul,  or  that  friendship  to  Doeg,  which  he  had  for 
Absalom  and  Ahithophel. — In  all  these  respects, 
however,  he  was  only  a  type  of  Christ,  the  histo- 
ry of  whose  life  and  death  is  the  best  comment  on 
the  passage.  {Mnrg.  Ref.)  'These  things  Da- 
vid sang  in  a  spiritual  sense,  in  the  person  of 
'Christ  assaulted  by.  the  Jews  with  all  kinds  of 
'revilings'  (or  blasphemies.)  Bossuet  quoted  by 
Bp.  Home. 


n.  C.  102L 


PSALM  CIX. 


C.   10'21. 


and  needy  man,  that  he  might  even  ^  slay 
the  broken  in  heart. 

17  As  'he  loved  cursing,  so  let  it 
come  unto  him:  as  he  delighted  not  in 
blessing,  so  let  it  be  far  from  him. 

18  As  ''he  clothed  himself  with  curs- 
ing Hke  as  with  his  garment;  '  so  let  it 
come  *into  his  bowels  hke  water,  and 
like  oil  into  his  bones. 

1  Pet.  5:5. 


h34:13.  69:20—29.  2  Sam.  16 
11,12.    Mark  14:33—36. 

i  52:4,5.  59:12,13.  Ez.  35:6, 
Matt.  7:2.  2  Thes.  2:10,11. 
Rev.  16:6. 

k  73:6.     Job  29:14.    Col.  3:3,12. 


1  Num.  5:22,27.  Job  20:12—16, 
20—23.  Matt.  26:24.  27:3—5. 
Acts  1:18,25. 

*  Heb.  -aiithin  him. 


V.  6 — 20.  Whether  David,  when  he  wrote 
these  verses,  thoug-lit  of  Doeg-;  or  of  Ahithophel, 
who  beini^  a  traitor,  more  resembled  Judas,  as  he 
also  did  in  murdering-  himself;  {J^otes,  2  Sam.  17: 
23.  Jlalt.  27:3 — 5.)  they  are  most  certainly  a  pro- 
phetic denunciation  of  the  doom,  which  awaited 
the  enemies  of  Christ,  and  Judas  in  particular: 
for  the  apostle  has  quoted  one  clause  from  the 
passage,  with  this  remarkable  introduction;  "This 
scripture  must  needs  have  been  fulfilled,  which 
the  Holy  Ghost,  by  the  mouth  of  David,  spake 
before  concerning  Judas,  &c."  (8.  JVotes,  Acta 
1:16 — 22.) — The  inspired  historian  gives  the  ex- 
act words  from  the  Septuagint,  which  translates 
the  whole  as  an  imprecation.  Indeed  the  first 
verb  is  the  only  one,  which  necessarily  requires 
this  construction,  being  literally  rendered,  "Set 
thou;"  whereas  all  the  other  verbs  are  in  the  fu- 
ture and  may  be  rendered  as  prophecies.  Yet 
the  first  verb,  being  imperative,  and  the  passage 
being  so  quoted  in  the  Acts  from  the  Septuagint, 
seem  to  imply,  that  sentence  was  prophetically 
denounced  against  the  criminal  or  criminals,  and 
not  merely  the  event  foretold. — If  David  intend- 
ed not  only  to  predict,  but  to  imprecate,  the  ven- 
geance of  God  on  apostate  Ahithophel  and  his  im- 
penitent foes,  as  the  first  word  seems  to  imply;  it 
should  be  remembered,  that  "the  Spirit  of  God 
spake  by  him;"  taking  occasion  from  his  circum- 
stances to  predict,  in  this  alarming  manner,  the 
miseries  which  would  come  on  the  enemies  of  the 
Messiah.  But,  unless  we  were  under  the  same 
influence,  the  example  is  not  suited  for  our  imi- 
tation: and  we  ought  by  no  means  to  adopt  the 
words  with  reference  to  our  own  enemies.  Yet 
there  can  be  no  impropriety  in  reading  or  sing- 
ing the  psalm,  as  the  sentence  of  our  Judge  on  his 
implacable  opposers  and  blasphemers,  for  a  sol- 
emn warning  to  all  who  hear  it;  any  more  than  in 
reading  the  latter  part  of  the  twenty-fiftli  chapter 
of  St.  Matthew,  or  the  curses  contained  in  the 
twenty-seventh,  twenty-eighth,  and  twenty-ninth 
chapters  of  Deuteronomy.  [Jfote,Dent.  27:15.) — 
We  may  apply  the  whole  passage  to  Judas,  who 
ungratefully  and  basely  sold  Jesus  to  his  ene- 
mies. He  was  left  to  become  the  servant  to  a 
most  wicked  and  cruel  master,  when  he  hired 
himself  to  Caiaphas,,  as  the  head  of  the  Sanhedrim, 
who  tffeated  his  remorse  of  conscience  with  such 
contempt,  as  helped  to  hurry  him  into  despera- 
tion; his  tempter  "Satan  stood  at  his  right  hand" 
as  his  accuser,  and  urged  him  to  suicide;  he  has 
ever  since  been  considered  as  a  guilty  wretch  by 
almost  every  body;  he  was  expressly  condemned 
by  the  Lord  Jesus  himself;  [JSTote,  Matt.  26:21— 
24.)  his  prayers  were  mere  form  and  hypocrisy, 
and  not  the  language  of  true  repentance  and 
faith,  so  that  they  aggravated  his  guilt;  his  days 
were  few,  and  another  was  chosen  to  succeed  to 
liis  apostlesbip.  [JVbie,  Ads  ]  ■.20—26.)  Probably 
he  left  a  widow  and  fatherless  children,  on  whom 
infamy  and  distress  were  entailed,  in  the  right- 

Vol.  III.  46 


19  Let  it  be  unto  him  ™  as  the  gar- 
ment which  covereth  him,  and  for  a  girdle 
wherewith  he  is  girded  continually. 

20  Let  "this  be  the  reward  of  mine 
adversaries  from  the  Lord,  and  of 
°  them  that  speak  evil  against  my  souL 

21  But  Pdo  thou  for  me,  O  God  the 
Lord,  for  thy  name's  sake:  because 
1  thy  mercy  in  good,  deliver  thou  me. 


m  18,29.   35:26.   1,32:18. 

n  2:5,6,12.    21:8—12.    40:14,15, 

110:1,5,6.    2  Sam.  17:23.  18:32. 

1  Kings   2:44.     Luke   19:27.   1 

Thes.  2:15,16. 


o  Matt.  11:19.     12:24.    28:66,67. 

Mark  9:39.    1  Cor.  12:3. 
p    31:3.    69:29     79:9,10.    143:11, 

12.     John  17:1.    Phil.  2.8—11. 
q  36:7—9.   63.3.   £6-5,15. 


eous  providence  of  God,  till  the  family  was  ex- 
tinct; and  thus  the  sins  of  his  progenitors,  which 
he  imitated,  but  far  exceeded,  were  visited  upon 
him  and  his  descendants;  in  a  remarkable  man- 
ner. By  betraying  Christ,  he  refused  his  bless- 
ing, and  avowed  that  he  would  not  follow  him  in 
doing  good,  preferring  a  curse  and  mischief;  and 
he,  as  it  were,  clothed  himself  with  malevolence 
and  treachery:  the  blessing  of  God  would  there- 
fore be  removed  far  from  him;  and  his  curse  would 
cover  and  cleave  to  him  as  a  garment,  confine 
him  as  a  girdle,  enter  into  his  bowels  as  water, 
and  insinuate  into  his  bones  as  oil;  that  is,  it 
would  be  his  only  and  his  everlasting  portion. — 
The  verses  may  also  be  applied  to  the  Jewi.«h  na- 
tion; who,  having  rejected  and  crucified  Christ, 
were  given  up  to  be  tyrannised  over  by  one  usurp- 
er after  another,  and  to  be  infatuated  by  Satan 
in  an  unheard  of  manner.  Under  the  divine 
condemnation,  for  their  obstinate  unbelief,  their 
hypocritical  religion  only  added  to  their  guilt,  by 
rendering  them  more  proud,  bigoted,  and  furi- 
ous in  persecuting  the  Christians.  Their  civil 
and  ecclesiastical  state  expired  within  fortv  years 
from  the  death  of  Christ,  and  their  peculiar  priv- 
ileges were  transferred  to  the  Gentile  converts. 
At  the  destruction  of  Jerusalem  immense  multi- 
tudes were  slain;  their  widows  and  orphans  were 
left  to  penury  and  misery;  and  their  posterity 
have  ever  since  been  dispersed  as  vagabonds,  and 
preyed  upon  by  extortion  and  oppression,  in  al- 
most every  land:  their  name  has  been,  as  it  were, 
expunged  from  the  records  of  the  church;  all  the 
iniquities  of  the  nation,  from  its  origin,  were  vis- 
ited on  that  and  the  succeeding  generations;  and 
the  horrible  imprecation,  "His  blood  be  on  us  and 
on  our  children,"  which  tlie  enraged  persecutors 
of  Christ  uttered  against  themselves  and  their 
posterity,  has  been  as  awfully  fulfilled.  (JVotes, 
Devi.  28:15—68.  29:18—28.  JTatt.  23:34—36.  27: 
24,25.  1  Thes.  2:13— 16.)— The  whole  may  also  be 
applied  to  all  the  enemies  of  Christ  and  his  church, 
in  every  age  slsd  nation.    [J]Jur^.  Bef.) 

The  extortioner.  (11)  Or  rather  cre(/?7or.  'Let 
'his  creditor  (pretending  a  judgment,)  seize  on  aJl 
'his  estate;  and  a  stranger  by  that  means  reap  the 
'fruit  of  all  his  care  and  labor.'    Bp.  Patrhk. 

Might  slay  the  broken  in  heart.  (16)  J^''oies, 
69:22—28,  v.  26.  Job  6:14.— 'They'  (the  Jews] 
'betrayed  and  murdered  the  lowly  and  afllictecl 
'Jesus,  whose  "heart  was  broken"  with  sorrow 
'for  their  sins,  and  with  a  sense  of  the  punish- 
'ment  due  to  them.  How  long  will  it  be  ere  the 
'brethren  of  this  most  innocent  and  most  injured 
'Joseph,  "say  one  to  another.  We  are  verily  guil- 
'ty  coocerning  our  brother,  in  that  we  saw  the 
'anguish  of  his  soul,  when  he  besought  us,  and  we 
'would  not  hear:  therefore  is  this  distress  come 
'upon  us!"  Gen.  42:21.'  Bp.  Home.  (JVote,  Zech. 
12:9—14.) 

V.  21.  O  GOD  the  Lord.]  Or,  JEHOVAH 
my  Lord.-^For  thy  name^s  yafrc]   'As  tliou  srt 

[361 


B.  C=  1021. 


PSALM  CIX. 


B.  C.  1021\ 


22  For  ^  I  am  poor  and  needy,  and 
'  my  heart  is  wounded  within  me. 

23  I  am  *  gone  Hke  the  shadow 
when  it  dechneth:  "  I  am  tossed  up  and 
down  as  the  locust. 

24  My  ^  knees  are  weak  through  fast- 
ing; and  y  my  flesh  faileth  of  fatness. 

25  1  became  also  ^  a  reproach  unto 
them:  *  when  they  looked  upon  me  they 
shaked  their  heads. 

26  ^  Help  me,  O  Lord  my  God:  O 
•=  save  me  according  to  thy  mercy: 

27  That  ^  they  may  know  that  this  is 


J  22:6.  40.17.    86:1.   102:17—20. 

Matt.  8:20.    2  Cor.  8:9. 
s  16.  88:15,16.     102:4.     2  Kings 

4:27.     Job  6:4.    Is.  53:3.  Luke 

'^2:44.    John  12:27. 
t   102:11.     144:4.      1  Chr.  29:15. 

Job  14:2.  Ec.  6:12.  G:13.  Jam. 

4:14. 
u  102:10.  Ex.  10:13,19. 
X  22:14.  35:13,14.  69:10.    Matt. 

4:2.     2  Cor.  11:27. 
y  32:3,4.  38:5—8.   102:4,5.    Job 


19:20. 
z  31:11— 13.  35:15,16.  69:9—13, 

19,20.     Rom.  15:3.     Heb.  12: 

2:   13:13. 
a  22:6,7.     Job  16:4.     Is.  37:22. 

Matt.  27:39,40. 
b  40:12,13.    119:86.    Hsb.  5:7. 
c57:l.  69:13,16. 
d  64:8,9.  126:2.  Ex.  8:19.  Num. 

16:28—30.     1  Sam.  17:46,47.    1 

Kings  18:36,37.  Acts  2:32—36. 

4:16. 


thy  hand;    that    ihou,   Lord,  hast  done 
it. 

®Let  them   curse,  but  bless  thou: 
they   arise,  let  them  be  ashamed; 
et  thy  servant  rejoice, 
29  Let  mine  adversaries  s  be  clothed 
with  shame;  and  let  them  cover  them- 
selves with  their  own  confusion  as  with  a 
mantle. 


28 
when 
but  f 


30  I    will  ''greatly 


praise    the  Lord 
'  I  will  praise  him 


with  my  mouth;  yea, 
among  the  multitude. 

3]  For  ''he  shall  stand  at  the  right 
hand  of  '  the  poor,  '"  to  save  him  from 
*  those  that  condemn  his  soul. 


e    17.     Num.  22:12.  23:20,23.  2 

Sam.  16:10,11,13. 
f    Is.    65:13-16.      John   16:22. 

Keb.  12:2. 
S  17—19.    6:10.    35:26.    132:18. 

140:9.     Jer.  20:11.    Divn.  12:2. 

Mic.  7:10. 
h  7:17.   9:1.  22:22,25.    71:22,23. 

103:1—3. 


J  22:22— 25.  107:32.  111:1.  11& 
12—18.    138:1,4.   Heb.  2:12. 

k  16:8.  73:23.   110:5.   121:5. 

1  16.  68:5.  72:4,12,13.    140.12. 

m  10:14.  Ex.  22:22—24.  Prov. 
22:22,33.  Ec.  5:8.  13.64:17. 
Acts  4:10—12.   5:30,31. 

*  Heb.  the  judges  ofhis  soui. 


'named  merciful,  and  gracious,  and  long-suffer 
'ing",  so  shew  thyself  in  effect.'  (JVo^e,  Ex.  34:5— 
7.)  In  all  respects  g'lorify  thy  name,  in  delivering- 
4iie. 

V.  22 — 24.  David,  when  driven  from  his  pal- 
ace and  city,  and  out  of  Judah;  and  when  com- 
pelled to  depend  on  a  few  loyal  subjects  for  sus- 
tenance; was  at  least  as  poor,  as  during  his  per- 
secutions by  Saul:  and  his  heart  was  far  more 
deeply  "wounded  within  him,"  both  in  contrition 
and  self-abasement,  and  by  anguish  of  spirit.  (16. 
.iVoto,  2  Sam.  15:24— 30.  10:1—14.  17:27—29.) 
Bein^  advanced  in  years,  he  considered  himself 
as  "a  shadow  that  declineth,"  towards  the  sun- 
set: and  not  having-  a  settled  home,  but  Avander- 
ing  from  place  to  place,  according  to  the  tidings 
brought  him  of  the  conspirators;  he  resembled 
the  locust,  which  is  driven  by  the  wind  to  east  or 
west,  without  being  able  to  keep  any  settled 
course.  (JVb/e,9,  Ex.  10:13,19.  Joel  2:18—20.) 
And  besides  fasting,  in  humbling  himself  before 
God,  and  thi-ough  sorrow  of  heart,  he  wanted 
often  suitable  provision;  and  thus  he  grew  feeble 
and  emaciated. — But  the  poverty  and  sorrow  of 
the  Savior,  "who  had  not  Avhere  to  lay  his  head;" 
and  all  the  events  of  his  life,  especially  from  his 
fasting  in  the  wilderness,  to  the  close  of  his  suf- 
ferings on  the  cross;  are  most  emphatically  de- 
scribed.    [Marg.  Ref.—JVote,  2  Cor.  8:6—9.) 

V.  25.  Marg.  Ref.—J^otes,  22:7,8.  31 :10— 13. 
35:15,16.  Matt.  27:39—44. 

V.  26,  27.  When  God  restored  David  to  the 
throne  in  peace  and  honor;  his  hand  was  manifest 
in  the  surprising  change,  and  his  enemies  were 
appalled  and  silenced.  But  Avhen  Christ  was 
raised  from  the  grave,  and  exalted  to  the  right 
hand  of  the  majesty  in  the  heavens,  and  when  the 
Holy  Spirit  was  in  consequence  poured  out  on  his 
apostles  and  disciples;  the  power  of  God  was  dis- 
played to  the  conviction  of  millions,  in  that  and 
future  ages,  that  the  whole  was  his  work,  and 
that  he  alone  had  done  it.  [Marg.  Ref. — JVbtes, 
Matt.  12:38—40.  Ads  2:33—36.  3:12—16.  4:5— 
12.  Heb.  2: 1—4,  v.  4.) 

v.  28—30.  "They  will  curse,  but  thou  wilt 
bless.  They  shall  be  ashamed;  but  thy  servant 
shall  rejoice.  Mine  adversaries  shall  be  clothed 
with  sliame.  They  shall  cover  themselves  with 
.tlieir  own  confusion  as  with  a  mantle.  I  will 
greatly  praise  the  Lord,  &c.''  The  whole  is  fu- 
ture in  the  original:  and  the  language  of  assured 
faith  and  hope,  or  of  perfect  foreknowledge,  in 


the  depth  of  distress,  is  more  suited  to  the  case, 
both  of  the  type  and  Antitype,  as  well  as  more 
animated,  than  that  of  supplication.  [Marg.  Re/", 
—JSTotes,  P*.  22:22— 24.  40:13—16.  69:29—32,) 
'They,'  (the  disciples  of  Jesus)  'shall  be  blessed, 
'and  enter  by  thousands  and  millions  "into  thu 
'joy  of  their  Lord,"  in  that  day  when  his  crucifi- 
'ers  shall  have  no  "covering,"  but  their  own 
'  "shame  and  confusion."  '    Bp.  Home. 

V.  31.  J^Totcs,  110:5,6.  Prou.  22:22,23.  2  I'lm. 
4:16—18. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

Our  incarnate  Redeemer  willingly  became 
poor,  and  submitted  to  pain  and  suffering-,  for  our 
sakes,  to  atone  for  our  sins  and  effect  our  salva- 
tion: and  when  we  consider,  that  the  gifts,  which 
his  hands  bestow,  were  purchased  by  "his  heart 
being-  wounded  within  him,"  by  his  "being  wasted 
as  a  shadow,  and  driven  about  as  a  locust"  in  the 
wind,  and  by  "his  knees  being  weak  with  fast- 
ings;" we  should  place  the  higher  value  on  them, 
and  express  the  more  gratitude  to  him. — Those 
wicked  men,whospreadslanders,and  uttered  blas- 
phemies against  him;  who  "compassed  him  about 
with  words  of  hatred,  and  fought  against  him 
withouta cause;"  who  werehis adversaries  because 
of  his  love  to  sinners,  and  rewarded  him  evil  for 
good;  did  indeed  fulfil  the  predictions  of  the  scrip- 
tures, and  the  divine  decrees:  but  as  they  were 
actuated  by  the  most  diabolical  enmity  to  God 
and  holiness,  they  exposed  themselves  to  the  most 
awful  vengeance.  [J^otes,  Ads  2:22—24.  4:23— 
28.)  If  tlien  we  in  any  measure  bear  the  image 
and  seek  the  honor  of  Christ,  we  must  expect  to 
be  hated  by  persons  of  the  same  character;  and 
must  stand  prepared  to  bear  their  malice,  slan- 
ders, treachery,  injustice,  and  ingratitude,  with 
firmness,  patience,  and  meekness;  "considering- 
him  who  endured  the  contradiction  of  sinners 
against  himself,"  (JVbie,  Heb.  12:2,3.)  and  "g:iving 
ourselves  unto  prayer."  And  if  we  duly  estimate 
our  obligations  to  the  Redeemer,  we  shall  not  be 
reluctant  to  suffer  for  his  sake  and  according  to 
his  will;  whether  he  be  pleased  to  prove  us  by 
poverty,  sickness,  persecution,  or  self-denying  la- 
bors.— In  all  our  trials  we  should  call  upon  the 
Lord,  as  "the  God  of  our  praise,"  in  whom  we 
glory,  and  whom  we  delight  to  worship:  we  should 
beg  of  him  to  deliver  us  "for  his  own  name's 
sake,"  and  according  to  his  abundant  mercy,  that 


B.  C.  1038. 


PSALM  ex. 


B.  C.  1038. 


PSALM  ex. 

A  prophecy  of  the  Mfssiah's  kingilom,  subjects,  priesthood,  tri- 
umphs, and  sufierings  as  introducing  tbeni,  1 — 7. 

A  Psalm  of  David. 

THE  "  Lord  said  unto  my  Lord,  ^  Sit 
tliou  at  my  right  hand,  *=  until  I  make 
thine  enemies  thy  footstool. 

~  -       "'         ■       Mark       Pet.  3:22. 

c  2.e— 9.    1  Cor.  15:25.  Heb.  1: 


a  8:1.     Matt.  22:42 — J6. 

12:35—37.     Luke  20:41—44. 
b   Mark  16:19.     Acts  2:34—36. 

F.ph.  1:20—22.       Heb.  12:2.   1 


3,13.    10:12,13. 


his  hand  may  appear  and  be  glorified. — We  need 
not  regard  the  malicious  imprecations  of  ungodly 
men:  though  they  curse,  he  will  bless  those  who 
trust  in  him,  and  they  will  rejoice  when  their  ene- 
mies shall  be  covered  with  confusion:  for  God  will 
plead  the  cause  of  those  who  honor  him  by  their 
animated  praises;  he  will  rebuke  Satan,  and  ev- 
ery accuser,  and  "save  them  from  those  who 
would  condemn  their  souls." — We  must  persevere 
in  "blessing  those  who  curse  us,"  and  in  endeav- 
oring to  "overcome  evil  with  good."  Yet,  in  the 
case  of  Judas  and  the  unbelieving  Jews,  the  ene- 
mies of  Christ  and  his  people  may  read  their  own 
doom,  if  they  continue  impenitent.  No  language 
can  express  the  miseries  which  are  coming  upon 
them,  where  there  will  be  no  remedy,  no  help, 
no  mercy:  for  what  are  all  the  temporal  afflictions, 
which  can  befal  us  or  our  descendants,  compared 
with  the  everlasting  wrath  of  God.''  Indeed  enmi- 
ty against  Christ  is  likely  to  entail  infamy  and 
misery  upon  a  man's  family  through  successive 
generations:  and  those,  who  shew  no  mercy  to 
the  poor,  especially  to  his  needy  and  broken-heart- 
ed people,  but  treat  them  with  insult  and  cruelty, 
must  expect  no  mercy  from  God.  Nay,  when  men 
reject  the  salvation  of  Christ,  their  very  prayers  are 
numbered  among  their  sins.  Satan  will  be  permit- 
ted to  tempt,  to  tyrannise  over,  to  accuse,  and  to 
torment  them;  and  their  condemnation  and  ruin 
will  be  inevitable  and  sudden.  In  rejecting  Christ, 
they  refuse  "the  blessing,  and  it  will  be  far  from 
them;"  the  curse  of  the  broken  law  is  eventually 
their  choice  and  their  portion:  all  the  blasphem- 
ous expressions,  which  they  employ  against  the 
truths  and  professors  of  the  gospel,  and  all  the  im- 
precations which  they  liberally  bestow  on  those 
who  offend  or  differ  from  them,  will  rebound  upon 
themselves,  and  enhance  their  condemnation  and 
misery.  This  will  be  the  reward  of  all  the  ad- 
versaries of  Christ,  and  of  all  who  revile  and  hate 
his  people.  Let  sinners  tlien  take  warning,  and 
fiee  for  refuge  to  the  great  Redeemer:  let  those, 
w]%o  have  employed  their  tongues  in  cursing  and 
profaneness,  fear  and  tremble,  lest  their  multi- 
plied imprecations  should  come  upon  themselves: 
let  all  opposers  of  the  gospel  be  persuaded  to 
cease  from  their  ruinous  attempts:  and  let  all  the 
Lord's  poor  and  afflicted  people  rejoice  in  iiim, 
and  greatly  praise  his  holy  name. 

NOTES. 
Psalm  CX.  V.  1.  David  'speaks  of  some 
I  'person,  much  greater  than  himself,  whom  he 
'calls  his  Lord;  so  it  can  be  no  other  but  the 
'Lord  Christ,  of  whom  he  here  prophesies: 
'not,  as  he  is  wont  to  do  elsewhere,  with  respect 
'to  himself,  in  the  first  place,  as  his  type  and  fig- 
'ure;  but  in  plain  words,  which  can  belong  to 
'none  but  Christ  alone:  for  no  other  king  but  he 
'can  be  said  in  any  sense  to  sit  at  God's  right 
'hand;  nor  was  there  any  priest  after  the  order  of 
'Melchizedek,  that  could  be  a  shadow  of  him.  ... 
•The  Jews  have  taken  a  great  deal  of  pains  to 
'wrest  tliis  Psalm  to  another  sense:  yet  they  are 
'so  divided  in  their  opinions  about  it,  (speaking 
'inconsistent  things,  like  drunken  men,  as  St. 
'Chrysostom's  words  are,  or  rather,  says  he,  like 


2  The  Lord  shall  send  ''  the  rod  of 
thy  strength  «  out  of  Zion:  ^  rule  thou  iu 
the  midst  of  thine  enemies. 

3  s  Thy  people  shall  be  willing  in  ^  the 


d  Ex.  7:19.  8:5.  Mic.  7:14. 
Matt.  28:18—20.  Acts  5:34— 
37.  Rom.  1:16.  1  Cor.  1:23, 
24.  2  Cor.  10:4,5.  1  Thes.  2: 
13.    1  Pet.  1:12. 

e  Is.  2:3.  Ez.  47:l,&c.  Mic. 
4:2. 


f  2:8,9.   22:28,29.   45:5,6. 

g  22:27,28.    .Tudg.  5:2.     Acts  2: 

41.    Rom.  11:2— 6.    2Cor.  8:1 

—3,12,16.     Phil.  2:13.     Heb. 

13:21. 
h  Acts  1:8.    2:33.    4:30—35.   19: 

20.     2  Cor.  13:4. 


'men  in  the  dark,  running  against  one  another,) 
'that  from  thence  alone  we  may  be  satisfied  they 
'are  in  the  wrong,  and  have  their  eyes  blinded.' 
Bp.  Patrick. — 'We  are  here  informed  of  Jeho- 
'vah's  eternal  and  unchangeable  decree  concern- 
'ing  the  kingdom  of  Messiah,  its  extension,  pow- 
'er,  and  duration.  That  Messiah  should,  after  his 
'sufferings,  be  thus  exalted,  was  determined  in  the 
'divine  counsel  and  covenant,  before  the  world 
'began.  ...  It  was  addressed  by  the  I'ather  to  the 
'Son;  by  Jehovah  to  Messiah,  whom  David  la 
'Spirit  styleth  ...  my  Lord,  one  that  should  come 
'after  him,  as  his  offspring  according  to  the  flesh; 
'but  one,  in  dignity  of  person  and  greatness  of 
'power,  far  superior  to  him,  and  to  every  earthly 
'potentate.  ...  To  this  person  it  was  said  by  the 
'Father,  "Sit  thou  at  my  right  hand,  until  I  make 
'thine  enemies  thy  footstool;"  in  other  words, 
'Seeing,  O  my  Son  Messiah,  thou  hast  "glorified 
'me  on  the  earth,  and  finished  the  work  which  I 
'gave  thee  to  do;"  ...  take  now  the  throne  prepar- 
'ed  for  thee  from  the  foundation  of  the  world:  be- 
'hold,  all  power  is  given  unto  thee;  enter  upon 
'thy  mediatorial  kingdom,  and  reign  till  every 
'opposer  shall  have  submitted  himself  to  thee,  and 
'sin  and  death  shall  have  felt  thy  all-conquering 
'arm.'  Bp.  Home.  [Mjte,  1  'Cor.  13:20—28.) 
Tliis  interpretation  is  established  by  multiplied 
quotations  from  the  Psalm,  in  the  New  Testa- 
ment, with  the  most  express  application  of  it  to 
the  kingdom  of  Christ. — David,  speaking  by  the 
Holy  Spirit,  calls  the  promised  Messiah,  his  Lordy 
though  he  was  to  descend  from  him,  according  to 
the  flesh:  not  only  because  he  should  hereafter  be 
far  superior  to  him  and  all  the  kings  of  the  earth; 
but  because  he  then  existed  in  glory,  as  the  eter- 
nal Son  of  God.  [J^otes,  Matt.  22:41—46.  J\Iark 
12:35—37.  iwAre  20:41— 44.  Acts  2:33—36.  Heb. 
10:11—18.) 

V.  2.  In  the  former  verse  the  royal  prophet 
reported  the  words  of  Jehovah  to  the  Messiah: 
but  here  he  addresses  the  Messiah  as  present. 
'The  eternal  Lord,  who  hath  thus  decreed  to 
'honor  thee,  O  most  mighty  Prince,  will  make 
'Zion  first  of  all  to  feel  how  powerful  thy  sceptre 
'is,  ...  and  thence  extend  thy  empire  over  all  the 
'earth;  where  ...  I  foretel  thou  wilt  prevail  over 
'all  infidelit}',  idolatry,  superstition,  and  impiety, 
'which  will  set  themselves  against  thy  authority.' 
Bp.  Patrick.  [J^otes,  Rev.  20:1 — 6.) — 'Goon, 
'victorious  Prince;  plant  the  standard  of  thy  cross 
'among  the  thickest  ranks  of  the  adversary;  and, 
'in  opposition  to  both  Jew  and  Gentile,  tumultu- 
'ously  raging  against  thee,  erect  and  establish  fhy 
'church  throughout  the  world.'  Bp.  Home. — The 
gospel,  "preached  with  the  Holy  Ghost  sent  down 
from  heaven,"  is  "the  rod,"  or  sceptre,  of  the  Re- 
deemer's strength,  or  authority.  This  was  sent 
forth  from  Zion  by  the  apostles  and  evangelists, 
who  were  the  instruments  of  setting  up  his  king- 
dom; [JVotcs,  Is.  2:'2— 5.  Ez.  47:1—10.  Luke  24: 
44 — 49.)  by  which  he  has  ever  since  reigned  over 
an  innumerable  multitude  of  subjects,  in  the 
midst  of  the  most  furious  and  inveterate  enemies; 
namely,  evil  spirits  and  wicked  men,  who  in  vain 
attempt  to  subvert  his  throne,  or  deprive  him  of 
his  subjects:  and  thus  he  will  continue  to  estab- 

[36^!, 


B.  C.   1033. 


PSALM  ex. 


B.  C.  1038. 


day  of  thy  power,  '  in  the  beauties  of  ho- 
liness, *  from  the  womb  of  the  morning: 
^  thou  hast  the  dew  of  thy  youth. 

4  The  LoKD  '  hath  sworn,  and  "'  will 
not  repent,  "  Thou  aj-t  a  Priest  for  ever 
after  the  order  of  Melchizedek. 

5  The  Lord  "  at  thy  right  hand  shall 
P  strike  through  kings  ^  in  the  day  of  his 
wrath. 


i  96:9.    Ez.  43:12.    Eph.  1.4.   1 

Tbea.  4:7.    Tit.  2:14. 
*    Or,    more  than   the  -uiomb  of 

the  morning:  thou  shalt  have, 

k  Acts  4:4.  21:20.     Rev.  7:9. 
189.34—36.     Heb.  6:13— 18.  ■?: 

38. 
m  Num.  23:19. 
D  Gen.  14:13—20.      Zech.  6:13. 


Heb.   6.20.      7:1 — 3,11,17,21. 

Rev.  1:6. 
o  1.  16:8.    Mark  16:19.    Acts  2: 

34—36.  7:55,56. 
p  2:2—6,9—12.  45:4,5.  68:14,30. 

149:7—9.   Zech.  9:9,10,13— 15. 

Rev.  17:12—14.  19:11-21.  20: 

8,9. 
q  21:8,9.     Ez.  38:18,19.     Rom. 

2:5.  Rev.  6:15—17.  11:18. 


lish  and  enlarge  his  kingdom,  till  it  fill  the  whole 
earth,  and  till  time  shall  be  no  more.  [JVotes,  2: 
7—12.  Is.  9:6,7.  Dan.  2:44,45.  Matt.  16:18. 
JbAw  10:26— 31.  iJom.  8:32— 39.  Rev.  ]1:  IS- 
IS.) 

V.  3.  'The  "people"  of  Chri-st  are  those  given 
'him  by  his  Father,  and  gathered  to  him  by  the 
•preachers  of  his  word.  "The  day  of  his  power," 
'is  the  season  of  their  conversion,  when  the  cor- 
*ruptioDs  of  nature  can  no  longer  hold  out  against 
'the  prevailing  influences  of  grace;  when  the 
'heart,  will,  and  affections  turn  from  the  world  to 
'God;  and  they  make,  as  the  first  disciples  did,  a 
'free  and  voluntary  offering  of  themselves,  and 
'all  they  have,  to  their  Redeemer.  Then  it  is. 
♦that  they  appear  "in  the  beauties  of  holiness," 
'adorned  with  humility,  faith,  hope,  love,  and  all 
'the  graces  of  the  Spirit.'  Bp.  Home. — The 
word  rendered  "thy  youth"  may  refer  to  the  first 
publication  of  the  gospel,  the  early  days  of  the 
glorified  Redeemer's  kingdom;  when  converts, 
numerous  as  the  drops  of  dew,  which,  by  a  bold 
metaphor,  are  said  to  be  produced  "from  the 
womb  of  the  morning,"  "gladly  received  the 
word,"  and  willingly  yielded  themselves  to  the 
Lord  Jesus.  The  word,  rendered  "willing,"  is 
literally  voluntary  offerings:  it  seems  to  imply 
the  most  unreserved  cheerfulness,  in  presenting 
the  oblation;  like  that  which  David  expresses. 
[Jfote,  J  Chr.  29:10—19.)  The  scene  exhibited 
on  the  day  of  Pentecost,  and  just  afterwards; 
when  the  haughty  and  selfish  crucifiers  of  Christ, 
in  that  "day  of  his  power,"  not  only  were  made 
willing  by  divine  grace  to  accept  his  salvation, 
but  without  the  least  reluctance,  devoted  their 
all,  as  a  free  will  offering  to  his  service;  is  a  strik- 
ing illustration  of  the  emblem,  or  rather  a  fulfil- 
ment of  the  prophecy.  {J^otes,  Ads  2:37—47.  4: 
32—37.  2  Cor,  8:1— 5.)  'The  whole  verse  ... 
'containeth  a  lively  character  of  the  subjects  of 
'Christ's  spiritual  kingdom,  who  are  described  by 
'their  relation  to  him  as  "his  people;  by  their  wil- 
'lingr.ess  to  obey  and  serve  him;  by  their  honora- 
'ble  attire,  and  splendid  robes  of  holiness;"  and 
'by  their  multitudes,  resembling  the  drops  of  dew 
'upon  the  gi-ass.'    Bp.  Home. 

V.  4.  'The  oath  of  God  was  the  great  seal  of 
'heaven,  designed  to  intimate  the  importance  of 
'the  deed  to  which  it  was  set,  and  "to  shew  the 
♦heirs  of  promise,  the  immutability  of  his  coun- 
'sel."  ...  Oblation,  intercession,  and  benediction 
'are  the  three  branches  of  the  sacerdotal  office, 
'which  our  great  High  Priest  now  exerciseth  for 
'us.'  Bp.  Home. — The  Redeemer's  kingdom  is 
inseparably  connected  with  the  performances  of 
his  priestly  office;  to  which  he  was  appointed  by 
an  irrevocable  engagement  of  the  Father,  and  in 
which  he  abides  from  age  to  age.  In  virtue  of 
bis  atonement  and  intercession,  he  employs  all 


6  He  shall  'judge  among  the  heathen, 
^he  shall  fill  the  places  with  the  dead 
bodies;  '  he  shall  wound  the  heads  over 
+  many  countries. 

7  He  "  shall  drink  of  the  brook  in  the 
way:  ^  therefore  shall  he  y  lift  up  the 
head. 


rl  Sam.  2:10.   Is.  2:4.   11:3.  42: 

1,4.  51:5.  Jop13:12— 16.    Mic. 

4:3.     John   5:22,27.      Rev.  19: 

11. 
s  Is.  34:2—8.  43:3—4.  66:16,17. 

Ez.     38:21,22.       39:4,11 — 20. 

Rev.  14:20. 
168.21.     Gen.  3:15.  Hab.  3:13. 


f  Or,  great. 

u    102:9.     Job  21:20.     Is.  53:12. 

Jer.  23:15.     Matt.   20:22.    26: 

42.     John  18:11. 
X  Is.  53:11,12.  Luke  24:26.  Phil. 

2:7—11.    Heb.  2:9,10.     1  Pet. 

Ml. 
y  3:3.  27:6.  Jer.  52:31. 


his  power  and  authority  for  the  benefit  of  his  re- 
deemed people.  But  it  should  be  carefully  noted, 
that  the  two  offices  of  king  and  priest  were  in- 
compatible according  to  the  Mosaic  law,  at 
least  after  the  appointment  of  David  and  his  fami- 
ly to  the  kingdom:  and  the  ancient  Jews  must 
have  known,  if  they  bad  not  been  blinded  by 
prejudice,  that  a  new  order  and  constitution  must 
take  place  at  the  coming  of  the  Messiah,  who  was 
to  be  "a  Priest  upon  his  throne;"  (JVb<e,  Zech. 
6:12,13.)  a  Priest,  not  after  Aaron's  order,  which, 
as  David's  son,  he  could  not  be;  but  after  the  or- 
der of  Melchizedek. — It  is  observable,  that  this 
is  the  only  place,  in  which  Melchizedek  is  men- 
tioned in  the  whole  Scripture,  except  in  the  nar- 
rative by  Moses;  and  by  the  apostle,  when  prov- 
ing to  the  Hebrews  that  Jesus  was  the  Messiah. 
— The  New  Testament  dispensation  made  no  al- 
teration, except  in  those  things  in  which  the  Old 
Testament  taught  all,  who  understood  it  and  at- 
tended to  it,  to  expect  an  alteration.  (JVb<e*,  Gen. 
14:18—20.  Heb.  5:7—10.  6:16—20.  7:1—10.)  'As 
'Melchizedek,  the  figure  of  Christ,  was  both  king- 
'and  priest;  so  the  effect  cannot  be  accomplished 
'in  any  king,  save  only  Christ.' — After  the  order, 
&c.]  Or,  "According  to  my  appointment,  even 
that  of  Melchizedek;"  or,  "According  to  my  ap- 
pointment, O  Melchizedek." 

V.  5,  6.  'By  "the  Lord,"  or.  My  Lord,  "at  thy 
'right  hand,"  ...  the  same  person  must  undoubted- 
'ly  be  understood,  who  is  mentioned  in  the  first 
'verse  under  the  same  title,  ^jn« ,  as  "sitting  at 
'the  right  hand  of  Jehovah."  And  the  Psalmist, 
'who  has  hitherto  addressed  himself  to  Messiah, 
'or  the  Son,  must  be  supposed  now  to  mcvke 
'a  sudden  apostrophe  to  ...  the  Father:  as  if  he 
'had  said.  This  my  Lord  Messiah,  who  sitteth  at 
'thy  right  hand,  O  Jehovah,  "shall  smite  through 
'kings  in  the  day  of  his  wrath."  The  kings  of  the 
'earth  will  endeavor  to  destroy  his  religion,  and 
'put  an  end  to  his  kingdom:  the  Neros,  the  Do- 
'mitians,  the  Dioclesians,  the  Maxentiuses,  the 
'Julians,  &c.  &c.  shall  stand  up,  and  set  them- 
'selves  in  arra)'  against  him:  but  "the  Lamb  shall 
'overcome  them,"  he  shall  "judge"  and  punish  the 
'  "heathen"  princes,  ...  and  strew  the  ground 
'with  their  "carcasses."  '  Bp.  Home. — This  will 
receive  a  more  tremendous  completion,  when  he 
shall  destroy  all  antichristian  powers,  and  set  up 
his  kingdom  throughout  the  earth;  as  it  must  evi- 
dently appear  to  any  one  who  attentively  com- 
pares the  various  prophetical  scriptures  referred 
to  in  the  margin.  (JVbfes,  149:7— 9.  /«.  34:  63:t 
—6.  Ez.  38:  39:  Rev.  6:9—17.  19:11—21.)  / 

V.  7.  'He  shall  first  humble  himself  to  the 
'meanest  condition;  not  living  in  the  state  of  a 
'king  here  in  this  world,  but  of  a  way-faring  man, 
'  ...  who  is  content  with  such  provision  as  he 
'meets  withal.    For  which  cause,  after  the  en- 


B.  C.  1037. 


PSALM  CXI. 


B.  C.  1037. 


PSALM  CXL 

TliK  Psalmist  praises  Rod  for  his  glorious  and  pracioiis  works,  1 
— 9;  and  shews  that  the  fear  of  God  is  the  beginning  of  wis- 
dom, 10. 

RAISE  ye  the  Lokd.  *I  will  praise 
the  Lord  with  my  whole  heart,  ''  hi 
the  assembly  of  the  upright  and  in  the 
congregation. 

2  The  "  works  of  the  Lord  are  great, 
**  sought  out  of  all  them  ^  that  have  pleas- 
ure therein. 


P 


«  Heb.  Hallelujah.  10G:1,48. 

a  9:1.   103:1.    138:1. 

b    2i:25.    35:18.    40:9,10.    89:7. 

107:32.     108:3.     109:30.    149:1. 

1  Chr.  29: 10—20.     2  Chr.  6:3, 

4.  20:26—23. 
c92:5.     104:24.139:14.     Job  5: 

9.    9:10.    26:12—14.     38:— 41: 


Is.  40:12.  Jer.  32:17—19.  Dan. 

4:3.     Kph.    1:19,20.    2:7 10. 

Rev.  15:3. 
d  77:11,12.     104:24,34.     107:43. 

143:5.     Job  37:7.      Ec.  3:11.   1 

Pet.  1:10—12. 
e  92:4.      Prov.  17:16.   13:1,2.  24: 

14.     Rom.  1:28.  8:6. 


3  His  work  •/;>•  ^  honorable  and  glori- 
ous; and  s  his  righteousness  endureth  for 
ever. 

4  He  ^  hath  made  his  wonderful  works 
to  be  remembered:  the  Lord  is  '  gra- 
cious and  ''  full  of  compassion. 

5  He  '  hath  given  t  meat  unto  them 
that  fear  him:  "  he  will  ever  be  mindful 
of  his  covenant. 


f   19:1.     145:5.10—12,17.     Ex. 

15:6,7,11.    Eph.   1:6—3.    3:10. 

Rev.  5:12—14. 
g  103:17.   119:142,144.    Is.  51:5, 

6,3.  Dan.  9:24. 
h  78:4—8.    Ex.  12:28,27.   13:14, 

15.    Deut.  4:9.  31:19.&c.  Josh. 

4:6,7,21—24.      1    Cor.    11:24— 

26. 
i  36:5,15.   103:8.  %\.  34:6,7.   Is. 


63:7.      Mir.  7:18,19.      Rnm.  fr. 

20,21.    Eph.  l:ti_S.    1  '1  im.  1: 

14. 
k  78:33.   112:4.    145:8. 
1  34:9,10.  37:3.   Is.  33:16.    Matt. 

6:26—33.     Lhke  12:30. 
\  Heb.  -prey, 
m  39:34.   105:3.   106:45.  Neb.  1: 

5.    Dan.  9:4.  Luke  1:72. 


•during  many  hardships,  even  death  itself,  he 
'shall  be  highly  exalted  to  his  royal  and  priestly 
'dignity  in  the  heavens.'  Bp.  Patrick. — 'In  his 
'  "way"  to  glory,  he  was  to  drink  deep  of  the 
'waters  of  affliction.'  Bp.  Home. — "Drinking 
of  the  brook,"  may  however  mean  the  refresh- 
ments with  which  the  Savior  was  supported,  in 
passing  through  his  sufferings,  and  beginning  his 
conquests  by  triumphing  over  Satan  on  the  cross, 
and  over  death  by  his  resurrection.  For  either 
the  waters  of  comfort,  or  the  waters  of  affliction, 
may  be  meant:  yet  the  scriptures,  referred  to  in 
the  margin,  seem  to  favor  the  exposition  first 
given.  LN'otes,  Lnke  24:25—31.  Phil.  2:5— II,  v. 
S— II.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

Our  ascended  Savior  is  "King  of  kings  and 
Lord  of  lords:"  the  decree  has  been  accomplish- 
ed; the  Mediator  reigns  in  human  nature  over  all 
worlds,  and  shall  reign  till  death,  the  last  enemy, 
be  destroyed  by  him.  His  gospel,  "the  rod  of 
his  strength,"  has  reached  our  land,  and  we  have 
heard  it:  and  his  kingdom  is  set  up  amidst  op- 
posing foes.  But  what  are  we.''  Has  his  gospel 
been  "the  power  of  God  unto  our  salvation.^"  Has 
his  kingdom  been  set  up  in  our  hearts.^  Are  we 
become  his  loyal  subjects?  Once  we  knew  notour 
need  of  his  salvation,  and  were  not  willing  that 
he  should  "reign  over  us:"  have  we  then  experi- 
enced a  "day  of  his  power.'"'  Have  we  been  ren- 
dered willing  to  renounce  every  sin,  to  turn  our 
backs  on  an  ensnaring  world,  to  rely  only  on  his 
merits  and  mercy,  and  to  have  him  for  our  Proph- 
et, Priest,  and  King.?  And  do  we  desire  and  long, 
and  constantly  pray,  to  be  adorned  with  the  beau- 
ties of  holiness.^  Vast  multitudes  through  succes- 
sive generations  have  experienced  this  change; 
to  them  the  Savior's  sacrifice,  intercession,  and 
benediction  belong;  he  is  their  merciful  and 
faithful  High  Priest,  and  their  "King  of  righteous- 
ness and  peace;"  their  powerful  Protector  and 
Friend;  and  because  he  ever  lives,  they  shall  live 
also  with  him  for  evermore.  Yet,  as  he  passed 
through  sufferings  in  his  way  to  glory,  so  must 
his  people:  and,  having  drunk  of  the  bitter  waters 
of  death,  they  too  shall  lift  up  their  heads,  be  de- 
livered from  Satan,  sin,  and  every  foe,  and  be 
for  ever  happy  in  his  presence.  But  the  Savior's 
power  will  be  dreadful  beyond  all  expression  or 
conception,  to  all  who  oppose,  neglect,  or  pervert 
his  gospel.  Many  persecuting  tyrants  have  al- 
ready felt  the  weight  of  his  vengeance;  many 
more  will  yet  be  made  sensible  of  the  madness 
of  provoking  his  indignation;  and  his  coming  to 
establish  hia  kingdom,  and  to  judge  the  wo'rld, 
will  be  attended  with  the  terror  and  ruin  of  every 
enemy.  Let  us  then  bow  to  the  sceptre  of  his 
grace,  and  yield  ourselves  (o  be  his  subjects,  with 


all  we  are  and  have,  as  a  free  will  offering,  to  be 
employed  for  his  glory;  that  we  may  "love  his 
appearing,"  as  the  accomplishment  of  all  our  de- 
sires and  expectations. 

NOTES. 

Psalm  CXI.  V.  1.  This  Psalm  consists  of  as 
many  short  metres,  as  there  are  letters  in  the 
Hebrew  alphabet,  and  in  their  regular  order;  so 
that  "Hallelujah"  could  not  be  a  part  of  the  first 
verse,  as  that  word  begins  with  the  fifth  letter  of 
the  alphabet.  It  should,  therefore,  in  general  be 
considered  as  a  title  to  the  Psalms  which  begin 
with  it;  pointing  out  the  scope  to  the  reader,  and 
calling  on  him  to  prepare  his  heart  for  praising 
God. — The  word  rendered  "assembly,"  signifies  a 
secret  council,  or  company.  In  the  Book  of  com- 
mon prayer,  it  is  rendered,  "Secretly  among  the 
faithful,  and  in  the  congregation. — 'I  will  make 
'my  thankful  acknowledgments  to  the  Lord  ... 
'with  all  my  heart  and  soul;  and  that,  not  only  in 
'the  private  society  of  those  good  men,  whom  I  am 
'more  intimately  acquainted  withal;  but  in  the 
'public  congregation  of  all  his  people.'  Bp.  Pat- 
rick.    [Marff.  Ref.) 

V.  2,  3.  The  works  of  God,  in  creation  and 
providence,  are  grand  displays  of  his  power  and 
majesty;  and  all  who  take  pleasure  in  meditation 
on  the  divine  perfections  will,  as  they  have  op- 
portunit}',  bestow  pains  to  understand  his  works. 
[JVotes,  92:4—7.  104:34,35.  107:33—43.  Hos.  14: 
9.)  But  especially  the  work  of  Redemption  is 
"beauty  and  glory;"  being  the  display  of  his  ev- 
erlasting righteousness,  in  harmony  with  his  mer- 
cy, and  truth,  and  wisdom,  in  pardoning,  justify- 
ing, and  saving  sinners.  [JSfotes,  Is.  51:4 — 8. 
Da7i.  9:24.) 

V.  4.  "He  hath  appointed  a  memorial  for  his 
wonderful  works."  This  is  a  literal  translation 
of  the  clause. — It  is  probable,  that  the  passover 
was  specially  meant;  though  all  the  appointed 
feasts  of  Israel  were  memorials  of  the  wonderful 
works  of  God  for  that  nation.  (JVo/^.?,  E.r.  13:8 — 
10.  Josh.  4:3—9.  P.  O.)  Our  Redeemer  ap- 
pointed a  memorial  of  his  wonderful  grace  and 
compassion  in  dying  for  our  salvation,  when  he 
instituted  the  Lord's  supper,  saying,  "Do  this  in 
remembrance  of  me."  (J^oles,  Matt.  26:26 — 2R. 
i  Cor.  11:23— 28.)— G?W!ows,  &c.]  Mar g.  Ref. 
i.  JVbie,  103:6—8,  v.  8. 

V.  5.  Meat.']  Prey.,  [mars:.)  or  a  portion. 
'God  hath  given  to  his  people  all  that  was  neces- 
'sary  for  them;  and  will  do  still,  even  for  his  cov- 
'enant's  sake;  and  in  this  sense  the  Hebrew  word 
'is  taken,  Prov.  .30:8.  and  31:15.' — 'He  gave  them 
'food,  even  manna,  which  recalled  God's  other 
'wonders  to  remembrance:  whence  it  was  order- 
'ed  to  be  preserved  in  the  ark.  E.r.  16:32.  It  was 
'a  figure  of  the  cucharist.  which  Iruh  is  an  eter- 

[.365 


B.  C.   1037. 


PSALM  CXI. 


B.  C.  1037. 


G  He  halh  "  shewed  his  people  the 
power  of  his  works,  °  that  he  may  give 
them  the  heritage  of  the  heathen. 

7  The  P  works  of  his  hands  are  verity 
and  judgment:  i  all  his  commandments 
are  sure. 

8  ■■  They  '  stand  fast  for  ever  and 
ever,  and  ^  are  done  in  truth  and  upright- 
ness. 


n  78:12,&c.    I05:27,&c.     Deut. 

4:32—38.     Josb.    3:14—17.    6: 

20.   10:13,14. 
o  2:8.  44:2.  78:55.  80:8.   105:44. 
p  85:10.    89:14.  98:3.    Deut.  32: 


4.    2  Tim.  2:13.     Rev.   15:3,4. 
q  19:7.   105:8.   119:86,151,160. 
r  Matt.  5:18.    Rom.  3:31. 
*  Heb.  are  estnblished. 
s  19:9.   119:127,128.  Rom.  7:12. 


'nal  monument  of  divine  love.'  Bosseut  in  Bp. 
Home.  I  must  however  observe  on  this  remark 
of  a  learned  and  eloquent  popish  prelate,  that  as 
the  manna  was  only  a  figure,  so  the  eucharist  is 
no  more  than  a  sign  of  the  thing  signified,  and  a 
pledge  to  assure  tlie  believing  communicant  of 
the  blessings  thus  represented  to  him.  Manna 
prefigured,  and  the  eucharist  commemorates, 
Christ,  "the  Bread  of  Life,  who  came  down  from 
heaven,"  and  died  on  the  cross,  that  he  nnight 
give  life  unto  the  world.  {J\otes,  John  6:28 — 
53.| 

V.  6 — 8.  The  power  of  the  works,  by  which 
the  Lord  put  Israel  in  possession  of  Canaan,  was 
displayed  in  judgments  on  his  enemies,  and  in  ful- 
filling his  faithful  promises  to  his  people,  accord- 
ing to  those  appointments,  or  decrees,  which  he 
had  made  sure  and  established  for  ever,  and  which 
in  due  time  he  most  punctually  accomplished. 
'All  his  orders  of  either  kind'  (that  is,  whether 
of  mercy  or  judgment,)  'are  in  pursuance  of  most 
'righteous  decrees.'  Bp.  Patrick.  The  word 
(V"11D3)  rendered  "commandments,"  seems  in 
this  connexion  to  mean,  the  purposes  and  revela- 
tions, which  God  had  made  concerning  Israel, 
which  were  performed  when  he  put  them  in  pos- 
session of  Canaan:  but  these  were  only  shadows 
of  his  purposes  and  promises  to  the  true  Israel, 
the  church  of  the  redeemed.  [J\''ote,  Heb.  12:22 — 
25,  J^.  23.) 

V.  9,  10.  The  Israelites  were  slaves  in  Egypt, 
but  God  "sent  redemption"  to  them.  "He  gave 
Egypt  for  their  ransom,"  and  rescued  them  by  his 
almightv  arm;  according  to  the  covenant  which 
he  had  "established  with  Abraham,  and  which 
could  not  be  disannulled.  [Jfotes,  130:7,8.  Ex.  15: 
13.  .A'e/i.  9:8.  Is.  43:3,4.  63:7—14.  Luke  1:67—75.) 
Thus  he  displayed  his  holy  name,  and  shewed 
that,  as  his  enemies  had  abundant  cause  to  trem- 
ble at  his  power,  so  his  people  ought  to  "serve 
him  with  reverence  and  godly  fear."  And  in- 
deed this  "fear  of  the  Lord  is  the  beginning" 
or  principal  part,  of  true  wisdom,  and  makes 
way  for  the  attainment  of  all  the  rest.  {J\''ofes, 
1 12:1.  Gen.  22:11,12,  v.  12.  Job  28:23—28,  v.  28. 
Prov.  1:7.  Ec.  12:11—14,  v.  13.)  '  "The  fear  of 
'God"  is  the  first  step  to  salvation,  as  it  exciteth 
'the  sinner  to  depart  from  evil,  and  to  do  good,  to 
'implore  pardon,  and  to  sue  for  grace,  to  apply  to 
'a  Savior  for  the  one,  and  to  a  Sanctifier  for  the 
'other.  Religion  is  the  perfection  of  wisdom, 
'practice  (he  best  instructer,  and  thanksgiving 
'the  sweetest  recreation.'  Bp.  Home. — "A  good 
nnderstanding  is  to  them  who  practise  these 
thing-s:  His  praise  endureth  for  ever." — Those 
who  do  these  things  will  praise  God  for  ever;  or 
they  will  be  honored  for  ever.  {JSIarg.  Ref.) — 
Reverend.  (9)  The  same  word  is  often  rendered 
terrible.  (47:2.  66:3,5.  JVc/i.  1:5.)  One,  whom  all 
have  cause  to  fear  and  reverence  with  holy  awe. 
{Jfotes,  47:1—3,  r.  2.  Heb.  12:26—29,  v.  29.) 
366] 


9  He  ^  sent  redemption  unto  his  peo- 
ple: "  he  hath  commanded  his  covenant 
for  ever:  *  holy  and  reverend  is  his  name. 

10  The  >'  fear  of  the  Lord  is  the  be- 
ginning of  wisdom:  ta  ^  good  understand- 
ing have  all  they  that  ^  do  his  command- 
ments: ^  his  praise  endureth  for  ever. 

y  Job  28:28.      Prov.  1:7.    910 

Ec.  12:13. 
t  Or,  good  success.   1:3.     Josh. 

1:7,8.  Prov.  3:4. 
Deut.  4:6.     2  Tim.  3:15—17. 


t  130:7,3.  Ex.  15:13.  Deut.  IS: 
15.  Is.  44:6.  63:9.  LAke  1:68 
Eph.  1:7,14.  Tit.  2:14.  Heb 
9:12.  1  Pet.  1:18—20.  Rev 
5:9. 

u  5.  2  Sam.  23:5.  1  Chr.  16:I5 
Is.  55:3.  Jer.  33:20,21.  Gal 
3:15-17.     Heb.  13:20. 

X  89:7.  99:3,5,9.  Ex.  15:11 
Deut.  23:58.  Is.  6:3.  Mai.  1 
11.2:2.    Luke  ^49.    Rev.  4:8 


j  Heb.  do  them.  Jolin  13:17. 
Rev.  22:14. 

a  Matt.  25:21,23.  John  5:44. 
12:43.  Rom.  2:7,29.  1  Cor.  4: 
5.    2  Cor.  4:17.    1  Pet.  1:7. 


PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
Exhortations  should  always  be  seconded  by  ex- 
ample, if  we  would  render  them  effectual. — In 
worshipping  God,  we  should  be  careful  to  approve 
our  hearts  sincere  before  him,  and  to  have  our 
affections  lively.  We  ought  also  to  be  avowed  in 
our  grateful  praises,  and  present  them  in  the  se- 
lect companies  of  upright  believers,  and  in  the 
great  congregations  which  assemble  for  public 
worship:  for  this  has  a  powerful  tendency  to  make 
known  his  glory,  and  to  animate  and  edif}'  his 
people. — At  the  first  glance,  we  may  perceive  a 
majesty  and  greatness  in  all  the  works  of  God; 
and  there  is  nothing  mean  or  trivial  to  be  any 
where  discovered  in  them.  And  if  we  have  any 
taste  for  sublimity,  grandeur,  and  beauty,  we 
shall  take  peculiar  pleasure  in  investigating  the 
works  of  creation  and  providence;  and  in  ad- 
miring the  discoveries,  which  are  made,  of  the  di- 
vine wisdom,  power,  and  goodness,  in  every  one 
of  them,  the  minute  as  well  as  the  immense.  But 
without  a  relish  for  the  spiritual  excellency  of 
true  holiness,  we  shall  not  find  abiding  satisfaction, 
in  looking  into  the  greatest  and  most  wonderful  of 
all  the  works  of  God:  nor  shall  we  deduce  profit- 
able conclusions  from  any  of  our  investigations, 
or  learn  from  them  to  love,  trust,  and  serve  the 
Lord,  with  joy  and  gratitude;  and  then,  how  in- 
capable must  we  remain  of  the  employment  and 
happiness  of  heaven!  Indeed  the  administration 
of  his  universal  kingdom  is  honorable:  "the  min- 
istration of  condemnation  and  death  itself  is  glo- 
rious; but  the  ministration  of  righteousness  and 
of  the  Spirit  exceeds  in  glory."  {JVote,  2  Cor. 
3:7—11.)  This  is  the  fullest  display  of  all 
his  harmonious  attributes,  which  Jehovah 
has  ever  made:  his  everlasting  righteousness 
here  shines  forth,  connected  with  the  exer- 
cise of  boundless  mercy;  and  being  "gracious, 
and  full  of  compassion,"  he  has  here  "made  his 
wonderful  works  to  be  had  in  remembrance." 
[M}tes,  85:10—13.  Luke  2:8—14.  Eph.  2:4—10. 
3:9 — 12.  1  Pet.  hlQ — 12.)  As  the  Israelites  sub- 
sisted on  the  manna,  so  the  great  Redeemer  has 
given  his  flesh  for  the  life  of  the  world;  and  while 
he  sustains  our  souls  in  so  wonderful  a  manner,  he 
will  not  starve  our  bodies,  or  our  families. — If  the 
Lord,  "being  mindful  of  his  covenant"  with  Abra- 
ham, "shewed  his  people  the  power  of  his  works, 
that  he  might  give  them  the  heritage  of  the  hea- 
then;" he  will  shew  his  true  people,  who  are  in- 
terested in  the  covenant  of  grace,  greater  things, 
that  he  may  put  them  in  possession  of  their  heav- 
enly inheritance.  The  works  of  his  hands  are 
wrought  in  performance  of  his  promises,  or  in  ex- 
ecuting his  threatenings;  "and  are  done  in  verity 
and  judgment."  As  his  holy  law  is  established  oa 
an  immutable  basis;  so  all  his  commandments, 
given  for  the  salvation  of  his  people,  are  sure, 
and  "stand  fast  for  ever,"  being  "done  in  truth 
and  uprightness."    Having  sent  his  people  a  re- 


B.  C.  1040. 


PSALM  CXII. 


B.  C.  1040. 


PSALM  CXIL 

The   believer's  character,   privileges,  and   final   felicity,   1 — 9. 
The  anguish  and  despair  of  the  wicked,  10. 

PRAISE  ye  the  Lord.  ^  Blessed 
is  the  man  that  feareth  the  Lord, 
that  ^  dehghtelh  greatly  in  his  command- 
ments. 

2  *=  His  seed  shall  be  mighty  upon 
earth:  the  generation  of  the  upright  shall 
be  blessed. 

3  •*  Wealth  and  riches  shall  be  in  his 
house;  *  and  his  righteousness  endureth 
for  ever. 

4  Unto  the  upright  *"  there  ariseth  light 

■  Ueb.  Halleluiah,  lii.l    '-        '       " "'" 


147: 
1.  148:11—14."  150:1.  mar- 
gins. 

a  See   on     111:10.— 115;7 13. 

128:1.  145:19.  Is.  50:10.  Luke 
1:50. 

h  1:1,2.  40:8.  119:16,35,47,48,70 
—7-2,97,143.     Rom.  7:22.  8:6. 

C  25:13.  37:26.  102:28.  Gen. 
17:7.     22:17.18.        Prov.    20:7. 


Jer.  32:39.    Acts  2:39. 
d    Prov.    3:16.     15;ti.     Is.   33:6. 

Matt.  6:33.    2  Cor.  6:10.  Phil. 

4:13,19.      1  Tim.  6:6— 8. 
e    9.     111:3,10.     Is.  32:17.  51:8. 

Matt.  24:2J— 24. 
f  37:6.  97:11.  Job  11:17.   Is.  50: 

10.  Mic.  7:3,9.  Mai.  4:2.  John 

12:46. 


demption  of  a  far  nobler  nature,  than  that  of  Is- 
rael out  of  Egypt;  he  has  ratified  his  covenant 
v.'ith  them  for  ever,  by  his  irrevocable  word. 
His  name  is  holy  and  terrible;  and  as  sinners 
tremble  before  him,  so  saints  should  stand  in  awe 
of  his  infinite  Majesty.  "The  fear  of  the  Lord  is 
tlie  beginning  of  wisdom."  No  man  is  wise 
who  does  not  fear  him,  and  no  man  acts  wisely  ex- 
cept as  he  is  influenced  by  that  fear:  this  will  al- 
waj'S  lead  us  to  repentance,  to  faith  in  Christ,  and 
to  watchful  and  conscientious  obedience.  Those 
who  act  in  this  manner,  are  of  a  good  under- 
standing, however  poor,  unlearned,  or  despised 
they  may  be  in  the  world:  and  as  God  will  be 
praised  and  glorified  in  and  by  them  for  ever,  so 
will  they  be  honored  of  hini,  and  commended  for 
their  wisdom  by  their  fellow-servants,  for  ever 
and  ever. 

NOTES. 

Ps.iLM  CXIT.  V.  1.  It  should  be  remark- 
ed, that  the  Septuagint  place  the  word  "Hallelu- 
jah," as  the  title  to  this  and  similar  Psalms. — 'This 
'psalm  is  composed  after  the  very  same  manner 
'with  the  former;  and  seems  intended  for  a  short 
'commentary  upon  the  last  verse  of  it.'  Bp.  Pat- 
rick.— The  wise  man  is  happy:  "the  fear  of  the 
Lord  is  the  beginning  of  wisdom."  Where  the 
true  fear  of  God  possesses  the  heart,  the  man 
will  love  God's  commandments,  greatly  delight  in 
obeying  them,  and  only  grieve  that  he  "cannot 
do  the  things  that  he  would:"  and  in  proportion 
he  will  be  happy  in  this  world,  and  he  will  be  per- 
fectly happy  in  heaven  forever.  [Jfotes, '[■.I — 3. 
119:1—6.  John  4:31—34.  Rom.  7:22—25.  Gal.  3: 
16—18,  V.  17.  1  John  5:1—3.) 

V.  2,  3.  It  is  probable,  that  Lot  thought  of  en- 
riching his  family,  when  he  chose  the  fertile 
plains  of  wicked  Sodom;  yet  the  event  was  very 
different:  but  Abraham  "feared  the  Lord,  and  de- 
lighted greatly  in  his  commandments;"  and  his  de- 
scendants were  "mighty  on  earth:"  (JVbie*-,  Gen. 
13:8—12,14.  18:18,19.)  And  thus  it  will  gen- 
erally be,  in  every  age,  with  the  posterity  of  those 
who  imitate  the  father  of  the  faithful;  and  their 
disinterested  and  liberal  conduct  shall  prove,  in 
the  event,  a  far  preferable  inheritance  laid  up  for 
their  children,  than  gold  and  silver,  houses  and 
lands,  would  have  been.  (JVb<es,  37:25,26.  ]  11-9, 
10,  Prov.  3:16,17.  12:3.  15:6.  20:7.  Is.  51:4—8. 
Matt.  6:33,34.  Rom.  5:1,2.  8:35- -39.  1  Cor.  3:18 
—23.  2  Cor.  6:3—10.  1  Tim.  4:6—10.  6:6—10.) 

V.  4.     The  upright  believer  is  a  follower,  or 


in  the  darkness:  s  he  is  gracious,  and  full 
of  compassion,  '■  and  righteous. 

5  A  '  good  man  ^  sheweth  favor  and 
lendeth:  'he  will  guide  his  affairs  witii 
t  discretion. 

6  ■"  Surely  he  shall  not  be  moved  for 
ever:  "  the  righteous  shall  be  in  ever- 
lasting remembrance. 

7  He  °  shall  not  be  afraid  of  evil  tid- 
ings: P  his  heart  is  fixed,  i  trusting  in  the 
Lord. 

8  "■  His  heart  is   established,   he  shall 


g  106:1.     Luke  6:36.     2  Cor.  8: 

8,9.     Eph.  4:32.  5:1,2,9.     Col. 

3:12,13. 
h  Tit.  2:11,12.     iJohn  2:29.  3: 

7,10. 
i  Prov.  2:20.   12:2.    Luke  23:50. 

Acts  11:24.     Rom.  5:7. 
k  37:25,26.   Deut.  15:7—10.  Job 

31:16—20.     Luke  6:35. 
1    Prov.    17:18.     18:9.    22:26,27. 

24:27,30—34.  27:23—27.  John 

6:12.    Rom.  12:11.    Col.  4:5. 


t  Heb.  judgment.  Phil.  1:9. 
m  15:5.    62:2,6.    125:1.     2  Pet. 

1:5—11. 
n    Neh.    13:22,31.     Prov.    10:7. 

Matt.  25:34 — 10.   Heb.  6:10. 
o  27:1-3.  34:4.    56:3,4.     Prov. 

1:33.  Luke  21:9,19. 
p  57:7.   118:6.     Is.  26:3,4.     Dan. 

3:16—18.     Acts  20:24.    21:13. 
q  62:8.  64:10.   118:8,9.  John  14: 

1.    Acts  27:25. 
r  27:14.  31:24.     Heb.  13:9. 


imitator,  of  his  God  and  Savior,  especially  in  kind- 
ness, and  compassion,  and  equity.  [Marg.  Ref.) 
'The  Christian's  temper  is  framed  after  the  pat- 
'tern  of  his  Master;  and  he  is  ever  ready  to  shew 
'to  others,  that  love  and  mercy  which  have  been 
'shewn  to  him.'  Bp.  Home.  In  this  world,  even 
men  of  this  character  may  and  will  have  dark- 
ness, or  affliction;  but  light,  or  comfort,  and  joy, 
will  arise  in  the  midst  of  it.  [JVotes,  34:15 — 20. 
37:27—38.  97:11.  Rom.  5:3—5.) 

V.  5.  {Marg.  Ref  .)  'He  leads  the  most  com- 
'fortable  life,  who  ...  supplies  the  needs  of  others; 
'giving  to  one,  and  lending  to  another,  as  occa- 
'sion  serves:  and  yet  ordering  all  his  affairs  so  ju- 
'diciously,  that  he  doth  not  impair,  but  rathei* 
'maintain,  the  good  estate  of  his  own  family.* 
Bp.  Patrick. — This  sentiment,  which  our  trans- 
lation establishes,  is  very  beautiful  and  scriptural: 
yet  the  original  words  do  not  obviously  convey 
it;  but  rather,  that  the  upright  man  conducts  all 
his  concerns  with  "judgment,"  or  equity.  [Marg.) 
He  is  ^rst  just,  then  liberal.  Each  of  the  inter- 
pretations conveys  its  appropriate  instruction. 
'He  who  thus  employeth  his  talents  for  the  ben- 
'efit  of  mankind,  will  be  able  to  render  a  good 
'account  to  his  Lord  who  intrusteth  them  with 
'him.'  Bp.Horne. — LenUefh.]  J\"oies,  Deut.  15; 
9,10.  Prov.  6:1—5.  LM^•e  6:27— 38. 

V.  6.  The  man,  of  whom  the  Psalmist  spake, 
possessed  the  "things  which  accompany  salva- 
tion," and  would  therefore  most  surely  be  "kept 
by  the  power  of  God  through  faith,"  to  the 
eternal  enjoyment  of  it.  {J^oles,  37:23,24.  Heb. 
6:9,10.  1  Pet.  1:3—5.)  'When  his  work  is  done, 
'his  body  will  go  to  its  repose  in  the  dust;  but 
'the  "memorial"  of  his  name  and  good  deeds  will 
'be  still  fresh  as  the  morning  breeze,  and  fragrant 
'as  the  flower  of  the  spring.'  Bp.  Hnrnc,  (Marg. 
Ref.—JYotes,  Prov.  10:7.  Matt.  26:6— 13.)— It 
is,  however,  in  heaven  alone,  that  all  persons  of 
this  character  will  be  remembered,  and  that  for 
ever. 

V.  7.  Dismaying  fear  of  outward  calamities,  or 
even  of  death  and  judgment,  arises,  either  from 
entire  unbelief,  or  from  weakness  of  faith  and 
want  of  assured  hope:  and  these  are  frequently 
the  effect  of  a  comparatively  negligent  and  un- 
fruitful conduct.  But  the  character  here  de- 
scribed is  strong  in  faith  and  hope,  and  very 
diligent  and  fruitful;  and  thus  exempted  from 
those  terrors  which  distress  others.  {JVotes,  11: 
1—5.  27:1—3.  56:3,4.  Prov.  18:10,11.  28:1. 
Is.  26:3,4.  Matt.  8:23—27.) 

[367 


B.  C.  1040. 


PSALM  CXIII. 


B.  C.  1040, 


not   be   afraid,  *  until  he    see   his  desire 
upon  his  enemies. 

9  '  He  hath  "  dispersed,  he  hath  given 
to  the  poor;  ^  his  righteousness  endureth 
for  ever;  ^  his  horn  shall  be  exalted  with 
honor. 

10  The  *  wicked  shall  see  it,  and  be 
grieved;  *  he  shall  gnash  with  his  teeth, 
"  and  melt  away:  '^  the  desire  of  the  wick- 
ed shall  perish. 


3  59:10.  91;8.    92:11.   118:7. 

t  2  Cor.  9:9. 

u  Deut.  15:11.  Prov.  11:24,25. 
19:17.  Ec.  11:1,2,6.  Is.  32:8. 
58:7,10.  Mark  14:7.  Luke  11: 
41.  12:33.  18:-X!.  John  13:29. 
Acts  4:35.  20:35.  Rom.  12: 
13.  2  Cor.  8:9.  9:10—15.  1 
Tim.  6:18.  Heb.  13:16.  Jam. 
2:15,16.     1  John  3:16—18. 

X  See  on  3 Deut.  24:13.  Matt. 


6:4.     I.uke    14:12 — 14.     16:9. 

Heb.  6:10. 
y  75:10.    92:10.      I  Sam.  2:1,30. 
z   Esth.    6:11, n.     Is.   65:13,14. 

Luke  13:23.    16:23. 
a  37:12.    Matt.  22:13.     Rev.  16: 

10,11. 
b  53:7,8. 
c    Prov.  10:28.    11:7.     Luke  16: 

24—26. 


pi 


PSALM  CXIII. 

The  servants  of  JEHOVAH  are  exhorted  to  praise  his  glorious 
majesty,  his  condescension,  and  kindness,  in  bis  kino-dom  of 
providence  and  grace,  1 — 9. 

RAISE   ye   the   Lord.     ^  Praise, 
O  ye  servants  of  the  Lord,  praise 
the  name  of  the  Lord. 

2  **  Blessed  be  the  name  of  the  Lord 
from  this  time  forth,  and  for  evermore. 

3  From  "=  the  rising  of  the  sun  unto 
the  going  down  of  the  same,  the  Lord's 
name  is  to  be  praised. 

4  The  Lord  is  *^high  above  all   na- 


*Heb.   Hallelujah.  112:1. 

a  33:1,2.    103:20,21.    134:1.   135: 

1—3,20.   145:10.  Eph.  5:19,20. 

Rev.  19:5. 
b   41:13.    106:43.     1  Chr.  16:36. 

29:10—13.     Dan.   2:20.     Eph. 


^  high 

3:21.  Rev.  5:13. 
c  72:11,17—19.  86:9.     Is.  24:16. 

42:10—12.  49:13.   59:19.    Hab. 

2:14.     Mai.    1:11.     Rom.  15:9. 

10.  Rev.  11:15. 
d  97:9.  99:2.  Is.  40:15,17,22. 


V.  8.  'No  tidings  of  calamity  and  destruction 
'can  shake  his  confidence  in  God;  but  he  will 
'hear  the  trump  of  God,  and  behold  the  world  in 
'flames,  rather  with  joy  than  with  dread;  as 
'knowing,  by  those  tokens,  that  the  hour  of  his 
'redemption  is  come,  when  he  shall  see  his  ene- 
'mies,  and  even  death,  the  last  of  them,  under  his 
'feet.'  Bp.  Home.— Desire.]    JVote,  92:11. 

V.  9.  Marg.  Ref.—Js'oles,  Prov.  11:24,25. 
Ec.  11:1—6.  /*.  58:5—12.  2  Cor.  9:6—15.  Heb. 
6:9,10. — "He  hath  dispersed,  and  given  to  the 
poor:"  'Dispersed  like  precious  seed,  with  pru- 
'dence  and  discretion,  according'  to  the  nature  of 
'the  soil,  and  in  proper  season,  so  as  to  produce 
'the  most  plentiful  harvest.  Therefore  "his  right- 
'eousness  endureth  for  ever;"  its  fruits  and  its 
'good  report  are  lasting  among  men;  and  it  is 
'never  forgotten  before  God.'    Bp.  Home. 

V.  10.  The  word,  rendered  "grieved,"  is  lite- 
rally enraged:  and  it  may  be  easily  conceived, 
how  persecutors  especially  will  be  filled  with 
rage  and  madness,  when  they  witness  the  final 
triumph,  and  exalted  honor,  and  complete  felicity, 
of  the  very  persons  whom  they  most  implacably 
hate,  connected  with  the  entire  and  final  disap- 
pointment of  all  their  hopes,  and  the  blackness  of 
misery  and  despair.  {Marg.  Ref. — JVb<e«,  Malt. 
8:10—12,  V.  12.  Luke  13:22—30,  v.  28.) 

PRACTICAL   OBSERVATIONS. 

The  blessed  Redeemer  so  delighted  in  the  com- 
mandments of  the  Lord,  that  it  was  his  meat  to 
obey  them  perfectly,  in  the  midst  of  temptation 
and  sufierings.  (JS'ote,  John  4:31 — 34.)  His 
true  disciples,  whom  he  owns  as  brethren,  share 
his  unsearchable  riches  and  his  everlasting  right- 
eousness; and,  being  blessed  in  him,  according 
to  the  degree  of  their  faith  and  grace,  they  bear 
his  image  and  tread  in  his  steps.  They  are 
taught  to  fear  the  Lord,  as  well  as  to  love  and 
praise  him;  and  they  delight  greatly  in  the  law 
of  God,  though  not  able  perfectly  to  obey  it. 
Blessings  are  laid  up  for  them  and  their  posterity; 
and  as  much  of  this  world's  possessions  as  can  be 
profitable  to  them.  In  their  darkest  hours,  the 
light  of  hope  and  peace  springs  up  within  them, 
and  seasonable  relief,  from  time  to  time,  in  an- 
swer to  their  prayers,  turns  their  mourning  into 
joy  and  thankful  praises.  From  their  Lord's  ex- 
ample, they  learn  to  be  "gracious  and  full  of 
compassion,"  as  well  as  just  in  all  their  dealings: 
they  shew  favor,  and  give  or  lend  to  the  poor  and 
needy,  as  occasion  requires  and  ability  is  afford- 
ed; and  they  are  instructed  to  employ  frugality 
and  discretion  in  their  affairs,  as  means  of  being 
enabled  to  exercise  liberality.  But  as  they 
should  not  dissipate  their  substance  in  needless 
368] 


expense,  nor  bury  their  talent  in  a  napkin;  so 
they  ought  not  to  give  it  away  at  random,  but  to 
disperse  their  bounty,  (as  the  husbandman  does 
his  seed,)  in  that  measure  and  manner,  which  is 
likely  to  produce  the  most  good  to  mankind. 
But  alas!  it  must  be  owned  that  only  some,  nay 
but  few,  of  those,  who  contend  zealously  for  the 
doctrines  of  the  gospel,  exhibit  such  a  character 
as  is  here  drawn;  especially  in  imitating  the 
Savior's  compassionate,  self-denying,  liberal 
love:  and  it  is  worthy  of  inquiry,  whether  the 
fears,  and  doubts,  and  complaints,  of  which  we 
hear  more  at  present  than  of  "the  voice  of  joy 
and  praise,"  and  the  language  of  unshaken  confi- 
dence in  God  amidst  dangers  and  alarms,  do  not 
arise  from  this  source.  The  Lord  deals  with 
such  persons,  as  they  do  with  the  poor;  he  metes 
to  them  their  own  measure:  and  no  wonder  they 
have  but  little  comfort,  who  do  so  little  to  make 
their  brethren  comfortable;  and  but  little  confi- 
dence, who  are  so  deficient  in  scriptural  evi- 
dences of  conversion.  But  those,  who  shew  their 
faith  by  their  works,  in  the  way  and  degree  here 
described,  most  certainly  have  a  "righteousness 
which  endureth  for  ever,"  and  they  shall  never 
be  separated  from  the  love  of  God  their  Savior. 
Envy  and  detraction  may  for  a  time  hide  their 
true  characters;  but  "they  shall  be  had  in  ever- 
lasting remembrance."  They  need  not,  and 
ought  not,  to  be  "afraid  of  evil  tidings:"  and  by 
stedfastly  trusting  in  the  Lord,  they  rise  above 
terror,  when  they  hear  of  wars,  pestilences, 
earthquakes,  or  famines;  and  even  at  the  ap- 
proach of  death,  and  in  the  day  of  judgment,  they 
shall  have  confidence.  Then  they  will  behold 
their  enemies  confounded  and  condemned:  the 
fruits  and  evidences  of  their  faith  and  love  will  be 
produced  before  men  and  angels,  and  their  horn 
shall  be  exalted  with  eternal  honor.  (JVotes, 
Matt.  25:31—40.)  But  their  felicity  will  in- 
crease the  torment  of  the  wicked,  who  shall 
"gnash  with  their  teeth  and  consume  away;" 
while  all  their  desires  and  expectations  shall 
close  in  eternal  disappointment  and  despair. 
Lord,  form  us  by  thy  grace  to  the  character  of 
thy  redeemed  people,  that  we  may  possess  their 
unspeakable  felicity! 

NOTES 

Psalm  CXIII.  V.  1.  We  are  informed  by  the 
Jewish  writers,  that  this  psalm  and  the  five  fol- 
lowing, were  sung  at  their  feasts,  especially  after 
the  celebration  of  the  passover.  (JVbie,  Matt. 
26:30—35,  V.  30.)— 'By  this  often  repetition,  hr 
'stirreth  up  our  cold  dulness  to  praise  God.' 
[Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  2,  3.     'If  God's  glory  shine  through  all  the 


B.  C.  1040. 


PSALM  CXIV. 


B.  C.  1491. 


tions,  and  ^  his  glory  above  the  heavens. 

5  Who  is  ^  Hke  unto  the  Lord  our 
God,  who  *  dwelleth  on  high; 

6  Who  °  humbleth  himself  to  behold 
the  things  that  are  in  heaven,  and  ^  in  the 
earth! 

7  He  '  raiseth  up  the  poor  '' out  of  the 
dust,  and  lifteth  '  the  needy  out  of  the 
dunghill; 

8  That  ™  he  may  set  kim  with  princes, 
even  with  the  princes  of  his  people. 

9  He  "  maketh  the  barren  woman  to 
^keep  house,  and  to  he  a  joyful  mother  of 
children.     Praise  ye  the  Lord. 

PSALM  CXIV. 

The  powerful  presence  of  God  with  Israel,  when  he  brought 
them  out  of  Egypt,  and  led  them  through  the  wilderness  into 
Canaan,  admired  and  adored  in  exalted  strains,  1 — 8. 


e  8:1.  57:10,11.     1   Kings  8:27. 

Is.  «6:1. 
f  89:6,3.     Ex.  15:11.     Deut.  33: 

26.     Is.  40:18,25.    46:5.     Jer. 

10:6. 
*   Heb.     exalteth    himself   to 

dwelL 
gll:4.   Job  4:18.  15:15.  Is.  6:2. 
b  138:6.   Is.  57:15.  66:2. 
175:6,7.  107:41.   Job  5:11,15,16. 

Ez.  17:24.    21:26,27.     Luke  1: 

52,53.  Jam.  2:5. 


k  22:15.    Is.  26:19.  Dan.  12:2,3. 

Acts   2:31—33.     Eph.  1:20,21. 

1  Pet.  3:21,22. 
1    1  Sam.  2:7,3.    24:14.     2  Sam. 

7:8,9.  Job  2:8.  36:6,7. 
m  68:13.     Gen.  41:41.      Phil.  2; 

8—11.    Rev.  5:9,10. 
n   68:6.     Gen.  21:5—7.    25:21. 

30:22,23.     1  Sam.  2:5.    Is.  54:1. 

Luke  1:13—15.     Gal.  4:27. 
f  Heb.  dwell  in  an  house. 


*  world,  and  therefore  of  all  ought  to  be  praised; 
'what  great  condemnation  were  it  to  his  people, 
'among  whom  chiefly  it  shineth,  if  they  should  not 
'earnestly  extol  his  name!'  {Marg.  Ref.) — These 
verses  may  be  considered  as  a  prophecy  of  the 
final  prevalence  of  true  religion;  when  all  na- 
tions shall  unite  in  the  high  praises  of  Jehovah, 
as  God  our  Savior.     [Mote,  72:17—19.) 

V.  4—6.  J^otes,  89:6—12.  97:8,9.  Ex.  15: 
11.  /«.  40:18— 26.  57:15,16.  Jer.  10:6— 8.  Mic. 
7:18—20. 

V.  7,  8.  The  advancement  of  Joseph,  of  David, 
and  others,  from  a  low  condition  to  the  highest 
authority,  seems  alluded  to;  as  illustrating  the 
providential  dispensations  of  God,  and  the 
methods  of  his  grace.  [JS'otes,  78:70—72.  105: 
17—22.  1  Sam.  2:4—8.  Ez.  17:22—24.  Luke  1: 
46—55.  Rev.  5:8—10.) 

V.  9.  This  verse  may  be  thus  rendered,  per- 
haps more  literally,  "He  maketh  her  who  was 
barren  in  the  family,  to  sit  as  a  joyful  mother  of 
sons."  The  instances  of  Sarah,  Rebekah,  Rachel, 
the  mother  of  Sampson,  Hannah,  the  woman  of 
Shunem,  and  Elizabeth,  who  were  long  barren, 
but  were  at  length  made  joyful  mothers,  by  the 
special  blessing  of  God,  are  supposed  to  have 
been  emblems  of  the  calling  of  the  Gentiles; 
when  that  immerlse  proportion  of  the  earth, 
which  had  so  long  been  barren,  produced  multi- 
tudes of  true  converts,  the  sons  and  daughters  of 
the  church,  and  of  the  Lord  almighty  who  has 
espoused  her  unto  himself.  [J\Targ.  Ref. — JVotes, 
Is.  54:1—5.  Gf//.  4:21— 31.)— The  Psalm  begins 
and  ends  with  "Hallelujah." 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  redeemed  servants  of  the  Lord  may  well 
sing  his  praises,  when  employed  in  his  pleasant 
service,  and  enjoying  the  comfort  of  his  presence 
and  favor.  His  name  shall  be  blessed  from  age 
to  age,  to  the  end  of  time  and  to  eternity:  and  he 
will  ere  long  be  praised,  "from  the  rising  of  the 
sun  to  the  going  down  of  the  same."  His  un- 
equalled and  infinite  majesty  becomes  the  more 
glorious  by  his  unspeakable  condescension.  [J^otes, 
Vol.  m.  47 


WHEN  *  Israel  went  out  of  Egypt, 
the  house  of  Jacob,  from  ^  a  peo- 
ple of  strange  language; 

2  <=  Judah  was  his  sanctuary,  and  Is- 
rael his  dominion. 

3  The  '^  sea  saw  it,  and  fled;  ®  Jordan 
was  driven  back. 

4  The  ^  mountains  skipped  like  rams, 
and  the  little  hills  like  lambs. 

5  =  What  ailed  thee,  O  thou  sea,  that 
thou  fleddest.''  thou  Jordan,  that  thou 
wast  driven  backi^ 

6  Ye  mountains,  that  ye  skipped  like 
rams;  atid  ye  little  hills,  like  lambs.'* 

7  **  Tremble,  thou  earth,  at  the  pres- 
ence of  the  Lord,  at  the  presence  of  the 
God  of  Jacob; 

8  Which    '  turned    the    rock    into    a 


a  Ex.  12:42.    13:3.  20:2.     Deut. 

16:1.  26:8.  Is.  11:16. 
b  81:5.    Gen.  42:23. 
c  Ex.  6:7.     19:5,6.    25:8.  29:45, 

46.     Lev.  11:45.    Deut.  23:14. 

Ez.  37:26—28.  2  Cor.  6:16,17. 

Rev.  21:3. 
d  77:16.   104:7.    106:9.     Ex.  14: 

21.   15:8.    Is.  63:12.     Hab.  3:8, 

15. 
e  74:15.     Josh.  3:13—16.    Hab. 

3:9. 


f29:6.  68:16.    Ex.  19:13.  20:18. 

Judg.  5:4,5.  Jer.  4:23,24.  Mic. 

1:3,4.     Nhh.  1:5.     Hab.  3:6.  2 

Pet.  3:7— II.    Rev.  20:11. 
g  Jer.  47:6,7.    Hab.  3:8. 
h  77:18.   97:4,5.   104:32.     Job  9: 

6.  26:11.     Is.  64:1-3.     Jer.  5: 

22. 
i    73:15,16.     105:41.       Ex.  17:6. 

Num.  20:11.  Deut.  8:15.  Neh. 

9:15.     1  Cor.  10:4. 


11:4,5.  138:6.  2  Cor.  8:6—9.  Phil.  2:5—11.)  He 
is  not  only  high  above  all  nations,  but  his  glory  is 
above  the  very  heavens  in  which  he  dwells.  He 
humbles  himself  in  noticing  the  concerns,  and  in 
accepting  the  exalted  adorations,  of  angels  and 
archangels.  How  vast  then  must  be  his  conde- 
scension, in  attending  to  the  interests,  and  in  re- 
garding the  worship,  of  us  mean,  polluted  sinners 
on  earth!  How  inconceivable  his  love  in  assuming 
our  nature,  and  tabernacling  among  us,  that  he 
might  ransom  our  guilty  souls! — In  his  providence, 
the  Lord  sometimes  raises  men  from  the  most  ab- 
ject to  the  most  honorable  stations  in  society;  and 
it  is  well  when  they  acquit  themselves  properly 
in  their  new  dignities.  But  this  is  his  constant 
method  in  his  kingdom  of  grace.  He  takes  us 
beggars,  debtors,  nay,  rebels  and  traitors,  from 
the  dust,  the  dunghill,  or  the  dungeon,  to  be  his 
favorites,  and  his  children;  to  be  kings  and  priests 
unto  him:  and  thus  he  numbers  us  with  the 
princes  of  his  chosen  people.  He  gives  us  all 
our  comforts;  which  are  generally  the  more  wel- 
come, when  they  have  been  long  delayed,  and 
were  no  longer  expected.  Nor  should  the  hint 
be  overlooked,  that  joyful  mothers  should  cheer- 
fully bear  the  confinement  of  tending  on  their  be- 
loved children. — But  while  we  bless  the  Lord, 
for  favoring  the  Gentile  world  with  the  joy  of  his 
salvation;  let  us  pray,  constantly  and  ferventlj-, 
that  those  lands,  which  are  yet  barren,  may,  by 
the  genial  influence  of  his  gospel,  become  fruitful, 
and  produce  numerous  converts,  who  may  join 
with  us  in  praising  the  Lord  for  ever:  adding  also 
our  most  strenuous  endeavors,  as  we  have  ability 
and  opportunity,  to  forward  that  happy  event. 
[J^oles,  67:6,7.  J\Ialt.  6:9,10.) 

NCpiS. 

Psalm  CXIV.  V.  1,  2.  When  God  brought 
Israel  out  of  Egypt,  he  manifested  his  presence 
among  them,  as  "his  sanctuary"  in  which  he  had 
chosen  to  reside;  and  he  exercised  "dominion" 
over  them,  in  the  most  open  and  explicit  manner, 
givijag  laws,  inflicting  punishments  on  the  refrac- 

[369 


B.  C.  710. 


PSALM  CXV. 


B.  C.  710. 


standing  water,  the  flint  into  a  fountain  of 
waters. 

PSALM  CXV. 

The  Psalnjist  calls  on  God  to  vindicate  his  own  honor  against 
the  reproaches  of  idolaters,  1 — 3.  He  exposes  the  vanity  of 
idols  and  the  folly  of  idolaters,  4—8.  He  exhorts  Israel  to 
trust  in  the  Lord,  who  will  not  fail  to  bless  his  church,  9 — 18. 

"OT  ^  unto  us,  O  Lord,  not  unto  us, 
but  unto  thy  name  give  glory,   ^  for 
thy  mercy,  and  for  thy  truth's  sake. 

2  "=  Wherefore  should  the  heathen  say, 
Where  is  now  their  God.'' 

3  But  '^  our  God  is   in   the   heavens: 
*^he  hath  done  whatsoever  he  hath  pleased. 


a  74:22.  79:9,10.     Josh.  7:9.  Is. 

48:11.    Ez.  20:14.  36:32.    Dan. 

9:19.  Eph.  1:6.     Rev.  4:10,11. 
b  61:7.    89:1,2.    Mic.  7:20.  John 

1:17.    Rom.  15:8,9. 
c   42:3,10.    79:10.       Ex.   32:12. 


Num.    14:15,16.     Deut.   32:26, 

27.     2  Kings   19:10—19.    Joel 

2:17. 
d  2:4.  63:4.   123:1.    Matt.  6:9. 
e  135:6.     Is.  46:10.     Dan.  4:35. 

Rom.9:19.    Eph.  Ml. 


4  Their  '  idols  are  silver  and  gold,  the 
work  of  men's  hands. 

5  They  have  mouths,  but  they  speak 
not:  eyes  have  they,  but  they  see  not: 

6  They  have  ears,  but  they  hear  not: 
noses  have  they,  but  they  smell  not: 

7  They  have  hands,  but  they  handle 
not:  feet  have  they,  but  they  walk  not: 
neither  speak  they  through  their  throat. 

8  They  that  °  make  them  are  like  unto 
them;  so  is  every  one  that  trusteth  in  them. 

9  O  b  Israel,  '  trust  thou  in  the  Lord: 
he  is  ^  their  Help  and  their  Shield. 


If  97:7.   135:15—17.    Deut.  4.23.  I 

Is.  40:19,20.    42:17.    46:1,2,6,7. 

Jer.  10:3—5.    Hos.  8:6.    Hab. 

2:18—20.  Acts  19:26,35.  1  Cor. 

10:19,20. 
I  g  135:18.  Is.  44.9—20.    Jer.  10: 


8.     Jon.  2:8.    Hab.  2:18,19. 
h  118:2—4.  135:19,20.    Ex.  19:5. 
i   62:3.      125:1.     130:7.      146:5,6. 

Jer.  17:7,13.   Eph.  1:12. 
k  33:20,21.  Deut.  33:29. 


torv,  and  protecting  his  loyal  subjects  against  all  i !  er  change  its  settled  course,   than   one  of  his 


enemies.     {Marg.  Ref.) 

Strange  language.  (1)  ij;'? .  Ec  Xas  fiapSapa.  Sept. 

— The  word  occurs  in  no  other  place  in  scrip- 
ture: but  the  modern  Jews  use  it.  [Jfote,  81:1 — 5, 
v.i).] — Was  his  sanctuary.  (2)  The  name  of 
Lord,  or  God,  is  not  used,  but  a  pronoun  without 
an  antecedent  is  substituted;  which  abrupt  open- 
ing seems  to  express  how  full  the  heart  of  the 
Psalmist  was  of  his  subject,  and  of  the  glorious 
Lord  whose  works  he  celebrated.  {JVote,John 
20:11— 17, -u.  15.) 

V.  3 — 8.  Few  passages  can  ^ny  where  be 
found,  and  probably  none  except  in  the  oracles 
of  God,  which  unite  so  much  sublimity  and  sim- 
plicity, as  these  verses  do.  They  are  inexpressi- 
bly beautiful,  and  in  the  highest  style  of  poetry; 
and  need  attention,  more  than  explanation. — The 
fifth  verse  is  literally;  'What  to  thee,  O  sea,  that 
'thou  fleddest.?  &c.'  (jVbie*,  29:3— 11.  77:14—20. 
96:11—13.  /s.  55:12,13.  jVa/i.  1:2— 6.  Hab.  3:ii 
—10.  Heb.  12:18—21.  Rev.  6:12— 11.  20:11—15.) 
The  deliverance  of  Israel,  and  the  visible  effects 
of  Omnipotence  attending  it,  may  be  considered 
as  a  figure  of  the  establishment  of  Christianity, 
and  the  fall  of  opposing  powers  before  it;  for 
which  no  adequate  cause  can  be  assigned,  except 
"that  it  was  of  God,  and  men  could  not  overturn 
it."  [Marg.  Ref.—J^otes,  Er.  17:5,6.  Is.  42:14 
— 21.)  'The  composition  of  this  short  Psalm  is 
'extremely  beautiful.  It  commences  with  the 
'simplicity  of  plain  narration,  (1)  but  rises  prodi- 
'giously  as  it  proceeds.  The  inspired  Poet,  de- 
'scribing  the  scene,  is  at  once  transported  to  the 
♦spot,  sees  what  he  relates,  and  demands  the  cause: 
'(5)  when,  suddenly  overawed  himself  by  the 
'sense  of  the  present  Deity,  he  joins  in  calling 
'upon  the  whole  earth  to  "tremble  at  the  presence 
'of  the  God  of  Jacob."  (7)' 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
When  the  Lord  comes  for  the  salvation  of  his 
cViosen  people,  he  redeems  them  from  the  power 
of  sin  and  Satan,  and  separates  them  from  an  un- 
godly world,  and  its  maxims,  customs,  and  lan- 
guage: he  forms  them  to  be  his  temple,  and  he 
becomes  their  King.  From  that  time  he  stands 
engaged  by  promises  to  make  them  his  peculiar 
care;  he  meets  them  in  his  ordinances;  and 
causes  the  whole  course  of  nature,  and  all  the 
dispensations  of  his  providence,  to  concur  in  do- 
ing them  good.  Having,  as  it  were,  divided  the 
Red  sea,  to  bring  (hem"  out  of  bondage,  at  their 
conversion;  he  will  surelj^  divide  Jordan,  to  open 
them  a  safe  passage  to  their  heavenly  inheritance. 
All  things,  even  death  itself,  are  theirs-,  [JSTote,  1 
Cor.  3: 18—23,  v.  21,22.)  and  all  nature  shall  soon- 
370] 


promises  shall  fail. — As  the  Son  of  God,  the  Rock 
of  ages,  gave  himself  to  death,  to  open  a  fountain 
to  wash  away  their  sins,  and  to  supply  them  with 
the  waters  of  life  and  consolation;  while  they  are 
washing  in  that  fountain  and  drinking  of  those 
waters,  they  cannot  possibly  think  any  thing  too 
great  to  expect  from  his  unfathomable  love. — 
But,  if  the  inanimate  creation  is  represented  as 
trembling  at  the  presence  of  the  Creator,  how 
should  sinners  fear  before  their  just  and  holy 
Governor  and  Judge!  His  voice  from  mount  Si- 
nai may  well  alarm  those,  who  have  broken  that 
holy  law,  and  yet  remain  under  the  curse  of  it; 
and  they,  who  neglect  the  great  salvation  of  the 
gospel,  are  liable  to  another  and  more  terrible 
condemnation:  but  none  will  be  so  dreadfully 
punished,  as  those,  who  injure  the  Lord's  chosen 
people,  and  try  to  obstruct  them  in  their  pilgrim- 
age. What  will  be  their  consternation,  when 
the  Judge  shall  appear,  and  all  the  creation  shall 
melt,  or  vanish,  at  his  presence!  Let  us  therefore 
now  prepare  to  meet  our  God,  that  we  may 
neither  be  terrified  nor  "ashamed,  but  have  con- 
fidence before  him,  at  his  coming." 

NOTES. 
Ps.ii.M  CXV.  V.  1,  2.  'Because  he  promised 
'to  deliver  them,  not  for  their  sakes,  but  for  his 
'name;  they  ground  their  prayer  upon  this  prom- 
'ise.' — The  verses  are  evidently  a  prayer  for  de- 
liverance, though  often  quoted  as  a  thanksgiving 
for  benefits  received;  and  they  may  properly  be 
thus  applied.  God  was  entreated  to  help  his 
people;  not  because  they  deserved  it,  or  that  they 
might  be  honored;  but  that  his  name  might  be 
glorified,  and  the  blasphemies  of  his  enemies 
silenced,  by  the  performance  of  his  faithful  and 

I  ]  merciful  engagements  to  his  worshippers.  [J^otes, 
1174:10,11,21,22.  79:8—13.  Deut.  32:26,27.  2 
it  J^m^s  19:14 — 19.     Joel  2:10—11.)    Perhaps  the 

I I  psalm  was  written  during  Sennacherib's  invasion 
of Judah. 

V.  3— 7.  [JSTotes,  2:4—6.  /*.  46:10,11.  Dan. 
4:34—37.  jyialt.  6:9.  Eph.  1:9—12.)  'A  beauti- 
'ful  contrast  is  formed  between  the  God  of  Israel, 
'and  the  heathen  idols.  He  made  every  thing; 
'they  are  themselves  made  by  men:  he  doeth 
■•whatsoever  he  pleaseth;  they  can  do  nothing: 
'he  seeth  the  distresses,  heareth  the  prayers,  ac- 
'cepteth  the  offerings,  cometh  to  the  assistance, 
'and  effecteth  the  salvation  of  his  servants;  they 
'are  blind,  deaf,  and  dumb,  senseless,  motionless, 
'and  impotent.'     Bp.  Home.     {Marg.  R^f-) 

V.  8.  The  makers  and  worshippers  of  idols 
renounce  their  reason  and  understanding,  and 
willingly    become   as   stupid    as  tlie   very    ob- 


B.  C.  710. 


PSALM  CXVI. 


B.  C.  710. 


10  O  Uiouse  of  Aaron,  trust  in  the 
Lord:  he  is  their  Help  and  their  Shield. 

11  ■"  Ye  that  fear  the  Lord,  trust  in 
the  Lord:  he  is  their  Help  and  their 
Shield. 

12  The  Lord  °  hath  been  mindful  of 
us;  he  will  bless  us:  °  he  will  bless  the 
house  of  Israel;  he  will  bless  the  house 
of  Aaron. 

13  He  will  P  bless  them  that  fear  the 
Lord  'J  both  small  *  and  great. 

14  The  '  Lord  shall  increase  you 
more  and  more,  '  you  and  your  children. 


1  Ex.  28:1.    Num.  16:5,40.   18:7. 
m  33:18.   118:4.    147;]  1.     Prov. 

]4:-26.  30:5.  Acts  10:35.    Rev. 

19:5. 
n  25:7.   136:23.  Gen.  8:1.    Ex.  3: 

24,25.  1».  49:14—16.  Acts  10:4. 
o  67:7.     Gen.  12:2,3.    22:17,18. 

Acts  3:26.    Gal.  3:14,29.  Eph. 

1:3. 
p  112:1.  128:1,4,5.  Mai.  3:16,17. 

4:2.      Luke  1:50.     Acts    13:26. 


Col.  3:11. 
q  Acts  26:22.    Rev.  11:18.   19:5. 

20:12. 
*  Heb.  -with. 
rGen.  13:16.     2  Sam.  24:3.    Is. 

2:2,3.  27:5.  49:20,21.  56:8.  60: 

4,&c.    Jer.  30:19.  33:22.    Hos. 

1:10.     Zech.    8:20 23.    10:8. 

Rev.  7:4,9. 
s  Gen.  17:7.  Jer.  32:38,39.  Acts 

2:39.  3:25. 


jects  of  their  worship:  "having'  eyes  they  see 
not,  having  ears  they  hear  not,"  &c.  'They  are 
'spiritually  blind,  deaf,  dumb,  lame,  impotent; 
'and  when  their  idols  are  destroyed,  they  will 
'perish  in  like  manner.'  Bp.  Home.  (JVoies,  /*. 
44:9—20.  45:20—22.  46:5—9.  Jer.  10:3—16.  Hub. 
2:18—20.) 

V.  9 — 13.  The  Israelites  in  general,  and  the 
priests  in  particular,  (who  were  required  to  teach 
the  people  by  example,  as  well  as  precept,)  were 
exhorted  to  trust  in  the  Lord;  they  were  remind- 
ed how  he  had,  in  all  ag-es,  shewn  himself  "the 
Help  and  Shield,"  the  Upholder  and  Defender, 
ofsuchasthus  relied  on  him;  and  assured  that 
he  would  bless  without  exception,  every  one  of 
those  who  feared  him.  {Marg.  Ref. — J<fotes, 
118:1 — 4.  135:15—21.)  The  proselytes  also, 
from  other  nations,  seem  intended  by  those  "who 
fear  the  Lord." 

V.  14 — 18.  The  increase  of  the  church,  by  the 
conversion  of  the  Gentiles,  as  well  as  the  still 
g-reater  prosperity  of  Israel,  is  here  predicted. 
[Marsc-  Ref.) — There  is  a  peculiar  animation  in 
■the  concluding  part  of  the  psalm,  when  consider- 
ed not  so  much  as  praise  for  benefits  received,  as 
the  language  of  faith  and  hope  in  urgent  difficul- 
ties. {JYotes,  6:5.  30:9,10.  146:5,6.  Is.  38:17— 
20.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

We  have  so  entirely  forfeited  all  claim  to  the 
favor  of  God,  and  so  evidently  deserved  his  wrath; 
that,  if  blessings  be  conferred  on  us,  the  wliole 
honor  of  them  must  be  rendered  to  him,  who  has 
glorified  all  his  perfections,  and  especially  his 
"mercy  and  truth,"  in  the  salvation  of  his  people; 
in  pardoning,  sanctifying,  upholding,  and  com- 
forting them  from  day  to  day;  and  in  supplying  all 
their  wants  both  temporal  and  spiritual.  In  like 
manner,  when  conscious  unworthiness  is  ready 
to  extinguish  our  hopes,  we  have  a  never  failing 
plea,  in  the  same  important  truths;  and  we  may 
entreat  the  Lord  to  save  and  bless  us,  for  the 
glory  of  his  mercy  and  tiuth,  in  Jesus  Christ, 
when  ail  our  other  arguments  are  silenced.  For 
it  can  never  consist  with  his  honor,  that  his  avow- 
ed enemies  should  finally  triumph  over  those, 
who  profess  his  truth  and  call  upon  his  name;  an;! 
thus  be  emboldened  in  impiety  and  infidelity. — 
Our  God  is  upon  his  glorious  throne,  and  "doeth 
according  to  his  will  in  the  army  of  heaven,  and 
among  the  inhabitants  of  the  earth:"  and  the 
temporary  success  of  his  enemies,  and  troubles  of 


1 5  Ye  are  *  blessed  of  the  Lord,  which 
"  made  heaven  and  earth. 

16  The  ^heaven,  even  the  heavens, 
are  the  Lord's:  ^  but  the  earth  hath  he 
given  to  the  children  of  men. 

17  The  ^  dead  praise  not  the  Lord, 
neither  any  that  "go  down  into  silence. 

1 8  But  ^  we  will  bless  the  Lord  fi'om 
this  time  forth  and  for  evermore.  Praise 
the  Lord. 

PSALM  CXVL 

The  Psalmist  avows  his  gratitude  to  God,  who  had  answered  his 
prayers,  and  brought  him  out  of  deep  distress;  and  resolves  to 
worship  and  serve  him  all  his  days,  1 — 9.  He  records  his 
temptation  to  unbelief,  and  his  victory  over  it,  10,  11.  He 
determines  to  perform  his  vows,  and  render  thanks  to  God,  in 
the  most  public  manner,  at  the  sanctuary,  13—19. 


t  Gen.  14:19.  32:26—29.    1  Pet. 

3:9. 
u  96:5.    146:5,6.     Gen.  1:1. 
X  89:11.  144:5.    148:4.     Is.  66:1. 

Lam.  3:66.     John  14:2. 
yGen.  1:28—30.    9:1—3.  Deut. 


32:8.  Jer.  27:5,6. 
z  6:5.  30:9.    83:10—12.     Is.  38: 

18,19. 
a  31:17.    1  Sam.  2:9. 
b    113:2.    113:17—19.    145:3,21. 

Dan.  2:20.     Rev.  5:13. 


his  people,  will  assuredly  end  in  the  greater  good 
of  the  latter,  and  the  deeper  confusion  of  the  for- 
mer.— While  we  reflect  upon  the  stupidity  of 
idolaters  with  indignation  and  contempt,  let  us 
humbly  recollect,  that  we  are  the  same  by  nature, 
and  remember  to  give  God  the  whole  glory  of 
making  us  to  differ. — Those  who  reject  the  gos- 
pel, to  rely  for  salvation  on  themselves;  and  those 
who  idolize  worldly  advantages,  which  cannot 
profit  them  in  the  hour  of  death,  or  in  the  day  of 
judgment;  are  as  fatally  deceived  as  even  the 
worshippers  of  idols. — But  we  are  called  Chris- 
tians, and  some  of  us  sustain  the  office  of  minis- 
ters, being  the  spiritual  Israel,  and  the  house  of 
Aaron:  let  us  then  remember  to  act  consistently 
with  our  character  and  profession:  let  us  not 
"lean  to  our  own  understanding,"  depend  on  our 
own  righteousness  and  strength,  trust  in  our  own 
liearts,  or  rely  on  uncertain  riches  and  the  friend- 
ship of  the  world:  but  let  us  trust  in  the  Lord 
alone,  for  acceptance,  assistance,  sustenance, 
protection,  comfort,  usefulness,  and  everlasting 
happiness.  "He  hath  ever  been  mindful  of  his 
servants,  and  will  bless  them;  even  every  one  of 
them,  who  fear  him.  both  small  and  great."  He 
will  increase  the  number  of  his  true  ministers 
and  people,  and  prosper  them  and  their  children; 
for  they  are  indeed  "the  blessed  of  the  Lord, 
who  made  heaven  and  earth."  The  heaven, 
which  belongs  to  him,  he  reserves  as  the  peculiar 
inheritance  of  his  children;  the  earth  he  has 
given  indiscriminately  to  the  children  of  men: 
and  wretched  will  they  be,  who  have  no  better 
portion;  for  indeed  they  are  but  stewards,  who 
will  shortly  be  called  to  give  an  account  of 
their  stewardship.  (JVb<fr,  Luke  16:1—8,19—3].) 
But  grace  is  our  oion,  and  will  never  be  taken 
from  us.  As  to  the  rest,  a  little  will  bear  the  ex- 
penses of  our  pilgrimage:  let  us  then  be  content, 
and  thankful  for  our  allowance,  and  moderate  in 
the  use  of  it.  Let  us  communicate  of  our  little 
to  those  that  have  less:  and,  if  any  have  much  in- 
trusted to  them,  let  them  prove  their  interest  in 
i  the  true  riches,  by  faithfully  improving  "the 
j  mammon  of  unrighteousness."  {jN'ote,  Luke  1 6:9 
I — 13.)  As  death  will  terminate  our  opportunities 
j  of  praising  God  on  earth;  let  us  now  redeem  tiie 
:  time,  that  we  may  glorify  him  with  our  lips  and 
in  our  lives.  Then  we  shall  shortly  join  the  com- 
pany before  the  throne,  and  assist  them  in  bless- 
ing our  God;  and  our  bodies  will  be  raised  from 
the  silent  grave,  to  join  in  this  delightful  work  to 
iail   eternity:  while  successive  generations  shall 

[371 


B.  e.  1020. 


PSALM  CXVI. 


B.  C.  1020. 


I*  love   the  Lord,  •'  because  he  hath 
heard  my  voice  and  my  supplications. 

2  Because  he  hath  inchned  his  ear 
unto  me,  •=  therefore  will  I  call  upon  him 
*  as  long  as  I  live. 

3  The  ^  sorrows  of  death  compassed 
me,  and  the  pains  of  hell  t  gat  hold  upon 
me:  ^  1  found  trouble  and  sorrow. 

4  Then  ^  called  I  upon  the  name  of 
the  Lord;  ^  O  Lord,  I  beseech  thee, 
deliver  my  soul. 

5  ^  Gracious    is    the    Lord,    '  and 


a   18:1.    119:132.     Mark    12:33. 

John  21:17.      1  John  4:19.  5: 

2,3. 
b  18:6.  31:22,23.  34:3,4.  40:1,2. 

66:19,20.    69:33,34.    Gen.  35:3. 

1  Sam.  1:26,27.    John  16:24. 
C   55:16,17.  86:6,7.    88:1,2.    145: 

13,19.     Job  27:10.     Luke  13:1. 

Phil.  4:6.  Col.  4:2. 
♦  Heb.  in  my  days. 
d    18:4—6.     88:6,7.      Jon.  2:2,3. 

Mark   14:33—36.     Luke  22:44. 

Heb,  5:7. 
f  Heb.  found  me. 
e  32:3,4.  38:6.    Is.  53:3,4. 


f  22:1—3.  30:7,8.    50:15.   118:5. 

130:1,2.     2  Chr.  33:12,13.    Is. 

37:15—20.   38:1—3.    Jon.  2:2. 
g   6:4.    22:20.    25:17.    40:12,13. 

14-2:4—6.   143:6—9.     Luke  18: 

13.  23:42,43. 

h  86:5,15.  103:8.  112:4.  115:1. 
145:8.  Ex.  34:6,7.  Neh.  9:17, 
31.  Dan.  9:9.  Rom.  5:20,21. 
Eph.    1:6—8.    2:4.      1  Tim.  1: 

14.  Tit.  3:4—7. 

i  119:137.  145:4—7.  Ezra  9:15. 
Neh.  9:33.  Is.  45:21.  Dan.  9: 
7,14.  Rom.  3:25,26.  1  John 
1:9. 


be  raised  up  on  earth,  increasing  multitudes  of 
whom  will  be  zealously  employed,  in  celebrating 
the  praises  of  our  God,  till  time  shall  be  no  more. 
"Hallelujah,  Praise  the  Lord." 

NOTES. 

Psalm  CXVI.  V.  I.  Various  are  the  opin- 
ions of  learned  men,  concerning  the  author  of  this 
psalm,  and  the  time  when  it  was  composed.  But 
perhaps  David  wrote  it;  not  when  persecuted  by 
Saul,  (for  the  sanctuary  was  not  then  at  Jerusa- 
lem,) but  either  when  delivered  from  Absalom's 
rebellion,  or  after  some  other  sharp  trial,  between 
the  removal  of  the  ark  to  Zion  and  that  event. 
(JVbfes,  30:6— 8.  38:1—10.  41:1— 3.)— In  several 
instances,  however,  the  Chaldee  dialect  is  used 
in  it;  which  makes  this  opinion  doubtful,  and 
seems  to  indicate  a  much  later  period. — The  orig- 
inal of  this  verse  is,  "I  love,  because  the  Lord 
hath,  &c."  The  object  of  the  Psalmist's  love  and 
gratitude  is  not  mentioned  at  first,  but  may  be 
collected  from  what  follows.  The  abrupt  open- 
ing was  expressive  of  a  full  heart.  Some  render 
the  clause  'I  am  satisfied,'  or  'I  am  well  pleased;' 
but  it  seems  rather  more  in  the  manner  of  Peter's 
earnest  declaration,  "Lord,  thou  knowest  all 
things,  thou  knowest  that  I  love  thee."  (JVbfe, 
John  21:1 5—11.) 

V.  2.  'This  love  of  his,  in  so  readily  granting 
'my  desires,  ...  encourages  and  engages  me, ...  to 
'the  last  breath  of  my  life,  to  expect  deliverance 
'from  him.'  Bp.  Patrick.  {Marg,  Ref. — JSTotes, 
40:1—5.  55:17,18.) 

V.  3.  The  inward  anguish  of  the  Psalmist's 
mind  was  equal  to  his  outward  sufferings.  He 
seemed  to  feel  at  once  the  agonies  of  death,  and 
that  sense  of  wrath  and  remorse  of  conscience, 
which  have  in  them  something  of  "the  pains  of 
hell."  It  is  by  no  means  natural  to  interpret  both 
the  expressions  of  the  fear  or  pain  of  death;  or  of 
death,  and  the  grave  in  which  no  pains  are  felt; 
{JVote,  16:8 — 1 1.)  when  so  obvious  an  interpreta- 
tion offers  itself^  and  one  so  suited  to  the  feelings 
of  every  p^son,  who,  in  great  pain  of  body  and 
remorse  of  conscience,  has  been  alarmed  with  the 
dread  of  immediate  death.  [J^otes,  18:4,5.  32:3 
— 5.  40:11,12.  86:12,13.  2  .Sam.  22:5,6.) 

V.  4.     The  expressive  brevity  of  the  prayer 
here  mentioned,  is  well  worth  noticing.     [Jilarg. 
Ref.—Js'-otes,  142:4—6.  Lvke  18:9—14,  v.  13.  23: 
39— 43,  «.  42.) 
372] 


righteous;    yea,   oiir    God    is   merciful. 

6  The  Lord  •"  preserveth  the  simple: 
'  I  was  brought  low,  and  he  helped  me. 

7  Return  unto  ""  thy  rest,  O  my  soul; 
for  the  Lord  hath  °  dealt  bountifully  with 
thee. 

8  For  °  thou  hast  delivered  my  soul 
from  death,  p  mine  eyes  from  tears,  i  and 
my  feet  from  falling. 

9  I  will  *■  walk  before  the  Lord  ^  in 
the  land  of  the  living. 

[Practical  Observations.'\ 

10  ^  I  beheved,  "  therefore  have  I 
spoken:  *  I  was  greatly  afflicted: 


k  19:7.    25:21.     Is.  35:8.     Matt. 

11:25.     Rom.  16:19.     2  Cor.  1; 

12.  11:3.   Col.  3:22. 
1  79:8.    106:43.    142:6. 
m  95:11.  Jer.  6:16.  30:10.  Matt. 

11:28,29.    Heb.  4:8—10. 
n  13:6.   119:17.    Hos.  2:7. 
o  56:13.    86:13. 
p   Is.  25:8.     38:5.      Rev.   7:17. 


21:4. 

q  Is.  37:24.  94:  IS. 
r6l:7.  Gen.  17:1.     1  Kingj  2:4 

8:25.  9:4.     Luke  1:6,75. 
s27:13.    Is.  53:8. 
t  2  Cor.  4:13.    Heb.  11:1. 
u  Num.  14:6—9.     Prov.  21:28. 

2  Pet.  1:16—21. 
x3. 


V.  5.  [Marg.  Ref.)  "A  just  God  and  a  Sa- 
vior;" righteous  in  shewing  mercy  to  the  guilty, 
as  well  as  faithful  to  his  promises.  {J^otes,  85:10 
—13.  /s.  45:20—22.  JRom.  3:21—26.) 

V.  6.  The  simple  are  they,  who  feel  them- 
selves liable  to  be  imposed  on  by  designing  foes; 
who  are  destitute  of  wisdom  and  power  to  deliver 
themselves;  but  who  renounce  all  other  depend- 
ence, to  rely  wholly  on  God,  and  "in  simplicity 
and  godly  sincerity"  to  wait  on  him  to  save  them. 
{Marg.  Ref.  k.) — Thus  the  Psalmist,  in  his 
greatest  extremity,  and  lowest  dejection,  relied 
on  the  Lord,  and  sought  his  help;  and  the  Lord 
saved  and  delivered  him. 

V.  7.  To  know,  trust,  love,  and  delight  in 
God,  is  the  "rest"  of  rational  creatures.  (JVote, 
90:1,2.)  This  is  forsaken  through  sin;  and  hence 
arises  the  restlessness  of  mankind:  but  the  believ- 
er has  returned  to  God,  through  the  Savior,  and 
found,  in  some  measure,  "a  rest  to  his  soul," 
which  is  the  earnest  and  foretaste  of  heavenly  fe- 
licity. (JVb<e*,  95:9— II.  Jer.  6:16,17.  Matt. 
11:28-30.  Heb.  4:\—\l.)  Yet  this  is  imperfect, 
and  often  interrupted,  especially  by  sin:  and  when 
chastenings  bring  the  wanderer  from  God,  to  a 
due  sense  of  his  sin  and  folly,  conscious  guilt  at 
first  generally  increases  the  agitation  of  his  mind: 
till  recollection  of  the  Lord's  former  kindness, 
and  the  consolations  which  he  vouchsafed,  and 
the  hope  of  recovering  them,  encourage  and  al- 
lure him  to  return  by  repentance,  faith,  and 
prayer;  and  this  purpose  is  strengthened  by  every 
token  and  taste  of  returning  peace  and  comfort. 
This  seems  to  have  been  the  Psalmist's  experi- 
ence.    (JVb<e*,  1— 6.    13:5,6.   119:17.  Ho«.  2:6,7.) 

Dealt  bountifully.]  Or  "recompensed  thee." 
He  hath  graciously  recompensed  thy  confidence 
in  him,  and  as  it  were  said,  "According  to  thy 
faith  be  it  unto  thee." 

V.  8,  9.  Rescued  by  special  grace  from  death 
and  ruin,  comforted  from  distressing  sorrow,  and 
recovered  and  upheld  after  grievous  falls,  the 
Psalmist  determined  to  walk,  as  in  the  sight  of 
God,  "in  the  land  of  the  living."  {Marg.  Ref.) 
The  original  word  is  plural,  lands;  so  that  the 
land  of  Canaan  cannot  exclusively  be  intended: 
but  rather  the  Psalmist  meant  to  say,  that  he 
would  walk  before  God,  while  he  lived  here;  and 
expected  at  last  to  enjoy  his  presence  in  heaven, 
and  serve  him  for  ever  and  ever.  (JN'bie*,  23:5,6. 
27:13.    56:13.    73:23—28.146:2.)    '  "I  will  walk 


B.  C.  1020. 


PSALM   CXVI. 


B.  C.  1020. 


Ill  said  y  in  my  haste,  ^  All  men  are 
liars. 

12  *  What  shall  I  render  unto  the  Lord 
for  all  his  benefits  toward  me? 

13  I  will  "take  the  cup    of  salvation, 
and  •=  call  upon  the  name  of  the  Lord. 

14  I  will  **  pay  my  vows  unto  the  Lord 
now  in  the  presence  of  all  his  people. 

15  "^  Precious  in  the  sight  of  the  Lord 
is  the  death  of  his  saints. 


y  31:22.    1  Sam.  27:1. 

z   2  Kings  4:16,28.     Jer.  9:4,5. 

Rom.  3:4. 
a  51:12—14.   103:2.      Is.  6:5—8. 

Rom.  12:1.  1  Cor.  6:20.  2  Cor. 

5:14,15. 
b  17.  Luke  22:17,18,20.     1  Cor. 

10:16,21.    11:25-27. 


c  2.  105:1.   Is.  12:4. 

d  18.    22:25.    56:12.    66:13—15. 

Jon.    1:16.     2:9.       Nah.    1:15. 

Matt.  5:33. 
e  37:32,33.  72:14.  1  Sam.  25:29. 

Job  5:26.  Luke  16:22.   Rev.  1: 

18.   14:13. 


'before  the  Lord,"  as  one  under  his  ii>spection,  "in 
'the  land  of  the  living,"  or  amongst  the  redeemed 
'in  the  church;  until  the  time  come  for  me  to  de- 
'part  hence,  and  to  be  nurnbered  with  the  saints 
'in  glory  everlasting.'     Bp.  Home. 

V.  10,  11.  "I  believed,  and  therefore  I  spoke;" 
that  is,  'I  called  on  God  under  my  distresses,  in 
'expectation  of  help  from  him  alone.  But  I  was 
'so  discouraged  and  afflicted,  that  in  the  hurry  of 
'my  mind,  T  could  place  no  reliance  on  an)'  man; 
'but  thought  even  those  deceivers,  in  whom  before 
'I  had  the  greatest  confidence.' — Some  expositors, 
supposing  that  David  wrote  the  psalm,  and  that 
during  the  life  of  Saul,  or  very  soon  after  his 
death,  conclude,  that  he  referred  to  Samuel  espe- 
cially, who  had  anointed  him  to  the  kingdom,  as 
if  he  had  deceived  him  with  vain  hopes.  Or,  on 
the  supposition  that  David  was  the  writer,  and  a 
later  date  be  assigned,  (JVbfe,  I.)  it  may  bethought 
that  he  intended  Nathan,  by  whom  he  had  been 
assured  that  Solomon  should  succeed  him.  [J^Totes, 
2  Sam.  7:12— 16.  12:24,25.)  He  may  however, 
most  naturally  be  supposed  to  refer  to  Ahitho- 
phel's  treachery,  Absalom's  rebellion,  and  the  re- 
volt of  Israel;  which  so  astonished  and  afflicted 
him,  that  he  was  ready  hastily  to  suspect  every 
one  about  him:  though  the  event  proved,  that  he 
had  many  faithful  and  zealous  fiiends.  But  who- 
ever wrote  the  Psalm,  or  on  whatever  occasion; 
the  Psalmist's  faith  in  God's  mercy  and  truth, 
amidst  his  fears  and  suspicions  concerning  men, 
remained  unshaken,  and  fully  gained  the  victory. 
(JVb<e,  2  Cor.  4:13— 18.)— The  literal  rendering 
IS,  "I  believed,  and  therefore  I  will  speak:"  but 
the  apostle  quotes  the  passage,  from  the  Septua- 
gint,  as  relating  to  the  past. 

V.  12.  Some  render  this  verse  thus;  "What 
shall  I  render  unto  the  Lord.''  All  his  benefits 
overcome  me!"  'I  am  so  overwhelmed  with  his 
'abundant  goodness,  that  I  am  lost  in  wonder,  and 
'know  not  how  to  express  my  gratitude.'  [Marg. 

V.  13.  'I  will  call  all  my  friends  together  to 
'rejoice  with  me;  and  taking  the  cup,  which  we 
'call  the  cup  of  deliverance,  (because  when  bless- 
♦ed  and  set  apart,  we  are  wont  to  commemorate 
'the  blessings  we  have  received,)  I  will  magnify 
'the  power,  goodness,  and  faithfulness  of  God  my 
'Savior  before  all  the  company;  and  will  drink 
'myself,  and  then  give  it  to  them,  that  they  may 
'praise  his  name  together  with  me.'  Bp.  Patrick. 
— It  seems  to  have  been  customary  among  the 
Jews  thus  to  take  the  cup  of  deliverances,  when 
celebrating  their  solemn  feasts,  as  well  as  when 
offering  sacrifices  of  thanksgivings  for  peculiar 
mercies:  and  it  is  thought  that  our  Savior,  com- 
plying with  this  custom  at  his  last  passover, 
thence  took  occasion  to  institute  the  Lord's  sup- 
per; which  has  ever  since  been  to  Christians  "the 


16  O  Lord,  '"truly  I  am  thy  servant; 
I  am  thy  servant,  and  ^  the  son  of  thine 
handmaid:  ''thou  hast  loosed  my  bonds. 

17  I  will  ofter  to  thee  'the  sacrifice  of 
thanksgiving,  and  will  ^  call  upon  the 
name  of  the  Lord. 

18  I  will  ^  pay  my  vows  unto  the  Lord 
now  in  the  presence  of  all  his  people, 

19  In  ""the  courts  of  the  Lord's 
house,  in  the  midst  of  thee,  O  Jerusalem. 
Praise  ye  the  Lord. 


f    86:16.     143:12.     John    12:26. 

Acts  27:23.     Jam.  1:1. 
g  86:16. 
h   107:14—16.     2  Chr.  33:11— 

13.  Is.  61:1.    Rom.  6:22. 
i  50:14.  107:22.  Lev.  7:12.  Heb. 


13:15. 
k  13.  Acts  2:42. 
1  14.  22:25.  76:11. 
m  96:8.    100:4.    113:19,20.122:3 

4.   135:2.     2  Chr.  6:6. 


cup  of  salvation, "and  a  memorial  of  his  immeas- 
urable love,  in  giving  himself  to  death  for  their 
sins;  an  outward  sign  of  their  receiving  him,  by 
faith,  as  their  Salvation,  and  a  seal  and  'pledge  to 
'assure  them  thereof;'  as  well  as  a  grateful  ac- 
knowledgment of  the  inestimable  benefits  of 
which  they  partake  through  his  atoning  sacrifice. 
[JVotes,  Matt.  26:26—29.  Luke  22: 14—20.  I  Cor. 
10:14—17.   11:17—34.) 

V.  14.  JsTotes,  17-19.  22:25.  66:13— 15.  76: 
11,12. 

V.  15.  The  Lord  accounts  the  death  of  his 
saints  a  very  important  event.  He  will  not  allow 
their  enemies  to  cut  tliem  off  before  his  appointed 
time.  The  circumstances  of  their  death  are  reg- 
ulated by  infinite  wisdom  and  love,  for  their  final 
benefit:  that  solemn  season  often  proves  a  pre- 
cious opportunity  to  the  survivors,  and  tends 
greatly  to  the  honor  of  God;  and  it  always  is- 
sues in  their  complete  felicity.  {J^Totes,  72:14. 
Luke  16:22,23.  Acts  18:9—11.  23:11.  27:20 
— 26.) — The  word  rendered  "saints,"  may  ei- 
ther mean  those  who  obtain  mercy  from  God,  or 
such  as  have  been  taught  by  him  to  shew  mercy. 
{J^Tote,  30:4.)  Our  Lord  seems  to  have  had  it  in 
view,  when  he  said,  "Blessed  are  the  merciful, 
for  they  shall  obtain  mercy."    ( JVbfe,   Matt.  5: 7.) 

V.  16.  (JVb<e,  86:16.)  'The  recent  deli ver- 
'ance,  which  I  have  experienced,  lays  me  under 
'new  and  stronger  obligations,  to  serve  thee,  with 
'all  the  power  and  influence  which  I  possess;  and 
'thus  avow  my  purpose  of  so  doing.'  {J)Iars(.  Ref. ) 

V.  17 — 19.  "Calling  on  the  name  of  the  Lord" 
sometimes  means,  celebrating  his  praises,  and  ac- 
knowledging his  mercies,  as  well  as  prayer  and 
supplication.  {JVotes,  1  Chr.  16:8,9.  Is.  12: 
4 — 6.)  The  Psalmist,  when  calling  on  God  for 
deliverance  during  his  distress,  had  solemnlj- 
vowed  to  make  the  most  public  acknowledg- 
ments of  his  goodness,  when  his  prayer  should  be 
answered.  And  now  he  brought  his  thank-offer- 
ings to  the  sanctuary,  and  there  in  the  presence 
of  all  Israel  blessed  and  praised  the  Lord;  calling 
on  all  the  congregation,  to  join  him  in  this  reason- 
able service.     (13,14.     jVb<e,  118:19— 24.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
V.  1—9. 
We  should  not  only  be  satisfied  and  delighted, 
when  "the  Lord  hath  heard  our  voice  and  our 
supplications;"  but  should  love  him  on  that  ac- 
count, as  well  as  for  his  own  essential  excellen- 
ces, and  all  his  innumerable  benefits.  But  we 
are  never  so  greatly  afiected  with  his  condescen- 
sion and  kindness,  as  when  he  has  relieved  us 
out  of  extreme  distress — The  poor  sinner,  when 
awakened  to  a  sense  of  his  state  and  character, 
recollects  that  he  must  shortly  die,  and  fears  lest 
he  should  sink  under  the  righteous  and  everlast- 

[373 


B.  C.  1040. 


PSALM  CXVIT. 


B.  C.  1040. 


PSALM  CXVII. 


A  prophetical  call  to  all  nations  to  praise  God  for  his  mercy  and 
truth,  1,  -2. 

^  PRAISE  the   Lord,  all  ye  na- 
tions: ^  praise  him,  all  ye  people. 

a  6ti:l,4.  67:3.  86:9.  Is.  .:4:15,l6.  I  b  I'lS:!!— M.   150:6.     Kev. 
42:10—12.     Rom.  15:11.  Rev.       7:9,10. 
15:4. 


5:9. 


ing  wrath  of  God;  then  "the  sorrows  of  death 
and  the  pains  of  hell  get  hold  of  him,  and  he  finds 
trouble  and  sorrow."  But  let  those  persons,  who 
are  thus  distressed  and  alarmed,  without  delay, 
and  with  all  earnestness,  "call  upon  the  Lord," 
and  say,  "O  Lord,  I  beseech  thee,  deliver  my 
soul:"  and  they  will  find  him  most  gracious,  and 
true  to  his  promise,  and  will  learn  how  his  perfect 
justice  harmonizes  with  his  abounding-  mercy:  for 
he  is  as  ready  to  teach  the  simple,  and  uphold  the 
feeble,  and  defend  the  poor,  who  trust  in  him;  as 
he  is  to  pardon  the  guilty,  and  sanctify  the  unho- 
ly: and,  having  raised  them  up  from  this  low  es- 
tate, they  will  learn  to  love  him  and  "call  upon 
him  as  long  as  they  live."  His  ways  are  not  as 
our  ways:  he  pardons  criminals,  and  relieves  the 
indigent,  that  they  may  be  encouraged  to  come 
again  and  again,  and  may  learn  to  love  prayer; 
for  "he  delighteth  in  the  prayer  of  the  upright." 
Let  then  those  "who  labor,  and  are  heavy  laden, 
come  to  him  that  they  may  find  rest  to  their  souls." 
Let  believers  keep  close  to  their  rest;  and  if  they 
be  at  all  drawn  from  it,  let  them  make  haste  to 
return,  remembering  how  "bountifully  the  Lord 
hath  dealt  with  them." — Having  "delivered  our 
souls  from  death,  our  eyes  from  tears,  and  our 
feet  from  falling,"  we  should  deem  ourselves 
bound  "to  walk  before  him,"  and  as  in  his  pres- 
ence. But  when  we  shall  enter  the  heavenly 
rest,  our  deliverance  from  sin  and  sorrow  will  be 
complete;  our  tears  will  be  finally  wiped  awa}-, 
and  our  feet  will  no  more  slip;  but  we  shall  be- 
hold the  glory  of  God,  and  walk  in  his  presence, 
"in  the  land  of  the  living,  with  inconceivable  de- 
light." [J^otes,  Is.  25:6—8.  Rev.  7:13—17.  21: 
22—27.) 

V.  10—19. 
When  we  are  discomposed  by  temptations,  we 
had  in  general  better  keep  silence  if  possible,  for 
we  are  apt  to  speak  unadvisedly:  {J^oles,  39: 1 — 4, 
9,10.)  and  our  conviction  of  man's  deceitfulness 
may  sometimes  lead  us,  before  we  are  aware,  to 
impeach  the  divine  veracity,  and  to  treat  even 
those  as  "liars,"  who  would  encourage  us  from 
the  promises  of  God.  But  true  faith  will  at  length 
prevail  in  every  conflict;  and,  being  humbled  for 
our  distrust  of  his  sacred  word,  we  shall  experi- 
ence his  faithfulness — What  shall  the  redeemed 
sinner,  when  his  heart  is  full  of  joy  and  gratitude, 
■ — or  what  shall  any  of  us,  who  have  been  deliv- 
ered from  urgent  trouble  and  distress, — "render 
unto  the  Lord  for  all  his  benefits  towards  us.?" 
We  cannot  in  any  way  profit  him,  or  offer  him 
any  thing  which  he  has  not  first  given  unto  us; 
and  our  best  is  unworthy  of  his  acceptance:  yet 
we  ought  to  devote  ourselves  and  all  we  have  to 
his  service  and  glory.  (J^ote,  1  Chr.  29:10 — 19.) 
— While  we  enjoy  the  comfort  of  his  salvation  in 
our  secret  communion  with  him,  we  should  also 
make  an  open  profession  of  our  faith  and  love; 
and  avow  our  dependence  on  him  and  obligations 
to  him,  by  taking  "the  cup  of  salvation,"  and  re- 
membering the  bleeding  love  of  our  divine  Sa- 
vior, in  the  ordinance  which  he  has  instituted  for 
that  purpose:  thus  joining  ourselves  to  him  and  to 
his  people,  and  with  them  calling  upon  his  name, 
that  we  may  be  enabled  by  his  grace  to  walk  con- 
sistently with  our  profession.  In  this  way  everj' 
sinner,  who  has  found  peace  and  deliverance 
through  the  blood  of  Christ,  should  "pay  his  vows 
in  the  presence  of  all  his  people."  Thus  every 
374] 


2  For  '^his  merciful  kindness  is  great 
toward  us:  and  the  truth  of  the  Lord  en- 
dureth  for  ever.     Praise  ye  the  Lord. 

0  85:10.  89:1.    100:4,5.     Mic.  7:20.     Luke  1:54,55.     Rom.  15:8,9. 


true  son  of  the  church,  whose  bonds  have  been 
loosed,  and  who  is  become  the  servant  of  God, 
should  frequently  ofier  the  sacrifice  of  thanksgiv- 
ing, as  well  as  join  in  other  parts  of  his  solemn 
worship.  (JVbie,  40:1 — 5.)  And  every  believer, 
when  he  has  received  any  recent  mercy,  should 
express  his  gratitude,  by  attending  on  this  memo- 
rial of  that  precious  blood-shedding  which  has 
purchased  all  our  mercies;  and  should  avow  his 
purpose  of  devoting  his  future  life,  to  the  service 
of  the  God  of  his  salvation.  Such  are  the  true 
saints  of  God,  in  whose  lives  and  deaths  he  will 
be  glorified:  no  enemy  or  event  can  deduct  from 
their  appointed  period  on  earth;  much  less  shall 
any  destroy  their  souls.  But  when  the  measure 
of  their  trials  and  services  is  accomplished,  their 
God  and  Savior  will  remove  them,  in  the  best 
manner,  to  that  new  Jerusalem,  where  they  will 
pay  their  vows  with  all  the  redeemed,  and  offer 
eternal  sacrifices  of  exalted  praise  and  thanks- 
giving, "to  him  who  loved  them,  and  washed  them 
from  their  sins  in  his  precious  blood:"  and  their 
bodies  also  shall  at  length  be  raised  incorruptible 
to  join  the  sacred  worship,  and  share  that  glorious 
felicity.  Let  us  then  "give  diligence  to  make  our 
calling  and  election  sure;"  let  us  trust  the  Lord  in 
the  path  of  duty;  let  us  fear  no  danger,  and  de- 
cline no  difficulty,  in  his  service;  and  let  us  learn 
to  consider  the  day  of  our  death,  as  the  period  of 
our  labors  and  conflicts,  and  as  our  entrance 
into  rest,  and  glory,  and  felicity. 

NOTES. 

Psalm  CXVH.  V.  I.  'This  Psalm,  like  the 
'hundred  and  tenth,  seems  to  be  altogether  pro- 
'phetical,  of  the  joy  that  all  the  world  should  con- 
'ceive,  at  the  coming  of  the  Messiah  to  give  sal- 
'vation,  first  to  the  Jews,  and  then  to  all  other 
'nations,  according  to  his  faithful  promise.  St. 
'Paul  applies  the  first  words  of  it  to  this  business, 
'■Rom.  13:11.  and  some  of  the  Hebrews  justify 
'his  application.'  Bp.  Patrick.  (JVb<e,  Rom.  15: 
8—13.) 

V.  2.  God  promised  to  Abraham,  that  in  Christ 
"his  Seed,  all  nations  should  be  blessed:"  he  con- 
firmed that  promise,  when  he  sent  the  Savior, 
raised  him  from  the  dead,  exalted  him  at  his  right 
hand,  and  called  the  Gentiles  into  the  church:  but 
a  still  more  literal  and  extensive  accomplishment 
of  it  will  take  place  at  the  Millennium.  (JVotes, 
22:27,28.  Jer.  16:19— 21,  v.  19.  Dan.  2:34,35,44, 
45.     Rev.  11:15—18.  20:1—6.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

We  belong  to  that  very  company  or  innumera- 
ble multitude,  whom  the  Holy  Spirit  here  address- 
es; and  he  calls  on  every  one  of  us  to  join  our 
Hallelujahs  with  those  of  his  ancient  people:  and 
"therefore  we  ought  to  give  the  more  earnest 
heed  to  the  things  which  we  have  heard."  The 
very  circumstance  that  we  sinners  of  the  Gentiles 
are  become  the  professed  worshippers  of  the  true 
God,  by  means  of  the  gospel  of  Christ,  that  "Seed 
of  Abraham,  in  whom  all  nations  shall  be  bless- 
ed," (JVb<e*,  Gen.  12:1— 3.  49:10.  Ga/.3:]5— 18, 
26 — 29.)  is  a  sufiicient  demonstration,  that  the 
Scriptures  are  divinely  inspired;  that  the  mercy 
of  God  has  prevailed;  and  that  he  is  ever  mindful 
of  his  promise,  and  faithful  to  it  even  to  a  thou- 
sand generations. — But  let  us  take  care,  that 
none  of  us  "receive  this  grace  of  God  in  vain:" 


B.  C.   1040. 


PSALM  cxvm. 


B.  C.  1040. 


PSALM  CXVIIL 

Tbe  Psalmist  exhorts  all  orders  of  men  in  Israel  to  praise  God, 
1—4.  He  shews  by  his  own  experience  how  good  it  is  to  trust 
in  the  Lord,  o — 18.  In  blessings  him  for  deliverance  and  ad- 
\'aiicement,  and  calling  on  the  people  to  join  in  his  triumphant 
praises,  he  predicts  the  coming  and  the  kingdom  of  the  Mes- 
siah, IK— 29. 

^  GIVE  thanks  unto  the  Lord:  for 
he  is  good:  because  his  mercy  €71 
dureth  for  ever. 

2  Let  ^  Israel  now  say,  that  his  mercy 
endureth  for  ever. 

3  Let   "  the  house  of  Aaron  now  say, 
that  his  mercy  endureth  for  ever. 

4  Let  '^  them  now  that  fear  the  Lokd 
say,  that  his  mercy  endureth  for  ever. 

5  I  ^  called  upon  the  Lord  *  in  dis 
tress:  the  Lord  answered  me,  and  ^  set 
me  in  a  large  place. 

6  ^  The  Lord  is  ^  on  my  side;  I  will 
not  fear:  what  can  man  do  unto  me.'' 


a  29.   106:1.  107;1.  136:1.   1  Chr. 

16:8,34.    Jer.  33:11. 
b  115:9— n.    135:19,20.    145:10. 

147:19,20.  Gal.  6:16.   Heb.  13: 

15.    1  Pet.  2:9,10. 
c    134:1—3.     ]  Pet.  2:5.     Rev. 

1:6.  4:7—11.  5:8—10. 
d  22:23.     Rev.  19:5. 
e  18:6.  40:1—3.77:2.   107:13,19. 


116:3,4.  120:1.  130:1,2.  Gen 
32:7,9—11.  1  Sam.  30:6—8 
Mark  14:34—36. 

*  Heb.  out  of  distress.    130:1. 

f  18:19.  31:8. 

g  27:1—3.,  46:1,11.  56:4,9,11 
146:5.  Jer.  20:11.  Mic.  7:£ 
—10.     Rom.  8:31.    Heb.  13:6 

f  Heb.ybr  me. 


7  The  Lord  ^  taketh  my  part  with 
them  that  help  me:  '  therefore  shall  I  see 
my  desire  upon  them  that  hate  me. 

8  It  is  ^  better  to  trust  in  the  Lord, 
than  to  put  confidence  in  man. 

9  It  is  better  to  trust  in  the  Lord, 
^  than  to  put  confidence  in  princes. 

10  •"  All  nations  compassed  me  about: 
but  in  the  name  of  the  Lord  will  I  t  de- 
stroy them. 

1 1  They  "  compassed  me  about;  yea, 
they  compassed  me  about:  but  in  the 
name  of  the  Lord  I  will  destroy  them. 

12  They  compassed  me  about  °  like 
bees;  they  are  p  quenched  as  the  fire  of 
thorns:  for  i  in  the  name  of  the  Lord  I 
will  ^  destroy  them. 


h54:4.  55:13.      1  Chr.  12:18. 

i  54:7.  59:10.  92:11.   112:8. 

k   40:4.    62:8,9.     Jer.    17:5—7. 

Mic.  7:5—7. 
I    146:3—5.      Is.    30:2,3,15—17. 

31:1,8.    36:6,7.    Ez.  29:7. 
ra  2  Sam.  5:  8:  10:     Zech.  12:3. 

14:1—3.     Rev.  19:19—21.   20: 

8,9. 
j  Heb.  cut  them  off. 


n  22:12—16.  88:17.     1  Sam.  23: 

26.     1  Chr.  19:10. 
o  Dent.  1:44. 
p  83:14,15.     Ec.7:6.    Is.  27:4. 

Nah.  1:10. 
q  8:9.    20:1,5.      1  Sam.  17:45.    1 

Chr.   14:10,11,14-16.     2  Chr. 

14:11,12.     16:7—9.    20:17—22. 

32:7,8. 
j  $  Heb.  cut  them  dovin. 


let  US  seek  the  fulfilment  to  us,  personally,  of  those 
promises  which  ensure  the  believer's  eternal  sal- 
vation: and  while  we  make  it  our  business  to 
glorify  our  God,  in  word  and  deed;  let  us  still 
pray,  and  endeavor  as  we  can,  that  all  the  nations 
of  the  earth  may  "shew  forth  his  praises,  for  hav 
ing  called  them  out  of  darkness  into  the  marvel- 
lous light"  of  his  blessed  gospel. 

NOTES. 

Psalm  cxvm.  V.  1—4.  (Marg.  Rcf.—J^otes, 
115:9—13.  136:1—3.)  David  is  thought  to  have 
composed  tliis  Psalm,  after  his  advancement  to  the 
throne,  and  his  victories  over  his  enemies  round 
about:  and  probably  it  was  sung  by  the  priests,  Le- 
vites,and  congregation  of  Israel,  with  David  at  the 
head  of  them,  as  they  marched  up  to  the  taberna- 
cle to  render  public  thanks  for  these  benefits. — 
'David,  rejected  of  Saul  and  the  people,  in  the 
'appointed  time  obtained  the  kingdom.  ...  Under 
'his  person  in  all  this  was  Christ  lively  set  forth, 
'who  should  be  of  his  people  rejected. — Because 
'God,  by  creating  David  king,  shewed  his  mercy 
'towards  his  afflicted  church;  the  prophet  doth 
'not  only  himself  thank  God,  but  exhorteth  all 
'the  people  to  do  the  same.' — 'Let  the  children  of 
'Israel,  who  have  had  such  long  experience  of  his 
'love,  and  now  see  his  promises  fulfilled, ...  confess 
'and  thankfully  acknowledge,  that  his  kindness 
'continues  to  all  generations.  Let  the  priests  and 
'theLevites, ...  and  let  all  the  devout  worshippers 
'of  the  Lord,  of  whatsoever  nation  they  be,  ...  con- 
'fess  now  most  thankfully,  that  there  is  no  end  of 
'his  kindness.'  Bp.  Patrick. — The  effects  also 
of  the  mercy  and  grace  of  God,  in  the  everlasting 
salvation  and  felicity  of  his  redeemed  people,  seem 
especially  intended. 

V.  5.  'We  are  here  taught,  that  the  more  that 
'troubles  oppress  us,  the  more  ought  we  to  be  in- 
'stant  in  prayer.' — "The  Lord  heard"  (or  answer- 
ed) "me  by  enlargement."  When  the  Israelites, 
being  straitened  by  the  Canaanites,  were  enabled 
to  drive  them  away  and  possess  their  inheritance; 
the  Lord  heard  them,  as  he  did  Jabez;  and  "en- 
larged their  coast."  (JVb<e,  1  Clir.  4:9,10.  P.  O.) 
— David  brought  out  of  the  cave,  and  made  king 
over  all  Israel;  Christ  freed  from  the  grave,  and 


made  "Head  over  all  things  to  his  church;"  the 
slave  of  sin  made  free,  and  become  the  servant  of 
God;  and  the  believer  "delivered  from  the  bon- 
dage of  corruption  into  the  glorious  liberty  of  the 
children  of  God;"  are  instances  illustrative  of  the 
Psalmist's  meaning,  to  which  many  others  might 
be  added.     {M>tes,  31:7,8.  2  Sam.  22:20.) 

V.  6.  "Jehovah  for  me;"  [marg.)  that  is,  a 
Protector.  (./Vb<e*,  7.  27:1— 3.  46:1— 3,7.  56:3, 
4.     i«.  8:9— 15.  jRom.  8:28— 31.) 

V.  7.  David  had  for  a  long  time  but  few  and 
feeble  helpers;  but  the  Lord  almighty  aided,  pros- 
pered, and  increased  them;  till  his  cause  was  be- 
come triumphant:  and  as  this  had  been  the  case, 
he  trusted  that  it  would  be  the  case  in  all  his  fu- 
ture dangers  and  conflicts.  (JVbto,  1  Sam.  14:6 — 
10,  w.  6.  2  X^mo-s  6:15—17.  2  CAr.  32:6— 8.  Rom. 
8:28—31,1).  31.  2  Cor.  1:8—11.)  How  few  help- 
ers, and  how  feeble,  had  the  Lord  Jesus,  on  the 
i  morning  of  his  resurrection!  but  the  Lord  was 
with  them,  and  his  cause  triumphed,  and  does  tri- 
umph, and  will  still  more  triumph,  till  "all  kings 
fall  down  before  him,  all  nations  do  him  service." 

See  77iy  desire,  fee]  The  Septuagint  render 
this  very  properly  "1  shall  look  upon  mine  ene- 
mies." 'I  shall  meet  them  with  boldness,  look 
'them  in  the  face  without  fear;  and  witness  either 
'their  submission  or  destruction.'  {JVotes,  54:1. 
59:10.  92:11.) 

V.  8,  9.  The  unfaithfulness,  changeableness, 
weakness,  and  mortal  nature  of  men,  however 
distinguished,  render  all  reliance  on  them  vain 
and  insecure:  and  the  Lord's  jealousy  for  his  own 
honor  induces  him  to  punish  those,  who  are  guilty 
of  this  idolatrous  confidence,  and  to  encourage 
such  as  betake  themselves  to  him  in  danger  and 
distress;  so  that  experience  proves,  that  it  is  far 
better  to  seek  to  the  Lord  in  trouble,  and  rely  on 
him,  than  to  confide  in  any  man,  or  number  of 
men,  or  the  most  powerful  princes.  (JVb<e*,  62:8 
—10.  146:3—6.  Is.  2:22.  31:1—5.  Jer.  17:5—8. 
Z)«n.  6:12— 23.) 

V.  10—12.  Tiic  several  nations  bordering  on 
C'anaan  confederated  against  David, and  compass- 
ed him  about,  like  swarms  of  bees,  as  if  they  would 
stiug  him  to  death.  But,  depending  on  the  assist- 
ance of  the  Lord,  and  going  forth  to  battle  in  his 

5 


[37{ 


B.  C.  1040. 


PSALM  CXVUI. 


B.  C.  1040. 


13  'Thou  hast  thrust  sore  at  me,  that 
I  might  fall:  but  the  Lord  helped  me. 

14  The  Lord  ^  is  my  Strength  and 
Song,  and  is  become  my  Salvation. 

15  The  *  voice  of  rejoicing  and  salva- 
tion is  in  the  tabernaclesof  the  righteous: 
"  the  right  hand  of  the  Lord  doeth  val- 
iantly. 

1 6  The  *  right  hand  of  the  Lord  is 
exahed:  the  right  hand  of  the  Lord  doeth 
valiantly. 

17  1  shall  not  ^  die,  but  live,  and  ^  de- 
clare the  works  of  the  Lord. 

18  The  Lord  hath  *  chastened  me 
sore:  but  he  hath  not  given  me  over  unto 
death. 

r  13:17,18.  56:1— 3.     1  Sam.  20: 

3.  25:29.  2  Sam.  17:1—3.  Matt. 

4:1—11.   Heb.  2:14. 
s  13:2.   Ex.  15:2.  Is.  12:2.  45:17, 

22—25.   Matt.  1:21—23. 
1 30:11,12.    32:11.    33:1.    119:54, 

111.  Deut.  12:12.  Is.  51:11.65: 

13.  Acts  2:46,47.    16:34.    Rev. 

13:20.  19:1—5. 
u44:3.  45:4.   60:12.  89:13.  93:1. 

Is.  51:9,10. 


[Practical  Observations.] 


X  Ex.  15:6.     Acts  2:32—36. 

y   6:5.     Is.  38:16—20.     Hab.  1: 

12.  John  11:4.     Rom.  14:7— 9. 
z  40:5,10.  71:17,18.   107:22.  119: 

13.  145:4.  Jer.  51:10. 

a  66:10— 12.  94:12,13.  2  Sam. 
12:10.  13:  16:  Job  5:17,18.  33: 
16—20.  Prov.  3:11,12.  Jon. 
2:6.  1  Cor.  11:32.  2  Cor.  1:9 
—11.    Heb.  12:10,11. 


name,  he  gained  repeated  and  decisive  victories 
over  them:  so  that  their  rage  terminated,  like  the 
fire  kindled  among  thorns;  which  is  vehement, 
and  makes  a  great  blaze  and  noise,  and  consumes 
the  thorns,  and  then  is  extinguished  without  much 
effect.  ( JVb<e*,  20:6— 8.  83:13—18.  Deut.  ]  ■.39— 
44,  ■«.  44.  2  Saw.  5:17— 24.  8:1—14.  10:8—14, 
18.  22:5 — 20.)  Every  victory  David  gained,  was 
an  earnest  of  further  success;  and  he  trusted  that, 
by  the  help  of  the  Lord,  he  should  be  able  to  de- 
stroy all  his  enemies. — Thus  the  Redeemer,  per- 
sonally, and  in  his  church,  has  been  opposed  by 
all  the  nations  of  the  earth;  but  destruction  from 
the  Lord  is  the  inevitable  consequence  of  persist- 
ing in  that  opposition,  however  numerous  and 
formidable  the  opponents  may  appear.  {J^otes, 
2:  21:8—12.  22:16—21.  45:3—5.  69:22—28. 
110:5,6.     Rev.  19:11—21.) 

V.  13.  Perhaps  Saul  was  meant,  as  that  en- 
emy who  had  thrust  sore  at  David  that  he  might 
fall.  [Marg.  Ref.) — When  Satan  tempted  Christ, 
and  when  he  afterwards  prevailed  to  have  him 
crucified,  and  assailed  him  with  all  his  power  in 
that  "hour  of  darkness;"  he  thrust  sore  at  the 
church,  to  destroy  her  at  once  in  the  person  of 
her  Representative.  (JVb/es,  Gen.  3:14,15.  Matt. 
4:1—11.  P.  O.  1—11.  jVb<e,  26:36—39.  P.  O. 
36—46.  J^otes,  Luke  22:47—53.  Heb.  2: 16—18. 
4: 14 — 16.  5:7 — 10.)  The  believer  has  often  occa- 
sion to  use  the  words  with  application  to  his  own 
experience,  and  the  temptations  with  which  his 
enemy  assails  him,  that  he  may  fall  into  sin,  and 
disgrace  the  cause  of  God,  as  well  as  greatly  dis- 
tress himself;  nay,  that  he  may  fall  into  destruc- 
tion: but  the  Lord  has  hitherto  helped  him. 

V.  14.  'In  that  he  was  delivered,  it  came  not 
'of  himself,  nor  of  the  power  of  man,  but  only  of 
'God's  favor:  therefore  he  will  praise  him.'  UVotes, 
Ex.  15:2.  Is.  12:2.) — The  name  J  ah,  used  in  the 
texts  referred  to,  (the  former  of  which  is  exactly 
the  same  as  this  verse,)  occurs  many  times  in 
the  Psalm.     (JVbfe,  68:4.) 

V.  15,  16.  David's  deliverance  from  Saul, 
and  his  exaltation  to  the  throne,  were  typical  of 
Christ's  resurrection  and  ascension:  {JVote,  2:1 — 
6.)  and  on  the  Lord's  day,  when  his  resurrection 
is  especially  commemorated,  the  dwellings  of 
true  believers^  as  well  as  the  places  in  which  they 
assemble  for  public  worship  all  over  the  eartli, 
376] 


19  ''Open  to  me  the  gates  of  right- 
eousness: "  I  will  go  into  them,  and  I  will 
praise  the  Lord: 

20  This  ^  gate  of  the  Lord,  into 
which  the  righteous  shall  enter. 

21  I  *  will  praise  thee:  for  thou  hast 
heard  me,  ^  and  art  become  my  Salva- 
tion. 

22  s  The  Stone  which  the  builders  re- 
fused, is  become  ^  the  Head-stone  of  the 
corner. 

23  This  is  *  the  Lord's  doingj  '  it  is 
marvellous  in  our  eyes. 

24  This  is  ^  the  day  which  the  Lord 
hath  made;  '  we  will  rejoice  and  be  glad 
in  it. 


b  Is.  26:2. 

c  9:13,14.  66:13—15.  96:2.  100: 

4.    116:18,19.    Is.  33:20,22. 
d  24:3,4,7,9.     Is.  26:2.  35:8—10. 

Rev.  21:24— 27.  22:14,15-. 
e  22:23,24.  69:33,34.   116:1. 
f  14.    Ex.  15:2.  Is.  12:2.  49:3. 
5   Matt.  21:42.     Mark  12:10,11. 

Luke  20:17.   Acts  4:11.    Eph. 

2:20—22.   1  Pet.  2:4—8. 
h  Zech.  4:7. 


*  Heb.  from  the  LORD.  Acts 

2:32—36.  3:14,15.  5:31,32.  Eph. 

1:19—22. 
i  Job  5:9.    Acts  4:13.  13:41. 
k    Zecb.    3:9.       Matt.   28:1—8. 

John    20:19,20.       Acts    20:7. 

Rev.  1:10. 
1  84:10.     1  Kings  8:66.     2  Chr. 

20:26—28.    Neh.  8:10.    Is.  58: 

13. 


resound  with  the  voice  of  joyful  and  thankful 
praises;  because  "the  right  hand  of  the  Lokd 
hath  done  valiantly,  and  is  exalted."  (J^otes,  19 — 
24.  Ex.  15:3—6.  Acts  2:33— 36.)— But  rejoicing 
belongs  to  the  righteous  at  all  times;  it  becomes 
them,  and  them  alone:  and  indeed  almost  univer- 
sally, the  voice  of  thankful  and  holy  joy  is  heard 
in  their  dwellings,  though  often  mean  and  poorly 
supplied;  while  murmurs,  discontent,  and  com- 
plaints of  various  kinds,  are  heard  in  the  habita- 
tions of  their  more  prosperous  and  wealthy  neigh- 
bors.    (JVbies,  33:1.  97:11,12.  Phil.  4:4— T.) 

V.  17,  18.  The  triumph  of  David  over  his  per- 
secutors was  an  earnest  of  further  mercies  and 
continued  protection;  that  he  might  "declare  the 
works  of  the  Lord."  He  had  been  sharply  chas- 
tened and  tried:  yet  he  "was  not  given  over  to 
death;"  but  preserved  to  be  a  highly  honored  in- 
strument of  glorifying  God,  and  promoting  Isra- 
el's prosperity. — Christ,  having  suffered  unknown 
agonies,  when  "the  chastisement  of  our  peace 
was  upon  him:"  was  not  "given  over  unto  death,'' 
but  rose  from  the  dead,  and  said  to  his  servant 
John,  "I  am  he,  that  liveth  and  was  dead;  and 
behold  I  am  alive  for  evermore;  and  have  the 
keys  of  death  and  of  hell."  {J^Totes,  22:22—24. 
/*.  53:4— 6,9— 12.  Acts  2:22^24.  Rom.  14:1— 9. 
Rev.  1:12 — 20.)  By  his  gospel  he  declares  the 
works  of  the  Lord  throughout  the  earth;    and 

because  he  liveth,"  all  his  true  disciples  "shall 
live  also."-  (JVo/les,  John  14:18—20.  Col.  3:1—4.) 
V.  19 — 24.  David,  preserved  from  death,  tri- 
umphant over  his  enemies,  and  now  going  up  to 
the  temple  to  offer  his  thank-offerings,  attended 
by  the  thousands  of  Israel,  seems  here  to  call  upon 
the  porters  and  other  Levites,  to  open  the  gates 
of  the  sanctuary  for  his  admission.  These  are 
called  "the  gates  of  righteousness;''  because  of 
the  characters  of  those  who  offered  acceptable 
worship  in  the  courts  of  God,  and  because  of  the 
nature  of  the  services  there  performed.  Those 
who  were  within  seem  to  have  sung  responsively, 

This  is  the  gate  of  the  Lord,  into  which  the 
righteous  shall  enter:"  and  then  the  whole  com- 
pany, perhaps  in  parts,  sang  the  following  verses. 
[J^ote,  1 — 4.) — David's  advancement  to  the  throne, 
notwithstanding  the  opposition  which  had  long 
been  made  to  it,  was  referred  to:  but  the  whole 
passage  is  evidently  a  prediction  of  Christ.  W  hen 


B.  C.  1040. 


PSALM  cxvm. 


B.  C.  1040. 


25  ■"  Save  now,  1  beseech  thee,  O 
Lord:  O  Lord,  I  beseech  thee,  "  send 
now  prosperity. 

26  "  Blessed  he  he  that  coraeth  in  the 
name  of  the  Lord:  Pwe  have  blessed  you 
out  of  the  house  of  the  Lord. 

27  1  God    is  the   Lord,    which   hath 


m  20:9.  22:21.   69:1,13.  I     9.10.  Luke  19:38.    John  12:13. 

II  90:17.  p  134.3.  Num.  6:23—26. 

o  Matt.  21:9.    23:39.     Mark  11:  |  q  1  Kings  13:21,39. 


he  arose  from  the  grave,  he  ascended  into  heaven, 
as  the  Forerunner  of  all  his  redeemed  people; 
and  he  demanded  the  opening  of  those  gates  of 
righteousness,  that  he  and  they  might  enter  in, 
and  praise  the  Lord.  (JVo<es,  24:7— 10.  P.O.) 
The  ministering  angels  may  be  considered,  as 
opening  the  gates  of  heaven,  into  which  the  right- 
eous alone  can  enter;  and  then  the  whole  church 
in  chorus  celebrates  the  praises  of  God,  for  hav- 
ing heard  their  prayers,  and  "become  their  Sal- 
vation." The  Redeemer  doubtless  is  also  that 
"Stone,  which  the  builders  rejected,"  and  would 
have  thrown  aside  as  worthless  among  the  rub- 
bish; but  which,  by  the  mighty  power  of  God, 
and  to  the  astonishment  of  the  apostles  and  dis- 
ciples, became  the  chief  Corner-stone,  support- 
ing the  whole  spiritual  temple,  and  uniting  the 
several  parts  of  it  into  one  building,  "an  habita- 
tion of  God  through  the  Spirit."  {JVotes,  Matt. 
'21:40—44.  i:MA-e20:9— 18.  Acts  A: o— 11.  Eph. 
2:19—22.  ]  Pe<.  2:7,8.)— And  as  the  chief  priests, 
scribes,  and  Pharisees  of  old  refused  this  Founda-1 
tion-stone  of  the  church;  so  many  of  the  wise  and 
learned,  and  professedly  religious,  of  every  age 
and  nation  ever  since,  have  rejected  it,  and  num- 
bers of  them  have  long  endeavored  to  substitute 
some  other  in  its  place.  But,  by  the  marvellous 
interposition  of  the  Lord,  their  attempts  have 
been  frustrated,  and  proved  ruinous  to  themselves 
and  their  adherents  alone. — The  day  of  thanks- 
giving also,  which  David  and  Israel  celebrated, 
was  but  a  shadow  of  that  blessed  day  which  saw 
the  Redeemer  rise  from  the  dead:  that  was  in- 
deed "the  day,  which  the  Lord  had  made,"  for 
liis  people  to  rejoice  in;  and  it  has  ever  since 
been  commemorated  every  week  in  the  Christian 
church,  and  in  most  parts  has  had  a  more  solemn 
annual  commemoration.  (JVbte*-,  15,16.  John '2.0: 
19—23.  Acts'2Q:l—\2.  I  Cor.  16:1,2.  Heb.  13: 
20,21.  Rev.  1:9—11.)  The  twenty-second  and 
twenty-third  verses  are  quoted  six  times  in  the 
New  Testament,  and  expressly  applied  to  Christ; 
nay,  many  of  the  Jewish  Rabbies  acknowledge 
this  to  be  a  prediction  of  the  Messiah. 

V.  23,  26.  The  word  rendered,  "Save  now," 
is  "Hosanna;"  which  seems  equivalent  to  our 
modern  congratulatory  prayer  on  the  accession  of 
a  monarch  to  the  throne,  "God  save  the  king." — 
It  is  evident  that  the  Jews  had  this  passage  in 
mind,  when  they  said  before  Christ,  at  his  en- 
trance into  Jerusalem,  "Hosanna  to  the  Son  of 
David;  blessed  is  he  that  cometh  in  the  name  of 
the  Lord;  Hosanna  in  the  highest."  They  meant 
to  welcome  him  as  the  promised  Messiah:  but 
they  totally  misunderstood  the  nature  of  his  king- 
dom and  salvation.  (JVbfcs,  Matt.  21:8 — 11. 
Mark  II :l— II,  V.  10.  Luke  19:28 — 40.)  And 
our  Lord  himself  also  referred  to  this  prophecy, 
when  he  said  to  the  priests  and  rulers,  "Ye  shall 
not  see  me  henceforth;  till  ye  shall  say.  Blessed 
is  he  that  cometh  in  the  name  of  the  Lord."  (JYote, 
Matt.  23:37—39.  P.  O.  34— 39.)— The  priests 
from  the  sanctuary  seem  to  have  answered  David 
and  his  company,  in  the  latter  clause,  "We 
Vol.  m.  48 


I  ■■  shewed  us  hght:  ^  bind  the  sacrifice  with 
cords,  even  unto  'the  horns  of  the  altar. 

28  Thou  art  "my  God,  and  I  will 
praise  thee:  thou  art  my  God,  I  will  ex- 
alt thee. 

29  O  ''give  thanks  unto  the  Lord; 
for  he  is  good:  for  his  mercy  endureth  for 
ever. 


r  18:28.  37:6.  Esth.  8:16.  Is. 
9:2.  60:1.  Mic.  7:9.  Mai.  4: 
2.    John  8:12.      1  Pet.  2:9. 

s  51:18,19.  1  Kings  8:63,64.  1 
Chr.  29:21.     Heb.  13:15. 


t  Ex.  27:2.   38:2. 
u  145:1.   146:2.  Ex.  15:2.  Is.  12: 
2.  25:1,9. 
X  1.  103:17.  Ezra  3:11.  Is.  63:7. 


have  blessed  you  out  of  the  house  of  the 
I  Lord." 

I  V.  27 — 29.  The  whole  congregation,  having 
!  now  met  in  the  courts  of  the  sanctuary,  joined  iu 
[solemn  sacrifices  and  ardent  praises;  which  were 
typical  of  the  joy  and  praise  of  the  church,  on 
]  earth  and  in  heaven,  on  account  of  the  Redeem- 
er's exaltation.  iMarg.  Ref.—JVotes,  1—4.  138: 
1 1-3.) 

I  PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.   1—18. 
I     Whether  the  believer  reviews  his  past  experi- 
!  ence,  or  traces  back  his  comforts  to  the  everlast- 
|ing  goodness  and  mercy  of  God;  or  whether  he 
j  looks    fonvard,   and  anticipates,  in  lively  hope, 
j  those  future  blessings,  which   are  secured  to  him 
I  by  the  promises  of  the  new  covenant;  he  will  be 
.  sure  to  find  abundant  cause  for  joy  and   praise: 
and  when  thus  excited  to  rejoice  in  God  and  cel- 
ebrate his  praises  with  lively  gratitude,  he  will 
desire  to   animate  others   in  their  several   sta- 
tions, to  unite  in   this  delightful  work:  and  this 
always  was,  and  always  will  be,  the  substance  of 
the  redeemed  sinner's  grateful  song,  "The  Lord 
is  good,  because  his  mercy  endureth  for  ever." 
No  poor  sinner,  in  deep  distress,  ever  yet  called 
earnestlj'  upon  him,  who  was  not  afterwards  en- 
abled to  say,  "The  Lord  answered  me,"  with  en- 
largement of  heart,  hopes,  and    prospects:  and 
every  answer  to  your  prayers  is  an  evidence  that 
he  is  on  our  side;  and  then  we  need  not  "fear 
;what  man  can   do  unto   us."    Whether  few  or 
;many  help  us,  if  he  take   part  with   them,  those 
I  who  hate  us  will  be  treated   as  enemies.     If  in- 
deed we  allow,  (and  who  can  doubt  it.?)  that  it  13 
far  "better  to  trust  in  the  Lord,  than  to  put  con- 
fidence even  in  princes;"   we  should  take  care  to 
act  consistently  with  our  judgment:  we  should  not 
pay  court  to  the  rich  and  powerful,  as  if  tliey 
could  make  us  happy  or  miserable;  but,  without 
any  undue  compliances,  we  should  conscientiously 
do  our  duty  to  them   and  to  all  men,  and  trust  ia 
the  Lord  alone  to  accept  and  bless  us.     We  may 
indeed  be  compassed  with   enemies,  and  be  dis- 
quieted by  their  malice:  but  "in  the  name  of  the 
Lord"  we  shall  be  delivered  from  them,  and  ren- 
dered victorious  over  them   all,  and   their  rage 
will  only  effect  their  own   destruction.     Even 
when   Satan  thrust  sore   at  us,  that  we  may  fall 
into  sin  or  misery;  yet,  trusting  in  our  almighty 
Friend,  we  may  make  head  against  him  and  his 
legions:  for  "the  Lord  is  the  Strength  and  Song** 
of  every  believer,  "and  is  become  his  salvation." 
As  we  need  not  dread  the  rage  of  the  ungodly,  so 
we  should   not  envy  their  carnal,  vain,  and  van- 
ishing niirth.     For  the  voice  of  rational  rejoicing, 
and  of  salvation,  is  in  the   tabernacles  of  the 
righteous;  while  they  enjoy  the  Lord's  love,  are 
safe  under  the  protection  of  his  powerful  and  val- 
iant right  hand,  and  are  employed  in  praising  hi.s 
name.    With  peace   of  conscience,  and  "joy  in 
the  Holy  Ghost,"  and  liberty  to  "cast   all  iheir 
cares  upon  him,  who  careth  for  them;"  they  pos- 


[37' 


B.  C.    1017. 


PSALM  CXIX. 


B.  C.  1017. 


PSALM  CXIX. 


This  Psalm  contains  a  miscellaneous  collection  of  wise  maxims, 
pious  ejaculations,  boly  purposes,  gracious  experiences,  &c. 
which  cannot  with  ease  and  simplicity  be  arranged  under  any 
particular  heads:  there  frequently  being  little  connexion  be- 
tween one  sentence  ^nd  another;  and  the  whole  being,  as  Mr. 
Henrv  remarks,  'rather  a  chest  of  gold  rings,  than  a  chain  of 
'gold  links.' 


sess  a  lively  hope  of  an  incorruptible  inheritance. 
Their  bodies  indeed  must  drop  into  the  grave; 
yet  they  shall  not  die  eternally;  but  live,  and  "de- 
clare the  works  of  the  Lord:"  and  though  he 
chasten  them  for  their  good,  repeatedly  and 
sharply;  yet  he  will  not  "give  them  over  unto 
death"  eternal,  nor  leave  their  bodies  in  the 
grave  for  ever;  but  will  bring  them  forth,  immor- 
tal and  incorruptible,  that  "death  may  be  swal- 
lowed up  in  victory." 

V.  19—29. 
Renewed  mercies  and  deliverances  send  be- 
lievers again  and  again,  to  the  courts  of  the  Lord, 
that  they  may  enter  in  and  praise  his  nanie:  and 
at  last,  delivered  from  death  and  every  evil,  they 
will  enter  the  gates  of  heaven  to  praise  him  for 
evermore. — He  has  generally  chosen  and  hon- 
ored those,  whom  man  despised;  he  has  done 
good  to  his  people  by  some,  of  whom  it  was  said, 
"How  shall  these  men  save  us.?"  And  none  are 
more  apt  to  mistake,  and  mislead  others,  in  these 
matters,  than  those  who  by  prescription  are 
deemed,  and  deem  themselves,  "builders"  in 
Zion.— We  should  not  then  be  discouraged, 
by  contempt  and  neglect,  from  "occupying  with 
our  talent,  till  the  Lord  come:"  but  attend  to  our 
proper  work,  whatever  acceptance  it  may  meet 
with  from  man,  and  desire  no  more  than  to  be  ap- 
proved by  God.  "Every  good  gift  is  from  him," 
and  the  glory  of  every  good  work  belongs  to  him: 
and  when  beneficial  changes  are  brought  about, 
which  "are  marvellous  in  our  eyes,"  we  should 
acknowledge  it  to  be  his  doing.— Gracious  deliv- 
erances give  occasion  todays  of  joy  and  gladness: 
such  are  days,  "which  the  Lord  hath  made,"  and 
we  should  remember  to  rejoice  in  a  holy  manner; 
for  carnal  mirth  and  sensual  indulgence,  when 
we  are  rejoicing  in  the  goodness  of  God,  are  like 
offering  his  corn  and  wine  to  Baal.  (JVb<e,  Hos. 
2:8,9.)  Our  thanksgivings  on  earth  must  always 
be  accompanied  with  prayers  for  further  mercies, 
and  the  continuance  of  our  prosperity;  our  Hal- 
lelujahs, with  Hosannas.— We  should  ever  pray 
for  those,  who  "come  in  the  name  of  the  Lord," 
and  who  evidently,  in  their  proper  station,  act  by 
his  authority  and  for  his  glory:  and  the  blessings 
of  his  servants,  out  of  his  sanctuary,  should  be 
much  valued  by  the  greatest  of  princes,  as  highly 
conducive  to  their  prosperity. — All  our  success 
should  animate  us  to  abound  in  spiritual  sacrifices 
to  the  Lord,  who  gives  us  light  and  comfort.  If 
he  is  our  God,  our  Portion,  and  Salvation,  the 
Object  of  our  cordial  worship,  and  the  Lord  of 
our  choice,  we  shall  render  him  willing  obe- 
dience, and  exalt  him  in  every  way,  to  the  extent 
of  our  abilities  and  opportunities:  and  thus  we 
shall  here  begin,  and  for  ever  continue,  to  give 
thanks  to  him  who  is  "good,  and  whose  mercy 
endureth  for  ever."— In  all  these  things  our  Re- 
deemer is  the  grand  Pattern  and  Exemplar  of  his 
people.  Delivered  from  great  distress,  which  he 
endured  in  our  behalf;  placed  upon  a  glorious 
throne,  according  to  his  confidence  in  his  heav- 
enly Father,  and  in  answer  to  his  fervent  prayers; 
having  overcome  every  enemy,  which  compassed 
him  about,  or  "thrust  sore  at  him  that  he  might 
fall;"  and  ever  living  to  declare  "the  works  of 
the  Lord;"  he  has  opened  the  gates  of  righteous- 
ness to  all  his  people;  he  has  become  our  Way  of 
access  to  his  Father's  presence,  and  the  Founda- 
378] 


Lord. 


ALEPH. 
LESSED  are  the  *  undefiled  in  the 
way,  who  ^  walk  in  the  law  of  the 


a  J;l— 3.    32:1,2.    112:1.    123:1. 

Mitt.    5:3—12.       Luke   11:23. 

John  13:17.     Jam.  1:25.    Rev. 

22:14. 
*  Or, perfect,  or  siricere.  2  Kings 


20:3.  2  Chr.  31:-'0,21.  Job  1:1. 
8.     John   1.47.     Acts  24:16.  i 
Cor.  1:12.     Tit.  2.11,12. 
b  Ez.  11:20.    Hos.  14:9.     Luke 
]:fi.     iThes.  4:1,2. 


tion  of  our  hopes  and  of  our  souls;  and  he  has 
shewn  us  the  way  to  conquer,  by  patience,  faith, 
and  prayer.  Contemned  by  the  builders,  he  is 
become  the  Foundation  and  the  Corner-stone  of 
the  whole  church:  and  his  resurrection,  ascen- 
sion, and  exaltation  were  marvellous  in  the  eyes 
of  numbers,  who  acknowledged  and  rejoiced  in 
them  as  the  Lord's  doing.  When  he  left  the 
grave,  a  glorious  day  commenced,  which  knows 
no  night;  our  "Sun  of  righteousness"  arose  to  set 
no  more:  and  our  weekly  commemoration  of  that 
great  event,  on  the  Lord's  day,  is  the  earnest  of 
our  celebrating  an  eternal  sabbath  in  heaven  to 
his  glory,  and,  if  duly  employed,  a  most  blessed 
preparation  for  it.  Let  us  then  welcome  the  re- 
turn of  this  "day  which  the  Lord  hath  made, 
and  rejoice  and  be  glad  in  it:"  let  us  beseech  him 
to  send  prosperity  to  the  preaching  of  bis  Gospel, 
and  by  it  to  save  the  souls  of  men,  adding  multi- 
tudes every  day,  and  especially  every  Lord's  day, 
to  the  number  of  the  saved  ones:  let  us  welcome 
those,  who  come  as  ambassadors  in  the  name  of 
Christ;  as  an  evidence,  that  we  welcome  him  to 
our  hearts,  and  shall  welcome  him  when  he  comes 
to  judgment:  and  let  us  join  our  prayers  for  those 
who  belong  to  the  Redeemer,  and  every  act  of 
love  to  them,  with  our  spiritual  sacrifices  of  praise 
to  him,  our  Lord,  our  God,  our  Savior,  and  our 
Portion. 

NOTES. 
Ps.\LM  CXIX.  V.  1.  It  is  generally  allowed, 
that  David  composed  this  highly  instructive 
Psalm:  and  it  is  most  probable,  that  he  committed 
to  writing,  in  a  detached  manner,  the  several  re- 
flections, maxims  and  ejaculations,  contained  in 
it,  as  they  occurred  to  his  mind,  amidst  the  varied 
scenes  of  his  eventful  life;  and  that,  towards  the 
close  of  it,  he  collected  them  into  order,  ior  the 
benefit  of  his  people,  and  that  of  the  church  in 
every  age. — The  psalm  consists  of  twenty-two 
sections,  (each  containing  eight  verses,)  accord- 
ing to  the  number  of  the  letters  in  the  Hebrew 
alphabet:  and  every  verse  in  each  section,  in  the 
original,  begins  with  that  letter  which  stands  as 
the  title  of  it.  It  may  be  supposed  that  this  ar- 
rangement was  formed,  principally,  to  assist  the 
memory  of  the  reader — The  psalm  may  be  con- 
sidered in  a  special  manner  as  the  touchstone  of 
genuine  experience:  and  as  far  as  anj'  man's 
views,  desires,  purposes,  and  affections,  coincide 
with  those  of  the  Psalmist,  he  may  be  sure,  that 
they  come  from  the  influence  of  the  sanctifying 
Spirit;  but  no  further.  The  reader's  thoughts 
indeed  will  frequently  be  led  to  the  Savior  him- 
self; because  he  was  'perfectly,,  what  believers  are 
in  a  measure:  and  their  conformity  to  him  is  the 
evidence  of  their  interest  in  his  divine  righteous- 
ness.— The  word  of  God,  under  different  terms, 
according  to  the  several  parts  of  which  it  is  com- 
posed, is  mentioned  in  almost  every  verse.  He 
meditated  'on  the  excellence  of  God's  laws,  and 
'the  happiness  of  those  that  kept  them,  and  the 
'comfort  they  were  to  him  in  his  affliction,  which 
'he  found  to  be  so  sweet  and  so  great,  that  he 
'begs  of  God  little  else,  but  that  he  nriight  be 
'more  and  more  in  love  with  them;  which  were 
'already  so  much  his  delight,  that  he  mentions 
'them  under  one  name  or  other  in  every  verse 
'of  the  Psalm,  none  excepted  but  one,  v.  122.' 


B.  C.  1017. 


PSALM  CXIX. 


B.  C.  1017. 


2  Blessed  are  they  that  ''  keep  his  tes- 
timonies, and  that  "^  seek  him  with  the 
whole  heart. 

3  They  also  '  do  no  iniquity:  they 
walk  in  his  ways. 

4  Thou  hast  ^  commanded  us  to  keep 
thy  precepts  diligently. 

5  Oh,  that  ^my  ways  were  directed 
to  keep  thy  statutes! 


c  i-J.HS.  j5  10.  105:45.  Deal 
6:17.  1  Kings  2:3.  Ez.  36: 
27.     John  14:-23. 

d  10.  Deut.  4:i9.  2  Chr.  31:21. 
Jer.  29:13. 

«  1  John  3:9   5:13. 

f   Deul.  4:1,9.  5  29— 33.  6:17. 


lZ-32.  28:1,&C.  30:16.  Josh. 
1:7.  Jer.  1:23.  Matt.  28:20. 
John  14:15,21.  Phil.  4:8,9.  1 
John  5:3. 
g  32,36,44,45,131,159,173.  51:10. 
Jer.  31:33.  Rom.  7:22—24.  2 
Thes.  3:5.      H.b.  13:21. 


6  Then  ''  shall  I  not  be  ashamed, 
when  '  I  have  respect  unto  all  thy  com- 
mandments. 

7  I  will  ^  praise  thee  with  uprightness 
of  heart,  '  when  I  shall  have  learned  *  thy 
righteous  judgments. 

8  '"  I  will  keep  thy  statutes:  "  O  for- 
sake  me  not  utterly.       [practical  Obser.aUon^.] 


h  31,80.  Job  22:26.  Dan.  12: 
2,3.     1  John  2:28.  3:20,21. 

i  128.  John  15:14.  Jam.  2:10, 
11. 

k  171.  9:1.  86:12,13.  1  Chr.  29: 
13—17. 

1  12,18,19,27,33,34,64,73,124.  25: 


4,5,8—10.  143:10.  Is.  48:17. 
John  6:45. 

*  Heh.judgmetxts  of  thy  right- 
eousness.  138. 

m  16,106,115.     Josh.  24:15. 

n  116,117,176.  38:21,22.  51:U. 
Phil.  4:1.3. 


Bp.  Patrick.  Sometimes,  indeed,  the  con- 
nexion will  lead  the  attentive  reader  to  think 
niore  of  one  part  than  of  others:  but  in  general 
"the  oracles  of  God,"  as  then  extant,  are  intend- 
ed; and  it  is  probable,  that  the  word  was  com- 
monly selected,  which  best  suited  the  metrical 
arrangement.  Six  or  seven  distinct  words  are 
used  in  the  first  section  of  eight  verses,  viz.  Law, 
testimonies,  precepts,  statutes,  commandments, 
judgments,  and  ways.  Most  or  all  of  these  terms 
have  been  already  explained;  but  in  some  in- 
stances, it  will  be  necessary  again  to  consider 
them,  along  with  the  context.  [JSTutes,  19:7 — 11. 
25:10.  93:5.  Ex.  21:1.  Deut.  6:1.  32:3,4.  JVeA.  9: 
13,14.) — As  the  pardoning  mercy  of  God  in 
Christ  is  the  only  source  of  a  sinner's  happiness; 
so  the  actual  enjoyment  of  that  happiness  is  in- 
separably connected  with  devoted  obedience, 
and  in  great  measure  consists  in  it.  (J^otes,  1:1 — 
3.  32:1,2.  84:4,5.  94:12—14.  106:3.  Maikt'5-A—^2. 
Rev.  22: 14,15.) — The  word^endered  "undefiled," 
means  perfect,  or  upright,  and  marks  the  sound 
character,  the  true  believer,  who  sincerely  em- 
braces the  salvation  of  God,  and  conscientiously 
walks  according  to  his  commandments,  in  his 
habitual  conduct.  [J^oie,  Job  1:1.) 

V.  2,  3.  The  "testimonies"  of  God  are  the 
declarations  ot  his  truth  and  will,  however  at- 
tested; whether  by  express  declarations,  or  by 
instituted  ordinances,  as  pledges  of  his  love  to 
bis  upright  worshippers:  and  those  who  credit  his 
word,  and  attend  on  his  ordinances,  and  thus 
seek  him  with  an  undivided  heart,  are  happy,  and 
shall  be  happy.  {J\rotes,  129.  Is.  8:20.  1  Jo^n  5:9 
—13.)  ^'Assuredly  they  practise  no  iniquity; 
they  walk  in  his  ways."  Thej'  walk  in  wisdom, 
and  "her  ways  are  ways  of  pleasantness,  and  all 
lier  paths  are  peace."  [JVote,  Prov.  3:16,17.) 
'They  will  not  be  tempted  to  do  an  evil  action, 
'though  it  were  to  gain  the  greatest  good  in  the 
'world.'  Bp.  Patrick.  'Enrol  us,  O  Lord,  in 
'the  hr.ppy  number  of  these  thy  servants;  pardon 
'our  offences;  give  us  a  new  nature,  averse  from 
'sin,  and  inclined  to  sanctity;  and  guard  us,  that 
'the  wicked  one  touch  us  not.'  Bp.  Home. 

V.  4.  What  then  does  God  command  usy  but 
diligently  to  do  those  very  things,  in  which  true 
happiness  is  to  be  found.''  What  does  he  forbid  us, 
but  to  make  ourselves  and  others  miserable.' 
{Marg.  Ref.  f.) 

V.  5.  'David  acknowledgeth  his  imperfection, 
'desiring  God  to  reform  it,  that  his  life  might  be 
'conformable  to  God's  word.'  [J^otes,  19:7 — 14.) 
— 'The  faithful  soul,  enraptured  with  the  con- 
'templation  of  that  blessedness,  which  is  the  con- 
'sequence  of  serving  God,  but  conscious,  at  the 
'same  time,  of  an  inability  to  attain  it,  sighs  after 
'the  refreshing  and  strengthening  influences  of 
'divine  grace.  She  beholdeth  her  Savior  afar  off; 
'she  beholdeth  the  beauty  and  glorious  majes- 
'ty  of  his  heavenly  kingdom;  she  beholdeth 
•the  way  which  leads  to  it;  but  she  hath  not 


'power  to  walk  therein.  This  consideration 
'causeth  her  to  groan  earnestly  within  herself,  ... 
'and  at  length  to  breathe  forth  a  wish,  that  the 
'Spirit  of  truth  and  love  would  fix  and  establish 
'her  in  a  holy  course  of  thinking,  speaking,  and 
'acting  upon  all  occasions;  and  would  prevent  her 
'from  turning  aside  out  of  it,  to  the  right  hand  or 
'to  the  left.'  Bp.  Home. — The  sudden  transition, 
from  the  preceding  reflections  to  this  fervent 
ejaculation,  is  very  beautiful:  and  in  what  respect 
does  this  differ  from  that  experience,  which  St. 
Paul  enlarges  upon  in  the  seventh  of  Romans' 
(JVb<e«and  P.  O.  Rom.  7:13—25.) 

V.  6.  'AH  the  commandments  have  the  same 
'Author,  and  the  same  sanction.  He  who  think- 
'eth  to  atone  for  one,  by  the  observation  of  an- 
'other,  ...  is  a  hypocrite,  and,  unless  he  repent, 
'will  be  brought  to  shame,  if  not  before  men 
'here,  yet  before  men  and  angels  hereafter.'  Bp. 
Home. — Notwithstanding  manifold  imperfections, 
that  man  will  never  be  thus  put  to  shame,  who 
unreservedly  has  respect  to  all  God's  command- 
ments, as  the  rule  of  his  conduct,  and  humbly  re- 
pents of  every  deviation  from  them.  [JSTotes,  31, 
128.  Jam.  2:8—13.  1  John  2:26—29.  3:18—24.) 

V.  1.  'The  scriptures  are  styled  God's  "right- 
'eous  judgments,"  as  containing  an  account  of 
'his  decrees  and  determinations  concerning  us, 
'with  a  history  of  cases  and  precedents,  entered 
'upon  record  for  our  admonition.  By  these  we 
'are  to  form  our  opinion,  and  regulate  our  con- 
'duct:  and  when  we  shall  have  so  learned  these, 
'as  to  walk  according  to  them,  we  shall  praise 
'God  with  an  upright  heart.'  Bp.  Home.  iMarsc. 
Ref.—JYote,  171.) 

V.  8.  'He  refuseth  not  to  be  tried  with  temp- 
'tations;  but  he  feareth  to  faint,  if  God  succor 
'not  his  infirmity  in  time.'  'It  is  my  leading  de- 
'sire  and  fixed  purpose  to  keep  thy  statutes,  O  do 
'not  leave  me  without  help,  to  be  overcome  by 
'temptation,  or  to  sink  under  discouragement.' 
[Marg.  Ref.—jsrotes,  106.114—117,176.  51:10— 
13.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
V.  1—8. 
It  is  the  will  of  God  that  we  should  wisely  seek 
our  own  happiness:  our  self-love  indeed  should 
be  properly  directed  and  subordinated;  but  it 
cannot  and  ought  not  to  be  extirpated. — Experi- 
ence, as  well  as  the  sacred  Scriptures,  testifies, 
that  "blessed  are  the  undefiled  in  the  way,  who 
walk  in  the  law  of  the  Lord."  Had  sin  never 
existed,  misery  had  been  unknown:  and  now  that 
the  way  of  pardon  and  reconciliation  has  been 
opened  by  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  we  re-asccnd 
to  felicity,  in  proportion  as  we  are  renewed  to 
holiness:  and  it  is  our  highest  privilege  on  earth 
to  cpmmune  with  God,  and  bear  his  image;  to  at- 
tend on  his  ordinances,  rely  on  his  promises,  and, 
avoiding  all  iniquity,  to  "walk  in  his  ways."  Be- 
lievers are  indeed  not  exposed  to  the  condemn- 

[379 


B.  C.  lOlT. 


PSALM  CXIX. 


B.  C.   1017. 


BETH. 

9  Wherewithal  °  shall .  a  young  man 
cleanse  his  way?  p  by  taking  heed  thereto 
according  to  thy  word. 

1 0  With  1  my  whole  heart  have  I 
sought  thee;  "■  O  let  me  not  wander  from 
thy  commandments. 


o  25;7.  34:11.  Job  1:5.  13:26. 
Prov.  1:4,10.  4:1,10—17.  5:7, 
&c.  6:20,&c.  7:7,&c.  Ec.  11: 
9,10.  12:1.  Luke  15:13,&c.  2 
Tim.  2:22.      Tit.  2:4—6. 

p  11:97—105.  1:1—3.  19:7—11. 
78:4—8.  Deut.  6:6—9.  17:13 
—20.  Jo5h.  1:7.  John  15:3. 
2Tim   3:15— 17.     Jam.  1:21— 


25. 
q  2,34,58,69.  78:37.     1  Sam.  7:3. 

-2  Chr.  15:15.     Jer.  3:10.   Hos. 

10:2.     Zeph.  1;5,6.   Matt.  6:24. 

Col.  3:22.     1  John  2:15. 
r  21,118,133,176.     23:3.     125:5. 

143:8—10.     Prov.  2:13.    21:16. 

Is.  35:8.     Ez.   34:6.     2  Pet.  2: 

15—22. 


11  5  Thy   word    have    I  hid   in  mine 
heart,  *  that  I  might  not  sin  against  thee. 

12  "  Blessed  art  thou,  O  Lord:  ""  teach 
me  thy  statutes. 

13  With  my  hps  have  ^  1  declared  all 
the  judgments  of  thy  mouth. 

14  1  have  ^  rejoiced  in  the  way  of  thy 
testimonies,  as  much  as  in  all  riches. 

John  14:?6. 


ing  sentence  of  the  law:  yet  the  Lord  "hath  com-  \ 
manded  them  to  keep  his  precepts  diligently;" ; 
and  their  oblig-ations  to  obedience  are  increased  j 
in  proportion  to  the  mercies  which  they  have 
received.  This  grateful  obedience  also  corres-  j 
ponds  to  the  dispositions  of  their  renewed  hearts.  [ 
The  genuine  disciple  could  not  rely  on  the  right- 1 
eousuess  of  Christ  for  justification,  did  he  not  see  ; 
that  excellency  and  beauty  in  it,  which  make 
bim  long  to  transcribe  it  in  his  own  conduct,  and 
to  have  his  soul  cast  into  the  very  mould  of  it. 
[J^ote,  85:10 — 13.)  His  heart  consents  to  every 
precept  of  the  holy  law  that  it  is  good:  he  would 
not  have  one  of  them  repealed,  mitigated,  or  al- 
tered; {M>tes,  128.  Rom.  7:7—12.)  he  only 
grieves  that  he  no  more  comes  up  to  this  perfect 
standard,  and,  with  many  a  sigh,  he  says  to  the 
Lord,  "Oh,  that  my  ways  were  directed  to  keep 
thy  statutes!"  He  knows,  that  if  a  man  respects 
only  some  of  the  commandments,  and  expects  by 
one  instance  of  obedience  to  purchase  an  indul- 
gence for  disobedience  in  another,  his  hypocrisy 
will  be  detected  by  his  partiality;  and  that  if  he 
be  not  made  ashamed  in  this  world,  everlasting 
contempt  will  be  his  portion.  {J^ote,  Dan.  12:2,3.) 
Therefore  he  desires  to  "have  respect  unto  all 
God's  commandments."  And  as  he  could  have 
no  confidence  before  the  mercy-seat  now,  so  he 
could  not  hope  to  stand  with  confidence  before  the 
judgment-seat  at  last,  if  he  allowed  himself  to  de- 
spise or  violate  one  of  them.  This  man  therefore 
will  not  only  pray  to  be  directed,  and  enabled  to 
obey  as  far  a,s  he  kiiowS  the  will  of  God;  but  to 
be  tauglit  it,  in  all  those  things  which  have  hith- 
erto been  concealed  from  him:  and  he  is  disposed 
"with  uprightness  of  heart,"  to  praise  the  Lord 
for  every  new  discovery  which  he  makes  in  his 
righteous  judgments.  His  desire  and  purpose  are 
to  keep  the  statutes  of  God,  and  his  dependence 
is  upon  him  to  enable  him,  and  comfort  him  in  so 
doing.  The  Lord  may,  indeed,  and  often  will, 
leave  such  a  servant  to  feel  his  own  weakness, 
■wh.^n  struggling  with  difficulties  and  temptations; 
yet  he  will  hear  his  prayer,  when  he  earnestly  en- 
treats him  that  he  would  not  utterly  and  finally 
forsake  him.  (JVbfe,  2  Cm-.  12:7—10.) 

NOTES. 

V.  9.  Many  maxims  and  rules  have  been  laid 
down,  for  regulating  the  manners,  and  forming 
the  principles,  of  young  persons:  but  a  constant 
attention  to  their  conduct,  and  an  habitual  com- 
parison of  their  opinions,  words,  tempers,  afi"ec- 
tions,  and  actions,  with  the  sacred  scriptures,  so 
as  to  aim  daily  at  nearer  and  nearer  conformity, 
is  of  itself  sufficient;  and  without  this,  all  else  is 
totally  inadequate.  We  may  suppose  that  David 
made  this  inquiry  for  his  own  use,  in  the  danger- 
ous and  important  season  of  youth;  and  then  pub- 
lished It  in  his  old  age  for  the  benefit  of  others. 
(JVbf^f,  3 S:l  1—11.  Er.  H:9,10.  12:1.  1  Tim.  5:11 
380] 


s   97.    37:31.     40:8.     Job  22:22. 

Prov.  2:1,10,11.    I.S.  51:7.    Jer. 

15:16.     Luke  2:19,51.      Col.  3: 

16. 
t  19:13. 

u  1  Tim.  1:11.  6:15. 
X        26,27,33,64,66,68,71,72,108, 

124,125,135.   25:4,5.  86:11.  143: 


10.    Luke   24:45. 

1  John  2:27. 
y  46,172.  34:11.  37:30.    40:9,lP 

71:15—18.     118:17.      Matt.  10: 

27.    12:34,35.  Acts  4:20. 
2  47,72,77,111,127,162.    19:9,10. 

112:1.     Job  23:12.     Jer.  15:16. 

Matt.  13:44.    Acts  2:41—47. 


—16,  V.  16.  2  Tim.  2:20—22.  3:14— 17.)— 'He 
'who  became  Man  for  our  salvation,  passed 
'through  this  state  of  youth  undefiled,  that  he 
'might,  as  it  were,  reclaim  and  consecrate  it  anew 
'to  God.  Let  every  young  man  often  meditate  on 
'this  circumstance.'  Bp.  Home. 

V.  10.  JVbie*,  2,3,34.  78:36,37.2  CAr.  15:12— 
15.  Jer.  3:6—1 1.  29: 1 1— 14.-0  let,  &c.]  Liter- 
ally, "Do  not  cause  me  to  wander  from  thy  com- 
mandments."— The  Psalmist  was  conscious  that 
God  might  justly  reject  his  imperfect  services: 
and  that  both  the  will  and  power  of  obeying,  as 
well  as  pardon  and  acceptance,  were  to  be  sought 
from  his  free  mercy  and  grace.  {Marg.  Ref. — 
J^'otes,  36.  141:3,4.  143:8—12.  Phil.  2:12,13.)  'O 
'preserve  us  from  error,  in  principles,  and  in  his 
'practice.'  Bp.  Home. 

V.  11.  David  treasured  up  the  truths,  prom- 
ises, precepts,  and  instructions  of  the  sacred  or- 
acler,  itfri^  ojgmary^  and  endeavored  to  form  bis 
judgment,  to  direct^is  conscience,  and  to  reg- 
ulate his  affections,  according  to  them:  and  hav- 
ing thus  lodged  them  in  his  heart,  they  were  se- 
curely hidden  from  every  enemy,  nor  could  he 
be  robbed  of  them.  Thus  he  used  the  Scriptures 
as  his  antidote  against  the  contagion  of  tempta- 
tion and  sin.  [Marg.  Ref. — J^ote,  Col.  3:16.17.) 
'From  the  "heart  are  the  issues  of  life,"  the 
'thoughts,  the  words,  and  the  actions:  when  God 
'ruleth  the  heart  by  his  word  and  Spirit,  these 
'become  his  subjects;  then  "the  kingdom  of  heav- 
'en  is  within  us,"  and  all  is  obedience,  peace,  and 
'love.'  Bp.  Home.  (JVb<e,  Prov.  4:23.) 

V.  12.  'Thou  art  perfectly  holy  and  perfectly 
'happy;  O  teach  me  thy  statutes,  that  1  may  be 
'partaker  of  thy  holiness  and  happiness.'  (JVbic*, 
26,68,124,125.  143:10.  1  Tim.  1:8—11.  1  Jo/in  2: 
26—29.3:1—3.4:9—12.) 

V.  13.  (JVofe,  46.)  '  "Out  of  the  abundance 
'of  the  heart  the  mouth  speaketh;"  and  the  stream 
'will  always  shew  the  nature  of  the  fountain'. 
'When  we  make  the  Scriptures  the  subject  of  our 
'conversation,  we  glorify  God,  we  edify  our 
'neighbors,  and  we  improve  ourselves.'  Bp. 
Home.  {JVote,  Dent.  6:1— 9.)— Judgments.]  This 
word  seems  to  mean  the  decisions  formed  and 
made  by  the  infinite  wisdom  and  justice  of  God, 
whether  they  concern  truths,  facts,  duties,  or  per- 
sons. By  these  decisions  we  ought  to  judge,  and 
by  them  we  shall  be  judged.  [JVotes,  66,175.  97:2. 
JVe/i.  9:13.  Ez.  20:11.  Rom.  2:1—6.) 

V.  14.  'Truth  and  holiness  afford  to  the  sin- 
'cere  believer  a  pleasure  more  exquisite,  as  well 
'as  more  solid  and  enduring,  than  that  which  a 
'miser  feels  at  the  acquisition  of  his  darling 
'wealth.  ...  The  true  riches  we  may  always  ac- 
'quire,  and  surely  as  much  as  the  heaven  is  high- 
^er  than  the  earth,  so  much  are  heavenly  joys 
'above  earthly,  in  kind,  degree,  and  duration.' 
Bp.  Home. — As  mucli  as,  &c.]  Or,  Jls  in  all 
riches.  'Thy  testimonies  are  to  me,  what  all 
I  'riches  are  to  worldly  men,  and  far  better.'  [A'otes, 


B.  C.  1017. 


PSALM  CXIX. 


B.  C.  1017. 


15  1  will  =»  meditate   in   thy  precepts, 
and  ^  have  respect  unto  thy  ways. 

16  I  will  •=  delight  myself  in  thy  stat- 
utes: '^  I  Avill  not  forget  thy  word. 

GIMEL. 

17  *  Deal  bountifully  with  thy  servant, 
that  ^  I  may  live,  and  keep  thy  word. 

IS  *  Open  thou  mine  eyes,  that  I  may 
behold   8  wondrous  things  out  of  thy  law. 

19  I   a?^    "^  a  stranger    in    the    earth: 
'  hide  not  thy  commandments  from  me. 

20  My  ^  soul  breaketh  for  the  longing 


8  23,48.73,97,131,148.  1:2.  Jam. 

1:25. 
b  6,117. 
C     14,24,35,47,70,77,92.       40:8. 

Rom.  7:22.     Heb.  10:16,17. 
d  11,83,93,109,141,176.  Prov.  3: 

1.    Jam.  1:23,24. 
e  65,124.132.   13:6.    116:7.  John 

1:16.    2  Cor.  9:7—11.  Phil.  4: 

19. 
{  Rom.  8:i— 4.     Eph.  2:4.5,10. 

Tit.   2:11,12.     1  John  2:29.  5: 

9,4. 
*  Heb.    Reveal.   Is.  29:10—12, 


18.    32:3.    35:5.     Matt.    13:13. 

16:17.     John   9:39.      Acts  26: 

IS.     2  Cor.   3:14— 18.     4:4—6. 

Eph.  1:17,13.    Rev.  3:18. 
g  96.     Hos.  8:12.     2  Cor.  3:13. 

Heb.  8:5.   10:1. 
h  39:12.     Gen.  47:9.     iChr.  29: 

15.     2  Cor.  5:6.    Heb.  IMS- 
IB.    1  Pet.  2:11. 
i  10.  Job  39:17.  Is.  63:17.  Luke 

9:45.  24:45. 
k  40,131,174.  42:1.   63:1.    84:2. 

Prov.  13:12.     Cant.  5:8.  Rev. 

3:15,16. 


46— 48,97,106,111,127,128,162.  4:6— 8.  63:3,6.  Jo6 
23:8—12.  Jer.  15:15—18.  Acts  2:41—47.  I  Pet. 
1:8,9.) 

V.  15.  'Meditation  is  that  exercise  of  the 
*mind,  wherebj'^  it  recals  a  know^n  truth,  as  some 
'kinds  of  creatures  do  their  food,  to  be  ruminated 
'upon,  until  the  nutritious  parts  are  extracted, 
*and  fitted  for  the  purposes  of  life.'  Bp.  Home. 
{JVotes,  6,23,147,148.  1:1—3.  Jam.  1:22—25.) 

V.  16.     M)tes,  14,93,176.  Prov.  2:10,11. 

V.  17.  -"Recompense  thy  servant;  I  will  live 
and  keep  thy  word."  Or,  "Confer  a  favor  on 
thy  servant,  that  I  may  live  and  keep  thy  word." 
The  verse  may  be  understood  either  way. — 'He 
'sheweth  that  we  ought  not  to  desire  to  live,  but 
'to  serve  God.' — If  the  Lord  communicate  to  us 
spiritual  life  abundantly,  we  shall  be  proportion- 
ably  obedient  to  his  word;  and  this  will  be  both 
an  additional  obligation  conferred  on  us,  and  a 
gracious  recompense  of  our  imperfect  services 
hitherto.  [JVoies,  132,133.  13:5,6.  116:7—9.) 

V.  18.  "Reveal,"  [marg.)  or  unveil  "mine 
eyes,  &c."  {JVote,  2  Cor.  3:12— 16.)— The  moral 
law  of  God  shewed  the  Israelites  their  need  of  a 
Savior;  and  it  also  displays  the  holiness  of  God, 
the  nature  of  heavenly  happiness  in  conformity 
to  him,  and  the  believer's  path  throug-h  this  evil 
world.  [JSTote,  Ex.  20:1.)  But  under  the  ceremo- 
nial law,  the  wonders  of  redeeming  love  were 
veiled.  Believers  among-  the  Israelites  well 
knew,  that  the  external  institutions  of  the  law 
typified  some  deep  and  spiritual  mysteries:  and 
they  understood  them,  in  proportion  to  their  de- 
gree of  divine  illumination,  and  as  far  as  it  was 
necessary  for  their  support,  comfort,  and  direc- 
tion in  the  path  of  life;  yet  probably  with  much 
less  distinctness,  than  real  Christians  now  do. 
(JVotes,  Matt.  13:16,17.  Luke  10:23,24.  1  Pet.  1: 
10 — 12.)  But  under  every  dispensation,  the  veil 
of  prejudice,  pride,  and  carnal  affections,  must 
be  removed  from  the  heart  of  fallen  man,  or  he 
will  never  understand  the  nature  and  glory  of  di- 
vine truth. — If  the  word  of  God  be  the  instruc- 
tion, the  Spirit  of  God  must  be  the  Teacher. 
For  this  divine  teaching  the  Psalmist  prayed,  that 
he  might  be  enabled  to  see  more  and  more  of  tliose 
wonderful  works  and  perfections  of  God,  of  which 
even  his  present  imperfect  discoveries  filled  his 
soul  with  devout  admiration,  adoration,  and  holy 
joy.  (JVofe*,  /,?.   20:9—12,17—1.9.  J\latl.    10:24— 


that  it  hath  unto  thy  judgments  '  at   all 
times. 

21  Thou  hast  "rebuked  the  proud 
that  are  °  cursed,  wUich  do  err  from  thy 
commandments. 

22  °  Remove  from  me  reproach  and 
contempt;  p  for  I  have  kept  thy  testimo- 
nies. 

23  ''  Princes  also  did  sit  and  speak 
against  me;  but  '  thy  servant  did  medi- 
tate in  thy  statutes. 

24  Thy  ^  testimonies  also  are  my  de- 
light, ^  and  t  my  counsellors. 

[Practical  Observatioiis.] 


1    106:3.      Job   23:11,12.    27:10. 

Prov.  17:17. 
m  78.    138:6.     Ex.  10:3.    18:11. 

Job  40:11,12.      Is.  2:11,12.    lO: 

12.    Ez.  28:2—10.     Dan.  4:37. 

5:22—24.    Mai.  4:1.    Luke  14: 

11.    18:14.     Jam.  4:6.       1  Pet. 

5:5. 
n  10,118.     Dent.  27:15— 26.  23: 

15.    30:19.     Neh.  9:16,29.    Is. 

42:24.  43:28.    Jer.  44:9—11,16, 

28,29.    Gal.  3:13. 
o  39,42.    39:8.    42:10.    69:9—11, 

19,20.    123:3,4.      1  Sam.  25:10, 


39.   2  Sam.  16:7,8.     Job  16:20. 

19:2,3.    Heb.  13:13. 
p  37:3,6.     1  Pet.  2:20.    3:16,17. 

4:14—16. 
q  2:1,2.    1  Sam.  20:31.  22:7— 13. 

Luke  22:66.  23:1,2,10.11. 
r  15. 
s  16.77,92,143,162.      Job  27:10. 

Jer.  6:10. 
197-100,104,105.   19:11.   Deut. 

17:13—20.    Josh.  1:8.   Prov.  6: 

20—23.    Is.  8:20.     Col.  3:16.  2 

Tim.  3.15—17. 
t  Heb.  men  of  my  counsel. 


26.  13:10,11.  16:17.  Luke  24:44— 49.  John  6:41— 
46.  Acts  16:13—15.  26:16—18. 2  Cor.  4:3—6.  Epk. 
1:15—23.) 

V.  19 — 21.  These  verses  contain  arguments, 
with  which  the  Psalmist  enforced  his  plea  for  di- 
vine teaching.  Being  a  stranger  on  earth,  and 
journeying  to  his  eternal  home,  he  knew  that  be 
should"  lose  his  way,  if  the  testimonies  and  com- 
mandments of  God  were  unknown  to  him,  or  mis- 
taken by  him.  (JVb^es,  54— 56.  39:12.  Gen.  47:9. 
Heb.  11:13—16.  1  Pet.  2:11.)  He  had  been  led 
to  desire  the  knowledge  of  the  truths  and  pre- 
cepts of  revelation,  with  such  intenseness,  that 
his  soul  was  constantly  ready  to  break,  or  faint, 
when  at  any  time  he  dreaded  being  left  in  ig- 
norance, or  bewildered  in  error.  [J^otes,  40,131. 
84:1,2.  Prov.  13:12.)  And  he  was  sensible  that 
the  proud,  the  obstinately  impenitent  sinner,  re- 
mained under  the  wrath  and  curse  of  God,  and 
would  meet  with  severe  rebukes  here,  as  well  as 
misery  hereafter;  and  therefore  he  earnestly  dep- 
recated the  doom  of  such  wicked  men.  [Marg. 
Ref.)  'This  disposition  is  not  a  transient  fit;  but 
'it  is  constant  and  uniform  "at  all  times."  '  Bp. 
Home. — 'Seeing  man's  life  in  this  world  is  but  a 
'passage,  what  should  become  of  him,  if  thy  word 
'were  not  his  guide." 

V.  22.  'Remove  from  me  that  disgrace  and 
'shame,  unto  which  they  expose  me  as  a  traitor  to 
'my  king  and  country;  for  I  am  not  guilty  of  any 
'such  wickedness,  but  carefully  observe  thy  tes- 
'timonies.'  Bp.  Patrick.  (JVb<es,39— 42.  7:3— 11. 
25:2,3.39:7,8.  123:3,4.) 

V.  23.  Saul  and  his  courtiers,  sitting  in  coun- 
cil, and  speaking  all  manner  of  evil  falsely 
against  David,  and  conspiring  together  to  take 
away  his  life;  while  he  was  praying,  and  med- 
itating on  the  word  of  God,  that  he  might  learn 
and  practise  his  duty  towards  them  and  all  men, 
and  might  find  comfort  from  the  precious  prom- 
ises; were  a  type  of  the  Jewish  sanhedrim,  con- 
sulting together  to  put  Jesus  to  death;  while  em- 
ployed through  the  day  in  healing  and  teaching 
the  people,  and  doing  all  manner  of  good  to  all 
who  were  willing  to  receive  benefit  by  him;  and 
spending  the  hours  of  the  night,  or  part  of  them, 
in  prayer  and  supplication.  [Marg.  Ref. — ^o<e, 
15.) 

V.  24.  The  Psalmist  not  only  found  his  joy 
and  comfort  in  the  sure  testimonies  of  God,  but 

[381 


B.  C.  1017. 


PSALxM  CXIX. 


B.  C.  1017. 


25  My 
^  quicken 
word. 


DALETH. 

"  soul  cleaveth  unto  the  dust: 
thou    me  ^  according    to  thy 


U  22:15.  44:25.  Is.  65:25.  Malt. 
16:23.  Rom.  7:22—24.  Pbil. 
3:19.    Col.  3:2. 


j  X      37,40,88,93,107,1-19,156,159. 

71:20.    80:18.     Rom.  8:2,3. 
I  y  Deut.  30:6.     2  Sam.  7:27—29. 


he  made  them  his  counsellors,  or,  'the  men  of  his 
'counsel;'  [marg.)  and  closely  adhered  to  their 
decisions,  as  princes  do  to  the  unanimous  opin- 
ion of  their  most  approved  advisers.  {J^otes,  14, 
105.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
V.  9—24. 
The  season  of  youth  is  peculiarly  dangerous 
and  important:  the  comfort  and  usefulness  of  fu 
ture  life  in  general  greatly  depend  on  our  con 
duct,  when  the  passions  are  most  strong,  and  we 
are  most  destitute  of  knowledge  and  experience: 
and  the  hopes  of  the  church  and  of  society,  for  a 
succession  of  useful  members,  are  placed  upon 
the  rising  generation.  Every  one  ought,  there- 
fore, to  contribute  all  that  is  in  his  power,  to  pre- 
serve young  persons  from  the  fatal  effects  of  their 
own  headstrong  passions,  of  an  ensnaring  world, 
and  of  artful  seducers;  that  they  may  not  early 
contract  bad  habits,  and  form  ruinous  connex- 
ions. And  when  3'oung  persons  are  convinced 
of  the  desirableness  of  having  their  way  made 
and  preserved  pure  from  the  pollution  of  sin; 
their  general  rule  is,  to  take  heed  to  it  according 
to  the  precepts,  cautions,  and  encouragements  of 
the  word  of  God.  Thus  David  from  his  youth 
sought  the  Lord  with  his  whole  heart;  and  in  an- 
swer to  his  prayers  he  was  not  left  to  "wander 
from  his  commandments:"  he  deposited  the  sa- 
cred scriptures  in  his  inmost  soul,  and  was  by 
them  kept  from  sinning  against  God.  Let  every 
youthful  reader  copy  this  example;  yea,  let  us  all 
be  thus  followers  of  him,  and  of  the  Lord  Jesus. 
— As  God  is  both  perfectly  holy  and  perfectly 
happy,  and  as  his  blessedness  is  the  result  of  his 
infinite  excellency;  how  absurd  must  it  be  to  ex- 
pect happiness  by  being  contrary  to  him,  and  re- 
belling against  him!  Rather  let  this  be  our  plea 
with  him  to  teach  us  his  statutes,  that,  being  par- 
takers of  bis  holiness,  we  may  also  participate  his 
blessedness:  and  then  we  may,  with  propriety 
and  efficacy,  "declare  the  judgments  of  his 
mouih,"  for  the  instruction  of  others  also.  [J'Totes, 
37:29—31.  50:16—21.)  For  the  experienced  be- 
liever finds  far  greater  joy  in  the  ways  of  his  tes- 
timonies, than  wealth  can  confer:  and  these  are 
the  only  joys  and  riches,  which  are  universally  at- 
tainable b}'  all  who  covet  and  seek  them.  But 
then  we  must  frequently  meditate  upon  the  pre- 
cepts of  our  God,  reduce  our  knowledge  to  prac- 
tice, and  have  respect  to  all  his  waj's:  and  if  we 
be  careful  not  to  forget  any  part  of  his  word,  we 
shall  soon  delight  ourselves  in  his  ordinances  and 
commandments. — The  Lord  deals  very  bounti- 
fully with  all  his  servants;  who,  being  delivered 
from  the  wrath  to  come,  and  raised  from  the 
death  of  sin,  find  true  life  and  enjoyment  in  keep- 
ing his  word:  but  they  need  more  and  more  mer- 
cies, and  long  for  still  more  complete  divine  illu- 
mination. Every  discovery,  which  they  make  of 
the  wondrous  things  revealed  in  the  scriptures, 
increases  their  earnest  desire  of  having  the  eyes 
of  their  understanding  opened  to  clearer  percep- 
tions of  divine  truths:  and  every  lively  emotion  of 
love  and  gratitude  makes  them  long  and  pray  for 
more  fervent  affections.  As  perfect  knowledge 
and  love  are  reserved  for  their  portion  in  heaven, 
they  feel  themselves  "strangers  on  earth:"  they 
fear  missing  their  way,  even  in  part,  lest  they 
should  lose  the  solace  of  walking  with  God,  bv 
382] 


26  I  have  ^  declared    my  ways,   and 
thou  heardest  me:  ^  teach  me  thy  statutes. 

27  Make   me   to   understand  the  way 

z    106.     32:5.    38:18.    51:1, &c.  I  a   12.    25:4,8,9.     27:11.    143:8— 
Prov.  28:13.  10.    1  Kings  8.36. 


erring  from  his  commandments.  Their  anxiety 
on  this  account  often  interrupts  their  enjoyment, 
and  makes  them  "grosin,  being  burdened:"  es- 
pecially, if  darkness  and  temptation  so  oppress 
their  minds,  as  to  render  them  afraid  of  having 
their  portion  with  the  proud  and  impenitent, 
whom  God  resists.  This  is  the  reproach  vvhich 
they  most  dread;  though  the  contempt  and  cal- 
umnj'  of  men  are  sometimes  very  distressing  to 
their  minds,  and  excite  prayers  for  the  removal 
of  them.  But  when  either  princes  or  peasants 
speak  against  them;  as  the, servants  of  God,  they 
would  be  occupied  in  meditation  on  the  scrip- 
tures, not  only  because  "their  delight  is  in  his 
testimonies,"  but  because  they  desire  from  thence 
to  be  counselled  how  to  behave;  in  order  that  by 
well  doing  they  may  put  to  silence  those,  who 
would  falsely  accuse  them:  and  in  every  trouble 
and  perplexity,  they  make  them  their  "delight 
and  their  counsellors."  Such  are  the  desires, 
purposes,  and  experiences  of  the  true  Christian, 
in  proportion  to  his  degree  of  knowledge  and 
grace.  May  the  Lord  help  us  to  look  in  this 
glass,  that  we  may  know  what  we  are;  and  that 
we  may  be  directed,  in  exercising  repentance  of 
sin  and  faith  in  Christ,  and  'in  amending  our 
'lives,  according  to  his  holy  word.'  And  may 
we  learn  to  avoid  all  altercation  with  our  re- 
vilers;  who  cannot  injure  us,  except  they  inter- 
rupt our  devotions,  or  ruffle  our  tempers,  or  in- 
duce us  to  sin  against  God. 
NOTES. 

V.  25.  Many  understand  this  verse,  merely 
as  a  complaint  on  account  of  deep  affliction,  and 
peril  of  death,  and  as  a  prayer  for  the  preservation 
of  life.  [Marg.  Ref.)  Yet  it  is  evident  that  the 
Psalmist  was  conscious,  that,  compared  with  his 
better  judgment  and  the  perfect  standard  of  duty, 
his  affections  were  exceedingly  apt  to  cleave  to 
worldly  objects,  which  are  but  dust;  and  that  he 
prayed  for  enlivening  grace  to  render  him  more 
spiritually-minded".  [Kotes,  Matt.  16:21—23,  v.  23. 
1  Cor.  3:1-3.  Col.  3:1—4.)  The  word  rendered 
"quicken  me,"  signifies,  'cause  me  to  live:'  and 
may  mean  either,  preserve  my  life,  give  me  life, 
or  let  me  have  more  abundant  life;  or,  according 
to  a  mode  of  expression,  peculiar  to  our  lan- 
guage. Let  me  be  lively;  let  me  "have  life  more 
abundantly."  {JVotes,  37,40,88,93,159.  71:20,21. 
John  10:10—13.  Rom.  8:1,2.]  As  the  preserva- 
tion of  David's  life  from  Saul's  persecution  wa.s 
engaged  for  by  special  promise;  so  quickening 
grace  in  answer  to  prayer  is  promised  in  every 
part  of  scripture,  or  at  least  such  prayers  accord 
to  the  spirit  of  the  whole  sacred  volume. 

V.  26.  [Jlarg.  Ref.)  'We  should  freely  and 
'ingenuously  declare  to  God  in  prayer  our  sins, 
'our  temptations,  our  sorrows,  and  our  under-  . 
'takings:  it  argues  love,  confidence,  and  sin- 
'cerity  so  to  do;  it  is  a  means  of  acquainting  us 
'with  our  own  state,  of  which  generally  we  are 
'ignorant;  and  it  will  not  fail  to  procure  those 
'aids  from  above,  of  which  we  stand  in  need.' 
'God  will  hear  us;  he  will  pardon  our  offences, 
'strengthen  us  in  our  trials,  dispel  our  grief,  and 
'  "prosper  the  work  of  our  hands  upon  us." ' 
Bp.  Home. — It  is  worthy  of  special  notice,  how 
often,  and  in  what  varied  connexions,  David,  in 
this  Psalm,  prays  to  be  taught  the  statutes  of 
God;  though  he  "seems  to  have  been  more  inti- 
mately acquainted  with  the  sacred  oracles,  as 


B.  C.  1017. 


PSALM  CXIX. 


B.  C.  1017. 


of  thy  precepts:  ^  so  shall  1  talk  of  thy 
wondrous  works. 

28  My  '^  soul  *  melteth  for  heaviness: 
**  strengthen  thou  me  according  unto  thy 
word. 

29  ®  Remove  from  me  the  way  of  ly- 
ing; and  ^  grant  me  thy  law  graciously. 

30  I  have  s  chosen  the  way  of  truth: 
''  thy  judgments  have  1  laid  before  me. 

31  I  have  '  stuck  unto  thy  testimonies: 
O  Lord,  ''put  me  not  to  shame. 

32  I  will  '  run  the   way  of  thy  corn- 


fa  7i.n.  73:4.  105:2.  111:4.  14.T 

5.      Ex.  13:14,15.     Josh.  4:t>,7. 

Acts  2:11.      Rev.  15:3. 
c  22:14.    107:26.     Josh.  2:11,24. 
*  Heb.  drvppeih. 
d  27:14.    2y:ll.   Deut.  33:25.  Is. 

40.29,31.     Zech.  10:12.     Eph. 

3:16.    Phil.  4:13. 
e  37,104,128,163.   141:3,4.  Prov. 

30:8.     Is.    44:20.      Jer.    16:19. 

Jon.  2:8.       Eph.     4:22—25.    1 

John  1:8.  2:4.    Rer.  22:15. 
f  5.   Jer.  31:33,34.     Heb.  8:10, 


11. 

g  29,111,173.  Josh.  24:15.  Prov. 

1:29.     Lnke  10:42.     John  3:19 

—21.  8:45.   1  Pet.  2:2.   2  John 

4. 
h  24,52.    Deut.  11:18— 20. 
i  48,115.  Deut.  4:4.  10:20.  Prov. 

23:23.     Johr»8:31.    Acts  11:23. 
k  6,80.  25:2,20.    Is.  45:17.     Jer. 

17:18.   Rom.  5:5.     1  John  2:28. 
1  ("ant.  1:41.     Is.  40:31.      1  Cor. 

9.24—26.     Heb.  12:1. 


then  extant,  than  ahnost  any  other  man  was: 
but  he  knew,  that  divine  teaching  alone  could 
enable  him  rightly  to  understand  the  scriptures, 
and  to  apply  general  rules  to  all  the  variety  of 
particular  cases,  which  occurred  in  the  course  of 
his  life.     {J\ote,  12.) 

V.  27.     Marg.  Re/.— 13.  J^otes,  71:16—18. 

v.  28.  {JIarg.  Ref.)  Heaviness.']  David's 
heaviness  might  in  part  arise  from  his  outward 
trials:  but  he  seems  to  have  spoken  as  one  dis- 
tressed in  mind,  because  he  got  no  more  ground 
against  sin,  and  as  needing  strength  to  resist 
temptation.  ''^Lift  me  up  according  to  thy  word." 
'Let  us  not  marvel,  if  sin  bring  us  to  the  knowl- 
'edge  of  sorrow,  since  he  who  "knew  no  sin," 
'was  j'et,  on  our  account,  so  intimately  "ac- 
'quainted  with  grief."  In  the  garden,  his  soul 
'melted  for  heaviness.  ...  Our  transgressions 
'deserve  an  eternity  of  sorrow:  let  us  not  there- 
'fore  repine  at  any  portion  of  it,  that  may  fall  to 
'our  share  in  time. — No,  blessed  Jesu,  let  us  suf- 
'fer  with  thee,  as  both  a  means  and  a  pledge 
'of  our  future  glorification  with  thee.  Only 
'  "strengthen  us,  according  to"  the  promises  in 
'  "thy  word."'    Bp.  Home. 

V.  29,  30.  "The  way  of  lying,"  and  "the  way 
of  truth,"  are  here  opposed  to  each  other.  "The 
way  of  truth"  means,  that  true  wa;/ which  God 
has  revealed,  by  which  we  may  come  to  him  and 
walk  with  him.  The  "way  of  lying"  means, 
therefore,  all  those  false  ways,  by  which  men  de- 
ceive themselves  and  others,  or  are  deceived  by 
Satan  and  his  instruments.  False  doctrine,  hy- 
pocrisy, and  whatever  is  contrary  to  the  faith 
and  holiness  of  the  gospel,  are  intended  by  the 
way  of  lying.  [Marg.  Ref. — JVotes,  104,128. 
141:3,4.) — The  sound  of  the  words  indeed  has 
led  many  to  suppose,  that  David  had  been  habitu- 
ally addicted  to  the  sin  of  lying,  from  which  he 
prayed  to  be  delivered;  and  some  instances  are 
mentioned  in  which  he  shamefully  deviated  from 
truth.  But  though  a  believer  may  fall  into  any  sin, 
Jie  cannot  habitually  practise  any  one,  knowing 
it  to  be  so;  and  the  original  by  no  means  admits 
of  this  lax  interpretation. — "Grant  me  thy  law 
graciously,"  is  a  prayer,  that  God  would  in 
merq/  write  his  law  in  the  Psalmist's  heart,  and 
enable  him  to  obey  it;  which  he  would  consider 
a  special  instance  of  undeserved  favor  or  grace. 
— Having  "chosen  the  way  of  truth,"  he  laid  the 
judgments  of  God  before  him  for  hourly  direction 
and  admonition. 

V.  31.  The  word,  rendered  "stuck,"  is  the 
383] 


mandments,   when    thou    shalt  ^  enlarge 
my  heart. 

HE. 

33  "  Teach  me,  O  Lord,  the  way  of 
thy  statutes;  and  °  I  shall  keep  it  unto 
the  end. 

.  34  PGive  me  understanding,  and  ^I 
shall  keep  thy  law;  yea,  I  shall  ""  observe 
it  with  my  whole  heart. 

35  ^  Make  me  to  go  in  ••  the  path  of 
thy  commandments;  "  for  therein  do  I  de- 
light. 


m45. 

60:5, 

8:32 

Pet. 
n    12, 

45. 
o  8,1 

Cor. 

2:19, 
p7,3. 

2:5,( 


18:36.     Job  36:15,16.   Is.  I     13—18. 


61:1.  Luke  1:74,75.  John 
,36.     2  Cor.  3:17.     6:11.  1 

2:16. 
26,27.    Is.  54:13.    John  6: 

12.     Matt.  10:22.  24:13.   1 
1:7.8.     Phil.  1:6.     1  John 

,20,27.     Rev.  2:26. 
111:10.    Job  28:28.     Prov. 

3.    John  7:17.   Jam.  1:5.  3: 


q   Matt.  5:19.  7:24.     Jam.  1:2 

2:8—12.  4:11. 
r  10,58,69. 
s  27,36,173.   Ez.  36:26,27 

2:13.   Heb.  13:21. 
t  23:3.     Prov.  3:17.   4:11 

20.     K.  2:3.  48:17. 
u   16.    Is.  58:13,1 1.     Rom 

1  John  5:3. 


Phil. 
18.  8: 
.  7:22. 


same  as  is  before  translated,  "cleaveth:"  [Jfote, 
25.)  and  the  conflict  between  grace  cleaving  to 
the  Lord's  testimonies,  and  the  remainder  of  in- 
dwelling sin  "cleaving  to  the  dust,"  is  best  under- 
stood by  those  who  "delight  in  the  law  of  God 
after  the  inward  man,  but  find  another  law  in 
their  members  warring  against  the  law  of  their 
mind,"  so  that  they  "cannot  do  the  things  that 
they  would."  (JVbte*,  1— 5.  iiom.  7:13— 25.  Gal 
5:16 — 18.) — The  Psalmist,  however,  adhered  to 
the  testimonies  of  God  so  closely,  notwithstand- 
ing this  inward  conflict,  that  neither  temptations 
nor  persecutions  could  induce  him  to  draw  back. 
So  also  did  the  apostle,  and  so  do  all  that  "delight 
in  the  law  of  God."  (JVb^e,  ^ds  11:23,24.)  'Hith- 
'erto  I  have  kept  my  resolution,  and  never  started 
'from  thy  testimonies.  Preserve  me,  good  Lord, 
'that  I  may  not  hereafter  disgrace  m3self,  by 
'doing  any  thing  contrary  to  them.'    Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  32.  "I  will  run  the  waj'  of  thy  command- 
ments; for  thou  wilt  enlarge  rny  heart."  This  is 
the  most  literal  rendering.  'By  this  he  sheweth, 
'that  we  can  neither  choose  good,  cleave  to  God's 
'word,  nor  run  forward  in  his  way,  except  he 
'make  our  hearts  large  to  receive  grace,  and  will- 
'ing  to  obey.'  [JVotes,  45.  Cant.  1:4.  Luke  1: 
46—55.   John  6:41—46.  8:30—36.) 

V.  33.  Tho.se,  who  are  taught  by  the  Lord 
"the  way  of  his  statutes,"  will  keep  it  to  the  end: 
and  the  reason  why  so  many  draw  back  is  inti- 
mated; namely,  they  have  only  been  taught  by 
men.  [JVote,  1  John  2:18,19.)— 'He  sheweth 
'that  he  cannot  follow  on  to  the  end,  except  God 
'teach  him  oft  times,  and  lead  him  forward.' 

V.  34.  'Much  "understanding"  is  needful,  in 
'order  to  the  observation  of  the  law;  that  we  may 
'know  what  is  commanded,  and  what  is  forbidden, 
'and  how  far;  that  we  may  avoid  the  snares  laid 
'for  us  in  the  way  of  duty;  that  we  may  respect 
'things  according  to  their  due  rank  and  worth; 
'that  we  may  do  good  works  in  their  proper  time, 
'place,  and  manner;  above  all,  that  the  affections 
'may  be  directed  by  the  judg-ment,  and  not  the 
'judgment  by  the  affections.'  Bp.  Home.  "With 
my  whole  heart,"  'not  only  in  outward  conversa- 
'tion,  but  also  with  inward  affiection.'  [J^otes,  10. 
Prov.   2:1— 6.    Phil.   1:9—11.    Jam.   3:13—18.) 

V.  35.  Delight.]  'Happy  the  soul,  that  can 
'say  to  God,  "Therein  do  I  delight."  '  Bp.  Home. 
The  character,  described  in  the  seventh  of  Ro- 
mans, says,  "I  delight  in  the  law  of  God,  after 
the  inward  man;"  and  the  longings  and  prayers 
of  the  man  after  God's  own  heart,  continually 


B.  C.   1017. 


PSALM  cxrx. 


B.  C.  1017. 


3G  ''Incline  luy  heart  unto  thy  testi-j 
monies,  ^  and  notto  covetousness.  ! 

37  *  Turn  ^  away  mine  eyes  from  be-  j 
holding  vanity;  and  ^  quicken  thou  me  in ' 
thy  way. 

3S  ^  Stablish  thy  word  unto  thy  ser- 
vant, '^  who  is  devoted  to  thy  fear. 

39  '^  TiH-n  away  my  reproach  which  I 
fear;  ^  for  thy  judgments  are  good. 

40  Behold,  ^  I  have  longed  after  thy 
precepts:  s  quicken  me  in  thy  righteous- 
ness. 


X   51.10.     141:4.      1  Kmjs  8:53. 

J-er.  32:39.     Ez.  11:19,20. 
y  10:3.     Ex.  18:21.     Ez.  33:31. 

Hab.  2:9.     Mark  7:22.     Luke 

12:15.   16:14.     Eph.  5:3.     Col. 

3:5.      1  Tim.  6:9,10,17.     Heb. 

13:5.    2  Pet.  2:3,14. 
*  Heb.  Make  to  pass. 
7.   Num.    15:39.      Josh.  7:21.  2 

Sam.    11:2.     Job   31:1.     Prov. 

4:25.    23:5.     U.   33:15.     Matt. 

5:28.     1  John  2:16. 
a  25,40. 
b  49.     2  Sam.  7:25—29. 


I  C  10.1:11,13,17.     145:19.     147:11. 

Jer.  32:39—41. 
d  22,3).  39:8.  57:3.     2  Sam.  12: 

14.      1  Tim.  3:7.  5:14.   Tit  2:8. 
6  20,43,75,123,131.   19:9.     Deut. 

4:8.  Is.  26:3.    Rom.  2:2.    Rev. 

19:2. 
f  5,20.     Matt.  26:41.     Rom.  7: 

24.     2    Cor.    7:1.       Gal.    5:17. 

Phil.  3:13,14. 
^25,37,88,107,149,156,159.  Mark 

9:24.   John  5:21.  10:10.     1  Cor. 

15:45.  Eph.  2:5.  3  John  2. 


remind  us  of  the  struggles  and  complaints,  spoken 
of  in  that  well  known  portion  of  holy  writ. 
{Kotes,  5.   Rom.  7:9—25.) 

V.  36.  In  proportion  as  the  heart  is  inclined 
by  divine  grace,  to  "the  testimonies  of  God;"  to 
^desire  what  he  promises,  and  love  what  he  com- 
'mands,'  the  inclination,  or  propensity,  to  covet- 
ousness  must  be  mortified:  and  when  the  Lord 
leaves  a  man  to  himself,  his  heart  will  of  course 
be  inclined  to  evil,  and  idolatrously  to  seek  happi- 
ness in  worldly  things.  (JVb/e*,  Ex.  20:3,17. 
1  Kings  21:1—7.  P.  O.—JVoles,  Rom.  7:7,8. 
1  John  2:15 — 17.) — 'Hereby  meaning  all  other 
'vices,  because  that  covetousness  is  the  root  of 
'all  evil.'  (.A'oie,  1  Tim.  6:6 — 10.) — 'Incline  my 
'heart  always  to  seek  its  contentment  in  thy  tes- 
'timouies;  and  suffer  it  not  to  be  drawn  away  bj' 
'the  desire  of  worldly  goods,  which,  having  no 
^measure,  is  never  satisfied.'    Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  37.  'Help  me  to  overlook  those  worldly 
'honors  and  fading  beauties,  which  we  are  apt  to 
'behold  with  too  much  admiration;  and  with  live- 
'ly  affections  and  vigorous  endeavors,  to  persist 
'in  the  pursuit  of  fh}^  favor,  in  the  way  thou  hast 
'set  before  me.'  Bp.  Patrick. — The  eyes  seem 
put  for  all  the  senses,  which  are  the  inlets  of 
temptation  to  the  heart,  and  through  which  every 
kind  of  concupiscence  is  excited,  {^i^otes,  Gen. 
3:6.  Josh.  7:21.  2  Sam.  11:1—5.  Job  31:1—4, 
24—28.  Prov.  4:24,25.  23:4,5.  Jlatt.  5:27, 
28.) 

V.  38.  The  promises  given  in  the  word  of 
God,  especially  relate  to  the  preservation  and 
sanctification  of  the  true  believer.  David,  being 
conscious  that  he  was  the  Lord's  servant,  and 
greatly  afraid  of  offending  or  forsaking  him, 
prayed  to  have  these  promises  stablished,  or  per- 
formed, to  his  soul;  that  the  effects  of  the  deceit- 
fulness  of  his  heart,  and  of  the  force  of  tempta- 
tion, might  be  prevented.  {Jfoies,  49.  2  Sa7n.  7: 
26—29.) 

v.  39.  '  Let  me  not  fall  to  thy  dishonor;  but 
'let  my  heart  still  delight  in  thy  gracious  word.' 
— The  excellency  of  the  judgments,  decisions, 
maxims,  and  precepts  of  the  sacred  word,  aggra- 
vates the  guilt  and  disgrace  of  acting  contrary  to 
them;  and  this  seems  to  have  been  the  reproach 
of  which  David  was  especially  afraid.  {J\''otes,  22. 
2. Sam.  12:14.  Matl.  18:7—9.  I  Tim.  3:7.  Tit. 
2:7,8.    1  Pel.  4:12—16.) 

V.  40.    J^otes,  5,19—21 
384] 


VAU. 

41  ^  Let  thy  mercies  come  also  unto 
me,  O  Lord,  even  thy  salvation,  accord- 
ing to  thy  word. 

42  '  So  shall  I  ^  have  wherewith  to  an- 
swer him  that  reproacheth  me;  ^  for  I 
trust  in  thy  word. 

43  And  ^  take  not  the  word  of  truth 
utterly  out  of  my  mouth;  ■"  for  I  have 
hoped  in  thy  judgments. 

44  So  shall  I  °  keep  thy  law  contin- 
ually, for  ever  and  ever. 

45  And  °  I  will  walk  ^  at  liberty;  p  for 
I  seek  thy  precepts. 


h  58,76,77,132.  69:16.  106:4,5. 
Luke  2:28—32. 

i  3:2.  42:10.  71:10,11.  109:25. 
Matt.  27:40—43,63. 

t  Or,  ansuer  him  that  re- 
proacheth me  in  a  thing.  2 
Sam.  16:7,8.    19:18—20. 

k  49,74,31.  56:4,10,11.  89:1S, 
&c.  2  Sam.  7:12—16.  1  Chr. 
28:3—6.     Acts  27:25. 

1  13.  50:16.    51:14,15.    71:17.18. 


Eph.  1:13.    Jam.  1:18. 
m    52,120,175.      7:6—9.    9:4,16. 

43:1.      1  Pet.  2:23. 
n  33,34.    Rev.  7:15.    22:11. 
o   133.     Luke  4:18.     John  8:30 

—36.  Jam.  1:25.  2:12.     2  Put. 

2:19. 

X  Heb.  at  large.  32. 
p  19,71,94,148,162.    Prov.  2:4,.5. 

18:1.     Ec.    1:13.      John  6:39. 

Eph.  5:17. 


4)oth  not  my  heart  thy  precepts  love, 

■And  long  to  see  thy  face? 
'And  yet  how  slow  my  spirits  move, 

'Without  enlivening  grace!'  Watts. 

V.  41,  42.  'He  sheweth  that  God's  mercy  and 
'love  is  the  first  cause  of  our  salvation. — By 
'trusting  in  God's  word  he  assureth  himself  to  be 
'able  to  confute  the  slanders  of  his  adversaries.' — 
When  David  was  driven  away  by  Absalom, 
Shimei  loaded  him  with  reproaches;  as  if  God  had 
rejected  him  for  his  crimes,  and  as  if  his  confi- 
dence in  God  had  been  presumptuous.  (JVb/c,  2 
Sam.  16:5 — 14.) — When  Christ  was  nailed  to  the 
cross,  the  chief  priests  reviled  him,  saying,  "He 
trusted  in  God:  let  him  deliver  him  now,  if  he 
will  have  him;  for  he  said,  I  am  the  Son  of  God." 
(JVb<e,  Matt.  27:39—44.)  But  the  restoration  of 
David  to  his  throne,  and  the  resurrection  of 
Christ  from  the  dead,  furnished  a  sufficient  an- 
swer to  these  reproaches:  and  the  complete  sal- 
vation of  true  believers  will  for  ever  silence  and 
put  to  shame  all  those,  who  have  derided  and 
slandered  them,  during  their  trials  and  difficul- 
ties. [Marg.  Ref.—JVotes,  38:76,77,132.  106: 
4,5.) 

\ .  43.  When  David  was  left  in  uncertainty 
and  distress  about  his  personal  concerns,  his  confi- 
dence in  discoursing  upon  the  truths  of  the  scrip- 
tures, and  the  faithfulness  of  God  to  his  promises, 
was  abated:  he  therefore  prayed  that  he  might 
not  be  so  far  discouraged,  as  to  be  entirely  put 
to  silence  on  these  favorite  topics;  LYotes,  46.  51: 
12 — 15.  71:17,18.)  seeing  he  had  avowed  his 
hope,  that  God  would  decide  for  him  and  against 
his  enemies,  according  to  his  perfect  wisdom,  jus- 
tice, and  truth.     {JVotes,  3:3 — 8.) 

V.  44.  The  language  of  this  verse  is  peculiar- 
ly emphatical. — Perfect  obedience  will  constitute 
a  large  proportion  of  heavenly  happiness  to  all 
efiernity,  and  the  nearer  we  approach  to  it  on 
earth,  the  more  we  anticipate  the  felicity  of 
heaven.  (JVb<e*,  John  8:30—36.  2  Pet.  2:18,19. 
Rev.  7:13—17.  22:2—5,  v.  3.) 

V.  45.  "I  will  walk  about  with  enlargement." 
[Marg.)  As  a  man  who,  when  confined  in  a 
prison,  could  only  walk  about  in  its  contracted 
precincts;  but,  being  liberated,  he  walks  at  large, 
and  goes  to  whatever  place  he  pleases.  [JSTotes^ 
32.  2  Sam.  22:20.)  The  service  of  God  is  perfect 
freedom;  every  deviation  is  proportionable  slave- 
ry to  sin  and  Satan. — 'It  is  not  liberty,  no,  nor  a 


B.  C.  1017. 


PSALM  CXIX. 


B.  C.  1017. 


46  1  will  '^  speak  of  thy  testimonies 
also  before  kings,  and  ^  will  not  be 
ashamed. 

47  And  *  1  will   delight  myself  in  thy 


q  J38:l.  Dan.  3:16—18.  4:1— 
3,25—27.  Matt.  10:18,19.  Acts 
26:1,2,24— -29. 

r  Mark  8:38.     Rom.  1:16.  Phil. 


1:20.      2  Tim.   2:8,16.     1  Pet. 
4:14—16.      1  .lohn  2:J8. 
s  16,24.  112:1.  John  4:34.  Phil. 
2:5.     1  Pet.  2:21. 


'kingdom  that  I  seek,  so  much  as  better  advan- 
'tages  to  fulfil  thy  precepts.'  Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  46.  David,  before  his  accessioa  to  the 
throne,  was  often  in  the  presence  of  Saul,  and  of 
Achish  king  of  Gath,  and  afterwards  he  became 
a  companion  of  kings:  but  he  was  determined  in 
no  case  to  conceal  his  religion,  or  to  be  ashamed 
of  speaking  his  whole  mind  before  them  on  that 
most  interesting  subject.  'If  he,'  (the  scrvaat  of 
God,)  "walketh  at  liberty,"  'be  will  speak  of 
'God's  testimonies,  with  due  reverence  to  the 
'person  and  authority  of  his  prince,  but  as  one 
'who  is  neither  afraid  nor  "ashamed,"  to  declare 
'the  whole  counsel  of  heaven  to  any  being  upon 
'earth.'  Bp.  Home.  [JSTotes,  138:1.  Matt.  10: 
16—20.  14:3—3.  Ads  24:24—27.  25:23.  26: 
1—29.) 

V.  47.  (16.  JVofcv,  24,103,140.  112:1.)  'He 
'who  would  preach  boldly  to  others,  must  himself 
'delight  in  the  practice  of  what  he  preacheth.  If 
'there  be  in  us  a  new  nature,  it  will  love  the 
♦commandments  of  God,  as  being  congenial  to  it.' 
Bp.  Home. 

V.  48.  To  "lift  up  the  hands"  implies  earnest- 
ness and  encouragement  in  any  business:  thus 
David  purposed  to  take  courage,  and  be  very 
earnest  in  keeping  G  od's  commandments.  [Marg. 
Ref.—JSTotes,  15.  1:1—3.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
V.  25—48. 
While  "the  children  of  this  world"  cleave 
wholly  to  the  dust  of  the  earth  as  their  portion, 
and  are  neither  alarmed  nor  humbled  on  that 
account;  "the  children  of  light"  are  often  greatly 
burdened,  because  of  the  remains  of  carnal  affec- 
tions in  their  hearts.  Their  judgment  and  choice 
lead  them  to  "seek  those  things  which  are 
above:"  yet  they  feel  that  their  souls  often  grovel 
here  on  earth;  and  while  others  perhaps  think 
that  they  are  soaring  to  the  very  heavens  in  faith 
and  love,  they  are  complaining  before  God,  that 
"their  souls  cleave  to  the  dust;"  and  beseeching 
him  to  enliven  their  affections,  and  invigorate 
their  endeavors,  that  they  may  rise  superior  to 
worldly  cares  and  interests,  and  be  more  entirely 
taken  up  about  the  infinitely  important  concerns 
of  eternity.  And  his  word  encourages  these 
good  desires  which  he  has  planted  in  our  hearts; 
and  by  his  grace  he  will  answer  them. — The  ex- 
perienced believer  communes  with  God  in  the 
confidence  of  faith  and  love:  he  unreservedly 
declares  before  him  all  his  ways,  and  all  the  diffi- 
culties and  perplexities  with  which  he  meets; 
nay,  he  confesses  before  him,  without  desiring  to 
conceal  or  palliate  any  thing,  all  the  sins  of  his 
life  and  of  his  heart;  and  the  consciousness  of  this 
being  his  habitual  practice,  encourages  his  hope 
of  pardon  and  assistance  from  his  heavenly  Father. 
When  we  indeed  heartily  desire  to  obey  the  pre- 
cepts of  our  God,  we  may  be  sure  that  he  will 
hear  our  prayers  to  be  made  acquainted  with 
them:  and  with  all  our  external  advantages  we 
still  need  this  divine  teaching;  for  otherwise  our 
natural  pride,  self-love,  and  love  of  sin,  together 
with  our  contracted  prejudices,  will  close  our 
minds  against  the  truth,  and  involve  us  in  en-or 
and  uncertainty. — Those  who  most  delight  in 
serving  God,   and  in  speaking  of  his  wondrous 

Vol.  Ill  49 


commandments,  '  which  I    have   loved. 
48  My  "  hands  also  will  I  hft  up  «  unto 
thy  commandments,  which  I  have  loved; 
and  y  I  will  meditate  in  thy  statutes. 


[Practical   Obtervations.] 


t  45,97,127,140,167,174.  19:7— 
10.  Job  23:11,12.  Rom.  7:12, 
16,22. 

u  10:12.  Ez.  44:12.    Mic.  5:9. 


X    Matt.  7:21.     John  13:1X     IS: 

14.    .lam.  1:22—25. 
y  15.   1:2. 


works,  may  for  a  season  be  in  great  heaviness, 
and  their  souls  be  even  "melted  within  them" 
through    manifold    temptations:     but    they   will 
pray,  and  the  Lord  will  hear  ;  and  he  has  prom- 
ised that  "as  their  day  is,  so  shall  their  strength 
be." — Having  chosen  the  way  of  truth,  and  laid 
the  scriptures  before  us  as  our  rule,  we  may  pray 
in   faith  to  be  kept  at  a  distance  from  all  false 
doctrine  and  hypocrisy,  and  to  be  graciously  led 
into  a  fuller  knowledge  of  the  divine  will:  and 
sincerity  in  our  hearts,  towards  God,  will  best 
preserve  us  from  all  dissimulation  in  our  dealings 
with   men.     When  we  have  entered  upon  this 
course  of  life,  we  must  persevere  in  it:  and  the 
Lord  will  never  suffer  those  to  be  put  to  shame, 
who  "have  stuck  to  his  testimonies,"  stedfastly 
professing  his  truth,  and  doing  his  will,  without 
being  moved   by   the  frowns   or  smiles   of  the 
world  to  turn  aside  from  him. — But  though  the 
believer  habitually  travels  the  way  to  heaven; 
yet  he  is  often  grieved  to  find  that  he  gets  on  no 
faster:  and  he  still  prays  to  be  set  at  liberty  from 
every  remainder  of  the  bondage  of  sin,  "that  ho 
may  run  the  way  of  God's  commandments  with 
an  enlarged  heart."    He  desires  to  proceed  with 
increasing  speed,  even  unto  the  end;  he  wants 
knowledge  in  order  to  practise;  he  measures  the 
degree  of  men's  wisdom  by  that  of  tlieir  piety 
and  obedience  to  God;   he  prays  to  be  made  'of 
'good  understanding  in  the  way  of  godliness;'  and 
to  be  inclined  and  enabled  to  walk  in  it,  not  only 
because  it  is  the  path  of  duty,  but  because  he 
delights  in  it.    Yet  he  still  feels  his  heart  capable 
of  entertaining  an  inordinate  desire  after  worldly 
things,  and  of  coveting  wealth  by  which    they 
may  all  be  purchased.     Against  these  emotions 
of  covetousness  he  watches;  and  he  prays  unto 
his  God  not  to  permit  his  heart  to  be  in  any  de- 
gree inclined  to  it.     He  knows  that  all  belov/  is 
vanity  and  vexation  of  spirit;  but  he  fears  lest 
through  the  outward  senses  concupiscence  should 
be  excited  in  his  heart:  and  therefore  he  entreats 
the  Lord  to  "turn  away  his  eyes"  from  vanitv, 
and  to  close  all  his  senses  against  every  object, 
which  can  pollute  his  imagination,  or  kindle  for- 
bidden desires  in  his  heart;  or  which  might  cause 
hirn  to  loiter  in  that  way,  in  which  he  would  be 
quickened,    and    not    retarded.      He    therefore 
pleads  the  promises  of  God,  and  desires  that  they 
may  be  confirmed  and   fulfilled  to  him;   as  one 
who  would  devote  himself  to  the  fear  and  worship 
of  his  name:   and  he  prays  to  be  delivered  from 
the  reproach  of  hypocrisy  or  apostacy,  or  a  dis- 
graceful walk,  which  he  more  dreads  than   the 
contempt  of  men. — Knowing  that  all  the  judg- 
ments of  God  are  just  and  good,  he  above  all 
things  dreads  falling  under  his  rebuke  or  con- 
demnation; and  to  be  assured  of  escaping  them, 
he  longs  after  his  precepts,  and  to  make  progress 
in  his  righteousness.     But  when  he  has  done  all, 
he  feels  himself  to  be  a  poor  sinful  creature:  his 
only  dependence  still  is  upon  the  rich  mercies  of 
God;  and  he  desires  the  salvation  which  is  prom- 
ised in  his  word.      Every  present    deliverance 
from  sin  and  trouble  serves  to  silence  the  re- 
proaches of  his  calumniators:  and  he  knows  that 
when  his  salvation  shall  be  completed,  every  ac- 
cuser will    be   answered,   and   every  aspersion 
wiped  from  his  character.    [JVbte,  Is.  54:15—17.) 

[385 


B.  C.  1017. 


PSALM  CXIX. 


B.  C.  1017. 


ZAIN. 

49  ^  Remember  the  word  unto  thy 
servant,  *  upon  which  thou  hast  caused 
me  to  hope. 

50  ''  This  is  my  comfort  in  my  afflic- 
tion: *^  for  thy  word   hath  quickened  me. 

51  The  •*  proud  have  had  me  greatly 
in  derision:  ^  yet  have  I  not  dechned  from 
thy  law. 

52  I  ^  remembered  thy  judgments   of 


z  205:9,42.   106:4,45.     Gen.  8:1. 

32:9.  Job  7:7.  Is.  62:6.  Marg. 
a  43,81,147.  71:14.     2  Sam.  5:2. 

7:25.    Rom.  15:13. 
b    27:13.    28:7.    42:8,11.     94:19. 

Jer.  15:16.  Rom.  5:3—5.   15:4. 

Heb.  6:17— 19.    12:11,12. 
c   25.     Ez.  37:10.     John  6:63. 

Jam.  1:18.     1  Pet.  1:3.  2:2. 


d  21,69.  123:3,4.  Jer.  20:7.  Luke 

16:14,15.  23:35. 
e  31,157.  44:18.     Job  23:11.  Is. 

42:4.  Acts  20:23,24.     Heb.  12; 

1—3. 
f  77:5,11,12.  105:5.    143:5.    Kx. 

14:29,30.  Num.  16:3,&c.  Deut. 

1:35,36.    4:3,4.     2  Pet.  2:4—9. 


In  the  mean  time  he  wants  encouragement  and 
assistance  in  speaking  the  word  of  truth,  con- 
cerning the  happiness  of  God's  people,-  and  his 
righteous  judgments,  for  the  quickening  of  some, 
and  the  conviction  of  others,  with  whom  he  con- 
verses. He  has  no  conception  of  final  happiness, 
or  of  perfect  liberty,  but  in  keeping  the  divine 
"law  continually,  even  for  ever  and  ever:"  and 
therefore  he  now  seeks  out  God's  precepts,  that 
he  may  obey  them;  in  order  that  on  earth  he 
may,  as  much  as  possible,  anticipate  the  liberty 
and  felicity  of  heaven.  {J\ote,  I  John  3:1 — 3.) 
Should  such  a  believer  be  called,  either  by  the 
duties  of  his  station,  or  by  persecution,  to  stand 
before  kings;  he  will  neither  be  ashamed  nor 
afraid  to  speak  concerning  the  testimonies  of 
God,  with  all  plainness  and  simplicity:  but  how 
wonderful  it  is,  that  such  a  glorious  subject 
should  expose  a  man  to  shame  and  contempt; 
and  that  especially,  it  should  so  often  be  disgrace- 
fully excluded  from  the  courts  of  kings,  nay 
almost  from  their  chapels.  f^J^otes,  Am.  7:12,13. 
P.O.  10 — 17.)  If  bonds  and  imprisonment  should 
be  the  consequence;  he  will  find  delight  in  those 
commandments  which  he  has  loved:  and  in  every 
case,  he  will  seek  his  pleasure,  not  from  the  in 
dulgence  of  sensual  appetites,  or  malignant  pas 
sions,  or  ambition,  or  avarice,  but  in  diligently 
studying  and  obeying  the  commandments  of  his 
God.  Something  of  this  mind  which  was  in 
Christ  is  in  every  true  disciple:  but  very  few  of 
them  have  arrived  at  that  maturity  of  judgment, 
and  vigor  of  holy  aifections,  which  David  possess- 
ed. Our  evidence,  however,  that  we  are  the 
people  of  God  is  exactly  proportionable.  All  is 
defective  in  our  judgment  and  affections,  which 
comes  short  of  this;  all  false  and  delusive  in  our 
supposed  experience,  which  runs  counter  to  it. 

NOTES. 

V.  49.  The  Psalmist  may  perhaps  here  espe- 
cially mean,  the  pi-omise  of  the  kingdom  over 
Israel  to  himself  and  his  posterity,  which  God 
had  made  to  him,  when  he  thought  of  no  such 
thing;  and  thus  raised  in  him  expectations,  which 
subsequent  events  threatened  to  frustrate — But 
the  same  plea  is  good,  as  to  any  expectation 
which  is  clearly  grounded  on  the  word  of  God: — 
'Remember,  O  Lord,  that  thou  hast  given  this 
'promise,  and  encouraged  my  hope  in  it:  and, 
'whatever  appearances  may  be,  I  must  wait  and 
'pray  for  the  accomplishment  of  it:  for  thou  wilt 
'never  disappoint  the  expectation,  which  thy  own 
'word  hath  excited.'  {Marg.  Ref.—J^otes,  Gen. 
32:9—12.) 

V.  50 — 53.  Some  render  these  verses  in  con- 
nexion, as  follows:  "This  is  my  comfort  in  my 
affliction:  that  thy  word  quickens"  or  enlivens 
386] 


old,  O  Lorb;  and  have  comforted  myself. 
63  s  Horror  hath  taken  hold  upon  me, 
because  of  the  wicked  that  forsake  thy 
law. 

54  ''  Thy  statutes  have  been  my  songs 
in  the  house  of  my  pilgrimage. 

55  1  have  remembered  thy  name,  O 
Lord,  » in  the  night,  and  have  ^  kept  thy 
law. 

56  This  I  had,  '  because  I  kept  thy 
precepts. 


g    136,158.     Ezra  9:3,14.     10:6. 

Jer.  13:17.     Dan.  4:19.     Hab. 

3:16.     Luke  19:41,42.  Rom.  9: 

1—3.     2  Cor.   12:21.     Phil.  3: 

18. 
h  89:1.  101:1.  Gen.  47:9.  Heb. 

11:13—16. 


i  42:8.  63:6.  139:18.  Gen.  32: 
24—28.  Job  35:9,10.  Is.  26:9. 
Luke  6:12.     Acts  16:25. 

k  17,34.     John  14:21.  15:10. 

1165.  18:18—22.  1  John  3.19 
—24. 


"me;  that,  while  the  proud  exceedingly  deride 
me,  I  do  not  declfne  from  thy  law;  that  I  remem- 
ber thy  righteous  judgments  of  old,  and  thence 
encourage  myself;  that  the  tempest  arises  against 
me  from  the  wicked,  who  forsake  thy  law." — 
The  effect  of  the  sacred  word  in  animating  the 
Psalmist's  hope,  zeal,  and  diligence;  his  con- 
sciousness of  adhering  to  the  commands  of  God, 
though  "filled  with  the  contempt  of  the  scornful;" 
his  meditation  on  the  righteous  judgments  of  God 
on  his  enemies,  and  his  interpositions  in  behalf  of 
his  servants  in  former  ages;  and  the  evidently 
wicked  character  of  his  furious  persecutors,  com^ 
bined  to  encourage  his  hope  of  a  happy  event  to 
his  distresses.  (JVb^e*,  77:5—13.  94:19—21. 
Rom.  5:3 — 5.) — Or,  the  "horror"  which  he  felt, 
when  he  reflected  on  the  doom  that  awaited  the 
wicked,  was  "a  testimony  of  his  conscience,"  that 
he  was  actuated  by  a  spirit  of  love,  and  not  of 
revenge;  and  thus  proved  a  source  of  comfort  to 
him.  {J\Iarg.  Ref.—M)tes,  ]3(>,] 51, 15Q.  Rom.  9: 
1 — 3.) — 'A  true  servant  of  God  believeth  the 
'promises,  and  practiseth  the  precepts  of  his 
'blessed  Master.  The  haughty  infidel  will  scoff 
'at  him,  for  one  part  of  his  conduct;  the  insolent 
'worldling  will  ridicule  him  for  the  other:  but 
'neither  will  induce  him  to  disbelieve,  or  to  dis- 
'obey.  ...  The  consequence  of  a  due  meditation 
'on  God's  judgments,  will  be  a  compassion  for 
'the  wicked  on  whom  those  judgments...  fall;  so 
'that  instead  of  feeling  for  ourselves,  on  account 
'of  the  injuries  they  do  us,  we  shall  feel  for  them, 
'who  are  thereby  drawing  down  vengeance  and 
'destruction  on  their  own  heads.  "Daughters  of 
'Jerusalem,"  said  the  blessed  Jesus,  when  led  to 
'be  crucified,  "weep  not  for  me,  but  weep  for 
'yourselves,  and  for  your  children."  Luke  23:28.' 
Bp.  Home. — 'I  have  called  to  mind,  O  Lord, 
'how,  in  all  foregoing  ages,  thou  hast  suffered 
'good  men  to  fall  into  calamities,  thereby  to  ren- 
'der  them  at  last  the  more  illustrious:  and  with 
'this  consideration  also  I  comforted  myself.'  Bp. 
Patrick. 

V.  54 — 56.  The  Psalmist  in  these  verses  still 
seems  to  be  pointing  out  the  sources  of  his  conso- 
lation.— In  his  wanderings  from  place  to  place 
like  a  weary  pilgrim,  wherever  he  pitched  his 
tent,  he  solaced  himself,  by  composing  and  sing- 
ing hymns  and  psalms,  in  praise  of  the  statutes 
and  ordinances  of  God.  {Jfotes,  19 — 21.  Heb.  11: 
8 — 10,13 — 16.)  He  meditated  on  the  divine  per- 
fections, when  others  were  asleep;  and  thus  was 
confirmed  in  his  purposes  of  obeying  the  divine 
law:  and  indeed  all  his  supports,  and  the  cheerful 
composure  of  his  mind  under  his  dangers  and  ca- 
I  lamities,  were  a  gracious  recompense  of  his  obe- 
I  dient  regard  to  the  word  of  God.  'Thy  precepts 
I '...  make  those  so  happy  that  obey  them;  that  I 


B.  C.  1017. 


PSALM  CXIX. 


B.  C.  1017. 


CHETH. 

57  Thou  art  "'  my  Portion,  O  Lord: 
n  I  have  said  that  I  would  keep  thy  words. 

58  °  I  entreated  thy  *  favor  with  my 
whole  heart:  p  be  njerciful  unto  me  ac- 
cording to  thy  word. 

59  11  thought  on  my  ways,  and  ""  turn- 
ed my  feet  unto  thy  testimonies. 

60  I  ^  made  haste,  and  delayed  not  to 
keep  thy  commandments. 

61  'The  t bands  of  the  wicked  have 
robbed  me;  "  hut  I  have  not  forgotten 
thy  law. 


m   16:5.  73:26.    142:5.     Jer.  10: 

16.     Lam.  3:24. 
n  106,115.    6«:14.     Deut.  26:17, 

18.     Josh.    24:15,18,21,24—27. 

Neh.  I0:29,&c. 
O    10.     4:6.     51:1—3.     86:1—3. 

Hos.  7:14. 
*  Heb.  face.  27:8.     Job  11:19. 

marg. 
p  41,65,76,170.    56:4,10.    138:2. 

Matt.  24:35. 
^    Lam.  3:40.       Ez.   18:28,30. 

Hag.  1:5,7.     Luke    15:17—20. 


2  Cor.  13:5. 
r   Deut.   4:30,31.     Jer.   8:4—6. 

31:18,19.       Ez.    33:14—16,19. 

Joel  2:13.    2  Cor.  12:21. 
s  95:7,8.     Ezra  10:6—8.     Prov. 

27:1.    Ec.  9:10.   Gal.  1:16. 
t  95.  3:1.    1  Sam.  30:3— 5.     Job 

]:17.    Hos.  6:9. 
f  Or,  companies. 
u  176.     1  Sam.  24:9— 11.  26:9— 

11.     Prov.  24:29.     Rom.  12:17 

—21. 


^ascribe  this  sweet  composure  of  mind,  and  cheer- 
*fulness  of  spirit,  under  all  my  grievous  afflictions, 
*to  ray  strict  observance  of  them.'  Bp.  Patrick. 
(Marg.  Ref.—JVotes,  163.  19:7— 11.  2  Sam.  22:21 
—28.) 

V.  57 — 63.  In  the  former  section,  the  Psalmist 
stated  the  chief  sources  of  his  consolation:  in 
this,  he  expresses  his  full  confidence,  that  God 
was  his  "Portion;"  and  "the  reason  of  this  hope 
that  was  in  him."  {JSTote,  I  Pet.  3:13—16.)  He 
had  formed  and  avowed  his  purpose  of  adhering 
to  the  words  of  God,  keeping  them  as  his  valued 
treasure,  and  observing  them  in  his  habitual  con- 
duct. {Marg.  Ref.—J^otes,  106,114—117.)  He 
had  earnestly,  from  his  inmost  soul,  sought  the 
favor  of  Go^,  and  the  mercy  promised  in  his 
word.  (JVb<e«,  41,32,76.  106:4,5.)  He  had  thought 
on  his  ways,  in  order  that  he  might  repent  of  all 
his  sins,  and  do  works  meet  for  repentance;  for- 
saking every  evil  course,  and  turning  his  feet  into 
the  paths  of  truth  and  holiness. — Having  "come  to 
himself,"  and  "considered  his  ways;"  he  made  no 
delay  to  comply  ^vith  the  dictates  of  his  con- 
science, in  obeying  God's  commandments.  [Marg. 
Ref.—JSTote,  Ez.  18:28.^  And  when  the  wicked 
laid  snares  for  him,  robbed  him,  or  persecuted 
him;  he  was  not,  by  this  unmerited  ill  usage,  so 
discomposed  as  to  forget  the  law  of  God;  but 
still  made  it  the  rule  of  his  conduct.  Nay,  his 
distresses  and  dangers  rendered  him  the  more 
earnest  in  his  religion:  and  every  interposition  of 
God  for  his  deliverance  and  the  confusion  of  his 
persecutors;  and  the  recollection  of  the  Lord's 
righteous  judgments  of  old,  excited  in  him  such 
lively  gratitude,  that  he  often  arose  even  in  the 
middle  of  the  night  to  bless  and  thank  his  God. 
{Mjlea,  147,148,164.  Mark  1:35—39.)  At  the 
same  time,  he  chose  for  his  companions,  not  the 
most  wealthy,  ingenious,  or  valiant,  but  the  most 
pious  persons  whom  he  knew;  and,  while  hated  by 
the  wicked,  he  was  welcomed,  with  affection  and 
reciprocal  regard,  by  all  who  feared  God  and 
kept  his  precepts.  [J^Tote,  16:2,3.)  He  could  ap- 
peal to  the  Searcher  of  hearts  for  the  truth  of  all 
this;  and  therefore  he  could  not  doubt,  that  the 
Lord  was  "his  Portion,"  and  his  everlasting  Fe- 
licity.— It  is  exceedingly  desirable  to  be  habit- 
ually disposed  to  bless  God  in  all  circumstances; 
for  there  is  no  situation  on  earth,  in  which  a  sin- 
ner has  not  cause  to  be  thankful,  much  more  a 
believer.     We  are  not  indeed  required  to  arise  at 


62  At  *  midnight  I  will  rise  to  give 
thanks  unto  thee,  because  of  ^  thy  right- 
eous judgments. 

63  I  am  ^  a.  companion  of  all  them 
that  fear  thee,  and  of  them  that  keep  thy 
precepts. 

64  The  *  earth,  O  Lord,  is  full  of  thy 
mercy:  ''  teach  me  thy  statutes. 

TETH. 

65  Thou  hast  *=  dealt  well  with  thy  ser- 
vant, O  Lord,  according  unto  thy  word. 

66  •*  Teach  me  good  judgment  and 
knowledge:  for  '^  1  have  believed  thy 
commandments. 


X  147,164.  42:8.  Mark  1:35.  Acts 

16:25. 
y  7,75,106,137.    19:9.     Deut.  4: 

8.   Rom.  7:12. 
z   79,115.     16:3.     101:6.     142:7. 

Prov.    13:20.     Mai.    3:16—13. 

2  Cor.  6:14—17.     1  John   1.3. 

3:14. 
a  33:5.  104:13.    145:9. 


b  12,26.27:11.  Is.  2:3.  48:17,13 

Matt.  11:29. 
c  17.   13:6.    16:5,6.    18:35.  23:5, 

6.  30:11.   116:7.     1  Chr.  29:14. 
d   34.    72:1,2.      1  Kings   3:9,28. 

Prov.2:l— 9.    8:20.     Is.  11:2— 

4.  Matt.  13:11.  Phil.  1:9.  Jam. 

3:13—18. 
e  128,160,172.  Neh.  9:13,14. 


midnight  to  give  thanks  to  our  God;  but  if  we  are 
by  any  means  kept  from  sleep,  it  will  prove  a 
comfortable  and  profitable  employment:  and  when 
we  consider  for  what  wicked  purposes  multitudes 
are  awake  at  that  hour;  we  shall  feel  some 
shame  to  be  more  reluctant  to  retrench  from  our 
sleep,  in  order  to  serve  our  God,  than  they  are  in 
serving  their  "diverse  lusts  and  passions."  (JVb/es, 
Acts  16:25 — 28.) — The  wicked  have  robbed  me. 
(61)  'The  apostle  tells  us  of  some,  who  not  only 
'bore  patiently  but  even  "took  joyfully  the  spoil- 
'ing  of  their  goods:"  the  reason  he  assigns  for  so 
'extraordinary  a  behavior  deserves  to  be  noted 
'and  remembered;  "knowing  that  they  had  in 
'heaven  a  better,  and  an  enduring  substance." 
'Heb.  10:34.'  Bp.  Home. 

V.  64.  UVotes,  104:13.  145:9—13.)  .(Is  the 
Lord  has  filled  the  earth,  notwithstanding  the 
wickedness  of  its  inhabitants,  with  his  goodness 
and  undeserved  bounty;  so  this  may  encourage 
those,  who  long  and  pray  to  be  taught  his  statutes, 
that  they  may  observe  and  do  them,  to  expect  a 
gracious  answer  to  their  requests.  'The  knowl- 
'edge  of  God's  word  is  a  singular  token  of  his  fa- 
'vor.'  [JSTotes,  1  Chr.  28:9.  John  17:1—3.  Gal.  4:8 
-11.) 

V.  65.  (JVb<es,  13:5,6.  23:5,6. 138:2,3.  2  Cor.  1:8 
— 1 1 .)  Recollecting,  and  thankfully  acknowledg- 
ing the  mercies  of  God  to  us  in  times  past,  should 
always  accompany  our  prayers;  and  this  will 
increase  our  confidence  as  to  the  future. 

V.  66.  This  verse  may  literally  be  rendered, 
"Teach  me  goodness,  judgment,  and  knowledge; 
for  I  have  believed  thy  commandments." — 'Thou 
'hast  shewn  great  kindness  to  me,  O  Lord,  teach 
'me  to  imitate  thy  goodness.' — 'The  word  oj'a 
'which  is  here  translated  "judgment,"  signifies 
'bodily  taste,  and  that  faculty  in  the  mind  which 
'answers  to  it;  the  faculty  of  discerning,  distin- 
'guishing,  and  judging  rightly  of  things  moral  and 
'spiritual;  as  the  palate  doth  of  meats,  their  dif- 
'ferent  flavors  and  qualities.  Without  this  taste, 
'or  discretion,  we  mistake  falsehood  for  truth  in 
'our  studies,  and  wrong  for  right  in  our  practice; 
'superstition  and  enthusiasm  may  pass  with  us 
'for  religion,  or  else  licentiousness  may  intrude 
'itself  upon  us  under  the  name  and  notion  of  lib- 
'erty:  in  a  word,  our  learning  and  knowledge 
'prove  useless,  if  not  prejudicial  to  us.  A  sound 
'mind,  therefore,  should,  above  all  things,  be  de- 
'sired    of  God   in  our    pravers.'    Bp.    Home. 

[387 


B.  C.  1017. 


PSALM  CXIX. 


B.  C.  1017. 


67  •"  Before  I  was  afflicted  I  went 
astray;  ^  but  now  have  I  kept  thy  word. 

63  Thou  art  ^  good,  and  doest  good: 
*  teach  me  thy  statutes. 

69  The  "  proud  have  forged  a  lie 
against  me;  hut  '  I  will  keep  thy  precepts 
""  with  my  whole  heart. 


f  176.  -3.5,&c.  Deut.  32:15.  2 
Sam.  10:19.  ll:2,&c.  2  Chr.  33: 
9—13.  Prov.  1:32.  Jer.  22:21. 

g  71,75.  Jer.  31:18,19.  Hos. 
2:6,7.  5:15.  6:1.  Heb.  12:10, 
11.     Rev.  3:10. 

h  86:6.  106:1.  107:1.  145:7—9. 
Ex.  33:18,19.  34:6,7.     Is.  63:7. 


Matt.   5:45.     19:17.     Mnrk  10: 

18.     Luke  18:19. 
i  12.  25:8,9. 
k  35:11.   109:2,3.   Job  13:4.  Jpr. 

43:2,3.      Matt.  5:11,12.    26.59, 

&e.    Acts  24:5,13. 
1  51,157. 
m  34,58.    Matt.  6:24.    Jam.  1:8. 


Urates,  Job  12:11,12.  34:1—4.  ]  Cor.  2:14— 16. 
Phil.  1:9—11.  Heh.  5:11  — 14.)— David  had  be- 
lieved the  divine  authority  and  excellency  of  the 
holy  law,  and  that  it  was  worthy  of  all  obedience; 
being  the  rule  of  happiness,  as  well  as  of  duty. 
(JVbies,  128.  J^eh.  9:13.) 

V.  67.  'The  use  of  God's  rods  is  to  call  us 
'home  to  God.  ...  He  confesseth,  that  before  he 
'was  chastened,  he  was  rebellious,  as  man  by  na- 
'ture  is.'  {Marg.  Ref.—ll.  J^otes,  75.  73:5—9.  2 
Chr.  33:9—19.  Job  5:17.  Jer.  31:18—20.  Heb.  12: 
4—13.) 

V.  68.  'Thou  art  kind,  O  Lord,  and  in  thy 
'kindness  teach  me  thy  statutes.'  Sept.  'Thou 
'art,  in  thy  own  nature,  kind  and  good,  ...  who 
'designest  our  good,  even  when  thou  afflictest  us: 
'take  what  methods  thou  pleasest  with  me,  only 
•teach  me  effectually  to  do  as  thou  wouldest  have 
'me.'  Bp.  Patrick. — The  Psalmist  seems  to  say, 
'Thou  art  so  good,  that  I  shall  consider  the  sharp- 
'est  afflictions  as  sent  in  kindness,  in  order  to 
'teach  me  thy  statutes.'  [Marg.  Ref. — J^otes,  94: 
12—14.  2  Sam.  22:36.  Prov.  27:6.  P.  O.  Matt. 
14:22—36.) 

V.  69.  [Marg.  Re/.—JSTotes,  23,157,158.) 
The  proud  and  ungodly  will  invent  plausible  lies, 
and  propagate  calumnies,  artfully  devised  against 
the  humble  servants  of  God:  but  "patient  con- 
tinuance in  well  doing"  is  the  most  convincing 
refutation  of  them.     (JVb<e*,  2  Sam.  24:8—22.) 

V.  70.  The  fat  in  animals  is  supposed  to  be 
without  feeling.  That  insensibility  of  heart  to 
God's  promises,  threatenings,  and  judgments,  and 
to  the  concerns  of  other  men,  which  results  from 
indulged  luxury,  lust,  or  avarice,  is  aptly  describ- 
ed by  this  similitude.  (JVbfe, /*.  6:9,10.]— 'Their 
'heart  is  indurate  and  hardened;  puffed  up  with 

'prosperity  and  vain  estimation  of  themselves.' 

The  word  of  God  is  'the  "delight"  of  temperate 
'and  holy  persons,  who  gladly  fly  from  large  com- 
'panies,  full  tables,  costly  meats,  and  rich  wines, 
'to  enjoy  in  private  the  more  exalted  pleasures  of 
'abstinence,  meditation,  and  prayer.'  Bp.  Home. 
[Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  11.  J^otes,  67,75,76.  Rom.  5:3—5.  1  Cor.  11: 
29—34.    2  Cor.    1:1— 7.  4:13— 18.  Jam.  1:2— 4. 

V.  72.  [Marg.Ref.q.— JVotes,  14,111.  19:1— 
11.  Pj-or.  8:18.  16:16.  23:23.  £c.  7:11,12.  J»fa«.  13: 
44 — 46.  Phil.  3.8 — 11.)  'Blessed  are  they,  who 
'seek  in  the  Scriptures  the  true  riches;  who  traf- 
'fic  for  the  spiritual  gains  of  celestial  wisdom: 
'  "for  surely  the  merchandise  of  it  is  better  than 
'the  merchandise  of  silver,  and  the  gain  thereof 
'than  fine  gold."  Prov.  3:14.'  Bp.  Home. 
PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
V.  49—72. 

The  Lord  himself  teaches  and  enables  his  ser- 
vants to  rely  on  his  word:  yet  he  often  delays  to 
answer  their  expectations,  in  order  to  excite 
their  desires,  to  exercise  their  faith,  to  prove 
their  sincerity,  and  to  perfect  their  patience. 
This  leads  them  by  prayer  to  remind  him  of  his 
promises,  and  humbly  to  plead   for  the  accom- 


70  Their  "  heart  is  aS  fat  as  grease; 
°  hut  I  delight  in  thy  law. 

71  It  is  P  good  for  me  that  I  have 
been  afflicted;  that  I  might  learn  thy 
statutes. 

72  The  law  of  thy  mouth  is  i  better 
unto  me  than  thousands  of  gold  and  sil- 
ver. 

[Practical  Observations. '\ 


n  17:10.  73:7.  Is.  6:10.  Acts  28: 

27. 
0  16,35.  40:8.    Rom.  7:22. 
p  67.  94:12,13.  Is.  27:9.    1  Cor. 


11:32. 
q  14,111,127,162.  19:10.  Prov.  5; 
14,15.  8:10,11,19.   16:16.  Matt. 
13:44-^6. 


plishment  of  them.  Thus  they  often  find  the 
sweetest  comforts  when  they  are  most  afflicted: 
for  as  the  sacred  word  was  the  instrument,  by 
which  they  were  "quickened  when  dead  in  tres- 
passes and  sins;"  so  the  Comforter  revives  and 
cheers  them,  when  they  are  ready  to  faint  under 
trials,  by  giving  them  cordials  from  the  same  un- 
failing resource. — Infidels,  Pharisees,  covetous 
men,  libertines,  and  all  the  sons  of  pride  and  re- 
bellion, will  deride  as  visionaries  and  enthusiasts 
those,  who  thus  speak  of  communion  with  God 
and  joy  in  him:  but  we  must  not  on  that  account 
"decline  from  his  word."  [JVote,  I  Joh7i  1:3,4.) 
The  remembrance  of  his  judgments  of  old  on  the 
despisers  of  his  servants,  and  his  deliverance  of 
them  from  trouble,  may  give  us  comfort  under 
such  contempt:  and  the  prospect  of  that  perdition 
which  awaits  the  impenitent,  may  well  fill  us 
with  horror  whenever  we  think  of  them,  and  turn 
all  our  resentment  into  compassion  and  prayers 
for  them. — The  believer  dwells  on  earth,  in  the 
body,  as  in  "the  house  of  his  pilgrimage;"  ere 
long  we  will  be  "absent  from  the  body  and  pres- 
ent with  the  Lord:"  in  the  mean  time  the  word 
and  works  of  God  supply  him  with  subjects  for 
joyful  meditation  and  grateful  praise.  In  the 
season  of  affliction,  and  in  the  silent  hours  of  the 
night,  he  remembers  the  name  of  his  God,  and  is 
thus  animated  to  cheerful  obedience:  and  the 
Lord  graciously  recompenses  these  services,  by 
rendering  the  observance  of  his  precepts  daily 
more  easy  and  pleasant. — Who  can  be  sufficiently 
thankful,  that  sinners,  when  penitent,  may  re- 
joice in  the  infinite  and  all  sufficient  God,  and 
hope  that  he  will,  to  all  eternitj',  employ  his  per- 
fections in  rendering  them  happy!  But  what  words 
can  express  the  folly  and  madness  of  those,  who 
prefer  this  present  world  as  their  portion,  though 
it  is  connected  with  the  everlasting  wrath  of  God! 
Yet  so  depraved  is  man,  that  we  are  all  disposed 
to  make  this  wretched  choice;  and  special  grace 
alone  can  enable  us  to  say  from  our  experience, 
"Thou  art  my  Portion,  O  Lord;  I  have  said,  that 
I  will  keep  thy  words."  Yet  surely  the  favor  of 
the  Almighty  is  worthy  of  being  "entreated  with 
our  whole  heart;"  we  cannot  be  too  instant  with 
him  to  be  "merciful  unto  us  according  to  his 
word:"  and  no  one  ever  thus  entreated  him  in 
vain. — We  should  frequently  think  on  our  ways, 
and  review  our  past  and  present  conduct  with 
great  accuracy,  comparing  all  our  thoughts, 
words,  and  works  with  the  law  of  God;  if  we 
would  either  perceive  our  urgent  want  of  the 
salvation  of  the  gospel,  or  our  need  of  repentance, 
and  of  turning  our  feet  into  the  ways  of  holy 
obedience.  [ATote,  Jam.  1:22 — 25.) — As  the  in- 
terests of  eternity  are  at  stake,  it  behoves  sinners 
to  make  haste  and  not  delay,  to  escape  from  the 
brink  of  that  tremendous  precipice,  on  which 
they  have  long  trifled;  and  the  believer  will  be 
equally  in  haste  to  obtain  assurance  of  his  safety, 
and  to  glorify  his  God  by  keeping  his  command- 
ments.— If  the  wicked  combine  to  defraud  us  of 


388] 


B.  C.  1017. 


PSALM  CXIX. 


B.  C.  1017. 


JOD. 

73  ^  Thy  hands  have  made  me  and 
fashioned  me:  "^give  me  understanding, 
"  that  I  may  learn  thy  commandments. 

74  They  that  ^  fear  thee  will  be  glad 
when  they  see  me;  because  >'  1  have 
hoped  in  thy  word. 

75*1  know,  O  Lord,  that  thy  judg- 
ments are  *  right,  and  that  *  thou  in  faith- 
fulness hast  afflicted  me. 


76  Let,   I 


pray 

s  100:3.   138:8.  139:14—16.    Job 

10:8—11. 
134,125,144,169.     1  Chr.  22:12. 

2  Chr.  2:12.   Job  32:8.   2  Tim. 

2:7.      1  John  5:20. 
u  111:10.  Jam.  3:13. 
X  79.   34:2—6.    66;  16.     Mai.  3: 

16. 
y  42,147.  108:7.    Gen.  32:11,12. 


thee,   ''thy  merciful 

Luke  21:33. 
z  7,62,128,160.  Deut.  32:4.   Job 

34:23.   Jer.  12:1. 
*  Heb.  righteousness.  Gen.  18: 

25.   Rom.  3:4,5. 
a  25:10.  89:30— 33.    Heb.  12:10, 

11. 
b  86:5.  106:4,5.     2  Cor.  1:3—5. 


our  property,  and  "the  proud  forge  lies"  against 
us;  we  should  be  rendered  the  more  obedient  and 
attentive  to  the  precepts  of  God,  that  we  may  en- 
sure the  true  riches,  and  live  down  calumny. — It 
argues  much  grace,  when  we  can  be  cheerful 
and  thankful  under  great  injuries,  without  being 
interrupted,  by  regretting  our  losses,  or  resenting 
ill  usage,  from  praising  the  Lord  for  all  his  right- 
eous judgments;  and  when  troubles  and  dangers, 
which  break  our  rest,  only  make  us  solace  our- 
selves the  more  with  thankfulness  for  our  remain- 
ing unmerited  mercies. — The  more  the  wicked 
hate  God's  people,  the  greater  union  should  sub- 
sist among  them;  that  they  may  comfort,  and 
edify,  and  pray  for  each  other.  (JVote,  John 
15:17 — 21.)  Thus  the  communion  of  saints  as- 
sists, as  well  as  evidences,  their  communion  with 
God.  In  this  grand  concern,  party-distinctions 
and  other  discriminations  should  be  but  little  re- 
garded: for  were  we  all  like  our  Master,  even  the 
saint  upon  a  throne  would  associate  with  the  saint 
in  a  cottage,  without  deducting  from  his  real  dig- 
nity, and  without  leading  his  poor  brother  to  neg- 
lect the  duties  of  his  inferior  station:  and  we 
should  all  prefer  the  company  of  the  meanest  and 
simplest  who  fear  God  and  keep  his  precepts, 
to  that  of  the  most  polished,  ingenious,  or  honor- 
able of  the  ungodly. — As  the  earth  is  filled  with 
the  unmerited  blessings  of  Providence,  and  with 
the  glad  tidings  of  free  salvation;  we  should  be 
instant  in  prayer  to  be  taught  the  statutes  of  the 
Lord,  that  our  hearts  also  may  be  filled  with  his 
merc}%  grace,  and  peace:  and  repetitions  in  our 
requests  will  not  be  condemned,  unless  tliey  are 
vain  and  unmeaning.  [JVote,  Matl.  6:7,8.) — Every 

East  mercy  of  God  to  his  servants,  according  to 
is  word,  encourages  them  to  pray  for  more  wis- 
dom and  grace;  that  "their  love  may  abound 
more  and  more  in  knowledge  and  in  all  judg- 
ment;" and  that  having  believed,  they  may  ex- 
perience the  happiness  of  keeping  God's  com- 
mandments.— To  the  reproach  of  our  fallen  na- 
ture, prosperity  commonly  produces  ungodliness; 
and  adversity  is  the  frequent  means  of  exciting 
men  to  the  consideration  of  religious  subjects. 
Many  have  said,  "Before  I  was  afflicted  I  went 
astray;  but  now  I  have  kept  tliy  word:"  and,  "It 
was  good  for  me,  that  I  was  afflicted,  that  I  might 
learn  thy  statutes."  This  should  reconcile  the 
afflicted  to  their  trials,  and  teach  them  to  improve 
them;  and  it  should  lead  us  all  to  leave  our  con- 
cerns to  the  disposal  of  God,  seeing  we  know  not 
what  is  good  for  us.  For  it  is  infinitely  better 
to  learn  by  sufferings  to  delight  in  God's  word, 
and  to  value  it  "more  than  tliousands  of  gold  and 
silver;"  than  by  prosperity  to  grow  callous,  and 
ripe  for  eternal  destruction But  liow  dreadful 


kindness  be  t  for  my   comfort,   according 
to  thy  word  unto  thy  servant. 

77  Let  *=  thy  tender  mercies  come 
unto  me,  that  I  may  live;  '^  for  thy  law  is 
my  delight. 

78  Let  *^  the  proud  be  ashamed;  for 
they  dealt  pervei'sely  with  me  ^  without 
a  cause:  but  s  I  will  meditate  in  thy  pre- 
cepts. 

79  Let  '•  those  that  fear  thee,  turn 
unto  me,  and  those  that  have  known  thy 
testimonies. 


t  Heb.  to  comfort  me. 

C   41.    51:1—3.     Lam.  3:22,23. 

Dan.  9:18. 
d  24,47,174.    1:2.     Heb.  8:10- 

12. 
e  21,51,85.   35:26. 


f  86.  7:3—5.  25:3.  35:7.  69:4, 
109:3.  1  Sam.  24:10—12,17. 
26:18.   John  16:25. 

g  23.  1:2. 

h  03,74.  7:7.  142:7. 


is  the  case  of  those  who  are  hardened  in  sin,  even 
in  the  furnace  of  affliction!  Let  us  then  still  be- 
seech our  God,  "who  is  good,  and  doeth  good,"  to 
teach  us  his  statutes,  and  to  incline  our  hearts  to 
faith,  obedience  with  the  patience  of  hope,  and 
submission  to  his  holy  will. 

NOTES. 

V.  73.  '  "Thy  hands  have  made  and  establish- 
'ed  me:  make  me  wise,  and  I  shall  learn  thy 
'commandments;"  and  thus  be  capable  of  answer- 
'ing  the  grand  purpose  of  my  creation.'  (J^Iars^. 
Ref.—J^otes,  124,125.  100:3.  139:13— 1«.  Jo6  10: 
8—13.) 

V.  74.  'It  will  be  a  great  comfort  and  encour- 
'agement  to  all  good  men,  when  they  see  me  de- 
'livered  out  of  all  these  troubles:  for  thereby 
'they  will  be  confirmed  in  their  belief  of  thy 
'faithfulness  to  thy  promises;  on  which,  it  will  ap- 
'pear,  that  I  have  not  vainly  depended,  though 
'I  stay  long  for  the  performance.'  Bp.  Patricks 
— David's  cheerfulness  under  his  trials,  also,  was 
suited  to  comfort  the  hearts  of  those  pious  per- 
sons who  witnessed  it.     (JVbto,  32:6,7.  34:4 — 6.) 

V.  75.  'AH  these  dispensations  of  thy  Prov- 
'idence,  in  the  heavy  afflictions  which  have  be- 
'fallen  me,  are  perfectly  rigliteous,  and  will  only 
'make  thy  truth  and  faithfulness  at  last  the  more 
'illustrious.'  Bp.  Patrick.  [Xotes.,  Deut.  32:3,4. 
Jer.  12:1—4.  Lam.  3:21— 36.)— It  should  also  be 
noted,  that  chastening  is  a  promised  blessing  to 
the  children  of  God;  who  are  bound  to  own  the 
fulfilment  of  the  promise,  while  enduring  the  sal- 
utary discipline.   (71.  Jfotes,  67,68.) 

V.  76.  The  persuasion  that  sin  is  pardoned 
and  God  reconciled;  with  peace  in  the  heart  and 
conscience  by  the  power  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  ac- 
cording to  (he  promises  of  Scripture;  will  make 
the  behever  comfortable  even  before  his  trials 
are  removed.  For  this  David  prayed,  as  well  as 
for  deliverance.  [JVotes,  41,42,  25:10,11.  106:4, 
5.) 

V.  77.  Without  pardoning  mercy,  the  sinner 
remains  under  the  sentence  of  eternal  punisli- 
ment;  and  without  experiencing  the  tender  com- 
passion of  God,  tlic  believer  lias  little  enjoyment 
of  life  here,  or  hope  of  eternal  life  hereafter:  but 
those  who  now  deliglit  in  the  law  of  God,  will 
surely  at  last  rejoice  in  his  tender  mercies. 
[Marg.  Rcf.—jYvtes,  Jer.  31:33,34.  Rom.  7:22— 
25.) 

V.  78,  79.  Or,  "The  proud  shall  be  ashamed, 
&c."  "Those  who  fear  thee,  and  liave  known 
thy  testimonies,  shall  be  turned  to  me."  (JVote-i, 
19—23,85.  25:21,'22.  35:25—28.  142:7.)  It  may 
be  considered  as  the  language  of  assured  hope, 
rather  than  of  prayer.     Many  other  verses  mav 


B.  C.  1017. 


PSALM  CXIX. 


B.  C.  1017 


80  Let  my  heart  be  *  sound  in  thy 
statutes;   ^  that  I  be  not  ashamed. 

CAPH. 

81  My  soul  '  fainteth  for  thy  salvation; 
^  but  I  hope  in  thy  word. 

82  Mine  "  eyes  fail  for  thy  word,  say- 
ing,  "When  wilt  thou  comfort  me? 

83  For  I  am  become  p  like  a  bottle 
in  the  smoke;  ''  yet  do  I  not  forget  thy 
statutes. 

84  ^  How  many  are  the  days  of  thy 
servant.'*  '  when  wilt  thou  execute  judg- 
ment on  them  that  persecute  me? 

85  The  ^  proud  have  digged  pits  for 
me,   "  which  are  not  after  thy  law. 


i  25:2J.  3-2:2.     2  Chr.  12:14.   15: 

17.  25:2.  31:20,21.   Prov.  4:23. 

John  1:47.  2  Cor.  1:12. 
k  6.  25:2,3.  1  John  2:28. 
1    20,40.     42:1,2.     73:26.     84:2. 

Cant.  5:8.    Rev.  3:15,16, 
m   See  on  42,77,114. 
n  123.  69:3.  Deut.  23:32.  Prov. 

13:12.   Is.  33:14. 


o  86:17.  90:13—15. 

p  22:15.   102:3,4.     Job  30:30. 

q  16,61,176. 

r  39:4,5.  89:47,48.  90:12.  Job  7: 

6—3. 
s  7:6.   Rev.  6:10,11. 
t  73.  7:15.  35:7.  36:11.     Prov. 

16:27.  Jer.  18:20. 
u  53:1,2. 


I  86  All  "  thy  commandments  are  *  faith- 
ful; y  they  persecute  me  wrongfully;  ^  help 
thou  me. 

87  They  had  ^  almost  consumed  me 
^  upon  earth;  *"  but  I  forsook  not  thy  pre- 
cepts. 

88  "^  Quicken  me  after  thy  loving-kind- 
ness; *  so  shall  I  keep  the  testimony  of 
thy  mouth. 

LAMED. 

89  ^  For  ever,  O  Lobd,  thy  word  is 
settled  in  heaven. 

90  Thy  s  faithfulness  is  ^  unto  all 
generations:  ^  thou  hast  estabhshed  the 
earth,  and  it  *  abideth. 

X  138,142,161 


19:9.  Rom.  7:12 
*  Heh. faithfulness. 
y78.  7:1— 5.  35:7,19.  38:19.  59 

3,4.    Jer.  18:20. 
z  70:5.   142:4 — 6.   143:9. 
a  1  Sam.  20:3.  23:26,27.   2  Sam 

17:16. 
b  Matt.  10:28. 
c  51,61.     1  Sam.  24:3,7.    26:9 

24. 


d  i5,40,159. 

e  2,146.  25:10.  78:5.   132:12. 

f  152,160.     Matt.  5:18.  24:36.   1 

Pet.  1:25.  2  Pet,  3:13. 
g  Deut.  7:9.  Mic.  7:20. 
f  Heb.   to  generation  and  gen- 

eratton.  89:1,2.    ]00:5.    marg. 
h  89:11.  93:1.    104:5.     Job  38:4 

—7.     2  Pet.  3:5—7. 
\  Heb.  siandeth. 


be  read  in  the  same  manner.  'David  beseecheth 
'God,  if  any  good  men  had  been  alienated  from 
'him,  either  through  fear,  prejudice,  or  offence, 
'that  they  might  return  to  him,  join,  and  ac- 
'knowledge  him.'  Bp.  Home.  The  effect  of  con- 
fident and  plausible  false  accusations,  either  in 
the  time  of  Saul,  or  during  Absalom's  rebellion, 
in  prejudicing  even  pious  persons  against  him, 
were  probably  in  David's  mind;  but  his  words 
are  applicable  to  slandered,  yet  conscientious  be- 
lievers, in  every  age. 

V.  80.  The  word  rendered  "sound,"  signifies 
perfections.  Soundness  of  heart  denotes  strict 
integrity  and  sincerity,  in  professed  dependence 
on  God  and  devotedness  to  him;  and  this  is  op- 
posed to  every  kind  and  degree  of  hypocrisy  or 
indecision:  as  the  vigorous  appearance,  which 
springs  from  a  firm  and  healthy  constitution,  dif- 
fers from  that  corpulenc)'  and  florid  complexion, 
frequently  attending  some  fatal  diseases,  or  a  de- 
cay of  the  vital  parts.  (J^Totes,  25:21.26:9 — 11. 
John  1:47 — 51.  Jam.  1:5 — 8.  1  John  2:26 — 29.  3: 
18 — 24.)  Witliout  this  soundness  of  heart,  men 
professing  godliness  will  at  last  be  put  to  shame, 
either  in  this  world,  or  in  the  day  of  judgment. 
or  in  both.  [JVotes,  Dan.  12:2,3.  Rom.  5:3— 
5.) 

V.  81,  82.  Some  think  that  David  here  spoke 
the  language  of  the  ancient  church,  as  waiting 
for  the  coming  of  the  promised  Messiah,  "the  Sal- 
vation of  God,"  and  the  Consolation  of  Israel. 
But  he  seems  rather  to  have  expressed  the  state 
of  his  mind;  while  he  expected  to  be  delivered 
by  his  merciful  God,  from  his  sins,  his  foes,  and 
his  fears.  Nothing  short  of  this  could  satisfy  his 
soul:  for  this  he  longed,  and  hoped  on  the  ground 
of  God's  promises.  But  "hope  deferred  made  his 
heart  sick"  and  faint;  and  his  eyes  were  fatigued, 
and  failed,  in  looking  out  for  the  tokens  and 
comforts  of  this  expected  salvation;  as  all  know 
to  be  the  case,  when  they  long  and  look  in  vain, 
for  the  arrival  of  some  expected  and  much  loved 
friend.  (J^otes,  19—21,40—42.  13:1—4.  42:1—3. 
84:1,2.  Cant.  2:5.) 

V.  83.  Bottles  made  of  skins  would  shrivel  up, 
and  become  unsightly  and  useless,  by  hanging  in 
the  heat  and  smoke.  Thus  David  seemed  to  him- 
self to  have  become  useless  and  despicable, 
through  the  infirmities  of  age,  and  his  manifold 
trials  and  sufferings.  (JVofe.i,  102:3 — II.  Job  30: 
390] 


1 25—31.  Matt.  9: 16,17.)— 'My  skin  ...  is  shrivelled 
'up  with  toil  and  grief;  and  yet  I  have  never 
'taken  any  unlawful  course  to  rid  myself  of  all 
'this  misery.'  Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  84.  David  here  either  inquired  how  long 
the  Lord  would  permit  his  servant  to  be  thus  af- 
flicted; or,  whether  he  meant  him  to  spend  all 
his  remaining  days  under  persecution;  and  to 
close  his  life,  without  seeing  God  arise  to  plead 
his  cause,  and  avenge  him  on  his  unrighteous 
persecutors.  (JVbfes,  89:46— 48.  90:13— 17.)  The 
time  seemed  long,  from  Samuel's  anointing 
David  to  the  kingdom,  till  God.  by  inflicting  judg- 
ment on  his  persecutors,  fulfilled  his  promises: 
especially  as  it  was  spent  in  very  great  dangers 
and  hardships.  [Marg.  Re/.) 

V.  85.  In  order  to  take  the  wild  beasts,  in 
those  countries  where  they  abound,  they  dig 
deep  pits,  and  cover  them  over  carefully  with 
turf,  supported  by  slender  twigs:  and  the  wild 
beasts  attempting  to  walk  over  these  pits  fall  in, 
and  are  taken  alive.  Thus  David's  enemies  em- 
ployed craft,  as  well  as  power,  for  his  ruin;  with- 
out regard  to  the  law  of  God,  nay,  in  direct  con- 
tempt of  it.  {JVotes,  78,79.  7:14—16.  35:4—9.  36: 
10,11.  Prov.  16:27.  Jer.  18:19,'20.) 

V.  86.  The  Psalmist  contrasts  the  command- 
ments of  God,  as  requiring  truth  and  faithful- 
ness; with  the  unfaithful  and  iniquitous  conduct 
of  his  persecutors:  and  this  encourages  his  hope 
and  prayer  for  deliverance. — "All  thy  command- 
ments are  truth."  (JVbte*,  66,142.  7:1 — 5.  Matt. 
5:10—12.  Luke  6:21— 23.  1  Pet.  4:12—16.) 

V.  87.  [Jlarg.  Re/.— JVotes,  94:16—18.  124:J 
— 3.  2  Cor.  1:8 — 11.)  David,  when  persecuted 
by  Saul,  narrowly  escaped  with  his  life:  yet  he 
adhered  to  the  precepts  of  God,  and  would  not 
injure  Saul,  when  he  had  him  in  his  power,  who 
so  "wrongfully  persecuted"  him.  [JVotes,  1  Sam. 
23:26—28.  24:4—15.  26:5—12.) 

V.  88.  'Preserve  my  life,  raise  me  from  this 
'death-like  condition,  animate  me  by  thy  grace; 
'that  I  may  keep  thy  testimonies.'  (JVotes,  23,40, 
159.) 

V.  89,  90.  Or,  ''Thou  art  for  ever,  O  Lord; 
thy  word,  &c."  "The  word  of  God  is  as  unchange- 
able and  everlasting  as  his  own  existence.  It 
is  established  "in  the  heavens,"  beyond  the  reach 
of  the  revolutions  of  this  lower  world:  and  its  ac- 
complishment is  as  certain,  as  the  motions  of  the 


B.  C.  1017. 


PSALM  CXiX. 


B.  C.  1017. 


91  They  ■  continue  this  day  accord- 
ing to  thine  ordinances;  for  ^  all  are  thy 
servants. 

92  Unless  '  thy  law  had  been  my  de- 
lights, '"  I  should  then  have  perished  in 
mine  affliction. 

93  I  "  will  never  forget  thy  precepts; 
for  with  them  thou  hast  quickened  me. 


i  148:5,6.     Gen.  8:22.   Is.  48:13. 

Jer.  33:25. 
k   Deut.  4:19.     Josh.    10:12,13. 

Judff.  5:20.    Matt.  5:45.  8:9. 


1  24,77,143.    Rom.  15:4. 
m   27:13.   94:18,19.     Prov.  6:22, 
23. 
n  16,50.  John  6:63.   1  Pel.  1:23. 


heavenly  bodies,  which  are  not  at  all  aiFected  by 
the  convulsions  and  vicissitudes  of  tlie  earth  and 
its  inhabitants.  {JIarg.  Ref. — Jfotes,  Col.  3:1 — 
4.  1  Pet.  1:3—5.) 

V.  91.  The  heavens  and  earth,  and  all  the  hosts 
of  them,  still  keep  their  station  or  perform  their 
courses,  according  to  the  original  appointment  of 
the  Creator:  and  shall  man,  who  alone  is  endued 
with  reason  and  formed  for  immortality,  be  single 
in  rebellion  against  him.'  (JVbto,  Oen.  8:20 — 22. 
9:9—17.  Deut.  4:19.  Is.  48:12—15.) 

V.  92.  David  delighted  to  study  the  word  of 
God:  he  took  pleasure  in  the  truths,  promises, 
and  precepts  contained  in  it:  and  thus  he  was 
preserved  from  sinking  under  the  weight  of  his 
troubles.  He  was  directed  how  to  act  in  the 
most  difficult  circumstances,  and  escape  the  de- 
structive machinations  of  his  enemies;  end  he  de- 
rived encouragement  from  tlie  word  of  God  in 
the  most  afllictive  situations.  {JVotes,  27:13.  94: 
16—19.) 

V.  93.  The  benefit  which  the  Psalmist  had 
hitherto  derived  from  the  precepts  of  the  sacred 
word,  by  means  of  which  he  had  been  made  alive 
to  God,  and  animated  in  his  service,  greatly  en- 
deared them  to  him;  and  having  hid  them  in  his 
heart,  he  was  persuaded  he  should  never  forget 
them.  'God  relieveth  and  "quickeneth"  us, 
'sometimes  with  one  part  of  his  word,  sometimes 
'with  another.  Now  when  we  have  found  our- 
'selves  thus  benefited,  at  any  time,  by  a  particu- 
'lar  passage  of  holy  writ,  we  sliould  "never  for- 
'get,"  but  remember  and  treasure  it  up  in  our 
'mrnds,  against  a  like  occasion,  when  the  same 
'affliction  or  temptation  may  again  befal  us.' 
Bp.  Home.  {JVotes,  50—53.  Jam.  1:16—18,  v. 
18.  1  Pet.  1:23—25,  v.  23.) 

V.  94.  'He  proveth  by  effect,  that  he  is  God's 
'child;  because  he  seeketh  to  understand  his 
'word.' — 'Let  it  be  remembered,  that  no  man  can 
'say  to  Gijd,  with  a  good  conscience,  "I  am 
'thine;"  unless  he  can  also  go  on  and  say,  "I  have 
'sought  thy  precepts;"  I  desire  to  serve,  and  obey 
'thee  alone:  ...  since,  after  all,  "his  servants  we 
'are  to  whom  we  obey:"  and  if  sin  be  our  master, 
'how  can  we  say  to  a  Master,  whose  interest  is 
'directly  opposite,  "I  am  thine.'"  '  Bp.  Home. 
(173,174.  JSTotes,  159,166.  Rom.  6:16—19.) 

V.  95.  Amidst  the  virulent  persecution  of  the 
wicked,  the  Psalmist  considered  and  meditated 
on  the  sure  testimonies  of  God,  or  his  truths  and 
promises;  till  his  fears  were  allayed,  and  his  heart 
was  established  in  confidence  and  obedience. 
(JVbte*,  2,3,11— 14,111.  19:7—11.) 

V.  96.  'David  in  his  time  had  seen  Goliath  the 
'strongest  overcome,  Asahel  the  swiftest  over- 
'taken,  Ahithophel  the  wisest  befooled,  and  Absa- 
«lom  the  fairest  deformed.'  Henry.  He  had  seen 
the  vanity  of  all  created  good;  the  vexation  of  that 
estate  which  men  account  the  summit  of  earthly 
bliss;  the  imperfection  of  the  most  accomplished 
human  characters;  the  wretched  close  of  the  most 


I      94  °  I  am  thine;  save  me:  p  for  I  have 

j  sought  thy  precepts. 

I  95  The  ^  wicked  have  waited  for  me 
to  destroy  me;  hut  ""  I  will  consider  thy 
testimonies. 

96  1  have  ^  seen  an  end  of  all  perfec- 
tion; hut  ^  thy  commandment  is  exceed- 

mg   broad.  [Practical  Observations.] 

o86:2.  Josh.  I0:'t— 6.  Is.  41:8— 

10.  44:2,5.  64:8—10.    Acts  27: 

23,24. 
p  27,40,173. 
q    61,69,85—87.   10:8—10.  27:2. 

37:32.    38:12.      1  Sam.  23:20— 


23.    2  Sam.  17:1—4.  Matt.  26: 
3—5.   Acts  12:11.  23:21.   25:3. 


r  24,31,111,125,129,167. 

s  39:5,6.      1  Sam.  9:2.   17:8,49— 

51.    31:4,5.      2  Sam.  14:25.   16: 

23.   17:23.   13:14,17.    Ec.  1:2,3. 

2:11.  7:20.    12:8. 
t  19:7,8.    Matt.  5:28.  22:37—40. 

Mark  12:29—34.   Rom.  7:7,1-2, 

14.    Heb.  4:12,13. 


prosperous  lives;  and  the  miserable  disappoint- 
ment of  those,  who  trusted  in  men,  or  idolized 
earthly  possessions  and  enjoyments.  The  more 
he  was  acquainted  with  men  and  worldly  things, 
the  deeper  was  his  conviction,  that  the  former 
were  imperfect  at  best,  and  the  latter  wholly  in- 
sufficient to  make  him  happy:  but  the  fuller 
knowledge  he  attained  of  the  sacred  Scriptures, 
the  more  excellent,  extensive,  and  complete  they 
appeared;  a  perfect  rule  for  his  conduct  and 
ground  for  his  hope,  a  guide  to  happiness,  and  a, 
source  of  present  comfort.  Or,  the  passage  may 
mean,  that  the  more  fully  the  Psalmist  under- 
stood the  extent,  spirituality,  and  excellence  of 
the  divine  law;  the  more  clearly  he  discerned  the 
imperfection  of  all  human  obedience.  "By  tlie 
law  is  the  knowledge  of  sin;"  the  breadth  of  the 
commandment  shews  the  scantiness  of  man's  best 
righteousness,  and  recommends  the  righteousness 
of  the  Redeemer,  as  alone  commensurate  with  its 
extensive  and  holy  requirements:  (JS'otes,  Mark 
12:28—34.  Rom.  3:19,20.  7:7—12.)  and  the  whole 
word  of  God  shall  'endure  for  ever,  when  all 
things  on  earth  shall  come  to  an  end  and  perish. 
[Jfote,  1  Pet.  1:23—25.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
V.  73—96. 
The  Lord  has  "made  us  and  fashioned  us"  ca- 
pable, by  the  faculties  of  our  rational  souls,  of 
knowing,  loving,  worshipping  and  enjoying  him; 
but  we  are  as  fallen  creatures  become  incapable, 
by  the  blindness  of  our  understandings,  and  the 
depravity  of  our  hearts,  of  this  emplo\'ment  and 
felicity.  Yet  the  gospel  opens  a  way  for  our  re- 
covery to  the  image  of  God,  and  the  capacity  of 
his  service  and  favor:  we  ought  therefore  continu- 
ally to  beseech  him  by  his  Holy  Spirit,  to  give  us 
understanding,  that  we  may  learn  and  do  his  will; 
and  our  prayers  will  be  prevalent,  when  they 
spring  from  a  humble  desire  of  being  enabled  by 
his  grace,  to  answer  the  end  of  our  creation  and 
redemption. — Those,  who  fear  and  serve  God, 
love  to  associate  togetlier,  and  to  converse  con- 
cerning their  common  faith  and  hope  in  his  word: 
but  they  are  especially  rejoiced,  when  they  see 
such  as  have  trusted  in  the  promises  of  God  un- 
der very  severe  trials,  and  have  been  delivered; 
because  this  relieves  their  fears  and  encourages 
their  hopes.  [JVote,  34:4 — 6.) — It  is  easy  to  ac- 
knowledge that  "all  the  judgments  of  God  are 
right,"  with  reference  to  others:  but  to  be  fully 
assured  of  this  truth,  when  his  afflicting  hand  lies 
heavy  on  us;  and  to  allow  his  wisdom,  justice, 
goodness,  and  faithfulness;  under  our  acutcst  suf- 
ferings, is  no  common  attainment  even  among 
true  believers:  and  as  far  as  this  assurance  pre- 
vails, we  shall  be  preserved  from  repining,  and 
rendered  thankful  and  submissive  under  every 
trial.  It  is,  however,  evident,  not  only  tliat  God 
is  faithful  and  merciful,  though  he  afflict  his  peo- 
ple: but  that  "he  afflicts  them  in  faithfulness  and 

[391 


B.  C.   1017. 


PSALM  GXIX. 


B.  C.  1017, 


MExM. 

97  "Oh,  how  love  I  thy  law!  it  is  my 
meditation  all  the  day. 

98  Thou  "  through  thy  command- 
ments hast  made  me  wiser  than  mine  en- 
emies: for  *  they  are  ever  with  me. 


u    48,113,127,159,165,167.      1:2. 

5,14,30.      Prov.  2:6.    Col.  3:16 

Deut.  6.6— 9.   17:19.  Josh.  ];3. 

*  Heb.  it  iS  ever -wtth  me.    11 

Prov.  2:10.   13:1. 

30,105.   Jam.  1:25. 

X    lO-l.     Deut.  4:6.     1  Sam.  18: 

mercy;"  such  loving  corrections  are  promised  in 
his  covenant,  and  without  them  we  should  be 
ruined.  But,  while  we  are  taltiiig-  these  needful, 
but  unpleasant  medicines;  we  may  beg  of  the 
Lord  that  his  merciful  kindness  may  be  for  our 
comfort:  and  faith,  patience,  and  prayer,  will 
surely  make  way  for  the  consolations  of  the  Holy 
Spirit.  The  abundant  mercies  and  tender  com- 
passions of  our  Father  come  to  all,  who  trust  in 
him  and  delight  in  his  law:  and  they  shall  neither 
sink  in  trouble,  nor  be  finally  baffled  by  tempta- 
tion; for  as  their  Redeemer  lives,  they  shall  live 
also,  even  for  ever  and  ever. — The  pride  and 
blasphemy,  the  perverseness,  iniquity,  oppres- 
sion, and  deceit  of  the  enemies  of  God,  are  cer- 
tain forerunners  of  their  confusion  and  destruc- 
tion: and  while  his  servants  "meditate  on  his  tes- 
timonies," they  may  despise  the  boastings,  mena- 
ces, and  insults  of  those,  who  hate  them  for 
righteousness'  sake.  Indeed  it  is  best,  in  such 
circumstances,  to  live  retired,  and  to  commune 
with  our  God,  our  Bible,  and  our  own  hearts;  lest 
we  be  engaged  in  contentions,  which  produce 
only  sin  and  sorrow.  But  when  those  who  "fear 
God,  and  have  known  his  righteous  judgments," 
imbibe  jealousies  and  prejudices,  and  become  re- 
served, or  oppose  us,  the  trial  is  very  heavy.  We 
ought,  however,  to  examine  our  conduct,  and  be 
humbled  for  those  sins  and' indiscretions,  which 
may  have  occasioned  this  unfavorable  opinion 
concerning  us:  and  we  should  then  apply  to  him, 
who  has  all  hearts  in  his  hand,  beseeching  him  to 
turn  them  unto  us,  that  they  may  counsel  and 
comfort  us  in  our  difficulties.  Above  all,  we 
should  pray  for  "a  sound  heart"  in  God's  statutes: 
and  then  all  aspersions  or  suspicious  appearan- 
ces will  vanish  in  due  time,  and  our  disgrace  will 
terminate  in  honor,  either  here  or  in  a  better 
world.  {J\'otes,  37:5—8,32,33.  Rom.  8:32—39.) 
But  shame  will  be  the  lot  of  hypocrites,  more  than 
of  any  other  workers  of  iniquity. — Happy  are 
those,  who  long  for  the  salvation  of  God,  and  hope 
in  his  word,  waiting  for  the  performance  of  his 
promises,  in  attendance  on  his  ordinances,  and 
obedience  to  his  precepts.  Their  intense  de- 
sires, and  sharp  trials,  may  make  their  souls 
ready  to  faint;  and  delays  may  cause  their  eyes 
to  fail,  while  they  are  saying,  "When  wilt  thou 
comfort  'me.'"'  Afflictions,  slanders,  infirmities, 
and  persecutions  may  render  them  despised,  and 
thrown  aside  as  a  broken  vessel,  or  "a  bottle  in 
the  smoke:"'  but  as  they  do  not  forget  God's  stat- 
utes, he  will  not  be  regardless  of  tlieir  distresses. 
The  days  of  their  mourning  shall  be  ended: 
though  tliey  appear  tedious,  they  are  but  for  a 
moment,  compared  with  that  eternal  felicity, 
which  they  are  working  out  for  them:  and  at 
length  vengeance  will  be  executed  on  all,  who 
harassed  and  tried  to  ensnare  them,  in  defiance  of 
the  authority  and  law  of  God. — The  command- 
ments are  true  and  faithful  guides  in  that  path  of 
peace  and  safety,  which  the  testimony  of  God  re- 
veals, and  his  promise  secures,  to  every  believer. 
— J^ature  is  most  disquieted  by  suffering  wrong- 
fully: hut  faith  and  grace  are  encouraged  by  tliat 
very  consideration;  for  we  cannot  so  confidently 
expect  help  from  God,  v/hen  we  suffer  as  evil- 
doei-s,  as  wlien,  like  our  Master,  we  "do  well  and 
392]         ' 


99  I  have  more  understanding  ^  than 
all  my  teachers:  ^  for  thy  testimonies  are 
my  meditation. 

100  I  '^  understand  more  than  the  an- 
cients,  ^  because  I  keep  thy  precepts. 


y  2  Sam  15:24—26.  1  Chr.  15: 
11—13.  2  Chr.  29:15,&c.  30: 
22.  Jer.  2:8.  8:8,9.  Matt.  11: 
25.  13:11.  15:6—9,14.  23:24, 
&c.   Heb.  5:12. 


24.     2  Tim.  3:15— 17. 
a  1  Kings  12:6—15.     Job  12:12. 

15:9,10.   g2:4— 10. 
b  111:10.     Job  28:28.     Jer.  8:8, 

9.    Matt.  7:24.    Jam.  3:13. 


suffer  for  it."  {M)tes,  1  Pet.  3:17,18.  4:12—16.) 
— Wicked  men  may  almost  consume  the  believer 
on  earth;  but  as  neither  fear,  nor  dejection  under 
sufferings,  induce  him  to  forsake  the  divine  pre- 
cepts; so  the  Lord  will  support  him  in  obeying 
them,  and  deliver  him  out  of  all  his  troubles:  and 
should  men  prevail  to  kill  the  body,  they  will 
only  liberate  the  soul,  and  hasten  its  entrance  on 
unsullied  joys.  We  should  therefore  seek  in  the 
first  place  to  be  invigorated  and  animated,  by  the 
loving-kindness  of  the  Lord,  to  hold  fast  his  truth 
and  adhere  to  liis  precepts;  and  then  we  may 
cheerfully  leave  all  our  concerns  in  his  hands. 
For  the  engagements  of  his  covenant  are  estab- 
lished on  a  firmer  basis,  than  the  earth  itself:  his 
faithfulness  remains  to  all  generations,  and  to 
eternity:  and  all  the  hosts  of  heaven,  in  serving 
the  Lord  and  doing  his  will,  concur  in  accom- 
plishing his  promises  to  his  people.  May  we 
have  grace,  in  our  respective  places,  to  do  his  will 
in  like  manner:  then  we  may  be  sure,  that  we 
shall  not  perish  in  our  afflictions,  and  every  recol- 
lection of  his  precepts  will  animate  our  hopes,  and 
enliven  our  affections;  as  by  them  the  Lord  at 
first  quickened  us,  when  we  were  dead  in  sin. 
Thus  shall  we  know  that  we  are  the  Lord's,  by 
his  choice  and  purchase  of  us,  and  by  our  choice 
of  him  and  devotedness  to  him;  and,  while  we  are 
seeking  to  know  and  do  his  precepts,  and  consid- 
ering his  testimonies,  we  may  be  sure  of  his  sal- 
vation, however  the  wicked  and  the  wicked  one, 
Avait  for  us  to  destroy  us. — In  fine,  the  enlarged 
knowledge  of  the  word  of  God,  in  its  length  and 
breadth,  will  mar  our  relish  for  the  pleasures  of 
sin,  lessen  our  value  of  all  earthly  good,  and  take 
us  off  from  all  confidence  in  man,  or  in  our  own 
wisdom,  strength,  and  righteousness.  Thus  we 
shall  be  led  to  seek  our  comfort  and  felicity  from 
God  alone;  and  to  receive  Christ  Jesus,  as  "made 
of  God  unto  us,  Wisdom,  and  Righteousness,  and 
Sanctification,  and  Redemption."  Being  thus 
interested  in  his  perfect  obedience,  we  shall  learn 
to  copy  his  perfect  example;  and  shall  neither  be 
satisfied  with  an  imperfect  holiness,  nor  with  any 
portion,  which  is  not  vast  as  our  capacities  and 
durable  as  our  existence. 

NOTES. 

V.  97.  'He  sheweth  that  we  cannot  love  God's 
'word,  except  we  exercise  ourselves  therein,  and 
'practise  it.'  (JVo<e«,  15,23,24,1 13— 117.  1:1—3. 
Josh.  1:8.  Prov.  2:10,11.  18:1.) 

V.  98 — 100.  'The  "commandments"  of  God 
'were  "ever  with"  David;  the  "testimonies"  of 
'God  were  his  "meditation,"  and  "the  precepts" 
'of  God  it  was  his  care  to  "observe:"  therefore  his 
'wisdom  exceeded  the  policy  of  his  "enemies,'' 
'the  learning  of  his  "teachers,"  and  the  experi- 
'ence  of  the  "ancients." '  Bp.  Home.— -la  Da- 
vid's circumstances,  it  was  hardly  possible  that 
he  should  not  be  conscious  of  this;  seeing  every 
day's  experience  and  observation  confirmed  it. 
In  judging  thus,  he  thought  "soberly  of  himself 
and  as  he  ought  to  think;"  unless  he  "would  call 
good  evil,  and  evil  good,  and  put  light  for  dark- 
ness, and  darkness  for  light:"  {Jfote,  Is.  .5:20.) 
and  he  gave  the  whole  honor  of  his  proficiency 
to  God,   who  had  by  his  word  given  him  this 


B.  C.  1017 


PSALM  CXIX. 


B.  C.  1017. 


101  I  have  •=  refrained  my  feet  from 
every  evil  way,  that  I  might  keep  thy 
word. 

102  I  have  not  ''  departed  from  thy 
judgments;  '  for  thou  hast  taught  me. 

103  How  ^  sweet  are  thy  words  unto 
my  *  taste!  yea,  sweeter  than  honey  to 
my  mouth. 

104  °  Through  thy  precepts  I  get  un- 
derstanding: ^  therefore  I  hate  every 
'  false  way. 

NUN. 

105  Thy  ''word  is  a  t  lamp  unto  my 
feet,  and  a  hght  unto  my  path. 


C  59,60,104,1-28.   18:23.   Prov.  1: 

15.     Is.  63:6.    55:7.     Jer.  2:3fi. 

Tit.   2:11,12.     1  Pet.  2:1,2.  3: 

10,11. 
d  13:21.    Prov.  5:7.     Jer.  32:40. 
e  Eph.  4:20— -24.    1  Thes.  2:13. 

I  John  2:19,27. 
f  19:10.  63:5.     Pror.  3:17.  8:11. 

24:13,14.   Cant.  1:2—4.  5:1. 


*  Heb   palate. 

g  98,100. 

h  128.  36:4.  97:10.  101:3.   Prov. 

8:13.   Am.  5:15.   Rom.  12:9, 
i  29,30.     Prov.  14:12.     Matt.  7: 

13. 
k  19:8.  43:3.     Prov.  6:23.  Eph. 

5:13.     2  Pet.  1:19. 
f  Or,  candle.    18:28.    Job  29:3. 


*good  understanding  in  the  way  of  godliness.'  It 
would  not,  however,  be  expedient  for  anj'  man  to 
speak  tJms  of  himself,  except  for  some  special 
purpose:  but  "the  Spirit  of  God  spake"  by  the 
jPsalmist;  and  it  was  proper  that  this  high  com- 
mendation of  the  Scriptures  should  stand  on  rec- 
ord, for  the  honor  of  God,  and  the  instruction  of 
mankind  in  all  subsequent  generations.  [Jibte,  2 
Tim.  3:14—17.) 

V.  101.  M}les,  57—63,104,128.  1:1—3.  Jer.  14: 
10—12.  Tit.  2:11—14. 

V.  102.  (JVbte,  33.)  'Perseverance  is  the  effect 
*of  instruction  from  above,  by  the  Spirit  through 
*the  word:  and  our  heavenly  Teacher  differeth 
'from  all  others  in  this,  that,  with  the  lesson,  he 
'bestoweth  on  the  scholar  iDOth  a  disposition  to 
'learn,  and  an  ability  to  perform.'  Bp.  Home. 
{JVbtes,  2  Sam.  22:21- -28.  Jer.  32:39—41.  Jlatt. 
11:28—30.  John  6:41—46.  1  John  2:18—25.) 

V.  103.  'The  soul  has  its  "taste,"  as  well  as 
'the  body;  and  that  taste  is  then  in  right  order, 
"when  the  "words"  of  scripture  are  "sweet"  to 
'the  soul,  as  "honey"  is  to  the  mouth.  If  they  are 
'not  always  so,  it  is  because  our  taste  is  vitiated 
'by  the  world  and  the  flesh.'  Bp.  Home.  [Mars;. 
Re/.—JiTotes,  66.  19:7—11.  Job  23:8— 12,  i-.  12. 
Pr<M).  24:13,14.  Jer.  15:15—18.  Heb.  5:11  —  14.  1 
Pet.  2:1—3.) 

V.  1 04.  A  full  and  clear  knowledge  of  the  pre- 
cepts of  the  divine  law,  in  their  extent,  spiritual- 
ity, and  excellence,  is  an  introduction  to  a  right 
understanding  of  the  gospel,  and  indeed  of  the 
whole  scripture;  it  is  the  best  preservative  from 
heresies  and  delusions,  almost  all  of  which  may 
be  traced  to  errors  or  ignorance  in  this  respect: 
and  where  the  heart,  as  well  as  the  mind,  has 
learned  the  precepts  of  God,  a  holy  taste,  as  well 
as  a  sound  judgment,  will  be  the  sure  effect;  and 
every  false  and  evil  way  will  be  hated  and  shun- 
ned. ( JVb<e*,  97: 10.  Ex. '2.0:1.  Prov.  8:13.  Am. 
5:14,15.) 

V.  105.  'The  word  of  God  discovereth  to  us 
'our  errors;  it  sheweth  us  where  we  lost  our  way, 
'and  how  we  may  recover  it  again.  If  we  take 
'this  "lamp"  in  our  hand,  it  will  not  only  point 
'out  our  course  in  general,  but  also  direct  us  in 
'every  step,  and  guide  our  "feet"  into  the  "path" 
'of  hoHness  and  peace.'  Bp.  Ho>-ne. — The  meta- 
phor is  taken  from  a  man  walking  on  a  dangerous 
road,  in  the  dark,  except  as  he  sees  by  a  lamp,  or 
lantern,  where  to  set  his  feet,  step  by  step,  as  he 

Vol.  III.  50 


106  I  have  '  sworn,  and  I  will  per- 
form it,  "  that  I  will  keep  thy  righteous 
judgments. 

107  I  am  °  afflicted  very  much: 
°  quicken  me,  O  Lord,  according  unto 
thy  word. 

108  P  Accept,  I  beseech  thee,  the  free- 
vvill-ofFerings  of  my  mouth,  O  Lord,  and 
1  teach  me  thy  judgments. 

109  'My  soul  is  continually  in  my 
hand;  ^  yet  do  I  not  forget  thy  law. 

110  The  'wicked  have  laid  a  snare 
for  me;  "  yet  I  erred  not  from  thy  pre- 
cepts. 

111  *  Thy   testimonies  have  I  taken 


156:12.66:13,14.  2  Chr.  15:13, 
14.  Neb.  10:29.  Ec.  6:4,5. 
Matt.  5:33.     2  Cor.  8:5. 

m  115.  2  Kings  23:3. 

n6:l— 3.  22:14—18.  34:19. 

o-25,{;8.   143:11. 

p  Num.  29:39.  Hos.  14:-2.  Heb. 
13:15. 

q  12,26,130,169. 

r  Jiulg.  12:3.    I  Sam.  19:5.  20:3. 


Job  13:14      Rom.  8:36.    1  Cor. 

16:31.     2  Cor.  11:23. 
s  n;},l  17,153. 
t  85.    10  8—10.    1-24:6,7.  140:5. 

141  9.     .ler.  18:2-2. 
u  61,87,95.  Dan.  6:10.  Luke  iO: 

19—26. 
X  14,127,162.   16:6.     Deut.  33:4. 

Is.  54  17.     Acts  26:13.     Col.  1: 

12.    Heb.  9:15.    1  Pet.  1:4. 


proceeds:  but  taking  heed  to  his  way  by  this 
friendly  light,  he  passes  on  safely,  and  even  com- 
fortably, where  otherwise  he  must  have  falli  n  into 
mischief  or  destruction.  Such  is  this  world  and 
our  passage  through  it;  such  is  man  without  reve- 
lation, or  with  revelation  and  without  l"aith;  and 
such  is  the  use  which  true  faith  makes  of  revela- 
tion. (JVb^es,  43:2,3.  Prov.  6:23.  17:16.  h.  8:20. 
Mitt.  6:22,23.  Eph.  5:8—14.  2  Pet.  1:19—21.) 

V.  106.  David  had  bound  his  soul  with  a  most 
solemn  vow,  to  live  devoted  to  God  and  obedient 
to  his  commandments.  The  preventing  grace  of 
God  had  inclined  his  heart  to  this;  he  doubtless 
depended  on  his  continued  help  for  ability  to  per- 
form his  vow:  and  the  obedience,  to  which  he 
thus  bound  himself,  was  that  of  a  sinner  under  a 
dispensation  of  mercy,  and  of  a  believer  who  is 
interested  in  the  covenant  of  grace.  Such  a  sol- 
emn vow  is  implied  in  baptism,  in  bringing  our 
children  to  be  baptized,  and  in  our  attendance  on 
the  Lord's  table:  and  these  public  soleninitifl^ 
should  be  preceded  by  those  secret  transactions, 
between  God  and  our  souls,  in  which  wc  accept 
of  his  proffered  benefits,  and  yield  up  ourselves  to 
his  service.  [JVotes,  56:12.  1 16:13.  2  C/tr,  15:12 
—15.  JVeh.  10:29.  Mntf.  19:13—15.  P.  O.) 

V.  107.  'The  faithful  servants  of  God  may  be 
'  "afflicted  ...  very  much:"  but  let  them  consider, 
'that  bj^  afflictions  their  corruptions  are  purged 
'away,  their  faith  is  tried,  their  patience  perfect- 
'ed,  their  brethren  are  edified,  and  their  Master 
'is  glorified.  Let  them  still  firmly  rely  on  thcdi- 
'viiie  promise  of  grace  and  salvation,  still  humbly 
'pray  for  its  accomplishment  in  themselves: 
'  "quicken  me,  O  Lord,  according  to  thy  word."  ' 
Bp.  Home.  {Marg.  Ref.—J\''(!tes,  25,88.) 

V.  108.  Praise  and  thanksgiving,  with  other  de- 
votional exercises,  are  the  free-will-offerings  of 
the  mouth,  which  are  acceptable  to  God  through 
the  sacrifice  and  mediation  of  Christ:  and  David, 
in  his  afflictions,  could  present  no  other  oblations. 
(JVotr.s,  JSTum.  29:39.  Hus.  14:1—3.  Col.  3:16,17. 
Heb.  13:15,16.  1  Pe(.  2:4— 6.) 

V.  109.  [Marg.  Ref.  v.)  David's  life  was  con- 
tinually in  danger;  and  he  was  required  at  all 
times  to  exert  himself,  and  use  the  greatest  pre- 
caution, in  v/arding  off  the  assaults  of  his  perse- 
cutors: but  he  did  not  forget,  and  purposed  not  (n 
violate,  the  law  of  God,  even  in  order  to  self-pres- 
ervation. 

V.  110.  'Theythat  make  no  conscience  of  their 

[393 


B.  C.   1017. 


PSALM  CXIX. 


B.  C.  1017. 


as  an  heritage  for  ever;  ^  for  tliey  are  the 
rejoicing  of  my  heart. 

112  I   have  ''inclined  mine  heart  to 

*  perform   thy  statutes   alvvay,   even  unto 

*  the  end. 


113  I  ''hate  vain  thoughts: 


SAMECH. 

but  "  thy 
law  do  1  love. 

114  Thou  art  '^  ray  Hiding-place,  and 
^  my  shield:  H  hope  in  thy  word. 

115  s  Depart  from  me,  ye  evil-doers: 


y  77,92,174.    19:3.     Jer,  15:16. 

1  Pet.  1:8. 
z  36.  141:4.  Josh.  2-1:23.  IKings 

8:58.   Phil.  2:13. 
*  Heb.  do. 
a  33,44.     1  Pet.   1:13. 
b    94:11.     Is.    56:7.     Jer.    4:14. 


Mark  7:21.     2  Cor.  10:5. 
c  97,103. 

d  32:7.  91:1,2.    Is.  32:2. 
e  3:3.  84:11. 
f81.   130:5,6. 
g  6:8.  26:5,9.    139:19.     Matt.  7: 

-23.    25H41. 


'actions,  have  contrived  a  subtle  plot  to  ruin  me: 
'but  I  have  never  stepped  out  of  the  way  of  thy 
'precepts,  to  avoid  the  snares  they  have  laid  for 
'me.'  Bp.  Patrick.  [JVotes,  85.  1  Sam.  18:17 — 
30.  Jer.  18:18.  Dan.  6:4—11.) 

V.  111.  By  faith  receiving'  the  truths  which 
God  had  attested,  and  embracing'  the  promises  he 
had  given,  and  thus  walking  with  him  in  his 
commandments  and  ordinances,  formed  that  life, 
which  David  deliberately  chose  to  lead  on  earth, 
as  introductory  to  his  everlasting  heritage  in  heav- 
en: and  the  rejoicing  of  his  soul  in  the  exercise 
of  faith,  hope,  love,  and  other  pious  affections, 
here  below,  was  an  earnest  and  pledge  of  those 
unalloyed  pleasures,  reserved  for  him  in  the  fu- 
ture world.  (JVbfes,  14,127.  19:7—11.  Josh.  24: 
15.  LuJce  10:38—42.  P.  O.—JVote,  1  John  5:9— 
12.) 

V.  112.  'The  inclination  of  the  heart  to  good  is 
'the  work  of  God:  but  man  is,  nevertheless,  in 
'this,  as  in  other  instances,  said  to  perform  it, 
'when  he  listens  to  the  call,  and  obeys  the  mo- 
'tions  of  his  grace.  We  are  not  to  judge  of  our- 
'selves  by  what  we  sometimes  say  and  do;  but  by 
'the  general  disposition  and  tendency  of  the  heart 
'and  its  affections.'  Bp.  Home.  [JVotes,  32,44. 
3,iom.  8:12,13.  Phil.  2:12,13.) 

V.  113.  Tlie  word -earn  is  not  in  the  original; 
and  some  render  the  verse,  "I  hate  o^/ier  thoughts; 
but  thy  law  do  I  love."  Those  "thoughts,"  how- 
ever, which  the  Psalmist  hated,  doubtless  were 
vain  or  evil,  and  therefore  contrary  to  the  law 
which  he  loved.  'Love  and  hatred  are  the  two 
'great  and  influencing  affections  of  the  human 
'mind.  Since  the  fall,  they  have  been  misplaced. 
'By  nature  we  love  vain  thoughts,  and  hate  the 
'law  of  God.  "The  carnal  mind  is  enmity  against 
'God,  for  it  is  not  subject  to  the  law  of  God,  nei- 
'ther  indeed  can  it  be."  Rom.  8:7.  But  in  the 
'renewed  mind  the  case  is  altered;  its  "delight  is 
'in  the  law  of  God;"  and  therefore  it  cannot  bear 
'  "vain  thoughts,"  which  are  contrary  to  that  law, 
'and  exalt  themselves  against  it.  Thoughts  are 
'often  said  to  be  free:  from  human  censure  they 
'are,  but  not  from  the  cognizance  and  judgment 
'of  the  Omniscient.  The  mind  should  be  well 
'furnished  with  proper  materials,  on  which  toem- 
'ploy  itself.  We  shall  then  be  secured  against 
'the  incursions  of  rambling,  conceited,  worldly, 
'impure,  and  revengeful  thoughts,  which  other- 
'wise  will  devour  half  our  time,  and  appear  against 
'us,  to  our  unspeakable  amazement,  ...  when  the 
'secrets  of  all  hearts  shall  be  disclosed.'  Bp. 
Home. — In  those  vacant  hours,  which  are  spared 
from  business,  pleasure,  company,  and  sleep, 
and  which  are  spent  in  solitude,  at  home  or 
abroad;  unprofitable,  proud,  covetous,  sensual, 
394] 


''  for  I  will   keep  the   commandments  of 
ray  God. 

116'  Uphold  me  according  unto  thy 
word,  that  I  may  live:  ^  and  let  me  not 
be  ashamed  of  my  hope. 

117  '  Hold  thou  me  up,  and  I  shall  be 
safe;  "  and  T  will  have  respect  unto  thy 
statutes  continually. 

118  Thou  hast  "trodden  down  all 
them  that  "  err  from  thy  statutes;  for 
P  their  deceit  is  falsehood 


h  106.  Josh.  24:15. 

i   37:17,24.    41:12.    63:8.    94:18. 

Is.  41:10.  42:1. 
k  25:2.    Is.  45:]7.     Rom.  5:5.  9: 

33.    10:11.     1  Pet.  2:6. 
1  17:5.  71:6.  73:23.     139:10.    Is. 

41:13.     John   10:28,29.     Rom. 

14:4.     1  Pet.  1:5.   Jude  24. 


m  6,48,111,112. 

n  Is.  25:10.  63:3.  Mai.  4:3. 
Luke  21:24.    Rev.  14:20. 

o  10,21.  95:10. 

p  29.  78:36,37,57.  Is.  44:20. 
Eph.  4:22.  5:6.  2  Thes.  2:9— 
n.    2  Tim.  3:13.    Rev.  18:23. 


envious,  or  malicious  imaginations,  occupy  the 
minds  of  ungodly  men,  and  often  infect  their  very 
dreams.  These  are  not  only  sinful  in  themselves, 
indicating  the  state  of  their  hearts,  and  as  such 
will  be  brought  into  the  account  at  the  day  of 
judgment;  but  they  excite  the  dormant  corrup- 
tions, and  lead  to  more  open  and  gross  violations 
of  the  holy  law.  The  carnal  mind  welcomes  and 
delights  to  dwell  upon  these  congenial  imagina- 
tions, and  to  solace  itself  by  ideal  indulgences, 
when  opportunity  of  other  gratification  is  not  pre- 
sented, or  when  a  man  dares  not  commit  the  ac- 
tual transgression.  But  the  spiritual  mind  recoils 
at  them:  such  thoughts  will  intrude  from  time  to 
time,  but  they  are  unwelcome  and  distressing, 
and  are  immediately  thrust  out;  while  other  sub- 
jects,- from  the  word  of  God,  are  stored  up  in 
readiness  to  occupy  the  mind  more  profitably  and 
pleasantly,  during  the  hours  of  leisure  and  retire- 
ment. (J^otes,  66:18,19.  Jer.  4:14.)  There  is  no 
better  test  of  our  true  character,  than  the  habitu- 
al effect  of  "vain  thoughts"  upon  our  minds; 
whether  we  love  and  indulge  them,  or  abhor,  and 
watch  and  pray  against  them.  And  by  inquiring, 
to  what  subjects  we  habitually  and  allowedly  re- 
vert, when  present  circumstances  do  not  impose 
any  one  upon  us,  we  may  discover  the  prevalent 
disposition  of  our  heart,  whetVier  we  be  carnal  or 
spiritual;  and  may  also  learn  whether  pride,  mal- 
ice, avarice,  ambition,  or  sensuality,  be  the  pre- 
dominant corruption  in  our  souls. — 'Cleanse  the 
'thoughts  of  our  hearts,  by  the  inspiration  of  thy 
'Holy  Spirit.'  Liturgy. 

V.  114,  115.  [Marg.Ref.—J^otes,  32:6,7.  90:1, 
2.91:1,2.  139:19—22.  Prov.  13:20.  18:10,11.  /*. 
32:1,2.  J\Iat(.  23:37—39.)  'From  vain  thoughts, 
'and  vain  persons  the  Psalmist  teacheth  us  to  fly, 
'by  prayer,  to  God,  as  our  Refuge  and  Protec- 
'tor.'    Bp.  Home. 

V.  116,  117.  (JVbfe,  106.)  'He  desireth  God's 
'continual  assistance,  lest  he  should  faint  in  this 
'race  which  he  had  begun.' — The  Psalmist  form- 
ed his  purposes,  under  a  consciousness  of  his 
weakness,  and  of  the  power  of  temptation,  and  in 
dependence  on  the  promises  of  God.  He  there- 
fore "Avatched  and  prayed,  lest  he  should  enter 
into  temptation,"  knowing  that,  "though  the  spir- 
it was  willing,  the  flesh  was  weak."  {J^otcs,  51: 
11—13.  2  Sam.  11:1—5.  MaH.  26:40,41.)  "Up- 
hold me,  and  T  shall  live,  fee."  "Hold  thou  me 
up,  and  I  shall  be  saved."  His  spiritual  and  eter- 
nal life  and  salvation,  as  well  as  his  perseverance 
in  obedience,  could  only  be  secured  by  the  stip- 
ports  of  divine  grace. — Ashamed,  &c.  (116) 
J\otes,  Is.  28:16.  45:15—17.     Rom.  5:3—5. 

V.  118.  Ungodly  men,  when  endeavoring  to 
deceive  others,  impose  on  themselves;  and  their 


B.  C.  1017. 


PSALM  CXIX. 


B.  c.  lor 


119  Thou  *  puttest  •»  away  all  the 
wicked  of  the  earth  like  dross:  '  there- 
fore I  love  thy  testimonies. 


*  Heb.  caxisest  to  cease. 
q  I  Sam.  15.J3.    Jer.  6:30.   Ez. 
22:18-.32.     Mai.  3:2,3.    Matt. 


3:12.  7:23.   13:40— 42,-19,60. 
r  111,126—128. 


boasted  proficiency  in  worldly  wisdom,  their  deep 
laid  stratagems,  and  all  their  crooked  politics,  at 
length  disappoint  their  expectations,  and  leave 
them  to  hopeless  contempt  and  misery.  (JVoie.?, 
Job  5:11—16.  Eph.  4:20—24.  2  Tim.  3:10—13.) 

V.  119.  (JVb^es,  Jer.  6:27—30,  Ez.  22:18—22. 
Mnl.  3:1—4,  V.  3.  2  Cor.  13:5,6.)  'Ungodly  men 
'and  hypocrites  are  mingled  among  the  sons  and 
'servants  of  God,  as  dross  is  blended  with  the 
'pure  metal,  and  appeareth  to  be  part  of  it;  but 
'the  fiery  trial  of  divine  judgment  soon  discover- 
'eth  the  difference.  ...  These  dispensations  of 
'God's  Providence  increase  our  love  of  his  word; 
'because  they  give  us  sensible  experience  of  its 
'truth,  and  shew  us  the  justice  of  God  in  punish- 
'ing  others,  together  with  his  mercy  in  sparing 
'us,  and  removing  those,  who  might  have  cor- 
'rupted  us.'  Bp.  Home.     [J^otes,  Is.  1:21 — 27.) 

V.  120.  (jVo<es,  50— 53.  Lev.  10:1—3.  2  Sam. 
6:8,9.  24:12—14.  Is.  66:1,2.  Hah.  3:16.  Heh.  12:18 
— 29.  Rev.  15:1 — 4.)  Even  the  temporal  judg- 
ments, which  the  Psalmist  had  observed,  experi- 
enced, or  heard  of,  as  inflicted  by  a  holy  and  just 
God  on  transgressors,  and  even  on  his  offending 
children,  caused  him  to  fear  and  tremble,  lest  he 
should  fall  under  his  awful  displeasure;  or  lest  he 
should  finally  come  .sViort  of  the  promised  rest, 
and  have  his  portion  with  the  workers  of  iniqui- 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
V.  97—120. 
When  grace  is  in  lively  exercise,  the  thirst  and 
tlie  relish  for  "the  sincere  milk  of  the  word"  of 
God  become  exceedingly  strong,  and  shew  them- 
selves by  a  daily  and  constant  meditation  on  it,  in 
all  the  intervals  of  needful  business  and  conver- 
sation: and  if  the  Lord  has  thus  disposed  our 
souls  to  love,  study,  and  keep  his  truths,  testimo- 
nies, and  precepts;  he  will  give  uS  true  wisdom. 
— The  diligent  believer  will  after  a  time  "have 
the  word  of  Christ  dwelling  richly"  and  abundant- 
ly in  his  memory,  judgment,  and  affections:  and, 
having  it  ever  with  him,  he  will  be  wiser  than  his 
most  sagacious  enemies;  and  able  to  discern,  es- 
cape, or  profit  by  all  their  machinations,  and  even 
to  baffle  every  temptation  of  his  most  subtle  ad- 
versary the  devil.  [P.  O.  Matt.  4:1 — 4.  JVoles, 
Eph.  6:14—17.  Col.  3:16,17.)  Nzy,  the  simplest 
Christian,  who  by  faith  and  prayer  appropriates 
the  information  conveyed  to  him  in  the  scriptures 
of  truth,  will  soon  surpass,  in  useful  knowledge 
and  practical  wisdom,  the  most  learned  teachers, 
the  most  renowned  fathers,  and  the  most  aged 
and  experienced  persons,  who,  "leaning  to  their 
own  understandings,"  reject  the  Oracles  of  God, 
or  are  but  superficially  acquainted  with  them:  for 
these  are  far  surer  guides  to  truth,  than  doctors, 
councils,  or  synods;  ancient  or  modern.  It  will 
not  indeed  readily  occur  to  the  mind  of  a  humble 
Christian,  that  he  is  thus  wiser  than  his  seniors 
and  superiors;  and  he  will  suspect  and  fear  the 
thought,  when  it  presents  itself^:  yet,  daily  read- 
ing his  Bible,  he  must  perceive  how  men  deviate 
from  that  unerring  standard  of  truth  and  wisdom, 
and  run  into  error  and  delusion;  he  cannot,  with- 
out ingratitude,  deny  wliat  the  Lord  has  taught 
him;  nor  dares  he,  in  an  affected  and  "voluntary 
humility,"  "call  darkness  light,  and  light  dark- 
ness," or  prefer  human  conjectures  to  the  decis- 
ions of  the  only  wise  God. — But,  "who  is  a  wise 
man,  and  endued  with  knowledge  among  us.'  Let 


120  ^My  flesh  trembleth   for  fear  of 
thee,  and  I  am  afraid  of  thy  judgments. 

[Pnictical  Ohservalions.] 


3  53.     I.cv.  10:1—3.     1  Sam.  R:  | 
20.      2  Sam.  6:8,9.      1  Clir.  21: 
16,17,30.     2  Chr.  34:21,27.    Is. 


66:2.  Dan.  10:8—11.  Hab. 
3:16.  Phil.  2:12.  Heb.  12:21, 
28,29.     Rev.  1:17,18. 


him  shew  out  of  a  good  conversation  his  works 
with  meekness  of  wisdom."  If  the  Lord  has  in- 
deed taught  us,  we  "refrain  our  feef  from  every 
evil  way,  that  we  may  keep  his  word;"  nor  shall 
we  depart  from  his  judgments  all  our  days.  Our 
souls  relish  the  words  of  God,  more  than  the 
mouth  does  the  sweetness  of  honey;  and  in  pro- 
portion as,  through  his  precepts,  "we  get  under- 
standing," we  shall  hate  and  shun  eveiy  way  of 
sin  and  of  hypocrisy. — We  do  not  use  our  knowl- 
edge ostentatiously,  and  to  gain  applause:  but, 
knowing  what  a  dark  and  perilous  path  we  tread, 
and  how  important  each  of  our  steps  is  to  our- 
selves and  to  others,  we  use  the  word  of  God  as  a 
lamp,  which  we  carry  in  our  hands,  that  we  may 
not  stumble,  be  ensnared,  or  defiled;  and  that  we 
may  not  only  not  quite  miss  our  way,  but  may  pro- 
ceed uniformly  with  credit  and  comfort. — De- 
pending on  the  promised  grace  of  God,  the  true 
Christian  solemnly  vows  to  "keep  his  righteous 
judgments,"  and  he  determines  to  perform  his 
vows.  He  is  often  greatly  afflicted;  but  it  chiefly 
grieves  him,  that  "he  cannot  do  the  things  that  he 
would:"  and  his  longing  desire,  to  become  more 
holy,  dictates  his  daily  prayers  for  quickening 
grace,  lie  oft'ers  the  free-will-offerings  of  his 
mouth,  his  grateful  praises  for  former  mercies, 
united  with  supplications  for  further  instruction 
and  assistance;  and  he  depends  only  on  mercy  for 
the  acceptance  of  his  defective  and  defiled  ser- 
vices. If  we  are  indeed  thus  "led  by  the  Spirit," 
neither  enemies  nor  dangers  will  induce  us  to  for- 
get the  law  of  our  God,  or  to  "wander  from  his 
precepts:"  but  we  shall  choose  liis  testimonies  as 
our  eternal  heritage,  and  find  his  service  our 
present  rejoicing,  even  in  the  midst  of  tribula- 
tion and  persecution;  and  we  shall  bestow  pains, 
as  well  as  pray,  that  our  hearts  may  be  inclined 
to  perform  God's  "statutes  alway,  even  unto  the 
end."  In  proportion  as  we  are  thus  spiritually- 
minded,  we  shall  hate  all  sinful  thoughts,  and  de- 
light in  heavenly  meditations;  and  shall  flee  to  the 
Lord  as  our  Hiding-place  and  Shield,  from  the  in- 
cursions of  vain  imaginations  and  satanical  sug- 
gestions, as  much  as  for  protection  from  outward 
violence,  hoping  in  his  word  for  deliverance  from 
them  all.  Would  we  make  progress  in  thus  keep- 
ing God's  commandments,  we  must  separate  from 
evil-doers,  and  even  drive  them  from  our  compa- 
ny, if  they  will  intrude;  unless  we  mean  to  sacri- 
fice conscience  to  courtesy,  which  king  David 
would  not  do.  We  must  also  rely  entirely  on  the 
upholding  of  divine  grace;  or  wc  shall  never  be 
safe,  or  able  to  have  continual  respect  to  all  the 
Lord's  statutes:  but  in  this  simplicity  of  intention 
and  dependence,  we  shall  be  held  up  and  live, 
and  never  be  ashamed  of  our  hope.  Every  af- 
fection of  the  soul  must  be  engaged  in  keeping  us 
stedfast  in  the  ways  of  God.  We  must  be  allured 
by  hope,  and  constrained  by  love,  and  even  mov- 
ed by  fear.  And  it  will  be  profitable  for  us,  of- 
ten and  seriously  to  consider  the  contempt  and 
misery,  which  are  poured  upon  the  wicked,  and 
prepared  for  them;  for  assuredly  they  will  be  trod- 
den down  like  mire,  and  "put  away  like  dross," 
"or  driven  like  chaff"  into  "unquenchable  fire:" 
and  these  reflections  on  the  doom  of  h}  pocrites 
and  apostates,  will  induce  us  to  cleave  more 
steadily  in  love  to  the  testimonies  of  God.  But 
if  such  subjects  made  David  exclaim,  "My  flesh 
trembleth  for  fear  of  thee,  and  I  am  afraid  of  thy 
judgments:"  surely  we,  who  tall  so  far  below  hiiii 


B.  C.   1017, 


PSALM  CXIX. 


B.  C.  1017. 


AIN.  I 

121  1 '^  have    done  judgment  and  jus- 
tice: "  leave  me  not  to  mine  oppressors.   I 

122  Be   ''surety   for  thy   servant   for] 
good:  y  let  not  the  proud  oppress  me.       I 

123  '■■Mine  eyes  fail  for  thy  salvation,! 
and  for  the  word  of  thy  righteousness. 

1 24  ''  Deal  with  thy  servant  according  { 
unto  thy  mercy,  and  ^  teach  me  thy  stat- 
utes. 

125  I  am  "^thy  servant:  ''  give  me  un- 


t7:3— 5.  13-20— 24.  75:-2.  1  Sam. 

21:11—15.25.28.    2  Sam.  8:15, 

Acts  24:16.  25:10,11.  2  Cor.  1: 

12. 
u  37:33.  57:3;4.    2  Pet.  2:9. 
X   Gen.    43:9.     Prov.   22:26,27. 

Is.  33:14.  Philem.  18,19.  Hcb. 

7:32. 
y21.  36:11. 
2   81,82.     69:3.      130:6.      143:7. 


Lam.  4:17. 
a  41,76,77,132.    51:1.    69:13,16. 

79:8.     130:3,4,7.        Dan.    9:18. 

Luke  18:13.  2  Tim.  1:16 — 18. 
b  12,26.  143.10—12.  Neh.  y:.'0. 
c   94.    86:16.    116:16.     Rom.  6: 

22. 
d  34,66.   2Chr.  1:7— 10.    2 Cor. 

3:5,6.     2  Tim.  2:7.     Jam.  1:3. 

3:13—17. 


in  devout  affections,  should  "fear,  lest  a  promise 
bein^  left  us  of  entering' into"  heavenly  "rest,  a,nv 
of  us  .should  seem  to  come  short  of  it!"  {JVote, 
Heh.  4: J, 2.) 

NOTES. 

V.  121,  122.  Conscious  of  having^  adhered  to 
justice  and  equity,  even  towards  his  persecutors, 
the  Psalmist  appeals  to  God  from  their  unrig-ht- 
eous  decisions:  and  he  prays  that  he  may  not  be 
left  in  the  hands  of  liis  proud  oppressors;  but  that 
the  Lord  himself  would  become  his  Surety. 
[JS^otes,  7:3—11.  2  Sam.  22:21— 2{J.  2  Cor.  1:12— 
14.) — 'Put  thyself  between  mine  enemies  and  iiic, 
*as  if  thou  wert  mj  pledge.' — As  a  rich  person, 
by  becoming  s!/.j'e<y  for  a  poor  man,  rescues  him 
from  oppression  or  imprisonment;  so  the  Lord  de- 
livers his  servants  from  their  enemies  and  from 
impending  ruin,  by  undertaking  their  cause. 
Christ,  our  Surety,  liaving  paid  our  debt  and  ran- 
som, rescues  us  from  merited  condemnation,  and 
engages  for  all  the  blessing's  of  complete  salva- 
tion to  every  true  believer.  [J^ote,  Heb.  7:20 — 
22.) 

Be  surety.    (122)    ^^hV-    Hezekiah  uses  the 

same  word  in  the  passage  rendered,  "O  Lord,  I 
am  oppressed,  undertake  for  me."  \J^ote,Is.  38: 
14,15.) 

V.  123.  J^otes,  Sl,82.  69:1—3.  84:1,2.  143:6, 
7 — The  word  of  thy  righteousness.'^  "Thy  just 
promise."  Old  T^ersion. — 'The  "word,"  which 
'hath  promised  it,'  (salvation)  'is  the  word  of  truth, 
'faithfulness,  and  "righteousness;"  the  attributes 
'of  God  are  engaged  for  its  accomplishment,  and 
'  "He  cannot  deny  himself."  '  Bj).  Home. — The 
justice  of  God,  in  deciding  between  David  and 
his  unjust  oppressors,  according  to  his  word, 
might  also  be  intended.  [Jfotes,  7:3—11.  143:1.  2 
Thes.  1:5—10.) 

V.  124,  125.  'I  am  devoted  to  thy  service,  and 
'designed  by  thee  to  a  high  employment:  en- 
'lighten  my  understanding  therefore,  that  I  may 
'fully  know  my  duty.'  Bp.  Patrick. — These  re- 
peated petitions  no  doubt  were  recollected  by 
Solomon,  when  he  prayed  to  the  same. effect. 
(JYote,  I  Kins:s2:Fy—\'i.  P.  O.  1  —  15.) 

V.  126.  (Marg.  Ref.)  They  "make  void  the 
law  of  God,"  who  deny  its  obligation  and  authori- 
ty, who  obscure  or  explain  away  its  meaning, 
and  who  render  it  of  none  effect  by  their  tradi- 
tions, or  by  their  lives.  (J^otes,  Jer.  8:8,9.  J\Ial. 
2:4 — 9.  Jl/a«.  15:3— 6.  iJom.  3:29— 31.)  When 
these  evils  become  general,  it  is  time  for  the 
Lord  to  take  the  matter  in  hand,  and  by  his  own 

390] 


derstanding,  ^  that  I  may  know  thy  testi- 
monies. 

126  It  is   ^time   for   thee,   Lord,    to 
work; /or  ^  they  have  made  void  thy  law. 

127  Therefore  ''  1  love  thy  command- 
ments above  gold;  yea,  above  fine  gold. 

128  Therefore   '  I  esteem  all  thy  pre- 
cepts concerning  all   things  to    be  right; 

(md  I  hate  every  false  way. 

PE. 

129  Thy  '  testimonies  are  wonderful: 
therefore  '"  doth  my  soul  keep  them. 

130  The  °  entrance  of  thy  words  giv- 

------      -  i^     19:7,3.      Deut.  4:8.    Job  33: 

27.    Prov.  30:5.    Rom.  7:12,14, 

16,22. 
k  104,118. 

1  18.   139:6.  Is.  9:6.  Rev.  19:10. 
m  2,31,146.  25:10. 
n   105.      Prov.   0:23.      Is.  3:20. 

Luke    1:77—79.      Acts  26:18. 

Eph.  5:13,14.    2  Pet.  1:19. 


11,18,19,29.    Prov.  9:10.    14 
i'9:19.     10J:13.     G^n.  22:10,1 1, 

14.     Uent.  3-' 36.   Is.  42:14. 
g  Jer.  8:R.     Hab.    1:1.     Mai.  2: 

C.     Matt.  15:6.     Rom.  3:31.  4: 

14. 
h72.   19.10.    Prov.  3:13— 18.  8: 

11.      16:16.       Matt.    13:45,46. 

Eph.  3:3. 


power  to  silence  infidels,  profligates,  Pharisees, 
and  antinomians,  to  stand  up  for  the  honor  of  his 
own  word,  and  to  maintain  his  own  cause  among 
men;  for  no  oth«r  power  can  effect  these  pur- 
poses; and  in  such  circumstances  the  whole  honor 
will  be  given  unto  him.    [JVotes,  Is.  59:9 — 19.) 

V.  1 27.  'As  the  wickedness  of  those  increas- 
'eth,  who  "make  void  ihe  divine  law;"  the  zeal 
'and  love  of  believers  should  increase  in  propor- 
'tion,  to  stem  the  torrent:  and  this  may  be  done, 
'to  a  surprising  degree,  by  a  few  persons,  who, 
'after  the  example  of  the  first  Christians,  can  for- 
'sake  all  to  follow  their  Master;  who  have  the 
'sense  and  the  courage  to  prefer  truth,  wisdom, 
'holiness,  and  heaven,  to  falsehood,  folly,  sin,  and 
•the  world;  who  can  resolutely  reject  the  glitter- 
'ing  temptation,  and  say,  without  hypocrisy,  to 
'their  God,  "I  love  thy  commandments  above 
'gold,  yea,  above  fine  gold."'  Bp.  Home.  (72. 
JVotes^  14,1 11.) 

V.  128.  'The  more  I  consider  them,  the  more 
'I  approve  every  one  of  them,  ...  and  abhor  all 
'those  base  and  dishonest  ways,  whereby  others 
'study  to  advance  themselves  to  riches  and 
'honors.'  Bp.  Patrick.  (J^otes,  29,30.  Prov. 
30:5,6.)  'For  the  same  reason  that  the  children 
'of  God,  in  the  worst  of  times,  "love  his  com- 
'mandmenls,"  they  love  them  all;  not  observing 
'such  only  as  they  can  observe  without  giving  of- 
'fence,  but  regardless  of  the  censures  of  the  world, 
'doing  their  duty  in  every  particular;  not  "hating" 
'  "some  evil  ways,"  and  at  the  same  time  walking 
'in  others,  but  extending  and  manifesting  their 
'aversion  to  all  alike.'  Bp.  Home.  (JVbfes,  John 
15:12—16,  V.  14.  Jam.  2:8—13.) 

V.  129.  The  discoveries  which  the  word  of 
God  makes  of  the  mysteries  of  his  nature,  the 
perfections  of  his  character,  and  the  power  of  his 
works,  and  likewise  of  the  invisible  and  eternal 
world,  are  suited  to  excite  the  highest  wonder 
and  astonishment.  The  harmony  of  the  divine 
attributes  in  the  mystery  of  redemption;  the  way 
of  a  sinner's  acceptance;  and  the  method  of 
speaking  peace  to  his  conscience,  without  giving 
the  least  encouragement  to  sin;  the  rule  and  ex- 
ample of  obedience,  and  all  the  motives  and  obli- 
gations to  it;  are  most  worthy  of  our  admiration, 
love,  and  gratitude:  and  it  is  owing  entirely, 
either  to  the  depravity  of  our  hearts,  or  to  the 
familiarity  of  our  thoughts  with  these  subjects, 
that  we  are  no  more  affected  by  them.  (JVb/e*, 
18.  139:17,18.  /*.  9:6,7.  1  Cor.  2:6-9.  Eph. 
2:4—10.  3:9—12.  1  Pet.  1:10—12.  1  John  5: 
9—12.) 


B.  C.  1017 


PSALM  CXIX. 


B.  C.  1017. 


eth  light;  °  it  giveth  understanding  unto 
the  simple. 

131  I  P  opened  my  mouth,  and  pant- 
ed; for  ^  I  longed  for  thy  command- 
ments. 

132  •■  Look  thou  upon  me,  and  be 
merciful  unto  me,  *  as  thou  usest  to  do 
unto  those  that  love  thy.  name. 

133  ^  Order  my  steps  in  thy  word;  and 
*  let  not  any  iniquity  have  dominion  over 
me. 

134  "Deliver  me  from  the  oppression 
of  man:  so  will  I  keep  thy  precepts. 

135  *  Make   thy   face  to  shine   upon 


o  19;7.  Prov.  1:4,22,23.  Rom. 
16:18,19.  2Tiin.  3:10—17. 

p  20.  42:1.  Is.  2ti:8,9.  1  Pet. 
2:2. 

q  40,162,174.    Heb.  12:14. 

r  124.  26:18.  Ex.  4:31.  1  Sam. 
1:11.  2  Sam.  16:12.  Is.  63:7 
—9. 

*  Heb.  according  to  the  cus- 
tom toti)ard$  thase,  ij-c.    106:4. 


s  116.  17:5.   32:8.  121:3.   1  Siim. 

2:9. 
t   19:13.     Rom.   6:12—14.  7:23, 

24. 
u    122.     56:1,2,13.     105:43—45. 

F,z.     11:17 20.      36:24 27. 

Luke  1:74,75.      Acts  9:31. 
X  4:6.    80:1,3,7,19.     Num.   6:25, 

26.  Job  33:26.  Rev.  22:4,5. 


V.  130.  The  words  of  God  enter  the  soul  when, 
being  read  or  heard,  they  are  understood,  believ- 
ed, stored  up  in  the  memory,  and  used  to  regu- 
late the  judgment  and  conduct.  They  then  give 
a  satisfactory  light  to  the  mind,  upon  every  sub- 
ject on  which  they  treat:  and  speedily  communi- 
cate more  useful  knowledge  upon  the  most  im- 
portant topics,  to  the  simplest  believer,  than 
the  acutest  philosophers  have  been  able  to  de- 
velope  through  successive  generatious.  (JVbie, 
98 — 100.)  'The  simple  idiots,  that  submit  them- 
'selves  to  God,  have  their  eyes  opened,  and  their 
'minds  illuminated,  so  soon  as  they  begin  to  read 

'God's  word.' 'Thus  will  they'  (the  Scriptures) 

'give  to  the  simple,  in  a  few  days,  an  understand- 
'ing  of  those  matters,  which  philosophers  for 
'whole  centuries  sought  in  vain.' "  Bp.  Home. 
(JVbto,  105.  19:7—11.  93:5.  Frov.  6:23.  Is.  8: 
20.  Luke  24:44 — 49.  Acts  16:13—15.  2  Cor.  4: 
3—6.) 

V.  131.  As  the  man,  who  has  run  himself  out 
of  breath,  opens  his  mouth  to  draw  in  the  refresh- 
ing breeze,  and  eagerly  pants  for  it;  so  the  be- 
liever, wearied  with  the  cares  of  life  and  his  con- 
flict with  sin,  longs  for  the  consolations  conveyed 
to  him  by  the  sacred  word,  and  stands  expecting 
and  prepared  to  receive  them  into  his  heart. 
{JVotes,  19—21,40,81,82.    42:1—3.    Heb.  12:14.) 

V.  132.  The  love  of  the  name,  or  perfections, 
of  God,  distinguishes  the  believer  from  all  those 
who  are  carnally  minded  and  enmity  to  God:  for 
nothing  "availeth  in  Christ,  but  faith  which  work- 
eth  by  love." — The  reconciled  believer  is  dealt 
with  according  to  the  gospel  of  grace:  the  unre- 
generate  and  unbelieving  according  to  the  strict 
and  holy  law.  This  David  understood,  and 
prayed  earnestly  to  be  dealt  with  according  to 
that  gracious  rule,  by  which  the  Lord  pardoned 
and  recompensed  his  friends;  not  in  that  strict 
justice,  with  which  he  punishes  his  enemies. 
(JVofes,  124,125.  25:6,7.   106:4,5.) 

V.  133.  The  frequent  ejaculatory  prayers  for 
divine  teaching  and  upholding,  and  that  God 
would  not  permit  any  sin  to  acquire  dominion 
over  him,  shew,  how  much  the  Psalmist  under- 
stood and  felt  his  entire  dependence  on  God,  not 
only  for  providential  protection,  and  the  forgive- 
ness of  his  sins;  but  also  as  to  those  things,  in 
which  men  in  general  dejicnd  on  themselves,  and 
assume  the  credit  of  any  real  or  supposed  differ- 
ence, subsisting  between  them  and  others;  name- 
\y,  the  due  exercise  of  their  rational  powers,  and 


thy  servant;  >'  and  teach  me  thy  statutes. 
13G  ^  Rivers  of  waters  run  down  mine 
eyes,  because  they  keep  not  thy  law. 

TZADDL 

137  *  Righteous  art  thou,  O  Lord, 
and  upright  are  thy  judgments. 

138  Thy  ''testimonies,  that  thou  hast 
i  commanded,    are  t  righteous,   and  very 

t  faithful. 

139  My  "^  zeal  hath  ^consumed  me; 
because  '^  mine  enemies  have  forgotten 
thy  words. 

140  Thy  word  is  ®  very  H  pure:  there- 
fore thy  servant  loveth  it. 

X  Heb.  faithfulness 


y    12.      Jou  34:32.  35:11.  36:22. 

Luke  24:45. 
z  53,158.     1  Sam.  15:11.  Jcr.  9: 

1,18.     13:17.     14:17.      Ez.  9:4. 

Luke  19:41.     Rom.  9:2,3. 
a  99:4.   103:6.    145.17.   Deut.  32: 

4.  Neh.  9:33.  Jer.  12:1.    Dan. 

9:7,14.     Rom.  2:5.  3:5,6.  9:14. 

Rev.  15:3,4.    16:7.    19:2. 
b  86,144.    19.7,9.     Deut.  4:8,45. 
t  Heb.  rigliteousrte.is. 


75. 
c69:9.   'l  Kings  19:10,14.  John 

2: 17. 
5  Or,  cut  me  off. 
d  53:4.    Matt.  9:13.  12:3—5.  IS: 

4—6.  21:13,16,42.  22:29.    Acts 

13:27.  28:23—27. 
e  128.  12:6.   18:30.  19:8.    Prov. 

30:5.  Rom.  7:12,16,22.    1  Pet. 

2:2.    2  Pet.  1:21. 
|l  Heb.  tritd.  or  refined. 


the  right  state  of  their  hearts. — 'O  God,  from 
'whom  all  holy  desires,  all  good  counsels,  and  all 
'Just  works  do  proceed,  &:c.'  Liturgy. — It  is  evi- 
dent David  deeply  felt,  that  iniquity,  in  one  form 
or  other,  would  enslave  him,  unless  God  himself 
ordered  and  upheld  his  goings,  according  to  the 
sacred  word.  (J\otes,  19:12 — 14.  Rom.  6:8 — 19. 
7:15—25.) 

V.  136.  Conformity  to  Christ  is  the  standard 
of  the  believer's  growth  in  grace.  David  had 
"that  mind  in  him  which  was  also  in  Jesus 
Christ:"  his  grief  was  therefore  intense,  and  his 
tears  flowed  as  rivers  down  his  furrowed  cheeks, 
when  he  looked  around,  and  saw  multitudes  ruin- 
ing themselves  and  others,  as  well  as  dishonoring 
God,  by  impenitently  despising  and  violating  his 
holy  law,  and  neglecting  his  salvation.  (53. 
JVbto,  157,158.  Jer.  9:1,2.  13:15—17.  Luke  19: 
41 — 44.  /ioOT.  9:1— 3.) 

V.  137.  'It  is  said  of  the  emperor  Mauritius, 
'that  upon  seeing  all  his  children  slain  before  his 
I  'face,  at  the  command  of  that  bloody  tyrant  and 
j  'usurper,  Phocas,  himself  expecting  the  next 
I  'stroke,  ...  he  exclaimed  aloud,  in  these  words  of 
j  'David,  "Righteous  art  thou,  O  Lokd,  and  up- 
'right  are  thy  judgments." '  Bp.  Home. — This 
story  is  a  good  exposition  of  the  verse;  and  if 
satisfactorily  authenticated,  would  be  a  most  ad- 
mirable exemplification  of  the  genuine  tendency 
j  of  the  doctrine  contained  in  it;  namely,  confi- 
,  dence  in  God,  and  acquiescence  in  his  will,  un- 
der the  severest  calamities.  (Marg.  Rrf. — JS'otes, 
75,76.) 

V.  138.  "Thou  hast  commanded  justice  by 
thy  testimonies,  and  truth  especially."  Old  Ver- 
sion. This  translation  is  as  literal  as  that  of  the 
present  version. — The  law  commands  perfect 
righteousness;  and  even  the  jospel  requires  truth 
in  the  inward  parts.     {Mote.,  51:5,6.) 

V.  139.  The  Psalmist's  ardent  love  to  the 
word  of  God,  and  zeal  for  his  glory,  threw  his 
mind  into  a  most  distressing  commotion,  whilst 
he  observed  how  his  enemies  forgot  and  neglected 
the  most  obvious  truths  and  precepts  of  Scripture. 
"His  spirit  was  stirred  within  him:"  and  he  be- 
came even  sick  with  uneasiness;  finding  himself 
unable  to  stop  the  progress  of  their  imjiiety  and 
rebellion. — In  this  he  may  be  considered  as  a 
type  of  the  Savior.  [Marg.  Rif. — ^otes,  136. 
69:8,9.     JoA«  2:13—17.) 

V.  140.  'Gold  hath  need  to  be  fined;  but  thy 
'word  is  perfection  itself.' — The  figurative  term. 


[397 


B.  C.   1017. 


PSALM  CXIX. 


B.  C.  1017. 


141  I  am  *"  small  and  despised;  ^  yet 
do  not  I  forget  thy  precepts. 

142  Thy  righteousnes-s  is  ^  an  ever- 
lasting righteousness,  '  and  thy  law  is  the 
truth. 

143  '^Trouble  and  anguish  have  *tak- 


f  22:6.  40:17.  Prov.  15:16.  16: 
8.  19:1.  Is.  53:3.  Luke  6:20. 
9:58.     2  Cor.  8:9.    Jam.  2:5. 

g  109,176.     Piov.  3;1. 

b  144.  36:6.    Is.  51:6,8.   Dan.  9: 


24.     2  Thes.  1:6— 10. 
i  151.  John  17:17.    Eph.  4:21. 
k    107.    18:4,5.    38:3,&c.    116:3. 

130:1.    Mark  14:33,34. 
*  Heh.  found  me. 


used  in  the  original,  denotes  the  purity  of  the 
sacred  scriptures;  which  reflect  the  holiness  of 
the  Lord's  character  and  government,  and  re- 
quire of  us  purity  of  heart  and  life,  and  lead  us  to 
it.  This  purity  of  the  scriptures  the  carnal  mind 
dislikes;  but  the  spiritually-minded  love  and  relish 
it,  and  they  perceive  it  equally  in  the  righteous 
precepts,  as  in  the  faithful  promises;  and  there- 
fore they  love  the  vrhole  word  of  God.  [J^otes., 
128.  12:5,6.  Prm.  30:3,6.  Rom.  7:9—12,22—25.) 
V.  142.  'Men  may  decree  wickedness  by  a 
'law;  or  they  may  change  their  decrees,  and, 
'with  them,  what  was  right  to-day  may  be  wrong 
'to-morrow:  but  the  law'  of  God  is  righteousness, 
'and  it  is  truth,  to-day  and  for  ever.'  Bp.  Home. 
— Perhaps  the  everlasting  righteousness  of  God, 
as  a  Savior,  which  "is  unto  all  and  upon  all  that 
believe,"  is  intended;  and  not  merely  his  right- 
eousne.ss  as  a  Judge. — His  law  is  the  truth,  as  the 
standard  of  right  and  wrong;  and  his  testimony, 
as  to  facts,  doctrines,  denunciations,  and  prom- 


en  hold  on  me;  '  yet  thy  commandments 
are  my  delights. 

144  The  "^  righteousness  of  thy  testi- 
monies is  everlasting:  "  give  me  °  under- 
standing, and  I  shall  live. 

[Practical  Oiseroattons.] 


116,47.     Job  23:12.    John  4:34. 
ra  138,152.     Matt.  S:18.     1  Pet. 

1:23—25. 
n  34,66,73,169.     2  Cor.  4:6.   1 


John  5:20,21. 
o   Is.  6:9,10.    27:11.     Jer.  4:22. 
Dan.  12;  10.     Hos.  4:6.     Matt. 
13:19.   John  17:3. 


ises.  [Kotes,  66,86,150,151.) 
"  -  "  tef.—JYoi 
Matt.  26:36—39. 


V.    143.     Marg.  Rcf.—J^otes,  AQ:(>—\2.  UA'i. 


V.  144.  (JVb^es,  138,152.  J»/a«.  5:17,18.)  'So 
'that  the  life  of  man,  without  the  knowledge  of 
'God,  is  death.'    [Marg.  Re/.] 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
V.  121—144. 
Happy  is  the  man  who,  from  evangelical  prin- 
ciples, does  judgment  and  justice  to  all  around 
him;  he  will  have  "rejoicing  in  the  testimony  of 
his  conscience,"  and  confidence  in  the  mercy  and 
truth  of  his  God,  in  the  midst  of  slander  and  per- 
secution: the  Lord  will  be  his  "Surety  for  good," 
and  will  not  leave  him  in  the  hand  of  any  proud 
oppressor.  Delays  may  try  his  patience,  while 
he  waits  for  the  salvation  of  God,  and  the  per- 
formance of  his  faithful  and  righteous  word:  but 
in  due  time  the  Lord  will  do  justice  between  him 
and  his  enemies,  and  answer,  yea  far  exceed,  his 
largest  expectations. — If  we  are  indeed  become 
the  servants  of  God,  whether  in  a  low  or  in  a  lofty 
station,  he  will  deal  with  us  according  to  his  mer- 
cy: and  if  we  desire  to  know  his  will  and  our  duty, 
in  that  station  which  God  has  assigned  us,  he  will 
"give  us  understanding,  that  we  may  learn  his 
testimonies." — In  proportion  as  we  love  his  ser- 
vice and  value  his  commandments,  we  shall  be 
grieved  to  witness  the  neglect  and  contempt,  with 
which  they  are  treated:  we  shall  be  sensible  that 
we  cannot  stop  the  pVogress  of  infidelity  and  im- 
morality, or  of  those  "damnable  heresies,"  which 
"make  void  the  holy  law"  of  God;  and  this  will 
excite  our  prayers  to  him,  to  arise  and  work,  and 
cause  iniquity  to  stop  its  mouth. — If  we  can  say, 
that  "we  love  God's  commandments  more  than 
much  fine  gold,"  and  really  value  the  comforts  and 
the  cause  of  true  godliness,  more  than  our  world- 
ly interests;  and  if  our  love  to  the  word  of  God 
gather  strength  in  proportion,  as  we  see  others 
despise  and  trample  upon  it;  we  may  hope  to  do 
something  effectual,  as  instruments,  by  our  exam- 
ple, prayers,  influence,  and  talents,  to  stem  the 
torrent  of  impiety.  For  we  shall  then  venture 
the  loss  of  everv' earthlv  advantage,  und  submit 
398] 


to  any  self-denial  and  suffering,  in  this  important 
cause;  and  shall  be  as  zealous  and  active  in  ex- 
tolling and  establishing,  as  wicked  men  are  in  de- 
crying and  vilifying,  the  truths  and  statutes  of  the 
Lord.  But  those  who  spiritually  love  any  of  his 
precepts,  love  them  all,  and  "esteem  them  all  to 
be  right:"  and  those  who  hate  any  false  way,  hate 
allot  them,  as  dishonorable  to  God  and  ruinous  to 
man. — Increasing  illumination,  and  closer  medi- 
tation on  divine  subjects  enhance  the  Christian's 
admiration  and  gratitude:  and  the  wonders  of  re- 
deeming love,  vvhich  "angels  desire  to  look  into," 
will  fix  the  heart  in  the  observance  and  adoration 
of  them.  [JVote,  1  Pet.  1:10— 12.)— When  we 
simply  receive  the  testimony  of  revelation,  by 
faith,  with  a  due  preparation  of  the  heart,  a  new 
light  pervades  the  understanding,  and  every  ob- 
ject assumes  another  appearance:  every  view  of 
spiritual  things,  in  their  glory  and  excellency,  ex- 
cites more  ardent  desires  of  clearer  discoveries: 
nor  can  the  longing,  panting,  ihirstings  of  the 
heaven-ijorn  soul,  for  more  perfect  knowledge 
and  holiness,  be  ever  satisfied  till  it  arrives  in 
the  world  above.  Thus  to  hunger  and  thirst  after 
righteousness  may  indeed  here  create  uneasiness: 
but  these  desires  shall  be  fully  answered,  when 
all  of  a  contrary  nature  shall  be  eternally  disap- 
pointed. (JVo<es,  ."n'««.  5:6.  1  Cor.  13:8 — 12.) — 
The  I^ord  regcCvds,  with  tender  and  fatherly  mer- 
cy, those  who  love  his  name:  and  if  we  cannot 
decide  that  we  are  of  this  happy  number,  we 
yet  may  pray  to  him,  and  say,  "Look  thou  upon 
me,  and  be  merciful  unto  me,  as  thou  usest  to 
do  unto  those  that  love  thy  name."  And  this 
will  be  done  with  more  encouragement,  if  we 
can  sincerely  add  our  petitions,  "that  he  would 
order  our  steps  according  to  his  word,  and  not 
let  any  iniquity  have  dominion  over  us."  When 
it  is  our  aim  and  desire  thus  "to  keep  the  pre- 
cepts of  God,"  he  will  deliver  us  from  oppression, 
or  comfort  us  under  it,  by  his  presence  and  "the 
light  of  his  countenance;"  and  will  teach  us  more 
and  more  of  his  holy  truth  and  will. — But,  though 
exempted  from  sorrow  on  our  own  account,  we 
must  expect  to  be  grieved  for  others,  whilst  in 
this  vale  of  tears;  nor  can  we  do  otherwise,  than 
mourn  to  behold  our  fellow-creatures  hurry,  by 
tens  of  thousands,  nay  millions,  unto  eternal  de- 
struction, without  being  able  to  prevent  it.  It 
behoves  us,  however,  to  submit  to  the  justice  of 
God  in  this,  as  well  as  in  other  matters:  this  will 
calm  the  tempest  of  our  souls;  and  we  shall  allow 
his  judgments  to  be  righteous  in  the  destruction 
of  the  wicked,  though  nearly  connected  with  us, 
as  well  as  in  our  own  afflictions:  and  we  shall  be  in- 
duced to  cheerful  obedience,  and  a  firm  reliance 
on  his  faithful  promises. — When  our  zeal  is  puri- 
fied from  bitterness,  and  resentment  against  un- 
godly opposers;  when  it  runs  in  the  same  channel 
with  that  of  the  Redeemer;  and  when  it  makes  us 
willing  to  renounce,  venture,  and  sufier,  for  the 
benefit  even  of  our  persecutors;  it  is  good  evi- 
dence that  we  are  true  Christians,  and  it  will  be 
very  useful  to  others  also. — Happy  are  they  who 
love  the  whole  word  of  God,  because  of  its  purity, 
and  its  purifying  influence  on  their  hearts;  for 
this  no  unregenerate  person  can  do. — Those  who 


B.  C.  1017. 


PSALM  CXIX. 


B.  C.  1017. 


KOPH. 

145  I  P  cried  with  my  whole  heart: 
hear  me,  O  Lord:  i  I  will  keep  thy  stat- 
utes. 

146  I  cried  unto  thee:  save  me,  *  and 
1  shall  keep  thy  testimonies. 

147  I  ■■  prevented  the  dawning  of  the 
morning,  and  cried:  I  ^  hoped  in  thy 
word. 

148  Mine  *  eyes  prevent  the  night- 
watches,  that  I  might  meditate-  in  thy 
word. 

149  "  Hear  my  voice  ^  according  unto 
thy  loving-kindness:  O  Lord,  ^  quicken 
me  according  to  thy  judgment. 


p  10.    61:1,2.    62:8.    86:4.     102: 

title.  142:1,2.     1  Sam.  1:10,15. 

Jer.  29:13. 
q  44,106,115. 
*  Or,   that  I  may  keep.    134. 

Judg.    10:15,16.       Matt.    1:21. 

Tit.  2:14.  3:4—8. 
r  5:3.  42:8.  83:13.  130:6.    Is.  26: 


9.  Mark  1:35. 
s  74,81.    56:4.   130:5.    Heb.  6:17 

—19. 
t  62.    63:1,6.    139:17,18.     Lam. 

2:19.     Luke  6:12. 
u  5:2,3.  55:2.  64:1. 
x51:l.    69:16.   109:21.  Is.  63:7. 
y  25,40,156. 


are  noble  in  this  world,  if  strong  in  the  grace  of 
God,  will  be  mean  in  their  own  eyes,  and  willing 
to  be  despised  by  others:  and  those  who  are  poor 
and  low  in  the  world,  will  be  great  in  the  sight 
of  God,  if  neither  fear,  shame,  nor  covetousness, 
render  them  forgetful  of  his  precepts.  These  are 
of  immutable  and  everlasting  excellence  and  ob- 
ligation. The  law  of  God  is  the  truth,  the  stan- 
dard of  holiness,  and  the  rule  of  happiness.  Yet 
the  divine  obedience  of  Christ  alone  forms  that 
"everlasting  righteousness,"  which  is  testified  to 
us  in  Scripture,  and  which  justifies  the  believing 
sinner.  But  they,  who  are  thus  justified,  learn 
to  "delight  in  God's  commandments,"  and  to  copy 
that  obedience  by  which  they  are  accepted:  tlie 
trouble  and  anguish,  which  took  hold  on  their 
consciences,  end  in  sweet  peace  and  confidence: 
they  enter  on  a  new  state,  bear  a  new  character, 
and  lead  a  new  life.  They  are  comforted  under 
subsequent  trials,  and  at  length  are  brought  forth 
out  of  them  all.  May  the  Lord  give  us  under- 
standing, that  we  may  see  and  walk  in  this  way 
of  peace  and  salvation;  that  we  may  here  live  the 
life  of  faith  and  grace,  and  at  length  be  removed 
to  the  life  of  glory,  vision,  and  fruition. 

NOTES. 

V.  145,  146.  'He  shewetb,  that  all  his  affec- 
'tions  and  whole  heart  were  bent  to  God-ward, 
'for  to  have  help  in  his  dangers.' — The  Psalmist 
was  also  at  least  as  earnest  to  be  enabled  to  keep 
the  commandments  of  God,  as  to  be  rescued  from 
his  sufferings;  and  considered  his  deliverance  as 
an  introduction  to  his  obedience,  which  he  was 
fully  purposed  to  render  to  the  God  of  his  salva- 
tion. (JVb<e*,  10,106.  62:8— 10.  Eph.2A—lO,v. 
10.   7U  2:11— 14.) 

V.  147,  148.  'David  delighted  in  the  holy  ex- 
'ercises  of  prayer  and  meditation;  therefore  he 
'prevented  the  dawning  of  the  morning,  and  was 
'beforehand  with  the  light  itself;  therefore  his 
'  "eyes  prevented  the  watches,"  that  is,  the  last 
'of  those  watches,  into  which  the  night  was  by  the 
'Jews  divided:  he  needed  not  the  watchman'scall, 
'but  was  stirring  before  it  could  be  given.  Cli- 
'mate  and  constitution  will  doubtless  make  a  dif- 
'ference,  and  claim  considerable  allowance.  But 
'by  Christians  who  enjoy  their  health,  in  temper- 
'ate  weather,  the  sun  should  not  be  suffered  to 
'shine  in  vain,  nor  the  golden  hours  of  the  raorn- 


150  They  ^  draw  nigh  that  follow  after 
mischief:  they  are  *  far  from  thy  law. 

151  Thou  art  ^  near,  O  Lord;  and 
*^  all  thy  commandments  are  truth. 

152  Concerning  ^  thy  testimonies,  I 
have  known  of  old,  that  thou  hast  found- 
ed them  for  ever. 

RESH. 

153  ^  Consider  mine  affliction,  and 
deliver  me;  *"  for  I  do  not  forget  thy  law. 

154  s  Plead  my  cause,  and  deliver  me: 
''  quicken  me  according  to  thy  word. 

155  '  Salvation  is  far  from  the  wicked; 
for  ^  they  seek  not  thy  statutes. 


z   22:11—13,16.    27:2.     1  Sam, 

23:26.     2   Sam.    17:16.     Matt. 

26:46,47. 
a  50:17.     Job  21:14.     Prov.  1:7, 

22.  28:9.     Eph.  2:13,14. 
b  46:1.  75:1.   145:13.    Deut.  4:7. 

Matt.  1:23. 
c  133,142. 
d    144,160.    89:34—37.     111:7,8. 

Ec.  3:14.     Luke  21:33. 
e  159.  9:13.    13:3,4.  25:19.    Ex. 

3:7,8.     Neh.  9:32.    Lam.  2:20. 


5:1. 

f  16,98,109,141,176. 
g  35:1.  43:1.    1  Sara.  24:15.  Job 

5:8.     Prov.  22:23.     Jer.  11:20. 

50:34.  51:36.  Mic.  7:9.     1  Pet. 

2:23. 
h  25,40. 
173:27.    Job  5:4.     Is.  46:12.  57: 

19.   Eph.  2:17,18. 
k  10:4.  Job  21:14,15.  Prov.  1:7. 

Rom.  3:11. 


'ing  to  glide  away  unimproved.'  Bp.  Home. 
{J\'otes,  Mark  1:35—39.  P.  O.  29—45.  M)te, 
Luke  6:12.1 

V.  149.  J\rotes,  11.  51:1,2.— QwicArm,  &c.] 
'Give  me  life  and  animation  in  thy  service;  ac- 
'cording  to  the  wise  and  righteous  appointments 
'of  thy  word.' 

V.  150,  151.  'If  our  enemies  draw  nigh  to  de- 
'stroy  us,  God  is  still  nearer  to  preserve  us.'  Bp. 
Home. — He  is  indeed  near,  in  his  Providence; 
but  we  should,  with  David,  pray,  that  he  may  be 
graciously  near  us,  to  uphold  us  in  keeping  his 
commandments,  which  are  truth  and  righteous- 
ness; as  well  as  to  protect  us  against  those,  who 
"follow  after  mischief"  and  "are  far  from  his 
law."     [JTotes,  155.22:11—13,16—21.) 

V.  152.  'This  hath  ever  been  my  support,  long 
'before  I  fell  into  these  troubles,  that  whatsoever 
'thou  hast  testified  to  be  thy  will  and  pleasure  is 
'firm  and  stedfast,  and  shall  never  fail  those  that 
'depend  upon  it.'  Bp.  Patrick.  {jYotes,  142,144.) 

V.  153.  (JVb<e*,  109,176.)  None  of  the  afflic- 
tions, which  had  befallen  David,  rendered  him 
forgetful  of  the  law  of  God;  but  on  the  most  try- 
ing emergencies,  he  aimed  to  regulate  his  con- 
duct according  to  it:  and  the  consciousness  of  this 
encouraged  his  hope,  and  formed  a  cogent  plea  in 
prayer,  that  the  Lord  would  look  upon  his  afflic- 
tion and  deliver  him. 

V.  154.    The  word  (^jV^'j),  translated  "deliver 

me,"  is  taken  from  the  office  of  a  Redeemer,  or 
next  of  kin  among  the  Israelites,  to  whom  it  be- 
longed to  redeem  the  inheritance,  or  ransom  the 
person,  of  his  impoverished  or  enslaved  relative; 
and  also  to  be  his  patron  and  defender  against 
injustice  and  oppression,  and  the  avenger  of  his 
blood,  if  he  were  slain.  [JVotes,  Lev.  25:25 — 28, 
47—55.  JVmwi.  a5:.l  1  —  1.5.  Ruth  4:1— 8.)  In  this 
character  of  a  Redeemer,  David,  "according  to 
his  word,"  sought  to  God  for  protection,  support, 
and  animating  consolation,  in  his  trials.  [JVoles, 
121,122.     Rom.  7:22—25.) 

V.  155.  "The  salvation  of  God  is  nigh  them 
that  fear  him;"  for  thej^  seek  to  know  and  do  the 
will  of  God:  (J\''ote,  85:9.)  but,  after  all  which  has 
been  done  by  the  great  Redeemer,  or  revealed 
and  promised  in  scri])ture,  or  vouchsafed  by  a 
kind  Providence  as  'means  of  grace;'  "salvation 
is  far  from  the  wicked,"  or  impenitent;  "for  they 
seek  not  the  statutes"  of  God.     {jYotes,  Luke  13: 

[399 


B.  C.  1017. 


PSALM  CXIX. 


B.  C.  1017. 


156  *  Great  ^  are  thy  tender  mercies, 
O  Lord:  ^  quicken  me  according  to  thy 
judgments. 

157  "Many  are  my  persecutors  and 
mine  enemies;  "  yet  do  I  not  dechne  from 
thy  testimonies. 

158  1  P  beheld  the  transgressors,  and 
was  grieved;  because  they  kept  not  thy 
word. 

159  1  Consider  how  I  love  thy  pre- 
cepts: '  quicken  me,  O  Lord,  according 
to  thy  loving-kindness. 

160  t  Th)^  word  is  true  from  the  be- 
ginning; =  and  every  one  of  thy  righteous 
judgments  endureth  for  ever 


Heb.  Marty. 
151:1.  86.5,IJ,15.   1  Chr.  21:13. 

Is.  55.7.  63:7. 
ml49. 
D  3:1,2.    22:12,16.    25:19.   56:2. 

118:10—12.   Matt.  24:9.  26:47. 

Acts  4:27. 
o  51,110.    44:17.     Job  17:9.  23: 

1 1.    Is.  42:4.     Acts  20:-23,24.   1 

Cor.  15:58. 


p  53,136.     Mark  3:5. 

q  97,153.   2  Kings  20:3.  Neh.  5: 

19.   13:22. 
r  88. 
f  Heb.     Tht  beginning  of  thy 

■word  is  true.   86,138.      Prov. 

30:5.     2  Tim.  3:16. 
s   75,142,144,152.         Ec.    3:14. 

Matt.  5:18. 


I  SCHIN. 

161  *  Princes  have  persecuted  me 
'without  a  cause;  but  "my  heart  standeth 
iin  awe  of  thy  word. 

I  162  J  *  rejoice  at  thy  word,  y  as  one 
jthat  findeth  great  spoil. 

163  I  ^  hate  and  abhor  lying;  hut  thy 
I  law  do  I  love. 

I  164  *  Seven  times  a  day  do  I  praise 
thee,  ''because  of  thy  righteous  judg- 
[ments. 

165  •=  Great  peace  have  they  which 
love  thy  law,  and  t  nothing  shall  offend 
them. 


t  23,157.     1  Sam.  24:9—15.  26: 

13.  John  15:25. 
u4:4.  Gen.  39:9.  42:18.  2  Kings 

22:19.     Neh.  5:15.     Job  31:23. 

Is.  66:2.  Jer.  36:23—25. 
X  72,111.     Jer.  15:16. 
y  1  Sam.  30:16.     Prov.  16:19. 

Is.  9:3. 
z -.'9,113,128.   101:7.    Prov.  6:16 

—19.  30:8.     Am.  5:15.    Rom. 


12:9.    Eph.  4:25.     Rev.  22:15. 
a  62.  65:17. 

b  43:11.  97:8.  Rev.  19:2. 
c  Prov.  3:1,2,17.     Is.  32:17.  57: 

21.   John  14:27.     Gal.  5:22,23. 

6:15,16. 
J    Heb,      they  shall  have  no 

stumbling  block.  Is.  8:13 — 15. 

28:13.  57:14.     Matt  13:21.   24: 

24.     1  Pet.  2:6—8. 


22—30.  1  Pet.  4:17— 19.)— Some  indeed  explain 
the  verse  of  temporal  deliverance,  but  eternal 
salvation  is  at  least  as  far  from  them.  'Far  be  it 
'from  thee  to  afford  any  help  to  the  wicked:  for 
'they  have  no  regard  to  thy  statutes;  but  seek 
'only  how  they  may  satisfy  their  own  lewd  and 
'cruel  desires.'    Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  156.  J^otes,  148,139.  51:1,2.  h.  35:6,7.  63: 
7,8. 

V.  157,  158.  (JVo<e«.  23,5 1,53,  II  0,1 36, 1 39.  Job 
23:8 — 12.)  '■Persecution  tempteth  men  to  apos- 
'tacy,  and  is  the  great  trial  of  our  fidelity  to  God 
'and  to  his  word.  He,  who  m  such  circumstances 
'forgetteth  his  own  sufferings,  to  commiserate  the 
'sin  and  folly  of  his  persecutors,  is  a  true  follower 
' ...  of  Jesus  Christ.'  Bp,  Home. — The  original 
word  denotes  disgust,  as  well  as  sorrow.  Thus 
our  Lord  "looked  round"  on  the  Pharisees  "with 
auger,  being  grieved  for  the  hardness  of  their 
hearts."  (jVofe,  Mark  3:1—5,  v.  5.) 

V.  159.  The  frequent,  though  varied,  repeti- 
tion of  the  ejaculatory  prayer,  "Quicken  me  ac- 
cording to  thy  word,"  "thy  judgments,"  "thy 
loving-kindness,"  &c.  shews  that  the  Psalmist 
considered  it  as  relating  to  objects  of  the  highest 
importance.  (JVbie,  25.)  The  preservation  of  his 
temporal  life,  deliverance  from  his  deep  dis- 
tresses, the  communication  of  spiritual  life,  and 
preservation  to  eternal  life;  with  animating,  en- 
couraging grace,  and  whatever  was  needful  in 
order  to  his  activity  and  vigor  in  obeying  the , 
commandments  of  God,  amidst  temptations,  dan- ' 
gers,  and  sufferings,  may 'he  all  considered  as 
implied  in  the  general  term;  and  sometimes  one,  i 
sometimes  another,  to  have  been  especially  in-  j 
tended,  according  to  existing  circumstances. , 
(a5,37,40,8y,107,149,154,156.)  i 

V.  160.  "The  beginning  of  thy  word  is  truth."' 
(Marg.)  The  first  promise  to  fallen  Adam  ofai 
Redeemer,  and  the  first  promise  to  Abraham  con-  i 
cerning  his  posterity,  were  truth  itself.  [J^Totc, 
Gen.  12:1 — 3.)— All  the  righteous  judgments  of 
God,  whether  in  the  declarations  of  his  word,  or ' 
in  the  dispensations  of  his  providence,  concur  in 
accomplishing  that  truth,  and  form  a  part  of  that 
great  design,  which  shall  surely  be  completed  \ 
and  endure  for  ever. — 'Since  thou  first  promis- 1 
'edst,  even  to  the  end,  all  thy  sayings  are  true.' 
[JVote,  l.J8:2.) 

V.  161.  Saul  and  his  princes  persecuted  Da- 
vid most  uniustly:  but  he  so  reverenced  the  word 
400] 


of  God,  that  he  would  not  retaliate,  or  avenge 
himself  upon  them;  and  thus  he  constrained  Saul 
himself  to  say,  "Thou  art  more  righteous  than  I." 
[Marg.  Ref.—Kotes,  23, 1 57, 1 58.  1  Sam.  24:4—7, 
16—22.  26:5—12.  John  15:22—25.) 

V.  1 62.  'I  take  far  more  delight  in  doing  thy 
'will,  and  in  what  thou  hast  promised  to  do  for 
'me,  than  in  the  completest  victory  over  all  my 
'enemies,'  Bp.  Patrick.  (JVbie*,  14,111.  Prov. 
16:19.  Is.  9:3.) 

V.  163.  {J\Iarg.  Ref.—JVotes,  29,30,97—100, 
104,128.)  'I  hate  all  fraud  and  deceit,  even  to 
'the  degree  of  abhorrence  and  abomination:  but 
'most  heartily  love  these  honest  courses,  to  which 
'thy  law  directs  me.'  Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  164.  "Seven  times:"  'that  is,  often  and 
'sundry  times.'  (JVoie*,  47—53.  34:1,2.  55:17.) — 
'They  who,  like  David,  during  a  time  of  persecu- 
'tion  and  affliction,  put  their  trust  in  God,  and 
'wait  his  decision  of  their  cause,  will  always  find 
'reason ...  to  praise  him  seven  times  a  day,  or 
'continually,  for  his  just  decrees  and  "righteous 
'judgments,"  concerning  them.'  Bp.  Home. 

V.  165.  'Amidst  the  storms  and  tempests  of 
'the  world,  there  is  a  perfect  calm  in  the  breasts 
'of  those,  who  not  only  do  the  will  of  God,  but- 
'  "love"  to  do  it.  They  are  at  peace  with  God, 
'by  the  blood  of  reconciliation;  at  peace  with 
'themselves,  by  the  answer  of  a  good  conscience, 
'and  the  subjection  of  those  desires  which  war 
'against  the  soul;  at  peace  with  all  men,  by  the 
'spirit  of  charity;  and  the  whole  creation  is  so  at 
'peace  with  them,  that  "all  things  work  together 
'for  their  good."  No  external  troubles  can  rob 
'them  of  this  "great  peace;"  no  offences  or  stura- 
'bling-blocks,  which  are  thrown  in  their  way  by 
'persecution  or  temptation,  by  the  malice  of  ene- 
'mies,  or  the  apostacy  of  friends,  by  any  thing 
'they  see,  hear  of,  or  feel,  can  detain,  or  divert 
'them  from  their  course.  Heavenly  love  sur- 
'mounts  every  obstacle,  and  runs  with  delight 
'  "the  way  of  God's  commandments." '  Bp. 
Home.  This  beautiful  note  seems  indeed  rather 
to  shew  what  would  be  the  case,  did  we  perfectly 
love  the  law  of  God;  and  were  indwelling  sin  not 
only  dethj-oned,  but  destroyed;  than  what  is  gene- 
rall)-,  or  perhaps  in  any  instance,  attained  in  tins 
world. — But  love  to  the  law  of  God  is  a  sure 
proof  of  conversion,  and  is  in  ordinary  cases  at- 
tended by  proportionable  peace:  all  disturbance 
and  disquietude  arise  from  contrary  sources;  and 


B.  C.  1017. 


PSALM  CXIX. 


5.  C.  1017. 


166  Lord,  "^I  have  hoped  for  thy  sal- 
vation, ^  and  done  thy  commandments. 

167  My  ^  soul  hath  kept  thy  testimo- 
nies; s  and  I  love  them  exceedingly. 

168  I  have  kept  thy  precepts  and  thy 
testimonies;  ''  for  all  my  ways  are  before 
thee. 

TAU. 

169  Let  '  my  cry  come  near  before 
thee,  O  Lord:  ''give  me  understanding 
according  to  thy  word. 

170  Let  my  supplication  come  before 
thee:  '  deliver  me  according  to  thy  word. 

171  My  "lips  shall  utter  praise,  when 
thou  hast  taught  me  thy  statutes. 


A  81,174.    ]30:5— 7.     Gen.  49. 

18. 
e  4:5.  24:3—5.   50:23.     John  7: 

17.     IJoho  2:3,4. 
f  5—8,97,111,159.      John   14:21 

—24.   15:9,10.  Heb.  10:16,17. 
g  40:8.     Rom.  7:22. 
h  44:20,21.  90:8.   139:3.  Job  34: 

21.     Prov.    5:21.      Jer.    23:24. 


Heb.  4:13.    Rev.  2:23. 
i  145.   18:6.     2  Chr.  30:27. 
k   144.      1  Chr.   22:12.     2  Chr. 

1:10.     Prov.   2:3-5.     Dan.  2: 

21.     Jam.  J:5. 
1  41.  89:20—25.  Gen.  32:9—12. 

2  Sam.  7:25. 
m7.  50:23.  71:17,23,24. 


all  who  love  the  law,  shall  be  "kept  by  the  power 
of  God  through  faith  unto  salvation."  Other 
professed  Christians  may  be  offended  and  fall 
away;  but  these  never  shall.  (JVbie*, /*.  32:16 — 
20.  John  10:26—31.   14:15—28.  Rom.  8:28—39.") 

V.  166.  'He  sheweth  that  we  must  first  have 
'faith,  before  we  can  work  and  please  God.' — To 
hope,  on  scriptural  grounds,  "for  the  salvation  of 
God,"  and  in  this  hope  to  obey  his  commandments, 
unreservedly  and  habitually,  forms  a  sure  pledge 
of  eternal  felicity,  and  a  constant  preparation  for 
death  and  judgment.  [J^otes,  81,82.  Gen.  49:18. 
Luke  2:25— 32.  Rom.  2:1— \1.  8:1,2.  2  Pet.  1: 
5—11.  Jude20,2l.  Rev.  22:U,\5.) 

V.  167,  168.  (J\Iarg.  Ref.—JVotes,  5—8,97, 
11 1.)  'The  plea  of  having  "kept  the  divine  pre- 
*cepts,"  Sic.  in  the  mouth  of  David,  or  any  other  I 
'believer,  intendeth  sincerity,  not  perfection,  and  | 
'is  alleged  as  an  evidence  of  grace,  not  as  a  claim  ! 
♦of  merit.'  Bp.  Home.     {J^ote,  2  Sam.  22:21—28.)  I 

All  my  ways,  &c.]  'I  have  no  respect  of  men,  j 
'but  set  thee  always  before  mine  eyes,  as  the  I 
'Judge  of  my  doings.'  {JVotes,  44:17—22.  139:1—  \ 
12.  1  Cor.  4:3— 5.) 

V.  169,  170.  'The  Psalmist  still  continueth 
'instant  in  prayer  for  "understanding,"  to  direct 
'him  in  the  midst  of  dangers  and  temptations,  and 
'for  "deliverance''  out  of  them  all,  when  God 
'shall  see  fit  to  accomplish  the  promises  made  in 
'his  "word."  These  are  blessings  for  which  a 
'man  cannot  be  too  frequent,  or  too  earnest,  in 
'his  petitions  to  the  throne  of  heaven.'  Bp.  Horyie. 
— Give  me  understanding,  &c.  (169)  God  has 
promised  in  his  word  to  give  wisdom  to  those  who 
ask  him  for  it;  and  understanding,  or  wisdom, 
consists  in  having  the  mind  enlightened,  and  the 
judgment  formed,  according  to  the  truths  and 
precepts  of  scripture.  This  is  the  medium  through 
which  God  gives  true  knowledge  and  wisdom, 
and  through  which  man  must  seek  them;  and  it  is 
the  standard  by  which  he  judg-es  of  them,  and  dis- 
tinguishes the  genuine  from  all  counterfeits. 
(J^otcs,  111:9,10.  Jam.  1:5—8.) 

V.  171.  Utter.'l  'The  word  signifieth  to  pour 
forth  continually.^— "My  lips  shall  pour  forth 
praise;  for  thou  hast  taught  me  thy  statutes." 
This  is  more  literal,  and  accords  better  to  the 
context;  the  same  particle  is  rendered  for  in  the 
next  verse.    {Jtlarg.  Ref) 

V.  173,  174.    'Let  thy  divine  power  therefore 

Vol.  UL  51 


172  My  "  tongue  shall  speak  of  thy 
word;  °  for  all  thy  commandments  are 
righteousness.  "* 

173  P  Let  thine  hand  help  me;  i  for  I 
have  chosen  thy  precepts. 

174  I  have  Monged  for  thy  salvation, 
O  Lord;  ^  and  thy  law  is  my  delight. 

175  *  Let  my  soul  live,  and  it  shall 
praise  thee;  "  and  let  thy  judgments  help 
me. 

176  I  have  ^  gone  astray  like  a  lost 
sheep:  ^  seek  thy  servant;  ^  for  I  do  not 
forget  thy  commandments. 

s  Ib,24,-)7,77,162,167. 

t   9:13,14.    30:9.    51:14,15.    118: 

IB, 19.     Is.  38:19. 
u  75.    Is.  26:8,9.     Rom.  3:28.   1 

Cor.  11:31,32.     2Cor.  4:17. 
X  Is.  53:6.      Ez.  34:6,16.     MaU. 


n    13,46.    37:30.    40:9,10.     78:4. 

Deut.  6:7.  Mat.  12:34,35.  Eph. 

4:29.    Col.  4:6. 
0  86,138,142,114.  Rom.  7:12,14. 
p  94,117.    Is.  41:10— 14.     Mark 

9:24.      2  Cor.  12:9.    Eph.  6:10, 

&c.    Phil.  4:13. 
q    30,35,40,111.        Deut.    30:19. 

Josh.  24:15,22.       1  Kings  3:11, 

12.  Prov.  1:29.    Luke  10:42. 
r  81,166.     Gen.  49:18.     2  Sam. 

23:5.      Prov.  13:12.    Cant.  5:8. 

Rom.  7:22—25.  8:23—25.  Phil. 

1:23. 


10:6.     15:24.     18:12,13.      Luke 

15:1—7.     John    10:16.      1  Pet. 

2:25. 
y  Cant.  1:4.     Jer.  31:18.    Luke 

19;10.     Gal.    4:9.     Phil.  2:13. 

Jam.  1:17. 
z  61,93.    Ho3.4:6. 


'succor  me;  ...  for  I  rely  on  that  alone,  having  re- 
'solved  to  be  guided  wholly  by  thy  precepts. 
'And  I  have  long  expected  with  most  ardent  de- 
'sires,  thy  help,  O  Lord,  for  my  deliverance; 
'delighting  myself,  in  the  mean  time,  in  thy  laws.' 
Bp.  Patrick. — The  help  of  divine  grace,  in  keep- 
ing the  precepts  of  God  which  he  had  chosen, 
and  "salvation  with  eternal  glory,"  were  proba- 
bly more  in  David's  thoughts,  when  he  presented 
these  requests,  than  any  temporal  aid  or  deliver- 
ance. (Marg.  Ref. — JVotes,  5,25,166.  Rom.  7: 
13—25.) 

v.  175.  "My  soul  shall  live,  and  praise  thee, 
and  thy  judgments  shall  help  me." — The  judg- 
ments of  God  on  his  enemies,  the  fatherly  correc- 
tions of  his  people,  the  counsels  of  his  word,  and 
the  ordinances  of  his  house,  are  all  helpful  to  the 
believer's  sanctification,  through  the  efficacious 
teaching  and  assistance  of  the  Holy  Spirit. 
(JVb<e*,  50— 53,75.  Rom.  5:3— 5.  8:28—31.) 

V.  176.  'It  is  doubtful,  whether  David  here 
'speaks  of  his  misery  or  his  sin,  of  his  wandering' 
'as  an  exile,  ...  or  of  his  going  astray  from  the 
'commandments  of  his  God.'  Bp.  Home. — The 
simile,  however,  of  "a  lost  sheep"  is  so  generally 
applied  to  the  latter  case;  and  the  language,  thus 
interpreted,  accords  so  well  to  other  parts  of 
scripture;  that  it  is  most  probable  his  past  sins, 
and  his  proneness  to  wander,  were  especially 
meant  in  this  concluding  confession  and  ejacula- 
tion. {JVotes,  Is.  53:4—6.  JIatt.  18:12,13.  Luke 
15:3—7.  John  10:14-18.  1  Pel.  2:18—25,  v.  25.) 
— Perhaps  it  was  written  after  he  had  gone  so 
far  astray  in  the  matter  of  Bathsheba  and  Uriah; 
and,  being  deeply  convinced  of  his  guilt  and 
misery,  he  felt  his  need  of  the  special  interposi- 
tion of  the  good  Shepherd,  to  bring  him  back  to 
the  fold  of  God.  (Marg.  Ref.—J^ole,  23:1—3.) 
A  sheep,  wandered  from  the  fold,  cast  h  tO  a  pit, 
entangled  in  thorns  and  briers,  or  surrounded  by 
beasts  of  prey,  wounded  and  bruised,  and  wholly 
unable  to  rescue  itself,  or  escape  destruction; 
had  it  the  powers  of  reason  and  speech,  and  did 
it  see  the  tender  shepherd  at  a  distance,  mignt 
be  supposed  as  earnestly  calling  to  him  in  siinila* 
language. 


'My  soul  hath  pone  too  far  astrtiT, 

'My  feet  too  often  slip; 
'But  since  I've  not  forgot  thy  way, 

'Restore  tby  wandering  sheep.' 


[401 


B.  C.  1059. 


PSALM  CXX. 


B.  C.  1059 


PSALM  CXX. 

The  Psalmisl  prays  to  be  delivered  from  his  calumniator,  and 
shews  his  doom  from  God,  1—4.  H  complains,  that  bis  per- 
manent abode  is  among  the  contentwus  and  malicious,  5 — 7. 


A  Song  of  degrees. 

a  121:— 134:  titles. 


PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
V.  145—176. 
Supplications  "with  the  whole  heart"  differ  very 
widely  from  that  lip-labor,  in  which  formalists 
confide;  and   are   presented  by  those  alone  who 
long  for  God's  salvation,  and  who  love  his  com- 
mandments, but  are  sensible  of  their  inability  to 
keep  them. — Great  earnestness   in  any  under- 
taking often   interrupts   our  sleep:  thus  fervent 
love  to  the  word  of  God,  and  delight  in  commun- 
ion with   him,  will  render  us  willing  to  deduct 
from  the  hours  of  rest  and  refreshment,  rather 
than  be  prevented  from  attending  on  these  need- 
ful and   pleasant  exercises. — The  Lord,  indeed, 
has  not  seen  good  to  give  us  positive  injunc- 
tions in  these  matters,  and   is   accessible  at  all 
hours:  yet  we   may  often  detect  ourselves  to  be 
defective   in   love,  gratitude,  and  spirituality,  by 
our  slothfulness  and  self-indulgence:  as  we  have 
been  needlessly  asleep,  or  employed  in  trifles, 
when  we  might  have  been  improving  our  priv- 
ilege of  access  to  the  mercy-seat,  and  to  that  sa- 
cred word  in  which  we  profess   to  hope.     This 
should  lead  us  to  call   upon  God   to  hear   our 
voice,  atid  to  quicken  us,  according  to  his  love, 
his  wisdom,  and  his  truth. — When   employed  in 
the  service  of  God,  we  need  not  fear,  though 
"they  should  draw  nigh  who  follow  after  mischief, 
and  are  far  from  his  law"  in  their  temper  and 
conduct;  for  he  is  near  to  defend  us,  and  will 
vindicate  the  honor  of  his  commandments,  against 
those  who  hate  us  for  obeying  them:  and  if  we 
have  depended  on  his  testimonies,  our  constant 
experience  will  assure  us,  that  he  has  "establish- 
ed them  for  ever."    He  considers  the  weight  and 
continuance  of  our  afflictions,  and  will  plead  our 
cause  and  deliver  us;  as  we  do  not  forget  his  law, 
but  are  more  desirous  of  being  invigorated  in  his 
ways,   than  of   exemption  from   trotible.      But 
present  safety,  and  everlasting  salvation,  are  far 
from  the  wicked,  who  neither  observe,  nor  un- 
derstand, nor  even  seek  after,  the  truths  and 
statutes  of  the  Lord:  and  alas!  how  numerous  are 
these    careless,    presumptuous    transgressors! — 
The  number,  power,  and  mahce  of  our  persecu- 
tors', should  enhance  our  value   for  the  tender 
mercies  of  God,  and  our  steady  purpose  not  to 
•  decline  from  his  ways.    And  in  this  frame  of  mind, 
we  shall  rather  grieve  for  the  transgressors  who 
are  ruining  themselves,  than  for  the  uneasiness 
which  they  occasion  us. — Happy  are  they,  who 
can  appeal   to  God  how  cordially  they  love  this 
law!  His  grace  has  planted  this  love  in  their 
hearts;   they   are  interested  in  all  his  precious 
promises,  which  from  the  beginning  have  been 
true  and  faithful;  and  they  are  brought  into  the 
way  of  those  "righteous  judgments,"  every  one 
of  which  is  immutable  and  endureth  for  ever. — 
When  princes  become  persecutors,  their  frowns 
and  menaces  prove  powerful  temptations  to  apos- 
tacy  or  iniquity;  and  desire  of  self-preservation 
may  dictate  very  unwarrantable  measures:  but 
those,  whose  "hearts  stand  in  awe  of  God's  word," 
will  rather  endure  the  wrath  of  man,  than  break 
the  law  of  their  almighty  Judge,  and  will  prefer 
sufiFering  to  deliverance  by  sin.  (J^otes,  Jer.  26: 
12—15.  Dan.  3:16— 1».  6:10,11.  Acts  4:13—22.) 
Nay,  were  there  no  denunciations  of  wrath,  on 
those  that  draw  back  for  fear  of  the  cross;  their 
value  for  the  promised  blessings  and  consolations 
of  the  Scripture  is  so  great,  that  they  would  not 
renounce  them  to  save  their  lives,  and  to  obtain 
all  worldly  advantages:  for  they  rejoice  in  digging 
into  those  rich  mines  of  everlasting  truth  and  love, 
far  more  than  their  enemies  can  do  in  spoiling 
402] 


them  of  their  earthlj'  substance. — Our  dread  and 
detestation  of  hypocrisy,  fraud,  and  dissimulation, 
will  be  proportioned  to  our  love  of  the  truth  and 
law  of  God:  they  therefore,  who  impose  on  their 
neighbors  for  their  own  gain,  cannot  really  love 
the  gospel. — The  mercies  of  common  Providence, 
the  righteous  judgments   recorded  in  Scripture, 
and   the   blessings  conveyed  to  us  by  them,  de- 
mand our  constant  tribute   of  praise;  and  were 
our  hearts  like  that  of  David,  we  should  not  be 
so  remiss  and  infrequent  in  this  heavenly  exer- 
cise: nor  would  even  troubles  and   persecutions 
unfit  us  for  it;  seeing  we  have  so  many  unmerited 
comforts,  such  glorious  discoveries  made  to  us, 
and  such  blessed  prospects  set  before  us,  in  our 
most  trying  circumstances. — The  believer,  "de- 
lighting in  the  law"  of  his  reconciled  God,  en- 
joys great  peace  of  conscience  and  tranquillity  of 
mind,  even  in  this  turbulent  and  unsettled  world; 
and  the   promises  of  God  assure  him,   that  he 
shall  not  meet  with  any  stumbling-block,  over 
which  he  shall  fall  to  rise  no  more.     He  hopes 
for  the  free  salvation  of  the  gospel,  and  conscien- 
tiously obeys    the  holy  commandments   of   the 
law:  he  keeps  the  testimonies  of  God,  yea,  loves 
them  exceedingly;  and  attends  on  his  worship,  as 
one  who  knows,  that  "all  his  ways  are  before  his 
eyes."    Yet  he  will  not  rest  in  present  attain- 
ments: he  continues  to  cry  unto  God  for  further 
instruction  and  sanctification,  and  for  deliverance 
from  his   sins.      Expecting  the  answer  of   his 
prayers,  he  determines  that  his  lips  shall  render 
praises  to  his  God.     He  knows  that  all  his  com- 
mandments are  righteousness  itself,  and  therefore 
he  will  speak  of  them  to  others;  while  he  chooses 
them  as  the  rule  of  his  own  conduct,  and  begs  for 
help  from  the  powerful  hand  of  the  Lord,  that  he 
may  be   enabled   to  obey  them.     He  longs  for 
more  complete  salvation,  and  delights  in  the  ser- 
vice of  God;  and  he  would  live  on  earth,  and 
hopes  to  live  in  heaven   for  ever,  that  he  may 
shew  forth  his  praises:  nay  he  values  even  afflic- 
tions, when  they  help  him  in  following  after  holi- 
ness.    He  often  looks  back  with  shame  and  grat- 
itude to  his  original  lost  estate,  when,  like  a  help- 
less sheep,  he  wandered  from  the  fold  of  God,  and 
was  sought  and  brought  ba(}k  by  the  good  Shep- 
herd.    He  humbly  confesses  his  manifold  subse- 
quent wanderings:  but  as  he  has  not  forgotten 
the  commandments  of  God,  he   still  prays  to  be 
sought  out,  and  brought  home,  and  kept  safe,  un- 
der the  watchful  eye  and  tender  care  of  the  chief 
Shepherd,  who  "purchased  his  flock  with  his  own 
blood;"  that  he   may  know  his  voice,  and  follow 
him,  and  receive  from  him  the  gift  of  eternal  life. — 
To  close  our  meditations  on  this  important  psalm; 
let  us  by  it  examine  our  intentions,  desires,  fears, 
hopes,  affections,  experiences,  and  tempers;  that 
we  may  judge  ourselves,  whether  we  be  led  by 
the  Spirit  of  Christ  or  not,  and  that  we  may  dis- 
cover what  progress  we  make  in  the  divine  life. 
Let  us  frequently  step  aside  from  a  vain  world,^  to 
view  ourselves  in   this  sacred  mirror;  that  we 
may  discover  and  rectify  what  is  wrong  in  our 
tempers   and   conduct,  and    be  directed  by  it  in 
our  confessions,  our  wachfulness,  and  our  prayers: 
remembering  alwaj's,  that  the  more  we  advance 
in  holiness,  the  more  we  shall  anticipate  the  joys 
of  heaven;    and,  as  it  were,   breathe  the  pure 
air  of  those   celestial  regions,    even  while   we 
continue  in  the  noisome  dungeon  of  this  evil 
world. 

NOTES. 
PsAi>M  CXX.     Title.    No  satisfactory  reason 
I  has  been  assigned,  why  this  and  the  fourteen  foi- 


B.  C.  1059. 


PSALM  CXXI. 


B.  C.  1021 


IN  ^  my  distress  I  cried  unto  the  Lord, 
and  he  heard  me. 

2  DeHver  my  soul,  O  Lord,  <=  from 
lying  hps,  and  from  a  deceitful  tongue. 

3  *  What  shall  be  given  unto  thee.^  or 
what  shall  be  t  done  unto  thee,  thou  false 
tongue.'' 

4  t  Sharp  ^  arrows  of  the  mighty,  with 
coals  of  juniper. 

5  e  \YQe  is  me,  that  I  sojourn  in  ''  Me- 
sech,  that  I  dwell  in  e  the  tents  of  Kedar! 


b  18:6.  30.-7,8.  50:15.  107:13 
116:3,4.  113:5.  Is.  37:3,4,14, 
&c.  38:2 — 5.  Jon.  2:2.  Luke 
22:44.     Heb.  5:7. 

c  35:11.  52.2—4.  109:1,2.  140:1 
—3.   Matt.  26:59—62. 

*  Or,  What  shall  the  deceitful 
tongue  gi've  unto  thee?  Or, 
What  shall  it  profit  thee?  Job 
27:8.    Matt.  16:26.    Rom.  6:21. 

f  Heb.  added. 

J  Or,  It  is  as  the  sharp  arrows 
of  the  mighty  man,  roith  coals 


I    of  juniper.   57:4.  59:7.     Prov 

11:9.      12:18.      16:27.      18:8,21. 

Jam.  3:5—8. 
d7:13.  52:5.   140:9—11.     Deut. 

32:23,24.     Prov.  12:22.    19:5,9. 

Rev.  21:3. 
e  Jer.  9:2,3,6.   15:10.     Mic.  7:1, 

2.    2  Pet.  2:7,8.    Rev.  2:13. 
f  Gen.  10:2.     Ez.  27:13.    Me- 

skech. 
g  Gen.  25j13.  Cant.  1:5.  Is.  60: 

6,7.     Jer.  49:28,29. 


6  My  ''  soul  hath  long  dwelt  with  him 
that  hateth  peace. 

7  I  am   ^ for   '  peace:  but    ''when    I 
speak,  they  are  for  war. 

PSALM  CXXI. 

The  Psalmist  expects  help  from  God;  and  shews  the  security  of 
the  church,  and  of  every  believer,  under  the  constant  protec- 
tion of  the  Almighty,  1 — 8.  , 

^  A  Song  of  degrees. 
WILL  ^  hft  up  mine  eyes  unto  the 
hills,  from  whence  cometh  my  help. 
2  •=  My  help  cometh  from  the   Lord, 
which  made  heaven  and  earth. 


h  57:4.     1  Sam.  20:30—33.  Ez. 

2:6.   Matt.  10:16,36.    Tit.  3:3. 
5  Or,  a  man  of  peace. 
i   34:14.    35:20.    55:20.     2  Sam. 

20:19.  Matt.  5:9.    Rom.  12:18. 

Eph.2:14— 17.     Heb.  12:14. 
k  1  Sam.  24:9—11.  26:2—4. 
a  120:  title. 


*  Or,  Shall  I  lift  mine  eyes  to 

the  hills?    nhence  should  my 

help  come?  Jer.  3:23. 
b  2:6.  68:15,16.  78:68.  87:1.   123: 

1.  Is.  2:3. 
c46:l.    j2-J:8.     146:5,6.     Is.  40: 

58,29.  41:13.  Jer.  20:11.  Heb 

13:6. 


lowing  psalms  are  entitled  "Songs  of  degrees." 
Some  think  it  denotes,  that  they  are  peculiarly 
suited  to  mount  the  soul  from  earth  to  heaven: 
but  others  suppose  that  this  title  only  relates  to 
the  manner,  in  which  they  were  set  to  music,  and 
sung  at  the  temple. — 'This  psalm  seems  to  have 
'been  made  by  David,  when  the  calumnies  of 
'Doeg  and  others  forced  him  to  flee  his  country.' 
Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  1,2.  (Jtfarg-.  Be/.— JVb^es,  31:17,18.  35:11, 
12.  52:2—4.  130:1,2.  JYIatt.  26:57— 62.)— "From 
lying  lips,  and  from  a  deceitful  tongue,"  God  alone 
can  deliver  the  most  blameless  of  men:  but  event- 
ually, in  answer  to  their  prayer  he  will  deliver 
them;  and  for  this  deliverance  let  them  patiently 
wait.  [JVotes,  37:5— 8. /s.  54:15—17.  Jlic.  1:8— 
10.) 

V.  3.  Or,  "What  shall  a  false  tongue  give  to 
thee.'  And  what  shall  it  add  to  thee.'" — 'What 
'profit  do  you  expect  from  this  lying  and  slander- 
'ing." — "What  fruit  had  ye  in  those  things,  of 
which  ye  are  now  ashamed.'"  [Jfutes,  Job  27:7 — 
10.  Rom.  6:21—23.) 

V.  4.  The  intenseness  and  duration  of  the 
misery  of  those  who  slandered  the  servants  of 
God,  are  represented  by  the  vehement  and  lasting 
heat,  which  the  wood  of  the  juniper-tree  is  said 
to  yield,  after  it  is  reduced  to  charcoal;  and  also 
by  the  sharp  arrows  of  a  mighty  warrior,  when 
be  overtakes  his  enemy.  Some  however  think, 
that  the  slandering  tongue  is  described  under 
these  images: — "/<  is  as  the  sharp  arrows  of  the 
mighty  man,  &c."  [Marg. — J^otes,  57:4.  59:7. 
Prmi.  12:18,19.  Jam.  3:3— 12.) 

V.  5.  It  is  probable,  that  David  never  actu- 
ally resided  in  Mesech  or  Kedar,  that  is,  in  Ara- 
bia; but  the  conduct  of  Saul,  and  Doeg,  and  the 
Ziphites,  was  so  treacherous  and  impious,  that 
he  seemed  to  have  his  dwelling  among  the  wild 
Arabs,  who  subsisted  by  war  and  violence.  (JVb/es, 
Jer.  9:1— 6.  15:10.  Mic.  7:1—4.)  Some  render 
the  word  Mesech,  not  as  the  name  of  a  people, 
but  adverbially: — "Woe  is  me,  that  I  sojourn  so 
long,  that  I  dwell  in  the  tents  of  Kedar." — Thus 
our  Lord  says,  "How  long  shall  I  be  with  you.' 
How  long  shall  I  suffer  your'" 

V.  7.  /  am  for  peace.]  Or  "I,  peace."  Da- 
vid, though  valiant  in  war,  loved  peace,  and  was 
very  desirous  of  it:  but  his  wise  and  Ijiameless 
conduct  only  served  to  excite  still  more  the  envy 
and  enmity  of  Saul  and  his  courtiers.  [Marg. 
Ref.—J^ote,  Rom.  12:17—21.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
While  we  look,  not  to  David  only,  but  to  Je- 


sus "the  Prince  of  peace,"  and  see  him  surround- 
ed by  ensnaring  cavillers,  and  calumniated  by 
lying  lips  and  deceitful  tongues;  while  we  con- 
sidered how  long  the  holy  Savior  sojourned  in 
this  wicked  world,  "as  in  Mesech  and  in  the 
tents  of  Kedar;"  while  we  attend  to  his  blameless, 
useful  life,  and  the  great  object  of  his  coming 
into  the  world,  namely,  "to  make"  and  give 
"peace  by  the  blood  of  his  cross;"  and  then  view 
him  hated,  reviled,  and  persecuted  even  to  death, 
by  the  professed  worshippers  of  God:  we  cannot 
marvel,  if  the  world  hate  and  slander  us  too;  we 
shall  not  court  the  friendship  of  those,  who  would 
wage  war  with  the  Son  of  God  himself,  if  he 
were  again  on  earth,  and,  though  uneasy,  we 
ought  not  to  murmur,  at  being  for  a  time  con- 
strained to  dwell  amidst  the  contentious  and  ma- 
licious. But  let  us  follow  David,  as  he  prefigured 
Christ;  in  our  distress  let  us  "cry  unto  the  Lord, 
and  he  will  hear  us;"  and  deliver  our  persons  and 
reputations  from  lying  lips,  and  every  deceitful 
tongue.  Let  us  possess  our  souls  in  patience, 
and  follow  after  peace  and  holiness,  and  strive  to 
overcome  evil  with  good.  Then,  after  our  weary 
pilgrimage  shall  expire,  we  shall  enter  a  land  of 
eternal  harmony,  purity,  and  tranquillity.  And 
as  we  must  foresee  the  dreadful  misery  of  all  im- 
penitent slanderers  and  liars,  in  the  everlasting 
fire  of  hell;  let  us  in  meekness  warn  them  of 
their  danger,  "if  peradventure  God  will  give 
them  repentance,  to  the  acknowledging  of  the 
truth;  and  that  they  may  recover  themselves  out 
of  the  snare  of  the  Devil,  who  are  taken  captive 
by  him  at  his  will."  [J^ote,  2  Tim.  2:23—26.) 

NOTES. 
Psalm  CXXI.  V.  1,  2.  Some  read  the  first 
verse  as  an  interrogation,  "Shall  I  lift  up,  &c.?" 
[marg.)  as  if  the  Psalmist  had  inquired  whether 
it  became  him,  as  a  worshipper  of  God,  to  look 
up  to  those  hills  for  help,  on  which  idolaters  wor- 
shipped their  idols.  But  the  sentence,  as  it  stands 
in  our  version,  may  mean,  that  he  would  look  up 
to  the  hill  of  Zion,  or  Moriah,  on  which  the  tab- 
ernacle was  placed,  for  help  from  that  God,  whose 
glory  appeared  above  the  mercy-seat. — If  David 
was  the  writer  of  this  psalm,  (as  is  most  prob- 
able,) and  if  it  be  explained  as  it  stands  in  our 
version;  it  must  relate  to  other  dangers  and  diffi- 
culties, and  not  to  those  of  his  persecutions  by 
Saul;  for  the  hill  of  Zion  was  not  in  Israel's  pos- 
session, nor  was  the  ark  placed  there,  till  after 
Saul's  death.  (JVotes,  2  Sam.  5:6—9.  6:12,13.)— 
'Though  I  am  driven,  not  only  from  mv  own  pal- 


B.  C.  1021. 


PSALM  CXXII. 


B.  C.  1043 


3  He  •*  will  not  suffer  thy  foot  to  be 
moved:  he  that  keepeth  thee  will  not 
slumber. 

4  Behold,  ^  he  that  keepeth  Israel 
'  shall  neither  slumber  nor  sleep. 

5  The  Lord  is  thy  Keeper;  the  Lord 
is  sthy  Shade  ''  upon  thy  right  hand. 

6  The  '  sun  shall  not  smite  thee  by 
day,  nor  the  moon  by  night. 

7  The  Lord  shall  ^  preserve  thee  from 
all  evil:  *  he  shall  preserve  thy  soul. 

8  The  Lord  shall  preserve  "^  thy  go 


d  91:12.      1  Sam.  2:9.   Prov.  2:8 

3:iJ,26.      1  Pet.  1:5. 
e27:l.    32:7,8.    ]27:1.    Is.  27:3. 
f  1  Kings  18:27.  Ec.  8:16.  Rev. 

7:15. 
g  Ex.  13:21.    Is.  4:5,6.  25:4.  32: 

2.     Matt.  23:37. 
h  16:8.    109:31. 


i   9"l:5— 10.  Is.  49:10.  Rev.  7:16. 
k  91:9,10.     Job  5:l9,&c.    Prov. 

12:21.  Matt.  6:13.     Rom.  8:28, 

35—39.  2  Tim.  4:13. 
134:22.  97:10.  145:20. 
ra   Deut.   28:6,19.     2  Sam.   5:2. 

Ezra  8:21,31.     Prov.  2:8.   3:6. 

Jam.  4:13—16. 


ing  out,   and  thy  comii>g  in,  "  from  this 
time  forth,  and  even  for  evermore. 
PSALM  CXXII. 

David  expresses  his  joy  at  being  called  on  to  go  up  to  the  sanc- 
tuary; and  he  extols  the  holy  city,  1 — 5.  He  exhorts  the  peo- 
ple to  pray  for  the  peace  ol  Jerusalem,  and  resolves  to  seek 
her  good,  6 — 9. 

^  A  Song  of  degrees  of  David. 
^  WAS  glad  when  they  said  unto  me, 
'^  Let  us  go  into   the  house   of  the 
Lord. 

2  Our   ^  feet  shall    stand    within    thy 
gates,  O  Jerusalem. 

3  Jerusalem  is  ®  builded  as  a  city  that 
is  compact  together; 


n  113:2.   115:18. 

a  120:— 134:  titles. 

b  42:4.    .55:14.    63:1—3.    84:1,2, 

10.   119:111. 
c  Is.  2:3.  Jer.  31:6.  50:4,5.  Mie. 


4:2.    Zech.  8:21—23. 
d  84:7.  87:1—3.   100:4.    Ex.  20. 

24.    2Chr.  6:6. 
e  2  Sam.  5:9.     Eph.  2:20,21.   4: 

4—7.     Rev.  21:10,&c. 


'ace,  but  from  God's  dwelling-place;  yet  my  eyes 
♦shall  be  ever  directed  thitherward;  from  whence  I 
'expect  a  powerful  aid  against  those  numerous 
'enemies,  that  are  combined  to  destroy  me.'  Bp. 
Patrick. 

V.  3,  4.  [Marg.  Ref.—Jfotes,  16:8—11.  37:23, 
24.  1  Sam.  2:9.  Prov.  3:23—25.)  'Bishop  Lowth 
'supposeth  the  first  two  verses  to  be  the  language 
♦of  David,  when  going  out  to  war;  and  the  ari- 
'swer  of  encouragement  to  be  made  by  the  high 
♦priest  from  the  holy  place.'  Bp.  Home. — If,  how- 
ever, the  psalm  was  written  when  David  was 
driven  away  from  Jerusalem  by  Absalom,  this 
could  not  be:  yet,  it  seems  to  have  been  com- 
posed, in  order  to  be  sung  responsively;  and 
these  verses  form  the  response  to  the  preceding 
avowal  of  confidence  in  God. — 'In  him  thou  hast 
'a  Guardian,  who  is  not  like  all  others,  liable  to 
♦remit  his  care,  by  being  subject  to  sleep  or 
♦death.  The  eye  of  his  Providence  is  upon  thee, 
'and  that  is  always  open.  "Behold,  He  that  keep- 
'eth  Israel  neither  slumbereth  nor  sleepeth."  ' 
Bp.  Home.  [J^otes,  44:23—26.  1  Kings  18:27— 
29.) 

He  will  not  suffer,  &c.  (3)    ]n^-'7N.    This  might 

perhaps  be  more  literally  rendered  as  a  prayer; 
and  the  two  verses  translated  in  connexion  thus: 

"May  he  not  suffer  thy  foot  to  be  moved!  may 

he  who  keepeth  thee  not  slumber!  Behold,  he 
will  not  slumber,  neither  will  he  sleep,  keeping 
Israel."  The  former  verse  appears  to  be  the 
language  of  supplication;  the  latter,  of  assured 
confilence.  This  marked  difference  between 
the  Hebrew  negative  particles  xS  and  Sk  is  gen- 
erallv  observed  by  our  Translators;  and  this  is 
one  of  the  very  few  instances  of  the  contrary. 

V.  5 — 8.  As  the  pillar  of  cloud  and  fire  shaded 
Israel  in  the  wilderness,  from  the  scorching 
noon-day  sun,  and  from  the  chilling  cold  and  un- 
wholesome influences  of  the  night,  over  which 
the  moon  presides;  Uyote,  Gen.  31:40.)  so  the 
Lord  shelters  his  people  from  every  open  assault, 
and  every  insidious  attempt  of  persecutors,  se- 
ducers, or  the  powers  of  darkness.  {J^otes,  Ex. 
13:21,22.  Mim.  10:33,34.  JV/a«.  6:13.  2  Tim.  4:16 
-18.) 

'Nor  scorching  sun,  nor  sickly  moon, 

'Shall  have  his  leave  to  smite; 
'He  shields  thy  head  from  burning  noon, 

'From  blasting  damps  at  night. 

'He  guards  thy  soul,  he  keeps  thy  breath, 

'Where  thickest  dangers  come, 
'Go  and  return,  secure  from  death, 

'Till  God  commands  thee  home.'  Watts. 

— 'He  sheweth  that  God's  providence  not  only 
'watcheth  over  his  church  in  general;  but  also 
404] 


'over  every  member  thereof.'  [J^otes,  91:3 — 12. 
125:1,2.  Jo6  5:20— 27.)— For  ewrmore.  (8)  JS'otes^ 
37:37,38.  48:14.  73:23—28. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

During  the  believer's  wearisome  pilgrimage 
and  perilous  warfare,  he  should  constant^  look 
unto  him,  who  bled  on  mount  Calvary,  and  who 
now  reigns  upon  the  holy  hill  of  Zion;  in  whom 
"we  have  righteousness  and  strength,"  through 
whom  we  have  access  to  the  mercy-seat,  and  to 
Jehovah  as  our  Father,  and  by  whom  we  shall 
ere  long  be  received  into  everlasting  mansions. — 
The  Helper  and  "Keeper  of  Israel"  is  the  almighty 
Creator  of  heaven  and  earth;  and  "if  he  be  for 
us,  who  can  be  against  us.-""  ( JVbfes,  Rom.  8:28 — 
39.)  We  should  then  inquire,  whether  we  belong 
to  this  holy  nation,  this  peculiar  people;  which 
being  ascertained,  we  may  dismiss  our  anxious 
cares  and  fears;  or  only  be  careful  to  use  the  ap- 
pointed means,  and  be  found  employed  in  our 
proper  work.  LN'otes,  Matt.  6:25—32.  Phil.  4:5— 
7.)  The  Lord  will  "uphold  our  goings  in  his 
ways,  that  our  footsteps  slip  not."  He  "neither 
slumbereth  nor  sleepeth;"  he  will  keep  his  people 
night  and  day,  in  dangers,  snares,  temptations, 
and  persecutions;  from  open  and  secret  enemies: 
he  will  preserve  them  from  all  real  evil,  and 
make  all  seeming  evil  work  together  for  their 
good:  he  will  protect  their  lives,  during  the  ap- 
pointed period,  and  order  all  the  circumstances  of 
their  departure:  he  will  preserve  their  souls,  and 
take  care  of  them  in  going  out  and  coming  in; 
when  present  with  their  bodies,  and  when  sep- 
arated, and  when  again  united  to  them,  from  this 
time  forth  for  evermore.  (J^otes,  84:11,12.  2  Cor. 
5:5—8.  Phil.  1:21—26.  3:20,21.)  "Happy  are 
the  people  that  are  in  such  a  case;  yea,  blessed 
are  the  people,  who  have  the  Lord  for  their 
God." 

NOTES. 
Psalm  CXXII.  V.  1,  2.  This  psalm  seems 
to  have  been  written  for  the  use  of  the  Israelites, 
when  they  went  up  to  Jerusalem,  after  the  ark 
was  removed  thither,  to  celebrate  their  sacred 
feasts,  and  to  have  communion  with  God  and 
with  their  brethren.  Their  journey  would  often 
be  inconvenient,  wearisome,  and  expensive:  but 
the  holy  joy  and  benefit,  which  thence  accrued, 
would  amply  repay  them.  [J^Totes,  84:4 — 10.) 
'David  ...  being,  at  this  time,  upon  some  occasion 
'in  the  country,  heard  the  good  people  there 
'speak  one  to  another,  as  some  of  them  did  to 
'him,  of  going  to  worship  God,  at  some  of  the 
'three  solemn  feasts;  which  devotion  of  theirs,  as 
1  'it  rejoiced  his  heart,  so  it  moved  him,  I  conjee- 


B.  C.   1043. 


PSALM  CXXII. 


B.  C.  1043. 


4  Whither  *"  the  tribes  go  up,  the  tribes 
of  the  Lord,  unto  e  the  testimony  of  Is- 
rael, ""to  give  thanks  unto  the  name  of 
the  Lord. 

5  For  '  there  *  are  set  thrones  of  judg- 
ment, ^  the  thrones  of  the  house  of  Da- 
vid. 

G  '  Pray  for  the  peace  of  Jerusalem: 


f  78:68.  13113.  Ex.  53:17.  34: 
23,24.      Deut.  12:5,11.   16:10- 

g  Ex.  16:34.  26:33,24.  32:15. 

h  66:13—16.  107:1—3.  116:17 
—19.    118:19. 

i  Deut.  17:18.     2Chr.  19:8. 


»  Heb.  do  sit. 

k2Sam.  8:18.    2  Chr.  11:22. 

1    51:18.      137:6,7.      Jer.    51:50. 

John  17:21.  Eph.  4:3.  2  Thes. 

3:16. 


'ture,  to  compose  this  psalm  for  their  use,  at  such 
'times.'  Bp.  Patrick. — Jerusalem  was  typical 
both  of  the  church  of  true  believers,  and  of  the 
heavenly  state;  and  the  solemnities  of  Israel  were, 
like  our  public  ordinances,  acts  of  sacred  wor- 
ship; and,  when  attended  on  in  faith  and  love, 
were  earnests  and  foretastes  of  the  worship  and 
joy  of  heaven. — It  may  be  supposed,  that  the 
Psalmist  greatly  rejoiced,  not  only  in  anticipating 
the  pleasure  of  attending  on  the  ordinances  of 
God,  but  also  in  perceiving  the  people  generally 
and  zealously  disposed  to  the  duties  of  religion. 
(JVb<e*,  27:4— 6.  42:1— 5.  63:1—6.  66:13,14.  95:1 
—6.  116:17—19.  118:19—24.  132:7— 10. /s.  2:2— 5. 
66:19—23.  Jer.  50:4—6.  Mic.  4:1—5.) 

V.  3 — 5.  'By  the  artificial  joining  and  beauty 
'of  the  houses,  he  meaneth  the  concord  and  love 
'that  was  between  the  citizens.'  (JVotes,  Eph.  2: 
19—22.4:1—6,11—13.  Rev.  21:9— 27.)— Jerusa- 
lem, from  the  time  of  David,  was  considered  as 
the  centre  of  the  worship  and  government  of  Is- 
rael, and  as  the  bond  of  union  among  the  tribes: 
and  while  that  city  remained  compact  and  united, 
as  their  common  head,  they  were  safe  and  pros- 
perous. The  union  also  of  the  priesthood  in 
Aaron's  family,  with  the  kingdom  in  that  of  Da- 
vid, was  very  advantageous  to  tlieir  common  in- 
terests civil  and  religious;  when  justice  was  ad- 
ministered according  to  the  law  of  God,  and  re- 
gal authority  protected  and  supported  the  wor- 
ship of  God  at  his  temple. — This  typified  the 
union  of  the  priesthood  and  kingdom  in  the  per- 
son of  the  Redeemer.  (JVb<e*,  Zech.  6:12,13.  Heb. 
8:1,2.) — David's  sons  were  "chief  rulers,"  soon 
after  the  removal  of  the  ark  to  mount  Zion;  (2 
Sam.  8:18.)  so  that  the  thrones  of  his  family,  as 
well  as  his  own  throne,  were  then  established  at 
Jerusalem. — Testimony.  (4)  JVote,  Ex.  25:10 — 
21. 

V.  6,  7.  'The  members  of  the  Israelitish 
'church  are  exhorted  to  pray  for  its  peace 
'and  welfare.  What  that  church  was,  the  Chris- 
'tian  church  militant  upon  earth  now  is,  and  de- 
'mandeth  in  like  manner  the  pra3'ers  of  all  Chris- 
'tian  people,  for  its  peace  and  welfare  in  a  troub- 
'lesome  and  contentious  world.  Its  increase 
'here  below  is,  in  reality,  the  increase  of  Jerusa- 
'lem  above,  of  whicli  it  is  a  part,  and  ought  to  be 
'a  resemblance.'  Bp.  Home. — 'Happy  shall  they 
'be,  who  out  of  love  to  the  religion  and  justice  ad- 
'ministered  in  thee,  O  beloved  city,  contribute 
'their  endeavors,  as  well  as  their  prayers,  for  thy 
'safety  and  prosperity.'  Bp.  Patrick.  {Marg. 
Mef.—JVotes,  5\:18,19.  137:1—6,  Gen.  12:1—3.) 

V.  8,  9.  The  Psalmist  concludes,  by  declaring 
his  full  purpose  of  using  his  authority  and  influ- 
ence for  the  benefit  of  the  holy  city,  from  love  to 
his  brethren  and  his  pious  friends,  but  especially 
from  love  to  God  and  his  sacred  service.  [Marg. 
Ref.—J^otes,  1  Chr.  29:3—19.)  Thus  he  gave 
all  rulers,  through  succeeding  generations,  an 
example,  in  what  manner  to  improve  their  talents. 


■"  they    shall    prosper    that    love    thee. 

7  "  Peace  be  within  thy  walls,  and 
prosperity  °  within  thy  palaces. 

8  For  P  my  brethren  and  companions' 
sakes,  I  will  now  say.  Peace  be  within 
thee. 

9  Because  of  ''  the  house  of  the  Lord 
our  God,  "■  I  will  seek  thy  good. 

Jam.  3:13 


m  Gen.  12:3.  Num.  24:9.  1  John 

3:14. 
n  1  Chr.  12:18.      Is.  9:7.    54:13. 

John  14:27.  Jam.  3:18. 
o  43:3. 
p  16:3.  42:4.    119:63.     Eph.  4:4 


—6.    Phil.  2:2—5. 

—  13. 
q  26:8.  69:9.    84:1,2,10.      1  Clir. 

29:3.     John  2:17. 
r  102:13,14.   137:5,6.  Neh.  2:10. 

13:14. 


in  promoting  true  religion  among  their  subjects, 
without  at  all  infringing  on  the  rights  of  con- 
science. [JVotes,  2  Chr.  30:12.  Is.  49:22,23.  P.  O. 
£z.  46:1— 15.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  servants  of  God  should  exhort  others,  and 
be  glad  to  be  exhorted  themselves,  to  attend  on 
his  ordinances.  Indeed  those  who  love  his  name 
and  seek  his  salvation,  will  "rejoice  when  it  is 
said  unto  them,  Let  us  go  into  the  house  of  the 
Lord;"  and  the  pleasure  and  profit,  which  they 
derive  from  'the  means  of  grace,'  will  make  the 
zealous  believer  disregard  inconvenience  and  fa- 
tigue in  resorting  thither.  With  what  alacrity 
then  should  we  think  of  going  to  the  temple  above, 
when  our  feet  shall  stand  within  the  gates  of  the 
heavenly  Jerusalem!  and  how  cheerfully  should 
we  bear  the  cross  while  we  live,  and  welcome  the 
stroke  of  death,  in  hopes  of  that  immortal  crown 
of  glory! — Union  and  harmony  are  the  ornament 
and  stability  of  the  church  on  earth:  and  if  all 
the  disciples  of  Christ  were  of  one  mind,  and  "en- 
deavored to  keep  the  unity  of  the  Spirit  in  the 
bond  of  peace,"  their  enemies  would  be  deprived 
of  their  chief  advantage  against  them.  And  if 
they  were  all  more  attentive  to  the  commands  of 
the  Son  of  David,  and  more  submissive  to  his  au- 
thority, and  referred  their  causes  to  his  decision; 
they  would  be  more  like  "the  tribes  of  Israel," 
even  the  "tribes  of  the  Lord,  when  they  went 
up  to  the  testimony  of  Israel,"  (the  ark  of  the 
covenant  and  the  mercy-seat,)  "to  give  thanks 
unto  the  name  of  the  Lord."  But  Satan's  max- 
im has  always  been,  to  divide  that  he  might  con- 
quer: and  few  Christians  have  been  sufficiently 
aware  of  his  design.  Let  all  then,  who  love  the 
cause  of  pure  religion,  "pray  for  the  peace,"  in  or- 
der to  the  prosperity  of  the  church.  Let  us  con- 
sider every  one,  who  bears  the  image  and  seeks 
the  glory  of  the  Redeemer,  as  our  brother,  our 
companion,  our  fellow-traveller,  and  our  fellow- 
soldier;  without  greatly  regarding  unessential 
differences,  or  secular  distinctions.  Let  us  seek 
the  peace  and  comfort  of  every  true  believer,  the 
union  and  harmon)^  of  Christians  among  them- 
selves, the  security  of  the  church  against  the  as- 
saults and  devices  of  the  common  enemy,  and  the 
prosperity  of  all,  whether  in  palaces  or  cottages, 
who  use  their  influence  and  abilities  to  promote 
the  cause  of  Christ,  from  love  to  liis  name.  Let 
us,  from  zeal  for  the  honor  of  our  God,  and  good 
will  to  all  our  brethren,  and  delight  in  the  or- 
dinances of  his  house,  seek  to  do  good  to  every 
part  of  his  church,  by  our  prayers  and  example, 
and  by  every  means  in  our  power:  and,  while  we 
lament  the  abuses  and  divisions  which  prevail  ia 
the  church  on  earth,  let  us  solace  ourselves  with 
a  foresight  of  the  perfect  harmony  and  tranquil- 
lity of  the  church  in  heaven;  for  perfect  "peace 
will  for  ever  be  within  her  walls,  and  prosperity 
within  her  palaces." 

[405 


B.  C.  1021. 


PSALMS   CXXIII,  CXXIV. 


B.  C.  1040. 


PSALM  cxxin. 

The  Psalmist,  (or  the  church  and  every  true  believer,)  expresses 
confidence  in  God,  and  complains  of  the  contempt  of  the 
proud)  1 — 4. 

^  A  Song  of  degrees. 

UNTO  thee  ^  lift  I  up  mine  eyes,  •=  O 
thou  that  dwellest  in  the  heavens. 

2  Behold,  "^as  the  eyes  of  servants 
look  unto  the  hand  of  their  masters,  and 
as  the  eyes  of  a  maiden  unto  the  hand  of 
her  mistress;  ®  so  our  eyes  wait  upon  the 
Lord  our  God,  until  that  he  have  mercy 
upon  us. 

3  ^  Have  mercy  upon  us,  O  Lord, 
have  mercy  upon  us;  ^  for  we  are  ex- 
ceedingly filled  with  contempt. 


a  120:— 134:  titles. 

b  25:15.   121:1.   141:8.   Luke  18: 

13. 
C2:4.     11:4.   113:5,6.   115:3.    Is. 

57:15.  66:1.     Matt.  6:9. 
d  Josh.  9:23,27.    10:6. 
e  40:1—3.  119:82,123—125.  130: 


5,6.    Gen.  32:26.  49:18.    Lam. 

3:25,26.  Luke  18:1. 
f  56:1,2.  57:1.  69:13  —  16.  Luke 

13:11—13. 
g  44:13— 16.   89:50,51.     Neh.  4: 

2—4.     Is.    53:3.     Luke    16:14. 

23:35. 


4  Our  soul  is  exceedingly  filled  ^  with 
thfe  scorning  of  those  that  are  at  ease, 
and  with  the  contempt  of  the  proud. 

PSALM  CXXIV. 

Israel  blesses  God  for  marvellous  deliverances,  and  exults  in  his 
protection,  1 — 8. 

*  A  Song  of  degrees  of  David. 
F  it  had  not  been  ^  the  Lord  who  was 
on  our  side,  •=  now  may  Israel  say; 

2  If  it  had  not  been  the  Lord  who  was 
on  our  side,  ^  when  men  rose  up  against 
us: 

3  Then  ^  they  had  *"  swallowed  us  up 
quick,  when  ^  their  wrath  was  kindled 
against  us: 

h   73:5—9.    119:51 


Job   12:5. 

16:4.     Jer.  48:11,27,29.     Acts 

17:21,32.   26:24.     1  Cor.  4:13. 
a  120:— 134:  titles. 
b27:l.  46:7,11.  54:4.  56:9.  118: 

6,7.     Is.   8:9,10.     Rom.   8:31. 

Heb.  13:5,6. 
c  129:1. 
d  2:1,2.  3:1.    22:12,13,16.  37:32. 


Num.  16:2,3. 
6  27:2.35:25.    56:1,2.    57:3.74: 

8.  83:4.     Esth.  3:6,12,13. 
fNum.    16:30—34.      Prov.  1:12. 

Jer.  51:34.     Jon.  1:17. 
g   76:10.       1   Sam.  20:30 33. 

Dan.  3:19.     Matt.  2:16.     Acts 

9:2.  26:11. 


NOTES. 

Psalm  CXXIII.  V.  1.  Some  think,  that  this 
psalm  was  composed  for  the  use  of  the  church, 
during  the  Babylonish  captivity,  or  when  perse- 
cuted by  Antiochus  Epiphanes:  liut  others  sup- 
pose it  to  have  been  written  by  Isaiah,  on  occa- 
sion of  the  scoffing  boasts  and  menaces  of  Sen- 
nacherib and  Rabshakeh;  while  others  are  of 
opinion  that  David  wrote  it  during  Absalom's  re- 
bellion. (J^otes,  11:4,5.  115:3—7.  121:1,2.  h.  51: 
15,16.  Matt.  6:9.) 

V".  2.  The  worshippers  of  God,  while  suffer- 
ing heavy  things  from  his  enemies,  for  obeying 
him,  and  threatened  with  still  severer  miseries; 
jret  adhering  stedfastly  to  his  service,  and  obeying 
his  commands;  expected,  and  patiently  waited  for, 
deliverance  from  God;  as  faithful  servants  de- 
pend on  their  master  for  redress  and  protection, 
while  employed  in  their  proper  work.  But  the 
assailant  may  be  so  powerful,  that  the  master 
cannot  protect  or  rescue  his  servant,  nor  the 
mistress  her  maiden;  so  that  these  may  look  in 
vain:  but  our  God  is  both  able,  and  faithful,  and 
merciful,  to  deliver  all  who  wait  on  him.  (JVotes, 
.  116:16.  Jo*A.  9:25—27.  10:1—6.) 

V.  3,  4.  These  verses  represent  the  Psalmist, 
and  those  in  whose  name  he  speaks,  as  living  on 
scorn  and  contempt,  even  as  a  man  lives  on  his 
daily  provisions,  till  they  were  satiated  with 
them,  and  knew  not  how  to  endure  any  more; 
yet  still  exposed  to  the  insulting  scoffs  and  taunts 
of  their  prosperous  and  haughty  oppressors:  but 
in  this  extremity  they  humbly  sought  mercy  from 
God,  to  pardon  their  sins,  and  to  comfort  them 
under  the  cruel  treatment  of  their  enemies;  and 
they  renounced  all  other  hope  of  support  and  de- 
liverance, unreservedly  committing  their  cause 
into  his  hand.  (JVotes,  44:9—16.  73.-5— 9.  89:50, 
51.  119:50—53.  JVeh.  4:4,5.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

Our  merciful  God,  from  his  throne  in  the  heav- 
ens, (that  high,  holy,  and  glorious  palace,  where 
he  displays  his  more  immediate  presence,)  looks 
down  to  behold  the  affairs  of  men,  and  hear  the 
prayers  of  his  afflicted  people;  being  able  and 
ready  to  redress  their  grievances,  whenever  they 
look  up  to  him  for  help  and  deliverance.  If  then 
we  are  become  his  servants,  by  faith  in  Jesus 
Christ;  if  we  rely  on  his  mercy,  observe  his  di- 
rections, and  expect  our  recompense  from  him, 
and  not  from  man:  we  may  also  confidently  look 
406] 


to  him  as  our  Master,  to  provide  for,  comfort, 
and  defend  us;  and  he  will  certainly  require  it  of 
all  those,  who  interrupt,  or  injure  us,  whilst  em- 
ployed in  his  work.  Being  thus  observant  of  his 
hand,  and  waiting  for  his  mercy,  we  need  not  be 
disconcerted,  if  we  meet  with  scorn  and  insults 
from  the  pampered  worldling,  or  the  proud  infidel, 
from  the  sensual,  self-indulgent,  and  prosperous 
sons  of  rebellion  and  impiety.  Indeed  contempt 
is  very  hard  to  bear:  but  the  servants  of  God 
should  not  complain,  if  they  are  treated  as  his 
beloved  Son  was;  and  they  cannot  be  more  filled 
than  he  was  with  "the  scorning  of  those  that  are 
at  ease,  and  the  contempt  of  the  proud."  Let  us 
then,  when  ready  to  faint  under  this  trial,  look 
unto  Jesus,  copy  this  meekness  and  patience,  and 
by  faith  and  prayer  ca^t  ourselves  upon  the  mercy 
of  our  God.  [JVotes,  Heb.  12:1—3.)  Erelongthe 
proud  and  luxurious  scorner  will  be  "filled  with 
his  own  devices;"  and  the  despised  believer  will 
inherit  the  throne  of  glory. 

NOTES. 
Psalm  CXXIV.  V.  1—3.  The  title  ascribes 
this  psalm  to  David:  so  that,  abiding  by  this  au- 
thority, we  must  look  for  the  occasion  of  it  in  the 
history  of  that  prince;  though  it  is  not  easy  to  de- 
termine the  particular  deliverance  to  which  it  Te-< 
fers. — It  may,  however,  be  applied  to  any  season 
of  special  danger  or  distress  to  the  church,  or  to 
believers,  from  which  they  have  been  beyond 
expectation  rescued. — Had  Israel's  Helper  been 
any  other  than  the  almighty  and  everlasting  God, 
their  numerous,  powerful,  and  furious  enemies 
must  at  once  have  destroyed  them;  as  a  voracious 
beast,  or  bird  of  prey,  or  sea-monster,  swallows 
alive  the  helpless  animal  which  falls  in  its  way. — 
Israel  had  no  power  to  deliver  himself;  and  all 
other  help,  but  that  of  God,  must  have  been  inef- 
fectual.— This  seems  peculiarly  suited  to  Hez- 
ekiali's  deliverance  from  Sennacherib;  to  which 
some  learned  men,  notwithstanding  the  title,  sup- 
pose the  psalm  to  refer.  [JVotes,  2  Kings  19:)  It 
would  equally  suit  Israel's  deliverance  from  Pha- 
raoh and  his  army.  [J\Iarg.  Ref. — JVotes,  Ex.  14: 
15:)  Indeed  the  omnipotence  of  God  our  Savior 
alone  has  preserved  his  church  in  every  age 
amidst  all  the  persecutions  from  without,  and  the 
treachery  and  corruption  from  within,  together 
with  the  rage,  and  subtlety,  and  power  of  Satan 
and  his  angels;  or  it  must  long  since  have  been 
destroyed  from  the  face  of  the  earth. 


B.  C.  1040. 


PSALM  CXXV. 


B.  C.  7ia 


4  Then  ^  the  waters  had  overwhehned 
us,  the  stream  had  gone  over  our  soul: 

5  Then  *  the  proud  waters  had  gone 
over  our  soul. 

6  Blessed  be  the  Lord,  ^  who  hath  not 
given  us  as  a  prey  to  their  teeth. 

7  Our  '  soul  is  escaped  •"  as  a  bird  out 
of  the  snare  of  the  fowlers:  the  snare  is 
broken,  and  we  are  escaped. 

8  Our  "help  is  in  the  name  of  the 
Lord,  who  made  heaven  and  earth. 

PSALM  CXXV. 

The  security  of  the  faithful,  1 — 3.    A  prayer  for  them,  and  a 
predictioDof  the  ruin  of  apostates  and  of  the  ungodly,  4,  5. 

^  A  Song  of  degrees. 

29.    2  Sam.  17:2,21,22. 
m  25:15.  91:3.     Prov.  6:5.    Jer. 
5:26.   18:2i.     2  Tim.  2:26. 


h    18:4.    42:7.    69:15.     Is.  8:7,8. 

28:2.  59:19.  Jer.  46:7,8.    Dan. 

9:26.  Rev.  12:15,16.  17:1,15. 
i  93:3,4.  Job  38:11.  Jer.  5:22. 
k  17:9—13.  118:13.  140:5,6.  Ex. 

15,9,10.  Judg.  5:30,31.   1  Sam. 

26:20.     Is.  10:14—19. 
1   1  Sam.  23:26,27.  24:14,15.  25: 


n  115:15.   121:2.  146:5,6.     Gen. 

1:1.    Is.  37:16— 20.    Jer.  32:17. 

Acts  4:24. 
a  120:— 124:  titles. 


V.  4 — 8.  Overwhelming  torrents,  or  the  furi- 
ous waves  of  the  stormy  sea;  [JVotes,  42:6 — 8.  Is 
8:6 — 8.  Rev.  12:13 — 17.)  the  voracious  jaws  of 
lions,  tigers,  or  wolves;  and  the  craft  and  skill  of 
the  fowler,  in  deceiving  and  ensnaring  the  poor 
unsuspecting  bird;  form  three  striking  illustra- 
tions of  the  danger,  to  which  the  people  of  God 
had  been  exposed  from  their  fierce,  violent,  and 
deceitful  enemies.  Yet  God  had  wonderfully  de- 
livered them;  and  they  were  filled  with  admiring 
gratitude,  when  they  recollected  the  extreme 
danger  to  which  they  had  been  exposed,  and 
found  themselves  brought  into  a  secure  and  happy 
situation.  [Mai-g.  Ref.—A''ote,  2  Tim.  2:23—26.) 
And  as  God  had  helped  them,  they  were  deter- 
mined to  confide  as  to  the  future  in  his  protection 
alone.     [J^otes,  46:5—7.  146:3—6.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  church  of  God,  in  every  age,  has  been  op- 
posed by  multitudes  of  powerful,  enraged,  and 
cruel  enemies:  fierce  persecutions,  bloody  wars 
and  massacres,  and  wide  spreading  destructive 
heresies,  have  alternately  threatened  to  swallow 
her  up;  as  the  furious  billows  were  ready  to  over- 
whelm the  feeble  bark,  in  which  Jesus  was 
asleep.  But,  notwithstanding  the  machinations 
of  hell,  in  aid  of  the  efforts  of  human  malice  and 
power,  the  despised  cause  of  Christ  still  main- 
tains its  ground:  "the  proud  waters"  have  not  yet 
overwhelmed  and  swallowed  her  up.  "Blessed 
be  the  Lord,  who  hath  not  given  her  up  as  a 
prej'  unto  the  teeth'"  of  her  furious  enemies. 
But,  recollecting  her  dangers  and  helplessness, 
well  may  she  say,  "If  it  had  not  been  the  Lord, 
who  was  on  our  side,  we  should  have  been  swal- 
lowed up  quick,  when  men,"  when  the  powers  of 
darkness,  "were  so  enraged  at  us." — The  believer 
also,  recollecting  his  perilous  situation  previous  to 
his  conversion,  and  the  surprising  manner  in 
which  he  has  been  rescued,  the  dangers  from 
which  he  has  often  narrowly  escaped,  and  the  dif- 
ficulties from  which  he  has  been  extricated,  not- 
withstanding his  own  ignorance,  folly,  and  feeble- 
ness; will  readily  make  the  same  thankful  ac- 
knowledgment, and  ascribe  all  the  honor  of  his 
salvation  to  the  power,  mercy,  and  truth  of  Isra- 
el's God.  He  will  consider  himself  as  a  ship- 
wrecked mariner  marvellously  saved  from  the  tu- 
multuous waves;  as  a  poor  lamb  snatched  from 
the  jaws  of  the  greed}'^  wolf;  or  as  the  helpless  bird 
set  at  liberty  from  the  fowler's  snare,  in  which  it 


THEY  ^  that  trust  in  the  Lord  shall 
•=  he  as  mount  Zion,  which  cannot 
be  removed,  ^  hut  abideth  for  ever. 
'  2  As  ^  the  mountains  are  round  about 
Jerusalem,  so  ^  the  Lord  is  round  about 
his  people  from  henceforth,  even  for 
ever. 

3  For  e  the  rod  of  *  the  wicked  shall 
not  rest  upon  the  lot  of  the  righteous;  lest 
the  righteous  put  forth  their  hands  unto 
iniquity. 

4  •■  Do  good,  O  Lord,  unto  those  that 
be  good,  and  to  them  that  are  '  upright  in 
their  hearts. 


b   21:7.     25:2,3.    34:22.    62:2,6. 

118:8,9.     147:11.     1  Chr.  5:20. 

Prov.  3:5,6.  Jer.  17:7,8.    Eph. 

1:12,13.      1  Pet.  1:21. 
c  132:13,14.    Is.  12:6.   14:32.   51: 

3,11,16.  52:1,7,8.  Ob.  21.  Mic. 

4:2.  Zech.  1:14,17.   Rev.  14:1. 
d  Matt.  16:16—18. 
e  Lam.  4:12. 
f  34:7.     Deut.   33:27.      Is.   4:5. 


Zech.  2:5.    John  10:28,29. 
g  103:9,14.     Prov.  22:8.    Is.  10: 

5.  14:5,6.    27:8.     1  Cor.  10:13 

Rev.  2:10. 
*  Heb.  icicktdness. 
h   41:1—3.  51:18.  73:1.     Is.  58: 

10,11.     Heb.  6:10.     1  John  3. 

17—24. 
i  32:2.  84:11.    119:80.     Lam.  3: 

25.   John  1:47.   Rev.  14:5. 


had  heedlessly  got  entangled.  Ere  long  every, 
true  Christian,  being  finally  delivered  from  trou- 
bles, enemies,  sins,  and  dangers,  will  look  back 
on  the  way,  in  which  the  Lord  has  led  him,  with 
admiring  gratitude;  and  celebrate  his  mercy  and 
truth  in  eternal  songs  of  praise.  Let  us  then  now 
begin  to  praise  him  for  the  past,  "if  indeed  Satan's 
snare  be  broken,  and  we  be  delivered;"  and  let  us 
rejoice  that  our  help,  for  the  time  to  come,  "is  in 
the  name  of  the  Lord,  who  made  heaven  and 
earth."  Thus  let  us  stand  prepared  ere  long,  to 
join  with  rapturous  exultation,  the  song  of  the 
redeemed  in  heaven,  "saying.  Salvation  to  our 
God,  which  sitteth  upon  the  throne  and  unto  the 
Lamb.  ...  Blessing,  and  glory,  and  wisdom,  and 
thanksgiving,  and  power,  and  might,  be  unto  our 
God  for  ever  and  ever.  Amen.''  (JVbfe,  22ei).  7.-9 — 
12.) 

NOTES. 

Psalm  CXXV.  V.  1.  It  does  not  clearly  ap- 
pear on  what  occasion,  or  by  whom,  this  Psalxn 
was  written:  some  however  consider  it,  as  refer- 
ring to  the  invasion  of  Judah  by  Sennacherib,  and 
the  miraculous  deliverance  granted  to  Jerusa- 
lem, in  answer  to  the  prayers  of  Hezekiah  and 
Isaiah.  [A''otes,  2  Kings  19:) — The  security  of 
the  church  implies  the  security  of  every  true  mem- 
ber of  it.  [Jfote,  Malt.  16:18.) 

V.  2.  "Jerusalem,  the  mountains  are  round 
about  her.  And  the  Lord  is  round  about  his  peo- 
ple from  henceforth  for  evermore."  This  is  a 
literal  translation.  The  surrounding  mountains 
only  seemed  to  render  the  holy  city  impregnable: 
[J^otes,  Lam.  4:12.  Zech.  2:1 — 5.)  but  the  power 
of  the  almighty  God,  through  the  intercession  of 
our  heavenly  Advocate,  and  his  everlasting  cove- 
nant, effectually  secures  his  true  people.  \Jfotes, 
Rom.  8:28—39.)  'While  her  inhabitants'  (Jeru- 
salem's) 'continued  to  trust  in  the  Lord,  this  was 
'the  case.  But  when  they  became  faithless  and 
'disobedient,  she  became  weak,  and  like  another 
'city.  Let  not  our  "trust  in  God"  be  a  presump- 
'tuous  ungrounded  assurance;  but  let  it  be  a 
'confidence  springing  from  faith  unfeigned,  out 
'of  a  pure  heart,  a  good  conscience,  and  fervent 
'charity.'  Bp.  Home. 

V.  3.  The  persecuting  rage  and  power  of  the 
wicked  fall  upon  the  righteous,  but  they  do  not 
"rest  upon  them,"  or  prevent  them  from  possess- 
ing and  enjjoying  their  allotted  inheritance. 
[Marg.  Ref.)    Persecutions  and  oppressions,  as 

[407 


B.  C.  530. 


PSALM  CXXVI. 


B.  C.  530. 


5  As  for  ^  such  as  turn  aside  unto 
their  *  crooked  ways,  the  Lord  shall  lead 
them  forth  ■"  with  the  workers  of  iniquity: 
but  "  peace  shall  be  upon  Israel. 

PSALM  CXXVL 

The  joyful  surprise  of  tlie  Jews,  when  delivered  from  captivity, 
1 — 3.  A  prayer  for  a  more  complete  deliverance;  with  assur- 
ances of  a  happy  event  to  all  the  sorrows  of  God's  people,  4 
—6. 

^  A  Song  of  degrees 

WHEN 
the  captivity  of  Zion,  we  were 
''  like  them  that  dream. 

2  Then   *=  was  our   mouth  filled  with 


the   Lord   *  turned    again 


k40:4.    101:3.     1  Chr.  10:13,14. 

Prov.  14:14.  Jer.  2:19.     Zeph. 

1:6.   Heb.  10:38. 
1  Prov.  2:15.    Is.  59:8.    Phil.  2: 

15. 
m  Mnlt.  7:23.  24:48—51. 
11128:6.      Is.  54:10,13.      Ez.  37: 

26.      Hos.   2:18.     John   14:27. 

Gal.  6:16.      1  Pet.  1:2. 
a  120:— 125:  titles. 


*  Heb.  returned  the  returning 
of  Zion.  53:6.  85:1.  Ezra  1: 
Job42:l0.  Jer.  31:8— 10.  Hos, 
6:11.  Joel  3:1. 

b  Job  9:16.  Mark  16:11.  Luke 
24:11,41.     Acts  12:9,14—16. 

c  14:7.  53:6.  106:47,48.  Ezra 
3:11.  Job  8:21.  Is.  35:10.  49: 
9—13.  Jer.  31:12,13.  33:11. 
Rev.  11:15— 17. 


laughter,  and  our  tongue  with  singing; 
^  then  said  they  among  the  heathen.  The 
Lord  hath  t  done  great  things  for  them. 

3  The  ^  Lord  hath  done  great  things 
for  us,  whereof  we  are  glad. 

4  ^  Turn  again  our  captivity,  O  Lord, 
^  as  the  streams  in  the  south. 

5  They   ^  that  sow  in  tears  shall  reap 
in  t joy. 

6  He  '  that  goeth  forth  and  weepeth, 
bearing  \  precious  seed,  ^  shall    doubtless 

g  Josh.  3:16.   Is.  41:18. 

h  137:1.    Is.  12:1— ,3.     .Ter.  21:9 

—13.   Joel  2:17,23.    Matt.  5:4. 

John  16:20—22.     2  Cor.  7:8— 

11. 
J  Or,  singing, 
130:5.    Job  11:13— 17.    Is.  61:3. 

Jer.  50:4,5.  Gal.  6:7,8. 
5  Or,  seed  basket. 
k    Is.   9:2,3.       Luke    15:18—24. 

Acts   16:29— 34.     Rev.  7:15 — 

17. 


d   Num.  23.-23.     .Tosh.   2:9—11. 

9:9,10.  Neh.  6:16.    Zech.  8:22, 

23.    Rom.  11:15. 
f  Heb.     magnified  to  do  ■with 

them. 
e   18:50.    31:19.    66:5,6.    68:7,8, 

22.     Ezra  7:27,28.   Is.  11:11— 

16.     12:4—6.    51.9—11.     52:9, 

10.     66:14.        Luke    1:46—49. 

Eph.    1:18—22.      Rev.   J2:l0. 

19:1—7. 
f  See  on  1.-85:4.   Hos.  1:11. 


well  as  other  afflictive  dispensations,  are  permit- 
ted, moderated,  and  sanctified,  for  their  trial, 
correction,  and  spiritual  proficiency:  but  if  augf- 
mented  and  continued,  according'  to  the  desire  of 
their  enemies,  they  might  become  too  powerful  a 
temptation,  and  at  length  induce  them  to  put 
forth  their  hands  unto  iniquity.  [JVoles,  76:10. 
/*.  27:7—11.  J\Iatt.  24:21,22.  1  Cor.  10:13.) 

V.  4,  5.  Uprightness  before  God,  and  kind- 
ness to  men,  characterize  true  believers,  for 
whom  the  Psalmist  here  prays,  that  God  would 
do  them  good,  or,  deal  gently,  kindly,  and  mer- 
cifully with  them,  according  to  his  faithful  prom- 
ises. But  as  to  those  who  "turn  aside  unto 
their  crooked  ways,"  the  Lord  would  "lead  them 
forth,"  and  allot  them  their  portion  with  such  as 
had  always  been  "workers  of  iniquity;"  (JVotes, 
Ez.  3:20,21.  Hab.  2:4.  Zeph.  1:6.  Heb.  10:33— 
39.  2  Pet.  2:20—22.)  while  peace  would  still  be 
continued  to  Israel,  to  the  nation  as  a  body,  and 
to  all  true  Israehtes.  (73:1.) 

Crooked.  (3)  The  way  of  holiness  is  straight: 
there  are  no  windings  or  shiftings  in  it:  it  is  a 
uniform  course  of  piety,  integrity,  sincerity,  and 
kindness.  But  the  ways  of  sinners  are  crooked: 
they  shift  from  one  pursuit  to  another,  and  turn 
hither  and  thither  to  deceive;  they  wind  about  a 
thousand  waj^s,  to  conceal  their  base  intentions, 
to  accomplish  their  iniquitous  projects,  or  to  es- 
cape the  punishment  of  their  crimes:  yet  disap- 
pointment, detection,  confusion,  and  misery,  are 
their  inevitable  portion.  [Marg.  Ref. — J^o'tes  Is. 
59:3—8,  V.  8.    Heb.  12:12,13.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  people  of  God  trust  in  his  mercy,  truth, 
and  power,  and  keep  his  commandments:  they 
copy  his  example  of  goodness;  and,  with  all  their 
defects,  are  "upright  in  their  hearts."  Their 
hopes  and  their  souls  are  built  upon  that  tried 
and  precious  Foundation,  which  God  has  laid  in 
Zion;  on  which  the  whole  church  is  founded, 
and  which  "cannot  be  removed,  but  abideth  for 
ever:"  yea,  the  Lord  himself  is  with  them,  and  a 
Protection  round  about  them,  "from  henceforth 
even  for  ever."  Their  dread  of  sin,  and  of  apos- 
tacy,  and  their  prayers  to  be  kept  from  them, 
though  by  suffering  or  death,  are  the  evidences 
that  they  shall  not  apostatize:  for  the  Lord  will 
proportion  their  strength  to  their  trials,  and  make 
"all  things  work  together  for  tiieir  good;"  the 
malice  and  enmity  of  the  wicked  shall  only  prove 
s  correcting  rod,  and  not  a  destroying*  sword; 
even  this  rod  shall  not  "rest  upon  them,"  lest 
408] 


they  faint  under  the  chastisement:  and  not  only 
the  prayers  of  their  brethren,  but  the  interces- 
sion of  their  Savior,  secure  to  them  the  upholding 
power  and  preserving  grace  of  God. — "As  for 
such  as  turn  back  unto  their  crooked  ways," 
they  never  were  "upright  in  their  hearts:"  and 
their  apostacy  is  the  detection  of  their  hypocrisy. 
Their  knowledge,  conviction,  and  profession,  will 
but  enhance  their  condemnation,  and  "the  Lord 
shall  lead  them  forth  with  evil-doers;  but  peace 
shall  be  upon"  every  "Israelite  indeed,  in  whom 
there  is  no  guile."  Lord,  number  us  with  them, 
in  time  and  to  eternity.' 

NOTES. 

Psalm  CXXVI.  V.  1—3.  This  psalm  is 
generally  thought  to  have  been  composed,  when 
the  Jews  were  restored  to  their  own  land  after 
the  Babylonish  captivity.  Their  restoration  was 
effected  in  so  sudden  and  extraordinarj'  a  man- 
ner, and  was  so  delightful  to  them,  that  it  seemed 
more  like  a  pleasant  dream  than  a  reality.  U^Totes, 
14:7.  106:47,48.  Ezra  1:1—6.  3:12,13.  Jo6  42:10 
—  17,  V.  10.  Is.  29:7,8.  Jer.  31:8—14.)  Even 
the  heathen  noted  the  hand  of  God  in  their  de- 
liverance, and  allowed  that  he  had  done  great 
things  for  them;  in  which  sentiment  the  people 
thankfully  concurred.  {Marg.  Ref. — J^otes,  Ex. 
15:14—16.  Jfum.  23:23.  Josh.  2:8— 11.  9:8—11. 
1  Kings  8:41—43.  2  Kings  19:14—19,  v.  19.  JVcA. 
6:15,16.  Zech.  8:20— 23.)— The  whole  event  was 
typical  of  the  spiritual  redemption  of  the  church, 
and  of  every  believer,  from  the  bondage  of  sin 
and  Satan:  and  the  peace,  and  joy,  and  thanks- 
giving, which  even  now  are  the  consequences  of 
it;  and  of  the  unspeakable  joy  and  exultation, 
and  praise,  which  shall  atte.nd  the  completion  of 
it  in  eternal  glory;  {Jfote,  2  Thes.  1:5—10,  v.  10.) 
and  the  word  of  God  predicts  a  deliverance  of 
the  new  testament  church  from  her  long-con- 
tinued captivity,  which  will  occasion  still  greater 
surprise  and  exultation.  (/*.  40:1,2.  43:14 — 21. 
jRev.  11:15 — 18.  18:  19:) — Like  them  thcU  dream. 
(1)  Jfote,  Acts  12:5—11,  v.  9. 

V.  4.  The  torrent  and  the  brooks,  in  the 
southern  deserts,  run  ofi"  and  dry  up,  in  the  sum- 
mer months:  but  after  the  periodical  rains  they 
return  again,  and  the  channels  are  filled  for  the 
refreshment  of  the  thirsty  traveller.  Thus  the 
Jews,  who  were  settled  in  their  own  country, 
prayed  that  their  brethren  might  be  brought 
back  in  much  larger  numbers,  to  replenish  the 
land,  which  had  lain  so  many  years  desolate. 
{JYote,Job  6:13—23.) 


B.  C.  1012. 


PSALM  CXXVIL 


B.  C.  1012 


come  again  with  rejoicing,   bringing  his 
sheaves  with  him. 

PSALM  CXXVIL 

Every  labor  is  vain  without  the  blessing  of  God,  ],  ^.     Children 
are  gifts  of  God,  and  highly  to  be  valued,  3 — 5. 

A  Song  of  degrees  *  for  Solomon. 
XCEPT    "  the    Lord    •=  build  the 
house    ^  they   labor   in   vain  t  that 


E 


a  120.— 126:  titles. 

*  Or,  of  Solomnn.  72:  title. 

b  33:16— 18.     Prov.  16:9.  21:30, 

31.  Ec.  9:11.     1  Cor.  3:7. 
c  1  Chr.  22:10,11.  28:10,20.   29: 


in 

I     19.     1  Cor.  3:9—15. 
d  1  Cor.  15:14.      Gal.  4:11. 
I  Heb.    lha.t  a.[e  builders  of' it 
i»i  it. 


build  it:  ^  except  the  Lord  keep  the  city, 
•"  the  watchman  waketh  but  in  vain. 

2  It  is  £  vain  for  you  to  ''  rise  up  early, 
to  sit  up  late,  to  eat  '  the  bread  of  sor- 
rows: ^  for  so  he  giveth  his  beloved 
sleep. 

3  Lo  ^  children  are  an  heritage  of  the 


e   121:3-5.     Is.  27:3.     Zech.  2: 

4,5. 
f  Cant.  3:3.    5:7.     Is.  21:5—12. 

50:10.62:6.  Jer.  51:12,31.  Ez. 

33-2 9. 

g  39:5,6.     Ec.  1:14.    2:1—11,20 

—23.   4:8. 
h  Prov.  31:15—18. 


i  Gen.  3:17—19.     Ec.  6:7. 
k3:5.  4:8.     Ec.  5:12.     Jer.  31: 

26.  Ez.  34:25.    Acts  12:5,6. 

1  128:3,4.  Gen.  1:28.  15:4,5.  24: 
60.  30:1,2.  33:5.  41:51,52.  48: 
4.  Deut.  28:4.    1  Sam.  1:19,20, 

27.  2:20,21.     1  Chr.  28:5.     Is. 
8:18. 


V.  5,  6.  The  poor  husbandman,  who  perhaps 
wants  his  seed-corn  to  feed  his  family;  and  can- 
not part  with  it,  and  witness  their  hunger,  with- 
out tears;  and,  who  with  great  labor  and  anxiety 
sows  his  good  seed;  will  in  due  time  rejoice  in 
reaping  and  conveying  home  a  plenteous  harvest. 
So  the  tears,  with  which  the  poor  captives  at 
Babylon  had  accompanied  their  repentance  and 
prayers;  the"  grief  with  which  on  their  return 
they  beheld,  and  attempted  to  repair,  the  desola- 
tions of  their  city  and  temple;  and  all  the  hard- 
ships, which  they  endured  in  that  pious  attempt; 
would  surely  issue  in  joy  and  praise.  {JSTotes, 
Ezra  1:5,6.  3:12,13.)— "In  going  forth  he  shall 
go  forth,  and  with  weeping,  carrying  the  precious 
seed:  coming  he  shall  come  again,  with  shouting, 
carrying  his  sheaves."  {JVote,  Gen.  47:23 — 26. 
Is.  r&:8 — tl.)  The  same  is  applicable  to  all  the 
sorrows  of  the  true  Christian.  {JVotes,  Is.  12: 
1—3.  Jer.  31:8—14.  JIatt.  5:4.  John  16:16—22. 
2  Cor.  7:9—11.  2  Tim.  2:3—7. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  hand  of  God  should  be  acknowledged  in 
all  our  mercies,  whoever  be  the  instrument  of 
them:  and  if  unexpected  deliverance  from  out- 
ward captivity  be  so  highly  valued,  and  so  great- 
ly rejoiced  in;  how  ought  we  to  value  redemp- 
tion from  the  wrath  to  come,  and  from  the  power 
of  sin  and  Satan!  The  poor  trembling  sinner, 
being  deeply  convinced  of  his  guilt  and  danger, 
having  long  sought  and  waited,  perhaps  with  dis- 
couragement, for  peace  and  liberty;  when,  by 
looking  to  a  crucified  Savior,  he  is  freed  from  his 
burden,  and  receives  peace  to  his  conscience, 
and  power  to  break  off  his  sins;  reviews  the 
misery  which  he  has  escaped,  the  price  and 
method  of  his  rescue,  and  the  prospect  which 
opens  to  him,  and  can  often  scarcely  believe  his 
happiness  a  reality.  The  phantoms  of  a  dream, 
or  the  sportive  illusions  of  the  waking  imagina- 
tion, could  never  present  to  his  mind  any  tiling 
so  welcome,  as  he  now  by  faith  perceives,  and  by 
grace  experiences.  Thus  "is  his  mouth  filled 
with  laugliter,  and  his  tongue  with  singing:"  and 
if  his  future  conduct  correspond  to  this  happy  be- 
ginning, even  the  ungodly  will  be  constrained  to 
own,  that  "the  Lord  hath  done  great  things  for 
liim."  With  what  exultation  then  will  the  re- 
deemed sinaer  rejoin,  "The  Lord  hath  done 
great  things  for  me,  v/hereof  I  am  glad!"  Yet 
still  he  has  to  struggle  with  many  temptations, 
corruptions,  and  afflictions:  he  will  seek,  and  not 
iiu  vain,  for  renewed  and  more  complete  deliver- 
ance; he  will  often  on  earth  renew  his  songs  of 
grateful  praise:  but  when  at  last,  redeemed  from 
death,  he  shall  stand  complete  before  the  throne 
of  glory,  he  will  present  his  perfect  praises  with 
unalloyed  rejoicing.  We  should  not  then  be 
reluctant  to  "sow  in  tears,"  while  we  remain  in 
this  world  of  sorrow.  When  we  mourn  for  our 
sins,  or  sympathize  with  the  afflicted,  or  suffer  for 
Christ's  sake,  or  endure  chastisements,  we  are 
Vol.  IIL  52 


"sowing  in  tears  to  reap  in  joy."  (JS'otes,  Heb.  12. 
4—13.  I  Pet.  1:6—9.  Rev.  7:13—17.)  But  let  us 
be  sure  that  we  are  sowing  good  seed,  thus  to  be 
watered  with  our  tears;  exercising  repentance, 
faith,  love,  and  patience,  continuing  instant  in 
prayer,  and  in  the  use  of  every  means  of  grace; 
and  being  unwearied  in  every  good  work,  though 
we  should  meet  with  ingratitude  and  discourage- 
ment from  all  quarters:  then  we  shall  "doubtless 
come  again  with  joy,  bringing  our  sheaves  with 
us;"  for  none  of  our  labors,  sorrows,  or  prayers 
will  be  lost;  and  if  others  are  not  profited  by 
them,  they  will  return  into  our  own  bosom,  and 
augment  our  gracious  and  eternal  reward.  But, 
whether  we  rejoice  in  present  comforts,  or  solace 
ourselves  under  sorrows,  in  hope  of  this  glorious 
event,  let  us  not  forget  our  brethren  in  tribula- 
tion: but  let  us  pray  for  the  support  of  every  suf- 
fering saint;  and  for  the  deliverance  of  the  church 
from  oppression,  from  the  defilement  of  heresy 
and  iniquity,  and  from  the  debilitating  effect  of 
division.  [J^otes,  122:6 — 9.  P.  O.) — Let  sinners 
also  recollect,  how  dreadful  their  case  will  be,  if 
they  have  all  their  little  joy  in  this  mourning 
world,  and  nothing  hereafter  but  weeping,  wail- 
ing, and  gnashing  of  teeth:  and  let  us  all  remem- 
ber that  "God  is  not  mocked:  for  whatsoever  a 
man  soweth,  that  shall  he  also  reap."  {JSTote,  Gal. 
6:6—10.) 

NOTES. 

Psalm  CXXVIl.  Title.  It  is  probaLIj,  that 
Solomon  composed  this  Psalm,  when  he  succeed- 
ed to  the  throne  of  Israel,  and  was  about  to  build 
the  temple:  for  the  title  may  be  read,  "A  Song  of 
degrees:  Jl  Psalm  of  Solomon."  (JVbfe,  1  Kings 
4:30—34.  Cant.  1:1.) 

V.  1.  The  duty  of  constantl)'  and  entirely  de- 
pending on  God,  in  every  undertaking,  is  here 
inculcated.  The  Psalmist  did  not  mean,  that  dil- 
igence, vigilance,  and  skill  ought  not  to  be  em- 
ployed; but  that  God  should  be  depended  on,  or 
they  would  be  employed  in  vain.  Paul  may  plant, 
and  ApoUos  water;  nay,  it  was  their  indispensable 
duty  so  to  do;  but  God  alone  gave  the  increase. 
[Marg.  Ref.—Jfote,  1  Cor.  3:4— 9.)— The  spirit- 
ual watchmen  also  must  be  vigilant,  and  faithful 
in  giving  warning:  yet,  without  the  Lord  bless 
their  labors,  their  watching  will  be  in  vsin.  {.N'ote, 
Ez.  3:17 — 19.)  This  was  very  applicable  to  Sol- 
omon's undertaking  of  building  the  temple,  and 
preserving  the  holy  city  in  peace  and  safety. 
[j^Totes,  Zech.  4:4—10.) 

V.  2.  Whilst  others  perplex  themselves  with 
fruitless  cares,  and  incessant  labors,  about  their 
worldly  pursuits,  often  to  no  purpose;  God,  in  the 
way  of  reliance  on  him,  "giveth  sleep  to  his  be- 
loved;" surely,  he  giveth  his  beloved  sleep:  he 
enables  them  to  do  their  duty  cheerfully,  and  to 
leave  the  event  with  him  in  the  confidence  of 
faith,  and  in  submission  to  his  will,  and  thus  to 
close  their  eyes  in  sleep  without  useless  solici- 
tude.     {Marg.  Bef.—JVotes,  3:3—5.  4:6—8.)— 

[409 


B.  C.  1012. 


PSALM  CXXVIII. 


B.  C.  1012. 


Lord;  and  the  fruit  of  the  womb  is  his '. 
reward. 

4  As  ■"  arrows  are  in  the  hand  of  a 
mighty  man;  °  so  are  children  of  the 
youth. 

5  °  Happy  is  the  man  that  hath  *  his 
quiver  full  of  them:  p  they  shall  not  be 
ashamed,  but  they  shall  ^  speak  with  the 
enemies  in  the  gate. 


ID  Jer.  50:9. 

n  Prov.  17:6.  31:28. 

o  Gen.  60:23.    Job  1:2.  42:12— 

16. 
*  Heb.   filled  his  quiver  -ii'ith 


them. 
p  Job  5:4.  Prov.  27:11. 
f   Or,   suhdue.    13:47.     Or,  de 

stray. 


PSALM  CXXVIIL 

The  blessedness  of  the  righteous,  personal  and  domestic,  tem- 
poral and  spiritual,  1 — 6. 

*  A  Song  of  degrees. 
LESSED  is  ^  every  one   that  fear- 
eth  the  Lord;  that  "^  walketh  in  his 
ways. 

2  For  ^  thou  shalt  eat  the  labor  of 
thine  hands:  happy  shalt  thou  6e,  ®  and  it 
shall  he  well  with  thee. 

d  Gen.  3:19.  Deut.  28:4,11,39, 
51.  Judg.  6.3—6.  Ec.  5:18,19. 
Is.  62:8.' 65:13,21—23. 

e  Ec.  8:12.  Is.  3:10.  Jer.  22: 
15.    1  Cor.  15:58.     Eph.  6:3. 


a  120:— 127:  titles. 

b     103:1,13,17.      112:1.      115:13. 

147:11.    Luke  1:50. 
c  1:1— 3.     81:13.     119:1.     Luke 

1:6.      Acts  9:31.      1  Thes.  4:1. 


His  beloved.]  nn^S,  singular.     Jfole,  2  Sam.  12: 
24,25. 

V.  3 — 5.  When  worldly  men  are  eagerly  pur- 
suing their  temporal  interests,  they  commonly 
profess  that  they  only  mean  to  provide  for  their 
families  after  them.  But  it  entirely  depends  on 
the  Lord,  whether  they  shall  have  children  or  not; 
Avhether  their  children  shall  live  with  them,  and 
survive  them;  and  whether  they  will  be  a  com- 
fort or  a  grief  to  them.  {Jfotes,  Ec.  2:18—23.) 
Those  however,  who  trust  in  God  and  walk  in 
his  ways,  may  hope  to  be  comforted  in  their  chil- 
dren: receiving  them  as  a  heritage  from  him,  and 
bringing  them  up  in  his  fear,  they  may  expect, 
(and  they  will  not  generally  be  disappointed,) 
that,  as  they  defended  their  offspring  in  helpless 
infancy,  so  these  will  be  their  defence  and  orna- 
ment in  the  decline  of  life.  {JsTotes,  128:3 — 6. 
Frov.  17:6.  31:13 — 29,  ij.  28.)  'Such  children  shall 
*be  able  to  stop  their  adversaries'  mouths,  when 
'their  godly  life  is  maliciously  accused.' — 'In  a 
'house  full  of  dutiful  children  consisteth  the  hap- 
'piness  of  their  parents,  who  tnen  can  never  want 
'friends;  friends  that  will  at  no  time  be  ashamed, 
'but  will  at  all  times  rejoice,  to  appear  for  them, 
'to  meet  their  enemies  and  accusers  in  the  gate, 
'or  place  of  judgment,  there  to  answer  any  charge 
'against  them,  to  vindicate  them  in  their  persons, 
'their  good  name,  or  their  property.  It  is  a  glo- 
'rious  ''ght  to  behold  children  thus  standing  forth 
'in  defence  of  their  parents. — Mr.  Merrick  men- 
'tious  a  remarkable  Chinese  proverb:  When  a 
'son  is  born  into  a  family,  a  bow  and  arrow  are 
'hung  before  the  gate.'  JBp.  Home. — Parents  in 
general  are  apt,  like  Jacob,  to  be  most  attached 
to  the  children  of  their  old  age:  {Jfote.s,  Gen.  37: 
3.  44:20.)  but  "the  sons  of  their  youth"  must  be 
their  champions  and  defenders,  and  their  good 
conduct  reflects  most  honor  on  the  parents  who 
brought  them  up. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

Whether  we  build,  or  plant,  or  defend  our  hab- 
itations and  property,  or  even  attempt  any  good 
work  for  the  house  and  city  of  our  God;  we  should 
remember  that  our  labor  and  watching  will  be  in 
vain,  except  the  Lord  build,  and  plant,  and  watch 
with  us.  We  should  therefore  diligently  use  the 
proper  means,  and  then  expect  and  pray  for  his 
blessing;  that  we  may  trust  in  him  without  pre- 
sumption. Thus  the  minister  in  his  labors  and 
vvatchings  for  the  good  of  souls;  the  Christian  in 
seeking  to  grow  in  grace,  and  to  guard  against 
temptation;  and  the  sinner  in  coming  to  the  Sa- 
vior; should  use  all  appointed  means  with  perse- 
vering application,  and  yet  rely  on  the  Lord  alone 
to  render  them  effectual.  This  is  the  method  of 
being  safe,  comfortable,  and  successful.  For  want 
of  attending  to  this  rule,  many  labor  and  watch  to 
no  purpose.  In  vain  they  "rise  early,  sit  up  late, 
eat  the  bread  of  sorrows,'^  and  "bereave  their 
souls  of  good."  to  provide  for  themselves  and  their 
410] 


families:  whereas  "seeking  first  the  kingdom  of 
God  and  his  righteousness,"  using  moderate  dili- 
gence in  their  lawful  callings,  and  casting  all 
their  care  on  God,  they  would  have  all  needful 
success,  without  solicitude  and  vexation. — But  if 
we  enjoy  either  outward  sleep,  or  inward  tran- 
quillity, we  should  give  God  thanks  for  it;  and 
we  ought  never  to  forget  that  the  rest,  the  peace, 
and  the  provision,  which. he  gives  to  his  beloved, 
are  far  preferable  to  the  much  greater  prosperity 
of  the  wicked. — It  ill  becomes  the  professed  ser- 
vants of  God  to  murmur,  because  children  are 
withheld:  but  it  is  far  worse,  to  fret  because  they 
have  a  numerous  offspring.  Children  are  in  scrip- 
ture considered  as  a  heritage,  and  a  reward  from 
God  to  his  people;  and  shall  we  deem  them  our 
encumbrance.^  as  if  he  could  not  provide  for  many 
as  well  as  for  few!  When  trained  up  according 
to  his  word,  they  generally  prove  the  best  defence, 
ornament,  and  comfort  in  declining  years,  if  pa- 
rents and  children  are  spared  to  each  other:  and 
they  are  the  seed  of  the  church,  and  often  prove 
the  support  of  religion,  after  the  decease  of  their 
parents.  Children  also  should  remember  their 
obligations  to  their  parents;  and  study  to  requite 
them,  by  being  ready  to  supply  their  wants,  to 
vindicate  their  characters,  and  to  protect  them 
from  oppression,  in  their  old  age.  In  this  case 
they  would  be  as  "arrows  in  the  hand  of  the 
mighty  man;"  and  happy  will  he  be  "who  has  his 
quiver  full  of  them:"  he  need  neither  be  ashamed, 
nor  afraid,  to  meet  his  enemies  in  the  gate.  Yet 
all  earthly  comforts  are  precarious;  but  the  Lord 
will  assuredly  comfort  and  bless  those  who  trust 
and  serve  him:  and  those,  who  zealously  seek  the 
conversion  of  sinners,  will  assuredly  find  their 
spiritual  children,  (though  alas,  they  often  grieve 
them  at  present,  and  prove  a  source  of  much 
anxiety,)  to  be  their  jov  and  crown,  in  the  day  of 
Jesus  Christ,  [jyotes,  2  Cor.  2:1—4.  Gal.  4:17— 
20,  V.  19.  1  Thes.  2:17—20.  3:6—10.)  May  all  his 
ministers  receive  abundantly  "this  heritage  and 
gift,  that  Cometh  of  the  Lord!" 

NOTES. 

Psalm  CXXVIII.  V.  1.  'Some  think  this 
'was  a  form  prescribed  to  be  used  at  the  blessing 
'of  their  marriages;  when  they  wished  the  new 
'married  couple  all  manner  of^  happiness;  espe- 
'cially  a  long  life  in  peaceable  times.'  Bp.  Pat- 
rick. [jTotes,  Gen.  1:28.  Ruth  4:11,12.)  It  is 
probable,  that  this  opinion  occasioned  J.he  inser- 
tion of  the  Psalm,  in  'the  form  for  the  solemniza- 
'tion  of  matrimony,'  in  our  church. — No  blessing 
can  warrantably  be  expected  in  any  situation  of 
life,  except  by  those  who  "fear  God  and  walk  in 
his  wavs;"  and  they  will  be  blessed  in  every  sta- 
tion.    (JVb<e,  112:1.) 

V.  2.  'The  world  esteemeth  them  happy, 
'which  live  in  wealth  and  idleness:  but  the  Holy 
'Ghost  appro veth  them  best,  that  live  of  the  mean 
'profit  of  their  labors.'    (JVbie,  Be.  5:13— 20.    Is 


B.  C.   1012. 


I'SALM  CXXIX. 


B.  C.   1012 


3  Thy  wife  shall  be  as  ^  a  fruitful  vine 
by  the  sides  of  thine  house:  thy  children 
like  £  olive-plants  ''  round  about  thy  ta- 
ble. 

4  Behold,  that  thus  shall  the  man  be 
blessed  that  feareth  the  Lord. 

5  The  Lord  shall  *  bless  thee  out  of 
Zion;  and  ^  thou  shall  see  the  good  of 
Jerusalem  all  the  days  of  thy  life. 

6  Yea,  '  thou  shalt  see  thy  children's 
children,  and  *"  peace  upon  Israel. 

f  Gen.  49:22.      Prov.  5:15—18. 


Ez.  19:10. 
g  52:8.  H4:12.  Jer.  11:16.  Hos. 

14:6,7.  Rom.  11:24. 
h  127:5. 


i  20.2.     118:26.     134:3.     Is.  2:3. 

Eph.  1:3. 
k  1-22:6.    Is.  33.20. 
1  Gen.  50:23.     Job  42:16. 
m  125:5.    Is,  66:12.    Gal.  6:16. 


3:10,11.  62:8,9.  65:21— 23.)— 'He  will  prosper  thy 
'honest  labors,  and  give  thee  an  heart  also  to  en- 
'joy  the  fruit  of  them;  yea,  this  will  seem  no  small 
*part  of  thy  happiness,  that  thou  art  able  to  live 
''of  thyself,  and  not  be  beholden  to  others.'  Bp. 
Patrick. 

V.  3,  4.    The  opinion  above  mentioned,  [JSToie, 
I.)  illustrates  the  propriety  of  the  blessedness  se- 
cured to  a  pious  man,  being  here  viewed  with  a 
special  respect  to  the  comforts  of  the  married 
state;  for  on  that  supposition,  newly  married  per- 
sons are  exclusively  addressed.     Yet  it  is  worth 
while  for  those,  who,    either  from  supposed  reli- 
gious motives,  or  from  an  idea  that  wives  and  chil- 
dren hinder  men's  interest  or  comfort,  are  averse  i 
to  marriage,  either  in  their  own  case,  or  that  of  I 
others,  to  consider  this  verse,  in  which  a  faithful  [ 
wife  and  a  flourishing  offspring  are,  by  the  Spirit  I 
of  inspiration,  considered  as  most  valuable  bless-  j 
ings;    and  some  of  the  most  beautiful  images  in  I 
nature  are  employed  by  the  Holy  Spirit,  to  shew 
what  a  solace,  and  ornament,  and  comfort  they 
are,  to  those  who  fear  God.     Would  such  lan- 
guage have  been  suggested  to  the  inspired  wri- 
ters, if  marriage  had  been  a  less  holy  or  less  hap- 
py state,  than  celibacy.''  (J^otns,  Gen.  2:24.  1  Tim. 
4:1 — 5.) — The  Psalmist  here  speaks  of  one  wife, 
and  no  more,  as  a  blessing  to  a  pious  man.     Po- 
lygamy, practised  by  David,  and  by  Solomon  far 
•more,  though  connived  at,  does  not  seem,  even 
then,  to  have  been  general;    and  certainly  it  is 
unnatural,   and   contrary   to   domestic   comfort. 
(.Xotes,  Gen.  7:7.     Prov.  5:15—19.     Ec.  9:7—9. 
Matt.  19:3—6.     Mark  10:2—12.) 

V.  5,  6.  Whatever  may  be  the  dispensations 
of  Providence  towards  believers;  (for  general 
rules  always  admit  of  exceptions,  and  the  pre- 
ceding verse  should  be  considered  as  a  general 
rule,  not  as  an  express  promise;)  yet,  the)^  shall 
be  blessed  out  of  Zion,  "with  all  spiritual  bless- 
ings in  heavenly  things  in  Christ  Jesus." — The 
concluding  part  of  these  verses  seems  to  be  made 
difficult  in  the  application  of  it,  either  to  facts,  or 
probable  expectations  of  believers,  by  being  trans- 
lated in  the  future  tense,  and  not  in  the  impera- 
tive or  optative  mood,  according  to  the  original: — 
"The  Lord  shall  bless  thee  out  of  Zion:  and  may- 
est  thou  see  the  good  of  Jerusalem  all  thy  days; 
yea,  mayest  thou  see  thy  children's  children,  and 
peace  upon  Israel."  Or,  "Look  thou  for  the  good 
of  Jerusalem,  &c."  (JVb<es,  51:18,19.  122:6--9. 
P.  O.)  It  cannot  be  supposed,  that  every  pious 
man  shall  see  prosperous  times  and  a  flourishing- 
family,  and  live  to  old  age.  But  such  a  wish,  or 
prayer,  or  exhortation,  was  perfectly  suited  to  | 
the  occasion. — 'Mayest  thou  be  so  happy  as  to  see  | 
'Jerusalem,  the  seat  of  justice  and  religion,  in  a  j 
'flourishing  condition  all  thy  life  long. ...  And  long  j 
'mayest  thou  live,  to  such  a  good  old  age,  as  to  j 
'see  thy  children's  children:  and  the  whole  nation. 


PSALM  CXXIX. 

Israel  remembers  his  manifold  trials  and  merciuil  deliverances, 
1 — 4;  and  predicts  the  utter  ruin  of  his  implacable  enemies,  5 

—8. 

*  A  Song  of  degrees. 

*  IVr^^^  ^  ^™^   ^  ^^^^^  *^®^  afflicted 
J.T_fl_  me  "^  from  my  youth,  ^  may  Isra- 
el now  say: 

2  Many  a  time  have  they  afflicted  me 
from  my  youth;  ®  yet  they  have  not  pre-, 
vailed  aa:ainst  me. 


a  120:— 128:  titles. 

*  Or,  Muck. 

b    Ex.   1:12 — ]4,22.     5:7 — 19. 

Jud^.  2:15.   10:8— 12.      1  Sam. 

13:19, 
c  Jer.  2:2.     Ez.  23:3.     Hos.  2: 


15.   11:1. 
d  124:1. 
e   34:19.    118:13.    125:1.     Job  5: 

19.    Matt.  16:18.   Rom.  8:35— 

39.    Rev.  12:8,9. 


'all  the  time,  in  a  prosperous  tranquillity.'  Bp. 
Patrick. 

PRACTICAL  OBSEBVATIONS. 

Those  who  "fear  God  and  walk  in  his  ways" 
are  the  only  happy  persons,  whatever  their  station 
in  life  may  be.  Nor  will  their  comfort  be  dimin- 
ished, if  they  labor  hard  in  any  honest  calling, 
for  the  subsistence  of  themselves  and  families; 
and  if  they  have  only  the  necessaries  of  life,  with- 
out any  of  its  luxuries.  Indeed  their  happiness 
does  not  consist  in  relative  comforts;  and  many  of 
them,  having  all  things  in  God,  seek  not  wives 
and  children,  or  are  resigned,  if  bereft  of  them: 
yet  religion,  while  it  teaches  the  duties  of  every 
relation  in  life,  best  ensures  the  comfort  of  each. 
Marriage  is  peculiarly  honorable  and  blessed  to 
him,  who  enters  it  in  the  fear  of  God,  and  desires 
to  walk  with  his  family  according  to  his  will: 
[JVotes,  Prov.  12:4.  18:22.  19:14.  31:10.)  and  he 
may  expect  that  his  wife  will  be  "as  a  fruitful 
vine,  by  the  sides  of  his  house,  and  lus  children 
as  olive  branches  round  about  his  table."  [JVote, 
144:12—15.  P.  O.  10— 15,  latter  part.)  But  the 
Lord  "will  bless  his  people  out  of  Zion:"  they 
shall  see  and  taste  of  the  blessings  of  his  church, 
all  the  days  of  their  life:  and  whether  they  be 
spared,  like  old  Israel,  to  see  their  children's  chil- 
dren, and  to  behold  the  church  in  prosperity  oe 
earth,  or  not;  they  shall  certainly  share  tlie  peace 
of  the  heavenly  Jerusalem,  and  bequeath  the  bless- 
ing of  God  as  a  legacy  to  their  posteritj\ 

NOTES. 
Psalm  CXXIX.  V.  1,  2.  It  is  not  improba- 
bly conjectured,  that  this  psalm  was  composed 
about  the  time  when  Sennacherib  invaded  Ju- 
dah;  yet  tliis  is  no  more  than  conjecture. — From 
the  days  of  Jacob,  the  ancestor  of  the  nation;  and 
stiU  more,  from  the  time  when  Pharaoh  and  the 
Egyptians  began  to  oppress  his  descendants;  the 
history  of  Israel  had  been  almost  one  uninterrupt- 
ed narrative  of  the  hardships,  injuries,  and  op- 
pressions, to  which  tliey  had  been  exposed,  from  a 
variety  of  enemies  and  persecutors:  and  yet  God 
had  effectually  interposed  in  their  behalf,  and  no 
assailant  had  so  prevailed  against  them,  as  to  de- 
stroy them  from  being  a  people;  nor  indeed  have 
they  to  this  day.  {Jfutes,  JK'um.  23:9.  Jer.  30:10, 
1 1.)— The  same  may  be  said  of  the  true  church  of 
God,  and  of  every  believer.  'The  church,  now 
'afflicted,  ought  to  remember  how  that  her  con- 
'dition  hatli  ever  been  such  from  the  beginning, 
'to  be  molested  most  grievously  by  the  wicked; 

'yet,  in  time  she  hath  ever  been  delivered.' 

'Many  a  time  have  the  righteous  been  under 
'persecution,  from  the  hour  when  Cain  rose  up 
against  his  brother  Abel  to  this  day.  Like  the 
bush  which  Moses  beheld  in  the  desert,  the 
'church  hath  burned  with  fire,  but  is  not  yet  con- 

•    [411 


B.  C.  1012. 


PSALM  CXXX. 


B.  C.  1059. 


3  The  ^  plowers  plowed  upon  my  back; 
they  made  long  their  furrows. 

4  The  s  Lord  is  righteous:  he  halh 
^  cut  asunder  the  cords  of  the  wicked. 

5  Let  them  all  *  be  confounded  and 
turned  back,  that  hate  Zion: 

6  Let  them  be  "^  as  the  grass  upon  the 
house-tops,  which  withereth  afore  it 
groweth  up; 

7  Wherewith  the  mower  filleth  not 
his  hand,  nor  '  he  that  bindeth  sheaves 
his  bosom. 

8  Neither  do  they  which  go   by  say, 


f  141:7.    Is.  51:23. 

g  Ezra  9:15.    Neh.  9:33.    Lam. 

1:18.  3:22.     Dan.  9:7. 
h  124:6,7.   140:5—11. 
i  83:4—11.  122.6.   Esth.  6:13.  9: 


5.      Is.    10:12.     37:22,28,29,35. 

Zecb.  1:14—17.  12:3,6. 
k  37:2.  92:7.   Jer.  17:5,6. 
1  126:6.    Is.  17:10,11.    Ho9.  8:7. 

Gal.  6:8. 


*sumed;  and  for  the  same  reason,  because  God  is 
*ia  the  midst  of  her.  He  who  took  our  nature 
*upon  him,  was  also  "afflicted  from  his  youth:" 
'but  his  enemies  prevailed  not  finally  against 
'him.'  Bp.  Home.  [JVbtcs,  118:10—13.  Gen.  3: 
14,15.  4:3—5.  Ex.  3:2.  P.  O.  1—6.  JVotes,  Rom. 
8:28—39.   1  Jo/i^i  3: 1 1 , 1 2. ) 

V.  3.  'They  not  only  scourged  us  so  severely, 
'that  the  marks  of  it  might  be  seen  as  plain  as 
'the  furrows  are,  which  the  plow  makes  in  the 
'ground;  but  long  continued  also  our  vexation 
'and  torment.'  Bp.  Patrick. — The  strong  meta- 
phor here  employed,  seems,  however,  to  mark  out 
all  the  various  refinements  of  cruelty,  by  which 
tyrants  and  persecutors  have  tortured  the  people 
of  God:  aS  Pilate  not  only  delivered  Jesus  to  be 
crucified,  but  also  first  scourged  him.  [J^otes, 
141:7.   Js.  50:5,6.  51:21—23.) 

V.  4.  In  order  to  torture  the  persecuted  suffer- 
er, they  first  bound  him;  and  in  like  manner  the 
enslaving  of  Israel  was  needful  in  order  to  afflict 
him:  but  from  time  to  time  the  righteous  God 
broke  asunder  the  strong  cord  or  rope,  with  which 
he  was  bound.  [JS'otes,  124:4—8.  Acts  2:22—24. 
16:25—28.) 

V.  5.  "They  shall  all  be  confounded,  &c." 
The  whole  passage  is  evidently  a  prediction  and 
not  an  imprecation.  He  who  has  delivered  Is- 
rael, and  confounded  his  foes,  will  continue  to  do 
so,  till  all  who  persist  in  enmity  to  his  people  shall 
be  destroyed.  [J^otes,  68:1—3.  83:13—18.  Gen. 
12:1—3.  J»fic.  7:14— 17.  Ztch.  1:14—17.  2:6—9. 
12:2—5.) 

V.  6 — 8.  The  flourishing  and  withering  of  grass 
is  the  constant  scriptural  emblem  of  the  prosper- 
ity and  ruin  of  ungodly  men.  {JS'utes,  92:6,7,12. 
103:15—18.  Jam.  1:9—11.  1  Pet.  1:23—25.)  But 
persecutors  are  like  the  worthless  grass,  which 
grows  upon  the  tops  of  houses,  and  withers  with- 
out coming  to  any  perfection;  and  consequently 
has  no  blessing  pronounced  upon  it,  or  employed 
about  it,  according  to  the  pious  salutations  used 
in  Israel  to  reapers  and  mowers.  [Mote,  Ruth  2: 
4.)— The  clause  rendered,  "He  that  bindeth 
sheaves,"  seems  to  denote  the  ifleaners,  who,  hav- 
ing gathered  ears  of  corn,  and  bound  them  in 
small  bundles  or  handfuls,  put  them  in  the  skirts 
of  their  garments,  wliich  were  held  up  for  that 
purpose.  For  reapers  or  binders  do  not  put  the 
sheaves  into  their  bosom. — There  would  not  only 
be  nothing  worth  reaping,  but  nothing  worth 
gleaning. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

If  we  duly  considered,  how  Jesus  was  scourg- 
ed, wounded,  bruised,  and  crucified  for  us:  how 
412] 


™  The  blessing  of  the  Lord  be  upon  you: 
we  bless  you  in  the  name  of  the  Lord. 

PSALM  CXXX. 

The  Psalmist,  in  deep  distress,  cries  unto  God,  confessing  liis  sin. 
and  determined  patiently  to  wait  ior  liis  gracious  forgiveness, 
1 — 6.  He  exhorts  Israel  to  hope  in  God's  mercy  and  plente- 
ous redemption,  7,  8. 

*  A  Song  of  degrees. 

UT  of  the  depths  have  I  cried  unto 
thee,  O  Lord. 
2  Lord,  hear  my  voice:  *^  let  thine  ears 
be  attentive  to  the  voice  of  my  supplica- 
tions. 


m  118:26.    Ruth  2:4. 

a  120:— 129:  titles. 

b  18:4—6,16.  25:16—18.  40:2. 
42:7.69:1,2,14,15.  71:20.88:6, 
7.      116:3,4.      Lam.   3:53—55. 


Jon.  2:2—4.  Heb.  5:7. 
c   5:1,2.     17:1.     55:1,2.    61:1,2. 
Neh.  1:6,11.  Is.  37:17.  Dan.  9: 
17—19. 


prophets,  apostles,  and  saints  have  been  treated 
in  all  ages;  and  how  the  church  has  been  afflicted 
and  persecuted  from  her  infancy  hitherto;  we 
should  not  complain  of  hard  measure,  if  called  to 
endure  sharper  sufferings  than  are  at  present  al- 
lotted to  any  of  us.  And  did  we,  in  the  holy  med- 
itation of  faith  and  tnankful  love,  remember  how 
Jesus  arose  and  reigns;  how  his  people  have  been 
supported,  and  have  triumphed,  in  sufferings  and 
death;  and  how  the  church  still  subsists,  like  the 
burning  but  unconsumed  bush;  we  should  not  be 
anxious  about  the  event  respecting  ourselves,  or 
the  cause  of  God.  He  is  righteous:  and  as  he  has, 
so  he  will,  cut  asunder  the  cords  which  unite  per- 
secutors to  each  other,  or  with  which  they  would 
bind  his  people  "as  sheep  for  the  slaughter."  Nor 
can  all  nature  furnish  an  emblem  sufficiently  ex- 
pressive of  the  confusion,  contempt,  and  misery, 
which  will  overtake  all  that  hate  the  church  and 
cause  of  Christ,  in  the  great  day  of  judgment, 
"the  day  of  wrath,  and  perdition  of  ungodly  men." 
They  will  then  sink  for  ever  under  the  unmin- 
gled  curse  and  wrath  of  God,  and  all  spectators 
will  exclaim,  "So  let  all  thine  enemies  perish,  O 
Lord!" 

NOTES. 

Psalm  CXXX.  V.  1,  2.  David  is  generally 
supposed  to  have  been  the  writer  of  this  psahn; 
though  his  name  is  not  prefixed  to  it.  Som.e  think, 
that  it  was  composed,  when  he  was  convinced  of 
his  exceedingly  heinous  guilt,  in  the  matter  of 
Uriah,  and  was  in  deep  distress  of  mind  on  that 
account;  {J^otes,  6:1—7.  32:1—5.  51:  2  Sam.  12:1 
— 14.)  while  others  are  of  opinion,  that  he  wrote 
it,  when  in  danger  of  being  overwhelmed  by  the 
persecuting  rage  of  Saul:  and  indeed  the  general 
acknowledgment  of  criminality,  in  common  with 
other  men,  does  not  well  accord  with  David's 
state  of  mind,  when  crying  for  mercy  after  his 
most  deplorable  fall. — It  seems,  however,  that  in- 
ward distresses,  arising  from  the  consciousness  of 
sin,  concurred  witli  outward  troubles  and  dan- 
gers, in  sinking  him  into  those  depths,  from 
whence,  (like  Jonah  from  the  whale's  belly,)  he 
earnestly  cried  unto  the  Lord,  and  was  heard  and 
delivered;  and  therefore  it  is  reckoned  one  of  the 
penitential  psalms.  [JVbtes,  40:1 — 5.  42:6 — 8.  69: 
1—3,14,15.  71:20,21.  88:5—9.  Lam.  3:52—57. 
Jon.  2:1—7.  Heb.  5:7—10.)  'In  the  greatest 
'straits,  Avhen  I  can  see  ...  no  end  of  my  troubles, 
'but  I  still  sink  lower  and  lower  into  them;  I  nev- 
'er  despair  of  thy  mercy,  O  Lord;  but  cry  unto 
'thee  most  earnestly  to  deliver  roe.'  Bp.  Pat- 
rick. 


B.  C.   1059. 


PSALM  CXXX. 


B.  C.   1059. 


3  If  thou,  Lord,  '^  shouldest  mark  in- 
iquities, O  Lord,  who  shall  stand? 

4  But  ®  there  is  forgiveness  with  tlice, 
^  that  thou  mayest  be  feared. 

5  I  s  wait  for  the  Lord,  rny  soul  doth 
wait,  ^  and  in  his  word  do  I  hope. 

6  My  soul '  ivaiteth  for  the  Lord,  more 


d    143:2.      Job   9.2,3,20.     10:14. 

15:14.     Is.  53:6.     John  8:7—9. 

Rom.  3:20—23. 
e  25:11.  86:5.   103:2,3.     Ex.  34: 

5—7.     [s.  1:18.  55:7.     Jer.  31-, 

34.     Dan.  9:9.    Mic.  7:18— 20. 

2  Cor.  5:19.     Eph.   1:7.    Col. 

1:14. 


f  2:11,12.     1  Kings  8:39,40.  Jer. 

33:8,9.     Hos.  3:5.     Acts  9:31. 

Heb.  12:24—20. 
g   27:14.    33:20.     40:1.     62:1,5. 

Gen.  49:18.    Is.  8:17.  26:8.  30: 

18.    Luke  2:25,38. 
h  119:42,49,81,114.    Heb.  6:18. 
i  63:6.   119:147.  Acts  27:29. 


V.  3,  4.  'If  I  were  the  most  innocent  person  in 
'the  world;  yet  if  thou,  Lord,  shouldest  strictly 
'examine  my  life,  and  proceed  against  me  accord- 
'ing  to  my  deserts, ...  I  should  certainly  be  con- 
'demned.'  Bp.  Patrick.  [JVote,  Job  9:14— 21.)— 
To  "mark  iniquiiy,"  in  this  connexion,  implies,  to 
observe  strictly  a  man's  conduct,  comparing-  every 
part  of  it  with  the  holy  law,  and  punishing  all  de- 
viations from  that  perfect  standard,  according  to 
the  strict  demands  of  impartial  justice.  This  will 
be  the  measure  of  the  Lord's  dealings  with  all  the 
impenitent  and  unbelieving:  but  he  does  not  so 
"mark  iniquity,"  as  to  exclude  the  penitent  and 
believing  from  mercy  and  forgiveness,  according 
to  the  gospel.  "For  there  is  forgiveness  with 
him:"  or  a  propitiation,  as  the  original  word  may 
signify,  and  as  it  is  translated  by  the  Septuagint; 
for  "without  shedding  of  blood  there  is  no  remis- 
sion;" and  "it  is  not  possible  that  the  blood  of 
bulls  and  of  goats  can  take  away  sin."  [J^otes, 
Luke  18:9—14,  v.  13.  Heb.  9:18—23.  10:3,4.)  But 
with  God  there  is  forgiveness,  through  a  propitia- 
tory sacrifice,  for  those  who  avail  themselves  of 
this  gracious  provision  of  his  love  and  mercy:  He 
alone  can  pardon;  forgiveness  belongs  to  him;  and 
he  "is  ready  to  forgive,"  and  delights  in  mercy. 
[M)tes,  86:3—5,14,15.  Ex.  34:5—7.  Is.  55:6—9. 
Dan.  9:7—10.  Mic.  7:18—20.  Rom.  3:19—26.) 
— "That  thou  mayest  be  feared."  'Thou  most 
'graciously  invitest  us  unto  thy  service,  by  thy 
'readiness  to  pardon  all  that  are  truly  penitent; 
'without  the  hope  of  which  we  could  not  so  much 
'as  think  of  becoming  religious.'  Bp.  Patrick. — 
Without  the  hope  of  forgiveness,  no  humble  and 
contrile  sinner  could  escape  despair;  and  none 
else  "have  the  fear  of  God  before  their  eyes."  So 
that  without  this  hope,  there  could  be  no  genuine 
piety  among  the  fallen  descendants  of  Adam. 
{jYote,  Gen.  22:11,12.)  For  if  there  were  no  for- 
giveness with  God,  men  would  not  only  be  ''with- 
out hope,"  but  without  the  regeneration  of  the 
Holy  Spirit,  and  so  be  given  up  to  the  desperate 
enmity  of  their  fallen  nature.  I3ut  the  conscious- 
ness of  guilt,  and  the  fear  of  wrath,  united  with 
the  hope  of  mercy,  bring  the  sinner  into  a  proper 
disposition  to  seek  and  wait  for  salvation:  and  as 
hope  and  filial  love  dispel  slavish  fear;  humble 
reverence  and  a  dread  of  dishonoring  his  gracious 
Friend,  gather  strength  in  the  beUever's  soul. 
[J^ote,  1  John  4:18.) 

V.  5,  6.  'The  repetitions  here  do  beautifully 
'express  that  ardent  desire  which  the  contrite 
'soul  hath  for  the  salvation  of  God.'  Bp,  Home. 
— The  word  of  God  revealj  and  promises  forgive- 
ness to  the  penitent,  thi'ough  the  great  Redeem- 
er: faith  credits  this  revelation,  and  waits  with 
humble  expectation  the  fulfilment  of  the  promis- 
es, and  of  obtaining  "the  joy  of  God's  salvation." 
Ufotes,  51:12,13.  62:1,2,5—7.  Ge7i.  49:18.  Lam. 
3:24—30.  Lnke  2:25—32.)  Thus  the  Psalmist 
"waited  for  the  Lord,  more  than  they  that  watch 
for  the  morning."  Some  understand  this  of  the 
Psalmist's  being  earlier  at  his  devotions,  than  the 


than  they  that  watch  for  the  morning:  *  / 
say,  more  than  they  that  watch  for  the 
morning. 

7  ^  Let  Israel  hope  in  the  Lord:  '  for 
with  the  Lord  there  is  mercy,  and  with 
him  is  plenteous  redemption. 

8  And  ™  he  shall  redeem  Israel  from 
all  his  iniquities. 


*   Or,     which    ^i■ntch   101(0   the  I 
morning.   134:1.    Is.  21:8. 

k40:3.  115.9—13.  131:3.  Zeph. 
3:12. 

14.  Rom.  5:20,21.  Eph.  1:7,8.  ] 


1  Tim.  2:5,6.   1  John  2:1,2. 
Rev.  5:9. 
m  103:3,4.  Matt.  1:21.  Rom. 
6:14.  Tit.  2:14.  1  John  3:5 


watchers  were  at  the  sanctuary,  who  resorted 
thither  at  the  break  of  day.  But  perhaps  it 
means,  that  he  longed  for  some  tokens  of  God's 
pardoning  love,  moi-e  eagerly  than  the  bewildered 
benighted  traveller,  or  the  endangered  mariner, 
looks  out  for  the  dawn.  [Acts  27:29.) — 'My  soul 
'waiteth  for  the  Lord,  and  longs  for  his  comforta- 
'ble  presence,  more  than  the  watchman,  who  is 
'forced  to  wake  the  whole  night,  waiteth  for  the 
'break  of  day,  that  he  may  be  discharged.'  Bp. 
Hall. 

'I  wait  for  thy  salvation.  Lord, 

'With  strong  desires  I  wait; 
'My  soul,  invited  by  thy  word, 

'Stands  watching  at  thy  gate. 

'Just  as  the  guards  that  keep  the  night 

'Long  for  the  morning  skies, 
•Watch  the  first  beams  of  breaking  light, 

'And  meet  them  with  their  eyes; 

'So  waits  my  soul  to  see  thy  grace, 

'And,  more  intent  than  they, 
'Meets  the  first  openings  of  thy  face, 

'And  finds  a  brighter  day.'  WatU. 

V.  7,  8.  'The  church  of  Israel  was  exhorted  io 
'hope  in  Jehovah,  because  "with  him  there  was 
'mercy,  and  plenteous  redemption."  And  of  what 
'nature  was  that  redemption.''  A  redemption  from 
'sin:  "He  shall  redeem  Israel  from  all  his  sins;" 
'and  consequently  from  all  trouble  and  misery, 
'which  are  but  the  eflects  of  sin,  and  will  cease 
'when  their  cause  shall  be  finally  taken  away. 
'Now  what  is  this  but  the  gospel  itselP'  Bp. 
Home.  {J^otes,  115:9—13.  131:3.  Matt.  1:20, 
21.  Rom.  5:20,21.  Eph.  1:3—8.  I  Tim.  2:5—7. 
Tit.  2:11-14.  1  John  2:1— 6.  3:4—10.  Rev.  5:Q 
-10.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

While  sin  is  plung'ing  millions  of  unbelievers 
into  the  depths  of  hell  to  rise  no  more;  even  be- 
lievers are  often  brought  by  it  under  deep  dis- 
tress of  conscience,  fears  of  wrath,  outward  ca- 
lamities, and  sore  temptations.  What  need  then 
have  we  to  %vatch  against  every  approacli  of  this 
only  evil!  Yet,  even  from  those  depths,  into 
which  sin  has  cast  us,  we  should  without  delay, 
and  with  extraordinary  earnestness,  cry  unto  tlie 
LortJ:  nor  can  any  deep  dungeon  or  cavern,  or 
evCTi  deep  guilt,  exclude  the  relenting  sinner 
from  the  presence  of  his  merciful  God;  who  will 
raise  all  tliat  make  supplication  to  him,  from  the 
depths  of  distress,  from  the  gates  of  hell,  from  the 
borders  of  the  grave,  and  at  length  from  the  grave 
itself.  Indeed  should  the  Lord  so  mark  all  our 
iniquities  according  to  his  holy  law,  as  to  deal 
with  us  in  the  rigor  of  strict  justice,  what  man 
could  endure  the  trial,  or  venture  into  his  awful 
presence.''  But  there  is  abundant  forgiveness 
with  him,  which  he  can  exercise  in  such  a  manner, 
as  to  glorify  his  justice,  holiness,  wisdom,  and  pow- 
er,  as  welt  as  mercy  and  truth;  so  that  the  chief 
of  sinners  may  now  bow  before  his  mercy-seat, 
become  his  acceptable  worshipper,  and  at  lengtli 
.stand   accepted    before  his  holy    tribunal.     And 

[41.T 


B.  C.  1060. 


PSALMS  CXXXI,  CXXXII. 


B.  C.  1004. 


PSALM  CXXXL 

David  professes  humility  and  resignation,  and  exhorts  Israel  to 
hope  in  God,  1 — 3. 

*  A  Song  of  degrees  of  David. 

LORD,  ''  my  heart  is  not  haughty, 
nor  mine  eyes  lofty;  ^  neither  do  I 
*  exercise  myself  in  great  matters,  or  in 
things  too  ^  high  for  me. 

2  Surely  I  have  hehaved  and  ^  quiet- 
ed I  myself,  ^  as  a  child  that  is  weaned  of 


1-22:  124:  133:  titles. 
b    Num.  12:3.      Dent.    17:20.    1 

Sam.  16:13,18,22.     17:15,28,29. 

18:23.     Matt.  1!:29.     Acts  20: 

19.     1  Thes.  2:6,7,10. 
c   78:70—72.     Jer.  17:16.    45:5. 

Am.  7:14,15.  Rom.  12:16. 
*  Heb.  walk. 
fHeb.   -wonderful.  139:6.    Job 


42:3.    Rom.  11:33 
d  42:5,11.  43:5.    62:1.  marg.    1 

Sam.  24:10.    25:32,33.    30:6.  2 

Sam.    15:25,26.    16:11,12.     Is. 

30:15.     Lam.  3:26. 
J  Heb.    Tny  soul.     Luke  21:19. 

John  14:1,2. 
e   Matt.  13:3,4.     Mark  10:15.   1 

Cor.  14:20. 


faith  in  his  .sure  testimony  and  faithful  promise, 
confirmed  by  experience,  form  the  soul  to  the 
holy  fear  and  love  of  the  Lord  our  God.  Happy 
then  are  they,  who  hope  in  his  word,  and  wait  for 
the  discoveries  of  his  pardoning'  mercy,  in  the  ap- 
pointed way.  Their  anxious  fears  may  indeed 
greatly  disquiet  them,  while  the  Lord  proves 
tH3ir  faith,  sincerity,  and  humility,  by  salutary 
delays.  But  the  day  will  dawn,  and  the  Sun  of 
Rii^hteousness  arise  upon  them  to  set  no  more. 
[Jfotes,  Is.  12:1—3.  Mai.  '^:2,3.)  Then  they  will 
rejoice,  and  encourage  their  brethren  to  hope  and 
wait  for  the  Lord,  and  exhort  all  their  fellow  sin- 
ners to  seek  his  salvation;  seeing  that  "with  him 
there  is  mercy,  and  plenteous  redemption," 
through  the  atoning  blood  of  Jesus,  "who  shall 
redeem  his  people  from  all  their  iniquities."  (J^oie, 
Tit.  2:14.) 

NOTES. 

Psalm  CXXXL  V.  1,  2.  David  was  accused 
by  his  brethren,  as  an  aspiring  man,  who  was  ac- 
tuated by  pride  and  ambition  in  the  services 
which  he  performed;  and  by  Saul  as  aiming  to 
dethrone  him  and  usurp  the  kingdom.  [Marg. 
Ref.  b.)  But  he  could  appeal  to  God,  that  he 
sliould  have  been  well  satisfied  in  privacy  and 
obscurity,  and  in  the  meaner  occupations  of  a 
shepherd;  without  intermeddling  with  affairs  of 
state,  or  other  "matters  too  high"  or  loonderful 
"for  him."  ^JVoie,  139:4 — 6.)  Indeed  he  had  learn- 
ed to  be  as  indifferent  about  such  worldly  advan- 
tages, as  the  weaned  child  becomes  to  the  milk, 
%vh3n  it  has  learned  to  reli.sh  oLlier  nutriment. 
'Committing  myself  unto  thy  care,  and  depending 
'on  thy  providence,  as  a  child  that  is  newly  wean- 
'ed  doth  upon  its  mother;  just  so  do  I  silence  my 
'natural  desires,  and  am  content  to  be  disposed  of 
'as  ihou  pleasest.'  Bp.  Patrick.  'A  child  newly 
'weaned  mourneth,  because  of  the  favorite  ali- 
ment which  is  withdrawn  from  him,  but  depend- 
'ing  absolutely  on  the  mother  for  every  thing,  he 
'learns  to  acquiesce  in  her  treatment  of  him,  and 
'quietly  to  accept  what  it  shall  please  liei*  to 
'give.'  Bp.  Home.  [JVotes,  Matt.  18:1—4.)— 
The  clause  rendered,  "Surely  I  have,"  is  Hteral- 
ly,"If  I  have  not,"  That  is,  'Then  let  mine  ene- 
'mies  prevail  against  me.'  [Jfote,  7:3 — 5.)— I  have 
behaved  and  quieted  myself.  (2)  "I  have  compos- 
ed and  stilled  mv  soul.''  [JVotes,  39:1 — 4.  42:4,3, 
J 1.  Luke  21:12—19,  v.  19.  John  14:1.) 

V.  3.  'And  let  all  good  men,  in  like  manner, 
'modestly  place  their  confidence  a.Tid  hope  in  the 
'Lord,  ...  and  choose  rather  to  be  depressed,  than 
'by  any  undue  means  raise  themsijlves  to  great- 
'ness  and  honor.'  Bj).  Patrick. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS, 

The  proiiil  man  is  insolent  in  his  deportment, 
414] 


his  mother:  my  soul  is  even  as  a  weaned 
child. 

3  ^  Let  Israel  hope  in  the  Lord  5  from 
henceforth  and  for  ever. 

PSALM  cxxxn. 

The  Psalmist  pleads  David's  pious  care  about  a  stated  residence 
for  the  ark;  and  entreats  the  Lord  to  take  possession  of  his 
temple,  and  to  blfss  his  priests  and  people,  1 — 10.  He  shews 
the  promises  of  God  to  David,  and  to  his  family,  11 — 18. 

*  A  Song  of  degrees. 
ORD,  ^  rememher  David,  and  •=  all 
his  afflictions; 
How    '^  he   sware   unto  the    Lord, 


f  115:9—11.    130:7.  146:5.    Jer. 

17:7,8. 
5  Heb. /roTO  now.   115:18.    Is. 

26:4. 
a  120:— 131:  titles. 
b  25:6,7.     Gen.  8:1.    Ei.  2:24. 


Lam.  3:19.   5:1. 
c    1  Sam.    18:— 30:     2  Sam.  IS: 

—20: 
d  56:12.  65:1.    66:13,14.     116:14 

—18.   119:106. 


and  despises  mean  persons,  situations,  and  occu- 
pations; he  is  vain-glorious  and  ambitious,  aspir- 
ing after  great  connexions  and  important  em- 
ployments, engaging  in  deep  schemes  and  specu- 
lations, and  courting  observation  and  applause. 
But  he,  who  is  conscious  of  his  imworthLness  and 
insuflSciency,  is  satisfied  in  a  low  situation,  and 
with  any  honest  employment;  and  reluctantly 
leaves  an  obscure  station,  to  exercise  himself  in 
great  matters  which  appear  too  high  for  so  mean  a 
person. — The  grace  of  God  also  teaches  the  be- 
liever quiet  submission  to  humbling  dispensations, 
and  indifference  about  worldly  acquisitions;  so 
that,  having  acquired  a  relish  for  heavenly  thing's, 
his  soul  is  weaned  even  from  those  objects  to 
which  he  once  was  most  addicted;  at  least  he  is 
aiming  to  attain,  and  is  praying  for,  this  happy 
frame  of  spirit.  Yet  appearances  may  be  against 
him.  The  Lord  may  call  him  forth,  and  make  it 
his  duty,  to  engage  in  important  and  public  un- 
dertakings; and  his  zeal  and  love  may  be  censur- 
ed as  ambition  and  ostentation,  by  rivals  or  ene- 
mies, or  even  by  misjudging  friends:  but  his  ap- 
peal will  be  made  to  the  heart-searching  God, 
and  sometimes  this  may  be  done  even  before  his 
accusei's. — Genuine  humility  in  the  highest  sta- 
tions in  societjr,  or  in  the  church,  will  appear  by 
teachableness,  patience  under  delays  and  contra- 
dictions, persevering  benevolence,  a  determina- 
tion to  use  no  unhallowed  means,  and  a  quiet 
spirit  under  reproaches  and  unjust  suspicions. — 
Thus  did  the  lowly  Jesus  pursue  liis  heavenly 
path.  He  was  accused  of  claiming  honors,  which 
it  was  supposed  did  not  belong  to  him,  and  on  this 
accusation  he  was  condemned  to  death:  but  his 
resurrection  and  exaltation  completely  refuted 
the  malignant  calumny.  Of  him  David  was  the 
type;  and  tverj'  one  of  his  disciples  must  copy  his 
example  of  humility,  of  heaveuly-mindedness,  of 
active  love,  and  of  patience  under  the  cross,  and 
unmerited  slander:  and  let  all  such  Israelites 
"hope  in  the  Lord,"  under  every  reproach  and 
affliction,  "from  henceforth  and  for  ever." 

NOTES. 
Psalm  CXXXII.  V.  1.  'There  are  those  that 
'think  Solomon  penned  this  psalm:  because,  (in 
'the  2  Chr.  6:  the  two  last  verses,)  he  concludes 
'his  prayer  at  the  consecration  of  the  temple, 
'with  some  part  of  it,  viz.  ver.  8,9,10.  and  truly, 
'since  he  speaks  as  if  the  priests  were  just  taking" 
'up  the  ark  to  carry  it  into  this  resting-  place,  and 
'there  begs  that  God  would  not,  for  David's  sake, 
'  "turn  away  tlie  face  of  his  anointed,"  (that  is,  re- 
'fuse  to  hear  his  prayer,)  it  is  not  an  improbable 
'conjecture.'  Bp.  Patrick. — David  had  endured 
many  afflictions,  before  he  came  to  the  throne: 
but  he  would  use  no  unhallowed  means  of  obtain- 
ing that  dignity,  which,  he  knew,  was  intended 


B.  C.  1004. 


PSALM  CXXXII. 


B.  C.  1004. 


and  vowed  unto  ^  the  mighty  God  of  Ja- 
cob: 

3  Surely  ^  I  will  not  come  into  the 
tabernacle  of  my  house,  nor  go  up  into 
my  bed; 

4  I  will  not  2  give  sleep  to  mine  eyes, 
or  slumber  to  mine  eyelids; 

5  Until  '>  I  find  out  a  place  for  the 
Lord,  *  an  '  habitation  ''  for  the  mighty 
God  of  Jacob. 

6  Lo,  we  heard  of  it  '  at  Ephratah; 
™  we  found  it  in  tHe  fields  of  the  wood. 


e  5.  46:11.  50:1.   146:5,6.    Gen. 

49:24. 
f  Ec.  9:10.     Hag.  1:4.  Matt.  6: 

33. 
g  Gen.  24:33.  Ruth  3:13.   Prov. 

6:4. 
h  2  Sam.  6:17.      1  Chr.  15:3,12. 

Acts  7:46. 


*  Heb.  habitations. 
i  1  Kings  8:27.     2  Chr.  2:6.    Is. 
66:1.     Acts  7:47— 49.    Eph.2: 


1  Ruth  1:2.    1  Sam.  17:12.  Mic. 

5:2. 
m  1  Sam.  7:1.     1  Chr.  13:5,6. 


for  him.  ■  In  this  he  was  the  type  of  Christ,  who 
wilUngly  endured  the  cross  before  he  entered  into 
his  glory. — Afterwards,  in  the  midst  of  many  tri- 
als and  sorrows,  David  laid  himself  out  with  ear- 
nest zeal  for  the  glory  of  God,  and  especially  in 
preparing  for  the  temple,  which  Solomon  his  son 
was  chosen  to  build;  who  thus  besought  God,  in 
concert  with  the  people,  to  remember  his  pious 
father's  labors  and  sorrows,  and  to  prosper  the  de- 
sign, about  which  his  heart  had  been  so  much  en- 
gaged. 

V.  2 — 5.  Nothing  is  recorded  concerning  tliis 
vow  in  the  history  of  David:  but  perhaps,  when 
his  own  house  was  nearly  finished,  he  vowed  that 
he  would  not  inhabit  it,  till  he  had  pitched  upon  a 
place  in  which  to  station  the  ark,  as  it  had  been  j 
placed  at  Shiloh.  Or  perhaps,  having  procrasti- 1 
nated  too  long,  amidst  his  difficulties  upon  his 
first  accession  to  the  throne,  he  made  one  morn- 
ing a  solemn  vow,  that  he  would  come  to  a  decision 
in  this  matter,  before  he  went  to  rest.  Some  think, 
that  the  very  spot  on  which  the  temple  should 
"^e  built,  was  intended:  and  tliat  David  made  this 
vow  on  the  morning,  when  the  pestilence  came 
.  upon  Israel,  because  he  had  numbered  the  peo- 
ple; and  that  the  threshing  floor  of  Oman  was 
pointed  out  to  him,  in  consequence  of  this  resolu- 
tion. [JVbtes,  2  Sam.  6:1—5.  7:1—3.  24:11—25.) 

V.  6.  Some  learned  men  conjecture,  that  Jeru- 
salem lay  witliin  the  district  called  Ephfatah:but 
the  opinion  has  no  ground  at  all  in  scripture;  and 
Ephrath,  or  Ephratah,  is  always  joined  with  Beth- 
lehem, never  with  Jerusalem.  [Marg:  Ref.) 
C'liristwas  indeed,  as  it  liad  been  foretold,  born 
at  Beth-lehem  Ephratah.  [J^otes,  Mic.  5:2.  Matt. 
2:3 — 6.)  He  was,  doubtjess,  tlie  true  temple,  in 
whom  "all  the  fulness  of  the  Godhead  dwells  bod- 
ily:" but  there  is  no  need  to  suppose,  tliat  the 
place  of  his  birth  must,  in  an)^  sense,  be  coinci- 
dent what  that  on  which  the  temple  was  to  be 
built:  and  there  is  full  proof  of  the  contrarj'.  In 
fact,  tiie  inquiry  is  not,  citlier  where  Christ  should 
be  born,  or  where  the  temple  should  be  erected; 
but  where  the  ark,  the  symbol  of  Jehovah's  gra- 
cious presence,  might  be  found.  The  Psahnist 
determined  to  "find  out  a  place  for  the  Lord,  an 
habitation  for  the  mighty  God  of  Jacob:"  that  is, 
a  place,  in  which  the  ark,  the  symbol  of  his  pres- 
ence, might  be  stationed,  as  it  had  been  at  Shi- 
loh. But,  having  determined,  probably  by  reve- 
lation, to  remove  the  ark  to  mount  Zion;  the  next 
inquiry  is-,  wliere  the  ark  might  be  found,  having 
long  been  left  in  obscurity.''  David,  while  resi- 
dent at  Beth-lehem  Ephratah,  had  often  heard  of 


7  JVe  "  will  go  into  his  tabernacles; 
we^pi  °  worship  at  his  footstool. 

8  P  Arise,  O  Lord,  into  thy  rest;  thou 
and  'i  the  ark  of  thy  strength. 

9  Let  "■  thy  priests  be  clothed  with 
righteousness;  and  ^  let  thy  saints  *  shout 
for  joy. 

10  For  "  thy  servant  David's  sake, 
^  turn  not  away  the  face  of  thine  anoint- 
ed. 

11  The  Lord  hath  >' sworn  in  truth 
unto  David;  he  will  not  turn  from  it;  ^  Of 

Zeph.  3: 


n5:7.    66:13,14.     118:19.    122:1. 

Is.  2:3. 
0  95:6.  99:5,9.  Lam.  2:1. 
p68:l.    Num.  10:35,36.     2  Chr. 

6:41,4:2. 
q  78:61. 
r  16.     93:1.     104:1.     Job  29:14. 

Is.  61:10.  Rom.  13:14.     1  Pet. 

5:5.      Rev.  19:8. 
s  35:26,27.  68:3.  70:4.     Judg.  5: 

31. 


t  47:1.    Ezra  3:11,12. 

14.  Zech.y:9. 
u  1  Kings  11:12,13,34.   15:4,5.  2 

Kings  19:34.     Hos.  3:5. 
X  84:9.    89:38,39.     2  Chr.  6:42. 
y  89:3,4,33— 37.   110:4.      1  Sam. 

15:29.     Jer.  33:20—26.     Heb. 

6:18. 
z  2  Sam.  7:12.     1  Kings  8:25.  2 

Chr.  6:16.    Luke  1:69,70.  Acts 

2:30. 


the  ark  as  greatly  neglected;  and,  in  prospect  of 
being  king,  had  determined  to  place  it  in  a  more 
conspicuous  situation.  Accordingly,  when  made 
king  over  all  Israel,  he  had  summoned  the  princi- 
pal persons  of  the  nation,  and  had  gone  in  quest 
of  it:  and  it  was  found  at  Kirjath-jearim,  as  "in 
the  fields  of  the  wood."  Thence  he  and  his  peo- 
ple at  length  conveyed  it  to  the  station  selected 
for  it,  on  mount  Zion;  and  near  to  that  first  sta- 
tion, a  magnificent  temple  was  prepared  for  it. 
{2Sam.  6:  1  Chr.  13:21:26—30.22:1.  2  Chr.  3:1.) 

V.  7—9.  {JYote,  2  Chr.  6:41,42.)  The  ark  was 
never  removed  from  the  holy  of  holies  in  the  tem- 
ple, till  the  captivity,  when  it  was  lost  or  destroy- 
ed. This  was  therefore  "the  Rest"  of  the  sym- 
bol of  the  Lord's  gracious  presence  with  his  peo- 
ple.— The  ninth  verse  may  be  rendered  in  the 
future: — "Thy  priests  will  be  clothed,  &c."  'It 
'may  be  expected,  that  thou,  O  Lord,  wilt  over- 
'rule  this  happy  event,  for  a  very  great  blessing 
'to  thy  priests,  and  by  their  means  to  thy  people.' 
— If  the  priests,  the  ministers  of  religion,  were 
"clothed  with-righteousness,"  and  made  accepted 
and  holy  in  their  persons  and  ministrations;  "tlie 
saints,"  all  the  true  people  of  God,  would  exceed- 
ingly rejoice  and  praise  God,  both  on  their  own 
account,  and  on  that  of  the  people  in  general, 
and  of  the  ministers  themselves:  for  nothing  so 
much  tends  to  promote,  or  to  injure,  the  cause  of 
true  and  vital  piety,  as  the  character  of  the  min- 
isters of  religion.  (16)  How  properly  then  are  we 
taught  in  our  Liturgy  to  pray,  'Endue  thy  minis- 
'ters  with  righteousness,  and  make  thy  chosen 
'people  joj'ful.'  And,  not  only  on  ember  days, 
(when  few  attend  at  the  places  of  worship,)  but 
at  all  times;  that  'God  would  so  guide  and  govern 
'the  minds  of  his  servants,  the  bishops  and  pastors 
'of  his  flock,  that  thoy  may  lay  hands  suddenly  on 
'no  man,  but  faithfully  and  wisely  make  choice  of 
'fit  persons  to  serve  in  the  sacjed  ministry  of  his 
'church.'  And  that  'to  those  ...  ordained  to  any 
'holy  function'  he  ivould  'give  his  grace  and  heav- 
'enly  benediction;  that  both  by  tlieir  life  and  doc- 
'trine  they  may  set  forth  his  glory,  and  set  for- 
'ward  tlie  salvation  of  all  men.'  Col.  Ember 
Weeks. 

V.  10.  'I  beseech  thee,  have  a  respect  to  the 
'sincere  piety  of  my  father  David,  and  thy  grji- 
'cious  promise  to  him;  ...  and  upon  that  account 
'deny  me  not,  but  grant  the  petitions  of  thy  ser- 
'vant,  who,  by  thy  special  appointment,  succeeds 
'him  in  the  government  of  thy  people.'  Bp.  Pal- 
rick.  (JVb<e*,  17.78:70—72.  1  Kings  11:9—13,34 
—36.) 

[415 


B.  C.  1004. 


PSALM  CXXXIII. 


B.  C.  1040. 


the  fruit  of  thy  *  body  will  I  set  upmi  thy 
throne.  fl^ 

12  ^  If  thy  children  will  keep  my  cov- 
enant, and  my  testimony  that  I  shall  teach 
them;  "  their  children  shall  also  sit  upon 
thy  throne  for  evermore. 

13  For  "^  the  Lord  hath  chosen  Zion: 
^  he  hath  desired  it  for  his  habitation. 

14  This  is  ^  my  rest  for  ever:  ^  here 
will  I  dwell;  s  for  I  have  desired  it. 

15  1  will  t  abundantly  ^  bless  her  pro- 
vision: '  I  will  satisfy  her  poor  with  bread. 

16  1  will  also  ^  clothe  her  priests  with 
salvation;  and  ^  her  saints  shall  shout 
aloud  for  joy. 


*  Heb.  belly. 

■f  Or,  sureli/. 

a  89:30—35. 

h  147:14.     Ex.  23:25.    Lev.  26: 

b  102:28.   115:14.   Is.  9:7.  59:21. 

4,5.    Deut.  23:2—5.   Prov.  3:9, 

Luke  1:32,33. 

10.  Hag.  1:6,9.  2:16—19.  Mai. 

c  76:1,2.     78:68,69.      Is.    14:32. 

2:2.     Matt.  14:19—21.     2  Cor. 

-Heb.  12:22. 

9:10,11. 

d  43:1— 3.  68:16.  87:2. 

122:26.  33:13,19.   36:8.  37:3,19. 

e8.   Is.  11:10.  6B:I.   Zeph.  3:17. 

Deut.  14:29.   Is.  33:16.  Jer.31: 

f  68:18.  76:2.    135:21.      1  Kings 

14.     Matt.  5:6.  6:32,33.    Mark 

8:13,27.     Is.  3:18.   12:6.    57:15. 

8:6—9. 

Joel  3:21.     Eph.   2:22.     Heb. 

k  9.  149:4.     2  Chr.  6:41.    Is.  61: 

12:-2-2.    Rev.  21:23. 

10.    Gal.  3:27. 

g  87:2. 

1  Zech.  9:9,15—17.  John  16:24. 

V.  n,  12.  J^otes,  89:1—4,19—37.  2  Sam.  7:8 
—16.  1  Kings  9:4— (,.  Jer.  33:17,18,23— 26.  Luke, 
1 :26— 33.  Acts  2:25—32.  i 

V.  13,  14.  Marg.  Re/.—J^otes,  7—9.  48:1—3.  j 
68:15,16.  76:2.  87:2.  /*.  66:1,2.  I 

V.  15,  16.  Marg.  Ref.—JVotes,  7—9.  22:26.  2 
C/ir.  6:41,42.  { 

V.  17.  After  the  decease  of  David,  his  king-- 
dom  was  made  to  bud  forth  in  his  successive  de- 
scendants, until  at  length  it  was  established  in  the 
}»erson  of  the  Messiah:  and  the  kings,  who  as 
amps  were  situated  in  Jerusalem,  arising  from 
David  the  first  anointed  of  the  family,  at  length 
introduced  the  Light  of  the  world,  and  the  glory 
of  Israel.  {JVotes,  148:14.  Ez.  17:22—24.) 

V.  18.  JIarg.  Ref.—J^otes,  21:8—12.  35:25 
—28.  72:8—19.  109:28—30.  /*.  9:6,1.  JIatt.  28:18 
—20. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  Lord  will  recompense  the  labors  and  af- 
flictions of  his  faithful  servants,  in  blessings  upon 
their  children;  especially  if  they  carry  on  the 
same  pious  designs,  and  pray  to  be  remembered 
for  their  sake. — Those,  who  have  in  them  the 
mind  of  Christ,  will  prefer  the  honor  of  God,  and 
the  welfare  of  his  church,  to  their  own  indul- 
gence, ease,  or  emolument;  and  will  counteract 
their  propensity  to  procrastination,  by  engaging 
themselves  as  soon  as  possible  to  execute  useful 
purposes,  to  whatever  self-denial  or  weariness 
they  may  be  exposed.  But  we  should  first,  witli- 
out  delay,  seek  to  have  our  own  hearts  made  "an 
habitation  of  God  through  the  Spirit." — Though 
external  splendor  or  exactness  are  by  no  means 
essential  to  godliness;  yet  those,  who  have  it  in 
their  power,  should  be  vigilant  and  diligent,  in 
bringing  the  ordinances  of  God  into  public  view, 
and  in  establishing  them  in  decency  and  regular- 
ity; that  the  people  in  general  may  be  encourag- 
ed to  "go  into  his  tabernacles,  and  worship  at  his 
footstool."  When  we  have  used  the  proper  means, 
we  may  confidently  expect  the  Lord's  presence 
and  blessing:  and  when  his  ministers  are  clothed 
with  righteousness  and  salvation,  his  saints  will 
sliout  for  joy. — But  if  the  Lord  answered  the 
prayers,  grounded  on  his  covenant  with  David; 
he  will  never  turn  away  his  face  from  us,  when 
416J 


17  There  "will  1  make  the  horn  of 
David  to  bud:  "  I  have  ordained  a  ^  lamp 
for  mine  anointed. 

18  °  His  enemies  will  I  clothe  with 
shame;  p  but  upon  himself  shall  his  crown 
flourish. 


PSALM  cxxxm. 

commendation,  and  a  twofold  illustration,  of  the 
of  harmony  among  brethren,  1 — 3. 


!xcellency 


^  A  Song  of  degrees,  of  David. 
EHOLD,     ''  how    good    and    how 
pleasant  it  is  for  brethren  to  dwell 
*  together  in  unity! 

2  It  is  *=  like   the    precious    ointment 
upon  the  head,  '^  that  ran  down  upon  the 


m    92:10.      148:14.      Ez.  29:21. 

Luke  1:69. 
u  1  Kings  11:36.    15:4.     2  Chr. 

21:7.    Luke  2:30—32. 
J  Or,  candle. 
o  21:8,9.  35:26.   109:29.     Job  S: 

22.   Dan.  12:2. 
p  72:8—11.  Is.  9:6,7.  58:10—12. 

MaU.    28:18.      Luke    1:32,33. 

Rev.  11:15.   17:14. 
a  122;  124:  131:  titles. 


b   122:6—8.     Gen.  13:8.    45:24. 

2  Sara.  2:26,-27.  Is.  11:6-^9,13. 

Jer.  32:39.    John  13:35.   17:21. 

1    Cor.     1:10.       Eoh.  4:3—6. 

Phil.    2:2—5.       Heb.    13:1.  1 

Pet.  3:8.     1  John  3:14—19. 
*  Heb.    even  together. 
c  141:5.     Prov.  27:9.  Cant.  1:3. 

John  12:3. 
d  Ex.  30:25—30.  Lev.  8:12. 


we  plead  the  covenant  made  with  his  anointed 
Prophet,  Priest,  and  King.  In  him  the  promises, 
which  were  ratified  to  David,  liave  their  full  com- 
pletion: his  church  is  that  Zion,  which  he  has 
chosen  and  desired  for  his  habitation,  in  which  he 
will  rest  and  be  glorified  for  ever.  While  he 
blesses  the  spiritual  provisions  of  his  house,  to  the 
nourishment  of  the  souls  of  his  people;  he  will  not 
withhold  from  his  poor  the  food  convenient  for 
their  bodies:  and  blessed  are  they,  who  are  em- 
ployed to  dispense  either  the  bread  of  life,  or  bod- 
ily sustenance  to  his  needy  servants,  out  of  love 
to  him,  and  to  them  for  his  sake;  receiving  his 
salvation  themselves,  and  contributing  to  the 
comfort  of  his  saints.  But  while  the  crown  shall 
flourish  in  the  person  of  the  Son  of  David,  and  his 
people  rejoice  in  his  honor  and  felicity;  all  his 
enemies  will  be  clothed  with  everlasting  shame 
and  misery. 

NOTES. 

Psalm  CXXXIII.  Title.  This  psalm  seems  to 
have  been  penned,  when  all  the  tribes  of  Israel 
had  concurred  in  placing  David  on  the  throne,  or 
rather  after  their  subsequent  prosperity  had  evinc- 
ed the  happy  effects  of  that  union:  when  instead 
of  the  tribes  wasting  each  other  by  civil  contests, 
they  all  harmoniously  joined  in  removing  the  ark 
to  mount  Zion,  and  in  celebrating  the  sacred  or- 
dinances of  their  religion. — 'It  was  as  fitly  used 
'by  the  first  Cliristians,  to  express  tlieir  joy  for 
'the  blessed  union  of  Jews  and  Gentiles;  and  may 
'now  serve  the  uses  of  all  Christian  societies, 
'whose  happiness  lies  in  holy  peace  and  concord.' 
Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  1.  'Many  tilings  are  good,  which  are  not 
'pleasant;  and  many  pleasant,  which  are  not  good. 
'But  unity  among  brethren,  whether  civil  or  re- 
'ligious,  is  productive  both  of  profit  and  pleasure. 
'Of  profit,  because  therein  consisteth  the  welfare 
'and  security  of  every  society;  of  pleasure,  be- 
'cause  mutual  love  is  the  source  of  delight,  and 
'the  happiness  of  one  becomes,  in  that  case,  tlie 
'happiness  of  all.  It  is  unity  alone,  which  gives 
'beauty,  as  well  as  strength,  to  the  state;  which 
'renders  the  church  at  the  same  time  "fair  as  the 
'moon,  and  terrible  as  ah  army  with  banners." 
'Cant.  6:10.'  Bp.  Home.   {J^otes,  122:6—9.  P.  O. 


B.  C.  1040. 


PSALM  CXXXIV. 


B.  C.  1017. 


beard,    even   Aaron's   beard;   that  went 
down  to  the  skirts  of  his  garments; 

3  As  the  dew  of  ®  Hermon,  and  as  the 
dew  that  descended  upon  the  mountains 
of  Zion:  •"  for  there  the  Lord  command- 
ed the  blessing,  ^  even  hfe  for  ever- 
more. 

PSALM  CXXXIV 

The  Psalmist  exhorts  the  watchers  in  the  sanctuary  to  bless  the 

Lordj  and  they  pray  for  a  blessing  on  him,  1 — 3. 
e  Deut.  3:8,9.  4:48.  Josh.  13:11.  I    29.  6:50,51,68.  11:25,26.  Rom. 
f42:8.    Lev.  25:21.    Deut.  28:8.       5:21.6:23.      1  John  2:25.  5:11. 
g  16:11.  21:4.     John  4:14.  5:24,1    ^E^-  ^■^^• 


—J^otes  and  P.  O.  Eph.  4:1—6.  J^ote,  Phil.  2:1 
—4.) 

V.  2.  The  sacred  ointment,  which  God  had 
prescribed  for  the  unction  of  his  priests  to  tlieir 
office,  being'  poured  upon  the  head  of  Aaron, 
flowed  thence  upon  his  beard,  and  down  on  the 
collar  of  his  vestment,  near  the  place  where  he 
bare  the  names  of  the  twelve  tribes,  diffusing- 
fragrancy  around.  [J^ote,  Ex.  30:22—33.)  This 
was  an  emblem  of  the  graces  of  the  Holy  Spirit, 
which,  through  our  great  High  Priest,  are  com- 
municated to  all  believers:  and  it  also  aptly  rep- 
resented the  pleasant  and  beneficial  effects  of  har- 
mony in  society,  when,  united  under  one  common 
head,  every  member  in  his  proper  station  shares 
and  contributes  to  the  peace,  stabilitj^  and  pros- 
perity of  the  whole  community.  {JVotes,  I  Cor. 
12:12—31.  1  Pet.  1:22—25.) 

V.  3.  This  verse  may  be  rendered,  "As  the 
dew  of  Hermon,  so  is  this,  which  descends  upon 
the  mountains  of  Zion;"  and  thus  mean,  that,  as 
the  gentle  dews,  descending-  on  mount  Hermon, 
rendered  it  fruitful  and  delightful;  so  the  dew  of 
heavenly  love,  distilling-  upon  the  worshippers  on 
mount  Zion,  would  render  them  fruitlul  in  good 
works,  happy  in  themselves,  and  blessings  to  all 
around  them.  For  on  that  mount,  (the  type  of  the 
true  church,  which  is  all  one  in  Christ  Jesus,)  the 
Lord  has  "commanded  his  blessing,  and  life  for 
evermore."  How  do  they  read  such  passages, 
which  continually  occur,  who  contend  that  the 
Israelites  expected  temporal  blessings  alone.'' 
[Marg.  Ref.) — Hermon  was  situated  far  to  the 
north-east  of  Zion,  on  the  other  side  of  Jordan. 
[Marg.  Ref.  e.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

No  encomiums  or  illustrations  can  sufficiently 
display  the  excellence,  pleasantness,  and  mani- 
fold benefits  of  harmony  among  brethren,  in  fami- 
lies, in  civil  society,  in  nations,  and  especially  in 
the  church  of  Christ:  for  "love  is  of  God;  and  he 
that  dwelleth  in  love,  dwelleth  in  God,  and  God 
in  him."  [J^otes,  1  John  4:7 — 12.)  It  is  the  fruit 
of  the  Spirit,  the  image  of  Christ,  the  evidence  of 
our  union  with  him,  and  the  ornament  of  his  gos- 
pel. With  it  human  happiness  begins  on  earth, 
and  will  be  completed  in  heaven.  {JVbtes  and 
P.O.  1  Cor.  13:  JSTote,  Gal.  5:22—26.)  It  tends  to 
fruitfulness  in  all  good  works,  and  to  the  spread  of 
vital  godliness:  it  inhabits  especially,  as  a  visitant 
from  heaven,  those  favored  spots,  where  the  Lord 
commands  his  blessing,  and  gives  eternal  life : 
and,  while  it  prepares  the  soul  for  further  com- 
munications from  above,  it  is  the  certain  effect  of 
the  pouring  out  of  the  Spirit,  to  give  success  to 
tlie  preaching  of  the  Gospel.  (JVbte*,  Acts  2:42 — 
47  4:32—35.)  Surely  the  profes.sed  followers  of 
the  meek  ana  lowly  Jesus  have  long  enough  ex- 
perienced the  painful  and  fatal  effects  of  discord, 
and  angry  controversy;    by  which   Christianity 

Vol.  m.  53 


*  A  Song  of  degrees. 
~0|AHOLD,  ^  bless  ye  the  Lord,  all 
jOrye  servants  of  the   Lord,  •=  which 
by   night    stand    in    the    house    of   the 
Lord. 

2  ^  Lift  up  your  hands  *  in  the  sanctu- 
ary, and  bless  the  Lord. 

3  The  ^  Lord,  that  made  heaven  and 
earth,  ^  bless  thee  out  of  Zion 

a  120:— 133:  tilles. 
b  103:21.  135:1,2,19—21.   1  Chr 
23:30—32.  Rev.  19:5. 


c   130:6.     Lev.  8:35.     1  Chr.  9: 

23.    Luke  2:37.    Rev.  7:15. 
d28:2.  63:4.   141-2.    Lam.  2:19. 


26:6.    1  Tim. 


3.41. 
*  Or,  in  holiness. 

2:0. 

e  124:8.   146:5,6. 
f  14:7.  20:2.   110:2.    128:5.   135: 

21.  Rom.  11:26. 


has  been  disgraced,  and  wounded  in  the  house  o. 
its  friends!  May  all  that  love  the  Lord  at  length 
make  trial,  "how  good  and  pleasant  it  is  for 
brethren  to  dwell  together  in  unity,"  "forbearing 
one  another,  and  forgiving  one  another,  as  God 
for  Christ's  sake  hath  forgiven  them."  {JVote, 
Eph.  5:1,2.)  Then  will  they  find  their  own 
hearts  joyful,  and  the  truth  diffuse  its  blessed  in- 
fluence on  every  side;  and  heaven  will,  as  it  were, 
come  down  and  dwell  on  earth.  And  may  God 
be  pleased  to  send  'peace,  unity,  and  concord,' 
together  with  the  gospel  of  peace  and  love,  to  all 
the  nations  of  the  world! 


NOTBS. 

Psalm  CXXXIV.  V.  1—3.  It  seems,  that 
David  appointed  some  of  the  priests  and  Levites 
to  watch  all  night  in  the  sanctuary,  by  regular 
courses:  [JVote,  1  Chr.  9:31— 33.)  and  they  are 
here  exhorted  to  spend  the  hours  in  joyful  songs 
of  praise.  Thus  the  service  of  the  sanctuary 
would  be  a  shadow  of  the  unceasing  worship  of 
heaven.  It  is  probable,  that  this  Psalm  was  com- 
posed to  be  sung  each  night,  when  the  watch  was 
set:  and  that  the  first  two  verses  were  sung  by 
the  precentor  of  those,  who  were  abouL  to  leave 
the  sanctuary;  and  the  third  verse  by  the  Levites, 
who  succeeded  them. 


PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

If  our  hearts  were  filled  with  the  love  of  God, 
as  his  holy  law  commands,  our  mouths  would  be 
filled  with  his  praises:  and  though  our  frail  bodies 
would  need  rest,  yet  our  souls  would  never  be 
weary  of  his  pleasant  service.  No  time  would 
then  be  a  burden  to  us;  nor  would  it  be  needful 
to  waste  the  hours  by  trifling  conversation  and 
vain  amusements,  or  by  inordinate  animal  indul- 
gence: but  all  the  time,  which  could  be  spared 
from  needful  business  and  recreation,  would  be 
delightfully  employed  in  meditation,  and  in  cele- 
brating the  praises  of  our  God.  All  that  comes 
short  of  this,  is  equally  distant  from  perfection; 
it  is  the  effect  of  the  fall,  and  the  remainder  of 
depravit}':  and  without  some  portion  of  this  de- 
light in  praising  the  Lord,  we  are  not  Christians. 
But  the  servants  of  God,  who  minister  in  his, 
sanctuary,  are  peculiarly  bound  to  set  an  exam- 
ple of  this  cheerful  and  constant  engagement  of 
heart,  in  the  worship  and  work  of  God.  They,  as 
well  as  others,  should  be  thankful  to  be  reminded 
of  their  duty,  and  exhorted  "to  lift  up  their  hands 
in  the  sanctuary,  and  praise  the  Lorp:"  and  we 
should  especially  pray  for  a  blessing  out  of  Zioa 
on  those,  who  excite  us  to  attend  on  our  duty. 
Ere  long  all  the  true  servants  of  God  shall  praise 
iiim  in  the  sanctuary  above,  and  bless  his  name, 
and  be  blessed  in  bim,  uninterruptedly,  for  ever- 
more. 


[417 


B.  C.  1017. 


PSALM   CXXXV. 


B.  C.  1017. 


PSALM  CXXXV. 

Exhortations  to  praise  God  for  his  goodness,  his  speciAUcindness 
to  Israel,  his  power  shewn  in  the  works  of  creation^md  provi- 
dence, and  his  judgments  on  the  enemies  of  his  people,  1 — 14. 
The  vanity  of  idols,  and  the  folly  of  idolaters  exposed,  15 — 
18.  All  orders  of  men  in  Israel  are  called  on  to  praise  the 
Lord,  19— il. 

iRAISE  ye  the  Lord.    ^  Praise  ye 
the  name  of  the  Lordj  praise  him, 
•=  O  ye  servants  of  the  Lord. 

2  Ye  '^  that  stand  in  the  house  of  the 
Lord,  in  ^  the  courts  of  the  house  of  our 
God. 

3  Praise  ye  the  Lord;  ^  for  the  Lord 
is  good:  sing  praises  unto  his  name;  ^  for 
it  is  pleasant. 

4  For  ''  the  Lord  hath  chosen  Jacob 
unto  himself,  and  Israel  for  *  his  pecuUar 
treasure. 

5  For  ''  I  know  that  the  Lord  is  great, 
and  that  our  Lord  is  above  all  gods. 

6  ^  Whatsoever  the  Lord  pleased,  that 
did  he  in  heaven,  and  in  earth,  "  in  the 
seas,  and  all  deep  places. 

7  He  "  causeth  the  vapors  to  ascend 
from  the  ends  of  the  earth;  *"  he  maketh 
lightnings  for  the  tain;  p  he  bringeth  the 
wind  out  of  his  treasuries. 

8  Who  1  smote  the  first-born  of  Egypt, 
*  both  of  man  and  beast. 


» 33:1,2.  96:1—4.    106:1.  107:8, 

».    111:1.    112:1.    113:1.    117: 

150:6. 
b7:n.   102:21.    113:2,3.  148:13. 

See  on  Ex.  34:5—7. 
c  113:1.   134:1.    149:1—3. 
d  1  Chr.  10:37—42  23:30.  Neh. 

9:5.   Luke  2:37. 
e  92:13.  96:8.    116:19. 
f   106:1.     107:1.     113:1.     119:68. 

]3ri:l.   145:7,8.     Matt.  19:17. 
g33  1.  63:5.  92:1,2.    147:1. 
h  33.12.      Deut.  7;6,7.    10:15.   1 

Sam.  12:22.   Is.  41:8.  43:20,21. 

Zech.  2:10— 12.     1  Pet.  2:9. 
i  Ex.  19.5,6.     Deut.  32:9.   Mai. 

3:17.  Tit. 2: 14. 


k  48:1.  86:8—10.  89:6.  95:3.  96: 

4,5.  97:9.     Deut.  10:17.  Is.  40: 

22,25.     Jer.  10:10,11.    Dan.  3: 

29.    6:26,27. 
1   115:3.     Is.  46:10.     Dan.  4:35. 

Am.  4:13.  9:6.     Matt.  28:13. 
m   136:13—15.      Matt.  8:26,27. 

14:25. 
D  148:8.     Gen.    2:5,6.     1  Kings 

J8:],41— 45.      Job   5:10.     Jer. 

10:13.  51:16.  Zech.  10:1. 
0  Job  28:25,26.  38:25-28. 
p  107:25.     148:8.     Job  38:22,23. 

Jon.  1:4.  John  3:8. 
q    78:51.    105:36.    136:10.      Ex. 

12:12,29,30.   13:15. 
*  Heb.  from,  man  unto  beast. 


9  Who  *■  sent  tokens  and  wonders  into 
the  midst  of  thee,  O  Egypt,  ^  upon  Pha- 
raoh, and  upon  all  his  servants. 

10  Who  '  smote  great  nations,  and 
slew  mighty  kings; 

11  "  Sihon  king  of  the  Amorites,  and 
Og  king  of  Bashan,  *  and  all  the  king- 
doms of  Canaan: 

12  And  y  gave  their  land  for  an  heri- 
tage, an  heritage  unto  Israel  his  people. 

13  ^  Thy  name,  O  Lord,  endureth 
for  ever;  and  thy  memorial,  O  Lord, 
t  throughout  all  generations. 

14  For  *  the  Lord  will  judge  his  peo- 
ple, and  ''  he  will  repent  himself  concern- 
ing his  servants. 

15  The  •=  idols  of  the  heathen  are  sil- 
ver and  gold,  the  work  of  men's  hands. 

16  They  have  mouths,  but  they  speak 
not;  '^  eyes  have  they,  but  they  see  not; 

17  They  have  ears,  but  they  hear 
not;  neither  is  there  any  breath  in  their 
mouths. 

1 8  ^  They  that  make  them  are  like 
unto  them;  so  is  every  one  that  trusteth 
in  them. 

19  ^  Bless  the  Lord,  O  house  of  Isra- 
el: bless  the  Lord,  O  house  of  Aaron: 

20  Bless  the  Lord,  O  house  of  Levi: 


NOTES. 

Psalm  CXXXV.  V.  1,  2.  'This  perhaps  was 
'the  morning  h^'mn,  which  the  precentor,  [ver.  4, 
«5.)  called  upon  the  Levites  to  sing,  at  the  open- 
*ing  of  the  gates  of  the  temple;  as  the  former  was 
'sung  at  the  shutting  up  of  the  gates  in  the  even- 
*ing.  ...  Let  all  here  present  praise  the  most  wise 
•omnipotent  goodness  of  the  Lord:  let  him  espe- 
'cially  be  praised  by  you  his  priests,  who  minister 
'unto  his  Majesty:  ...  and  by  the  Levites,  who  at- 
'tend  upon  him  in  his  house.'  Bp.  Patrick. 
[jYote,  134:) 

V.  3.  'As  his  nature  is  most  excellent,  so  He 
'is  the  Fountain  of  all  the  good  we  enjoy  :  and  no 
'employment  is  so  delightful,  as  to  acknowledge 
•  'his  perfections,  and  commemorate  the  benefits 
'we  have  received  from  him,  by  singing  psalms 
'and  hymns  of  praise  and  thanks  unto  him.'  Bp. 
Patrick. 

V.  4.  J^otes,  Ex.  19:5,6.  Mai.  3:13—18,  v.  17. 
marg.  Tit.  2:14.     1  Pet.  2:9,10. 

V.  5,  6.  Other  nations  indeed  praised  their 
gods,  and  celebrated  their  imaginary  exploits: 
but  the  Psalmist,  in  the  most  decided  manner,  de- 
clared that  he  knew  .Tehovah  was  far  above  them 
all;  and  alone  worthy  to  be  thus  adored  and  hon- 
ored, as  the  great  Creator  and  absolute  Sove- 
418] 


r  78:43—50.   105:27—29.  Ex.  7: 

—15:     Peut.  4:34.    Neh.  9:10. 

Is.  51:9,10.  Jer.  32:20,21.  Acts 

7:36. 
s  136:15. 

t  44:2,3.   136:17—22. 
u  Num.  21:21,35.     Deut.  2:30— 

37.  3:l,&e.     Neh.  9:22. 
X  Josh.  10:— 12: 
y  78:55.   136:21,22.  Num.  33:54. 

Josh.  11:23. 
z  8:1,9.  72:17.    102:12,21.     Ex. 

3:15.  34:5—7.  Hos.  12:5.  Matt. 

6:9vl3. 
I  Heb.   to  generation  and  gen- 


eration. 89:1.  marg. 
a  7:8.  50:4.  96:13. 
b    Deut.  32:36.      Judg.  10:16.   1 

Chr.  21:15.  Hos.  11:3,9.    Am, 

7:3,6.  Jon.  4:2. 
c  115:4— 8.     Deut.  4:28.    Is.  37: 

19.  40:19,20.  44:9—20.  46:6,7. 

Jer.    10:3,&c.       Hab.   2:18,19. 

Acts  17:29. 
d  Is.  6:10.     Matt.  13:14—16. 
e    97:7.     115:3.     Is.  44:18—20. 

Jer.  10:8.     2  Cor.  4:4. 
f  115:9— n.     118:1 — i.    145:10. 

147:19,20.    148:14.     Rev.  19:5. 


reign  of  the  universe.  [Marg.  Ref. — JVotes,  115: 
1—7.  /?.  46:10,11.  Z)an.  4:34— 37.  Ej)h.V.3—8.) 
'His  one  will  alone  gives  bounds  to  his  power:  for 
'as  none  act  without  his  leave,  so  none  can  hinder 
'him  from  doing  what  pleases  himself.'  Bp.  Pat- 
rick. This  absolute  sovereignty,  however,  is  al- 
ways exercised  in  perfect  wisdom,  justice,  truth, 
and  goodness. 

V.  7.  {M)tes,  Job  28:23—28.  38:22—30.  Jer. 
10:12—15.  Zech.  10:1.)  'Among  the  Greeks 
'and  Romans,  we  meet  with  a  Jupiter  possessed 
'of  the  thunder  and  lightning,  and  an  jEolus 
'ruling  over  the  winds.  The  Psalmist  teacheth 
'us  to  restore  the  celestial  artillery  to  its  rightful 
'Owner.  ...  It  is  a  great  instance  of  the  divine 
'wisdom  and  goodness,  that  lightning  should  be 
'accompanied  by  rain,  to  soften  its  rage,  and  pre- 
'vent  its  mischievous  effects.'    Bp.  Home. 

V.  8—12.  Kotes,  78:42—50.  Ex.  7:— 15:  Mum. 
21.21—34. 

V.-13.  (JVo<cs,  8:1.  72:17—19.  102:12.  111:4. 
Ex.  3:14,15.  34:5—7.  Matt.  6:9.)  'O  Lord,  how 
'astonishing  is  this  thy  omnipotent  goodness!  the 
'fame  of  which  shall  never  be  forgotten:  but  an  il- 
'lustrious  memory,  O  Lord,  shall  be  continued  of 
'it,  from  generation  to  generation.'    Bf.  Patrick. 

V.  14.     Repent.']     If  he  judge  his  people,  or 


B.  C.  1017. 


PSALM  CXXXVI. 


B.  C.  1017. 


ye  that  fear  the  Lord,   bless  the   Lord. 
21  Blessed  be  the  Lord  ^out  of  Zion, 
•"  which  dwelleth   at  Jerusalem.     Praise 
ye  the  Lord. 

PSALM  CXXXVL 

Exhortations  to  praise  th«  Lord  for  his  everlasting  mercy;  for 
all  the  blessings  of  creation,  providence,  and  redemption;  and 
for  liis  glory  displayed  in  them,  1 — 26. 

^  GIVE  thanks  unto  the  Lord:  for 
he  is  good:  ''  for  his  mercy  enduretk 
for  ever. 


g  76:2.   134:3.     2  Chr.  6:6. 
h  48:1,9.   132:13,14.    Is.  12:6. 
a  106:1.     107:1.    118:1.      2  Chr. 


7:3,6.     Ezra  3:11.     Jer.  33:11 

I  b    103:17.       1   Chr.    16:34,41.  2 

Chr. 20:21.  Luke  1:50.  .Iude21 


f)unish  them,  he  will  compassionate  their  sorrows. 
ie  will  be  pacified  towards  his  people.  {JVotes, 
Deut.  32:36.  Judg.  10:13,16.  Am.  7:1—6.) 

V.  15— 21.  (JVb<e*,  115:3— 13.)  In  the  scrip- 
ture referred  to,  the  exhortation  is  to  "trust  in 
the  Lord;"  here  it  is  "to  bless  the  Lord." 
Those  who  trust  in  the  Lord,  and  honor  him, 
shall  daily  have  more  and  more  cause  to  praise 
and  thank  him. — 'The  honor  the  heathens  give 
'to  their  lifeless  images  ought  to  excite  you  all, 
'with  the  greater  devotions,  to  praise  the  Lord  of 
'the  world.'  Bp.  Patrick.  {Jtlarg.  Ref.—JSTotes, 
76:1,2.  132:2—9.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

How  lamentable  it  is,  that  we  should  need  so 
much  exciting  to  praise  our  God,  and  yet  be  so 
negligent  and  formal  as  we  often  are,  in  this  rea- 
sonable and  delightful  employment!  But  his  ser- 
vants muston  earth  be  trained  up  to  thatholy  exer- 
cise, in  which  they  are  to  be  occupied  for  ever  in 
heaven:  and  in  his  courts  especially,  ministers  must 
instruct  and  go  before  them,  in  this  sacred  wor 
ship. — The  essential  goodness  and  excellency  of 
the  Lord  would  entitle  him  to  our  utmost  love  and 
praise,  were  it  possible  for  us  to  be  free  from 
other  obligations  to  him:  and  the  pleasantness  of 
the  work  would  endear  it  to  us,  if  our  hearts 
were  free  from  the  dire  disease  of  sin.  But  to 
the  Lord  we  owe  our  being,  our  rational  powers, 
and  all  our  outward  comforts,  which  demand  our 
warmest  gratitude;  and  the  peculiar  favors  vouch- 
safed to  Britons,  both  in  providence,  and  in  the 
spiritual  advantages  afforded  us,  place  us  in  the 
same  relation,  and  under  the  same  obligations  to 
him,  as  the  Israelites  of  old  were. — Whilst  his 
moderate  rains  fructify  our  land,  and  we  are  gen- 
erally exempted  from  fatal  tempests  and  inunda- 
tions: how  often  has  "the  wind  out  of  his  treas- 
uries" dispersed  the  preparations  of  our  formida- 
ble enemies!  How  inexcusable  then  is  our  na- 
tional infidelity,  impiet)-,  and  licentiousness!  "O 
foolish  people,  and  unwise,  do  ye  thus  requite  the 
Lord!"  He  has,  however,  a  remnant  among  us, 
"whom  he  has  chosen  unto  him,  through  sanctifi- 
cation  of  the  Spirit  unto  obedience,  and  sprink- 
ling of  the  blood  of  Jesus."  \.N'of&,  i  Pet.  1:1,2.) 
These  are  indeed  his  "peculiar  treasure"  which  he 
values,  by  whom  he  is  loved  and  adored  on  earth, 
and  in  whom  he  will  be  eternally  glorified.  Hap- 
py then  are  they!  their  unchangeable  Friend  is 
equally  great  and  good;  and  equally  able  and 
willing  to  defend,  uphold,  and  bless  them.  "He 
doeth  what  he  pleaseth  in  heaven  and  earth,  in 
the  seas,  and  in  all  deep  places."  It  has  pleased 
him  to  make  them  his  people;  and  it  is  his  "good 
pleasure  to  give  them  the  kingdoin."  (JVb<e,  Luke 
12:22—34,  v.  32.)  The  tokens  and  wonders 
which  he  wrought  for  Israel,  and  the  heritage 
that  he  gave  them,  were  feeble  shadows  of  the 
mercy  which  he  has  shewn  to  his  true  Israel,  the 
redemption  wrought  out,  and  the  inheritance  pre- 1 
pared  for  them:  and  every  past  and  present  favor  ' 


2  O  give  thanks  unto  '^  the  God  of 
gods:  for  his  mercy  enduretk  for  ever. 

3  O  give  thanks  to  ''  the  Lord  of  lords: 
for  his  mercy  enduretk  for  ever. 

4  To  him  ^  who  alone  doeth  great 
wonders:  for  his  mercy  enduretk  for 
ever. 

5  To    *"  him    that    by  wisdom    made 


c  82:1.  97:7,9.  Ex.  18:11.  Deut. 

10:17.     Josh.  22:22.     2  Chr.  2: 

5.   Dan.  2:47. 
d  1  Tim.  6:15.     Rev.  17:14.  19: 

16. 


e  72:18.  86:10.  Ex.  15:11.    Job 

5:9.     Rev.  15:3. 
f  33:6.    104:24.  Gen.  1:1.   Prov. 

3:19,20.  8:22—29.     Jer.  51:15. 


is  a  token  and  earnest  of  his  future  and  eter- 
nal love.  For  he  is  immutably  perfect,  and  the 
memorial  of  his  wonders  for  his  people  shall  en- 
dure throughout  all  generations.  He  will  plead 
their  cause,  and  judge  between  them  and  theii 
enemies:  and,  though  he  afflict  and  correct  them, 
he  will  repent  concerning  them,  and  not  be  wroth 
with  them  for  ever.  [J^Tote,  90:13—17.)  While 
therefore  we  detest  and  mourn  over  the  idolatries 
and  impiety  of  the  world  around  us,  let  us  re- 
member with  gratitude  who  has  made  us  to  differ: 
let  us  pity  and  pray  for  benighted  heathens  and 
deluded  sinners:  and  let  us,  whether  ministers  or 
private  Christians,  trusting  and  fearing  the  Lord, 
bless  him  in  his  church  on  earth;  rejoice  in  hope 
of  praising  him  in  his  holy  habitation  in  heaven; 
and  endeavor  to  glorify  his  name  and  recommend 
his  truth,  not  only  with  our  lips,  but  in  our  holy 
lives,  and  by  copying  the  example  of  his  right- 
eousness, goodness,  and  truth,  in  all  our  dealings 
with  our  brethren  and  neighbors. 

NOTES. 

Psalm  CXXXVI.  V.  1—3.  This  psalm  in 
many  things  resembles  the  preceding:  but  it  is 
rendered  remarkable,  by  the  repetition  of  the 
sweet  sentence,  "for  his  mercy  endurcth  for 
ever;"  at  the  end  of  every  verse.  By  mercy  we 
understand  the  Lord's  disposition  to  compassionate 
and  relieve  those,  whom  sin  has  rendered  mis- 
erable and  base;  his  readiness  to  forgive  and 
be  reconciled  to  the  most  provoking  of  trans- 
gressors, and  to  bestow  all  blessings  upon  them; 
together  with  all  the  provision  which  he  has  made, 
for  the  honor  of  his  name,  in  the  redemption  of 
sinners  by  Jesus  Christ.  The  counsels  of  this 
mercy  have  been  from  everlasting;  the  effects  of 
it  will  be  eternal  to  all  who  are  interested  in  it: 
and  the  Lord  continues,  from  age  to  age,  equally 
ready  to  shew  mercy  to  all  who  seek  to  him  for  it. 
[Jilarg.  Ref.—jyote,  103:15—18.)  The  frequent 
repetition  of  this  sentence  shews  how  greatly  the 
Lord  delights  in  mercy,  and  deems  himself  hon- 
ored by  the  exercise  of  it:  and  it  teaches  us  that 
this  attribute  should  be  peculiarly  dear  to  us,  be- 
ing the  source  of  all  our  hopes  and  comforts.— 
'At  every  half  verse,  one  half  of  the  choir  an- 
'swers  to  the  other  in  these  words:  "For  his  mercy 
'endureth  for  ever:"  a  form  of  acknowledgement 
'prescribed  by  David  to  be  used  continually  in 
'the  divine  service.'  Bp.  Patrick — 'A  form 
'highly  proper  for  creatures,  and  sinful  creatures 
'to  use,  whose  great  employment  it  is  now,  and 
'will  be  for  ever,  to  magnify  the  mercy  and  loving- 
'kindness  of  their  God.'  Bp.  Home. — 'This  was 
'a  common  kind  of  thanksgiving,  which  the 
'whole  people  used,  when  they  had  received  any 
'benefit  of  God;'  [Marg.  Ref.  a,  b.)  'meaning  that 
'God  was  not  only  merciful  to  their  fathers,  but 
'also  continued  tiie  same  to  their  posterity.' 

V.  4.  'He  it  is  and  he  alone,  whose  works  are 
'so  great,  that  they  surprise  all  those  who  seri- 
'ously  consider  them,  with  wonder  and  astonish- 

(■419 


B.  C.  1017. 


PSALM  CXXXVI. 


B.  C.  1017. 


the  heavens:  for  his  mercy  endureth  for 
ever. 

6  To  s  him  that  stretcheth  out  the 
earth  above  the  waters:  for  his  mercy 
endureth  for  ever. 

7  To  ''  him  that  made  great  lights:  for 
his  mercy  endureth  for  ever: 

8  '  The  sun  *  to  rule  by  day:  for  his 
mercy  endureth  for  ever: 

9  The  ^  moon  and  stars  to  rule  by 
night:  for  his  mercy  endureth  for  ever. 

1 0  To  *  him  that  smote  Egypt  in  their 
first-born:  for  his  mercy  endureth  for  ever: 

1 1  And  "  brought  out  Israel  from 
among  them:  for  his  mercy  endureth  for 
ever: 

12  "With  a  strong  hand,  and  with  a 
stretched-out  arm:  for  his  mercy  endur- 
eth for  ever. 

13  To  °  him  which  divided  the  Red 
sea  into  parts:  for  his  mercy  endureth  for 
ever: 

14  And  made  Israel  to  pass  through 
the  midst  of  it:  for  his  mercy  endureth 
for  ever: 

1 5  P  But  t  overthrew  Pharaoh  and  his 


g24:2.   104:2,3.     Gen.  1:9.  Job 

2fi:7.    37:18.     13.40:22.44:24. 

Jer.  10:12.  Zech.  12:1.    2  Pet. 

3:5—7. 
h  74:16,17.   104:19.  Gen.  1:14— 

19.   Deut.4  19. 
i  143:3.  Jer.  3V:35.     Matt.  .5:45. 
*  Heb.  for  the  rulings  by  day. 
k8:3.  89:36,37.    Job  31;26. 
1  78:51.   105  36.   135  8.      Kx.  11: 

5.6.    12:12,29.    Heb.  11:28. 


m  78:52.   105:37.  Ex.  12:51.  13: 

3,17.     1  Sam.  12:6—3. 
n  Ex.  6:6.    13:14.    15:6.     Deut. 

11:2—4.     Is.  51:9,10.     Jer.  32: 

21.  Acts  7:36. 

0  66:5,6.  74:13.  73:13.  106:9— 
11.  Ex.  14:21,22,29.  Is.  63:12, 
13.    Heb.  11:29. 

p  78:53  Ex.  14:27,23.  15:4,5, 
10,11.     Neh.  9.10,11. 

1  Heb.  shaked  off. 


*ment.'  Bp.  Patrick.  'How  many  of  those,  for 
'whom  the  wonders  of  creation,  providence,  and 
'redetnption  have  been  wroug'ht,  think  none  of 
'them  worthy  their  attention!  Angels  admire  and 
'adore,  where  man  will  not  deign  to  cast  an  eye, 
'or  employ  a  thought.'  Bp.  Home.  (JVbie,  72:17 
-19.) 

V.  5—9.  Marg.  Ref.—JVotes,  104:19—23.  Gen. 
I: — 'Look  upon  the  heavens,  and  behold  with  ad- 
'miration  and  praise,  the  splendor  and  order, 
'wherein  his  wisdom  hath  contrived  and  settled 
'them.  ...  Witness  those  great  lights,  which  never 
'go  out,  but  always  call  on  us  to  praise  and  give 
'thanks  to  him,  who  made  them  to  illuminate  the 
'world,  and  to  be  emblems  of  his  kindness.'  Bp. 

V.  10—22.  [Jlarg.  Ref.—J^otes,  Ex.  12:29— 
39.  14:  15:1—21.  JVhw?..  21:24—34.  Deut.Q:\—2. 
Josh.  12:)  The  destruction  of  the  Egyptians, 
Amorites,  and  Canaanites,  with  their  kings,  was 
a  display  of  the  awful  justice  of  God  towards 
them;  but  of  his  abundant  mercy  and  goodness 
to  his  people.  And  the  memorial  of  them,  while 
it  called  for  the  gratitude  of  Israel,  gave  a  pledge 
and  assurance  of  his  ever  enduring  goodness  and 
mercy  to  his  true  and  faithful  servants;  and  of  their 
final  triumph  over  all  their  enemies.  {J^otes,  78: 
41—54.  JVe/i.  9:7—22.  Is.  63:7—14.) 

V.  23—26.  [J^Ianr.  Ref.—J^otes,  113:7—9. 
Ex.  15:13.  Is.  5]:\— 3^  Ez.  16:6—14.  Luke  1:46 
— 55.)  'When  for  our  sins  we  were  severely  af- 
'flicted,  and  in  danger  to  be  thrown  out  of  this 
'good  land,  ...  {Jvdg.  2:  3:  4:)  he  was  pleased  gra- 
'ciously  to  relieve  us.  For  his  kindness  pardoned 
'our  ingratitude,  ...  and  rescued  us  many  a  time, 
420] 


host  in  the  Red  sea:  "J  for  his  mercy  en- 
dureth for  ever. 

16  To  ■■  him  which  led  his  people 
through  the  wilderness:  for  his  mercy 
endureth  for  ever. 

17  To  ^  him  which  smote  great  kings: 
for  his  mercy  endureth  for  ever: 

18  And  slew  famous  kings:  for  his  mer- 
cy endureth  for  ever:  ^ 

19  *  Sihon  king  of  the  Amorites:  for 
his  mercy  endureth  for  ever: 

20  And  "  Og  the  king  of  Bashan:  for 
his  mercy  endureth  for  ever 

21  And      ^         ' 
tage:  for  his  mercy  endureth  for  ever: 

22  Even  ^  an  heritage  unto  Israel  his 
servant:  for  his  mercy  endureth  for  ever. 

23  Who  ^  remembered  us  =*  in  our  low 
estate:  for  his  mercy  endureth  for  ever: 

24  And  ^  hath  redeemed  us  from  our 
enemies:  for  his  mercy  endureth  for  ever. 

25  Who  <=giveth  food  to  all  flesh:  for 
his  mercy  endureth  for  ever. 

26  O  give  thanks  unto  ^  the  God  of 
heaven:  for  his  mercy  endureth  for  ever 

q    65:5 «      -  .-  —       - 


"  gave  their  land  for  an  heri- 


79:6—9.    143:12.     Ex. 

15:12,13.     Luke  1:71—74. 
r  77:20.   Ex.  13:13.  15:22.  Num. 

9:17—22.    Deut.  8:2.     Neh.  9: 

12,19.  Is.  49:10.  63:11—14. 
s  135:10,11.    Josh.  12: 
t  Num.  21:23.      Deut.  2:30—36. 

29:7. 

u  Num.  21:33.    Deut.  3:l,&c. 
X  44:2,3.  78:55.    105:44.    135:12. 

Num.  32:33,&c.     Deut.  3:12— 

17.     Josh.  13:— 21:    Neh.  9:22 

—24. 


y  47:4. 

z  102:17.   106:43 — 45.    Gen.  8:1. 

Deut.  32:36.  Is.  63:9.    Ez.  16: 

3—13.    Luke  1:48,52. 
a  72:12— 14.   113:7.    116:6.  142i 

6.   1  Sam.  2:7,8. 
b  Ex.  15:13.  Deut.  15:15.  Prov. 

•23:10,11.  Is.  63:9.  Luke  1:68— 

74.     Tit.  2:14. 
c  104:27.   145:15,16.     147:9. 
d  1—3.   115:3.   123:1.     Jon.  1:9. 

Rev.  11:13. 


'when  we  cried  unto  him,  from  the  power  of  those 
'who  tyrannised  over  us.  ...  Whose  bounty  is  not 
'confined  to  us  alone,  but  supplies  the  wants  of 
'all  mankind,  yea  of  all  living  creatures.  For 
'his  kindness  hath  no  bound.  ...  O  raise  your 
'hearts  to  give  him  thanks  with  the  highest  praises, 
'whose  power  extends  itself  beyond  his  earth 
'even  unto  the  highest  heavens.  For  his  kind- 
'ness  is  so  unwearied,  that  we  may  hope  thence  to 
'be  ever  receiving  more  and  more  of  his  bless- 
'ings.'  Bp.  Patrick. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

Repetitions,  disgustful  to  the  fastidious,  are  of- 
ten salutary  and  necessary,  because  we  are 
prone  to  overlook  or  forget  the  Lord's  goodness 
and  mercy:  yet  they  convey  a  severe  reproof,  and 
should  cause  us  to  unite  humiliation  with  our 
gratitude  to  our  condescending  Instructer.  (JVbie, 
Is.  28:9—11.  P.  O.  1—13.)— The  works  of  cre- 
ation proclaim  the  wisdom,  power,  and  goodness 
of  Jehovah,  the  "God  of  gods,  and  Lord  of 
lords:"  while  the  continuance  of  the  settled 
course  of  nature,  and  the  blessings  thus  commu- 
nicated, by  a  kind  providence,  to  a  rebellious 
world,  are  proofs  of  his  patience  and  mercy  that 
endureth  for  ever.  Nay,  his  denunciations  of 
vengeance  against  impenitent  sinners  should  be 
considered  as  tokens  of  his  mercy,  and  improved 
as  warnings  to  repent,  and  "to  flee  from  the  wrath 
to  come:"  and  his  judgment  upon  persecutors  and 
oppressors  is  evidently  the  effect  of  his  mercy  to 
his  church.  [J^otes,  Zech.  1:12—21.)  The  de- 
struction of  opposing  kings  and  nations,  "with  a 
strong  hand  and  an  out-stretched  arm,"  was  as 


B.  C.  687. 


PSALM  CXXXVII. 


B.  C.  587. 


PSALM  CXXXVIL 

The  pious  captives  at  Babylon  bewail  Zion's  desolations,  com- 
plain of  the  insults  of  their  oppressors,  and  declare  their  strong 
and  inviolable  attachment  to  Jerusalem,  1 — 6.  They  pray 
that  God  would  remember  the  conduct  of  Edom;  and  they 
predict  the  doom  of  Babylon,  7 — 9. 

BY  *  the  rivers  of  Babylon,  ^  there  we 
sat  down,  yea,  •=  we  wept,  when  we 
remembered  Zion. 

2  We  '^  hanged  our  harps  upon  the 
willows,  in  the  midst  thereof. 

3  For  ^  there  they  that  carried  us 
away  captive  required  of  us  *  a  song;  and 
they  that  t  wasted  us  required  of  us  mirth, 
saying,  Sing  us  one  of  ^  the  songs  of 
Zion. 

4  5  How  shall  we  sing  the  Lord's  song 
in  a  t  strange  land? 


a.  Gen.  2:10—14.  Ezra  8:21,31. 

Ez.  1:1. 
b  Neh.  1:3,4.  2:3.     Job  2:12,13. 

Jer.  13:17,18.   15:17.     Lam.  2: 

10.  Ez.  3:15. 
C  42:4.  102:9—14.  Is.  66:10.  Jer. 

51:50,51.      Lam.  1:16.  2:11,18. 

3:48—51.       Dan.    9:3.      10:2,3. 

Luke  19:41.    Rev.  11:3. 
d  33:2.   81:2.    Is.  24:3.     Ez.  26: 

13.     Am.  8:10.     Rev.  18:22. 
e  123:3,4.     Lam.  2:15,16. 


*  Heb,    the  viords  of  a  song. 
I  Heb.  laid  us  on  heaps,    79:1. 

Neh.  4:2.      Jer.    9:11.    26:18. 

Mic.  3:12.    Luke  21:6. 
f  9:14.    65:1.      1  Chr.  15:27,28. 

16:7.  Is.  35:10.   51:11.  Jer.  31: 

12,13.  Rev.  14:1—3. 
g  Ec.  3:4.     Is.  22:12.     Lara.  5: 

14,15.     Hos.  9:4.     Am.  8:3. 
J  Heb.  land  of  a  stranger?   Is. 

49:21. 


conducive  to  the  g-ood  of  Israel,  as  the  manna, 
the  water  from  the  rock,  and  the  conducting 
cloud.  And  in  like  manner,  the  crucifixion  of 
our  lusts,  and  the  sharp  corrections  by  which  the 
Lord  promotes  our  sanctification,  are  as  blessed 
tokens  of  his  mercy,  as  the  forgiveness  of  our 
sins,  and  the  consolations  of  his  Holy  Spirit:  and 
our  complete  salvation  will  be  connected  with  the 
final  destruction  of  all  the  enemies  of  God  and  of 
our  souls. — Blessed  be  his  name  who  has  remem- 
bered us  lost  sinners,  in  our  low  estate,  and  has 
provided  salvation  for  us  through  his  Son,  and  re- 
vealed it  in  his  holy  word.  May  we  experience  his 
redeeming  power  in  our  hearts,  that  being  "saved 
from  our  enemies,  we  may  serve  him  in  holiness 
and  righteousness  all  our  days:"  (JVbie,  Luke  1:67 
— 7.5.)  and  may  he,  "who  giveth  food  to  all  flesh," 
feed  our  souls  unto  eternal  life;  (JVb<e.9,  22:26. 
John  6:47 — 38.)  and  enliven  our  affections  by  his 
grace,  that  we  may  give  thanks  and  praise  to  his 
holy  name,  "because  he  is  good,  and  because  his 
mercy  endureth  for  ever."  Amen. 

NOTES.  I 

Psalm  CXXXVII.  V.  1—6.  It  is  not  known 
by  whom  this  Psalm  was  written:  but  the  occa- 
sion is  evident;  and  the  pathetic  abruptness,  so 
suited  to  that  occasion  with  which  it  opens,  is  ad- 
mirably beautiful.  The  captive  Jews,  by  the 
rivers  of  Babylon,  sat  down  and  wept,  while  they 
recollected  their  former  prosperity;  and  especial- 
ly, they  remembered  with  tears  the  desolate 
state  of  the  holy  city  and  the  temple  of  God,  their 
own  destitution  of  sacred  ordinances,  and  the  ap- 
parently ruined  state  of  the  church  and  people  of 
Israel:  for  these  calamities  were  brought  on 
them  by  their  national  transgressions,  to  which 
they  had  all  contributed.  No  longer  able  there- 
fore to  divert  their  melancholy,  by  singing  songs 
of  praise,  they  hanged  their  harps  upon  the  wil- 
lows, growing  in  abundance  in  that  moistened 
soil,  which  perhaps  they  were  employed  in  culti- 
vating. But  their  insulting  victors  and  oppress- 
ors required  them  to  gratify  their  curiosity,  or 
administer  to  their  entertainment,  by  singing 
*'one  of  the  songs  of  Zion:"  by  which  they  also 


5  If  '^  1  forget  thee,  O  Jerusalem,  '  let 
my  right  hand  forget  her  cunning. 

6  If  I  do  not  remember  thee,  ^  let  my 
tongue  cleave  to  the  roof  of  my  mouth; 
'  if  I  prefer  not  Jerusalem  above  ^  my 
chief  joy. 

7  "  Remember,  O  Lord,  "  the  chil- 
dren of  Edom  in  the  day  of  Jerusalem; 
who  said,  II  Rase  it,  rase  it,  even  to  the 
foundation  thereof. 

8  O  °  daughter  of  Babylon,  p  who  art 
to  be  ^  destroyed;  '^  happy  shall  he  6e, 
that  **  rewardeth  thee  as  thou  hast  served 
us. 

9  Happy  shall  he  be,  that  taketh  '  and 
dasheth  thy  little  ones  against  tt  the 
stones. 


h  84:1,2,10.    102:13,14.    122:5— 

9.  Neh.  1:2—4.  2:2,3.  Is.  62:1, 

6,7.     Jer.  51:50. 
i  Zech.  11:17. 
k  22:15.     Is.  41:17.     Lam.  4:4. 

Ez.  3:26. 
1  Matt.  6:33.    Acts  20:24.  Phil. 

1:20—25.     1  Thes.  3:7—9. 
5  Heb.  the  head  of  Tny  joy. 
m  74:18.    79:3-12.      Ex.  17:14. 

1  Sam.  15-.2.     Hos.  7:2. 
n    Is.    63:1—6.       Jer.    49:7,&c. 

Lam.  4;21,-22.     Ez.  25:12— 14. 

Ob.  10—14,18—21. 


II  Heb.  Make  bare. 

o  Is.  47:1—5.   Jer.  50:42,    51:33. 

Zech.  2:7. 
p    Is.    13:     14:4—24.     21:1—10. 

Jer.  25:12— 14.  50:    51:      Rev. 

14:8—11.   17:  18: 
IT  Heb.  wasted. 
q  149:6—9.      Is.  13:3—5.  44:28. 

Rev.  17:5,6,14.   18:6,20. 
**  Heb.  recompenseth  mito  thee 

thy  deed  which  thou  didst  unto 

us.  Jer.  50:15—29.  Rev.  18:6. 
r  Is.  13:16.  Hos.  10:14.  13:16. 
fl  Heb.  the  rock. 


meant  to  deride  their  confidence  in  Jehovah, 
and  to  express  their  triumph  over  the  religion,  as 
well  as  over  the  city  and  country,  of  the  poor  cap- 
tives. {J^ote,  123:3,4.)  But  they  were  not  only 
indisposed  (probably  too  much,)  for  joyful  praise; 
but  they  would  not,  they  could  not,  profane  their 
sacred  songs,  to  increase  the  insolence  of  their 
idolatrous  masters:  and  therefore  they  said  one  to 
another,  or  to  those  who  demanded  this  of  them, 
"How  shall  we  sing  the  Lord's  song  in  a  strange 
land.?"  'Neither  fear  nor  favor  could  extort  this 
'service  from  our  Levites,  but  they  resolutely  an- 
'swered;  As  those  songs  were  not  made  for  pas- 
'time  or  sport,  but  in  honor  of  the  great  Lord  of 
'the  world;  so  how  can  you  imagine  that  miserable 
'slaves  are  disposed  to  sing.?  and  to  sing  those 
'songs  in  the  land  where  we  are  exiles,  which  re- 
'count  the  mercies  of  God  to  us,  in  our  once 
'most  flourishing  country.'  Bp.  Patrick.  Yet 
Jerusalem,  and  the  interests  of  religion,  were  still 
uppermost  in  their  tlioughts  and  affections:  and 
the  Psalmist,  in  the  name  of  his  brethren,  de- 
clared that  he  would  rather  be  deprived  of  his 
skill  in  music,  and  have  "his  tongue  cleave  to 
the  roof  of  his  mouth,"  than  forget  the  songs  of 
Zion;  or  do  otherwise  than  prefer  the  interests 
of  Jerusalem  and  of  the  church  to  every  personal 
advantage  or  pleasure.  {Mars:.  Ref. — JVbtes,  84: 
1,2.  102:13 — 22.  122:6 — 9.) — The  persons  immedi- 
ately concerned  seem  to  have  been  Levites,  who 
had  been  singers  at  the  temple,  and  who  had 
brought  their  instruments  along  with  them. 
[Jfotes,  1  Chr.  6:31—48.  16:4—6.  25:)  'I  have 
'followed  a  conjecture  of  St.  Chrysostom's,  that 
'the  captives  were  not  suffered  (at  their  first  com- 
'ing  thither)  to  dwell  within  any  of  their  towns  or 
'cities,  but  were  dispersed  all  along  several  riv- 
'ers  of  the  country;  where  they  built ...  cottages 
'for  themselves:  and  perhaps  were  forced  to  drain 
'those  moist  places,  to  make  them  wholesome.' 
Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  7—9.  The  Edomites,  though  of  the  same 
stock  with  the  Jews,  were  inveterate  in  their 
hatred  of  them,  and  excited  the  Chaldeans  utter- 
ly to  destroy  their  city  and  temple:  and  for  this 


B.  C.  1045. 


PSALM  CXXXVIII. 


B.  C.  1045. 


PSALM  cxxxvin. 

David  praises  the  mercy  ar 

his  prayers,  I — 3.  He  prophesies,  that  all  kinjs  shall  praise 
God  and  rejoice  in  his  ways,  4,  5.  He  shews  the  Lord's  deal- 
ings with  the  humble,  and  with  the  proud;  and  professes  Aill 
confidence  in  him,  6 — 8. 

A  Psalm  of  David. 
WILL   praise  thee   with  my  whole 
heart:    "  before  the  gods  will  I  sing 
praise  unto  thee. 

2    I    will    worship    '^  toward  thy  holy 

1  Kings  S: 


a  9:1.  36:12,13.  103:1,2.  111:1, 
ICor.  14:15.     Kph.   5:19. 

b  32:1,6.  119:46.  Kx.  22:28. 
John   10:34—36.       Acts   23:5. 


Heb.  1:14. 
5:7.  23:2.    99:5,9. 
29,30.  Dan.  6:10. 


and  other  injuries  their  ruin  had  repeatedly  been 
predicted.  (JVbfe*, /*.  34:  63:1—6.  Jer.  49:7— 23. 
i>a»i.  4:21,22.  JSz.  25:12— 14.  35:  06.10—14.) 
The  destruction  of  Babylon,  with  every  circum- 
stance of  terror  and  misery,  had  also  been  fore- 
told. [Motes,  Is.  13:  14:47:  Jer.  50:  51:)  This  was 
therefore  a  prayer  of  the  church  for  deliverance, 
in  the  predicted  manner,  with  the  extermination 
of  her  implacable  enemies,  root  and  branch,  as 
Israel  had  been  commissioned  to  destroy  the  Ca- 
naanites:  and  a  declaration,  that  the  persons  em- 
ployed in  executing  this  vengeance  on  Babylon, 
and  effecting  this  deliverance  of  his  people,  would 
be  peculiarly  favored  and  prospered  by  Provi- 
dence; though  the  work  should  be  accompanied 
with  the  retaliation  of  those  cruelties,  which  had 
been  committed  upon  the  inhabitants  of  Jerusa- 
lem.— Babylon  was  a  type  of  the  antichristian 
corrupters  and  oppressors  of  the  New-Testament 
church,  which  are  likewise  to  be  destroyed  in  the 
most  dreadful  manner.  {Marg.  Ref. — JVotes, 
Rev.  18:  19:) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

When  we  are  suffering  the  effects  of  our  per- 
sonal or  national  transgressions;  we  should  recol- 
lect, with  godly  sorrow,  our  forfeited  mercies, 
and  our  sins  b}'  which  we  have  lost  them;  that 
by  repentance  and  prayer  we  may  seek  deliver- 
ance, and  the  restoration  of  our  privileges  and 
comforts.  Whilst  worldly  men  grieve  for  the 
loss  of  their  outward  prosperit}-;  the  believer 
mourns  over  his  banishment  from  the  ordinances 
of  God,  and  for  the  despised  and  desolate  state  of 
religion:  especially  when  he  hears  the  insults 
and  blasphemies  of  infidels,  and  profane  scoffers; 
who,  being  employed  to  correct  the  offending 
people  of  God,  triumph,  as  if  he  could  not,  or 
would  not,  plead  their  cause.  [J^otes,  42:9,10. 
44:9—16.  74:18—23.  79:8— 13.)— In  such  circum- 
stances, it  is  hard  to  preserve  the  mind  in  tran- 
quillity, and  to  be  duly  thankful  for  remaining  un- 
merited mercies. — Sacred  things,  however,  must 
on  no  consideration  be  profaned  to  please  ungod- 
ly men;  nor  the  songs  of  Zion  sung  to  gratify 
their  humor,  or  embolden  their  insolence.  ( JVbie, 
J\Iatt.  7:6.)  In  such  an  evil  day  it  is  best  to  keep 
silence,  or  to  complain  unto  God  and  among  his 
people.  Yet  no  calamity,  no  strange  land,  no 
prevalence  of  ungodliness,  no  despised  and  op- 
pressed state  of  the  church,  should  induce  us  to 
forget  Jerusalem.  If  personal  advantages  and 
prosperity  ever  render  a  professor  of  the  gospel 
satisfied  at  a  distance  from  the  ordinances  of  God, 
ashamed  of  his  despised  cause,  or  indifferent 
about  the  interests  of  the  church,  so  as  not  to 
"prefer  them  to  his  chief  joy;"  a  far  worse  ca- 
lamity has  befallen  him,  than  if  his  "right  hand 
withered,"  or  his  "tongue  cleaved  to  the  roof  of 
his  mouth."  For  the  Lord  will  not  forsake  his 
church  in  her  low  estate;  he  will  execute  pre- 
dicted vengeance  on  all  her  persecutors,  princi- 
pals and  accessaries;  and  if  professed  Christians 
unite  with  them  in  their  prosperity,  they  will  be 
422] 


temple,  ^  and  praise  thy  name  for  thy 
loving-kindness  and  for  thy  truth:  ^  for 
thou  hast  magnified  thy  word  above  all 
thy  name. 

3  f  In  the  day  when  I  cried  thou  an- 
sweredst  me,  and  s  strengthenedst  me 
with  strength  in  my  soul. 


d  36:5,6.    85:10.    86:15.    89:1,2. 

100:4,5.   115:1.    Is.  63:7.     Mic. 

7:18—20.  Luke  1:68—72.  John 

1:17.     Rom.  15:3,9. 
e  56:4,10.  Is.  42:21.  Matt.  5:18. 

24:35.  John  10:35. 


f  18:6.  34:4—6.  77:1,2.  Is.  65:24. 
g  27:14.  29:11.    63:8.     Is.  12:2. 

40:29—31.  41:10.  Zech.  10:12. 

2  Cor.    12:8—10.       Eph.  3:16. 

6:10.    Phil.  4:13.     Col.     1:11. 

1  Pet.  5:10. 


joined  with  them  in  the  day  of  wrath.  We  can- 
not pray  for  promised  success  to  the  church  of 
God,  without  implying  a  prayer  for  the  ruin  of 
her  implacable  enemies:  and  the  instruments  of 
good  to  the  people  of  God,  will,  in  one  way  or  oth- 
er, concur  in  the  condemnation  and  punishment 
of  impenitent  sinners.  It  is,  however,  far  more 
agreeable  to  be  instruments  of  good  to  the  people 
of  God,  or  to  our  fellow  sinners,  than  execution- 
ers of  vengeance  on  his  enemies:  though  the  latter 
may  be  accepted  and  blessed,  if  men  act  in  obe- 
dience to  his  command,  and  out  of  zeal  for  his 
glory.  [JSTote,  149:7 — 9.)  Let  us,  however,  be 
decidedly  on  the  Lord's  part,  for  his  cause  will  at, 
length  prevail,  and  destruction  will  be  to  the 
workers  of  iniquity:  but  though  his  true  people 
are  here,  as  in  a  strange  land,  often  insulted,  de- 
spised, hated,  and  grieved,  and  put  out  of  frame 
for  singing  the  Lord's  song;  yet  they  shall  soon 
come  to  Zion,  and  resume  their  harps,  and  re- 
joice in  their  God  for  evermore.  [JVote,  Is.  35:8 
—10,  V.  10.) 

NOTES. 

Psalm  CXXXVIII.  Title.  The  Septuagint 
entitle  this,  'A  Psalm  of,'  or  for,  'David,  Haggai, 
'and  Zechariah;'  perhaps  meaning,  that  these 
prophets  taught  the  congregation  to  use  it,  in  giv- 
ing thanks  for  Israel's  return  from  captivity. 

V.  1.  Before  the  gods.]  'Thy  holy  angels 
'shall  be  witnesses  of  my  gratitude,  which  I  will 
'express  in  psalms  and  hymns,  in  the  presence  of 
'the  great  assembly  of  the  judges. ...  that  they 
'may  remember  to  whom  they  owe  their  power 
'and  authority.'  Bp.  Patrick.  (JVotes,  82:1,6,7. 
96:5.  97:3 — 7.) — Perhaps  the  Psalmist  also  meant, 
that  he  would  praise  Jehovah  in  the  presence  of 
the  most  powerful  heathen  princes,  in  contempt 
of  the  objects  of  their  idolatrous  worship,  and  as 
a  protest  against  it. 

V.  2.  Marg.  Ref. — Thou  hast  magnifed,  &c.1 
The  accomplishment  of  the  promises  which  God 
had  made  to  David,  notwithstanding  all  opposi- 
tion and  difficulties,  honored  his  word  of  grace 
and  truth.  This  accomplishment  appeared  so 
fully  and  clearly,  that  the  glory  reflected  from 
the  other  works  of  God,  as  displaying  his  omnip- 
otence and  omniscience,  his  awful  justice  and  ho- 
liness, and  other  perfections,  appeared  to  be  here 
surpassed;  or,  that  discovery  of  the  glorious  God, 
which  has  been  made  in  his  promises  to  fallen 
man  in  general,  or  particularly  to  Abraham,  and 
Israel,  and  David,  and  in  the  accomplishment  of 
them,  exceeds,  and  as  it  were  eclipses,  the  glory 
of  all  his  other  works.  The  giving  and  fulfilling 
his  promises  of  a  Savior,  the  only  begotten  Son  of 
God,  and  redemption  through  his  propitiation 
and  death  to  sinners,  especially  redounds  "to  the 
praise  of  his  glory,"  even  "the  glory  of  his  grace 
and  truth,  wherein  he  hath  abounded  towards  us, 
in  all  wisdom  and  prudence."  [JVotes,  56:3,4.  85: 
10—13.  Jo/i?!  1:17.  Eph.  1:1—12.  1  PeM:10— 
12.   1  JoAn  4:9—12.) 

V.  3.    When  God  strengthens  the  faith,  hope. 


B.  C.  1045. 


PSALM  CXXXVIII. 


B.  e.  1045. 


4  *'  All  the  kings  of  the  earth  shall 
praise  thee,  O  Lord,  'when  they  hear 
the  words  of  thy  mouth. 

5  Yea,  ^  they  shall  sing  in  the  ways  of 
the  Lord;  •  for  great  is  the  glory  of  the 
Lord. 

6  "  Though  the  Lord  be  high,  yet 
hath  he  respect  unto  the  lowly:  "  but  the 
proud  he  knoweth  °  afar  off. 

h  7-2:11.  102:15,22.   U.  49:23.  60:       7:12.   19:1 

3—5,16.     Rev.  11:15.  21:24. 
i  22:2;,27.  51:13.  69:30—32.  71: 

18. 
k  Is.  52:7  —  10.  65:14.  66:10—14. 

Jer.   31:11,12.     Zeph.   3:14,15. 

Matt.  21:5—9.    Luke  19:37,38. 
1  21:5.     Ex.  15:11.  33:18,19.   Is. 

6:1—3.     Mai.  1:11.      John  13: 

31,32.    17:1.     2  Cor.  4:6.    Eph. 

1:6,12.     Rev.  4:11.    5:12—14. 


m  51:17.   113:5,6.      I  Sam.  2:7,8. 

Prov.   3:34.      Is.    67:15.     66:2. 

Liike    1:51-53.     14:11.    18:14. 

Jam.  4:6.     1  Pet.  5:5,6. 
n  Ex.  18:11.     Job  40:11,12.    Is. 

2:11,17.      Ez.   28:2—9.     Dan. 

4:37.  5:20—24.    Acts  12:22,23. 
o  139:2.     Matt.  25:41.     2  Thes. 

1:9. 


7  P  Though  I  walk  in  the  midst  of 
trouble,  "^  thou  wilt  revive  me:  ""thou  shall 
stretch  forth  thine  hand  against  the  wrath 
of  mine  enemies,  ^  and  thy  right  hand 
shall  save  me. 

8  The  Lord  will  *  perfect  that  which 
concerneth  me:  "thy  mercy,  O  Lord, 
endureth  for  ever:  '^  forsake  not  the  works 
of  thine  own  hands. 


p  23:3,4.  42:7,8.  66:10^12.  Job 

13:15.  19:25,26. 
q  71:20,21.  85:6.   119:49,50. 
r  35:1—3.    56:1,2,9.    64:7,8.  77: 

10.   144:1,2.     Is.  5:25.    9:12,17, 

21.    10:4.     Mic.  7:8—10. 
s  17:7.     18:35.    44:3,5—7.    60:5. 

Is.  41:10.    Acts  2:33. 


t  57:2.  Is.  26:12.    Jer.  32:39,40 

John  15:2.     Rom.  5:10.  8:28 ' 

30.  Phil.  1:6. 
u  100:5.  103:17. 
X  71:6— 9,17,18.    Job  10:3,3.  14: 

15.  Is.  42:16.  43:21.     1  Pet.  1: 

3—5.  4:19.  Jude  1. 


love,  patience,  and  holy  fortitude  of  his  afflicted 
servants,  he  strengthens  them  with  strength  in 
their  souls:  and  though  their  outward  trials  and 
sufferings  continue,  yet  their  prayers  are  answer- 
ed in  the  most  desirable  manner.  [JVotes,  Is.  40: 
27—31.  2  Cor.  12:7—10.  Eph.  3:13—19,  v.  16. 
Phil.  4:10—13.  Col.  1:9—14.) 

V.  4,  5.  Perhaps  David  expected,  that  his  ex- 
ample and  instructions,  and  the  merciful  and 
faithful  dealings  of  God  with  him,  would  have  a 
salutary  effect  on  the  neighboring  princes.  [J^otes, 
86:9,10.  119:46.)  These  verses,  however,  are  an 
evident  and  remarkable  prophecy  of  the  calling 
of  the  Gentiles,  and  of  such  a  prevalence  of  true 
religion  as  has  not  yet  taken  place  on  earth. 
urates,  22:27—31.  72:8—11.  Rev.  11:15—18.)— 
The  Lord  Jesus,  in  his  agony,  prayed  more  fer- 
vently; and  he  was  strengthened  with  strength 
in  his  soul:  he  was  in  due  time  raised  from  the 
dead;  and  then  the  gentile  nations,  and  at  length 
some  of  their  princes,  heard  and  embraced  the 
gospel,  and  sang  psalms  of  joyful  praise,  while 
walking  "in  the  ways  of  the  Lord;"  "for  great 
was  the  glory  of  the  Lord."  What  will  it  then 
be,  when  "all  kings  shall  fall  down  before  him, 
all  nations  shall  do  him  service.''" — fVhen  they 
hear,  Sic.  (4)  JVotes,  Rom.  10:12—17.  1  Thes.  2: 
13— 16,  V.  13. 

V.  6.  The  infinite  majesty  and  sovereign  pow- 
er of  God  are  combined  with  equal  condescension 
and  mercy,  to  the  meanest  of  his  subjects.  It  is 
especially  the  established  rule  of  his  government 
over  the  race  of  Adam,  to  regard  with  favor,  to 
accept  and  comfort,  the  lowly;  and  to  stand  as  it 
were  at  a  distance  from  the  proud,  as  abhorring 
and  detesting  them,  and  to  "know"  them  only  as 
his  enemies.  {J\rotes,  51:17.  113:4—8.  1  Sam.  2: 
4—8.  P.  O.  Is.  2:10—22.  'jYotes,  57:15,16.  Dan. 
4:3i— 31.  Luke  14:7—11.  18:9—14.  Jam.  4:4—6.) 
— "Let"  then,  "this  mind  be  in  you,  which  was 
also  in  Christ  Jesus, ...  who  humbled  himself,  and 
became  obedient  unto  death,  even  the  death  of 
the  cross:  wherefore  God  hath  highly  exalted 
him."     {JVotes,  Phil.  2:1— -11.) 

V.  7.  Marg.  Ref. — Revive.']  Or,  Quicken. 
{JSTote,  119:25.)  Either  preserve  alive,  restore  to 
life,  or  render  lively  and  cheerful,  "giving  life 
more  abundantly."  David  was  kept  alive,  ren- 
dered lively,  and  made  more  earnest  in  religion 
by  his  trials  and  afflictions:  but  Christ,  after  all 
his  unspeakable  sufferings,  and  his  death  for  our 
sins,  was  restored  to  life,  as  the  first-fruits  of  the 
resurrection,  of  which  all  his  people  shall  parti- 
cipate. 

V.  8,  'Though  mine  enemies  rage  never  so 
•much,  vet  the  Lord,  who  hath  begun  his  work  in 
'me,  will  continue  his  grace  to  the  end.'  (Jfotes, 
100:3.  Eph.  2:4—10.  Phil.  1:3—6.) 


'Grace  shall  complete  what  grace  begins, 

•To  save  from  sorrows  or  from  sins: 

'The  work  that  wisdom  undertakes, 

'Eternal  mercy  ne'er  forsakes.'  Watts. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
We  ought  to  glory  in  ascribing  glory  to  our 
God;  and  when  we  can  "praise  him  with  our 
whole  heart,"  we  need  not  be  reluctant  for  the 
whole  world  to  witness  our  gratitude  and  joy  in 
him. — Those,  who  rely  on  his  loving-kindness  and 
truth  through  Jesus  Christ,  will  be  sure  to  find 
him  faithful  to  his  word.  In  performing  his  prom- 
ises, he  more  magnifies  his  perfections,  than  in  all 
his  other  works;  of  which  he  has  given  us  an  il- 
lustrious specimen  and  earnest,  in  sending  the 
promised  Savior  "to  be  the  propitiation  for  our 
sins:"  and  "if  he  spared  not  his  own  Son,  ...  how 
shall  henot  with  him  also  freely  give  us  all  things?" 
In  the  day  when  the  Redeemer  cried  in  the  agony 
of  his  soul,  he  heard  him,  and  strengthened  him  to 
finish  the  arduous  work  assigned  to  him:  and,  hav- 
ing humbled  himself  even  to  the  death  upon  the 
cross,  he  is  now  exalted  to  the  throne  of  glory. 
For  his  sake  the  Lord  will  strengthen  all  who 
fervently  pray  in  his  name,  that  they  may  be  car- 
ried through  all  their  trials:  their  experience  will 
more  and  more  embolden  them  in  saying,  "Though 
I  walk  in  the  midst  of  trouble,  thou  wilt  revive  me: 
thou  wilt  stretch  forth  thine  hand  against  the  wrath 
of  mine  enemies,  and  thy  right  hand  shall  save  me." 
Yea,  the  Lord  will  perfect  the  salvation  of  every 
true  believer:  and  though  he  has  been  often  pro- 
voked to  destroy  the  works  of  his  hands,  as  Cre- 
ator; {J\rotes,Is.21:l — 11.  43:14— -21,  V.  21.)  yet 
he  will  never  forsake  those  whom  he  has  created 
anew  in  Christ  Jesus  unto  good  works.  Let  then 
all,  who  trust  in  and  call  upon  him,  praise  him 
with  joyful  hearts.  "Let  them  sing  in  the  ways 
of  the  Lord;  for  great  is  the  glory  of  the  Lord;" 
in  order  that  sinners  may  hear,  and  be  convinced 
that  they  are  a  happy  people,  and  be  induced  to 
seek  his  face.  [JVote,  Zech.  8:20 — 23.)  And  they 
will  not  seek  in  vain:  "for  though  the  Lord  be 
high,  yet  he  hath  respect  to  every  lowly,"  hum- 
bled sinner:  but  the  proud,  the  impenitent  and 
unbelieving,  are  known  by  him  as  his  enemies, 
and  will  be  banished  far  from  his  blissful  pres- 
ence. Nor  will  the  most  powerful  kings  and 
princes  be  excepted  from  this  general  rule.  They 
too  must  hearken  to  the  words  of  his  mouth,  and 
humble  themselves  before  his  mercy-seat;  that, 
being  made  partakers  of  his  grace,  they  may  re- 
joice in  his  ways,  and  use  their  pre-eminence  in 
advancing  his  glory;  otherwise  where  the  Savior 
is,  thither  they  cannot  come.  .[JVote,  Jam.  1:9 — 
1 1.)  Lord  liasten  that  time,  which  thy  word  teach- 
es us  confidently  to  expect,  when  all  the  kings  of 
the  earth  shall  praise  thy  name,  and  be  obedient 
to  the  words  of  thy  mouth! 

[423 


B.  C.  1059. 


PSALM  CXXXIX. 


B.  C.  1059. 


PSALM  CXXXIX. 

David  contemplates,  with  adoring  surprise,  the  omniscience  and 
omnipresence  of  God,  1—12.  He  praises  him,  as  his  all-wise 
and  bountiful  Creator,  and  for  his  numberless  mercies,  13 — 18. 
He  avows  his  abhorrence  of  the  wicked;  and  prays  to  be 
searched,  proved,  and  directed  in  the  right  way,  19 — 24. 

To    the    chief  Musician,    A   Psalm    of 
David. 

OLORD,  ^thou   hast  searched  me, 
and  known  me. 

2  Thou  "  knowest  my  down-sitting  and 
mine  up-rising;  thou  *^  understandest  my 
thought  "^  afar  off. 

3  Thou  *  compassest  ^  my  path  and 
my  lying  down,  ^  and  art  acquainted  with 
all  my  ways 


4  For    s  there  is 

a23.  11:4,5.  17:3.  44:21.  1  Kinars 

8:39.     1  Chr.  28:9.     Jer.  12:3. 

17:9,10.     John  21:17.    Heb.  4: 

13.      Rev.  2:13,23. 
b  56:8.     Gen.   16:13.     2  Kings 

19:27.     Prov.   15:3.     Is.  37:23. 

Zech.  4:10. 
c  94:11.    Matt.  9:4.     Luke  9:47. 

John  2:24,25.     1  Cor.  4:5. 
dEz.  33:10,11,17. 
*  Or,  winnozoest.  Job  13:26,27. 


not   a  word   in  my 

14:16,17.  31:4.     Matt.  3:12. 
e    13.    121:3—8.     Gen.  28:10— 

17.    2  Sam.  8:14.   11:2—5,27. 
f  2  Sam.  12:9—12.      Prov.  5:20, 

21.    Ec.  12:14.  Is.  29:15.    Jer. 

23:24.     John  6:70,71.    13:2,21. 

Acts  5:3,4. 
g  19:14.     Job  8:2.    38:2.    42:3,6 

—8.  Zeph.  1:12.     Mai.  3:13— 

16.     Matt.  12:35—37.   Jam.  1: 

26.  3:2—10. 


NOTES. 

Psalm  CXXXIX.  Title.  It  is  probable  that 
David  wrote  this  Psalm,  when  accused  of  traitor- 
ous designs  against  Saul;  as  a  solemn  appeal  to 
God  that  he  was,  in  that  respect,  entirely  inno- 
cent.    {J^Totes,  19—24.  7:3—11.) 

V.  1.  [Marg.  Re/.)  'I  am  accused,  O  Lord, 
'of  grievous  crimes;  but  my  comfort  is,  thou  seest 
'1  am  not  guilty  of  them.'  Bp.  Patrick.  {Mote, 
2  Cor.  1:12 — 14.) — The  language,  employed  in 
this  and  the  following  verses,  is  taken  from  the 
affairs  of  men;  who  by  diligent  search  find  out 
those  things,  which  had  been  carefully  concealed 
from  them.     {JVotes,Gen.  11:5.  18:20,21.) 

V.  2.  Marg.  Ref.— Thought.]  'He  confess- 
'eth  that  neither  our  actions,  thoughts,  nor  any 
*part  of  our  life,  can  be  hid  from  God,  though  he 
'seem  to  be  afar  off.' — 'My  inclinations  are  so  per- 
'fectly  understood  by  thee,  that  before  I  have  con- 
'ceived  anv  design  it  is  visible  to  thee.'  Bp.  Pat- 
rick.   (JVoie*,  17:1—3.  44:17—22.) 

'My  thoughts,  before  they  are  my  own, 

'Are  to  my  God  distinctly  known; 

'He  knows  the  words  1  mean  to  speak, 

'Ere  from  my  op'ning  lips  they  break.'  fVatts. 

V.  3.  Men  are  most  tempted  to  sin,  either 
when,  being  from  home,  they  are  no  longer  un- 
der restraint  from  those  of  their  neighbors  or  re- 
lations, whose  censure  they  dread;  or  when  in 
secret,  as  in  the  bed-chamber,  they  have  no  ap- 
prehension of  being  detected  by  any  human  eye: 
but  the  Psalmist  recollected,  that  God  saw  him, 
and  was  present  with  him,  in  every  situation;  as  he 
"compassed  his  path  and  bed,  and  was  acquainted 
with  all  his  ways,"  even  those  which  he  most  care- 
fully concealed  from  his  fellow-creatures.  [Marg. 
Re/.— J^Totes,  Job  31:1—4.) 

Compassest.]  Or,  "winnowest,"  [marg.)  'dis- 
'tinguishing  most  exactly,  and  without  the  least 
'possibility  of  mistake,  between  what  is  right,  and 
'what  is  wrong,  in  my  most  secret  conduct,  or  in 
'the  temper  and  motives  of  my  heart.' 

V.  4— 6.  {Marg.  Ref.)  'Thou  knowest  before 
'I  open  my  mouth,  every  thing  I  intend  to  utter. 
'  ...  I  am  so  environed  by  thee,  and  so  absolutely 
'in  thy  po^ver,  that  I  cannot  possibly  escape  thy 
'notice,  nor  so  much  as  stir  without  thy  leave.  O 
'amazing  height  of  knowledge!  It  is  in  vain  to 
'think  I  can  hide  any  thing  from  it;  which  so  far 
'surpasses  all  I  can  say  or  conceive,  that  it  excels 
424] 


tongue,  but,  lo,  O  Lord,  *>  thou  knowest 
it  altogether. 

5  Thou  hast  '  beset  me  behind  and  be- 
fore, ''  and  laid  thine  hand  upon  me. 

6  Suck  '  knowledge  is  too  wonderful 
for  me;  it  is  high,  I  cannot  attain  unto  it. 

7  ""  Whither  shall  I  go  from  thy  Spir- 
it.'* or  whither  shall  1  flee  from  thy  pres- 
ence.'' 

8  If  °  I  ascend  up  into  heaven,  thou 
art  there:  if  I  make  my  bed  °  in  hell,  be- 
hold, thou  art  there. 

9  If  I  take  p  the  wings  of  the  morning, 
and  1  dwell  in  the  uttermost  parts  of  the 
sea; 

10  Even  ""  there  shall  thy  hancf  lead 
me,  and  thy  right  hand  shall  hold  me. 


h  50:19—21.     Jer.  29:23.    Heb. 

4:12,13. 
i  Deut  33:27.    Job  23:8,9. 
k  Ex.  24:11.    Rev.l:17. 
1  40:5.   131:1.     Job  11:7—9.  26: 

14.  42:3.  Prov.  30:2 — 4.  Rom. 

11:33. 
m    Jer.  23:23,24.     Jon.   1:3,10. 


Acts  5:9. 
n  Ez.  28:12—17.     Am.  9:2—4. 

Ob.  4. 
0  Job  26:6.  34:21,22.    Prov.  15: 

11.   Jon.  2:2. 
p  18:10.  19:6.    Mai.  4:2. 
q  74:16,17.   Is.  24:14— 16. 
r  63:8.  73:23.  143:9,10.  Is.  41:13. 


'even  my  admiration.'  Bp.  Patrick.  'When  we 
'reflect,  that  "all  things  are  naked  and  open  to 
'him  with  whom  we  have  to  do;"  that  although 
'he  dwelleth  in  the  highest  heavens,  he  surveyeth 
'not  only  the  outward  acts,  but  even  the  very 
'hearts  and  imaginations  of  men  upon  earth;  must 
'we  not  each  of  us  cry  out,  "Such  knowledge  is 
'too  wonderful  for  me!  it  is  high,  I  cannot  attain 
'unto  it:"  I  cannot  admire  it  enough;  for  I  cannot 
'conceive  of  it  aright!'  Bp.  Home.  {J^ote,  40: 
1 — 5,  V.  5.) — 'The  actual,  constant  consideration 
'of  God's  presence,  would  be  the  readiest  way  in 
'the  world  to  make  sin  to  cease  from  among  the 
'children  of  men,  and  for  men  to  approach  to  the 
'blessed  estate  of  the  saints  in  heaven,  who  cannot 
'sin;  for  they  always  walk  in  the  presence,  and  be- 
'hold  the  face  of  God.'  Bp.  Taylor,  quoted  by 
Bp.  Home. — It  should  however  be  noted,  that 
even  if  it  were  possible  for  unregenerate  men 
thus  habitually  to  think  of  the  eye  of  God  always 
upon  them,  it  would  no  more  change  their  carnal 
enmity  into  love,  than  it  does  that  of  evil  spirits* 
Nothing  but  regeneration,  and  the  sanctification 
of  the  Holy  Spirit,  can  make  fallen  men  holy;  and 
the  efficacy  of  all  means  depends  on  his  powerful 
operation  to  render  them  successful. 

V.  7,  8.  JVbie,  Gen.  3:8,9.  .fer.  23:23,24.  Jo^ 
nah  1:2,3.  Acts  5:1 — 11. — Make  my  bed  in  hell, 
&c.  (8)  'An  uncomfortable  place  to  make  a  bed 
'in,  where  there  is  no  rest  day  or  night;  yet  thou- 
'sands  will  make  their  bed  for  ever  in  those  flames.' 
Henry. — Should  any  one  murder  himself  to  termi- 
nate his  sorrows,  and  escape  the  remorse  of  con- 
science, or  the  consequences  of  his  sins,  he  must 
certainly  be  disappointed.  Yet  the  presence  of 
God,  with  the  senseless  corpse  in  the  gjave,  could 
not  in  any  degree  cause  this  disappointment,  or 
produce  the  least  effect:  but  his  presence  with 
the  disembodied  spirit,  in  the  invisible  world,  as 
an  angry  Judge,  must  in  that  case  be  as  dreadful, 
as  it  is  unexpected — This  then  is  one  passage, 
where  the  original  word  (SlNr)  cannot  mean  ex- 
clusively the  grave,  without  rendering  the  sacred 
writer's  argument  absurd  or  frivolous.    (JVbfe,  16: 

8— n.) 

V.  9,  10.  Marg.  Ref.— Wings  of  the  morning. 
(9)  Or,  sun-beams.  'Could  I  travel  as  fast  as  the 
'rays  of  light.'  The  peculiar  subliinity  of  the 
simile  is  worthy  notice  and  admiration:  nothing 


B.  C.  1059. 


PSALM  CXXXIX. 


B.  C.  1059. 


11  If  I  say,  ^  Surely  the  darkness  shall 
cover  me;  '  even  the  night  shall  be  light 
about  me. 

12  Yea,  "the  darkness  *  hideth  not 
from  thee;  but  the  night  shineth  as  the 
day:  ^  the  darkness  and  the  light  are  both 

alike    to    thee.  [practical  observations.] 

13  IT  For  ^thou  hast  possessed  my 
reins:  thou  hast  ^  covered  me  in  my 
mother's  womb. 

14  I  will  praise  thee;  ''for  I  am  fear- 
fully and  wonderfully  made:  ^  marvellous 
are  thy  works;  and  that  my  soul  knoweth 
^  right  well. 


8  10:11—13.94:7.  Job  22:12— 
14.  Is.  29:15.    Jer.  23:24. 

t  Job  12:22. 

u  Ex.  14:20.  20:21.  Job  26:6. 
34:22.     Dan.  2:22.    Heb.4:13. 

■*  Heb,  darkenetk  not. 

f  Heb.  as  is  the  darkness,  so  is 
the  light. 


X  Job  10:9—12. 

y  22:9,10.  71:6.     Job  31:15.    Is. 

44:2.  40:3.     Jer.  1:5. 
z  Gen.  1:26,27. 
a  92:4,5.  104:24.  111:2.    Job  5:9. 

Rev.  15:3. 
J  Heb.  greatly. 


implying'  swiftness  has  ever  been  used,  as  far  as  I 
have  known  or  heard,  by  any  poet,  at  all  com- 
parable with  it.— Could  they  'fly  abroad  upon  the 
*wings  of  the  mornings-light,  which  difFuseth  it- 
'self  with  such  velocity  over  the  globe  from  east 
'to  west;  the  arm  of  the  Almighty  will  still  at 
'pleasure  prevent,  and  be  ready  to  arrest  the  fu- 
'gitives  in  their  progress.  ...  The  same  considera- 
'tion,  which  should  restrain  us  from  sin,  should 
'also  encourage  us  to  work  righteousness,  and 
'comfort  us  under  all  our  sorrows;  namely,  the 
'thought,  that  we  are  never  out  of  the  sight  and 
'protection  of  our  Maker. — The  piety  and  charity 
'which  are  practised  in  cottages;  the  labor  and 
'the  pain  which  are  patiently  endured  in  the 
afield,  and  on  the  bed  of  sickness;  the  misery  and 
'torment  inflicted  by  persecution,  in  the  mines, 
'the  gallies,  and  the  dungeons;  all  are  under  tlie 
'inspection  of  Jehovah,  and  are  noted  down  by 
'him  against  the  day  of  recompense.'  Bp.  Home. 
The  same  considerations  are  applicable  to  the 
cases  of  exile,  and  journeying  and  voyaging,  in 
distant,  inhospitable,  unhealthy  regions,  either  by 
compulsion,  as  poor  slaves  are  treated,  or  in  the 
path  of  duty,  as  missionaries.  In  short  they  may 
be  used,  both  for  warning  and  comfort,  with 
reference  to  the  place  of  our  death,  and  burial, 
and  the  general  resurrection,  with  the  day  of 
judgment,  and  all  its  infinitely  important  conse- 
quences. (^J^otes,  73:23—20.  Is.  41:10—14.  42: 
13—17.) 

V.  11,  12.  'Darkness  may,  indeed,  conceal 
'us  and  our  deeds  from  the  sight  of  men;  but  the 
'divine  presence,  like  that  of  the  sun,  turns  night 
^into  day,  and  makes  all  things  manifest  before 
'God.'  Bp.  Home.  [J^otes,  Job  22:5 — 14.  26: 
5—13.34:20—30.     I  Cor.  4:3— 5.    Heb.  4:12,13.) 

V.  13.  'My  most  retired  thoughts  and  con- 
'trivances,  and  my  most  secret  desires,  are  ap- 
'parent  to  thee;  whose  I  am,  and  by  whom  I  was 
'wrapt  up  ...in  my  mother's  womb,  tlian  which 
'there  is  nothing  more  hidden  and  dark.'  Bp. 
Patrick.    [Marg.  Ref.—JSote.  Job  10:8—13.) 

V.  14.  'A  work  so  astonishing,  that  before 
'the  Psalmist  proceeds  in  his  description  of  it,  he 
'cannot  help  breaking  forth  in  rapture  at  the 
♦thought.'  Bp.  Home. — <I  was,  1  know  not  how, 
'in  such  a  wonderful  manner  formed,  that  the 
'thoughts  of  it  strike  me  with  astonishment.  Thy 
'operations  in  that  work  are  most  admirable;  and 
'of  that  I  am  exceeding  sensible;  but  I  can  say  no 
'more;  for  they  are  incomprehensible.'  Bp.  Pat- 
rirk.  [J^ote,  104:24.) 

Vol.  III.  54 


15  My  ^  substance  was  not  hid  from 
thee,  ^  when  I  was  made  in  secret;  and 
curiously  wrought  *=  in  the  lowest  parts  of 
the  earth. 

16  Thine  eyes  did  see  my  substance, 
yet  being  unperfect;  and  '^  in  thy  book 
II  all  7ny  members  were  written,  ^  which  in 
continuance  were  fashioned,  when  as  yet 
there  was  none  of  them. 

17  How  ^  precious  also  are  thy  thoughts 
unto  me,  O  God!  ^  how  great  is  the  sum 
of  them! 

18  If\  should  count  them,  sthey  are 
more  in  number  than  the  sand:  ^  when  I 
awake,  I  am  still  with  thee. 


§  Or,  strength,  or  body. 

b  13.  Job  10:9—11.    Kc.  11:5. 

c  63:9.    Ejih.  4:9. 

d  56:8.    Mai.  3:16.     Rev.  20:12. 

II  Heb.  alio/ them. 

IF  Or,  what  days  they  should  be 

fashioned. 


e  40:5.     I'rov.  8:31.     Is.  55:8,9. 

Jer.  29:11.    Eph.  3:9,10. 
f31:]9.  36:7. 
g  40:12. 
h3.    3:5.     16:8—11.    17:15.  63: 

6,7.     Is.  26:19.      Dan.  12:2.   1 

Thes.  5:10. 


V.  15.  'By  the  lowest  parts  of  the  earth,  is 
'•undoubtedly  to  be  understood  the  womb,  where 
'the  fcEtus  is  gradually  formed,  and  matu-ed  for 
'the  birth,  like  plants  and  flowers  under  ground. 
'The  process  is  compared  to  that  in  a  piece  of 
'work  wrought  with  a  needle,  or  fashioned  in  the 
'loom;  which,  with  all  its  beautiful  variety  of 
'color,  and  proportion  of  figure,  ariseth  by  de- 
'grees  unto  perfection,  under  the  hand  of  the 
'artist,  framed  according  to  a  pattern  lying  be- 
'fore  him,  from  a  rude  mass  of  silk,  or  other  ma- 
'terials.  ...  But  ...  whereas  the  human  artificer 
'must  have  the  clearest  light,  whereby  to  accom- 
'plish  his  task;  the  divine  work-master  ...  elTect- 
'eth  all  his  wonders,  within  the  dark  and  narrow 
'confines  of  the  womb.'  Bp.  Home. 

V.  16.  'When  the  matter,  out  of  which  I  was 
'made,  was  without  any  form,  it  was  visible  to 
'thee,  how  every  muscle,  vein,  and  artery,  with 
'all  the  rest  of  my  body,  should  be  wrought,  out 
'of  the  pattern  of  them  which  was  in  thy  mind: 
'and  accordingly  in  time,  when  there  was  not  so 
'much  as  one  of  them,  they  were  all  fashioned  for 
'the  several  uses  to  which  they  were  designed, 
'and  not  the  smallest  of  them  omitted  or  left  im- 
'perfect.'  Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  17,  18.  David  delighted  to  meditate  upon 
the  works  and  perfections  of  God;  such  thoughts 
and  contemplations  on  these  subjects  were  pre- 
cious to  him;  [J^ote,  104:34,35.)  the  glory  dis- 
played in  them  was  infinite,  the  mercies  commu- 
nicated to  him  were  innumerable  as  the  sand; 
they  were  new  every  morning,  and  were  in- 
creased with  every  returning  dav.  [J^otes,  40: 
1—5.  Prov.  8:30,31.  /*.  55:8,9.  Lam.  3:21—23. 
Eph.  3:9—12.)  'The  "thoughts"  and  counsels  of 
'Jehovah,  concerning  David,  his  appointment  (o 
'the  throne,  his  troubles,  and  his  preservation  in 
'the  midst  of  them,  were  "precious"  and  delight- 
'ful  subjects  of  meditation  and  praise,  never  to 
be  exhausted  of  the  rich  matter  they  contained. 
'With  these  in  his  mind  he  lay  down  at  night  to 
rest;  and,  when  he  awoke  in  the  morning,  his 
thoughts  naturally  recun-ed  to  the  pleasing 
'theme:  he  began  where  he  had  left  off:  and  found 
'himself,  in  heart  and  soul,  still  present  m  ith  God, 
'still  ruminating  on  him  rnd  his  works.  The 
mercies  of  heaven,  in  the  redemption  of  the 
church,  by  the  sufferings  and  exaltation  of  the 
true  David,  according  to  the  divine  decree  con- 
'cerning  him — how  precious  are  they  to  believers! 
'How  great  is  the  sum,  hew  far  exceeding  all 
human  arithmetic  to  number  them!    Let  them 

9.'S 


[4: 


Z'o 


B.  C.  1059. 


PSALM  CXXXIX. 


B.  C.  105a. 


19  '  Surely  thou  wilt  slay  the  wicked,  j 
O  God:  ^  depart  from  me  therefore,  ye  j 
bloody  men.  j 

20  For  '  they  speak  against  thee  wick-  i 
edly,  a7id  ™  thine  enemies  take  thy  name  I 
in  vain.  j 

21  "Do  not  I  hate  them,  O  Lord,  I 
that  hate  thee?  °  and   am  not  I  grieved ; 

i  5:6.  9:17.  55:23.    64:7.    94:23.  I  m  J:!— 3.    Ex.  20:7. 
Is.  11:4. 


k6:8.  119:115.     Matt.  7:23.  25: 

4J.     2  Cor.  6:17. 
1  73:8,9.  74:18,'2-2,23.   Job  21:14, 

15.     Is.  37:23,28,29.     Jude  15. 

Rev.  13:6. 


n  15:4.31:6.    2Chr.  19:2.  Rev. 

2:2,6. 
o  119:136,153.  Jer.  13:17.  Mark 

3:5.     Luke    19:41.     Rom.  9:1 

—3. 


with    those    that    rise    up    against   thee.-* 

22  I  p  hate  them  with  perfect  hatred; 
I  count  them  mine  enemies. 

23  1  Search  me,  O  God,  and  '  know 
my  heart;  try  me,  and  know  my  thoughts: 

24  And  ^  see  if  there  be  any  *  wicked 
way  in  me,  '  and  lead  me   in  "  the   way 


everlasting 

p  101:3—8.     Luke  14:26. 

q  1.   26:2. 

r  Deut.  8:2,16.    Job  31  6.   Prov. 

17:3.    Zech.  13:9.    JVlal.  3:2,3. 

1  Pet.  1:7. 
s  7:3,4.   17:3.  Prov.  28:2.'3.    Jer. 


17:9,10. 
*  Heb.   uay  of  pain,  or,  griff, 

Heb.  12:15,16. 
125:8,9.   119:1,32.    143:3,10. 
uMatl.  7:14.     John  14:6.    Col. 

2:6. 


'be  to  US  the  constant  subjects  of  contemplation, 
'admiration,  and  thanksgiving,  day  and  night; 
'and  let  death,  that  last  sleep,  find  us  engaged  in 
'an  employment,  which,  when  we  awake,  and 
'arise  from  the  grave,  we  shall  resume,  and 
'prosecute  to  eternity,  in  the  presence  of  God.' 
Bp.  Home. 

V.  19 — 22.  It  is  probable,  that  when  David 
composed  this  Psalm,  his  character  lay  under  a 
load  of  calumny:  [Jfote,  title:)  but  he  could  ap- 
peal to  God  that  he  would  have  no  fellowship  j 
with  ungodly  and  cruel  men,  whom  he  knew  j 
God  would  destroy:  he  detested  their  charactei-s  j 
and  couduct,  and  could  not  endure  their  com- 
pany. [Mdes,  26:5 — 11.)  Being  enemies  and 
blasphemers  of  God,  he  considered  them  as  his 
enemies.  For  the  godly  man  has  the  same 
friends  and  enemies  with  the  Lord,  as  far  as  he 
knows  the  real  characters  of  men:  (JVb^e,  Rom. 
5:1,2.)  yet  this  is  entirely  consistent  with  loving 
their  persons,  praying  for  them,  and  being  kind 
to  them;  for  we  do  not  know,  but  they  may  yet 
be  converted  and  reconciled  to  God.  'A  good 
'man  hates,  as  God  himself  doth;  he  hates  not  the 
'persons  of  men,  but  their  sins;  not  what  God 
'made  them,  but  what  they  have  made  themselves. 
'We  are  neither  to  hate  the  men,  on  account  of 
'the  vices  they  practise;  nor  to  love  the  vices  for 
'the  sake  of  the  men  who  practise  them.  He 
'who  observeth  invariably  this  distinction,  fulfjl- 
'leth  the  perfect  law  of  charity;  and  hath  the  love 
'of  God  and  of  his  neighbor  abiding  in  him.'  Bp. 
Hume.  "Shall  I  not  hate  the  haters  of  thee, 
Jehovah.'  and  shall  I  not  be  grieved  at  them 
that  rise  up  against  thee.'"'  [JVotes,  Mark  3:1—5, 
V.  5.  2  John  7— U.  P.  O.)  The  clause  rendered, 
"Thine  enemies  take  thy  name  in  vain,"  may 
mean,  that  they  called  God  to  witness  the  truth 
of  their  lying  accusations. 

V.  23,  24.  The  Psalmist  began  by  professing 
his  belief,  that  God  had  searched  him  out  and 
known  him:  (JVbte,  1.)  and  he  concluded  by  pray- 
ing, that  he  would  search  him,  and  know  his  heart 
and  his  thoughts.  He  did  not  wish  to  decline  the 
investigation:  he  desired  to  have  his  real  character 
ascertained,  and  the  springs  of  his  conduct  laid 
open;  that  he  might  know  himself,  and  discover 
every  sinful  part  of  his  conduct,  and  repent  of  it; 
and  that  he  might  be  led  in  the  good  old  way, 
unto  everlasting  life;  as  well  as  be  vindicated 
from  calumnies  and  suspicions.  [J\Inrg.  Ref. — 
JsT'ites,  17:1—3,  V.  3.  Deut.  8:2.  /*.  64:5.  Jer.  6: 
16,17,  V.  16.    J^Iatt.  7:13,14.   John  14:4—6,  v.  6.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
V.  1—12. 
It  is  far  uiore  profitable  to  meditate  on  divine 
truths,  with  application  to  our  own  cases,  and 
with  Iiearts  lifted  up  to  God  in  prayer;  than  with 
a  speculative,  curious,  and  disputing  frame  of 
mind.  The  omniscience  and  omnipresence  of 
God  are  generally  acknowledged:  yet  they  sel- 
dom produce  their  practical  effect  upon  the 
426] 


hearts  and  conduct  of  mankind,  because  they  are 
not  apprehended  by  a  true  and  realizing  faith. 
Hence  great  numbers  allow  that  their  Judge  is 
witness  to  their  whole  conduct;  and  yet  they  are 
careful  to  save  appearances  with  their  fellow 
criminals,  while  they  transgress  in  secret,  and 
amuse  their  depraved  imaginations  with  every 
kind  of  speculative  wickedness!  Nay,  even  true 
believers,  through  weakness  of  faith,  are  often 
very  wavering  in  obedience,  and  easily  discour- 
aged from  it,  by  the  trivial  circumstances  of  time, 
place,  company,  or  solitude.  We  should  there- 
fore, by  meditation  and  prayer,  seek  to  have  our 
mind.s  suitably  affected  with  the  firm  belief,  and 
habitual  recollection,  that  the  just,  the  holy,  the 
almighty  God  fulh'  searches  us  out,  and  knows 
us,  however  our  fellow  creatures  may  mistake  or 
misrepresent  our  characters.  We  should  seri- 
ously consider,  when  we  are  alone,  or  in  com- 
pany, in  the  shop,  the  market,  the  place  of  wor- 
ship, or  the  closet,  that  the  eye  of  God  is  upon 
us;  "that  he  observeth  our  down-sitting  and  our 
up-rising,  and  understandeth  our  thoughts," 
whether  good  or  bad,  before  thej'  become  dis- 
tinctly observed  by  our  own  minds,  or  influential 
upon  our  conduct;  that  he  compasses  and  investi- 
gates our  path,  and  is  accurately  acquainted  with 
all  our  ways;  and  that  he  will  bring  ever)'  secret 
work  into  judgment,  with  every  word  of  our  lips, 
and  every  thought  of  our  hearts.  (JVbfe*,  J\Iall. 
12:33—37.  Rev.  20:11—15.)  For  our  God  sur- 
rounds us  continually,  and  so  lays  his  hand  upon 
us,  that  we  cannot  move  or  think,  without  his 
cognizance  and  consent.  Such  meditations  are 
suited  to  restrain  us  from  sin,  even  in  seasons 
when  secrec}'  and  present  advantage  give  force 
to  Satan's  temptations;  and  to  counteract  the  sin- 
ful inclination,  as  soon  as  it  begins  to  move. 
Who  would  dare,  if  thus  suitably  impressed,  to 
defraud  or  deceive  his  neighbor;  to  gratify  in 
secret  his  lust,  or  his  malice;  or  to  assume  a  ma.sk 
of  piety  to  cover  his  avarice,  injustice,  ambition, 
or  sensuality.'' — Recollections  of  this  kind  arc 
equally  calculated  to  encourage  the  believer,  in 
his  secret  prayers,  meditations,  self-denial,  and 
almsgiving;  in  his  well  meant  but  misrepresented 
endeavors  to  do  good;  and  in  his  conscientious 
obedience  amidst  slanders  and  reproaches,  or  in 
the  most  obscure  station  in  society.  We  soon 
indeed  find,  that  we  cannot  comprehend  the  man- 
ner, in  which  the  infinite  God  knows  all  things: 
but  while  faith  apprehends  the  truth  upon  his 
"sure  testimony,"  humility  adores  the  mystery, 
and  confesses,  that  "such  knowledge  is  too  won- 
derful for  her,  and  is  so  high  she  cannot  attain 
unto  it." — The  belief  of  God's  omnipresence  is 
intimately  connected  with  that  of  his  omniscience, 
and  is  of  similar  efficacy.  Should  the  guilty  wretch 
desire  to  shun  the  presence  of  that  God,  whose 
power  he  cannot  resist,  and  whose  mercy  he 
scorns  to  supplicate;  whither  shall  he  flee  from 
him,  who  is  an  infinite  and  all  pervading  Spirit.' 
Were  it  possible  for  him  to  find  admission  into. 


B.  C.  lOGO. 


PSALM  CXL. 


B.  C.   lOGO. 


PSALM  CXL.  I 

David  prays  for  deliverance  from  his  malicious  perseculors,  and 
predicts  their  ruin,  1 — 11.  He  professes  his  coalidence,  that 
God  would  rescue  and  bless  all  his  afflicted  people,  1-2,  13.  I 

To    the    chief   Musician,    A  Psalm    of! 

David.  i 

"■piELIVER  me,  O  Lord,  from  the 

JL^    evil  man:    preserve  me  from  the 

*  violent  man: 


2  Which  ^  imagine  mischiefs  in  their 
heart:  "^  continually  are  they  gathered  to- 
gether/or war. 

3  They  have  '^  sharpened  their  tongues 
®  hke  a  serpent;  '  adders'  poison  is  under 
their  hps.  Selah. 


a«:l.  59:1—3.  71:4. 

*  Heb.  man  ^  violences.  4,11. 


18:48.  marf[.   Hab.  1:2,3. 


lb  2:1,2.  21:11.  36:4.    38:12.  6^: 
I    3.  64:5,6.     Prov.  12:20.     Hos. 

1 1    7:6.     Mic.  2:1— 3.     Nah.  1:11. 
i  c  56:6.    120:7.     1  Sam.  23;  19— 

11    24.  24:11,12.  26:],&c. 

d   52:2,3.     57:-4.     59:7.     64:3,4. 


Prov.     12:18.      Is.    59:3—5,13. 

Jer.  9:3,5.     Jam.  3:6—8. 
e  Gen.  3:13.  Prov.  23.32.   Matt. 

12:34.    2  Cor.  11:3. 
f  58:4.     Rom.  3:13,14. 


heaven,  the  displays  of  the  glorious  holiness  of  Je- 
hovah would  be  intolerable  to  him.  The  grave, 
nay,  the  centre  of  the  earth,  could  not  place  him  at 
a  distance  from  his  righteous  Judge:  the  presence 
of  a  God  of  vengeance  kindles  the  flames  of  hell. 
Were  it  possible  for  him  to  fly  with  the  velocity  of 
the  "sun-beams  to  the  most  distant  regions,  or 
through  the  immensity  of  space,  he  would  still 
meet  the  presence  of  his  offended  God,  from 
whom  no  darkness  can  conceal  him:  "for  the  dark- 
ness and  the  light  to  him  are  both  alike."  On 
the  other  hand  the  believer  cannot  be  removed  or 
banished  from  the  supporting  and  comforting 
presence  of  his  almighty  Friend;  who  was  with 
Joseph  in  the  prison,  with  the  three  young  Jews 
in  the  fiery  furnace,  and  with  Daniel  in  the  lion's 
den.  Should  the  persecutor's  rage  take  away  his 
life,  his  soul  will  the  sooner  ascend  into  heaven, 
and  be  more  sensibly  present  with  his  Father  and 
Friend,  to  his  unutterable  joy.  The  grave  cannot 
separate  his  body  from  the  love  of  his  Savior,  who 
will  raise  it  incorruptible  and  glorious.  Could  he 
even  enter  the  place  of  torment,  the  presence  and 
love  of  God  would  prevent  his  feeling  misery.  A 
desolate  island,  or  the  remotest  region  inhabited 
by  the  worst  of  savages;  the  sultry  heat  of  the 
torrid  zone,  or  the  benumbing  cold  of  polar 
regions;  the  deep  dungeon,  cavern  or  mine;  can 
by  no  means  exclude  him  from  his  God. — While 
he  is  in  the  path  of  duty,  he  may  be  happy  in  any 
situation,  by  the  exercise  of  faith,  and  hope,  and 
prayer.  But  should  he  sinfully  shift  his  duty, 
and,  like  Jonah,  attempt  to  flee  from  the  presence 
of  the  Lord;  his  arm  would  arrest  him,  his  frown 
dismay  him,  and  his  rod  correct  him,  in  every 
place.  We  should  then  inquire  what  tlie  Lord 
would  have  us  to  do,  and  whither  we  ought  to  re- 
move; and  pray  that  his  gracious  presence  may 
always  attend  us:  and  then  we  shall  have  every 
thing  to  hope,  and  nothing  to  fear,  in  life,  in  deatli, 
or  in  the  eternal  world.  [J^otes,  Ex.  33:12 — 16. 
P.  O.  12—23.  JVotP,  Prov.  3:5,6.) 
V  13—24. 
The  omnipresent  God  is  our  Creator,  and  has  a 
right  to  possess  and  dispose  of  us  as  his  property: 
he  comprehends  our  whole  frame,  which  is  his 
marvellous  workmanship.  The  wise  and  kind 
contrivance,  with  which  our  bodies  are  formed, 
should  excite  onr  reverent  admiration  and  grat- 
itude; and  surely  we  ought  not  to  use  our  mem- 
bers and  senses,  which  the  Lord  so  curiously'  fash- 
ioned in  the  womb,  as  instruments  of  unrighteous- 
ness unto  sin.  [jyoies,  Rom.  6:12 — 19.  12:1.  1  Cor. 
6:13 — 20.)  But  our  immortal  and  rational  souls 
are  astil!  more  noble  work  and  gift  of  God.  Yet 
had  it  not  been  for  his  "precious  thoughts"  of  love 
to  us,  our  reason  and  immortality  would,  through 
our  sins,  have  proved  the  occasion  of  our  eternal 
misery.  How  should  we  then  delight  to  meditate 
on  his  love  to  sinners  in  Jesus  Christ,  the  sum 
of  which  exceeds  all  computation!  the  mercies 
thence  derived  are  numberless  as  the  sands  of  the 
sea.  [JVote,  Eph.  3:14 — 19.)  Every  morning  we 
awake  more  indebted,  and  ought  to  be  more  grate- 
ful, than  before:  but  when  we  shall  awake  in  the 
world  of  glory,  how  shall  we  admire  and  bless  our 


I  God  for  this  invaluable  salvation! — Yet  this  God 
I  of  infinite  mercy  will  most  surely  destroy  all  the 
impenitent  workers  of  iniquity.  We  should 
therefore  warn  our  fellow  sinners  "to  flee  from  the 
wrath  to  come;"  and  protest  against  their  crimes 
by  separating  from  their  company.  {J^otes,  2  Ckr. 
19:1,2.  2  Cor.  6:14—18.  Eph.  5:8—14.)  But 
those  bloody  men,  who  persecute  the  people  of 
God,  and  thus  join  cruelty  to  their  impiety  and 
blasphemy,  are  most  eminently  the  enemies  and 
haters  of  God  himself;  and  should  be  shunned 
with  marked  abhorrence  by  all,  who  love  him  and 
his  cause:  yet  we  should  still  pray  for  their  con- 
version and  salvation,  and  wait  for  opportunities 
of  shewing  them  kindness,  and  attempting  to 
"overcome  evil  with  good.'' — As  the  Lord  knows 
us  perfectly,  and  we  are  such  strangers  to  our- 
selves; we  should  earnestly  desire  and  pray  to  be 
I  searched  and  proved,  in  his  providence,  and  by 
his  word  and  Spirit:  thus  we  shall  best  be  pre- 
served from  self-deception,  gradually  purified 
from  our  remaining  sinfulness,  and  led  in  the  way 
of  everlasting  life:  and  these  our  desires  and 
prayers  will  evidence  our  sincerity,  and  increase 
our  comfortable  assurance,  that  we  are  the  chil- 
dren of  God.     {JYote,  John  3:19— 11.) 

NOTES. 

Psalm  CXL.  TiUe.  It  is  evident  that  David 
composed  this  Psalm,  when  persecuted  by  Saul, 
slandered  by  Doeg,  and  betrayed  by  the  Ziphites 
and  others.  {JVotes,  52:  120:)  'When  he  came  to 
'his  kingdom,  and  had  settled  the  service  of  God, 
'in  that  manner  which  we  read,  1  Chr.  16:  23:  &c. 
'he  delivered  it  to  the  master  of  music,  to  be  sung 
'at  certain  times  in  the  tabernacle.  But  it  was 
'not  found,  I  suppose,  (any  more  than  the  two 
'foregoing,  and  the  four  following,)  till  some  time 
'after  the  other  books  of  Psalms  were  published; 
'and  so  were  placed  here  all  together,  by  him 
'that  collected  this  book.'  Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  1,2.  Saul,  or  Doeg,  was  "the  evil  man," 
and  "the  man  of  violences:"  but  there  were 
many  others  who  concurred  in  all  the  designs 
formed  against  the  life  of  David,  and  who  were 
employed  in  devising  plans  for  that  purpose; 
[JVotes,  1  Sam.  21:7.  22:7—19.  23:19—29.)  as  Cai- 
aphas  and  Judas  had  many  helpers,  in  their 
machinations  against  the  life  of  the  holy  Jesus. 
[Jlarg.Ref.) 

V.  3.  'Slander  and  calumny  must  always  prc- 
'cede  and  accompanj'  persecution,  because  malice 
'itself  cannot  excite  people  against  a  good  man, 
'as  such;  to  do  this  he  must  first  be  represented 
'as  a  bad  man.  What  can  be  said  of  those  who 
'are  busied  in  this  manner,  but  that  they  are  "a 
'generation  of  vipers,"  the  brood  of  the  old  ser- 
'pent,  that  grand  accuser  and  calumniator  of  the 
'brethren;  having  under  their  tongues  a  bag  of 
'poison,  conveying  instant  death  to  the  reputation 
'on  which  they  fasten.-"  Thus  David  was  hunted  as 
'a  rebel,  Christ  was  crucified  as  a  blasphemer, 
'and  the  primitive  Christians  were  tortured  as 
'f^uilty  of  incest  and  murder.'  Bp.  Home.  'The 
'tongue  of  the  serpent,  or  the  teeth  of  the  adder 
'or  viper,  doth  not  more  effectually  convey  their 


[427 


B.  C.  1060. 


PSALM  CXL. 


B.  C.  1060. 


4  s  Keep  me,  O  Lord,  from  the  hands 
of  the  wicked;  ''  preserve  me  from  the 
violent  man;  who  have  purposed  to  '  over- 
throw my  goings. 

5  The  "^  proud  have  hid  a  snare  for 
me,  and  cords;  they  have  spread  a  net 
by  the  way-side;  they  have  set  gins  for 
me.  Selah. 

6  '  I  said  unto  the  Lord,  Thou  art  my 
God:  ■"  hear  the  voice  of  mysupphcations, 
O  Lord. 

7  O  God  the  Lord,  "  the  Strength  of 
my  salvation,  °  thou  hast  covered  my 
head  in  the  day  of  battle. 

8  P  Grant  not,  O  Lord,  the  desires  of 
the  wicked:   further   not  his   wicked  de^ 
vice;  *  lest  they  exalt  themselves.    Selah 


g    ]7:8,9.    3a;ll.     37:3 J,33 — iO. 

55:1—3.  71:4. 
hi. 

i  17:5.   Prov.  18:5. 
k  10:4—12.     17  8— 13.  35:7.  36: 

11.  57:6.    119:f)9,85,110.    123:3, 

4.  141:9,10.     142:3.      Prov.  29: 

5.  Jer.  18:18,20,22.     Luke  11: 
53,54.   20:20—23. 

J  16:2,5,6.    31:14.    91:2.    119:57. 
142:5.   Lam.  3:24.    Zech.  13:9. 


m  27:7,8.  28:1,2.    55:1,2.64:1. 
n  18:1,2,35.  27:1.    23:7,8.  59:17 

62:2,7.  89  26.  95:1.     Deut.  33: 

27—29.    Is.  12:2. 
o  144:10.      1  Sam.  17:36,37,45— 

51.     2  Sam.  8:6,14. 
p   27:12.    94:20,21.     2  Sam.  15: 

31.    Job  5:12,13. 
*  Or,    let  tkem  not  be  exalted. 

Deut.  32:27. 


'poison  into  men's  bodies,  than  they  have  infused 
'their  venomous  slanders  into  the  people's  minds.' 
Bp.  Patrick.  {JS'otes,  57:3—5.  59:7.  64:2—5. 
Prov.  12:18,19.  Jer.  9:3—6.  Jam.  3:3—6.) 

V.  4—6.  [J^otes,  I.  10:2—13.  17:6—15.  141:8 
— 10.  142:1—3.)  'There  is  no  hunter  or  fowler 
'more  industrious  and  cunning'  in  laying  snares  and 
'toils,  in  spreading  nets,  or  setting  gins  and  traps, 
'for  the  beasts  or  the  birds,  in  the  places  which 
'they  are  wont  to  frequent,  than  they  are  to  trace 
'me  in  all  my  motions,  (I  Sam.  23:23.)  and  to  in- 
'vent  all  manner,  of  wiles  and  subtle  arts  to  sur- 
'prise  me.'  Bp.  Patrick. — 'Oh,  how  refined  the 
'pohcy,  and  unwearied  the  application,  of  our 
'spiritual  adversaries  to  overthrow  our  goings  in 
'the  path  of  life  and  salvation,  to  circumvent  and 
'to  destroy  us  for  ever!  How  are  the  snares,  the 
'nets,  and  the  gins  placed  for  us,  by  that  cun- 
'ning  and  experienced  artist,  who  takes  care,  that 
'nothing  should  appear  in  view,  but  the  alluring 
'baits  of  honor,  pleasure,  and  profit,  while  of  the 
'toils  we  have  no  notice,  till  we  find  ourselves  en- 
'tangled  and  caught  in  them.  Who  shall  preserve 
'us  thus  walking  in  the  midst  of  dangers.'  He  to 
'whom  David  ...  preferreth  his  prayer,  and  teach- 
'eth  us  to  do  likewise.'  Bp.  Home. 

V.  7,8.  JVoto,  94:20,21.  144:10.  2  Sam.  15:31. 
— Covered  my  head,  kc.  (7)  'He  calleth  to  God 
'with  lively  faith,  being  assured  of  his  mercies: 
'because  he  had  before-time  proved,  that  God 
'helped  him  ever  in  his  dangers.' — God  is  the 
Strength  of  our  Salvation:  'nor  will  he,  for  the 
'glory  of  his  name,  grant  their  desires,  or  permit 
'their  more  secret  "devices"  and  machinations  to 
'work  the  destruction  of  his  people;  lest  they  ex- 
'alt  themselves,  as  having  frustrated  his  counsels 
'for  the  redemption  of  his  servants.'  Bp.  Home. 
{J^otes,  1   Sam.    17:34—37,45—53.  2  Cor.  1:8— 

n-i 

V.  9.  Some  render  this  verse  "The  poison  of 
those  that  compass  me  about,  even  the  mis- 
chief of  their  own  lips,  shall  cover  them."  IJ^^'ote, 
3.)  The  original  word  translated  "the  head"  sig- 
nifies 2.\so poison;  especially  the  poison  of  serpents, 
which  is  collected  in  their  heads. 

V.  10.  'Their  lips,  which  uttered  mischief 
'against  others,  shall  be  the  means  of  covering 
'themselves  with  confusion,  when  out  of  their 
42S] 


9  As  for  the  head  of  those  that  com- 
pass me  about,  'i  let  the  mischief  of  their 
own  lips  cover  them. 

10  Let  '■  burning  coals  fall  upon  them: 
^  let  them  be  cast  into  the  fire;  *  into  deep 
pits,  that  they  rise  not  up  again. 

1 1  ^  Let  not  ^  an  "  evil  speaker  be  es- 
tablished in  the  earth:  ^  evil  shall  hunt 
the  violent  man  to  overthrow  him. 

12  I  know  that  ^  the  Lord  will  main- 
tain the  cause  of  the  afflicted,  and  the 
right  of  the  poor. 

13  ^  Surely  the  righteous  shall  give 
thanks  unto  thy  name:  ^  the  upright  shall 
dwell  in  thy  presence. 


q  7:16.  64:8.  94:23.  F.sth.  5: 
14.  7:10.  Prov.  10:6,11.  1S:7. 
M.att.  27:25. 

rll:6.  18:13,14.  21:9.  120:4. 
Gen.  19:24.  Ex.  9:23,24.  Rev. 
16:8,9. 

s  Dan.  3:20—25.  Matt.  13:42,50. 

t  55:23.  Prov.  28:10,17.  Rev. 
20:15.  21:8 

f  Or,  //e(  not  an  evil  speaker, 
a  Tvicked  man  of  violence,  be 
established  in  the  earth;  let 
him  be  hunted  to  his  over- 
throv}. 


J  Heb.   a  man  of  tongue. 

u  12:3,4.   Prov.  6:17.   12:13.   17: 

20.   18:21. 
X  7:14—16.  9:16.  34:21.     Prov. 

13:21.     Is.  3:11. 
y  9:4,18.    10:17,18.    22:24.72:4, 

12—14.   102:17.     1  Kings  8:45, 

49.      Prov.  22:22,23.    23:10,11. 

Is.    11:4.     Jer.   22:16.      Matt. 

11:5. 
z  32:11.  33:1.    Is,  3:10. 
a  16:11.  23:6.    73:24.     John  14: 

3.   17:24.      1  Thes.  4:17.  Rev. 

7:14—17.   21:24—27. 


'own  mouths  they  shall  be  judged.  Those  tongues, 
'which  have  contributed  to  set  the  world  on  fire, 
'shall  be  tormented  with  the  hot  burning  coals 
'of  eternal  vengeance;  and  they  who,  with  so 
'much  eagerness  and  diligence,  have  prepared 
'pits  for  the  destruction  of  their  brethren,  shall  be 
'cast  into  a  deep  and  bottomless  pit,  out  of  which 
'they  will  not  rise  up  again  any  more  for  ever.' 
Bp.  Home.  All  the  verbs  are  future. — Let 
them  be  cast.'\  Literall)^  "He  shall  cause  then* 
to  fall  into  the  fire."  [JVotes,  11:6,  120:4.  Mark  9: 
43—50.) 

V.  11.  "A  lying  lip  is  but  for  a  moment:"  it 
serves  a  present  purpose,  and  often  proves  for  a 
while  very  successful;  but  at  length  it  defeats  its 
own  purposes,  and  never  effects  established  pros- 
perity. (JVbfe,  Prov.  11:18,19.)  The originalis, 
"A  man  of  tongue  shall  not  be  established,  &c.'' 
that  is,  one  who  does  not  bridle  his  tongue,  [JVotes, 
39:1—4,  V.  1.  Jam.  1:26.  3: 1—6.)— The  simil- 
itude of  evil,  or  punishment,  hunting  the  violent 
man,  as  the  hounds  do  the  fleeing  animal,  through 
all  its  windings  and  doublings,  till  they  seize  upon 
it  and  destroy  it,  is  very  emphatical.  {Marg. 
Ref.—J^ote,  Prov.  13:21.) 

V.  12,  13.  [Jlarg.  Ref.—Mjtes,  10:17,18. 102: 
13 — 22.)  'The  Almighty  is  the  Patron  of  the  in- 
'jured  and  oppressed.  He  will  plead  the  cause  of 
'the  meek  and  lowly,  who  are  used  by  the  world, 
'as  their  blessed  Master  was  used  before  them. 
'A  day  will  come,  when,  delivered  out  of  all  their 
'troubles,  they  shall  "give  thanks  unto  thy  name," 
'O  Lord,  and  "dwell  in  thy  presence"  for  ever- 
'more.'  Bp.  Home.  [JVotes,  16:8 — 11,  r.  11.  John 
14:2,3.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  seed  of  the  old  serpent,  instigated  by  their 
father,  will  unite  subtlety  with  violence,  in  ex- 
ecuting the  mischiefs  which  they  have  imagined 
in  their  hearts  against  the  children  of  God:  slan- 
ders will  be  devised  to  cloke  their  unprovoked 
malice:  they  will  sharpen  their  tongues  to  ruin 
the  reputation  of  the  righteous,  as  the  serpent's 
fatal  bite  envenoms  the  blood;  for  "adders' poison 
is  under  their  lips."  Especially  they  will  lay  art- 
ful stratagems  to  overthrow  their  goings,  and  to 
betray  them  into  some  real  or  seeming  crime, 


B.  C.  1057. 


PSALM  CXU. 


B.  C.  1057. 


PSALM  CXLL 


David  earnestly  requests  that  his  prayers  may  be  accepted;  and 
to  be  preserved  from  sinful  words,  works,  and  indulgences,  1 
— 4.  He  desires  the  reproofs  of  the  righteous,  whom  he  will 
recompense  by  his  prayers;  and  hopes  to  win  on  his  people 
when  afflicted,  5,  6.  He  complains,  that  his  friends  were  cruelly 
slain,  professes  contidence  in  God,  and  predicts  the  fall  of  the 
wicked,  7 — 10. 

A  Psalm  of  David. 

LORD,  I  cry  imto  thee:  ^  make  haste 
unto  me;   give  ear   unto  my  voice, 
when  I  cry  unto  thee. 

2  Let  ''  my  prayer  be  *  set  forth  before 
thee  •=  as  incense;  and  ^  tlie  lifting  up  of 
my  hands  as  ®  the  evening  sacrifice . 


a  40:13.    69:17,18.    70:5.    71:12. 

143:7.  .Tob  7:21. 
b  Prov.  15:8. 
*  Heb.  directed.  5:3. 
c  Ex.  30:7—9,34—33.    Lev.  10: 

1,2.    16:11—13.     Num.    16:35, 


46—48.    Mai.  1:11.    Luke  1:9, 

10.     Rev.  5:8.  8:3,4. 
d  28:2.  63:4.    134:2.   1  Tim.  2:8. 
e    Ex.  29:39—42.     1  Kings  18: 

36.  Ezra  9:4.  Dan.  9:21.  Acts 

3:1. 


which  may  furnish  a  plausible  accusation  against  ■ 
them.  All  this  we  have  seen  illustrated  in  the 
history  of  David  the  type;  but  it  is  still  more 
manifest  in  the  history  of  Christ,  the  great  Anti- 
type. In  such  circumstances  therefore  we  should 
especially  watch  and  pray,  that  the  Lord  would 
"hold  up  our  goings  in  his  ways,  that  our  foot- 
steps slip  not."  He  is  "the  Strength  of  salvation" 
to  all,  who  trust  and  worship  him  as  their  God:  he 
will  hear  their  prayers,  and  cover  their  head  in 
the  day  of  battle:  every  former  deliverance  is  an 
earnest  of  future  and  final  victory:  and  they  may 
unreservedly  pray,  that  he  would  not  grant  the 
desires  of  the  wicked,  nor  further  their  wicked 
devices,  lest  they  grow  more  insolent.  We  may 
also  be  confident,  that  false  accusers  will,  by  their 
lies  and  perjuries,  bring  mischief  upon  themselves, 
even  the  burning  coals  of  divine  vengeance, 
which  will  sink  them  into  the  fire  and  deep  pit  of 
hell,  to  rise  no  more;  except  timely  repentance 
prevent  the  fatal  doom.  For  "an  evil  speaker 
shall  not  be  established  in  the  earth:  evil  shall 
hunt  the  violent  man  to  overthrow  him."  But 
when  the  Lord  has  proved  the  faith  and  patience 
of  his  afflicted  people,  he  will  maintain  their  cause, 
and  do  them  justice  against  their  oppressors. 
And  beyond  all  doubt,  "the  upright  shall  dwell  in 
God's  presence,"  and  give  him  thanks  for  ever- 
more. 

NOTES. 

Psalm  CXLl.  Title.  This  Psalm  is  gen- 
erally allowed  to  have  been  written  by  David, 
when  driven  among  the  Philistines,  by  the  impla- 
cable persecution  of  Saul.  [J^'otes,  1  Sam.  27:) — 
'Nobody  need  wonder,  that  there  are  so  many 
'prayers  founded  upon  the  same  subject;  for  that 
'persecution  endured  long,  and  they  were  made 
'upon  different  occasions,  or  for  different  purpo- 
'ses.'    Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  1,2.  JVb«e,  71:12. — Let  my  prayer,  &c.  (2) 
Or,  "My  prayer  shall  be  set  before  thee,  as  in- 
cense, &c." — When  driven  from  the  courts  of  the 
Lord,  and  the  communion  of  his  people,  the 
Psalmist  purposed  to  be  as  regular  and  constant 
at  his  devotions,  as  the  priests  were  in  burning 
incense,  and  offering  the  sacrifices  morning  and 
evening:  and  he  prayed,  that  his  fervent  supplica- 
tions might  be  accepted,  even  as  if  presented  at 
the  sanctuary;  being  offered  with  a  believing  ref- 
erence to  the  typical  expiation  and  intercession 
there  made.  [JV'otes,  1  Kings  8:28—30.)  It  is 
probable,  that  this  psalm  was  composed  at  the 
time  of  the  morning  or  of  the  evening  sacrifice,  or 
intended  to  be  used  at  these  hours  of  prayer. 
'He  begs  that  God  would  accept  of  all  that  it  was 


3  *"  Set  a  watch,  O  Lord,  before  my 
mouth;  s  keep  the  door  of  my  lips. 

4  ''  Incline  not  my  heart  to  any  evil 
thing,  '  to  practise  wicked  works  with 
men  that  work  iniquity:  ^  and  let  me  not 
eat  of  their  dainties. 

5  Let  '  the  righteous  t  smite  me;  it 
shall  be  a  kindness:  and  let  him  reprove 
me;  it  shall  be  an  excellent  oil,  which 
shall  not  break  my  head:  ™  for  yet  my 
prayer  also  shall  be  in  their  calamities. 


f  17:3—5.  39:1.    71:8.     Jam.  1 

26.  3:2. 
g  Mic.  7:5. 
h   119:36.      Deut.  2:30.    29:4.   1 

Kings  8:58.     22:22.     Is.  63:17. 

Matt.  6:13.      Jam.  1:13. 
i   1    Cor.    15:33.      2   Cor.   6:17. 

Rev.  18:4. 
k  Num.  25.2.   Prov.  23:1-3,6- 

8.   Dan.  1:5—8.   Acts  10:13,14. 

1  Cor.  10:27.28,31. 


1  1  Sam.  25:31— a4.  2  Sam. 
7—13.  2Chr.  16:7—10.  25:16. 
Prov.  6:23.  9:3,9.  15:5,22.  19: 
25.25:12.27:5,6.  Gal.  2:11— 
14.  6:1.    Rev.  3:19. 

■f  Or,  smile  ine  kindly  and  re- 
prove me;  let  not  their  pre- 
ciotis  oil  break  my  head,  «S-c. 

m  51:13.  125:4.  Matt.  5:44.  2 
Tim.  1:16-18.  Jam.  5:14— 
16. 


'in  his  power  to  perform,  namely,  the  devotion  of 
'his  heart,  and  the  elevation  of  ins  hands; ...  that 
'the  one  might  ascend  to  heaven  fragrant  and 
'well-pleasing,  as  the  cloud  of  incense,  ...  and  the 
'other  in  conjunction  with  it,  prevail  instead  of 
'the  evening  oblation,  for  the  deliverance  of  him- 
'self  and  his  companions.'  Bp.  Home.  The  word 
instead,  in  this  quotation,  seems  unappropriate. 
David  intended  to  present  his  sacrifices  of  praise 
and  prayer,  through,  not  instead  of,  the  instituted 
typical  atonements  and  burning  of  incense.  Thus 
our  'spiritual  sacrifices,'  of  which  similar  lan- 
guage is  used  in  the  New  Testament  are  "ac- 
ceptable to  God  through  Jesus  Christ."  [Phil.  4: 
18.  J\rotes,  Col.  3:16,17.  Heb.  13:15,16.  1  Pet.  2:4 
— 6,  V.  5.)  The  original  word  indeed  does  not 
generally  mean  the  burnt-offering  itself,  but  the 
meat-offering  which  accompanied  it.  [JVum,  28: 
4,5.) 

V.  3,  4.  David,  surrounded  by  idolaters,  (who 
would  watch  all  his  words  and  actions,  suspect 
him  as  a  spy  or  an  enemy,  or  want  to  draw  him 
into  idolatry,)  besought  God  to  enable  him  so  to 
bridle  his  tongue,  that  he  might  not  give  them 
any  advantage  against  him;  (JIarg.  Ref. — J\''otes, 
39: 1 — 4.)  and  so  to  govern  and  rule  his  heart,  that 
he  might  not  be  seduced  into  any  sinful  compli- 
ances. In  such  company  he  feared  lest  he  should 
be  tempted  to  trifle,  to  dissemble,  or  to  speak  in- 
consistently with  his  character,  as  a  zealous  wor- 
shipper of  the  true  God;  or,  as  some  think,  lest  he 
should  be  led  to  express  his  sense  of  the  ill  usage 
which  he  had  received  from  Saul,  in  an  unbecom- 
ing manner:  and  therefore  he  prayed  for  a  guard 
to  be  placed  before  his  mouth.  He  was  also 
aware  that  corrupt  examples,  continuall)'  before 
his  eyes,  might  gradually  draw  him  aside;  and  he 
prayed  that  his  heart  might  not  be  inclined  to  any 
evil  thing,  or  to  join  the  impieties  and  iniquities  of 
the  Philistines;  and  that  he  might  not  be  tempted, 
by  their  idolatrous  feasts,  or  hospitable  and  lux- 
urious entertainments,  to  eat  of  such  things  as 
were  forbidden  by  the  law  of  God.  'A  Christian 
'living  amongst  unbelievers  and  sensualists,  ... 
'hath  abundant  reason  to  put  up  the  same  prayers, 
'and  to  use  the  same  precautions.'  Bp.  Home. 
{Jfotcs,  Prov.  23:1 — 3,6 — 8.) — Incline  not.  Sic. 
(4)  This  evidently  means,  'Keep  my  heart  so, 
'that  I  may  not  be  suffered  to  incline  to  evil.' 
(jVo<f*  H9:36.  Deut.  2:30.  \  Kings  Q:b5—()\,  v. 
58.  Is.  63:15—19.) 

V.  5.  Jealous  of  himself  in  so  ensnaring  a  sit- 
uation: the  Psalmist  prayed,  that  some  pious  friend 
might  ever  be  present  to  reprove  him  sharply,  if 
he  yielded  to  temptation.  This  he  would  take  as 
a  kindness;  sensible  that  it  would  neither  break 

[429 


B.  C.  1057. 


PSALM  CXLI. 


B.  C.  1057. 


6  When  "  their  judges  are  overthrown 
in  stony  places,  °  they  shall  hear  iny 
words,  ''  for  they  are  sweet. 

7  Our  1  bones  are  scattered  at  the 
grave's  mouth,  as  when  one  cutteth  and 
cleaveth  wood  upon  the  earth. 

8  But  ■■  mine  eyes   are    unto   thee,  O 

nl  Sam.  31:1— 8.     2  Sam.  1:17,       ia:2.      Luke  4:22. 
&c.    1  Chr.  10:1— 7.  q  44:^i    1  Sam.  22:18,19 


o  2  Sam. 

11:1—3.   12:38. 
p  46:2.     '2  Sam. 


2:5,6. 


1  Chr. 
1  Chr. 


Rom. 

;rt.    Heb.  11:37.   Rev.  11:8,9. 
r  25:15.  123:1,2.    2  Chr.  20:12. 


IjGoD  the  Lord:  in  thee  is  my  trust;  *  leave 
not  ^my  soul  destitute. 

9  Keep  me  '  from  the  snares  which 
they  have  laid  for  me,  and  the  gins  of  the 
workers  of  iniquity. 

10  Let  "  the  wicked  fall  into  their  own 
nets,  whilst  that  I  withal  t  escape. 

""-^  '  ■'  u  7:15,16.    35:8.    37:14,15.64:7, 


his  head,  nor  cause  him  to  hang-  it  down  in  dejec- 
tion: but,  being-  insinuating  and  healing,  like  an 
excellent  oil,  it  would  be  ver}^  «seful  to  him;  and 
he  would  requite  the  benefit  by  praying  for  them 
in  their  calamities,  if  he  had  no  other  way  of  ex- 
pressing his  gratitude.  {J^otcs,  I  Sam.  25:23 — 33.) 
Or  it  may  mean,  that  this  would  enable  him  more 
fervently,  and  as  with  renewed  vigor,  to  pray 
against  their  wickedness,  (that  of  the  idolaters,) 
which  be  had  been  almost  induced  to  imitate. 
Perhaps  David  obliquely  hinted  at  the  slanders  of 
Saul  and  his  party;  from  which  he  distinguished 
the  censures  of  the  pious  Israelites,  who  might 
blame  him  for  going  into  the  land  of  the  Philis- 
tines. [Marg.  Re/.) 
An  excellent  oil,  c'Nn  jdb'  ;    the  principal  oil, 

or  that  used  in  anointing  the  head. 

V.  6.  This  verse  may  mean,  according  to  our 
translation,  that  David,  foreseeing  the  ruin  of  Saul 
and  his  party,  the  present  "judg-es"  of  Israel;  as 
if  they  had  been  cast  from  the  sides  of  a  rock,  or 
cut  in  pieces  in  rocky  places  by  the  enerm',  with- 
out being  able  to  escape;  hoped,  that  th<r  Israel- 
ites would  then  hearken  to  his  salutary  admoni- 
tions, which  they  now  disregarded. — 'The  people 
'which  followed  their  wicked  rulers  in  persecuting 
'the  prophet,  shall  repent  and  turn  to  God,  when 
'they  see  their  wicked  rulers  punished.' — 'When 
•'literally  rendered  from  the  Hebrew,  it  runs  thus:  I 
♦ — "Their  judges  have  been  dismissed  in  the  sides  j 
'of  the  rock,  and  have  heard  my  words,  that  they  j 
'were  sweet."  David,  reflecting  on  Saul's  cruelty  ; 
'in  driving  him  out  of  his  country,  ...  mentions! 
'his  own  different  behavior  towards  that  implaca-  \ 
'ble  enemy,  whose  life  he  had  spared  at  two  sev- 
'eral  times,  when  he  had  it  in  his  power  to  destro}^ 
'him.  ...  Their  judges,  or  princes,  leaders,  gen- 
'erals,  &c.  according  to  the  frequent  usage  of  the 
'word  in  Scripture,  ibdcj  ■,  "have  been  dismissed" 
'(the  common  signification  of  the  verb  iodc  ,)  "in 
'the  sides  of  the  rock,"  when  I  had  them  at  an  ad- 
' vantage  there, ...  and  ...  they  only  heard  me  ex- 
'postulate  with  them  in  a  manner  so  mild  and 
'humble,  that  even  Saul  himself  was  overcome, 
'and  "lift  up  his  voice  and  wept."  ...  Such  hath 
'been  my  conduct  towards  the  servants  of  Saul. 
'Yet  how  have  my  people,  alas,  been  by  them 
'most  miserably  butcliered!'  Bp.  Home.  [J\''otes,' 
1  Sam.  24:  26:) 

V.  7.  This  probably  refers  to  the  slaughter 
of  the  hundred  and  eiglity-five  priests,  and  their 
famiUes,  by  Doeg  at  Saul's  command,  because 
they  were  supposed  to  favor  David.  The  bones 
of  this  company,  murdered  on  his  account,  were 
thrown  at  the  grave's  mouth,  as  plentifully,  and 
as  disregarded,  as  the  chips  are  scattered  about 
by  one  that  "cleaveth  wood  upon  the  earth." 
{jYotes,  44:11—22.  1  .SVm.  22:7—19.  Rom.  8:33— 
39.) — In  this  verse  the  word  hw^  certainly  means 
the  grave.  ' 

V.  8,  9.  'The  principle  upon  which  David 
'acted,  and  supported  himself  under  his  troubles, 
'was  a  firm  trust  in  God,  and  a  steady  resolulion 
■♦to  obey  him.'  Bp.  Home.  {Marg.  Ref. — JVb<e, 
123:1,2.) — 'Not  only  preserve  me  from  the  snares, 
430] 


*  Heb.  make  not  my  sonl  bare 
s  25:16,17.    102:17.    143:3,4.     Is. 

41:17.   John  14:18. 
1119:110.    140:5.    142:3.  Jer.  18: 

22.    Luke  20:20. 


140:9.     Esth.  7:10. 
11:8. 
t  Heb. yass  over. 


Prov. 


'which  my  persecutors  have  laid  for  me;  but  like- 
'wise  from  the  allurements  of  all  other  wicked 
'men,  especially  the  idolatrous  Philistines  among 
'whom  I  sojourn.' 

V.  10.  David  'escaped  all  the  snares  that 
'were  laid  for  him  on  every  side;  he  lived  to  see 
'the  death  of  Saul,  who  fell  in  a  battle  with  the 
'Philistines,  and  those  Philistines  subdued  by 
'himself  and  his  subjects.'  Bp.  Home. — "The 
wicked  shall  fall,  &c."  [Marg.  Ref.) 

PRACTICAL   OBSERVATIONS. 

The  believer  maintains  communion  with  his 
God,  wherever  he  goes;  the  greater  his  trials  be- 
come, the  more  fervent  will  his  prayers  be;  and 
when  they  are  presented  through  the  Savior's 
oblation  and  intercession,  they  are  as  acceptable 
to  God,  as  the  dail}'  sacrifices  and  burning  of 
incense  were  of  old. — We  always  need  to  pray 
that  the  Lord  would  "set  a  watch  before  the  door 
of  our  lips;"  but  especially  when  we  are  con- 
strained to  associate  with  ungodly  men;  where 
we  shall  continually  be  urged  to  speak,  and 
tempted  to  speak  improperly,  out  of  fear,  shame, 
or  complaisance;  and  where  we  can  scarcely 
speak  at  all,  without  giving  them  some  cause  of 
error,  prejudice,  or  offence.  If  surrounded  by 
contagious  examples,  we  shall  likewise  have  es- 
pecial cause  to  "keep  our  hearts  with  all  dili- 
gence," and  to  pray  continually,  that  they  may 
not  be  "inclined  to  any  evil  thing,  or  to  practise 
wicked  works  with  men  that  work  iniquity." 
Our  appetites  also  must  be  bridled;  lest  they  be 
bribed  by  their  luxuries,  or  we  be  prevailed  upon 
by  seducing  solicitations,  to  sanction  their  ex- 
cesses or  iniquities,  by  the  least  approach  to  in- 
ordinate indulgence.  (P.  O.  Prov.  23:1 — 18,  w. 
1 — 3,6.) — If  it  be  our  trial  to  be  cast  into  such 
a  situation,  we  may  expect  that  the  Lord  will 
preserve  us  in  it;  though  it  will  require  extraor- 
dinary watchfulness,  an^  constancy  in  prayer, 
and  though  we  are  generally  most  remiss  on  such 
occasions:  but  if  any  from  carnal  motives  run 
themselves  into  such  temptations,  they  seldom 
escape  unpolluted  or  unwounded.  In  all  places, 
however,  we  should  fear  sin  more  than  suffering; 
and  rather  be  desirous  to  honor  God,  than  to 
recommend  or  advance  ourselves.  Such  desires 
will  not  only  dictate  our  prayers;  but  induce  us 
to  welcome  the  rebukes  of  our  heavenly  Father, 
and  also  the  reproofs  of  our  brethren.  We  should 
indeed  study  to  profit  by  the  reproaches  of  our 
enemies,  and  by  the  severe  rebukes  of  those  who 
mean  well,  but  are  unskilful:  but  that  reproof, 
which  is  given  with  prudence,  meekness,  piety, 
and  affection,  insinuates  and  lubricates  like  a 
healing  ointment;  it  causes  little  pain  or  irrita- 
tion, and  produces  abundant  good:  and  no  bene- 
factors are  more  entitled  to  our  gratitude  and 
our  prayers,  than  reprovers  of  this  character;  be- 
cause none  serve  us  in  a  more  disinterested  and 
self-denying  manner.  Yet  alas!  flatterers  are 
generally  more  favored,  even  by  professed  Chris- 
tians and  by  many  who  may  be  looked  upon  in 
the  main,  as  real  Christians!  and  this  plain  deal- 
ing is  lamentably  sunk  into  disuse,  to  the  un- 


B.  C.  1060. 


PSALM  CXLII. 


B.  C.  1060. 


I 


PSALM  CXLII 

David  complains  of  liis  persecutors,  and  expresses  his  confidence 
and  joy  in  God,  1 — 7. 

*  Maschil  of  David;  A  Prayer  *  when  he 

was  in  the  cave. 
CRIED   unto  the    Lokd,   with  my 
voice:  ^  with  my  voice  unto  the  Lord 
did  I  make  my  supplication. 

2  1"^  poured  out  my  complaint  before 
him;  '^  I  shewed  before  him  my  trouble. 

3  When  ®  my  spirit  was  overwhelmed 
within  me,  '  then  thou  knewest  my  path. 
8  In  the  way  wherein  I  walked  have  they 
privily  laid  a  snare  for  me. 

4  1 1  looked  on  7ny  right  hand,  and  be- 

*  Or,   A  psalm    of  David  giv- 
ing instruclion.  32;  54:   titles 

a  1  Sam.  22:1,2.  24.3.    Heb.  11 


33. 
b  28:2.  77:1,2.    141:1. 
c42:4.   102:  title.     1  Sam.  1:15, 

16.  Is.  26:16.     Rom.  8:26. 
a  18:4—6.     Phil.   4:6,7.      Heb. 


5:7. 
e  22:14.  61:2.  102:4.  143:4.  Mark 

14:33—36. 
f  1:6.  17:3.  139:2—4.  Job  23:10. 
g31:4.  35:7,8.  56:6.    140:5.    141: 

9.   Jer.  18:22.  Matt.  22:15. 
f  Or,   Look  on  the  right  hand 

and  see. 


speakable  detriment  of  true  piety. — We  should 
be  unwearied  in  our  endeavors  to  do  good:  those 
instructive  and  affectionate  words,  which  sinners 
despised  in  their  prosperity,  may  perhaps  be  at- 
tended to  in  adversity;  or  when  the  ruin  of  ring;- 
leaders  or  associates  in  iniquity,  concurs  in  shew- 
ing them  flieir  danger  and  misery:  and  we  ought 
patiently  to  watch  for  such  opportunities.  Nor 
should  any  injuries  make  us  reluctant  to  do  good 
to  our  opponents;  even  though  they  have  wasted 
the  church,  as  king  Saul,  and  as  Saul  of  Tarsus 
did,  till  the  bones  of  the  ministers  arid  people  of 
God  lie  scattered  abroad,  as  the  chips  around 
him  who  hews  wood.  Indeed,  if  we  be  not  ex- 
posed to  such  calamities,  our  bones  will  soon  lie 
scattered  at  the  mouth  of  the  grave;  and  others 
will  moralize  over  them,  as  we  are  wont  to  do, 
when  we  traverse  a  burying  ground,  and  behold 
an  opened  grave.  Let  us  then  lift  our  eyes  unto 
God  the  Lord,  and  trust  in  him  that  our  souls 
shall  not  then  be  left  destitute  or  "made  bare:" 
[Marg.  JVole,  2  Cor.  5:1 — 4.)  and  let  us  entreat 
him  to  rescue  us  from  the  snares  of  Satan  and  of 
all  the  workers  of  iniquity,  that  we  may  escape, 
and  be  blessed  for  ever,  while  the  wicked  fall 
into  their  own  nets  and  perish. 

NOTES. 

Psalm  CXLIL  Title.  On  one  occasion  Da- 
vid, driven  from  the  court  of  Achish,  with  only  a 
very  small  company,  hid  himself  in  the  cave  of 
Adullam;  where  at  length  he  was  joined  by  a 
considerable  number  of  adherents.  ( JVbfe,  1  Sam. 
22:1,2.)  On  another,  he  was  hidden  in  a  cave 
when  Saul  and  his  army  came  to  seek  for  him: 
thus  he  was  in  extreme  danger,  till  Saul,  by  in- 
advertently entering  the  cave,  put  himself  in  his 
power,  and  gave  him  an  opportunity  of  shewing 
his  determination  not  to  injure  his  prince,  and 
also  of  escaping  for  the  present.  [Jfotes,  1  Sam. 
24:)  It  is  not  certain,  to  which  of  these  events 
this  psalm  belongs — But,  however  that  may  be, 
David  seems  to  have  formed  the  substance  of  the 
prayer  which  he  made  before  God,  in  the  ex- 
tremity of  his  danger,  into  a  psalm  when  he  had 
obtained  deliverance:  though  some  think  that  it 
ought  to  be  rendered  in  the  present  tense,  as  the 
very  praj^er,  which  he  made  in  the  cave.  IJVbtes, 
Is.  38:9—13,  V.  9.  Jon.  2:1,2.) 

V.  1—3.  'Though  I  am  destitute  of  human 
'help,  I  will  not  despair  of  safety;  but  with  the 
♦more  fervent  cries  implore  the  divine  succor. 
'  ...  I  "will  lay  before  him,'  (the  Lord)  all  the  sad 


held,  ^  but  there  was  no  man  that  would 
know  me:  '  refuge  I  failed  me;  no  man 
cared  for  my  soul. 

5  I  cried  unto  thee,  O  Lord:  I  said, 
^  Thou  art  my  Refuge  and  *  my  Portion 
"  in  the  land  of  the  living. 

6  Attend  unto  my  cry;  "  for  I  am 
brought  very  low:  deliver  me  from  my 
persecutors;  °  for  they  are  stronger  than  I. 

7  Bring  p  my  soul  out  of  prison,  that  I 
may  praise  thy  name:  i  the  righteous 
shall  compass  me  about;  for  "■  thou  shalt 
deal  bountifully  with  me 

h  31:11.  69:20.  88:8,13.    Job  19; 

13—19.     Matt.  26:56.     2  Tim, 

4:16. 
i  1  Sam.  23:11—13,19,20.  27:1. 
J  Heb.    -peri&hed  from  me;  nc 

man  sought  after  my  sovl.- 
k   46:1,7,11.    62:6,7.     91:2,9,10. 


John  16:32. 
1  16:5.  73:26. 

24. 
m  27:13.  56:13. 


2  Tim.  4:17. 
119:57.     Lam.  3: 


n  44:24— 26.    79:8.    116:6.    136: 

23.   143:3,7. 
o3:I.  38:19.  57:3,4.  59:3.  1  Sam. 

24:14. 
p  Title.   9:13,14.  31:8.  88:4—8. 

143:11.     Acts  2:24. 
q  7:6,7.  22:21—27.  34:2.  107:41, 

42.    119:74. 
r  13:6.   116:7.    119:17.     Jam.  5: 

11. 


'thoughts  which  perplex  my  heart;  and  repre- 
'senting  the  inextricable  straits  and  difficulties 
'wherein  I  am,  expose  myself  unto  him,  as  an 
'object  of  his  pity.  Now  that  I  am  utterly  at  a 
'loss,  and  ready  to  faint  away  in  the  confusion  of 
'my  thoughts;  thou  knowest  very  well  a  way  for 
'mjr  escape:  though  by  the  intelligence  they  hold 
'with  my  enemies,  (1  Sam.  24:1.)  they  have 
'blocked  up  all  the  passages  which  I  am  acquaint- 
'ed  withal,  and  laid  ambushes  for  me  in  every 
'road.'  Bp.  Patrick.  [Marg.  Ref. — JVotes,  1: 
'4—6,  V.  6.  61:1,2.) 

V.  4.  The  original  is  in  the  imperative,  "Look 
thou  on  my  right  hand,  &;c."  [JMarg.)  Some 
consider  it  as  a  prayer  to  God,  to  look  on  the 
extremity  of  his  case.  Others  suppose  it  to  be  a 
kind  of  soliloquy:— -'Look  about  thee,  O  my  soul, 
'and  see  if  thou  canst  spy  any  hope  of  relief  from 
'thy  best  and  most  powerful  friends.  There  are 
'none  of  them  that  dare  own  thee,  nor  do  I  know 
'whither  to  fly  for  safety.'  Bp.  Patrick.  [Marg. 
Ref.) 

V.  5.  Uriarg.  Ref.—JVotes,  11:1—5.  Lam.  3: 
24,25.)  When  every  other  refuge  and  patron 
failed  or  deserted  David,  he  became  the  more 
fervent  in  prayer  to  his  unchanging,  faithful,  and 
Almighty  Friend  and  Protector;  and  he  the  more 
simply  confided  and  gloried  in  him,  as  his  Refuge 
and  Portion,  while  he  lived  on  earth,  and  in 
heaven  for  ever. — 'Death  will ...  strip  us  of  all 
'our  earthly  connexions  and  dependences:  but 
'even  at  that  hour,  may  we,  each  of  us,  cry  unto 
'thee,  O  Lord,  and  say,  "Thou  art  my  Refuge, 
'and  my  Portion  in  the  land  of  the  living." '  Bj). 
Home. 

V.  6.  'O  let  my  importunate  cry  prevail  for 
'some  relief,  which  will  come  most  seasonably  in 
'this  exceeding  great  necessity.  Rescue  me 
'now,  that  I  may  not  fall  into  the  hands  of  my 
'persecutors,  who  are  every  way  (except  in  these 
'cries  unto  and  confidence  in  tnee,)  much  too 
'strong  for  me.'  Bp.  Patrick.  [Marg.  Ref. — 
JVbfe,  116:6.) 

V.  7.  [Mote^  title.)  The  cave,  in  which  Da- 
vid was  hidden,  was  like  a  prison  to  confine  hiin, 
till  Saul  should  come  and  put  him  to  death;  unless 
God  would  mercifully  deliver  him,  according  to 
his  word,  of  which  he  did  not  allow  himself  In 
doubt.  Nay,  he  anticijiated  the  season,  when  lii'^ 
grateful  praises  would  attract  the  notice  of  all 
the  pious  Israelites;  and  when  he  should  be  a.' 
mucii  surrounded  by  admiring  congratulating 
multitudes,  uniting  with  him  in  adoring  grateful 

[4'Jl 


B.  C.   1021. 


PSALxM  CXLIII. 


B.  C.  1021. 


PSALM  CXLIII. 

David  earnestly  deprecates  the  severity  of  God's  judgment,  com- 
plains of  his  enemies  and  distresses,  and  encourages  his  faith 
by  meditating  on  the  works  of  God,  1 — 5.  He  fervently  prays 
for  comfort,  guidance,  quickening,  and  deliverance;  and  fore- 
tels  the  destruction  of  his  enemies,  6 — 12. 

A  Psalm  of  David. 
EAR  my  prayer,  O  Lord,  give  ear 
to  my  supplications:  ^  in  thy  faith- 
fulness answer  me,  and  in  thy  righteous- 
ness. 

2  And  '°  enter  not  into  judgment  with 
thy  servant;  for  '  in  thy  sight  shall  no  man 
living  be  justified. 


a  31:1.  71:2.  2  Sam.  7:25. 

9:16.      1  John  1:9. 
b  130:3.  Job  14:3. 


c  Job  4:17.  9:2.  15:14.  25:4. 
F.c.  7:20.  Rom.  3:20.  Gal.  2: 
16.    1  John  1:10. 


praises,  as  he  was  now  shunned  by  all.     (jSTotes, 
7:6,7.   13:5,6.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

There  can  be  no  situation  so  distressingf,  per- 
ilous, or  disgraceful,  in  which  faith  will  not 
derive  comfort  from  God  by  fervent  prayer. 
[JVotes,  1  .Sam.  30:6.  Acts  16:25—28.)  In  our 
greatest  perplexities,  when  our  spirits  are  over- 
whelmed by  distress,  and  filled  with  confusion 
and  discouragement,  and  all  our  own  wisdom  and 
resources  exhausted  and  swallowed  up;  and  when 
we  see  snares  laid  for  us  on  every  side,  we  may 
reflect  with  comfort,  "that  the  Lord  knoweth 
our  path:"  and  if  we  aim  to  walk  in  his  way,  he 
will  protect  and  guide  us,  and  extricate  us  from 
every  danger  and  difficulty — Indeed  few  men 
choose  to  know  their  afflicted  and  persecuted  ac- 
quaintance, which  might  expose  them  to  expense, 
inconvenience,  and  peril:  (Jfotes,  38:11,12.  Job 
6:15 — 23.  19:5—22.)  and  "refuge"  may  in  this 
sense  "fail  us,"  and  no  one  appear  to  care  either 
for  our  lives  or  souls.  But  the  Lord  will  be  the 
Refuge  of  his  people  on  earth,  and  their  Portion 
in  heaven,  that  "land  of  the  living."  Thus  he 
delivered  David  from  his  powerful  persecutors, 
after  he  was  "brought  very  low;"  he  raised  him 
from  the  cave,  in  which  he  seemed  to  be  im- 
prisoned as  a  condemned  criminal  for  execution; 
he  advanced  him  to  the  throne,  compassed  him 
about  with  the  rigliteous,  dealt  bountifully  with 
him,  and  turned  his  complaining  prayers  into 
joyful  praises.  Thus  he  raised  the  crucified  Re- 
deemer, from  the  prison  of  the  grave  to  the 
throne  of  glory,  and  made  him  "Head  over  all 
things  for  his  church."  Thus  the  poor  convinced 
sinner,  when  every  other  refuge  fails,  and  he  is 
shut  up  under  sin,  cries  for  help,  and  is  brought 
forth  out  of  prison  to  praise  the  Lord,  in  the  com- 
pany of  his  redeemed  people:  and  thus  every  be- 
liever will  be  finally  delivered  from  this  evil 
world,  from  Satan,  sin,  and  death;  that,  with  mu- 
tual congratulations,  the  whole  company  of  the 
redeemed  may  rejoice,  and  praise  their  God  and 
Savior  for  evermore. 

NOTES. 
Psalm  CXLIII.  V.  1.  'There  are  ...  passages 
'which  will  incline  us  to  ...  apply  this  psalm  to 
'David's  flight  from  Absalom:  for  then  he  had 
'most  reason  to  fear,  lest  God  should  dead  with 
'him  according  to  his  sins;  which  he  deprecates 
"■{v.  2. )  with  such  a  deep  sense  of  his  unworthi- 
'ness,  that  it  hath  made  this  to  be  numbered 
'among  the  penitential  psalms,  and  is  the  last  of 
'them.'  Bp.  Patrick. — David  had  the  "faithful- 
ness" of  God  to  depend  on,  according  to  the 
promises  made  to  him  by  name,  and  to  Solomon 
and  his  posterity  by  him,  notwithstanding  his 
personal  unworthiness:  and  his  cause  was  right- 
432] 


3  For  '^  the  enemy  hath  persecuted 
my  soul:  ®  he  hath  smitten  my  life  down 
to  the  ground:  ^  he  hath  made  me  to  dwell 
in  darkness,  as  those  that  have  been  long 
dead. 

4  Therefore  s  is  my  spirit  overwhelm- 
ed within  me:  ^  my  heart  within  me  is 
desolate. 

5  I  '  remember  the  days  of  old;  I  med- 
itate on  all  thy  works;  I  muse  on  the 
work  of  thy  hands. 


d  7:1,2.    17:9—13.    35:4.    54:3. 

142:6. 
e  7:5.    2  Sam.  2:22.   13:11. 
f  31:12,13.  88:4— 6.    Ez.  37:11. 
g  55:5.    61:2.    77:3.    102:    litU. 

124:4.   142:3.      Job  6:27. 


h  25:16.  102:3,4.  119:81—83. 
Luke  22:44. 

i  42:6.  77:6,10—12.  111:4.  Deut. 
8:2,3.  1  Sam.  17:34—37,45— 
50.  Is.  63:7—14.    Mic.  6:5. 


eous,  when  called  on  to  withstand  Absalom's 
most  wicked  and  unnatural  rebellion.  (JVbfes,  7: 
8— Jl.  7J:2.  89:1—4,19—37.  2  Sam.  7:12— 16. 
1  John  1:8—10.) 

V.  2.  The  psalmist,  having  appealed  to  the 
justice  of  God,  to  decide  between  him  and  his 
enemies,  as  well  as  to  his  "faithfulness"  to  his 
promises,  called  to  mind,  that  neither  he,  nor  any 
other  man,  could  stand  in  judgment  before  God, 
according  to  the  tenor  of  his  righteous  law.  'The 
'thoughts  of  such  a  trial  are  enough  to  appal  the 
'soul  of  the  best  man  living,  to  make  his  flesh 
'tremble,  and  all  his  bones  shake,  as  if  he  stood 
'at  the  foot  of  Sinai,  and  beheld  Jehovah  ready 
'to  break  forth  upon  him,  in  the  flame  of  devour- 
'ing  fire.'  Bp.  Home. — 'If  thou  shouldst  proceed 
'according  to  the  rigor  of  the  law,  the  best  man 
'living  (much  less  so  great  a  sinner  as  I,)  will  not 
'be  acquitted  at  thy  tribunal.'  Bp.  Patrick. — 
The  connexion  of  this  verse  with  the  preceding 
and  the  following  verses,  in  which  it  is  evident 
the  Psalmist  was  referring  the  cause,  between 
him  and  his  adversaries,  to  the  decision  of  the 
just  Judge  of  the  world,  renders  it  peculiarly  im- 
portant in  the  argument  concerning  a  sinner's 
justification  before  God.  {JS'oles,  130:3,4.  Job  4: 
17—21.  jRom.  3:19,20.  Ga^.  3:10— 22.) 

V.  3.  Absalom,  Ahithophel,  and  their  zealous 
adherents,  pursued  David  with  unrelenting  mal- 
ice: they  drove  him  from  his  city  and  palace,  and 
at  once  turned  his  singular  prosperity  into  deso- 
lation, almost  like  death;  as  a  warrior  at  one 
stroke  beats  his  enemy  to  the  ground.  Thus  he 
was  driven  into  obscure  corners  in  disgrace  and 
distress:  and  at  the  same  time  consciousness  of 
guilt,  and  inward  disconsolation  and  temptation, 
served  to  shut  him  up,  as  in  a  dark  dungeon; 
while  the  triumphs  of  his  enemies  made  his  cause 
to  be  considered  as  lost:  so  that  he  seemed  to  him- 
self no  more  noticed  by  the  Israelites  in  general, 
than  if  he  had  been  dead  and  laid  in  tibe  dark 
grave,  with  those  who  had  died  ages  before. 
(JVbies,  7:3—5.  31:10—13.88:5.  2  Sam.  15:13— 
30.) 

V.  4.     J^otes,  77:3.  102:  title.   142:1—3. 

V.  5.  The  Psalmist  may  be  supposed,  in  this 
extremity,  to  have  revolved  in  his  mind  all  the 
circumstances  of  his  own  eventful  life,  from  the 
time  when  "the  Lord  delivered  him  from  the 
paw  of  the  lion  and  the  bear,"  and  then  from  the 
sword  of  Goliath,  and  from  the  javelin  of  Saul, 
through  all  his  subsequent  persecutions,  and  eve- 
ry danger,  till  the  time  when  he  composed  the 
psalm.  But  he  also,  no  doubt,  meditated  on  all 
the  displays  of  the  power,  truth,  and  jnercy  of  God 
to  his  people,  from  tlie  beginning  of  the  world; 
in  order  to  encourage  his  drooping  hope  and  re- 
vive his  desponding  soul.  [Jfotes,  42:6 — 8.  77:5 — 
20.     Is.  51:1—3.9—11.  63:7—14.     Mic.  6:3— 5.> 


B.  C.  1021. 


PSALM  CXLIII. 


B.  C.  1021. 


6  1''  stretch  forth  my  hands  unto  thee: 

*  my  soul  thirsteth  after  thee,  as  a  thirsty 
land.  Selah. 

7  ""  Hear  me  speedily,  O  Lord:  "  my 
spirit  faileth:  <>hide  not  thy  face  from  me; 

*  lest  I  be  P  like  unto  them  that  go  down 
into  the  pit. 

8  Cause  me  "J  to  hear  thy  loving-kind- 
ness in  the  morning;  for  in  thee  do  I 
trust:  •■  cause  me  to  know  the  way  where- 
in I  should  walk;  '-  for  I  lift  up  my  soul 
unto  thee. 


k  44:20.  88:9.  Job  11:13. 
142:1,2.63:1.    84:2.     Is.  26:8,9. 

35:7.   John  7:37. 
m  13:1—4.    40:13,17.    70:5.    71: 

12. 
n  40:12.  69:3.   Is.  57:16.     Luke 
•  21:26. 
0  22:24.  27:9.  69:17.   Is.  8:17. 


*  Or,  for  I  am  become,  ^c, 
p28:l.  88:4—6,10,11.    Is.  38:18. 
q  30:5.    42:8.    46:5.      J\la  g.  59: 

16.    Gen.  32:24—29.    Hos.  6:3. 
r  10.    5:8.    25:4,5.    27:11.    32:8. 

119:34,73.     Prov.  3:5,6.  Is.  30: 

21.  48:17. 
s  25:1.  86:4.     Lam.  3:41. 


'  "Remembering  the  days  of  old,  and  meditating 
'on  all  the  works"  of  love  and  mercy,  which  Je- 
'hovah  then  wrought  towards  those  who  were 
'sinners  like  ourselves;  ...  the  reflection  is  obvi- 
'ous.  Is  he  not  still  the  same  gracious  God.''  Will 
'he  not  do  as  much  for  us,  upon  our  repentance, 
'as  he  hath  formerly  done  for  others  upon  theirs.' 
'  "Let  us  arise  and  go  to  our  Father." '  Bp. 
Home. 

V.  6.  'Though  I  despair  of  human  help,  I  make 
'my  prayer  unto  thee,  with  a  cheerful  confidence, 
'for  thy  relief,  which  I  long  for,  and  expect  with 
'as  eager  desire,  as  the  parched  ground  gasps  for 
'the  refreshing  shower.'  Bp.  Patrick. — "The 
joy  of  God's  salvation,"  however,  seems  to  have 
been  far  more  prominent  in  the  Psalmist's  mind, 
than  any  outward  deliverance,  when  he  used  this 
most  striking  similitude. — 'Prayer  is  the  voice  of 
'faith.  The  sinner,  who  views  his  situation,  and 
'believes, ...  will  soon  "stretch  forth  his  hands" 
'in  supplication  to  heaven:  his  soul  will  gasp  and 
'pant  after  that  grace  and  mercy,  which  descend 
'from  above,  like  the  rain  in  its  season,  to  bestow 
'refreshment,  beauty,  and  fertility,  on  a  parched 
'and  "thirsty  land." '  Bp.  Home.  {Mdes,  42: 1 — 
3.  63:1 — 4.  84:1,2.  119:81,82.  Joh7il:3'7—39.) 

V.  7.  Marg.  Ref.—JSTotes,  3.  13:1—4.  69:1— 
3.  Is.  57:15,16.— Go  down.  Sic]    M)te,  28:1. 

V.  8.  'Though  this  night  be  very  sad;  yet  let 
'me  hear  ...  better  news  ...  in  the  morning.'  Bp. 
Patrick.  Perhaps  this  was  written  when  David 
heard  of  Ahithopbel's  counsel  to  slay  him.  (J^Totes, 
3.  2  Saw.  17:1 — 22.)  In  this  emergency  he  ear- 
nestly lifted  up  his  soul  to  God,  and  prayed  to  be 
directed  what  metliods  to  adopt  for  his  safety;  or 
rather,  how  it  behoved  him  to  act  in  consistency 
with  his  duty.  {Mars:-  Re/,  q,  r — J^otes,  10.  5:7, 
8.  25:4,5.)— Lift  up,  Ilc.]  Marg.  Ref.  s.—JVote, 
25:1. 

V.  9.  Marg.—J^otes,  142:4,5.  Prov.  18:10,11. 
V.  10.  'Whose  guidance  I  beseech,  as  well  as 
'defence,  that  I  may  do  nothing,  (no,  not  for  my 
'preservation,)  but  what  is  perfectly  agreeable  to 
'thy  laws.'  B p.  Patrick. — My  God.]  JVotes,'Sl: 
14.  2  Chr.  28:5. 

Thy  Spirit  is  good.]  'He  entreateth  the  good 
'Spirit  of  God,  to  lead  him  out  of  the  mazes  of 
'error,  and  the  pollutions  of  vice,  into  the  pleas- 
'ant  "land"  of  truth  and  holiness.'  Bp.  Home. 
When  we  consider  the  darkness  and  pollution  of 
the  sinner's  heart,  and  recollect  how  men  "resist 
the  Holy  Spirit;"  and  how  even  believers  often 
quench  his  emotions,  grieve  him  by  their  per- 
verseness,  and  pollute  his  temple  by  their  sins: 
and  also  reflect  that  he  not  only  enters  the  soul 
as  a  Sanctifier  to  prepare  us  for  future  happiness, 
Vol.  III.  -"       55 


9  Deliver  me,  O  Lord,  from  mine 
enemies:  '  I  t  flee  unto  thee  to  hide  me. 

10  "  Teach  me  to  do  thy  will;  *  for 
thou  art  my  God:  ^  thy  Spirit  is  good; 
lead  me  into  *  the  land  of  uprightness. 

11  *  Quicken  me,  O  Lord,  for  thy 
name's  sake:  ''  for  thy  righteousness'  sake 
•^  bring  my  soul  out  of  trouble. 

12  And  '^  of  thy  mercy  cut  off  mine 
enemies,  and  destroy  all  them  that  afflict 
my  soul;  ®  for  I  am  thy  servant. 

"""     '     ~'  14— 16,26.  15:13,30.  Gal.  5:20. 

23.  Eph.  4:30.  6:9.  2  Tim.  1:7. 


31:2—4.  56:9.  61:3,4.  142:5 
Prov.  18:10.  Heb.  6:18. 

f  Heb.  hide  me  viith  thee. 

II  26:4,5,8,9,12.  119:5—7,12,35. 
139.24.  Matt.  28:20.  Col.  1: 
9,10.  1  Thes.  4:1,2.  Heb.  13: 
21. 

x22:l.  31:14.  63:1.  118:28.  140: 
6. 

y  Neh.  9:20.  Is.  63:14.  John  14: 
26.   16:13—15.    Rom.  5:5.  8:2, 


z  Is.  26:10. 

a  85:6.   119:25,37,40,88,107.  133: 

7.  Eph.  2:4,5. 
b  1.   9:7,8.  31:1.  71:2. 
c  25:17.  34:19.    37:39,40.  91:15, 

16.  Rev.  7:14—17. 
d    54:5.    55:23.     136:15 20.   I 

Sam.  24:12—15.  26:29.    26:10. 
e  116:16.   119:94. 


but  as  a  Comforter,  and  as  the  first-fruits  of  that 
happiness;  and  how  he  perseveres  in  his  work  of 
love  and  power,  notwithstanding  our  folly  and  in- 
gratitude; we  shall  perceive  a  peculiar  propriety 
in  this  epithet  of  "good,"  as  applied  to  God  the 
Spirit.  His  condescension,  compassion,  and  kind- 
ness, can  be  equalled  by  nothing  but  the  bleeding 
love  of  Emmanuel,  and  the  mercy  of  God  the  Fa- 
ther in  sending  us  such  a  Redeemer,  and  such  a 
Sanctifier.  The  "goodness"  of  the  Spirit  formed 
a  very  encouraging  plea  to  the  broken  hearted 
Psalmist,  who,  conscious  of  his  unworthiness, 
could  scarcely  hope,  that  this  divine  Comforter, 
whom  he  had  so  shamefully  grieved,  would  return 
any  more  to  rejoice  his  drooping  heart.  [Marg. 
Ref.—JVotes,  5]  :U— 13.  JVeh.  9:20.) 

V.  11,  12.  'The  verbs  in  these  two  last  verses, 
'as  Dr.  Hammond  hath  noted,  should  be  rendered 
'in  the  future;  "Thou  shalt  quicken,  &c."  and 
'then  the  psalm  will  end,  as  usual,  with  an  act  of 
'faith  and  assurance,  that  all  those  mercies  which 
'have  been  asked  shall  be  obtained.'  Bp.  Home.  \ 
{Marg.  Ref.—JVotes,  1,2.  54:.5.  119:25.  136:10— 
22.) — Thy  servant.  (12)  'I  am  thy  minister,  and 
'though  never  so  unworthy,  am  appointed  by  thee 
'to  govern  thy  people;  in  which  office  I  will  do 
'thee  all  faithful  service.'  Bp.  Patrick.  (JVbfe, 
123:2.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  believer  has  not  only  the  "faithfulness,"  but 
the  "righteousness"  of  God  engaged  in  his  behalf; 
because  he  is  "made  the  righteousness  of  God  in 
Christ  Jesus:"  much  more  then  may  he  be  confi- 
dent, that  he  has  justice  on  his  side  in  those  causes 
which  are  pending,  between  him  and  his  per- 
secutors, before  the  supreme  Judge.  But  he  will 
not  forget,  that  in  himself,  and  in  his  best  actions, 
he  is  a  sinner;  and  that  he  cannot  in  any  degree, 
be  justified  at  God's  tribunal  by  his  own  obedi- 
ence; and  this  consideration  will  keep  hTm  as  a 
humble  penitent,  pleading  guilty,  crying  for  mer- 
cy, living  by  faith,  and  perceiving  more  and  more 
preciousness  in  Christ  and  his  salvation,  to  the 
end  of  his  da3's.  Nor  need  the  trembling  sinner, 
who  has  lately  discovered  that  he  cannot  stand  in 
judgment  before  God,  be  discouraged  on  that  ac- 
count: for  the  greatest  of  saints  have  confessed 
the  same.  But  what  must  be  the  presumption 
and  delusion  of  those,  who  despise  free  grace  and 
"the  gift  of  righteousness,"  and  expect  heaven  as 
the  wages  of  their  scanty,  formal  services!  Nay, 
strange  to  say,  some  of  them  have  even  arrogant- 
ly thought  of  meriting  for  others  also! — The  justi- 
fied believer,  having  peace  with  God,  must  expe- 
rience the  enmity  of  the  world,  and  the  tempta- 

[433 


B.  C.  1038. 


PSALM  CXLIV. 


B.  C.  1038. 


PSALM  CXLIV. 


David  praises  God  for  his  goodness  to  him,  and  his  condescen- 
sion to  the  human  race,  1 — i.  He  prays  for  the  powerful  inter- 
position of  JEHOVAH  to  deliver  him  from  his  enemies,  5 — S. 
He  promises  to  praise  God,  9,  10.  He  renews  his  prayers  for 
personal  and  public  prosperity,  and  shews  the  huppioess  of 
those  "whose  God  is  the  LORD,"  11 — 15. 

Jl  Psalm  of  David. 

BLESSED     he     the     Lord    *  my 
Strength,    which   *  teacheth    my 
hands  t  to  war,  and  my  fingers  to  fight; 

2  My  t  Goodness,  ^  and  my  Fortress; 
my  high  Tower,  and  my  Dehverer;  my 
Shield,  and  he  in  whom  I  trust;  *=  who 
subdueth  my  people  under  me. 

3  Lord,  "^  what  is  man,  that  thou  tak- 
est  knowledge  of  him!  ®or  the  son  of  man, 
that  thou  makest  account  of  him! 


*  Heb.   my  Rock.   13:2,31.  71: 

3.  95:1.  Deut.  32:30,31.  Is.  26: 

4.  marg. 

a  44:3,-l.  60:12.     2  Sam.  22:35. 
2  Cor.  10:4.  Eph. 6:10,11. 
t  Or,  to  the  roar,  ^-c. 
j  Or,  mercy. 


b  2  Sam.  22:2,3,40—43.    Jer. 

16:19. 
c  13:47.   110:3. 
d3:4.     Job7;l7.    15:14.     Heb. 

2:6. 
e  146:3,4. 


tions  of  Satan.  This  enemy,  at  least,  will  never 
fail  to  persecute  our  souls;  and  he  often  smites 
our  life  to  the  ground,  by  his  seducing'  and  dis- 
couraging suggestions.  When  he  can  prevail 
v/ith  us  to  commit  sin,  and  the  Lord  is  provoked 
to  hide  his  face,  he  next  insinuates  that  God  will 
no  more  be  gracious:  and  thus  he  causes  us  to 
indulge  despondency  and  hard  thoughts  of  God, 
and  we  dwell  in  darkness  as  if  we  were  cast  off 
to  perish.  But  meditation  and  prayer  will  recov- 
er us  from  these  distresses:  while  we  "muse  on  the 
works  of  God,"  we  shall  be  encouraged  to  hope 
in  him;  and  then  the  mourning  soul  strives  to  re- 
turn to  him,  and  thirsts  for  his  consolations,  as  the 
parched  ground  for  refreshing  rain.  And  if  the 
eminent  peril  of  death  renders  men  vehement  in 
calling  out  for  speedy  relief;  much  more  will  the 
believer  call  upon  God,  to  hear  him  speedily, 
when  "his  spirit  faileth,"  and,  through  the  hiding 
of  his  face,  he  seems  "like  them  that  go  down 
into  the  pit."  But  this  night  of  distress  and  discour- 
agement shall  usher  in  a  morning  of  consolation 
and  praise.  They  who  trust  in  the  Lord,  shall 
"hear  of  his  loving-kindness:"  and  he  will  "cause 
those  to  know  the  way  wherein  they  should  walk, 
who  lift  up  their  souls  unto  him."  Let  us  then 
flee  to  the  Lord,  to  hide  ns  from  every  enemy; 
entreating  him  to  teach  us  to  do  his  will,  and  to 
guide  us  by  his  "good  Spirit,"  in  the  straight  way 
of  holiness,  to  the  land  of  perfect  righteousness 
and  peace.  And  the  more  we  are  slandered  and 
persecuted,  the  more  fervently  should  we  pray, 
that  we  may  not  only  find  peace  and  comfort;  but 
that  "by  well-doing  we  may  put  to  silence  the  ig- 
norance of  foolish  men."  Nor  will  the  good  Spirit 
of  our  God  disdain  to  be  the  Guide,  Sanctifier,  and 
Comforter  of  those  poor  sinners,  who  seek  these 
blessings  in  the  Redeemer's  name. — The  Lord 
counts  all  those  his  enemies,  who  are  enemies  to 
his  people;  and,  in  mercy  to  their  souls,  he  will 
cut  off  all  that  afflict  and  injure  them:  but  we 
should  especially  seek  the  destruction  of  our  sins, 
our  worst  enemies,  that  we  may  be  more  devoted- 
ly God's  servants,  and  fill  up  our  several  stations 
in  the  family,  the  community,  and  the  church  of 
God,  to  the  glory  of  his  name;  and  then  his  right- 
eousness and  mercy  will  concur  in  securing  an 
answer  to  our  prayers  for  complete  and  eternal 
deliverance. 

NOTES. 
Psalm  CXLIV.    V.  1.    This  psalm  was,  no 
434] 


4  ^Man  is  like  to  vanity:  e  his  days  are 
as  a  shadow  that  passeth  away. 

5  ''  Bow  thy  heavens,  O  Lord,  and 
come  down:  '  touch  the  mountains,  and 
they  shall  smoke. 

6  "^  Cast  forth  hghtning,  and  scatter 
them:  '  shoot  out  thine  arrows,  and  de- 
stroy them. 

7  ■"  Send  thine  ^hand  from  above;  rid 
me,  and  ^  deliver  me  out  of  great  waters, 
from  "  the  hand  of  strange  children; 

8  Whose  P  mouth  speaketh  vanity,  and 
1  their  right  hand  is  a  right  hand  of  false- 
hood. 


f  39:5,6.  62:9.  89:47. 

Job  4:19. 

23,42. 

14:1—3.    Ec.  1:2,14. 

12:8. 

m  13:16.     2  Sam.  22:17.     Matt. 

g   102:11.    103:15,16. 

109:23.  2 

27:43. 

Sam.  14:14.    1  Chr. 

29:15.  Job 

§  Heb.  hands. 

8:9.   Ec.  8:13. 

D  69:2,14,15.    93:3,4.     Rev.  12: 

h  13:9.    Is.  64:1,2. 

15,16.   17:15. 

i  104:32.     Ex.  19:13. 

Nah.  1:3 

0  11.  54:3.     Neh.  9:2.     Mai.  2: 

—6.     Hab.  3:3—6. 

Heb.  12: 

11. 

13. 

p   10:7.    12:2.  41:6.   53:3.    62:4, 

k  13:13,11.     77:17,11] 

.      2  Sam. 

109:2,3.     Is.  59:5— 7. 

22:12—15. 

q   Is.  44:20.     Matt.  3:30.    Rev. 

1  7:12.    21:12.    45:5. 

Deut.  32: 

13:16,17. 

doubt,  written  by  David,  after  his  accession  to 
the  throne  over  all  Israel;  and  when  he  had  gain- 
ed some  of  his  first  victories  over  the  neighboring 
nations;  but  before  he  had  finished  his  wars 
against  them.  [J^otes,  5 — 8.  2  Sam.  5:) — "Blessed 
be  the  Lokd  my  Strength,"  'who  of  a  poor  shep- 
'herd  hath  made  me  a  valiant  warrior  and  mighty 
'conqueror.'  (Marg.  and  JMarg.  Ref. — JYoteSy 
44:1—3.  2  Snm.  22:34,35.  Is.  41:2—4.) 

V.  2.  JYotes,  2  Snm.  22:1—3,31—33,43—51  — 
J\ly  goodncss.l  'The  God,  on  whose  goodness  and 
'mercy  I  depend;  or,  'My  supreme  Good;'  or, 
'  'The  Author  of  all  that  is  good  in  me.' — My  Dc- 
liverer.'\  'Heb.  My  Deliverer  unto  vie:  for  the 
'prophet  cannot  satisfy  himself  with  any  words.' 

V.  3,  4.  {Marg.  Ref.—JS'ote,  8:4—9.  P.  O.— 
J^ote,  Heb.  2:5 — 9.) — 'Lord,  what  indeed  is  man, 
'...  who  is  now  become  like  vanity,  or  instability 
'itself;  whose  days  are  fleeting  and  transient  as  a 
'shadow,  which  glides  over  the  earth,  vanishes, 
'and  is  seen  no  more!  Such  was  human  nature: 
'but  the  Son  of  God  has  taken  it  upon  himself, 
'rendered  it  immortal,  and  exalted  it  to  heaven,' 
whither  'all  will  follow  him  hereafter,  who  follow 
'him  now  in  the  paths  of  righteousness  and  holi- 
'ness.'  Bp.  Home. 

'Now  what  is  man,  when  grace  reveals 

'The  virtue  of  a  Savior's  blood? 

'Again  a  life  divine  he  feels, 

'Despises  earth,  and  walks  with  God. 

'And  what,  in  yonder  realms  above, 

*Is  ransomM  man  ordain'd  to  be? 

'With  honor,  holiness,  and  love, 

'No  Seraph  more  adorn'd  than  he. 

•Nearest  the  throne,  and  first  in  song, 

'Man  shall  his  hallelujahs  raise; 

•While  wond'ring  angels  round  him  throng, 

'And  swell  the  chorus  of  his  praise.' 

JYeirton,  Olney  Hymns. 

V.  5 — 8.  The  Psalmist  perceived,  that  war 
was  again  preparing  against  him  on  every  side: 
and  the  number  and  power  of  his  enemies  were 
so  formidable,  that,  like  a  dreadful  inundation, 
they  seemed  ready  to  bear  down  and  swallow  up 
all  before  them.  [JVotes,  93:3,4.  JVaA.  1:7,8.  Rev. 
12:13—17.)  But  they  were  "strange  children," 
aliens  to  Israel;  so  that  their  "mouth  spake  vani- 
ty, and  their  right  hand  was  a  right  hand  of  in- 
iquity:" they  were  the  avowed  worshippers  of 
idols,  and  blasphemed  the  God  of  Israel,  and  em- 
ployed themselves  in  working  wickedness;  nay, 
if  they  made  any  league,  and  confirmed  it  by  giv- 
ing the  right  hand  as  a  token  of  amity,  they  made 


B.  C.  1038. 


PSALM  CXLIV. 


B.  C.  1038. 


9  I  will  "■  sing  a  new  song  unto  thee, 
O  God:  ^  upon  a  psaltery  and  an  instru- 
ment of  ten  strings  will  I  sing  praises  unto 


thee. 


[Practical  Ohstrvations.'\ 


10  /if  is  he  *  that  giveth  *  salvation  unto 
kings;  "  who  delivereth  David  his  servant 
from  the  hurtful  sword. 

1 1  Rid  me,  ^  and  deliver  me  from  the 
hand  of  strange  children,  whose  mouth 
speaketh  vanity,  and  their  right  hand  is 
a  right  hand  of  falsehood: 

12  That  our  sons  may  be  y  as  plants 
grown  up  in  their  youth;  that  our  daugh 


Iters  may  he  ^  as  corner-stones,  "^pohshed 
I  after  *  the  similitude  of  a  palace: 

13  That  ^  our  garners  may  he  full,  af- 
fording I  all  manner  of  store;  that  *=  our 
sheep  may  bring  forth  thousands  and  ten 
thousands  in  our  streets: 

1 4  That  our  oxen  may  he  ^  strong  to 
labor;  that  there  he  ^  no  breaking  in,  nor 
going  out;  that  there  he  no  complaining 
in  our  streets. 

15  Happy  is  that  people,  that  is  in 
such  a  case;  yea,  ®  happy  is  that  people, 
whose  God  is  the  Lokd. 


r  33.2,3.  40:3.  98:1.149:1.   Rev. 

5:9,10.    14:3. 
6    81:1—3.   108:0,3.    150:3—5.   1 

Chr.  25:1—6. 
t   18:50.    33:16—18.     2  Sam.  5: 

19—25.    8:6,14.     2  Kings  5:1. 
♦  Or,  victory.  Is.  45:1 — 6.  Jer. 


27:6—8. 
u    140:7.       1    Sam.    17:45,46.   2 

Sam.  21:16,17. 
X   7,8.     2  Sam.    10  6,&c.     16:5, 

&c.    17:J,&.C. 
y  115:14,15.    127:4,5.   123:3.   Is. 

44:3—5.     Lam.  4:2. 


z  Job  42:15.     Prov.  31:10— 27. 

Is.  3:16—24. 
t  Heb.  cut. 

a  Cant.  8:8,9.    1  Pet.  3:3—6. 
b  107:37,33.  Lev.  26:5,10.  Deut. 

28:3.    Mai.  3:10.      Luke  12:16 

—20. 
\  Heb.  from  kind  to  kind. 
c   Gen.  30:29—31.     Deut.  7:13, 


14.  8:13.    28:4. 
$  Heb.  able  to  bear  burdens,  or 

loaden  with  flesh. 
d  Deut.  28:7,25.     Judg.  5:8.   6: 

3—6.     1  Sam.  13:17—23.  31:7. 

Jer.   13:17—19.    14:18.     Lam. 

1:4—6.     Zech.  8:3—5. 
e  33:12.  65:4.    146:5.     Deut.  33: 

29.   Eph.  1:3. 


no  scruple  of  breaking  it.  David  therefore  ex- 
pected and  prayed,  that  God  would  appear  for 
him  against  these  idolaters,  with  such  tokens  of 
his  presence  and  power,  as  Israel  had  witnessed 
in  Egypt,  at  the  Red  Sea,  and  at  mount  Sinai. 
{J^otes,  1  Sam.  8:3—14.  22:7— 16.)— The  deliver- 
ance and  victories,  which  David  expected  and  ex- 
perienced from  the  immediate  interposition  of 
God,  were  typical  of  the  Redeemer's  resurrec- 
tion and  exaltation,  in  which  the  miraculous  pow- 
er of  God  was  gloriously  manifested;  and  also  of 
his  victories  over  those  who  oppose  the  universal 
establishment  of  his  kingdom,  and  of  his  "putting 
all  enemies  under  his  feet;"  of  which  event  such 
passages  may  be  considered  as  in  some  respects 
prophetical.  {JSTotes,  18:49.  2  Sam.  22:43—51 
P.  O.  34—51.) 

V.  9.    J^ote,  33:2,3. 

V.  10.  The  preservation  and  success  even  of 
idolatrous  princes  are,  in  scripture,  ascribed  to 
God.  "The  Lord  strengthened  Egion  the  king 
of  Moab  against  Israel." — "By  Naaman  the 
Lord  had  given  deliverance  to  Syria."  [J^otes, 
Judg.  3:12.  2  Kings  5:1.) — "Nebuchadnezzar, 
my  servant,  will  T bring  against  this  land." — "The 
God  of  heaven  hath  given  thee,"  (Nebuchadnez- 
zar,) "a  kingdom,  power,  and  strength,  and  glo- 
ry: and  wheresoever  the  children  of  men  dwell, 
the  beasts  of  the  field  and  the  fowls  of  the  heaven 
hath  he  given  into  thine  hand,  and  hath  made 
thee  ruler  over  them  all.  [Jfotes.,  Jer.  95:8,9. 
27:4—9.  Dan.  2:37.  5:18— 24.)— "Thus  saith  the 
Lord  to  his  anointed,  to  Cyrus,  whose  right  hand 
I  have  holden,  to  subdue  nations  before  him,  &:c." 
{J^otes,  Is.  44:25—28.  45:1— 6.)— 'Though  wick- 
'ed  kings  be  called  God's  servants,  as  Cyrus,  /*. 
*45:1.  for  as  much  as  he  useth  them  to  execute 
'his  judgments:  yet  David,  because  of  God's  prom- 
'ise,  and  they  that  rule  godly,  are  properly  so 
'called;  because  they  serve  not  their  own  affec- 
'tions,  but  set  forth  God's  glory.' 

V.  11.  (JVbfe,  5— 8.)  The  word  "Rescue,"  in 
the  old  translation,  is  more  expressive  than  the 
term  ''Rid,"  for  which  it  is  exchanged. 

Right  hand.]  'When  they  shake  hands  with 
'others,  as  if  they  were  their  friends,  th&y  intend 
♦thereby  to  deceive  them.'    Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  12—15.  {J^otes,  Lev.  20:3—12.  Deut.  28:1 
— 14. )  The  prosperity  of  Israel,  according  to  the 
promises  of  the  national  covenant,  was  one  great 
end  for  which  David  was  raised  to  the  throne; 
and  in  all  his  undertakings  and  successes  he  kept 
this  in  view.  When  the  surrounding  idolaters 
were  subdued,  Israel  would  be  at  peace;  and  be- 


ing united  under  the  equitable  administration  of  a 
pious  king,  they  would  adhere  to  the  worship  of 
God,  and  by  his  blessing  they  would  multiply  ex- 
ceedingly. Their  sons  would  grow,  as  plants  in 
a  fruitful  soil,  in  vigor  and  courage,  to  be  the  sta- 
bility of  the  country:  and  their  daughters,  pru- 
dent, virtuous,  healthful,  industrious,  and  amia- 
ble, fitted  to  fill  the  important  relations  of  wives 
and  mothers,  would  be  the  ornament  of  their  fam- 
ilies and  of  those  into  which  they  were  married, 
and  the  bond  of  union  between  them;  as  polished 
corner-stones  both  beautify,  and  connect  togeth- 
er, the  parts  of  a  magnificent  structure.  (JVb^e*, 
Prov.  31:10 — 31.)  Having  peace  abroad  and 
harmony  at  home,  their  land,  being  well  cultivat- 
ed, might  be  expected  to  be  very  productive  in 
corn,  wine,  oil,  and  every  thing  valuable;  and 
their  cattle  to  multiply  exceedingly.  No  invader 
would  break  in  among  them;  none  would  go  forth 
into  captivity,  or  be  induced  to  emigrate;  nor 
would  there  be,  or  at  least  there  would  not  be 
cause  for,  any  complaining  of  oppression  or  penu- 
ry, in  their  streets.  These  were  the  blessings 
engaged  to  Israel  while  they  adhered  to  the  ser- 
vice of  Jehovah;  and  of  which  David  hoped  to 
put  them  in  possession:  in  the  ordinary  course  of 
providence  they  are  generally  conferred  upon 
nations,  where  princes  and  people  unite  in  main- 
taining the  worship  of  God,  and  obedience  to  his 
laws:  and  they  are  also  typical  of  those  blessings, 
which  the  Son  of  David  bestows  upon  his  faithful 
subjects. — 'If  God  give  not  to  all  his  children  all 
'these  blessings,  yet  he  reco'mpenseth  tliem  with 
'better  things.'  [JVotes,  33:10—12.  65:9—13.  84: 
11,12.  146:5.)  'The  good  things  of  this  world  may 
'fall  to  the  lot  of  the  righteous;  who  are  distin 
'guished  from  the  wicked,  by  the  use  which  they 
'make  of  them,  when  given,  and  by  their  meek 
'resignation  of  them  when  taken  away.'  Bp. 
Home. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
V.  1—9. 
Ifmenbecomeeminent  for  those  things,  to  which 
they  were  not  regularly  educated,  and  for  which 
tliey  have  wanted  many  advantages,  and  which 
are  of  real  value;  they  should  be  the  more  deeply 
sensible,  that  God  himself  has  been  their  Teach- 
er.— Courage,  strength,  and  military  skill,  are 
indeed  gifts  of  the  Creator,  and  all  success  is 
from  him:  yet  they  are  seldom  so  used,  as  to  war- 
rant the  successful  warrior  to  say,  "The  Lord, 
my  Strength,  hath  taught  my  hands  to  war,  and 
my  fingers  to  fight:"  for  alas!  too  frequently  "the 

[435 


B.  C.  1016. 


PSALM  CXLV. 


B.  C.  1016. 


PSALM  CXLV. 

Darld  zealously  praises  the  greatness,  power,  goodness  and  mer- 
cy of  God,  1 — 8.     He  celebrates  the  glory  of  his  kingdom,  and 


great  murderer  from  the  beginning"  instigates 
ambitious,  revengeful,  and  rapacious  men,  to  de- 
stroy their  fellow-creatures  without  any  adequate 
cause.  But  those,  who  are  really  disposed  to  give 
God  the  glory  of  their  endowments  and  success, 
will  seek  grace  from  him  to  make  a  proper  use  of 
them;  and  will  praise  him  as  "their  Goodness," 
and  their  merciful  God,  more  than  as  their  For- 
tress, their  Protector,  and  the  Giver  of  their  au- 
thority and  prosperity.  Happy  are  they,  whom 
the  Lord  teaches  to  "fight  the  good  fight  of  faith," 
and  to  whom  he  gives  that  noblest  victory  and 
rule,  the  conquest  and  dominion  over  their  own 
spirits!  {M>tes,  Prov.  16:32.  25:28.  1  Tiin.  6:11, 
]2.)  In  the  highest  earthly  exaltation,  they  will 
still  recollect,  how  mean,  sinful,  and  guilty  they 
are  in  themselves;  they  will  be  filled  with  admir- 
ing gratitude  for  the  condescension  of  the  great 
God  to  such  rebellious  sinners,  and  for  every  in- 
stance of  his  regard  to  them;  and  thus  they  will  be 
preserved  from  self-importance  and  presumption 
in  prosperity  They  will  not  forget  that  "man  is 
like  unto  vanity;  his  days  are  as  a  shadow,  that 
passeth  away;"  [JVote,  103:15 — 18.)  that  the  tran- 
sition from  a  throne  to  the  grave,  or  even  to  the 
depths  of  hell,  is  frequent,  and  often  almost  in- 
stantaneous; that  deliverance  from  the  wrath  to 
come,  and  a  crown  of  unfading  glory,  are  infi- 
nitely the  most  important  concerns;  and  that  liv- 
ing to  the  honor  of  God,  and  the  benefit  of  his 
church,  is  far  more  desirable  than  all  human  ex- 
altation and  renown.  Even  in  this  life,  success 
and  authority  rather  expose  men  to  trials  and 
conflicts,  than  secure  exemption  from  them.  But 
whilst  we  are  doing  the  duty  of  our  station,  we 
may  depend  on  God  to  defend  and  prosper  us: 
and  when  our  enemies  are  infidel,  impious,  or  li- 
centious, our  encouragement  to  hope  in  him  for 
help  against  tliem  may  proportionably  increase. 
He  "who  bows  the  heavens  and  comes  down," 
and  "touches  the  mountains  and  they  smoke," 
can  find  innumerable  ways  to  confound  the  de- 
vices, dissolve  the  confederacies,  and  scatter  the 
forces  of  his  most  potent  foes;  to  deliver  his  peo- 
ple from  dangers  as  imminent,  as  if  they  were  sink- 
ing in  the  depths  of  the  ocean;  and  thus  to  turnall 
their  fears  and  prayers  into  new  songs  of  joyful 
praise. 

V.  10—15. 
It  is  the  Lord  who  gives  temporal  deliverances 
to  kings:  and  continues  or  restores  their  health, 
in  answer  to  the  prayers,  or  for  the  benefit,  of 
their  people:  and  he  alone  can  give  them  eternal 
salvation,  which  they,  as  much  need  as  the  mean- 
est of  their  subjects,  while  they  are  commonly 
placed  far  more  out  of  the  way  of  it:  and  yet  to  be 
saved  from  the  hurtful  sword,  or  the  wasting  sick- 
ness, without  being  delivered  from  the  dominion 
of  sin,  and  from  "the  wrath  to  come,"  is  no  envi- 
able advantage. — The  higher  any  one  is  placed  in 
society,  the  more  entirely  ought  he  to  seek  the 
public  good,  in  preference  to  his  own  personal 
emolument,  reputation,  or  indulgence:  yet  how 
very  seldom  is  this  undeniable  truth  duly  and 
practically  considered!  No  war  ought  to  be  un- 
dertaken, no  victories  desired,  but  for  the  sake  of 
securing  peace;  the  blessings  of  which  are  far 
more  valuable  than  the  most  brilliant  successes: 
even  without  bringing  into  the  computation  the 
thousands  who  are  slain  in  war,  and  who  too  gen- 
erally die  in  their  sins. — Wise,  equitable,  and  pi- 
ous princes  and  magistrates  conduce  much  to  the 
prosperity  of  nations;  for  these  blessings  we  should 
pray,  and  when  granted  we  should  return  thanks 
for  them;  as  well  as  for  our  liberty,  plenty,  and 
other  public  benefits. — It  ia  a  very  pleasant  sight 
436]  ^  ^ 


the  bounty  of  his  providence,  9 — 16;  his  justice,  holiness,  re- 
gard to  the  prayers  of  the  upright,  and  care  of  those  that  love 
him;  and  his  vengeance  upon  the  wicked,  17 — 21. 


to  behold  a  nation  increasing  in  population;  fami- 
lies brought  up  in  industry,  honesty,  and  plenty, 
and  fitted  for  their  several  stations  in  public  and 
domestic  life;  not  cut  off  by  war,  or  wasted  by 
famine  or  pestilence,  or  carried  captives  and  ex- 
iles, or  compelled  by  strong  necessity  to  emigrate 
into  foreign  regions;  and  when  all  manner  of 
abundance  is  stored  in  our  garners,  and  clothes 
our  fields  and  pastures.  In  many  of  these  things 
we  are  a  happy  people:  yet  alas!  our  numerous 
youth  do  not  generally  afford  a  pleasing  prospect. 
Too  many  of  the  young  men  of  all  ranks,  in  this 
favored  land,  grow  up  noxious  plants;  being  early 
debauched  in  their  principles  and  morals,  and 
justly  to  be  denominated  infidel,  profane,  licen- 
tious, and  dissipated;  contracting  and  disseminat- 
ing both  mental  and  bodily  diseases;  and  prepared 
to  communicate  vice,  and  ruin,  and  enfeebled 
constitutions,  to  the  next  generation.  The  daugh- 
ters of  the  land  are  indeed  suflBciently  polishedy 
with  exterior  beauty  and  embellishment,  and  ev- 
ery superficial  accomplishment:  but  few  of  them 
have  the  polishing  of  a  corner-stone,  as  qualified 
to  be  the  ornament  of  families,  the  cement  of  so- 
ciety, and  a  blessing  to  the  land  and  to  the  next 
generation,  by  an  attentive,  judicious,  and  virtu- 
ous performance  of  tlie  duties  of  domestic  life;  and 
still  fewer  are  possessed  of  that  adorning,  which 
the  word  of  God  almost  exclusively  recommends. 
While  we  abound  in  luxury  and  excess,  and  are 
free  from  the  irruptions  of  invaders,  and  the  op- 
pression of  tyrants;  tliere  is  still  much  complain- 
ing in  our  streets:  yea,  there  is  much  extreme 
distress,  through  the  vice,  sloth,  and  extrava- 
gance, which  prevail  among  the  lower  ranks  in 
society;  and  through  the  enormous  encourage- 
ment given  by  the  affluent,  to  those  worthless  min- 
ions, who  minister  to  their  amusements,  decora- 
tions, or  excesses;  attended  with  the  neglect  of 
the  honest  and  industrious  poor.  Thus  in  propor- 
tion as  we  do  not  adhere  to  the  worship  and  service 
of  God,  we  cease  to  be  a  happy  people,  notwith- 
standing all  our  advantages.  But,  blessed  be 
God,  there  is  a  considerable  remnant  of  another 
character,  the  subjects  of  the  Son  of  David;  who 
share  the  blessings  of  his  authority,  and  the  fruits 
of  his  victories;  and  are  a  happy  people,  because 
"they  have  the  Lord  for  their  God."  They 
dwell  among  the  ungodlj-,  as  among  "strange 
children,  whose  mouth  speaketh  of  vanity,  and 
whose  right  hand  is  a  right  hand  of  falsehood;" 
but  they  desire  to  be  preserved  from  the  conta- 
gion of  their  example.  Their  happiness  is  not 
placed  in  outward  prosperity,  nor  even  in  flour- 
ishing families:  but  their  endeavors  are  used,  and 
their  prayers  offered  daily,  that  "their  sons  may  in 
their  3'outh"  be  planted  and  grow  up  "in  the 
courts  of  the  Lord;"  that  their  daughters  may  be 
an  ornamental  part  of  God's  spiritual  temple,  and 
be  fitted  in  due  time  to  be  "mothers  in  Israel," 
to  train  up  a  godly  seed  for  the  ensuing  genera- 
tion; that  the  number  of  Christians  may  increase, 
as  the  flocks  in  the  fertile  pastures  of  Canaan; 
that  those  who  labor  in  the  word  and  doctrine, 
may  be  strong  in  the  faith  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ;  that  the  good  seed  of  the  word  may  yield 
a  very  large  increase;  that  persecutions,  heresies, 
and  divisions  may  be  terminated;  and  that  the 
church  may  be  in  peace,  and  prosper,  without 
any  murmurings,  envyings,  or  contentions,  to 
disgrace  and  weaken  the  cause  of  Christianity. 
These  objects  may  we  ever  keep  in  view;  that,  as 
one  united  phalanx,  all  who  love  Christ,  may  op- 
pose the  irruption  of  infidelity  and  iniquity,  and 
promote  the  diffusion  of  truth  and  righteousness: 
for  "happy  is  that  people,  tliat  is  ia  such  a  case; 


B.  C.   1016. 


PSALM  CXLV. 


p.  C.  1016. 


David's  ^  Psalm  of  praise. 

I  WILL   ^  extol  thee,   "  my  God,  O 
King;  and  ''I  will  bless  thy  name  for 
ever  and  ever. 

2  ^  Every  day  will  I  bless  thee,  and  I 
will  praise  thy  name  for  ever  and  ever. 

3  '  Great  is  the  Lokd,  and  greatly  to 
be  praised;  s  and  his  greatness  *  is  un- 
searchable. 

4  One  ^  generation  shall  praise  thy 
works  to  another,  and  shall  declare  thy 
mighty  acts. 

5  I  '  will  speak  of  the  glorious  honor 
of  thy  majesty,  and  of  thy  wondrous 
t  works. 

6  And  ^  men  shall  speak  of  the  might 
of  thy  terrible  acts:  and  ^  I  will  declare 
thy  greatness. 

7  They  shall  '  abundantly  utter  the 


a.  100:  title. 

h,30:l.  68:4.  71:14,&c.  10S:1,2. 

Dan.  4:37. 
C44:4.  45:1,6.    47:6—8.    48:2,3. 

95:3.    149:2.     Is.   33:22.     Mai. 

1:14.  Matt.  25:34.    Rev.  19:16. 
a  21.  30:12.  52:9.     113:1,2.   146: 

1^2. 
e  72:15.  119:164.    Rev.  7:15. 
f48:l.  96:4.   147:5.     Job  5.9.  9: 

10.   Rev.  15:3. 
g  139:6.  Job  11:7—9.  26:14.   Is. 

40:28.    Rom.  11:33. 
*  Heb.   there  is  no  search. 
h  44:1,2.   71:13.     78:3—7.     Ex. 

12:26.27.   13:14,15.     Deut.  6:7. 


Josh.  4:21—24.    Is.  38:19. 
i  40:9,10.    66:3,4.    71:17—19,24. 

96:3.   104:1,2.    105:2.     Is.  12:4. 

Dan.  4:1—3,37. 
f  Heb.  things,  or  words.  72:18. 
k  22:22,23,27,31.    98:2,3.   113:3. 

126:2,3.   Josh.  2:9—11.  9:9,10. 

Ezra   1:2.     Jer.    60:28.     Dan. 

3:28,29.6:25—27.  Hab.  2:14. 
J  Heb.  thy  greatness  I  viill  de- 
clare it.     92:1,2.    107:21,22,31, 

32. 
1  36:5—8.    Is.  63:7.  Matt.  12:34, 

35.     2  Oor.  9:11,12.     1  Pet.  2: 

9,10. 


memory  of  thy  great  goodness,  and  shall 
■"  sing  of  thy  righteousness. 

8  The  "  Lord  is  gracious,  and  full  of 
compassion;  slow  to  anger,  and  §  of  great 

mercy.  [Practical   Observations.] 

9  The  Lord  is  °  good  to  all;  and  his 
tender  mercies  are  over  all  his  works. 

10  P  All  thy  works  shall  praise  thee, 
O  Lord;  i  and  thy  saints  shall  bless 
thee. 

1 1  They  shall  speak  of  ■■  the  glory  of 
thy  kingdom,  and  talk  of  thy  power; 

12  To  ^  make  known  to  the  sons  of 
men  his  mighty  acts,  and  the  glorious 
majesty  of  his  kingdom. 

13  Thy  '  kingdom  is  an  H  everlasting 
kingdom,  and  thy  dominion  endureth 
throughout  all  generations. 


m  36:10.  51:14.  71:15,16,19.   72; 

1—3.   89:16.    Is.  45:24,25.  Jer. 

23:6.     Phil.  3:7—9.     Rev.  15; 

3,4.    19:1—3. 
n  86:5,15.    100:5.    103:8.    116:5. 

Ex.  34:6,7.  Num.  14:18.    Dan. 

9:9.      Jon.  4:2.      Mic.    7:18— 

20.     Rom.  5:20,21.     Eph.  1:6, 

3.  2:4. 
5  Heb.  great  in  tnercy. 
0  25:3.    36:6,7.     65:9—13.    104: 

27,28.     Jon.  4:11.     Matt.  5:45. 

Acts  14:17.    17:25. 
p  19:1.    96:11—13.  98:3—9.  103: 

22.    104:24.    148:1—13.    Is.  43: 

20.  44:23.    Rom.  1:19,20. 
q  22:23.  30:4.  32:11.  97:12.  135: 

19—22.  148:14.  Is.  43:21.  Heb. 


13:15.    1  Pet.  2:5,9.  Rev.  7:9— 

12.    19:5,6. 
r  2:6—3.  45:6,7.  72:1,&C.    93:1, 

2.  96:10—13.  97:l,&c.    99:1— 

4.     1  Chr.  29:11,12.     Is.  9:6,7. 

24.23.  33:21,22.    Dan.  7:13,14. 

Zech.  9:9.     Matt.  6:13.    Mark 

11:9,10.     Rev.   5:12,13.     11:15 

—  17. 
s    98:1.     105:5.     106:2.     110:2,3. 

135:6—12.    136:4,&c.     Dan.  4: 

34,35.     Malt.  28:1  J.     Acts  2:3 

—11.     Eph.    1:19—21.    3:7,8. 

Rev.  12:10.    19:15,16. 
t  146:10.     Is.  9:7.   Dan.  2:41.  7. 

14,27.  1  Tim.  1:17.  Rev.  11:15. 
II   Heb.    kingdom  of  all  ages. 

1  Cor.  15:21—28. 


yea,  happy  is  that  people  whose  God  is  the 
Lord." 

NOTES. 

Psalm  CXLV.  Title.  "Praise  from  David." 
From  this  Psalm  to  the  end  of  the  book,  we  find 
unmingfled  praise  and  thanksgiving,  without  one 
complaint  or  petition.  'Hitherto  ...  the  voice  of 
'complaint  hath  sometimes  been  succeeded  by 
'that  of  thanksgiving;  and  praise,  at  other  times, 
'hath  terminated  in  prayer.  But  now,  as  if  the 
'days  of  mourning  in  Zion  were  ended,  we  hear 
'no  more  of  Messiah  as  "a  man  of  sorrows;"  or  of 
'his  church  as  despised  and  afflicted.  ...  Hence- 
'forth  we  seem  not  to  be  upon  earth  but  in  heav- 
'en,  mingling  with  celestial  spirits  around  the 
♦throne.'  Bp.  Home.  Probably  David  compos- 
ed most  of  these  psalms,  and  towards  the  close  of 
his  life;  when,  as  the  setting  sun  breaks  forth  from 
behind  intervening  clouds,  he  shone  forth,  and  set 
in  mild  majesty  and  splendor;  anticipating  the 
employment  and  felicity  of  heaven,  as  he  ap- 
proached the  mansions  of  the  blessed.  U^ote,  1 
Chr.  29:26—28.  P.  O.  20— 30.)— The  Psalm  is 
composed  alphabetically,  each  verse  beginning 
with  one  of  the  Hebrew  letters,  in  order,  except 
that  the  letter  nu7i  is  omitted. 

V.   1,  2.    (JVbfejf,  45:1— 7.  47:)     The  words  n;ri 

thy^h),  rendered  in  these  verses,  "for  ever  and 
ever,"  are  peculiarly  emphatical,  and  imply  end- 
less duration.,  if  human  language  can  convey  that 
idea.  Accordingly  the  Septuagint  translate  them 
by  the  most  expressive  terms,  that  the  copious 
Greek  contains  for  an  eternity  to  come  [as  rov 
atitiva,  Kat  ets  rov  aiiava  t»  aiuvoj.) — No  doubt,  there- 
fore, the  Psalmist  expected  to  be  employed  for 
ever,  yea,  for  ever  and  ever,  in  the  high  praises 
of  his  God,  his  King  and  Savior.  {J^ote,  21.  146: 
2.  Rev.   7:13—17.) 

V.  3.  'Hereby  he  declareth,  that  all  power  is 
'subject  to  God,  and  that  no  worldly  promotion 


'ought  to  obscure  God's  glory.'  (JVb/es,  96:3,4. 
139:4—6.  Job  26:14.  Rom.  11:33—36.)  'The 
'Lord  is  immensely  great,  in  power  and  domin- 
'ion,  ...  and  therefore  to  be  honored  witli  our 
'highest,  and  with  our  endless  praises.  But  when 
'we  have  said  all  we  can,  our  best  praise  of  him 
'will  be  to  confess,  that  his  transcendent  exceJ- 
'lencies  cannot  be  comprehended.'  Bp.  Pat- 
rick. 

V.  4.  'As  the  greatness  of  God  our  Savior  hath 
'no  bounds,  so  his  praises  should  have  no  end,  nor 
'should  the  voice  of  thanksgiving  ever  cease  in 
'the  church.  As  one  generation  drops  it,  anoth- 
'er  should  take  it  up,  and  prolong  the  delightful 
'strain.'  Bp.  Home. — 'For  as  much  as  the  end  of 
'man's  creation,  and  of  his  preservation  in  this 
'life,  is  to  praise  God;  therefore  he  requireth  that 
'not  only  we  ourselves  do  it,  but  cause  all  others 
'to  do  the  same:' — that  is,  as  far  as  our  influcno 
can  by  any  means  extend.  [J^otes,  71:17, IS.  7l>: 
3—8.7*.  38:17—20.) 

V.  5 — 7.  'It  shall  be  my  business,  in  this  pres- 
'ent  age,  to  speak  of  the  dazzling  splendor  and 
'beauty  of  thy  majesty,  Avhich  I  want  words  to  ex- 
'press,  but  appears  in  thy  stupendous  works: 
'which  they  that  come  after  shall  rehearse;  and 
'...  declare  to  their  posterity  what  dreadful  things 
'were  done  by  thy  irresistible  power,  for  the  sub- 
' version  of  our  enemies:  and  with  the  same  dili- 
'gence  shall  they  continue  the  constant  memory 
'of  thy  numerous  benefits  to  us;  which  they  shall 
'no  more  cease  to  celebrate  with  their  praises, 
'than  a  spring  doth  to  pour  out  water;  but  publish 
'in  their  perpetual  hymns,  how  just  and  faithful 
'thou  art  to  thy  word.'  Bp.  Patrick.  [Marg. 
Ref.) 

V.  8.  J^otes,  86:14,15.  103:6—9.  Ex.  34:5—7. 
Mic.  7:18—20. 

V.  9 — 13.  The  God  of  love  and  mercy  does 
good,  in  various  ways,  to  every  one  of  the  fallen 
human  race;  and,  being  "full  of  compassion,"  he 

[437 


B.  C.  1016. 


PSALM  CXLV. 


B.  C.  1016. 


14  The  Lord  "  upholdeth  all  that 
fall,  and  ^  raiseth  up  all  those  that  he 
bowed  down. 

15  The  y  eyes  of  all  *  wait  upon  thee; 
and  thou  givest  them  their  meat  in  due 
season. 

16  Thou  ^  openest  thine  hand,  and 
satisfiest  the  desire  of  every  living  thing. 

17  The  Lord  is  "  righteous  in  all  his 
ways,  and  t  holy  in  all  his  works. 

1 8  The  Lord  is  ^  nigh  unto  all  them 


u  37:24.  94:18.   119:117.      Luke 

22:31  32, 
X  33:6.'  42:5.   146:8.  Luke  13:11 

—13. 
y9.   104:21,27.  136:25.    147:8,9. 

Gen.    1:30.       Job   38:39 — 41. 

Joel  2:22.     Matt.  6:26.     Luke 

12:24.  Acts  17:25. 
*  Or,  look  unto  thee. 
z  104:28.   107:9.   132:15.  Job  38: 

27. 


a  50:6.  89:14.  97:2.  99:3,4.  103: 
6.  Gen.  13:25.  Peut.  32:4.  1 
Sam.  2:2,3.  Is.  45:21.  Zeph. 
3:5.  Zech.  9:9.  Rom.  3:5,6, 
25,26.  Rev.  4:8.  15:3,4.  16:5 
—7.    19:2,11. 

I  Or,  merciful,  or  hountiful. 

b  34:18.  46:1,5.  Deut.  4:7.  1 
Kings  18:27,28.  Is.  58:9.  John 
14:23.   Jam.  4:8. 


is  ready  to  pardon,  relieve,  and  bless,  all  that  pen- 
itently and  in  faith  seek  his  salvation,  without  re- 
spect to  their  past  conduct.  (JVbfe,  ]  John  4:7,8.] 
He  is  also  exceedingly  attentive  to  the  wants  and 
sufferings  even  of  animals,  according'  to  their  sev- 
eral tribes,  and  requires  men  to  be  so.  [Marg. 
Ref.  o.)  All  his  creatures,  according  to  their  sev- 
eral natures,  in  one  way  or  other,  though  many  of 
them  uncjnsciously  or  involuntarily,  subserve  the 
display  of  his  glory:  but  his  "saints,"  his  redeem- 
ed people,  who  have  obtained  his  mercy  and  de- 
voted themselves  to  his  service,  are  the  royal 
priesthood  in  this  august  temple  of  the  visible  cre- 
ation, who,  with  admiring  and  grateful  hearts, 
zealously  offer  him  the  spiritual  sacrifices  of  ador- 
ing praise  and  thanksgiving.  [J^otes^  Gen.  1: 
31.  Heh.  13:15,16.  1  Pet.  2:4—6,9,10.  Rev.  1: 
4 — 6.  5:8 — 10.) — They  are  the  subjects  of  the 
mediatorial  kingdom  of  the  Redeemer  on  earth, 
and  heirs  of  the  kingdom  in  heaven,  "which 
God  hath  prepared  for  them  that  love  him:"  and 
it  is  their  chief  business  and  pleasure  to  celebrate 
the  power  and  glory  of  that  kingdom,  as  the  grand 
subject  of  their  praises.  Thus,  by  their  means, 
the  sons  of  men,  who  had  not  before  known  the 
works  and  kingdom  of  God,  become  acquainted 
with  them:  and  in  this  manner  the  "kingdom  of 
God  comes,"  and  is  set  up  more  diffusively  on 
earth,  and  perpetuated  from  generation  to  gene- 
ration, and  will  be  so  till  the  end  of  time;  when, 
being  translated  to  heaven,  it  will  endure  for  ever 
and  ever.  [Marg.  Ref. — JSToies,  Is.  9:6,7.  Dan. 
2:44,45.  7:13,14.  1  Co7\  15:20— 28.)— The  Septua- 
gint  here  add  another  verse,  (probably  to  com- 
plete the  number  of  verses  according  to  the  He- 
brew alphabet,)  which  is  not  found  in  the  original: 
'The  Lord  is  faithful  to  all  his  words,  and  holy  in 
'all  his  works.'  The  first  word  of  this  verse 
would,  indeed,  in  the  Hebrew,  begin  with  the  let- 
ter nun,  which  is  omitted:  but,  though  the  senti- 
ment it  contains  is  entirely  scriptural,  it  so  much 
resembles  the  seventeenth  verse,  that  it  is  sup- 
posed by  the  best  critics  not  to  be  genuine. 

V.  14.  "Jehovah  is  the  Supporter  of  all  who 
are  falling,  and  tlie  Refresher  of  all  who  are  de- 
jected."— 'Who  being  in  misery  and  affliction 
'would  faint  and  fall  away,  if  God  did  not  uphold 
'them:  and  therefore  they  ought  to  reverence  him 
'that  reigneth  in  heaven,  and  suffer  themselves  to 
'be  governed  by  him.'  [J^Totes,  146:8.  Luke  13: 
10 — 17.) — This  is  also  a  direction  to  those  who  are 
ready  to  fall  before  temptation,  or  to  sink  under 
affliction,  where  to  apply  for  help  and  comfort: 
even  to  that  "God  who  comforteth  those  that  are 
cast  down."  (JVbte.  2  Cor.  7:5 — 7.) 
438] 


that  call  upon  him,  to  all  that  *=  call  upon 
him  in  truth. 

19  He  will  ^  fulfil  the  desire  of  them 
that  fear  him:  ^  he  will  also  hear  their 
cry,  and  will  save  them. 

20  The  Lord  '^preserveth  all  them 
that  love  him;  but  s  all  the  wicked  will 
he  destroy. 

21  ^  My  mouth  shall  speak  the  praise 
of  the  Lord:  and  '  let  all  flesh  bless  his 
holy  name  for  ever  and  ever. 


c  17:1.  119:2.  Prov.  15:8.  Is. 
1:15,16.  Jer  29:12,13.  Hos.  7: 
14.  Matt.  6:5—8.  23:14.  John 
4:24.      1  John  3:20—22. 

d  20:4.  34:9.  36:7,8.  37:4,19. 
Matt.  5:6.  Luke  1:53.  John 
15:7,16.  16:24.  Eph.  3:16—20. 
1  John  5:15. 

e  34:17.  37:39,40.  91:15. 


f  31:23.  37:23.  97:10.     John  10: 

27—29.    Rom.  8:28—30.  Jam. 

2:5.      1  Pet.  1:5—8. 
g  1:6.  9:17.    Matt.  25:41. 
h  1,2,5.    30:12.    51:15.    71:8,15, 

23,24.  89:1. 
i  67:3,4.  86:9.   103:22.   117:   150: 

6.  Rev.  5:11—14. 


V.  15,  16.  (Marg.  Ref.—J^otes,  104:27—30. 
Matt.  6:11.)  'He  makes  a  constant  provision  also 
'for  them;  which  every  creature,  when  their  ne- 
'cessities  call  for  supply,  daily  receive  from  thee, 
'O  Lord.  ...  And  thou  art  not  sparing  of  thy  bless - 
'ings,  but  dispensest  them  with  such  a  bountiful 
'hand,  that  there  are  none  of  them  live  without 
'satisfactions,  but  have  all  their  appetites  filled, 
'by  thy  liberality  to  the  smallest  of  them.'  Bp. 
Patrick. 

V.  17.  Perfect  justice,  truth,  purity,  wisdom, 
and  love,  invariably  govern  all  the  dispensations 
and  works  of  God.  And  the  more  any  man  stud- 
ies them,  in  humble  faith  and  piety,  the  fuller  con- 
viction of  this  leading  and  satisfying  truth  will  he  , 
receive.  [Marg.  Re/.z.)  The  harmony  of  justice 
and  mercy  in  the  dispensations  of  God,  who  is  "a 
just  God  and  a  Savior,"  seems  especially  intend- 
ed.    "Merciful  or  bountiful."    Marg. 

V.  18.  'It  is  our  happiness  to  have  a  King,  that 
'is  not,  like  earthly  princes,  difficult  of  access; 
'but  one,  of  whom  his  meanest  subject  may  at 
'any  time  obtain  an  audience,  and  be  certain  of 
'having  his  request  granted,  if  it  be  made  "in 
'truth,"  without  wavering  and  without  hypocrisy, 
'with  humble  confidence  and  unwearied  constan- 
'cy;  expecting  salvation  from  God,  from  none  but 
'him,  and  from  him  only  in  the  way  of  duty  and 
'obedience.'  Bp.  Home. — This  is  a  just  descrip- 
tion of  a  right  state  of  heart;  but  the  Psalmist 
seems  to  have  intended  the  encouragement  of  all 
sincere  supplicants,  as  distinguished  from  hypo- 
crites, however  low  and  imperfect  their  attain- 
ments were.  [JSTotes,  34:18.  Deut.  4:6 — 8.  Prov. 
15:8,9.  Jer.  29:11—14.  Matt.  1:1— U.  Jam.  4:1 
—3.  1  John  2:18— 24.) 

V.  19,  20.  All  those  who  call  on  God  in  truth 
"fear  him:"  and  he  will  "fulfil  their  desire;"  as 
they  desire  above  all  things  that  which  he  has 
promised.  [J^otes,  37:4.  1  John  5:14,15.)— They 
call  upon  him  in  faith,  and  that  "faith  worketh  by 
love."  As  "tlie  called  according  to  his  purpose," 
they  love  him,  and  become  conscious  that  they 
love  him:  and,  amidst  all  trials  and  temptations, 
"the  Lord  preserveth  all  them  that  love  him." 
(JVbte*,  Rom.  8:28 — 39.)  And  "they  are  kept  by 
the  power  of  God,  through  faith  unto  salvation." 
[J^Totes,  1  Pet.  1:2—5.  1  John  5:16—18.)  But  the 
wicked,  the  impenitent,  whether  profane  or  hyp- 
ocritical, he  will  destroy. 

V.  21.  'All  men  ought  to  praise  God  to  eterni- 
't)',  and  may  do  all  this.'  The  PscJmist  thus  con- 
cludes, as  he  had  begun;  except  that  he  here  call- 
ed on  others  to  do,  what  himself  had  before  de- 


B.  C.  1016. 


PSALM  CXLVl 


B.  C.  1016. 


PSALM  CXLVL 

The  Psalmist  resolves  to  praise  God,  while  he  has  any  being,  1,2. 
He  dissuades  all  from  trusting  in  man,  3,  4.  He  encourages 
confidence  in  God,  from  a  view  of  his  power  and  goodness,  as 
displayed  in  all  his  works,  5 — 10. 

*  "pRAISE  ye  the  Lord.  ^  Praise  the 
JL     Lord,  O  my  soul. 

2  ^  While  I  Hve  will  I  praise  the  Lord: 
I  will  sing  praises  unto  my  God,  while  I 
have  any  being. 

*  Heb.  Hallelujah.  105:45. 

a  103:1,22.    104:1,35. 


b  63:4.    71:14,15.    104:33.   145:1, 
2.    Rev.  7:9—17. 


3  *^  Put  not  your  trust  in  princes,  nor 
in  the  son  of  man,  in  whom  there  is  no 
t  help. 

4  His  ^  breath  goeth  forth,  ®  he  return- 
eth  to  his  earth;  in  that  very  day  ^  his 
thoughts  perish. 


c62:9.  118:8,9.     Is.  2:22.   31:3. 

36:6.  Jer.  17:5,6. 
t  Or,  salvation. 
d  104:29.     Gen.  2:7.  6:17.    Job 


14:10.   17:1.    27:3.     Dan.  5:23. 
e  90:3.  Gen.  3:19.  Ec.  12:7. 
f  Job   14:21.     17:11.      Is.  2:22. 

Lam.  4:20.     1  Cor.  2:6. 


terminedon.    (JSTotes,  1,2.  67:4—7.  72:17—19.  86: 
9,10.  117:  150:6.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
V.  1—8. 
•  Those,  who  under  troubles  and  temptations 
abound  in  fervent  prayer,  shall  in  due  season 
abound  in  grateful  praise,  wliich  is  tlie  genuine 
langdag'e  of  holj'  joy.  We  can  never  extol  our 
glorious  God  and  Savior  in  an  adequate  manner: 
we  should  therefore  exert  all  our  powers,  and 
make  new  efforts  to  bless  his  name  every  day: 
and  we  may  thus  be  delightfully  employed  for 
ever  and  ever,  without  exhausting  the  infinitely 
copious  subject.  For  the  great  Head  of  the 
church  is  "the  King  of  all  the  earth;"  yea,  "he  is 
great,  and  greatly  to  be  praised;  and  his  greatness 
is  unsearchable."  Animated  by  our  glorious 
theme,  we  should  communicate  all  which  we  have 
learned  of  his  perfections  and  his  works,  to  our 
children;  that  when  we  join  the  songs  of  the 
church  triumphant,  the  solemn  service  on  earth 
may  not  be  suspended,  or  at  all  remitted,  for  a 
moment;  but  that  "one  generation  may  praise  his 
works  unto  another,  and  declare  his  mighty  acts." 
Whether  our  sphere  be  extensive  or  contracted, 
we  should  in  it  be  continually  "speaking  of  the 
glorious  honor  of  his  majesty;"  especially  of  his 
wondrous  work  of  redemption;  in  order  to  stir  up 
other  "men,  to  speak  of  his  power  and  terrible 
acts,"  whilst  we  "declare  his  greatness."  For 
neither  Egypt's  desolating  plagues,  nor  the  de- 
struction of  the  devoted  Canaanites,  so  proclaim 
the  terror  of  the  avenging  justice  of  our  God,  as 
the  cross  of  Christ  does  to  the  enlightened  mind. 
But,  while  we  endeavor  to  make  sinners  know 
"the  terror  of  the  Lord,"  that  they  may  "flee 
from  the  wrath  to  come;"  we  should  still  more  aim 
to  lead  them  into  the  experience  of  his  mercy: 
that  "they  may  abundantly  utter  the  memory 
of  his  great  goodness,  and  sing  of  his  righteous- 
ness:" for  in  the  salvation  of  Christ  we  see  it  dis- 
played in  perfect  harmony  with  mercy,  and  per- 
ceive that  a  just  God  is  also  "gracious,  full  of 
compassion,  and  slow  to  anger." 
V.  9—21. 
"The  Lord  is  good  to  all,  and  his  tender  mer- 
cies are  over  all  his  works;"  and  even  impeni- 
tent sinners  on  earth  are  living  monuments  of  his 
patience,  and  of  his  goodness  to  his  enemies.  All 
his  works  shew  forth  his  praises:  but  his  saints 
bless  his  name  with  joyful  lieart.s,  and  render  him 
the  reasonable  service  of  love  and  gratitude.  Be- 
ing brought  into  his  kingdom,  as  governed  by  the 
divine  Redeemer  on  his  mediatorial  throne,  they 
delight  to  discourse  of  the  glory  of  his  kingdom, 
and  the  power  and  grace  of  the  King.  His  glori- 
ous excellencies,  the  honor  of  God  the  Father  in 
his  salvation,  the  privileges  and  characters  of  his 
subjects,  and  their  impregnable  security;  the  rea- 
sonableness of  his  laws,  and  the  mercy  and  equi- 
ty of  his  administration;  the  favor  which  he  has 
shewn,  and  is  ever  ready  to  shew,  to  rebels  who 
submit  to  him,  the  benefits  which  they  themselves 
have  received,  the  inheritance  prepared  for  them, 
and  the  price  paid  for  their  ransom; — these  things 


form  their  favorite  topics.  Fain  would  they 
"make  known  to  all  the  sons  of  men  his  mighty 
acts,"  and  "the  glorious  majesty  of  his  kingdom;" 
that  none  might  any  longer  refuse  submission  to 
so  gracious  a  Prince,  whose  authority  is  establish- 
ed to  all  generations.  The  Lord's  condescension 
likewise  excites  their  liveliest  gratitude:  he  re- 
gards the  mean  and  abject;  he  upholds  all  such  as 
feel  themselves  falling  into  sin  and  misery  and 
ready  to  perish,  and  apply  to  him  for  help;  and  he 
raises  up  all  those  who  are  bowed  down  with 
conscious  guilt  or  deep  distress.  All  creatures 
wait  upon  him,  and  are  satisfied  with  meat  in  due 
season;  and  he  says  to  his  believing  poor,  "Your 
Father  knoweth  what  things  ye  have  need  of." 
{JVoles,  Matt.  6:25—32.  Luke  12:22—34.]  Hi.s 
justice  and  purity  are  always  exercised  in  full 
perfection,  whether  he  save  or  punish;  yet  he  most 
delights  that  sinners  should  repent  and  live.  He 
is  therefore  accessible  at  all  times,  and  in  all 
places,  to  the  most  guilty  of  our  fallen  race;  and 
he  is  nigh  to  hear,  to  pardon,  and  to  save,  "all 
who  call  upon  him  in  truth:"  so  that  none  who 
hear  the  gospel  are  excluded  from  its  blessings, 
but  profane  despisers,  careless  transgressors,  and 
hypocrites.  "For  he  will  fulfil  the  desire  of  them 
that  fear  him:  he  will  hear  their  cry,  and  will 
help  them."  And,  having  taught  them  to  love  his 
name  and  his  holy  ways,  he  will  preserve  them 
from  the  destruction  of  the  wicked,  who  shall 
perish  for  ever.  {JVote,  1  Pet.  1:3 — 5.)  May  we 
then  fear  his  wrath,  and  seek  his  grace;  may  we 
love  his  name,  and  walk  in  his  ways:  then  shall 
we  speak  from  a  full  heart,  whilst  our  lips  utter 
his  praise;  and  while  we  desire  that  "all  flesh 
should  bless  his  holy  name  for  ever  and  ever." 
{Note,  146:2.) 

4»  NOTES. 

Psalm  CXLVI.  V.  1.  The  Septuagint  and 
the  vulgate  Latin  ascribe  this  Psalm  to  Haggai 
and  Zechariah:  from  an  opinion,  perhaps,  that  it 
suited  the  times  of  those  prophets;  when  the  Jews 
found  little  encouragement  to  trust  in  the  kings 
of  Persia;  but  when,  simply  trusting  in  God,  they 
were  prospered.  It  is,  however,  far  more  proba- 
ble, that  it  was  written  by  David,  towards  the 
close  of  his  reign. — It  begins  and  ends  with  the 
word  "Hallelujah."    [JSTotes,  103:1,2,20—22.) 

V.  2.  [Note,  145: 1,2.)  No  doubt  the  following 
stanza  gives  the  genuine  meaning  of  the  Psalm- 
ist: 

•I'll  praise  my  maker  with  my  breath, 
'And  when  my  voice  is  lost  in  death, 

'Praise  shall  employ  my  nobler  powers: 
'My  days  of  praise  shall  ne'er  be  past 
'While  life  and  thought  and  being  last, 

•And  immortality  endures.'  Watts. 

V.  3,  4.  [J^ote,  2: 10—12.)  If  he,  who  com- 
monly styled  himself  "the  Son  of  man,"  had  not 
also  been  the  Son  of  God,  he  must  have  been  in- 
cluded in  this  general  caution,  or  dissuasive:  but 
on  the  contrary,  the  particulars  mentioned  in  the 
subsequent  part  of  the  Psalm,  were  remarkablr 
verified  in  him. — 'Earthly  princes,  if  they  have 
'the  will,  often  want  the  power  even  to  protect 
'their  friends.    And  should  they  want  neither 

[439 


B.  C.  1016. 


PSALM  CXLVL 


B.  C.  1016. 


5  =  Happy  is  he  that  hath  ''  the  God  of 
Jacob  for  his  lielp,  '  whose  hope  is  in  the 
Lord  his  God; 

6  Which  ''  made  heaven  and  earth, 
*  the  sea,  and  all  that  therein  is:  which 
•"  keepeth  truth  for  ever; 

7  Which  "  executeth  judgment  for  the 
oppressed;  °  which  giveth  food  to  the 
hungry.  The  Lord  p  looseth  the  prison- 
ers: 


g  33,12,   84:12.    144:15.     Deut. 

33:29. 
h  46:7,11.    84:8.     Gen.  32:24— 

29.    50:17.     Ex.  3:6. 
i  39:7.  71:5.  Jer.  17:7,8.     1  Pet. 

1:21. 
k33:6.  136:5,6.    148:5,6.     Gen. 

1:1.  Jer.  10:11,12.  32:17.  John 

1:3.    Col.  1:16.    Rev.  14:7. 
195:5.      Ex.  20:11.     Job  38:3— 

11.     Prov.  8:28,29. 
m  89:2,33.    98:3.    100:5.     Deut. 


7:9.       Dan.    9:4.       Mic.    7:20. 

John  10:35.     Tit.   1:2.     Heb. 

6:18. 
n9:l6.   10:14,15,13.    12:5.    72:4. 

103:6.      Prov.  22:22,23.    23:10, 

11.    Is.  9:4.     Mai.  3:5. 
o  107:9.   136:25.   145:15,16.  Jer. 

31:14.    Luke  1:53.  9:17. 
p  68:6.  105:17—20.   107:10,14— 

16.   142:7.      Is.  61:1.     Zech.  9: 

11,12.     Luke  4:18.    Acts  5:19. 

16:26. 


9  The  Lord  i  openeth  the  eyes  of  the 
blind:  the  Lord  ""  raiseth  thetn.  that  are 
bowed  down:  the  Lord  ^  loveth  the 
righteous: 

9  The  Lord  *  preserveth  the  strangers: 
he  relieveth  the  fatherless  and  widow:  but 
"  the  way  of  the  wicked  he  turneth  up- 
side down. 

10  The  Lord  shall  '^  reign  for  ever, 
even  ^  thy  God,  O  Zion,  unto  all  genera- 
tions.    Praise  ye  the  Lord. 


q  Is.  35:5.  42:16,13.  Matt.  9: 
30.  11:5.  Luke  18:41,42.  John 
9:7,32,33.  Acts  26:18.  Eph.  1: 
18. 

r  145:14.  147:6.  Luke  13:11— 
13.     2  Cor.  7:6. 

sll:7.  Deut.  33:3.  John  14:21 
—23.    16:27. 

t  68:5.  Deut.  10:18,19.  16:11. 
Jer.  49:11.     Hos.    14:3.     Mai. 


3:5.     .Tam.  1:27. 
u  18:26.  83:13— 17.    145:20.   147: 

6.   2  Sam.  15:31.  17:23.    Esth. 

6:14.    7:10.    9:25.     Job  5:12— 

14.     1  Cor.  3:19. 
X  10:16.   145:13.    Ex.  15:18.  Is. 

9:7.     Dan.  2:44.     6:26.    7:14. 

Rev.  11:15. 
y  147:12.     Is.  12:6.  40:9.    62:7, 

Joel  3:17. 


'will  nor  power  to  advance  them,  yet  still  all  de- 
'pends  upon  the  breath  in  their  nostrils,  which, 
'perhaps  at  the  very  critical  moment,  g'oeth  forth, 
'they  return  to  their  earth;  their  thoughts,  and  all 
'the  thoughts  of  those  who  had  hoped  to  rise  by 
'their  means,  fall  into  the  same  grave  and  are  bu- 
'ried  with  them  for  ever.'  Bp.  Home, — How  often 
is  this  exemplified  in  this  land,  by  the  disappoint- 
ed expectations  of  those,  who  are  strongly  attach- 
ed to  some  eminent  statesman,  and  are  confident 
of  preferment  from  him:  but  he  dies  and  their 
hopes  expire  with  him.  {JVotes,  62:8 — 10.  Is. 
2:22.  Jer.  17:5— 8.)— JVb  help.  (3)  "No  salvation." 
Marg, — His  thoughts.  (4)  vrun^j? :  his  splendid 
thoughts.  ''    •  •■ 

V.  5.  'He,  and  he  alone,  is  the  truly  happy 
*man,  who  expects  help  from  the  mighty  God 
'by  whom  Jacob  was  fed  all  his  life  long;  [Gen. 
'48:15.)  who  trusts  him  that  is  Lord  of  the  world, 
'and  hath  made  him  his  Friend  so  much,  that  he 
'can  call  him  his  God.'  Bp.  Patrick.  {J^otes, 
84:11,12.  /«.  26:3,4.) 

V.  6.  'He  encourageth  the  godly  to  trust 
'only  in  the  Lord,  both  for  that  his  power  is  able  to 
'deliver  them  from  all  danger;  and  for  his  prom- 
'ise'  sake,  his  will  is  most  ready  to  do  it.'  [J^Iarg. 
Ref.) — He  keepeth  truth  for  ever.]  JVbfes,  138:2. 
jiatt.  24:32—35,  v.  35.  Luke  1:67— 75,  w.  70—73. 
John  1:17.  Rom.  15:8—13,  v.  8.  Heb.  6:13—20. 
V.  7.  'If  one  part  of  the  Psalmist's  descrip- 
'tion  belong  to  Christ,'  (8)  'the  other  members  of 
'it  must  do  so  likewise,  it  being  evident  that  the 
'whole  is  spoken  of  the  same  person.  "He  there- 
'fore  is  the  God  of  Jacob,  who  made  heaven  and 
'earth,  the  sea  and  all  that  therein  is:"  and  upon 
'his  appearance  among  men  in  the  body  of  our 
'flesh,  he  shewed  himself  possessed  of  power  to  re- 
'lieve  all  the  wants,  corporeal  and  spiritual,  of 
'poor  lost  mankind.  When  he  rescued  men  from 
'the  bondage  of  Satan,  he  "executed  judgment 
'for  the  oppressed;"  when  he  fed  thousands  by  a 
'miracle,  or  when  he  preached  the  word  to  such 
'as  desired  to  hear  and  receive  it,  he  "gave  food 
'to  the  hungry:"  when  by  pardon  and  grace  he 
'released  those  who  were  bound  with  the  chains 
'of  their  sins,  he  "loosed  the  prisoners."'  Bp. 
Home.  {J^otes,  10:14,15.  72:4—7.  103:6—8. 
Prov.  22:22,23.  /s.  61:1— 3.  Zech.  9:11,12.  Luke 
4:16—22.) 

V.  8.  This  verse  'was  most  exactly  and  liter- 
'ally  fulfilled  in  our  Lord  Christ,  when  he  came 
'to  give  salvation  to  us.'  Bp.  Patrick.  'When 
'he  poured  light  into  the  sightless  eye-ball,  or  il- 
'himinated  with  saving  knowledge  the  under- 
'standiag  of  the  ignorant,  he  "opened  the  eyes  of 
'the  blind:"  when  he  made  the  crooked  woman 
440] 


'straight,  or  rectified  the  obliquity  of  a  depraved 
'will,  he  "raised  those  that  were  bowed  down." ' 
Bp.  Home.  [JVotes,  11:1.  145:14.  /s.  29:17— 19. 
35:5—7.    JMTa^.  11:2— 6.     Lt«A:e  13:11-17.) 

V.  9.  J\larg.  Ref.—JTotes,  1:4—6.  145:19,20. 
Job  5:11  — 16. — Strangers,  &c.]  'Meaning  all 
'them  that  are  destitute  of  worldly  means  and 
'succor.'     (JSTotes,  68:5,6.  Deut.  10:18,19.) 

V.  10.  'He  assureth  the  church,  that  God 
reigneth  for  ever,  for  the  preservation  of  the 
'same.'  [J^otes,  10:16.  145:9—13.  Is.  12:4—6. 
52:7,8.    Rev.    11:15—18.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

In  heaven,  when  one  Hallelujah  closes,  another 
commences:  and  sometimes  the  believer  on  earth 
is  so  carried  above  his  fears,  sorrows,  and  sins,  as 
to  emulate  the  incessant  thanksgivings  of  "the 
saints  in  light." — If  we  desire  to  praise  the  Lord 
while  we  live,  as  our  most  delightful  occupation, 
we  shall  certainly  praise  him  "while  we  have  any 
being,"  even  to  all  eternity.     With  these  glorious 
prospects  before  our  eyes,  how  mean  do  the  pur- 
suits of  ambition,  or  connexions  with  the  great, 
seem  to  us!  and  how  needful  does  it  appear  to 
dissuade  men  from  this  common,  but  destructive 
idolatry!    The  fickleness,  jealousies,  selfishness, 
and  weakness  of  man,  and  the  intrigues  and  ca- 
bals of  courts,  render  all  dependence  on  princes 
delusory,  even  as   to   this  present   world.    But 
were  this  dependence  as  stable  as  it  is  slippery, 
the  uncertainty  of  life  must  expose  to  perpetual 
anxieties  and  disappointments,  all  those  who  con- 
fide  in   such  dying  patrons.      How  little   then 
could  the  friendship   of  all  the   princes  of  the 
earth  do  for  us,  in  respect  of  judgment  and  the 
eternal  world!  "Happy  is  he"  alone,   "who  hath 
the  God  of  Jacob  for  his  help,  and  whose  hope  is 
in  the  Lord  his  God."    He  who  "made  the  heav- 
en, and  earth,  the  sea,  and  all  that  therein  is," 
cannot  want  power  to  bless  us;  and  his  goodness 
is  illustrious  in  every  part  of  his  providential  gov- 
ernment.    But  lest  we  should  question  his  love  to 
sinners,  or  his  eternal  truth  and  faithfulness  to  his 
word,  behold  the  God  of  heaven  assumes  our  hu- 
man flesh,  that  he  may  "become  our  Salvation!" 
(JVotes,  Is.  12:1—3.)    Tlie  eternal  and  coequal 
Son  of  God  becomes  "the  Son  of  man!"  not  to  be 
"without  help,"  as  the  other  children  of  men  are, 
but  to  bring  effectual  help  and  eternal  salvation 
unto  us.   And  though  he  expired  upon  the  cross  for 
our  sins,  and  was  laid  in  the  grave;  yet  his  glorious 
and  gracious  thoughts  of  love  did  not  then  perish, 
but  he  arose  again    to   accomplish  them.      He 
reigneth  in  Zion,  her  Lord  and  King,  to  all  gene- 
rations, to  the  praise  and  glory  of  God  the  Father; 

and  when  we  trust  in  Eaunanuel,  then  our  faith 


B.  C.  444. 


PSALM  CXLVir. 


B.  C.  444. 


PSALM  CXLVIL 

Exbortations  to  praise  God  for  the  wisdom,  power,  and  goodness, 
displayed  in  providence,  and  in  the  care  of  his  Church;  and  in 
the  changes  of  the  weatlier,  and  the  revolving  seasons;  and 
for  giving  Isra»*l  his  word  and  ordinances,  1 — -20. 

iRAISE    ye    the   Lord:   ^  for   it  is 
good  to  sing  praises  unto  our  God; 
for  it  is  pleasant,   ^  and  praise  is  comely. 

2  The  Lord  doth  '^  build  up  Jerusa- 
lem; •'  he  gathereth  together  the  outcasts 
of  Israel. 

3  He  ®  healeth  the  broken  in  heart, 
and  bindeth  up  their  *  wounds. 

4  He  '  telleth  the  number  of  the  stars: 
he  calleth  them  all  by  their  names. 

5  s  Great  is  our  Lord  and  of  great 
power:  this  understanding  is  infinite. 

e  51:17.  Job  5:18.  Is.  57:15.  61: 
1.  .ler.  3a:6.  Hos.  6:1,2.  Mai. 
4:2.    Luke  4:18. 

*  Heb.  griefs.  Is.  1:5,6. 

f  8:3.  14S:3.'Gen.  15i5  Is.  40:26. 

g  43:1.  96:4.  99:2.  135:5.  145: 
3.  Jer.  10:6.  32:17—19.  Nah. 
1:3.    Rev.  15:3. 

f  Heb.  of  his  wide7'Standi7ig 
there  is  no  number.  40:5.  139: 
17,18.    Is.  40:28.     Rom.  11:33. 


1:3—5.  92:1.    135:3. 
b33:l.  42:4.   122:1—4.    Rev.  5: 

9—14.    19:1—6. 
c51:13.    102:13-16.     Neh.  3:1, 

&.C.    7:4.    Is.  14:32.  62:7.    Jer. 

31:4.     Dan.  9:25.    Matt.  16:18. 
d  102:20—22.   Deut.  30:3.   Ezra 

2:64,65.    3:l,&c.     Is.  11:11,12. 

27:13.   56:8.     Jer.  52:37.     Ez. 

36:24,&c.    37:21,&c.    38:3.  39: 

27.28.  Eph.  2:12—19. 


and  hope  are  rested  on  the  God  of  Jacob.  [J^fote., 
]  Pet.  1:17— 21,  D.  21.)  To  evince  that  he  was 
the  Creator  and  Lord  of  all,  when  in  his  state  of 
humiliation  on  earth;  he  rescued  those  who  were 
oppressed  by  Satan,  and  executed' judgement  on 
that  oppressor;  he  created  food  to  bestow  on  the 
hung-ering  multitudes;  he  opened  the  eyes  of  those 
who  had  been  born  bhnd;  he  raised  up  those  who 
were  bowed  down  with  disease;  and  he  shewed 
himself  the  effectual  Friend  of  the  widow  and  of 
the  destitute.  But  all  this  was  only  a  specimen  and 
an  emblem  of  what  he  is  doing  every  day.  He  still 
continually  proclaims  and  grants  "deliverance  to 
the  captives,  and  the  opening  of  the  prison  to 
those  that  are  bound"  in  the  chains  of  sin  and  Sa- 
tan. He  opens  the  eyes  of  our  understandings, 
and  raises  up  those  who  are  bowed  down  with  a 
load  of  conscious  guilt,  or  by  great  distress  of 
soul;  he  feeds  those  who  hunger  for  salvation, 
with  the  Bread  of  life;  and  he  is  the  constant 
Friend  of  "-the  poor  in  spirit,"  of  the  destitute  and 
helpless.  In  short  "he  lovelh  the  righteous,"  and 
their  righteousness  is  in  hiin  and  from  him;  "but 
the  way  of  the  wicked  he  turneth  upside  down:" 
and  while  he  does  these  things  by  his  grace,  his 
providence  orders  all  things  for  the  good  of  those 
who  trust  and  love  him.  Let  sinners  then  flee  to 
him;  and  let  believers  rejoice  in  him,  as  their  gra- 
cious and  covenanted  Friend:  and  as  "the  Lord 
shall  reign  for  ever,  even  our  God  to  all  genera- 
tions," let  us  without  ceasing  excite  each  other 
to  praise  his  holy  name. 

NOTES. 
Psalm  CXLVn.  V.  1,2.  This  Fsalm  also 
is,  by  the  Septuagint,  ascribed  to  Haggai  and 
Zechariah;  and  indeed  many  expressions  in  it 
favor  the  supposition,  that  it  was  composed  as  a 
song  of  praise  for  the  restoration  of  the  Jews  to 
Jerusalem  and  their  own  land:  but  it  seems  bet- 
ter suited  to  the  times  of  Nehcmiah,  when  the 
walls  were  rebuilt,  and  the  state  re-established, 
than  to  the  unsettled  condition  of  the  newly  re- 
turned captives,  Avhen  Haggai  and  Zechariah 
prophesied  to  them.  For  in  tlieir  days,  it  could 
scarcely  be  said,  that  the  Lord  "built  up  Jerusa- 
lem," as  he  had  not  then  "strengthened  the  bars 
of  her  gates;"  (13)  for  they  were  not  set  up  till 
long  afterwards. — [J\lnrg.  llcf. — J^'ofes,  JVeh.  1:3. 
3:4:6:15,16.  12:27—43.  Z)f/H.  9:25— 27.)  'Praise 
'is  "good,"  and  acceptable  to  God  our  Savior, 
Vol.  IU.  56 


6  The  Lord  '■  lifteth  up  the  meek:  '  he 
casteth  the  wicked  down  to  the  ground. 

7  ^  Sing  unto  the  Lord  with  thanks- 
giving; sing  praise  upon  the  harp  unto 
our  God; 

8  Who  '  covereth  the  heaven  with 
clouds,  who  "•  prepareth  rain  for  the 
earth,  who  maketh  grass  to  grow  upon 
the  mountains. 

9  He  "  giveth  to  the  beast  his  food, 
and  to  the  young  ravens  which  cry. 

10  He  °  delighteth  not  in  the  strength 
of  the  horse:  p  he  taketh  not  pleasure  in 
the  legs  of  a  man. 


h25:9.     37:11.     145:14.     146:8. 

149:4.     1  Sam.  2:8.'  Zeph.  2:3. 

Matt.  5:5.     Jam.  4:10.      1  Pet. 

5:6. 
i  55:23.  73:18,19.   146:9.    2  Pet. 

2:4—9. 
k  47:6,7.    68:32.    92:1—3.    95:1, 

2.     107:21,22.       Ex.    15:20,21. 

Rev.  5:8—10. 
1   135:7.     Gen.    9:14.     1    Kings 

18:44,45.     Job  26:3,9.    36:27— 

33.  38:25—27.     Is.  5:6. 


m  65:9—13.     104:13,14.     Job  5: 

10.  Jer.  14:22.  Joel  2:23.  Am. 

5:7,8.  Matt.  5:45.     Acts  14:17. 

Jam.  5:17,18. 
n  104.27,28.  136:25.   145:16.  Job 

38:41.   Matt.  6:26.  Luke  12:24. 
0  20:7.33:16—18.     Job  39:19— 

25.  Prov.  21:31.  Is.  31:1.  Hos. 

1:7. 
p  1  Sam.  16:7.     2  Sam.  1:23.  2: 

18—23.     Ec.  9:11. 


'whose  glory  is  the  great  end  of  man's  creation 
'and  redemption:  and  it  is  "pleasant  and  comely" 
'for  man,  being  the  only  return  he  can  make  for 
'those  and  all  other  mercies;  the  offspring  of  grati- 
'tude,  and  the  expression  of  love;  the  elevation  of 
'the  soul,  and  the  antepast  of  heaven;  its  own  re- 
'ward  in  this  life,  and  an  introduction  to  the  feli- 
'cities  of  the  next.'  Bp.  Home.  {Aotes,  33:1. 
63:5,6.  92:1,2.  \2b:i.)— Outcasts.  (2)  J^otc  Is.  56:8. 

V.  3.  'He  comforts  us  after  our  long  sorrows, 
'which  had  in  a  manner  broken  our  her  rt;  ...  and 
'hath  in  some  measure  repaired  our  breaches, 
'which,  like  a  festering  wound,  endangered  the 
'life  of  our  nation.'  Bp.  Patrick.  The  readiness 
of  our  gracious  Lord,  at  all  times  and  in  all  na- 
tions, to  heal  the  broken  in  heart,  and  to  bind  up 
the  wounds  of  "those  who  call  on  him"  are  also 
intended — [JYotes,  Job  5:18,19.  Is.  61:1—3.  Hus. 
6:1—3.) 

V.  4,  5.  'Though  it  seem  to  man  incredible, 
'that  God  should  assemble  his  church,  being  so 
'dispersed;  yet  nothing  can  be  too  hard  for  Ijim, 
'that  can  number  and  name  all  the  stars.' — This 
thougiit  naturally  arose  from  the  dispersed  state 
of  the  Jews  after  the  captivity,  and  was  applica- 
ble to  the  Lord's  gatheriiio;-  them  into  their  own 
land.  [Am.  9:9.) — 'He  who  does  this'  (number 
and  name  the  stars,)  'cannot  be  ignorant  of  (he 
'situation  and  circumstances  of  his  elect.  He 
'knoweth  each  individual.  ...  He  can  call  bis 
'saints  from  the  depths  of  the  earth  and  sea,  "by 
'their  names,"  as  when  once  "he  cried  with  a 
'loud  voice,  Lazarus,  come  forth." '  Bp.  Horne. 
(JVo<e*,  139:17,18.  145:3,4.  Jo6  11:7— 12.  /s.  40: 
25—31.  Am.  5:7—9.  Rom.  11:33—36.) 

V.  6— 8.  Marg.  Ri-f.—JVotes,  145:14.  146:8. 
— Clouds,  &c.  (8)  'Clouds  look  melancholy;  yet 
'without  them  we  could  have  no  rain,  and  conse- 
'quently  no  fruit:  thus  afflictions  look  black,  and 
'dark,  and  unpleasant;  yet  from  them  come  those 
'showers  that  ...  "yield  the  peaceable  fruit  of 
'righteousness."'  Henri/ — (JVntes,  65:9 — 13.  104: 
13 — 15.  135:7.  1  Kins:s  18:43,44.  Job  5:8—10. 
36:22—33.  Jer.  14:19—^2,  v.  22.) 

V.  9.  'Will  he,  in  the  day  of  dearth  and  ca- 
'lamity,  forsake  the  meek  and  harmless  dove,  that 
'mourneth  continually  in  prayer  before  him.'  The 
'desponding  servant  of  God  need  only  therefore 
'put  to  himself  the  question, ...  "Who  provideth 
'for  the  raven  his  food.^    When  his  young  ones 

[441 


B.  C.  444. 


PSALM  CXLVII. 


B.  C.  444. 


1 1  The  Lord  **  taketli  pleasure  in  them 
'  that  fear  hiin,  in  those  that  hope  in  his 
mercy. 

12  Praise  the  Lord,  O  Jerusalem; 
s  praise  thy  God,  O  Zion. 

13  For  '  he  hath  strengthened  the  bars 
of  thy  gates;  he  hath  "  blessed  thy  chil- 
dren within  thee. 

14  *He  ^  maketh  peace  in  thy  bor- 
ders, and  y  filleth  thee  with  the  t  finest  of 
the  wheat. 

15  He  ^  sendeth  forth  his  command- 


q   35:27.    149:4.      Prov.   11:20. 

31:30.   Zeph.  3:17.     1  Pet.  3:4. 
r  33:18,22.      1  Pet.  1:13,17. 
E  135:19—21.   146:10.   149:2.    Is. 

12:6.  52:7.    .loci  2:23. 
143:11—14.  51:18.   125:2.  Neh. 

3:l,&c.  6:1.  7:1.   12:30.    Lam. 

2:8,9.  4:12.    Dan.  9:25. 
u  115:14,15.    128:3—6.     144:12. 

Is.   44:3 5.       Jer.    30:19,20. 

Zech.  3:3—5.  Luke  19:42—44. 
♦  Heb.  JFAu  maketh  thy  border 


peace, 
X  29:11.     122:6.      Lev.  26:6.    1 

Chr.  22:9.     Is.  9:6,7.  60:17,13. 

66:12.    Zech.  9:3. 
y  132:15.     Deut.  8:7,3.    Ez.  27: 

17. 
f  Heb.    fat  of  wheat.     31:16. 

marg.    Deut.  32:14. 
z   33:9.      107:20,25.     Job  34:29. 

37:12.     Jon.  1:4.     Matt.  8:3,9, 

13. 


ment  upon  earth:  *his  word  runneth  very 
swiftly. 

16  He  '^  giveth  snow  like  wool:  he 
"^  scattereth  the  hoar-frost  like  ashes. 

17  He  "^  casteth  forth  his  ice  like  mor- 
sels: *  who  can  stand  before  his  cold.^ 

18  He  ^  sendeth  out  his  word,  and 
melteth  them:  he  causeth  his  wind  to 
blow,  and  the  waters  flow. 

19  He  s  sheweth  his  ^  word  unto  Jacob, 
^  his  statutes  and  his  judgments  unto  Israel. 

20  He  hath  '  not  dealt  so  with  any  na- 
tion: and  as  for  his  judgments,  they  have 
not  known  them.     Praise  ye  the  Lord. 


a  68:11.     2  Tbes.  3:1.  marg. 
b  148:8.    Job  37:6.  Is.  55:10. 
c  Job  37:9,10.  33:29. 
d  78:47,48.   Ex.  9:23—25.   Josh. 

10:11.  Job  38:22,23. 
e  Job  38:29,30. 
f  15.  Job  6:16,17.37:17. 
g76:l.  78:5.  103:7.     Deut.  33:2 

—4.    Mai.  4:4.     Rom.  3:2.  9: 


4.    2Tim.  3:15— 17. 
J   Heb.    icords.     Ex.  20:l,&c. 

Deut.  4:12,13.  marg.  5:22. 
h  Ex.  21:— 23:    See  on  Deut.  ♦ 

1,8,45.  5:31.   6:1. 
i  Deut.  4:32—34.  Prov.  29:18.  Is. 

5:1—7.    Matt.  21:33—41.  Acts 

14:16.    26:17,18.    Rom.    3:1,2. 

Eph.  2:12.  5:8.     1  Pet.  2:9,10. 


'cry  unto  God,  they  wander  for  lack  of  meat." ' 
Bp.  Home.  {J^otes,  Job  38:31—41,  v.  41.  Matt. 
6:26— 32,  iJ.  26.) 

V.  10,  11.  'Let  us...  not  be  afraid  though  we 
'are  of  little  force,  (JVe/i,.  4:3,4.  7:4.)  and  have  no 
•armies  of  horses  and  foot  to  defend  us:  for  the 
'Lord  who  fights  for  us  (JVe/i.  4:20.)  hath  no  need 
'of  these;  and  will  not  take  part  with  our  ene- 
'mies,  because  they  are  superior  to  us  in  the 
'strength  of  their  horses,  and  the  nimbleness  of 
'their  soldiers:  but  delights  to  give  those  his  as- 
'sistance  and  protection, ...  who,  worshipping  him 
'devoutly,  fear  to  offend  him;  and  having  no  help 
'in  themselves,  nor  any  earthly  refuge  to  fly  unto, 
'depend  notwithstanding  with  a  stedfast  faith  on 
'his  infinite  mercy.  Bp.  Patrick.  {Marg.  Ref. 
—33:17,18.    Jfote,  149:4.) 

V.  12 — 14.  The  Jews  celebrated  the  dedica- 
tion of  the  wall,  (when  it  had  been  rebuilt,  and 
the  gates  of  it  set  up,  under  the  pious  care  of  Ne- 
hemiah,)  with  loud  and  earnest  thanksgivings  to 
God:  {J^otes,  JVeh.  12:27—43.)  and  they  had  at 
that  time,  and  were  encouraged  in  future  to  hope 
confidently  for,  peace  and  plenty.  These  bless- 
ings Jerusalem,  or  Zion,  was  called  on  to  cele- 
brate with  joyful  praises;  and  the  exhortation  is 
equally  applicable  to  other  nations  and  compa- 
nies of  God's  worshippers,  when  favored  in  like 
manner. — The  last  clause  is  literally,  "He  shall 
satisfy  thee  with  the  fat  of  wheat."  [Mai-g.  and 
J\Iarg.  Ref.—jyotes,  Deut.  32:14.) 

V.  15-18.  {Marg.  Re/.—J^Tute,  2  Thes.  3:1— 
^,v.  1.)  Till  the  Lord's  time  came,  all  the  ef- 
forts of  the  Jews,  to  recover  liberty  or  prosperity, 
were  as  unavailing,  as  the  skill  and  power  of  man 
are,  to  prevent  the  effects  of  frost  and  snow:  but 
when  he  gave  tlie  command,  every  heart  was 
speedily  disposed  to  favor  them;  as  the  snow  and 
ice  melt,  and  the  waters  flow,  when  he  sends  a 
thaw,  warm  sun-beams,  and  a  southern  breeze. — 
The  snow  is  here  compared  to  "wool,"  and  the  ice, 
to  "morsels:"  and  it  is  well  known  that  the  snow 
keeps  the  ground  warm  and  assists  vegetation:  so 
that  perhaps  the  ice,  or  hailstones,  are  compared  to 
"morsels,"  not  only  from  the  solid  form  which  they 
assume;  but  because  of  the  nourisliing  and  fer- 
tilizing effects  which  the  frost  produces  upon  the 
ground. 

V.  1 9, 20.  'That  word,  the  effects  of  which  upon 
'the  spiritual  system  are  similar  to  those  experienc- 
♦ed  by  nature  in  the  vernal  season,  that  "word  was 
'shewed  unto  Jacob,"  and  became  the  property  of 
442] 


'Israel,  while  Israel  continued  to  be  the  church  of 
'God.  It  hath  since  been  made  over,  with  all  its 
'types  realized,  and  its  prophecies  accomplished  in 
'Jesus,  to  the  church  Christian:  it  is  that  peculiar 
'blessing,  which  distinguishes  her  from  the  rest 
'of  the  world,  and  for  which  her  children  are 
'bound,  at  all  times  to  praise  the  Lord.'  Bp. 
Home.  The  sovereigntj'^  of  God,  in  making  one 
nation  to  differ  from  another,  "not  for  their  right- 
eousness," but  "according  to  the  course  of  his 
own  will,"  is  in  this  respect  undeniable.  Britain 
especially  has  abundant  cause  to  adore  and  praise 
God  on  this  account.  The  word  property  in  the 
quotation  does  not  seem  appropriate.  It  was  a 
talent,  and  a  deposit,  intrusted  to  Israel,  and  is  so 
to  us,  of  which  an  account  must  be  given,  and 
which  we  are  bound  to  communicate  to  others, 
by  every  means  in  our  power.  (JVb<e*,  78:3 — 8. 
Deut.  4:6—8,32—40.  Rom.  3:1,2.  9:4,5.  Eph.  2: 
11 — 13.)  The  pious  Jews,  when  returned  from 
their  dispersions  among  idolaters,  would  be  more 
impressed  with  the  value  of  their  sacred  oracles, 
and  other  special  advantages,  than  they  were 
who  had  never  witnessed  such  scenes  of  darkness 
and  ignorance. — This  Psalm  also  begins  and  ends 
with  Halleluiah. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
This  display  of  the  glory  of  the  divine  perfec- 
tions was  intended  in  all  the  works  of  God: 
{J^otes,  Prov.  16:4.  Eph.  1:9— 12.)  and  to  cele- 
brate his  praises  forms  the  most  suitable  return 
for  his  benefits,  of  which  we  are  capable.  It  is 
therefore  both  reasonable  and  acceptable,  pleas- 
ant and  becoming,  for  us  to  abound  in  this  blessed 
work. — The  continued  care  of  God  over  his 
chosen  city,  and  in  gathering  his  people  I.'^rael 
from  their  various  captivities  and  dispersions,  to 
dwell  and  worship  at  Jerusalem,  were  emblems 
of  his  care  of  his  church,  the  city  of  the  living 
God;  of  his  gathering  outcast  sinners  by  his 
grace,  to  dwell  there  on  earth;  and  of  his 
bringing  them  all  at  length  to  his  holy  habitation 
in  heaven. — The  contrast  between  the  majesty 
and  the  mercy  of  our  God,  should  never  be  over- 
,  looked.  While  "he  telleth  the  number  of  the 
i  stars,"  he  condescends  to  hear  the  broken-hearted 
I  sinner,  and  to  heal  by  his  consolations  the  wound- 
ed spirit.  His  greatness,  power,  and  wisdom  are 
infinite;  and  he  displays  his  justice  in  crushing  to 
the  earth  the  haughtiest  and  mightiest  rebels: 
yet  he  "lifteth  up  the  meek"  from  their  dejection 
and  abject  misery,  to  the  comfort  of  his  favor 


B.  C.  1016. 


PSALM  CXLVIII. 


B.  C.  1016. 


PSALM  CXLVin. 

The  Psalmist  calls  on  all  celestial  beings  to  praise  God  tlieir 
Creator,  1 — 6;  and  on  all  terrestrial,  7 — 10;  especially  on  all  the 
race  of  men,  however  distinguished,  11,  12:  and  this  on  account 
of  his  glory,  and  his  love  to  his  people,  13,  H. 

'TJRAISE  ye  the  Lord.    ''Praise  ye 
JL     the  Lord  from  the  heavens:  praise 
him  in  the  heights. 

2  Praise  ye  him,  ^  all  his  angels:  praise 
ye  him,  '^  all  his  hosts. 

3  Praise  ye  him,  "^  sun  and  moon:  praise 
him.  all  ye  stars  of  light. 

4  Praise  him,  ^  ye  heavens  of  heavens 
and  ^  ye  waters  that  be  above  the  heavens. 

5  Let  them  praise  the  name  of  the 
Lord:  e  for  he  commanded,  and  they 
were  created. 

6  He  ^  hath  also  stabhshed  them  for 


*    Heb.      Hallelujah.      146;  1. 

marg. 
a  89:5.    Is.  49:13.  Luke  2:13,14. 

Rev.  19:1—6. 
b    103:20,21.     Job  33:7.     Is.  6:2 

— 4.   Ez.3:12.    Rev.  5:11— J3. 
C  Gen.  2:1. 
d  8:1—3.  19:1—6.  89:36,37.  136: 

7—9.      Gen.    1:14—16.      8:22. 

Deut.  4:19.     J er.  33:20. 


e  113:6.     1  Kings  8:27.     2  Cor. 

12:2. 
f  104:3.     Gen.  1:7.  7:11. 
g  33:6— 9.     95:5.     Gen.  1:1,2,6. 

Jer.  10:11— 13.  Am.  9:6.  Rev. 

4:11. 
h   89:37.    93:1.     119:90,9].     Job 

33:10,11,33.       Prov.    8:27—29. 

Is.  54:9.     Jer.  31:35,36.  33:25. 


here,  and  to  the  throne  of  g'lory  hereafter.  He 
provides  for  all  creatures,  by  means  worthy  of 
himself:  and  whilst  he  "feeds  the  young-  ravens 
who  cry  unto  him,"  he  gives  a  pledge  that  he 
will  not  leave  destitute  his  praying  people.  He 
delights  not  in  those  things  in  which  sinners  con- 
fide and  glory:  but  his  delight  is  in  those  who 
conscientiously  fear  and  serve  him,  hoping  in  his 
mercy  alone  for  pardon  and  acceptance.  {JVofe, 
Jer.  9:23,24.)  These  are  the  inhabitants  of  Zion, 
who  praise  his  name:  he  is  their  Protector,  and 
will  bless  them  and  their  children,  with  spiritual 
peace  and  abundant  supplies  of  every  good  thing; 
while  they  who  trust  in  chariots  and  horses,  or  in 
their  own  agility,  strength,  wisdom,  courage,  or 
righteousness,  will  sink  into  penury,  misery,  and 
contempt. — When  the  Lord  speaks,  all  nature 
prepares  for  prompt  obedience.  At  his  command 
the  snow  and  the  hoar-frost  irresistibly  cover  the 
earth;  nothing  can  withstand  his  piercing  and 
congealing  cold;  the  rivers  are  arrested  in  their 
course,  and  the  works  of  men  are  suspended;  nor 
can  any  human  power  remove  the  obstruction. 
But  Jehovah  again  gives  the  word:  the  gentler 
breezes  blow,  the  snow  and  ice  melt,  the 
waters  flow,  and  all  reverts  to  its  former  course. 
Let  us  then  consider  how  unable  we  are  to  stand 
before  the  indignation  of  the  Lord:  let  us  be 
thankful,  that  he  moderates  the  continuance  of 
the  winter,  and  renders  it  useful  to  the  earth:  let 
ns  bless  him,  if  abundance  of  all  tilings  needful 
renders  us  free  from  the  miseries,  which  many 
suffer  during  that  inclement  season;  and  let  us 
learn  to  contribute  liberally  to  their  relief.  Let 
us  also  expect  from  his  power  things  impractica- 
ble to  all  others.  He  can  comfort  and  sanctify, 
when  every  human  effort  has  proved  unsuccess- 
ful: he  can  soften  and  melt  the  most  obdurate 
heart;  and  bring  the  rich  and  great  into  his 
church,  though  that  is  more  difficult  than  "for  a 
camel  to  go  through  the  eye  of  a  needle."  { JVb(e.9, 
JUatt.  19:23—26.  Jam.  1:9—11.)  While  there- 
fore we  remember  with  gratitude,  that  he  has 
shewed  his  word  unto  us,  and  favored  us  witli 
his  statutes  and  judgments,  as  he  did  Jacob  of 
old;  while  we  are  watchful  not  to  abuse  these 
privileges  to  our  deeper  condemnation,  and  study 
to  shew  forth  his  praises  in  our  holy  lives;  let  ns 
also  pity  and  pray  for  those,  who  are  not  so  dealt 


ever  and  ever:  he  hath  made  a  decree 
which  shall  not  pass. 

7  Praise  the  Lord  '  from  the  earth, 
•^  ye  dragons,  and  all  deeps; 

8  ^  Fire,  and  hail;  snow,  and  vapor; 
•"  stormy  wind  fulfilling  his  word; 

9  "  Mountains,    and   all   hills;    fruitful 
trees,  and  all  cedars; 

10  °  Beasts,  and  all  cattle;    creeping 
things,  and  t. flying  fowl; 

11  P  Kings  of  the  earth,  and  all  peo- 
ple; princes,  and  all  judges  of  the  earth; 

12  Both   1  young  men,  and  maidens; 
old  men,  and  children; 


i  See  on  1. 

k  74:13,14.  104:25,26.  Gen.  1: 
21.    Job  41:],&c.    Is.  27:1.  43: 

20.  51:9,10. 

1  147:15—18.  Gen.  19:24.  Ex. 
9:23—25.  Lev.  10:2.  Num. 
16:35.  Josh.  10:11.  Job  37:2 
—6.  38:22—37.  Is.  66:16.  Joel 
2:30.  Am.  7:4.  Rev.  16:8,9, 
21. 

m  107:25—29.  Ex.  10:13,19.  14: 

21.  Am.  4:13.  Jon.  1:4.    Matt. 
8:24—27. 

n   65:12,13.    96:11-13.    97:4,5. 


98:7—9.  114:3—7.  Is.  42:11. 
44:23.  49:13.  65:12,13.  64:1. 
Ez.  36:l,&c. 

0  50:10,11.  103:22.  150:6.  Gen. 
1:20—25. 

1  Heb.  Jirrfs  o/"TOt7ig'.    Gen.  7. 

14.  marg.    Ez.  17:23. 

p  2:10— 12.  22:27—29.66:1—4. 
68:31,32.    72:10,11.    86:9.    102: 

15.  138:4,5.  Prov.  8:15,16.  Is. 
49:23.    60:3.     Rev.  21:24. 

q  8:2.  68:25.  Jer.  31:13.  Zech. 
9:17.  Matt.  21:15,16.  Luke  19: 
37.    Tit.  2:4— 6. 


with,  and  who  have  not  known  his  judgments:  for 
the  Lord  is  able  to  remove  everj'  obstruction  to 
their  conversion,  that  all  nations  may  join  in  his  sol- 
emn worship,  and  praise  him  as  the  God  of  Israel. 
NOTES. 

Psalm  CXLVIII.  V.  1,2.  U^otes,  103:20— 
22.  Jb6  38:4— 7.  Luke±S—]4.  Rev.  4:(>—\l.  5: 
11 — 14.  19:1 — 6.)  'Finding  how  short  his  own 
'praises  were,  he  wishes  all  creatures  in  heaven 
'and  earth  would  conspire  in  a  sweet  symphony... 
'of  singing  hymns  unto  him.  ...  First  let  the  celes- 
'tial  choir  begin,  and  sing  their  thankful  hymns 
'to  him,  who  hath  raised  them  so  high.'  Bp. 
Patrick.  'From  the  heavens  and  those  unutter- 
'able  heights,  where  hosts  of  immortal  spirits,  ad- 
'mitted  to  the  sight  of  their  King,  enjoy  unfading 
'pleasures,  the  song  is  to  begin.  And  when  the 
'strain  is  thus  set  by  the  celestial  part  of  the 
'choir,  it  is  to  be  taken  up,  and  echoed  back,  by 
'the  creatures  of  this  lower  world,  animate  and 
'inanimate,  which  have  all  their  several  parts 
'assigned  them,  in  the  great  work  of  glorifying 
'their  Creator.'  Bp.  Home. 

V.3.  {Jlarg.  Re/.— JYutes,  Ps.  19:1— e.)  'The 
'material  heavens, ...  with  the  luminaries  placed 
'in  them, ...  by  their  splendor  and  magnificence, 
'their  motions  and  their  influences,  all  regulated 
'and  exerted  according  to  the  ordinance  of  their 
'Maker,  do,  in  a  very  intelligible  and  striking 
'manner,  declare  the  glory  of  God:  they  call  upon 
'us  to  translate  their  actions  into  our  language, 
'and  copy  their  obedience  in  our  lives;  that  so  we 
'may,  both  in  word  and  deed,  glorify,  with  them, 
'the  Creator...  of  the  universe.'  Bp.  Home. 

V.  4,  5.  {Marg.  Re/.—Jfote.i,  50:4—6,  v.  6. 
89:.'5.  Gen.  1:6—12.  Jer.  10:9—15. 

V.  6.  {JVotes,  104:6—9.  Gen.  8:20—22.  Job 
38:4 — II.  /«.  54:6— 10,  V.  9.)  'Let  all  these  set 
'forth  the  adorable  wisdom,  and  power,  and  good- 
'ness  of  the  Lord.  For  by  his  omnipotent  word 
'these,  whom  the  mistaken  world  calls  gods,  were 
'created,  not  to  be  worshipped,  but  perpetually 
'to  proclaim  his  praise, ...  who  hath  made  them 
'not  only  illustrious,  but  everlasting  monuments 
'of  his  splendor  and  glory;  having  fixed  and  set-* 
'tied  them  in  an  admirable  order,  which  they 
'constantly  observe,  and  prescribed  tliem  laws 
'which  they  never  transgress.'  Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  7 — 12.     From  the  earth.  (7)     The  preced- 

[41.5 


B.  C.  1016. 


PSALM  CXLIX. 


B.  C.  1015. 


13  Let  tliem  praise  the  name  of  the 
Lord:  "  for  his  name  alone  is  *  excellent; 
^  his  glory  is  above  the  earth  and  heaven. 

14  He  also  '  exalteth  the  horn  of  his 
people,  "  the  praise  of  all  his  saints;  even 
of  the  children  of  Israel,  *  a  people  near 
unto  him.     Praise  ye  the  Lorb. 

9.   1 


r8:l,H.    99:^,4,9.     Cant.  5:9,16. 

Is.  6:3.     Zecli.  9:17.    Phil.  3:0. 
*Heb.  ercailtd.     1  Clir.   29:11. 

Is.  VIA.  33.5.    Matt.  6:13. 
s57:5.  72:19.  103:4.  113:4.   Eph. 

4:10.      1  Pet.  3:22. 


175:10.   89:17.    92:10. 

Sam.  2:1.     Luke  1:.52. 
u    145:10.     149:9.      Luke   2:32. 

Rev.  5.3—14. 
X  Ex.  19:5,6.     Deut.  4:7.   Eph. 

2:13,19.     1  Pet.   2:9. 


ing  praises  were  to  be  rendered  from  the  heavens 
above;  the  following  from  the  earth  beneath. 
{Jilarg.  Rff-) — Dragons.'\  Whales,  and  other 
sea-monsters.  (Motes,  74:J3 — 17.  104:25,26.  Gen. 
1:20 — 25.) — Fire  and  hail,  &c.  (8)  'Let  the 
'lightnings,  thunder,  and  hail;  the  snow,  hoarj' 
'frost,  and  ice;  the  winds,  storms,  and  tempests; 
'all  make  a  part  of  this  song:  for  they  constantly 
'execute  his  sovereign  will,  and  .serve  his  wise 
'designs.'  Bp.  Patrick. — The  Gentiles  had  im- 
aginary deities,  ruling  over  winds  and  storms,  to 
whom  they  rendered  worship;  but  the  Psalmist 
pauses  as  it  were  to  note,  that  all  these  should  be 
regarded  as  "fulfilling  the  word"  of  Jehovah. — 
All  people.  [W)  Or  "peoples,"  plural.  This  ex- 
'hortation  dotii  not  belong  to  the  Hebrews  alone, 
'but  to  all  men  absolutely:  and  so  is,  as  it  were,  a 
'prelude  to  the  calling  of  the  gentiles.  For  they 
'cannot  praise  God  in  a  suitable  manner,  who  do 
'not  well  know  him;  nor  know  him  sufficiently, 
'who  have  never  heard  the  gospel;  from  which  es- 
'pecially  the  praises  of  God  flourish.'  Le  Clerc  in 
Bp.  Home. 

V.  13.  'Let  them  praise  the  incomparable 
'wisdom,  goodness,  and  power  of  the  Lord:  ... 
'whose  most  excellent  majesty  infinitely  surpass- 
'es  all,  that  the  earth  or  the  lieavens  can  tell  us 
'of  him.'  Bp.  Patrick. — It  ought  not  to  pass  un- 
noticed, that  this  verse  is  future:  "They  shall 
praise,  &c."  and  it  may  be  considered  as  a  predic- 
tion of  that  time,  when  "the  earth  shall  be  full  of 
the  knowledge  of  the  glory  of  the  Lord,  as  the 
waters  cover  the  sea."  (.A^)i!e,  Hab.  2:12 — 14.) 

V.  14.  He  also  exalteth,  &c.]  Or,  "He  will 
exalt  a  Horn  for  his  people." — "He  hath  raised 
up  a  Horn  of  Salvation  for  us,  in  the  house  of  his 
servant  David;  as  he  spake  b\r  the  mouth  of  his 
holy  prophets,  which  have  been  since  the  world 
began."  [jYote,  T.uke  1:67 — 75.) — 'He  hath  set 
'over  us  a  powerful  prince  for  the  defence  and 
'safety  of  his  people;  (89:19.)  whose  fame  he  hath 
'hereby  raised  to  the  highest  pitch  of  honor.'  Bp. 
Patrick. — David  however  was  only  a  shadow  of 
him,  who  is  "a  Light  to  lighten  the  Gentiles,  and 
the  Glory  of  his  people  Israel."  [Marg.  Ref. — 
JSTote,  Luke  2:25 — 32.) — This  Psalm  also  opens 
and  concludes  with  "Hallelujah." 

PR7\^CTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

Every  effort  of  the  zealous  believer  to  praise 
the  Lord,  causes  his  boundless  excellences  to  un- 
veil themselves  more  fully,  to  his  enraptured,  ad- 
miring, thankful  heart;  and  thus  he  becomes  more 
and  more  conscious  of  his  inability  to  praise  his 
God  in  'd  suitable  manner.  He  therefore  rejoices 
to  reflect,  that  there  are  innumerable  hosts  of  an- 
gels before  the  throne,  in  the  heights  of  heaven, 
who  are  able  to  praise  him  in  more  exalted  strains: 
and  though  they  need  no  incitement;  yet  his  de- 
sire that  God  sliould  be  worthily  glorified,  will 
make  him  ready  to  call  on  them  to  proceed  in  their 
lofty  adorations:  and  he  would  wish,  if  it  were 
possible,  that  the  sound  of  their  praises  might  be 
heard  on  earth,  and  echoed  back  in  responsive 
chorus  by  all  its  inhabitants.  Indeed  all  the 
444] 


PSALM  CXLIX. 

Israel   is  exhorted  to  pnise   God,  and  to  rejoice   in  him;  and  to 
prepare  for  victory  and  triumph  over  all  tijeir  enemies,  1 — 9. 

*  "pRAISE  ye  the  Lord.    »  Sing  unto 
.Mr    the    Lord   a  new  song,   and  his 
praise  ^  in  the  congregation  of  saints. 

2  Let  Israel  ^  rejoice  in  him  that  made 
him:  ^  let  the  children  of  Zion  be  joyful 
in  their  King. 


Heb.  Hallelvjuh.     148:1. 
a  33:3.  96:1.  9&:1.  144:9.  Is.  42: 

10.  Rev.  5:9. 
b22::22,25.    68:26.    39:5.     111:1. 

116:18.    Heb.  2:12. 
c  100:1—3.  135:3,4.     Deut.  7:6, 


7.  12:7.  1  Sam.  12:22.  Job  35: 
10.  Is.  54:5. 
d  Is.  52:7.  62:11,12.  .Toel  2:23. 
Zeph.  9:9.  Matt.  21:5.  25:34. 
Luke  19:27,38.  John  19:15,19 
—22.     Phil.  3:3.     Rev.  19:6. 


works  of  God,  above  and  below,  ffallen  angels, 
and  fallen  man  alone  excepted,)  without  our  ex- 
hortations, do  in  their  way  proclaim  the  Creator's 
praise:  and  it  is  worthj'  of  notice,  that  men,  who 
do  not  praise  the  Lord  and  obey  his  command, 
are  more  ungovernable  than  the  monsters  of  the 
deep,  than  the  raging  sea  itself,  than  the  stormy 
wind,  or  the  devouring  flame! — But  how  desirable 
would  it  be,  if  kings  of  the  earth,  and  all  princes, 
nobles,  and  rulers  would  count  it  their  honor  to 
lead  the  chorus  of  praise  to  the  Lord,  and  use  all 
their  authority  in  promoting  his  glory;  and  if  all 
people  and  nations  would  unite  in  this  service! 
How  reasonable  and  becoming  would  it  be,  for 
"young  men  and  maidens"  to  employ  the  fire  and 
vigor  of  their  active  spirits,  and  to  seek  their 
pleasure  and  joy,  in  doing  the  will  and  celebrat- 
ing the  praises  of  the  Lord;  and  for'the  aged  to 
shew  that  they  are  ripening  for  heaven,  by  teach- 
ing their  infant  posterity  to  lisp  thanksgivings 
unto  him,  and  lead  them  forwards,  as  they  advance 
to  maturity!  Alas!  how  little  do  any  of  us  feel  or 
express,  of  this  fervent  spirit  of  adoring  love  and 
gratitude!  and  how  few  of  the  human  species 
praise  him,  in  concert  with  the  angels  and  saints 
in  heaven!  But  we  are  taught  to  pray,  "Hallowed 
be  thy  name,  thy  kingdom  come,  thy  will  be  done 
on  earth,  as  it  is  in  heaven.''''  [J^otes,  Matt.  6:9,10.) 
Nor  will  our  fervent  prayers  be  always  unan- 
swered: "for  all  kings  shall  yet  fall  down  before 
i  God  our  Savior,  all  nations  shall  do  him  service." 
!  In  the  mean  time,  let  us  shew  that  we  are  "his 
I  saints,"  by  praising  his  name  continually.  He  is 
not  only  our  Creator,  but  our  Redeemer,  who  has 
I  made  us  "a  people  near  unto  him,"  and  will  exalt 
us  "above  all  our  enemies.  His  name  only  is 
excellent;  and  his  glory  is  above  the  earth  and 
I  heaven:"  and  in  redemption,  those  infinite  excel- 
j  lences,  and  that  unspeakable  glory,  are  displayed 
1  to  our  view,  and  form  the  source  of  all  our  hopes 
j  and  joys. — While  sinners  are  invited  to  draw 
near  to  our  reconciled  God,  his  believing  people, 
j  as  brought  nigh  unto  him,  are  called  on  to  re- 
jjoice  in  him;  and  the  language  of  joy  is  praise 
and  thanksgiving.  With  such  a  subject  and  such 
obligations,  what  words  can  be  suflicientl)'  ex- 
I  pressive,  what  aifections  sufficiently  ardent!  May 
I  the  Lord  pardon  and  accept  our  languid  praises; 
:  and  teach  our  hearts  to  love  him  more,  and  praise 
I  him  better:  that  we  may  emulate,  and  be  pre- 
;  paring  to  join,  the  adorations  of  the  heavenly 
I  world! 

j  NOTES. 

j  Psalm  CXLIX.  V.  1.  Several  conjectures 
I  have  been  formed,  concerning  the  time  and  oc- 
jcasion  of  this  triumphal  song  of  praise:  but  it  is 
I  probable,  that  David  composed  it  not  long  before 
I  his  death;  and  that  the  Spirit  of  prophecy  led 
[him,  (beyond  the  occasion,  whatever  that  were,) 
to  celebrate  by  anticipation  the  future  triumphs 
I  of  the  church  over  all  enemiei's,  at  the  opening  of 
I  the  Millennium,  and  after  the  general  resurrec- 
tion. [Kotes,  22:22.  33:2,3.  96:1.  111:1.) 
I     V.  2.     Made  him.']     Made  them  his  peculiar 


B.  C.  1015. 


PSALM  CXUX. 


B.  C.  1015. 


3  Let  them  praise  his  name  *  in  the 
«  dance:  let  them  sing  praises  unto  him 
f  with  the  timbrel  and  harp. 

4  For  the  Lord  s  taketh  pleasure  in 
his  people:  he  will  ''  beautify  the  meek 
with  salvation. 

5  Let  "  the  saints  be  joyful  in  gloi'y: 
let  them  ^  sing  aloud  upon  their  beds. 

6  Let  '  the  high  praises  of  God  be  in 


*  Or,     -witk  the  pipe.      150:4. 

marg. 
e    Kx.    15:20.      Judo;.    11:34.  2 

Sam.  6:16.     Jer.  31:13. 
f33:2.  81:2.     137:2—4.    150:3— 

5.  1  Chr.  15:28,29.     16:42.  25: 

6.  2  Chr.  29:25.    Ezra  3:10. 

g  22:8.    35:27.     147:11.      Prov. 
11:20.     Is.  62:4,5.      Jer.  32:41. 


Zeph.  3:17. 
h  90:17.   132:16.    Is.  61:1— 3,10. 

Heb.    12:10.     1  Pet.  3:4.    5:5. 

Rev.  7:14. 
i   23:1.    118:15.     145:10.     Rom. 

5:2.      1  Pet.  1:8. 
k42:3.  63:5,6.  92:2.    Job  35:10. 
1   96:4.     Neh.   9:5.     Pan.  4:37. 

Luke  2:14.     Rev.  19:6. 


their  t  mouth,   ">  and  a  two-edged  sword 
in  their  hand; 

7  To  °  execute  vengeance  upon  the 
heathen,  and  punishments  upon  the  peo- 
ple; 

8  To  °  bind  their  kings  with  chains, 
and  their  nobles  with  fetters  of  iron; 

9  To  P  execute  upon  them  the  judg- 
ment written:  i  this  honor  have  all  his 
saints.     Praise  ye  the  Lord. 


t  Heb.  throat.  115:7.  145:3—5. 

m  Heb.  4:12.     Rev.  1:16. 

D  137:8,9.     Num.  31:2,3.   Judg. 

5:23.      1    Sam.     15:2,3,18— 23. 

Zech.    9:13 — 16.      14:17 — 19. 

Rev.  19:11—21. 


o  Josh.  10:23,24.  12:7.  Judr  1: 
6,7.  ^ 

p  137:8.  Deut.  7:1,2.  32:42,43. 
Is.  14:22.23.    Rev.  17:14—16. 

q  143:14.  1  Cor.  6:2,3.  Rev. 
3:21. 


people,  as  well  as  created  them  men.  [Marg.  Ref. 
—JVotes,  100:3.  /*.  43:14—21.  Eph.  2:4—10.  1 
Pe^.  2:9,10.)  'Christians  are  now  the  people,  to 
'whom  belong  the  names  and  characters  of  "saints, 
'Israel,  and  children  of  Zion."  They  sing'  this 
'holy  song,  ...  "new,"  in  its  evangelical  sense, 
'as  new  men,  celebrating  new  victories,  new  and 
'greater  mercies,  a  spiritual  salvation,  an  eternal 
'redemption.  They  "rejoice"  with  hearts,  voices, 
'instruments,  and  every  other  token  of  joy  "in 
'him  who  hath  made,"  or  created  them  again,  in 
'righteousness  and  true  holiness:  they  are  "joyful 
'in  their  King,"  who  hath  himself  overcome,  and 
'is  now  leading  them  on  to  final  conquest  and  tri- 
'umph,  to  honor  and  immortality.'  Bp.  Home, 
{.nrotes,  Rev.  5:8—10.  14:1—5,  v.  3.) 

V.  3.  Dance.^  Let  them  leap  for  joy,  as  Da- 
V\A  did  at  the  removal  of  the  ark  to  mount  Zion. 
{Marg.—.m)tes,  33:2,3.  Judg.  21:19—21.  2  Sam. 
6:14—16.  Jer.  31:10—14.) 

V.  4.  J\ote,Ul:\0,l\ — Beautify.l^  The  beau- 
ties of  holiness,  and  the  special  honors  which 
God  confers  on  his  people,  will  render  them  most 
beautiful  and  glorious;  especially  when  compared 
with  their  previous  low  and  mean  condition,  and 
their  deep  self-abasement  on  account  of  their 
sins.  [JTotes,  68:13.  90:13—17.  Is.  61:1—3,10, 
11.) 

V.  5.  "The  saints  shall  exult  in  glory;  they 
shall  sing  aloud  on  their  beds:"  even  on  the  bed 
of  sickness  and  death.  [JVote,  73:23 — 28.)  'They 
'sing  aloud,  in  a  state  of  perfect  ease  and  security, 
'resting  from  their  labors,  but  not  from  their  Hail- 
'lelujahs.'  Bp.  Home.  (Marg.  Ref. — JVote,  Rev. 
7:13—17.) 

V.  6.  (_M)tes,  2  Cor.  10:1—6.  Heb.  4:12,13.) 
♦In  assured  hope  of  victory,  they  shall  go  to  war 
'with  psalms  and  hymns  in  their  mouths,  con- 
'cerning  the  great  acts  of  the  Lord;  which  they 
'shall  courageously  sing  with  a  loud  voice,  when 
'they  shall  fall  upon  their  enemies;  and  prefer  to 
'the  two-edged  sword  which  they  carry  in  their 
'hand.'     Bp.    Patrick.        [Mite,   2  Clir.   20:20, 

V.  7 — 9.  Many  of  Jehovah's  servants,  in 
ancient  times,  were  commissioned  "to  execute 
vengeance,"  according  to  his  word,  upon  heathen 
kings  and  nobles:  and  tlie  marginal  references 
may  convince  the  impartial  reader,  that  some- 
thing of  a  similar  nature  will  take  place,  when 
antichristian  powers  shall  be  destroyed,  and  more 
glorious  times  introduced.  And  doubtless  those, 
who  are  expressly  appointed  "to  execute  the 
judgment  written,"  in  the  prophecies  j^et  unful- 
filled, may  do  it  in  entire  consistency  both  with 
meekness  and  mercy.  The  special  honor  indeed 
intended  for  all  the  saints  of  God,  consists  in  their 
final  triumph  over  the  enemies  of  their  salvation; 
and  in  being  assessors  with  C'hrist  in  judgment,  to 


concur  in  the  sentence  denounced  upon  wicked 
men  and  apostate  angels:  but  it  does  not  become 
us  to  explain  away  the  obvious  meaning  of  proph- 
ecy, because  it  accords  not  with  our  views  and 
expectations,  which  may  be  erroneous;  or  with 
the  more  ordinary  duty  of  believers.  And  it  is 
most  evident,  that  "thejudgment  written"  against 
the  New  Testament  Babylon,  and  her  adherents, 
will  be  executed  before  the  Millennium;  and  in 
part  at  least  by  the  saints.  [JVotes,  Ez.  38:  39: 
i2ci'.  19:11— 21.  20:1— 3,7— 10.)— This  Psalm 
likewise  begins  and  ends  with  "Hallelujah;"  as 
does  the  next  also.  [Motes,  Rev.  18:20.  19:1 — 6.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

New  mercies  demand  continually  new  songs  of 
praise,  to  be  sung  in  the  congregation  of  the 
saints  on  earth,  and  in  heaven.  And  "the  chil- 
dren of  Zion"  have  not  only  to  bless  the  God 
who  made  them,  but  to  rejoice  in  him  as  having 
"created  them  in  Christ  Jesus  unto  good  works," 
and  formed  them  saints  as  well  as  men:  they 
should  therefore  express  their  gratitude  in  every 
way  of  which  they  arc  capable;  and  not  only  re- 
joice in  his  pardoning  mercy,  but  likewise  in  his 
benign  and  equitable  government. — As  the  Lord 
"takes  pleasure  in  his  people,"  surely  thev  should 
rejoice  in  him  as  their  Portion  and  eternal  recom- 
pense. When  he  has  made  sinners  humbly  sen- 
sible of  their  indigence,  and  unworthiness,  and 
deep  depravity,  and  rendered  them  meekly  will- 
ing to  be  taught,  saved,  and  ruled  by  him;  he  will 
"beautifj'  them  with  salvation;"  he  will  clothe 
them  with  the  robes  of  righteousness,  adorn  tliem 
with  the  graces  of  his  Spirit,  renew  them  to  the 
beauty  of  holiness,  and  cause  them  to  bear  his 
image,  reflect  his  glory,  and  rejoice  in  his  felici- 
ty, for  ever.  Let  his  saints  then  rejoice  in  the 
hope,  and  in  the  earnests  of  his  glory;  let  tiiem 
employ  their  waking  hours  upon  their  beds  in 
songs  of  praise:  yea,  let  them  be  joyful  upon  the 
bed  of  death,  and  bless  his  name  with  the  last 
fragments  of  their  strengtli,  assured  that  they  are 
going  to  their  eternal  rest  and  glory.  Let  "the 
high  praises  of  God  be  in  their  mouths,"  while 
they  wield  the  two-edged  sword  of  the  word  of 
God,  together  with  "the  shield  of  faith,"  in  their 
warfare  with  the  world,  the  flesh,  and  the  devil. 
For  to  whatever  work,  conflict,  or  suffering  they 
may  be  called  upon  earth,  they  shall  all  have  the 
honor  of  being  "more  than  conquerors"  over 
every  enemy  of  their  souls,  tlirough  "the  blood  of 
the  Lamb,  and  the  word  of  his  testimony."  And 
when  their  salvation  shall  be  completed,  "the 
judgment  written"  shall  be  executed  on  the 
haughtiest  enemies  of  Christ  and  his  church, 
and  his  servants  shall  behold,  rejoice,  and  praise 
tlie  Lord. 

[445 


B.  C.  450. 


PSALM  CL. 


B.  C.  450. 


PSALM  CL. 

Repeated  calls  to  prnise  God  for  his  glorious  excellences  and 
mighty  acts,  with  al!  kind  of  musical  instruments,  and  the  con- 
currence of  all  that  breathe,  1 — 6. 

*"i3^^^^^  ye  the  Lord.  Praise  God 
a     '""  in  his  sanctuary:  praise  him  **  in  the 
firmament  of  his  power. 

2  Praise  him  *=  for  his  mighty  acts: 
praise  him  '^  according  to  his  excellent 
greatness. 

3  Praise  him  ^  with  the  sound  of  the 

*  Heb.   Hallelujah.  149:1. 

a   29:9.      66:13—16.     116:13,19. 

118:19,20.    134:2. 
b  Gen.  1:6—3.     Ez.    1:22—26. 

10:1.     Dan.  12:3. 


c  145:5,6.    Rev.  15:3,4. 

d  96:4.   145:3.    Deut.  3:24.    Jer. 

32;  17- 19. 
e  81:2,3.     93:5,6.     Num.  10:10. 

1  Chr.  15:24,23.  16:42. 


NOTES. 

Psalm  CL.  V.  1.  It  is  most  probable,  that 
this  Psalm  was  composed  on  purpose  to  close  tlie 
book,  perhaps  by  Ezra,  when  the  whole  number 
was  collected;  as  the  first  Psalm  formed  a  most 
suitable  introduction  to  it.  (JVb^e,  1:1 — 3.) — The 
word  translated  "in  his  sanctuary,"  may  be  ren- 
dered "for  his  holiness:"  and  "the  firmament  of 
his  power,"  while  the  expression  leads  the  thoughts 
to  the  visible  heavens,  and  t!ie  bright  luminaries 
which  adorn  it;  [JVotes,  Gen.  1:6 — 8.  Ez.  1:15 
28.)  was  perhaps  intended  for  the  invisible  heav- 
ens, and  the  glorious  displays  of  the  power  of 
God,  which  excite  the  admiration  and  adoration 
of  the  blessed  inhabitants  of  those  happy  regions. 

V.  3 — 5.  It  would  be  vain  to  attempt  an  ex- 
planation of  these  various  kinds  of  musical  in- 
struments, 'because  the  Hebrews  themselves  ac- 
'knowledge  they  do  not  understand  them.'  Bp. 
Patrick.  But  it  is  obvious  to  remark,  that  God 
required  his  ancient  people  to  employ  their  whole 
skill,  as  well  as  their  whole  soul,  in  praising  him. 
{jYotes,  33:2,3.  81:1—5.  149:3.  Ex.  15:1,20,21. 
Jfum.  10:2—10.  1  .Sam.  10:5,6.  1  Chr.  15:16.  16: 
4—6,37—43.25:1—7.  2  C/ir.  5:11— 14.  20:20,21. 
29:25—30.  Ezra  3:8—13.) 

V.  6.  'Let  every  man  living  join  himself  to  this 
*sacred  choir,  and  at  every  breath  praise  the 
'Lord,  the  Giver  of  life,  and  of  all  good  things. 
'To  him  let  all  the  world,  with  one  consent,  give 
'perpetual  praise.'    Bp.  Patrick.      Can  a  more 


t  trumpet:  praise  him  with  *"  the  psaltery 
and  harp. 

4  Praise  him  s  with  the  timbrel  and 
+  dance:  praise  him  with  ^  stringed  instru- 
ments and  '  organs. 

5  Praise  him  upon  ^  the  loud  cymbals: 
praise  him  upon  the  high  sounding  cym- 
bals. 

6  '  Let  every  thing  that  hath  breath 
praise  the  Lord.     Praise  ye  the  Lord. 

t  Or,  cornet. 


f  33:2.  92:3.   108:2.   149:3. 

gEx.  )5:20. 

J  Or,  pipe,   149:3,  marg. 

h  92:3.   144:9.    Is.  38:20. 

,3:19. 


i  Job  30:31. 

k  1  Chr.   15:16,19,23.    16:5.    25: 

1,6. 
1    103:22.      145:10.     143:7 11. 

Rev.  5:13. 


proper  conclusion  to  this  book  be  so  much  as 
imagined,  than  that  contained  in  this  striking 
verse.' — The  word  (iSSn)  praise  occurs   thirteen 

times  in  this  short  psalm. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

Those  who  praise  the  Lord  in  his  sanctuar}' 
above,  behold  displays  of  his  power  and  glory,  of 
which  we  can  have  no  conception:  but  the  great- 
est of  all  his  mighty  acts  is  known  in  his  earthly 
sanctuary,  and  forms  the  foundation  of  our  hope, 
and  the  subject  of  our  admiring  gratitude.  The 
glorious  holiness,  the  excellent  greatness,  and 
the  unfathomable  love  of  our  God,  are  more  dis- 
played in  man's  redemption,  than  in  all  his  other 
works.  Let  us  well  study  this  subject,  as  our 
preparation  for  the  world  of  glory:  and  let  us  cel- 
ebrate the  praises  of  our  God  and  Savior  for  it, 
according  to  our  present  capacities  and  to  the  ut- 
most of  our  ability.  And  surely  those  expres- 
sions of  joy  and  love,  which  the  enraptured 
Psalmist,  as  from  the  third  heaven,  has  so  ear- 
nestly recommended,  cannot  be  unsuitable  to  the 
sacred  work,  if  properly  used. — Finally,  if  we 
begin  by  separating  from  the  ungodly,  and  de- 
lighting in  the  sacred  word;  (JVotes,  1:)  and  pro- 
ceed by  lively  faith  and  fervent  prayer,  to  follow 
after  holiness,  resist  temptation,  and  maintain 
communion  with  God;  we  may  hope  to  close  with 
exulting  praise,  and  to  end  our  lives,  ardently  ex 
horting  all  that  have  breath  to  praise  the  Lord. 


THE 


BOOK  OF  PROVERBS. 


Immediately  after  the  propheticaJ  and  devotional  compositions  of  David,  we  enter  on  the  writings 
of  his  son  Solomon,  whose  character  and  actions  have  already  been  considered.  In  the  sacred  his- 
torian's account  of  Solomon's  extraordinary  wisdom  and  knowledge  it  is  said,  that  "he  spake  three 
thousand  proverbs,  and  his  songs  were  a  thousand  and  five;  and  he  spake  of  trees,  from  the  cedar- 
tree  that  is  in  Lebanon  even  unto  the  hyssop  that  springeth  out  of  the  wall;  he  spake  also  of  beasts, 
and  of  fowl,  and  of  creeping  things,  and  of  fishes."  {J^ote,  1  Kings  4:30—34.)  No  more,  howev- 
er, has  been  preserved  of  his  writings,  tlian  the  books  of  Proverbs,  Ecclesiastes,  and  Canticles,  or 
Solomon's  Song;  except  a  few  psalms  which  seem  to  have  been  composed  by  him:  [JYote,  Ps.  127: 
title.)  these  alone  being  sufficient  for  the  purpose  of  attractive  variety,  in  a  revelation,  the  whole 
of  which  was  intended,  by  the  wisdom  of  God,  to  be  distinguished  arid  adapted  to  general  useful- 
ness by  comprehensive  brevity.  [JVote,  Johii  21:24,25.) — In  respect  of  the  book  before  us,  we  may 
suppose  that  the  selection  contained  in  it  was  made,  in  part  by  Solomon  himself,  in  his  old  age, 
from  his  other  works:  and  the  rest  by  the  men  of  Hezekiah  namely,  those  prophets  whom  that  pi- 
ous prince  consulted;  and  among  these  were  Hosea  and  Micah,  and  especially  Isaiah.  ( JVo/c,  25: 
1.)    We  may  therefore  assuredly  conclude,  that  it  was  conducted  under  the  superintending  in- 

446] 


PROVERBS. 

spiralion  of  the  Holy  Spirit.  Indeed  the  express  quotations  fiom  this  book,  or  most  evident  refer- 
ences to  it,  in  the  New  Testament,  constitute  the  fullest  proof  that  our  Lord  and  his  apostles  con- 
sidered it,  not  merely  as  the  work  of  a  very  wise  man,  but  as  a  part  of  the  oracles  of  God.  For 
satisfaction  on  this  point,  let  the  reader  compare  the  following  passages:  3:11,12,  with  Heb.  12:5,6. 
—3:34,  with  Jam.  4:6,  and  1  Pet.  5:5.-10:12,  with  Jam.  5:20,  and  1  Pet.  4:8.  25:6,7,  with  Luke  14: 
8—10.-25:21 ,22,  with  Rom.  12:20.— and  27:1,  with  Jam.  4: 13,14.  Many  more  evident  references 
might  be  shewn;  but  these  are  sufficient  for  the  purpose. — The  original  name  of  this  book  (oiSe'o) 
seems  to  signify  authoritative  maxims,  or  maxims  of  high  estimation  and  authority:  and  a  great 
part  of  it  is  made  up  of  detached  aphorisms,  containing  most  important  practical  instruction.  'Par- 
'ables,  or  proverbs,  such  as  those  of  Solomon,  are  always  expressed  in  short  pointed  sentences;  fre- 
'quently  figurative,  being  formed  on  some  comparison;  generally  forcible  and  authoritative,  both  in 
Hlie  matter  and  the  form.  ...  The  verb  mashaX  signifies  to  rule,  to  exercise  authority,  to  make 
'equal,  to  compare  one  thing  with  another;  to  utter  parables,  or  acute,  weighty,  and  powerful 
'speeches,  in  the  form  and  manner  of  parables,  though  not  properly  such.  Tluis  Balaam's  first 
'prophecy,  [J^um.  23:7 — 10.)  is  called  his  mashal,  though  it  has  hardly  any  thing  figurative  in  it; 
'but  it  is  beautifully  sententious,  and  from  the  very  form  and  manner  of  it,  has  great  spirit,  force, 
'and  energy.'  Bp.  Lowth. — 'The  proverbs  generally  cctosist  of  two  sentences,  joined  in  a  kind  of 
'antithesis,  the  second  being  sometimes  a  reduplication,  sometimes  an  explanation,  and  sometimes 
'an  opposition,'  (or  contrast)  'to  the  sense  of  the  first.  This  style  of  composition  produces  great 
'beauty  in  many  other  parts  of  Scripture,  where  it  is  employed  for  poetical  arrangement.  ...  The 
'wisdom  of  all  ages,  from  the  highest  antiquity,  has  chosen  to  compress  its  lessons  into  compendi- 
'ous  sentences,  which  were  peculiarly  adapted  to  the  simplicity  of  earlier  times,  which  are  readily 
'conceived  and  easily  retained,  and  which  circulate  in  society  as  useful  principles,  to  be  unfolded 
'and  applied  as  occasion  may  require.  ...  Solomon's  Proverbs  are  so  justly  founded  on  the  princi- 
'ples  of  human  nature,  and  so  adapted  to  the  permanent  interests  of  man,  that  they  agree  with  the 
'manners  of  every  age,  and  may  be  assumed  as  the  rules  for  the  direction  of  our  conduct,  in  every 
'condition  and  rank  of  life.'  Grey. — 'It  was  usual  for  wise  men  of  old,  ...  when  their  observation 
'lighted  upon  any  thing  that  might  prove  beneficial  unto  common  life,  to  reduce  it  immediately;, 
'and  contract  it ...  into  some  short  sentence.  ...  The  great  antiquity  of  this  sententious  way  of 
'speaking  is  apparent  enough  from  the  passage  of  David's,  1  Sam.  24:13,  "As  saith  the  proverb  of 
'the  ancients.  Wickedness  proceedeth  from  the  wicked."  '  Bp.  Patrick. — Indeed  such  short  max- 
ims, comprehending  much  instruction  in  few  words,  and  carrying  their  own  evidence  with  them, 
are  well  suited  to  direct  the  conduct,  without  over-burdening  the  memory,  or  perplexing  the  mind 
with  abstract  reasonings:  and  there  are  in  all  countries  old  proverbs,  or  common  sayings,  which 
have  great  authority  and  influence  on  the  opinions  and  actions  of  mankind.  Such  maxims,  how- 
ever, want  tlieir  proper  basis,  namel)"^,  the  sanction  of  a  divine  original:  and,  being  generally  the 
mere  result  of  worldly  prudence,  are  too  often  calculated  to  impose  on  the  judgment,  and  mislead 
those  who  are  directed  by  them.  But  the  proverbs  of  this  book,  not  only  are  far  more  ancient 
than  any  others  extant  in  the  world;  but  they  have  also  received  a  divine  imprimatur.,  and  are  in- 
fallible rules  to  direct  our  conduct  in  every  circumstance  of  human  life:  and  we  shall  perceive  the 
meaning  and  utility  of  them,  in  proportion  to  our  experience  in  true  religion,  our  acquaintance 
with  our  own  hearts,  and  with  human  nature,  and  the  extent  and  accuracy  of  our  observation  on 
the  characters  and  affairs  of  men. — It  has  also  been  made  evident  by  the  learned,  tliat  several  per- 
sons among  the  heathen,  who  acquired  reputation  by  framing  or  collecting  proverbs,  enriched 

tlieir  works  from  the  treasury  before  us,  nay,  drew  from  it  their  most  valuable  materials It 

would  be  unreasonable  to  expect  direct  prophecies  in  a  composition  of  tiiis  nature:  and  though  we 
shall  not  lose  sight  of  Christ,  and  of  his  truths  and  precepts;  yet  wie  should  by  no  means  endeavor 
to  find  out  the  peculiar  doctrines  of  tlie  Gospel,  in  every  part  of  the  book.  These  must  be  learn- 
ed from  those  portions  of  Scripture  which  treat  more  expressly  on  them:  and,  having  our  hearts  en- 
livened in  communion  with  God,  by  meditation  on  those  devotional  exercises  which  we  have  just 
closed,  we  may  here  be  instructed  how  "to  walk  in  wisdom  towards  them  that  are  witljout;"  to  live 
in  this  evil  world  without  being  entangled  or  polluted  by  it;  and  to  puisue  our  eternal  interests, 
and  our  present  peace  and  holiness,  in  connexion  with  the  honor  of  God,  and  the  benefit  of  the 
church  and  of  the  world:  so  that  it  would  be  very  useful  for  those,  who  can  command  tlieir  time, 
at  some  stated  season  every  day,  to  read  and  deliberately  consider  a  few  of  these  maxims,  with 
reference  to  their  own  conduct,  in  the  various  affairs  in  whicli  they  ate  concerned.— The  book 
seems  not  to  have  been  all  written  at  any  one  period  of  Solomon's  life,  but  from  time  to  time  as 
circumstances  occurred.  It  is  however  probable,  that  the  first  nine  Chapters  were  framed,  as  an 
introduction  to  the  whole,  towards  the  close  of  his  days.  This  is  reckoned  the  first  part  of  the 
book,  or  the  preface  to  it.  The  second  part  extends  from  the  beginning  of  the  tenth  chapter,  to 
the  seventeenth  verse  of  the  twenty-second;  and  more  strictly  speaking  contains  the  Proverbs.  In 
the  third  part,  which  reaches  to  the  end  of  the  twenty-fourth  chapter,  the  sacred  writer  again  ad- 
dresses his  son,  or  scholar,  as  present,  with  more  connected  exhortations.  The  fourth  part  con- 
sists of  Proverbs  collected  by  the  men  of  Hezekiah,  and  reaches  to  the  end  of  the  twenty-ninth 
chapter.  And  the  last  two  chapters,  which  bear  the  names  of  Agur  and  Lemuel,  are  regarded  as 
the  fifth  part — There  can  be  no  doubt,  that  the  whole  or  the  greater  part  of  tlie  book  is  a  poetical 
composition:  yet  the  nature  and  rules  of  Hebrew  poetry  are  at  present  so  little  understood,  that 
every  attempt  to  alter  the  original,  or  to  interpret  its  meaning,  by  reasons  deduced  from  the  me- 
tre, must  to  the  serious  mind  be  entirely  unsatisfactory. — 'He  is  wise,  not  only  who  hath  arrived  at 
'a  complete  habit  of  wisdom,  but  who  hath  made  some  progress  towards  it:  nay  who  doth  as  yet 
'but  love  it,  or  desire  it,  and  listen  to  it.  Such  as  these,  by  reading  of  this  book,  shall  be  made 
'wiser;  for  they  shall  be  instructed  in  much  divine,  and  in  no  less  human  learning.  ...  It  bridles 
'the  injurious  tongue;  corrects  the  wanton  eye;  and  ties  the  unjust  hand  in  chains.  It  persecutes 
'sloth;  chastises  all  absurd  desires;  teaches  prudence;  raises  man's  courage;  and  represents  tern - 
'perance  and  chastity  after  such  a  fashion,  that  one  cannot  but  have  them  in  veneration.'  Basil 
in  Bp.  Patrick. — 'Let  a  man  but  consent  to  one  tiling,  which  tliis  book  desires;  to  make  these 
'precepts  familiar  to  his  mind,  "saying  unto  Wisdom"  (as  you  find  the  words  7:4.)  "thou  art  my 
'sister,  and  calling  understanding  "his  kinswoman,"  and  he  will  not  fail  to  be  happy.  For  this  is 
'the  sum  of  all  in  a  few  words;  "Love  her,  and  she  shall  preserve  thee."  '    Bp.  Patrick. 

[44-' 


B.  C.  977. 


PROVERBS. 


B.  C.  977. 


CHAP.  I. 

The  title  and  subject  of  the  book,  1 — 6.  Exhortations  to  fear 
God,  and  obey  piirents,  7 — 9.  Dlssuasives  from  the  eompany 
of  the  wicked,  10 — 19.  Wisdom's  address  to  sinners,  20 — 23. 
She  complains  of  being  despised,  and  denounces  the  doom  of 
her  despisers,  24 — 32;  and  shews  the  security  of  her  disciples, 
33. 

THE  *  proverbs  of  ^  Solomon,  the  son 
of  David,  king  of  Israel; 

2  To  •=  know  wisdom  and  instruction; 
to  perceive  the  words  of  understanding; 

3  To  *•  receive  the  instruction  of  wis- 
dom, justice,  and  judgment,  and  *  equity; 

4  To  give  ^  subtlety  to  the  simple,  •"  to 
the  young  man  knowledge  and  t  discre- 
tion. 

5  A  ^  wise  man  will  hear,  and  will  in- 
crease learning;  and  ^  a  man  of  under- 
standing shall  attain  unto  wise  counsels: 


6  To  understand  '  a  proverb  and  i  the 
interpretation;  ^  the  words  of  the  wise, 
and  their  '  dark  sayings. 

7  IF  The  ■"  fear  of  the  Lord  is  the 
^  beginning  of  knowledge:  °  but  fools  de- 
spise wisdom  and  instruction. 

8  °  My  son,  p  hear  the  instruction  of 
thy  father,  and  forsake  not  the  law  of  thy 
mother: 

9  For  1  they  shall  be  n  an  •"  ornament 
of  grace  unto  thy  head,  and  chains  about 
thy  neck. 

10  IT  My  son,  ^  if  sinners  entice  thee, 
consent  thou  not. 

11  If  they  say,  Come  with  us,  Met  us 


a  10:1.    25:1.      1  Kings  4:31,32. 

Ec.  12:9.  John  16:25. 
b   2  Sam.    12:24,25.      1  Kings  2: 

12.      1  Chr.  22:9.    28:5.    29:23. 
c4:5— 7.  7:4.  3:5.   16:16.   17:16. 

Deut.  4:5,6.     1  Kings  3:9—12. 

9  Tim.  3:15—17. 
d  2:1— 9.  8:10,11.     Job  22:22. 
*  Heb.  equities.     1  Kings  3:28. 
e  22.23.  8:5.    9:4—6.     Ps.  19:7. 


119:130.   Is.  35:8. 
f  7:7—24.    3:17,32.      Ps.  34:11. 

119:9.      Ec.    11:9,10.      12:1.    2 

Tim.  2:22.     Tit.  2:6. 
f  Or,  advisement, 
g  9:9.     12:1.      Job   34:10,16,34. 

Ps.  119:93—100.    1  Cor.  10:15. 
h   1  Sam.  25:32,33.     2  Chr.  25: 

16. 


NOTES.  i 

Chap.  I.    V.  1 — 4.    'This  book  contains  some 
'notable   and  very  useful  sayings   of  that  wise  I 
'prince,  king  Solomon,  the  son    of  that  devout  i 
'prince,  king  David.     The  scope  of  them  is  to  \ 
'make  a  man  know,  what  it  is  to  be  truly  wise;  i 
'and  instruct  him   how    to  avoid  those   errors,  j 
'which  men  are  apt  to  fall  into,  or  to  correct  them  i 
'if  he  hath  been  misled  and  run  into  them:  and  to  I 
'make  him  understand  when  good  advice  is  given 
'him;  nay,  to  be  able  to  give  it  unto  others.     For 
'tliey  will  furnish  him  with  the  most  excellent  no- 
'tions;    and   make   him    capable    to    understand 
'things  of  highest  concernment:  both  how  to  be 
'just  and  good  in  all  private  transactions;  and  in 
'public  trusts  and  offices  to  judge  and  actaccord- 
'ingto  right  and  equity. ...  The  most  unskilful  and 
'incautious  persons  may  here  learn  to  be  circum- 
'spect  and  wary;  and  they  who  are  childish  and 
'inconsiderate,  to  behave   themselves  with  pru- 
'dence  and  discretion.'    Bp.   Patrick.     [J\Iarg. 
Ref.) 

V.  5.  The  Septua^int  translation  of  this  book 
is  allowed  to  be  very  faulty:  yet  this  verse  is  ren- 
dered in  it  with  great  energy: — 'Which'  (instruc- 
tions) 'a  wise  man  hearing  will  be  wiser;  and  the 
'man  of  understanding  shall  possess  government:' 
the  talent  for  governing,  or  the  authority  of  a  gov- 
ernor. (mSann,  gubernatio  prudens:   consilia  so- 

lertia guber'nandi.  Robertson.)  Indeed  it  is  prin- 
'cipally  designed  for  the  improvement  of  him  that 
'is  so  wise  as  to  be  willing  to  learn  more:  who 
'shall  both  gain  a  clearer  knowledge  of  what  he 
'understands,  and  also  make  such  additions,  that 
'he  shall  be  fit  to  be  a  counsellor  to  kings,  and 
'govern  the  affairs  of  state  in  the  greatest  king- 
'doms.'  Bp.  Patrick.     [2  Chr.  25:11—16,  v.  16.) 

V.  6.  Dark  sayings.]  The  word  signifies  rid- 
dles, or  enigmas,  which  of  old  were  used,  not  for 
amusement,  but  to  impress  important  instruc- 
tions the  more  deeply  on  the  minds  of  those,  who 
studied  to  unriddle  them.  [JVotes,  Judg.  14:10 — 
14.  1  Kings  t0:l,2.  Ps.  49:1—4.  78:2.  Ez.  17:2.  1 
Cor.  13:8—12,  V.  12.) 

V.  7.  [JVbte,  Ps.  Ill:9,t0.)  'There  is  not  ... 
'sucVi  a  wise  instruction  to  be  found  in  all  their 
'books,'  (those  of  the  most  admired  pagan  wri- 
448] 


1  Matt.   13:10—17,51,52.     Mark 

4:11,34.  Acts  8:30,31. 
J  Or,  an  eloquent  speech. 
k  Ec.  12:11. 
1  Ps.  49:4.  78:2.  Matt.  13:34,35. 

Heb.  5:14.     2  Pet.  3:16. 
m  9:10.     Job  28:23.     Ps.  111:10. 

112:1.    Ec.  12:13. 
$  Or,  'principal part. 
n  22,29,30.    5:12,13.    15:5.   13:2. 

John  3:18— 21.     Rom.  1:28. 
o  10,15.  2:1.  3:1.  7:1.     Matt.  9: 

2,22. 
p4:l— 4.  5:1,2.  6:20.  30:17.31: 

1.    Lev.    19:3.     Deut.  21:18— 


21.      1  Sam.  2:25.    2  Tim.  1:5. 
q  3:22.  4:9.    6:20,21.      1  Tim.  2: 

9,10.  1  Pet.  3:3,4. 
II  Heb.  an  adding. 
r  Gen.  12:42.      Cant.  1:10.  4:9. 

Is.  3:19.     Ez.    16:11.     Dan.  5: 

7,16,29. 
s  7:21—23.   13:20.  20:19.     Gen. 

39:7—13.        Judg.     16:16—21. 

Ps.  50:18.     Rom.  16:18.   Eph. 

5:11. 
t  16.   12:6.  30:14.     Ps.  56:6.  64: 

5,6.  Jer.  5:26.   Mic.  7:2.  Acts 

23:15.    25:3. 


ters,)  'as  the  very  first  of  all  in  Solomon's,  which 
'he  lays  as  the  ground  of  all  wisdom;  but  they 
'alas!  did  not  think  of;  ...  "The  fear  of  the  Lord 
'is  the  beginning  of  wisdom;"  ...  without  which 
'men  are  but  fools,  and,  having  no  regard  to  their 
'Creator,  will  despise  the  wisest  instructions.' 
Bp.  Patrick.  {JYotes,  21—31.) 

V.  8.  Perhaps  Solomon  meant  to  address  him- 
self to  his  son  Rehoboam,  exhorting  him  to  re- 
gard the  instructions  and  rules,  which  he  had  re- 
ceived in  his  education,  as  most  ornamental  to 
him.  It  is,  however,  a  general  exhortation  to 
young  persons  to  receive  the  instructions  of  their 
parents,  and  to  submit  to  their  authority,  as  the 
surest  method,  in  subserviency  to  the  fear  of 
God,  of  obtaining  the  esteem  and  respect  of  all 
wise  men.  [Jfote,  Ex.  20:12.) — The  appellation, 
"My  son,"  may  also  be  considered  as  the  lan- 
guage of  that  authority  and  affection,  which  should 
unite  in  a  public  teacher  of  religion.  [JVote,  1 
Thes.  2:9—12,  vv.  11,12.)— 'And  not  only  ... 
'hearken  unto  thy  father,  when  he  teaches  thee  to 
'fear  God,  or  tells  thee  what  thou  doest  amiss; 
'but  ...  let  thy  mother's  commands  be  a  law  to 
'thee,  especially  when  she  bids  thee  observe  the 
'directions  of  thy  tutors  and  public  instructers. 
'...  The  second'  (step  to  wisdom)  'is,  next  to  God, 
'to  bear  a  great  reverence  to  parents,  both  natu- 
'ral  and  spiritual;  to  God's  ministers,  ...  to  whom 
'if  children  be  not  bred  to  give  a  great  regard, 
'they  seldom  prove  virtuous.  ...  It  is  very  ob- 
'servable  how  much  human  laws  differ  from  di- 
'vine:  the  former  generally  only  providing  that 
'due  regard  be  given  by  children  to  their  fathers, 
'but  taking  no  notice  of  mothers. ...  But  God  in 
'his  law  takes  care  to  preserve  a  just  reverence 
'both  to  father  and  mother  equally.'  Bp.  Patrick. 
[Jfote,  Lev.  19:3.) — Both  the  lawgivers  and  tlie 
moralists,  of  tlie  most  celebrated  nations  of  an- 
tiquity, are  strikingly  deficient  in  this  respect: 
and  in  all  things  the  scriptural  religion  alone  as- 
signs lo  females  the  rank,  imporfance,  and  hon- 
or, which  properly  belong-  to  tiiem. 

V.  9.  Young  persons  too  generally  seek  no- 
tice and  admiration  by  external  decorations,  and 
vain  ostentation  in  divers  ways:  while  they  neg- 
lect both  the  fear  of  God,  and  respectful  obedi- 


B.  C.  077. 


CHAPTER  I. 


B.  C.  977. 


lay  wait  for  blood,  "  let  us  lurk  privily  for 
the  innocent  without  cause: 

12  Let  us  *  swallow  them  up  alive 
■y  as  the  grave;  and  *  whole  as  those  that 

go  down  into  the  pit: 

13  We  "  shall  find  all  precious  sub- 
stance, we  shall  fill  our  houses  with  spoil: 

14  Cast  in  thy  lot  among  us:  let  us  all 
have  one  purse: 

15  My  son,  •'walk  not  thou  in  the  way 
with  them;  "^  refrain  thy  foot  from  their 
path: 


II  IS.   Ps.  10:8—10.   17:12.    35:7. 

Jer.  11:19.      18:18—20.     Matt. 

2b:3,4.    John  15:25. 
X  Ps.  35:25.  56:1,2.  57:3.    124:3. 

.Ter.  51:34.  Lam.  2:5,16.   Mic. 

3:2,3. 
y  Ps.  5:9.   Rom.  3:13. 
z  Num.  16:30—33.    26:10.     Ps. 

28:1.    143:7. 


a  19.     Job   24:2,3.    Is.  10:13,14. 

Jer.  22:16,17.  Nah.  2:12.  Hab. 

2:9.     Luke  12:15.     1  Tim.  6:9, 

10.  Rev.  18:9—16. 
b  4:14,15.  9:6.    13:20.     Ps.  1:1. 

26:4,5.  2  Cor.  6:17. 
c  4:27.  5:8.     Ps.  119:101.     Jer. 

14:10. 


ence  to  their  parents  and  superiors;  which  are  im- 
mensely more  becoming,  and  more  valuable  in 
the  judgment  of  all  wise  men,  as  well  as  in  the 
judgment  of  God.  {Marg.  Ref.—J^Totes,  1  Pet. 
3:1—4,  V.  4.) 

V.  10 — 14.  This  transition  seems  to  imply  an 
instruction  to  parents,  as  to  the  counsels  and 
warnings  which  they  should  give  their  children. 
— Combinations  among  individuals  for  carrying 
on  a  kind  of  private  war,  either  within  the  com- 
munity, or  against  the  adjacent  territories,  have 
been  common  in  many  ages  and  countries;  and 
have  not  exposed  men  to  that  stigma,  which  high- 
way-robberies and  murders  do,  in  countries  gov- 
erned by  a  stricter  police.  The  unreasonable  and 
disproportionate  reputation,  acquired  by  military 
valor  and  conduct,  has  often  caused  such  exploits, 
to  be  considered  as  proofs  of  a  man  of  spirit;  and 
as  opportunities  of  acquiring  or  displaying  a  ca- 
pacity for  war  and  victory,  as  well  as  of  making 
a  fortune;  and  the  blood  shed  in  them  to  be  con- 
sidered as  a  thing  of  course.  Just  as  the  murder 
committed  in  duels,  by  men  who  call  pride  and 
revenge  the  point  of  honor,  is  not  considered  as 
so  atrocious  a  crime,  as  murder  is  in  other  cir- 
cumstances; nay,  sometimes  it  adds  to  a  man's 
reputation,  in  defiance  indeed  of  common  sense 
and  scripture.  When  therefore  a  young  man, 
destitute  of  the  fear  of  God,  and  weary  of  subjec- 
tion to  prudent  parents,  was  secretly  persuaded 
to  make  an  inroad  on  the  neighboring  countries, 
or  to  lay  wait  for  the  companies  of  travellers  or 
merchants,  and  without  cause  or  provocation  to 
shed  their  blood,  and  enrich  himself  with  their 
plunder;  he  would  not  in  general  be  very  scrupu- 
lous, but  consider  the  attempt  as  a  kind  of  mili- 
tary expedition.  This  might  easily  be  shewn  to 
have  been  the  case,  by  innumerable  extracts 
from  ancient  history.  And  when  any  one  con- 
siders, with  what  eagerness  men  engage  in  priva- 
teering, as  soon  as  they  receive  permission  to 
plunder  the  merchants  of  a  neighboring  country 
with  impunity;  and  how  small  account  they  make 
of  the  blood  shed  on  either  side,  in  attempting  to 
seize  the  property  of  those,  with  whom  they  have 
no  personal  quarrel;  he  will  readily  perceive  how 
little  most  men  are  governed  by  principles  of 
equity  and  humanity,  when  motives  of  interest 
urge  them  on,  and  they  may  gratify  their  avarice 
without  losing  their  reputation,  or  exposing  them- 
selves to  the  lash  of  the  law.  For  in  the  court  of 
conscience,  of  reason,  and  of  scripture,  this  com- 
mon practice  is  not  much  more  justifiable  than 
Vol.  III.  57 


10  For  ''their  feet  run  to  evil,  and 
make  haste  to  shed  blood. 

17  (Surely  ®  in  vain  the  net  is  spread 
in  the  *  sight  of  any  bird.) 

18  And  they  ^  lay  wait  for  their  own 
blood;  they  lurk  privily  for  their  own 
lives. 

19  So  are  the  ways  of  ^  every  one  that 
is  greedy  of  gain;  which  ^  taketh  away  the 
hfe  of  the  owners  thereof. 

[Practical  Observations.] 

20  IT  t  Wisdom  '  crieth  without;  she 
uttereth  her  voice  in  the  streets; 

3:10—12 


d4:16.  6:13.    Is.  59:7.    Rom.  3: 

15. 
e  7:23.     Job  35:11.  Is.  1:3.  Jer. 

8:7. 
*  Heb.  eyes  of  every  thing  that 

hath  a  wing. 
r  5:22,23.  9:17,18.  28:17.    Esth. 

7:10.     Ps.  7:14—16.    9:16.    55: 

23.   Matt.  27:4,5. 
g   23:3,4.     2  Sam.  18:11—15.  2 

Kin:?s  5:20—27.      Jer.  22:17— 


19.       Mic.  2:1—3. 

Acts  8:19,20.       1  Tim.  3:3. 

9,10.     Jam.  5:1— 4.     2  Pet.  2: 

3,14—16. 

h  Job  31:39.    Ec.  5:13. 
■f   Heb.     IVisdoms,  that  is,  ei^- 

cellent  -wisdom.     Matt.  13:34. 

Luke    11:49.       1  Cor.    1:24,30. 

Col.  2:3. 
i8:l— 5.    John  7:37. 


that  of  these  ancient  associated  freebooters:  ex- 
cept a  man  can  say,  as  in  the  presence  of  God,  'I 
'do  not  seek  private  emolument,  but  the  public 
'good;  and  to  weaken  an  unjust  and  unreasona- 
'ble  enemy,  that  an  equitable  and  durable  peace 
'may  be  re-established.' 

V.  15,  16.  'My  son, ...  let  them  not  prevail 
'with  thee;  ...  stir  not  one  step  in  their  company, 
'or  after  their  example.  ...  It  is  not  one  single 
'murder  or  robbery,  in  which  they  will  engage 
'thee;  ...  but  they  will  be  always  hurrying  thee 
'to  some  new  mischief  or  other:  and  as  soon  as 
'one  mischief  is  over,  they  will  be  ready  for,  and 
'make  haste  to  commit  another.'  Bp.  Patrick. 
[JVote,  Is.  59:3—8,  w.  7,8.) 

V.  17 — 19.  The  snare  of  Satan  in  exciting 
men  to  rapine  and  bloodshed  is  as  manifest,  as  the 
net  spread  in  the  sight  of  the  bird,  which  will  in 
that  case  fly  away.  He  aims  to  allure  those  who 
are  greedy  of  gain,  by  the  prospect  of  plunder  and 
impunity,  to  shed  the  blood  of  their  unoffending 
neighbors:  and  by  this  bait  he  intends  to  take 
their  lives  and  souls  in  his  net.  Such  depreda- 
tors commonlj'  come  to  an  untimely  end,  either 
by  the  sword  of  justice,  or  by  that  of  war,  or  by 
private  revenge:  and  they  are  all  the  while  "treas- 
uring up  wrath  against  the  day  of  wrath"  and  ven- 
geance. For,  however  human  laws  are  framed 
and  executed,  and  however  they  may  be  eluded 
or  out-braved;  the  vengeance  of  God  pursues  ev- 
ery murderer  to  death  and  perdition,  except  deep 
repentance  intervene.  They  are  therefore  as  fool- 
ish, as  if  they  lay  in  wait,  with  great  subtlet}'  and 
assiduity,  for  their  own  lives  and  souls. — Indeed 
such  are  the  ways  of  all,  who  are  eagerl}'  and  cov- 
etously desirous  of  gain;  which,  when  obtained  by 
unjust  methods,  proves  the  destruction  of  those 
who  are  led  captive  bv  the  love  of  it.  (.Voto, 
Luke  12:15—21.  1  Tim.  6:6—10.) 

V.  20.  The  word  translated  "Wisdom"  is  plu- 
ral, [marg.)  as  well  as  feminine,  yet  the  verbs  are 
singular.  The  construction  of  the  first  verses  of 
the  ninth  chapter  is  the  same:  [JVoles,  Geii.  1:1, 
26,27.)  and  this  is  generally  understood  to  mean 
the  highest  and  most  eminent  wisdom:  so  that  it 
may  either  denote  the  instructions  of  the  word  of 
God  personified,  as  Wisdom  speaking  to  mankind; 
or  Jesus  Christ,  as  the  Word  and  Wisdom  of  God, 
and  the  great  Prophet  of  the  church  and  "Light 
of  the  world."  We  need  not  determine  whether 
the  sacred  writer  intended  expressly  to  prophesy 
of  the  Messiah;  or  whether  the  Israelites  would 
generally  consider  him  as  tlie  Speaker  in  these 

[449 


B.  C.  977. 


PROVERBS. 


B.  C.  977. 


21  She  ^  crieth  in  the  chief  place  of 
concourse,  in  the  openings  of  the  gates: 
in  the  city  she  uttereth  her  words,  say-\ 
ing,  1 

22  ^  How  long,  ""ye  simple  ones,  willj 
ye  love  simpUcityf  and  "  the  scorners  de-; 
light  in  their  scorning,  and  °  fools  hate 
knowledge?  J 

23  P  Turn  you  at  ^  my  reproof:  '  be- 1 
hold,  I  will  pour  out  my  Spirit  unto  you,' 
1  will  make  known  my  words  unto  you.     I 

24  ^  Because  ^  I  have  called,  and  ye 
refused;  I  have  ^  stretched  out  my  hand,  '■ 
and  no  man  regarded;  j 

25  But  "  ye  have  set  at  nought  all  my  | 
counsel,  and  ^  would  none  of  my  reproof: '' 


k-9:3.    Matt.  10:27.   13:2.     John 

18:20,21.     Acts  5.20. 
1  6:9.  Ex.  10:3.  16:28.  Num.  14: 

27.    Matt.  17:17. 
m  7:7.  9:4—6,16—18.    Ps.  94:8. 

Matt.  9:13.       11:29,30.     23:37. 

Luke  19:42.     Rev.  22:17. 
n  3:34.   14:6.    15:12.    19:29.  21: 

11.   Job  34:7.    Ps.  1:1.     2  Pet. 

3:3. 
o  7,29.  4:12.   John  3:20. 
p    Is.    55:1—3,6,7.       Jer.  3:14. 

Ez.    18:27—30.    33:11.      Has. 

14:1.    Acts  3:19.    26:20. 
q  25,30.  6:23.   10:17.   12:1.  29:1. 


Ps.  141:5.    Hev.  3:19. 
r   Is.  32:15.     45:8.      Joel  2:28. 

Zech.  12:10.  Luke  11:13.  John 

7:36,37.     Acts  2:36—38.    Rev. 

3:16—13. 
S  Is.  50:2.  65:13.    66:4.     Jer.  7: 

13.     Ez.  8:18.     Zech.  7:11,12. 

Matt.  2-2:5,6.    23:37,38.     Heb. 

12:25,26. 
t  31:20.     Acts  4:30.     Rom.  10: 

21. 
u  30.     2Chr.  36:16.     Ps.  107: 

11.  Luke  7:30. 
x30.  5:12.    12:1.  Ps.  81:11. 


26  I  also  y  will  laugh  at  your  calamity; 
I  will  mock  when  your  fear  cometh; 

27  When  ^  your  fear  cometh  as  deso- 
lation, and  your  destruction  cometh  *  as 
a  whirlwind;  when  ''  distress  and  anguish 
cometh  upon  you. 

28  Then  *=  shall  they  call  upon  me,  but 
I  will  not  answer;  '^  they  shall  seek  me 
early,  but  they  shall  not  find  me: 

29  For  ^  that  they  hated  knowledge, 
and  did  ^  not  choose  tlue  fear  of  the  Lord: 

30  They  ^  would  none  of  my  counsel: 
they  despised  all  my  reproof. 

31  Therefore  ^  shall  they  eat  of  the 
fruit  of  their  own  way,  and  be  filled  with 
their  own  devices. 

32  For  'the  *  turning  away  of  the  sim- 


yJudg.  10:14.   Ps.2:4.  37:13. 
z  3:25,26.   10:24,25.  Ps.  69:22— 

28.   Luke  21:26,34,35.    1  Thes. 

5.3.    Rev.  6:15-17. 
a  Ps.  58:9.   Is.  17:13.    Nah.  1:3. 
b  Luke  21:23—25.    Rom.  2:9. 
c  Job  27:9.  35:12.    Ps.  18:41.   Is. 

1:15.     Jer.  11:11.    14:12.     Ez. 

8:18.     Mic.  3:4.      Zech.   7:13. 

Matt.  7:22,23.  25:10-12.  Luke 

13:25—28.     Jam.  4:3. 
d  Ps.  78:34—36.     Hos.  5:15.  6: 


1—4. 
e  22.  5:12.     Job  21:14,15.     Ps. 

50:16,17.     Is.  27:11.    30:9—12. 

John  3:20.  Acts  7:51—54. 
f  Luke  10:42.  Heb.  11:25. 
or25.    Ps.  119:111,173.  Jer.8:9. 

Luke  14:18—20. 
h    14:11.     Job  4:8.     Is.  3:10,11. 

Jer.  6:19.     Gal.  6:7,8. 
18:36.    John  3:36.     Heb.  10.3S, 

39.    12:25. 
*0r,  ease.  Jer.  48:11,12. 


addresses.  To  us,  who  have  the  New  Testament 
for  our  guide,  this  latter  is  by  far  the  most  simple 
manner  of  considering  the  subject,  and  it  gives  the 
exhortations  of  wisdom  a  peculiar  majesty  and  em- 
phasis: nor  can  any  material  objection  be  made  to 
it;  unless  men  would  substitute  carnal  wisdom,  in 
the  stead  of  "that  wisdom  which  is  from  above." 
The  coincidence  of  the  words  of  Wisdom  also  with 
the  doctrine  of  Christ,  renders  it  obvious  to  adopt 
this  mode  of  exposition. — 'He  that  is  the  eternal 
'and  uncreated  Wisdom  of  the  Father,  uses  all 
'means  to  draw  men  unto  God:  both  by  his  works, 
'and  by  his  word,  he  inviteth  all  men  to  the  knowl- 
'edge  and  love  of  the  truth.'  Bp.  Hall.  [Marg. 
Ref. )  It  is  remarkable  that  the  original  is  future, 
"Wisdom  shall  cry  without,  &c." 

V.  21 — 23.  Christ,  by  his  own  personal  minis- 
try, and  by  that  of  his  apostles  and  evangelists, 
and  ever  since  by  his  faithful  and  zealous  minis- 
ters, has  addressed  himself  to  sintul  men,  in  the 
most  earnest  and  public  manner,  and  in  every 
place,  in  which  they  could  be  met:  of  this  he  gave 
the  example  by  preaching  in  houses  and  syna- 
gogues, the  courts  of  the  temple,  the  streets,  fields, 
mountains,  and  plains,  as  occasion  required. — By 
"the  simple  ones,  who  love  simplicity,"  are  meant 
the  ignorant,  unwary,  and  careless,  who  love  to 
continue  thoughtless  and  dissipated;  having  no 
desire  to  trouble  their  minds  about  any  thing, 
which  interferes  with  their  present  pursuits  of 
pleasure,  reputation,  or  worldly  advantage.  "The 
scorners  who  delight  in  their  scorning," are  those, 
who  deride  and  revile  the  truths  and  precepts  of 
the  gospel,  and  glory  in  their  impiety,  infidelity, 
and  blasphemy,  and  in  making  proselytes  to  their 
principles.  And  "the  fools,  who  hate  knowledge,'' 
may  mean  such  persons,  as  have  had  some  ac- 
quaintance with  religion,  and  whose  consciences 
have  been  distressed  by  it;  but,  determining  to 
gratify  their  lusts,  they  "hold  the  truth  in  unright- 
eousne.ss,"  sin  in  defiance  of  their  convictions,  and 
hate  that  knowledge,  which  makes  them  dread  the 
fatal  effectsof  their  daringwickedness.  [■N'otes,  Ps. 
1:1—3.  Jo/m  3:19— 21.)  Persons,  however,  of  all 
these  characters  are  here  expostulated  with  upon 
the  madness  of  continuing  longer  in  wickedness; 
450] 


they  are  commanded  to  repent,  and  turn  to  Wis- 
dom, or  to  Christ,  at  his  reproof;  nay,  the  gift  of 
the  Holy  Spirit,  to  be  their  Teacher  and  Sancti- 
fier,  is  promised  to  such  as  attend  to  the  gracion.s 
proposal. — 'I  offer  unto  you  both  my  word  out- 
'wardly  to  your  ears,  and  a  plentiful  measure  of 
'my  Spirit  inwardly  to  your  hearts,  to  make  that 
'word  effectual  to  you.'  Bp.  Hall.  [jVotes,  John 
4:10—15.  7:37—39.  Rev.  3:17—19.) 

V.  24 — 31.  The  nature  and  consequences  of 
rejecting  the  invitations  and  counsels  of  heavenly 
wisdom,  are  here  most  affectingly  displayed,  and 
in  terms  entirely  coincident  with  man)-  passages 
in  the  New  Testament.  [Marg.  Ref. — JVotes, 
Luke  13:22—30.  Heb.  2:1—4.  12:22—25.)  The 
gracious  Savior  invites,  exhorts,  and  warns;  but 
sinners  refuse  to  hearken:  he  stretches  out  his 
hands,  to  afford  them  help,  or  to  confer  blessings 
upon  them,  or  as  earnejtly  beseeching  them  to 
accept  of  his  salvation;  but  they  pay  no  regard  to 
him:  he  gives  them  the  best  of  counsel,  mingled 
with  salutary  reproof;  but  they  despise  his  coun- 
sel, and  reject  his  reproof  with  scorn,  preferring 
the  flattering  advice  of  their  worldly  associates,  or 
of  Satan  and  his  instruments;  {JVo/e,  I  Kings  12: 
8 — 15.)  for  indeed  they  "hate  knowledge,  and  do 
not  choose  the  fear  of  the  Lord."  But  in  the 
event  they  will  certainly  be  overtaken  with  dread- 
ful calamities  and  terrors,  depriving  them  of  eve- 
ry hope  and  comfort;  with  destruction,  bearing 
them  away  like  an  impetuous  whirlwind,  while 
distress  and  anguish  seize  upon  them.  Then  in- 
deed they  would  fain  be  rescued  from  hell  by  the 
arm  of  the  despised  Savior,  and  will  hastily  call 
to  him  to  help  them:  but  as  they  before  scorned 
him  and  his  reproof;  so  will  he  then  neglect  and 
disdain  their  cries,  terrors,  and  distress;  and  thus 
"they  will  eat  of  the  fruit  of  their  own  ways,  and 
be  filled"  for  ever  "with  their  own  devices." — 
The  change  of  persons,  from  a  direct  address  to 
the  despisers  themselves,  to  such  as  are  supposed 
to  witness  the  awful  scene,  is  peculiarly  impress- 
ive. {Jfotes,Ps.±A — 6.  37:12— 15.)— Let  all  hear 
and  take  tvarning:  let  all  notice  the  equity  of  this 
most  severe  infliction  of  vengeance  on  obstinate 
enemies  and  despisers. 


B.  C.  977. 


CHAPTER  I. 


B.  C.  977. 


|)le  shall  slay  them,   ''  and  the  prosperity 
of  fools  shall  destroy  them. 

33  But  '  whoso  hearkeneth  unto 


Jc  Deut.  3i:15,&.c.  Ps.  69:22.  j 
92:6,7.  Luke  12:16—21.  16:19 
—25.     Heb.  12:8.  Jam.  5.5. 


me 

18:32—35.  9:11.  Ps.  25:12,13. 
81:13.  Is.  48:18.  55:3.  Matt. 
17:5.  .lohn  10:27—29.  1  Pet.l:5. 


V.  32,  33.  The  sinner's  "turning  away"  from 
the  instructions  of  heavenl}'  Wisdom,  or  of  Christ, 
is  the  immediate  cause  of  his  destruction,  and  a 
most  dreadful  species  of  self-murder,  without 
which  all  his  other  crimes  would  not  ruin  him: 
{J>rotes  and  P.  O.  Ez.  18:21—32.)  while  the 
prosperity  and  carnal  security,  in  which  harden- 
ed sinners  live,  ripen  them  apace  for  destruction. 
Whereas  the  holy  confidence  and  hope  in  God, 
grounded  on  his  word,  of  those  who  hearken  to 
the  voice  of  wisdom,  and  are  preserved  from  the 
fear  of  evil,  even  in  the  greatest  extremities,  is  a 
contrast  to  that  sensual  and  careless  security  in 
prosperous  circumstances,  which  is  turned  into 
terror  and  despair,  in  the  season  of  danger  and 
alarm.  [Marg.  Bef.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
V.  1—19. 
If  God  imparts  wisdom  and  intrusts  authority 
to  the  same  person,  a  great  advantage  is  afforded 
him  for  the  extensive  communication  of  good  in- 
structions. But  "the  inspiration  of  the  Holy 
Spirit"  gives  an  authority  to  the  scriptures,  far 
beyond  what  they  could  derive  from  the  honorable 
descent,  the  dignity,  wealth,  wisdom,  or  renown, 
of  those  employed  in  committing  them  to  writing. 
— It  is  the  design  of  everj'  part  of  revelation,  to 
^'cause  us  to  know  wisdom  and  instruction,  to 
perceive  the  words  of  understanding,"  and  to  re- 
ceive lessons  of  heavenly  discretion:  that  we  may 
pursue  the  noblest  ends  by  the  most  effectual 
means,  and  maj'  learn  to  walk  with  God,  and 
among  men,  "in  justice,  judgment,  and  equity"  of 
every  kind,  and  towards  all  men.  These  divine 
instructions  suffice  to  render  the  unlearned,  and 
those  of  slender  abilities,  discerning  and  saga- 
cious, and  able  to  detect  and  elude  the  most  crafty 
designs  of  wicked  men,  and  of  the  devil;  nay, 
even  to  remedy  the  rashness  of  inexperienced 
youth,  and  to  render  it  prudent  and  discreet. 
{j^oles,  Ps.  19:7—11.  119:9.)  And  as  Solomon, 
or  rather  he  who  inspired  Solomon,  proposed 
such  benefit  to  us  by  this  book,  we  should  enter 
upon  the  reading  of  it  with  fervent  prajer  to  the 
Fountain  and  Giver  of  wisdom,  to  enable  us  to 
profit  by  it.  Indeed,  a  teachable  disposition,  aris- 
ing from  a  due  valuation  of  heavenly  knowledge, 
united  with  a  consciousness  of  our  own  ignorance 
and  fallibility,  and  exposedness  to  plausible  and 
strong  delusions  from  every  quarter,  forms  a 
proper  test  and  standard  of  our  present  progress 
in  wisdom.  The  wise  man  will  always  be  a  learn- 
er: he  will  therefore  hear,  and  will  add  to  this 
treasure  from  every  maxim,  in  proportion  as  he 
attains  to  the  true  interpretation  of  it;  and  dis- 
covers the  meaning  of  those  words  of  the  wise, 
which  to  the  careless,  superficial,  and  conceited, 
appear  "dark  sayings." — All  who  are  taught  of 
God  agree,  that  true  knowledge  and  wisdom  are 
practical;  and  begin  with  the  fear  of  God,  and  a 
due  regard  to  his  authority,  and  principally  con- 
sist in  them.  The  most  sagacious  in  worldly 
things,  and  the  most  learned  in  all  human  scien- 
ces, are  miserably  infatuated  and  deplorably  fool- 
ish, if  they  despise  this  wisdom  and  instruction; 
and  do  not  make  it  their  grand  concern  to  do  the 
will  of  God  and  seek  his  favor:  yet  alas!  how  is  the 
earth  filled,  and  its  eminent  places  occupied,  by 
such  profane  and  foolish  despisers! — While  young 
persons  are  exhorted  and  charged  to  "hear  the 
instruction  of  their  fathers,  and  at  no  time  to  for- 
sake the  law  of  their  mothers;"  how  forcibly  are 


shall  dwell  safely,  "  and  shall  be  quiet 
from  fear  of  evil. 


m  3:21—26.    14:26.     Ps.  112:7. 
Is.  26:3.     Luke  21:9,19.   Rom. 


parents  called  upon  to  give  them  such  instruc- 
tions, to  set  them  such  good  examples,  and  so  to 
exercise  their  authority,  as  may  indeed  conduce 
to  their  children's  best  advantage!  and  to  what  a 
wretched  dilemma  do  many  parents  reduce  their 
offspring,  who  must  either  renounce  their  in- 
structions and  injunctions,  or  disobey  God,  and 
ruin  their  own  souls!  [J^otes  and  P.  O.  Mark  6: 
14 — 29.)  In  this  case  indeed  the  matter  is  decided; 
and  they  must  obey  God  rather  tlian  men.  But 
alas!  children  are  commonly  least  disposed  to  be 
duly  observant  of  wise  and  pious  parents,  who 
would  direct  them  in  the  way  to  durable  honor 
and  felicity.  When  youthful  inexperience  unites 
with  self-sufficiency  and  impatience  of  control, 
they  form  a  proper  prey  for  tlie  artful  and  profli- 
gate. With  flattering  caresses  and  encomiums, 
and  large  but  cheap  and  delusive  promises  of 
pleasure,  advantage,  and  impunity;  these  entice 
such  simple  young  persons  to  join  tlieir  cabals 
and  imitate  their  crimes:  and  when  they  have 
once  consented,  they  are  caught  in  a  net  whence 
few  ever  escape.  Would  they  then  shun  tempo- 
ral and  eternal  ruin,  let  them  turn  a  deaf  ear  to 
all  these  inviting  strains,  and  refuse  to  take  one 
step  in  these  destructive  paths:  for,  while  they 
haste  to  obtain  money  to  defray  the  expenses  of 
dissipation  or  licentiousness,  "their  feet  run  to 
evil  and  they  make  haste  to  shed  blood."  Thus 
they  are  caught  in  Satan's  net,  which  is  spread 
before  their  eyes;  they  are  forming  a  conspiracy 
against  their  own  lives;  and  employing  their  inge- 
nuity and  activity,  in  rendering  themselves  ex- 
ecrable and  miserable,  in  bringing  themselves 
to  an  untimely  end,  and  in  ripening  apace  for 
eternal  destruction.  So  are  Uie  ways  of  all,  in 
every  rank  of  society  even  the  most  exalted, 
who,  being  greedy  of  gain,  seize  upon  it  by  op- 
pressing their  fellow  creatures,  or  taking  away 
their  lives  by  violence  or  deceit. 
V.  20—33. 
Would  men  keep  at  a  distance  from  the  de- 
structive temptations  of  Satan  and  his  servants, 
they  should  hearken  to  the  voice  of  Wisdom;  they 
should  attend  to  the  gospel,  and  the  sacred  word, 
by  which  the  Savior  addresses  them  with  incon- 
ceivable affection  and  earnestness.  After  his  ex- 
ample, and  in  the  same  fervent  and  sympathizing 
tenderness,  his  ministers  should  "preach  the 
word,  instant  in  season,  out  of  season,"  whenever 
and  wherever  they  can  get  men  to  attend.  And 
surely  none  should  censure  their  brethren,  who 
"cry  without  in  the  streets,"  in  the  chief  places 
of  concourse,  and  in  the  opening  of  the  gates, 
being  greatly  in  earnest  to  snatch  sinners  as 
brands  from  the  burning;  when  the  Wisdom  of 
God  has  given  them  the  example.  Nay,  if  the 
same  divine  Savior  exhorts,  warns,  and  invites 
even  scorners,  and  "fools  that  hate  knowledge, 
and  simple  ones  who  love  simplicity;"  they  cer- 
tainly come  the  nearest  to  wisdom,  who  call  upon 
sinners  of  every  description,  without  exception 
or  limitation,  and  in  the  most  urgent  manner,  to 
repent,  and  believe,  and  be  saved. — The  love  and 
condescension  of  Christ,  and  the  gracious  prom- 
ises which  he  mingles  with  his  reproofs,  while  he 
declares  his  readiness  to  "pour  out  his  Spirit,  and 
make  known  his  words  to"  those  who  turn  to  him, 
should  surely  attract  the  attention  of  the  most 
careless  and  ungodly:  and  it  may  well  be  inquired 
of  them,  "how  long"  they  mean  to  proceed  in 
such  a  perilous  path,  when  the  uncertainty  of 
life,  and  the  tremendous  consequences  of  dying 

[451 


R    C.  977. 


PROVERBS. 


B.  C.  977. 


CHAP.  II. 

Wisdom  promises  the  blessings  of  true  religion,  to  those  who  seek 
her  from  God,  with  prayer  and  diligence,  1 — 9;  and  to  preserve 
them  from  the  ruinous  ways  of  bad  men  and  women,  by  guiding 
them  in  the  paths  of  righteousness,  10 — 2i. 

"Y   son,   ^  if  thou    wilt  receive    my 
words,    and   *"  hide  my  command- 
ments with  thee; 

2  So  that  "^  thou  incline  thine  ear  unto 
wisdom,  and  '^  apply  thine  heart  to  un- 
derstanding: 

3  Yea,  ^  if  thou  criest  after  knowledge 
and  *  liftest  up  thy  voice  for  understand- 
ing; 


a  1:3.  4:1.    7:1.     John  12:47,48. 

1  Tim.  1:13. 
b  3:1.  4:2ft— 22.  6:21.     Deut.  6: 

6—9.     Job  23:12.     Ps.  119:9— 

Jl.     Matt.  13:44.      Luke  2:19, 

51.    9:44. 
C  18:1.     Ps.  119:111,112.    Is.  55: 

3.  Matt.  13:9. 


d  22:17— 21.    23:12.     Ps.  90:12. 

Ec.  7:25.    8:9,16.     Acts]7:ll 
e   3:6.    8:17.      1  Kings  3:9—12 

1  Chr.  22:12.     Ps.  25:4,5.    119 

34,73,125,169.        Luke    11:13. 

Eph.  1:17,18.     Jam.  1:5. 
*  Heb.  giveat  thy  voice. 


4  If  ''  thou  seekest  her  as  silver,  and 
^  searchest  for  her  as  for  hid  treasures: 

5  Then  ^  shalt  thou  understand  '  the 
fear  of  the  Lord,  and  ^  find  the  knowl- 
edge of  God. 

6  For  '  tlie  Lord  giveth  wisdom:  ■"  out 
of  his  mouth  cometh  knowledge  and  un- 
derstanding. 

7  He  °  layeth  up  sound  wisdom  for 
the  righteous:  he  is  °  a  Buckler  to  them 
that  walk  uprightly. 


f  3:14,15.  8:18,19.   16:16.  23:23. 

Ps.  19:10.  1)9:14,72,127.   Matt. 

6:19—21.   13:44.   19:21,22,29. 
g  Job  28:12—20.  Ec.  4:8.  Luke 

16:8. 
h   2  Chr.   1:10—12.     Hos.   6:3. 

Matt.  7:7,8.    Luke  11:9—13. 
i  9:10.     Job  28:28.     Jer.  32:40, 

41. 
k  Jer.  9:24.  24:7.  31:34.     Matt. 

11:27.   Luke  10:22.    John  17:3. 

1  John  5:20. 


1  Ex.  31:3.     1  Kings  3:12.  4:29. 

1  Chr.  22:12.    Job  32:8.  Is.  54; 

13.     Dan.  1:17.  2:21,23.  Luka 

21:15.     John  6:45.    Eph.  1:17, 

18.   Jam.  1:5,17. 
m  6:23.   3:5—9.     Ps.  19:7.  119: 

98,104.    Is.  8:20: 
o  8:14.   14:8.  Job  23:28.     1  Cor. 

1:19,24,30.  2:6,7.  3:18,19.  Col. 

2:3.     2  Tim.  3:1S— 17.      Jam. 

3:15—17. 
o  28:18.  30:5.     Ps.  84:11.  144:2. 


without  conversion,  are  considered.  But  if  sin- 
ners, bent  upon  the  indulgence  of  their  lusts,  now 
refuse,  disregard,  despise,  revile,  and  hate  the 
counsels  and  proposals  of  the  Son  of  God;  they 
will  hereafter  curse  their  own  madness  and  folly. 
Some  few  on  earth  anticipate  their  own  doom, 
and  are  left  to  desperation  for  a  warning  to  oth- 
ers: and  many  cry  out  in  terror  of  conscience  for 
deliverance  from  torment,  without  any  desire  af- 
ter redemption  from  iniquity;  [P.  O.  Matt.  8:28 
— 34.)  and  therefore  they  cry  in  vain:  though 
none  can  at  any  period  of  life  heartily  pray  for 
the  entire  salvation  of  the  gospel,  and  be  rejected. 
But  no  words  can  express  the  horror,  distress,  and 
anguish  of  the  wicked,  as  standing  before  the  tri- 
bunal of  their  angry  Judge;  when  all  their  pleas, 
and  extorted  cries  for  mercy,  shall  be  disregarded 
and  despised.  "Then  will  he  laugh  at  their  ca- 
lamity, and  mock  when  their  fear  cometh:"  turn- 
ing to  others,  he  will  shew  the  reasons  of  his  se- 
verity, and  even  the  rocks  and  mountains  will 
refuse  to  hide  them  from  his  wrath.  Then  will 
they  receive  the  due  reward  of  their  crimes,  and 
especially  of  their  contempt  of  Christ  and  his  sal- 
vation. "Knowing  therefore  the  terror  of  the 
Lord,  we  would  persuade"  sinners  to  repent,  and 
not  turn  away  from  the  Savior  to  their  own  destruc- 
tion. And  surely  we  should  not  fear  the  cross  of 
his  people,  nor  envy  the  prosperity  of  fools  which 
destroys  them!  But  we  should  hearken  diligently 
and  obediently  to  the  Lord  Jesus,  that  we  maj' 
dwell  safely  under  his  protection,  and  enjoy  peace 
of  conscience  and  confidence  in  God,  and  be  free 
from  fear  of  evil,  in  life,  in  death,  in  judgment, 
and  for  ever. 

NOTES. 
Chap.  II.  V.  1 — 5.  Wisdom,  having  finally 
warned  the  careless  and  unteachable,  who  de- 
spised her  instructions,  and  having  denounced 
their  doom,  [J^otes,  1:20 — 33.)  here  proceeds  to 
teach  and  exhort  her  children:  [Matt.  11:19. 
Luke  7:35.)  for  this  seems  to  be  the  sacred  wri- 
ter's intention,  which  he  pursues  in  most  parts  of 
these  introductory  chapters,  under  the  figure  of  a 
father  instructing  his  son.  It  is  indeed  the  gen- 
eral and  reasonable  opinion  of  commentators, 
that  he  had  the  best  interests  of  his  son  Rehoboam 
peculiarly  in  view,  while  he  was  employed  on 
these  important  subjects.  'And  now,  my  son, 
'whose  happiness  I  most  heartily  desire,  let  me 
Hell  thee  for  thy  further  encouragement,  that  if 
'thou  dost  entertain  these  my  exhortations,  and 
^keep  these  precepts  in  remembrance:  ...  listening 
'with  diligent  attention,  ...  to  the  counsels  andin- 
452] 


'structions  of  wisdom;  with  sincere  affection  ap- 
'plying  thy  mind  to  understand  thy  duty:  and 
'moreover  if  thou  expressest  such  a  desire  of  it, 
'as  men  do  of  that  which  they  most  need,  and 
'without  which  they  are  in  danger  to  perish:  pray- 
'ing  those  that  are  able  to  inform  thee;  and  be- 
'seeching  God  likewise,  with  ardent  devotion,  that 
'he  would  bring  thee  acquainted  with  it:  if  thou 
'dost  value  this  wisdom  above  the  greatest  treas- 
'ures,  and  shew  thy  esteem  of  it  by  studious  seek- 
'ing  for  it,  as  covetous  men  do  for  money,  laying 
'hold  upon  all  occasions  of  profiting  in  knowledge, 
'and  pursuing  thy  advantages,  (as  they  do,)  when 
'thou  meetest  with  them,  ...  not  giving  over  thy 
'labor  presently:  if  thou  findest  not  what  thou  de- 
'sirest;  but  inquiring  still,  and  sparing  no  pains  to 
'know  what  the  will  of  the  Lord  is:  ...  then  shalt 
'thou  not  fail  to  understand  what  it  is  to  be  truly 
'religious,  and  that  there  is  no  wisdom  comparable 
'to  it,'  Bp.  Patrick.— Hide,  &c.  (I)  Marg.  Ref. 
h.—J^ote,  Ps.  119:1].— Searchest,  &c.  (4)  'A 
'proverbial  saying,  borrowed  from  those  that  dig 
'in  mines:  the  former  part  of  it  expressing  eager 
'desire  and  great  diligence;  and  the  latter,  invin- 
'cible  resolution,  and  constant  perseverance, 
'notwithstanding  those  difficulties  that  occur  to 
'discourage  our  labor.'  Bp.  Patrick. — The  fear, 
j&c.  (5)  "The  fear  of  the  Lord,"  and  "the 
I  knowledge  of  God,"  are  concise  scriptural  terms 
I  for  the  whole  of  that  religion,  by  which  sinful  men 
I  come  to  God,  walk  with  him,  enjoy  his  favor,  and 
!  inherit  eternal  life.  [Marg.  Ref. — Jfotes,  1:7. 
Gen.  22:11,12.  1  Chr.  28:9.  "John  17:1—3.) 

V.  6.  [J^otes,  Jam.  1:5—8,16—18.  3:13—18.) 
"The  Lord  will  give  wisdom,"  (the  literal  ren- 
dering,) that  is,  to  those,  who  thus  seek  and  pray 
for  it:  and  he  will  do  this,  by  means  of  the  words 
which  he  has  spoken  by  his  holy  prophets.  The 
wisdom,  which  he  gives  by  his  Spirit  in  answer 
to  prayer,  to  those^vho  diligently  seek  it,  accords 
with  the  written  word,  and  must  be  tried  by  it. 

V.  7.  He  layeth  up,  &c.]  The  old  version 
renders  this,  "He  preserveth  the  state  of  the 
righteous,"  and  has  in  the  margin,  "He  hideth 
the  salvation  of  the  righteous."  "Our  life  is  hid 
with  Christ  in  God."  [J^ote,  Col.  3:1—4,  v.  4.) 
The  literal  meaning  seems  to  be,  "He  reserveth 
I  essential  good  for  the  righteous:"  "all  things  per- 
taining to  life  and  godliness;"  that  which  exists  in- 
dependently of  this  changing  world,  and  shall  exist 
for  ever.   (Marg.  iJe/.)— n^^'!|f|,  ab  JJf>,  extitit 

I  immobiliter,  essentia.m  habuit  forniam. ...  Propria 
lest  essentia  seu  existentia,  substantia.  ...  ^Varie 
I  '■redditur,  et  scepius  virtus,  sapientia,  quod  stnhilis 


B.  C.  977. 


CHAPTER  II. 


B.  C.  977. 


8  He  Pkeepeih  the  paths  of  judgment, 
*iand  preserveth  the  way  of  his  saints. 
'.9  Then  ""  shall  thou  understand  right- 
eousness, and  judgment,  and  equity;  yea, 

every   good    path.  [Practical  ObsfrvaHor,,.]         1 

10  IT  When  ^  wisdom  entereth  into 
thine  heart,  and  knowledge  is  pleasant 
unto  thy  soul; 

11  *  Discretion  shall  preserve  thee, 
understanding  shall  keep  thee: 

12  To  "  deliver  thee  from  the  way  of 
the  evil  man,  *  from  the  man  that  speak- 
eth  froward  things; 

13  Who  y  leave  the  paths  of  upright- 


p  3:20.     Ps.  1:6.     23:3,4.     121:5 

—8.  Is.  35:9. 49:9,10.  John  10: 

28,29. 
q  3:21—24.     Deut.  33:3,'26— 29. 

1  Sam.  2:9.  Ps.  37:23,24,28,31. 

66:9.   145:20.     Jer.  32:40,41.   1 

Pet.  1:5. 
r  1:2— 6.     Ps.  25:8,9.  32:8.   119: 

105.    143:8—10.     Is.  35:8.    48: 

17.     Jer.  6:16.     Miitt  7:13,14. 

Joho  14:6. 
s   13:1,2.    24:13,14.     Job  23:12. 

Ps.  19:10.   104:34.     119:97,103, 

111,162.     Jer.   15:16.     Col.   3: 

16. 


t4:6.  6:22—24.     Ps.  25:21.  119: 

9—11.      Ec.  9:15— 13.     10:10. 

Eph.  5:15. 
u    1:10—19.    4:14—17.    9:6.    13: 

20.     Ps.  17:4,5.    26:4,5.   141:4. 

2  Cor.  6:17. 
X  3:32.  8:13.  16:28—30.  Ps.  101: 

4.    Is.  59:3—5.     Acts  20:30.   1 

Cor.  15:33. 
y  21:16.   Ps.  14:3.  36:3.   Ez.  18: 
"26.  33:12,13.  Zeph.  1:6.  Matt. 

12:43—45.    2  Tim.  4:10.    Heb. 

6:4—6.       2   Pet.   2:20 — 22.    1 

John  2:19. 


ness,  to  ^  walk  in  the  ways  of   darkness; 

14  Who  ^  rejoice  to  do  evil,  '>  and  de- 
light in  the  frowardness  of  the  wicked; 

15  Whose  "^  ways  are  crooked,  and 
they  froward  in  their  paths: 

16  To  ''  deliver  thee  from  the  strange 
woman,  even  from  the  stranger  which 
®  flattereth  with  her  words; 

17  Which  forsaketh  '^the  guide  of  her 
youth,  and  ^  forgetteth  the  covenant  of 
her  God. 

18  For  ''  her  house  inclineth  unto 
death,  and  her  paths  unto  the  dead: 

19  '  None  that  go  unto  her  return 
again,  neither  ^  take  they  hold  of  the 
paths  of  Hfe. 


z   4:19.     Job  24:13—16. 

3:19,20.     Rom.  1:21.      1 

5:5—7.    1  John  1:6.  2:9- 
a  10:23.  Jer.  11:15.    Hab 

Zeph.  3:11.     1  Cor.  13:6 
b  Hos.  7:3.    Luke  22:4,5. 

1:32. 
c  Deut.  32:5.     Ps.  126:5. 

8—13.  59:8.    Phil.  2:15. 
d  5:3—20.  6:24.  7:5—23 

23:27.     Gen.  39:3—12. 

13:26,27.    Ec.  7:26. 


John 
Thes. 
-11. 
.  1:15. 

Rom. 

Is.  30: 

22:14. 
Neh. 


e  7:21.  29:5. 

f  5:18.     Jer.  3:4. 

g   Ez.  16:8,59,60.     Mai.  2:14— 

16. 
h  5:4—14.    6:26—35.    7:22—27. 

9:18.      1  Cor.  6:9— 11.     Gal.  5; 

19—21.     Eph.  5:5.    Rev.  21:8. 

22:15. 
i  Ps.  81:12.     Ec.  7:26.    Jer.  IS: 

23.    Hos.  4:14.     Matt.  19:24— 

26. 
k4:]8.     Heb.  6:13. 


*et  durabilis  harum  sit  essentia,  et  reliqua  omnia 
*transeant.'    Robertson.  (18:1.  Jb6  11:6.) 

V.  8.  "In  order  to  keep  the  paths  of  judg- 
ment, he  preserveth  the  feet  of  his  saints."  [Motes, 
I  Sanu  2:9.   Ps.  37:23,24.    125:1,2.) 

V.  9.  Some  versions  include  the  passage  from 
the  beginning  of  the  third  verse,  in  a  parenthesis. 
"Ijf  thou  apply  thine  heart  to  understanding,  ... 
then  shalt  thou  understand,  &c."  the  intermediate 
verses  being  an  explanation  of  the  words  "apply 
thy  heart  to  understanding,"  and  the  grounds  of 
the  subsequent  assurance. 

V.  10,  11.  The  first  steps  towards  heavenly 
wisdom  may  be  attended  with  difficulty,  and  seem 
unpleasant:  but,  it  is  here  intimated,  that  when 
wisdom  has  entered  into  the  heart,  it  will  become 
pleasant  to  the  soul;  and  by  its  pleasantness,  as 
well  as  its  instructions,  preserve  the  possessor 
from  the  destructive  allurements  of  sin.  [J^otes, 
18:1,2.  24:13,14.)- — 'The  word  of  God  shall 
'teach  thee,  and  counsel  thee  how  to  govern 
'thyself.' 

V.  12.  (JS'otes,  1:10 — 16.)  One  ruinous  effect 
of  bad  company  was  shewn  in  the  preceding 
chapter;  but  another,  not  less  fatal,  is  pointed 
out  in  this:  for  the  company  of  ungodly  and  profli- 
gate men  is  the  common  introduction  of  young 
persons  into  the  society  of  abandoned  women.  ( 16) 
Froward  things.]  "Perverted,"  or  such  as  over- 
turn right  principles  and  good  conduct. 

V.  13,  14.  They  leave  'the  word  of  God,  wliich 
'is  the  only  light,  to  follow  their  own  fancies, 
'which  are  darkness.'  Infidelity  and  impiety  pre- 
pare the  mind  for  debauchery,  and  prevent  the 
disturbance  of  conscience,  which  v,'ould  other- 
wise interrupt  the  quiet  of  those  who  rejoice  in 
doing  evil. 

V.  15.    Crooked,  Sic]    J^ote,  Ps.  125:4,5. 

V.  16.  Strange  woman,  &c.]  [Lev.  19:29.) 
That  is,  the  prostitute.  These  were  either 
heathen  women,  who  subsisted  by  prostitution  in 
the  land  of  Israel;  or  such  Israelitish  women,  as 
were  worthy  to  be  treated  as  strangers,  or  Gen- 
tiles. (JVb<e*,  5:3— 14.  7:6— 23.  1  iTing'*  11:1— 8.) 
But,  while  the  prostitute  is  especially  markeu 
out;  all  acquaintance  with  women,  of  lax  moral 
^irinciples  and  conduct,  married  or  unmarried,  is 
included  in  the  warning,  or  instruction;  all,  whose 


smooth,  and  flattering  conversation  is  calculated 
to  draw  the  unwary  into  their  net;  all,  who  in 
any  respect  resembled  Delilah,  the  tempter  and 
ruin  of  Samson.  [J^otes  and  P.  O.  Judg.  16:) — 
Thus  the  adulteress  in  the  next  verse  is  considered 
as  emphatically  the  strange  woman. — Some  indeed 
think,  that  the  fascinations  of  idolatry  or  false 
religion,  and  of  worldly  pleasures,  are  meant  in 
these  warnings,  as  well  as  the  crimes  immediate- 
ly specified:  but  the  literal  meaning  is  of  immense 
importance;  and  careful  and  enlarged  observa- 
tion on  the  ways  of  men  will  more  and  more  con- 
vince a  serious  inquirer,  that  the  strong  expres- 
sions used  by  Solomon,  concerning  the  fatal  conse- 
quences of  these  vices,  have  a  peculiar  propriety. 
V.  17.  The  guide,  &c.]  'That  is,  her  husband, 
which  is  her  head  and  guide  to  govern  her; 
from  whom  she  ought  not  to  depart,  but  remain 
in  his  subjection.' — "The  covenant  of  her  God," 
is  the  promise  made  in  marriage.  [Js^te,  J\Ial.  2: 
13 — 16.)  'To  whom  she  was  joined  in  her  youth, 
'...  and  took  him  for  her  guide  and  governor;  but 
'hath  wickedly  broken  the  laws  of  God,  and  vio- 
lated the  solemn  vow  of  fidelity  to  him,  which 
she  made  when  they  were  married.'  Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  18.  The  dead.]  d^ndt  .  The  word  is  the 
same,  as  is  used  for  the  giants  who  were  destroy- 
ed by  the  deluge:  and  the  state  of  future  punish- 
ment seems  to  be  intended. — 'By  what  name... 
was  this  place  of  the  damned  expressed,  before  the 
word  Gehenna  or  Gehinnom.  came  to  be  used.'' ... 
'It  seems  to  have  been  called  the  house  of  the 
giants.''  (21:16.)  'He  shall  go  and  keep  them 
company,'  (namely  the  giants,  whose  wickedness 
'provoked  God  to  drown  the  world;)  'that  is,  go 
to  that  accursed  place  and  condition  which  they 
are  in.'  Mede,  Discourse  7. — [JVole,  21:16.)  'Who 
...  seeks  the  ruin  of  all  that  go  to  her  house, 
where  by  one  means  or  other,  they  are  in  danger 
to  meet  with  their  grave,  and  to  be  sent  to  keep 
'company  with  those  old  giants,  who  corrupted 
'mankind  with  such  filthiness  and  violence,  that 
they  brought  a  deluge  upon  the  earth.'  [Gen.  6: 
4,5,11.)  Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  19.  'It  is  rarely  seen,  that  any  body,  who 
'is  drawn  into  her  impure  embraces,  ever  gets 
'out  again:  but  she  holds  them  so  fast  bv  her  en- 

[453 


B.  C.  977. 


PROVERBS. 


B.  C.  977. 


20  That  '  thou  mayest  walk  in  the  way 
of  good  men,  and  keep  the  paths  of  the 
righteous. 

21  For   "  the   upright  shall   dwell   in 


113:80.  Ps.  119:63,115.  Cant. 
1:7,8.  Jer.  6:16.  Heb.  6:12. 
3  John  11. 


m  Job  1:1.  42:12.    Ps.  37:3,9,11, 
22,29.  84:11.   112:4—6. 


the   land,  and  the  perfect    shall   remain 
in  it. 

22  But  "  the  wicked  shall  be  cut  ofF 
from  the  earth,  and  the  transgressors  shall 
be  *  rooted  out  of  it. 

>i   5:22,23.     Job   18:16— 18.    21:  I  *  Or,  p/wcfced  up.     Deut.  7:22. 
30.     Ps.   37:20,22,37,38.    52:5.       marg.    28:63. 
104:35.   145:20.    Is.  3:10,11. 


'chantments,  and  they  are  so  blinded  and  bewil- 
'dered  by  her  arts,  that,  like  men  who  have  quite 
'lost  their  way  in  a  strange  country,  they  seldom 
'or  never  can  recover  themselves.'  Bp.  Patrick. 
V.  20—22.  Marg.  Rcf.—JVotes,  10—12.  Ps. 
37:9—11,21-28. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
V.   1—9. 
Those,  who  earnestly  seek  heavenly  wisdom, 
will  never  have  cause  to  complain  that  they  have 
lost  their  labor:  and  the  freeness  of  the  gift  en- 
courages, but  does  not  supersede  the  necessity  of 
our  diligence.     [John  6:27.)     God  alone  bestows 
this  blessing:  he  has  given  his  Son  to  be  ''made 
Wisdom  unto  us,"  and  in  him  are  laid  up  all  the 
treasures  of  wisdom  and  knowledge  for  our  use. 
From  these  he  communicates  to  believers  through 
his  holy  word:  and  it  especially  teaches  us  to  fear 
God;  and  so  to  know  him,  as  to  trust  in  his  mer- 
cy, and  delight  greatly  in   his  commandments. 
This  sound  wisdom  and  substantial  good  is  "re- 
served for  the  righteous,"  and  they  exclusively 
possess  it;  that  they  may  pass  safely  through  this 
perilous  world  to  heaven:    "for  the  Lord  is  a 
Buckler  to  them  that  walk  uprightly."- Would 
we  obtain  this  inestimable  treasure,  we  must  re- 
ceive the  words  of  Christ,  and,  by   daily  study 
and  meditation,  "hide  his  commandments"  in  our 
hearts:  we  must  habitually  have  our  ear  open  to 
instruction,  and  our  minds  applied  to  understand- 
ing.    Above  all,  we  must  with  earnestness  "cry 
after    knowledge,   and    lift   up   our    voice"    in 
prayer  for  understanding:     {Jam.   1:3.)    for    in 
no  other  way  can  "we   understand  the  fear  of 
the  Lord,   and  find   the   knowledge    of  God." 
Those  persons,  therefore,  whose  religious  knowl- 
edge has  been  obtained  without  this  application 
of  mind,  and  this  fervency  of  prayer,  have  an  in- 
ternal demonstration  that  it  is  not  of  the  right 
sort:  if  it  has  cost  them  only  a  little  of  this  labor, 
it  must  at  best  be  very  scanty  and  superficial: 
and  those,  who  are  more  eager  to  grow  rich  or 
great,  or  are  more  intent  about  their  pleasures, 
or  the  curiosities  of  science,  or  the  reputation 
attached  to  it,  than  about  this  divine  wisdom, 
may  be  sure  that  as  yet  "they  know  nothing  as 
they  ought  to  know;"  nor  will  they  ever,  unless 
they  value  the  prize  at  another  rate,  and  pursue 
it  in  another  manner.    But  those,  who  value  wis- 
dom above  rubies,  and  seek  for  it  with  that  un- 
wearied diligence  and  perseverance,  with  which 
the  miner  delves  in  the  earth  for  the  silver  ore, 
or  the  miser  scrapes  together  his  heap  of  money, 
however  feeble  their  capacities,  or  scanty  their 
stock  of  other  knowledge,    "shall    understand 
righteousness,  judgment,  and  equity,  yea,  every 
good  path."    (1  Cor.  2:13— 15.  CoL  1:9,10.)    For 
when  divine  truth  thus  gains  admission  into  the 
heart,  and  the  soul  is  taught  to  relish  and  delight 
in  it,  "discretion  shall  preserve,  and  understand- 
ing shall  keep"  men,  from  the  many  and  great 
dangers  to  which  others  are  exposed:  for  it  is  in 
this  manner  that  "the  Lord  keepeth"  and  guard- 
eth  "the  paths  of  judgment,  and  preserveth  the 
way  of  his  saints."  U^ote,  Jer.  32:38—41.) 
V.  10—22. 
Beside  all  the  temptations  from  their  own  hearts, 
from  the  things  of  the  world,  and  from  the  strata- 
gems and  suggestions  of  Satan;  numerous  bad  ex- 
4.')4] 


amples  and  crafty  seducers,  of  both  sexes,  exceed- 
ingly endanger  the  souls  of  men;  especially  in  the 
giddy  season  of  youth.     But  they,  who  "ask  wis- 
dom from  God,"  and  delight  in  his  word,  will  shun 
those  scenes  and  companies,  where  these  tremen- 
dous dangers  most  abound,  and  will  decidedly 
shun  the  company  of  the  evil  man.     For  such  as 
"leave  the  paths  of  uprightness,  to  walk  in  the 
ways  of  darkness;  whose  delight  is  in  doing  evil, 
and  in  the  frowardness  of  the  wicked,"  are  very 
zealous  to  corrupt  the  principles  and  morals  of 
those  who  are  apparently  well-disposed;  that  they 
may  strengthen  their  party  and  keep  themselves 
in  countenance:    nay,  being  instigated  by  Satan, 
and  as  it  were  inspired  as  his  prophets,  their 
"mouths  utter  perverse   things;"    and  they  are 
continually  disseminating  infidelity,  impiety,  and 
licentiousness  among  the  rising  generation.   Thus 
thousands  of  simple  ones  are  trained  up  in  the 
school,  and  at  length  qualified  to  assume  the  chair, 
of  the  scorner:    and  the  academies  for  teaching 
these  sciences,  are  not  likely  to  want  experienc- 
ed and  laborious   preceptors.      Indeed  the  minds 
of  our  youth,  before  they  arrive  at  manhood,  are 
too  generally  prepared  for  scenes  of  debauchery, 
in  concert  with  skepticism  and  profaneness;  and 
they  fall  an  easy  prey  to  those  wicked  women, 
who  are  too  numerous  to  be  thought  strangers  in 
our  cities,  or  even  towns  and  villages.   These  are  ' 
perhaps  the  victims  of  seduction  by  more  harden- 
ed profligates:  or  a  loose  education  and  early  hab- 
its of  sloth  and  extravagance,  lead  them  into  such 
infamous  courses;  or  they  have  adulterously  bro- 
ken the  marriage-covenant,  solemnly  engaged  to 
in  the  presence  of  God,  and  been  unfaithful  to 
those  who  ought  to  have  been  the  guides  of  their 
youth.    But,  however  themselves  initiated  in  the 
ways  of  vice,  they  assault  the  young  and  inexpe- 
rienced with  their  flatteries  and  insinuating  blan- 
dishments;   and  aid  them  in  getting  over  the  re- 
maining scruples  of  conscience,  and  the  restraints 
of  fear  and  shame;  and  so  qualify  them  to  go  forth 
to  seduce  the  daughters,  and  debauch  the  wives, 
of  their  friends  and  neighbors.     These  are  pre- 
vailing evils  which  excite  the  sorrow  of  every  se- 
rious and  pious  mind;  and  must  cause  the  reflect- 
ing parent  to  look  upon  his  children  with  tears 
and  anxious  fears,  lest  they  should  be  caught  in 
the  fatal  snare.     For,  however  light  the  inconsid- 
erate make  of  these  things,  it  is  plain  in  fact,  that 
"the  house  of  the  harlot  inclineth  to  death,  and 
her  paths  to  the  dead;"  numbers  are  thus  first  led 
to  venture  into  those  violent  or  fraudulent  prac- 
tices, in  order  to  gratify  the  exorbitant  demands 
of  an  extravagant  prostitute,  or  to  support  the 
expenses  of  their  lusts,  which  terminate  in  an  ig- 
nominious execution,  or  in  banishment  from  civ- 
ilized society,  to  some  remote  and  desolate  region, 
where  there  are  scarcel}'  any  to  plunder.     Thou- 
sands prematurely  perish  by  loathsome  diseases, 
perhaps  more  desolating  in  these  later  ages  than 
the  sword  of  war:  others,  unreformed,  are  united 
with  virtuous  women,  to  whom  they  cause  inex- 
pressible misery,  and  train  up  children  by  their 
example  and  discourse,  to  live,  like  them,  the 
nuisances  of  society.     And  the  corrupt  language 
of  that  very  small  number  of  them,  who  live  to 
old  age,  too  plainly  shews,  that  with  worn  out 
bodies  they  posses.s  hearts  as  debauched,  as  in 
the  vigor  of  youth. — The  abounding  grace  of  God 


B.  C.  797. 


CHAPTER  III. 


B.  C.  977. 


CHAP.  m. 

Wisdom  exhorts  to  obedience,  as  conducive  to  long  life,  peace, 
and  reputation,  1 — 4;  to  simple  dependence  on  God;  with  a 
promise  of  special  guidance,  5,  6;  and  avoiding  self-wisdom, 
to  fear  God,  to  honor  him,  and  profit  by  his  fatherly  correction, 
7 — 12.  The  happiness  and  safety  of  him  that  finds  wisdom, 
13 — 26.  Exhortations  to  justice,  charity,  peace,  and  content- 
ment, 27 — 32.     The  miserable  state  of  the  wicked,  33 — 35. 

'Y  son,    '-^  forget   not   my   law;  but 
''let  thine    heart  keep   my   com- 
mandments: 

2  For  *=  length  of  days,  and  *  long  life, 
^  and  peace,  shall  they  add  to  thee. 

3  Let  not  ®  mercy  and  truth  forsake 
thee:  '  bind  them  about  thy  neck;  s  write 

a  1:3.     4:5.    31:5.       Dent.  4:23. 

Ps.  119:93,153,176.      Hos.  4:6. 
b  Deut.  4:9.  6:6—9.  30:16—20. 

Ps.  119:11,16,34,47,48.  Jer.  31: 

33.    John  14:21—24. 
c  16.  4:10.  9:11.    Job  5:26.   Ps. 

34:11—14.  91:16.   128:6.    Eph. 

6:1—3. 
*  Heb.   years  of  life.   Ps.  21:4. 
d   17.     Ps.   119:165.     Is.   32:17. 


57:19—21.      Rom.  5:1.     14:17. 

15:13. 
e    16:6.     20:23.      2  Sam.   15:20. 

Ps.  25:10.     Hos.  4:1.     Mic.  7: 

18—20.     Mai.  2:6.     Matt.  23: 

23.   Eph.  5:1,2,9. 
f  6:21.  7:3.   Ex.  13:9.  Deut.  11: 

18-21.     Ps.  119:11. 
g  Jer.  17:1.     2  Cor.  3:3.     Heb. 

10:16. 


indeed  snatches  a  small  number  of  the  countless 
multitude,  as  brands  out  of  the  burning;  and  per- 
haps sometimes  an  individual  may  be  otherwise 
outwardly  reformed:  but  these  rare  exceptions 
consist  very  well  with  its  being  a  general  7'tile, 
that  none,  who  form  connexions  and  habits  of  this 
kind,  "return  again,  to  take  hold  of  the  paths  of 
life."  How  carefully  then  should  parents  watch 
over  their  children,  to  keep  them  at  a  distance 
from  the  fatal  precipice!  nor  should  they  ever 
mention  such  subjects,  as  too  many  do,  as  the  foi- 
bles or  slips  of  youtii;  but  with  horror,  as  the  most 
tremendous  of  all  vicious  habits.  How  carefully 
should  every  young  man  keep  at  a  distance  from 
the  entrance  upon  this  perilous  way!  shunning 
such  seducers  more  than  a  person  infected  with  a 
plague.  How  should  they  store  their  minds  with 
heavenly  wisdom,  and  learn  to  relish  purer  pleas- 
ures, and  pra)'  to  be  kept  by  the  grace  of  God 
from  the  dangerous  snare,  "that  they  may  walk 
in  the  way  of  good  men,  and  keep  the  paths  of 
the  righteous!"  For  the  upright  believer  shall 
notonly  inherit  heaven,  but  have  the  best  portion 
on  earth;  living  in  the  Lord's  land,  and  enjoying 
peace  and  comfort,  "when  the  wicked  shall  be 
cut  off  from  the  earth,  and  transgressors  rooted 
out  of  it." — Finally,  let  us  note,  that  in  general, 
it  is  expedient  for  young  persons  to  enter  into  the 
married  state,  before  they  have  contracted  bad 
habits,  in  order  to  prevent  these  fatal  consequen- 
ces: and,  having  made  a  prudent  and  pious  choice, 
to  be  faithful  to  the  covenant  of  God,  and  an  af- 
fectionate guide  of  the  youth,  to  one  who  is  suit- 
ed for  a  helper  in  the  way  to  heaven.  [JVote,  5: 
15 — 19.)  "For  marriage  is  honorable  in  all,  and 
the  bed  undetiled:  but  whoremongers  and  adul- 
terers God  will  judge." 

NOTES. 

Ch.vp.  hi.  V.  1.  'Be  not  careless  and  neg- 
'ligent  in  the  observance  of  these  instructions: 
'but  remember  them,  and  love  them,  and  set  thy- 
'self  heartily  to  do  whatsoever  I  command  thee.' 
Bp.  Patrick. — The  most  effectual  prevention  of 
forgetfulness,  in  respect  of  God's  commandments, 
is  an  habitual  care  to  reduce  them  to  practice,  in 
our  daily  conduct,  and  to  learn  to  love  and  delight 
in  so  doing. 

V.  2.  Temperance,  chastity,  honesty,  and  in- 
dustry, which  are  inseparable  from  a  life  of  true 
piety,  do  in  the  course  of  things  conduce  to  health, 
safety,  and  long  life:  and  this  is  sufficient  to  war- 
rant these  general  maxims  of  wisdom,  without 
supposing  them  to  be  direct  promises,  which  are 


them    upon    the    table    of    thine    heart: 

4  So  "  shalt  thou  find  favor,  and  t  good 
understanding  in  the  sight  of  God  and 
man. 

5  IT  '  Trust  in  the  Lord  with  all  thine 
heart;  ^  and  lean  not  unto  thine  own  un- 
derstanding. 

6  'In  all  thy  ways  acknowledge  him, 
™  and  he  shall  direct  thy  paths. 

7  "  Be  not  wise  in  thine  own  eyes: 
°  fear  the  Lord,  and  depart  from  evil. 


h  Gen.  39.2—4,21.    1  Sam.  2:26. 

Dan.  1:9.    Luke  2:52.     Acts  2: 

47.    Rom.  14:13. 
f  Or,  good  success.  Josh.  1:7,8. 

Jiiarg.   Ps.  111:10. 
i  22:19.     Job    13:15.     Ps.  37:3, 

5,7.     62:8.      115:9—11.     125:1. 

146:3—5.    Is.  12:2.  26:3,4.  Jer. 

17:7,8.     Eph.  1:12. 
k  7.  23:4.  28:26.     1  Cor.  3:18— 

20.   3:1,2. 
1  16:3.    23:17.     1  Sam.  23:4,11, 


12.  30.8.     Ezra  7:27.    8:22,23. 

Neh.  1:11.    2:4.     1  Cor.  10:31. 

2  Cor.  8:16.    Phil.  4:6.  Col.  3: 

17,23. 
m   16:9.      Ps.  25:8,9.    32:8.    Is. 

30:21.  48:17.   Jer.  10:23.  Jam. 

1:5. 
n5.  26:12.    Is.  5:21.     Rom.  11: 

25.   12:16. 
0  14:27.   16:6.     Neh.  5:15.     Job 

1:1.28:28.    Ps.  34:11— 14.  Ec. 

12:13. 


invariably  fulfilled. — 'Long  life  is  the  blessing  of 
'God,  which  he  giveth  to  his  so  far  forth  as  it  is 
'expedient  for  them.' 

V.  3,  4.  'By  "mercy  and  truth"  he  meaneth 
' ...  the  mercy  and  faithfulness  which  we  ought 
'to  use  toward  our  neighbors,'  after  the  example 
of  the  Lord's  mercy  and  truth  to  us.  'Fix  them 
'in  thy  memory,  and  in  thy  affections,  as  if  they 
'were  engraven  upon  thy  heart,  and  look  upon  it 
'as  thy  g-reatest  ornament  to  be  obedient  to  them.' 
Bp.  Patrick. — 'Count  these  thy  ornament  and 
'thy  treasure:  then  shalt  thou  be  so  favored  and 
'directed  by  the  Lord,  that  thy  affairs,  being  man- 
'aged  discreetly,  shall  generally  be  crowned  with 
'  "good  success." '    [J\Iarg.  and  J\Iarg.  Ref. ) 

V.  5,  6.  Entire  dependence  on  the  providence, 
grace,  and  promises  of  God,  in  every  undertaking, 
is  here  contrasted  with  a  man's  "leaning  to  his 
own  understanding."  He  who  "trusts  in  the 
Lord  with  all  his  heart,"  is  doubtless  a  true  be- 
liever; and  he  expects  the  blessing  from  God,  on 
his  lawful  undertakings,  in  the  use  of  allowable 
means,  and  these  alone:  but  he  who  "leans  to  his 
own  understanding,"  engages  in  such  pursuits  as 
are  agreeable  to  his  own  inclinations,  and  relies 
for  success  on  his  own  capacity,  policy,  or  man- 
agement; and  consequently  he  is  under  continual 
temptations  to  deviate  from  the  path  of  duty,  both 
as  to  the  end  proposed,  and  the  means  of  accom- 
plishing it.  This  is  therefore  the  result  of  pride, 
unbelief,  ungodliness,  and  a  worldly  heart,  and 
leads  to  further  transgressions;  the  other  is  the 
way  of  humility,  faith,  piety,  peace,  and  safety. 
— This  is  further  recommended  by  the  exhorta- 
tions to  know  and  "acknowledge  God  in  all  our 
ways."  When  a  man  undertakes  nothing  with- 
out consulting  the  word  of  God  as  to  its  lawful- 
ness, and  seeking  his  direction  in  prayer  as  to  its 
expediency;  when  he  seeks  counsel,  assistance, 
and  a  blessing  from  God  in  all  his  concerns;  when 
he  acknowledges  his  authority  and  providence, 
aiming  to  do  his  will  and  glorify  his  name;  when 
he  makes  the  Lord  his  Friend  and  Counsellor  in 
every  thing,  neglecting  no  proper  means  for  dis- 
covering his  will  and  ensuring  his  blessing;  then 
he  "acknowledges  him  in  all  his  ways,"  and  may 
confidently  expect  "that  he  will  direct  his  paths." 
And  those  who  do  this  constantly,  seldom  fall  into 
prejudicial  mistakes;  which  almost  universally 
arise  from  neglect  of  these  rules,  from  men's  fond- 
ness for  their  own  schemes,  and  partiality  towards 
such  measures,  as  seem  to  promise  external  ad- 
vantages, or  accession  to  their  reputation  or  en- 
joyment. 

[455 


B.  C.  977. 


PROVERBS. 


B.  C.  977. 


8  It  P  shall  be  *  health  to  i  thy  navel, 
and  t  marrow  to  thy  bones. 

9  '  Honor  the  Lord  with  thy  sub- 
stance, and  with  the  first-fruits  of  all  thine 
increase: 

10  ^  So  shall  thy  barns  be  filled  with 
plenty,  and  thy  presses  shall  burst  out 
with  new  wine. 

1 1  IT  *  My  son,  despise  not  the  chas- 
tening of  the  Lord;  "  neither  be  weary 
of  his  correction: 

12  For  whom  the  Lord  loveth  he 
correcteth;   even  ^  as  a  father  the  son  in 

whom  he   delighteth.       [Practical  observations.] 


|)  4:2i  16:24.  Ps.  147:3.  Is.  1: 
6.    Jer.  30:12,13. 

*  Heb.  tntdicine. 

q  Kz.  16:4,5. 

^  Heb.  -watering,  or  moisten- 
ing.    Job  21:24. 

r  14:31.  Gen.  14:18—21.  28: 
22.  Ex.  22:29.  23:19.  34:26. 
35:20—29.  Num.  7:2,&c.  31: 
50,&c.  Deut.  26:2,&c.  Hag. 
1:4—9.  Mai.  3:8,9.  Mark  14: 
7,8.  Luke  14:13,14.  1  Cor. 
16:2.     2  Cor.    8:2,3,3,9.     Phil. 


4:17,18.     1  John  3:17,18, 
s  11:24,25.     19:17.    22:9.      Lev. 

26:2—5.     Deut.  28:8.    Hag.  2: 

19.     Mai.  3:10,11.     2  Cor.  9:6 

—  11. 
t  Job  5:17.     l^s.  94:12.     1  Cor. 

11:32.     Heb.   12:5,6.     Rev.  3: 

19. 
u  24:10.     Job  4:5.    Is.  40:30,31. 

2  Cor.  4:1,16,17.     Heb.  12:3,7 

—12. 
X  29:17.    Deut.  8:5.   Ps.  103:13. 


13  IT  Happy  is  ^  the  man  that  findeth 
wisdom,  and  the  man  that  i  getteth  un- 
derstanding. 

14  For  ^  the  merchandise  of  it  is  bet- 
ter than  the  merchandise  of  silver,  and 
the  gain  thereof  than  fine  gold. 

15  She  is  *  more  precious  than  rubies: 
and  ^  all  the  things  thou  canst  desire  are 
not  to  be  compared  unto  her. 

16  "^Length  of  days  is  in  her  right 
hand;  '^  and  in  her  left  hand  riches  and 
honor. 

1 7  Her  ways  are  ^  ways  of  pleasant-       » 
ness,  and  ^  all  her  paths  are  peace. 


y  4:5—9.  8:32—35.  1  Kings 
10:6—9,23,24.     Ec.  9:15—13. 

I  Heb.  dra-wetk  out.  2:4.  13:1. 

z  3:10,19.  16:16.  2  Chr.  1:11,12. 
Job  28:15— ]9.  Ps.  19:10.  119: 
72,lll,16i.    Matt.  16:26.  Rev. 

a  8:11.  20:15.  31:10.     Matt.  13; 

44 — 46. 
b  Ps.  63:3.    73:25,26.      Rom.  8: 

18. 


c  2.  4:10.  Ps.  21:4.  71:9.   1  Tim. 

4:8. 
d  4:6—9.  8:18-21.     1  Kings  3: 

13.     Mark  10:30.     1  Cor.  3:21 

—23.     2  Cor.  6:10. 
e2:l0.  22:13.     Ps.  19:10,11.63-. 

3—5.   112:1.   119:14,47,103,174. 

Matt.  11:28-30. 
f  Ps.  25:10.  37:11.   119:165.   Is. 

26:3.  57:19.  Luke  1:79.   Rom. 

5:1.    Phil.  4:8,9. 


V.  7,  8.  'Never  be  g'uilty  of  such  folly,  as  to 
'conceit  thine  own  wit  to  be  so  great,  that  thou 
'canst  manage  things  thereby  in  thine  own  way 
'(neglecting  the  rules  that  God  hath  prescribed 
'thee,)  to  thy  satisfaction:  but  have  a  religious  re- 
'gard  to  him,  who  can  either  disappoint  or  pros- 
'per  thee  as  he  pleases;  and  fearing  to  offend  his 
'majesty  ...  avoid  most  cautiously  those  practices 
'which  he  hath  forbidden  thee.  This  is  the  way 
'to  preserve  a  good  habit  both  of  soul  and  body, 
'and  in  all  conditions  to  remain  undejected;  nay 
'cheerful  and  fully  satisfied,  whatsoever  happens.' 
Bp.  Patrick. 

Kavel.  (8)  Some  suppose  that  this  clause  al- 
ludes to  a  custom  of  applying  medical  preparations 
to  the  navels  of  children,  for  the  prevention  of  dis- 
eases: and  that  it  was  a  proverbial  expression, 
denoting  health  and  cheerfulness. 

V.  9,  10.  Several  laws  were  given  concerning 
the  first-fruits  of  different  kinds;  most  of  which 
were  offered  at  the  sanctuary  or  given  to  the 
priests:  but  some  were  appointed  to  be  spent  in 
feasting  before  the  Lord,  with  the  Levite,  the 
stranger,  the  widow,  and  the  fatherless;  and  in 
many  of  them,  the  proportion  to  be  given  was 
left  to  the  voluntary  choice  of  the  offerer,  as  a 
test  of  his  faith,  piety,  and  liberality.  [J^um.  18: 
12,13.  JVb<e*,  Ear.  22:29— 31.  Deut.  12:5—7,17, 
18.  26:1 — 4,12 — 15.)  The  spirit  of  these  laws 
however  is  here  inculcated,  by  a  general  exhor- 
tation to  "honor  the  Lokd  with  their  substance, 
and  with  the  first-fruits  of  all  their  increase;"  the  | 
prime  of  all  that  with  which  providence  in  any 
way  blessed  their  labors  and  undertakings.  This 
would  be  done  by  liberally  employing  his  bounty 
in  works  of  piety  and  charity,  as  circumstances 
required;  which  instead  of  impoverishing  them,  as 
covetousness  and  unbelief  would  suggest,  would 
secure  the  blessing  of  God  on  their  fields  and  vine- 
yards, and  on  every  work  of  their  hands.  'For 
'to  the  faithful  distributor  God  giveth  in  greater 
'abundance.'  (JVbfes,  11:24,25.  Hag.  1:5—11.  2: 
15—19.  Mal.2:l—\1.  2  Cor.  9:6—15.) 

V.  11,  12.  {JVotes,  Job  5:11.  Heb.  12:4—11.) 
The  apostle  expressly  quotes  this  passage,  with  a 
special  reference  to  the  address,  "My  son;"  and 
in  a  manner  which  decisively  proves,  that  he  con- 
sidered it  as  the  exhortation  of  our  heavenly  Fa- 
ther to  his  afflicted  children.  Now  this  method  of 
quoting  it  shews,  that  the  apostle  considered  the 
456] 


book  as  divinelyinspired;  and  it  also  demonstrates, 
who  it  is,  that  speaks  in  the  instructions  given  by 
Wisdom  to  her  children. — 'Suppose  it  be  his  pleas- 
'ure  that  any  affliction  should  befal  thee;  my  son, 
'let  not  that  dissatisfy  thee;  nor  make  thee  either 
'doubt  of  his  gracious  providence  towards  thee, 
'or  out  of  impatience  take  any  unlawful  course  to 
'remove  it  from  thee.'  Bp.  Patrick. — The  ex- 
tremes of  insensibility  and  contempt  of  God  un- 
der afflictions,  as  if  from  chance  or  second  causes, 
on  the  one  hand,  and  despondency  and  murmurs, 
on  the  other,  seem  especially  intended:  and  a 
proper  submission  under  his  parental  discipline 
and  improvement  of  it  are  inculcated;  by  the  as- 
surance that  it  springs  from  his  wise  and  faithful 
love,  is  salutary  in  its  nature  and  tendency,  is 
needful  to  every  man,  and  that  it  is  never  with- 
held from  any  whom  the  Lord  loves  as  his  chosen 
and  adopted  children,  and  over  whom  he  rejoices 
in  doing  them  good;  any  more  than  a  wise  and 
affectionate  father  would  permit  his  son,  in  whom 
he  most  delighted,  to  be  ruined  for  want  of  fa- 
therly rebukes  and  corrections. 

V.  13 — 15.  True  wisdom  is  requisite  in  order 
to  act  with  becoming  submission,  and  hope  in 
God,  under  heavy  trials,  and  in  faith  and  patience 
to  profit  by  his  chastisements;  {JVotes,  Jam.  1:2 — 
4,5 — 8,  v.'s.)  and  increase  of  this  wisdom  is  the 
effect  of  corrections  thus  endured  and  improved. 
In  this  manner  these  verses  may  be  connected 
with  the  preceding. — 'Happy,  more  happy  than 
'can  be  expressed,  is  that  man  who  attains  to  this 
'degree  of  wisdom,  ...  though  it  cost  him  the 
'greatest  pains  and  labors.  ...  If  it  were  to  be 
'bought  for  money,  one  would  purchase  it  at  any 
'rate;  for  the  profit  of  it  is  infinitely  to  be  prefer- 
'red  before  all  the  advantages,  that  can  be  made 
'by  silver  and  gold: ...  nor  can  our  boundless  fancy 
'present  any  thing  to  our  wishes  that  is  worthy  to 
'come  in  competition  with  it.'  Bp.  Patrick. 
LN'otes,2-A—l.  16:16.  23:23.  Jo6  28:12—28.  Ps. 
19:7—11,  V.  10.  119:14.  Matt.  13:44—46.) 

V.  16,  17.  'He  that  seeketh  Wisdom,  that  is, 
'suffereth  himself  to  be  governed  by  the  word  of 
'God,  shall  have  all  prosperity.'  {J^ote,  2.)  That 
length  of  days,  which  Wisdoin  holds  in  her  right 
hand,  and  offers  to  her  votaries,  as  her  chief 
good,  no  doubt  includes  "the  gift  of  God  which 
is  eternal  life,  through  Jesus  Christ;"  while  the 
riches  and  honor  in  her  left,  compri.se  all  desira- 


B.  C.  977. 


CHAPTER  lU. 


B.  C.  977. 


18  She  is  6  a  tree  of  life  to  them  that 
lay  hold  upon  her:  and  happy  is  every 
one  that  retaineth  her. 

19  The  •'  Lord  by  wisdom  hath  found- 
ed the  earth:  by  understanding  hath  he 
*  established  the  heavens. 

20  By  his  knowledge  '  the  depths  are 
broken  up,  and  ^  the  clouds  drop  down 
the  dew. 

21  My  son  Met  not  them  depart  from 
thine  eyes;  "  keep  sound  wisdom  and  dis- 
cretion: 

22  So  shall  they  be  °  Ufe  unto  thy  soul, 
and  "  grace  to  thy  neck. 

23  Then  ''  shalt  thou  walk  in  thy  way 
safely,  and  thy  foot  shall  not  stumble. 

24  When  "^  thou  liest  down,  thou  shah 
not  be  afraid;  yea,  thou  shalt  lie  down, 
•■  and  thy  sleep  shall  be  sweet. 


g  11:30.   13:12.     Gen.  2:9.  3:22. 

Rev.  22:2. 
h  8:27—29.     Ps.  104:24.    136:5. 

Jer.  10:12.  51:15.    John  1:3. 
*Or,  prepared., 
i  Gen.  1:9.     Job  38:8—11.    Ps. 

104:3,9. 
k   Gen.   27:28,37—39.     Job  33: 

26—28.      Ps.   65:9—12.     Jer. 

14:22.     Joel  2:23. 
1  1—3.   Deut.  4:9.  6:6—9.  Josh. 

1:8.    John  8:31.  16:6,7.     Heb. 


2:1—3.     1  John  2:24,27. 
m  2:7.    Deut.  32:46,47. 
n  4:22.    Is.  38:16.     John  12:49, 

SO. 

p  2:8!  4:12.    10:9.     Ps.  37:23,24, 

31.    91:11,12.    121:3,8.     Zech. 

10:12. 
q  6:22.     Lev.  26:6.     Ps.  3:5.  4: 

8.    121:4—7.    Ez.  34:15. 
r  Ps.  127:2.     Jer.  31:26.     Acts 

12:6.     1  Thes.  4:13,14. 


ble  prosperity  and  comfort  in  this  world.  The 
ways  also,  in  which  she  requires  her  children  to 
walk,  "are  pleasantness  and  peace." — Christ's 
"yoke  is  easy  and  his  burden  light."  [JVote,  J\Iatt. 
11:28—30.)  "The  king-dom  of  God  is  ...  right- 
eousness, peace,  and  joy  in  the  Holy  Ghost:"  and 
all  the  unpleasantness,  connected  with  true  reli- 
gion, arises  from  the  opposition  of  depraved  na- 
ture and  bad  habits,  with  this  evil  world  and  Sa- 
tan, while  men  are  striving  to  enter  her  paths, 
and  to  walk  in  them;  and  from  the  devious  steps 
which  even  Wisdom's  children  too  often  make, 
to  their  grief  and  wounding. 

V.  18.  '  "A  tree  of  life;"  which  seems  to  be 
'a  proverbial  speech,  (used  afterward  more  than 
'once  in  this  book,)  for  that  which  prolongs  life, 
'and  makes  it  very  delightful  and  pleasant,  as 
'well  as  firm  and  durable.  If  we  understand  it  of 
'Christ,  the  Wisdom  of  God,  (as  Origen,  St.  Am- 
'brose,  St.  Austin,  and  others  do,)  or  of  his  doc- 
'trine,  which  is  the  same;  it  is  literally  true  that 
'he  gives  immortality,  as  "the  tree  of  life"  in  par- 
'adise  would  have  done.'  Bp.  Palrkk.  [jyotes, 
11:30.  13:12.  15:4.  Gm.  2:8,9.  3:22,24.  Rev.  2:6, 
7,  V.  7.  22:2—5,  v.  4.  14.) 

V.  19,20.  The  wisdom,  which  God  gives  to 
his  people,  is  an  emanation  from  his  own  infinite 
wisdom,  by  which  he  formed  the  plan  of  the  whole 
creation,  and  of  its  several  parts,  and  completed 
that  grand  design;  and  it  must  on  that  account 
be  unspeakably  valuable.  The  whole,  however, 
may  be  applied  to  Jesus  Christ,  the  Wisdom  of 
God,  "by  whom  also  he  made  the  worlds." 
(JVotes,  8:22— 31.)— 'Hereby  he  sheweth,  that  this 
'wisdom,  whereof  he  speaketh,  is  everlasting,  be- 
'cause  it  was  before  all  creatures,  and  that  all 
'tilings,  even  the  whole  world,  were  made  by  it.' 
{Marg.  Ref.  h— k.) 

V.  21, 22.  {ffote,  1:9.)— 'They  will  revive  and 
♦cheer  thee  when  all  other  things  fail  thee.'  Bp. 
Patrick. — Sound  wisdom.  (2J)     Jfote,  2:7. 

V.  23 — 25.  The  composure  and  serenit}', 
arising  from  faith  in  the  promises  and  providence 
Vol.  III.  58 


25  *  Be  not  afraid  of  sudden  fear, 
*  neither  of  the  desolation  of  the  wicked, 
when  it  cometh. 

26  For  the  "  Lord  shall  be  thy  con- 
fidence, and  shall  keep  thy  foot  from  be- 
ing taken. 

27  ^  X  Withhold  not  good  from  ^  them 
to  whom  it  is  due,  when  it  is  ^  in  the 
power  of  thine  hand  to  do  it. 

28  Say  not  unto  thy  neighbor,  ^  Go, 
and  come  again,  and  to-morrow  I  will 
give;  when  thou  hast  it  by  thee. 

29  *  Devise  ^  not  evil  against  thy  neigh- 
bor, seeing  he  dwelleth  securely  by  thee. 

30  "  Strive  not  with  a  man  without 
cause,  if  he  have  done  thee  no  harm. 

31  <=  Envy  thou  not  '^  the  oppressor, 
and  '^  choose  none  of  his  ways 

Job  5:21,22. 


11:13-15.      Ps. 

27:1,2.     46:1—3.    91:5.     112:7. 

Is.  8:12.13.  41:10—14.   Dan.  3: 

17,18.     Matt.   8:24—26.    24:6. 

Mark  4:40.     Luke  21:9.     John 

14:1.      1  Pel.  3:14. 
t  1:27.     Ps.  73:19.    Matt.  24:15. 

Luke  21:18—28. 
u  14:26.     Ps.  91:3,9,10.  Hab.  3: 

17,18. 
xRom.  13:7.   Gal.  6:10.  Tit.  2: 

14.    Jam.  2:15,16.  5:4. 
t  Heb.  the  owners  thereof. 
y  Gen.  31:29.     Mic.  2:1. 
z27:l.     Lev.  19:13.      Deut.  24: 


12—15.   Ec.  9:10.   11:6.  2  Cor. 

8:11.  9:3.      1  Tim.  6:18. 
t  Or,  Practise  7io  evil. 
a  6:14,18.     16.29,30.     Ps.  35:20. 

55:20.    59.3.     Jer.    18:18—20. 

Mic,  2:1,2. 
b    17:14.     18:6.     25:8,9.     29:22. 

Matt.  5:39—41.    Rom.  12:18— 

21.   1  Cor  6:6—8.  2  Tim.  2:24. 
C2S:17.    34:1,19,20.     Ps.  37:1,7 

—9.  73:3.     Gal.  5:21. 
$  Heb.  a  man  of  violence.  Ec. 

5:3. 
d  1:15— 18.  2:12—15.   12:12.22: 

22—25. 


of  God,  and  the  testimony  of  a  good  conscience, 
are  here  described  as  the  effects  of  hearkening  to 
wisdom,  in  language  which  agrees  with  the  gene- 
ral scope  of  the  holy  Scriptures  in  this  respect. 
[J^otes,  6:20—23.  Job  5:18—27.  Ps.  3:3—5.  4:8. 
91:3 — 10.)  'When  the  Lord  destroyeth  the  mck- 
'ed;  he  will  save  his,  as  he  did  Lot  in  Sodom.' 

V.  26.  'For  Jehovah  shall  h^  present  accord- 
'ing  to  thy  confidence,  &:c.' — 'A  firm  hope  in  the 
'Lord  shall  be  thy  support,  even  when  thou  art  in 
'a  tottering  condition:  nay  when  thy  skill  quite 
'fails  thee,  and  ihou  knowest  not  wliat  to  do  for 
'thy  safety;  he  shall  so  direct  and  guide  thee,  that 
'thou  shalt  be  preserved  from  falling  into  the 
'hands  of  those  that  lie  in  wait  to  destroy  thee.' 
Bp.  Patrick.  {Jfoles,  2  Chr.  20:12.  Ps'.  37:23, 
24.   107:23— 30,  Dt>.  27,28.  2  Cor.   1:8—11.) 

V.  27,  28.  {Lev.  19:13.  Deut.  24:14,15.  J^Tote, 
JGc.  9:10.)  This  exhortation  exposes  the  avari- 
cious backwardness  of  numbers,  to  discharge 
their  debts,  taxes,  and  dues,  even  when  able; 
their  unwillingness  to  pay  tlieir  laborers  and  ser- 
vants; and  especially  dieir  reluctance  to  part 
with  money  in  acts  of  piety  and  charity.  When 
they  know  not  on  what  pretence  to  refuse,  they 
procrastinate;  being  fondly  tenacious  of  their 
golden  idol,  and  hoping  that  they  shall  be  forgot- 
ten, that  the  design  will  be  dropped,  or  that  some 
other  person  will  bear  the  expense. — The  Septu- 
agint  make  many  interpolations  in  this  book,  and 
here  add,  'For  thou  knowest  not  what  the  follovv- 
'ing  day  shall  bring  forth.' 

V.  29,  30.  JIarg.  Ref. — Seeing  he  dwelleth, 
Szc.  (29)  "And  he  dwelleth  in  confidence  with 
thee;"  'that  is,  putteth  his  trust  in  thee.'  The 
baseness  of  those,  who  take  occasion  from  the 
confidence  placed  in  them,  to  defraud  and  injure 
others,  is  most  emphatically  exposed.  'Let  not 
'the  quietness  of  any  man's  temper,  much  less  the 
'confidence  he  hath  of  thy  honesty  and  goodness, 
'tempt  thee  to  contrive  any  mischief  to  him.'  Bp. 
Patrick. 

V.  31.  JVofe^,  23:17,18.  24:19.20.  P«.  37:1,2,5— 8. 

[457 


B.  C.  977. 


PROVERBS. 


B.  C.  977. 


32  For  ®  the  froward  is  abomination  to 
the  Lord:  but  '^his  secret  is  with  the 
righteous. 

33  The  »  curse  of  the  Lord  is  in  the 
house  of  the  wicked;  but  ''  he  blesseth  the 
habitation  of  the  just 

e  6.16— 19.  8:13.     11:20.    17:16. 

Ps.  18:-26.    Luke  16:15. 
[  M:10.     Ps.   25:14.     Matt.  11: 

25.      13:11.      John    14:21—2-1. 

15:15.     Rev.  2:17. 


ff  21:12.  Deut.  7:26.  2S:15,&c, 
29:19,&c.  Josh.  6:18.  7:13. 
Zech.  5:3,4.      IWal.  2:2. 

h  Deut.  28:2,&c.  2  Sam.  6:11. 
Job£:6.     Ps.  1:3.  91:10. 


V.  32.  Secret.'l  'That  is,  his  covenant  and 
'fatherly  affection,  which  is  hid  and  secret  from 
'the  world.'  (JVbie,  Fs.  25:14.) 

V.  33.  Marg.  Ref.  g,  h JSTotes,  Deut.  7:2.5,26. 

Josh.  6:17—19,26.  7:21—24.  Jer.  22:13—19.  Hab. 
2:9—11.   Zecfu  5:1—4. 

V.  34.  The  apostles,  James  and  Peter,  have 
quoted  the  Septuagint  translation  of  these  words; 
"God  resisteth  the  proud,  but  giveth  his  grace 
unto  the  humble."  [JVotes,  Jam.  4:4 — 6.  1  Pet. 
5:5 — 7.)  "Surely  with  the  scorners  he  will  scorn; 
but  on  the  lowly  he  will  bestow  grace." 

V.  35.  The  glory,  which  the  wise  inherit,  is 
the  same  as  believers  inherit,  according  to  the 
New  Testament:  but  everlasting  shame  and  pun- 
ishment will  be  the  event  of  the  towering  and  vain 
expectations,  with  which  the  ungodly  here  deceive 
themselves.    [Marg.  and  Marg.  Ref. ) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
V.  1—12. 
A  cordial  affection  for  God's  commandments, 
and  a  conscientious  obedience  to  them,  form  the 
best  remedy  against  a  treacherous  memory  in  the 
concerns  of  religion:  and  if  ten  thousand  other 
things  were  forgotten,  to  make  room  for  the  truths 
of  the  Scriptures,  we  should  be  great  gainers. 
For,  in  the  way  of  believing  obedience,  health 
and  outward  peace  may  commonly  be  enjoyed; 
and,  if  our  days  be  not  long  on  earth,  we  shall 
live  for  ever  in  heaven. — While  we  rely  on  the 
mercy  and  truth  of  our  God  for  salvation,  we 
should  sedulously  copy  them  in  our  own  conduct; 
cultivating  a  kind  and  forgiving  disposition,  and 
adhering  to  strict  sincerity,  veracity,  and  fidelity, 
in  all  our  intercourse  with  mankind;  counting 
these  things  our  peculiar  ornament,  and  seeking 
to  have  them  engraven  on  the  tables  of  our  hearts. 
Thus  we  shall  have  a  well-grounded  confidence 
of  our  acceptance  with  God,  and  shall  find  favor 
with  all  good  men,  and  with  all  others  as  far  as  it 
is  conducive  to  our  profit;  and  we  shall  be  evi- 
denced to  be  men  of  understanding  before  God 
and  man. — But  we  can  do  none  of  these  things, 
except  we  "trust  in  the  Lord  with  all  our  heart:" 
we  must  place  our  whole  dependence  on  his  mer- 
cy and  grace,  his  teaching  and  assistance,  his 
word  and  providence,  for  everj"^  thing  relative  to 
this  world  and  the  next.  We  must  not  depend 
on  our  own  sagacity  or  penetration,  our  own 
heart,  strength,  or  resolution:  we  must  not  idol- 
ize our  own  schemes,  or  judge  of  things  by  the 
unaided  light  of  our  own  reason,  but  according  to 
the  word  of  God:  we  must  submit  our  understand- 
ing to  his  teaching,  and  wait  in  his  way  for  every 
promised  blessing,  regardless  of  intervening  diffi- 
culties: and  while  we  thus  "acknowledge  God 
in  all  our  ways,"  he  will  remove  obstructions, 
prevent  mistakes,  and  direct  our  paths;  but  when 
we  prefer  our  own  devices,  and  grow  conceited 
of  our  own  wisdom,  we  shall  soon  be  left  to  prove 
our  folly. — In  the  fear  of  the  Lord,  and  in  de- 
parting from  evil,  health  and  prosperity  will  be 
real  blessings;  and  if  we  fail  of  them,  we  shall 
find  inward  support  and  consolation.  But  if  the 
Lord  confer  on  us  worldly  wealth,  or  even  a 
small  proportion  of  outward  things,  we  must  hon- 
458] 


34  Surely  '  he  scorneth  the  scorners; 
but  ^  he  giveth  grace  unto  the  lowly. 

35  The  '  wise  shall  inherit  glory;  "■  but 
shame  *  shall  be  the  promotion  of  fools. 


i   9:7,8,12.    19:29, 

138:6. 
k  Is.  57:15.     Jam.  4:6. 

5:5. 


21:24.     Ps. 


1  4:8.     1  Sam.  2:30.     Ps.  73:24. 
m  13:18.     Ps.  132:13.     Is.  65:13 

—15.     ©an.  12:2,3, 
*  Heb.   exalteth  the  fools. 


or  him  in  the  use  of  it;  or  it  will  prove  no  advan- 
tage, but  a  fatal  snare  to  us:  and  he  cannot  be 
honored  with  our  substance,  be  it  more  or  less, 
if  it  be  extravagantly  spent  on  ourselves  in  vani- 
ty and  luxury;  or  if  it  be  tenaciously  hoarded  to 
feed  our  avarice.  Not  only  justice  and  temper- 
ance must  be  observed,  but  piety  and  charity 
also:  and  the  more  liberally  we  communicate,  in 
proportion  to  our  ability,  the  more  plentifully  we 
shall  reap.  For  niggardliness  is  mere  narrow 
policy,  like  the  husbandman  being  sparing  of  his 
seed-corn:  but  a  bountiful  and  extensive  benev- 
olence, a  heart  as  large  as  the  human  species,  and 
a  hand  open  to  every  call  of  humanity,  and  every 
opportunity  to  promote  the  cause  of  godliness,  is 
true  wisdom  in  those  who  have  it  in  their  power. 
This  by  no  means  tends  to  poverty,  but  to  bring 
a  blessing  on  a  man's  estate:  "so  shall  his  barns 
be  filled  with  plenty,  and  his  presses  shall  burst 
out  with  new  wine."  This  every  one  will  know, 
in  proportion  as  he  gives  credit  to  the  Lord,  and 
puts  out  his  wealth  on  the  security  of  his  promises. 
— But  should  he  see  good  to  visit  us  with  adver- 
sity and  sickness,  let  us  not  forget,  "that  the  ex- 
hortation speaketh  unto  us  as  to  children:"  these 
also  are  pledges  of  his  love,  and  the  appointments 
of  his  wisdom  for  our  good;  "for  whom  the  Lord 
loveth  he  correcteth,  even  as  a  father  the  son 
in  whom  he  delighteth."  We  should  therefore 
neither  despise  his  chastening,  by  disregarding 
his  hand,  or  by  hardening  ourselves  in  sullen 
apathy  and  impenitence,  as  if  we  scorned  to  sub- 
mit; nor  should  we  yield  to  impatience  and  de- 
spondency, or  be  weary  of  his  correction:  but 
we  ought  to  humble  ourselves  under  his  hand, 
confess  our  sins  before  him,  thank  him  for  his  pa- 
ternal discipline,  pray  that  it  may  be  sanctified 
to  us,  and  look  to  him  for  comfort  and  deliver- 
ance. Thus  "patience"  will  "have  its  perfect 
work,"  and  our  afflictions  will  tend  to  make  us 
"partakers  of  his  holiness." 

V.  13—35. 
If  we,  at  any  time  or  by  any  labor,  become 
acquainted  with  wisdom,  we  shall  have  great 
cause  for  gratitude;  and  may  consider  ourselves 
peculiarly  happy.  For  the  merchandise  of  it  is 
far  more  lucrative  to  ourselves,  and  capable  of 
far  greater  improvement  for  the  good  of  others, 
than  that  which  is  carried  on  for  the  gain  of  silver 
and  gold:  nor  are  any  precious  jewels,  or  con- 
ceivable treasures,  worthy  to  be  compared  to  it; 
whether  the  comfort  and  usefulness  of  this  present 
time,  or  the  felicity  of  a  future  life  be  considered. 
For  this  wisdom  is  no  other  than  Jesus  Christ 
and  his  salvation,  sought  and  obtained  by  faith 
and  prayer;  by  whose  unsearchable  riches  the 
believer's  debt  and  ransom  are  paid,  his  wants 
supplied,  his  soul  enriched  with  knowledge  and 
holiness,  and  his  eternal  inheritance  purchased: 
in  Christ  he  has  "Wisdom,  and  Righteousness, 
and  Sanctification,  and  Redemption."  And  his 
left  hand,  as  it  were,  confers  temporal  riches  and 
honor,  if  conducive  to  our  good;  for  they  are  ab- 
solutely at  his  disposal.  Observing  his  directions, 
we  walk  in  the  pleasant  paths  of  communion  with 
God  and  holy  obedience,  with  a  peaceful  con- 
science, a  lively  hope,  and  a  joy  unspeakable 


B.  C.  977. 


CHAPTER  IV. 


B.  C.  977. 


H 


CHAP.   IV. 

Solomon  shews  what  good  instruction  he  had  received  from  his 
parents,  concerning  the  advantages  of  wisdom,  in  order  to  in- 
duce obedience,  1 — 13.  He  dissuades  from  the  path  of  the 
wii'ki-d,  and  contrasts  it  with  that  of  the  righteous,  14 — 19. 
Further  admonitions  and  counsels  of   Wisdom,  20 — 27. 

EAR  ^  ye  children,  the  instruction 
of  a  father,  and  ^  attend    to  know 
understanding. 

2  For  I  give  you  "^  good  doctrine:  '^  for- 
sake ye  not  my  law. 

3  For  ^  I  was  my  father's  son,  tender 
and  only  beloved  in  the  sight  of  my 
mother. 

4  He  '"taught   me   also,  and  said  unto 


a  1:8.     6:20—23.     Ps.  34:11.    1 

Thes.  2:11,12. 
b2:l— 5.  5:1.  1:4.   8:32—36.    19: 

20.  22:17.    Heb.  2:1. 
c  8:6—9.  22:20,21.     Deut.  32:2. 

Job  33:3.     Ps.  49:1—3.     John 

7:16,17.      1  Tim.  4:6.    Tit.  1:9. 


d  1  Chr.  28:9.    2  Chr.  7:19.  Ps. 

89:30—32. 
e  2  Sam.   12:24,25.     1  Kings  1: 

13—17.     1  Chr.  3:5.  22:5.  29:1. 
f  22:6.    Gen.  18:19.      1  Chr.  22: 

11—16.  23:9.  Eph.  6:4.  2  Tim. 

1:5.  3:15. 


me,  8  Let  thine  heart   retain  my  words: 
•"keep  my  commandments,  and  Hve. 

5  »  Get  wisdom,  get  understanding: 
forget  it  not;  ^  neither  decline  from  the 
words  of  my  mouth. 

6  Forsake  her  not,  and  she  shall  pre- 
serve thee:  '  love  her,  and  she  shall  keep 
thee. 

7  •"  Wisdom  is  the  principal  thing: 
therefore  get  wisdom;  and  "  with  all  thy 
getting  °  get  understanding. 

6:6 


g  See  on  3:1. — Dcut.  4:9. 

Ps.  119:11. 
h  7:2.     Lev.  18:3—5.    Is.  55:3. 

John  12:50.     Heb.  5:9. 
i  1:22,23.  2:2 — i.  3:13—18.  8:5. 

17:16.   18:1.   19:8.  23:23.    Jam. 

1:5. 
k  2  Chr.  34:2.     Job  23:11.     Ps. 

44:18.   119:51,157. 


121,22.    2:10—12.     Eph.  3:17. 

2  Thes.  2:10. 
ra  Ec.  7:12.     9:16—18.     Mntt. 

13:44—46.     Luke  10:42.    Phil. 

n  16:16.     21:6.     Ps.  49:16— W. 

Ec.  2:4—9.     4:8.     Mark  8:36, 

37.     Luke  12:20. 
o  Ps.  119:104. 


and  full  of  glory:  and  were  it  not  for  our  unbelief 
and  inattention  we  should  find  all  our  ways  pleas 
antness  and  our  paths  peace;  for  his  are  so,  but 
we  too  often  step  aside  from  them,  to  our  own 
detriment  and  grief.  The  Lord  Jesus  is  indeed 
"the  Tree  of  Life,"  of  which  the  believer  lays  hold 
and  keeps  hold  by  faith  and  love;  for  he,  by  whom 
the  Father  made  the  world,  and  who  "by  himself 

Surged  our  sins,"  can  neither  want  power,  nor 
nowledge,  nor  love,  toguide  and  support  our  steps 
through  life,  to  receive  our  souls  at  death,  and  to 
raise  our  bodies  from  the  grave;  and  his  eternal 
truth  is  pledged,  to  do  all  this  for  his  people.  Let 
us  then  not  suffer  his  words  to  depart  from  be- 
fore our  eyes,  that  so  we  may  keep  sound  wis- 
dom and  discretion;  such  as  will  be  life  to  our 
souls,  and  our  durable  honor  and  ornament. 
Then  we  shall  walk  in  his  ways  safely  and  not 
stumble:  we  shall  be  composed  in  those  times  of 
consternation,  when  sudden  fear  and  destruction 
overtake  the  wicked:  and  when  we  resign  our 
breath,  to  be  laid  in  the  silent  grave,  we  shall 
sweetl)'  sleep  in  Jesus,  till  the  resurrection,  when 
we  shall  awake  to  judgment;  and  shall  even  then 
be  free  from  fear;  for  the  "Lord,"  through  all 
these  scenes,  "will  be  our  Confidence,  and  keep 
our  feet  from  being  taken." — In  the  mean  time 
let  us  carefully  observe  his  precepts  and  copy  his 
example:  let  us  do  justice,  love  mercy,  beware 
of  covetousness,  and  be  ready  for  every  good 
work;  rendering  to  all  their  dues,  and  giving  or 
lending,  as  we  have  opportunity  and  ability, 
without  grudging,  and  with  alacrity;  devising  no 
evil,  being  harmless  and  blameless,  avoiding 
needless  contention,  nay  bearing  every  tolerable 
injury,  rather  than  seek  even  legal  redress. 
Above  all,  we  should  be  careful  not  to  envy  the 
prosperous  oppressors,  who  grow  rich  by  the 
sweat,  and  toil,  and  blood  of  men  much  better 
than  themselves.  Far  be  it  from  any  disciple  of 
Christ  to  "choose  any  of  their  ways;"  for  they  are 
an  abomination  unto  the  Lord:  but  his  secret 
consolations  remain  with  the  righteous,  and  his 
blessing  resides  in  their  lowly  cottages;  while  his 
curse  rests  upon  the  lordly  palaces  of  the  wicked. 
These  truths  the  covetous  and  luxurious  will 
contemn,  and  the  infidel  will  ridicule:  but  the 
Lord  will  scorn  such  scomers,  and  everlasting 
contempt  shall  be  their  final  promotion:  while 
his  favor  shall  be  shewn,  and  his  grace  commu- 
nicated, to  the  humble  believer,  who  alone  is 
truly  wise,  and  who  shall  at  length  inherit  ever- 
lasting glory. 

NOTES. 
Chap.  IV.    V.  1.    'The  dulness,  sluggishness, 
and  forgetfulness  of  mankind,  in  their  principal 


'concernments,  are  so  notorious,  that  we  need  not 
'wonder  the  wise  man  repeats  the  very  same 
'things,  and  quickens  our  attention  to  them,  in 
'the  beginning  of  this  chapter;  ...  because  all  his 
'pains  he  knew  would  be  lost,  without  serious 
'consideration  of  what  he  had  said:  and  the  very 
'■first  step  to  wisdom  is  to  have  a  mind  to  be  wise.  ... 
'Listen  then  all  ye  that  are  desirous  to  learn,  unto 
'the  instructions,which,  out  of  a  paternal  affection, 
'I  bring  from  God  unto  you.'  Bp.  Patrick. — 'He 
'speaketh  this  in  the  person  of  a  preacher  and 
'minister,  which  is  as  a  father  unto  the  people.' — 
Solomon  had  one  son,  and  two  daughters  of  whom 
we  read;  (1  Kings  4:1 1,15.)  and  perhaps  he  meant 
to  address  himself  to  them:  but  the  Holy  Spirit 
directed  him  to  such  instructions,  as  would  be 
generally  useful;  and  doubtless  many  thousands 
have  derived  more  benefit  from  them,  than  his 
own  son  did. 

V.  2.  'I  teach  you  the  most  excellent  things, 
'and  absolutely  necessary  to  your  happiness; 
'therefore, ...  strictly  observe  my  precepts,  as  the 
'law  and  rule  of  your  life.'  Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  3.  Solomon  was  "beloved  by  the  Lord," 
and  appointed  to  the  kingdom:  no  doubt  he  was 
also  regarded  by  his  father  with  peculiar  affec- 
tion, and  probably  received  a  more  careful  edu- 
cation than  David's  other  sons  had,  to  which  the 
misconduct  of  Amnon,  Absalom,  and  Adonijah 
might  conduce.  Bathsheba  had  more  children 
by  David;  but  Solomon,  being  (as  Isaac)  a  child 
of  promise,  was  peculiarly  dear  to  her  likewise. 
{JVote,  1  Chr.  3:1—9.) 

y.  4.  {Jilarg.  Ref.—.mte,  3:1.)  'To  make 
'his  exhortations  more  acceptable,  he  acquaints 
'the  reader,  with  the  lessons  which  his  own  father 
'and  mother  were  wont  to  teach  him;  and  the 
'great  benefit  he  had  received  by  them.'  Bp. 
Patrick. — 'Hence  we  may  learn  the  care  that 
'parents  ought  to  take,  to  "instruct  their  children 
'diligently;  and  the  greater  they  are  (suppose 
'princes,)  the  more  accurate  their  education 
'ought  to  be,  as  Solomon's  was.'  Ibid. — From 
this  verse  to  the  end  of  the  thirteenth,  may  be 
considered  as  David's  exhortation  to  Solomon. 

V.  5,  6.  {Marg.  Rpf.  i—l.—JVb<e*,  16:16.  17: 
16.  19:8.  23:23.  1  Kings  3:5— 14.)— 'Treasure 
'up  wisdom.  ...  Quit  all  things  in  this  world,  rath- 
'er  than  forsake  the  precepts  of  wisdom:  stick 
'to  them,  and  they  will  preserve  thee  from  innu- 
'merable  mischiefs:  love  them  sincerely,  and  they 
'will  be  a  stronger  guard  than  money  can  procure 
'thee.'    Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  7.  'He  sheweth,  that  we  must  first  begin 
'at  God's  word,  if  so  be  we  will  that  other  things 
'prosper  with  us;  contrary  to  the  judgment  of  the 

[459 


B.  C.  077. 


PROVERBS. 


B.  C.  977. 


8  Exalt  her,  p  and  she  shall  promote 
thee:  she  shall  bring  thee  to  honor,  when 
thou  dost  embrace  her. 

9  She  shall  '^  give  to  thine  head  an  or- 
nament of  grace:  *  a  crown  of  glory  shall 
she  deliver  to  thee. 

10  Hear,  O  my  son,  and  '  receive  my 
sayings;  ^  and  the  years  of  thy  life  shall 
be  many. 

Ill  have  t  taught  thee  in  the  way  of 
wisdom;  I  have  "  led  thee  in  right  paths. 

12  When  ^  thou  goest,  thy  steps  shall 
not  be  straitened;  and  when  thou  runnest 
y  thou  shalt  not  stumble. 

13  ^  Take  fast  hold  of  instruction:  ^  let 
her  not  go:  keep  her;  for  ^  she  is  thy  life. 

[Practical  Observations.] 
1 


p  3:35.     22:1.     1  Sam.  2:: 

Kings  3:5—13.  Dan.  12:3. 
q    1:9.    3:22.      1  Tim.   2:9,10.   1 

Pet.  3:4. 
*   Or,    she  shall  compass  thee 

•viiih  a  croton  of  glory.    16:31. 

la.  20:5.    Heb.  2:7—9.     1  Pet. 

5:4.   Rev.  3:21. 
r8:l0.   19:20.     Job  22:22.     Jer. 

9:20.     John  3:32,33.     1  Thes. 

2:13.      ITim.  1:15. 
8  3.2,16.     Deut.  5:16.  6:2. 
t  4.     Deut.  4:5.     1  Sam.  12:24. 

Ec.  12:9. 
u  8:6,9,20.       Ps.  23:3.     25:4,5. 


Acts  13:10. 
X  6:22.     2  Sam.  22:37.    Job  18: 

7,8. 
y  19.    3:-23.     Ps.  91:11,12.    119: 

165.    Jer.  31:9.     John  11:9,10. 

Rom.   9:32,33.      1   Pet.  2:3.   1 

John  2:10,11. 
z3:18.  23:23.    Acts  2:42.   11:23. 

1  Thes.  5:21.    Heb.  2:1.  Rev. 

2:13.   12:11. 
a  Gen.  32:26.    Cant.  3:4.  Luke 

24:27—29.  John  4:39—42. 
b  3:22.     Deut.  32:47.    Ec.  7:12. 

John  6:68. 


I  1 4  IF  Enter  ^  not  into  the  path  of  the 
j  wicked,  and  go  not  in  the  way  of  evil 
\men. 

\  1 5  "J  Avoid  it,  pass  not  by  it,  turn  from 
jit,  and  pass  away. 

I  16  For  ^  they  sleep  not,  except  they 
I  have  done  mischief;  and  their  sleep  is 
I  taken  away,  unless  they  cause  some  to 
I  fall. 

j      17  For  •■  they  eat  the  bread  of  wick- 
edness, and  drink  the  wine  of  violence. 
j      18  But  '  the  path  of  the  just  is  as  the 
shining  light,  that  shineth  more  and  more 
unto  the  perfect  day. 

19  The  ''way  of  the  wicked  is  as 
darkness:  they  know  not  at  what  they 
stumble. 

20  My  s-on,  '  attend  to  my  words;  in- 
cline thine  ear  unto  my  sayings. 


'world,  which  make  it  their  last  study,  or  else 
'care  not  for  it  at  all.'  (JVbfe,  Matt.  6:33,34,  v. 
33.) 

V.  8—10.  (J»/arg-.  i2e/.— JVbtes,  1:9.  3:13— 17, 
35.)  'Thou  canst  not  speak  too  highly  of  this  wis- 
*dom,  as  thou  shalt  find  b)'  experience.  ...  What- 
'soever  else  thou  hast  to  commend  thee,  and  gain 
*thee  honor,  this  shall  add  unto  it.  ...  The  fairest 
'ornaments,  or  the  most  beautiful  crown  that  can 
'be  set  on  thy  head,  shall  receive  lustre  from 
'hence;  and  be  settled  there  the  more  securely.' 
Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  11,  12.  'Solomon  declareth  what  care  his 
'father  had  to  bring  Inm  up  in  the  true  fear  of 
'God:  for  this  was  David's  protestation.'  UVotes., 
3,4.) — 'I  have  already  taught  thee,  and  will  still 
'inform  thee,  in  the  wisest  course  unto  it;'  (a  long 
and  happy  life;)  'not  in  those  crooked  paths  of 
'fraud  and  falseness  ...  which  many  take;  but  in 
'the  directed  paths  of  integrity  and  truth.  ...  If 
♦thy  actions  and  designs  have  no  other  rule,  thou 
'shalt  be  at  ease,  and  free  from  those  straits  and 
'difficulties,  which  others  meet  withal:  and  in  case 
'thy  business  shall  require  haste,  this  will  be  the 
'safest,  as  well  as  the  most  inoffensive,  (if  not  the 
'shortest,)  way  to  accomplish  thy  ends.'  Bp. 
Patrick.  {Jl'arg.  Ref.—Jfotes,  18,19.  3:23—25. 
6:20—25.   1  Johri  2:7—11.) 

V.  13.  'Take  such  fast  hold  of  it,  as  never, 
'for  want  of  care  and  pains,  to  let  it  slip  out  of  thy 
'mind:  keep  it  as  a  most  precious  treasure,  for  all 
'thy  happiness  depends  upon  it.'  Bp.  Patrick. 
(JVb<e«,  8:3,4.  23:23.    Jlcts  2:42,42.   11:23,24.) 

V.  14,  15.  Solomon,  or  rather  heavenly  Wis- 
dom by  him,  seems  here  to  resume  the  discourse, 
by  most  earnestly  dissuading  from  every  degree 
of  intimacy  with  wicked  men,  and  from  whatever 
might  prove  an  inlet  or  temptation  to  it.  The 
varied  and  energetic  expressions,  used  to  warn 
his  hearers  or  readers  against  the  company  of 
wicked  men,  shew  his  view  of  the  immense  im- 
portance of  shunning  with  dread  and  abhorrence 
all  such  society.  {JVotes,  13:20.  2  Cor.  6:14 — 18. 
Eph.  6:8—14.) 
460] 


c  1:10,15.    2:11,12.    9:6.    13:20. 

Ps.  1:1.  26:4,5.     1  Cor.  15:33. 
d  5:8.  6:5.     Kx.  23:7.     Job  11: 

14.  22:23.     Is.  33:15.     Eph.  5: 

11.     1  Thes.  5:22. 
e  1:16.  Ps.  36:4.   Is.  57:20.  Mic. 

2:1.     Luke  22:66.     John  18:28. 

2  Pet.  2:14. 
f  9:17.  20:17.     Job  24:5,6.     Ps. 

14:4.     Jer.  5:26— 28.     Ez.  22: 

25—29.     Am.  8:4—6.     Mic.  3: 

5.  6:12.     Zeph.  3:3.    Matt.  23: 


14.   Jam.  5:4,5. 
S  2  Sam.  23:4.  Job  11:17.  23:]0. 

Hos.  6:3.    Zech.  14:6,7.  Matt. 

5:14,16.     John  8:12.     2  Cor.  3: 

18.    Phil.  2:15.   2  Pet.  1:19.  3: 

18.  Rev.  21:23.  22:5. 
hi  Sam.  2:9.     Job  5:14.    12:25. 

18:5,6,18.    Is.  59:9,10.    Jer.  13: 

16.  23:12.     Matt.  7:23.     15:14. 

John  12:35.      1  John  2:11. 
i  5:1.  6:20.21.  7:1.   Ps.  78:1.  90: 

12.    Is.  55:3.  Matt.  17:5. 


V.  16,  17.  'To  do  evil  is  more  ...  natural  to 
the  wicked,  than  to  sleep,  eat,  or  drink.' — Hav- 
i  ing  formed  their  iniquitous  plans,  they  are  restless 
till  they  have  accomplished  them:  they  spend 
those  hours  in  perpetrating  crimes,  which  others 
give  to  repose;  and  they  make  their  violence  and 
deceit  bear  the  expenses  of  their  voluptuousness. 
{J\''otes,  1:10—19.) 

V.  18,  19.  The  Septuagint  version  of  the  first 
of  these  verses,  is  very  expressive: — 'The  ways 
'of  the  righteous  shine  like  the  light:  they  go  on 
'and  shine,  until  the  day  be  perfected.' — "The 
path  of  the  just,"  or  righteous,  is  that  way  in 
which  a  believer  walks,  from  the  time  when  he 
begins  to  seek  the  Lord,  to  the  close  of  his  days. 
A  glimmering  of  knowledge  at  first  pervades  the 
darkness  of  his  mind,  as  to  spiritual  things;  and 
some  feeble  desires  after  God  and  holiness  arise 
in  his  heart:  thus  the  day  dawns.  But  frequently 
these  feeble  beginnings  cannot  be  distinguished 
from  many  specious  appearances,  which  after- 
wards vanish:  when  however,  they  arise  from  di- 
vine life  communicated  to  the  soul,  the  glimmer- 
ing light  will  increase.  Advancing  knowledge 
gradually  dispels  ignorance  and  error;  peace  and 
comfort  are  obtained,  and  established  on  a  firm 
base;  and  holy  affections  and  dispositions  ripen 
into  fruits  and  habits.  Thus  this  light  shines  pro- 
gressively, not  wasting  as  that  of  a  taper,  or  de- 
clining as  that  of  the  setting  sun;  but  increasing 
as  that  of  the  morning,  until  perfected  in  the 
knowledge,  holiness,  and  fehcity  of  heaven.  This 
light  comes  from  Christ  at  the  first,  and  is  aug- 
mented, and  will  be  perfected,  by  the  knowledge 
of  him:  and  the  way  in  which  he  directs  the  soul, 
and  on  which  it  shines  continually,  is  that  of 
humble  faith  and  obedient  love.  But  the  way  of 
the  wicked,  though  they  amuse  themselves  with 
following  many  glimmering  meteors,  is  as  thick 
darkness;  a  compound  of  ignorance,  error,  sin, 
and  misery,  which  continually  increases,  until  at 
length  it  terminates  in  "the  blackness  of  dark- 
ness for  ever;"  into  which  they  stumble  unawares, 
and  they  know  not  how.  [JSIarg.  Ref. — J^otes.,  Is. 


B.  C.  977. 


CHAPTER  IV. 


B.  C.  977. 


21  Let  them  not  ^  depart  from  thine 
eyes;  keep  them  '  in  the  midst  of  thine 
heart. 

22  For  they  are  ""  life  unto  those  that 
find  them,  and  *  health  to  all  their  flesh. 

23  "  Keep  thy  heart  t  with  all  dili- 
gence; °  for  out  of  it  are  the  issues  of 
life. 

24  P  Put  away  from   thee  ^  a  froward 

k  3:3,21 


1  Ps.  40:8.  marg. 

m  4.10. 

*   Heb.  medicine.  3:8.  marg. 

12:18.    Jer.  33:6. 
n  22:5.  23:19.  28:26.    Deut.  4:9. 

Ps.  139:23,24.  Jer.  17:9.   Mark 

14:38.     Heb.  12:15. 
^  Heb.  above  all  keepitig.  7.  3: 


1.   11:16.   13:3.    E 
o  Matt.  12:35.    15:19.      Mark  7: 

21—23.     Jam.  1:14,15. 
p  Job  11:14.     Ez.  18:31.     Eph. 

4:25—31.     Col.  3:8.     Jam.   I: 

21,26.      1  Pet.  2:1. 
J  Heb.  Jrou^ardness  of  mouthy 

and  perverseness   of  lips.  8:8, 

13.   17:20.      1  Tim.   6:5. 


42:13— 17,  t).  16.  Hos.  6:1—3.  John  7:14— 17,  «. 
17.  8:12.  12:34—36,44—50,  v.  46.  1  John  2:7— 
11.) 

V.  20,  21.  {M)tes,  1,2,8—12.)  'Read  them 
'over  and  over  again,  and  keep  them  perpetually 
'in  mind:  or  rather  preserve  them  studiously,  and 
'lay  them  up  as  a  most  precious  treasure,  in  the 
'closest  affections  of  thy  heart.'  Bp.  PatHck. 

V.  22.  (JVotes,  3:7,8.)  Under  the  general 
terms  of  "life  and  healtn,''  all  blessings,  prov- 
idential and  spiritual,  temporal  and  eternal,  as 
promised  to  the  righteous  in  the  word  of  God,  are 
comprised. 

V.  23.  As  the  heart  in  the  body  seems  the 
centre  and  fountain  of  life,  because  the  blood 
thence  circulates  into  every  part,  conveying  with 
it  health  or  disease;  so  are  the  affections  of  a 
man's  whole  conduct.  If  the  heart,  in  this  sense., 
be  purified  by  faith  and  grace,  and  be  properly 
kept,  the  tenor  of  the  thoughts,  words,  and  ac- 
tions will  be  pure,  for  they  flow  from  it:  if  it  be 
the  residence  of  pride,  impietj'',  unbelief,  avarice, 
malice,  or  lust,  the  whole  conduct  will  be  tainted 
with  these  vices:  if  they  find  admission,  or  pre- 
vail for  a  season,  they  will  proportionably  infect 
the  tempers,  conduct,  and  discourse,  and  the  end 
or  event  of  life  will  be  accordingly.  Therefore 
this  citadel  should  above  all  things  be  garrisoned, 
that  it  may  not  be  seized  by  any  of  its  numerous, 
subtle,  and  watchful  assailants:  this  spring  should 
be  watched  that  it  ma)^  not  be  poisoned:  for  as 
the  heart  is,  so  Avill  the  life  be;  if  not  openly,  yet 
in  the  sight  of  God,  before  whom  thoughts,  de- 
sires, and  dispositions  decide  a  man's  character. 
[J\'otes,  Ps.  119:113.  Matt.  13:13—20.)  'For  as 
'the  heart  is  either  pure  or  corrupt,  so  is  the 
'whole  course  of  man's  life.'  "Keep  thy  heart 
above  all  keeping."  Marg. 

V.  24,  25.  Next  to  the  heart,  the  tongue,  that 
unruly  member,  must  be  bridled  and  kept  most 
diligently:  and  a  strong  guard  must  be  placed 
upon  the  eyes,  that  they  may  be  employed  in 
looking  well  to  the  path  of  duty,  and  not  in 
gazing  at  such  objects  as  excite  evil  desires  in 
the  heart.  {J^otes,  6:12—19.  Gen.  3:6.  Josh. 
7:21.  Job  31:1 — i.—Ps.  119:31.  Jam.  1:26.  3:3— 
6.) 

V.  26.  The  apostle  employs  nearly  the  words 
of  the  Septuagint  translation  of  the  first  clause 
of  this  verse;  "And  make  strait  paths  for  your 
feet."  Heh.  12:13. — The  marginal  reading  of  the 

latter  clause  seems  preferable 'By  a  proper  re- 

'gard  to  the  path  of  thy  feet,  all  thy  ways  shall  be 
♦ordered  aright.'  {JVote,  Ps.  37:23,24.) 

V.  27.  'Do  not  suffer  thyself  to  be  drawn 
♦aside,  either  to  superstition  on  the  one  hand,  or 
♦to  contempt  or  neglect  of  religion  on  the  other: 
♦let  neither  love  of  friends,  nor  hatred  of  enemies; 
♦neither  hope  of  pleasure  or  gain,  nor  fear  of  pain 
♦and  damage;  neither  prosperous  nor  cross  events. 


mouth,    and    perverse  lips  put  far  from 
thee. 

25  Let  *'  thine  eyes  look  right  on,  and 
let  thine  eye-lids  look  straight  before 
thee. 

26  ■■  Ponder  the  path  of  thy  feet,  and 
^  let  all  thy  ways  be  established. 

27  ^  Turn  not  to  the  right  hand,  nor  to 
the  left:  *  remove  thy  foot  from  evil. 


q  23:5,33.  Job  31:1.  Ps.  119:37. 
Matt.  6:22. 

r  5:6.  Ps.  119:59.  Ez.  18:28. 
Hag.  1:5,7.    Eph.  5:15,17. 

^  Or,  all  thy  ivays  shall  be  or- 
dered aright.    Ps.  37:23.  40:2. 


1  Thes.  3:13.     2  Thes.  3:3.   1 

Pet.  5:10. 
s  Deut.  5:32.  12:32.28:14.  Josh. 

1:7. 
t  16:17.  Is.  1:16.    Rom.  12:9 


'ever  move  thee  to  turn  into  either  extremes  from 
'the  rule  of  virtue;  but  whatsoever  inclination 
'thou  findest  that  way,  do  not  proceed  to  commit 
'the  least  sin  against  God,  or  against  thy  neigh- 
'bor.'  Bp.  Patrick, 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
V.  1—13. 
Good  instructions,  given  with  paternal  author- 
ity and  affection,  have  a  peculiar  claim  to  the 
obedient  attention  of  young  persons;  and  will  be 
thus  received  by  every  one,  who  applies  his  mind 
to  the  practical  knowledge  of  divine  truth:  so 
that  those  who  refuse  such  instructions  and  in- 
junctions will  be  left  without  excjuse.  How  ag- 
gravated then  is  the  guilt  of  those,  who  reject  the 
doctrine  and  forsake  the  law  of  the  God  of  heav- 
en, while  he  condescends  to  speak  to  them  with 
the  tender  compassion  of  a  Father! — We  ought 
to  shew  our  love  to  our  children,  by  instructing 
them  diligently  in  true  wi<^dom:  and  that  prefer- 
ence, which  is  shewn  to  such  as  are  most  teach- 
able, is  no  sinful  partiality.  A  special  honor  is  in 
scripture  given  to  the  pious  education  of  chil- 
dren, as  the  means  by  which  the  Lord  gives  wis- 
dom and  grace:  and  it  behoves  those  who  have 
received  this  benefit,  to  requite  their  parents  for 
this  unspeakable  obligation,  by  handing  down 
their  instructions,  in  their  name,  and  with  respect 
to  their  memories,  to  their  children  also;  for  it 
was  the  Intention  of  such  parents,  that  their  re- 
mote posterity  should  thus  derive  the  advantage. 
{JVote,  Ps.  78:3 — 8.) — Pious  men,  in  every  age 
of  the  world,  and  of  every  rank  in  society,  agree, 
that  true  wisdom  consists  in  obedience  to  God, 
and  is  inseparably  connected  with  happiness:  and 
the  well-beloved  Son  of  the  Father  says  to  us, 
"Let  thy  heart  retain  my  words,  keep  my  com- 
mandments and  live."  {Marg.  Ref.  h.)  He  is 
the  Wisdom  of  God:  the  blessings  of  his  salva- 
tion we  should  by  every  means  secure,  whatever 
we  go  without  or  lose  for  his  sake;  his  words  we 
should  remember  and  not  decline  from  thera, 
whatever  we  forget,  or  renounce,  or  leave  un- 
done. This  "wisdom  is  the  pHncipal  thing,''''  the 
"pearl  of  great  price,"  the  sinner's  "one  thing 
needful:"  and  if  we  sell  all  to  purchase  it,  forsake 
all  to  secure  it,  count  all  but  loss  for  the  excel- 
lency of  it,  and  lay  down  our  lives  in  adhering 
to  it,  our  gain  will  be  sure  and  infinite.  For, 
while  we  love  and  honor  the  Redeemer,  he  will 
preserve  us  from  every  danger,  keep  our  souls 
unto  eternal  life,  give  us  that  honor  which  cometh 
from  God,  adorn  us  with  the  ornament  and  beau- 
ties of  holiness,  and  deliver  to  us  "a  crown  of 
glory  that  fadeth  not  away."  But  how  poor,  and 
contemptible,  and  wretched  will  they  be,  who, 
"with  all  their  getting"  of  wealth,  of  learning,  of 
reputation,  of  preferment,  or  of  dominion,  die 
without  getting  understanding,  "without  Christ 

[461 


B.  C.  977. 


PROVERBS. 


B.  C.  977. 


CHAP.  V. 


Kxhortations  to  study  wisdom,  1,  2.  The  seductions  of  harlots, 
and  the  complicated  mischiefs  of  their  society,  3—14.  A  fig- 
urative commendation  of  marriage;  and  of  affection  to  aman^s 
Vife  and  children,  15 — 19.  A  further  dissuasive  from  vfhore- 
dom;  urging  the  Lord's  continual  presence,  and  the  miserable 
end  of  wicked  men,  20 — 23. 

Y  son,   ^  attend   unto   my  wisdom, 
and  ^  bow  thine  ear  to  my  under- 
standing: 

2  That  thou  mayest  regard  discretion, 
and  that  '^  thy  hps  may  keep  knowledge. 

3  For  ^  the  hps  of  a  strange  woman 
drop  as  an  honey-comb,  and  her  *  mouth 
is  ®  smoother  than  oih 


a  2:1.  4:1,20.  Matt.  13:9.  Mark 
4:23.  Rev.  2:7,11,17,29.  3:6, 
13,22. 

b  22:17.   Jam.  1:19. 

C  10:21.  15:2,7.  16:23.  20:15. 
Ps.  45:2.  71:15.   119:13.    Cant. 


4:11.    Mai.  2:6,7. 
d2:l6.    6:24.    7:21. 

—6. 
*  Heb.  palate. 
e  Ps.  55:21. 


without  hope,  and  without  God!"  Let  us  then  re 
cJeive  the  sayings  of  him  who  "hath  the  words  of 
eternal  life;"  and  we  shall  daily  perceive  and  ex- 
perience, that  "he  hath  taught  us  in  the  way  of 
wisdom,  and  led  us  in  right  paths."  Thus  we 
shall  avoid  the  intricacies  and  perplexities,  in 
which  crafty  men  are  entangled:  our  path  will  be 
plain  before  us,  and  we  shall  proceed  with  alacri- 
ty, confidence,  and  safety;  not  straitened  in  our 
steps,  nor  stumbling  over  the  obstructions,  which 
are  laid  in  the  paths  of  the  heedless  and  inattentive; 
and  which  can  only  be  avoided  by  taking  fast  hold 
of  Instruction,  resolved  not  to  let  her  go,  but  to 
keep  her,  as  our  life. 

V.  14—27. 
The  counsels  of  heavenly  wisdom  continually 
warn  us,  to  keep  at  a  distance  from  the  society 
and  infectious  example  of  wicked  men;  and  to 
avoid  their  path,  "passing  by  it,  turning  from  it, 
and  passing  away,"  being  afraid  of  coming  within 
the  reach  of  their  fascinations. — There  are  great 
numbers  in  every  age,  who  are  restless  in  pur- 
suit of  the  pleasures  and  advantages  of  sin,  or  in 
indulging  their  malice  and  revenge;  who  are  mis- 
erable when  they  cannot  be  mischievous  to  their 
utmost  wish;  who  riot  in  excess  upon  the  gains  of 
their  fraud,  rapine,  and  oppression,  regardless  of 
the  groans  and  tears  extorted  by  their  violence, 
and  to  support  their  extravagance  and  magnif- 
icence. This  is  one  way  of  the  wicked,  and  it  is 
as  increasing  darkness;  and,  if  persisted  in,  will 
speedily  and  unexpectedly  plunge  them  into  final 
misery  and  despair.  "But  the  path  of  the  just  is 
as  the  shining  light,  which  shineth  more  and  more 
unto  the  perfect  day."  Their  comforts  are  con- 
tinually increasing,  their  characters  perfecting, 
their  sorrows  expiring:  and  the  hour  of  death  will 
only  occasion  a  short  interruption  of  their  in- 
creasing light,  which  will  suddenly  break  forth 
in  perfect  and  eternal  day.  Let  us  then  be  ob- 
servant of  our  great  Teacher,  and  keep  our  eye 
continually  upon  his  directions,  and  hide  them  in 
our  inmost  souls,  "for  they  are  life  unto  those  that 
find  them,"  and  a  medicine  for  all  our  maladies. 
But,  would  we  make  progress  in  our  heavenly 
path,  we  must  "keep  our  hearts  with  all  dil- 
igence," and  more  sedulously  than  we  do  our 
money,  our  estates,  our  habitations,  or  even  our 
characters;  "exercising  ourselves  to  have  always 
a  conscience  void  of  offence  toward  God  and  to- 
ward man."  With  all  vigilance  and  earnestness, 
and  with  increasing  praj'er,  we  should  labor  that 
no  evil  desire  may  prevail  or  abide  in  our  hearts: 
avoiding  every  thing  which  poisons  this  fountain, 
by  exciting  pride,  envy,  malice,  avarice,  or  sensual 
lusts;  crushing  the  first  emotions  of  such  evils,  as 
we  would  the  brood  of  a  scorpion;  guarding  the  av- 
462] 


4  But  f  her  end  is  bitter  as  wormwood, 
s  sharp  as  a  two-edged  sword. 

5  Her  feet  go  ^  down  to  death;  her 
steps  take  hold  on  hell. 

6  Lest  thou  shouldest  '  ponder  ^  the 
path  of  hfe,  '  her  ways  are  moveable,  that 
thou  canst  not  know  them. 

7  "  Hear  me  now  therefore,  O  ye  chil- 
dren, "  and  depart  not  from  the  words  of 
my  mouth. 

8  Remove  °  thy  way  far  from  her,  and 
come  not  nigh  the  door  of  her  house: 


f  6:24— 35.  7:22,23.  9:18.  23:27, 

28.  Ec.  7:26.    Heb.  12:15,16. 
g  Judg.  16:4—6,15—21. 
h  2:18,19.   7:27. 
i  4:26.   Ps.  119:59. 
k  11:19.    Ps.  16:11. 
1  6:12,13.  7:10—21.     2  Thes.  2: 


9,10. 
m    4:1.     8:32 — 36.     22:17—21. 

Heb.  12:25. 
n3;21.  4:21. 
o   4:15.     6:27,28.       Matt.    6:13. 

Eph.  5:11. 


enues  of  our  senses,  imagination,  and  memory; 
storing  up  pious  instructions,  and  using  every 
means  to  render  our  minds  a  treasure  of  holy 
thoughts  and  affections,  and  to  increase  in  them 
grateful  love,  reverential  fear,  hatred  of  sin,  and 
benevolence  in  all  its  delightful  exercises;  that 
from  within,  these  holy  streams  may  issue  forth, 
and  fructify  our  whole  conduct  and  conversation. 
Above  all,  we  should  seek  from  the  Lord  Jesus, 
that  living  Water,  that  sanctifying  Spirit,  which 
is  in  the  hearts  of  believers  "a  well  of  water 
springing  up  into  everlasting  life."  Thus  we 
shall  be  enabled  to  put  away  from  us  a  froward 
mouth  and  perverse  lips:  our  eyes  will  be  turned 
away  from  beholding  vanit)%  and  fixed  upon  our 
path;  looking  straight  before  us,  that  we  may  see 
and  shun  the  snares  and  devious  tracks,  into 
which  others  are  beguiled:  we  shall  ponder  the 
path  of  our  feet,  that  we  may  take  no  false  steps, 
but  that  all  our  ways  may  be  established  in  consis- 
tency and  propriety;  turning  neither  to  the  right 
hand  nor  to  the  left;  avoiding  all  extremes;  keep- 
ing the  middle  path;  removing  our  feet  from  every 
evil  thing;  walking  by  the  rule  of  God's  word, 
and  observing  the  cautions,  and  treading  in  the 
steps,  of  our  Lord  and  Master.  In  this  view, 
what  a  beautiful,  excellent,  and  happy  thing  is 
true  Christianity!  But  alas!  how  far  do  we  come 
short  in  every  particular!  Lord,  forgive  the  past, 
and  enable  us  to  follow  thee  more  closely  for  the 
time  to  come. 

NOTES. 

Chap.  V.  V.  1,  2.  Marg.  Ref.—J^otes,  2:1— 
5.  3:1.   4:1,2. 

V.  3.  'By  oil  and  honey  he  meaneth  flattering 
'and  crafty  enticements.'    (JVbie,  2:16.) 

V.  4 — 6.  'The  beginning  of  this  love  is  not  so 
'sweet,  as  the  conclusion  is  bitter:  ...  after  a  short 
'pleasure  follows  long  pain,  by  the  impairing  men's 
'health,  strength,  estates,  and  credit,  which  they 
'cannot  reflect  upon  without  trouble  and  vexation, 
'and,  (if  she  do  not  quite  destroy  their  reason,)  be 
'filled  with  remorse  of  conscience  and  anguish  of 
'spirit:  for  like  a  sword  that  cuts  on  both  sides, 
'she  wounds  both  soul  and  body;  in  short,  leads 
'those  that  follow  her,  to  an  untimely,  shameful, 
'and  miserable  end:  to  have  never  so  little  to  do 
'with  her  is  to  approach  to  destruction,  not  only 
'here  but  in  another  world.  For  though  thou 
'mayest  think  to  make  a  retreat  in  time,  thou 
'wilt  be  deceived,  she  having  more  ways  than 
'thou  canst  ever  know,  (winding  and  turning  her- 
'self  into  a  thousand  shapes,)  to  keep  thee  from  so 
'much  as  deliberating  about  thy  return  to  a  virtu- 
'ous  course  of  life.'  Bp.  Patrick.  {JVbtes,  2:18, 
19.  23:27,28.) 

V.  8.    'Wholly  shun  all  familiarity  with  her;  ... 


13.  C.  977. 


CHAPTER  V. 


B.  C.  977* 


9  Lest  Pthou  give  thine  honor  unto 
others,  and  thy  years  unto  the  crueh 

10  Lest  ^strangers  be  filled  with  thy 
*  wealth;  and  thy  labors  he  in  the  house  of 
a  stranger; 

1 1  And  "■  thou  mourn  at  the  last, 
^  when  thy  flesh  and  thy  body  are  con- 
sumed; 

12  And  say,  *  How  have  I  hated  in- 
struction, "  and  my  heart  despised  re- 
proof ! 

13  And  ^  have  not  obeyed  the  voice 
of  my  teachers,  nor  inclined  mine  ear  to 
them  that  instructed  me! 

14  1  was  y  almost  in  all   evil,   in  the 

73:22.     John  3:19,20. 


p   6:29—35.       Gen.   38:23—26. 

Judg.  16:19—21.     Neh.  13:26. 

Hos.  4:13.14. 
q  6:35.  Hos.  7:9.  Luke  1S:30. 
*  Heb.  strength.   31:3. 
►  r7:23.     Deut.  32:29.    Jer.  5:31. 

Rom.  6:21.  Rev.  21:8.  22:15. 
s  Num.  5:27.     1  Cor.  5:4,5.  6: 

18. 
t  1:7,22,29,30.    15:5.     Ps.  50:17. 


u  1:25.   12:1.   13:18.     Gen.  19:9. 

Ex.  2:13,14.  2  Chr.  24:20—22. 

25:16.  33:10,11.  36:16,17.  Jer. 

44:4,5,     Zech.  1:4—6. 
X  Luke  15:13.      1  Thes.  4:8.  5: 

12,13.    Heb.  13:7. 
y  13:20.     Num.  25:1—6.     Hos. 

4:11—14.       1   Cor.    10:6—8.  2 

Pet.  2:10—18.     Jude  7—13. 


♦avoid  her  as  thou  wouldest  the  plague.'     Bp. 
Patrick. 

V.  9.  To  the  crueWl  This  may  refer  either  to 
the  harlot  herself,  who  would  readily  concur  in 
the  plunder  or  murder  of  her  paramour;  or  to 
some  of  those  wicked  men  connected  with  her, 
who  waited  the  opportunity  of  robbing  or  assas- 
sinating such  as  she  took  in  her  net;  or  to  a  hus- 
band, whom  jealousy  rendered  merciless  to  the 
man,  who  had  thus  injured  him.  (JVbfes,  6:27 — 35.) 
'She  will  have  no  pity  on  thee;  as  is  read  of  Sam- 
'son,  and  the  prodigal  son.'  [J^otes  and  P.  O. 
Judg.  16:) 

V.  10— 13.  (JVb<e,4— 6.)  'Which' (vice) 'wastes 
'first  the  strength  and  vigor  of  thy  body,  and  then 
'thy  money  and  estate  upon  a  strange  family, ... 
'whose  house  and  table  are  furnished  with  the 
'fruit  of  thy  care  and  labors.  And  when  things 
'are  come  to  this  pass,  that  thy  credit,  thy  friends, 
'thy  precious  time,  thy  health,  thy  estate,  and  thy 
'pleasure  too,  are  all  gone,  and  nothing  left  but  an 
'heavy  heart,  and  skin  and  bone;  then  thou  begin 
'unprofitably  to  groan  and  lament,  nay  perhaps  to 
'roar  out  of  thy  grief  in  a  most  deplorable  manner; 
'saying,  how  stupidly  foolish  have  I  been  in  not 
'considering  all  this  sooner!  how  senselessly  bent 
'on  my  own  ruin!  I  am  amazed  to  think  how  I 
'hated  the  cautions  that  were  given  me;  ...  and 
'inwardly  despised  ...  the  just  reproofs  I  had  after 
'ward  for  going  to  her.  I  wanted  no  good  in- 
'structions  of  my  parents,  tutors,  friends,  and 
'God's  ministers;  who  informed  me  of  the  danger, 
'and  taught  me  how  to  escape  it:  but  alas!  1  was 
'so  sottish  as  not  to  obey  them;  so  contumacious 
'that  I  did  not  so  much  as  consider  what  they  said 
'unto  me."  Bp.  Patrick.  (1:7,25,30,31.  J^ote,9: 
7—9.) 

V.  14.  In  the  midst,  &';.]  This  expression 
may  either  refer  to  the  society,  or  assembly  of 
wicked  people,  where  every  species  of  abomina- 
tion is  .shamelessly  perpetrated;  or  it  may  mean, 
'in  the  face  of  mankind,  in  the  most  open  manner;' 
or,  as  some  think,  that  even  in  the  midst  of  the  con- 
gregation assembled  for  the  worship  of  God,  the 
man's  heart  and  imagination  were  employed  about 
almost  all  kinds  of  wickedness. — If  men  are,  as 
most  persons  think,  almost  exclusively  the  sedu- 
cers, it  is  wonderful  that  Solomon  should  speak  of 
women  as  the  chief  tempters  to  these  vices,  and 
bestow  so  much  pains  to  put  men  upon  their  guard 
against  their  enticements,  saying  so  very  little  on 


midst  of  the  congregation  and  assembly. 

[Practical  Observations. '\ 

1 5  IF  Drink  ^  waters  out  of  thine  own 
cistern,  and  running  waters  out  of  thine 
own  well. 

16  Let  "thy  fountains  be  ''  dispersed 
abroad,  and  rivers  of  waters  in  the 
streets. 

17  Let  them  be  only  thine  own,  and 
not  strangers  with  thee. 

18  Let  thy  fountain  be  blessed;  and 
*=  rejoice  with  the  wife  of  thy  youth. 

19  Let  her  be  ^  as  the  loving  hind  and 
pleasant  roe:  let  her  breasts  ti  satisfy  thee 
at  all  times;  and  t  be  thou  ravished  al- 
ways with  her  love. 

20  And   why  wilt  thou,  my  son,  be 


z  18,19.     1  Cor.  7:2—5.     Heb. 

13:4. 
a  Deut.  33:28.     Ps.  68:26.     Is. 

48:1. 
b  Gen.  24:60.     Judg.  12:9.    Ps. 

127:3.   128:3. 


C  Ec.  9:9.  Mai.  2:14,15. 
d  Cant.  2:9.  4:5.  7:3.  8:14. 
I  Heb.  -water  thee.  15. 
j  Heb.  err  thoxi  always  in  her 
love.  2  Sam.  12:4. 


the  counterpart  of  the  subject.  And  we  should 
remember,  that  this  is  not  the  wisdom  of  Solomon 
only,  but  the  wisdom  of  God  also.  Doubtless  ex- 
ternal alterations  in  society  may  effect  considera- 
ble changes:  the  seduction  of  females  is  in  these 
times  often  attended  with  peculiar  aggravations; 
and  the  abandoned  of  both  sexes  are  reciprocally 
the  tempters  of  the  more  virtuous.  Yet  upon  ex- 
amination it  must  appear,  that  bad  women  multi- 
ply the  seduction  (if  that  term  may  be  used,)  of 
heedless  youths,  far  more  rapidly  than  bad  men 
seduce  rfiodest  women.  A  few  of  them  compara- 
tively suffice  to  corrupt  whole  cities:  and  it  might 
perhaps  be  ascertained  by  facts,  that  some  insinu- 
ating prostitutes  have  initiated  more  young  men 
into  these  destructive  ways,  in  the  course  of  a 
year  or  two,  than  the  most  abandoned  rakes  have 
debauched  virgins  during  their  whole  lives.  So 
that,  though  these  latter  should  be  treated  with 
marked  severity;  yet  the  grand  effort  of  those  in 
public  stations,  who  would  effectually  promote 
reformation,  should  be  directed  to  the  restrain- 
ing, or  at  least  driving  out  of  sight,  those  wretch- 
ed females,  who  are  the  pestilence  or  nuisance  of 
society,  and  equally  the  objects  of  compassion  and 
of  abhorrence.     {JVbte  and  P.  O.  7:6—27.) 

V.  15 — 19.  Some  interpret  these  verses  as  an 
exhortation  to  honest  industry,  contentment,  and 
liberality:  but  it  seems  far  more  natural  to  sup- 
pose that  the  inspired  instructer  is  prosecuting 
his  subject,  and,  in  this  figurative  language,  rec- 
ommending marriage  to  those  young  persons  who 
were  tempted  to  the  crimes  before-mentioned. — 
'He  sheweth  that  God  blesseth  marriage,  and 
'curseth  whoredom.' — 'Happy  shalt  thou  every 
'way  be  in  such  a  wife;  whom  I  advise  thee  to 
'take  in  thy  youth.'  Bp.  Patrick.  Instead  of 
drinking,  as  it  were,  the  muddy  and  poisonous 
water  from  the  common  sewer;  let  every  man 
have  a  well  or  a  cistern  of  his  own,  filled  with 
pure  and  wholesome  water:  considering  the  off- 
spring of  his  virtuous  union,  which  he  will  confi- 
dently regard,  and  without  shame  acknowledge, 
as  his  own,  to  be  so  many  fountains  and  rivulets, 
by  which  other  families,  so  to  speak,  may  be  wa- 
tered and  replenished,  and  his  name  and  posterity 
honorably  perpetuated;  and  not  like  the  dubious, 
spurious,  and  disgraceful  offspring  of  illicit  inter- 
courses.— The  inspired  writer  proceeds  with  his 
advice,  by  exhorting  a  man,  to  rest  contented 
with  the  wife  he  has  taken;  to  bless  God  for  her, 

[463 


B.  C.  977. 


PROVERBS. 


B.  C.  977. 


ravished   ^  with  a    strange   woman,   and 
embrace  the  bosom  of  a  stranger? 

21  For  ^the  ways  of  man  are  before 
the  eyes  of  the  Lord,  and  he  pondereth 
all  his  goings. 


e  2:16—19.  6:24.  7:5.  22:14.  23: 
27,28,33.     1  Kings  11:1. 

f  15:3.  2Chr.  16:9.  Job  31:4. 
34:21.    Ps.  11:4.   17:3.   139:1— 


12.  Jer.  17:10.  23:24.  32:19. 
Hos.  7:2.  Heb.  4:13.  Rev.  2: 
18,23. 


and  count  himself  happy  in  her,  and  in  an  honor- 
able offspring-,  and  to  pray  for  a  blessing  upon 
them;  to  be  cheerful  in  the  company  of  his  wife, 
who  is  like  the  loving-  hind,  or  the  pleasant,  harm- 
less roe,  and  does  not  at  all  resemble  the  crafty, 
rapacious,  and  licentious  harlot;  cherishing-  her 
with  endeared  and  increasing  affection,  and  never 
giving  the  least  liberty  to  his  passions  but  in  her 
company.  {J^otes,  1  Cor.  7:1—9.  Heb.  13:4.)— 
It  is  observable  that  Solomon,  though  he  had  had 
so  many  wives,  gives  no  intimation  of  polygamy, 
or  encouragement  to  it:  whence  we  may  infer, 
that  he  wrote  these  cautions,  after  he  was  made 
sensible  of  his  own  madness  and  folly;  and  knew 
that  violating  the  original  law  of  marriage  tended 
to  inflame  the  licentious  passions,  rather  than  to 
allay  them.  [J^otes,  Ec.  7:23—28.  P.  O.  23—29. 
J^ote,  9:7—9.) 

V.  20— 23.  JVb^es,  3— 14.  2:16—19.  6:23—25. 
—A  strang&r.  (20)  naj ;  alienigena,  separatus  a 
nostra  religione,  alienus.  Robertson.  Such  were 
the  wives  and  concubines,  which  Solomon  had 
loved  and  multiplied  excessively,  and  with  the 
most  pernicious  effects:  (JVb^e,  1  Kings  11:1 — 8.) 
so  that  he  here  warns  his  son,  or  his  reader,  and 
dissuades  him  most  pathetically,  against  in  a  sin- 
gle instance  imitating  his  example. — He  ponder- 
eth, Sic.  (21)  Orweigheth.  {J^otes,  1  Sam.  2:3. 
Is.  26:7.  Dan.  5:25—28,  v.  27.  P.  O.  18—31.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
V.  1—14. 
If  we  bow  an  obedient  ear  to  wisdom,  we  shall 
both  regai'd  discretion  in  our  own  conduct,  and 
our  lips  will  keep  knowledge  for  the  use  of  oth- 
ers also:  and  we  always  need  her  salutary  cau- 
tions, but  especially  in  youth;  for  innumerable 
snares  and  temptations  beset  our  path.  But 
there  is  no  one,  which  has  proved  more  fatal,  or 
to  greater  numbers,  than  the  blandishments  of 
strange  women.  Nay,  this  has  generally  been 
Satan's  method  of  drawing  men  off  from  the  wor- 
ship of  God,  into  idolatry,  or  divers  forms  of  false 
religion,  which  are  spiritual  whoredom  and  adul- 
tery. The  soothing  language  of  these  fascinat- 
ing tempters,  blended  with  flatteries,  professions 
of  love,  and  artful  persuasions,  are  as  pleasing  to 
the  carnal  heart,  as  honey  from  the  comb  to  the 
palate;  and  they  are  smooth  and  insinuating  as 
oil.  But  the  consequences  of  yielding  to  their 
enticements  prove  bitter  as  wormwood,  poisonous 
as  liemlock,  and  sharp  as  a  two-edged  sword; 
nay,  the  harlot's  "feet  go  down  to  death,  her  steps 
taiie  hold  on  hell."  And  should  a  man,  who  has 
got  entangled  in  this  snare,  seem  disposed  to  con- 
sider his  ways,  to  return  to  virtue,  or  to  inquire  af- 
ter the  path  of  life;  his  artful  deceiver  can  employ 
a  thousand  wiles  to  withdraw  him  from  his  pur 
pose.  She  can  change  her  looks,  her  language, 
or  demeanor,  at  pleasure,  and  assume  innumera- 
ble forms  of  falsehood:  she  can  affect  grief,  de- 
spair, affection,  resentment,  jealousy,  contempt, 
aversion,  as  may  best  suit  the  preseirt  purpose; 
and  by  reproaches,  caresses,  complaints,  mena- 
ces, tears,  and  expostulations,  she  can  wind  her- 
self into  every  form,  discover  every  avenue  to 
464] 


22  ^  His  own  iniquities  shall  take  the 
wicked  himself,  and  he  shall  be  *"  holden 
with  the  cords  of  his  *  sins. 

23  He  '  shall  die  without  instruction: 
and  ^  in  the  greatness  of  his  folly  he  shall 


go  astray. 

g  1:13,31,32.  11:3,5.  Ps.  7:15, 
16.  9:15,16.  Jer.  2:19.  Hos.  4: 
11—14.     Gal.  6;7,8. 

h  Ec.  7:26. 

*  Heb.  sin.  1  Cor.  5:9,10.  Gal. 


5:19—21.     Eph.  5:5,6.     Heb. 

13:4. 
i  10:21.   14:32.    Job  4:21.  36:12. 
k  14:14.    Ps.  81:12.     2  Pet.  2:15 

—22. 


the  heart,  work  upon  every  weakness  and  pas- 
sion, and  avail  herself  of  every  unguarded  mo- 
ment, to  resume  her  influence  and  rivet  her 
chains:  so  that  there  is  no  knowing  all  her  move- 
able ways,  and  scarcely  any  escaping  from  the 
fatal  snare.  Safety  can  therefore  only  be  found 
by  keeping  at  a  distance,  removing  "the  path  far 
from  her,  and  not  coming  nigh  the  door  of  her 
house;"  even  shunning  the  streets  and  passages 
where  such  tempters  wait  for  their  prey.  This 
must  be  decidedly  the  conduct  of  all,  who  would 
not  risk  every  thing  dear  and  valuable:  and  those 
who  palliate  such  intercourse  as  a  small  matter, 
are  as  little  versed  in  the  private  history  of  man- 
kind, as  in  the  words  of  divine  wisdom.  Multi- 
tudes in  this  way  continually  lose  their  charac- 
ter, sink  into  contempt  and  infamy,  and  are  left 
to  the  necessity  of  subsisting  by  the  most  destruc 
tive  pursuits:  thousands  have  fallen  victims  to  the 
jealousy,  revenge,  or  rapacity  of  a  base  prosti- 
tute or  her  associates:  and  what  can  men  expect 
fronx  trusting  themselves  with  women,  of  whom 
they  scarcely  know  any  thing,  but  that  they  are 
equally  destitute  of  conscience  and  of  shame.''  But 
should  this  peril  be  escaped,  no  better  can  be  ex- 
pected, than  that,  by  the  expenses  of  such  pur- 
suits, a  man's  substance  should  be  wasted  among 
the  basest  strangers,  and  himself,  with  his  family 
and  friends,  left  to  beggary  and  misery.  .At  the 
same  time  the  constitution  is  generally  ruined 
beyond  recovery;  and  those  diseases  are  contract- 
ed, which  consume  the  body  in  the  most  loath- 
some manner,  and  bring  thousands  and  tens  of 
thousands  every  year  to  the  grave,  in  the  most 
deplorable  manner,  and  which  form  a  constant 
testimony  of  God's  abhorrence  of  this  iniquity.  In 
this  wretched  situation  many  a  miserable  suffer- 
er too  late  regrets  his  folly,  and  "mourns  at  the 
last,  when  the  flesh  and  body  are  consuming,  and 
says.  How  have  I  hated  instruction,  and  my 
heart  despised  reproof!  and  have  not  obeyed  the 
voice  of  my  teachers,  nor  inclined  mine  ear  to 
them  that  instructed  mel  I  was  almost  in  all  evil," 
in  the  midst  of  every  congregation  of  evil-doers. 
Should  such  reflections  be  admitted  in  this  life, 
and  the  evil  of  such  a  course  of  iniquity  be  duly 
perceived,  by  a  miracle  of  mercy  and  grace;  true 
repentance  may  at  last  prevent  the  most  tremen- 
dous consequences,  and  the  destruction  of  the 
flesh  may  prove  the  salvation  of  the  soul.  But 
those,  who  have  the  most  opportunity  of  witness- 
ing such  scenes,  have  but  seldom  the  satisfaction 
of  seeing  good  evidence  of  this  true  though  late 
repentance:  alasl  fai',  far  more  die  as  insensible 
and  profane,  as  they  have  lived.  And  what  lan- 
guage of  man  can  express  the  case  of  the  self- 
ruined  sinner,  in  the  eternal  world,  enduring  the 
reproaches  and  keen  remorse  of  his  own  con- 
science, '■'■his  worm,  that  never  dieth;"  (JVo/e, 
Mark  9:43 — 50.)  while  he  recollects  despised 
wai-nings  and  expostulations,  and  good  instruc- 
tions of  parents,  teachers,  and  ministers,  all  treat- 
ed with  hatred  and  disdain;  yea,  the  convictions 
of  his  own  conscience,  and  the  strivings  of  the 
Holy  Spirit,  all  diligently  opposed  and  extin- 
guished, by  rushing  into  evsry  kind  of  evil,  with 
a  headlong  disregard  of  consequences,  till  suddea 


B.  C.  977. 


CHAPTER  VI. 


B.  C.  977. 


CHAP.  VI. 

Cautions  against  suretisliip,  and  counsels  to  those  who  have 
rashly  engaged  ia  it,  1 — 5.  The  slothful  sent  to  the  ant  for 
instruction,  and  shewn  how  idleness  tends  to  penury,  6 — 11. 
Some  artful  practices  of  wicked  men  exposed,  and  their  ruin 
denounced,  VZ — 15.  Seven  things  which  the  Lord  hates,  16 — 
J9.  Exhortations  to  obey  parents,  and  to  walk  in  God's  com- 
mandments, 20 — 23.  Dissuasives  from  fornication  and  adultery; 
and  the  fatal  consequences  of  the  latter  especially  stated, 24 — 35. 

MY  son,   "  if  thou  be  surety  for  thy 
friend,   if  thou   hast   stricken   thy 
hand  with  a  stranger; 

2  Thou  art  **  snared  with  the  words  of 
thy  mouth,  thou  art  taken  with  the  words 
of  thy  mouth. 


a  11:15.    17:13.  20:16.  22:26.  27: 
Gen.  43:9.  44:3?,33.     .lob 


17:3.  Philem.  13,19.  Heb.  7:2?. 
b  l.':13.    18:7. 


destruction  came  upon  him,  without  the  possibili- 
ty of  escape! 

V.  15—23. 
But  let  us  avert  our  eyes  from  the  doleful 
scene,  before  contemplated.  Every  man  should 
study  to  keep  himself,  if  possible,  from  the  least 
inclination  to  such  destructive  vices,  which  dif- 
fuse sin  and  misery  more  rapidly  than  any  other: 
and  the  encourag-ement  of  lawful  marriage  is  one 
means,  which  God  has  appointed  for  these  pur- 
poses. This  was  good  for  man  in  his  state  of  in- 
nocency;  and  it  is  become  much  more  needful, 
since  the  fall  has  given  his  passions  an  immense 
accession  of  force,  and  his  enfeebled  powers  have 
lost  their  authority  over  them.  Every  restraint 
upon  marriage,  or  dissuasive  from  it,  may  in  many 
cases  operate  as  a  temptation  to  vicious  habits 
and  connexions:  and  that  which  miglit  have  pre- 
vented these  evils,  seldom  avails  to  cure  them. 
But  this  preservative  used  in  the  fear  of  God,  and 
in  dependence  on  him,  will  not  prove  ineffectual; 
and  the  comforts  of  the  married  state,  when  pru- 
dently and  piously  entered  into,  and  when  the  duties 
of  it  are  faithfully  and  affectionately  performed,  are 
so  superior  to  all  the  base  pleasures  of  illicit  con- 
nexions, and  produce  such  contrary  effects,  to  in- 
dividuals and  to  society,  in  every  respect;  that  if 
men  will  not  renounce  their  reason,  they  must  pre- 
fer these  running  waters  from  their  own  foun- 
tain, to  the  pestiferous  exhalations  of  a  stagnating, 
putrid  pond.  ^Jfote,  Gen.  2:24.)  Indeed,  those 
who  have  once  tasted  the  endearments  of  domes- 
tic life,  with  the  rational  conversation  of  a  virtu- 
ous and  affectionate  companion;  together  with 
the  satisfaction  of  seeing  a  family  of  liopeful  chil- 
dren, growing  up  to  be  useful  members  of  socie- 
ty; commonly  lose  all  inclination  for  scenes  of  li- 
centiousness, except  where  previous  bad  habits 
have  debauched  the  mind:  and  multitudes,  who 
seem  not  influenced  by  higher  principles,  live  in 
this  way  respectable  members  of  society.  But 
there  are  so  many  dangers  and  hindrances,  as  to 
this  desirable  settlement  in  life,  from  the  present 
state  of  human  nature,  that  we  can  have  no  as- 
surance of  being  properly  yoked,  except  as  we 
acknowledge  God  in  respect  of  it;  attending  to 
the  rules  of  his  word;  preferring  prudence  and 
piety,  to  wealth,  wit,  or  beauty;  and  seeking  his 
direction  and  blessing.  (JVb<65,  18:22.  19:14.  31:10 
— 12.)  When  a  man  has  entered  into  the  mar- 
ried state,  he  should  consider,  that  he  is  bound  to 
treat  his  wife  with  tenderness  and  affection, 
though  she  be  not  without  faults  and  imperfec- 
tions; not  only  because  she  is  his  own  choice,  but 
because  she  is  the  woman  that  the  Lord  has  al- 
lotted him.  He  should  therefore  continually 
seek  the  blessing  of  God  on  their  union  and  fam- 
ily, by  fervent  prayer;  and  study  to  be  cheerful 
and  happy  in  her  company;  and  not  allow  a 
thought  or  desire  to  wander  after  any  other  per- 
son. For  why  should  a  man  desire  forbidden 
f^uit,  when  lie  may  have  all  that  is  needful  and 

Vol.  III.  59 


3  Do  this  nov^  my  son,  and  deliver 
thyself,  '^  when  thou  art  come  into  the 
hand  of  thy  friend;  ''  go,  humble  thyself, 
*  and  make  sure  thy  friend. 

4  ^  Give  not  sleep  to  thine  eyes,  nor 
slumber  to  thine  eye-Hds. 

5  Deliver  thyself  as  a  roe  from  the 
hand  of  the  hunter,  and  ^  as  a  bird  from 
the  hand  of  the  fowler. 

[Practical  Observations.] 


c  2  Sam.  21:14.  2  Chr.  12:5.  Ps. 

31:8. 
d  Ex.  10:3.    2  Chr.  36:12.  Jam. 

4:10.    . 
*  Or,  JO  shall  thou  prevail  nilh 


thy  friend. 
e  10,11.     Ps.  132.4.     Ec.  9:10. 

Matt.  24:17,18.  Mark  13:35,36. 
f  1:17.     Ps.  11:1.   124:7. 


good  for  him,  honorably  and  with  a  blessing.' — 
Let  us  ever  remember,  that  though  secret  devia- 
tions from  our  duty  may  escape  the  eye  of  our 
fellow-creatures;  yet  "a  man's  ways  are  before 
the  eyes  of  the  Lord,  and  he  pondereth  all  his 
goings."  If  no  other  apprehend  the  adulterer  cr 
fornicator,  to  put  him  to  shame,  or  testify  agamst 
him;  his  own  iniquities  will  entangle  him,  as  in  a 
net,  and  his  sins  will  bind  him,  as  with  cords,  for 
the  vengeance  of  his  offended  God:  and  those, 
who  despise  these  maxims  of  heavenly  wisdom, 
shall  die  without  instruction;  while  their  doo:n 
shall  prove  the  greatness  of  their  folly,  in  going 
astray  from  God's  commandments. 

NOTES. 

Chap.  VT.  V.  1 — 5.   A  partial  regard  to  insin- 
uating companions,  or  relations,  whose  circum- 
stances, prudence,  or  honesty  are  not  fully  ascer- 
tained, induces  incautious  persons,  especialh  the 
young  and  unsuspecting,  to  be  bound  with  then?, 
for  sums  of  money  above  what  they  can  afford  to 
lose;  and  often,  to  enable  a  man,  who-rte  discon- 
tented in  his  station  and  in  haste  to  be  rich,  to 
prosecute  some  favorite  scheme;  or  to  extricate 
himself  from  difficulties  into  which  his  rashness  or 
extravagance  has  plunged  him;  or  to  support  a 
delusive  shew  of  affluence  and  treacherous  cred- 
it.    Thus  men  risk  the  ruin  of  their  own  circuin- 
stances,  the  forfeiture  of  reputation  and  liberrv 
the  injuring  of  their  families,  or  even  the  defrauJ 
ing  of  ttieir  creditors;  when  perhaps  their  consent 
was  obtained  at  some  convivial  meeting,  or  when 
heated  with  liquor!     Such  contracts  seem  in  Sol 
omon's   days  to   have   been    finished   by   vcrlri' 
promises,  and  striking  of  hands  before  witncssc: 
If  then  any  one  had  been  drawn  into  such  asnt'.rc, 
and  was  taken  with  the  words  of  his  mouth;  ('for 
'a  man's  own  lips   are   a  strong  snare  to  hiiTi' 
Sept.)  it  was  his  duty  and  interest,  to  extricr' 
hunself,  if  possible,  by  the  most  humiliating  <m;i- 
cessions  and  equitable  proposals,  that  he  might 
either  induce  the  creditor  to  discharge  the  socc- 
rity,  or  his  friend  to  pay  the  money:  and  this  with- 
out tlie  least  delay;  as  the  deer  would  escape  frotn 
the  hunter,  or  the  bird  from  the  fatal  snare  of  the 
fowler. — It  cannot  be  supposed  that  suretiship  in 
every  case  is  unlawful,  or  even  inconsistent  wilh  ■ 
prudence.     Such  engagements,  inay,  nay  must, 
frequently  be  entered  into  by  many  persons:  an-^ 
it  would  often  be  inconsistent  witli  friendship,  be- 
nevolence, and  even  justice,  to  refuse  them.    But: 
the  dangerous  extremes  to  which  tliis  matter  is 
carried,  the  fatal  effects  of  men  rashly  engaging 
for  large  sums,  and  the  cruel  advantage  frequent- 
ly taken  of  their  indiscretion,  render  it  a  general 
truth,  that  "he  who  hateth  suret;isliip    is  sure;" 
(11:15.)  and  some  exceptions  may^eli  agree  with 
a  good  general  rule.     Nor  can  It  consist  with 
honesty,  in  any  ordinary  case,  for  a  man  to  be 
bound  for  more  money  than  he  is  able  (o  paj', 
along  with  his  own  debts,  and  without  giving  up 

[465 


B.  C.  97T. 


PROVERBS. 


B.  C.  977. 


6  IT  Go  2  to  the  ant,  »'^  thou  sluggard; 
consider  her  ways,  and  be  wise: 

7  Which,  having  'no  guide,  overseer, 
or  ruler, 

8  Provideth  ''  her  meat  in  the  sum- 
mer, and  gathgreth  her  food  in  the  har- 
vest. 

9  '  How  long  wilt  thou  sleep,  O  slug- 
gard? *"  when  wilt  thou  arise  out  of  thy 
sleep? 

10  Yet  °  a  little  sleep,  a  httle  slumber, 
a  little  folding  of  the  hands  to  sleep: 

11  So  °  shall  thy  poverty  come  as  one 
that  travelleth,  and  thy  want  as  an  armed 
man. 

12  IT  A  P  naughty  person,  a  wicked 
man,  ^  walketh  with  a  froward  mouth. 

13  He  "■  winketh  with  his  eyes,  he 
speaketh  with  his  feet,  he  teacheth  with 
his  fingers; 


g  1:17.  Job  12:7,8.  Is.  1.3.  Malt. 

6:26. 
h9.    10:26.    13:4.    15:19.     18:9. 

19:15,24.    20:4.    21:25.     22:13. 

24:30—34.    26:13—16.      Matt. 

25:26.  Rom.   12:11.  Heb.  6:12. 
i  Job  38:39— 41.    39:1—12,26— 

30.  41:4,&c. 
k  30:25.     1  Tim.  6:19. 
1  1:22.  Jer.  4:14. 
in   Ps.  94:8.      Jon.  1:6.     Rom. 

13:11.     Eph.  5:14.     1  Thes.  5: 


2—7. 
n  6.  23:33,34. 
o  10:4.   13:4.  20:4. 
p  11:6.  17:4.   1  Sam.  17:23 

24:2,3—10.    Jam.  1:21. 
q  14.  2:12.  4:24.    8:13.     Ps.  10 

3,7.  36:3.  52:2—4.  69:7.  73:3,9, 

Matt.    12:34.       Acts   20:30.    1 

Tim.  5:13.    Tit.  1:10,11.  Jam. 

3:6. 
r  5:6.  10:10.  Job.  15:12.  Ps.  35: 

19. 


Jer. 


a  fair  prospect  of  maintaining  his  family.  {J^otes, 
17:18.  20:16.  22:26,27.) 

V.  6 — 11.  Diligence  is  every  man's  wisdom 
and  duty;  that  he  may  not  be  a  burden  to  society, 
but  provide  things  needful  for  himself  and  familj'; 
that  he  may  be  out  of  the  way  of  various  tempta- 
tions, and  have  it  in  his  power  to  relieve  the  dis- 
tressed. The  sluggard  is  therefore  scut  to  school 
to  the  insignificant  but  provident  ant;  who,  desti- 
tute of  reason,  and  without  any  instructer  or  ru- 
ler, takes  more  proper  care  for  the  future,  than 
the  slothful  do,  with  all  their  advantages.  Hab- 
its of  indolence  grow  upon  people:  they  cannot 
resolve  to  leave  their  beds,  and  go  to  work,  to  en- 
counter difficulties,  or  bear  hardships:  they  make 
abundance  of  excuses;  and  if  none  prove  satisfac- 
tory, they  only  desire  a  short  respite,  a  little  and 
a  little  more  indulgence  in  sloth. — Thus  the  day 
is  spent  in  sleep  or  inactivitj*;  life  runs  to  waste; 
and  poverty,  seen  at  a  distance  but  not  regarded, 
draws  near  with  sure  and  gradual  progrtJss,  like 
a  traveller:  and  when  he  arrives,  he  proves  an 
armed  man;  all  resistance  is  in  vain,  and  pinch- 
ing want  becomes  the  inevitable  consequence. 
This  slothfulness  is  frequently  the  eifect  of  being 
brought  up  with  the  expectations  of  a  large  for- 
tune, and  then  coming  untutored  into  possession 
of  it;  while  habits  of  industry  are  generally  con- 
tracted by  young  men  who  have  not  such  expec- 
tations: and  thus  some  grow  rich  and  others  poor, 
in  unremitted  saccession,  one  generation  after 
another;  which  shews,  that,  even  in  respect  of 
this  world,  the  anxiety  of  men  to  heap  up  wealth 
for  their  children  is  vanity  and  folly. — The  Sep- 
tuagint  exhort  the  sluggard  to  consider  the  hee 
likewise.  'Or,  go  to  the  bee,  and  learn  how  skil- 
'fully  she  labors,  and  how  completely  she  finishes 
'her  work:  whose  labors  kings  and  private  per- 
'sons  carry  away  for  their  health:  for  she  is  desir- 
Tible  and  honorable  among  all;  because  being 
'weak  as  to  strength,  she  hath  added  wisdom  to 
'acquire  reputation.'  (JVb^es,  13:4.  15:19.  18:9.  19: 
466] 


14  ^  Frowardness  is  in  his  heart,  *he 
deviseth  mischief  continually;  "he  * sow- 
eth  discord. 

15  Therefore  ^  shall  his  calamity  come 
suddenly;  suddenly  shall  ^  he  be  broken 

without   remedy.  [Praa.cal    observations.] 

16  IT  These  ^  six  things  doth  the 
Lord  hate;  yea,  seven  are  *"  an  abomina- 
tion t  unto  him: 

17  t  A  proud  look,  *>  a  lying  tongue, 
*=  and  hands  that  shed  innocent  blood, 

18  An  **  heart  that  deviseth  wicked 
imaginations,  ®  feet  that  be  swift  in  run- 
ning to  mischief, 

19  '^  A  false  witness  that  speaketh  lies. 


5  2:14.    16:28—30.    21:8. 

t  18.     Ps.  36:4.     Is.  32:7.     Kz. 

11:2.      Mic.  2:1. 
u  19.  16:23.  22:8.  Hos.  8:7.  Gal. 

6:7.8. 
*  Heb.  casteth  forth.  26:17— 

22. 
X  1:27.  29:1.    Ps.  73:18—20.  Is. 

30:13.      1  Thes.  5:3. 
y  2  Chr.  36:16.     Ps.  50:22.  Jer. 

19:11. 
z  8:13.   30:18,21,24,29.      Am.  1: 

3,6,9,11.    2:1,4,6. 
a  3:32.     11:1,20.     15:8,9.     17:15. 

20:10,23.    Deut.  18:10— 12.  23: 

18.  24:4.  25:16  Rev.  21:27. 
t  Heb.  of  his  soul.  Ps.  11:5. 
j  Heb.    Haughty  eyes.    30:13. 


Ps.  10:4.    18:27.    73:6—8.   }0U 

5.    131:1.     Is.  2:11.     3:9,16.   1 

Pet.  5:5. 
b   12:22.    14:5.    26:28.     Ps.  5:6. 

120:2,3.     Hos.  4:1,2.     John  8: 

44.   Rev.  22:15. 
c    1:11.     Deut.  27:25.     2  King! 

24:4.    Is.  1:15.  59:3—6. 
d    24:8.      Gen.   6:5.     Ps.  36:4. 

Jer.  4:14.     Mic.  2:1.     Zecb. 

8:17. 
e  1:16.    Is.  59:7.     Rom.  3:15. 
f  12:17.     19:5,9.      21:23.    25:18. 

Ex.  20:16.    23:1.     Deut.  19:16 

—20.     1  Kings  21:10- 15.   Ps. 

27:12.  35:11.     Matt.  15:19.  26: 

69.  Acts  6:13. 


24.  20:4.  21:23.  22:13.  24:30—34.  26:13—16.  Eph. 
4:28.    1  ITies.  4:9—12.  2  Thes.  S:6— 12.) 

V.  12 — 13.  Solomon  here  contrasts  tne  sloth  of 
those  who  might  be  profitably  employed,  with  the 
unwearied  application  and  wily  sagacity  of  the 
sons  of  Belial,  the  determined  and  desperately 
wicked:  or,  he  shews  how  indolence  and  extrav- 
agance make  way  for  a  man  being  gradually  led 
on  in  sin,  through  urgent  temptations,  till  he  be- 
comes the  most  abandoned  and  mischievous  of  the 
human  species.  Those  who  have  totally  cast  off 
the  fear  of  God,  with  all  regard  to  justice  and 
honor,  form  artful  schemes  of  committing  iniqui- 
ty, and  pursue  their  object  without  intermission, 
b}'  lies,  flatteries,  slanders,  or  perjuries.  Thus 
they  "walk  with  a  froward  mouth."  They  unite 
themselves  in  cabals,  and  have  their  secret  signs, 
understood  by  each  other.  So  that  "they  winlt 
with  their  eyes,  and  speak  witli  their  feet,  and 
teach  with  their  fingers."  The  artifices  of  game- 
sters and  covetous  usurers,  to  draw  in  young 
spendthrifts,  may  be  intended.  Or  the  conduct 
of  hypocrites,  who,  with  the  language,  the  atti- 
tudes, the  affected  demure  looks,  and  every  ac- 
tion of  extraordinary  piety,  carry  on  their  trade 
of  "devouring  widows'  houses."  Their  mouths, 
and  hands,  and  eyes,  and  feet,  are  all  employed: 
and  even  in  their  closet,  at  the  church,  and  at  the 
Lord's  table,  they  are  pursuing  their  one  object, 
with  lifted  eyes,  and  bended  knees,  and  hands 
spread  forth. — Or  in  general,  it  may  mean,  that 
all  the  powers,  faculties,  senses,  and  members  of 
wicked  men,  are  instruments  of  unrigKteousness; 
and  according  to  their  different  propensities,  they 
pursue  their  object  uniformly:  for  frowardness  is 
in  their  heart,  and  they  are  continually  devising 
mischief,  and  sowing  discord,  in  neighborhoods 
and  nations,  that  they  may  reap  some  advantage 
for  themselves;  or  because,  as  the  children  of  the 
devil,  they  love  mischief  for  mischiefs  sake:  but 
by  all  this  they  only  ensure  their  own  destruction; 
and  that  often  verj'  suddenly,  and  without  reme- 


B.  C.  977. 


CHAPTER  VI. 


B.  C.  977. 


and  he  s  that  soweth  discord  among  breth- 
ren. 

20  If  My  son,  ^  keep  thy  father's  com- 
mandment, and  forsake  not  the  law  of  thy 
mother: 

21  '  Bind  them  continually  upon  thine 
heart,  and  tie  them  about  thy  neck. 

22  When  ^  thou  goest,  it  shall  lead 
thee;  when  thou  sleepest,  it  shall  keep 
thee;  and  ivhen  thou  awakest,  it  shall  talk 
with  thee. 

23  For  '  the  commandments  a  *  lamp, 
and  the  law  is  light;  "  and  reproofs  of  in- 
struction are  "  the  way  of  life; 

24  To  °  keep  thee  from  the  evil  wo- 
man, from  the  flattery  tof  the  tongue  of 
a  strange  woman. 

25  P  Lust  not  after  her  beauty  in  thine 
heart;  neither  let  her  'i  take  thee  with  her 
eye-hds. 

26  For  'by  means  of  a  whorish  wo- 
man a  man  is  brought  to  *  a  piece  of 
bread:  and  t  the  adulteress  will  *  hunt  for 
the  precious  life. 


g  14.  16:28.  22:10.  26:20.  2  Tim. 

2:23.   Jam.  3:14—16,18. 
h    1:8,9.    7:1—4.    23:22.    30:11. 

Deut.  21:18.  27:16.    Eph.  6:1. 
i  3:3.  4:6,21.    7:3,4.     Ex.  13:16. 

Deut.  6:8.     2  Cor.  3:3. 
12:11.  3:23,24.     Ps.  17:4.  43:3. 

119:9,11,24,54,97,148. 
IPs.  19:3.  119;98— 100,105.   Is. 

8:20.    2  Pet.  1:19. 
•  Or,  candlt.  Rev.  2:5. 
m  5:12.    15:31,32.    29:15.     Lev. 

19:17.    Ps.  141:5. 


n3:18.  4:4,13.  15:24.    Jer.  21:3. 
o  2:16.  5:3.  7:5.   Ec.  7:26. 
t  Or,  of  the  straiige  tongue. 
p   2  Sam.  11:2—5.     Matt.  5:23. 

Jam.  1:14,15. 
q  2  Kings  9:30.     Marg.    Cant. 

4:9.    Is.  3:16. 
r  5:10.    29:8.     Luke  15:13—15, 

30. 
s  1  Sam.  2:36. 
J  Heb.   i/ie  woman  of  a  man, 

or,  a  -man's  wife. 
tGen.  39:14.   Ez.  13:18. 


dy.  {JVotes,  29:1.  1  Thes.  5:1—3.)—.^  naughty 
person.  (12)  ".^  man  of  Belial.'^  Heb.  JVotes, 
Deut.  13:12—18,  v.  12.  2  Sam.  20:1,2.  1  Kings 
21:8—14. 

V.  16 — 19.  [Marg.  Ref.)  These  seven  abomi- 
nations seem  to  have  been  mentioned  by  Solo- 
mon, as  found  in  the  practice  of  the  children  of 
Belial,  whom  he  had  been  describing:  they  were 
sure  therefore  to  destroy  such  as  persisted  in 
them,  because  peculiarly  hateful  to  God  the 
Judge  of  all.  'Nothing  is  more  odious  to  the 
'Lord,  (who  is  the  dispenser  of  rewards  and  pun- 
'ishments)  nothing  more  opposite  to  the  divine  na- 
'tiire,  and  which  he  more  severely  punishes,  than 
'these  six  or  seven  things,  &c.'  Bp.  Patrick. 
(JVo<e*,  8:13.  30:11—14.) 

V.  20,  21.  These  commandments,  as  given 
by  parents,  are  here  supposed  to  coincide  with 
the  precepts  of  God:  and  this  tacitly  instructed 
parents,  what  injunctions  to  laj'^  upon  their  chil- 
dren, and  how  to  exercise  their  authority.  UVotes, 
1:8.  Ex.  20:12.) 

V.  22.  {Kote,  Deut.  6:7—9.)  'Thou  wilt  find 
'the  benefit  of  giving  early  entertainment  to  such 
'good  counsel  from  thy  parents,  in  every  passage 
'of  thy  whole  life:  for  when  thou  goest  about  any 
'business,  it  will  guide  thee  to  do  it  honestly  and 
'successfully;  when  thou  liest  down  to  sleep,  it 
'will  make  thee  rest  secure  of  the  guardianship  of 
'the  divine  Providence;  and  when  thou  awakest 
'in  the  morning,  suggest  to  thy  thoughts  how  thou 
'oughtest  to  behave  thyself  at  home  and  abroad.' 
Bp.  Patrick. — 'When  thou  walkest,  lead  her 
'forth,  that  she  may  be  with  thee;  thus  when  thou 


27  Can  a  man  "  take  fire  in  his  bosom, 
and  his  clothes  not  be  burned.'' 

28  Can  one  go  upon  hot  coals,  and  his 
feet  not  be  burned.'' 

29  So  '^  he  that  goeth  in  to  his  neigh- 
bor's wife;  whosoever  ^  toucheth  her  shall 
not  be  innocent. 

30  Men  do  not  despise  a  thief,  if  he 
steal  to  satisfy  his  soul  when  he  is  hun- 
gry; 

31  But  ^if  he  be  found,  he  shall  re- 
store seven-fold;  *  he  shall  give  all  the 
substance  of  his  house. 

32  But  whoso  committeth  adultery 
with  a  woman  ^  lacketh  ^  understanding: 
he  that  doeth  it  *=  destroyeth  his  own  soul. 

33  **  A  wound  and  dishonor  shall  he 
get;  ®  and  his  reproach  shall  not  be  wiped 
away. 

34  For  ^jealousy  is  the  rage  of  a  mam 
therefore  he  will  not  spare  in  the  day  oi 
vengeanco 

35  He  will  not  H  regard  any  ransom; 
neither  will  he  rest  content,  though  thou 
givest  many  gifts. 


Job  31:9—12.     Hos.  7:1—7. 

Jam.  3:5. 
X   Gen.    12:18,19.     Lev.  20:10. 

2  Sam.  11:3,4.    12:9,10.     16:21. 

Jer.  5:8,9.      Ez.  22:11.     Mai. 

3:5. 
y  Gen.  20:4—7.  26:10,11.  1  Cor. 

7:1. 
z    Ex.  22:1,3,4.      2  Sam.    12:6. 

Job  20:13.     Luke  19:8. 
a  Matt.  18:25. 
b  7:7.   Gen.  39:9,10.  41:39.    Ec. 

7:25,26.     Jer.  5:8,21.    Rom.  1: 

22—24. 


«  Heb.  heart.  Hos.  4:11,12. 
c  2:18,19.  5:22,23.  7:22,23.  8:36. 

9:16—18.      Ez.    18:31.      Hos. 

13"9. 
d  5:9—11.  Jud| 

38:1—8.  51:8 
e    Gen.   49:4. 

Neh.     13:26. 

Matt.  1:6. 
i  27:4.    Marg. 

11.  Judg.  19:29,; 

1  Cor.  10:22. 
II  Heb.   accept  the  face  of. 


16:19—21.  Ps. 


1   Kings    15:5. 
Ps.   51:     title. 


Num.  5:14.  25: 
Cant.  8:6. 


'sleepest,  let  her  keep  thee,  that  when  thou  awak- 
'est  she  may  talk  with  thee.'  Sept. 

V.  23.  'Every  particular  commandment  of  God 
'...is  like  a  candle;  and  the  whole  law  is  like  the 
'light  of  the  sun;  to  shew  thee  thy  way  and  to  ex- 
'hilarate  thy  spirits,  while  thou  walkest  in  it:  nay, 
'the  severest  reproofs,  which  correct  thy  errors, 
'and  reduce  thee  to  obedience,  are  the  way  to  the 
'greatest  happiness.'  Bp.  Patrick. — The  words 
law  and  commandment  are  in  such  passages  put 
for  revelation  in  general,  and  not  for  any  one 
part  of  it  as  distinguished  from  others.  [JVoteSy 
Ps.  19:7—11.  119:1.) 

V.  24,  25.  (JVbto,2:16— 18.  5:4— 6.)  Eye-lids.] 
Either  the  decorations  of  painting  and  attire,  or  the 
wanton  glancesofalicentious  woman;  which  wouna 
and  kill,  in  a  far  different  sense  than  deluded  lov- 
ers suppose  when  they  use  such  expressions. 

V.  26.  A  piece  of  bread,  &c.]  That  is,  a  frag- 
ment or  crust  of  bread,  the  meanest  morsel  by 
which  life  can  be  supported.  This  expression 
describes  that  extreme  poverty,  to  which  fornica- 
tion often  reduces  those  who  have  before  lived  in 
affluence;  as  the  latter  claus.e  of  the  verse  shews 
the  fatal  effects  of  adultery.  {Mtes,  27—35.  2: 
16,17.) 

V.  27—35.  Solomon  had  before  intimated,  that 
some  of  these  strange  women  had  "forsaken  the 
guides  of  their  youth,  and  forgotten  the  covenant 
of  their  God:"  (JVote,  2:11 .)  but  he  here  particu- 
larly considers  the  consequences  of  adultery,  with- 
a  woman  who  yet  lived  with  her  husband.  It 
would  be  as  vain  to  commit  this  crime  in  expec- 
tation of  escaping  detection  and  punishment;  as 

[4G7 


B.  C.   977, 


PROVERBS. 


B.  C.  977. 


to  take  fire  into  the  bosom,  and  suppose  that  it 
would  not  burn  so  much  as  the  raiment,  or  to 
walk  on  burning  coals,  and  hope  that  the  feet 
v70uld  not  be  burnt.  {JVoies  and  P.  O.  J^fum.  5: 
1:1 — 31.)  And  indeed  no  man  could  be  so  inti- 
nate  with  a  married  woman,  as  to  give  occasion 
to  disadvantageous  surmises,  without  guilt  and  a 
powerful  temptation  to  more  atrocious  criminal- 
ity. (JVb<e,  Matt.  5:27,28.)  A  thief  who  stole  from 
mere  hunger,  might  escape  contempt,  through 
compassion  for  his  distress:  yet  he  that  was  caught 
stealing,  was  condemned  to  restore  seven-fold,  or 
abundantly,  though  it  might  reduce  him  to  pover- 
ty or  even  slavery.  [JVotc,  Ex.  22:1 — 4.)  But  adul- 
tery, being  a  far  more  intolerable  injury,  was  by 
the  judicial  law  of  God  punishable  with  the  death 
of  both  parties:  {Lev.  20:10.  J^otes,  2  Sam.  12:13, 
24,23.)  it  was  a  proof  of  a  more  desperate  state  of 
the  heart,  and  could  admit  of  no  plea;  and  it  was 
as  egregious  folly,  as  if  a  man  should  at  once  wil- 
fully murder  both  his  body  and  soul.  In  the  judg- 
ment of  all  wise  and  pious  men,  the  adulterer 
would  contract  ail  indelible  disgrace;  and  would 
involve  himself  in  quarrels  which  might  termi- 
nate in  bloodshed.  For  jealousy,  when  a  man 
knew  or  suspected  himself  supplanted  in  the  af- 
fections of  his  wife,  and  dishonored  by  her  unfaith- 
fulness to  his  bed,  commonly  excited  the  most  im- 
placable rage  and  resentment.  (Jfotes,  Ex.  20: 
5.  34:11—17,  V.  14.  JVum.  5:12—14,31.)  In  pros- 
ecuting the  criminal,  the  injured  husband  would 
demand  the  rigorous  execution  of  the  law,  and 
not  regard  any  ransom,  presents,  or  submissions: 
and  if  he  failed  of  obtaining  redress  from  the  mag- 
istrates, he  would  be  ready  to  execute  vengeance 
with  his  own  hand  upon  the  injurer.  So  that  he 
that  committed  adultery,  did  it,  as  one  bent  upon 
destroying  his  own  soul. — Toucheth  her.  (29) 
Gen.  3:3.  20:7.  1  Cor.  7:1. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
V.  1—5. 
The  Scriptures  instruct  us  in  discretion,  even 
as  to  our  temporal  concerns,  for  the  peace  of  our 
own  minds,  the  comfort  of  domestic  life,  the  wel- 
fare of  society,  and  the  honor  of  the  gospel:  and 
a  life,  regulated  according  to  the  oracles  of  God, 
exceedingly  conduces  to  our  true  interest  and 
happiness,  even  in  this  present  world — We  are 
stewards  of  our  worldly  substance,  and  ought  not 
to  dispose  of  any  part  of  it,  but  by  the  allowance 
of  our  Lord;  we  hold  it  in  trust,  for  our  families, 
for  the  poor,  and  for  the  church;  with  a  license  to 
take  a  portion  for  our  own  use,  according  to  our 
station:  but  to  waste  his  goods  extravagantly,  or 
in  rash  schemes  and  speculations,  is  a  very  crim- 
inal breach  of  trust.  ( JVbies,  Luke  1 6: 1 — 8.  P.  O. 
1 — 12.)  Justice,  piety,  and  charity  unitedl)^  call 
on  us  to  be  upon  our  guard  against  such  engage- 
ments, as  may  entangle  us  in  difficulties  and 
temptations,  be  injurious  to  others,  or  deprive  us 
of  the  means  of  being  useful.  And  if  any  have 
been  thus  drawn  in;  it  behoves  them  to  lose  no 
time,  spare  no  pains,  and  shrink  from  no  difficul- 
ties by  which  the  ruiaous  effects  may  be  pre- 
vented or  mitigated,  if  possible.  But  such  obli- 
gations are  far  more  readily  entered  into  than  got 
rid  of:  and  a  promise,  a  letter  of  credit,  or  a  bond 
hastily  given,  may  so  involve  a  man,  that  he  can 
by  no  means  avoid  bankruptcy.  Hence  we  learn 
how  much  easier  it  is  to  ruin  than  to  save  ourselves; 
that  our  heedless  conduct  may  be  long  after  re- 
membered against  us;  and  that  every  rash  and 
wicked  word,  yea,  every  idle  word,  must  be  ac- 
counted for  at  the  day  of  judgment. — But  how 
base  are  they,  who  take  advantage  of  a  man's  in- 
discreet partiality  to  draw  him  in  to  his  ruin;  and 
who  will  not  submit  to  every  hardship,  to  extri- 
cate him  whom  they  have  thus  involved!  In  these 
matters,  supposed  friends  often  prove  strangers  to 
468] 


us,  and  shew  that  we  wei-c  not  well  acquainted 
with  them;  and  by  acting  with  the  cruelty  of  en- 
emies, painfully  teach  us  to  place  no  confidence 
in  man.  If,  however,  we  ought  in  prudence  to 
stoop,  strive,  and  employ  every  means,  to  escape 
from  impending  temporal  calamities;  how  should 
we  be  in  earnest,  and  make  all  haste,  to  flee  from 
"the  wrath  to  come,"  and  to  "recover  ourselves 
from  the  snare  of  the  devil,  who  hath  taken  us 
captives  at  his  will!"  Nor  should  we  forget  him, 
who  willingly  became  our  Suret}^  when  we  were 
strangers  and  enemies,  though  he  well  knew  how 
dear  it  would  cost  him  to  pay  our  debt,  and  ran- 
som our  souls,  and  how  ungrateful  we  should 
often  prove. 

V.  6—15. 
It  may  abate  our  wonder,  that  sinners  should 
be  so  negligent  in  seeking  an  interest  in  his  great 
salvation;  when  we  observe  how  improvident 
great  numbers  are  about  the  present  world. 
Though  we  are  formed  wiser  than  the  animal 
tribes:  yet  multitudes  voluntarily  become  more 
foolish  than  they,  and  might  learn  wisdom  from 
the  most  despicable  of  them,  if  they  were  not  ut- 
terly un  teachable.  (JVbte,  /*.  1:3.)  While  many 
incessantly  weary  tnemselves  to  gratify  an  insa- 
tiable avarice,  numbers  can  by  no  means  be  in- 
duced to  a  proper  degree  of  attention  and  dil- 
igence; though  they  see  abject  poverty  marching 
in  pursuit  of  them  as  an  armed  man.  We  may 
expostulate  with  such  sluggards,  and  demand  of 
them,  how  long  they  mean  to  waste  their  hours  in 
sleep,  and  their  days  in  inactivity.  But  they  will 
still  crav^e  respite,  and  require  "a  little  sleep,  a 
little  slumber,  a  little  folding  of  the  hands  to 
sleep:"  and  few  are  recovered  from  these  indolent 
habits,  who  have  once  contracted  them.  How 
carefully  then  should  we  guard  ag'ainst  begin- 
nings, and  learn  to  redeem  precious  time;  to  rise 
early  when  health  permits;  and  to  inure  ourselves 
to  diligence  and  hardiness,  in  our  respective  call- 
ings! And  how  carefully  should  parents  and 
teachers  watch  ove-  young  persons,  and  prevent 
their  becoming  hauituaUy  slothful  and  self-in- 
dulgent, and  to  teach  them  habits  of  application 
to  some  useful  study  or  labor!  But  it  is  still 
more  important,  that  men  should  avoid  indo- 
lence in  the  concerns  of  their  immortal  souls; 
and  that,  in  the  present  transient  and  precarious 
summer  of  life  and  health,  they  should  prepare 
for  the  approaching  winter  of  sickness,  death, 
judgm?ljt,  and  eternity.  To  numbers  it  may  well 
be  said,  "Go  to  the  ant,  thou  sluggard,  consider 
her  ways,  and  be  wise."  "How  long  wilt  thou 
sleep,  O  sluggard?  When  wilt  thou  arise  out  of 
thy  sleep?"  Awake  thou  that  sleepest,  and  arise 
from  the  dead,  and  Christ  shall  give  thee  light." 
[Jfotes,  Rom.  13:11—14.  Eph.  5:8—14,  v.  14.  1 
Thes.5A—\\.')  But  alas!  they  love  their  sleep 
of  sin,  and  their  soothing  dreams  of  worldly  fe- 
licity; and  crave  a  little  sleep,  and  to  be  excused, 
as  yet,  from  repentance,  prayer,  self-denial,  and 
diligence:  they  mean  to  set  about  this  irksome 
work  some  time,  but  not  now:  and  so  they  com- 
pose themselves  again;  j^et  not  without  imbibing 
a  deep  resentment  against  those  officious  intrud- 
ers, who  attempted  to  awake  them.  But  their 
destruction  slumbers  not;  it  approaches  every 
moment,  and  will  ere  long  come  on  them  with  ir- 
resistible violence:  and  when  they  "lift  up  their 
ejes  in  hell,"  they  will  have  full  leisure  bitterly 
to  lament  their  folly.  'O  Lord,  awaken  them  to 
'see  their  danger,  while  yet  there  is  a  way  of  es- 
'cape!  and  awaken  all  of  us,  (for  we  are  yet  half 
'asleep,  and  ready  again  to  close  our  eyes,)  that  we 
'may  give  diligence  to  ensure  our  own  salvation, 
'and  to  seize  everj' opportunity  of  glorifying  God, 
'and  of  doing  good  to  the  church,  and  to  the 
'world!'  For  the  children  of  the  wicked  one  are 
vigilant,  diligent,  sagacious,  and  persevering  in 


B.  C.  977. 


CHAPTER  VII. 


B.  C.  977. 


CHAP.  vn. 

Repeated  invitations  to  a  familiar  acquaintance  with  wisdom,  as 
the  preservative  from  strange  women,  1—5.  A  fact  related, 
to  illustrate  the  artful  way,  by  which  such  women  draw  in  the 
unwary  to  their  destruction,  6 — 23.  Another  warning  against 
all  approaches  to  this  vice,  from  its  fatal  effects  oa  many  em- 
inent persons,  24 — 27. 

"Y  son,  ^  keep  my  words,  and  •=  lay 
up  my  commandments  with  thee. 

a  1:8.  3:1.  I  c  2:1.   10:14.     Deut.  11:13.    Job 

b    Luke  8:15.     11:23.     John  14:       22:22. 
23.   15:20.     Rev.  1:3.  22:9. 


their  schemes  of  mischief:  their  heart  continually 
devises,  their  lips  utter,  and  their  fingers  work 
wickedness:  their  eyes  look  abroad  for  their  prey, 
or  wink  while  they  seize  upon  it;  and  they  are 
wholly  intent  upon  their  pernicious  projects:  yet 
by  all  this  they  only  serve  the  cause  of  Satan, 
and  ensure  their  own  destruction.  And  shall 
Christians,  who  have  such  glorious  prospects,  im- 
mense obligations,  powerful  motives,  and  bright 
examples,  be  inactive,  inconstant,  and  luke- 
warm.'' Shall  we  neglect  those  things  which  the 
Lord  loves,  by  which  he  is  honored,  and  which  he 
will  graciously  reward.''  God  forbid!  No,  let  us  be 
"stedfast,  unmoveable,  and  always  abounding 
in  his  work,  as  knowing  that  our  labor  is  not  in 
vain  in  the  Lord."  (JVbfes,  1  Cor.  15:55 — 58.) 
V.   16—26. 

We  ought  to  judge  of  every  thing  by  the  rule  of 
the  sacred  word,  and  not  according  to  man's  judg- 
ment. The  pride  of  heart,  which  appears  in  a 
haughty  and  self-important  countenance,  may  be 
termed  dignity  or  a  noble  spirit;  but  God  abhors 
it,  and  will  resist  it,  and  abase  it  into  the  dust.  A 
lying  tongue,  whether  employed  in  slander,  flat- 
tery, or  polite  simulation,  or  dissimulation,  is  an 
abomination  to  him.  He  hateth  "hands  that  shed 
innocent  blood,"  though  it  be  done  honorably  in 
man's  erroneous  notions,  or  in  ambitious  wars,  or 
in  order  to  conduct  a  lucrative  commerce.  What- 
ever decorum  appear  in  the  life,  the  Lord  "hateth 
the  heart  that  deviseth  wicked  imaginations,"  as 
%vell  as  "the  feet  that  be  swift  in  running  to  mis- 
chief." Not  only  the  false  witness,  who  speaks  lies 
in  a  court  of  justice  and  appeals  to  God  for  the  truth 
of  his  testimony,  is  "an  abomination"  unto  him; 
but  the  tale-bearer  also,  "that  sows  discord  among 
brethren."  Let  us  then  shun  these  things,  and 
watch  and  pray  against  every  propensity  to  them: 
and  let  us  avoid,  with  marked  disapprobation,  all 
who  are  guilty  of  them,  whatever  may  be  their 
rank  in  society.  The  word  of  God  will  likewise 
instruct  young  persons  to  honor  and  obey  their 
parents,  in  all  things  lawful  and  proper;  which 
will  greatly  conduce  to  their  honor  and  com- 
fort: indeed  it  will  guide  us  all  in  the  path 
of  peace;  inspire  us  with  confidence  in  God  by 
day  and  night,  in  life  and  in  death;  and  be 
our  counsellor  and  companion,  with  whom  we 
may  pleasantly  and  usefully  commune  at  all 
times:  and  the  more  we  allow  heavenly  wisdom 
to  speak  to  us,  and  the  more  we  relish  her  dis- 
course, the  clearer  light  will  shine  upon  our  path, 
through  this  dark  and  uncomfortable  world. 
Nay,  the  severest  reproofs  of  instruction  tend  to 
keep  us  in  the  way  of  life:  especially  in  warning 
men  from  the  company  of  bad  women,  and  guard- 
ing against  their  inveigling  flattery.  While,  with 
apparent  rigor,  the  Lord  declares,  that  "he  who 
looketli  upon  a  woman  to  lust  after  her,  hath 
committed  adultery  with  her  already  in  his  heart;" 
he  mercifuly  deters  all  that  regard  his  word,  from 
the  allurements  of  her  beauty,  and  from  the  mag- 
netic attraction  of  her  wanton  glances;  and  so 
keeps  them  from  the  paths  which  lead  to  disgrace 
and  poverty,  as  well  as  to  everlasting  miserj'. 
V.  27— 35. 

There  is  a  malignity  in  adultery,  and  dangers 
from  it,  distinct  from  other  species  of  licentious- 


2  ''  Keep  my  commandments,  and  live; 
and  my  law  "^  as  the  apple  of  thine  eye. 

3  ^Bind  them  upon  thy  fingers,  write 
them  upon  the  table  of  thine  heart. 

4  s  Say  unto  wisdom,    ''  Thou  art  my 


d   4:4,1.1.      Lev.  18:5. 
John  12:49,50.     14:21.   15:14, 
John  2:3,4.     5:1—3.     Rev.  22 
14. 

e  Deut.  32:10.    Ps.  17:8.  Zech. 


Is.  65:3.  I  f  3:3.  6:21.     Deut.  li;8,9.    11:1;'. 

—20.     Is.  30:8.     Jer.  17:1.  31; 

33.  2  Cor.  3:3. 
g  2:2—4.  4:6—8. 
h  Job  17:14.     Cant.  R:l.     Matt. 

12:49,50,     Luke  11:27,23. 


ness:  and  the  adulteress  especially  is  Satan's 
agent,  to  hunt  precious  souls  into  his  net.  Indeed 
we  in  this  land  have  no  penal  statutes,  by  which 
adulterers  are  punishable  with  death;  no  waters 
of  jealousy  to  detect  the  secret  offender:  so  that 
men  may  think  of  escaping  detection  or  punish- 
ment. Nay,  the  frequency  of  the  crime  and  the 
numbers,  especially  in  the  higher  ranks,  involved 
in  the  guilt  of  it,  have  almost  obliterated  its  infa- 
my; and  a  pecuniary  mulct  is  now  commonly 
considered  as  a  compensation  for  the  crime:  not 
out  of  Christian  forgiveness  and  gentleness,  but 
from  a  base  and  mean  spirit,  a  want  of  abhor- 
rence of  vice,  and  a  proper  sense  of  the  inesti- 
mable value  of  female  chastity  and  conjugal  fidel- 
ity. And  so  the  matter  is  sometimes  compromis- 
ed, with  almost  as  much  disgrace  to  the  injured, 
as  to  the  injurer:  while  the  poor  thief,  who  steals 
perhaps  for  want,  is  imprisoned,  condemned,  and 
executed,  with  contempt  and  ignominy,  and  al- 
most without  pity;  nay,  perhaps,  is  found  guilty 
by  a  jury,  some  of  whom  are  living  in  this  more 
atrocious  crime,  (even  if  the  judge  himself  be 
blameless,)  and  injuring  individuals  and  families 
in  such  a  manner,  that  all  the  wealth  of  the  In- 
dies could  not  countervail  the  damage!  We  can- 
not but  observe,  that  this  by  no  means  accords 
with  the  scriptural  view  of  these  interesting  sub- 
jects. We  should,  however,  considering  the 
state  of  this  evil  world,  be  thankful  for  tlie  ben- 
efits which  we  enjoy  under  civil  government 
and  our  present  rulers;  though  we  fliink  many 
things  far  removed  from  perfection.  Yet  let 
no  adulterer  expect  impunity:  sooner  shall  fire 
cease  to  burn,  than  God's  displeasure  shall  cease 
to  wax  hot  against  such  workers  of  iniquity.  An 
hour  will  soon  arrive,  when  the  transgressor's 
wound  (if  not  previously  healed  by  the  good  Phy- 
sician,) will  be  incurable.  Whether  the  jealousy 
of  an  enraged  husband  can  be  bribed,  or  not;  an 
angry  God  will  "not  spare  in  the  day  of  his  ven- 
geance: he  will  not  regard  any  ransom,  neither 
will  he  rest  content"  v/ith  any  gifts.  But  Chris- 
tians should  avoid  all  approach  to,  or  appearance 
of,  this  horrid  crime:  he  that  "toucheth  his  neigh- 
bor's wife  shall  not  be  innocent;"  every  suspicious 
familiarity  will  prove  a  wound,  and  a  reproach  to 
a  man's  character,  which  will  not  easily  be  wiped 
away:  and  he,  who  ventures  within  the  influence 
of  temptation,  in  so  perilous  a  case,  as  much  "lack- 
eth  understanding,"  as  if  he  took  fire  into  his  bo- 
som, expecting  that  it  would  not  bum  him.  May 
we  then  not  only  pray,  not  "to  be  led  into  tempta- 
tion," but  keep  at  the  greatest  distance  from  it: 
and  may  we  close  our  eyes  and  ears,  and  every 
sense  and  avenue,  by  which  such  insinuating 
poison  can  enter  into  our  imaginations  or  affec- 
tions! 

NOTES. 

Chap.  VII.  V.  1,  2.  JVb<e5,  2:1— 5.  3:1,2.— 
Apple.]     J\rotes,  Deut.  32:10.  Ps.  17:6—8,  v.  8. 

V.  3.  'Do  not  merely  read  what  I  write, ... 
'but  be  so  well  acquainted  with  them,  as  to  have 
'them  (as  we  speak,)  at  thy  finger's  ends;  or  rath- 
'er  let  them  be  transcribed  from  hence  into  thy 
'very  heart.'  B p.  Patrick.  (JVb^es,  4,5.  6:20,21. 
Deut.  6:6—9.) 

[469 


B.  C.  977. 


PROVERBS. 


B.  C.  977. 


sister;  and  call  understanding  thy  kinswo- 
man: 

5  That  '  they  may  keep  thee  from  the 
strange  woman,  from  the  stranger  lohich 
flattereih  with  her  words. 

6  IF  For  ''  at  the  window  of  my  house 
I  looked  through  my  casement, 

7  And  beheld  among  '  the  simple  ones, 
I  discerned  among  *  the  youths,  a  young 
man  ""  void  of  understanding, 

8  Passing  through  the  streets  °  near 
her  corner:  and  he  went  the  way  to  her 
house; 

9  In  °  the  twilight,  in  the  t  evening,  in 
the  black  and  dark  night: 

10  And,  behold,  there  met  him  a  wo- 
man with  P  the  attire  of  an  harlot,  and 
1  subtle  of  heart. 

11  (She  w  "^  loud  and  stubborn;  ^  her 
feet  abide  not  in  her  house: 

12  Now  is  she  *  without,  now  in  the 
streets,  and  lieth  in  wait  at  every  cor- 
ner.) 

13  So  "  she  caught  him,  and  kissed 
him,  and  t  with  an  impudent  face  said 
unto  him, 


1-2:16.  5:3.  6:24. 

k  Gen.  26:8.     2  Sam.  6:16. 

11:4,22,32.  8:5.    14:15,18.   19:25. 

22:3.  27:12.  Ps.  19:7.   119:130. 

Rom.  16:18,19. 
*  Heb.  the  sons. 
m   6:32.    9:4,16.     10:13.     12:11. 

19:2.  24:30.    Jer.  4:22.     Matt. 

15:16. 
n  4:14,15.     5:8.      Judg.  16:1.  2 

Sam.    11:2,3.      1   Cor.  6:13.  2 

Tim.  2:22.     Jude  23. 

0  Gen.  39:11.  Job  24:13—15. 
Rom.  13:12—14.  Eph.  5:11, 
12. 

1  Heb.  evening  of  the  day.  Ex. 
12:6.  marg. 

p  Gen.  38:14,15.     2  Kings  9:22, 


30.    Is.  3:16—24.  23:16.     Jer. 

4:30.     1  Tim.   2:9.     Rev.  17:3 

—5. 
q  Gen.  3:1.     2  Cor.  11:2,3. 
r  9:13.  25:24.    27:14,15.31:10— 

31. 
s   Gen.   18:9.      1  Tim.  5:13,14. 

Tit.  2:5. 
t  9:14,15.  23:28.  Jer.  2:20,33,36. 

3:2.    Ez.  16:24,25,31.  Rev.  18: 

3,23. 
u  Gen.  39:7,12.     Num.  25:1,6— 

8.  31:16.     Ez.  16:33.    Rev.  2: 

20. 
+    Heb.    she  strengthened  her 
face  and  said.    Is.  50:7.     Ez. 

2:4,6.  3:7—9. 


V.  4,  5.  (JVbfe,  Job  17:13—16,  v.  14.)  'Culti- 
'vate  her  most  intimate  acquaintance,  as  that  of 
'the  nearest  and  most  beloved  relation.' — 'It  is  a 
'singular  benefit  a  man  hath  by  true  wisdom,  to 
'be  preserved  from  such  sins  and  miseries:  and 
'therefore  we  should  study  wisdom,  which  alone 
'can  secure  us  from  being  deceived  by  such  flat- 
'teries  as  bewitch  silly  and  incautious  souls  to 
'their  ruin.  ...  To  preserve  thee  from  the  snares 
'of  the  naughty  woman;  who,  though  her  com- 
'pany  be  so  pernicious,  that  God  would  have  thee 
'perfectly  estranged  from  her,  as  if  she  were  not 
'of  the  commonwealth  of  Israel,  yet  hath  power- 
'ful  charms  about  her,  to  flatter  those  into  her  em- 
'braces  who  are  not  heartily  in  love  with  wisdom.' 
Bp.    Patrick.     (JVb<es,  2:16—19.    5:8,3—14,20.) 

V.  6 — 23.  The  whole  here  related  seems  to 
have  been  an  incident,  which  Solomon  had  wit- 
nessed and  investigated,  and  which  he  recorded 
as  an  illustration  of  his  former  observations. 
(JVbie,  5:14.)  From  his  window  he  noticed  a 
raw  youth,  whose  appearance  and  behavior  shew- 
ed him  to  be  "void  of  understanding."  As  he 
sauntered  through  the  street,  perhaps  in  quest  of 
adventure  or  amusement,  in  the  dusk  of  even- 
ing, before  it  was  quite  dark,  he  came  near  the 
bouse  of  a  licentious  woman.  It  is  not  said 
that  he  intended  to  visit  her,  or  that  he 
knew  she  lived  there,  or  even  that  he  meant 
to  find  out  a  woman  of  this  character:  but  he  was 
470] 


14  i  I  have  *  peace-ofFerings  with  me; 
y  this  day  have  I  paid  my  vows: 

15  Therefore  came  I  forth  to  meet 
thee,  dihgently  to  seek  thy  face;  and  I 
have  found  thee. 

16  1  have  ^  decked  my  bed  with  cov- 
erings of  tapestry,  with  carved  works,  with 
"  fine  linen  of  Egypt. 

17  I  have  ''perfumed  my  bed  "  with 
myrrh,  aloes,  and  cinnamon. 

18  Come,  let  us  take  our  fill  of  love 
until  the  morning:  let  us  solace  ourselves 
with  loves. 

19  For  **  the  good-man  is  not  at  home, 
®  he  is  gone  a  long  journey: 

20  He  hath  taken  a  bag  of  money 
II  with  him,  and  will  come  home  at  ^  the 
day  appointed. 

21  ^  With  her  much  fair  speech  she 
caused  him  to  yield,  with  the  flattering  of 
her  lips  she  s  forced  him. 

22  He  goeth  after  her  **  straightway, 
^  as  an  ox  goeth  to  the  slaughter,  or  as  a 
fool  to  '  the  correction  of  the  stocks; 

23  Till  "^  a  dart  strike  through  his  fiv- 
er; '  as  a  bird  hasteth  to  the  snare,  and 
■^  knoweth  not  that  it  is  for  his  life. 


5    Heb.      Peace-offerings  are 

upon  me. 
X  15:8.   17:1.  21:27.    Lev.  7:15. 

Dent.  12:6,7. 
y  2  Sam.  15:7—9.     1  Kings  21: 

9,10.    John  18:28. 
z  Cant.  1:16.  3:7—10.     Rev.  2: 

a  1  Kings  10:28.   Is.  19:9.     Ez. 

27:7. 
b  Cant.  3:6.  Is.  57:7—9. 
c  Ps.  45:8.  Cant.  4:13,14. 
d  Matt.  20:11.  24:43.     Luke  12: 

39. 
e  Matt.  24:48.   Mark  13:34—36. 


Luke  12:45,46. 
II  Heb.  in  his  hand. 
V  Or,  the  new  -moon. 
{ 5.  5:3.     Judg.  16:15—17.    Ps. 

12:2. 
g   1  Sam.  28:23,     2  Kings  4:8. 

Luke    14:23.    24:29.     Acts  16: 

15.     2  Cor.  5:14. 
*♦  Heb.  suddenly, 
h  Acts  14:13. 
i  Job  13:27.  Jer.  20:2.    Acts  16: 

24. 

k  Num.  25:8,9. 
1  1:17.  Ec.  9:12. 
m  9:18. 


loitering  about,  in  a  place  where  he  had  no  busi- 
ness, and  at  an  unseasonable  hour.  Accordingly 
a  woman  came  forth  to  meet  him,  who  was  mar- 
ried, and  consequently  the  more  criminal  and 
dangerous:  for  her  attire  was  that  of  a  harlot, 
and  her  artfulness  was  equal  to  her  profligacy. 
Indeed  her  whole  character  was  of  the  same 
stamp:  loquacious  and  vociferous,  stubborn  and 
untractable,  she  hated  confinement  and  employ- 
ment, and  was  perpetually  gadding  abroad  in 
every  place,  where  she  had  no  business  except 
to  find  occasions  of  committing  iniquity.  Ob- 
serving, it  seems,  the  youth  to  be  bashful,  she 
threw  aside  all  regard  to  decency,  and  behaved 
and  conversed  with  him  in  the  most  shameless 
manner.  To  represent  her  prosperity,  and  the 
plentiful  entertainment  which  she  could  give  him, 
she  stated  that  she  had  been  offering  a  peace- 
offering  in  the  performance  of  a  vow,  and  was 
about  to  feast  upon  the  sacrifice.  tJVotes,  Lev.  7: 
12 — 18.  Deut.  12:5 — 7.)  Nor  will  it  appear  won- 
derful, that  these  sacred  ordinances  should  give 
occasion  to  carnal  feasts  attended  with  every 
licentious  indulgence;  when  we  reflect  how  all 
kind  of  sensuality  is  indulged  in,  under  pretence 
of  commemorating  the  nativity  of  Christ,  who  was 
"manifested  to  destroy  the  works  of  the  devil," 
and  on  the  other  seasons,  set  apart  for  Christian 
festivals!  ( JVb<e,  Ex.  32: 1 . ) — This  wicked  woman 
pretended,  that  having  made  all  preparations  for 


B.  C.  977. 


CHAPTER  VII. 


B.  C.  977, 


24  IF  Hearken  unto  nie  now  therefore, 
"  O  ye  children,  and  attend  to  the  words 
of  my  mouth: 

25  Let  not  °  thme  heart  decUne  to  her 
ways,  P  go  not  astray  in  her  paths. 

n4:l.  5:7.  8:32,33.     1  Cor.  4:14,  I     Matt.  5:28. 

15.    Gal.  4:19.     1  John  2:1.  p  5:23.  Ps.  119:176.   Is.  53:6. 

o  4:14,13.  5:3.    6:25.  23:31—33.  | 


the  gratification  of  every  sense  to  the  utmost,  and 
only  wanting  an  agreeable  companion,  she  came 
forth  on  purpose  to  meet  the  youth  from  a  pecu- 
liar affection;  and  that  her  husband,  whom  she 
seems  to  speak  of  with  contempt,  was  gone  a  long 
journey  with  a  bag  of  money;  perhaps  intimating 
that  he  neglected  her,  and  went  abroad  to  indulge 
liimself:  so  that  there  was  no  danger  of  interrup- 
tion or  detection.  By  such  enticements  she 
overcame  his  reluctance  and  timidity,  and  com- 
pelled him  with  her  flattering  words  to  accompany 
her.  Thus  he  was  suddenly  induced  to  commit  a 
crime,  punishable  with  death  by  the  magistrate, 
and  exposing  him  to  the  wrath  of  God:  and  if  he 
escaped  death  at  that  time,  it  would  serve  as  an 
introduction  to  further  crimes,  and  would  prob- 
ably end  in  his  ruin.  So  that,  (however  light 
licentious  poets,  actors,  and  artists,  and  those 
who  delight  in  their  works  and  exhibitions,  may 
make  of  such  incidents,)  the  wisdom  of  God  de- 
clares, that  the  youth  went,  "as  an  ox  to  the 
slaughter,  or  as  a  fool,"  (or  drunkard  who  knows 
not  what  is  going  forward, J  to  be  set  in  the  stocks 
and  scourged.  Nor  would  he  be  aware  of  his 
danger,  "till  a  dart  should  strike  through  his 
liver:"  and  he  was  as  a  bird  that  "hasteth  to  the 
snare,"  for  the  sake  of  the  bait,  "and  knoweth 
not  that  it  is  for  his  life." 

Her  feet  abide  not  in  her  house.  (II)  JVbte, 
Tit.  2:3—6,  v.  5. 

The  day  appointed.  (iO)  "The  new  moon." 
J^Iarg.  Many  think,  that  the  full  tnoon  is  intend- 
ed: a  fixed  time,  however,  was  meant,  and  at 
some  distance. 

She  forced  him,  (21)  'Having  wrought  upon 
'his  inclinations,  she  pursued  her  advantage  with 
'so  much  cunning;  that  she  rather  compelled, 
'than  attracted  him  by  ...  her  alluring  language.' 
Bp.  Patrick.  [Mars;.  Ref.  g.  JS'otes,  Luke  14: 
1,5—24,  V.  23.  24:25— -31,  v.  29.) 

As  a  fool  to  the  correction  of  the  stocks.  (22) 
'IP^O    ^^  D5^D  ^VIiSJ-  ''Sicid  compes  ad 

^castigrttionem ...  stulti.  Sicut  vir  compedis  ad 
^erttditionem  sttdtorum.  The  sense  is,  that  he  who 
'follows  an  harlot,  goes  as  an  ox  to  the  slaughter, 
'and  as  a  man  ...  is  bound,  or  casts  himself  into 
'those  chains,  and  bonds,  by  which  fools  are  cor- 
'rected  and  made  wise.'  Robertson. 

V.  24—27.  See  on  1,2.— Wounded.  (26)  Sam- 
son, David,  and  even  Solomon  himself,  were 
grievously  wounded,  and  numbers  of  eminent 
men  have  been  totally  ruined,  through  such 
tempters.  {Jfotes  and  P.  O.  Judg.  16:  2  Sam. 
11:  12:  1  Kings  11:1 — 8.)  This  seems  to  inti- 
mate that  these  chapters  were  written  towards 
the  close  of  Solomon's  life.  His  own  example,  in 
taking  so  many  wives,  probably,  had  a  very  bad 
olFect  on  his  people;  and  their  abundant  prosperi- 
ty would  tend  to  inflame  the  disease.  His  re- 
peated and  pathetic  admonitions  on  this  subject 
must  have  been  very  painful  to  him;  and  they 
form  no  inconsiderable  proof  of  his  deep  humilia- 
tion for  his  own  transgressions.  U^ote,  Ec.  7:23 — 
28.) — Many  strong  men.  Sic]  Literally  'o//  the 
^strong  are  her  slain:''  as  if  these  especially  were 
in  danger. 

Her  house,  &c.  (27)  'To  follow  her  to  her 
'house,  as  this  young  man  did,  is  the  direct  way 
'to  hell.     Every  step  ...  is  in  truth  a  going  down 


26  For  she  i  hath  cast  down  many 
wounded:  yea,  many  strong  men  have 
been  slain  by  her. 

27  '  Her  house  is  the  way  to  hell,  go- 
ing down  to  the  chambers  of  death. 

q  6:33.    Judg.  16:21.     2  Sam.  3:  I     1  Pet.  2:11. 
6—8,27.   12:9—11.   1  Kings  II:     r2:18,19.  5:5.  9:18.  Ec.  7:26. 
1,2.    1  Cor.  10:8.    2  Cor.  12:21.  | 


'to  the  dismal  chambers  of  death  and  to  the  most 
'horrid  miseries.'  Bp.  Patrick.  (JVbies,  2:18,19. 
23:27  28.) 

'practical  observations. 

The  instructions  of  those,  who  speak  according 
to  the  oracles  of  God,  equally  demand  our  atten- 
tion with  that  sacred  source  from  whence  they 
are  derived.  We  should,  according  to  the  plain- 
est dictates  of  common  sense,  be  more  careful  to 
keep  the  law  of  God  in  our  memory,  affections, 
and  conduct;  than  to  preserve  our  limbs,  our 
senses,  or  even  our  lives:  and  if  the  Lord  guard 
his  people  as  the  "apple  of  the  eye,"  surely  we 
should  pay  a  similar  regard  to  his  precepts;  "bind;- 
ing  them  upon  our  fingers,"  ready  for  use,  "and 
writing  them  upon  the  table  of  our  hearts."  We 
are  indeed  most  graciously  invited  to  seek  the 
benefits  and  honor  of  relationship  unto  Christ,  by 
an  obedient  attention  to  his  word:  and  thus  we 
may  indeed  "say  to  Wisdom,  Thou  art  my  sister; 
and  call  understanding  our  kinswoman."  In  this 
way  we  shall  be  preserved  from  the  fatal  effects 
of  our  own  passions,  and  the  snares  of  Satan  and 
of  his  emissaries.  And  when  we  can  with  pleas- 
ure employ  our  leisure-hours,  in  searching  the 
scriptures,  in  meditation,  pious  conversation,  and 
devotion;  our  time  will  not  hang  heavy  on  our 
hands,  and  we  shall  have  no  occasion  to  go  in 
quest  of  amusement  and  dissipation,  to  get  rid  of 
it.  [JVote,  Ps.  1:1 — 3.) — Wise  observers  of  man- 
kind have  always  noted,  that  ignorance  and  in- 
experience, joined  with  indolence,  and  a  fond- 
ness for  roving  about  and  wasting  time  in  vain 
company,  and  keeping  unseasonable  hours,  have 
been  inlets  to  every  kind  of  vice:  and  they,  who 
thus  run  themselves  into  the  way  of  temptation, 
seldom  keep  their  resolutions  of  resisting  it.  For 
Satan  always  has  his  factors  at  work;  and  those 
who  go  upon  his  ground,  or  near  it,  will  be  sure  to 
meet  with  them. — When  women  forget  the  origin 
and  use  of  raiment,  and  are  fond  of  decking 
themselves  in  a  light  manner,  to  attract  the  no- 
tice and  excite  the  passions  of  beholders,  they 
are  far  from  being  innocent;  and  they  give  en- 
couragement to  licentious  men  to  accost  them 
with  sanguine  expectations  of  success.  Indeed  a 
mere  speculator  would  not  think  it  possible,  that 
any  virtuous  woman  would  choose  to  copy  fash- 
ions, or  to  be  seen  in  attire,  resembling  those  of 
a  harlot.  This  unaccountable  indecorum,  joined 
with  a  gadding  and  dissipated  mind,  a  dislike  to 
domestic  employments,  and  a  forward,  loquacious, 
noisy,  untractable  disposition,  commonly  lead  to 
further  enormities:  and  if  a  man  is  so  unhappy, 
as  to  be  yoked  to  a  female  of  this  description,  he 
must  expect  heavy  trials  and  sorrows.  Such 
wives  often  m^.ke  home  uncomfortable  to  their 
husbands,  and  drive  them  to  seek  satisfaction 
elsewhere:  and  then  they  take  that  opportunity 
of  more  deeply  injuring  them;  using  every  arti- 
fice to  inveigle  others,  and  to  escape  detection. 
In  this  view,  we  should  recollect  that  "a  prudent 
wife  is  from  the  Lord:"  from  him  that  blessing 
should  be  sought,  and  when  granted  it  demands 
peculiar  gratitude.  {J^otes,  18:22.  19:14.  31:10— 
12.) — If  once  female  modesty  is  surmounted,  wo- 
men commonly  become  more  shamelessly  impu- 
dent than  men;  in  order  to  inflame  the  passions, 
and  overcome  the  scruples,  of  those  whom  they 
address.  And  when  religious  ordinances  have 
-         "  [471 


B.  C.  9: 


PROVERBS. 


B.  C.  977. 


CHAP.  vm. 

Wisdom  calls  to  the  sons  of  men  to  hear  her  invaluable  instruc- 
tions, 1 11.  She  recommends  herself  as  the  giver  of  num- 
berless blessings,  12 — 21.  She  declares  her  eternity:  and  that 
she  was  present  at  the  creation,  as  the  foundation  of  JKHO- 
VAH'S  counsels  and  the  object  of  his  delight,  and  as  rejoicing 
in  the  sons  of  men,  22 — 3).  She  renews  her  exhortations  to 
hear  her  words,  as  the  only  way  to  obtain  life  and  the  favor 
of  the  Lord,  and  to  avoid  the  wilful  ruin  of  men's  own  souls, 
32—36. 

^OTH  not  wisdom  cry?  and  under- 
standing put  forth  her  voice? 

2  She  standeth  in  the  top  of  high 
places,  by  the  way  in  the  places  of  the 
paths. 

3  She  ^  crieth  at  the  gates,  at  the  entry 
of  the  city,  at  the  coming  in  at  the  doors. 

4  Unto  '^  you,  O  men,  I  call;  and  my 
voice  is  to  the  sons  of  man. 

5  O  '^  ye  simple,  understand  wisdom: 
and,  ye  fools,  be  ye  of  an  understanding 
heart. 

•  6  Hear;  *  for  I  will  speak  of  excellent 
things;  and  ^  the  opening  of  my  lips  shall 
be  right  things. 


a  1:20,21.  9:1—3.  Is.  49:1—6. 
55:1—3.  Matt.  3:3.  4:17.28: 
19,20.  Mark  13:10.  16:15,16. 
Luke  24:47.  John  7:37.  Acts 
h8.  22:21.    Rom.  15:18—21. 

b  Matt.  22:9.  Luke  14:21—23. 
John  18:20.    Acts  5:20. 

c  Ps.  49:1— 3.  50:1.  Matt.  11: 
15.  John  3:16.     2  Cor.  5:19,20. 


Col.    1:23,28.      1  Tim.  2:4—6. 

Tit.  2:11,12.     Rev.  22:17. 
d  1:22.  9:4.     Ps.  19:7.   94:8.    Is. 

42:13.   Acts  26:18.    Rev.  3:17, 

18. 
e  2:6,7.  4:2,20—22.  22:20,21.  Ps. 

49:3.     1  Cor.  2:6,7.  Col.  1:26. 
fJob  33:1—3.  Matt.  5:2,&c.    7: 

28,29.    13:35. 


been  perverted  from  their  sacred  use;  they  are 
often  made  a  cloke  of  the  most  enormous  crimes, 
or  an  occasion  of  them:  nay,  men  attend  on  them, 
as  it  were,  to  purchase  license  to  commit  sin  with 
impunity. — He  who  will  stay  to  hear  the  flatte- 
ries, and  to  admit  the  ckresses,  of  an  artful  wo- 
man, will  scarcely  ever  be  able  to  resist  her 
allurements;  for  victory  over  this  temptation  can 
in  general  by  no  means  be  obtained  but  by  flight. 
[JVotes,  Gen.  39:8 — 16.)  And  a  man  may  in  an 
unguarded  hour  be  suddenly  persuaded,  and  as  it 
were  forced,  by  fair  speeches  to  commit  those 
crimes,  which  will  cover  his  character  with  in- 
famy, load  his  conscience  with  guilt,  fill  his  heart 
with  horror,  plunge  him  into  inextricable  difficul- 
ties, and  do  immense  mischief;  even  if  they  do 
not  terminate  in  his  final  and  eternal  ruin.  A 
consciousness  of  our  own  weakness,  and  an  ha- 
bitual recollection  of  the  consequences  of  such 
sins,  form  our  best  security  against  them;  in  sub- 
serviency to  watchfulness,  prayer,  and  depen- 
dence upon  the  Lord.  Let  us  then  hear  the 
salutary  words  of  Wisdom,  and  keep  our  hearts 
diligently,  that  they  do  not  decline  to  the  ways, 
or  wander  in  the  paths,  of  these  seducing  de- 
stroyers; "whose  house  is  in  the  way  to  hell,  go- 
ing down  to  the  chambers  of  death."  And,  as 
many  strong,  and  in  other  respects  wise  men, 
have  been  wounded  and  slain  in  this  conflict;  we 
must  indeed  be  void  of  understanding,  if  we  will 
rashly  venture  upon  it. 

NOTES. 
Chap.  VIIL  V.  1—3.  {Marg.  Ref.—J^otes, 
1:20—23.  9:1—6.)  If  by  Wisdom,  Christ,  or  the 
preaching  of  his  gospel  by  him  personally,  and 
afterwards  by  his  apostles,  evangelists,  and  min- 
isters, be  meant;  or,  if  we  interpret  it  of  him  and 
his  doctrine  thus  promulgated;  the  appeal  to  man- 
kind here  made,  must  be  far  more  emphatical  and 
impressive,  than  on  any  other  interpretation.  For 
even  the  instructions  of  the,  law  and  the  prophets 
w«re  confined  within  verv  narrow  limits,  and  kept 
472] 


7  For  s  my  mouth  shall  speak  truth; 
and  wickedness  is  *  an  abomination  to  my 
lips. 

8  ''  All  the  words  of  my  mouth  are  in 
righteousness;  '  there  is  nothing  t  froward 
or  perverse  in  them. 

9  They  are  ^  all  plain  to  him  that  un- 
derstandeth,  and  right  to  them  that  find 
knowledge. 

10  IT  Receive  '  my  instruction,  and 
not  silver;  and  knowledge  rather  than 
choice  gold. 

1 1  For  ™  wisdom  is  better  than  rubies; 
"  and  all  the  things  that  may  be  desired 
are  not  to  be  compared  to  it. 

[Practical   Observaiions.'j 

12  °1  Wisdom  dwell  with  ^  prudence, 
and  find  out  p  knowledge  of  witty  inven- 
tions. 


g  Job  36:4.  John  1:17.  8:14,45, 
46.   14:6.  18:37.    Rev.  3:14. 

*  Heb.  the  abomination  of.  12: 
22.   16:12.  29:27. 

h  Is.  45:23.  63:1. 

i  13.  John  7:46. 

f  Heb.  -wreathed. 

k  14:6.  15:14,24.  17:24.  18:1,2, 
15.  Ps.  19:7,8.  25:12—14.  119: 
98—100.  Is.  35:8.  Mic.  2:7. 
Matt.  13:11,12.  John  6:45.  7: 
17.     1  Cor.  2:14,15.   Jam.  1:5. 

I   2:4,5.    3:13,14.     10:20.     16:16. 


Ps.  119:72,127,162.     Ec.   7:11, 

12.   Acts  3:6.    2  Cor.  6:10. 
m   4:5—7.    20:15.     Job  28:1 5— 

19.    Ps.  19:10.     Matt.  16:26. 
n  3:16. 
0  Ps.  104:24.    Is.  55:8,9.     Rom. 

11:33.  Eph.  1:8,11.  3:10.    Col. 

2:3. 
J  Or,  subtlety, 
pEx.  31:3— 6.   35:30—35.    36:1 

—4.     1  Kings  7:14.      1  Chr. 

28:12,19.     2  Chr.  2:13,14.     Is. 

28:26. 


as  it  were  in  a  concealment,  compared  with  the 
public  instructions  of  Christ,  in  synagogues,  in 
the  streets,  in  the  fields,  and  at  the  temple  at  Je- 
rusalem; and  the  enlarged  commission  given  by 
him  to  his  apostles  and  ministers.  (JVotes,  22 — 31 . 
Matt.  13:16,17,34,35.  28:19,20.  Jnark  16:14—16. 
Luke  24:44—49.) 

V.  4.  This  address  likewise  being  made,  not 
to  the  seed  of  Abraham,  or  Israel,  but  to  "the  sons 
of  man,"  "the  children  of  Adam,"  seems  an  inti- 
mation of  that  more  enlarged  publication  of  Wis- 
dom's instructions,  which  has  taken  place  under 
the  gospel.  Men  of  the  highest  and  of  the  lowest 
ranks  are  also  included. — Nothing  short  of  the 
most  public  and  clear  instructions,  in  the  great 
truths  and  maxims  of  revealed  religion,  can  an- 
swer the  language  here  employed:  and  to  explain 
it,  as  the  voice  of  reason  and  conscience,  or  as 
the  moral  instructions  of  men  unacquainted  with 
the  Scriptures,  is,  in  fact,  to  make  heavenly  Wis- 
dom declare,  that  divine  revelation  is  not  abso- 
lutely necessary  to  teach  men  the  way  of  life  and 
salvation,  which  is  nothing  less,  than  to  join  with 
infidels  in  their  opposition  to  "the  oracles  of  God." 

V.  5.  JVotes,  1:21—23,  v.  22.  9:1—6,  v.  4—6. 
Ps.  75:4.   jRev.  3:17— 19. 

V.  6 — 8.  None,  but  the  Truth  himself,  and 
those  inspired  men  by  whom  he  spake,  ever  could 
unreservedly  adopt  these  words  without  high  pre- 
sumption: especially  they  cannot  in  tlie  least  suit 
those  philosophers  and  moralists,  who  indeed 
taught  some  useful  lessons,  but  mixed  up  so  much 
error  with  them,  that  the  apostle  says  concerning 
them,  "professing  themselves  wise,  they  became 
fools."  (JVotes,  Rom.  1:21— 23,1;.  22.  1  Cor.  1:17— 
31.  2:6—9.  3:18—23,1;.  18,19.) 

V.  9.  (J^arg.Ref.)  'The  word  of  God  is  easy 
'to  all  that  have  a  desire  unto  it,  and  which  are 
'not  blinded  by  the  prince  of  this  world.'  [JVotes, 
2:1—5.  14:6.  17.24.  i/o*.  6:1— 3.  Jo/w  7:14— 17, 
V.  17.  2  Cor.  4.3,4.) 

V.  10,  11.     JVotes,  3:13—18.  Malt.  13:44—46. 

V.  12.     'What  is  there  comparable  to  a  prudent 


B.  C.  977. 


CHAPTER  VIII. 


B.  C.  977. 


13  1  The  fear  of  the  Lord  is  to  hate 
evU:  "■  pride,  and  arrogancy,  and  the  evil 
way,  and  ^  the  froward  mouth  do  I  hate. 

14  '  Counsel  is  mine,  and  "  sound  wis- 
dom: I  am  understanding;  ^  I  have 
strength. 

15  1"  By  me  kings  reign,  and  princes 
*  decree  justice. 

16  By  me  princes  rule,  and  nobles, 
even  all  the  judges  of  the  earth. 

17  I*  love  them  that  love  me;  and 
^  those  that  seek  me  early  shall  find  me. 

18  •=  Riches  and  honor  are  with  me; 


q  16:6.     Ps.  97:10.    101:3.    119: 

!04,128.  Am.  5:15.  Kom.  12:9. 
rt5:l6 — 19.      1  Sam.  2:3.    Ps.  5: 

4,5.   138:6.  Zech.  8:17.    1  Pet. 

5:5. 
•  4:24.  6:12.   10:31. 
Us.  9:6.  40:14.  John  1:9.  Rom. 

11:33,34.     1  Cor.  1:24,30.   Col. 
^:3. 

u  2:6,7.   Rom.  1:22. 
x24:5.  Ec.  7:19.  9:16—18. 
y  1  Sam.  9:17.  16:1.     1  Chr.  28: 


I    5.  Jer.  27:5—7.    Dan.  2:21.  4 

25,32.  5:18,&c.  7:13,14.   Matt. 

28:18.   Rom.  13:1.   Rev.  19:16. 
z  1  Kings  3:9,28.   5:7.   10:9.   Ps. 

72:1 — 1.   99:4.    Is.  1:26.  32:1,2. 

Jer.  33:15.  Rev.  19:11. 
a  1  Sam.  2:30.     Ps.  91:14.  John 

14:21,23.16:27.      1  John  4:19. 
b    Ec.  12:1.     Is. 55:6.     Mutt.  6: 

33.   7:7,8.     Mark  10:14.     Jam. 

1:5. 
c  3:16.  4:7—9.  Jam.  2:5. 


'mind,  which  is  not  crafty  to  deceive,  but  so  cau- 
Hious  as  not  to  be  deceived.'"  Bp.  Patrick. — 'Ex- 
'cept  a  man  have  wisdom,  which  is  the  true  knowl- 
'edge  of  God,  he  can  neither  be  prudent  nor  a 
'good  counsellor.' — It  is  most  obvious  to  interpret 
the  rest  of  this  chapter,  as  the  words  of  the  Messi- 
ah, speaking  in  the  name  of  Wisdom.  Thus  most 
of  the  ancient  fathers  explained  it:  and  though 
their  too  curious  speculations  led  them  into  some 
difficulties,  which  have  induced  others  to  adopt 
another  inode  of  interpretation;  yet  I  can  see  no 
well  grounded  objection  to  a  sober  and  cautious 
explanation  of  it  on  this  supposition,  nor  can  anj- 
other  give  full  satisfaction:  for  the  things  spoken 
are  exclusively  applicable  to  Christ,  and  must  be 
in  great  measure  explained  away,  before  they  can 
suit  any  other  view  of  the  subject.  Indeed  as  he 
communicates  divine  truth  by  the  sacred  scrip- 
tures; many  things  must  accord  either  with  the 
Speaker,  or  the  word  spoken:  but  some  parts  of 
this  chapter  cannot  be  explained,  with  proprietv, 
of  the  sacred  oracles.  The  ingenuity  and  sagaci- 
ty, for  instance,  by  which  men  find  out  curious 
and  useful  inventions,  are  the  gift  of  God,  but  not 
bv  means  of  the  holy  scriptures.  [Marg.  Ref. — 
Mtes,  Ex.  31:1—6.  \  Kings  7:14.  /*•.  28:23—29.) 
And  if  wisdom,  as  a  divine  attribute,  be  intended, 
why  should  the  personal  Wisdom  and  Word  of 
God  be  lost  sight  of  in  the  exposition,  when  by 
him  aU  wisdom  is  communicated  to  the  sons  of 
men.'  [J^Totes,  John  \:\ — 3.  1  Cor.  1:26-^31,  v. 
30.  Co/.  2:1—4,  «.  3.) 

V.  13.  Though  natural  knowledge  and  wisdom 
are  from  the  same  source  as  divine  truth,  their 
value  is  comparatively  small;  and  men  often  take 
occasion  from  them  to  indulge  that  pride,  arro- 
gancy, and  perverseness,  which  God  abhors. 
[.mtes,  3:34.  6:16—19.)  But  "the  fear  of  the 
Lord"  is  the  principal  part,  and  the  sum  total,  as 
it  were,  of  true  wisdom;  and  it  teaches  men  to 
hate  all  those  things  which  he  hates.  [Heh.  1:8,9.) 
— 'So  that  he  that  doth  not  hate  evil,  feareth  not 
♦God.'  (JVb<e.9,  1:7.  16:6.  Jo6  28:23— 20,  i;.  28. 
Ps.  1H:9,10.  Ec.  12:11— 14,  v.  13.) 

y.  14.  Jilarg.  Ref.—JVotes,  Is.  9:6,7,  v.  6.  40: 
12— VI.— Sound  wisdom.]  n''d/*'in  •    -^ote,  2:7. 

V.  15,  16.  Christ  is  called  "The  Word  ov 
God,''  and  is  just  after  said  to  have  "on  his  ves- 
ture a  name  written,  King  of  kings,  and  Lord  of 
lords."  [Rev.  19:11  — 16,  t)?;.  13,16.)  Accordingly 
he  here  reveals  himself  as  the  Source  of  power 

Vol.  III.  60 


yea,  '*  durable  riches  ®  and  righteousness. 

19  My  *■  fruit  is  better  than  gold,  yea, 
than  fine  gold;  and  my  revenue  than 
choice  silver. 

20  ^  I  *lead  in  the  way  of  righteous- 
ness, ''  in  the  midst  of  the  paths  of  judg- 
ment. 

21  That  I  may  cause  those  that  love 
me  » to  inherit  substance;  and  I  will  ''  fill 

their  treasures.  [Practical  observation,.] 

22  IT  The  Lord  '  possessed  me  in  the 
beginning  of  his  way,  before  his  works  of 
old. 

23  I  was   °  set  up   from   everlasting, 


d  Ps.  39:6.  Ec.  5:14—16.  Matt. 
6:19,20.  Luke  10:42.  12:20,21, 
33.  16:11,12.  2  Cor.  6:10.  Eph. 
3:8.  Phil.  4:19.  1  Tim.  6:17— 
19.  Jam.  5:1— 3.    Rev.  3:18. 

e  11:4.   Matt.  6:33.    Phil.  3:8,9. 

f  10.  3:14,15.    Ec.  7:12. 

5  3:6.  4:11,12.  6:22.  Ps.  23:3. 
25:4,5.  32:8.  Is.  2:3.  49:10.  55: 
4.  John  10:3,27,28.  Rev,  7:17. 

*  Or,  ivalk. 


h  4:25—27.     Dent.  5:32. 

i    18.     1:13.    6:31.     Gen.  15:14. 

1  Sam.  2:8.  Matt.  25:46.  Rom. 

8:17.   Heb.  10:34.     1  Pet.  1:4. 
k  Ps.  16:11.  Eph.  3:19,20.  Rev. 

21:7. 
1  3:19.  John  1:1,2.    Col.  1:17. 
m  Gen.  1:26.     Ps.  2:6.     Mic.  5; 

2.    John  17:24.     Eph.  1;J0,11. 

1  John  1:1,2. 


and  authority,  as  well  as  of  counsel  and  wisdom. 
All  king-s  and  judges  are  his  deputies,  dependent 
on  him  and  accountable  to  him.  [Jfotes,  Jer.  27: 
4—9.  Dan.2:31.  4:10—18,1).  18.  3:18—24.)  Mag- 
istracy is  his  appointment,  and  the  benefits  of  it  to 
fallen  man  are  fruits  of  his  mediation.  As  far  as 
kings  and  rulers  govern  in  wisdom  and  equity, 
they  have  their  qualifications  from  him,  and  do 
his  commandments:  when  they  abuse  their  au- 
thority, they  undesignedly  scourge  the  inhabitants 
of  the  world  for  their  sins;  but  will  at  length  be 
punished  themselves  by  the  supreme  Judge. — 
These  verses  in  the  original  are  future,  and  seem 
to  agree  with  the  predictions,  in  other  parts  of 
scripture,  that  in  the  times  of  the  Messiah  the 
world  should  be  blessed  with  many  eminently 
pious  and  righteous  kings  and  rulers.  These 
predictions,  however,  have  not  yet  received  their 
grand  accomplishment.  (JVb^e*,  Ps.  72:8 — 11. 
138:4,5.  /*.  1:25—27.  49:22,23."  Rev.  11:15—18.) 

V.  17.  'They  that  love  me  are  beloved  of  me; 
'and  as  they  will  not  fail  to  seek  what  they  love; 
'so  they  will  certainly  find  what  they  studiously 
'seek.'  Bp.  Patrick. — The  word  rendered  "seek 
me  early,"  means  seek  me  at  the  dawn  of  the  day: 
but  doubtless  it  also  refers  to  the  early  part  of 
life.  [J^oles,  Ps.  27:4—6.  63:1—4.  Ec.  12:1, 
JIatt.  6:33,34,  v.  33.  7:7—11.) 

V.  18.  Durable,  not  uncertain  riches;  'signi- 
'fying  that  he  chiefly  meaneth  the  spiritual  treas- 
'ures  and  heavenly  riches.' — Some  interpret  the 
passage  of  wealth  obtained  by  prudent  and  equita- 
ble means,  which  spends  better  and  lasts  longer 
than  ungodly  gain.  Yet  even  these  are  "uncer- 
tain riches;"  and  not  comparable  to  "the  un- 
searchable riches  of  Christ."  [J^otes,  Matt.  6:19 
—21.  Luke  10:38—42,  i;.  42.  Eph.  3:8.  1  Tim.  6; 
17—19.) 

V.  19.     See  on  10,  II. 

V.  20,  21.    JYb<es,  4:27.   P.?.  23:1— 3.   143:10. 

In  the  midst.  (20)  At  a  distance  from  the  ex- 
tremes, into  which  the  different  schemes  of  false 
religion,  and  their  vehement  zealots,  urge  their 
deluded  followers. 

V.  22.  "The  beginning  of  his  way,  before 
his  works  of  old,"  must  mean,  'the  eternal  coun- 
'sels  and  purposes  of  God.' — 'Hedeclareth  here- 
'by  the  divinity  and  eternity  of  this  Wisdom,  which 
'he  magnifieth  and  praiseth  through  this  book; 
'meaning  thereby  the  eternal  Son  of  God,  Jesus 
'Christ  our  Savior,  whom  St.  John  calieth  "The 

[473 


B.   C.  9T7. 


PROVERBS. 


B.  C.  977. 


from  the  beginning,    or   ever    the    earth 

was. 

24  When  there  were  no  depths  "  I  was 
brought  forth;  when  there  were  no  foun- 
tains abounding  with  water. 

25  Before  °the  mountains  were  set- 
tled, before  the  hills  was  I  brought  forth: 

26  While  p  as  yet  he  had  not  made  the 
earth,  nor  the  *  fields,  nor  the  t  highest 
part  of  the  dust  of  the  world. 

27  When  i  he  prepared  the  heavens, 
I  was  there:  when  he  set  a  ^  compass 
upon  the  face  of  the  depth; 

28  When  he  estabUshed  the  clouds 
above;  when  he  strengthened  the  foun- 
tains of  the  deep; 

*  Or,  open  places. 

f  Or,  chiey  part, 

q  Ps.  33:6.   ]03:l9.   136:5.     Jer. 

10:12.   Col.  1:16.   Heb.  1.2. 
t  Or,  circie.  18.40:11,12,22. 


n  Ps.  2:7.  John  1:14.  3:lfi.  5:20. 

Heb.  1:5,6.     1  John  4:9. 
o  Job  15;7,3.  33:4—11.     Ps.  90: 

2.  102:25—28.  Heb.  1;10. 
p  Gen.  l:l,&.c. 


29  When  ■■  he  gave  to  the  sea  his  de- 
cree, that  the  waters  should  not  pass  his 
commandment;  ^  when  he  appointed  the 
foundations  of  the  earth: 

30  Then  I  was  by  him,  as  *■  one 
brought  up  with  him:  and  "  I  was  daily 
his  dehght,  rejoicing  always  before  him; 

31  Rejoicing  in  the  habitable  part  of 
his  earth;  *  and  my  delights  were  with 
the  sons  of  men. 

32  Now  therefore  hearken  unto  me,  O' 
ye  children;  ^  for  blessed  are  they  that 
keep  my  ways. 

33  '  Hear  instruction,  and  be  wise, 
and  ^  refuse  it  not. 


rGen.  1:9,10.  Job  38:8—11.  Ps. 

33:7.   104:9.  Jer.  5:22. 
s  Job  33:4—7. 
t  John  1:1— 3,1S.   16:28,29. 
u    Is.  42:1.      Matt.  3:17.      17:5. 

John  12:28.    Col.  1:13. 
X  Ps.  16:3.  40:6—8.    John  4:34. 


13:1.     2  Cor.  8:9. 
y    Ps.  1:1—4.    119:1,2.    128:1,2. 
".uke  11:23. 

Is.  55:1—3. 


Luke  11:23. 
z  1:2,3,8.  4:1.  5:1. 

Rom.  10:!  6, 17. 
a  1:21.     Ps.  81:11,12 

—37.    Heb.  12:25. 


Acts  7:35 


'Word  that  was  ia  the  beginning.''' ' — The  whole 
plan  of  creation  and  providence  was  evidently 
formed,  in  relation  to  him,  through  whom  all  the 
perfections  of  the  Godhead  were  to  be  displayed 
and  glorified  for  ever.  [J^otes,  John  1:1 — 3,18. 
Eph.  3:9—12.  Col.  1:15—20.  2  Tim.  1:9.) 

V.  23.  The  word  (inacj)  rendered  set  up  is  by 
some  translated  anointed,  and  by  others,  obtained 
the  dominion.  It  is  used  in  the  second  Psalm, 
concerning  the  Messiah,  "Yet  have  I  set  my 
King  upon  my  holy  hill  of  Zion;"and  in  the  mar- 
gin is  rendered  anointed.  {Jfote,  Ps.  2:4—6.)  In 
the  purpose  and  counsel  of  God,  the  divine  Re- 
deemer was  from  everlasting  appointed  to  the 
mediatorial  throne. 

V.  24,  25.  The  word  (inSSin)  repeatedly  ren- 
dered brought  forth,  is  translated  in  the  old  version 
begotten,  which  in  this  agrees  with  the  Septuagint, 
and  the  language  accords  to  several  expressions 
in  the  New  Testament.  {Marg.  Ref.—J^otes,  Ps. 
2:7— 9,  u.  l.John  1:14,18.  3:16—18.  1  John  4:9 
—12,  V.  9.)  But  whatever  term  is  employed,  it 
must  always  be  remembered,  that  no  human  lan- 
guage can  convey  to  us  adequate  ideas  of  the  in- 
comprehensible mysteries  of  God. — Such  a  dec- 
laration as  these  verses  contain,  cannot  be  made 
concerning  the  written  word  of  God;  and  it  is 
not  capable  of  a  very  easy  and  natural  a.pplica- 
tion  to  wisdom,  as  a  divine  attribute:  but  it  has  a 
peculiar  energy  and  propriety,  when  applied  to 
the  person  and  work  of  Christ,  as  the  grand  Cen 
tre  or  Scope  of  all  the  works  of  God. 

V.  26.  'As  yet  the  Lord  had  not  put  it  into 
'this  form  of  lofty  mountains  and  spacious  plains: 
'no,  there  was  not  the  first  atom  of  this  globe 
'wherein  you  tread.'  Bp.  Patrick.  By  the  high- 
est or  chief  part,  we  may  understand  the  forma- 
tion of  man.  He  was,  as  to  his  body,  only  dust, 
though  the  chief  and  noblest  of  the  dust  of  the 
world. 

V.  27—29.  Marg.  Ref.—J^otes,  Gen.  1:  Job 
38:4—1 1.  Ps.  33:4—8.  104:5—9.  Jer.  5:20—25,  v. 
22.  10:11—15. 

V.  30.  'Then  was  I  present  by  him,  as  one 
'that  was  co-eternal  with  him;  and  ...  we  did  mu- 
'tually  and  infinitely  solace  each  other,  from  ev- 
•erlasting.'  Bp.  Hall — The  word  (jidn)  rendered 
brovght  up  with  him,  is  by  some  translated  cher- 
ished as  in  his  bosom.  'Wisdom  had  said  that 
'she  was  begotten;  now  she  adds,  that  she  was  in 
'the  bosom  of  the  F  atber.  Thus  the  apostle,  [John 
474] 


'1:18.)  "The  only  begotten  Son,  who  is  in  the 
'bosom  of  the  Father;"  who  never  was  sep- 
'arated  from  the  Father,  always  saw  the  Father; 
'who  "seeth  what  the  Father  doeth,  that  he  may 
'do  the  like;"  (with  the  same  will  and  power;)  in 
'whom  the  Father  places  his  pleasure  and  delight; 
'willing,  that  by  the  Son  we  should  approach  to 
'him,  in  the  Son  we  should  honor  and  adore  him, 
'and  honor  the  Son  as  himself.' — Some,  however, 
render  the  word  actively,  a  nourisher,  or  a  chief 
worker;  'signifying  that  this  Wisdom,  even  Jesus 
'Christ,  was  equal  with  God  his  Father;  and  cre- 
'ateth,  preserveth,  and  still  worketh  with  him.' 
[Marg.  Ref.—JVotes,  John  5:17— 30.)— It  is  ob- 
servable, that  some  of  those  learned  men,  who 
seem  inclined  to  exclude  this  interpretation,  pass 
over  these  remarkable  expressions  without  much 
notice;  and  indeed  deal  in  general  language,  to 
which  the  reader  finds  it  difficult  to  annex  any 
precise  meaning:  except  that  he  will  perceive 
that  the  divine  attribute  of  wisdom  is  supposed  to 
be  the  speaker;  but  it  is  not  determined  in  what 
way  her  instructions  are  communicated. 

V.  31 — 33.  'For  man's  sake,  the  divine  Wis- 
'dom  took  man's  nature;  and  dwelt  among  us,  and 
'filled  us  with  unspeakable  treasures;  and  this  is 
'that  solace,  or  pastime,  whereof  is  here  spoken.' 
— Wisdom  not  only  rejoiced  in  the  creation  of  the 
world,  and  man  formed  in  the  image  of  God;  but 
"in  the  habitable  parts  of  the  earth,"  and  "in  the 
sons  of  Adam:"  but  the  earth  was  scarcely  inhab- 
ited, nor  had  Adam  any  sons  till  after  the  fall; 
and  it  is  with  respect  to  redemption,  that  the 
Wisdom  of  God,  in  any  sense  of  the  term,  can  be 
said  to  take  its  "delights"  among  the  fallen  race 
of  Adam.  The  Redeemer,  therefore,  here  ev- 
idently speaks  of  "the  joy  set  before  him,"  in  the 
glorious  event  of  his  sufferings,  to  the  honor  of 
God,  and  the  salvation  of  the  souls  of  men;  and 
on  that  account  he  immediately  uses  it,  as  an  ar- 
gument why  they  should  attend,  to  him. 

'With  joy  I  saw  the  mansion  where 
•The  sons  of  men  should  dwell. 

'My  busy  thoughts  at  first 

'On  tbeir  salvation  ran, 
'Kre  sin  was  born,  or  Adam's  dust 

'Was  fashion'd  to  a  man. 

'Then  come,  receive  my  grace, 

'Ye  children,  and  be  wise, 
'Happy  the  man  that  keeps  my  ways, 

•The  man  that  shuns  them  dies.'  fFatti. 


B.  C.  977. 


CHAPTER  VIII. 


B.  C.  977. 


34  Blessed  is  the  man  that  heareth 
me,  ^  watching  daily  at  my  gates,  waiting 
at  the  posts  of  my  doors. 

35  For  •=  whoso  findeth  me  findeth  life. 


b  1:21.  2:3,4.  Ps.  27:4.  84:10. 
92:13.  Luke  1:6.  10:39.  John 
8:31,32.  Acts  2:42.  17:11,12. 
Jam.  1:22—25. 


c  1:33.  3:13— 18.  .lohii  3:16,36. 
14:6.  Phil.  3:8,9.  Col.  3:3. 
1  John  5:11,12. 


V.  34.  Daily.}  The  word  of  God,  and  the 
places  where  the  gospel  is  faithfully  preached, 
without  doubt,  are  "the  gates"  and  "the  posts  of 
the  doors"  of  Wisdom,  at  which  Christ  would  have 
his  disciples  to  wait  daily.  Many,  in  this  luke- 
warm age,  question  the  propriety  of  hearing 
sermons,  on  a  week-day,  and  not  only  absent 
themselves,  but  censure  those  who  attend.  A 
few  questions  may  be  proposed  on  this  subject. 
Do  such  persons  generally  employ  their  time  bet- 
ter.? If  other  duties  demand  their  attention,  they 
certainly  do.  But  may  not  Christians,  consis- 
tently with  other  duties,  redeem  time  for  waiting 
at  Wisdom's  gates;  as  well  as  the  children  of  this 
world  find  time  for  their  vain  amusements  and 
feastings,  who  yet  do  not  neglect  their  one  thing 
needful?  Is  not  the  time,  spared  from  attending 
on  a  sermon  on  a  week-day,  often  spent  in  un- 
profitable visits  or  vain  discourse.'  nay,  does  it  not 
frequently  hang  heavy  on  men's  hands,  and  prove 
a  temptation  to  various  scenes  of  dissipation. , 
And  is  this  more  for  the  honor  of  God,  the  good  of 
men's  own  souls,  or  the  edification  of  their  breth- 
ren.' Did  Christ  ever  find  fault  with  his  hearers 
for  attending  him  too  closely?  Were  Christians 
lexs  judicious,  or  more  zealous,  after  the  day  of 
Pentecost,  than  at  present?  [Ads  2:42,46,47.) 
Does  it  not  shew  a  degree  of  contempt  of  Wis- 
dom's instructions,  and  form  a  bad  example,  when 
people  professing  godliness  seem  glad  of  an  ex- 
cuse for  neglecting  the  means  of  grace?  And 
finally,  ought  ministers  to  be  "instant  in  season, 
and  out  of  season,"  in  preaching  the  word;  and 
ought  not  the  people  to  be  glad  of  an  opportunitj^ 
of  hearing  it? 

V.  35,36.  [Marg.  Ref.—J^otes,  1:24—33.)— 
Can  these  things  thus  be  spoken,  absolutely  and 
without  any  limitation,  of  any  other  Instructor 
except  Jesus  Christ,  and  those  by  whom  he  taught 
of  old,  and  those  by  whom  he  still  teaches? — 
Wrongeth.  (.36)  Or,  Doelh  xnolence  to.  Sic.  He 
is  the  murderer  of  his  own  soul.  [JSTotes,  1:17 — 
19.  Ez.  18:30—32.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
V.  1—11. 
When  we  observe  how  readily  men  listen  to 
the  seductions  of  vice,  and  run  in  the  ways  of  folly 
and  misery;  we  are  apt  to  suppose,  that  the 
instructions  of  wisdom  are  withheld  from  them, 
and  that  they  would  act  otherwise  if  not  left  to 
unavoidable  ignorance.  Indeed  the  supporters 
of  superstition  and  error  have  devised  many  ways 
to  keep  men  in  the  dark,  or  to  furnish  them  with 
excuses  for  imp-  nitence  and  unbelief:  and  many 
have  pleaded,  that  there  is  great  uncertainty  re- 
specting the  knowledge  of  the  truth  and  will  of 
God,  or  much  difficulty  in  acquiring  it.  But  tlie 
chief  difficulty,  and  indeed  almost  the  only  one,  is 
to  induce  men  to  attend  on  instruction.  For 
"doth  not  Wisdom  cry?  and  understanding  put 
forth  her  voice?"  It  was  the  manner  of  Christ  and 
his  apostles,  and  it  is  that  of  all  his  faithful  min- 
isters, according  to  their  measure  of  ability,  to 
publish  his  truths  in  the  most  earnest  and  open 
manner;  to  spread  divine  instructions,  bv  every 
means  and  in  every  place,  when  and  where  they 
can;  and  to  warn,  exhort,  and  call  upon  men  to 
hearken  to  them.  For  without  restriction  Wis- 
dom calls  upon  "all  the  nons  of  Adam,"  who  come 


and  shall  *  obtain   **  favor   of  the   liORn. 
30  But  ^  he   that   sinneth  against  mc, 
wrongeth  his  own  soul;  ^  all  they  that  hate 
me  love  death. 


*  Heb.   bring  forth. 
d  12:2.    Eph.  1:6. 
e  1:31.     John  3:19,20.    Acts  IS: 
46.    Heb.  2:3.   10:29. 


f  5:11,12,22,23.     Ez.  18:31.  33: 
11.    John  15:23,24.     1  Cor.  16: 

22. 


within  the  reach  of  her  voice.  She  commands 
"the  simple  to  understand  wisdom,  and  the  fools 
to  be  of  an  understanding  heart:"  and  an  obedient 
attention  to  the  words  of  Christ  will  guide  the 
most  ignorant  into  the  saving  knowledge  of  the 
truth.  But  alas!  men  are  far  more  desirous  of  rfi- 
version,  than  of  instruction:  and  places,  where 
folly  keeps  her  school,  and  demands  a  high  price 
for  admission,  are  thronged;  while  the  gospel  of 
Christ,  freely  but  faithfully  preached,  without  the 
trappings  of  human  oratory,  is  comparatively  but 
thinly  attended.  Yet  the  condescension  of  the 
holy  Savior,  in  addressing  his  words,  not  to  angels, 
but  to  the  fallen  sons  of  men,  and  to  the  most 
criminal,  polluted,  and  meanest  of  them,  demands 
our  strictest  regard:  and  the  excellent  things, 
which  he  speaks,  are  worthy  to  be  received  by  all 
rational  creatures;  but  especiallj'  by  sinners,  to 
whom  he  points  out  the  only  way  of  life  and  sal- 
vation. Every  word  he  utters  is  right;  hi.o  lips 
abominate  all  guile  and  wickedness;  there  is 
nothing  froward  or  perverse  in  his  instructiotis; 
they  give  no  needless  pain,  impose  no  useless  re- 
straints, demand  no  unreasonable  services,  and 
engage  us  in  no  abstruse  speculations.  There  is 
no  insincerity  in  his  invitations,  or  unfaithfulness 
in  his  promises,  or  unkindness  in  liis  precepts. 
And  if  his  words  be  unintelligible  to  any,  it  is  be- 
cause they  do  not  fear  the  Lord:  [J\''oti\  Ps.  25: 
14.)  they  are  not  willing  to  be  the  disciples  of 
Christ,  or  to  do  the  will  of  Cod;  [Mntt  13:11. 
John  7:17.  2  Cor.  4:3,4.)  or  tliry  do-  not  put  a 
proper  value  on  the  knowledge  o*"  the  truth,  and 
bestow  due  pains  to  acquire  it.  For  when  there 
is  an  understanding  heart,  and  a  disposition  to  re- 
ceive the  truth  in  love,  it  is  all  plain  and  obvious, 
and  every  preceding  lesson  prepares  the  mind  fot 
those  which  are  to  folloVv.  Such  persons  va!u6 
wisdom  above  silver  and  gold:  they  "count  all 
things  but  loss  for  the  excellency  oOtlie  knowl- 
edge of  Christ;"  for  him  they  forsake  Iho  world, 
and  renounce  the  most  lucrative  cmploymf-nts  at 
his  command:  for  they  deem  "wisdom  better  than 
rubies,  and  all  things  that  may  be  desired,  as  not 
to  be  compared  to  it." 

V.  12—21. 
Indeed  all  prudence  and  ingenuity  of  every 
kind  are  from  the  Lord;  and,  if  lie  saw  it  good, 
he  could  discover  to  his  servants  such  curious  in- 
ventions, as  would  render  them  eminent  amon^ 
men:  but  they  most  admire  that  wisdom  by  which 
he  has  made  way  for  the  salvationof  sinners,  con- 
sistently witli  the  honor  of  the  divine  law  and  jus- 
tice. For,  through  the  redemption  of  his  precious 
blood,  "the  riches  of  his  grace  have  aboimded,  in 
all  wisdom,  and  prudence."  [Eph.  1:0.)  Counsel 
and  sound  wisdom  are  with  him  and  from  him: 
but  the  pride  and  arrogance,  the  evil  waj.i  and 
the  froward  conversation,  which  he  hates,  render 
men  unwilling  to  be  his  pupils,  and  close  their 
minds  against  his  humbling,  awakening,  and  holy 
instructions.  He  has  strength  al:30,  as  well  as 
understanding;  and  being  the  Fountain  of  author- 
ity, he  can  advance  his  friends,  and  ciii.=;h  hi- foes 
at  pleasure:  and  as  by  him  kings  reign,  it  behoves 
them  not  only  to  decree  justice,  and  to  exercise 
their  authority  according  to  his  piecepts;  but  to 
come  and  trust  in  him  for  the  salvation  of  their 
souls.  [jYotes,  iSam.  23:3,4.  Ps.  2:7— 12.)— Our 
love  to  Christ,  as  expressed   bv  obedience  to  his 

[17;') 


B.  C.  977. 


PROVERBS. 


B.  C.  977. 


CHAP.  IX. 

The  feast  prepared  by  Wisdom,  and  her  invitations  given,  1 — 6. 
The  different  reception  given  them:  with  instructions  to  those, 
who  publish  them;  and  the  contrary  end  of  the  wise  and 
scornful,  7 — 12.  The  foolish  woman's  feast  and  invitations, 
and  the  doom  of  her  guests,  13 — 13. 

ISDOM  hath  ^  builded  her  house, 
she  hath   hewn    out    her    seven 

*  pillars: 

2  She  hath  *=  killed  her  *  beasts;  ^  she 
hath  mingled  her  wine;  she  hath  also  fur- 
nished her  table. 

3  She  hath  ^  sent  forth  her  maidens: 
'she  crieth  upon  the  highest  places  of  the 
city; 

a  Matt.  16:13.      1  Cor.  3:9—15. 

Eph.    -2:21,22.       1    Tim.   3:15. 

Heb.  3:3—6.   1  Pet.  2:5,6. 
b  1  Kings  7:2,3,6,21.     Gal.  2:9. 

Rev.  3:12. 
c  Is.  26:6.     Matt.  22:4.     1  Cor. 

5:7,3. 

*  Heb.     kilting.     Gen.    43:16. 


marg. 
A  5.   Luke  14:17. 
e   Matt.  22:3,4,9.     Luke    11:49. 

14:17,21—23.      Rom.   10:15.  2 

Cor.  5:20,21. 
f  14.   1:20—23.    8:1-3.  John  7: 

37.   18:20. 


4  Whoso  is  ^  simple,   let   him  turn  in 
hither:  as  fur  him  that   wanteth    under- 


standing, she  saith  to  him, 

^  eat  of  my  bread,  and  drink 


5  Come, 
of  the  wine  ivhich  1  have  mingled. 

6  '  Forsake  the  foolish,  and  live;  and 
go  ^  in  the  way  of  understanding. 

7  IF  He  that  '  reproveth  a  scorner 
getteth  to  himself  shame;  and  he  that 
rebuketh  a  wicked  man,  getteth  himself 
a  blot. 

8  "?  Reprove  not  a  scorner,  lest  he  hate 


g  16.  60:22.  8:5.    Ps.  19:7.   119: 

130.    Matt.  11:25.    Rev.  3:17, 

13.  22:17. 
h  2:17.     Ps.  22:26,29.     Cant.  5: 

1.  Is.  55:1— 3.   Jer.  31:12— 14. 

Matt.  26:26—28,    John  6:27,49 

—53. 
i    4:14,15.    13:20.      Ps.  26:4—6. 

45:10.    119:115.      Acts  2:40.  2 


Cor.  6:17.     Rev.  18:4. 
k   4:11.     10:17.     Matt.   7:13,14. 

Luke  13:24. 
1  15:12.     Gen.  19:8,9.      1  Kings 

18:17.21:20.22:24,27.    2  Chr. 

-24:20—22.  25:15,16.  36:16. 
m  23:9.    29:1.     Num.  14:6-10. 

1  Kings  22:8.       Matt.  7:6.    15: 

14.    Heb.  6:4—8. 


commandments  and  delight  in  his  instructions,  is 
the  sure  evidence  of  his  love  of  us:  [JVote,  1  John 
4:19.)  and  all,  who  seek  him  tvithout  delay,  shall 
find  him  as  their  Teacher  and  Savior.  They  are 
peculiarly  happy,  who  beg-in  early  in  life  to  seek 
him:  for  true  riches  and  honors  are  with  him,  yea, 
"durable  riches  and  righteousness:"  whereas  the 
vanishing  possessions  of  this  world  are  often  ac- 
quired by  injustice,  and  prove  dangerous  tempta- 
tions. The  fruit  of  this  "Tree  of  life"  is  far  bet- 
ter than  gold;  and  even  the  present  comforts  of 
his  people  surpass  all  that  wealth  can  purchase. 
He  leads  those  whom  he  loves  in  the  paths  of 
righteousness,  at  a  distance  from  perilous  ex- 
tremes, even  "in  the  midst  of  the  paths  of  judg- 
ment;" that  he  may  cause  them  to  inherit,  noti 
vain  shadows,  but  substantial  good,  sufficient  to 
satisfy  all  the  capacities  and  desires  of  their  souls. 
V.  22—36.  ■ 
The  consideration  of  the  essential  and  eternal 
dignity  of  the  condescending  Savior  should  great- 
ly endear  his  instructions  to  us.  From  eternity 
being  one  vrii\\  the  Father,  the  Creator  and  Lord 
of  all,  by  whom,  and  for  whom,  all  things  were 
made  and  t^iposed  of,  with  a  view  to  the  glory  of 
God  in  the  work  of  man's  redemption;  having  dis- 
played his  wisdom,  power,  and  goodness,  in  the 
formation  of  the  heavens  and  the  earth,  and  all 
things  tVierein;  he  was  yet  willing  to  stoop,  and  to 
assume  "the  form  of  a  Servant"  for  us  men  and 
for  our  salvation.  (JVbZes,  P/iiZ.  2:5 — II.)  In  the 
prospect  of  man's  lost  estate,  he  was  "set  up  from 
everlasting"  in  the  divine  counsels,  to  be  our  De- 
liverer and  King:  and  though  well  aware  of  the 
vast  expense  of  this  gracious  work,  he  rejoiced  in 
anticipating  the  glory  that  should  follow  his  ago- 
nies, and  in  the  delight  he  should  for  ever  take  in 
his  redeemed  people,  the  trophies  of  his  victories, 
and  the  monuments  of  his  love.  {J^ote,  Heb.  12: 
2,3.)  Did  he  then,  and  does  he  still,  delight  in 
the  thought  of  thus  saving  us  wretched  sinners.'' 
Did  the  Father,  on  this  account  especially,  de- 
light in  his  beloved  Son.'  And  shall  not  we  de- 
light in  him  and  his  salvation.''  Surely  with  the 
docility  of  children  we  should  hearken  to  his  voicel 
yea,  the  youngest,  who  can  read,  hear,  and  un- 
derstand, should  receive  liis  counsels,  with  thank- 
ful, joyful,  and  obedient  hearts.  Let  us  all  then 
hear  instruction,  and  be  wise,  and  not  refuse  such 
surprising  mercy.  For  blessed  are  they,  who 
hear  the  Savior's  voice,  patiently  watching  and 
waiting  at  his  gates;  and  by  daily  reading,  medi- 
tation, and  prayer,  by  constantly  attending  on  his 
ordmances  and  observing  his  directions,  seek  in- 
creasing acquaintance  with  him  and  experience 
476] 


of  his  grace.  The  more  diligent  we  are,  the  hap- 
pier we  shall  be:  for  "whoso  findeth  him  findeth 
life,  and  shall  obtain  favor  of  the  Lord."  Let  us 
then  not  be  wearied  or  discouraged  in  watching 
at  his  gates:  let  us  be  careful  that  we  be  not  al- 
lured away  by  worldly  pleasures,  frighted  away 
by  the  reproach  or  terror  of  the  wicked,  or  tempt- 
ed to  think  that  we  shall  wait  in  vain;  for  this  no 
upright  soul  shall  do:  but  those  who  "neglect  so 
great  salvation,"  and  hate  the  instructions  of 
Christ,  are  murderers  of  their  own  souls,  and  act 
as  if  they  were  in  love  with  death  and  damna- 
tion. 

NOTES. 

Chap.  IX.  V.  1 — 6.  Perhaps  Solomon  here  re- 
ferred to  his  magnificent  temple,  to  which  men 
were  invited  to  resort  for  the  worship  of  God,  in- 
stead of  frequenting  scenes  of  vice  and  dissipa- 
tion: but  even  this  was  typical  of  Christ  and  his 
gospel.— He,  the  true  Wisdom,  has  prepared  his 
church  and  ordinances,  as  a  commodious  and 
stately  palace,  in  order  to  entertain  the  souls  of 
all  who  believe  in  him.  The  sacrifice  of  his  death, 
which  was  prefigured  by  all  the  oblations  of  bulls 
and  goats,  supplies  the  provisions  of  a  rich  and 
plentiful  feast  for  them.  The  wine  also  is  min- 
gled, to  render  it  more  exquisite;  and  the  table  is 
furnished  at  an  immense  expense  to  him,  though 
none  to  them.  The  ministers  of  the  gospel,  (call- 
ed the  handmaids  of  Wisdom,  to  preserve  tlie 
propriety  of  the  parable,)  are  sent  forth  into  all 
the  places  of  public  resort  to  invite  the  guests: 
and  the  simple,  those  who  want  understanding,  (or 
a  heart,  as  the  word  literally  signifies,)  are  particu- 
larly invited  to  enter  in  and  partake  of  Jiie  feast. 
But  they  are  exhorted  and  commanded  to  forsake 
their  foolish  comrades  and  sinful  pursuits,  that 
they  may  live  and  be  happy,  by  going  in  the  waj' 
of  understanding.  [JVotes,  2  Cor.  6:14,18.  Rev. 
:i:\l — 19.) — The  coincidence  of  this  interpreta- 
tion with  two  of  our  Lord's  parables,  sufficiently 
warrants  it;  [Jfotes,  Matt.  22:1—14.  Luke  14:15 
— 24.)  and  sanctions  the  exposition  given  of  the 
preceding  chapters.  {J^otes,  1:20 — 31.  8:1 — 9,15 
— 36.) — 'The  Son  of  God,  who  is  the  eternal  Wis- 
'dom  of  the  Father,  hath  built  his  house,  the 
'church  of  God;  he  hath  laid  sure  foundations  of 
'it,  and  hath  hewn  out  all  the  pillars  thereof.  He 
'hath  instituted  all  his  holy  ordinances,  whereby 
'he  may  feed  up  the  souls  of  men  to  everlasting 
'life.  Hn  hath  sent  forth  his  holy  and  zealous  mes- 
'sengers  to  invite  men  to  ...  these  sacred  myste- 
'ries.'  Bp.  Hall.— Wisdom.  (1)  r\-\r::>r\,  plur.  JSTote, 
1:20. 


B.  C.  977. 


CHAPTER  rX. 


R  C.  97r. 


thee:  "  rebuke  a  wise  man,  and  he  will 
love  thee. 

9  °  Give  instruction  to  a  wise  man,  and 
he  will  be  yet  wiser:  teach  a  just  man,  and 
he  will  increase  in  learning. 

10  PThe  fear  of  the  Lord  is  the  be- 
ginning of  wisdom;  and  i  the  knowledge 
of  the  Holy  is  understanding. 

11  For  ■■  by  me  thy  days  shall  be  mul- 
tipHed,  and  the  years  of  thy  life  shall  be 
increased. 

12  ^  If  thou  be  wise,  thou  shalt  be  wise 
for  thyself:  but  ?/thou  scornest,  thou  alone 
shalt  bear  it. 


n  13:18.  28:23.  Lev.  19:17.  2 
Sam.  12:7—14.  1  Kings  1:23, 
32.  Ps.  141:5.  Gal.  2:11—14. 
2  Pet.  3:15,16. 

o  1:5.  25:12.  Matt.  13:11,12.  2 
Pet.  3:18.  IJohn  2:20,21.  5: 
13. 

p   1:7.     Job  28:28.     Ps.  111:10. 


Ec.  12:13. 
q  2:5.  30:3.      1  Clir.  28:9.   Malt. 

11:27.     John   17:3.     1  John  5: 

20. 
r  3:2,16.   10:27.    Deut.  6:2. 
s  16:26.      Job  22:2,3,21.    35:6,7. 

Is.  23:22.    2  Pet.  3:3,4,16. 


V.  7 — 9.  These  verses  seem  to  imply  directions 
to  the  messeng'ers  of  wisdom,  the  servants  and 
ministers  of  Christ,  w^hile  they  invite  sinners  in 
general,  how  to  conduct  themselves  towards  men, 
accordin!^  to  the  way  in  which  the)^  beliave  re- 
specting their  warnings  and  invitations.  They 
must  be  satisfied  with  declaring'  the  truth  before 
them,  as  they  have  opportunity,  and  with  gene- 
ral warnings,  exhortations,  and  invitations;  but 
must  not  persist  in  personal  rebukes  of  those, 
who  shew  profane  contempt,  or  are  notorious  for 
their  wickedness,  and  harden  themselves  in  it;  as 
that  will  only  render  them  more  outrageous  and 
scurrilous,  perhaps  excite  them  to  invent  and  cir- 
culate slanders  out  of  revenge;  and  induce  such 
altercations,  as  may  even  exasperate  the  reprov- 
er to  say  or  do  things,  which  will  give  them  a 
handle  against  him:  so  that  nothing  can  be  g-ene- 
rally  expected  from  reproving  a  scorner,  but  re- 
proach, contempt,  and  hatred.  On  the  contrary, 
there  is  the  greatest  encouragement  to  reprove  a 
wise  man,  when  he  acts  improperly;  for  he  will 
love  the  friendly  reprover,  and  grow  wiser  b}'  ev- 
erjf  instruction.  And  as  teachableness,  and  a 
conscientious  regard  to  the  authority  of  God,  are 
proofs  of  wisdom;  so  the  attention  of  instructers 
should  be  peculiarly  directed  to  those,  who  seem 
disposed  to  profit  by  particular  addresses.  But 
where  obstinacy  and  contempt  of  the  truth  are 
manifest,  Christ  says  to  us,  '-Let  them  alone;" 
'you  can  do  them  no  good  at  present,  but  will  get 
'harm  by  them.'  [.IVotes^  1:5,7.  5:4 — 13,  vv.  12,13. 
15:1-2.  23:9.  Ps.  141:5.  Malt.  7:6.  15:12— 14.)— 'If 
'a  man  cannot  endure  to  be  told  of  his  faults,  it  is 
'a  shrewd  sign  he  is  in  the  way  to  be  undone;  and 
'hath  not  as  yet  so  much  as  approached  to  the 
'gates  of  Wisdom.'    Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  10.  [Kotes,  1:7.  2:1— 5,  V.  5.  8:13.  Ps.  Ill: 
9,10.)  'The  very  first,  and  indeed  the  principal 
'thing  to  be  instilled  into  all  men's  minds,  is  a  re- 
'ligious  sense  of  the  divine  majesty,  and  an  awful 
'regard  towards  him.  ...  And  next  to  this,  that  no 
'knowledge  deserves  the  name  of  understanding, 
'but  that  which  is  delivered  by  tlie  holy  men  of 
'God,  and  disposes  us  to  devote  ourselves  unto 
'him  in  holy  obedience.'  Bp.  Patrick. — Ho/y.] 
Or  Holies,  Holy  things,  or  holy  persons,  or  the 
Holy  God,  and  his  truth  and  will.  (Is.  6:3.  J^oles, 
Js.  30:8—14.) 

V.  11.  Marg.  Ref.—Jfofes,  3:1,2,16,17. 

V.  12.  {Marg.  Ref.—Jfotes,  Job  22:1—4.  35:4 
— 8.)  The  consequences  of  men's  conduct  will 
chiefly  aifect  themselves,  whether  they  act  wise 


13  IF  A  foolish  woman  is  'clamorous; 
she  is  simple,  and  knoweth  nothing. 

14  For  "  she  sitteth  at  the  door  of  her 
house,  on  a  seat  ^  in  the  high  places  of 
the  city, 

15  To  5'"  call  passengers  who  go  right 
on  their  ways: 

16  ^  Whoso  is  simple,  let  him  turn  in 
hither:  and  as  for  him  that  wanteth  un- 
derstanding, she  saith  to  him, 

17  ^  Stolen  waters  are  sweet,  and  bread 
*  eaten  in  secret  is  pleasant. 

]  8  But  ^  he  knoweth  not  that  "^  the 
dead  are  there;  and  that  her  guests  are 
in  the  depths  of  hell. 


t   7:1).     21:9,19.       1    Tim.  6:4. 
marg. 
u  7:10i-]2. 
X  3. 

y  7:13—15,25—27.    23:27,28. 
z4. 
a  20:17.     23:31,32.      Gen.  3:6. 


Rom.  7:8.    Jam.  1:14,15. 
*    Heb.    of  secrecies.  7:13—20. 

30:20.  2  Kings  5:24—27.  Kph. 

5:12. 
b  1:7.   Ps.  82:5.    2  Pet.  3:5. 
c  2:18,19.  5:5.  6:26.  7:27. 


ly,  or  scornfully  and  foolishly.  They  may  do 
great  harm  or  good  to  others;  yet  the  most  harm 
or  good  will  accrue  to  themselves.  Their  con- 
duct cannot  in  any  way  add  to  the  essential  glory 
or  felicity  of  God,  or  deduct  from  them:  and  the 
scornfulness  of  scoffers,  will  not  injure  the  wise 
and  faithful  reprover,  or  prevent  his  acceptance 
with  God.  {Mdes,  Ez.  3:17—21.  2  Cor.  2:14— 
17.  Gal.  6:1— 10,  OT.  5,7,8.) 

V.  13 — 18.  The  "foolish  woman"  may  be  con- 
sidered in  this  place  as  an  emblem,  either  of  sen- 
sual pleasures,  and  the  cares,  interests,  and  pur- 
suits of  the  world;  or  of  those  idolatrous  and  er- 
roneous religions,  which,  making  large  allowan- 
ces to  men's  depraved  inclinations,  allure  them 
from  "the  truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus."  [JVotes,  Rev. 
17:1 — 5.  18:9,10.)  In  this  foolish  woman,  clam- 
orousness  and  ignorance  unite  with  high  preten- 
sions and  noisy  declamations,  and  boastings  that 
mean  nothing.  She  is  represented  as  continual- 
ly seated  in  the  high  places  of  the  city,  to  draw 
aside  those  who  were  before  going  on  their  way: 
as  the  harlot  entices  men,  who  were  following 
their  business  without  previous  bad  intentions. 
Some  think  that  she  represents  the  conscientious 
scruples  of  those  whom  she  addresses,  to  be  simpli- 
city and  want  of  understanding,  just  as  the  bash- 
ful and  virtuous  youth  is  often  made  the  fool  in  a 
comedy:  or  it  is  shewn,  that  she  singles  out  and 
prevails  against  such  as  are  destitute  of  wisdom 
and  grace,  alluring  them  into  the  ways  of  sin, 
with  an  enchanting  delineation  of  the  pleasure  to 
be  found  in  prohibited  indulgences;  as  if  the  for- 
bidden fruit  were  to  be  desired  above  any  in  the 
garden  of  God.  Thus  men  are  drawn  from 
Christ,  and  are  not  aware  that  it  is  to  their  de- 
struction; not  knowing,  that  all  wlio  hearken  to 
the  seductions  of  vice  or  error  are  dead  in  sins, 
and  that  the  guests  of  folly  are  rushing  into  the 
depths  of  hell.  [JSTotes,  2: 18,19.  5:3—14.  7:6—23, 
V.  7,8,11,12.) — 'She  invites  him  to  his  utter  ruin 
'both  of  body  and  soul;  (2:18.)  and  sinks  down  all 
'those  who  accept  of  her  invitation  to  the  very 
'bottom  of  that  pit,  where  the  old  giants  are,  who 
'corrupted  mankind  with  such  filthiness  and  vio- 
'lence,  that  they  brought  a  deluge  on  the  earth. 
'Gen.  6:4,5,11.'    Bp.  Patrick. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

As  the  divine  majesty  of  Christ,  and  the  excel- 
lency of  his  instructions,  demand  our  obedient 
attention;  so  the  provisions  of  his  grace  to  supply 

[477 


B.  C.  977. 


PROVERBS. 


B.  C.  977. 


CHAP.  X. 

Miscellaneous  maxims,  chiefly  recommending  righteousness, 
pietv,  industry;  and  the  government  of  the  tongue,  and  im- 
provemeut  of  the  gift  of  speech,  1 — 32, 

THE  ^  Proverbs  of  Solomon.  ^  A 
wise  son  maketh  a  glad  lather;  but 
a  foolish  son  is  the  heaviness  of  his 
mother. 

a  l.-I.  26:1.     1  Kings  4:32.    Ec.  I  b  15:20.  17:21,25,    19:13.  23:15, 
12:9.  I     16,24,25.    29:3,15.    Ec.  2:19. 


2  *=  Treasures  of  wickedness  profit 
nothing;  ^  but  righteousness  delivereth 
from  death. 

3  The  Lord  «  will  not  suffer  the  soul 
of  the  righteous  to  famish;  ''  but  he  cast- 
eth  away  *  the  substance  of  the  wicked. 


c  11:4.  Ps.  49:6—10.    Is.  10:2,3. 

Zeph.  1:18.     Luke    12:15—21. 

16:22,23.     Rom.  2:5.     Jam.  5: 

1—3. 
d  12:28.  Dan.  4:27.   Rom.  5:21. 
e  Job  5:20.     Ps.  33:19.    34:9,10. 

37:3,19,25.    Is.  33:16.    Matt.  6: 


30—33.        Luke    12:22-24,31. 

Heb.  13:5,6. 
f     Job     20:5 — 8,15,20 — 22,23. 

Hab.  2:6—8.     Zeph.  1:18. 
*  Or,  Me  wicked  for  their  wicfc- 

edness.   14:32. 


our  urgent  wants  should  endear  his  invitations. 
The  new  covenant  which  he  has  mediated,  the 
spiritual  house  he  has  builded,  the  atoning  sacri- 
fice he  has  offered,  the  inexhaustible  treasures 
reposited  in  him;  the  righteousness,  grace,  peace, 
and  consolations,  which  he  bestows;  the  eternal 
inheritance  which  he  has  prepared;  and  the  meet- 
ness  for  it  which  his  grace  effects;  are  freely  pro- 
posed to  sinners,  and  conferred  on  every  believer. 
Whatever  carnal  men  imagine,  Christ  has  pro- 
vided a  feast  for  his  people;  nothing  is  wanting 
but  a  willing  mind  and  a  spiritual  relish,  in  order 
to  partake  of  it:  and  the  invitations,  given  by  his 
faithful  ministers  to  the  simple  and  sinful,  imply 
a  direction  to  them,  to  call  on  the  Lord  for  these 
preparatory  blessings. — Would  we  partake  of 
Wisdom's  feast,  we  must  renounce  the  society 
and  the  foolish  pleasures  of  the  ungodly;  or  we 
never  can  enjoy  the  pleasures  of  a  holy  life,  or  go 
in  the  way  of  understanding:  and  it  is  vain  for  us 
to  continue  an  acquaintance  with  wicked  men,  in 
order  to  do  them  good;  as  we  are  far  more  likely 
to  be  corrupted  by  them;  and  our  best  service  to 
them,  is  to  protest  against  their  evil  courses  by 
separating  from  their  company.  This  is  in  gene- 
ral the  only  rebuke,  that  it  is  advisable  to  give  to 
infidels,  scorners,  and  hardened  profligates.  It 
is  indeed  grievous  for  a  minister,  by  silence  and 
distance,  to  testif}'  against  those  who  despise  his 
message:  but  seldom  any  thing,  save  contempt 
and  reviling,  and  increased  enmity,  is  got  by  neg- 
lecting this  counsel  of  wisdom:  whereas  the  same 
labor  and  freedom  taken  wUh  those,  who  are 
wise  enough  to  value  instructions,  would  procure 
Sove,  and  do  important  good.  For  none  are  so 
wise  or  righteous,  as  not  in  many  things  to  need 
instruction,  and  even  reproofs;  and  the  wiser  men 
are,  the  better  will  they  take  them,  and  the 
more  will  they  profit  by  them,  if  properly  given, 
and  by  those,  whose  place  it  is  to  "reprove  and 
rebuke  with  all  authority."  [JSi'ote,  Ps.  141:5.) — 
We  are  repeatedly  reminded  that  "the  fear  of  the 
Lord  is  the  beginning  of  wisdom:"  we  should 
therefore  discover,  as  well  as  we  can,  where  this 
fear  is  planted  in  men's  hearts;  that  we  maj'  lead 
them  forward  in  the  knowledge  of  God,  aqd  into 
an  acquaintance  with  the  holy  Jesus;  in  which 
all  true  wisdom  and  understanding  consist,  and  | 
by  which  all  the  blessings  of  time  and  eternity 
are  communicated. — All  who  hear  the  gospel 
shoitld  consider,  that  life  and  death  are  set  before 
them,  and  that  they  are  most  deeply  interested  in 
the  choice.  If  they  are  wise  to  choose  the  one 
thing  needful,  ministers  and  Christian  friends, 
yea  angels,  vVill  rejoice,  and  God  himself  will  re- 
joice over  them  to  do  them  good,  and  their  wis- 
dom will  prove  their  own  eternal  advantage:  but 
if  men  persist  in  their  scorning,  they  may  grieve 
the  hearts  of  their  ministers  and  friends;  yet  they 
alone  must  bear  the  consequence  in  everlasting 
contempt  and  misery.  We  ought  then  most  ear- 
nestly to  seek  and  pray  for  true  wisdom:  for  Sa- 
tan has  emissaries,  of  various  kinds,  to  withdraw 
our  souls  from  Christ,  with  great  swelling  words 
of  vanit)',  the  result  of  presumption  and  ignorance. 
[JVotes,  2  Pet.  2:10—22.  Jude  9—13.)  Not  only 
478] 


do  worldly  lusts  and  abandoned  seducers  prove 
fatal  rivals  to  Christ  for  the  souls  of  men;  but 
false  teachers,  with  damnable  doctrines,  which 
flatter  the  pride  and  give  liberty  to  men's  lusts, 
compass  the  destruction  of  multitudes.  These 
especially  draw  off  such  as  have  received  serious 
impressions,  and  are  disposed  to  do  many  things, 
and  to  attend  on  the  word  of  God;  but  are  not 
experimentally  acquainted  with  the  truth,  in  the 
love  and  power  of  it.  Such  unstable  souls  are 
soon  seduced  into  superstition,  enthusiasm,  or 
antinomian  licentiousness,  or  any  other  plausi- 
ble corruption  of  Christianity,  according  te  the 
fashion  of  the  age:  they  are  persuaded  by  fair 
words,  that  so  much  diligence  and  self-denial  are 
unnecessary,  and  that  they  may  obtain  heaven  on 
easier  terms:  they  are  allured  with  the  hopes  of 
gratifying  their  darhng  passion  with  impunity; 
and  their  natural  propensity  to  covet  forbidden 
objects  is  readily  wrought  upon.  Thus  they  are 
prejudiced  against  the  humbling  truths  and  holy 
precepts  of  God's  word,  and  are  drawn  aside  into 
the  ways  of  error;  "not  knowing  that  the  dead 
are  there,  and  that  her  guests  are  in  the  depths  of 
hell;"  for  "the  last  state  of  such  men  is  worse  than 
the  first." — 'From  all  the  deceits  of  the  world, 
'the  flesh,  and  the  devil;  from  all  false  doctrine 
'and  hardness  of  heart;  and  from  all  contempt  of 
'thy  word  and  commandment,  Good  Lord,  deliver 
'us.'    Amen. 

NOTES. 

Chap.  X.  V.  1.  Here  the  Proverbs,  properly 
so  called,  begin;  'what  hath  been  delivered  hith- 
'erto,  being  rather  a  preface  to  awaken  attention, 
'and  from  sundry  arguments,  to  commend  the 
'wiee  instructions,  which  now  follow.'  Bp. 
Patrick.  These  are  short  maxims  of  wisdom  re- 
lating to  our  conduct  in  life,  in  subserviency  to 
our  own  best  interests,  to  the  benefit  of  mankind, 
and  above  all  to  the  glory  of  God. — The  comfort 
of  parents  greatly  depends  on  the  conduct  of  their 
children,  ^nd  this  suggests  to  both  parents  and 
children,  powerful  motives  for  attending  to  their 
several  duties.  'Nothing  contributes  so  much 
'every  waj'  to  the  happiness  of  mankind,  as  a  re- 
'ligious  care  about  the  education  of  children.  ... 
'Let  the  father's  care  in  educating  his  children  ... 
'be  equal  to  the  joy  he  will  have  in  their  well- 
'doing:  and  let  the  mother  beware  that  her  indul- 
'gence  do  not  spoil  them;  for  she  will  have  the 
'greatest  share  in  the  uneasiness,  which  their  un- 
'towardness  will  give  them.'  Bjj.  Patrick.  The 
heaviness  of  the  mother  may  be  particularl)'  men- 
tioned, because  mothers  have  previously  had  a 
more  abundant  share  of  pain  and  sorrow  about 
their  children:  and  it  is  therefore  the  more  cruel 
in  them,  when  grown  up,  to  occasion  further  dis- 
tress, by  their  subsequent  misconduct,  to  such 
kind  friends,  whom  they  ought  by  all  means  to  re- 
quite; and  to  whom  they  should  aim  in  every 
thing  to  be  a  comfort. 

V.  2,  3.  'This  is  more  necessary  than  the 
'care  of  heaping  up  riches  for  them.'  Bp.  Pat- 
rick. Even  great  riches,  gotten  by  fraud  or  op- 
pression, or  spent  in  wickedness  or  self-indul- 
gence, do  no  real  good   to  the  possessor  or  his 


B.  C.  977. 


CHAPTER  X. 


B.  C.  977 


4  He  6  becometh  poor  that  dealeth 
with  a  slack  hand;  ''  but  the  hand  of  the 
diHgent  maketh  rich. 

5  He  that  '  gathereth  in  summer  is  a 
wise  son;  but  he  that  sleepeth  in  harvest 
is  ^  a  son  that  causeth  shame. 

6  '  Blessings  are  upon  the  head  of  the 
just;  but  ■"  violence  covereth  the  mouth 
of  the  wicked. 

7  The  "  memory  of  the  just  is  blessed; 
but  °  the  name  of  the  wicked  shall  rot. 

8  The  P  wise  in  heart  will  receive 
commandments;  *>  but  *  a  prating  fool  shall 
t  fall, 


g  6:6—11.    12:24.    19:15,24.  20: 

4,13.     24:30—34.      Ec.    10:18. 

John  6d7.      Heb.  6:11,12.    2 

Pet.  1:5—10. 
h  13:4.  21:5.    1  Cor.  15:58. 
i  6:6,3.  30:25.    Is.  55:6,7. 
k  12:4.  17:2.  19:26. 
1  11:26.  24:25.  28.20.   Deut.  28: 

2.  Job  29:13.   2  Tim.  1:16—18. 
m    11.     Esth.    7:8.     Ps.  107:42. 

Rom.  3:19. 


n  1  Kings  11:36.    2  Kings  19:34. 

2  Chr.  24:16.   Ps.  112:6.    Mark 

14:9.     Luke  1:48. 
0  Job    18:17.    27:23.     Ps.  9:5,6. 

109:13,15.    Ec.  8:10.     Jer.  17: 

13. 
p    1:5.  9:9.   12:1.   14:8.    Ps.  119: 

34.    Jam.  3:13. 
q  10.  12:13.  13:3.   14:23. 
*  Heb.  afool  of  lips.  Ec.  10:12. 
■f  Or,  be  beaten.   18:6,7. 


children:  for  the  Lord  will  soon  tear  them  from 
him,  or  him  from  them;  and  he  will  cast  them 
away  as  worthless  and  contemptible,  and  utterly 
insuflScient  to  ransom  the  life  or  soul.  [Marg. 
Ref.  c.—J^otes,  Ps.  49:6—8.  Luke  12:15—21. 
16:22,23.)  Yet  such  riches  are  the  most  valued 
substance  of  ungodly  men!  But,  on  the  other 
hand,  righteousness  (the  nature  of  which  must  be 
learned  from  other  parts  of  scripture,)  secures  a 
man  from  the  sting  and  fatal  effects  of  death:  and 
though  the  righteous  should  be  poor  in  this  world, 
the  Lord  who  provides  for  his  soul,  will  not  fam- 
ish him  as  to  his  temporal  life.  {Jfotes,  Ps.  37: 
16—19.  Matt.  6:25—32.  Luke  12:22—34.  1  Tim. 
4:6—10,  V.  8.) 

V.  4.  {Marg.Ref.—JVotes,6:6—U.  12:24.  13: 
4.  21:5.  22:29.  2  Pet.  1:5—11.)  The  words  ren- 
dered "with  a  sl^ck  hand,"  may  signify  the  hand 
of  deceit.  Without  diligence,  honesty  can  scarce- 
ly be  expected.  'Next  unto  virtue,  let  children 
'be  bred  up  to  industry  ...  for  both  poverty  and 
'fraud  are  commonly  the  effect  of  negligence  and 
'sloth.'  Bp.  Patrick. — The  Septuagint  here 
add,  'A  well  educated  son  shall  be  a  wise  man, 
'and  shall  use  the  foolish  man  as  a  servant.' 

V.  5.  Activity  and  sobriety  in  youth  will  ena- 
ble a  man  to  requite  his  parents,  and  render  him 
a  credit  and  comfort  to  them,  as  well  as  establish 
his  credit  for  prudence.  But  the  sluggard  will 
be  a  scandal  and  grief  to  those,  by  whom  he  has 
been  educated,  and  to  all  connected  with  him. 
{Marg.  Ref.—JVotes,  Is.  55:6,7.  Jer.  8:20.) 

V.  6.  yiolence.l  The  consciousness  or  detec- 
tion of  their  violent  dealing,  in  oppressing  the 
poor,  will  stop  the  mouths  of  the  wicked;  and 
render  them  like  men,  whose  faces  are  covered 
when  led  to  execution.  [J^otc,  Esth.  7:8.)  'When 
'their  wickedness  shall  be  discovered,  tliey  shall 
'be  as  dumb,  and  not  know  what  to  say.' — The 
clause,  however,  may  be  rendered,  "The  mouth 
of  the  ;ivicked  covereth  violence."  They  use  a 
variety  of  pleas  and  employ  all  their  eloquence, 
to  conceal,  or  excuse  and  justify,  their  cruelty 
and  oppressions.  For  example,  who  can  help 
thinking  of  the  ingenious,  but  interested  advo- 
cates, for  the  cruel  and  oppressive  slave-trade.'' 

V.  7.  The  memory  of  righteous  and  merciful 
men  shall  be  celebrated  with  just  commendation, 
after  their  death,  however  clouded  by  envy  and 
calumny  at  present:  but  all  tlie  endeavors  of  the 
wicked,  and  their  panegyrists,  to  establish  their 


9  He  "■  that  walketh  uprightly  walketh 
surely;  ^  but  he  that  perverteth  his  ways 
shall  be  known. 

10  He  ^  that  winketh  with  the  eye 
causeth  sorrow;  "  but  a  prating  fool  shall 
X  fall. 

1 1  The  *  mouth  of  a  righteous  man  is 
a  well  of  hfe;  ^  but  violence  covereth  the 
mouth  of  the  wicked. 

12  ^  Hatred  stirreth  up  strifes;  but  ^  love 
covereth  all  sins. 

13  In  ''the  hps  of  him  that  hath  un- 
derstanding wisdom  is  found;  but  *"  a  rod 


r  28:18.      Ps.  25:21.     26:11,12. 

84:11.   Is.  33:15,16.    Gal.  2:13, 

14. 
s  17:20.     Luke  12:1,2.     1  Cor. 

4:5. 
t6:13.    Job  15:12.    Ps.  35:19. 
u8.   18:6,7,21. 
t  Or,  be  beaten.  3  John  10. 
X  20,21,32.    13:14.    15:7.   16:22— 

24.   18:4.   20:15.     Ps.  37:30,31. 

Eph.  4:29. 


y   See  on    6 — Ec.     10:12—14. 

Matt.  12:34—37.    Jam.  3:5—8. 
7.    15:18.      16:27.     28:25.    29:22. 

Jam.  4:1. 
a  17:9.     1  Cor.  13:4.  Jam.  5:20. 

1  Pet.  4:8. 
b  11,21.   15:7,23.  20:15.    Ec.  10; 

12.   Is.  50:4.   Luke  4:22. 
c  10.  7:22.     17:10.    26;3.    27:22. 

Ps.  32:9. 


characters,  shall  not  preserve  their  memory  from 
merited  infamy. 

V.  8.  True  wisdom  disposes  men  to  regard 
and  obey  the  commandments  of  God,  and  those 
of  their  superiors  in  all  things  lawful:  but  that 
knowledge,  which  merely  serves  to  furnish  men 
with  topics  of  disputation  and  loquacity,  and 
the  various  methods  by  which  the  ungodly  per- 
vert the  gift  of  speech,  will  redound  to  their  own 
disgrace  and  misery. — 'He  that  is  foolish  in  talk, 
'shall  be  beaten.'     Old  Version. 

V.  9.  (.AT)<e,P*.  125:4,5.)  The  upright  be- 
liever goes  straight  forward  in  the  plain  path  of 
sincerity,  honesty,  and  piety:  thus  he  is  both  safe 
and  free  from  perplexing  fears,  as  there  is  no 
secret  ill  design  or  practice  which  dreads  detec- 
tion. But  the  dissembler,  after  all  his  shufBiug 
and  subtlety,  will  certainly  be  exposed,  either 
here  or  hereafter;  and  he  lives  in  continual  ap- 
prehensions of  being  put  to  shame.  {Marg.  Ref. ) 

V.  10.  [JVotes,  8.  6:12—19.)  'The  dissembling 
'person  causeth  much  sorrow  at  last,  both  to  him- 
'self  and  those  that  have  been  deceived  by  him: 
'but  a  prating  fool  that  utters  all  his  heart,  pro- 
'cures  stripes  to  himself,  without  further  danger 
'to  others.'  Bp.  Hall. 

V.  1 1 .  The  good  treasure  of  a  righteous  man's 
heart,  continually  furnishes  wise,  pious,  and  edi- 
fying observations.  So  that  those,  who  con- 
verse with  him,  may  draw  from  him  instructions 
for  the  prudent  conduct  of  life,  as  occasion  re- 
quires. [J^otes,  20,21,32.  15:7,23.  18:4.  Ps.  37: 
29—31.  Matt.  12:33—37.)  But  the  mouth  of  the 
wicked  is  emplo3'ed  in  disguising  or  palliating  his 
own  violent  dealings,  or  those  of  other  wicked 
men.  (JVbie,  6.) 

V.  12.  [Marg.  RefA  Where  hatred  prevails 
in  the  heart,  every  trine  excites  contention;  the 
least  slip  is  resented  and  aggravated;  the  best 
meant  words  or  actions  are  misrepresented  or 
misunderstood;  and  nothing  is  passed  over,  or 
candidly  received:  so  that  it  constantly  excites 
discord  and  strife.  But  where  love  reigns,  mis- 
takes and  offences  will  be  either  overlooked,  or 
meekly  endured,  or  speedily  forgiven:  so  tliat, 
notwillistanding  the  imperfections  of  those  who 
live  together,  they  bear  with,  and  make  the  best 
of,  each  other,  and  peace  and  harmon}-  are  pre- 
served.— The  evident  meaning  of  this  latter  clause 
should  be  kept  in  mind,  by  all  who  would  inter- 
pret the  quotations  of  it  by  the  apostles.    [J^otes., 

[479 


B.  C.  977. 


PROVERBS. 


B.  C.  977i 


is  for  the  back  of  him  that  is  void  of  *  un- 
derstanding. 

14  Wise  men  ^  lay  up  knowledge;  but 
^  the  mouth  of  the  foolish  is  near  destruc- 


tion. 

15  The  ^  rich  man's  wealth  is  his 
strong  city:  ^  the  destruction  of  the  poor 
is  their  poverty, 

16  The  ^  labor  of  the  righteous  tendeth 
to  hfe;  'the  fruit  of  the  wicked,  to  sin. 

[Practical  Olservations.] 

17  He  is  in  ^  the  way  of  hfe  that  keep- 
etli  instruction;  but  ^  he  that  refuseth  re- 
proof t  erreth. 

*  Heb.  heart.  6:32.  Marg. 

d  J:5.  9:9.    18:1,15.   19:3.    Matt. 

13:44,52.  2  Cor.  4:6,7. 
e  8,10.  13:3.  18:7.  21:23. 
f  18:11.     Job  31:24,25.     Ps.  49: 

6.  52:7.     Ec.  7:12.     Jer.  9:23. 

Mark   10:24.      Luke    12:19.   1 

Tim.  6:17. 
g  14:20.    19:7.    22:22,23.     Mic. 

2:1,2. 
h  11:30.   Is.  3:10,11.  John  6:27. 


1  Cor.   15:58.       Gal.  6:7—9. 
Heb.  6:10. 

i  Matt.  7:17,18.   12:33,34.  15:19. 

Rom.   6:23.      2  Tim.   2:17,18. 

3:13. 
k  3:1,2,18.  4:4,13.   12:1.  22:17— 

19.  Matt.  7:24— 27.     Luke  11: 

28.    Heb.  2:1. 
1  1:25,26,30.    5:12.    15:10.    29:1. 

2  Chr.  25:16.   Heb.  12:25. 
I  Or,  causeth  to  err.    Ec.  5:6. 


Jam.  5:19,20.  1  Pet.  4:8.)  The  Septuagint,  not 
having  clearly  expressed  the  genuine  meaning  of 
the  passage,  St.  Peter  does  not  quote  from  them: 
but  he  gives  us  the  plain  meaning  of  the  original: 
and  St.  James,  in  an  evident  reference  to  the 
passage,  uses  almost  the  same  words. 

V.  13.  [J^ote,  11.)  The  translation  of  this 
verse  in  the  Septuagint  is  remarkable:  'He  who 
'bringeth  forth  wisdom  from  his  lips,  smites  the 
'foolish  man  with  a  rod.' — Obstinate  sinners  should 
be  treated  with  severity;  for  such  discipline  is 
most  calculated  to  do  them  good:  and  indeed 
they  are  wilfully  preparing  misery  for  themselves, 
in  this  world,  and  in  the  next. — 'He  that  would 
'be  wise  must  seek  the  acquaintance  of  some  in- 
'telligent  person:  but  the  most  knowing  person 
'in  the  world  cannot  make  him  wise  that  is  void 
'of  consideration;  who  will  never  learn,  unless 
'perhaps  by  some  great  affliction.'  Bp.  Patrick. 
(JVb^es,  26:3.  27:22.) 

V.  14.  Wise  men  are  always  learning:  they 
value  useful  knowledge  as  misers  do  gold,  and 
are  continually  studying  to  increase  their  treas- 
ures; which  they  carefully  preserve,  till  opportu- 
nities are  afforded  of  communicating  them,  for 
the  instruction  of  others.  [J^otes,  1:5.  2:1 — 7. 
Matt.  13:44 — 46.)  But  fools  soon  speak  out  all 
they  think,  and  spend  their  scanty  stock,  without 
regarding  consequences;  by  which  they  do  im- 
ixense  mischief,  and  ruin  themselves. — The  word 
(J^^pl)^)  rendered  destruction  properly  means 

consternation.,  or  anguish  of  mind. 

V.  15.  Riches  indeed  commonly  preserve  men 
from  many  hardships  and  injuries;  and  poverty 
exposes  them  to  great  oppression  and  injustice. 
But  the  rich  confide  too  generally  in  this  securi- 
ty, which  in  itself  is  very  uncertain,  and  cannot 
ward  off  pain,  death,  or  damnation:  and  the  poor 
are  too  much  cast  down  and  disquieted  by  their 
difliculties,  which  can  neither  prevent  their  com- 
fort in  the  favor  of  God,  nor  the  salvation  of  their 
souls.  {J\''otes,  18- 10,11.  Job  31:29—32.  Luke  12: 
15—21.  16:22,33.)  The  word  rendered  "destruc- 
tion," is  the  same  as  is  used  in  the  foregoing 
verse;  and  the  clause  may  be  rendered,  "The 
consternation  of  the  poor  is  their  poverty:"  that 
is,  they  are  often  more  afraid  of  it,  than  of  sin, 
and  needlessly  alarm  themselves,  and  yield  to 
anxious  cares  about  the  future.  {JVotes,  Matt.  6: 
24—34.  Luke  12:22—34.) 

V.  16.  The  labor  of  the  righteous,  being  a 
480] 


18  He  ™  that  hideth  hatred  with  lying 
lips,  and  he  "  that  uttereth  a  slander,  is  a 
fool. 

19  In  °  the  multitude  of  words  there 
wanteth  not  sin;  p  but  he  that  refraineth 
his  lips  is  wise. 

20  The  1  tongue  of  the  just  is  as  choice 
silver;  ""the  heart  of  the  wicked  is  little 
worth. 

21  The  lips  of  the  righteous  ^  feed 
many;  but  *■  fools  die  for  want  of  ^  wis- 
dom. 

22  The    blessing    of  the    Lord,    "  it 


m  26:24—26.  1  Sam.  18:21,22, 
29.  2  Sam.  3:27.  11:8—15.  13: 
23—29.  20:9,10.  Ps.  5:9.  12:2. 
55:21.    Luke  20:20,21. 

n  Ps.  15:3.  50:20.   101:5. 

o  Ec.  5:3.  10:13,14.  Jam.  3:2. 

p  17:27,28.  Ps.  39:1.  Jam.  1: 
19. 

q  12:18.  15:4.  16:13.  25:11,12. 
Matt.  12:35. 

r  23:7.  Gen.  6:5.  8:21.  Jer. 
17:9.     Matt.  12:34. 


s  12:18.   15:4.     Job  4:3,4.  23:12.. 

29:21,22.      Ps.  37:30.     Ec.  12: 

9,10.    Jer.  3:15.    15:16.    John 

21:15-17.     1  Pet.  5:2. 
t    1:29,31.     5:12,23.      Hos.  4:6. 

Matt.    13:19.       John    3:19,20. 

Rom.  1:28. 
X  Heb.  heart.   17:16. 
u  Gen.  12:2.   13:2.   14:23.  24:35. 

26:12.     Deut.  3:17,18.     1  Sam. 

2:7,8.  Ps.  107:38.  113:7  8. 


part  of  their  duty,  not  only  supplies  their  present 
wants,  but  tends  to  their  salvation;  and  the  suc- 
cess which  is  vouchsafed  them,  also  increases 
their  ability  and  alacrity  in  doing  good  to  the  bod- 
ies and  souls  of  others.  While  the  most  valuable 
inheritances,  the  extraordinary  successes,  and 
every  accession  of  wealth  and  preferment,  how- 
ever great  and  beyond  expectation,  with  which  a 
wicked  man  is  favored,  serve  only  to  inflame  his 
passions,  and  supply  him  with  materials  of  sinful 
indulgence;  or  to  increase  his  pride,  avarice,  and 
love  of  the  world,  in  one  form  or  other:  and  thus 
eventually  they  add  to  his  guilt  and  condemna- 
tion.— The  verse  may  be  rendered:  "That  which 
a  righteous  man  obtaineth  by  his  labor,  is  unto 
life:  but  the  income,"  or  revenue,  "of  the  wicked, 
unto  sin." 

V.  17.  He  is  in  the  way  of  life  that  keepeth 
instruction.']  Or  rather;  "Instruction,  (or  disci- 
pline,) keepeth  the  way  of  life,  &c."  '06hs  ^ojvs 
(pvXaaaei  iraiStia.  Sept.  {Marg.  Ref. — JVotes,  4:13. 
Matt.  7:24 — 27.) — The  traveller,  who  has  missed 
his  way,  and  is  too  proud  to  hearken  to  directions, 
is  likely  to  wander  still  further  from  his  road:  and 
the  sinner,  who  disdains  to  be  reproved,  will 
scarcely  be  convinced  of  his  mistake,  till  he 
opens  his  eyes  in  the  pit  of  destruction.  {J\rotes, 
1:21—31.  5:3—14.  15:10.  Jer.  8:4—7.)  Some 
understand  the  clause  actively: — 'He  that  leaves 
'off  to  give  reproof,  encourages  men  in  their  er- 
'rors.'  Bp.  Patrick.    [Marg. — r^ote,  Lev.  19:17.) 

V.  18.  The  man,  who  flatters  those  whom  he 
hates,  and  covers  malicious  devices  with  profes- 
sions of  friendship,  and  then  propagates  slanders  to 
the  ruin  of  their  reputation,  is  evidently  destitute 
both  of  wisdom  and  grace.  [Marg.  Ref. — J^otes, 
26:20—27.    Ps.  5:2—6,9.    12:1—4.    55:20—22.) 

V.  19.  'Nor  are  calumny  and  flattery  the  only 
'vices  of  the  tongue,  but  much  speaking  is  rarely 
'innocent:  therefore  he  that  is  sparing  of  his 
'words,  and  considers  well  both  when,  and  where, 
'and  what  he  speaks,  is  a  truly  prudent  person.' 
Bp.  Patrick.  [J^otes,  17:27,28.  Ps.  39:1—4,  w. 
1,2.  Ec.  5:1— 3,v.  3.  Jam.  1:26.  3:1,2.) 

V.  20,  21.  The  gift  of  speech  is  too  valuable 
a  talent  to  be  buried:  like  the  precious  metain  it 
should  not  be  squandered;  but  on  proper  occa- 
sions it  should,  be  liberally  used.  And  indeed 
the  righteous,  though  poor,  by  their  pious  con- 
versation do  as  much  good,  as  the  rich  man  by 
his  bounty:  so  that  their  lips jfeec?,  that  is,  instruct, 
counsel,  and  comfort,  many.     [JVotcs,   19.    12:18, 


B.  C.  077. 


CHAPTER  X. 


B.  C.  977. 


maketh  rich,  and  *  he  addeth  no  sorrow 
with  it. 

23  It  is  y  as  sport  to  a  fool  to  do  mis- 
chief; but  a  man  of  understanding  hath 
wisdom. 

24  The  ^  fear  of  the  wicked,  it  shall 
come  upon  him;  but  *  the  desire  of  the 
righteous  shall  be  granted. 

25  As  ''the  whirlwind  passeth,  so  is 
the  wicked  no  more;  but  the  righteous  is 
*^  an  everlasting  foundation. 

26  As  '^  vinegar  to  the  teeth,  and  «"  as 
smoke  to  the  eyes,  *  so  is  the  sluggard  to 
them  that  send  him. 


X  20:21.  28:22.  Josh.  6:18.  7: 
!,&-,.  1  Kings  21: 19.  2 Kings 
5:26,27.  Job  27:8,&c.  Hab. 
2:6 — 12.  Zech.  5:4.  Jam.  5: 
1—5. 

y  14:9.  15:21.26:18,19.  Ec.  11:9. 

z  Job  3:25.   15.21.     Heb.  10:27. 

aPs.  21:2.  37:4.  145:19.  Matt. 
5:6.  John  14:18.  16:24.  iJolin 
5:14,15. 


b  1:27.    Job  27:19—21. 

9,10.  53:9.    73:18—20. 

24. 
c  30.     Ps.  15:5.     Matt. 

16:18.     Kph.   2:20.      1 

19.     2  Tim.  2:19. 
d  25:13,20. 
e  Is.  65:5. 
f    Matt.  25:26.       Rom 

Heb.  6:12. 


Ps.  37: 
Is.  40: 


7:24,25. 
Tim.  6: 


19.  25:11,12.  Jo6  4:3— 6,  T57).  3,4.  Jb/ira  21:15— 
17.  1  Pet.  5:\ — 4.)  But  the  wicked  man,  being 
destitute  of  good  principles,  intentions,  and  dis- 
positions, and  his  heart  iieing  even  worthless  and 
full  of  iniquity,  cannot  be  expected  to  do  good, 
either  by  his  example  or  conversation:  and  at  last 
he  will  perish  as  a  fool,  for  want  of  true  wisdom, 
wliatever  proficiency  he  has  made  in  science,  and 
whatever  reputation  for  sagacity  he  has  acquired. 
{Marg.  Ref.  r.) 

V.  22.  In  a  chapter  peculiarly  recommending 
industry,  the  wise  man,  or  rather  the  Spirit  of 
God  by  him,  has  given  a  most  important  admoni- 
tion in  this  verse.  'Upon  which'  fdiligence) 
'...  no  man  is  so  to  depend,  as  to  imagine  to  Ob- 
'tain  what  he  would  have  by  that  alone:  but  to 
'look  up  to  God,  as  the  Donor  of  all  good  things, 
'and  giving  success  to  our  industry:  which  was  a 
'tiling  little  thought  of  by  heathens,  who  were  too 
'prone  to  imagine  all  things  requisite  to  happiness 
'to  be  placed  in  themselves.  But  the  scriptures 
'every  where  inculcate  this,  that  it  is  God  who 
'gives  wisdom  to  the  wise,  and  victory  to  the 
'valiant,  and  riches  to  the  diligent,  and  good  suc- 
'cess  to  the  prudent  and  potent.'  Bp.  Prifrick. 
In  fact,  a  large  majority  of  nominal  Christians, 
especially  the  active,  sagacious,  and  managing, 
in  worldly  business,  are  in  this  respect  heathens, 
at  least  practically.  Perhaps  they  acquire  their 
wealth  by  using  many  sinister  methods;  and  thus 
with  it  they  ensure  vanity  and  vexation.  But 
when  riches  are  given,  by  the  blessing  of  God 
upon  the  honest  industry  of  one,  who  depends  on 
him,  and  uses  them  to  his  glory;  they  are  pos- 
sessed without  perplexing  care,  or  a  guilty  con- 
science, or  dread  of  consequences.  [Marg:  Rcf. 
—Dent.  8:17,ir!.  JN'btey,  20:21.  I  Sam.  2:4—0. 
Ec.  9:11,12.     1  Tim.  6:6—10,17—19.) 

V.  23.  Foolish  and  wicked  men  often  divert 
themselves  with  injuring  and  disquieting  others, 
or  with  tempting  them  to  sin:  and  the  greatest 
impieties  or  iniquities,  which  they  can  commit 
with  present  impunity,  are  to  them  a  cause  of 
laughter  and  mirth.  But  a  man  of  understand- 
ing is  too  wise  to  act  so  absurdly;  nay,  betakes 
far  more  delight  in  wisdom  than  they  do  in  mis- 
chief.    (M)tes,  14:9.  26:18,19.) 

V.  24.  The  most  overwhelming  dread,  which 
a  wicked  man  feels  of  punishment,  will  certainly 
come  upon  him:  and  the  largest  desires,  that  the 
righteous  can  form  of  spiritual  and  eternal  bless- 
ings, will  assuredly  be  granted.     The  one  can 

Vol.  III.  61 


27  The  e  fear  of  the  Lord  *  prolongeth 
days;  but  *■  the  years  of  the  wicked  shall 
be  shortened. 

28  The  '  hope  of  the  righteous  shall  be 
gladness;  ^  but  the  expectation  of  the 
wicked  shall  perish. 

29  The  '  way  of  the  Lord  is  strength 
to  the  upright;  ™  but  destruction  shall  be 
to  tl7€  workers  of  iniquity. 

30  The  righteous  shall  "  never  be  re- 
moved; but  °  the  wicked  shall  not  inhabit 
the  earth. 

31  The  P  mouth  of  the  just  bringeth 


g  3:2,16.    9:11.     Ps.  21:4.  34:11 

—  13.  91:16. 
*  Heb.  addeth. 
h  Job  15:32,33.  22:15,16.   Ps.  55: 

23.  Ec.  7:17.  Jer.  17:11.  Luke 

12:20.  < 

i  Ps.  16:9.  73:24—26.     Rom.  5: 

2.   12:12.    15:13.     2Thes.  2:16. 
k  11:7.   14:32.      Job  8:13.   11:20. 

Ps.  112:10.    Luke  16:23—26. 
1  Ps.  84:7.  Is.  40:31.     Zech.  10; 

12.  Phil.  4:13. 


m  21:15.     Job  31:3.   Ps.  1:6.  3S: 

12.    37:20.    92:7.      Matt.  7:22, 

23.     Luke   13:26,27.     Rom.  2: 

S,9. 
n  2.5.    Ps.  16:8.    37:28,29.   112:6. 

125:1.  Rom.  8:35—39.     2  Pet. 

1:10,11. 
0  Ps.  37:9,10,22.  52:5.     Ez.  33: 

24—26.      Mic.   2:9,10.      Matt. 

21:41. 
p  11,13,20,21.     Ps.  37:30. 


fear  nothing  so  bad,  and  the  other  can  desire 
nothing  so  good,  as  is  really  intended  for  them. 
(Mites,  Ps.  37:4.  90:\l.)—SkaU  be  gi^anted.]  Or, 
"He,"  that  is,  God,  "will  grant." 

V.  25.  The  triumphs  and  boastings  of  pros- 
perous sinners,  resemble  the  short-lived  mischiev- 
ous fury  of  a  whirlwind,  which  soon  spends  itself 
and  is  gone.  [JYIarg.  Ref.  b. — Motes,  Ps.  58:6 — 
9.  73: 18 — 22. )  But  "the  righteous  is  an  everlast- 
ing foundation;"  trusting  in  the  mercy  and  faith- 
fulness of  God  through  Christ  unto  eternal  life, 
his  stability  is  ensured.  [Marg.  Ref.  c. — Mote, 
2  Tim.  2:19.) 

V.  26.  As  vinegar,  or  eating  what  is  sour, 
gives  pain  to  the  teeth,  and  as  smoke  causes  the 
e5'es  to  smart;  so  the  sluggard  is  a  continued  vex- 
ation to  those  who  employ  him  in  any  business, 
and  in  proportion  to  the  importance  of  it. 

V.  27.      JVo<e*,  3:2,16,17.  Ps.  55:23.  Jer.  17:11. 

V.  28.  'The  hope  of  the  former,'  (the  right- 
eous,) 'concludes  in  a  joyful  possession  of  what 
'he  waits  for:  but  the  other,  failing  of  his  expecta- 
'tion,  ends  his  days  in  sadness.'  Bp.  Patrick. — 
It  should  also  be  added,  that  a  well  grounded 
hope  is  in  itself  a  source  of  present  gladnes.T.; 
"Rejoicing  in  hope."  [JVutes,  \\:1.  14:32.  Luke 
16:19—31.  P.O.— Motes,  Rom.  5:3—5.  6:21— 
23.) 

V.  29.  By  uprightly  walking  in  the  waj'  of  the 
Lord,  habits  of  obedience  acquire  strength:  and 
thus  the  believer,  instead  of  fainting  and  weary- 
ing through  difficulties  or  temptations,  grows 
stronger  in  faith  and  grace,  and'  goes  forward 
with  increasing  vigor  and  delight.  [Motes,  Job 
17:8,9.  P«.  84:6,7.  /a".  40:27— 31 .)— Some  under- 
stand the  word  to  mean  courage,  rather  than 
strenglh. — The  upright  man  has  'great  courage 
'and  undaunted  resolution,  when  any  evil  threat- 
'ens  iiim:  but  the  workers  of  iniquity  ...  are  l.er- 
'ribly  shaken,  nay  broken  with  the  fear  of  that 
'destruction  which  is  coming  on  them.'  Bp.  Pat- 
rick.— Destruction.]  Or  consternnliun.  [Mote,  14.) 
The  same  word  is  there  used.  The  wicked  "are 
consumed  with  terrors."  [Motes,  Job  15:17—35, 
vv.  20—24.  Ps.  73:18—22.) 

V.  30.  Marg.  Ref— Moles,  25.  J  Sam.  2:9. 
Ps.  15:5.  37:23,24,27,28.  125:1.  1  Pel.  1:3—5.  2 
Pet.  1:5 — 11. — Inhabil.'j  The  wicked  would  be 
glad  to  have  this  earth  for  their  perpetual  home 
and  inheritance;  but  it  cannot  be  so:  thc)"  must 
die  and  leave  their  idols  behind  them:  and  they 
have  no  title  to  that  iuheritance  which  Canaan 

[481 


B.  C.  977. 


PROVERBS. 


B.  C.  977 


forth  wisdom;  but  ^  the   iVovvaid  tongue 
shall  be  cut  out. 

32  The  lips   of  the  righteous  ^  know 

q  Ps.3J;13.  63.11.   120:3,4.         rEc.  12:10.     Dan.  4:27. 


typified.      {Mar^\   Re/.—JVotes,    Ps.  37:9—11. 
Jfatt.  5:5.) 

V.  31.  "The  mouth  of  the  just  shall  be  fruit- 
ful in  wisdom."  Old  Translation. — As  the  per- 
verseness,  lies,  malice,  slanders,  perjuries,  and 
impieties  of  a  wicked  man,  might  be  justly  pun- 
ished by  cutting  out  his  tongue;  so  the  froward 
tongue  of  the  ungodly  man  shall  be  silenced,  and 
punished  in  the  flames  of  hell.    (Jfote,  Jam.  3:3 — 


•V. 


32.  The  righteous  know  how  to  speak 
what  is  pleasing  to  God,  and  suited  to  satisfy  wise 
and  good  men:  and  in  proportion  to  their  profi- 
ciency in  heavenly  wisdom  and  holy  love,  they 
learn  to  adopt  the  least  offensive,  and  most  ac- 
ceptable method,  of  communicaling  instruction  to 
those  without;  as  far  as  this  consists  with  faith- 
fulness, and  the  single  aim  to  please  God  and  not 
man.  (JVotes,  Ec.  12:8—10.  Dan.  4:21.  Rom.  15: 
1 — 3.)  But  in  these  things,  the  language  of  the 
wicked  is  entirely  of  a  contrary  nature  and  ten- 
dency. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
V.  1—16. 
If  parents  would  not  experience  heaviness  from 
their  children,  but  gladness,  they  should  be  very 
attentive  to  their  education;  both  giving  them 
good  instructions  and  setting  them  good  exam- 
ples: they  should  far  more  desire,  that  their  chil- 
dren may  be  wise  and  pious,  than  rich,  or  ac- 
complished, or  renowned:  and  they  ought  to  pray 
for  them,  without  ceasing,  to  the  Giver  of  every 
good  and  perfect  gift.  It  is  likewise  important, 
in  the  greatest  degree,  that  they  should  consult 
the  permanent  advantage  of  their  children,  rather 
tlian  their  inclinations;  and  early  habituate  them 
to  self-denial  and  industry.  For  without  diligence 
there  can  be  no  wisdom,  or  even  justice:  and  a 
sluggard  is  always  a  reproach  to  those  who  had 
the  care  of  his  education,  a  vexation  to  those  who 
employ  him,  a  dead  weight  on  society,  and  a  bur- 
den to  himself. — Young  persons  also  ought  to  rec- 
ollect the  labor  and  sorrow,  %vhich  they  have  al- 
ready cost  their  parents;  and  consider  that  they 
may,  nay  must,  if  they  behave  ill,  give  them  still 
deeper  disquietude  and  anguish.  On  the  other 
hand,  they  should  endeavor  so  to  behave,  as  to 
prove  both  a  comfort  and  credit  to  them.  They 
should  apply  to  business,  with  redoubled  alacrity, 
from  this  motive  especially,  that,  if  needful,  they 
may  be  able  to  support  their  parents  during  their 
declining  years. — Opportunities  once  lost  can  sel- 
dom be  recalled.  In  temporal  concerns,  "he  that 
dealcth  with  a  ^ack  hand,  becometh  poor," though 
he  had  fair  prospects  and  considerable  property: 
thus  many,  highly  favored  with  religious  advanta- 
ges, will  sink  into  final  misery  tlirough  sloth  and 
procrastination.  Indeed,  negligence  in  any  de- 
gree will  proportionably  impoverish  the  soul,  and 
prevent  the  Christian  from  enjoying  that  confi- 
dence and  consolation,  and  being  honored  with 
thatusefulness,  with  which  his  more  diligent  broth- 
er is  favored.  Nay,  sloth  and  self-indulgence  are 
here  far  more  culpable  and  pernicious,  and  dili- 
gence far  more  valuable  than  in  the  trifles  of  this 
world:  for  riches  are  not  to  be  compared  with 
righteousness,  or  temporal  things  with  eternal. 
Riches,  however  abundant,  when,  as  is  too  gen- 
erally the  case,  connected  with  wickedness,  can- 
not eventually  profit  any  man:  nor  can  the  right- 
eous, in  any  respect,  want  what  is  good  for  him, 
either  here  or  hereafter.  The  confidence,  which 
the  wealthy  generally  place  in  affluence,  will  cer- 
482] 


what  is  acceptable;  ^  but  the  mouth  of  the 
wicked  speaketh  *  frowardness. 

s  11:11.     12:6,18.     15:2,28.     \%:&  \*  Hth./ro-wardnesses. 


tainly  disappoint  them:  for  the  Lord  will  cast  their 
idolized  treasure  away  with  disdain;  'in  the  hour 
'of  death  and  in  the  day  of  judgment:'  and  how 
worthless  are  all  advantages  which  must  forsake 
us,  w)-.en  we  most  need  their  help!  But  in  those 
important  seasons,  which  are  speedily  approach- 
ing to  each  of  us,  the  righteousness  of  the  despis- 
ed servants  of  God  will  appear  in  its  inestimable 
value;  and  all  will  either  envy  or  congratulate 
them.  In  the  mean  time,  should  they  be  called 
to  hard  labor  and  mean  fare,  even  this  shall  con- 
duce to  their  good. — It  is  not  easy  to  estimate  the 
blessings  which  the  righteous  enjoy,  in  answer  to 
the  prayers  of  their  brethren;  while  the  confusion 
and  frivolous  pleas  of  the  wicked,  when  attempt- 
ing to  palliate  their  crimes,  form  an  awful  antici- 
pation of  their  unspeakable  anguish,  when  they 
shall  stand  speechless  before  the  Judge,  and  be 
sent  away  into  everlasting  punishment. — Indeed, 
it  can  be  of  no  consequence  to  any  man,  either  in 
heaven  or  hell,  what  his  fellow-creatures  say  or 
think  of  him:  but  it  is  our  duty  to  honor  the  mem- 
ory of  the  righteous,  and  in  general  they  are  hon- 
ored after  their  decease;  competition,  and  envy, 
and  enmity,  dying  with  them;  and  this  honor  is  a 
token  of  their  felicity  in  a  better  world:  while 
infamy  commonly  is,  and  always  ought  to  be,  the 
lot  of  the  wicked,  and  will  certainly  be  their 
doom  in  the  eternal  state. — It  is  of  great  moment, 
exactly  to  discriminate  the  characters  of  the 
righteous  and  the  wicked:  and  we  can  hardly 
touch  on  any  subject,  which  does  not  direct  us  ia 
so  doing. — The  wise  in  heart,  that  is,  the  right- 
eous, first  practises  what  he  has  learned,  and 
then  speaks  to  the  edification  of  his  neighbors: 
but  the  wicked  is  loquacious  and  vain-glorious; 
and  he  talks,  sometimes  fluently  and  plausibly, 
on  the  deepest  mysteries,  while  he  neglects  the 
plainest  and  most  important  duties.  Indeed,  there 
is  no  small  number  of  these  "prating  fools,"  even 
among  those  that  profess,  nay  preach,  the  gospel. 
Yet  are  they  all,  every  moment,  liable  to  fall  into 
destruction. — Again,  the  righteous  treasures  up 
useful  knowledge;  and  bestows  pains  to  render 
all  he  knows  useful:  and  if  he  has  any  genius  or 
eloquence,  he  employs  it  in  recommending  truth 
and  enforcing  holiness.  But  the  wicked,  accord- 
ing to  the  particular  kind  of  vice  to  which  he  is 
addicted,  perversely  uses  his  talents  to  varnish 
over  crimes,  and  palliate  enormities. — The  right- 
eous man  simply  and  honestly  walks  in  the  ways 
of  God;  but  the  hypocrite  has  always  something 
in  his  conduct,  which  requires  concealment  and 
dreads  detection. — The  righteous  man  is  long- 
suffering,  forgiving,  and  kind;  tender  to  the  faults 
of  others,  and  only  severe  on  his  own.  He  follows 
peace;  and  the  love  of  his  brother  is  a  mantle  to 
"cover  all  sins:"  but  the  wicked  is  clement  to 
himself,  and  severe  on  others.  Self-love  is  his 
mantle  to  cover  his  own  sins:  envy  or  hatred 
prompts  him  to  expose  the  faults  of  others,  and 
to  stir  up  strife  and  contention.  And  if  he  be 
rich,  his  wealth  increases  his  vain  confidence  and 
carnal  security;  while  he  despises  the  poor,  though 
pious,  instead  of  relieving  their  distresses,  and 
giving  them  encouragement  and  protection. — 
And  finally,  while  the  righteous  employ  the  fmit 
of  their  labors  in  doing  good;  the  wicked  spend 
their  estates,  or  large  incomes,  "in  making  pro- 
vision for  the  flesh  to  fulfil  tha  lusts  thereof." 
V.  17—32. 
Whatever  may  have  been  the  character  and 
conduct  of  a  man  hitherto;  if  indeed  he  begins  se- 
riously to  receive  the  instruction  of  the  sacred  or- 


B.  C.  977. 


CHAPTER  XI. 


B.  C.  97t 


CHAP.    XI. 

Maxims  of  wisdom;  chiefly  contrasting  honesty,  liumilily,  faith- 
fulness, and  liberality,  with  the  opposite  vices,  1 — 31. 


'A 


FALSE   balance  is  abomination 
to  the  Lord;  but  t  a  just  weight 
is  his  delight. 

2  When  ^  pride  cometh,  then  cometh 
shame;  "^  but  with  the  lowly  is  wisdom. 

3  ^  The  integrity  of  the  upright  shall 


a  20.10,23.  Lev.  19:35,36.  Deut. 

25:13—16.    Hos.  12:7.    Am.  8: 

5.6.    Mic.  6:10,11. 
*  Heb.   Balances  of  deceit  are. 
f  Heb.    a  perfect  stone,     16:11. 

Ez.  45:10—12. 


b  3:34,35.  16:18,19.   18:12.  Dan. 

4:30—32.     Luke  14:8—11.   18: 

14.      . 
c  15:33.     1  Cor.  8:1,2. 
dS.   13:6.  Ps.  25:21.  26:1.  John 

7:17. 


guide  them;   but    ®  the    perverseness    of 
transgressors  shall  destroy  them. 

4  ^  Riches  profit  not  in  the  day  of 
wrath;  ^  but  righteousness  deUvereth  from 
death. 

5  The  righteousnessof  the  perfect  shall 
t  direct  his  way;  ^  but  the  wicked  shall 
fall  by  his  own  wickedness. 

6  The   '  righteousness   of  the  upright 


e21:7.  28:18.     Ec.  7:17.     Is.  1: 

28. 
f  10:2.     Job  36:18,19.     Ps.  49:6 

—8.     Ez.  7:19.      Zeph.   1:18. 

Matt.  16:26.     Luke  12:20. 
g  12:28.  Rom.  5:17.  1  Tim.  4:8. 


\  Heb.  rectify. 

h  3.   1:31,32.    5:22.     2  Sam.  17: 

23.  Esth.7:3— 10.  Ps.  9:15,16. 

Matt.  27:4,5. 
i   Gen.  30:33.     31:37.      1  Sam. 

12:3,4. 


acles,  and  to  obey  them,  he  is  in  the  way  of  life, 
or  shallsoon  find  admission  at  the  strait  gate:  but 
alas!  multitudes,  having  gone  wrong,  are  deter- 
mined to  proceed,  however  palpable  and  egre- 
gious their  errors.     Thus  they  refuse  reproof  and 
hate  the  reprover;  and  this  so  discourages  numbers, 
that  they  leave  men  to  the  most  fatal  mistakes, 
for  fear  of  offending   them.     So  that  the  world, 
nay  the  church,  is  little  stored  with  such  as  can 
and  will  give,  and  such  as  meekly  and  humbly 
receive,  "the  reproof  of  life."     Alas!  flattery  and 
slander  are  far  more  common:   and  those,   who 
"hide  hatred  with  lying  lips,"  generally  spread 
slanders  also,  and  often  concerning  the  very  per- 
sons whom  they  most  flatter.     But  the  word  of  in- 
spiration has  called  such  men  fools;  and  the  day 
of  judgment  will  shew  how  justly. — How  differ- 
ent the  character  of  the  truly  wise  and  righteous 
man!     He  learns  to  bridle  and  govern  his  tongue; 
and  to  avoid  all  corrupt,  false,  angry,  and  useless 
conversation;  yet,  in  refraining  his  lips  from  a 
conviction  that  "in  the  multitude  of  words  there 
wanteth  not  sin,"  he  will  not  neglect  to  improve 
the  talent  intrusted  to  him. — Wisdom  is  found  in 
his  lips;  his  words  are  as  choice  silver  and  whole- 
some provisions,    enriching   and    feeding  many. 
His  wise  counsels  and  cautions,  his  reproofs,  in- 
structions, and  encouragements,  will  be  accepta- 
ble and  useful:  and  while  his  grand  object  is  to 
glorify  God;  he  aims  also  to  "please  all  men  for 
their   edification,"   and   to   propose  truth  in  the 
most  winning  and  attractive  manner. — This  is  his 
joy  and  delight:   thus  his  lips  are  fruitful  in  wis- 
dom, ,  and  many  will   remember   his  words,  for 
their  good,  when  his  tongue  is  silent  in  the  grave. 
— But  what  a  contrast  to  this  character  is  that  of 
the  fool,  whose  joy  and  sport  is  sin  and  mischief! 
who  pours  forth   frowardness,    malice,    lies,   re- 
proaches, and  profaneness,  without  fear  or  con- 
cern; and  the  effect  of  whose  daily  conversation, 
in  exciting   contentions,  and  propagating   delu- 
sions and  impiety,  exceeds  all  calculation!     In 
deed,  it  is  the  character  of  the  fool,  to  use  his 
scanty  measure   of  capacity   in   doing   mischief. 
Here  alone  he  manifests  any  sagacity  or  ingenui- 
ty, and  here  indeed  a  little  will  go  far;  "for  behold 
how  great  a  matter  a  little  fire  kindleth!" — Men 
who  are  slow  to  hear,  swift   to  speak,  swift  to 
wrath,  implacable  in  resentments,  and  delighting 
in  contentions,  may  for  a  while  be  very  successful 
in  mischief:  but  it  will  all  soon  fall  on  their  own 
head;  and,  unless  they  be  brought  to  deep  repent- 
ance, they  will  be  driven  away  as  by  a  whirlwind; 
and  their  worst  fears,  coming  upon  them,  will  sink 
them  into  final  destruction  and  misery. — But  the 
hope  of  the  righteous  is  gladness.     If  the  Lord  see 
good  he  can  give  them  wealth,  and  exempt  them 
from  the  sorrow  and  vexation  attending  ungodly 
prosperity.     He  can   prolong  their  days,   while 
vice  shortens  the  lives  of  wretched  multitudes. 
He  will  make  their  diligence  acceptable  and  use- 
ful, while  disgrace  attaches  to  the  slothful.     He 


will  give  them  strength  and  courage  in  his  ways; 
and  they  shall  not  be  moved  for  ever,  being 
built  on  an  immoveable  foundation.  "This  is  the 
heritage  of  the  servants  of  the  Lord;  and  their 
righteousness  is  of  me,  saith  the  Lord."  (JVbfe, 
Is.  54:13—17.) 

NOTES. 

Chap.  XI.  V.  1.  'Under  this  word,'  (balances,) 
'he  condemneth  all  false  weights,  measures,  and 
'deceit.' — The  strong  language  of  scripture,  in 
many  places,  on  this  subject,  demands  the  most 
serious  consideration  of  all  persons  engaged  in 
buying  and  selling.  {J\rotes,  16:11.  20:10,23.  Ex. 
20:17.  Deut.  23:13—16.  Hos.  12:7—9.  Amos  8:4 
—10,  vv.  4,5.  Mic.  6:10—15.)  'It  is  not  so  small 
'a  sin  as  men  imagine  of,  to  cheat  their  neighbor 
'(though  it  be  only  in  a  little  matter,)  but  extreme- 
'ly  hateful  and  detestable  to  the  great  Lord  and 
'Governor  of  the  world;  as  on  the  other  side,  ex- 
'actly  just  and  equal  dealing,  in  all  our  commerce 
'one  with  another,  is  highly  pleasing  unto  him.' 
Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  2.  "Pride  cometh,  and  shame  will  come," 
&c.  A  proud  conceit  of  a  man's  own  ability  or 
excellency,  accompanied  with  boastings  and  ar- 
rogant contempt  of  others,  commonly  makes  way 
for  his  being  put  to  shame,  by  having  his  igno- 
rance and  insufficiency  detected  and  exposed 

'When  man  forgetteth  himself,  and  thinketh  to  be 
'exalted  above  his  vocation,  then  God  bringeth 
'him  to  confusion.'— Indeed  pride  is  always  incom- 
patible with  true  religion,  and  will  surely  end  in 
everlasting  shame  and  contempt.  But  true  wis- 
dom is  attended  with  humility,  which  prepares 
the  heart  for  the  exercise  of  every  Christian  tem- 
per, the  practice  of  every  duty,  and  the  honorable 
performance  of  every  useful  undertaking.  (JVb^e*, 
3:34,33.  15:33.  16:18,19.  18:12.  Dan.  4:28—37.  5: 
18—24.  Luke  14:7—11.  18:9— 14,  t).  14.  Jam.  4:4 
—6,  V.  4.    1  Pet.  5:5—7.) 

V.  3.  Strict  integrity  is  commonly  the  best 
casuist.  The  upright  Christian  simply  desires  to 
know  his  duty,  that  he  may  do  it.  He  is  not  be- 
wildered by  corrupt  motives,  or  bhnded  by  domi- 
neering passions.  He  has  spiritual  discernment, 
and  a  tender  conscience.  So  that,  in  ordinary 
cases,  lois  path  is  plain  and  obvious;  and  when  he 
is  at  a  loss,  he  depends  on  God,  and  looks  to  him 
for  direction,  and  thus  is  preserved  from  fatal  or 
distressing  mistakes:  but  the  crooked,  winding 
policy  of  ungodly  men  involves  them  in  increas- 
ing wickedness,  and  terminates  in  their  ruin. 
{J^otes,  5,6.  3:5,6.  13:6.  28:18,  Ps.  25:21.  125:4^ 
5.) 

V.  4.  [Jfotes,  10:2,3.  Joh  36:16—21,  v.  18,19. 
Ps.  49:6—8,13.  Ez.  7:16—19,  v.  19.  J\Iatt.  16:24 
— 28,  V.  26.)  The  word  rendered  wrath  denotes 
the  most  vehement  indignatimi. — Seasons  of  tem- 
poral calamities  are  days  of  wrath;  but  the  final 
judgment  is  emphatically  "the  day  of  wrath." 
(JVb/e,  Rom,  2:4—6.1 

[483 


B.  C.  977. 


PROVERBS. 


B.  C.  977 


shall    deliver    them;    but  ^  transgressors 
shall  be  taken  in  their  own  naughtiness. 

7  When  a  wicked  man  dieth,  '  his  ex- 
pectation shall  perish;  and  the  hope  of 
unjust  men  perisheth. 

8  The  ™  righteous  is  delivered  out  of 
trouble,  and  the  wicked  cometh  in  his 
stead. 

9  An  °  hypocrite  with  his  mouth  de- 
stroyeth  his  neighbor;  but  °  through 
knowledge  shall  the  just  be  dehvered. 

10  When    p  it    eoeth    well    with    the 


k  1  Kings  2:32,33,44.     Ps.  7:16. 

Ec.  10:8. 
)  10:28.  14:32.  Ex.  15:9,10.  Job 

8:13,14.   11:20.    Ps.  146:4.   Ez. 

28:9.    Luke  12:19,20. 
m  21:18.     Esth.  7:9,10.     Is.  43: 

3.4.    Dan.  6:-23.24. 
n  1  Kings  13:18—22.     22:6,20— 

23.     Job  34:30.     Ps.  55:12,20, 


21.  Matt.  7:15.  15:5—14.  Acts 
20:30.  2  Cor.  11:13—15.  2 
Thes.  2:8—10.  1  Tim.  4:1— 
3.    2  Pet.  2:1—3. 

0  2:10—16.4:5,6.6:23,24.  Mark 
13:14,22,23.  Eph.  4:13,14.  2 
Pet.  3:16— 18.     1  John  2:21,27. 

p  28:12,28.    Esth.  8:15,16. 


V.  5,  6.  [J^ote,  3.)  The  single  aim  and  depen- 
dence of  upright  and  consistent  believers  deliver 
them  from  those  snares,  in  which  the  wicked  are 
taken:  for  the  corrupt  intentions  and  inordinate 
desires  of  bad  men  dispose  them  to  catch  at  the 
baits,  and  thus  to  be  caught  in  the  traps,  which 
Satan  lays  for  them.— U^otes,  5:21—23.  2  Sam. 
.J7:23.  Esth.  1:3— 10.  Ps.  9:13,16.  Jlatl.   27:3— 

5-) 

V.  7.  Solomon  would  never  have  made  this  ob- 
servation, had  not  the  belief  of  a  future  state  been 
fixed  in  his  mind,  and  prevalent  among  his  peo- 
ple: for,  as  to  this  world's  prosperity,  the  hopes  of 
the  righteous  at  death  perish  equally  with  those  of 
the  wicked. — The  last  clause  may  be  rendered 
"yea,  their  strongest  hope  perisheth:"  but  the 
strongest  hope  of  the  righteous  does  not  then  per- 
ish. [JVotes,  10:24,28.  14:32.  Luke  12:15—21.  16: 
]9— 31.  Rom.  6:21—23.) 

V.  8.  The  righteous  are  often  wonderfully  pre- 
vented from  going  into  perilous  situations,  and 
ungodly  men  go  in  their  stead:  this  seems  to  be 
chance,  but  is  in  effect  the  secret  disposal  of  God's 
providence.  Indeed  he  frequently  removes  the 
righteous  by  death,  before  overwhelming  judg- 
ments come  upon  wicked  nations;  and  others  suc- 
ceed and  bear  the  calamity.  (JVbfes,  21:18.  2 
Kings  22:15— 20.  Esth.  7:9,10.  Is.  43:3,4.  57:1,2. 
Dan.  6:18—24.) 

V.  9.  'Wisdom  ...  instructs  many,  how  to  evade 
'those  snares,  which  the  profane  hypocrite,  with 
♦counterfeit  professions  of  friendship,  lays  to  de- 
'stroy  his  neighbors.'  Bp.  Patrick. — It  should, 
however,  be  further  recollected,  that  hypocrites 
draw  numbers  aside  from  the  religion  of  the  Bi- 
ble, and  delude  them  into  heresy  and  wickedness, 
to  their  eternal  destruction,  by  plausible  profes- 
sions and  insinuations;  by  misrepresenting  the 
nature  of  godliness,  and  slandering  faithful  teach- 
ers; by  prejudicing  men's  minds  against  the  hu- 
miliating truths  and  holy  precepts  of  God's  word, 
and  persuading  them  that  they  may  be  saved  in 
some  easier  and  more  pleasing  way;  or  by  giving 
them  false  impressions  in  these  important  con- 
cerns, from  their  conduct  and  conversation  as 
compared  together.  But  the  true  and  established 
Christian,  by  his  knowledge  of  the  sacred  ora- 
cles, and  his  experience  of  their  truth  and  excel- 
lency, is  preserved  from  such  fatal  snares,  and  is 
an  instrument  of  preser\  ing  others  also.  [Marg. 
Ref.  n,  o — J^otes,  2:10—16.  6:23.  1  Kings  13:11 
—22.22:6,19—23.  Matt.  7:15—20.  1  Tim.  4:1—5. 
2  Tim.  2:14—19.  2  Pel.  2:1—3.) 

y.  10,  11.  'Men  of  unbiassed  virtue  make  a 
'city  flourish,  by  the  blessings  they  procure  it 
'from  heaven,  by  their  prayers,  by  their  prudent 
484] 


righteous,  the  city  rejoiceth;  and  i  when 
the  wicked  perish,  there  is  shouting. 

11  By  ■'the  blessing  of  the  upright  the 
city  is  exalted;  but  ^  it  is  overthrown  by 
the  mouth  of  the  wicked. 

12  He  "^  that  is  *  void  of  wisdom  de- 
spiseth  his  neighbor;  but  "  a  man  of  un- 
derstanding holdeth  his  peace. 

13  t  A  tale-bearer  ^  revealeth  secrets; 
but  y  he  that  is  of  a  faithful  spirit  con- 
cealeth  the  matter. 

q   Ex.  15:21.     Judg.  5:31.     Job  *  Heb.    destitute  of  heart. 

27:23.     Ps.  58:10,11.    Rev.  19:  u  10: 19.   1  Sam.  10:27.    2  Kings 

1—7.  18:36.     1  Pet.  2:23. 

r  29:3.      Gen.  41:38— 42.    45:3.  f  Heb.  He  that  ualketkbeing 

2  Chr.  32:20—22.      Job  22:30.  a  tale-bearer.  20:19.    Lev.  19; 

Ec.  9:15.  16. 

s   2  Sam.  20:1.     Esth.  3:8—15.  x  25:9.  26:20—22.    Jfeh.  6:17— 

9:1—16.  Jam.  3:6.  19. 

t  J udg.  9:27— 29,33.     Neh.  4:2  y  14:5.     Josh.  2:14,20.     Jer.  38: 

— i.     Ps.  123:3,4.  Luke  16:14.  27. 

18:9.  John  7:48—52. 


'advice,  their  pious  admonitions,  and  their  con- 
'stant  study  of  the  public  good.  But  the  wicked, 
'by  their  blasphemies,  their  evil  counsels,  their 
'pestilent  maxims,  their  impious  doctrines,  where- 
'by  they  corrupt  men's  manners,  utterly  subvert 
'the  good  estate  thereof.'  Bp.  Patrick. — Men 
therefore  should  rejoice  when  the  righteous  are 
exalted  to  places  of  trust  and  power,  and  fre- 
quently great  multitudes  do:  and  they  commonly 
triumph  and  exult,  when  notoriously  unjust  and 
oppressive  counsellors  or  magistrates  are  cast 
down,  and  punished  for  their  crimes.  [Marg. 
Ref.—M)tes,  28:12,28.  29:8.  Judg.  5:31.  Esth. 
8:15—17.  Ps.  58:10,11.  Ec.  9:15—18.  Rev.  19:1 

8.) 

V.  12.  A  self-conceited  man,  being  destitute  of 
true  knowledge  and  experience,  is  disposed  to 
express  his  contempt  of  others,  and  expose  them 
to  ridicule,  when  they  make  mistakes  or  fall  into 
trouble;  and  thus  he  exposes  his  own  folh'.  But 
a  man  of  understanding  knows  how  to  make  prop- 
er allowances:  he  is  aware  of  the  instability  of  hu- 
man affairs;  he  does  not  judge  of  men's  ability  or 
integrity  by  their  success;  and  if  he  sees  any 
thing  reprehensible,  he  is  reluctant  to  speak  of  it, 
or  mentions  it  with  caution  and  candor.  (JVo^es, 
1  Sam.  10:26,27.  2  Kings  18:28—37.  Ps.  38:13— 
15.  1  Pet.  2:18— 25,  V.  23.) 

Void  of  wisdom.}  "Destitute  of  heart."  {marg.) 
The  same  expression  frequently  occurs.  (7:7.  10: 
13.  15:21.  17:18.  24:30.)  It  denotes  the  want  of  a 
right  state  of  mind,  judgment,  and  affections,  or 
in  general  of  all  the  faculties  of  the  soul,  through 
ignorance,  carelessness,  and  the  prevalence  of 
evil  propensities  of  various  kinds.  Such  a  man  is 
without  heart  to  what  is  wise  and  good.  [J^^Totes, 
17:16.  Jer.  32:38—41,  vv.  38,39.  2  Thes.  2:8—12.) 

V.  13.  A  tale-bearer.]  The  word  signifies  a 
trafficker;  that  is,  in  his  neighbor's  fame  and  hon- 
or  'As  a  merchant  can'ies  about  his  goods,  for 

'the  sake  of  gain,  so  he  carries  about  words,  that 
'he  may  perhaps  get  advantage  by  them;  but  of- 
'ten  from  a  certain  levity  and  curiosity:'  it  may  be 
added,  'and  from  proud  malevolence.' — Scanda- 
lous intelligence,  true  or  false,  is  the  article  in 
which  the  tale-bearer  deals:  he  is  a  travelling 
pedlar,  vending  such  wares:  whatever  tlierefore 
he  discovers  of  this  kind.,  he  publishes,  let  who 
will  be  disgraced  or  ruined.  But  a  man  of  fidel- 
ity conceals  those  secrets  with  which  he  is  in- 
trusted: and  will  not  disclose  what  he  knows,  by 
any  means,  when  it  may  injure  another's  peace 
or  credit;  except  the  honor  of  God,  and  the  good 
of  society,  require  it.  {Marg. — JVbtes,  18:8.  20: 
19.  26:20—22.  Le'v.  19:16.  JVeh.  6:17—19.  1  Tim. 
5:13— 15,  V.  13.) 


B.  C.  977, 


CHAPTER  XJ. 


B.  C.  977. 


14  Where  ^  no  counsel  is,  the  people 
fall:  but  in  tlie  multitude  of  counsellors 

there   is  safety.  {Praetical  ObtenHttimu.]  i 

15  He  *  that  is  surety  for  a  stranger' 
shall  *  smart  for  it;  and  he  that  hateth 
t  suretiship  is  sure. 

16  A  ^gracious  woman  retaineth  hon- 
or; •=  and  strong  men  retain  riches. 

17  The  *^  merciful  man  doeth  good  to 
his  own  soul;  ^  but  he  that  is  cruel  trou- 
bleth  his  own  flesh. 

IS  The  '  wicked  worketh  a  deceitful 
work;  ^  but  to  him  that  soweth  righteous- 
ness, shall  be  a  sure  reward. 

19  As  "^  righteousness  tendeth  to  hfe; 
so  '  he  that  pursueth  evil  pursueth  it  to 
his  own  death. 

20  They  that   are  ^  of  a  froward  heart 


z    16-.E.    24:6.     1  Kinj5  li-6— 
19.     Is.  19:11— 14.     Acts  15:6, 

a  6:1—5.    I'lS.   20:15.    S:26, 


-27.     Matt.  b:'.     6:14,15.    25-34 

— JO.     Luke   6:38.     2  Cor.  9:6 

—14.     PhU.  4:17. 
e  15.T7.  Job  -20-19— -23.     Ec-  4; 

8.    Jam.  2:13-  5:1 — 5. 
1"    1:18.     5:-22.      Job    27:13— "23. 

Ec.  10:8.     Is.   59:5—3.    Eph. 

4:22. 
Z  22:3.     Ps.  126:5,6.     Ho5.  10: 

12,13.     Gal.  6:8.9.    Jam.  3:18. 
h4.  10:16.  12:28.    19:23.     Acts 

10:35.     1  John  3:7,10. 
i  1:16—19.  7:22,23.  8:36.   Rom. 


are  abomination  to  the  Lord:  but  suck 
as  are  '  upright  in  their  way,  are  his  de- 
light. 

21  Though  ^  hand  join  in  hand,  the 
wicked  shall  not  be  unpunished;  but 
°  the  seed  of  tlie  righteous  shall  be  de- 
livered. 

22  .^5  °  a  jewel  of  sold  in  a  swine's 
snout:  so  is  a  fair  woman,  which  *  is  \\-ith- 
out  discretion. 

23  The  P  desire  of  the  righteous  is 
only  sood;  hut  '^  the  expectation  of  the 
wicked  is  wrath. 

24  There  is  "■  that  scattereth,  and  yet 
increaseth;  and  there  is  that  withholdeth 
more  than  is  meet.  =  but  it  tendeth  to  pov- 
erty. 

25  *  The   ! liberal  soul   shall  be  made 

Ps. 


*  Heb.  betTre  broken. 

f  Heb.    those  tkat  itnke  hu>ds. 

b  313041.     1  Sam.  25:3-2,33.  2 

Sam.    20:16—22.     ErJi.    9:25. 

Matt.  26:13.    Luke  3:3.   10:42. 

91:3 — L     AcU  9:39.     I6:14,li 

Rom.  16:2 — 1.6.    2  John  1. 
C  Lcke  11:21.22. 
d  Ps.  41:1—4.   11-2:4—9.    Is.  32; 

7,8.    57:1.    5*:7— 12.     Dan.  4:  |  k 6:14.16—19.  MR  Ps.  1S35.26. 

V.  14.  When  affair,  either  public  or  private, 
are  conducted  with  rashness,  and  directed  by  am- 
bition, avarice,  resenunenu  or  other  corrupt  pas- 
sions, nothing  but  ruin  can  be  expected.  But 
when  many  wise  and  experienced  men  are  con- 
sulted, and  their  counsel  is  deliberately  and  im- 
partially considered,  before  a  determination  is 
taSen;  there  is  a  reasonable  prospect  of  safety  and 
success. — -They  who  have  no  government  fall  as 
•leaves:  but  safety  is  found  in  much  counsel.' 
Sept. — A  ship  wiiiout  a  pilot  is  the  figure  em- 
ployed; and  the  abundance  of  good  counsel,  rather 
than  the  number  consulted,  is  stated  as  the  ground 
of  safety.     (.Vo/«,  -24:3 — 6.  1  Kings  12:6 — 15.) 

V.  15.  {S'ote.  6:1 — 5.)  A  stranger,  -whose  con- 
'versation  he  knowethnot.' — "He  doth  not,  with- 
'out  judgment  and  consideration  of  the  circum- 
'stances,  put  himself  in  dansrer. '  [^Var^. — ..Ao<e.»\ 
17:18.  20:16.  -22:-26.2T.) 

V.  16.  A  pious  and  discreet  woman  is  as  care- 
ful of  her  chastity  and  reputation,  as  any  worldly 
men  are  of  their  riches:  and  she  will  acquire  and 
preserve  the  esteem  and  affection  of  her  husband, 
and  the  respect  of  all  around  her,  when  old  age 
has  effaced  her  beauty:  even  as  strong  men  keep 
possession  of  the  wealth  which  thev  have  once  ob- 
tained. {Marsr.  Re/.— Motes,  31:10—31,  rr.  10, 
22—31.  P.  O.^IQ— 31.) 

V.  17.  The  compassionate,  forgiving,  and 
friendly  man,  in  every  sense,  best  ensures  his 
own  comfort  and  happiness:  whereas,  cruelty  to 
others,  in  its  very  nature,  as  well  as  consequen- 
ces, renders  a  man  miserable;  a  torment  to  him- 
self, as  well  as  a  terror  and  plague  to  his  family 
and  neiehbors.  (^Jlarg.  Ref.  d,  e. — Js'otes,  15: 
27.  Job  20:10—29,  rr.  19—27.  Ps.  41:1—3,  Ec.  4: 
7,8.  Is.  58:8—12.  .Va«.  5:7.  Jam.  2:3—13,  r.  13.  5: 
1-*.) 

V-  18.  ^  icked  men.  who  attempt  to  deceive 
others,  deceive  themselves,  and  are  ruined  by  the 
Tery  measures  from  which  they  expected  the 
greatest  cidvantage:  but  "patient  continuance  in 
well-doiDg"  has  a  happy  event,  far  more  uniform- 


1   2:7.    15:S.     16:17.     21JS, 

11:7.  51:6.  140:13. 
m  16:5.  Ex.  -23:2. 
n  13:!2.     Gen.  17:7,8.      Ps.  37: 

2d   112:1.2.     Jer.  32:39.    Acts 

-2:39. 

o  31:30.  Ez.  l6:15Ac.  Xab.  3 
*  4— e.     1  Pet.  3:3.4. 


Xatt.  5:6. 
q  7.  ]0t28.    Rom.  2:8,9.    Heb. 

ia27. 
r  18.  19:17.  -2S:3.     Deut.  l&lO. 
Ps.  112:9.     Ec.  11:1,-2,6.  Lake 
6-.33.     Acts   11:2940.      2  Cor. 
9:5—11. 
2  Pet.  -2:  '  s  Haj.  1:6,9—11.  2:16—19. 
-22.  it2S:-27.     Job  -29:13— 18.    31:16 

X  Heb.   depaHeA  from.  7:10,      —20.  Is.  32:8.  58:7-11.  Matt. 

9:13.  I    5:7.  25:5445. 

p  Ps.  10:17.    27:4.    37.4.  39:7,8.  '  §  Heb.  t<ml  of  Uestine. 
119.5,10.   Is.  26:9.     Jer.  17:16.  < 


ly,  than  good  husbandry  and  good  seed  secure  a 
ffood  crop  of  com:  for  ^e  faithfulness  of  God  to 
his  promises  ensures  the  gracious  reward.  (.^  o/e*. 
1:17—19.  Job  27:13— -23.  Ps.  1-26:5,6.  Ec.  10:S — 
10.  Hoi.  10:12,13.  Gai.  6:6 — 10,  rr.  8,9.  Eph.  4: 
22 24,  r.  22.) 

V.  19.  "Thus  righteousness  to  life;  and  he 
that  pursueth  evil  to  death."  The  connexion 
with  the  preceding  verse  seems  to  be  preserved. 
— It  can  hardly  be  supposed,  that  in  all  these 
contrasts  between  ife  and  diath.  temporal  pros- 
peritv  or  adversitv'  is  exclusively  meant:  when 
the  words,  in  other  parts  of  the  scripture,  denote 
eternal  happiness  or  miserv.  (.Vo<«.  7.  10:16. 
12:28.  Rom.  2:7—11.) 

V.  20.  J^larg.  Ref.—.'S'jles.  6:12—19.  S:I3. 
15:8.  2SaOT.22r21— ;'8.  Ps.  11:7.  37:32—34.  147: 
10.11.  , 

y.  21.  'Though  wicked  men  conspire,  and 
'join  all  their  forces  together,  yet  all  their  cora- 
'bination  and  power  shall  not  free  them  from  just 
'punishment.'  Bp.  Hall.  [JS'otes,  £j-.  -23:1 — % 
7«.  8:9,10.  »Vif.  7:1 — i,  r.  3.) — On  the  contrary, 
God  is  pleased  to  protect  and  bless  the  posterity 
of  his  faithful  servants,  in  order  to  put  honor  on 
those  who  have  honored  him.  {.Marg.  Ref.  n. — 
.Vo/e*.  13:-22.  Gen.  17:7,8.  1  Sam.  2.30.  Ps.  112: 
2,3.  Acts  2:37 — iO.  r.  39.) 

y.  22.  A  costly  ornament  of  gold  in  the  snout 
of  a  swine,  would  be  continually  employed  in 
raking  in  the  filth  and  mire:  thus  beauty,  in  a 
woman  void  of  prudence  and  virtue,  is  disgraced 
bv  being  rendered  subservient  to  the  basest  and 
most  ruinous  crimes.     [JVarg.  and  ^Marg.  Ref.) 

y.  -23.  The  righteous  desire  only  what  is  good 
in  itself,  and  beneficial  to  others:  and  this  they 
may  confidently  hope  to  obtain:  but  the  wicked, 
conscious  of  their  selfish  and  base  motives  aad 
objects,  can  only  expect  the  heavy  wrath  of  God, 
and  indeed  thev  are  often  -'consumed  with  ter- 
rors." {Jilar^'R(t'.—.Xotes.'.  10:28.  14uJ2.  Ps. 
10:17,18,  V.  17,  37:4,  .VaU.  5:6.  Luke  16:24—26. 
Rom.  2:1— 11.  Heb.  10:26,27.) 

[485 


B.  C.  977. 


PROVERBS. 


B.  C.  977. 


fat;  and  he  that  vvatereth  shall  be  water- 
fed  also  himself. 

26  He  "  that  withholdeth  corn,  the 
people  shall  curse  him;  but  ^  blessing 
shall  he  upon  the  head  of  him  that  sell- 
eth  it. 

27  He  that  diligently  seeketh  good, 
procureth  favor;  but  ^  he  that  seeketh 
mischief,  it  shall  come  unto  him. 

28  He  ^  that  trusteth  in  his  riches  shall 
fall;  ^  but  the  righteous  shall  flourish  as  a 
branch. 


u  Am.  8:4—6. 

X  Job  29:13. 

y  17:11.     Esth.  7:10.    Ps.  7:15, 

16.  9:15,16.   10:2.   57:6. 
z  10:15.      Deut.  8:12—14.     Job 


31:24,25.  Ps.  52:7.  62:10.  Mark 
10:24.    Luke  12:20.     1  Tim.  6: 
17. 
a   Ps.  1:3.  52:8.  92:12—14.    Is. 
60:21.     Jer.  17:8. 


V.  24,  25.  'There  are  those,  who,  sowing 
'their  own,  make  it  more;  and  those  who  gather, 
'and  are  impoverished.'  Sept. — Liberality,  exer- 
cised from  right  motives,  is  sowing  seed;  and  God 
gives  the  increase  generally  even  in  temporal 
things:  but  he  that  withholds,  when  a  just  and 
right  occasion  offers,  seldom  prospers  much  even 
in  this  world.  For  God  metes  to  men  in  their 
own  measure:  and  bad  crops,  bad  debts,  expen- 
sive sickness,  and  a  variety  of  similar  deductions, 
soon  amount  to  far  more,  than  liberal  alms  would 
have  done;  while,  if  God  see  it  best,  large  in- 
crease, flourishing  trade,  kind  friends,  and  vari- 
ous other  supplies  or  savings,  soon  reimburse  the 
expenses  of  genuine  charity.  [Marg.  Ref. — J^Totes, 
18.  19:17.28:8,27.  Gen.  26:12.  Dewt.  13:9,10. 
Ec.  11:1,2.  /?.  32:6— 8.  Hag.  1:5—11.  2:15—19. 
Matt.  5:7.  Luke  6:37,38,  v.  38.  2  Cor.  9:8—11.) 

V.  26.  'He  that  hoardeth  corn  in  a  time  of 
'scarcity,  on  purpose  to  raise  the  price,  shall  fall 
'into  the  popular  hatred,  and  be  loaded  with  many 
'a  curse:  but  he  who  then  opens  his  granaries 
'and  sells  at  a  moderate  rate,  shall  not  only  have 
'the  people's  good  word,  but  the  blessing  of  God.' 
Bp.  Patrick. — In  distressing  seasons  of  scarcity 
there  are  individuals,  who  refuse  to  sell,  nay,  who 
hoard  up  provisions,  in  a  cruel  hope  of  enriching 
themselves  by  enhancing  the  prices  still  more: 
but  they  not  only  incur  the  public  odium,  (in 
which  great  multitudes  of  innocent  characters 
are  commonly  involved,)  but  are  very  generally 
losers  by  their  avarice,  as  well  as  exposed  to  the 
wrath  of  God.  Whereas  he,  who  sells  at  a  mode- 
rate price,  is  commended  by  those  who  are  re- 
lieved, and  best  consults  his  own  benefit,  as  well 
as  the  public  good — The  original  word,  (iiju'd) 
however,  at  least  equally  includes  those  who  give, 
ot  break  their  bread  to  the  hungry;  who  certain- 
ly are  more  generally  blessed  and  prayed  for. 
(jTotes,  28:27.  Job  29:12—17.  Is.  58:5—12,  v.  7. 
2  Cor.  9:12—15.) 

V.  27.  'He  that  from  the  time  he  rises,  studies 
'nothing  but  how  to  do  good  to  others,  shall  ob- 
'tain  favor  both  of  God  and  man:  but  he  whose 
'business  it  is  to  do  mischief,  shall  draw  upon  him- 
'self  the  evil  he  designs  against  others.'  lip.  Pat- 
rick. [J^otes,  17:11.  2  Sam.  17:1—4,23.  Esth. 
7:10.) — Diligently  seeketh-l  "^^^  ■>  signifies  to  rise 
very  early  to  seek  any  thing  which  is  greatly  de- 
sired. {J^otes,  2  Chr.  36:14,15.  Ps.  63:1—4, 
V.  1.) 

V.  28.  'He,  whose  confidence  in  riches  ... 
'makes  him  ...  unjust  and  unmerciful,  shall  fall  to 
'decay  like  a  withered  leaf;  but  they  whose  pious 
'dependence  upon  God  makes  them  just  and 
'charitable,  like  a  flourishing  tree,  shall  thrive 
'and  prosper.'  Bp.  Patrick.  [J^Totes,  10: 1 5.  Ps. 
49:6—8,15.  52:6—8.  62:8—10.  92:12—15.  Is.  60: 

4861 


29  He  ^  that  troubleth  his  own  house 
shall  "^  inherit  the  wind;  and  the  fool  shall 
be  servant  to  the  wise  of  heart. 

30  The  ^  fruit  of  the  righteous  is  a  tree 
of  life;  ^  and  he  that  *  winneth  souls  is 
wise. 

31  Behold,  Hhe  righteous  shall  be  rec- 
ompensed in  the  earth:  much  more  the 
wicked  and  the  sinner. 


b  Gen.  34:30.  Josh.  7:24,25.  1 
Sam.  25:3,17,38.     Hab.  2:9,10. 

c  Ec.  5:16.    Hos.  8:7. 

d  3:18.    15:4. 

e  Dan.  12:3.  John  4:36.  1  Cor. 
9:19—23.     1  Thes.  2:19.  Jam. 


5:20. 
*  Heb.    taketh.     Luke  6:9,10. 
f  2  Sam.  7:14,15.      12:9—12.  1 

Kings   13:24.       Jer.   25:29.    I 

Cor.    11:30—32.       1  Pet.  4:17, 

18. 


15— 22,  V.  22.  Jer.  17:5— 8.  Luke  12:15—21,1?. 
20.  1  Tim.  6:17—19.) 

V.  29.  Many,  by  their  furious  passions  and 
contentiousness,  or  by  their  pride  and  prodigality, 
their  avarice  and  other  vices,  become  a  plague 
and  vexation  to  their  families;  but  they  can  ex- 
pect nothing  except  disappointment  and  trouble 
for  their  own  portion:  and  in  general  those  who 
are  destitute  of  prudence  or  industry,  will  soon 
become  servants  to  those  who  are  more  diligent 
and  discreet.  [Marg.  Ref. — JVotes,  17.  Gen. 
34:30.  49:5—7.  Josh.  7:25,26.  1  Sam.  25:14—17, 
35—38.  £c.  5:13— 17, 1).  17.  Hos.  8:1,8.  Hab. 
2:9—11.  Zech.  5:1— 4.) 

V.  30.  *rhe  good  example,  pious  discourse, 
wise  instructions,  fervent  prayers,  and  zealous 
good  works,  of  the  righteous,  become  exceeding- 
ly beneficial  to  those  around  them:  they  are  as 
fruit  from  the  Tree  of  Life;  they  promote  the 
salvation  of  sinful  men.  (JVote,  3:18.)  And,  as 
immortal  souls  are  valuable  beyond  all  estimation; 
he  who  thus  wins  souls,  and  allures  them  into  the 
way  of  eternal  life,  is  emphatically  the  wise  man: 
he  proposes  to  himself  the  noblest  end,  he  uses 
the  only  proper  means,  he  perseveres,  and  is 
prospered  by  God  himself.  {Jfotes,  Dan.  12:2,3. 
John  4:25— 38.  1  Cor.  9:19— 23.  2  Cor.  11:14,15. 
Jam.  5:19,20.)— Winneth.]  "Taketh."  Marg. 
(JVbie,  Luke  5:1— 11,  ■«.  10.) 

V.  31.  Even  the  righteous,  when  they  offend, 
shall  be  "recompensed  in  the  earth"  with  sharp 
corrections:  much  more  then  will  the  wicked, 
who  dare  the  vengeance  of  heaven,  meet  at 
length  with  the  due  reward  of  their  impiety  and 
iniquity. — It  is  remarkable  that  St.  Peter  has 
quoted  the  Septuagint  translation  of  this  verse: — 
"If  the  righteous  scarcely  be  saved,  where  shall 
the  ungodly  and  sinner  appear.'"  [Jfotes,  2  Sam. 
12-9—12.  1  7^in^5  13:20— 32.  P*.  89:19— 37,  rv. 
30—33.  1  Cor.  11:29—34.   1  Pet.  4:17—19.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
V.  1—14. 
The  righteous  God,  who  weighs  all  our  actions 
in  an  impartial  balance,  will  never  allow  his  sub- 
jects to  defraud  each  other  with  impunity.  It  is, 
alas!  very  common  for  men  to  give  short  weight 
and  measure,  and  in  various  ways  to  cheat  and 
rob  their  neighbors;  and  numberless  crimes  of 
this  kind  here  escape  detection  and  punishment: 
but  let  it  not  be  overlooked,  that  they  "are  an 
abomination  to  the  Lord;"  and  that  they  will  be 
produced  at  the  day  of  judgment,  as  decisive 
proofs  of  the  hypocris}'  of  multitudes  even  of  those 
who  have  been  zealous,  in  their  way,  for  evan- 
gelical doctrines.  This  is  so  far  from  a  light  mat- 
ter, that  it  is  a  most  grievous  oppression;  and 
thousands  of  the  poor  are  sometimes  deprived  al- 
most of  uecessarv  food,  to  enrich  a  few  fraudulent 


B.  C.  977. 


CHAPTER  XI. 


B.  C.  977. 


dealers.  But  let  it  be  remembered,  that  "he 
shall  have  judgment  without  mercy,  who  hath 
shewed  no  mercy:"  on  the  other  hand,  he  who  is 
kept  from  growing  rich,  by  conscientiously  avoid- 
ing all  exaction,  and  by  acting  with  strict  hones- 
ty, may  recollect  that  "a  just  weight  is  the 
Lord's  delight."  Indeed  "the  integrity  of  the 
upright  guides  them"  far  from  such  fraudulent 
practices:  while  the  perverseness  of  transgress- 
ors destroys  them:  for  "the  wicked  shall  fall  by 
their  own  wickedness,"  and  be  ensnared  by  Satan, 
through  their  own  covetousness  and  selfishness. 
— But  what  are  those  wonderful  advantages  de- 
rived from  riches,  that  men  are  universally  so 
prone  to  seize  the  golden  bait?  In  times  of  pub- 
lic calamities,  they  generally  expose  the  possess- 
or to  peculiar  danger;  they  will  not  profit  in  the 
day  of  wrath;  and  he  who  trusts  in  them,  will 
certainly  be  left  without  resource  in  the  hour  of 
death  and  the  day  of  judgment.  How  much  more 
valuable  then  is  that  "righteousness  which  de- 
livereth  from  death!"  How  reasonable  to  "seek 
Jirst  the  kingdom  of  God  and  his  righteousness!" 
— Every  one's  conscience  testifies,  that  "when  a 
wicked  man  dieth,  his  expectation  perisheth," 
and  all  his  hopes  expire  in  eternal  despair:  and 
even  the  irreligious  are  constrained,  when  an  em- 
inently pious  person  is  removed,  to  allow  that  he 
is  delivered  from  trouble,  and  gone  to  a  happier 
world.  These  salutary  convictions  might  be 
more  generally  productive  of  abiding  good,  did 
not  "the  hypocrite  with  his  mouth  destroy  his 
neighbor;"  persuading  the  unstable  to  rest  satis- 
fied with  a  name,  a  notion,  a  form  of  godliness, 
an  easy,  worldly  religion.  May  God  grant  to 
every  reader,  that  "knowledge  by  which  the  just 

is  delivered." Indeed,  the  same  conduct,  which 

best  secures  our  own  happiness,  is  most  condu- 
cive to  the  good  of  others:  and  if  a  truly  wise  and 
pious  man  be  advanced  to  authority,  many  will 
eventually  have  great  cause  for  rejoicing:  where- 
as the  prosperity  of  the  wicked  is  a  public  calami- 
ty, and  their  downfall  a  most  desirable  event.  In 
private  and  even  obscure  situations,  the  righteous 
are  both  blessed  and  blessings:  by  their  example 
and  prayers,  public  calamities  are  often  prevent- 
ed or  retarded;  they  are  the  light  and  the  salt  of 
the  earth;  and  the  fatal  tendency  of  wicked 
counsellors,  and  impious  opinions  industriously 
circulated,  are  counteracted  by  their  means. 
And  who  can  say,  to  what  extent  such  mischiefs 
would  proceed,  were  all  the  righteous  expelled 
from  any  country? — Those  who  are  "void  of  un- 
derstanding" despise  their  neighbors;  and  go  about 
as  tale-bearers,  slanderers,  and  betraj^ers  ofsecrets, 
to  the  unspeakable  mischief  of  society:  but  the 
wise  and  righteous  hold  their  peace,  if  they  can- 
not speak  to  good  purpose;  they  scorn  to  betray 
such  as  confide  in  them,  or  even  to  injure  those 
whose  infirmities  they  witness;  and  they  pity 
such  as  are  not  entitled  to  their  esteem. — True 
religion,  however,  should  be  carefully  distinguish- 
ed from  self-righteousness,  for  "when  pride 
Cometh,  then  cometh  shame;  but  with  the  lowl}' 
is  wisdom:"  and  also  from  all  kinds  of  antinomian 
licentiousness.  But,  as  in  kingdoms,  "where  no 
counsel  is,  the  people  perish,"  so  it  is  in  this  re- 
spect: unless  able  and  faithful  ministers  are  raised 
up  to  instruct  mankind,  almost  all  run  into  one 
or  the  other  of  these  fatal  extremes.  What  need 
then  is  there  for  us  to  "pray  the  Lord  of  the  har- 
vest, to  send  forth  laborers  into  his  harvest!"  for 
"in  the  multitude  of  these  counsellors  is  safety." 
What  pains  should  all  ministers  take,  that  they 
may  be  wise  and  faithful  counsellors  in  concerns 
of  this  immense  importance!  and  how  should  all 
consult  such  as  are  approved  for  integrity  and 
Ifnowledge,  especially  in  different  cases,  where 
their  present  comfort  and  usefulness,  and  eternal 
salvation,  are' deeply  concerned! 


V.  13—31. 
True  religion  is  true  wisdom:  and  while  it 
prompts  to  all  justice  and  mercy,  it  teaches  men 
to  avoid  whatever  is  rash  and  pernicious.  The 
wise  and  pious  Christian  will  be  very  careful  not 
to  commit  himself,  by  "becoming  surety  for  a 
stranger:"  not  only  lest  he  should  smart  and  be 
sore  broken  (mar^.  15.)  for  it:  but  lest  his  family 
and  friends  should  be  involved  with  him,  and  his 
ability  to  relieve  the  poor  should  be  diminished. 
Unless,  therefore,  the  case  be  peculiar,  he  will 
stand  aloof,  knowing  that  "he  who  hateth  sureti- 
ship  is  sure."  At  the  same  time,  he  will  endeavor, 
in  this  world  of  sin  and  misery,  to  do  what  he 
can  towards  the  relief  of  distress  and  the  commu- 
nication of  happiness.  Indeed  this  is  one  of  the 
most  delightful  and  satisfactory  of  all  human  en- 
joyments. While  the  selfish  and  sordid,  the  en- 
vious and  malicious,  the  sensual,  profligate,  and 
dissipated,  are  tortured  in  various  ways  by  their 
own  passions,  and  by  the  effects  of  them,  and 
trouble  their  families  by  their  misconduct;  "the 
merciful  man  doeth  good  to  his  own  soul."  He 
doubles  his  own  enjoyments,  secures  a  blessing 
on  his  undertakings  and  possessions,  has  inward 
peace  and  confidence,  and  the  satisfaction  of 
knowing,  that  many  are  blessing  him  and  praying 
for  him.  By  diligently  seeking  the  good  of  others, 
he  procures  favor  from  man,  and  obtains  assur- 
ance of  the  Lord's  merciful  acceptance.  "He 
soweth  righteousness  and  his  reward  is  sure." 
Even  if  he  be  poor,  his  "desire  is  only  good," 
and  his  prayers  and  example  will  be  useful.  Ac- 
cording to  the  degree  in  which  God  has  prospered 
him,  he  waters  others,  and  shall  himself  be  abun- 
dantly watered:  and  experience  proves,  that 
those,  who  on  Christian  principles  abound  in 
liberality,  even  beyond  what  rigid  prudence 
would  allow,  so  far  from  impoverishing  their 
families,  are  generally  prospered  in  a  remarkable 
manner. — On  the  other  hand,  those  who  profess 
to  "know  the  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Chribi," 
and  learn,  by  hints  at  least,  from  various  quarters, 
that  they  are  thought  to  "withhold  more  than  is 
meet,"  and  plead  that  they  cannot  afford  to  be 
charitable,  should  consider  whether  God  does  not 
withhold  his  blessing  from  their  temporal  con- 
cerns, on  this  very  ground;  and  whether  they 
ought  not  to  prove  him  by  adopting  a  more  liberal 
plan. — Indeed,  almost  in  every  thing,  that  is  best 
for  us,  which  is  best  for  our  neighbors:  in  giving, 
lending,  selling,  or  the  contrary,  covetousness 
commonly  defeats  its  own  ends;  and  he  who 
grasps  at  unfair  advantages,  comes  short  of  such 
as  he  might  conscientiously  and  creditabl)'  have 
secured.  This  indeed  is  one  effect  of  human  self- 
ishness, and  exposes  its  folly:  yet  it  still  continues 
to  influence  the  conduct  of  almost  all  men,  even 
amidst  general  execration,  and  in  circumstances 
of  such  cruelty,  as  are  shocking  to  relate. — In- 
deed the  common  excuse  for  covetousness  is, 
regard  to  a  man's  family:  yet  this  should,  in  fact, 
teach  a  contrary  lesson;  for  "the  seed  of  the 
righteous  shall  be  delivered"  from  those  evils, 
which  overwhelm  the  posterity  of  the  wicked. — 
So  that  the  most  prosperous  sinner,  in  every 
sense,  "worketh  a  deceitful  work:"  he  "pursueth 
evil  to  his  own  death:"  and,  as  "they  who  are  of 
a  froward  heart  are  an  abomination  to  the  Lord," 
it  must  certainly  follow,  that  "though  hand  join 
in  hand,  the  wicked  shall  not  be  unpunished." 
For  if  "the  righteous  be  recompensed  in  the 
earth;"  if  God  sharply  corrects  ihis  children,  in 
whom  he  delights;  what  will  be  the  doom  of  his 
determined  enemies? — Alas!  vast  numbers  throng 
the  broad  road  to  destruction;  and  keep  one  an- 
other in  countenance  and  in  spirits,  notwithstaud 
ing  tlie  awful  warnings  given  them  in  the  sacred 
scriptures:  while  the  narrow  way  to  life  is  still 
little  frequented.     (JVw<e,  Matt.  7:13,14.)— But 

[487 


B.  C.  976. 


PROVERBS. 


B.  C.  976. 


CHAP.  XII. 

Maxims  of  wisdom;  distinguishing  the  righteous  from  the  wicked, 
by  their  thoughti,  words,  and  works;  noting  the  different  event 
of  their  conduct;  and  teaching  discretion  both  in  temporal  and 
spiritual  things,  3 — 28. 

"HOSO  *  loveth  instruction  loveth 
knowledge;   but  ''  he  that  hateth 
reproof  is  brutish. 

2  A  '^  good  man  obtaineth  favor  of  the 
Lord;  but  ''  a  man  of  wicked  devices  will 
he  condemn. 

3  A  man  ^  shall  not  be  established  by 


a  2:10,11.    8:17,32.     18:1.      Ps. 

119:27,97— too.     2Thes.  2:10. 
b  5:12,13.  9:7,8.    Ps.  32:9.   92:6. 

Is.  1:3. 
C  8:35.     Ps.  112:5.    Acts  11:24. 


Rom.  5:7. 
d  1:31.    6:18.     Ps.  9:15.    Is.  32: 

5—7. 
e  10:25.     Job  5:3—6.   15:29.  20: 

5—9.  27:16—18. 


those  who  have  found  the  way  of  life,  should  be 
unwearied  in  their  endeavors  to  win  over  others, 
to  accompany  them  in  it.  They  should  study  to 
recommend  the  gospel  by  a  harmless  and  kind, 
as  well  as  pious  behavior;  and  by  a  constant  at- 
tention to  all  the  proprieties  of  relative  life:  and 
they  oug-ht  to  use  every  means  consistent  with 
their  station  in  society,  to  make  their  connexions 
and  neighbors  wise  unto  salvation.  As  one  soul 
is  roore  valuable  than  the  whole  world;  and  as 
successful  endeavors  for  the  conversion  of  sinners 
is  a  peculiar  evidence  of  true  wisdom;  so  no  disap- 
pointments, or  unmerited  reproaches,  should  pre- 
vent the  Christian's  persevering  in  his  benevolent 
and  zealous  efforts:  for  if  at  length  he  prevails  but 
in  one  instance,  this  will  amply  make  amends  for 
all  his  past  discouragements.  In  this  view  how 
good  is  the  work  of  the  ministry!  How  honorable 
and  useful  the  diligent  and  faithful  minister! 
What  encouragement  is  there  for  all,  employed 
in  this  sacred  service,  to  labor  incessantly,  even 
amidst  contempt  and  hardship!  Here  especially 
"the  fruit  of  the  righteous  is  a  tree  of  life:"  and 
it  will  soon  appear,  that  "those  who  win  souls" 
are  far  wiser,  than  those  who  heap  up  wealth:  for 
"he  that  trusteth  in  his  riches  shall  fall;  but  the 
righteous  shall  flourish  as  a  branch." — Indeed  we 
cannot  turn  any  way  without  seeing  the  excel- 
lency of  the  righteous:  it  may  be  useful  to  many 
readers,  to  compare  the  prudent  and  pious  matron, 
who  retains  her  reputation,  and  grows  into  the 
affections  of  those  related  to  her,  and  increases 
respect,  when  external  accomplishments  are 
wearing  out;  who  often  wins  to  the  paths  of  holi- 
ness the  souls  of  her  children  or  servants,  and 
perhaps  even  that  of  her  husband;  with  the  fair 
woman  that  wants  discretion,  whose  beauty  only 
serves  to  render  her  more  conspicuously  infamous 
and  mischievous.  Let  the  young  then  contem- 
plate this  contrast;  and  seek  wisdom  and  grace, 
as  the  only  enduring  embellishments,  and  recom- 
mendations to  constancy  of  affection  and  esteem. 
Finally,  let  us  all  desire  and  pursue  those  bless- 
ings, which  our  Surety  purchased  for  sinners  by 
his  sufferings  and  death;  and  study  to  imbibe  his 
instructions,  to  copy  his  example,  and  to  keep 
his  commandments. 

NOTES. 

Ch.ap.  XII.  V.  1.  JVb<e.y,  2:10,11.  5:9—13, 
V.  12,13.  8:17,34.  9:7—9.  18:1,2.  Ps.  32:8—11, 
vv.  8,9.  2  Thes.  ±ii— 12.— Brutish.]  J^ote,  Ps. 
92:7,  V.  6. 

v.  2.  A  good  man,  &c.]  That  is,  a  man  of  a 
kind,  friendly,  and  merciful  disposition.  Where 
this  is  genuine  and  habitual,  and  pervades  a  man's 
whole  conduct,  without  allowed  exceptions  of 
persons  or  cases,  it  must  be  the  effect  of  divine 
488] 


wickedness;  but  •"  the   root  of  the  right- 
eous shall  not  be  moved. 

4  A  6  virtuous  woman  is  a  crown  to 
her  husband;  but ''  she  that  maketh  asham- 
ed, is  '  as  rottenness  in  his  bones. 

5  The  ^  thoughts  of  the  righteous  are 
right;  but  '  the  counsels  of  the  wicked  are 
deceit. 

G  The  ™  words  of  the  wicked  are  to 
lie  in  wait  for  blood;  but  "the  mouth  of 
the  upright  shall  deliver  them. 

■  "  Eph 


f  12.      Ps.  15:5.    125:1,2, 

3:17.     Col.  2:7 
g   14:1.    19:13,14.    31:10—25.   1 

Cor.  11:11. 
h  21:9,19.  27:15,16. 
i  14:30.  Hab.  3:16. 
k  11:23.  24:9.     Ps.  119.15.    139. 

23.    Is.  55:7.     Jer.  4:14. 


]    Ps.  12:2,3.      36:2—4.     41:6,7. 

140:1—3.    Matt.  2:3— 8,16.  26: 

4.     1  Cor.  4:5.    2  Cor.  4:2. 
m   1:11—19.      2  Sam.   17:1 — i. 

Is.  59:7.  Jer.  5.26.  Mic.  7:1,2. 

Acts  23:12,15.  26:3. 
n  14:3.     Esth  4:7— 14.   7:4— 6. 


grace:  and  such  a  person  will  be  proportionably 
favored  by  the  Lord,  both  with  inward  peace,  and 
a  blessing  on  his  undertakings.  But  he  who  al- 
lows himself  to  devise  wickedness,  waiting  for  an 
opportunity  of  committing  it;  or  who  covers  self- 
ish and  vicious  designs  under  a  profession  of  reli- 
gion, friendship,  or  affection,  will  be  condemned 
by  the  righteous  Judge  of  the  world.  [Jfotes,  6: 
16—19.  Ps.  112:5,6.  Is.  32:5—8.) 

V.  3.  The  prosperity,  which  is  obtained  by 
wickedness,  cannot  be  permanently  established, 
by  any  sagacity  oi-  power:  but  the  righteous  re- 
semble trees  that  strike  deep  root  in  the  earth, 
and  grow  up  gradually:  the  branches  of  which 
may  be  shaken  by  furious  tempests,  but  they  are 
secured  by  the  root  from  material  detriment. — 
'The)"^  are  so  grounded  in  the  favor  of  God,  that 
'their  root  shall  prosper  continually.'  {Jtlarg. 
Ref.) 

V.  4.  A  prudent  and  faithful  woman,  who  has 
strength  of  mind  to  govern  her  passions,  and  who 
diligently  attends  to  domestic  affairs,  will  prove  a 
great  comfort  to  her  husband,  and  conduce  more 
to  his  credit  than  the  wearing  of  a  crown  could 
do.  But  a  contentious,  imperious,  extravagant, 
improvident,  or  adulterous  woman,  is  like  a  dis- 
ease which  wastes  the  bones.  She  injures  her 
husband's  character,  ruins  his  circumstances, 
prevents  the  proper  care  of  his  family,  leads  him 
into  temptation,  drives  him  into  bad  company 
and  excess,  or  perhaps  shortens  his  days  by  the 
inward  anguish  which  she  causes  him.  (JSToteSy 
14:1.  19:13,14.  21:9.  31:10-31.) 

V.  5.  {J\'ote,  Ps.  119:113.)  The  righteous 
habitually  devise,  contrive,  and  purpose  those 
things  which  are  good  and  just;  they  desire  '.o 
know  and  to  do  the  will  of  God,  and  have  no 
sinister  or  malicious  intentions  covered  over  with 
fair  professions. — But  the  wicked  secretly  con- 
trive how  to  compass  their  interested  and  selfish 
purposes,  and  to  avoid  detection  and  disgrace  on 
account  of  their  concealed  iniquities;  they  con- 
sult with  themselves  how  to  over- reach,  and  ob- 
tain undue  advantages  in  bargains;  and  they 
would  commit  more  fraud,  injustice,  or  other 
wickedness,  if  they  were  not  afraid  of  injuring 
their  reputation,  or  of  falling  under  the  lash  of 
human  laws.  {J^oles,  11:23.  24:8,9.  Ps.  36:1—4. 
140:1—3.) 

V.  6.  Wicked  men  frequently  consult  togeth- 
er, concerning  the  most  effectual  means  of  grati- 
fying their  avarice,  ambition,  revenge,  lust,  or 
enmity  against  the  servants  of  God;  and  they  are 
ready  to  lie  in  wait  for  blood,  when  they  can  do 
it  with  impunity.  {Marg.  Ref. — J^oies,  1:10 — 
19.  4:16,17.  6:16—19.)  Hence  unrighteous  wars, 
massacres,  assassinations,  oppressions,  persecu- 
tions, and  murders  of  various  kinds,  have  pre- 


B.  C.  976. 


CHAPTER  XII. 


B.  C.  9 


7  The  "wicked  are  overthrown,  and 
are  not;  but  p  the  house  of  the  righteous 
shall  stand. 

8  A  man  shall  be  'J  commended  ac- 
cording to  his  wisdom;  but  *■  he  that  is 
*of  a  perverse  heart  shall  be  despised. 

9  He  thai  is  ^  despised,  and  hath  a 
servant,  is  better  than  he  that  honoreth 
himself,  and  lacketh  bread. 

10  A  *  righteous  man  regardeth  the  life 
of  his  beast;  "  but  the  ^  tender  mercies 
of  the  wicked  are  cruel. 


o  11:21.   14:11.   15:25.     Esth. 

6—10,14.  Job  5:.3,4.   11:20. 

15—20.  27:18—23.     Ps.  37: 

35,36.  73:18,19. 
p  14:1.    24:3,4.     2  Sam.  7:16, 

Matt.  7:24—27. 
q   Gen.   41:39.      1  Sam.   16: 

18:30.     Ec.   8:1.     Luke    12 

—44.     16:8.     1  Cor.   3:10— 

4:5.     2  Cor.  10:18. 
r  1:26.    3:35.    5:23.     1  Sam. 


13.    25:17.      Ps.    133:18.     D.in 

12:2.     Mai.    2:8,9.     MatU    27: 

4,5.     Acts  12:23. 
*  Heb.  perverse  of  heart. 
s  13:7.     Luke  14:11. 
t  Gen.  33:13,14.     Num.  22:28— 

32.  Deut.  25:4.    Jod.  4:11. 
u    Gen.  37:26—28.      Judg.  1:7 

1  S.^m.    11:2.      John    19:31,32 

Jam.  2:13—16. 
I  Or,  bowels.     1  John  3:17. 


vailed  in  the  world,  ever  since  Cain  lay  in  wait 
for  the  blood  of  righteous  Abel:  and  far  more  in- 
nocent blood  would  be  shed,  were  the  restraint 
of  human  laws  removed.  But  the  mouth  of  the 
upright,  pleading  their  own  cause  with  wisdom 
which  cannot  be  gainsayed,  often  delivers  them 
from  false  accusers  and  persecutors:  and  they 
frequently  give  such  information,  cautions,  and 
counsels  to  those,  who  are  laid  wait  for,  as  deliver 
them  also  from  the  danger.  [J^Totes,  14:3.  1  Kings 
1:11—14.  i:s</i.  4:13,14.  7:2—6.) 

V.  7.  When  ungodly  men  have  attained  the 
summit  of  prosperity;  through  the  fickleness  of 
their  patrons,  or  the  multitude  and  envy  of  rivals; 
the  instability  of  human  affairs,  the  failure  of 
their  projects,  or  the  detection  of  their  wicked- 
ness; or  through  their  own  insolence,  cruelty, 
and  rashness;  they  are  often  overthrown  at  once, 
their  families  and  party  are  ruined  with  them, 
and  they  are  gone  and  neglected  in  a  very  short 
time.  ^JVbies,  Esth.  6:  7:)  But  the  moderate 
prosperity  of  the  righteous  stands  on  a  firmer 
ijasis,  and,  by  the  blessing  of  God,  is  often  con 
tinned  to  their  descendants.  [Marg.  Ref. — 
J^otes,  10:25,30.  11:21.  14:11.  15:25.) 

V.  8.  Whatever  transient  reputation  a  man 
may  acquire,  for  external  or  superficial  accom- 
plishments, or  even  for  abilities,  learning,  and 
achievements;  if  he  be  of  a  perverse  disposition, 
and  go  on  in  the  crooked  ways  of  iniquitj'  and 
impiety,  he  will  at  length  sink  into  contempt. 
f.A7j<e*,  2  Sam.  14:25— 27.  15:1—6.  16:20— 23,  i>. 
23.  17:23.18:17,18.)  But  the  man  of  true  wisdom 
and  piety,  though  for  a  time  neglected,  will  at 
length  assuredly  be  approved,  commended,  and 
had  in  honor. — The  first  clause  is  literally,  "Ac- 
cording to  the  mouth  of  his  wisdom  a  man  shall 
be  praised;"  and  the  capacity  of  'Jj'iving  wise 
counsel,  in  an  agreeable  and  impressive  manner, 
seems  especially  intended. 

V.  9.  Many  persons,  who  have  been  brought 
up  in  the  higher  ranks  of  life,  but  have  not  the 
means  of  living  according  to  that  station  in  so- 
ciety, are  too  proud  or  slothful  to  employ  them- 
selves in  inferior  occupation;  and  thus  they  be- 
come miserably  poor,  want  things  necessar}'^  for 
themselves  and  families,  are  a  burden  upon  their 
friends,  and  even  defraud  their  creditors,  to  main- 
tain a  vain  appearance  of  dignity.  But  he  who 
is  despised  for  engaging  in  a  mean  employment, 
and  making  a  homely  appearance,  but  by  so  doing 
can  have  the  comforts  of  life,  without  dependence 
or  disingenuous  arts,  is  more  happy,  wise,  useful, 
and  respectable,  than  "he  that  honoreth  himself 

Vol.  m.  62 


1 1  He  that  '^  tilleth  his  land  shall  be 
satisfied  with  bread;  but  ^  he  that  fol- 
ioweth  vain  persons  is  ^  void  of  under- 
standing. 

12  The  wicked  *  desireth  the  ^net  of 
evil  men;  but  "  the  root  of  the  righteous 
yieldeth  fruit. 

13  The  $  wicked  is  <=  snared  by  the 
transgression  oihis  lips;  '^  but  the  just  shall 
come  out  of  trouble. 

14  A  man  shall  be  ^  satisfied  with  good 


X  13:23.    14:4,23.    27:27.    28:19. 

Gen.  3:19.  Eph.  4:28.   1  Thes. 

4:11,12.     2  Thes.  3:8. 
y  l:10,&c.    4:14,15.    9:6.    13:20. 

Judg.   9:4.     Ps.  26:4.     Tit.  1: 

10,11. 
z  6:32.  7:7.  9:13,16. 
a    1:17—19.     29:5,6.       Ps.  9:15. 

10:9.     Jer.  5:26—28.  Mic.  7:2. 

Hab.  1:15—17. 
I  Or,  fortress.   10:15. 
b  Ps.  1:3.    Is.  27:6.  37:31.    Jer. 


17:7,8.     Luke  8:13—15.    John 

15:5,16.     Rom.  6:22. 
§  Heb.    snare  of  the -wicked  is 

in  the  transgression,  ij-c. 
c  6:2.   15:2.    18:6,7.      1  Kings  2: 

23.     Ps.  5:6.  64:8.    Dan.  6:24. 

Matt.  27:25. 
d  11:8.     Gen.  48:16.     2  Sam.  4: 

9.    Ps.  34:19.  Ec.  7:18.    Rom. 

8:35—37.     2  Pet.  2:9. 
e  13:2.   18:20,21.    Ps.  63:5. 


and  lacketh  bread."  {JSTotes,  13:7.)— The  old 
translation,  (with  which  many  versions  agree,) 
gives  a  different  sense  to  this  proverb.  "He 
that  is  despised,  and  is  his  own  servant,  is  better 
than  he  thatboastcth  himself  and  wanteth  bread." 
The  poor  man,  who  is  despised,  yet  lives  by  bis 
honest  labor,  is  more  valuable  and  happy  than  the 
proud  boaster. 

V.  10.  A  pious  or  truly  righteous  man  is  al- 
ways compassionate;  [J^Totns^  P.i.  112:4.)  and 
would  deem  it  cruelty  to  put  even  an  animal  to 
needless  pain;  and  especially  to  abuse  those  useful 
creatures,  which  conduce  greatly  to  the  comfort 
of  life.  But  wicked  men  are  hard-hearted  and 
cruel,  even  in  their  tenderest  mercies.  Thus 
they  deem  themselves  very  merciful,  when  their 
oppressions  are  not  quite  so  cruel  as  they  might 
be,  or  as  those  of  some  oppressors  are:  and 
they  often  affect  to  speak  of  the  poor  and  dis- 
tressed, as  being  very  well  used,  and  in  a  very 
desirable  situation;  when  they  themselves  could 
not  endure  such  treatment  for  a  single  day. 
{J\Iarg.  Ref.) — 'It  is  veiy  laudable  to  exercise 
'kindness  towards  brute  creatures,  that  we  keep 
'ourselves  the  more  remote  from  all  manner  of 
'cruelty  towards  men.''  Grotius,  quoted  by  Bp. 
Patrick.  [Marg.  Ref.—JVoles,  JVum.  22:29,30. 
P.  O.  22—41.) 

V.  11.  'He  that  takes  pains  in  an  honest 
'employment,  suppose  in  tilling  his  land,  shall  find 
'it  requite  him  with  sufficient,  if  not  plentiful  pro- 
' vision  for  himself  and  his  family:  but  he  that  is 
'idle,  falling  into  the  company  of  loose  and  wick- 
'ed  persons,  will  find  at  last, .'..  that  he  wants  not 
'only  bread,  but  understanding.''  Bp.  Pairick. 
[Marg.Re/.—JVotcs,  1:10—19.  13:20,23.  14:23. 
28:19.  1  Thes.  4:9—12.  2  Thes.  3:10—12.) 

V.  12.  When  the  ungodly  see  others  prosper 
by  iniquity,  they  straightway  wish  that  they  could 
act  with  similar  ingenuity,  or  obtain  the  same  op- 
portunities: they  would  be  glad  of  the  advantages 
of  sin,  forgetting  or  despising  its  guilt  and  the 
judgment  to  come:  and  if  they  are  not  so  great 
plunderers  or  cheats  as  some  are,  it  is  merely  be- 
cause they  cannot  or  dare  not.  But  the  root  of 
divine  grace,  in  the  heart  of  the  righteous,  pro- 
duces good  desires  and  purposes,  and  yields  more 
comfort  to  themselves,  besides  doing  much  good 
to  others. — 'The  wicked  man  affects  those  meth- 
'ods  of  fraudulent  invention,  which  he  sees  some 
'fraudulent  oppressors  use  to,  their  advantage.' 
Bp.  Hall.  {M>tes,  1:10—19.  .'/er.  5:26—29.  17:5 
—8.  Rom.  6:21—23.) 
V.  13.    Perjuries,  treasonable  words,  defama- 

[489 


B.  C.  976. 


PROVERBS. 


B.  C.  976. 


by  the  fruit  of  his  mouth;  ^  and  the  rec- 
ompense of  a  man's  hands  shall  be  ren- 
dered  unto  him.  [Practical  Observations.] 

1 5  The  s  way  of  a  fool  is  right  in  his 
own  eyes;  ''  but  he  that  hearkeneth  unto 
counsel  is  wise. 

16  A  '  fool's  wrath  is  *  presently 
known;  ^  but  a  prudent  man  covereth 
shame. 

n  He  ^  that  speaketh  truth,  sheweth 
forth  righteousness;  "  but  a  false  witness, 
deceit. 

18  There  is  "that  speaketh  like  the 
piercings  of  a  sword;  °  but  the  tongue  of 
the  wise  is  health. 


f  Is.  3:10,11.      Matt.   10:41,42. 

16:27.     2  Thes.  1:6,7.     Heb. 

2:2.   11:26. 
g  3:7.    14:16.   16:2,25.  26:12,16. 

28:11.30:12.  Luke  18:11.  Gal. 

6:3. 
h  1:5.  9:9.  19:20.  Ec.  4:13.  Jer. 

38:15,&c. 
i  25:28.    29:11.     1  Sam.  20:30— 

34.     1  Kings  19:1,2. 
*  Heb.  in  that  day. 


k  10:12.  16:22.  17:9.  29:11.  Jam. 

1:19. 
1  14:5,25.     1  Sam.  22:14,15. 
m6:19.     19:5,28.    21:28.    24:28. 

Matt.  15:19.  26:59.    Acts  6:13. 

1  Pet.  3:16. 
n  25:18.     Ps.  52:2.    57:4.  59:7. 

64:3.   Jam.  3:6—8. 
o  10:20,21.    13:17.    15:7.    16:24. 

Dan.  11:33.    Rev.  22:2. 


tions,  and  lies,  and  rash'  engagements,  often  in- 
volve wicked  men,  however  subtle,  in  most  per- 
plexing troubles  and  inevitable  ruin,  and  they  are 
snared  by  the  transgression  of  their  own  lips: 
while  a  frank  and  open  conduct  eventually  tends 
to  credit  and  comfort.  {JVotes,  6:1 — 5,  v.  2.  18:6,7. 
1  Kings  2:23—25.) 

V.  14.  When  a  man  speaks  that  which  is  use- 
ful to  others,  he  receives  a  satisfaction  from  it 
himself;  by  counselling  and  instructing  others,  he 
edifies  himself;  and  God  will  graciously  recom- 
pense the  good  words  and  works  of  his  servants, 
as  well  as  punish  the  wicked  according  to  their 
deserts.     {JVotes,  13:2.  18:20,21.  Is.  3:10,11.) 

V.  15.  A  fool  is  so  conceited  and  headstrong, 
that  he  is  incapable  of  taking  warning  or  coun- 
sel; and  he  is  determined  to  vindicate  all  that  he 
does,  and  to  persist  in  all  his  rash  enterprises,  as 
if  he  were  infallible.  But  a  wise  man  distrusts 
his  own  judgment  and  heart;  he  is  afraid  of  being 
misled,  and  desires  to  be  convinced  of  his  errors 
and  misconduct;  and  so  he  hearkens  to  instruc- 
tion, that  he  may  grow  wiser  and  wiser.  [JSTotes, 
3:7,8.  9:7—9.  14:16.  16:2.26:12.) 

V.  16.  A  foolish  man  is  soon  made  angry,  and 
is  hasty  in  expressing  his  resentment,  without  re- 
gard to  company  or  circumstances;  and  thus  he 
is  ever  embroiled  in  quarrels,  and  running  into 
mischief.  {JVotes,  25:28.  29:11.  1  Sam.  20:30—33. 
I  JCings  19:1,2.)  But  a  prudent  man  carefully 
represses  his  resentment,  and  avoids  such  words 
and  actions,  as  would  afterwards  cover  him  with 
shame:  or  he  covers  the  shameful  behavior  of 
such  as  abuse  him,  and  lets  it  pass  unnoticed. 
[JVote,  10:12.) — The  old  translation  is  more  lit- 
eral; "A  fool  in  a  day  shall  be  known  by  his  an- 
ger," &c. — The  word  rendered  prudent,  com- 
monly means  cunning;  and  so  may  point  out  the 
shrewd,  crafty  man,  who  seems  to  take  no  notice 
of  affronts,  because  he  designs  hereafter  either  to 
revenge  them,  or  to  turn  them  in  some  way  to  his 
own  advantage.  {JVote,  2  Sam.  13:22 — 29.) 

V.  17.  He  who,  in  a  court  of  justice,  unre- 
servedly testifies  to  the  whole  truth,  promotes 
t{)e  cause  of  equity,  and  assists  the  magistrate  in 
decreeing  righteous  judgment:  but  false  witnesses 
impose  on  him,  and  may  thus  lead  him  uninten- 
tionally to  decide  in  favor  of  the  wicked. — The 
maxim  holds  equally  good,  in  many  other  cases, 
490] 


19  The  P  lip  of  truth  shall  be  estab- 
lished for  ever;  i  but  a  lying  tongue  is 
but  for  a  moment. 

20  "■  Deceit  is  in  the  heart  of  them  that 
imagine  evil;  *  but  to  the  counsellors  of 
peace  is  joy. 

21  There  shall  *no  evil  happen  to  the 
just;  but  the  wicked  shall  be  "  filled  with 
mischief. 

22  *  Lying  lips  are  abomination  to  the 
Lord;  y  but  they  that  deal  truly  are  his 
delight. 

23  ^  A  prudent  man  concealeth  knowl- 
edge; *  but  the  heart  of  fools  proclaimeth 
foolishness.  . 

24  The  ^hand  of  the  dihgent  shall  bear 


p  Zech.  1:4—6.    Matt.  24:35. 
q  19:9.  Job  20:5.  Ps.  52:5.  Acts 

5:3—10. 
r   12.    26:24—26.       Jer.   17:16. 

Mark  7:21,22.  12:14—17.  Rom. 

1:29. 
s  Is.  9:6,7.     Zech.  6:13.     Matt. 

5:9.     Heb.   12:14.      1  Pet.  3:8 

—13. 
t  Rom.   8:28.     1  Cor.   3:22,23. 


2  Cor.  4:17. 
u    1:31.     14:14.     Jer.  13:12—14. 

Hab.  2:16.    Rev.  18:6. 
X  6:16,17.   Ps.  5:6.  Is.  9:15.  Ez. 

13:19,22.  Rev.  21:8.  22:15. 
y  11:1,20.  15:8.  Jer.  9:24. 
z  10:19.   11:13.   13:16. 
a  15:2.    Ec.  10:3,12—14. 
b    10:4.     13:4.      17:2.     22:29.    } 

Kings  11:28.  12:20. 


when  a  full  and  fair  declaration  of  the  truth  ef- 
fectually serves  and  establishes  the  cause  of  jus- 
tice and  piety.  {Jfotes,  18,19.  14:25.  19:28.  1  Sam. 
22:9,10,14— 16.  li:m^5  21:8— 14.) 

V.  18,19,  False  accusations  and  perjuries  may 
murder  like  a  sword,  or  rob  a  man  of  his  estate: 
and  even  rash  and  hasty  calumnies  may  wound 
his  credit,  or  excite  suspicions  and  contentions 
destructive  to  domestic  comfort,  and  to  the  peace 
of  his  mind.  But  the  tongue  of  the  wise  is  em- 
ployed in  composing  differences,  in  vindicating 
aspersed  characters,  in  comforting  the  distressed, 
and  in  promoting  justice,  piety,  and  charity. 
And  he  who  thus  makes  truth  his  standard,  and 
equitj'  and  peace  his  aim,  will  gradually  establish 
his  own  character,  and  will  not  have  cause  to  fear 
any  investigation:  but  lies  and  deceit  only  serve 
a  present  purpose,  expose  a  man  to  speedy  de- 
tection, and  render  him  suspected  and  distrusted 
in  everv  thing.  [Marg.  Ref. — Jfotes,  10:20,21. 
15:4,7.  19:9.] 

V.  20.  [Marg.  Ref.)  Those  who  imagine 
evil  dare  not  openly  avow  their  designs;  so  that 
malice  and  mischief  are  always  attended  with 
dissimulation,  and  productive  of  terrors  and  per- 
plexities: [Motes,  12.  26:24 — 27.)  but  such  as 
consult  the  peace  and  happiness  of  others,  hav6 
joy  and  serenity  in  their  own  minds. 

V.  21.  'Divine  Providence  takes  a  peculiar 
'care  of  good  men,  to  avert  the  harm  that  the  in- 
'iquity  of  the  wicked  intends  them;  which  shall 
'fall  upon  themselves  ...  to  overwhelm  them.'  Bp. 
Patrick.  (J\rotes,  Rom.  8:28—31.  2  Thes.  1:5—10. 
2  Pet.  1:3,4.) — The  Septuagint  render  the  first 
clause  of  this  verse,  "Nothing  iniquitous  shall 
please  the  righteous." 

V.  22.  [Jlarg.  Ref.— JVotes,  6:16—19.  Is.  9: 
13—17.  Jer.  9:23,24.)  'It  is  thought  no  great 
'matter,  if  a  man  break  his  word,  or  any  way  de- 
'ceive  his  neighbor:  but  know,  that  this  is  a 
'thing  exceeding  hateful  to  the  divine  majesty: 
'and  on  the  contrary,  they  that  faithfully  perform 
'their  promises,  and  in  all  things  deal  truly  with 
'their  neighbors,  are  no  less  acceptable  to  him.' 
Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  23.  Men  of  prudence  and  discretion  make 
no  ostentation  of  their  knowledge;  but  reserve  it 
for  suitable  occasions,  and  shew  it  in  their  con- 
duct.    On  the  contrary,  ignorant  and  frivolous 


B.  C.  976. 


CHAPITER  XII. 


B.  C.  976. 


rule;  *=  but  the  *  slothful  shall   be   under 
tribute. 

25  ^  Heaviqess  in  the  heart  of  man 
maketh  it  stoop;  ®  but  a  good  word  mak- 
eth  it  glad. 

26  The  ^  righteous  is  more  t  excellent 


c27.   19:15.  21.-25,26.  22:13.  24: 

30—34.  26:13—16. 
*  Or,  deceiifid, 
d  14:10.   15:13,15.    17:22.   18:14. 

Neh.    2:1,2.     Ps.  38:6.     42:11. 

Mark  14:33,34. 
p  18.   15:-23.    16:24.    25:11.  27:9. 


Is.  50:4.     Zech.   1:13.    2  Cor. 

2:4—7. 
f  17:27.  Ps.  16:3.     Matt.  5:46— 

43.    Luke  6:32—36.     1  Pet.  2: 

18—21. 
I  Or,  abundant. 


persons  are  generally  vain-glorious,  and  by  at- 
tempting to  display  their  wit  or  learning,  they 
commonly  proclaim  their  own  emptiness  and  folly. 
{JSTotes,  \5:2.Pc.  10:2,3,11  —  15.) 

V.  24.  Diligence  has  a  natural  tendency  to 
advance  men  in  society,  and  will  generally  con- 
duct them  to  eminence  in  their  occupations,  or  to 
influence  or  authority  in  the  community:  but  the 
slothful  are  never  likely  to  be  any  thing  but  de- 
pendents or  slaves. — The  word  (|^?))2*1)5  render- 
dered  slothful  may  mean  deceitful:  [marg.)  and 
indeed  sloth  is  commonly  an  inlet  to  dishonesty, 
which  exposes  a  man  to  penalties,  confinement, 
and  severe  treatment.  [J^otes^  10:4,5.  13:4.21:25, 
26.  22:29.) 

V.  25.  Distress  of  conscience,  sharp  afflictions, 
and  discouraging  fears,  deject  the  heart,  and  un- 
fit a  man  for  his  duty:  but  a  kind  and  encourag- 
ing word  may  often  give  a  favorable  turn  to  his 
thoughts,  inspire  him  with  hope,  and  animate  him 
to  activity. — This  maxim  points  out  an  easy  and 
cheap  way  of  being  useful.  [J^otes,  14:10.  15: 
15,23.  18:14.  /*.  35:3,4.) 

V.  26.  Though  wicked  men  cannot  but  see, 
that  the  righteous  are  more  excellent  than  their 
neighbors,  and  in  general  more  abound  in  com- 
forts; yet  the  pleasures  and  gains  of  their  iniqui- 
ties seduce  their  minds,  and  cause  them  to  con- 
tinue in  their  disgraceful,  perilous,  and  wretched 
courses.   (Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  27.  The  slothful,  or  deceitful,  man  {.Note,  24.) 
makes  no  good  use  of  the  advantages,  which  Prov- 
idence throws  in  his  way,  and  has  no  comfort  of 
them:  if  at  any  time  he  make  a  vigorous  exer- 
tion, or  seem  successful,  he  loses  all  the  benefit 
for  want  of  perseverance,  and  so  brings  nothing 
to  perfection.  But  the  possessions  of  a  diligent 
man  are  valuable  to  himself,  and  to  others  also. 
[Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  28.  'True  goodness  leads  unto  endless  pros- 
*perity  and  happiness;  nor  is  there  any  one  action 
'of  virtue  that  tends  to  make  a  man  miserable,  as 
'all  manner  of  wickedness  doth.'  Bp.  Patrick: 
What  is  the  meaning  of  this  verse,  if  Solomon 
confined  his  views,  as  some  would  persuade  us,  to 
this  mortal  life  and  dying  world.'  (jyote,  Rom. 
6:21—23.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
V.  1—14. 
The  degree  of  our  love  to  any  object  may  fairly 
be  measured  by  our  value  for  the  means  of  ob- 
taining it.  He  who  loves  science,  loves  study, 
and  prizes  information.  He  who  chooses  wi.sdoijv- 
and  grace,  values  the  word  and  ordinances  of 
God;  and  is  thankful  even  foi'  reproofs,  which  con- 
duce to  his  improvement.  On  the  other  hand, 
the  man,  whose  main  object  it  is  to  gratify  liis 
appetites  and  passions,  cannot  but  despise  instruc- 
tion and  hate'  reproof:  and  consequently  he  choos- 
es to  reside  in  places,  and  frequent  companies, 
where  he  is  least  likely  to  meet  with  any  check  in 
his  evil  courses. — The  Lord  sees,  and  will  at 
length  discover  to  the  whole  world,  the  secret 


than  his  neighbor;  s  but  the  way  of  the 
wicked  seduceth  them. 

27  The  ''  slothful  man  roasteth  not  that 
which  he  took  in  hunting;  '  but  the  sub- 
stance of  a  diligent  man  is  precious. 

28  ^  In  the  way  of  righteousness  is 
life;  and  in  the  path-way  thereof  there  is 
no  death. 


S   P.s.  81:12,13.     Jam.    1:13,14. 

2  Pet.   2:18— 22.     iJohn  2:26. 

Rev.  12:9.    13:14. 
h  13:4.  23:21.    26:15. 
i  15:16.   16:8.   Ps.  37:16. 


k8:35.  9:11.  10:16.  11:19.  Ez. 
18:9,20—24.  Rom.  5:21.  6:22, 
23.  Tit.  2:11,12.  lJohn2:29. 
3:7.     3  John  11. 


thoughts  of  every  heart.  Then  the  contrivances, 
speculations,  and  desires,  of  those  who  "devise 
evil,"  will  be  condemned,  though  they  have  never 
been  reduced  to  practice:  and  the  benevolent  in- 
tentions, the  pious  meditations,  the  plans  and 
counsels  of  the  righteous  to  do  good,  though  here 
frustrated,  will  be  made  known  and  graciously 
rewarded.  And  when  the  concealed  part  of  eve- 
ry character  shall  be  made  public  and  manifest; 
the  difference  between  the  righteous  and  the 
wicked  will  appear  so  evident  and  immense,  that 
none  shall  have  one  word  to  speak  against  the 
sentence  awarded  to  each  of  them. — Let  us  for  a 
moment  realize  the  idea  of  every  word,  which 
men  have  spoken  during  their  whole  lives,  being 
disclosed  at  the  day  of  judgment:  what  a  discovery 
will  thus  be  made  of  men's  hearts!  Not  to  dwell 
on  the  vain  and  corrupt  communication,  which 
proceeds  out  of  the  mouths  of  the  ungodly:  all  the 
secret  cabals  of  those  who  lie  in  wait  for  blood; 
all  the  perjuries  and  calumnies,  by  wliich  men 
accomplish  their  cruel  or  unrighteous  purposes; 
all  their  lies,  flatteries,  reproaches,  proud  boast- 
ings, and  blasphemies;  when  made  known  before 
the  assembled  world,  will  form  such  a  discovery, 
as  must  overAvhelm  the  wicked  with  unutterable 
confusion. — On  the*  other  hand,  the  pious  dis- 
course and  wise  counsels  of  the  righteous,  by 
which  they  rescued  many  from  snares  and  dan- 
gers, or  endeavored  to  be  useful  to  their  souls; 
and  ever}'  good  and  profitable  word,  which  they 
have  spoken,  will  be  made  known  to  their  joy,  and 
contribute  to  evince  their  real  character.  Thus 
they  shall  be  "satisfied  with  good  by  the  fruit  of 
their  mouths,"  as  well  as  recompensed  according 
to  the  work  of  their  hands. — Even  those  men  of 
the  world,  who  are  the  wisest  in  their  generation, 
are  unable  to  establish  themselves  by  their  wick- 
edness: and  frequently  they  and  their  families 
fall  and  perish,  as  rapidly  as  they  at  first  prosper.- 
ed.  But  the  righteous,  being  rooted  in  the  favor 
of  God,  and  secured  by  his  promises,  shall  never 
be  moved:  they  are  fruitful  and  useful,  and  "the 
generation  of  the  upright  shall  be  blessed."  Many 
of  them  indeed  are  poor  in  this  world,  and  earn 
their  bread  by  hard  labor:  but  having  food  and 
raiment,  they  are  content  and  satisfied.  They 
think  no  honest  employment  a  disgrace:  and  while 
the  proud  and  slothful,  and  those  who  follow  after 
vain  persons,  who  afl'ect  the  appearance  of  afflu- 
ence, who  honor  themselves  and  despise  the  in- 
dustrious, often  sink  into  deep  distress;  the  very 
persons  whf)m  they  slight,  possess  vei"y  many  com- 
forts, and  also  find  something  to  spare  to  relieve 
the  indigent. — Again,  who  are  they  that  enjoy 
most  comfort,  and  prove  the  greatest  blessings,  ia 
domestic  life.'  Mark  the  difference  between  the 
pious  and  prudent  woman,  who  is  "a  crown  ta 
her  husband;"  and  her  "that  maketh  ashamed, 
and  is  as  rottenness  in  his  bones."— Can  any  one 
seriously  consider  tliis  subject,  and  endure  the 
thought  of  ever  becoming  the  disgrace,  misery, 
and  ruin,  of  the  nearest  relation  on  earth?  Yet 
vice  and  folly   commonly  produce  this  dreadful 

[191 


B.  C.  976. 


PROVERBS. 


B.  C.  976. 


CHAP.  XIII. 


The  advantages  of  prudence,  diligence,  piety,  and  sincerity;  and 
the  mischiefs  resulting  from  the  opposite  vices,  1 — 15. 


A^  WISE  son  heareth  his  father's  in- 
struction; ^but   a  scorner   heareth 
not  rebuke. 


consequence:  and  there  is  no  security  against  it, 
or  reasonable  hope  of  becoming-  creditable,  com- 
fortable, and  useful,  in  any  relation  of  life,  with- 
out piety  and  heavenly  wisdom.  How  then  are 
they  deluded,  who,  in  forming  the  conjugal  union, 
prefer  beauty,  wit,  or  external  accomphshments, 
to  substantial  excellency  of  character! — Indeed 
the  real  and  consistent  Christian  not  only  endeav- 
ors to  make  his  relations,  domestics,  and  neigh- 
bors comfortable;  but  he  sympathizes  in  the  suf- 
ferings of  the  very  animals;  he  is  incapable  of 
cruelty  to  them,  will  not  allow  others  to  abuse 
them  if  he  can  hinder  it,  and  takes  pleasure  in 
seeing  them  enjoy  that  kind  of  happiness  of  which 
they  are  capable.  Surely  then,  he  will  never 
"desire  the  net  of  evil  men:"  but  rather  at  any 
time  renounce  his  own  indulgence  and  interest, 
than  add  to  the  miseries  of  human  beings,  in  any 
part  of  the  globe.  But  "the  tender  mercies  of 
the  wicked  are  cruel."  They  lavish  outward  fa- 
vors, while  they  would  seduce  the  objects  of  their 
selfish  affection  to  those  crimes,  which  are  most 
ruinous  in  this  world  and  in  the  next.  They  are 
prodigal  to  the  worthless,  and  harsh  and  penuri- 
ous to  the  industrious.  They  exact  by  merciless 
oppression  from  one  set  of  men,  what  they  bestow 
on  another  with  ostentatious  liberality.  They 
weep  over  the  trag-ic  tale  of  imaginary  woe,  and 
are  callous  to  real  misery.  They  affect  the  praise 
of  philanthropy,  by  a  specious  conduct  abroad; 
while  their  severe  spirit,  and  furious  passions, 
render  their  own  families  a  scene  of  confusion  and 
misery. — It  is  indeed  most  wonderful,  how  gene- 
rally these  truths,  or  rather  facts,  are  overlooked 
or  forgotten;  and  how  little  effect  they  produce  on 
the  judgment  and  conduct  even  of  professed 
Christians.  But  at  length  "a  man  shall  certainly 
be  commended  according  to  his  wisdom,"  "the 
righteous  shall  come  out  of  trouble,"  "and  he 
that  is  of  a  perverse  spirit  shall  be  despised." 

V.  15—28. 

In  proportion  as  men  are  foolish,  they  common- 
ly are  self-sufficient.  "Their  way,"  however  rash 
and  absurd  in  itself,  "is  right  in  their  own  eyes:" 
and,  instead  of  growing  wiser  by  hearkening  to 
prudent  counsel,  they  consider  every  intimation 
that  they  are  mistaken,  as  an  almost  unpardona- 
ble affront. — The  first  appearance  of  this  spirit 
should  be  carefully  checked,  in  young  people  es- 
pecially; for  when  it  has  got  the  ascendency, 
there  is  little  hope  of  repressing  it.  [Jfote,  9:7 — 
9.) — When  persons  of  this  character  take  offence, 
their  wrath  is  presently  known,  by  passionate  lan- 
guage, upbraidings,  and  slanders,  if  not  by  furious 
endeavors  to  revenge  themselves.  They  "speak 
like  the  piercings  of  a  sword;"  not  regarding 
whose  character,  interest,  or  comfort  they  wound 
or  destroy:  but  in  thus  pouring  out  of  the  abun- 
dance of  their  hearts,  they  proclaim  their  own 
foolishness,  and  will  soon  be  filled  with  mischief. 
— "Lying  lips  are  abomination  to  the  Lord;  but 
they  that  deal  truly  are  his  delight."  Among  the 
several  ways  in  which  this  maxim  maj'  be  im- 
proved to  practical  purposes;  it  peculiarly  applies 
to  the  ministers  of  religion.  "He,  that"  in  this  re- 
spect "speaketh  truth,  sheweth  forth  righteous- 
ness; but  a  false  witness  deceit."  And  tliat  min- 
ister, who  "shuns  not  to  declare  tlie  whole  coun- 
sel of  God,"  and  "keeps  back  nothing  profitable;" 
who  never  wounds,  but  in  order  to  heal;  who  in- 
jures no  man's  credit  or  peace,  as  with  the  pierc- 
ings of  the  sword  of  an  enemy;  but  often  lays 
open  the  conscience  with  the  faithful  wounds  of  a 
492] 


a  4:1— 14,30— 22.   10:1.    15:5,20. 


b  9:7,8.  14:6.     1  Sam.  2:25. 


friendly  surgeon,  to  prepare  the  way  for  heavenly 
consolations:  this  man,  I  say,   however  despised 
and  hated  at  present,  will  at  length  "receive  the 
ci'own  of  glory  which  fadeth  not  away."     In  this 
case  especially,  "the  lip  of  truth  shall  be  estab- 
lished for  ever;  but  the  lying  tongue  is  but  for  a 
moment." — Even  the  silence   of  a  pious  man, 
while  he  represses  resentment;   meekly  endures 
provocation;  hides  the  shame  that  folly  would  ex- 
pose; conceals  the  knowledge  which  ostentation 
would  display;    or  frowns  silent  disapprobation, 
where  a  more  direct  reproof  would  be  improper; 
is  an  evidence  of  wisdom,  and  is  full  of  instruc- 
tion.    In  short,  in  every  thing,   "the  righteous  is 
more  excellent  than  his  neighbor,"  and  far  more 
happy  also. — While  "deceit  in  the  heart  of  those 
who  imagine  evil,"   often  fills  them  with  alarm 
and  anguish;  "to  the  counsellors  of  peace  is  joy:" 
and  when  their  good  words  or  kind  actions  make 
glad  the  hearts  of  the  afflicted   or  desponding, 
they  share  the  comfort  which  they  communicate. 
— The  diligence,  modesty,  prudence,  and  integ- 
rity,  which  true  religion  teaches,  procure  men 
influence  and  respect,  frequently  among  such  as 
are  themselves  irreligious;  and  so  advance  them 
to  desirable   and   useful  situations:  while   sloth, 
prodigality,  and  duplicity,  tend  directly  to  abject 
dependence,  deep  distress,  or  genial  contempt, 
even  in  this  world. — These  things  indeed  are  un- 
deniable; and  many  ungodly  men  have  transient 
convictions,  nay,  sometimes  an  abiding  opinion, 
that  their  pious  neighbors  or  relations  are  and 
will  be  happier  than  themselves:  but  they  are  se- 
duced by  evil  companions  and  indulged  passions, 
and  so  remain  the  slaves  of  sin.    Their  tempora- 
ry efforts  at  reformation,  with  all  their  knowledge 
and  advantages,  prove  unavailing,  from  want  of 
resolution  and  perseverance:  they  either  adopt 
false  principles,  and  so  are  hardened  in  presump- 
tion; or,  being  baffled  in  their  feeble  and  heartless 
endeavors,  they  lie  down  in   despondence. — Oh 
then,  let  every  reader  hear  the  Savior's  call,  when 
he  says,  "Strive  to  enter  in  at  the  strait  gate;  for 
many,  I  say  unto  you,  will  seek  to  enter  in  and 
shall  not  be  able."     But  happy  indeed  are  they, 
who  "are  walking  "in  the  way  of  righteousness;" 
for  in  it  "is  life,   and   in  the  path-way  thereof 
there  is  no  death." — Generally,  when  the  wicked 
take  a  hasty  resolution,  or  make  a  vigorous  ef- 
fort, they  lose  all  the  benefit  for  want  of  perse- 
vering diligence  and  dependence  on  the  Lord:  so 
that,  whilst  the  diligent  acquire  dominion  over 
their  passions,  the  slothful  is  under  tribute  to  his 
lusts  and  evil  habits.     Every  advantage  is  pre- 
cious to  the  former,  but    useless  or  ruinous  to 
the  latter;  and  he  is  always  either  buoyed  np  in 
presumption,  or   sunk  down  into  despondency. 
In   short,  all  the  knowledge  and  convictions  of 
the  ungodly  settle  in  something  short  of  conver- 
sion  to   God,    and  a  holy  life:  but  the  prudent 
Christian  makes  no  ostentation  of  his  knowledge, 
except  in  his  exemplary  conduct  and  useful  con- 
versation, or  by  instructing  the  ignorant  and  en- 
couraging the  dejected  to  hope,  and  wait  upon 
the  Lord. 

NOTES. 
Chap.  XIII.  V.  1.  A  young  man  of  prudence 
and  good  sense  will  pay  attention  to  his  father's 
good  instruction,  and  not  require  reproofs  or  cor- 
rections, to  induce  his  obedience:  on  the  contra- 
ry, a  scorner  will  not  hear,  obey,  or  be  influenc- 
!ed,  even  by  the  severest  rebukes.  [J^otes,  9:7 — 
[9.  12:1.  15:5,20.  1  Sam.  2:23—25.) 


B.  C.  976. 


CHAPTER  XIII. 


B.  C.  076. 


2  A  man  shall  *=  eat  good  by  the  fruit 
of  his  mouth;  but  '^  the  soul  of  the  trans- 
gressors shall  eat  violence. 

3  He  ®  that  keepeth  his  mouth  keepeth 
his  hfe;  but  he  that  openeth  wide  his  lips 
shall  have  destruction. 

4  The  soul  of  the  sluggard  ^  desireth, 
and  hath  nothing;  ^  but  the  soul  of  the 
dihgent  shall  be  ''  made  fat. 

5  A  '  righteous  man  hateth  lying;  but 
a  wicked  man  ^  is  loathsome, '  and  cometh 
to  shame. 

6  ™  Righteousness  keepeth  him  that  is 
upright  in  the  way;  but "  wickedness  over- 
throweth  *  the  sinner. 


c  12:14.   18:20. 

d    1:11—13,18,31.    4:17.     10:11. 

Ps.  140:11.  Hab.  2:8,17.  Rev. 

16:6. 
e  10:19.   12:13.  21:23.    Ps.  39:1. 

Matt.  12:36,37.     Jam.  1:26.  3: 

3 J2. 

f  10:4.  12:11,-24.    26:13.     Num. 

23:10. 
g2:-3— 9.  8:34.  John  6:27.  Heb. 

6:11.     2Pet.  1:5— 11. 
h  11:25.    28:25.     Ps.  92:14.    Is. 


58:11. 
i  6:17.  30:8.  Ps.  119:163.    Eph. 

4:25.     Col.  3:9. 
k  £z.  6:9.  20:43.  36:31.     Zech. 

11:3. 
1  3:35.  Dan.  12:2.  Kev.  21:8. 
m    11:3,5,6.      Ps.    15:2.     25:21. 

26:1. 
n  5:22.  21:12.    2  Cbr.  28:23.  Ps. 

140:11. 
*  Heb.  sin. 


V.  2.  "A  man  shall  eat  good  things  by  the 
fruit  of  his  mouth;  but  the  soul  of  the  trespassers 
shall  suffer  violence."  Old  Version.  (JVotes,  1: 
17—19.  10:11.  12:14.  18:20,21.)— 'If  he  use  his 
'tongue  to  God's  glory  and  the  profit  of  his  neigh- 
'bor,  God  shall  bless  him.' 

V.  3.  'He  that  looks  carefully  to  his  tongue,  ... 
'takes  a  safe  course  for  preserving  his  life,  which 
'is  oft  endangered  by  much  and  wild  talking.' 
Bp.  Hall.  'He  that  carefully  observes  every 
'word  he  speaks,  preserves  himself  from  much 
'trouble  and  danger:  but  he  that  blurts  out  at 
'every  thing  that  comes  into  his  head,  not  mind- 
'ing  what  he  saith,  is  in  the  ready  way  to  ruin.' 
Bp.  Patrick.  The  word  rendered  destruction 
properly  means,  terror,  or  consternation.  (Jfotes, 
10:19.  12:13.  Jam.  1:26.  3:3—12.) 

V.  4.  'He  ever  desireth,  but  taketh  no  pains  to 
'get  any  thing.' — This  applies  both  to  things  tem- 
poral and  things  eternal.  God  gives  every  thing; 
but  only  in  a  way  of  diligence. — He  works  in  us 
to  will  and  do;  but,  in  all  things,  his  plan  has 
connected  industry  and  prosperity,  sloth  and  mis- 
ery. {J^otes,  10:4.  12:24.  26:13—16.  J^um.  23:10. 
Jo/m 6:22— 27, -u.  27.  Heb.  6:11,12.  2Pe<.  1:5—11.) 

V.  5.  A  pious  man  abhors  deceit  and  lies,  as 
detestable  in  themselves;  and  he  has  no  occasion 
for  such  base  means,  because  he  has  no  bad  ends 
to  accomplish:  but  the  wicked  endeavor  to  im- 
pose on  their  neighbors,  to  conceal  their  crimes, 
and  to  gratify  their  passions  by  deceit;  till  at 
length  they  render  themselves  generally  con- 
temptible and  odious.  [Jilarg.  Ref. — J^otes,  6: 
10—19.  30:7—9.  Rev.  21:3—8,  v.  8.  22:14,15.) 

V.  6,    {Jfotei,  11:3,3,6.)     'Wicked  contrivan- 


'ces  are  overthrown  by  their  own  iniquity.'    Bp 
Patrick.    {Marg. — JVoi'       ~    —  - 

140:11.) 


fotes,  2  Chr.  28:22,23.  Ps. 


V.  7.  Many  persons  make  a  shew  of  wealth, 
and  live  at  a  great  expense,  and  engage  in  large 
concerns,  who  are  indeed  possessed  of  little  or  no 
property;  and  thus  they  become  public  cheats. 
(JVb<e,  12:9.)  Others,  who  are  very  rich,  pretend 
to  be  poor,  and  live  as  if  they  were  so:  and  thus 
they  bereave  themselves  and  their  families  of 
good,  and  refuse  to  improve  the  talents  commit- 
ted to  their  stewardship — Pharisees  and  hypo- 
crites also  make  a  shew  of  that  piety  which  they 
have  not,  and  so  impose  on  others  and  deceive 


7  There  °  is  that  maketh  himself  rich, 
yet  hath  nothing:  there  is  p  that  maketh 
himself  poor,  yet  hath  great  riches. 

8  The  ^  ransom  of  a  man's  life  are 
his  riches;  but  *■  the  poor  heareth  not  re- 
buke. 

9  The  Might  of  the  righteous  rejoiceth; 
but  '  the  ^  lamp  of  the  wicked  shall  be 
put  out. 

10  "  Only  by  pride  cometh  conten- 
tion; but  ^  with  the  well  advised  is  wis- 
dom. 

1 1  y  Wealth  gotten  by  vanity  shall  be 


o  12:9.  Luke  18:11— 14.     iCor. 

4:8.     2  Pet.  2:19.    Rev.  3:17. 
p    1  Cor.   4:10,11.      2  Cor.  4:7. 

Rev.  2:9. 
q  6:35.  Ex.  21:30.  Job  2:4.  Ps. 

49:6-10.  Jer.  41.8.    Matt.  16: 

26.     1  Pet.  1:18,19. 
r  2  Kings  24:14.  25:32.   Jer.  39: 

10.  Zeph.  3:12.. 

s4:18.     1  Kings  11:36.     Ps.  97: 

11.  112:4. 

t  20:20.  24:20.  Job  18:5,6.  21: 
17.  Is.  50:10,11.  Matt.  22:13. 
25:8. 


f  Or,  candle. 

u  21:24.  Judg.  12.1—6.   1  Kings 

12:10,11,16.       2    Kings    14:10. 

Luke  22:24.    1  Tim.  6:4.  Jam. 

3:14—16.    4:1,5,6.      3  John  9, 

10. 
X    12:15,16.   17:14.  19:20.  20:13. 

25:8.     Judg.  8:1—3.    Luke  14: 

28—32.     Acts  6:1—5. 
y  10:2.  20:21.    28:8.     Job  15:28, 

29.  20:15,19—22.  27:16,17.  Ec. 

5:14.     Jer.  17:11.     Hab.  2:6,7. 

Jam.  5:1 — 5. 


themselves;  (^JVotes,  Luke  18:9—14.  1  Cor.  4:8. 
Rev.  2:8,9.  3:17.)  while  some  true  Christians  are 
always  discouraging  themselves  by  groundless 
fears.  And  in  many  instances  men  impose  on 
multitudes,  by  pretending  to  skill  which  they  have 
not:  whereas  others,  through  excessive  or  affect- 
ed modesty,  obstruct  their  own  usefulness. 

V.  8.  Men  are  often  tempted  to  rob,  or  to  raise 
prosecutions  against,  those  who  possess  riches; 
who  in  that  case,  if  they  can  ransom  their  lives  by 
parting  with  their  treasures,  think  themselves  well 
off.  [JV'otes,  Job  2:4,5.  Jer.  41:4—8,  v.  8.)  But 
the  poor  man  is  exempt  from  rebukes,  perils,  and 
terrors;  for  no  one  thinks  it  worth  while  to  lodge 
an  accusation  against  him,  for  such  purposes:  and 
he  commonly  escapes  best  in  public  calamities. 
Some  indeed  take  the  sentence  quite  otherwise. 
— 'A  rich  man  when  he  fears  any  evil  from  his 
'enemies,  can  divert  it  by  a  sum  of  money;  but  a 
'poor  man,  when  he  is  threatened,  dare  not  staj', 
'Ijut  runs  away.'  Jl  quotation  in  3p.  Patrick. — 
The  latter  clause  is  taken  in  an  unfavorable  sense 
in  the  first  verse:  but  in  other  respects  the  first 
interpretation  seems  best  grounded. 

V.  9.  'The  happiness  of  the  just  is  great  and 
'illustrious,  like  the  light  of  the  sun:  and  increases 
'still  to  their  endless  joy:  but  the  happiness  of 
'the  wicked  is  weak  and  dim,  like  the  light  of  a 
'candle,  and  will  be  atdast  utterly  extinguished.' 
Bp.  Patrick.  (JVbfe*,  4:18,19.  Is.  50:10,11.  Hos. 
6:1—3.) 

V.  10.  "Only  by  pride  will  a  man  engage  in 
contention,  &:c."  The  various  discords  and  quar- 
rels, which  disquiet  the  world,  whether  in  fami- 
lies, churches,  or  communities,  or  between  na- 
tions, with  all  the  fatal  consequences  of  them,  are 
in  general  excited  and  perpetuated  by  pride. 
From  that  odious  principle  arise  resentment,  re- 
venge, envy,  and  ambition:  and  though  otlier  vi- 
cious dispositions  excite  contentions;  yet  disputes 
would  more  easily  be  prevented  or  terminated,  if 
pride  did  not  intervene.  Some  point  of  honor 
must  be  maintained,  some  affront  must  be  resent- 
ed, some  rival  must  be  crushed  or  eclipsed,  some 
renowned  character  emulated,  or  some  superior 
equalled  and  surpassed.  But  those  who  hear  pru- 
dent counsel,  will  shew  their  wisdom,  by  avoiding 
quarrels  and  disputes.  'Thej'  whose  minds  are 
'infected  with  a  vain  opinion  of  themselves,  either 

[493 


B.  C.  976. 


PROVERBS. 


B.  C.  976. 


diminished;   but  ^  he  that   gathereth  *  by 
labor  shall  increase. 

12  '^  Hope  deferred  maketh  the  heart 
sick;  but  ^  ivhen  the   desire  conieth,  it  is 

'^  a   tree   of  life.  [Practical  observations.] 

1 3  Whoso  *^  despiseth  the  word  shall 
be  destroyed;  but  ®  he  that  feareth  the 
commandment  '^  shall  the  rewarded. 

14  The  8  law  of  the  wise  is  a  foun- 
tain of  life,  ''  to  depart  from  the  snares  of 
death. 

15  '  Good  miderstanding  giveth  favor; 
^  but  the  way  of  transgressors  is  hard. 

16  Every  'prudent  7wa»  dealeth  with 


z  22,23.  20:21.    27:23—27.     Ps. 

128:2. 
*  Heb.  -with  the  hand. 
aPs.  42:1— 3.  69:3.   119:81—83. 

143:7.     Cant.  5:8.     Lam.  4:17. 
b  19.  Gen.  21:6,7.  46:30.   1  Sam. 

1:26—28.      Ps.    17:15.    40:2,3. 

Luke  2:29,30.    John  16:22. 
cS:18.    11:30.    Rev.  22:2. 
d    1:25,30,31.     2  Sam.    12:9,10. 

2Chr.  36:16.    Jer.  43:2.  44:16, 

17.  Ez.  20:13,16,24.    Heb.  10: 

28,29. 
e  Ezra  10:3.    Is.  66:2.     Mai.  3: 


f  Ps.  19:11.  Matt.  5:12.   2John 

8.   -• 
I  Heb.  be  inpeace.  Ps.  119:165. 
g9:ll.   10:11.   14:27.    16:-22. 
h  15:24.  16:6,17.  Ps.  18:5.  116:3. 
i3:4.    14:35.     1  Sam.  18:14— 16. 

Luke  2:52.    Acts  7:10. 
k4:19.  15:10.   Ps.  95:9— 11.  Jer. 

2:19.    Rom.  6:21. 
1  12:22,23.    15:2.  21:24.   Ps.  112: 

5.      Is.    52:13.        Matt.    10:16. 

Rom.   16:19.        1   Cor.    14:20. 

Eph.  5:17. 


'cannot  see  the  truth;  ...  or  if  they  do,  they  will 
'not  acknowledge  it,  for  fear  they  should  yield 
'and  confess  themselves  overcome.'  Bp.  Patrick. 
{J^Totes,  12:15,16.  17:14.  21:4.  25:8.  Jwdg-.  8:1— 3. 
12:1—6.  2  Sam.  19:40—43.) 

V.  11.  Wealth  acquired  by  dishonest  practices, 
such  as  gaming,  cheating,  oppression,  or  subserv- 
ing the  vices  and  follies  of  men,  is  attended  with 
a  secret  curse  which  speedily  wastes  it:  and  this 
all  sagacious  observers  of  mankind  have  remark- 
ed. But  that  which  is  gotten  by  honest  labor,  is 
attended  by  a  blessing,  and  is  likely  to  endure 
and  increase.  {JVbtes,  22,23.  10:2,3.  20:21.  27:23 
— 27.  £c.  5:13— 17.) 

V.  12.  When  any  thing,  earnestly  desired,  is 
long  delayed,  the  mind  is  fatigued  with  waiting, 
Che  soul  becomes  feeble  and  diseased,  and  often 
the  body  shares  the  malady:  but  when  the  desired 
object  is  attained,  it  gives  peculiar  delight.  [J^otes, 
19.  Gen.  21:5—7.  Ps.  33:1—4.  119:81—83.  143:6, 
7.  Cant.  5:8.)  The  expression,  "A  tree  of  life," 
seems  to  imply  that  spiritual  blessings  are  es- 
pecially meant:  which  are  never  earnestly  sought 
in  vain,  and  never  disappoint,  but  always  exceed, 
the  expectation  of  those  who  long  had  waited  for 
them.    (JVote,  3:18.) 

V.  13.  'Meaning  the  word  of  God,  whereby  he 
'is  admonished  of  his  duty*' — He  who  despises  and 
hates  divine  truth,  shall  be  given  up  to  a  strong 
delusion;  but  peace  shall  be  conferred  on  him  that 
reverences  the  command  of  God.  [JVotes,  1:21 — 
31.  2  Sam.  12:9,10.  Ps.  19:7—11,  v.  11.  119:165. 
Mai.  3:13—18.) 

V.  14.  The  rule  by  which  the  wise  man  regu- 
lates his  own  conduct,  and  the  injunction  that  he 
prescribes  to  others,  are  his  law.  In  both  senses 
it  is  a  fountain  yielding  life  and  happiness,  and  a 
guide  directing"  men  to  keep  at  a  distance  from 
the  snares  of  death.  {M)tes,  2^0-12.  6:20—23. 
10: 1 1.  14:26,27,  v.  27.  15:24.  16:22.) 

V.  15.  'Good  insight  into  businesses,  and  dis- 
'creet  carriage  in  them,  procureth  thankful  ac- 
'ceptance:  but  those  that  take  wrong  courses 
'cause  much  trouble  and  vexation.'  J3p,  Hall. 
(JVb<e,  1  Sam.  18:12— 16.)— Ungodly  men  expect 
to  tread  a  Smooth  and  pleasant  path:  but  their  vi- 
ces have  such  consequences  on  their  constitution, 
circumstances,  and  reputation,  as  render  their 
494] 


knowledge;  but  ■"  a  fool  t  layeth  open  his 
folly. 

17  A  "  wicked  messenger  falleth  into 
mi,schief;  °  but  -^  a  faithful  ambassador  is 
health. 

18  P  Poverty  and  shame  shall  be  to  him 
that  refuseth  instruction;  but  ^  he  that  re- 
gardeth  reproof  shall  be  honored. 

19'"  The  desire  accompUshed  is  sweet 
to  the  soul;  but  ^  it  is  abomination  to  fools 
to  '  depart  from  evil. 

20  He  "  that  walketh  with  wise  men 
shall  be  wise;  *  but  a  companion  of  fools 
shall  be  ||  destroyed. 


m  12:23.  1  Sam.  25:10,11,17, 
25.    Ec.  10:3. 

J  Heb.  spreadeth. 

n  10:26.  26:6.  Jer.  23:13—16, 
28.  Ez.  3:18.  33:7,8.  2  Cor. 
2:17. 

0  25:13.  1  Cor.  4:2.  2  Cor.  5: 
20.   1  Tim.  1:12.  2  Tim.  2:2. 

5  Heb.  an  ambassador  of  faith- 
fulness. 

p  13.  5:9—14.  12:1.  15:5,31,32. 
19:16.  Jer.  6:3,9.     Heb.  12:25. 

q  9:9.  25:12.    Ps.  141:5. 

r  12.    1  Kings  1:48.    Ps.  21:1,2. 


Cant.  3:4.   2  Tim.  4:7,3.   Rev 

7:14—17. 
s  29:27. 
1 3:7.     16:6,17.     Job  28:28.     Ps. 

34:14.  37:27.     2  Tim.  2:19. 
u2:20.      Ps.  119:63.     Cant.  1:7, 

8.  Mai.  3:16.  Acts  2:42.  Heb. 

10:24. 
X    1:11—19.    2:13—19.    7:22,23, 

27.     9:6.      Gen.  13:12,13.    14: 

12.      1  Kings  12:8,10.    22:4,32. 

2  Chr.   19:2.     1  Cor.  15:33,34. 

2  Cor.  6:14— 18.    Rev.  18:4. 
II  Heb.  broken. 


road  very  rugged  and  painful:  and  their  misery  is 
increased  by  stings  of  conscience,  and  by  the 
dread  of  death  and  judgment.  (JN'bfe*,  1  Sam,  28: 
7—25.  Ps.  95:9— J 1.  Jer.  2:14—19.) 

V.  16.  "Every  wise  man  will  work  by  knowl- 
edge: but  a  fool  will  spread  abroad  folly."  Old 
Version. — Wise  men  deliberate  before  they  act, 
and  conduct  their  concerns  with  skill  and  judg- 
ment: but  a  foolish  man  exposes  himself,  by  his 
rash  undertakings  and  imprudent  management. 
Ufotes,  15:2.  21:24.  1  Savi.  25:10,11.  Ps.  112:5. 
Ec.  10:2,3,11—15.  Mali.  10:16—18,  v.  10.) 

V.  17.  A  wicked  messenger  who  betrays  his 
trust,  or  a  faithless  ambassador  who  sells  the  in- 
terests of  his  prince  and  country,  do  not  more 
certainly  injure  others,  than  expose  themselves  to 
infamy  and  ruin.  But  the  faithful  messenger,  or 
ambassador,  gives  satisfaction,  is  useful,  and  will 
be  honored  and  rewarded. — This  is  emphatically 
applicable  to  the  ambassadors,  whom  the  Lord 
sends  with  his  message  to  sinners.  {Motes,  10:26. 
25:13.  26:6.  Jer.  23:13—17,21,22.  1  Cor.  4:1—5.  2 
Cor.  5:18—21.) 

V.  18.  (JVbfe,  1.)  The  Septuagint  render  the 
first  clause;  'Education  taketh  away  poverty  and 
'disgrace.' — The  best  method  of  preserving  our 
children  from  poverty  and  shame,  is  to  educate 
them  well.  [J^otes,  13.  5:9—14.  9:7—9.  12:1.  15: 
5,31,32.25:11,12.) 

V.  19.  The  pleasure  and  satisfaction,  arising 
from  the  attainment  of  a  desired  object,  abun- 
dantly compensate  for  the  trouble  and  self-denial 
of  pursuing  it.  This  especially  holds  food,  in  re- 
spect of  the  comforts  of  true  religion.  But  fools, 
or  ungodly  men,  have  so  strong  and  rooted  a  dis- 
like to  repentance,  reformation,  and  religious  du- 
ties; that  thej'  cannot  be  induced  to  take  the 
proper  method  of  obtaining  these  comforts,  or 
even  of  escaping  the  wrath  to  come.  [Motes,  12. 
29:27.  Rev.  7:13—17.) 

V.  20.  It  is  a  hopeful  indication  of  prudence 
and  piet}',  when  wise  and  good  companions  are 
habitually  preferred:  and  by  continual  intercourse 
with  them,  good  principles  are  strengthened, 
good  habits  formed,  and  wisdom  matured.  But 
he  who  chooses  bad  company  proves  his  folly,  and 
is  in  the  way  of  learning  and  practising,  more  and 
more,  all  tliose  evils  which  lead  to  ruin  temporal 


B.  C.  976. 


CHAPTER  XIII. 


B.  C.  976. 


21  Evil  ^'  pursueth  sinners;  but  to  the 
*  righteous  good  shall  be  repayed. 

22  A  good  man  *  leaveth  an  inherit- 
ance to  his  children's  children;  and  ^  the 
wealth  of  the  sinner  is  laid  up  for  the 
just. 

23  Much  =  food  is  in  the  tillage  of  the 


y  Gen.  4:7.     Num.  32:2.3.     Ps. 

140:11.     Acts  28:4. 
z  Is.  3:10,11.    Rom.  2:7— 10. 
a  Gen.  17:7,8.  Ps.  25:12,13.  102: 


28.   112:2.    128:6. 
b  28:3.  Job  27:16.17.     Ec.  2:26. 
c   12:14.     27:18,23—27.     28:19. 

Ec.  3:9. 


and  eternal.  {Kotes,  1:10—19.  2:12—22.  9:6.  Ps. 
119:63.  Mai.  3:13—18.  1  Cor.  15:31—34,  mi.  33, 
34.  2  Cor.  6:13—18.  Eph.  5:8—13.) 

V.  21.  {Marg.  Ref.)  The  sinner  may  long 
escape:  but  evil  pursues  him,  and  will  at  length 
surely  overtake  him;  as  the  hounds  steadily  follow 
their  prey,  and,  after  many  windings,  seize  on  it. 
{Moles,  6:6—11,  v.  11.  Gen.  4:6,7.  J^um.  32:23. 
/*.  3:10,11.  iiom.  2:4— 11.) 

y.  22.  The  liberal  servant  of  God,  while  he 
shakes  his  hands  from  iniquitous  gain,  and  is  not 
solicitous  about  riches,  and  even  disperses  in  char- 
ity as  if  about  to  impoverish  his  family,  takes  the 
best  method  of  providing  for  his  posterity:  for  the 
wealth,  which  wicked  men  get  by  crimes,  with 
great  labor  and  inquietude,  is  laid  up  for  the  right- 
eous and  their  families;  and  by  the  secret  dispo- 
sal of  providence  shall  come  into  their  possession, 
when  they  have  occasion  for  it.  [Jfotes,  28:8. 
Esth.  8:1,2.  Ps.  25:12,13.   112:2,3.) 

V.  23.  The  poor  and  industrious,  who  labor  to 
cultivate  a  little  spot  of  land,  often  live  in  a  plen- 
tiful though  homely  manner:  while  those  who  have 
inherited  large  estates,  are  reduced  to  poverty  by 
negligence,  indiscretion,  ostentation,  and  extrav- 
agance. [Moles,  12:24,27.  27:18.  28:19.  Ec.  8: 
6,7.)  This  is  one  way,  in  which  the  wealth  of  the 
covetous  hoarder  is  often,  in  the  next  generation, 
transferred  to  the  good  man's  family. 

V.  24.  The  perverseness  of  our  fallen  nature 
renders  correction  necessary  to  children.  He 
therefore,  who  indulges  his  son,  connives  at  his 
perverseness,  suffers  him  to  contract  vicious  hab- 
its, and  to  grow  stubborn  in  rebellion,  through 
want  of  correction,  acts  as  if  he  hated  him:  for 
he  permits  those  diseases  of  the  mind  to  gather 
strength,  which  will  prove  the  sources  of  inex- 
pressible sorrow  to  him  in  this  world,  and  perhaps 
of  eternal  misery.  Whereas  the  parent,  who 
wisely  loves  his  child,  will  early  begin  to  teach 
him  submission,  application,  and  the  government 
of  his  passions:  and  having  thus  bent  the  tender 
twig,  and  established  his  authority,  he  will  gradu- 
ally be  enabled  to  rule  him  more  by  persuasion 
and  argument,  and  to  treat  him  with  the  lenity  of 
a  kind  and  prudent  friend.  But  when  children 
are  permitted  to  get  the  mastery  in  their  tender 
years,  they  can  scarcely  ever  after  be  taught  sub- 
jection, and  the  attempt  is  often  made  by  a  sever- 
ity which  is  both  perilous  and  painful.  [Moles, 
3:11,12.  19:18.  22:15.  23:13,14.  29: 15,17.)— The 
word  rendered  chasteneth,  is  often  translated  in- 
slruclion.  (18)  'He  that  spareth  the  rod  hateth 
'his  son;  but  he  that  loveth  him,  diligently  edu- 
'cates  him.'  Sepl — The  same  term  being  used, 
in  the  original  both  of  the  old  and  new  Testa- 
ment, for  tiiilion  and  correction,  strongly  indicates 
the  close  connexion  between  them,  in  a  scriptur- 
ally  good  education.  (Comp.  Eph.  6:4.  with 
Heh.  12:5—11.   Gr.) 

V.  25.  The  servants  of  God  are  satisfied  with 
their  temporal  provisions,  though  mean  or  scanty, 
and  use  them  with  cheerfulness  and  thankfulness. 
But  the  wicked  are  never  satisfied;   hare  no  en- 


poor;  but  there  is  that  is  '^  destroyed  for 
want  of  judgment. 

24  He  that  ®  spareth  his  rod  ^  hateth 
his  son;  but  s  he  that  loveth  him  chasten- 
eth him  betimes. 

25  The  ^  righteous  eateth  to  the  satis- 
fying of  his  soul;  but  •  the  belly  of  the 
wicked  shall  want. 


d  6:6—11.     11:5,6.      Ps.  112;5. 

Ec.  8:5,6.  Jer.  8:7—10. 
e  19:18.  22:15.    23:13,14.  29:15, 

17. 
f  8:36.  Luke  14:26.  John  12:25. 


g  3:12.  Heb.  12:6—8. 

h    Ps.    34:10.      37:3,16,18,19.     1 

Tim.  4:8.  Heb.  13:5. 
16:11.    24:34.     Deut.  28:43.  32: 

24.    Is.  65:13,14. 


joyment  of  their  possessions;  and  will  sink  at  last 
into  final  and  eternal  want  and  misery.  'Wicked 
'men,  some  of  them  bring  themselves  to  extreme 
'poverty  by  their  luxury  and  riot;  and  others  of 
'them  are  indigent  even  in  the  midst  of  the  great- 
'est  abundance;  because  their  desires  are  insatia- 
'ble,  and  they  never  think  they  have  enough.' 
Bp.  Patrick.  [Motes,  Ps.  34:9,10.  37:16—19.  Is. 
65:13—15.  1  Tim.  6:6—10.  Heb.  13:5,6.) 

TRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
V.  1—12. 
Teachable  and  dutiful  children  commonlj^,  if 
spared,  become  wise,  useful,  and  prosperous  men: 
but  such  as  scorn  reproof,  and  harden  themselves 
under  rebukes  and  corrections,  are  likely  to  be 
miserable  themselves,  and  causes  of  misery  to 
others. — He  who  speaks  "that  which  is  good,  to 
the  use  of  edifying,"  will  generally  share  the 
comfort  and  benefit  which  he  imparts:  and  in 
every  way,  the  government  of  the  tongu^  tends 
exceedingly  to  the  happiness  of  life;  and  preserves 
a  man  from  numberless  troubles,  temptations,  and 
sins,  into  which  those  "who  open  wide  their  lips," 
fall,  and  often  perish. — In  what  various  ways,  and 
emphatical  language,  are  wc  reminded,  that  sloth 
tends  to  dissatisfaction,  vexation,  and  ruin;  and 
industry  to  credit,  prosperity,  and  comfort!  and 
can  we  imagine,  that  these  maxims  of  heavenly 
wisdom  relate  only  to  the  affairs  of  this  poor  tran- 
sient world.'  Can  we  doubt,  whether  the  differ- 
ence between  the  indolent  and  the  diligent,  in 
spiritual  concerns,  will  or  will  not  be  at  least 
equally  manifest,  both  here  and  hereafter.-' — The 
hateful  nature  likewise  of  lies  and  duplicity  is 
shewn,  in  scripture,  in  every  way  most  suited  to 
convince  and  affect  us.  God  hates  lies,  and  the 
righteous  hate  lies:  for  every  man  of  genuine 
piety  abhors  and  loves  what  his  Lord  abhors  and 
loves.  Let  then  such  as  allow  themselves  to  belie, 
in  their  professions  of  whatever  kind,  the  secret 
purposes  and  thoughts  of  their  hearts,  look  well 
to  themselves:  and  if  they  profess  a  regard  to  re- 
ligion, let  them  tremble,  lest  at  last  they  should 
have  their  portion  with  the  hypocrites.  They 
may,  at  present,  deceive  others,  and  even  them- 
selves: but  when  the  whole  shall  be  laid  open, 
(and  tlie  awful  day  approaches,)  they  will  appear 
loathsome,  and  be  overwhelmed  with  confusion. 
It  does  not  indeed  consist  with  Christian  simplici- 
ty, for  a  man  to  assume  the  appearance  of  wealth, 
knowledge,  or  skill  in  any  profession,  which  he 
does  not  possess;  or  even  to  deny,  under  an  affec- 
tation of  modesty,  the  talents  which  he  ought  to 
improve,  to  the  benefit  of  his  brethren  and  the 
honor  of  God.  [Mote,  Rom.  12:3— 5.)  But  right- 
eousness preserves  the  upright  in  the  middle 
path;  and  an  honest  desire  to  do  the  Lord's  will 
secures  a  man  from  important  mistakes,  and  from 
that  "wickedness  which  overthroweth  the  sin- 
ner," far  better  than  the  most  exact  casuistical 
decisions. — In  all  things,  the  knowledge,  grace, 
and  success  of  the  righteous,  are  a  source  of  in- 
creasing joy,  which  will  be  perfected  in  heavenly 

[495 


13.  C.  97(3. 


PROVERBS. 


B.  C.  976. 


felicity;  but  the  lamp  of  the  Avicked  will  soon  be 
extinguished,  and  his  transient  mirth  be  exchang'- 
ed  for  everlasting-  darkness  and  despair. — Even 
when  men  grow  rich  and  great  in  a  course  of  un- 
godliness; beside  the  secret  curse  of  God,  which 
eats  out  all  the  comfort  of  their  prosperity,  and 
often  diminishes  their  ill  gotten  wealth;  their  af- 
fluence and  grandeur  expose  them  to  the  envy, 
enmity,  and  rapacity  of  their  less  successful  rivals, 
to  whose  rebuke  the  poor  are  strangers:  and  should 
they  be  able  to  ransom  their  lives  by  their  wealth, 
they  cannot  in  the  same  way  bribe  the  great  Judge 
of  the  world,  or  redeem  their  souls  from  hell. 
{JVotes,  Ps.  49:6 — 9.)— The  pride,  also,  and  am- 
bition of  ungodly  men  commonly  involve  them  in 
quarrels,  destructive  of  their  comfort  and  that  of 
their  families.  From  this  source,  not  only  domes- 
tic discords,  and  fierce  contentions  between  the 
nearest  relations,  arise;  but  ruinous  lawsuits,  fatal 
duels,  and  perpetuated  implacable  resentments; 
and  a  large  proportion  of  the  wars,  which  desolate 
the  earth.  Whereas,  true  religion  teaches  us  to  be 
humble,  harmless,  meek,  patient,  and  forgiving; 
to  conquer  our  own  spirits  by  looking  to  the  ex- 
ample of  the  bleeding  Savior;  and  to  overcome 
our  enemies  by  persevering  kindness. — Thus 
"only  by  pride  cometh  contention;  but  with  the 
well  advised,"  who  are  taught  by  the  word  of  God, 
"is  wisdom:"  and  every  Christian  finds,  that  he 
enjoys  peace  and  happiness,  in  exact  proportion, 
as  he  exercises  meekness,  forbearance,  and  love. 
— It  is  indeed  allowed,  that  our  gracious  God,  for 
wise  and  holy  purposes,  often  defers  the  hope  of 
those  who  seek  his  holy  consolations;  and  pains 
their  hearts,  while  he  proves  their  sincerity,  abates 
their  SQ^f-confidence,  and  excites  their  earnest  ex- 
ertions, and  more  fervent  and  importunate  prayers: 
but  when  the  desired  peace  and  joy  are  given,  (and 
there  will  be  no  needless  delay,)  it  will  prove  "a 
tree  of  life,"  and  satisfy  their  souls  with  inexpres- 
sible delight.  And  if  the  earnest  be  so  sweet, 
what  will  the  incorruptible  inheritance  itself  be! 
But  while  we  wait  for  this  blessedness,  let  us  rec- 
ollect the  painful  feelings  of  such  as  wait  for  good, 
and  experience  delays  and  disappointments;  and 
never  prolong  the  uneasiness  of  those  who  expect 
relief  from  us,  when  we  can  with  propriety  at  once 
alleviate  their  sorrows,  or  fill  their  hearts  with 
gladness. 

V.  13—25. 
Again  and  again,  because  of  our  unteachable- 
ness,  we  are  reminded,  that  "poverty  and  shame 
shall  be  to  him  that  despiseth  instruction;"  and 
that  "whoso  despiseth  the  word"  of  God,  "shall  be 
destroyed:"  while  "he  that  regardeth  reproof,'' 
and  "feareth  the  commandment,"  shall  be  honor- 
ed and  rewarded.  And  indeed,  every  reflecting 
man's  observation  or  experience  must  confirm  the 
truth  of  these  maxims,  and  make  it  evident,  that 
"the  law  of  the  wise  is  a  fountain  of  life,  to  depart 
from  the  snares  of  death." — "A  good  understand- 
ing," especially  that  which  the  intelligent  Chris- 
tian possesses,  conciliates  respect  and  favor,  and 
introduces  a  man  to  many  advantages,  and  oppor- 
tunities of  usefulness:  whereas  irreligion  gener- 
ally makes  way  for  those  vices,  which  imbitter  this 
present  life,  and  render  the  thoughts  of  another 
most  dreadful. — Again,  prudent  men,  observing 
the  counsels  of  the  Bible,  conduct  their  affairs 
with  caution,  and  deal  with  knowledge  in  form- 
ing and  executing  their  plans:  but  those  who  fool- 
ishly reject  the  instructions  of  the  sacred  oracles, 
though  considered  by  themselves  or  their  admirers 
as  politic  and  sagacious  men,  often  venture  on 
perilous  undertakings,  engage  in  ruinous  con- 
tests, and  lay  open  their  folly  to  the  view  of  all 
men. — It  should  also  be  considered,  that  nothing 
inspires  such  fortitude  and  perseverance  in  the 
pursuit  of  objects,  worthy  of  our  desires,  as  faith 
496] 


in  the  truths  and  promises  of  scripture;  nothing  so 
strengthens  the  soul  for  exertion  and  self-denial; 
nothing  so  animates  a  man  "to  lay  aside  every 
weight,  that  he  may  run  with  patience  the  race 
set  before  him."  The  zealous  Christian  therefore 
will  most  enjoy  the  pleasure  of  having  his  desires 
accomplished:  while  those,  to  whom  "it  is  an 
abomination  to  depart  from  evil,"  will  find,  that 
their  ineffectual  wishes,  temporary  convictions, 
and  feeble  endeavors,  serve  only  to  increase  the 

bitterness  of  their  final  disappointment Those 

who  sustain  the  character  of  ministers  are  espe- 
cially concerned  in  these  important  words;  "A 
wicked  messenger  falleth  into  mischief;  but  a 
faithful  ambassador  is  health."  They,  whose  ig- 
norance, (the  general  effect  of  negligence,)  whose 
vices,  sloth,  or  unfaithfulness,  have  prejudiced, 
deceived,  and  ruined  the  souls  of  others,  will 
themselves  be  most  miserable:  but  the  vigilant 
and  skilful,  the  exemplary  and  faithful  servant  of 
God,  while  he  is  the  messenger  of  salvation  to 
others,  will  himself  soon  hear  the  gracious  words, 
"Well  done,  good  and  faithful  servant,  enter  thou 
into  the  joy  of  thy  Lord." — In  every  way  "evil 
pursueth  sinners:"  the  very  persons  with  whom 
they  associate,  on  whom  they  lavish  their  favors, 
and  who  pretend  to  be  their  friends,  help  forward 
their  destruction:  their  temporal  concerns  are 
often  neglected  for  want  of  judgment;  their  sph'- 
itual  alwa5's  are:  and  the  wealth,  of  which  some 
are  possessed,  is  laid  up  for  the  righteous  and  their 
posterity. — How  wonderful  then  is  it,  that  not 
only  the  j'oung  and  inexperienced  should  overlook 
these  truths,  but  that  the  aged,  the  fathers  of  fam- 
ilies, should  so  little  regard  them,  either  in  their 
own  behalf  or  that  of  their  children;  and  should 
so  mistake  in  their  expressions  of  affection  to  those 
whom  they  tenderly  love,  as  if  apart  of  themselves! 
— Yet  it  may  be  asserted,  without  dread  of  refuta- 
tion, that  the  errors  of  parents  in  educating  their 
children  are  quite  as  pernicious,  as  the  rashness 
and  self-indulgence  of  young  persons. — It  will 
probably  be  discovered  at  length,  that  the  modern 
improvement  of  sparing  the  rod  and  spoiling  the 
child;  and  of  teaching  children  various  kinds  of 
knowledge,  without  habituating  them  to  submit 
to  the  authority  of  superiors,  to  apply  at  stated 
times  to  things  useful,  and  to  exercise  self-denial; 
has  not  only  made  way  for  much  indolence,  dissi- 
pation, and  profligacy,  but  has  also  introduced  a 
system  of  insubordination  which  has  shaken  Eu- 
rope to  its  very  centre.  Obedience  to  the  author- 
ity of  parents,  even  in  infancy,  is  the  best  prepa- 
ration for  "subjection  to  every  ordinance  of  man" 
in  future  life;  nay,  it  is  a  good  means  of  bringing 
young  persons  to  submit  to  God,  as  inuring  them 
to  the  idea,  that  self-will  must  be  subdued.  And 
when  destructive  and  irrational  fondness  prevents 
parents  from  thus  subduing  the  rebellious  spirits 
of  their  children;  the  event  will  generally  prove, 
that  their  worst  enemies  could  not  have  done  them 
a  greater  injury. — It  should  however  be  observed, 
that  correction  is  properly  the  province  of  parents: 
and  that  important  and  delicate  trust  can  seldom 
be  safely  delegated,  at  least  it  should  be  done  with 
extreme  caution.  For  when  this  exercise  of  au- 
thority is  separated  from  tender  affection,  it  often 
becomes  a  species  of  tyranny,  productive  of  most 
pernicious  consequences.  How  dire  then  the 
effect,  when  the  parent  himself,  not  knowing  how 
to  govern  his  passions,  sets  his  child  an  evidently 
bad  example,  even  when  correcting  him  for  his 
faults!  In  general  no  man  can  well  govern  others, 
who  cannot  govern  himself:  and  it  too  often  hap- 
pens, that  chastisement,  having  been  neglected  in 
early  years,  and  afterwards  attempted  with  vio- 
lence and  severity,  drives  young  persons  for  ref- 
uge among  bad  companions,  renders  the  company 
of  the  parent  terrible,  or  at  least  unpleasant,  and 
lays  the  foundation  of  a  ruinous  alienation  in  fu- 


B.  C.  976. 


CHAPTER  XIV. 


B.  C.  976. 


CHAP.  XIV. 

Integrity,  prudence,  piety, meekness,  and  diligence  recommended: 
and  the  ruinous  effects  of  pride,  injustice,  sloth,  hypocrisy,  an- 
ger, envy,  and  oppression;  and  the  vanity  of  carnal  mirth  and 
ungodly  prosperity,  pointed  out,  1 — 35. 

EVERY   ^  wise  woman  buildeth  her 
house;  but  ^  the  foohsh  pkicketh  it 
down  with  her  hands. 

2  He  "^  that  walketh  in  his  uprightness 
feareth  the  Lord;  <*  but  he  that  is  per- 
verse in  his  ways  despiseth  him. 

3  In  ^  the  mouth  of  the  foohsh  is  a  rod 

a  24:3,4.  31:10—31.     Ruth  4.11. 
b    9:13—15.     19.13.    21:9,19.     1 

Kings  16:31.  21:24,25.  2  Kings 

11:1. 
c  16:17.  28:6.    1  Kings  3:6.  Job 

1:1.  28:28.    Ps.  112:1.    Ec.  12: 

13.     Mai.  2:5,6.    Acts  9:31.  10: 

22,35. 


d  11:12.     Job  12:4.    Ps.  123:3,4. 

Luke    10:16.     16:14.     Rom.  2: 

4,5.     2  Tim.  3:2,3. 
e    18:6.    21:24.     22:8.      28:25.   1 

Sam.  2:3.     Job    5:21.      Ps.  12: 

3.  31:18.    52:1,2.    57:4.      Dan. 

7:20.    Jam.  3:5,6.     2  Pet.  2:18. 

Rev.  13:5,6. 


lure  life.  Happy  then  are  those  young'  persons, 
whom  early  and  judicious  correction,  good  in- 
struction, with  kind  and  wise  regard  to  their  time 
of  life,  and  advances  to  maturity,  have  taught  to 
consider  their  parents  as  their  best  friends  and 
counsellors,  and  their  most  pleasant  companions, 
nay,  their  most  faithful  confidents!  In  this  way 
they  will  readily  be  led  to  "walk  with  wise  men," 
and  so  learn  wisdom.  They  will  also  be  inured 
to  application,  and  form  habits  of  industry,  which 
even  in  the  lowest  condition  seldom  fail  of  secur- 
ing a  comfortable  support,  with  a  good  conscience, 
and  a  satisfied  mind,  that  wealth  cannot  purchase. 
Nor  let  it  be  thought  superfluous  to  remark,  that 
"the  tillage  of  the  poor,"  is  far  preferable  to  most 
of  those  more  lucrative  employments,  which  are 
little  useful  to  society,  and  too  often  subserve 
men's  vices  and  follies. 

NOTES. 
Chap.  XIV.  V.  1.  A  prudent  woman,  by 
her  proper  management  of  domestic  concerns, 
exceedingly  promotes  the  durable  advantage  and 
credit  of  the  family  to  which  she  belongs,  or  into 
which  she  is  married;  and  even  raises  it  from  ob 
scurity  and  embarrassments,  to  permanent  credit 
and  prosperity.  But  an  indiscreet  woman,  who 
wastes  time,  and  squanders  away  money,  in  vain 
ornaments,  trifling  visits,  and  expensive  pleas- 
ures, often  proves  the  ruin  of  the  family;  even 
though  it  have  been  in  a  thriving  condition,  and 
though  her  husband  be  frugal  and  industrious:  for 
she  acts  as  if  she  would  pull  down  the  house  with 
her  own  hands.  This  coincides  with  a  common 
observation,  'That  a  fortune  in  a  wife,  is  better 
'than  a  fortune  with  a  wife.'  [J^otes,  18:22.  19:13, 
14.  31:10—31.  Ruth  4:11,12.  1  Kings  21:25,26.  2 
Kings  9:5— 10,22.  10:1—11.  11:1,2.) 

V.  2.  "The  tree  must  be  known  by  its  fruits:" 
and  a  man's  conduct,  as  it  is  either  conscientious 
and  upright,  or  perverse  and  disobedient,  shews 
whether  he  reverences  God,  or  despises  him. 
[jyotes,U-Al.  Job  28:28.  Ps.  111:9,10.  U2:\.Rom. 
2:4 — 6.) — The  last  clause  may  denote,  that  men 
of  immoral  and  vicious  characters  despise  the  pi- 
ety and  holiness  of  such  as  fear  God  and  walk  in 
his  ways;  "thinking  it  strange  that  they  will  not 
run  with  them  to  the  same  excess  of  riot."  (Jfotes, 
Ps.  123:3,4.  1  Pet.  4:3—5.) 

V.  3.  The  profane,  insolent,  and  abusive  lan- 
guage, which  foolish  men  utter,  springs  from  ex- 
cessive pride:  and  while  they  smite  others  with  it, 
as  with  a  rod  or  staff,  they  prepare  severe  correc- 
tions for  tliemselves.  Whereas  the  prudent  and 
conciliating  words  of  wise  men  preserve  tliein 
from  contentions,  and  extricate  them  out  of  dif-  i 
Acuities.  [Marg.  i2e/.—JVb<e*,  12:6,8,17.  1*6,7. 
21:24.28:25.) 
V.  4.  'If  the  fields  lie  fallow  and  be  neglected. 
Vol.  ni.  63 


of  pride;  ^  but  the  hps  of  the  wise  shall 
preserve  them. 

4  Where  no  oxen  are  the  crib  is  ^  clean; 
^  but  much  increase  is  by  the  strength  of 
the  ox. 

5  A  '  faithful  witness  will  not  lie;  but 
a  false  witness  will  utter  hes. 

6  A  "^  scorner  seeketh  wisdom,  and 
findeth  it  not;  but  '  knowledge  is  easy 
unto  him  that  understandeth. 

7  Go  ■"  from  the  presence  of  a  foolish 


f  12:6.     Rom.  10:9,10.  Rev.  3: 

10.   12:11. 
g  Am,  4:6. 

h  13:23.      1  Cor.  9:9—11. 
i  25.  6:19.     12:17.     13:5.    19:5,9. 

Ex.  20:16.    23:1.      1  Kings  21: 

13.  22:12—14. 
k  18:2.  26:12.    Is.  8:20.  Jer.  8:9. 


Matt.  6:22,23.  11-25—27.  Ron 
1:21—28.9:31,32.     1  (or.  3:18, 
19.  8:2.     2  Pet.  3:3—5. 

1  8:9.  17:24.  Ps.  119:18,98— 
100.  Matt.  13:11,12.  Jam. 
1:5. 

m  9:6.  13:20.  19.27.  1  Cor.  5: 
IJ.     Eph.  .5:11. 


'a  famine  must  needs  follow;  but  good  husbandry 
'bestowed  on  them  makes  great  plenty.'  Bp. 
Patrick. — There  is  no  profit  without  labor  and 
inconvenience:  and  he  that  would  have  the  crop 
of  corn,  must  take  the  trouble  of  tending  the 
oxen,  and  cleansing  the  stall;  which  the  indolent 
or  over  delicate  care  not  to  do.     [Jfote,  13:23.) 

V.  5.  According  to  this  maxim,  when  a  man 
"utters  lies,"  in  declaiming  against  the  real  or 
supposed  misconduct  of  others,  especially  of  per- 
sons bearing  dignified  or  sacred  offices,  or  differ- 
ing from  him  and  his  party  in  political  or  religious 
opinions;  or  even  in  religious  controvers)';  he  is 
no  more  entitled  to  credit,  when  once  detected, 
than  a  witness  is,  when  detected  of  lying  and  per- 
jury in  a  court  of  justice:  for  "a  faithful  witness 
will  not  lie,"  to  serve  any  cause  whatever.  [J^otes, 
25.  6:16—19.    12:17—19.  13:5.   19:9.  Ex.   20:16.) 

V.  6.  A  scorner  is  one,  who  treats  divine 
things  with  profane  contempt.  He  thinks  his 
own  understanding  equal  to  the  investigation, 
and  even  comprehension,  of  every  subject:  he 
therefore  rejects  as  false  what  he  cannot  account 
for,  or  finds  contrary  to  his  preconceived  senti- 
ments and  vain  reasonings;  and  indeed  all,  which 
tends  to  condemn  his  conduct  or  expose  his  folly. 
In  this  presumptuous  frame  of  mind  he  may  seek 
forwisdom,  even  in  the  scriptures,  without  success. 
The  state  of  his  heart  disposes  him  to  despise  the 
sacred  mysteries,  the  humbling  doctrines,  and  the 
holy  precepts  of  revelation:  he  will  therefore,  by 
criticisms  and  bold  conjectures,  alter  the  text,  or 
explain  away  its  meaning.  Or,  disgusted  by 
finding,  that  those  doctrines  which  he  dislikes  are 
certainly  contained  in  the  Bible,  he  will  at  length 
take  shelter  in  infidelity.  These  are  indeed  inocl- 
ern  ways,  in  which  "scorners  seek  wisdom  and 
find  it  not:"  but  doubtless  the  scorners  of  former 
days  had  methods  equally  successful  of  evading' 
conviction,  and  closing  their  eyes  against  the 
light  of  truth. — 'He  that  comes  to  seek  after 
'knowledge  with  a  mind  to  scorn  and  censure, 
'shall  be  sure  to  find  matter  enough  for  his  hu- 
'mor,  but  none  for  his  instruction.'  Lord  Bacon, 
quoted  by  Bp.  Patrick — 'This  humor,  of  deriding 
'all  things  springs  from  a  great  pride  and  conceit 
'of  their  own  wit,  which  disposes  them  to  seek 
'wisdom,  not  from  others,  but  wholly  from  them- 
'selves;  and  so  ...  they  are  not  likely  to  find  it, 
'where  it  is  not  to  be  had.  ...  It  may  be  applied  to 
'those  who,  having  mocked  at  religion  all  their 
'days,  at  last  desire  to  understand  it;  but  cannot, 
'through  their  own  inveterate  indisposition  to  it.' 
Bp.  Patrick. — '  "A  scorner  seeketh  wisdom,"  for 
'the  maintenance  of  his  own  ambition,  and  not  for 
'God's  glory,  as  Simon  Magus.' 


'Hear  the  first  law,  the  judgment  of  the  skies! 

•He  that  hates  truth  shajl  be  the  dupe  of  lies.'   Cowper. 


[497 


B.  C.  976. 


PROVERBS. 


B.  C.  976. 


mail,  when  thou  perceivest  not  in  him  the 
lips  of  knowledge. 

8  The  °  wisdom  of  the  prudent  is  to 
understand  his  way;  but  °  the  folly  of  fools 
is  deceit. 

9  P  Fools  make  a  mock  at  sin;  but 
1  among  the  righteous  there  is  favor. 

10  The  "■  heart  knoweth  *his  own  bit- 
terness; and  "  a  stranger  doth  not  inter- 
meddle with  his  joy. 


D   2:9.  8:20.     Ps.  111:10.    119:5, 

34,3.5,73.      143:8.      Eph.   5:17. 

Col.  1:9,10.     2  Tim.  3:15—17. 

Jam.  3:13. 
o    11:18.       Jer.  42:20.     7narg. 

Luke    12:19,20.      Eph.  4:22.  2 

Tim.  3:13. 
ji  1:22.    10:23.    26:18,19.    30:20. 

Job  15:16.  34:7—9.    Jude  18. 
q  3:4.  8:35.   12:2.    13:15.     Rora. 


14:17,18. 
r  15:13.   18:14.      1  Sam.  1:10.    2 

Kings  4:27.      Job  6:2 — 4.7:11. 

9:18.     10:1.     Ez.  3:14.     Mark 

14:33,34.    John  12:27. 
»   Heb.     the  bitterness  of  his 

soul.  Gen.  42:21. 
s    Ps.    25:14.        John    14:18,23. 

Phil.   4:7.     1  Pet.    1:8.     Rev. 

2:17. 


1 1  The  *  house  of  the  wicked  shall  be 
overthrown;  but  "  the  tabernacle  of  the 
upright  shall  flourish. 

12  There  ^  is  a  vi^ay  which  seemeth 
right  unto  a  man,  but  the  end  thereof  are 
the  ways  of  death. 

13  Even  ^  in  laughter  the  heart  is  sor- 
rowful; and  the  end  of  that  mirth  is  heavi- 
ness. 

14  The  ^  backslider  in  heart  shall  be 


t  3:33.    12:7.    21:12.     Job  8:15. 

15:34.    13:14,15,21.    20:26—28. 

21:28.     27:13—23.     Zech.  5:4. 

Matt.  7:26,27. 
u  11:28.    21:20.     Job  8:6.     Ps. 

112:2,3.   128.3.     is.  58:11,12. 
X  12:15.   16:25.  30:12.     Matt.  7: 

13,14.     Luke  13:24.     Gal.  6:3. 


Eph.  5:6.  Jam. 

1:22. 

y    Ec.   2:2,10,11. 

7:5,6 

11:9. 

Luk9  16:25.     Jam.  4:9. 

Rev. 

18:7,8. 

z  1:32.     Jer.  8:5. 

17:5. 

Hos.  4: 

16.     Zeph.  J:6. 

Heb. 

3:12.  2 

Pet.  2:20—22. 

But  he,  who  is  humbly  conscious  of  his  ignorance 
and  unworthiness,  will  search  the  scriptures  in  a 
teachable  spirit,  and  with  seriousness,  reverence, 
and  prayer:  thus  the  Author  of  wisdom  will  de- 
liver him  from  prejudice,  preserve  him  from  error 
and  uncertainty,  and  shew  him  his  truth  and  will. 
And  with  this  state  of  the  heart,  the  understanding 
is  as  v/eli  suited  to  receive  the  instructions  of  the 
sacred  scriptures,  as  sound  and  strong  eyes  are  to 
receive  the  light  of  the  sun;  so  that  knowledge 
becomes  easy  to  those  who  are  of  an  understand- 
ing heart.  [jYotes,  8:9.  17:24.  18:1,2.  26: 12.  Matt. 
6:22,23.  11:25,26.  13:10,11.  John  5:39—44.  7:14— 
17,  V.  17.  Acts  17:18,32-34.  1  Cor.  1:17—24.) 

V.  7.  'It  is  best  to  flee  the  company  of  such 
'persons,  whose  discourse  thou  perceivest  tends 
'to  nothing  but  vice  and  mischief.'  Bp.  Patrick. 
{M}tes,  13:20.  19:27.) 

V.  8.  The  prudent  man  does  not  value  that 
wisdom,  which  consists  in  abstruse  speculations, 
or  profound  policy:  but  that  which  teaches  him 
the  path  of  safety  and  of  duty;  and  directs 
him  to  escape  the  dangers,  avail  himself  of  the 
advantages,  and  surmount  the  difficulties  of  his 
situation  in  life,  that  he  may  proceed  with  in- 
creasing satisfaction,  credit,  and  usefulness.  But 
that  which  ungodly  men  call  wisdom,  is  indeed 
folly;  it  is  mere  craft  and  imposition,  which  at 
length  deceives  them,  and  they  are  taken  in  their 
own  net. — 'New  stratagems  must  be  every  day 
'devised,  the  old  failing  and  growing  useless;  and 
'...  as  soon  as  ever  a  man  has  got  the  name  ...  of 
<a  cunning  crafty  companion,  he  hath  deprived 
'himself  utterly  of  the  principal  instrument  for 
'the  management  of  his  affairs,  which  is  trust.^ 
Lord  Bacon,  quoted  by  Bp.  Patrick.  {JVotes,  11: 
18.  Job  28:28.  Ps.  11:9,10.  119:5.  143:10.  Eph.  4: 
20—24.) 

V.  9.  Foolish  and  profane  men  consider  sin 
as  a  mere  trifle,  or  diversion,  rather  a  laughing 
matter  than  a  dreadful  and  hateful  evil.  They 
divert  themselves  with  tempting  others  to  sin: 
they  commit  iniquity  without  scruple,  in  pursuit 
of  pleasure  or  gain;  and  then,  in  a  jesting  man- 
ner, talk  over  their  knavish  or  licentious  prac- 
tices, and  recount  how  many  they  have  over- 
reached, debauched,  or  surpassed  in  profaneness 
or  intemperance. — The  word  {y<h'')  translated 
make  a  mock  at,  may  signify  also  palliate,  or  ex- 
cuse. 'There  may  he  this  sense  of  the  words: — 
'Fools  endeavor  to  make  handsome  apologies  for 
'their  fault,  and  to  find  out  colorable  excuses.  ... 
'Or,  ...  fools  laugh  and  jeer  at  those  who  have 
'committed  a  sin;  but  good  men  pity  them,  and 
'by  kind  reproofs  seek  their  amendment. ...  When 
'fools  offend  God  in  the  highest  manner,  they 
'make  nothing  of  it:  but  if  good  men  in  the  least 
498] 


'offend,  they  presenly  beg  his  pardon,  and  seek 
'his  grace  and  favor.  The  former  part  of  the 
'sentence  may  also  be  inverted.  ...  Sin  will  ex- 
'pose  those  to  scorn,  who  are  so  foolish  as  to 
'commit  it.  ...  A  good  admonition  to  those  who 
'make  a  mock  at  sin,  which  will  in  time  make  a 
'mock  of  them,  and  expose  them  as  ridiculous 
'fools.'  Bp.  Patrick.  Indeed  these  are  no  more 
than  particular  illustrations  of  the  general  expo- 
sition before  given.  {JVotes,  10:23.  13:15.26:18,19. 
Rom.  14:13— 18,  •«?>.  17,18.) 

V.  10.  No  man  is  competent  to  judge  of  the 
inward  anguish  or  pleasure  of  others,  who  are 
often  more  happy,  or  more  miserable,  than  they 
appear  to  be.  None  can  tell  what  stings  of  con- 
science or  corroding  passions  torment  the  pros- 
perous sinner,  while  he  appears  gay,  and  indulges 
in  mirth.  Nor  can  ungodly  men  know,  what  sat- 
isfaction a  serious  Christian  enjoys,  at  a  distance 
from  scenes  of  vain  merriment;  or  even  in  pov- 
erty, sickness,  and  at  the  hour  of  death. — 'It  is 
'an  advice  to  every  one  not  to  censure  too  heavily 
'the  passions  of  grief  or  of  joy  in  others,  because 
'the  causes  of  them  may  be  unknown  to  us."  Bp. 
Patrick.  'As  a  man's  conscience  is  witness  of 
'his  own  grief,  so  another  cannot  feel  the  joy  and 
'comfort  which  a  man  feeleth  in  himself.'  (J/btes, 
15:13.  18:14.  1  Sam.  1:12— 16.  Jo6  6:1 — 4.  Ps. 
25:14.  John  14:21—24.  1  Pet.  1:6—9.  Rev.  2: 
17.1 

V.  11.  [Marg.  Ref.)  The  contrast  between 
the  house  or  grand  mansion  of  the  wicked,  and 
the  tabernacle  or  mean  tent  of  the  righteous,  is 
especially  to  be  noted.  {JS'otes,  3:33.  12:7.  Zech. 
5:1—4.)" 

V.  12.  (16:25.)  Open  iniquity  or  impiety  must 
seem  wrong  to  every  reflecting  person.  But 
there  is  another  way,  which  joins  those  ways  of 
death  at  last,  yet  at  present  "seems  right  to  a 
man." — Formal  worship,  superstition,  self-right- 
eousness, enthusiasm,  and  in  short,  all  that  is 
called  religion,  but  is  unscriptural,  must  certain- 
ly be  intended. — This  idea  of  a  man  confidently 
thinking  himself  right,  till,  on  ending  his  journey, 
he  finds  he  had  all  along  been  in  the  road  to  hell, 
is  tremendous  beyond  the  power  of  expression, 
or  even  conception.  'Shadows  too  often  cheat 
'us  of  the  reality;  against  which  there  is  no  reme- 
'dy,  but  the  word  of  God,  and  invoking  his  direc- 
'tion.'  Bp.  Patrick.  (JVbfes,  12:15.  30:11— 14,  r. 
12.  Matt.  7:13,14,24—27.  Eph.  5:5—7.) 

v.  13.  That  shew  of  happiness,  which  attends 
laughter  and  noisy  mirth  and  sensual  indulgence, 
is  a  mere  imposition.  In  the  midst  of  such  tur- 
bulent scenes  the  heart  is  often  oppressed  with 
sorrow,  and  when  they  are  over,  the  mind  be- 
comes more  gloomy  than  ever:  especially,  when 


B.  C.  97G. 


CHAPTER  XIV. 


B.  C.  976. 


^  filled  with  his  own  ways;   and   ^  a  good 
man  shall  be  satisfied  from  himself. 

15  The  *=  simple  believeth  every  word; 
but  "^  the  prudent  man  looketh  well  to  his 
going. 

16  A  wise  man  ^  feareth,  and  depart- 
eth  from  evil;   but   *"  the  fool  rageth,  and 

IS  confident.  [PracUcal  observations.] 

17  He  ^  that  is  soon  angry  dealeth 
foohshly;  and  ''  a  man  of  wicked  devices 
is  hated. 

18  The  simple  '  inherit  folly;  but  ^  the 


a  1:31.  12:14.  Ez.  2:2:31 

b    10.    John  4:14.     2  Cor.  1:12. 

Gal.  6:4,8. 
c22:3.    27:12.      Rom.  16:18,19. 

Eph.  4:14.  5:17.     1  John  4:1. 
I  See  on  8. — Am.  5:13.     Acts 

13:7. 
e  3:7.   16:6,17.  22:3.    Gen.  39:9. 

42:1S.     Neh.  5:15.     Job  31:21 

—23.     Ps.   119:120.       1  Thes. 

5:22. 
f  7:22.    28:14.    29:9.      1  Kings 


19:2.    20:10,11,18.      Ec.  10:13 

Mark  6:17—19,24,25.     John  9: 

40. 
529.  12:16.   15:18.   16:32.  22:24: 

29:22.     Ec.  7:9.     Jam.  1:19. 
h6:18.    12:2.     Esth.  3:6.    7:5,6. 

Is.  32:7.    Jer.  5:26—29. 
i3:35.   11:29.   Jer.  16:19.  44:17. 

Matt.  23:29— 32.      1  Pet.    1:18. 
k  4:7—9.    11:30.      Dan.  12:3.  2 

Tim.  4:8.     1  Pet.  5:4. 


these  are  used  as  expedients  to  banish  reflection, 
or  quiet  convictions,  as  they  frequently  are. 
Such  ways  of  driving  away  care  bring  numbers 
to  bankruptcy,  nay,  to  suicide;  and  hurry  great 
numbers  by  various  ways  into  everlasting  misery. 
Urates,  Ec.  2:1,2,9—11.  7:2—6,  vv.  5,6.  11:9,10. 
Luke  6:24—26.  16:22,23.  Jam.  4:7—10.) 

V.  14.  'He  that  forsaketh  God  shall  be  pun- 
*ished,  and  made  weary  of  his  sins,  wherein  he 
'delighted.' — "The  backslider  in  heart"  once  ap- 
peared religious;  but  after  a  while,  through  per- 
secution or  temptation,  he  deliberately  renounces 
his  profession,  and  shews  that  the  world  always 
had  his  heart  and  supreme  affections.  The  last 
state  of  such  a  man  will  be  worse  than  the  first: 
his  case  is  peculiarly  hopeless,  and  he  will  be 
filled  with  his  own  devices.  This  was  Judas's 
case:  in  betraying  his  Lord,  he  acted  according 
to  the  habitual  state  of  his  heart.  But  Peter, 
when  overcome  by  a  sudden  temptation,  he  de- 
nied Christ,  behaved  inconsistently  with  his  real 
character:  his  heart  was  not  apostate;  he  repent- 
ed and  was  pardoned. — But  he,  whose  delight  is 
in  doing  good,  will  have  a  spring  of  satisfaction 
in  his  own  soul,  which  will  preserve  him  from  re- 
turning to  the  world,  thrcwgh  desire  of  its  friend- 
ship, or  dread  of  its  powfer.  (J^otes,  1:32,33.  12: 
14.  Gen.  19:26.  Zeph.  1:6.  Luke  11:32.  John  4: 
10—15.  Heb.  10:35—39.) 

V.  15.  Heedless  and  unstable  men  are  easily 
imposed  on,  not  only  as  to  their  worldly  concerns, 
but  also  in  religion.  Confidence,  insinuation, 
flattery,  and  plausible  eloquence,  easily  entangle 
them  in  error  and  delusion.  They  are  at  best 
"children  tossed  to  and  fro  by  every  wind  of  doc- 
trine, by  the  sleight  of  men."  And  "Satan  trans- 
formed into  an  angel  of  light,"  fatally  deceives 
numbers  of  them. — But  the  "prudent  man  looks 
well  to  his  going:"  and  the  word  of  God  teaches 
us  more  caution,  and  warns  us  to  "beware  lest 
any  man  deceive  us;"  and  he  who  attends  to  it 
will  shun  the  snares  of  Satan  and  his  servants. 
(J\/Ues,  8.  22:3.  Mall.  10:16—18,  v.  16.  Rom.  16: 
17—20.  1  Pet.  3:13—16,  v.  15.) 

V.  16.  A  wise  man  fears  God  and  hates  sin, 
and  distrusts  his  own  heart,  in  the  prospect  oi" 
temptation:  thus  he  avoids  the  occasion  and  ap- 
pearances of  evil;  and  is  thankful  for  cautions, 
reproofs,  and  directions.  But  the  foolish  are  self- 
confident  and  regardless  of  the  consequences: 
they  are  vehement  in  their  course,  and  enraged 
at  those  who  would  give  them  warning  or  advice. 
Thus  they  rush  forward  to  the  brink  of  the  preci- 
pice, and  at  length  fall  headlong  into  destruction. 


prudent    are   crowned    with   knowledge. 

19  The  '  evil  bow  before  the  good;  and 
the  wicked  at  the  gates  of  the  righteous. 

20  The  ™  poor  is  hated  even  of  his 
own  neighbor;  '■  but  *  the  rich  hath  many 
friends. 

21  He  °  that  despiseth  his  neighbor 
sinneth;  but  p  he  that  hath  mercy  on  the 
poor,  happy  is  he. 

22  Do  they  not  i  err  that  devise  evil.'' 
■■  but  mercy  and  truth  shall  be  to  them 
that  ^  devise  good. 


1  Gen.  42:6.  43:28.     Ex.  8:8.  9: 

27.28.     11:8.       2   Kings  3:12. 

Esth.  7:7,8.     Is.   60:14.      Mic. 

7:9,10,16,17.  Acts  16:39.  Rev. 

3:9. 
m   10:15.    19:7.     Job   6:21—23. 

19:13,14.  30:10. 
n  19:4,6.     Esth.  3:2.    5:10,11. 
*  Heb.  many  are  the  lovers  of 

the  rich. 
0  11:12.    17:5.    18:3.     Job  31:13 


-15.  36:5,6.  Ps.  22:24. 

18:9.     Jam.  2:5,6,14—16. 
p  31.      11:24,25.      19:17. 

Ps.  41:1,2.    112:5—9.     E 

1,2.     Is.  58:7—12.     Dan 

Luke   6:30-36.       Acts 

1  John  3:17—22. 
q  See  on  17.-12:2.  Is.  32 
r  Gen.  24:27.     Ps.  25:10. 

Matt.  6:7.    John  1:17. 
s  19:22.     2  Chr.  6:8. 


Luke 

28:27. 
;c.  11: 
.  4:27. 
20:35. 

:7.8. 
61:7. 


(JVb<e«,  3:7,8.  16:6,17.  22:3.  28:14.  29:1,9.  John  9: 
39—41.) 

V.  17.  He  that  is  hasty  in  resentment,  very 
foolishly  exposes  himself  to  manifold  troubles,  and 
often  does  much  mischief,  and  is  both  pitied  and 
blamed:  yet  he  who  conceals  his  hatred,  and 
devises  how  to  take  deliberate  revenge,  is  a  far 
more  odious  and  dangerous  character.  {Jfotcs, 
29.  12:2,16.  22:24,25.  2  Sam.  13:22—29.  Esth.  2: 
6.  5:13,14.) 

V.  18.  The  careless  and  heedless  seem  to 
claim  ignorance  as  their  patrimony,  and  to  con- 
sider it  as  their  privilege  to  act  without  reflec- 
tion; and  thus  folly,  with  all  its  consequences, 
will  be  their  final  portion.  But  the  prudent  con- 
sider useful  knowledge,  especially  that  of  the 
path  of  peace  and  duty,  according  to  their  station 
in  life,  as  their  grand  object;  and  having  obtain- 
ed it,  will  be  crowned  with  honor  and  immortali- 
ty. [J^otes,  3:35.  4:7—9.  Jer.  16:19—21,  v.  19. 
Dan.  12:2,3.) 

V.  19.  It  often  happens  in  the  course  of  Provi- 
dence, that  wicked  men  are  reduced  to  the 
necessity  of  making  submissions  to  the  righteous, 
and  are  brought  to  crave  their  assistance  and 
prayers.  Thus  the  Egyptians  waited  on  Joseph,  \ 
and  Pharaoh  called  for  Moses:  and  this  is  a 
pledge  of  their  final  prevalence  and  pre-eminency. 
[Marg.  Ref.—J^otes,  Ex.  11:8.  12:31—36.  Esth. 
7:7.  Is.  60:10—14.  Rev.  3:8^9.) 

V.  20.  This  is  an  illustration  of  the  selfishness 
and  dissimulation  of  mankind.  It  is  made  evi- 
dent by  facts,  continually,  that  when  a  man  is 
impoverished,  his  former  friends  and  acquaint- 
ance grow  shy  of  him,  and  treat  him  with  neg- 
lect and  unkindness.  But  when  a  man  grows 
rich,  he  has  friends  in  abundance,  who  profess 
great  esteem  and  respect  for  him.  [JVotes,  10:15. 
19:4—7.  Esth.  3:2.  8:15—17.  Job  6:15—23.) 

V.  21.  'But  let  such  men  know,  that  it  is  a 
'greater  sin  than  they  imagine,  and  shall  be  se- 
'verely  punished,  to  overlook  their  poor  neigh- 
'bor,  and  deny  him  their  charitable  relief.'  Bp. 
Patrick. — The  wicked  man  is  an  object  of  pity 
rather  than  of  contempt:  but  to  despise  men  on 
account  of  their  low  circumstances,  or  mean  em- 
ployment, is  peculiarly  foolish,  and  ungrateful  to 
God  who  alone  has  made  the  difference. — The 
latter  clause  is  peculiarly  ernphatical,  "Oh,  the 
felicities  of  him  that  sheweth  favor  to  the  poor," 
and  humble!  He  shall  be  happy  beyond  expres- 
sion. (JVb<e«,  31.  11:12,24,25.  "17:5.  18:3.  19:17. 
Jo6  31:13— 23.  P*.  41:1— 3.   112:3,4.) 

V.  22.    Are  they  not  fatally  deceived  who  ex- 

[^99 


B.  C.  976. 


PROVERBS. 


B.  C.  976. 


23  In  *  all  labor  there  is  profit;  "  but 
the  talk  of  the  lips  tendeth  only  to  pen- 
ury. 

24  The  ^  crown  of  the  wise  is  their 
riches;  but  ^  the  foolishness  of  fools  is 
folly. 

25  A  true  ^  witness  delivereth  souls; 
but  a  deceitful  witness  "  speaketh  lies. 

26  In  the  ''  fear  of  the  Lord  is  strong 
confidence;  and  •=  his  children  shall  have 
a  place  of  refuge. 

27  The  fear  of  the  Lord  is  '^  a  foun- 
tain of  life,  ®  to  depart  from  the  snares  of 
death. 

t  1-3:24.  -2S.19.  John  6:27.  Heb. 

6:10,11. 
ulOlO.    Ec.  5:3.     ^  Thes.  3:10 

—12.     1  Tim.  5:13. 
X   See  on   18.— Ps.  112:9.     Ec. 

7:11,12.   Is.  33:fi.  Luke  16:9. 
y  27:22.      Ps.  49:10—13.     Luke 

12:19,20.    16:19—25. 
2  See  on  5.— Acts   20:21,26,27. 

26:16-20. 


a  1  Tim.  4:1—3.    2  Pet.  3:3. 
b  3:7,8,25,26.     19:23.     Gen.  31: 

42.      Ps.  34:7— U.    112:1,6—3. 

115:13,14.    Mai.  3:16— 18.  4:2. 

Acts  9:31. 
c  18:10.     Is.  26:20,21.     Jer.  15: 

11.  32:39,40. 
d  13:14.   Rev.  21:6. 
e  2:10—13,  22:5.   Ps.  18:5.   Ec. 

7:26. 


pect  to  prosper  by  craftily  devising  mischief.'' — 
'But  they  that  take  ...  pains  to  study  how  to  do 
'men  good,  shall  never  fail  of  that  bountiful  re- 
'ward,  which  is  secured  to  them  by  the  faithful 
'promise  of  God.'  Bp.  Patrick. — Those  who 
trust  in  the  mercy  and  faithfulness  of  God,  will 
be  followers,  or  imitators,  of  him,  in  their  con- 
duct towards  men.  They  devise  good,  and  expe- 
rience abundantly  the  truth  and  goodness  of  God. 
(JVotes,  17.  12:2.  Ps.  25:10.  Malt.  5:1.  John  1:17.) 

V.  23.  'Solomon  hcsre  separates  the  fruit  of 
'the  labor  of  the  tongue,  and  of  the  labor  of  the 
'hands;  as  if  want  was  the  revenue  of  the  one, 
♦and  wealth  the  revenue  of  the  other.  For  it 
'commonly  comes  to  pass,  that  they  who  talk 
'liberally,  boast  much,  and  promise  mighty  mat- 
'ters,  are  beggars.'  Lord  Bacon,  quoted  by  Bp. 
Patrick.  (JVotes,  12:24.  13:4,23.  28:19.  2  Thes. 
3:10—12.  Heb.  6:11,12.) 

V.  24.  When  men  of  wisdom  and  piety  possess 
riches,  they  do  so  much  good  with  them,  that 
they  are  as  a  crown  to  them,  enhancing  their 
recitation,  and  enlarging  continually  their  sphere 
of  usefulness.  But  foolish  and  wicked  men  act 
foolishly  in  all  situations,  and  riches  only  render 
their  folly  more  egregiously  and  emphatically 
foolishness.  [JVotes,  18.  27:22.  Ps.  49:13.  112:7— 
9.  Ec.  7:11,12.  Luke  12:15—21.  16:19—23.) 

V.  25.  A  deceitful  witness,  &c.]  "Deceit 
poureth  out  lies." — If  a  man  be  influenced  by  de- 
ceit, he  is  very  ingenious  in  inventing  lies,  and 
ready  in  propagating  them,  without  regarding  the 
mischief  arising  from  them:  but  a  faithful  witness 
often  preserves  the  lives  of  such  as  were  in  dan- 
ger of  perishing  by  false  accusation. — The  maxim 
is  still  more  important,  when  interpreted  of  the 
faithful  minister,  and  of  the  teacher  of  lies;  and 
the  consequences  of  their  conduct,  in  the  salva- 
tion, or  the  ruin,  of  immortal  souls.  [JVotes,  5. 
Acts  20:10-21,25—27.  1  Tim.  4:1—5,1).  2,11— 
16,  V.  16.  2Pe^2:l— 3.) 

V.  26,  27.  They  who  fear  the  Lord  have  a 
strong  ground  of  confidence  in  his  promises,  and 
will  generally  be  preserved  from  distressing  fears 
in  life  and  death.  Indeed  they  are  his  children, 
and  have  a  refuge  in  their  Father's  love,  power, 
and  truth,  to  which  they  may  always  resort.  So 
that  their  faith  and  piety  prove  a  fountain  of  life, 
to  depart  from  the  snares  of  death.  [JVotes,  3:23 
—26.  13:14.  15:24.  18:10.11.  19:23.  Ps.  34:7—10. 
]  12:7.  Is.  26:3,4.  Acts  9:31.)  Some  interpret  the 
clause  "his  children  have  a  place  of  refuge,"  as 
500] 


28  In  ^the  multitude  of  people  is  the 
king's  honor;  but  in  the  want  of  people 
is  the  destruction  of  the  prince. 

29  He  that  is  s  slow  to  wrath  is  of  great 
understanding;  ''  hit  he  that  is  *  hasty  of 
spirit  »  exalteth  folly. 

30  A  "^  sound  heart  is  the  life  of  the 
flesh;  but  ^  envy  the  ™  rottenness  of  the 
bones. 

31  He  "that  oppresseth  the  poor  re- 
proacheth  his  Maker;  °  but  he  that  hon- 
oreth  him  hath  mercy  on  the  poor. 

32  The  wicked  is  p  driven  away  in  his 


f  Ex.  1:12,22.  Deut.  1:11.  1 
Kintcs  4:20,21.  20:27.  2  Kings 
10.3J,33.    13:7. 

g  See  on  17.  15:18.  16:32.— 
Num.  12:3.  Matt.  11:29.  1 
Cor.  13:4,5.  Jam.  1:19.  3:17,18. 

h  22:24,25.  25:8,28.  Ec.  7:9. 
Dan.  3:19,&c.     Matt.  2:16. 

*  Heb.  skort  of  spirit. 

i  4:8.  Ec.  10:6.    ' 

k4:23.    Ps.  119:80.    2  Tim.  1:7. 

1  Job  5:2.    Ps.  112:10.    Acts  7:9. 


Rom.  1:29.    Jam.  4:5. 
m3:8.   12:4.   17:22. 
n    17:5.    22:2,16,22,23.     Job  31: 

13—16.      Ps.    12:5.       Ec.   5:8. 

Matt.  25:41—46. 
o  See  on  21.— 19:17.     Matt.  25: 

40.  John  12:8.  2  Cor.  8i7— 9. 

1  John  3:17— 21.  4:21. 
p  Job  18:18.  27:20—22.  Ps.  68: 

9.  Is.  8:21,22.  Dan.  5:26—30. 

John  8:21,24.   Rom.  9:22.  1 

Thes.  5:3. 


referring  to  the  believer's  posterity.  'His  chil- 
'dren  after  him  may  flee  to  God  for  safety,  and 
"hope  to  fare  the  better  for  their  pious  father's 
'sake.'  Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  28.  'The  honor  and  splendor  of  a  king  de- 
'pends  on  the  multitude,  wealth,  and  strength  of 
'his  subjects;  whom  therefore  he  ought  to  cherish: 
'for  if  they  be  wasted  by  unnecessary  wars,  or 
'forced  into  other  countries  by  oppression  and 
'unjust  exactions,  it  proves  the  ruin  of  his  king- 
'dom.'  Bp.  Patrick.  Various  other  ways  of  dis- 
couraging population,  and  destroying  or  driving 
away  industrious  subjects,  might  be  mentioned, 
and  illustrated  by  examples,  from  the  times  of 
Pharaoh,  to  this  present  day.  [Ex.  1:) — The 
crusades,  especially  against  the  Albigenses, 
and  others;  the  persecutions  of  the  infamous 
Duke  of  Alva  in  the  Low  Countries;  the  revoca- 
tion of  the  edict  of  Nantz,  by  Lewis  XIV.;  the  ex- 
pulsion of  the  Moors  from  Spain;  the  Inquisition; 
and  finally  the  cruel  treatment  of  slaves  in  the 
West  Indies,  which  renders  the  detestable  slave- 
trade  in  some  sense  necessary  to  prevent  depopu- 
lation; are  a  few  instances  of  that  ruinous  policy, 
which  is  here  so  strongly  reprobated.  [JVotes, 
Ex.  1:9,10.  Deut.  1:11.  1  Sam.  13:6,7.  1  Kings 
4:20.  20:27.) 

V.  29.  Exalteth  folly.']  The  passionate  man 
"exalteth  folly"  to  the  throne,  and  willingly  exe- 
cutes her  senseless  commands.  {JVotes,  \1.  15:17, 
18.  16:32.  25:8—10,28.  Ec.  7:9.  Dan.  2:10—13. 
3:19—23.  Jam..  1:19—21.) 

V.  30.  An  upright,  contented,  and  benevolent 
mind,  conduces  greatly  to  health  and  long  life,  as 
well  as  to  comfort  and  enjoyment.  Whereas  envy 
and  other  malignant  passions  prey  upon  the  spirits, 
and  often  ruin  the  constitution,  like  some  incura- 
ble disease.  [JVotes,  4:23.  12:4.  17:22.  Job  5:2. 
Ps.  112:10.    119:80.) 

V.  31.  The  oppression  of  the  needy  seems  to 
reproach  the  Creator,  as  if  he  had  formed  the  poor 
of  another  species;  or  had  cast  them  down  on  pur- 
pose that  they  should  be  trampled  on.  The  op- 
pressor reproaches  the  Lord,  by  despising,  or  de- 
fying, his  engagement  to  avenge  the  cause  of  the 
poor  and  oppressed.  Nay,  he  does  his  best  to 
bring  reproach  on  the  providential  government 
of  God,  in  that  he  has  put  so  much  in  the  power 
of  such  cruel  wretches,  and  connives  so  long  at 
their  crimes. — But  every  one  who  honors  God, 
will  for  his  sake  treat  the  poor  with  attention  and 
compassion;    and  endeavor  to  alleviate  their  dis- 


B.  C.  976. 


CHAPTER  XIV. 


B.  C.  976. 


wickedness;  but  i  the  righteous  hath  hope 
in  his  death. 

33  Wisdom  '  resteth  in  the  heart  of 
him  that  hath  understanding;  but  that 
which  is  in  the  midst  of  fools  is  made 
known. 


qGen.  49:18.  Job  13:15.  19.25 
—27.  Ps  23;4.  37:37.  Luke  2: 
29.  I  Cor.  15:55—58.  2  Cor. 
5:8.      Phil.  1:22,23.     2  Tim.  4: 


18.   Rev.  14:13. 
r  12:23.     13:16.     15:2,23.    29:11. 
Ec.  10:3. 


34  ^  Righteousness  exaheth  a  nation; 
*  but  sin  is  a  reproach  to  *  any  people. 

35  The  "  king's  favor  is  toward  a  wise 
servant:  but  his  wrath  is  against  ^  him 
that  causeth  shame. 

s  Deut.  4:6—8.  28:1—14.  Juig. 

2:6—14.     Jer.   2:2,&c.      Hos. 

13:1. 
t    Deut.   28:15,&c.      29:18—28. 

Ps.  107:34.     Ez.  16:  22:  23: 


*  Heb.  nations. 

u  16:12,13.  20:8,26.  22:11.  25:5. 
29:12.  Ps.  lOlM— 8.  Matt.  24: 
45—51.    Luke  12-42 — 48. 

X    10:5.   17:2.   19:26. 


tresses,  not  to  add  to  them.  (JVb<e*,  21.  17:5.  19: 
17.  22:2,16,22,23.  Ps.  12:5,6.  Ec.  5:8.  Matt.  25: 
34—46.) 

V.  32.  The  wicked,  at  death,  (for  that  is  evi- 
dently spoken  of,)  is  not  only  cast  away  for  his 
crimes,  but  driven  out  of  the  world  by  irresisti- 
ble force,  with  all  his  unrepented  guilt  upon  his 
soul;  and  under  the  power  of  all  his  domineering 
evil  propensities,  and  long-continued  bad  habits; 
the  slave  of  pride,  avarice,  malice,  envy,  and  other 
hateful  passions;  "a  vessel  of  wrath  fitted  for  de- 
struction." "But  the  righteous  hath  hope  in  his 
death;"  his  sins  being  pardoned,  and  his  heart 
renewed:  and  while  he  gives  thanks  for  being 
"made  meet  for  the  inheritance  of  the  saints  in 
light,"  he  trusts  in  the  promises  of  God,  that  he 
shall  speedily  join  them,  and  at  length  be  re-unit- 
ed to  those  whom  he  most  loved  here  on  earth. 

What  meaning  can  be  put  upon  this  proverb, 

worthy  to  be  compared  with  this  obvious  inter- 
pretation, if  we  do  not  take  in  the  belief  and  ex- 
pectation of  the  eternal  world.''  [Marg.  Ref. — 
J^Totes,  Gen.  49:18.  Job  19:23—27.  27:13—23. 
.Ps.  49:19.  7*.  8:21,22.  Z)a/i.  5:25— 28.  John  Q: 
21—26.  2  Cor.  5:1—8.  Phil.  1:21—26.  2Pet.  1: 
12—15.) 

V".  33.  Wisdom  possesses  the  mind  and  heart, 
and  regulates  the  judgment,  affections,  and  tem- 
pers, of  him  that  has  understanding;  and  it  is  not 
spent  in  ostentatious  displays.  But  it  soon  appears 
how  the  head  and  heart  of  a  fool  are  furnished; 
for  he  continually  betrays  his  ignorance  and  wick- 
edness, by  his  words  and  actions,  as  if  ambitious 
of  being  known  in  his  true  character.  [JYotes,  12: 
23.   13:16.  29:11.   Ec.  10:2,3.) 

V.  34.  Righteousness  powerfully  tends  to  pro- 
mote public  peace  and  prosperity,  and  to  give  an 
ascendency  to  that  nation  in  which  it  generally 
prevails.  Genuine  piety  is  inseparabl}'  connect- 
ed with  industry,  sobriety,  equity,  and  mercy,  and 
also  with  frugality;  and  these  conduce  to  health, 
population,  union,  and  competency.  Moreover 
the\'  ensure  the  divine  blessing  to  the  community, 
which  must  exalt  any  nation.  But  every  kind  of 
sin  has  the  contrary  tendency:  the  prevalency  of 
vice  and  impiety  is  a  national  reproach;  conduces 
to  disunion,  weakness,  and  disgrace;  and  exposes 
any  people  to  the  wrath  and  vengeance  of  God. — 
The  word  translated  reproach  is  the  same  as  is 
commonly  rendered  mercy  or  goodness;  and  this 
has  given  rise  to  other  interpretations  of  the  latter 
clause;  as  if  it  meant  that  mercy  was  as  a  sin-of- 
fering for  any  people,  where  it  prevailed:  and  the 
margin  of  the  old  translation  renders  it,  "but  the 
mercy  of  the  people  is  the  sacrifice  for  sin." — 
Others  think  it  relates  to  the  gentiles,  the  word 
people  being  plural;  and  they  render  it,  "The 
goodness  of  tlie  nations  is  sin;"  meaning  that  the 
religion  and  virtues  of  idolaters,  instead  of  right- 
eousness, are  sinful  in  the  sight  of  God. — This 
interpretation  is,  doubtless,  more  scriptural  than 
the  preceding:  but  as  the  word  in  question  does 
in  one  place  evidently  mean  reproach,  or  atrocious 
wickedness;  "a  wicked  thing;"  [Lev.  20:17.  Heb.) 
and  as  a  verb  from  the  same  root  has  clearly  a 
similar  meaning  even  in  this  book;  (25:10.  Heb.) 
so  there  appears  no  sufficient  reason  for  altering 
our  translation,  and  departing  from  the  interpre- 


tation above  given.  The  word  indeed,  (like  some 
others  in  different  languages,  JVbies,  Job  1:5.2:9.) 
seems  to  mean  what  is  uncommon,  either  of  ^'•ooJ- 
ness  or  of  baseness;  but  it  is  far  more  generally 
used  in  the  former  sense.  [JVotes,  Deut.  4:6 — 8. 
28:  29:13—28.  Ps.  107:33—43.) 

V.  35.     JVbie*,  16:12,13.    20:8,26,    22:11.    Ps. 
101:2—8.  J»ia«.  24:45— 51.  25:14—30. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
V.  1—16. 
The  more  the  religion  of  the  scripture  is  exam- 
ined, the  fuller  must  be  the  conviction  of  every 
impartial  judge,  that  it  is  of  divine  original;  be- 
cause in  all  things  it  conduces,  in  p/oportion  as 
it  is  received  and  practised,  to  the  welfare  of  in- 
dividuals, families,  and  nations.  This  appears 
conclusively,  when  we  consider,  that  the  charac- 
ter and  conduct,  which  scriptural  principles  are 
suited  to  form,  would  be  far  more  eligible  in  any 
near  relation,  than  the  opposite  character,  even 
to  those  who  are  prejudiced  against  the  principles 
themselves.  For  who  would  not,  on  sober  reflec- 
tion, prefer  as  a  wife,  that  prudent  woman,  who, 
making  the  word  of  God  her  rule,  takes  pleasure 
in  the  concerns  of  the  household,  the  care  of  her 
children,  and  the  credit  and  comfort  of  her  hus- 
band; to  one  of  those  foolish  women,  whose  neg- 
ligence and  extravagance  are  the  ruin  of  so  many 
families,  and  the  calamity  of  all  related  to  them.? 
Who  can  doubt  whether  the  former  character  be 
not  incomparably  more  valuable  as  a  parent  also, 
and  as  a  member  of  the  communitj  ?  Naj',  pos- 
terity are  greatly  concerned  in  this  remark:  for 
prudent  women  are  not  only  the  stay  of  famihes, 
but  a  blessing  to  the  rising  generafion,  and  the 
support  of  declining  empires;  while  the  foolish 
entail  poverty,  shame,  and  ignorance  on  their  de- 
scendants; and  bequeath  as  a  legacy  to  the  com- 
munity, a  vicious  and  worthless  progeny. — Wher- 
ever the  fearof  God  is  the  ruling  priBciple,  a  man 
will  walk  in  his  integrity:  but  those  who  despise 
him  and  his  servants,  cannot  reasonably  be  ex- 
pected to  be  conscientious  in  their  general  be- 
havior. In  the  mouth  of  such  men  is  "a  rod  of 
pride,"  which  renders  them  mischievous,  and  ex- 
poses them  to  immense  vexation;  from  which 
'the  lips  of  the  wise  preserve  them."  In  nume- 
rous instances,  those  who  fear  not  God,  declining 
the  self-denial  and  fatigue  of  labor  in  any  mean 
or  common  employment,  and  affecting  gentility 
and  delicacy,  become  the  burdens  and  nuisances 
of  society,  which  in  one  way  or  other  is  pillaged 
for  their  support.  But  humility,  submission  to 
the  will  of  God,  and  the  desire  of  living  at  a  dis- 
tance from  temptation,  and  without  injuring  any 
one,  render  the  pious  man  ready  for  any  honest 
occupation,  or  work,  and  for  such  inconveniences 
as  necessarily  attach  to  it.  These,  therei  ore,  form 
the  most  valuable  and  most  comfortable  part  of 
the  community:  for  indeed  "where  no  oxen  are 
the  crib  is  clean;  but  much  increase  is  by  the 
strength  of  the  ox:"  and  the  public  is  as  much 
advantaged  as  the  husbandman  himself.-— While 
the  irreligious,  to  answer  their  wicked  p  urposes, 
are  induced  to  multiply  lies  and  even  pi  srjuries; 
and  while  they  excuse  their  crimes,  and  make  a 
mock  at  sin;    the  pious  man  strictly  adl  leres  to 

•     [.501 


B.  C.  976. 


PROVERBS. 


B.  C.  976. 


truth  and  equity,  and  "exercises  himself  to  have 
a  conscience  void  of  offence  towards  God  and 
man:"  for  the  divine  favor  is  his  choice  and  object, 
which  is  with  the  righteous  alone. — The  way  of 
peace  and  holiness  lie  open  before  him;  because 
he  seeks  wisdom  seriously  and  humbly  from  the 
scriptures,  and  with  earnest  prayer  that  he  may 
glorify  God  and  do  good:  but  the  pride,  levitj', 
and  profaneness  of  the  scorner,  render  him  inca- 
pable of  distinguishing  truth  from  falsehood,  right 
from  wrong;  and  his  very  genius,  or  wit,  or  learn- 
ing, only  make  him  more  extensively  mischievous, 
by  propagating  infidelit)',  heresy,  or  impiety,  in  a 
specious  and  imposing  manner.  Here  again,  "the 
wisdom  of  the  prudent,  which  is  to  understand  his 
way,"  appears  valuable.  He  "who  fears  God  and 
walks  in  his  ways,"  will  go  from  the  "presence  of 
the  foolish  man,  when  he  perceives  not  in  him  the 
lips  of  knowledge."  Wit,  ingenuity,  politeness, 
and  eloquence,  make  no  amends,  in  his  judgment, 
for  the  want  of  seriousness,  for  erroneous  and  per- 
nicious opinions,  or  scoffing  and  jesting  at  things 
sacred.  Thus  he  will  be  kept  from  the  fatal  con- 
tagion of  profane  company;  and  from  that  worst 
deceit  and  folly  even  of  fools,  namely,  excusing 
vice  by  principles  subversive  of  all  justice  and 
truth,  as  well  as  of  piety  and  religion. — As  "there 
is  a  way  which  seemeth  right  unto  a  man,  but  the 
end  thereof  are  the  ways  of  death;"  "the  wise  man 
feareth  and  departeth  from  evil:"  he  not  only  shuns 
the  profane  scoffer,  but  the  soothing  or  ostenta- 
tious deceiver.  While  "the  simple  believeth 
every  word,"  he  prudently  "looks  well  to  his  go- 
ings;" for  eternal  happiness  or  misery  are  at  stake. 
While  "the  fool  rageth  and  is  confident;"  he  fears 
lest  he  should  be  deceived,  and  humbly  seeks  to 
God,  praying  to  be  kept  from  every  delusion. 
When  he  sees  men,  who  once  appeared  to  be  re- 
ligious, turn  back  into  the  ways  of  sin;  he  mourns 
over  them,  foreseeing  the  awful  consequences; 
and  becomes  more  jealous  of  himself  and  watch- 
ful over  his  own  heart:  and  knowing  that,  in  gen- 
eral, those  who  forsake  God,  do  it,  "loving  this 
present  world;"  he  becomes  more  and  more  afraid 
of  covetousness,  and  often  seems  to  hear  the  Sa- 
vior caution  him,  as  he  did  the  disciples  of  old, 
"Remember  Lot's  wife!"  and.  Remember,  that 
"the  house  of  the  wicked  shall  be  overthrown; 
but  the  tabeinacle  of  the  upright  shall  flourish.'' 
— It  is  indeed  of  the  greatest  importance  to  pos- 
sess a  sourc<3  of  consolation,  independent  of  all 
outward  things:  and  this  is  the  peculiar  advantage 
of  the  pious  i.nan,  and  the  means  of  preserving  him 
from  temptation. — External  appearances  are  very 
inadequate  'evidences  of  a  man's  happiness  or  mis- 
ery. Even  in  the  midst  of  prosperity  and  laugh- 
ter, sinners  are  conscious  that  they  are  not  happy. 
They  often  strive  to  repress  their  sighs,  to  silence 
their  consiliences,  and  to  quiet  their  fears:  but 
they  will  f  Ind  their  jovial  and  sensual  mirth  at 
length  end  in  "weeping,  wailing,  and  gnashing 
of  teeth."  And  as  none  but  themselves  know  the 
bitterness  of  their  hearts  in  their  hours  of  solitude; 
so  none,  b  ut  the  true  believer,  can  understand  the 
nature  of  that  serious  joy  which  is  possessed  in 
communi(  jn  with  God,  and  in  the  hope  and  first- 
fruits  of  'neaven.  With  this  no  stranger  can  in- 
termeddli  3;  this  no  event  can  destroy,  or  long  sus- 
pend; aU'  1  this  causes  the  Christian  to  cease  from 
envying  the  prosperous  sinner:  it  mars  his  relish 
for  worli  ily  pleasure,  and  turns  the  balance  of 
happines  3  immensely  in  his  favor,  even  amidst  the 
trials  of )  ife.  Let  then  the  sons  of  vanity  and  sen- 
suality p  assess  their  inheritance  of  folly,  unenvied 
but  not  unpitied;  and  let  every  believer  rejoice 
with  gra  titude,  and  say,  "The  lines  are  fallen  to 
me  in  pi  easant  places,  yea,  I  have  a  goodly  heri- 
tage." 

V.  17—35. 
Thes(  5  verses  only  give  us  another  view  of  the 
502] 


advantages,  which  true  religion  confers  on  the 
possessor,  and  on  others  by  his  means. — While 
the  passionate  man  "exalteth  folly,"  and  rashly 
plunges  himself  into  discord  and  mischief,  by 
which  he  becomes  wretched  and  contemptible; 
while  the  malicious  is  hated  for  sullen  devices  of 
revenge;  and  while  the  envious  torments  himself 
because  of  the  successes  of  his  competitors;  the 
Christian  is  instructed  to  exercise  meekness  and 
forgiveness,  to  be  contented  and  benevolent,  and 
to  take  pleasure  in  witnessing  and  aiding  the  suc- 
cess and  comfort  of  all  around  him.  He  shews 
his  superiority  of  understanding  by  being  "slow 
to  anger:"  and  increasing  knowledge  crowns  him 
with  true  honor.  For  wisdom  resides  in  the 
heart  to  direct  a  man's  judgment,  and  moderate 
his  desires;  and  thus  without  ostentation  it  ap- 
pears in  his  life  and  actions:  while  fools  continu- 
ally expose  themselves  by  their  vain  boastings, 
as  well  as  by  their  ill  behavior.  But  in  all  cases, 
a  sound  heart  and  well  governed  passions,  are 
life  and  comfort;  while  every  domineering  sinful 
temper  is  as  "rottenness  in  the  bones." — Again, 
view  that  part  of  ungodly  men,  who  seek  afflu- 
ence as  their  chief  good,  and  expect  happiness  in 
worshipping  Mammon.  How  do  these  men  op- 
press the  poor  by  merciless  exactions,  by  de- 
frauding them  of  their  wages,  and  by  numberless 
methods  of  injustice  and  cruelty!  But,  while  they 
thus  reproach  and  despise  the  common  Creator 
of  rich  and  poor,  and  of  the  whole  human  race, 
and  glory,  as  it  were,  in  their  ingratitude  to  their 
Benefactor;  do  they  not  also  become  most  worth- 
less and  pernicious  members  of  society?  and  are 
they  not  by  corroding  suspicions,  harassing  fears, 
and  turbulent  passions,  wretched  amidst  their  im- 
mense possessions,  and  multiplied  indulgences? 
"The  wicked  is  like  the  troubled  sea,  whose 
waters  cast  forth  mire  and  dirt.  There  is  no 
peace,  saith  my  God,  for  the  wicked." — Now 
contemplate  the  opposite  character.  He  who 
honors  God  has  mercy  on  the  poor:  he  dares  not, 
nay,  he  is  not  inclined  to  despise  the  mean  ap- 
pearance, or  uncouth  behavior,  of  his  neighbor, 
in  whatever  clime  he  was  born,  or  of  wiiatever 
complexion;  but,  as  he  would  be  happy  himself, 
so  he  would  endeavor  to  promote  the  happiness 
of  others;  and  he  finds  it  an  accession  to  his  own 
comfort  to  relieve  their  distresses.  He  feels  his 
need  of  the  mercy  and  truth  of  God,  in  order  to 
the  salvation  of  his  soul:  and  he  copies  them  in 
devising  to  do  good  to  the  afflicted  who  expect  it 
from  him.  Thus  he  best  consults  his  own  good; 
"for  do  they  not  err,  who  devise  evil?"  since  in 
the  "fear  of  the  Lord  is  strong  confidence,"  and 
none  but  his  children  can  have  a  refuge  in  the 
approaching  hour  of  death,  and  day  of  judgment. 
Let  us  then  now  seek  to  this  Fountain  of  life, 
that  we  may  escape  the  snares  of  death,  and  be 
safe  and  confident,  when  the  wicked  are  sinking 
in  consternation  and  despair. — It  is  no  less  evi- 
dent, that  righteousness  is  the  grand  support  of 
nations;  and  that  sin  cuts  the  sinews  and  under- 
mines the  foundations  of  every  community,  in 
which  it  prevails.  And  though  the  long-suffering 
of  God  has  hitherto  spared  this  nation,  for  the 
sake  of  a  small  remnant,  which  he  has  reserved 
to  himself:  yet  as  sin  is  become  the  reproach,  so 
it  will  be  the  ruin  of  our  favored  land,  except  a 
general  reformation  take  place;  for  it  will  at 
length  be  found  to  be  universally  true,  that  "the 
evil  bow  before  the  good,  and  the  wicked  at  the 
gates  of  the  righteous."  The  wise  and  pious  are 
therefore  the  best  patriots:  by  their  examples, 
prayers,  labors,  and  influence,  they  endeavor  to 
stem  the  torrent  of  infidelity,  profaneness,  profli- 
gacy, and  iniquity,  and  to  promote  that  righteous- 
ness which  alone  establishes  prosperity.  Wis- 
dom and  piety  form  also  the  grand  qualifications 
of  good  princes.    Such  will  not  waste  the  lives, 


B.  C.  976. 


CHAPTER  XV. 


B.  C.  976. 


CHAP.  XV. 


A 


Maxims  about  bridling  the  passions;  improving  the  gift  of  speech; 
receiving  reproof;  the  omniscience  of  God;  his  dealings  with 
the  righteous  and  the  wicked;  the  advantages  of  piety  and 
peace;  and  the  evil  of  sloth,  rashness,  and  avarice,  1 — 33. 

*  SOFT    answer    turneth     away 
wrath;    but  ''  grievous    words  stir 
up  anger. 

2  The  "^  tongue  of  the  wise  useth 
knowledge  aright;  but  the  mouth  of  fools 
*  poureth  out  foolishness. 

3  The  ^  eyes  of  the  Lord  are  in  every 


a  25.15.    Judg.  8:1— 3.     1  Sam. 

25;2l 33. 

b  18.   10:12.  28:25.  29:22.  Judg. 

12:3—6.  iSam.  25:10,11,21,22. 

2  Sam.  19:43.   1  Kings  12:14— 

16. 
c  23,28.   12:23.   13:16.   16:23.25: 


11,12.     Ps.45:l.   Ec.  10:12,13. 

Is.  50:4. 
*   Heb.    belcheth,  or,  bubbleth. 

Ps.  59:7. 
d  5:21.     2  Chr.  16:9.  Job  34:21, 

22.     Jer.  16:17.    23:24.    32:19. 

Heb.  4:13. 


or  drain  off  the  riches  of  their  subjects,  by  need- 
less wars,  to  gratify  their  own  ambition,  rapacity, 
or  revenge:  they  will  not  destroy  or  drive  away 
the  people,  by  oppression,  persecution,  or  bloody 
executions,  or  exorbitant  taxes:  nay,  they  will 
study  to  preserve  peace,  plenty,  and  good  order, 
and  the  impartial,  prompt,  and  cheap  administra- 
tion of  justice,  and  to  encourage  industry  and  in- 
genuity. This  will  induce  strangers  to  come  and 
settle  in  the  land,  and  "in  the  multitude  of  the 
people  is  the  king's  honor;  but  in  the  want  of 
people  is  the  destruction  of  the  prince."  At  the 
same  time  they  will,  by  their  example  and  influ- 
ence, and  every  scriptural  means,  endeavor  to 
promote  the  spread  of  vital  godliness.  As  "their 
favor  will  be  shewn  to  the  wise  and  righteous, 
and  their  wrath  will  be  against  those  that  cause 
shame;"  they  will  be  rid  of  corrupt  ministers,  as 
soon  as  they  detect  them;  and  will  employ  those 
who  heartily  concur  in  their  wise,  equitable,  and 
pious  measures:  and  happy  will  that  people  be, 
who  are  in  such  a  case. — But  as  genuine  religion 
is  in  every  thing  most  excellent;  so  we  are  re- 
quired to  be  peculiarly  upon  our  guard  against 
counterfeits:  for  prejudice,  ignorance,  and  fashion 
even  canonize  false  schemes  of  religion.  Here 
then  we  should  learn  to  distinguish  between  the 
"faithful  witness  who  will  not  lie,"  and  who  "de- 
livereth  souls;"  and  those  deceitful  witnesses  who 
speak  lies,  either  through  ignorance  or  hypocrisy, 
for  filthy  lucre's  sake,  and  to  the  destruction  of 
their  hearers.  If  we  carefully  compare  their 
lives  and  doctrine  with  the  word  of  God,  we  shall 
soon  learn  to  know  one  from  the  other.  And 
this  distinction  is  far  more  important,  with  re- 
spect to  those  witnesses  who  speak  from  the 
pulpit,  than  those  who  bear  their  testimony  in 
courts  of  justice;  and  the  false  witnesses  are, 
alas!  in  the  former  case,  far  more  numerous  in 
proportion. — The  importance  of  this  remark,  will 
appear  most  evident,  when  the  wicked  is  driven 
by  death,  from  all  his  possessions  and  enjoyments, 
under  the  wrath  of  God  and  the  power  of  his 
lusts,  into  the  eternal  world;  and  when  the  right- 
eous shall  rejoice  in  hope  of  a  blessed  immortali- 
ty, without  sin  or  sorrow  in  the  presence  of  his 
Lord,  which  will  reconcile  him  to  the  separating 
stroke,  and  smooth  the  countenance  of  the  king 
of  terrors. — Let  us  also  endeavor  to  be  always 
well  employed:  "for  in  all  labor  there  is  profit;" 
but  in  every  thing  the  mere  "talk  of  the  lips 
tendeth  only  to  penury:"  and  let  those,  to  whom 
the  Lord  has  given  riches,  endeavor  to  shew 
their  wisdom  by  making  a  good  use  of  them:  for 
thus  they  will  be  a  crown  to  them;  otherwise 
they  will  onl)"^  enable  them  to  be  more  conspicu- 
ously and  perniciously  foolish.  'Tis  true,  that  at 
present  many  will  profess  to  esteem  and  respect 
them,  merely  because  they  are  rich:    and  the 


place,  beholding  the  evil  and  the  good. 

4  A  t  wholesome  tongue  is  *  a  tree  of 
hfe;  but  perverseness  therein  is  ^  a  breach 
in  the  spirit. 

5  A  s  fool  despiseth  his  father's  in- 
struction; ^  birt  he  that  regardeth  reproof 
is  prudent. 

6  In  '  the  house  of  the  righteous  is 
much  treasure;  but  ^  in  the  revenues  oi 
the  wicked  is  trouble. 


f   Heb.     The  healing   of    the 

tongue.  12:18.  16:24.  Mai.  4:2. 
e   3:18.     Gen.  3:22—24.     Rev. 

2:7. 
f  18:8,14.    26:22.      Ps.  52:2—4. 

109:22. 
g  10:1.   13:1,18.     1  Sara.  2:23— 

25.     2  Sam.  15:1—6.      1  Chr. 


22:11—13.  28:9,20. 
h  31,32.    1:23.    6:23.     19:20.  25: 

12.   Ps.  141:5.    Tit.  1:13.  2:15. 
i  16.  8:21.     13:22.     21:20.     Ps. 

112:3.    Heb.  11:26. 
k    10:22.     16:8.     Job  20:19— 23. 

Ps.  37:16.     Ec.  4:6.    5:10—14. 

Jam.  5:1 — 3. 


poor,  however  wise  and  pious,  will  be  despised 
and  hated,  because  he  is  poor.  But  ere  long, 
Lazarus  will  be  honored,  as  well  as  comforted, 
and  the  rich  man  despised,  as  well  as  tormented. 
For  "the  favor  of  our  King  will"  uniformly  "be 
towards  the  wise  servant;  but  his  wrath  will  be 
against  him  that  causeth  shame." 

NOTES. 

Chap.  XV.  V.  1.  'We  should  not  think  it 
'enough,  not  to  begin  strife  and  contention;  but 
'if  others  begin  it,  we  should  not  continue  it  by 
'rough  answers;  but  endeavor  to  make  an  end  of 
'it  presently  by  mollifying  the  matter,  and  yield 
'much  for  the  common  tranquillity's  sake.'  Bp. 
Patrick. — 'Contentions  arise  out  of  pride,  ambi- 
'tion,  morosity  of  nature,  emulation,  wrath,  super- 
'stition;  which  move  men  either  to  give  ill  words, 
'or  to  return  worse  to  those  that  are  given  them; 
'endeavoring  to  overcome  by  sharpness  and  bit- 
'terness,  not  by  lenity  and  moderation.'  Ibid. 
{JVotes,  11,18.  25:15.  Judg.  8:1— 3.  12:1—6.  2 
Sam.  19:40—43.    20:1,2.) 

V.  2.  Wise  men  know  how  to  communicate 
knowledge,  as  circumstances  require,  in  the  most 
acceptable  and  useful  mannei*:  but  even  the  learn- 
ing and  right  notions,  which  wicked  men  obtain, 
as  well  as  their  errors  and  follies,  are  poured  out 
so  indiscriminately,  that  they  do  more  harm  than 
good.  (JVbies,  12:13,23.  16:21— 23.  IJc.  10:11— 15.) 
— It  is  indeetl  evident,  that  many  have  good  ca- 
pacities and  considerable  knowledge,  who  totally 
want  judgment  and  discretion  for  improving  them. 

V.  3.     Jlarg.  Ref.—Jfote,  5:20—23,  •«.  21. 

V.  4.  "The  healing  of  the  tongue  is  a  tree  of 
life."  J\Iarg.  When  a  man  is  able  and  willing 
to  speak,  for  the  instruction  of  the  ignorant,  the 
encouragement  of  the  troubled  conscience  or  af- 
flicted heart,  the  calming  of  the  spirits  of  those 
who  are  enraged,  and  the  healing  of  differences 
among  neighbors,  his  tongue  is  as  "a  tree  of  life;'' 
it  will,  as  it  were,  create  a  paradise  around  him, 
and  exceedingly  promote  the  comfort,  peace,  and 
salvation  of  mankind.  But  proud,  passionate, 
scurrilous,  and  exasperating  language,  makes 
breaches  upon  a  man's  spirit;  it  throws  him  off  his 
guard,  distresses  his  mind,  misleads  his  judgment, 
excites  his  anger,  and  brings  guilt  on  his  con- 
science. (JVb<e*,3:18.  12:18,19.  10:8,14.  Mai. 
4:2,3,  V.  2.) — The  same  word  signifies  both  spjrit 
and  wind.  'Perverseness,'  in  the  tongue,  'is  like 
'a  blustering  wind  among  the  boughs  of  the  trees; 
'rending  and  tearing  the  life  and  spirit  of  a  man's 
'self  and  others.'    Bp.  Hall. 

V.  ,5.  (JVb<e,v,  10:1.  13:J.  />fi!tf.  21:18— 21.  1 
Snm.  2:23 — 25.)  He  that  profits  by  instruction 
and  correction  when  a  child,  is  likely  to  become 
a  prudent  man. 

V.  6.     A  moderate  provision,  a  contented  mind, 

[503 


B.  C.  976. 


PROVERBS. 


B.  C.  976. 


7  The  '  lips  of  the  wise  disperse 
knowledge^  but  ^  the  heart  of  the  fooHsh 
doeth  not  so. 

8  The  "  sacrifice  of  the  wicked  is  an 
abomination  to  the  Lord;  but  °  the 
prayer  of  the  upright  is  his  dehght. 

9  The  P  way  of  the  wicked  is  *i  an 
abomination  unto  the  Lord;  but  "■  he  lov- 
eth  him  that  followeth  after  righteousness. 

10  *  Correction  is  ^  grievous*  unto  hini 


IPs.  37:30.  45:2.  51:13—15.71: 

15—18.  78:2—6.   119:13.     Ec. 

12:9,10.    Cant.  4-11.     Matt.  10: 

27.    28:18—20.       Mark    16:15. 

Acts  18:9,10.   Rom.  10:14—17. 

15:18—21.   Eph.  4:29.    2  Tim. 

2:2. 
m  10:20,21.   Matt.  12:34.   Jam. 

3:6. 
n  21:27.  28:9.    Is.  1:10—15.  61: 

8.    66:3.     Jer.  6:-20.    7:21—23. 

Am.  5:21,23. 


o  29.     1  Chr.  29:17.     Ps.  17:1. 

Cant.  2:14. 
p4:19.  21:4,8.    Ps.  1:6.   146:3,9. 

Matt.  7:13. 
q  Jer.  44:4.     Hab.  1:13. 
r  21:21.   Is.  51:1,7.     Hos.  6:3.   1 

Tim.  6:11.     2  Tim.  2:22. 
*  Or,  Instrvxtion. 
s    12:1.     13:1.    23:35.       1  Kings 

18:17.  21:20.  22:3.     John  3:20. 

7:7. 


and  confidence  in  God,  are  an  inestimable  treas- 
ure "in  the  house  of  the  righteous,"  both  for  the 
good  of  them,  and  of  their  children  after  them. 
(JVbfe*,  10:22.  13:22.  16:8.  21:20.  P«.  37:16,17,'U. 
16.)  But  the  large  revenues  of  wicked  men  in- 
crease their  fears  and  suspicions,  add  strength  to 
their  passions,  augment  their  pride  and  impatience 
of  contradiction,  expose  them  to  envy  and  enmity, 
engage  them  in  discords,  tempt  them  to  inordinate 
and  injurious  indulgence,  bring  guilt  upon  their 
consciences,  and  render  the  fears  of  death  and 
judgment  doubly  distressing.  [JS'otes,  Job  20: 
10— 29,  w.  19— 23.  Ps.  73:18— 22.  £c.3:13— 
17.) 

V.  7.  Knowledge,  like  wealth,  is  valuable  in 
proportion  as  it  is  communicated  with  prudence 
and  propriety.  To  acquire  useful  knowledge, 
therefore,  is  a  great  object  to  a  wise  man,  who 
would  glorify  God  and  do  good:  but  to  find  out 
and  embrace  opportunities  of  communicating  it, 
in  the  most  extensive  measure,  and  in  such  ways 
as  render  the  imparted  instruction  permanent  in 
its  effects,  is  the  grand  improvement  of  the  talent 
when  acquired,  and  of  the  influence  that  it  gives. 
Thus  the  apostles  scattered  the  knowledge  of 
Christ,  by  preaching  and  writing,  through  the 
nations;  and  the  fruit  remains  to  this  day.  [Marg. 
Ref.  \.—J\ote,  John  15:12—16,  v.  16.)— But  men 
of  knowledge,  who  do  not  impart  instruction,  are 
misers  among  the  learned,  in  the  world  and  in  the 
church:  and  ignorant  men  have  nothing  worth 
communicating;  so  that  they  are  beggarly,  lazy 
spendthrifts.  (JVb<e«,  2.  10:20,21.  Ps.  37:29—31. 
Matt.  12:33—37.) 

V.  8,  9.  The  most  costly  sacrifices  of  the 
wicked,  even  under  the  Mosaic  law,  were  an 
abomination  to  the  Lord;  because  the  whole  way 
of  those  who  offered  them  was  abominable  to  him, 
and  because  of  their  corrupt  motives:  and  the 
case  is  precisely  the  same,  with  all  external  acts 
of  worship,  nay,  with  the  largest  oblations  and 
most  liberal  alms,  of  the  impenitent  and  unbe- 
lieving, under  the  Christian  dispensation.  For 
they  either  mean  nothing  determinate  by  them, 
or  they  intend  to  cover  their  sins,  to  bribe  their 
Judge,  to  make  compensation  for  past  crimes,  or 
to  purchase  indulgences  for  future  transgressions; 
they  put  their  services  in  the  stead  either  of 
Christ's  atonement,  or  of  holy  obedience;  they 
present  them  with  hypocritical  hearts;  and  they 
grossly  affront  the  holy  God,  by  supposing  that  he 
can  be  imposed  on  by  forms  or  gifts,  or  pleased 
by  them  while  they  are  enemies  to  his  justice,  his 
authority,  and  his  grace.  [Motes,  28:9.  Is.  1:10 — 
15.  66:3,4  Jer.  6:18—20.  7:21—23.  Am.  5:21—24.) 
504] 


that   forsaketh  the  way;  *  and  he  that 
hateth  reproof  shall  die. 

11"  Hell  and  destruction  are  before 
the  Lord:  how  much  more  then  *  the 
hearts  of  the  children  of  men.'' 

12  A  y  scorner  loveth  not  one  that  re- 
proveth  him;  ^  neither  will  he  go  unto  the 
wise. 

13  A  *  merry  heart  maketh  a  cheerful 
countenance;  but  ^  by  sorrow  of  the  heart 
the  spirit  is  broken. 

14  The  •=  heart  of  him  that  hath  un- 


t   1:30.    5:12.    10:17.    Is.  1:5,6. 

Ez.  24:13,14. 
u   27:20.     Job  26:6.     Ps.  139:8. 

Rev.  1:18. 
X  2  Chr.  6:30.     Ps.  7:9.     44:21. 

Jer.  17:10.     John  2:24,25.    21: 

17.     Acts  1:24.      Heb.    4:13. 

Rev.  2:23. 
y  10.  9:7,8.  Am.  5:10.     John  3: 


13-21.  7:7.     2  Tim.  4:3. 
z  2  Chr.  18:7. 
a  15.   17:22.    2  Cor.  1:12. 
b  12:25.   18:14.    Neb.  2:2.  John 

14:1.     2  Cor.  2:7.  7:10. 
c    1:5.    9:9.       1    Kings  3:6-12. 

Ps.  119:97,100.      Acts  17:11.  2 

Pet.  3:18. 


— But,  will  the  greatest  of  sinners,  if  he  desires 
to  repent  or  seek  salvation,  be  rejected.'  By  no 
means:  when  this  desire  brings  even  the  poor 
murderer,  or  thief,  to  cry  for  mercy  in  the  Re- 
deemer's name,  he  begins  to  offer  "the  prayer  of 
the  upright,  in  which  God  delighteth:"  [JVotes,  1 
Chr.  29:10—19,  v.  17.  Ps.  50:7— 15,  w.  14,15. 
Cant.  2:14.)  and  he  may  be  sure  of  acceptance, 
in  proportion  as  he  is  ashamed  on  account  of  for- 
mer crimes  and  present  unworthiness;  and  as  in 
brokenness  of  heart,  he  dares  not  lift  up  his  eyes 
unto  heaven,  but  at  a  humble  distance,  smites 
upon  his  breast,  crying  "God  be  merciful  to  me  a 
sinner." — Such  intimations,  under  the  old  Testa- 
ment, were  a  kind  of  prophecy,  that  another  and 
more  spiritual  dispensation  was  at  hand. 

V.  10.  'He  that  swerveth  from  the  word  of 
God  cannot  abide  to  be  admonished.'  Sharp  and 
grievous  rebukes  must  be  inflicted  on  him  who 
refuseth  instruction:  and  if  he  set  himself  against 
these,  he  will  finally  perish,  as  incorrigible. 
[JTotes,  13:1.  23:34,35.— See  on  5.) 

V.  11.  (JVbfes,  27:20.  Job  26:5— 13,  ?>.  6.  P*. 
139:7,8.)  Jlbaddon,  the  word  here  rendered  de- 
struction, sometimes  means  the  devil,  the  destroyer; 
[J^ote,  Rev.  9:11.)  and  the  verse  may  denote,  that 
the  deepest  machinations  of  the  prince  of  hell, 
and  of  all  his  legions  of  fallen  angels,  are  open 
to  the  Lord's  inspection,  and  must  end  in  their 
disappointment  and  deeper  torment:  how  then  can 
man,  who  is  so  inferior  in  sagacity  and  subtlety, 
expect  to  hide  his  counsels  from  God,  ortopros- 
perin  rebellion  againsthim?  [Marg.  Ref.)  'There 
'is  nothing  so  deep  or  secret,  that  can  be  hid  from 
'the  eyes  of  God,  much  less  men's  thoughts.'  See 
on  3. 

V.  12.  [JSrotes,^:l—°i.  I  Kings^l:^.)  "Ev- 
ery one  that  doeth  evil  hateth  the  light,  neither 
cometh  to  the  light,  lest  his  deeds  should  be  re- 
proved: but  he  that  doeth  truth  cometh  to  the 
light,  that  his  deeds  may  be  made  manifest,  that 
they  are  wrought  in  God."  John  3:20,21. — "Be- 
hold a  greater  than  Solomon  is  here." 

V.  13.  A  peaceful  conscience,  a  joyful  hope, 
and  a  contented  mind  give  habitual  and  substan- 
tial cheerfulness,  conduce  to  health,  and  tend 
greatly  to  a  man's  success  in  every  useful  under- 
taking. But  a  gloomy,  unthankful,  envious,  im- 
patient spirit,  arising  from  pride,  resentment,  an 
evil  conscience,  and  attachment  to  worldly  ob- 
jects, and  disappointments  about  them,  breaks 
the  spring  and  vigor  of  the  mind,  and  renders 
a  man  uneasy  to  himself  and  others;  as  well  as 
inactive  and  unfit  for  service.  [J^Totes,  13.  12:25. 
17:22.  18:14.  Joy^n  14:1.) 


B.  C.  976. 


CHAPTER  XV. 


B.  C.  9T6 


derstanding  seeketh  knowledge;  but  ^  the 
mouth  of  fools  feedeth  on  foolishness. 

15  ^  All  the  days  of  the  afflicted  are 
evil;  ^  but  he  that  is  of  a  meriy  heart 
hath  a  continual  feast. 

16  Better  is  £  httle  with  the  fear  of  the 
Lord,  than  ''  great  treasure  and  trouble 
therewith. 

17  Better  is  '  a  dinner  of  herbs  where 
love  is,  than  a  stalled  ox  and  hatred 
therewith. 

18  A  "^  wrathful  man  stirreth  up  strife; 
but  '  he  that  is  slow  to  anger   appeaseth 

Strite.  [Practical  Observations.] 

Hos, 


a  12:23.   Is.  30:10.  44:20 

12:1. 
e   Gen.  37:35.     47:9.     Ps.  90:7 

—9. 
f  16:22.     Acts  16:25.     Rom.  5: 

2,3,11.      12:12.      2  Cor.  1:5,12. 

6:j0.     I  Pet.  1:6—8.  4:13. 
g  16:8.  28;6.   Ps.  37:l6.    1  Tim. 

6:6. 
h  10:22.    Ec.  2:10,11,18— 23.  5: 


10—12. 
i  17:1.  21:19.     Ps.  133:  Phil.  2: 

1.    1  JoliD  4:16. 
k  10:12.    26:21.    28:25.     2  Sam. 

19:43.  20:1.  Jam.  3:14— 16. 
1  1.  25:15.     Gen.  13:8,9.    Judg. 

8:1—3.     1  Sam.  25:24,&c.    Ec. 

10:4.     Matt.  5:9.    Acts  6:1—6. 

Jam.  1:19,20. 


V.  14.  JTotes,  1:5.  18:1,2.  1  Kin^s  3:9—14. 
Ps.  119:97— 100.— FeerfeiA,  &c.]  Empty  curi- 
ous speculations,  or  the  imposture  of  the  day,  are 
the  \ery  food  of  profane  and  sensual  minds;  who 
credit  any  absurdity,  if  it  do  not  disquiet  their  con- 
sciences, affront  their  pride,  or  militate  against 
their  lusts.  Such  foolish  persons  are  found  in 
every  age,  of  every  rank,  and  among  the  learned 
as  well  as  the  unlearned. — As  those  who  are  ig- 
norant of  the  scriptures,  even  when  learned,  can 
feed  upon  transubstantiation,  purgatory  and  in- 
dulg-ences,  or  the  wildest  absurdities  of  enthusi- 
asm; so  ingenious  and  scientific  men  can  relish 
the  more  refined,  but  not  less  absurd,  specula- 
tions of  skeptics  and  infidels:  till  "professing 
themselves  wise,  they  become  fools,"  doubt  of 
every  thing,  or  even  deny  the  existence  of  the 
God  that  made  them.  Alas!  how  do  the  mouths 
of  numbers  in  this  land,  and  in  the  present  day, 
not  only  pour  out  such  foolishness,  but  greedily 
devour  it,  as  if  it  were  the  most  delicious  and 
\vholesome  food  of  the  soul!  (JVbies,  /*.  44: 19,20. 
Hos.  12:1,2.) 

V.  13.  Affliction  or  poverty,  without  a  cheer- 
ful spirit,  and  attended  with  anxiety  and  impa- 
tience, renders  a  man's  life  wretched;  but  with 
these  much  habitual  satisfaction  may  be  enjoyed, 
even  in  very  unfavorable  circumstances.  'A 
'mind  conscious  of  good  intentions,  though  suc- 
'cess  be  wanting,  affords  truer  and  purer  joy  ... 
'than  all  that  the  world  can  furnish  a  man  withal.' 
Lord  Bacon,  quoted  by  Bp.  Patrick. — The 
original  is  good  of  heart,  and  seems  to  denote  that 
inward  peace,  which  springs  from  the  testimony 
of  conscience,  and  submissive  confidence  in  God. 
{J^otes,  13.  Acts  16:25— 28.  2  Co»-.  2:12—4.  Eph.^ 
5:15— 20,  w,  18—20.  Phil.  4:5— 7,10— 13.)— Some 
render  the  clause,  "-The  good  of  heart  are  a  con- 
tinual feast:"  their  company  is  peculiarly  pleasant 
and  desirable. 

V.  16.  J^'otes,  6.  16:8.  P*.  37:16,17.  Ec.  2:18 
—23.  I  Tim.  6:6—10,  vv.  6—8. 

y.  17,  18.  'The  meanest  fare  with  the  love  of 
'him  who  invites,  and  with  agreement  among 
'the  guests,  is  much  better  than  the  most  sump- 
'tuous  entertainments  of  him  that  hates  us,  or 
'among  those  that  quarrel.  ...  A  man  prone  to 
'wrath  will  easily  disturb  the  most  peaceable 
'company,  being  apt  to  quarrel  for  very  trifles: 
'but  a  meek  and  patient  person  is  so  far  from 
'raising  strife,  that  he  will  endeavor  to  com- 
'pose  it,  when  he  finds  it  is  begun  by  others.'  Bp. 

Vol.  III.  64 


19  The  "way  of  the  slothful  maw  15 
as  an  hedge  of  thorns;  but  "  the  way  of 
the  righteous  is  *  made  plain. 

20  A  °  wise  son  maketh  a  glad  father; 
but  a  foolish  man  p  despiseth  his  mother. 

21  Folly  is  1  joy  to  /tm  that  is  t  desti- 
tute of  wisdom;  but  ''  a  man  of  under- 
standing walketh  uprightly. 

22  ^  Without  counsel  purposes  are  dis- 
appointed; but  in  the  multitude  of  coun- 
sellors they  are  established. 

23  A  man  hath  *joy  by  the  answer  of 
his  mouth;  and  a  word  spoken  ^  in  due  " 
season,  "  how  good  is  it! 

Num.  14:1—  ]  I    Heb.    vuid  of  heart.     11:12 
arg. 


26:13. 


m  22:5,13 

3,7—9 
n  3:6.    8:9.     Ps.  5:8.    25:8,9,12. 

27:11.   Is.  30:21.  35:8. 
*  Heb.    raised  up  as  a  causey. 

Is.  57:14. 
o  10:1.  23:15,16.  29:3.    1  Kings 

1:48.  2:9.   5:7.    Phil.  2:22. 
p  23:22.  30:17.  Ex.  20:12.  Lev. 

19:3. 
q  10:23.   14:9.    26:18,19. 


Job  23:28.     Ps.  111:10, 

Eph.  5:15.  Jam.  3:13. 
s  11:14.  20:18.  Ec.  8.6. 
t  12:14.    16:13.     24:26.  25:11,12. 

Kph.  4:29. 
I  Heb.   in  his  season.   Ec.  3.1 

Is.  50:4. 
u  1  Sam.  25:32,33. 


Patrick.  Thus  some  connexion  has  been  sup- 
posed between  these  two  maxims:  but  each  of 
them  is  capable  of  a  much  more  extensive  ap- 
plication; in  respect  of  the  true  enjoyment  of 
life,  and  the  peace  of  families,  neighborhoods, 
churches,  and  nations.  "If  there  be  any  comfort 
of  love."  "Blessed  are  the  peace-makers."  "For 
the  wrath  of  man  worketh  not  the  righteousness 
of  God."  [J^otes,  1:16.  10:12.  17:1.  P*.  133:  Jlait.. 
5:9.  Phil.  2:1—4.  Jam.  3:13-18.  1  John  4:7,8.) 

V.  19.  Whatever  a  sluggard  has  to  do  seems 
full  of  intolerable  difficulties;  like  a  man's  forcing 
his  way  repeatedly  through  a  hedge  of  thorns: 
and  indeed  his  delays  tend  to  increase  his  per- 
plexities, and  expose  him  to  many  sufl^erings, 
which  a  prudent  and  upright  attention  to  every 
duty  in  its  proper  season  would  have  prevented: 
but  "the  way  of  the  righteous  is  cast  iip,^^  or 
paved;  so  that  he  proceeds  with  ease  and  safety. 
{JVotes,  22:5,13.26:13-16.  Is.  30:20,21.  35:8— 10. 
57:14.)  'The  same  observation  may  be  made 
'concerning  the  government  of  a  family;  wherein, 
'if  there  be  due  care  and  providence  used,  all 
'goes  on  cheerfully;  and  as  it  were  of  its  own  sc- 
'cord  without  noise  or  tumult:  but  if  those  be 
'wanting,  when  some  greater  occasion  falls  out, 
'all  matters  throng  in  to  be  despatched  at  once; 
'the  servants  are  in  an  uproar,  the  whole  house 
'rings,  and  there  is  nothing  well  done  in  that  con- 
'fusion.'  Lord  Bacon,  quoted  by  Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  20.  {Jfote,  10: 1.)  It  is  very  common  for  a 
heedless  young  man,  to  consider  his  disregard  to 
the  prudent  and  pious  admonitions  of  an  aged 
mother,  as  a  proof  of  wit,  spirit,  or  superior  un- 
derstanding; and  even  to  tuiTi  them  into  ridicule 
among  his  gay  companions:  but  this  maxim  may 
shew  such  youths  what  their  true  character  is  in 
the  sight  of  God,  and  in  that  of  all  wise  men. 
{JSTotes,  23:15,16,20—25.  E.v.  20:12.  Lev.  19;3.^ 

V.  21.  Jfotcs,  10:23.  14:9.  L6.  26:18,19. /o6  28: 
28.) 

v.  22.  (JVb^e,  11:14.)  Where  no  secret  con- 
sultation is  held  on  the  means  of  accomplishing 
important  purposes,  or,  where  secrecy  is  not  ob- 
served by  those  concerned,  disappointment  may 
be  expected:  but  among  a  nuniber  of  faithful 
counsellors,  the  best  measures  for  establishing 
the  design,  and  for  securing  success,  will  be  sug- 
gested. (JVy<c,  20:18.  Ec.  B:6,1.)— Counsel,  mo, 
a  secret. 

V.  23.  When  a  wise  and  pious  man  is  enabled 
to  speak  to  the  purpose,  and  to  time  his  obscrva- 

[505 


B.  C.  976. 


PROVERBS. 


B.  C.  976. 


24  The  ^  way  of  life  is  >"  above  to  the 
wise,  *  that  he  may  depart  from  hell  be- 
neath. 

25  The  Lord  will  ^  destroy  the  house 
of  the  proud;  ''but  he  will  establish  the 
border  of  the  widow. 

26  The  •=  thoughts  of  the  wicked  are 
an  abomination  to  the  Lord;  "^  but  the 
ivords  of  the  pure  are  *  pleasant  words. 

27  He  ^  that  is  greedy  of  gain  troubleth 
his  own  house; 
shall  live. 

28  The  s  heart  of  the  righteous  studi- 
eth  to  answer;  but  ''  the  mouth  of  the 
wicked  poureth  out  evil  things. 


but  he  that  hateth  gifts 


x6:23.     Ps.  16:11.    139.24.  Je: 

21:8.  Matt.  7:14.  John  14:6. 
y  Phil.  3:20.  Col.  3:1,2. 
z2:18.  5:5.  7:27.  9:18.23:14. 
a  12:7.     14:11,      Job  40:11— 13. 

Ps,   52:1,5.      138:6.       Is.  2:12. 

Dan.  5:20.     1  Pet,  5:5. 
b   Deut.    10:17,13,     Ps.   63:5,6. 

146:9.  Jam.  1:27. 
c   6:16—19.     24:9.       Jer.    4:14. 

Watt.  15:19. 
d  23,    Ps.  19:14.  37:30,31.  45:1. 

M^.tt.  12:3J— 37. 


Heb.   7vords  of  pleasantness, 
e  1:19.    11:29.    20:21.      Deut.  7: 

26.    Josh.  6:13.    7:11,12,24,25. 

1  Sam.  8:3—5.     2  Kings  5:27. 

Is.  5:8-10.     Jer.  17:11.   Hab. 

2:9—11.    Zech.  5:3,4. 
f  28:16.  29:4.     Ex.  13:21.  23:8. 

Deut.  16:19,   Is.  33:15,16. 
S   2.    16:23.      1  Kings  3:23—28. 

Ec.  5:2,6.      1  Pet.  3:15. 
h  10:19.    13:16.    29:11,20.      Ec. 

10:12-14.  Matt.  12:34.  Tit.  1: 

10.11.  .)am   3:6—8.  2  Pet.  2:18 


tions  well,  so  that  thoy  prove  evidently  "words 
in  sea.".on,"  and  produce  the  desired  effect:  im- 
mense {^ood  may  be  done,  which  many  will  see 
and  acfinowleclge;  and  this  will  be  to  him  a 
source  of  satisfaction,  and  a  cause  of  gratitude. 
{Jfotes,  12:14.24:26.  25:1 1,12.  JEc.  3:1  — 1 1.  Is.  50: 
4.  Eph.  4:29.) — Some  connect  this  with  the  pre- 
ceding verse.  When  prudent  and  seasonable  ad- 
vice is  given  by  any  one  among  a  multitude  of 
counsellors,  which  the  rest  had  not  thought  of,  so 
that  the  success  of  the  measure  was  owing  to  it; 
such  a  man  shall  "have  joy  by  the  answer  of  his 
mouth."  No  words  can  express  how  useful  one 
pertinent  and  seasonable  remark  may  prove. 
[JVote,  1  Sam.  25:32,33.)  'If  we  will  that  our  talk 
'be comfortable,  we  must  waitfor  time  and  season.' 

V.  24.  The  way  of  life  is  above  the  reach  and 
conception  of  the  sensual,  and  of  all  who  "love 
the  world  and  the  things  that  are  in  the  world;" 
j'ea,  of  all  those  who  despise  divine  instruction: 
it  is  also  above  the  revolutions  of  this  unstable 
world.  Being  of  heavenly  origin,  it  raises  the 
heart  to  the  love  of  those  things  which  are  above. 
And  the  treasure,  and  the  heart,  being  in  heaven, 
wise  men  depart  farther  and  farther  from  the 
waTS,  which  lead  to  hell  beneath.  {JVotes,  2:18. 
6:"23.  Malt.  26:19—23.  7:13,14.  PM/.  3:20,21.  Col. 
3: 1 — 4.)  'He  that  is  truly  wise,  hath  his  conver- 
'sation  and  affections  above:  and  in  the  holy  way 
'of  obedience  walketh  on  unto  eternal  life.'  Bp. 
Hall, — If  life,  in  this  verse,  means  any  thing-  more 
than  continuance  iu  this  world,  hell  beneath  can- 
not mean  the  grave,  but  the  place  of  future  mis- 
ery: otherwise,  where  i.s  the  contrast.'' 

V.  25.  The  proud  and  insolent  often  trample 
on  the  poor,  while  they  despise  God,  and  scorn 
submission.  But  though  they  build  grand  houses, 
and  get  large  estates  by  oppression  and  wrong, 
and  leave  flourishing  f.l'nilies;  in  a  little  while 
those  will  be  crushed,  and  justice  done  to  the 
orphans  and  widows  whom  they  have  despoiled. 
(JIarg.  Ref.—M)tcs,  12:7.  14:11.  22:22,23.  Job 
402^9—14.   P,s-.  68:5.6.  i)rni.  4:34— 37.  5:18—24.) 

V.  20.  Wicked  designs  and  contrivances, 
though  not  accomplished,  are  abominable  to  God, 
and  will  accordingly  be  punished:  [J^ott-s,  24:8, 
9.  Gen.  6:5.  Jer.  4:''l4.  Matt.  15:15—20.  .'^d*8:18 
— 24.)  btit  the  pious  and  benevolent  discoui-se  of 
tliose,  who  "hare  purified  their  souls,  in  obeying 
606]  ^ 


29  The  Lord  is  '  far  from  the  wick- 
ed; but  ^  he  heareth  the  prayer  of  the 
righteous. 

30  The  '  light  of  the  eyes  rejoiceth 
the  heart;  and  ™  a  good  report  maketh 
°  the  bones  fat. 

31  The  "  ear  that  heareth  the  reproof 
of  life  P  abideth  among  the  wise. 

32  He  that  ''  refuseth  t  instruction  de- 
spiseth  his  own  soul;  but  he  that  t  heareth 
reproof  ^  getteth  understanding. 

33  The  ■■  fear  of  the  Lord  is  the  in- 
struction of  wisdom;  ^  and  before  honor 
is  humility. 


i  Ps.  73  27.   133:6.    Matt.  25:46, 

Eph.  2:12,13. 
k  8.     Ps.    34:15—17.     66:18,19. 

145:18,19.    Is.  53:8,9.     John  9: 

31.     Rom.  8:26,27.    Jam.  5:16 

—  18.      1  Pet.  3:12. 
1  13:9.  Ezra  9:8.  Ec.  11:7.  Rev. 

21:23.  22:5. 
m  17:22.  25:25.  Ps.  89:15.  Luke 

2:10—19. 
n  3:8.  Is.  58:11. 
o5.   1:23.    9:3,9.    13:20.     19:20. 

25:12.   Is.  55:3. 
p  1  John  2:19. 


q    l:24,&c.     5:11,12.    8:33—36. 

Ps.  50:17.    fJeb.  12:25. 
t  Or,  correction.    29:1.    Is.  1:5. 

Jer.  5:3.     Ez.  24:13,14. 
XOT,oheyeth.    5:13.     Deut.  21; 

13,20.     Matt.  7:2'1— 27.     Jam. 

1:22.    Rev.  3:19. 
^Yibh.possesseth  an  heart.  14, 

21.  marg.   17:16.   18:15. 
r  1:7.  8:13.     Job  28:28.    Ps.  34: 

II.    111:10. 
s  18:12.  25:6,7.  29:23.  Luke  I4i 

11.     Phil.  2:5— 11.  Jam.  4:10.' 

1  Pet.  5:5. 


the  truth  throiightheSpirit,  unto  unfeigned  love," 
are  acceptable  to  him;  even  when  little  more  is 
in  their  power,  or  when  their  endeavors  to  do 
good  fail  of  success.  [Motes,  23.  Ps.  19:12—14. 
37:29—21.  45:1.  Matt.  12:34—37.) 

V.  27.  The  covetous  man  wnll  let  none  of 
his  family  have  any  rest  or  enjoyment.  Greedi- 
ness of  gain  likewise  often  tempts  men  to  embark 
in  projects,  which  entail  ruin  on  their  families;  to 
commit  perjuries,  or  to  take  bribes,  which  cause 
pt.'haps  their  estates  to  be  confiscated;  or  to  use 
sucii  iniquitous  methods  of  growing  rich,  as  bring 
the  curse  of  God  on  all  their  possessions,  which 
descend  to  their  heirs  with  that  dreadful  incum- 
brance. But  he  who  hates  bribes,  and  every 
dishonest  or  unseemly  gain,  shall  live  in  credit 
and  comfort.  [J^otes,  1:17—19.11:29.28:15,16. 
Josh.  7:21—26.  2  Kings  5:26,27.  Is.  33:15,16. 
Hab.  2:9—1 1.  Zech.  5:1—4.) 

V.  28.    ^o<e*,  2,23.  13:16.  29:20. 

V.  29.    Marg.  Re/.— See  on  8,9. 

V.  ^0.  The  works  of  creation,  and  the  various 
objects  that  we  behold,  give  great  pleasure  to  the 
mind,  and  endear  to  us  the  light  of  the  sun,  and 
the  organs  of  sight:  and  good  tidings  cheer  the 
heart,  and  conduce  to  health.  How  delightful 
then  must  it  be  to  the  humble  sinner,  to  hear  the 
good  report  of  salvation,  and  to  have  the  eyes  en- 
lightened to  behold  the  glory  of  God  in  the  foce  of 
Jesus  Christ! — Many  understand  the  good  report, 
or  hearing,  of  the  pleasure  arising  from  a  good 
character.  'Nothing  ...  makes  a  man  so  cheer- 
'ful  in  well  doing,  as  to  hear  a  fair  report  of  his 
'own  honest  actions;  or  to  receive  the  good  news 
'of  the  well-doing  of  other  virtuous  men.'  Bp. 
Patrick.  But  any  other  really  good  news  may 
have  a  similar  effect.  [J^otes,  25:13,25.  Ps.  4:6 — 
8.  89:15—18.  Ec.  11:7,8.  Is.  58:8—12.  Luke  2:8— 
14.  Rev.  21:22—27.  22:2—5.) 

V.  31,32.  (JVb/e*,  1:5,6.  9:7— 9.)  A  humble, 
teachable  temper,  attended  with  patient  and  obe- 
dient endurance  of  reproof,  is  one  of  the  "things 
which  accompany  salvation."  This  man  "pos- 
sesselh  an  heart."  [J^ote,  17:16.)  'He  is  to  be 
'numbered  among  the  wise,  and  shall  at  last  be 
'able  to  give  good  instructions  to  others.'  Bp. 
Patrick.  (jYotes,  1:24—31.  5:3—14.  13:20. 19:20. 
Matt.  7:24—27.) 

V.  33.    The  grand  instruction  of  heavenly  wis- 


B.  C.  976. 


CHAPTER  XV. 


B.  C.  976. 


dom,  is  this: — 'Fear  God,  submit  to  liim,  and  obey 
'him-.'  {.JYotes,  1:7.  Job  28:28.  Ps.  111:9,10.  Er. 
12:11 — 14.)  and  humility  is  the  forerunner  and 
preparation  for  genuine  honor.  'God  exalte th 
'none,  but  them  that  are  truly  humbled.'  [J^Iarg. 
Ref.  s.—JVotes,  18:12.  Luke  W.l—W.  Phil.  "1:5 
—11.  Jam.  4:4—10.  J  Pet.  5:5—7.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
V.  1—18. 
What  inexhaustible  mines  of  wisdom  are  con- 
tained in  the  sacred  Scriptures!  Every  chapter 
that  we  consider  forms  a  rich  vein  of  this  invalu- 
able ore;  and  our  researclies  serve  only  to  con- 
vince us,  that  we  are  as  yet  working  merely  on 
the  surface.  May  the  Lord  give  us  a  heart  to 
value,  and  to  labor  for,  these  treasures,  that  they 
may  become  our  own,  that  we  may  be  of  "good 
understanding  in  the  way  of  godliness!" — As  "the 
wisdom  from  above  is  first  pure,  then  peaceable, 
gentle  and  easy  to  be  entreated,  full  of  mercy  and 
good  fruits,  without  partiality  and  hypocrisy;" 
(cA'bte,  Jam.  3:17,18.)  it  always  dictates  those 
"soft  answers  which  turn  away  wrath,"  and  bri- 
dles the  tongue  from  uttering  tl^e  "grievous  words 
that  stir  up  anger;"  even  when  the  sarcastical  wit 
and  ingenuity  of  them  would  be  suited  to  gain  the 
applause  of  the  ill-judging  multitude. — He  that  is 
humble  and  meek  shuns  all  dispute,  whenever  he 
can  do  it  with  a  clear  conscience:  he  appeases  an- 
ger, and  disarms  resentment,  by  every  reasona- 
ble concession:  he  uses  his  influence  to  calm  the 
passions  of  others;  to  terminate  or  prevent  litiga- 
tions and  controversies;  and  to  promote  peace 
among  his  neighbors,  and  among  his  fellow  Chris- 
tians, as  far  as  truth  and  holiness  will  admit  of  it. 
Thus  he  leads  a  comparatively  happy  life,  and  is  a 
blessing  to  others:  for  "the  fruit  of  righteousness  1 
is  sown  in  peace  of  them  that  make  peace:"  but ! 
"where  envy  and  strife  are,  there  is  confusion 
and  every  evil  work." — Yet  alas!  thoJe  wrathful 
men  that  stir  up  the  fire  of  strife,  provided  they 
have  wit  or  eloquence,  are  most  admired,  not 
only  in  the  world,  but  even  in  the  church;  and  are 
the  great  favorites  of  the  several  sects  and  par- 
ties, into  which  it  is  unhappily  divided — In  this 
view,  however,  how  important  is  the  use  or  abuse 
of  the  tongue!  For  "a  healing  tongue  is  indeed  a 
tree  of  life;  but  perverseness  therein  is  a  breacli 
in  the  spirit."  Nor  can  the  mischief  be  conceiv- 
ed, which  is  continually  done,  while  "the  mouth 
of  fools  poureth  out  foolishness,"  impiety,  and 
profligacy,  and  every  pernicious  principle;  and 
while  others,  no  wiser  than  they,  but  not  such 
proficients  in  the  school  of  profaneness,  relisli  and 
feed  on  their  foolishness.  Yet  this  unruly  mem- 
ber, which  is  full  of  deadly  poison,  yea,  "a  fire,  a 
world  of  iniquity;"  which  setteth,pn  fire  the  whole 
course  of  nature,  and  is  set  on  fire  of  hell;"  is  also 
one  main  instrument,  which  God  employs  in  dis- 
playing his  own  glory,  and  promoting  the  cau^e 
of  truth  and  righteousness  on  earth!  For  "a 
good  man,  out  of  the  good  treasure  of  his  heart, 
bringeth  forth  good  things."  He  has  understand- 
ing, and  he  seeks  knowledge:  "the  word  of  Christ 
dwells  in  him  richly,  in  all  wisdom  and  spiritual 
understanding;"  [JVote.,  Col.  3:15,16.)and  thus  he 
learns  to  "use  knowledge  aris^ht."  For  it  is  not 
enough  to  speak  things  that  are  true  and  good: 
but  much  wisdom  is  required  to  adapt  our  dis- 
course to  the  occasions  which  present  themselves; 
that,  by  a  due  respect  to  the  character,  circum- 
stances, and  wants  of  the  persons  addressed,  we 
may  speak  to  the  case  decisively,  and  so  as  to  ob- 
viate objections  and  evasions;  wliether  our  object 
be  to  silence  gainsayers,  to  rectify  mistakes,  to 
preserve  those  who  are  in  danger  of  being  deceiv- 
ed, to  encourage  the  desponding,  to  conciliate 
those  that  are  entering  into  conteiition,  or  to  con- 
vince the  prejudiced.     In  this  way  "the  lips  of 


the  wise  disperse  knowledge:"  they  learn  the  in- 
structions of  life  from  each  other,  and  then  com- 
municate them  in  their  circles,  whether  as  minis- 
ters or  private  Christians,  and  thus  render  "many 
wise  unto  salvation,"  who  at  length  become  able 
;  to  teach  others  also.  Those  who  would  be  quali- 
fied for  such  useful  services,  and  employed  in 
them,  must  begin  by  welcoming  instruction  and 
even  reproof;  and  by  learning  to  profit  by  their 
own  mistakes:  for  he,  who  proudly  or  carelessly 
refuses  instruction,  despises  his  own  life  and  the 
interests  of  his  immortal  soul;  but  he,  who  with 
docility,  seriousness,  and  humility,  can  bear  to 
be  reproved  for  his  faults  and  convinced  of  his  er- 
rors, will  always  be  getting  understanding.  la 
like  manner,  when  any  one  thankfuUj-  and  pa- 
{tiently  hearkens  to  the  admonitions  of  the  scrip- 
tures, and  takes  pleasure  in  faithful  instruction, 
though  he  finds  himself  continually  condemned, 
for  one  part  or  other  of  his  conduct;  and  when  he 
loves  those  who  reprove  him,  and  prefers  the  com- 
pany of  wise  and  pious  men,  from  whom  he  may 
learn  some  salutary  lessons;  we  may  confidently 
expect  that  he  will  become  a  wise  and  useful  man. 
But  when  a  person,  who  is  evidently  in  the  patli 
of  ruin,  is  offended  with  those  that  would  set  him 
right;  when  he  imbibes  a  strong  ])rejudice  against 
every  one  who  rebukes  him,  and  despises  even  a 
father's  admonition;  when  he  shuns  the  compaliy 
or  ministry  of  those,  who  point  out  to  him  his 
guilt  and  danger;  there  is  too  great  reason  to  fear, 
that  he  is  a  scorner,  who  hates  to  be  reformed, 
and  is  bent  on  his  own  destruction:  for  "correc- 
tion is  grievous  to  him  that  forsakcth  the  way, 
and  he  that  hateth  reproof  shall  die." — Forgetful- 
ness  of  God  is  the  great  source  of  all  the  other 
sins  and  follies,  into  which  men  are  hurried  by 
their  passions:  for,  did  they  well  consider,  that 
"the  e3'es  of  the  Loro  are  in  every  place,  behold- 
ing the  evil  and  the  good;"  and  that  "hell  and  de- 
struction are  before  him,  much  more  the  hearts 
of  the  children  of  men;"  they  must  be  restrained 
in  their  evil  courses  by  dread  of  his  almighty  in- 
dignation. But  "God  is  not  in  all  their  thoughts;" 
and  therefore  their  ways  are  an  abomination  unto 
him.  Would  we  then  be  found  among  those  who 
"follow  after  righteousness,"  and  "whom  the 
Lord  love'th;"  let  these  thoughts  be  habitually  in 
our  minds:  "Thou  God  seest  me;"  thou  seest  my 
most  secret  desires  and  motives;  "thou  requirest 
truth  in  the  inward  parts:"  "the  sacrifice  of  the 
wicked  is  an  abomination  to  thee,  but  the  prayer 
of  the  upright  is  thy  delight."  For  these  consid- 
erations are  peculiarly  suited  to  arm  our  minds 
against  temptation;  and  to  animate  our  hope  of 
his  mercy  and  favor. —  It  is  of  gi-eat  importance  to 
have  right  principles  early  imprinted  in  the  minds 
of  young  persons.  Alas!  hoAv  few  parents  con- 
tinually endeavor,  by  instruction,  conversation, 
a*id  example,  to  convince  their  children,  that 
"better  is  a  little  with  the  fear  of  the  Lord,  than 
great  treasure,  and  trouble  therewith!"  How 
tew  seem  to  believe  it  themselves!  yet  it  is  the 
"sure  testimony"  of  God;  and  is  confirmed  by 
universal  experience  and  observation.  For  in- 
deed, "godliness  with  contentment  is  great 
gain;"  and  those  who  possess  it  "have  all  and 
abound,''  even  when  the  carnal  ej'e  sees  very  lit- 
tle: they  have  treasure  in  heaven,  and  treasures 
in  the  heart,  and  in  the  house:  their  present 
wants  are  supplied,  and  tlic  Lord  is  with  them  as 
their  Portion,  and  their  Treasurer  to  supply  their 
temporal  wants;  without  the  cares,  troubles,  and 
temptations,  whicli  accompany  tlie  revenues  of 
the  wicked — Brotherly  love  and  harmony,  like- 
wise, spring  from  love  to  God,  and  from  men's  ex- 
perience and  scriptural  persuasion  of  his  love  to 
them:  and  this  renders  a  limncr  of  herbs  more  rel- 
ishing than  the  most  luxurious  feasts  of  those, 
who  "arc  living  in  malice  and  envy,  hateful,  ai)d 


C.  976. 


PROVERBS. 


B.  C.  976. 


CHAP.  XVI. 

Maxims  of  wisdom,  relating  to  the  providence  of  God;  the  povyer 
and  duty  of  kings;  the  evil  of  pride,  calumny,  discord,  and 
violence;  and  the  excellency  of  prudence,  meekness,  and  in- 
tPo-rilv,  1—33 


THE  *  preparations  of  the  heart  in 
man,    ^  and    the    answer    of  the 
tongue,  is  from  the  Lord. 


a  Ps.  10  17.   119:36.    Jer.  10:23. 

32:39,40.    Ez.  3(j:26,27.     Phil. 

2:13.      Jam.  l:lti — 18. 
*  Or,  dispasinirs.  ^\:1.     2  Chr. 

18-31.      F/.iN.  "7:-'7.    Neh.  1:11. 


hating  one  another."  And  as  riches  too  com- 
monly increase  pride,  and  furnish  abundant  caus- 
es of  litigation;  the  rich  are  seldom  exempt  from 
wrath,  envy,  and  strife,  which  mar  all  their  en- 
■oyment. — By  faith  and  prayer,  those  who  "fear 
the  Lord  and  hope  in  his  mercy,"  derive  from 
him  inward  consolations:  the  discoveries  which 
they  make  of  the  g-lory  of  God,  and  the  excel- 
lency of  heavenly  things,  rejoice  their  hearts;  and 
the  glad  tidings  and  precious  promises  of  the 
gospel,  comfort  and  nourish  their  souls.  "A  mer- 
ry heart,"  thus  obtained,  "maketh  a  cheerful 
countenance,"  and  is  "a  continual  feast;"  but  all 
other  mirth  is  madness:  while  "the  sorrow  of  the 
•iTorld  worketh  death."  Cares,  fears,  disappoint- 
ments, loss  of  friends,  and  other  trials,  when 
there  is  no  hope  in  God  or  submission  to  him,  in- 
duce sullen  despondency,  break  the  spirit,  ren- 
der life  miserable,  shorten  a  man's  days,  or  even 
tempt  him  to  suicide.  But  the  grace  of  God 
teaches  patience,  and  thankfulness  for  remaining 
unmerited  mercies,  and  inspires  hope;  and  thus 
enables  a  man  to  be  joyful  in  tribulations.  Even 
godly  sorrow  has  its  peculiar  sweetness  and  sup- 
ports; it  brings  the  heart  into  a  penitent,  submis- 
siv3  frame,  and  makes  way  for  joy  in  the  Lord. 
And  if  pious  persons  are  dejected,  this  arises  ei- 
ther from  some  misapprehension,  from  the  weak- 
ness of  faith,  and  want  of  prevailing  hope,  or  of  a 
more  single  and  devoted  frame  of  mind.  We 
should  therefore  cultivate  cheerfulness;  lest  we 
bring  an  evil  report  on  our  profession,  and  cause 
the  unexperienced  to  conclude  that  we  serve  a 
hard  Master,  and  that  wisdom's  ways  are  not 
pleasantness  and  peace. 

V.  19—33. 
A  considerable  part  of- the  miseries  of  life,  and 
even  of  the  disconsolation  of  professed  Christians, 
arises  from  sloth  and  procrastination,  which  also 
very  generally  occasion  the  ruin  of  men's  im- 
mortal souls.  For  the  way  of  the  sluggard  is,  in 
every  thing,  like  pressing  through  a  thorn-hedge: 
a  thousand  hindrances  and  difficulties  obstruct 
bis  path,  which  he  has  not  vigor  to  break  through. 
Thus  many  are  all  their  life  uneasy,  because  in- 
dolent; they  live  in  continual  war  with  their  own 
consciences,  and  in  doubt  about  their  state,  be- 
cause in  continual  neglect  of  some  part  of  their 
known  duty:  but  the  path  of  the  wise  and  con- 
sistent Christian,  who  is  diligent  in  his  proper 
work,  and  "exercises  himself  to  have  a  con- 
science void  of  offence,"  becomes  plain  and  pleas- 
ant. In  like  manner,  many  form  very  good  de- 
signs, which  come  to  nothing  for  want  of  due  de- 
liberation, and  advising  with  prudent  counsellors: 
and  thus  disappointment  enhances  their  uneasi- 
ness; while  a  man's  purposes  being  established 
gives  him  inward  satisfaction.  That  greediness 
of  gain  also,  which  springs  from  ignorance  or 
neglect  of  a  better  inheritance,  whether  a  man 
be  rapacious  in  order  to  hoard,  or  to  squander; 
instead  of  producing  an  accession  to  his  happi- 
ness, proves  a  perpetual  source  of  uneasiness  to 
himself  and  to  liis  family:  whereas  the  disdain  of 
filthy  lucre  conduces  more  to  comfort,  than  the 
largest  gains  of  ungodliness  possibly  could.  But 
this  "wav  of  life  is  above  to  the  wise;"  and  fools 
50S] 


2  Cor.  8:16. 
b    Ex.  4:11,12,15.     Jer.  1:7— 9. 
Matt.  10:19,20.  Luke  12:11,12. 
21:14,15. 


2  All  •=  the  ways  of  a  man  are  clean  in 
his  own  eyes;  '^  but  the  Lord  weigheth 
the  spirits. 

3  I  Commit  ^  thy  works  unto  the  Lord, 


c  25.  21:2.  30:12.  1  Sam.  15: 
13,14.  Ps.  3b:2.  Jer.  2:22,23. 
Luke  18:9—11.     Rom.  7:7—9. 

d5:21.  24:12.  1  Sam.  16:7.  Is. 
26:7.     Jer.   17:10.     Dan.  5:27. 


Luke  16:15.  Rev.  2:18,23. 
t  Heb.  Roll. 
e  Job   5:8.     Ps.  37:4,5.    55:23. 

Matt.    6:25,&c.      Luke   12:22. 

Phil.  4:6.    1  Pet.  5:7. 


never  raise  their  hearts  or  thoughts  high  enough 
to  desire,  or  even  conceive  of,  such  pleasures, 
honors,  and  treasures,  as  are  found  in  it;  but 
cleaving  to  the  dust,  or  grovelling  in  the  mire  of 
sinful  pursuits,  they  fall  into  hell  beneath.  For, 
refusing  instruction,  delighting  in  folly  and  mis- 
chief, and  not  so  much  as  regarding,  whether  an 
aged  father  or  a  tender  mother  rejoice  or  mourn 
over  them;  numbers  reduce  to  practice  the 
abominable  thoughts  of  their  hearts,  till  shame 
and  conscience  make  little  resistance;  and  till 
their  crimes,  by  necessary  consequence,  plunge 
them  into  ruin  without  remedy. — But  the  pure  in 
heart  speak  such  things  as  are  pleasing  to  God 
and  useful  to  man,  and  such  as  will  give  thera 
satisfaction  when  afterwards  recollected,  espe- 
cially at  the  day  of  judgment.  They  "study  to 
answer,"  and  often  are  enabled  to  speak  a  word 
in  season,  unspeakably  more  valuable  than  gold 
or  precious  stones:  and  the}'  will  eventually  find, 
that  the  Lord  heard  and  answered,  in  the  best 
manner,  all  their  prayers;  for  he  gives  wisdom, 
strength,  victory,  and  joy.  Let  then  the  hearts 
of  those  rejoice  who  seek  his  face:  let  the  father- 
less and  widow  trust  in  him;  and  let  the  haughty 
oppressor  tremble  before  him:  "for  be  will  de- 
stroy the  house  of  the  proud,  but  he  will  establish 
the  border  of  the  widow."  And  let  us  all  remem- 
ber, that  "the  fear  of  the  Lord  is  the  instruction 
of  wisdom;"  and  that  before  durable  honor  is  hu- 
mility: for  he  causes  every  man  to  feel  his  own 
vileness  and  poverty,  before  he  confers  on  him 
wisdom,  righteousness,  honor,  and  immortalit)';  or 
employs  bim  in  any  very  honorable  and  useful 
service. 

NOTES. 

Chap.  XVI.  V.  1.  The  grace  of  God  alone 
prepares  the  heart  for  every  good  work;  and  the 
wisdom,  which  he  gives,  dictates  every  prudent 
and  pious  answer  and  observation,  which  we 
make.  'From  him  all  holy  desires,  all  good 
'counsels,  and  all  just  works  do  proceed.'  LNotes, 
21:1.  Ps.  10:17,18,  «.  17.  Ezra  1:21,28.  Jer.  10: 
23 — 25,  V.  23.) — This  is  a  scriptural  and  obvious 
exposition  of  the  verse,  as  it  stands  in  our  trans- 
lation; but  the  original  does  not  seem  to  admit  of 
it.  Literally  it  is,  "To  man  the  disposings  [ma7'g.) 
of  the  heart;  and  from  Jehovah,  the  answer  of 
the  tongue."  Man  may  form  liis  plans,  accord- 
ing to  the  desires  of  his  heart,  and  he  may  pur- 
pose what  to  speak,  on  any  important  occasion: 
but  at  the  last  God  will  so  order  it,  that  nothing 
shall  be  said  but  what  serves  to  accomplish  his 
purposes.  Thus  Balaam  could  only  speak  that 
which  God  put  into  his  mouth;  though  his  love 
for  "the  wages  of  unrighteousness"  made  him 
very  desirous  of  cursing  Israel.  (JSTotes,  9,33.  19: 
21.  i:.r.  4:11,12,15.  JVww.  22:34,35.  Luke  2\:\2— 
19,  V.  15.) — 'Man  revolves  innumerable  thoughts 
'in  his  mind,  but  he  cannot  even  lisp  t^em,  or 
'move  his  tongue,  without  God.  ...  He  derideth 
'the  presumption  of  man,  who  dareth  to  attribute 
'to  himself  any  thing,  as  to  prepare  his  heart,  or 
'such  like;  seeing  he  is  not  able  to  speak  a  word, 
'except  God  give  it  him.' 

V.  2.  Ignorance,  heedlessness,  pride,  and  self- 
flattery  render  men  very  partial  judges  in  their 


B.  C.  976. 


CHAPTER  XVI. 


B.  C.  976. 


and  'thy  thoughts   shall  be  established. 

4  The  s  Lord  hath  made  all  things  for 
himself;  ^  yea,  even  the  wicked  for  the 
day  of  evil. 

5  Every  one  '  that  is  proud  in  heart  is 
an  abomination  to  the  Lord:  ^  though 
hand  join  in  hand  he  shall  not  be  *  un- 
punished. 

6  By  ^  mercy  and  truth  iniquity  is 
purged;  and  ■"  by  the  fear  of  the  Lord 
men  depart  from  evil. 

7  When   a  man's   ways   "  please   the 

f  Job  2-2:28.   Is.  7:5— 7.  "      "'     "     "'      ~    " 


Lord,  °  he  maketh  even  his  enemies  to 
be  at  peace  with  him. 

8  Better  p  is  a  little  with  righteousness, 
than  "i  great  revenues  without  right. 
I  9  A  man's  "■  heart  deviseth  his  way; 
but  the  Lord  directeth  his  steps. 
I  10  t  A  divine  sentence  is  in  the  lips  of 
the  king:  his  mouth  ^  transgresseth  not  in 
judgment. 

j      11  A  "just  weight  and  balance  are  the 
Lord's:  all  the  *  weights  of  the  bag  are 


Rom.  11:36.  Rev. 
iPet. 


g  Is.  43:7,21 

4:11. 
h  Job  21:30.  Rom.  9:22 

2:8.    2  Pet.  2:3,9. 
i  6:16,17.  8:13.  Job  40:12.  Jam 

4:6. 
Ic  11:21. 
*  Heb.  held  innocent.    Ex.  20 

7.  Is.  3:11.    Rom.  2:8,9. 


120:28'    Ps.  85:10.    Mic.  7:18 

20.     Luke    11:41.     John   15:2. 

Acts  15:9.     1  Pet.  1:22. 
m8:13.  14:16.  Gen.  20:11.  Neh. 

5:9,15.     Job    M— 8.    28:28.    2 

Cor.  7:1.     Eph.  5:21. 
n   Ps.  69:31.     Phil.  4:18.     Col. 

1:10.  3:20.  Heb.  13:21.   IJohn 

3:22. 


his  w 

o  Gen. 

Jer.  15 
p  15:16. 

6—9. 
q  21:6,7 
rl.   19:2 

23.  Is. 
t     Heb 

5,15. 
s    13,13, 


ork. 


7:41.    32:6,7,28.    33:4. 
:1].    Acts  9:1,2,19,20. 
Ps.    37:16.      1  Tim.  6: 

.  Jer.  17:11.    Mic.  6:10. 
1.  20:24.  21:30.    Ps.  37: 
46:10.    Jer.  10:23. 
Divination.    Gen.  44: 

Deut.    17:18—20.    2 


Sam.  23:3,4.     Ps.  45:6,7.    72.1 

—4.  99:4.    Is.  32:1,2.     Jer.  23: 

5,6. 
t  Hos.  10:4.  Am.  5:7.  6:13. 
u  11:1.  20:10,23.  Lev.  19:35,36. 

Dent.  25:13-15.      Ez.  45:10. 

Hos.  12:7.     Am.  8:5.     Mic.  6: 

11. 
i  Heb.  stones. 


own  cause:  so  that  in  general,  they  vindicate  or 
palliate  the  most  evident  iniquity  or  profligacy, 
in  their  own  case,  and  still  more  their  neglect 
of  God  and  religion.  But  the  Lord  judges 
with  perfect  impartiality,  and  with  complete 
knowledge  of  the  motives  of  every  heart; 
and  he  decides  upon  every  action  and  char- 
acter, according  to  the  immutable  standard 
of  his  holy  law:  no  wonder  then  that  his  decisions 
are  so  widely  different  from  those,  which  men 
form  of  themselves.  [JVotes,  5:20 — 23,  v.  21.  14: 
12.  21:2.  24:11,12.  30:11— 14,  v.  12.  1  Sam.  15: 
13,14.  16:6,7.  Jer.  17:9,10.  Z>a».  5:25— 28,  v.  27. 
Luke  12:13,14.) 

V.  3.  Whatever  a  man  undertakes  according 
to  the  will  of  God,  either  in  his  personal  concerns, 
or  in  those  of  a  more  public  nature,  he, ought  to  put 
it  into  bis  hands,  to  be  disposed  of  and  prospered 
by  him  as  he  pleases.  Then  he  will  avoid  anxie- 
ty, and  cheeriully  use  the  proper  means;  and  his 
purposes  will  be  established  and  accomplished,  as 
far  as  it  is  for  his  true  interest.  [J^otes,  Job  22: 
21—30,  V.  28.  Ps.  37:5—8.  Ec.  9:1—3,  -v.  1.  Phil. 
4:5—7.   1  Pet.  5:5—7,  v.  7.) 

V.  4.  The  Lord  orders  and  governs  all  things, 
with  a  view  to  the  display  of  his  own  perfections, 
that  they  may  be  known  and  adored  by  his  ra- 
tional creatures:  he  is  his  own  great  End  in  all 
his  works:  and  though  some  of  his  creatures  have 
apostatized  and  rebelled  against  him,  even  tliey, 
though  undesignedly,  concur  in  displaying  his 
glory.  He  is  not  the  Author  of  their  wicked- 
ness; but  he  foresaw  it,  and  formed  his  plan  with 
a  view  to  it.  Contrary  to  their  intentions,  he 
uses  their  agency  to  accomplish  many  of  his  wise 
and  holy  purposes:  he  makes  use  of  the  malevo- 
lence of  some  wicked  men  to  execute  righteous 
vengeance  on  others;  and  he  will  at  last  be  glori- 
fied by  their  final  destruction,  in  the  day  of  wrath 
and  revelation  of  his  righteous  judgment.  [JSIarg. 
Ref.—JSTotes,  £a:.  9:13— 16.  2  Kings  10:29— 31. 
Job  21:27—30.  Ps.  76:10.  /*.  10:5—14.  45:7. 
Rom.  9:15—18,22,23.  11:33—36.  1  Pet.  2:7,8. 
Rev.  4:9—11.) 

V.  5.  JIarg.  Ref.—J>irotes,  6:16—19.  8:13.  1 1:21. 
/*.  2:10—18. 

V.  6.  Mercy  and  truth  are  constantly  united 
in  scripture,  when  the  forgiveness  and  salvation 
of  sinners  are  spoken  of:  "Grace  and  truth  came 
by  Jesus  Christ:"  (M)te,  John  1:17.)  but  nothing 
can  be  more  contrary  to  the  general  tenor  of  the 
sacred  oracles,  than  to  suppose  that  the  kindness, 
compassion,  or  faithfulness  of  one  man  to  another, 
can  expiate  (for  so  the  original  means,)  the  guilt 
of  his  sins  before  God.  The  verse  therefore  seems 


to  mean,  that  by  the  mercy  and  truth  of  God, 
through  the  promised  Savior,  an  expiation  has 
been  devised  and  revealed  for  taking  away  the 
sins  of  the  world,  and  pardons  actually  granted 
to  believers:  and  that  when  sinners  are  brought 
to  fear  God,  the}^  repent,  and  do  works  meet  for 
repentance,  and  walk  in  newness  of  life.  Some 
indeed  explain  it  of  the  happy  effects  arising  from 
the  exercise  of  mercy  and  truth,  in  averting  na- 
tional judgments;  and  their  remarks  are  worthy 
of  attention:  but  yet  the  term  covered,  or  expiated, 
does  not  well  admit  of  this  construction.  These 
things  may  be  a  "lengthening  of  tranquillity," 
but  they  cannot  be  a  "propitiation  for  sin." 
(JVotes,  8:13.  20:28.  Ps.  85:10—13.  Dan.  4:27. 
J\Iic.  7:18—20.  Luke  11:41.) 

V.  7.  'The  best  way  to  have  our  enemies 
'reconciled  to  us,  is  for  us  first  to  be  reconciled 
'to  God.'  Bp.  Patrick. — When  any  man,  in  the 
general  purpose  and  tenor  of  his  conduct,  en- 
deavors to  please  the  IjOrd;  he,  who  has  all  hearts 
in  his  hands,  will  dispose  even  those  who  were 
his  foes,  to  become  his  friends.  (Marg.  Rcf. 
o.— JVotes,  Gen.  32:6—12,27,28.  33:4.  Ps.  106:46. 
Dan.  1:8—16,  v.  9.  Acts  9:1—22.) 

V.  8.  'A  small  estate,  honestly  gotten  and 
'charitably  enjoyed,  is  much  to  be  preferred  be- 
'fore  vast  incomes,  heaped  up  by  oppression,  and 
'kept  without  hospitality.'  Bp.  Patrick. — So  in- 
deed is  the  scanty  maintenance,  earned  by  hard 
but  honest  labor.  (JV'b<cs,15:16— 18.  Ps.  37:16,17.) 

V.  9.  J\Iarg.Ref.—J\^otes,  1.20:24.21:30.  Ps. 
37:23,24. 

V.  10.  (Ma7-g.)  As  the  future  is  sometimes 
used  for  the  imperative,  in  the  original  scriptures, 
this  verse  may  mean,  "A  divine  sentence  is  in 
the  lips  of  the  king;  let  not  his  mouth  transgress 
in  judgment."  In  the  same  way  several  of  the 
ten  commandments  are  given.  (JVotes,  Ex.  20: 
3 — 7.)  Undoubtedly  this  is  the  implied  maxim. 
It  shews  how  wise  and  good  kings  do  act,  and 
how  all  kings  ought  to  act.  Their  edicts  and 
decisions  should,  v.  ithout  exception,  be  the  re- 
sult of  heavenly  wisdom  and  justice;  and  they 
ought  to  be  the  more  careful  to  avoid  errors  or 
partial  decrees,  as  there  is  no  appeal  on  earth 
from  their  tribunal.  {JVotes,  11 — 15.  Deut.  17: 
18—20.  2  Saw.  23:3,4.  P*.  72:1— 7.  /a-.  32:1,2. 
Jer.  23:5,6.) — Who  would  have  expected  to  find 
in  this  proverb  a  proof  of  the  Pope's  infallibility.'' 
yet  it  has  actually  been  brought  forward  as  one! 
'If  kings  are  infallible,  much  more  popes.'  Argu- 
ments must  be  extremely  scarce,  when  such  are 
alleged. 

V.  1 1.     'If  they  be  true  and  just,  they  are  God's 

(■509 


B.  C.  976. 


PROVERBS. 


B.  C.  976. 


12  It  is  ^  an  abomination  to  kings  to 
commit  wickedness;  >'  for  the  throne  is 
estabhshed  by  righteousness. 

13  '^Righteous  hps  are  the  dehght  of 
kings;  and  they  love  him  that  speaketh 
right. 

1 4  The  ^  wrath  of  a  king  is  as  ^  mes- 
sengers of  death;  *=  but  a  wise  man  will 
pacify  it. 

15  In  ''the  light  of  the  king's  counte- 
nance is  life;  and  ^  his  favor  is  as  a  cloud 
of  the  latter  rain. 

16  How  much  ^better  is  it  to  get  wis- 
dom than  gold!  and  to  get  understanding 
rather  to  be  chosen  than  silver! 

[Practical  Obse?vations.] 

17  The  s  highway  of  the  upright  is  to 


X  28:9.     Deut.  25:16.    Luke  12: 

48. 
y  20:18.  25:5.    29:14.     Ps.  99:4. 
"Rev.  19:11. 

z  14:35.  22:11.    Ps.  101:5—7. 
a  20:2.     Dan.    3:13,&c.     Luke 

12:4,5. 
b    17:11.       2   Kings   6:31 33. 

Mark  6:27. 
c  Ec.  10:4.    Acts  12:20.    2  Cor. 


5:20. 
d  19:12.    Job  29:23,24.     Ps.  4:6. 

21:6.     Acts  2:28. 
e  Ps.  30:5.     72:6.       Hos.  6:3. 

Zech.  10:1. 
f  3:15—18.  4:7.  8:10,11,19.  Job 

23:13,&c.      Ps.   119:127.     Ec. 

7:12.   Matt.  16:26.    Luke  12:21. 
g  4:24—27.      Is.  35:8.     Acts  10: 

35.  24:16.    Tit.  2:10—14. 


'work,  and  he  delighteth  therein:  but  otherwise, 
'if  they  be  false,  they  are  the  work  of  the  devil, 
'and  to  their  condemnation  that  use  them.' — 
Kings  should  not  only  do  justice  themselves;  but 
see  that  their  subjects  do  justice  to  each  other, 
not  thinking  the  inspection  of  weights  and  meas- 
ures, and  such  other  matters  as  may  prevent 
fraud  and  oppression,  beneath  their  notice;  as  the 
Lord  himself  peculiarly  notices  them,  and  ac- 
counts a  just  weight  and  balance  his  own  work, 
his  own  appointment  and  dehght.  [Marg,  Re/. — 
See  on  JVoie  11:1.)  * 

V.  12,  13.  These  verses  are  in  some  versions 
rendered  imperatively: — "Let  it  be  an  abomina- 
tion to  kings,"  &c.  As  wickedness  is  more  per- 
nicious and  abominable  in  kings,  than  in  other 
men,  seeing  they  are  the  delegates  of  heaven  for 
the  punishment  of  evil-doers;  so  they  ought  to 
abominate  it  more  than  other  men,  and  consider 
righteousness  as  the  basis  and  support  of  their 
thrones.  They  should  therefore  discourage  all 
flatterers,  calumniators,  ofBcious  informers,  and 
lying  teachers;  and  delight  in  those  alone,  who 
speak  the  words  of  truth  and  righteousness. 
(J^'oles,  10.  22:11.  25:4,5.  29:12,14.  Ps.  101:5— 
7.  Is.  33:5,6.) — Those  who  adhere  to  our  trans- 
lation, feel  the  necessity  of  supplying  the  epithet 
good  to  the  kings  of  whom  they  speak:  and  with 
the  addition,  the  affirmative  sense  may  be  sup- 
ported: [J^Toie,  18:22.)  the  instruction  being  pre- 
cisely the  same. 

V.  14,  15.  The  monarchs  of  the  East  in  gen- 
eral had  the  power  of  life  and  death,  without  any 
check  or  control:  and  often  sent  messengers  to 
inflict  vengeance  at  once  on  such  as  had  offended 
them.  [J^Tutes,  Esfh.  5:14.  6:4,.5.  7:8— 10.  Dan. 
2:10—13.  3:19—23.  6:24.)— A  wise  man  would 
therefore  be  very  careful  not  to  provoke  one  so 
powerful;  or,  if  he  had  inadvertently  given  of- 
fence, he  would  make  every  allowable  submission 
in  order  to  pacify  him:  and  manj^  would  be  candi- 
dates for  the  favor  of  a  sovereign,  who  could  so 
much  promote  their  prosperity.  [Marg.  Ref.) 
This  ought  to  have  been  an  additional  reason  to 
these  princes,  why  their  frowns  and  favors  should 
be  directed  entirely,  according  to  the  good  or  bad 
behavior  of  those  around  them.  (JVbto,  10,12,13. 
17:11.   19:12.    P«.  30:5.  90:11,12.    .4rAv  12:20,23, 

510] 


depart  from  evil:  ^  he  that  keepeth  his 
way  preserveth  his  soul. 

IS  '  Pride  goeth  before  destruction, 
and  a  haughty  spirit  before  a  fall. 

19  Better  it  is  ^  to  he  of  an  humble 
spirit  with  the  lowly,  >  than  to  divide  the 
spoil  with  the  proud. 

20  He  that  *  handleth  a  matter  wisely 
shall  find  good:  and  "^  whoso  trusteth  in 
the  Lord,  happy  is  he. 

21  The  °  wise  in  heart  shall  be  called 
prudent;  and  "  the  sweetness  of  the  lips 
increaseth  learning. 

22  Understanding  is  p  a  well-spring  of 


h  19:16.    Matt.  24:13.    Heb.  10: 

39.  Jude  21,24.    Rev.  3:10. 
i  11:2.    18:12.  29:23.      Esth.  3:5. 

7:10.    Is.  2:11,12.  37:10— 13,33. 

Dan.  4:30—37.  5:22—24.    Ob. 

3,4.  Matt.  26:33—35,74.  Rom. 

11:20.      1  Tim.  3:6. 
k    Ps.  34:18.      138:6.     Is.  57:15. 

MaU.  5:3.    Luke  1:51—53.  18: 

13,14. 
1  Ex.  15:9.   Is.  9:3.  10:6,13—15. 

53:12. 
*  Or,  under$tandeth  a  matter. 

8:35.   13:15.    17:2.    19:8.  24:3— 


5.    Gen.  41:38—40.    Dan.  1:19 

—21.  Matt.  10:16. 
m  22:19,20.     1  Chr.  5:20.  Ps.  i 

12.  34:8.   125:1.    146:5.     Is.  26: 

3,4.     Jer.    17:7,8.     Dan.  3:28. 

6:-23.     Eph.  1:12,13. 
n  23.     10:8.    23:15.     1  Kings  3: 

12.  Rom.  16:19.    Jam.  3:17. 
0  24.   15:7.  27:9.    Ps.  45:2.    Ec. 

12:10.     Is.  50:4.       Luke   4:22. 

John  7:46. 
p  10:11.  13:14.  14:27.  18:4.  John 

5:24.  6:63,68. 


V.  20.  2  Cor.  5:18 — 21.) — The  word  rendered /(Ofi- 
/y,  is  the  same  as  that  before  translated  purge 
iniquity;  [Jfote,  6.)  but  here  man,  not  God,  is 
spoken  of.  We  may  compensate  to  our  fellow- 
creatures  for  our  offences  against  them,  but  not 
to  God  for  our  sins  against  him. 

V.  16.  Wisdom  is  however  eminentlj'  prefer- 
able to  all  the  wealth  or  preferment,  which  the 
favor  of  the  mightiest  princes  can  bestow.  (See 
on  J^otes,  3:13 — 18.) 

V.  17.  He  that  is  upright  before  God,  goes 
further  and  further  from  evil;  as  a  man  travels  on 
a  high  road,  without  diverting  from  it.  And  in 
keeping  his  way,  he  preserveth  his  soul.  [JVotes, 
4:24—27.  7s.  35:8—10.  Rom.  2:7—11.) 

V.  18.  Marg. Ref.  i.— Seeon  JVoles,  1 1:2. 15:25. 

V.  19.  He  that  is  unambitious,  meek,  and 
contented  in  a  low  condition,  and  associates  with 
the  humble  and  peaceable,  better  consults  his 
own  happiness,  than  they  do,  who  have  the  great- 
est success  in  pursuing  the  honors  and  riches  of 
the  world,  and  in  contesting  with  other  haughty 
and  rapacious  rivals  for  the  same  idolized  objects. 
(M)tes,Ps.  138:6.7.  Is.  10:5—15.  57:15,16.  Matt. 
5:3.  Luke  1:46—55.) 

V.  20.  'He,  that  understands  his  business  thor- 
'oughly,  and  manages  it  prudently  and  discreetly, 
'is  likely  to  have  good  success:  but  none  so  hap- 
'py, ...  as  he  that  confides  more  in  the  Lord  than 
'in  his  own  skill  and  industry.'  Bp.  Patrick. 
(JVoles,  1.  13:15.  24:3—6.  1  Chr.  5:18—22,  v.  20. 
Ps.  34:8.  84:11,12.   146:5,6.) 

V.  21.  The  man,  whose  wisdom  regulates  his 
temper  and  affections,  and  directs  his  conduct, 
will  at  length  be  more  honored  for  prudence, 
than  many  who  possess  the  most  shining  talents: 
and  if  he  have  the  gift  of  conversing  or  teacliing 
in  a  convincing  and  persuasive  manner,  he  has 
a  very  great  advantage  for  communicating  the 
knowledge  of  divine  truth  to  others.  (J\''otes,  23, 
24.  10:8.  15:7.  27:9.  Ps.  45:2.  Ec.  12:8—10.  Is. 
50:4.  Lvke  4:20 — 22.) — 'Profoundness  of  wisdom 
'may  help  men  to  fame  and  admiration;  but  it  is 
'eloquence  which  prevails  in  business,  and  active 
'hfe.'  Lord  Bacon. — This  is  ingenious;  but  it  can 
hardly  be  thought  the  meaning  of  the  proverb: 
for  the  scriptures  by  no  means  recommend  that 
eloquence,  which  often  gives  bad  men,  and  a  bad 


B.  C.  976. 


CHAPTER  XVJ. 


B.  C.  976 


life  unto  him  that  hath  it;   but  '^  the  in- 
struction of  fools  is  folly. 

23  The  ■■  heart  of  the  wise  *  teacheth 
his  mouth,  and  addeth  learning  to  his 
lips. 

24  ^  Pleasant  words  aye  as  ^  an  honey- 
comb, sweet  to  the  soul,  and  "  heahh  to 
the  bones. 

25  There  is  ^  a  way  that  seemeth  right 
unto  a  man,  but  the  end  thereof  are  the 
ways  of  death. 

26  t  He  that  laboreth,  ^  laboreth  for 
himself;  for  his  mouth  t  craveth  it  of 
him. 


27  ^  An   ungodly    man    ^  diggeth    up 

X    14:12.     Is.   28:15—19.     John 

7:47—49.    9:40.     Acts  26:9.  2 

Cor.  13:5. 
t  Heb.  T/ie  soul  of  him  that. 
y9:l2.   14:23.   Ec.  6:7.    1  Thes. 

4:11,12.     2Thes.  3:8— 12. 
t  Heb.  bo-uieth  unto  him. 
I   Heb.    j3  man  of  Bdial.  1 

Sam.  25:17.     2  Sam.  20:1. 
z    2:4.      Ps.  7:14,15.     Is.    5:18. 

Hab.  2:13. 


q  15:2,28.     Matt.  15:14.  23:16— 

26.   Luke  6:39,40. 
r  15:28.  22:17,18.     Ps.  37:30,31. 

45:1.  Matt.  12:34,35.  Col.  3:16. 
*  Heb.  maketh  wise, 
s  12;I8.   15:23,26.    23;16.  25:11, 

12.  27:9.    Deut.  32:2.  Cant.  4: 

11.    John  20:19— 21. 
t  24:13,14.     Ps.  19:10.    119:103. 

Jer.  15:16. 
u3:8.  4:22. 


cause,  the  ascendency  in  the  most  important  trans- 
actions; and  bears  down  wisdom,  truth,  and  jus- 
tice, by  its  fascinating'  delusions. 

V.  22.  Understanding  is  to  the  possessor  a 
fountain  of  life,  whence  salutary  streams  flow  all 
around  him,  communicating-  the  instructions  of 
life  to  others  also:  [J^ote,  John  7:37 — 39.)  but,  on 
the  contrary,  fools  pour  forth  foolishness,  like  poi- 
sonous streams;  and  by  their  baneful  instructions 
widely  propagate  vice,  impiety,  and  pernicious 
delusions  of  every  kind.  (See  on  JVofe,  15:2.) 
Some  understand  the  last  clause  to  mean,  'It  is 
'folly  to  instruct  fools.'  It  is  labor  lost.  (JVoie, 
9:7 — 9.) — 'If  fools  undertake  to  instruct  others, 
'they  only  make  them  like  themselves.'  Bp.  Pat- 
rick.    [JVote,  Luke  6:39,40.) 

V.  23.  The  wise  man's  self-knowledge  and  ac- 
quaintance with  his  own  heart,  in  the  various  cir- 
cumstances of  life,  joined  with  his  careful  obser- 
vation of  men,  will  always  suggest  something 
proper  to  be  spoken  to  others,  according  to  their 
characters  and  situations:  as  the  accurate  knowl- 
edge of  anatomy  directs  the  experienced  and 
sagacious  physician,  in  respect  of  the  causes  of 
diseases,  and  the  methods  of  cure.  Thus  he  is 
enabled  to  communicate  knowledge,  pertinently, 
judiciously,  and  successfully.  {JVotes,  22:IS.  23: 
15,16.25:11,12.  P*.  37:29— 31.  J>/a«.  12:34— 37.) 

V.  24.  'The  sweet  words  of  consolation,  which 
♦come  forth  of  a  godly  heart.'  (J^otes,  12:18,19. 
15:23,26.  24:13,14.  25:11,12.  27:9.  Ps.  19:7—11, 
V.  10.  119:103.  Cant.  4:11.) 

V.  25.     See  on  J^ote,  14:12. 

V.  26.  Men  must  needs  labor,  for  their  appe- 
tites continually  crave  supply,  and  eventually 
they  enjoy  the  benefit  of  their  labor.  Thus  we 
must  either  "labor  for  the  meat  which  endureth 
Tinto  everlasting  life,"  or  perish.  (^JSTutes,  14:23. 
Ec.  6:7,8.  John  6:22—27,  v.  27.)  The  verse, 
however,  may  be  translated  very  differently.  "The 
soul  of  him  that  is  troublesome  shall  suffer  trou- 
ble, for  his  mouth  will  be  turned  upon  him." — 
'He  cannot  speak  so  much  as  an  evil  word,  but  it 
'will  return  upon  him,  and  fly  in  his  own  face.' 
Bp.  Patrick. — The  original  word,  rendered  la- 
bor, signifies  either  to  take  pains,  or  to  molest 
others. 

V.  27.  An  ungodly  man,  or  "a  man  of  Belial," 
(niarg.)  frequently  bestows  more  pains  to  do  mis- 
chief, than  would  be  needful  in  order  to  do  good. 


evil;  and  *  in  his  lips  there  is  as  a  burn- 
ing fire. 

28  A  **  froward  man  II  soweth  strife:  and 
•=  a  whisperer  separateth  chief  friends. 

29  A  '^  violent  man  enticeth  his  neigh- 
bor, and  leadeth  him  into  the  way  that  is 
not  good. 

30  He  *  shulteth  his  eyes  to  devise 
froward  things:  ^  moving  his  lips  he  bring- 
eth  evil  to  pass. 

31  The  8  hoary  head  is  a  crown  of 
glory,  ^  if  it  he  found  in  the  way  of  right- 
eousness. 

32  He  that  '  is  slow  to  anger  is  better 


a  Ps.  52:2 — 4.    57:4.     Jam.  3:6. 
b  6:14,19.     15:18.     18:8.26:20— 

22.    29:22.    30:33.      1  Tim.  6:3 

—5.  Jam.  3:14—16. 
II  Heb.  sendefh  forth. 
c  17:9.      Gen.  3:l,&c.     1  Sam. 

24:9.     Rom.    1:29.     2  Cor.  12: 

20. 
d    1:10—14.    2:12—15.    3:31.   1 

Sam.  19:11,17.    22:7—9.  23:19 

—21.  Neh.  6:13.     2  Pet.  3:17. 
e  6:12—14.  10:10.  Is.  6:10.  Matt. 


13:15.  John  3:20. 
f  27.    Mic.  7:3.  Matt.  14:7,8.  27: 

23—26. 
S  20:29.     Lev.  19:32.     Job  32: 

6,7. 
h  Gen.  47:7—10.      1  Sam.  12:2 

—5.     1  Chr.  29:]0.&c.    Ec.  4: 

13.    Luke  1:6.  2:29,&c.  37,38. 

Philemon  9. 
i  14:29.    15:18.   19:11.     Ps.  103; 

8.    Eph.  5:1.  Jam.  1:19. 


Men  of  this  character  dig  for  evil,  as  if  delving  in 
the  mine  for  precious  metals:  they  make  diligent 
search  to  find  out  some  occasion  of  discord  or  cal- 
umny; their  lips  are  set  on  fire  of  hell,  and  kindle 
the  flame  of  contention  in  families  and  communi- 
ties, or  the  flames  of  lust  in  the  hearts  of  others. 
'His  tongue  is  a  burning  firebrand,  to  set  all  the 
'world  in  combustion.'  Bp.  Hall.  [Jfotes,  Jam. 
3:3 — 12.) — The  Septuagint  thus  translate  this 
proverb,  'The  perverse  man  carrieth  perdition 
'on  his  own  mouth.  The  foolish  man  diggeth  up 
'evil  to  himself;  he  treasureth  up  fire  on  his  own 
'lips.'  {JVotes,Ps.l -.14— 16.  10:2—11.  Hab.  2: 
12 — 14.) — Hear  now  the  observation  of  a  popish 
interpreter,  and,  it  is  said,  one  of  the  most  learn- 
ed and  judicious  among  them,  on  this  passage: 
'This  is  apparent  by  the  example  of  the  Spanish 
'Inquisition,  whereby  he  that  speaks  any  thing 
'rashly  against  the  faith,  is  deservedly  delivered 
'to  the  fire,  which  I  wish  were  done  every  where.'' 
Maldonate,  quoted  by  Bp.  Patrick.  'Thus,  in 
'the  most  literal  sense,  this  Jesuit's  lips  are  as  a 
'burning  fire,  in  which  he  would  have  us  not  only 
'singed  but  devoured.'  Bp.  Patrick.  Let  it  not 
be  forgotten  that  this  inquisition  still  is  in  exist- 
ence and  active,  and  the  order  of  the  Jesuits  re- 
stored to  their  former  power  and  influence. 

V.  28.  In  various  ways,  perverse  men  sow  the 
seeds  of  strife  and  mischief.  The  whisperer  tor 
instance,  by  hiiits,  surmises,  misrepresentations, 
and  slanders^  not  only  sets  the  nearest  friends  and 
relations  at  variance;  but  excites  jealousies  among 
nobles  and  princes,  whence  spring  seditions,  and 
destructive  wars  between  nations,  and  even  be- 
tween the  inhabitants  of  the  same  nation.  Be- 
ing a  child  of  the  devil,  he  is  tormented  at  see- 
ing others  happy,  and  can  only  find  relief  in  do- 
ing mischief,  and  rendering  mankind  miserable. 
What  a  hateful,  yet  what  a  common  character! 
(JVb<e«,17:9. 18:8.  26:20— 22.  !T/w.5:13— 15,u.l3.) 

V.  29,  30.  {Jfol.es,  1:10—19.  2:12—15.  6:12— 
15.  10:10.  Mic.  7:1— 4,r>.  3.)  'Another  sort' (of  the 
men  of  Belial,)  'live  by  rapine  and  open  violence; 
'who  ...  persuade  others  to  enter  into  their  society. 
'...  With  profound  study  they  contrive  the  ruin  of 
'others;  and  the  sign  being  given,  tliey  furiously 
'execute  the  mischief  they  have  designed.'  Bp 
Patrick.  'This  man'  (described  in  these  verses,) 
'is  a  furnace  of  mischief.'     Sept. 

V.  31.    'That  is,  when  it  is  joined  with  virtue: 

[511 


B.  C.  676. 


PROVERBS. 


B.  C.  976* 


than  the  mighty;  ^  and  lie  that  ruleth  his 
spirit,  than  he  that  taketh  a  city. 

k  19.  25:28.   Rom.  12:21.    Rer.  3:21 


33  The  1  lot  is  cast  into  the  lap;  but 
the  whole  disposing  thereof  is  of  the 
Lord. 


1  Num.   26:55,&c.     Josh.  7:14. 
18:5,10.  1  Sara.  14:41,42.  Neh. 


11:1.    Acts  1:26. 


'or  else  the  elder  that  the  wicked  are,  the  more 
'they  are  to  be  abhorred.'  LN'otes,  20:29.  Gen. 
47:7—9.  1  Chr.  29:10—28.  2  Chr.  24:15,16.  Luke 
2:25— r38.  Philem.  8—11.  1  Pet.  1:12—15.) 

V.  32.  The  noblest  courage  is  shewn  in  with- 
standing' and  conquering  a  man's  own  passions, 
and  in  overcoming  enemies  by  kindness;  and  the 
most  desirable  authority  is  self-government. 
{Marg.  Re f.— Motes,  19:11.25:28.) 

V.  33.  'So  that  there  is  nothing  that  ought  to  be 
'attributed  to  fortime:  for  all  things  are  determin- 
'ed  in  the  counsel  of  God  which  shall  come  to 

'pass.' 'Though  men  cast  the  lots  into  the  lap 

'of  a  garment,  or  into  a  hollow  vessel,  and  thence 
'draw  them  out  again;  yet  it  is  the  Lord  who  di- 
'rects  entirely  in  what  order  they  shall  come 
'forth,  and  so  determines  the  matter  in  doubt,  ac- 
'cordingto  his  pleasure.'  Bp.  Patrick. — What  is 
chance  to  man  is  the  appointment  of  God.  [Marg. 
Re/.— JVotes,  Josh.  1:]2— 18.  1  Sam.  14:36—44. 
Ps.  22.16—18.  Jon.  1:7.  Acts  1:23—26.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
V.  1—16. 
True  wisdom  greatly  consists  in  a  practical  con- 
viction of  our  dependence  on  God,  in  every  re- 
spect. He  will  assuredly  be  glorified  in  or  by  all 
his  creatures.  He  has  formed,  and  he  orders,  ev- 
ery thing  "for.  himself,"  and  for  the  display  of  his 
own  glorious  perfections;  so  that  the  rebels 
against  his  authority  cannot  finally  defeat  any  of 
his  purposes:  for  a  season  they  dishonor  his  name 
by  their  sins,  and  refuse  him  their  tribute  of  ado- 
ration and  obedience;  but  when  they  have  filled 
up  their  part  in  his  vast,  his  universal  plan,  he 
■will  make  known  his  justice,  holiness,  truth,  and 
power,  by  executing  deserved  vengeance  on  them. 
Thus  while  men  of  every  character,  according  to 
their  prevailing  passions,  and  with  all  their  sa- 
gacity, devise  their  own  ways;  the  Lord,  with  se- 
cret but  invincible  energy,  directs  their  steps  in 
that  manner  which  coincides  with  his  grand  de- 1 
signs.  It  is  not  for  us  to  comprehend  the  manner  i 
of  his  operation,  or  to  solve  the  difficulties  which  ; 
appear  in  it  to  our  narrow  minds,  and  with  our 
pcanty  measure  of  information:  rather  let  us  be- 
.seech  him  to  direct  our  hearts  into  the  fear  and 
love  of  his  holy  name,  and  our  feet  in  the  paths  of 
truth  and  holiness;  that  we  may  willingly  glorify 
him  on  earth,  and  that  he  may  be  glorified  in  our 
eternal  salvation.  For  when  we  habitually  de- 
pend on  him,  to  prepare  our  hearts,  guide  our 
tongues,  and  direct  our  steps;  our  words  and 
works  will  be  such,  as  we  may  with  comfort  com- 
mit unto  him  and  his  disposal,  assured  of  all  desir- 
able success. — Humility,  which  is  inseparable 
from  true  wisdom,  renders  a  man  distrustful  of  his 
own  understanding  and  heart,  and  afraid  of  the 
delusions  of  self-flattery,  where  eternity  is  at 
stake;  nay,  in  the  general  tenor  of  his  conduct, 
the  humble  man  is  jealous  of  himself,  lest  he 
should  allow  of  any  thing  sinful,  and  not  be  aware 
of  it:  but  his  only  security  consists  in  fervent 
prayer  to  him  that  "weigheth  the  spirits,"  after 
David's  example:  "Search  me,  O  Lord,  and 
know  my  heart;  try  me  and  know  my  thoughts: 
and  see  if  there  be  any  wicked  way  in  me;  and 
lead  me  in  the  way  everlasting."  (.Voie,  Ps.  139: 
23,24.)  HoAv  different  is  this  from  the  conduct  of 
those,  who,  fearless  of  being-  deceived,  are  offend- 
ed by  the  most  friendly  caution,  and  count  for  an 
enemy  every  faithful  reprover!  Let  such  howev- 
er recollect,  that  "every  one  that  is  proud  of 
5121 


heart  is  an  abomination  to  the  Lord:"  and  should 
this  vain  confidence  become  fashionable,  and  vast 
multitudes  concur  in  it;  let  it  still  be  remember- 
ed, that  "though  hand  join  in  hand  they  shall  not 
be  unpunished." — How  evident  is  it,  and  yet 
how  seldom  considered,  that  "a  little  with  right- 
eousness is  better  than  great  revenues  without 
right!"  For,  however  it  may  be  with  the  princes 
of  the  earth,  "a  divine  sentence  is  in  the  mouth 
of"  our  almighty  "King;  his  mouth  transgresseth 
not  in  judgment."  "Wickedness  is  an  abomina- 
tion unto  him;"  "for  his  throne  is  established  in 
righteousness."  His  wrath  is  infinitely  more 
dreadful  than  any  messengers  of  death;  for  man 
can  only  "kill  the  body,  but  he  is  able  to  destroy 
both  body  and  soul  in  hell;"  [J^ote,  Matt.  10:27, 
28.)  while  his  favor  and  the  light  of  his  counte- 
nance are  better  than  life  itself,  and  far  more  re- 
freshing to  the  soul,  than  fertilizing  showers  to 
the  parched  fields.  This  is  then  our  grand  con- 
cern. Man's  true  wisdom  consists  in  avoiding 
the  wrath  and  securing  the  favor  of  almighty 
God:  and  who  can  estimate  how  much  "better  it 
is  to  get  wisdom  than  gold,  and  to  get  understand- 
ing, rather  to  be  chosen  than  silver.'"'  Yet  who 
can  help  observing  how  much  more  men  in  gene- 
ral labor  to  get  riches,  than  to  get  wisdom.''  or 
how  much  more  pains  they  take,  to  pacify  the  in- 
dignation, or  obtain  the  patronage,  of  an  earthly 
prince  or  minister  of  state,  than  to  flee  from  the 
wrath  of  God,  and  secure  his  invaluable  favor."* 
But  the  true  believer  is  taught  another  lesson. 
He  is  conscious  that  he  has  in  innumerable  in- 
stances offended  the  Lord;  and  that  unless  his  in- 
iquities be  purged  away,  he  must  be  for  ever  mis- 
erable: he  depends  for  this  pardon  on  the  mercy 
and  truth  of  God  in  Christ;  but  in  order  to  obtain 
an  interest  in  that  redemption,  he  would  make 
every  submission,  and  use  every  means  of  grace; 
and  the  fear  of  God  induces  him  to  depart  from 
evil,  and  to  copy  that  mercy  and  truth  on  which 
he  relies,  and  in  all  things  to  act  with  the  strict- 
est equity  and  integrity.  And  should  he  in  this 
course  meet  with  enemies  and  injuries;  he  dares 
not  attempt  to  pacify  the  wrath,  or  court  the  fa- 
vor of  man,  by  sinful  compliances:  but  he  perse- 
veres in  endeavoring  to  please  God,  who  has  all 
hearts  in  his  hands,  and  who  in  this  way  general- 
ly influences  a  man's  "enemies  to  be  at  peace 
with  him;"  of  which  experienced  believers  can 
often  recollect  many  affecting  instances. 

V.  17—33. 

Nothing  is  more  observable  in  scripture,  than 
the  repeated  warnings  against  every  kind  and  de- 
gree of  pride.  This  hateful  vice  often  shews  it-  - 
self  by  self-confidence,  and  a  reliance  on  men's 
own  wisdom,  industry,  or  ability  for  success  in 
their  selfish  designs;  forgetting  not  only  that  they 
are  sinners,  but  that  they  are  weak  and  depen- 
dent creatui-es.  Whatever  men  may  imagine,  it 
is  certain  that  this  "pride  goeth  before  destruc- 
tion, and  a  haughty  spirit  before  a  fall:"  it  gene- 
rally ends  in  confusion  and  disgrace  in  this  world; 
and,  unless  abased  in  true  repentance,  it  will  cer- 
tainly terminate  in  everlasting  misery  and  con- 
tempt. Better  then  is  it  to  live  humbly  in  some 
obscure  corner,  surrounded  with  penury  and  con- 
tempt; than  to  share  all  the  riches  and  distinc- 
tions of  the  sons  of  ambition  and  violence.  This 
is  the  highway  of  holiness,  in  which  the  upright 
walk  with  God,  and  endeavor  to  depart  to  a  still 


F;  C.  976- 


CHAPTER  XVU. 


B.  C.  976. 


CHAP.  xvn. 

Cautions  against  many  vices;  a  quiet,  friendly,  and  cheerful 
spirit  inculcated;  and  several  wise  and  pious  observations  con- 
cerning the  conduct  and  events  of  life,  1 — 23. 

ETTER    is    ^  a    dry    morsel,    and 
quietness  therewith,  than  ''  an  house 
full  of  *  sacrifices  *^  ivith  strife. 

2  A  ^  wise  servant  shall  have  rule  over 


a  15;17.   Ps.  37:16. 

b  7.14. 

*  Or,  good  cheer. 


c  21:9,19. 
d  11:29.     14:35. 
Kc.  4:13. 


Gen.  24:4,&c. 


t^reater  distance  from  every  evil  work:  and  in 
keeping-  this  way,  without  deviating-  on  either 
side,  or  turning  back  again  into  sin  or  the  world, 
they  preserve  their  souls  from  the  destruction  of 
the  wicked.  But  wisdom  also  teaches  a  man  to 
be  afraid  of  deception  in  so  important  a  concern: 
for  the  prudent  Christian  knows,  "that  there  is  a 
way,  which  seemeth  right  unto  a  man,  but  the 
end  thereof  are  the  waj's  of  death." — We  cannot 
please  the  Lord,  if  we  act  with  rashness  or  acri- 
mony: it  is  our  happiness  to  trust  him,  but  it  is 
also  our  duty  to  seek  wisdom  from  him,  that  we 
may  not  intermeddle  with  matters  out  of  our 
sphere,  or  beyond  our  capacities,  and  may  man- 
age well  those  affairs  which  we  do  undertake: 
that  we  may  prudently  avoid  giving  needless  of- 
fence, obviate  the  ill  effects  of  such  as  has  been 
given,  and  do  our  own  business  conscientiously, 
yet  quietly  and  in  an  affectionate  spirit.  Thus 
we  shall  find  good  to  ourselves,  and  do  good  to 
others.  Indeed  "understanding  is  a  well-spring 
of  life  unto  him  that  hath  it,"  and  supplies  inex- 
haustible resources  of  salutary  cautions,  for  the 
conduct  of  life:  whereas  all  the  instruction,  which 
an  ungodly  man  can  give,  or  will  receive,  is 
mere  folly. — When  the  Giver  of  all  good  is  pleas- 
ed to  bestow,  not  only  an  enlightened  under- 
standing, a  sound  judgment,  and  a  loving  spirit, 
Imt  the  faculty  of  speaking  with  energy,  and  pro- 
priety, and  winning  persuasion;  the  possessor  may 
hope  to  be  very  useful  in  diffusing  heavenly 
kuowledge  and  wisdom.  A  reputation  for  pru- 
dence gives  additional  efficacy  to  a  man's  admo- 
nitions and  counsels:  and  the  experience  of  his 
heart  "teaches  his  mouth,  and  adds  learning  to 
his  lips."  Such  seasonable  and  useful  woi'ds, 
meeting  with  a  teachable  disposition  in  those  that 
hear  them,  are  pleasant  as  "the  honeycomb;  be- 
ing sweet  to  the  soul,  and  health  to  the  bones;" 
giving  encouragement  to  the  heart,  and  direct- 
ing to  the  paths  of  truth  and  holiness.  And  sure- 
ly we  ought  to  be  as  strenuous  in  doing  good,  as 
w^icked  men  are  in  doing  mischief!  But  with 
what  perverse  diligence  do  many  seek  out  occa- 
sions for  slanders  and  strife!  How  do  they  sow 
the  seeds  of  discord,  and  kindle  the  flames  of  ha- 
tred and  revenge,  by  their  calumnies,  whisper- 
ings, and  lies!  How  do  many  study  to  commit 
violence,  entice  others  to  sin,  and  employ  the 
whole  extent  of  their  ingenuity,  to  accomplish  in- 
iquity, and  propagate  vice,  and  impiety,  and  infi- 
dehty!  Such  men  live  to  do  mischief,  and  to 
"treasure  up  wrath;"  and  pre-eminence  in  rank, 
or  in  abihties,  renders  them  more  like  Satan,  and 
e.xposes  them  to  a  deeper  share  in  his  condemna- 
tion: nay,  the  hoary  head  of  a  veteran  infidel, 
debauchee,  oppressor,  or  slanderer,  is  a  tenfold 
stigma  of  reproach.  But  the  hoary  head  of  him, 
who  has  spent  his  life  in  doing  good,  and  is  found 
walking  without  weariness  in  the  way  of  right- 
eousness, is  indeed  a  crown  of  glory.  This  man, 
though  poor,  and  no  way  eminent  in  other  re- 
spects, is  more  entitled  to  respect,  veneration, 
and  affection,  than  the  mo.st  learned,  affluent,  or 
noble  of  the  workers  of  iniquity.  But,  when 
wisdom  and  righteousness  belong  to  him,  who 
Vol.  III.  6& 


a  son  ®  that  causeth  shame,  and  shall  have 
part  of  the  inheritance  among  the  breth- 
ren. 

3  The  ^  fining  pot  is  for  silver,  and  the 
furnace  for  gold;  but  the  Lord  trieth  the 
hearts. 

4  A  s  wicked  doer  giveth  heed  to  false 


e  10:5.   19:26.  29:1, 

f  27:21.     Ps.  26:2.  66:10.  Is.  48: 

10.     Jer.    17:10.     Zech.    13:9. 

Mai.  3:2,3.      1  Pet.  1:7.     Rev. 

2:23. 


28:4.  I  Sam.  22:7— U, 
'Kings  22;B,&c.  Is.  30:10.  Jer 
5:31.  2  Tim.  4:3,4.  IJohn  4: 
5.   Rev.  13:3—8. 


fills  a  throne  or  an  exalted  station;  when  a  king 
has  the  just  ambition  of  copying  the  example  of 
the  sovereign  Lord  of  all,  by  promoting  the  peace 
and  happiness  of  mankind,  and  by  all  scriptural 
means  supporting  the  interests  of  true  religion; 
when  he  abhors  iniquity,  provides  for  the  impar- 
tial administration  of  justice,  and  takes  all  care 
and  pains  to  promote  integrity  and  equity  among 
his  subjects,  by  his  example,  and  influence,  and 
authority;  when  the  favors  shewn  to  upright 
counsellors,  statesmen,  magistrates,  and  ministers 
of  religion,  give  countenance  to  piety  and  vir- 
tue; when  his  wrath  is  to  be  dreaded  by  none  but 
the  workers  of  iniquity;  and  when  a  long  life  has 
been  spent  in  this  manner,  and  a  king  is  grown 
hoary  in  the  way  of  righteousness,  a  father  to  his 
people,  a  blessing  to  the  church,  and  a  common 
friend  to  mankind:  then  the  summit  of  earthly 
honor  is  attained,  and  only  the  crown  of  glory 
that  fadeth  not  away,  can  add  any  thing  to  it. 
Behold  a  greater  than  Alexander  or  Csesar  is 
here!  Incomparably,  inconceivably  greater.  For 
if  being  slow  to  anger  render  a  mean  man  more 
honorable  and  excellent  than  the  mighty;  and  if 
the  victory  over  a  man's  spirit  be  a  more  arduous 
and  important  achievement,  than  the  taking  of  a 
fortified  city;  how  honorable  is  it  for  one,  sur- 
rounded with  every  incentive  and  opportunity  of 
gratifying  his  passions,  to  rule  over  them  with 
steady  authority,  and  to  spend  his  life  in  glorify- 
ing God  and  doing  good  to  men!  It  is  true,  that 
none  can  in  these  things  command  success:  dis- 
appointment or  tardy  progress  must  be  expected 
by  those  who  would  do  good:  but  this  is  a  labor 
which  will  redound  to  their  own  advantage,  and 
be  satisfying  to  their  souls,  though  not  suc- 
cessful to  the  extent  of  their  wishes.  And  hav- 
ing used  proper  means,  they  may  leave  it  with 
comfort:  the  lot  is  then  cast;  and  "the  whole  dis- 
posal thereof  is  of  the  Lord." 

NOTES. 

Chap.  xvn.  V.  1.  {JVbfes,lo:n,lf},  19:13. 
21:9.)  'Where  were  many  sacrifices,  there  were 
'many  portions  given  to  the  people,  wherewith 
'they  feasted.' — The  original  is  "sacrifices  of' 
strife:"  sacrifices  offered,  to  furnish  an  occasion  for 
strife  and  debate.  [iSam.  15:10—12.  1  Kms^s  1:9.) 

V.  2.  Wisdom  uniformly  tends  to  advancB 
men,  and  folly  to  depress  tliem;  and  this  causes  a 
constant  fluctuation  in  human  affairs.  Indeed 
the  prudent  and  faithful  servant  is  more  valuable, 
and  will  often  be  more  respected,  than  a  profligate 
son,  the  scandal  of  the  family:  and  his  services 
may  very  properly  be  recompensed  with  some 
portion  of  the  inheritance;  or  he  may  be  employ- 
ed as  guardian  to  children,  with  special  authority 
over  "the  son  that  causeth  shame."  In  some  way 
or  other,  however,  he  will  acquire  the  ascen- 
dency, and  be  considered  more  as  one  of  the 
family,  than  the  degenerate  branch  of  it  can  be. 
[Jfotes,  11:29.  19:26.  Gen.  iry.2,'3.  24:1—9.) 

V.  2,  Men  both  prove  and  refine  tlie  precious 
metals,  by  the  fining-pot  and  furnace.  Thus  the 
Lord,  by  his  providential  dispensations,  makes 
an   experimental  trial  of  the  hearts  of  rational 

[5rj 


B.  C.  976. 


PROVERBS. 


B.  C.  976, 


lips;  and  a  liar  giveth  ear  to  a  naughty- 
tongue. 

5  Whoso  ''  mocketh  the  poor  reproach- 
eth  his  Maker:  '  and  he  that  is  glad  at 
calamities  shall  not  be  *  unpunished. 

6  "  Children's  children  are  ^  the  crown 
of  old  men;  "'  and  the  glory  of  children 
are  their  fathers. 

7  ^  Excellent  °  speech  becometh  not  a 
fool:  °  much  less  do  I  lying  lips  a  prince. 

SAP  gift  is  as   a    5  precious  stone  in 


h   14:21,31.     Ps.  69:9.      1  John 

3:17. 
i  21:17,18.     Job  31:29.     Jer.  17: 

16.    Ob.  12,13.    Rom.  12:15. 
*   Heb.    held  innocent.     16:5. 

■inarg. 
k  Gen.  50:23.  Job  42:16,17.  Pa. 

127:3—5.   128:3—6. 
1  12:4. 
m  Ex.  3:14,15.     1  Kings  11:12. 


15:4. 
f  Heb.   A  lip  of  excellency. 
n  26:7.  Ps.  50:16,17.    Matt,  7:5. 
0  16:10—13.  29:12.     2  Sam.  23: 

3.    Job  34:12.    Ps.  101:3—5. 
t  Heb.    a  lip  of  lying.  12:19. 
p23.   18:16.    19:6.    21:14.    29:4. 

Ex.  23:8.     Deut.  16:19. 
5  Heb.  stone  of  grace. 


creature:  he  searches  out  and  brings  to  light 
what  was  before  concealed;  and  by  manifold 
experiments  he  has  proved  that  there  is  no  de- 
pendence to  be  placed  on  any  creature,  left  to 
himself.  In  like  manner,  he  has  shewn  what 
desperate  wickedness  the  human  heart  contains, 
and  of  what  enormities  it  is  capable  when  exposed 
to  suitable  temptations;  and  has  detected  the  hy- 
pocrisy of  many  who  were  before  unsuspected. 
By  similar  means  he  discovers  the  remaining- evil 
concealed  in  the  heart  of  true  believers:  he  ev- 
idences the  reality  and  the  power  of  his  grace  in 
his  servants:  he  makes  them  sensible  that  they 
need  constant  watchfulness  and  dependence,  and 
have  great  reason  to  be  humble  and  thankful:  and 
thus  he  purifies  them  from  pride  and  sin,  forms  i 
them  to  himself  a  peculiar  people  to  shew  forth  j 
his  praise,  and  prepares  them  for  eternal  glory,  j 
By  these  manifold  trials  of  the  heart,  the  Lord  also  j 
discovers,  and  will  discover  to  all  the  world,  the 
justice  and  holiness,  mercy,  truth,  and  wisdom,  of 
his  final  dealings  with  all  his  creatures.  [JVotes, 
27:21.  Deut.  8:2.  Ps.  26:2.  66:8—10.  Is.  48:9— 
11.  Jer.  17:9,10.  Zech.  13:8,9.  JIal.- 3:1—4.  1 
Pet.  1:6,70 

V.  4.  Flatterers,  calumniators,  and  liars  ofj 
various  descriptions,  especially  false  and  smooth  \ 
teachers,  are  welcome  visitants  or  counsellors  to ' 
those  who  are  living  in  iniquity  or  hj^pocrisy:  not 
only  because  they  love  their  own  image  in  them;  \ 
but  because  they  soothe  their  consciences,  buoy  i 
up  their  hopes,  keep  them  in  countenance,  and  ! 
help  them  to  cover  their  crimes,  and  believe  j 
their  own  delusions.  {J^otes,  28:4.  1  Sam.  22:7} 
—10.  1  Kings  22:6—8.  Is.  30:8—1 1.  Jer.  5:30,31. 1 
2  Tkes.  2:8—12.  2  Tim.  4:3—5,  vv.  3,4.  1  John\ 
4:4—6.)  I 

V.  5.  (./Vo^es,  14:21,31.)  Not  only  "he  that  j 
appresseth,"  but  "he  that  mocketh,"  a  poor  man, 
or  derides  him  for  his  poverty,  "reproacheth" 
Gjd:  he  treats  his  providence  and  his  precepts 
with  contempt,  and  seems  to  blame  his  distin- 
guishing care  of  the  poor.  [J^otes,  John  7:40 — 
53,  V.  49.  Jam.  2:1—7.  1  John  3:16,17.)  And 
every  one,  who  rejoices  when  others  fall  into  ca- 
lamities, will  be  condemned,  as  guilty  of  detesta- 
ble envy,  malice,  selfishness,  and  presumption. 
(Miles,  24:17,18.  Job  31:29—32.  Lam.  4:21,22. 
Ob.  10—16.  Rom.  12:14—16.  1  Cor.  13:5—7.  v. 

V.  6.  A  man's  descendants  ought  to  be  his 
honor  and  comfort  in  old  age.  His  children 
should  be  educated  in  such  a  manner,  as  may 
warrant  a  confidence  that  their  pious  and  prudent 
conduct  will  render  them  such;  and  that  they  will 
train  up  their  families  in  like  manner:  and  it  is 
514] 


the  eyes  of  him  that  hath  it:  i  whitherso- 
ever it  turneth,  it  prospereth. 

9  He  'that  covereth  a  transgression 
iiseeketh  love;  ^but  he  that  repeateth  a 
matter  separaleth  very  friends. 

10  ^  A  reproof  entereth  more  into  a 
wise  man,  than  an  hundred  stripes  into  a 
fool. 

1 1  An  *  evil  man  seeketh  only  rebel- 
lion: therefore  a  cruel  messenger  shall  be 


sent  against  him. 

q  Gen.  33:9— 11.  43:11.    1  Sam. 

25:35.     2  Sam.  16:1 — 4.     Mic. 

7:3. 
r  10:12.   Ps.  32:1.     1  Pet.  4:8. 
II  Or,  procureth. 
s  16:28. 
IT  Or,  A  reproof  aneth  more  a 

Teise  mun,  than  to  strike  a  fool 


an  hundred  times.  9:8,9.  13:1. 
19:35.  27:22.  29:19.  Ps.  141:5. 
Rer.  3:19. 
t  2  Sam.  15:12.  16:5—9.  18:15, 
16.  20:1,22.  1  Kings  2:24,25. 
31,46.  Matt.  21:41.  22:7.  Luke 
19:27. 


the  duty  of  children,  and  children's  children,  to 
consult  the  credit  of  their  progenitors,  as  far  a» 
it  can  be  made  consistent  with  superior  obliga- 
tions. Parents  also  should  act  in  such  a  manner, 
that  their  children  and  posterity  may  be  respect- 
ed for  their  sakes,  and  have  cause  to  rejoice  in 
their  relation  to  persons  of  such  piety  and  wis- 
dom. And  thus  it  will  be,  in  proportion  as  men 
attend  to  thedictatesof  heavenly  wisdom.  [Mbtesy 
12:4.  Gen.  12:1—3.  JEar.  3:15.  1  Kings  11:12,13. 
15:4,5.  Jo642:10— 17.P5.  78:3—8.  127i3~5.  128: 
3,4.) 

V.  7.  The  wisest  maxims,  and  the  most  pious 
remarks,  when  spoken  by  a  man  notorious  for  his 
vice  and  folly  lose  all  their  energy  and  grace,  and 
are  received  with  neglect  or  disdain.  [Motes,  26: 
7,9.  Ps.  50:16—21.  Jlatt.  7:3—5.)  But  it  is  still 
more  inconsistent,  when  princes,  or  priests,  or 
other  eminent  persons,  who  ought  to  be  the  guar- 
dians of  truth  and  justice,  are  so  base  as  to  im- 
pose upon  mankind  with  lying  pretences,  and  to 
deceive  those  that  rely  upon  their  veracity. 
{Motes,  1<3:W— 13.  Job  34:16— 19.  Ps.  101:1—4'.) 

V.  8.  'A  gift  is  so  tempting,  that  it  can  no 
'more  be  refused  than  a  lovely  jewel,  by  him  to 
'whom  it  is  presented:  and  such  is  its  power,  it 
'commonly  prevails  over  all  men,  despatches  all 
'business,  carries  all  causes,  and,  in  a  word,  ef- 
'fects  whatsoever  a  man  desires.'  Bp.  Patrick. 
What  a  description  of  the  mercenary  selfishness 
of  mankind!  [Motes,  23.  18:16.  19:6.  21:14.  Gen. 
32:16— 20.  43:11,12.  2  Sam.    16:1—4.  Mic.  1:1— 

4.) 

V.  9.  'He  that  concealeth  an  offence  done  to 
'him  by  his  friend,  takes  the  course  to  preserve 
'love:  ...  but  he  that  will  be  calling  evei*}'  little  un- 
'kindness  into  question,  and  expostulates  on  everj- 
'occasion,  will  be  sure  to  lose  his  friends.'  Bp. 
Hall.  (Motes,  10:12.  16:28.)— Repeating  griev- 
ances, aad  complaining  of  men's  conduct  to  us 
among  others,  seem  especially  meant.  [Motes, 
Malt.  18:15—17.)  The  word  (tl?|^}<)  trans- 
lated very  friends,  signifies  a  prince;  and  some 
give  the  last  clause  a  very  differant  turn.  'He 
'that  admonisheth  the  prince  of  his  fault,  maketh 
'him  his  enemy.' 

V.  10.  'One  reproof  penetrates  deeper  into 
'the  mind  of  an  ingenuous  man,  and  works  a 
'greater  alteration  there,  than  an  hundred  stripes 
'will  do  for  the  amendment  of  an  obstinate  fool.' 
Bp.  Patrick.  [Marg.— Motes,  9:7—9.  13:1.  26:3. 
27:22.) 

V.  11.  A  man  of  a  turbulent,  untractable 
spirit,  (the  fool  of  the  preceding  verse,)  is  ever 
seeking  to  disturb  the  peace  of  the  community, 


B.  C.  976. 


CHAPTER  XVII. 


B.  C.  976 


12  Let  "  a  bear  robbed  of  her  whelps 
meet  a  man,  ^  rather  than  a  fool  in  his 
folly. 

13  Whoso  1'  rewardeth  evil  for  good, 
evil  shall  not  depart  from  his  house. 

14  The  ''■  beginning  of  strife  is  as  when 
one  letteth  out  water:  therefore  "  leave 
off  contention,  before  it  be  meddled 
with. 

15  He  '^that  ''justifieth  the  wicked, 
and  he  that  condemneth  the  just,  even 


u  23:15.  2  Sam.  17:3.  2  Kings  2: 

•2:i4.    Hos.  13:8. 
T  27:3.    Matt.  2:16. 
V  1  Sam.  24:17.  31:2,3.    2  Sam. 
■21:l,&c.    Ps.  35:1-2.  38:20.  109: 

4—13.     Jer.    13:20,21.      Matt. 

27:5,25.     Kora.  12:17.    1  Thes. 

5:15.      I  Pet.  3:9. 
z  19.  26:21.    29:22.     Judg.  12:1 

—6.     2  Sam.  2:14— 27.    19:41, 

43.  20:J,&c.  2  Chr.  10:14—16. 

13:17.    25:17—24.    2S:6. 


a  13:10.  14:29.  15:1.  16:32.  19: 
11.  20:3.  25:8.  Gen  13:8,9. 
Judg.  8:1— 3.  Ec.  7:8,9.  Matt. 
5:39 — 41.  Acts  6:1— 5.  15:2, 
&c.  Rom.  12:13.  2  Tim.  2: 
23,24.     Jam.  3:14—18. 

b  24:23,24.  Kx.  23:7.  1  Kings 
21:13.  Is.  5:23.  Ez.  22:27— 
29.  Am.  5:7,12.  6:12.  Luke 
23:18—25.     Jam.  5:6. 

c  Is.  55:8,9.    Rom.  4:5. 


they  both  are  '^  abomination  to  the  Lord. 

[Practical  Observations.'] 

16  Wherefore  is  there  ®  a  price  in  the 
hand  of  a  fool  to  get  wisdom,  ^  seeing  he 
hath  no  heart  to  it? 

17  A  friend  ^  loveth  at  all  times,  and 
a  brother  is  born  for  adversity. 

18  A  man  ''void  of  *  understanding 
striketh  hands,  and  becometh  surety  in 
the  presence  of  his  friend. 

19  He  '  loveth  transgression  that  lov- 
eth  strife;  and  ^  he  that  exalteth  his  gate 
seeketh  destruction. 


d6:16.    11:1.    15:8. 

e  1:22,23.  8:4,5.  9:4—6.     Is.  55: 

1—3.     Acts  13.46.     2  Cor.  6:1. 
f  1:7,25.   14:6.    18:15.     DeuU  5: 

29.    Ps.  81:11-13.    Hos.  4:11. 

John  3:20.    Acts  28:26,27. 
g    13:24.     19:7.      Ruth    1:16.    1 

Sam.  18:3.    19:2.    20:17.  23:16. 

2  Sam.    1:26.      9:l,&c.      Esth. 

4:14.     John  15:13,14.    Heb.  2: 


11. 
h6:l— 5.     11.15.    20:16.    22:26, 

27. 

*  Heb.  heart. 
i  14.  29:9,22.  2  Cor.  12:20.  Jam. 

1:20.  3:14—16. 
k  16:13.    13:12.    24:27.     1  Sam. 

25:36 33.      2  Sam.    15:1.     1 

Kings    1:5.      Jer.    22:13 15. 

Dan.  4:30,31. 


and  to  engage  in  rebellion,  or  abet  insurrection.s: 
but  such  persons  generally  come  to  an  untimely 
end,  by  the  hand  of  the  executioner;  and  indeed 
(hey  niust  be  treated  with  severity.  {JVbtes,  2 
Sam.  15-12.  16:5—14.  18:14—10.20:1,2,20—22.1 
Kings  2:23—25,28—31,40—46.)  The  proverb  is 
equally  applicable  to  the  wicked,  who  rebel 
against  God,  and  bring  upon  themselves  his  awful 
vengeance. 

V.  12.  'He  meaneth  the  wicked  in  his  rage, 
*who  hath  no  fear  of  God.' — It  is  less  dangerous 
to  meet  a  fierce  she-bear,  when  enraged  bv  hav- 
ing her  young  ones  taken  from  her;  [J^otes,  1 
Sam.  17:34—37.  2  Sam.  17:7—14,  v.  8. 2  Kings  2: 
23,24.  Hos.  13:5 — 8,  v.  8.)  than  to  encounter  a 
profligate  and  unprincipled  man,  when  impet- 
uously urged  on  by  his  head-strong  passions,  and 
provoked  to  anger  by  meeting  with  resistance  or 
<lisappointment.     (J^otes,  27:3.  28:15,16.) 

V.  13.  {Jlarg.  Ref.)  'It  is  so  unnatural  for  a 
'man  to  return  evil  to  him,  from  whom  he  hath 
'received  nothing  but  good;  that  the  punishment 
'of  his  ingratitude  shall  not  rest  in  his  own  per- 
'son,  but  descend  upon  his  posterity,  to  all  gen- 
'erations.'  Bp.  Patrick.  [JVotes,  Ps.  35:11,12. 
38:19,20.  109:6—20.  Matt.  27:3—5,24,25.)  This 
is  a  fair  exposition  of  the  proverb;  a  solemn 
warning  against  this  hateful  sin:  but  it  admits  of 
an  exception,  in  the  case  of  those  who  carefully 
avoid  the  crimes  of  their  wicked  parents  or  an- 
cestors.    [J^otes,  Ez.  18:2—20.] 

V.  14.  When  the  bank  or  darn,  that  confines 
a  large  body  of  water,  is  cut,  or  even  a  small 
opening  made,  the  current  soon  forces  a  wider 
passage,  and  a  terrible  inundation  of  the  adjacent 
country  follows  from  a  small  beginning.  Thus, 
when  any  afi'ront  is  given,  and  anger  begins  to 
rise  in  the  heart;  if  the  least  vent  be  given  to  it, 
one  passionate  and  provoking  word  will  bring  on 
another;  every  retort  will  widen  the  breach  and 
increase  the  violence  of  resentment;  and  durable 
malice  or  bloody  revenge  will  probably  be  the 
effect.  It  is  therefore  of  the  highest  importance 
to  stifle  passion,  and  not  to  take  notice  of  an  of- 
fence. For  this  strengthens  the  bank,  and  keeps 
in  the  water,  without  giving  it  the  least  passage. 
"Therefore,  ere  the  contention  be  meddled  with, 
leave  off."  Old  Version.  {Ma7~g.  Ref. — J^otes, 
19.  13:10.  14:29.  16:32.  19:11.  20:3.  25:8—10.  26: 
21.  Gen.  13:8,9.  J«d^.  0:1— 3.  12:1—6.  £c.  7:8,9. 
Jam.  1:19—21.) 

V.  15.  For  a  judge,  willingly  or  carelessly 
either  to  acquit,  and  treat  as  a  righteous,  the  man 
who  is  guilty,  and  ought  to  be  condemned;  or  to 


condemn  and  punish  the  innocent  and  righteous, 
is  in  itself  abominable;  and  he,  who  does  either 
the  one  or  the  other,  "is  an  abomination  to  the 
Lord."  And  so  are  all  they,  in  private  life,  who 
excuse  and  praise  the  wicked,  and  revile  and  ca- 
lumniate the  righteous;  and  endeavor  to  confound 
the  difference  between  good  and  evil  among  men. 
[Marg.  Ref.— Mites,  24:24,25.  Ex.  23:1—9.  1 
Kings  21:8—14.  /*.  5:20—23.  Am.  5:7—13.  Ltike 
23:13—25.  Jam.  5:1—6.) 

V.  16.  The  advantages,  which  Providence 
confers,  are  a  price  put  into  men's  hands,  with 
which  to  acquire  wisdom:  such  are  a  pious  ed- 
ucation, the  instructions  and  counsels  of  wise  and 
good  men,  the  preaching  of  the  gospel,  and,  above 
all,  the  written  word  of  God.  But  of  what  use 
is  this  price  to  a  fool,  who  has  no  heart  to  make 
use  of  it,  who  hates  to  be  reformed,  who  will  not 
read  the  Bible,  or  regard  the  preacher.''  He  hates 
the  light  which  condemns  his  wickedness;  and 
will  be  condemned,  because  he  would  not  profit 
by  it.  [Motes,  1:7,21—31.  14:6.  18:1,2./*.  55:1— 
3.  John  3:19 — 21.) — Many  explain  this  of  a  ricii 
foolish  man.  'Of  what  use  are  riches  to  a  fool? 
'He  has  no  heart,  by  means  of  them  to  get  wis- 
'dom.' 

V.  17.  'A  true  friend  ...  becomes  a  brother 
'in  adversity.  He  was  a  friend  before;  this  makes 
'him  a  brother,  and  so  he  is  to  be  esteemed.'  Bp. 
Patrick — These  maxims  shew  men  their  duty. 
No  change  of  outward  circumstances  should 
abate  our  affection  for  our  friends  or  relatives; 
we  should  be  constant  and  persevering  in  our  en- 
deavors to  do  them  good;  regard  the  time  of  their 
adversity,  as  an  opportunity  of  shewing  disinter- 
ested love;  and  consider  ourselves  as  born  into 
the  world  and  preserved  in  life,  on  purpose  to 
help  them  at  those  trying  seasons,  when  the  rest 
of  the  world  forsakes  them.  [Motes,  IS:24.  19:7. 
1  .Sam.  18:3,4.  20:14—17.  23:16.  Esth.  4:13,14. 
John  15:12—16.) 

V.  18.  Though  it  is  a  man's  dut^,/  to  assist  his 
friends,  especially  in  di.^tress;  yet  He  should  not 
rashly  engage  for  them  beyond  his  ability,  to  the 
injury  of  his  creditors,  and  the  ruin  of  himself 
and  family.  Indeed  there  is  great  reason  to  sus- 
pect the  reality  of  the  friendship  of  those,  who 
would  draw  others  into  unreasonable  engage- 
ments; especially  when,  being  present,  their  own 
integrity  and  solvency  are  questioned.  [Motes, 
6:1—5.   11:15.  20:16.  22:26,27.) 

V.  19.  A  man  who  affects  magnificence  in  his 
house,  buildings,  and  style  of  living,  above  his 
rank  and  income,  goes  the  wav  to  ruin  himself, 

[515 


B.  C.  976. 


PROVERBS. 


B.  C.  976. 


20  *  He  that  '  hath  a  frovvard  heart 
findeth  no  good;  ""  and  he  that  hath  a 
perverse  tongue  falleth  into  mischief. 

21  He  "that  begetteth  a  fool  doeth  it 
to  his  sorrowj  and  the  father  of  a  fool 
"  hath  no  joy. 

22  A  P  merry  heart  doeth  good  t  like 
a  medicine;  but  ^  a  broken  spirit  drieth 
the  bones. 

23  A  wicked  man  '  taketh  a  gift  ^  out 
of  the  bosom,  to  pervert  the  v/ays  of  judg- 
ment. 


*  Heb.  The  froTiiard  of  heart. 
1  3:32.  6:12—15.    8:13.     Ps.  18: 

'26. 
m  10:10,14,31.     13:6,7.     Ec.  10: 

12.     Jam.  3:6— 8. 
n25.   15:20.    19:13.    Gen.  26:34, 

35.      1   Sam.   2:32—35.    8:3.  2 

Sam.  18:33. 
0  23:15,16.   2  Cor.  2:3.  Philem. 

19,20.     3  John  4. 


p  12:25.     15:13,15.     Ec.  9:7—9. 

Rom.  5:2 — 5. 
f  Heb.  to  a  medicine. 
q  Ps.  22:15.  32:3,4.   102:3—5.   2 

Cor.  2:7.  7:10. 
r  8.    18:16.    Ex.  23:8.    Deut.  16: 

19.     1  Sam.  8:3.  12:3.    Is.  1:23. 

Ez.  22:13.   Mic.  7:3.  Mark  14: 

10,11. 
s  21:14. 


as  certainly  as  if  he  intended  it:  even  as  a  man, 
who  takes  delight  in  controversy  and  contention, 
acts  as  if  in  love  with  sin  and  punishment — 'He 
'that  loves  sin  rejoices  in  fightings.'  Sept.  (See  on 
JVote,  l4.~JVotes,  24:27.  2  Sam.  15: 1—6.  1  Kings 
1:3,6.  Jer.  22:13— 19.) 

V.  20.  He,  who  arts  with  duplicity,  dishonesty, 
or  malignity,  shall  fail  of  the  good  which  he  seeks, 
and  fall  into  the  evil  that  he  thus  would  shun: 
and  he  that  speaks  perverse,  irritating,  and  mis- 
chievous words,  shall  ruin  himself.  (JVotes,  6:12 
—15.  8:13.    10:10,14,31.   18:6,7.    Ec.  10:11—15.) 

V.  21.  'Great  is  the  care  which  ought  to  be 
'taken  in  the  contract  of  marriage,  and  in  the 
'education  of  children;  for  if  a  son  prove  vicious 
'and  lewd,  it  will  be  such  an  inexpressible  grief 
'to  his  father,  that  he  will  take  no  comfort  at  all 
'in  any  thing  he  enjoys.''  Bp.  Patrick.  {J^otes, 
25.   10:1.   15:20.  23:15,16.) 

V.  22.  (Jfotes,  12:25.  15:13,15.  Ps.  32:3—5.) 
"A  joyful  heart  causeth  good  health;  but  a  sor- 
rowful mind  drieth  the  bones."     Old  Version. 

V.  23.  'No  man  would  willingly  be  known  to 
'be  so  wicked  as  to  be  bribed  to  do  injustice:  but 
'there  are  too  many,  that  will  suffer  themselves 
'to  be  secretly  corrupted  by  presents,  to  give 
'counsel  or  judgment  contrary  to  the  course  of 
'law  and  equity.'  Bp.  Patrick.  (See  on  JVote,  8.) 

V.  24.  The  prudent  man  keeps  the  maxims 
of  wisdom,  and  the  oracles  of  God,  continually  in 
view,  as  if  placed  before  his  eyes  to  be  the  rule 
and  measure  of  his  conduct;  and  thus  his  atten- 
tion is  fixed  upon  his  path,  and  what  relates  to  it. 
But  the  foolish  man  regards  every  thing  more 
than  his  own  duty  and  safety:  his  thoughts  are 
roving  about  every  vanity,  even  to  the  ends  of 
the  earth:  and  he  acts  as  a  man  would  do,  who, 
in  a  narrow  way,  full  of  pits  and  traps,  and  bor- 
dering on  tremendous  precipices,  should  be  gaz- 
ing at  distant  objects,  but  entirely  heedless  how 
he  walked,  or  where  he  set  his  feet.  (JYotcs,  15: 
J4.  Ps.  119:37.  Ec.  2:12— 17,  «.  14.  6:9.  1  John 
2:15—17.) 

V.  25.  Solomon  'might  speak  the  oftener  on 
'this  subject,  having  an  example  before  his  eyes 
'of  the  great  weakness  of  his  own  son,  who,  it  is 
'not  unlikely,  was  a  perpetual  grief  to  him.' 
Bp.   Patrick.     (See  on  JVo<e.s,  21.  10:1.) 

V.  26.  It  is  very  criminal  for  magistrates  to 
punish  those  who  have  not  offended,  and  to  op- 
press and  persecute  their  peaceable  subjects:  but 
it  is  also  very  wrong  for  subjects  to  revile  their 
rulers,  or  to  excite  insurrections  against  them, 
when  administering  justice  impartially,  merelv 
Slfil 


24  Wisdom  «  *  before  him  that  hath 
understanding;  but "  the  eyes  of  a  fool  are 
in  the  ends  of  the  earth. 

25  A  ^  foolish  son  is  a  grief  to  his  fa- 
ther, and  bitterness  to  her  that  bare  him. 

26  Also  y  to  punish  the  just  is  not 
good,  nor  ^  to  strike  princes  for  equity. 

27  He  that  hath  knowledge  ^  spareth 
his  words;  and  a  man  of  understanding  is 
of  t  an  excellent  spirit. 

28  Even  ^  a  fool  when  he  holdeth  his 
peace,  is  counted  wise;  and  he  that  shut- 
teth  his  lips  is  esteemed  a  man  of  under- 
standing. 


14:6.     15:14.      Ec.   2:11. 

John  7:17. 
u23:5.    Ps.  119:37.     Ec.  6:9.  1 

John  2:16. 
x21.  10:1.    2Sam.  13:l,&c.  Ec. 

2:18,19. 
y  15.   18:5.    Gen.  18:25. 
z   2  Sam.    3:23—25,39.     16:7,8. 


19:7.     Job  34:13,19.   Mic.  5:1. 

John  18:22,23. 
a  10.19.   15:23.     Jfem.  1:19.  3:1. 
I  Or,  a  cool  spirit.    16:32.    Ec. 

9:17.  Jam.  3:18. 
b  15:2.  Job  13:5.   Ec.  5:3.   10:3, 

14. 


because  their  decrees  may  bear  hard  upon  indi- 
viduals. {JVotes,  2  Sam.  16:5—14.  19:1— 8,  ot. 
6,7.    Job  34:16—19.  Mic.  5:1.  John  18:17—23.) 

V.  27,  28.  A  wise  man  will  spare  his  words, 
if  he  cannot  speak  with  a  prospect  of  doing  good: 
he  will  no  more  be  a  prodigal,  than  a  miser,  in 
the  use  of  this  good  treasure.  Especially  he  will 
be  slow  to  speak,  when  he  is  offended,  or  to  inter- 
meddle in  matters  not  belonging  to  him,  being 
"of  a  cool  spirit,"  as  the  words  may  be  rendered. 
{Marg.)  This  command  of  the  tongue  and  tem- 
per are  of  so  good  repute,  that  even  an  ignorant 
man  may  be  accounted  wise,  at  the  small  ex- 
pense of  holding  his  tongue,  as  if  he  were  reflect- 
ing and  learning,  instead  of  speaking  to  expose 
hisownfolly.  (JVb^es,  10:19—21.  15:2,7.  £c.  10: 
2,3,11  —  15.  Jam.  1:19—21,26.  3:1,2.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
V.  1—15. 

The  depravity  of  human  nature  is  peculiarly  dis- 
covered, by  the  very  general  perversion  of  divine 
ordinances  into  occasions  of  increasing  iniquity.  It 
might  have  been  thought  that  a  house  full  of  peace- 
offerings  and  thank-offerings,  would  have  been 
replete  with  harmony  and  love;  and  yet  it  was  fre- 
quently full  of  strife  and  animosity.  The  gospel 
itself  has  been  preached  out  of  envy  and  malice;  di- 
vine truth  has  been  the  watch  word  of  acrimon)', 
reviling,  and  slander;  the  cause  of  God  has  been 
pleaded  with  cruelty  and  persecution;  longprayers 
have  been  made  the  cloke  of  the  basest  injustice; 
and  the  Lord's  table  approached  from  gross  ambi- 
tion and  avarice,  to  secure  emoluments,  to  be  used 
in  luxury,  and  the  pride  of  life;  or  to  obtain  power 
for  the  purposes  of^  faction  and  rebellion.  But  as 
it  would  be  far  happier  to  feed  upon  a  dry  morsel 
with  quietness,  than  upon  the  richest  dainties 
with  hatred  and  contention;  so  communion  with 
God  in  secret  is  preferable,  even  to  public  solem- 
nities and  the  professed  communion  of  the  saints, 
when  these  prove  an  occasion  of  strife. — If  we 
would  keep  a  clear  conscience  and  a  quiet  mind, 
we  must  shun  all  incitements  to  anger:  we 
must  suppress  the  rising  emotions  of  resent- 
ment; and  reject  those  hasty  suggestions,  which 
to  the  disordered  mind  appear  pertinent  and 
proper  to  be  spoken,  but  which  prove  like  the 
cutting  of  a  bank,  and  the  letting  out  of  watex", 
and  make  way  for  domestic  broils,  implacable  re- 
sentments, confusion,  and  every  evil  work.  These 
we  cannot  avoid  without  much  forbearance  and 
prudence:  we  must  learn  to  give  as  little  offence 
as  we  consistently  can  in  our  own  conduct:  we 
must  suppress  our  passions,  when  offended;  and 


B.  C.  97G. 


CHAPTER  XVII. 


B.  C.  97G. 


conceal,  or  make  every  candid  and  honest  apolo- 
gy for,  the  faults  of  our  friends  towards  each  oth- 
er. Thus  "he  that  covereth  a  transgression  seek- 
eth  love:"  for  he  who  repeats  all  which  he  see^  and 
bears,  separates  neai'est  friends  and  relations,  and 
does  immense  mischief,  in  private  and  public  life, 
in  the  world,  and  even  in  the  church.  The  Chris- 
tian has  nothing  to  do  with  the  slanders  of  the 
day;  or  the  parties,  which  pride,  selfishness,  or  re- 
sentment form  in  the  world,  or  in  the  church. 
He  should  also  avoid  those  false  teachers,  who 
"privily  bring  in  damnable  heresies,"  and  who 
may  be  known  by  their  fruits;  and  especially 
in  that  they  are  approved  and  applauded  by  un- 
godly men,  and  by  such  professors  of  religion  as 
are  of  dubious  character.  He  should  not  regard 
the  good  things,  which  they  mix  up  with  these 
poisonous  ingredients,  to  render  them  more  pal- 
atable; for  "excellent  speech  becometh  not  a 
fool,"  and  must  be  used  by  him  for  some  foolish 
or  wicked  purpose;  and  lying  lips  are  not  more 
detestable  in  a  prince,  than  in  a  minister  of  re- 
ligion: for  as  the  magistrate,  who  "justifieth  the 
wicked,  or  condemneth  the  just,  is  an  abomination 
to  the  Lord;"  so  is  that  teacher,  who  encourages 
a  wicked  man  in  impenitence,  or  discourages  the 
heart  of  the  humble  believer,  by  false  doctrine. 
{M)te,  Ez.  13:17—23,  v.  22.)— The  love  of  money 
has  often  warped  the  minds  of  judges  to  favor 
those  who  brought  them  large  bribes:  anci  wicked 
men,  who  can  afford  it,  are  ever  ready  to  part 
with  their  beloved  treasures,  to  purchase  impuni- 
ty for  their  crimes:  thus,  many  called  ministers, 
"teach  things  which  they  ought  not,  for  filthy 
lucre's  sake;"  the  rich  are  often  willing  to  pay 
well  for  a  quietus  to  their  conscience,  and  an  en- 
couragement to  their  presumption;  and  "so  they 
wrap  it  up,"  till  the  day  of  judgment  unfold  and 
discover  the  infamous  business.  For  to  the  scan- 
dal of  human  nature,  it  is  a  general  rule,  (though 
it  admits  of  tnany  exceptions,)  that  valuable  gifts 
blind  men  to  their  interest  and  duty;  and  whither- 
soever they  turn  they  prosper.  The  good  Lord 
deliver  us  from  "the  love  of  money,  which  is  the 
root  of  all  evil,"  {J\''ote,  1  Tim.  6:6—10.)  and 
teach  us  to  lay  up  our  treasure  in  heaven,  and  to 
set  our  affections  on  things  above;  for  otherwise 
we  can  never  be  stedfast  in  any  part  of  our  duty. 
When  these  alluring  baits  are  presented  to  us, 
we  should  remember,  that  the  Lord  our  God 
makes  trial  of  our  hearts,  whether  we  will  keep 
his  commandments  or  not.  And  by  various 
temptations,  as  well  as  afflictions,  he  distinguishes 
the  hypocrite  from  the  true  Christian.  May  "the 
trial  of  our  faith  then  prove  to  praise,  and  honor, 
and  glory  at  the  coming  of  Jesus  Christ." — If  in- 
gratitude to  our  fellow  creatures  be  so  base,  as  to 
bring  a  curse  on  a  man  and  his  posterity;  how 
abominable  must  ingratitude  be  to  our  Maker, 
yea,  our  Redeemer,  the  Friend  of  sinners!  [P.  O. 
Luke  M-.W — 19.)  How  great  is  his  forbearance 
towards  us;  and  what  cause  have  we  to  be  hum- 
ble and  thankful! — It  is  of  great  importance,  that 
we  receive  instruction  and  take  reproof,  especial- 
ly those  of  the  sacred  oracles,  in  good  part.  This 
is  a  test  of  our  wisdom,  and  tends  to  exempt  us 
from  numberless  sorrows  and  sutTerings.  For  "a 
reproof  entereth  more  into  a  wise  man,  than  an 
hundred  stripes  into  a  fool."  This  is  every  one's 
own  concern;  for  foolish  and  wicked  men  are  in- 
deed the  shame  and  grief  of  their  parents  and  re- 
lations, and  the  nuisance  of  society,  being  ahvay 
stirring  up  strife  or  rebellion:  but  they  prepare 
stripes  for  themselves,  if  not  the  rigorous  messen- 
gers of  justice,  to  arrest  them  and  lead  them  to 
ignominious  death;  and  afterwards  they  have 
nothing  to  expect,  but  the  wrath  and  vengeance 
of  an  offended  God.  But,  a  bear  bereaved  of  her 
young  is  a  faint  emblem  of  the  brutal  ferocity  of 
exasperated  transgressors.— We  cannot  disdain  a 


poor  man,  or  the  meanest  slave,  without  reproach- 
ing the  Lord  who  "hath  cliosen  the  poor  of  tliis 
world:"  nay,  the  Lord  of  glory  for  our  sakes  be- 
came a  poor  man,  and  had  not  where  to  lay  hi  ,• 
bead.  Indeed  wisdom  and  integrity  are  far  more 
honorable,  than  riches  or  noble  descent,  which 
only  shame  their  wortliless  jjossessors,  and  rcjidcr 
them  the  scandal  of  illustrious  families:  while  wis 
dom  ennobles  and  advances  the  meanest  servant, 
and  entitles  him  to  respect  and  consideration. 
We  should  also  be  ver}-  watchful  over  our  own 
spirits,  that  we  do  not  fall  into  the  common  fault 
of  secretly  rejoicing,  or  openly  exulting,  over  the 
calamities  of  other  men;  lest  we  should  incur  the 
indignation  of  the  Lord. — In  fine,  we  should,  in 
every  circumstance  and  relation  of  life,  endeavor 
to  act  in  that  manner,  which  may  be  most  cred- 
itable and  useful  to  all  with  whom  we  are  con- 
nected; and  so  to  educate  our  children  as  may  be 
most  likely  to  render  them  blessed  and  blessings 
and  this  will  most  effectually  tend  to  our  own  com- 
fort and  joy  in  them. 

V.  16—28. 
It  can  never  be  unseasonable  to  turn  our  medi- 
tations to  Him,  who  is,  in  the  highest  and  most 
important  sense,  a  "Friend  who  loveth  at  all 
times,  and  a  Brother  who  was  born  for  adversity." 
His  love  to  us  lost  sinners  induced  him  to  assume 
our  nature,  that  he  might  become  our  Brother, 
our  Friend,  and  our  Suretj^  This  was  the  grand- 
est manifestation  of  the  divine  justice,  holiness, 
and  abhorrence  of  iniquity,  which  any  creature 
ever  did  or  ever  can  behold.  Nay,  his  becoming 
Surety  for  us  insolvent  debtors,  when  he  knew 
how  dear  the  engagement  must  cost  him,  was 
perfectly  consistent  with  these,  and  a  most  glo- 
rious display  of  them.  For  the  Lord's  ways  and 
thoughts  are  above  ours,  even  as  the  heavens  are 
above  the  earth.  (JVoie,  Is.  53:8,9.)  Whenever 
the  distressed  sinner  applies  for  salvation  to  the 
once  crucified  but  now  glorified  Redeemer,  he 
communicates  to  him  mercy,  and  grace,  and 
peace:  and  he  is  the  constant  and  condescending 
Friend  and  Brother  of  every  believer,  in  the 
lowest  scenes  of  adversity,  in  the  hottest  fire  of 
persecution,  in  the  hour  of  death,  and  in  the  day 
of  judgment.  It  is  his  will  also,  that  we  should 
be  grateful  to  our  earthly  benefactors,  and  for- 
giving to  our  enemies;  and  that  wc  should  copy 
his  example  of  love  in  our  conduct  to  afflicted 
friends  and  relatives,  according  as  the)'  need  our 
help,  and  we  are  able  to  relieve  or  comfort  tlicrn, 
consistently  with  other  duties;  but  to  avoid  all 
rash  and  perilous  engagements.  Thus  the  sacred 
scripture  in  every  thing  points  out  to  us  the  patFi 
of  safety,  prudence,  and  duty:  it  is  an  invaluiible 
"price  put  into  our  hands,  to  get  wisdom,"  and 
learn  the  way  of  happiness,  both  in  this  world 
and  the  next.  Yet  alas!  what  numbers  have  no 
heart  to  this  wisdom,  and  are  thus  proved  more 
egregiously  and  inexcusably  foolish!  Indeed  we 
might  all  have  been  much  wiser  than  we  are,  if 
we  had  An\y  valued  and  improved  the  advantages 
afforded  us.  May  the  Lord  give  us  an  under- 
standing heart,  that  we  may  lay  this  heavenly 
wisdom  ever  before  us,  for  the  direction  of  our 
whole  conduct:  and  may  he  "turn  away  our  eyes 
from  beholding  vanity,"  and  our  imaginations  and 
desires  from  roving  to  the  ends  of  the  earth,  that 
we  may  consider  and  look  well  to  our  goings. — 
If  we  have  trials  from  the  misconduct  of  our  chil- 
dren, we  should  remember,  not  only  that  they 
derived  their  evil  nature  frovi  us,  but  perhaps 
also  imbibed  some  of  their  prejudices,  and  were 
encouraged  in  giving  loose  to  their  passions, 
through  our  examples  and  neglect;  and  in  that 
case,  we  ourselves  are  in  some  sense  the  causes 
of  our  own  sorrow.  We  should,  however,  bear 
this  and  every  other  affliction,  with  humble  pa- 
tience: and  watch  against  repining  and  despond- 

[517 


B.  C.  970. 


PROVERBS. 


B.  C.  976. 


CHAP.  XVIII. 

Maxims  about  seeking  wisdom;  avoiding  contention,  governing 
tlie  tono-ue;  tlie  mischiefs  of  pride  and  sloth;  the  strong  tower 
A    of  the  riichteous  man,  and  of  the  rich  man;  and  the   trials  or 
comforts  arising  from  relations  and  friends,  1 — 24. 

*rflHROUGH  desire    a  man,  having 
_t-    separated  himself,  "  seeketh  and 
'' intermeddleth  with  all  wisdom. 

2  A  *=  fool  hath  no  delight  in  under- 
standing, '^  but  that  his  heart  may  discov- 
er itself. 

3  When    «  the    wicked   cometh,   then 

*  Or,  He  that  scparateth  him-       Mark  1:35 

self  seeketh,   according  to  his 

desiie,  and  intermeddleth  in 

every   business.        Ex.    33:16. 

Zech.  7:3.     Rom.  1:1.     2  Cor. 

6:17.    Jude  19. 
a  2:1 6.      Matt.    13:11,12,44. 

Mark  4:11.    Eph.  5:15— 17. 
b  14:10.    17:14.    20:3,19.    24:21. 

26:17.    Is.   26:8,9.     Jer.  15:17. 


c  1:7,23.  17:16.  Ps.  1:1,2.  Matt. 

8:34.      1  Cor.  3:1. 
d  Num.  24:15,16.     Acts  8:9,19. 

1  Cor.  14:12.  Phil.  1:15.  2  Pet. 

2:15—19. 
e  11:2.  22:10.  29:16.    1  Sam.  20: 

30.  Neh.4:4.   Ps.  69:9,20.   123: 

3,4.     Matt.  27:39—44.     1  Pet. 

4:4,14. 


cometh  also  contempt,  and  with  ignominy 
reproach. 

4  The  ^  words  of  a  man's  mouth  are 
as  deep  waters,  and  the  well-spring  of 
wisdom  as  a  flowing  brook. 

5  It  is  E  not  good  to  accept  the  person 
of  the  wicked,  ''  to  overthrow  the  right- 
eous in  judgment. 

G  A  '  fool's  lips  enter  into  contention, 
and  ^  his  mouth  calleth  for  strokes. 
7  A  fool's  mouth  is   '  his  destruction, 


f  10:11.  13:14.  16:22.  20:5.  Matt. 

12:34.  John  4:14.  7:38,39.  Col. 

3:16.  4:6. 
g    24:23.     28:21.      Lev.    19:15. 

Deut.  1:16,17.    16:19.     Job  13: 

7,8.  34:19.    Matt.  22:16. 
h   1  Kings  21:9—14.     Is.  5:23. 


59:14.    Mic.  7:3. 
1  12:16.   13:10.    14:16.    16:27,23. 

17:14.  20:3.  27:3. 
kl4:3.    19:19.    22:24,25.   25:24. 

29:9. 
1  10:8,14.   12:13.    13:3.     Ec.  10: 

11—14. 


ing   grief,  which  can  only  add  to  our  misery, 
break  our  spirits,  and  dry  up  our  bones:  and  we 
.should  cultivate  a  cheerful  frame  of  mind,  which 
does  good  as  a  medicine,  to  both  soul  and  body. 
We  should  also  study  accurately  our  duty  to  all 
ranks    of  men;    what  becomes  every  order   in 
society,  and  in  what  true  excellency  consists. — 
We  cannot  leave  our  proper  rank  in  the  commu- 
nity, by  emulating  our  superiors,  in    equipage, 
buildings,   furniture,  or   apparel,  without  great 
/oily,  sin,  and  mischief:    yet  on,  this  fatal  rock 
thoiisands  are  continually  shipwrecked. — As  the 
Lord  will  call  the  greatest  monarch  to  account, 
if  he  oppress  his  meanest  subject;  so  will  he  not 
hold  those  guiltless,  that  "speak  evil  of  dignities," 
and  magnify  the  errors  of  their  superiors,  or  in- 
vent calumnies  against  them.     (Jfotes,  2  Pet.  2: 
10,1 1 .  Jude  5 — 10.)     A  man  of  wisdom  and  piety 
will  be  sparing  of  his  words,  and  not  waste  them 
to  such  unworthy  purposes:  he  is  of  a  more  ex- 
cellent, because  of  a  more  peaceable  spirit.     In- 
deed it  is  an   invariable   observation   that   "he 
ioveth  transgression  that    loveth    strife."      And 
even  ignorant  and  ungodly  men  may  justly  be 
counted  so  far  wise,   if  they  hold  their  peace, 
and  do  not'  meddle  with  things  not  belonging  to 
them,  and  of  which  they  are  incompetent  judges: 
but  ill  general  they  are  most  noisy  and  bus}',  who 
have  the  least  capacity  to  say  or  do  any  thing  to 
the  purpose;  or  "who  are  wise  to  do  evil,  but  to 
do  good  have  no  understanding." 
NOTES. 
Chap.  XVIII.    V.  1,  2.     Some   thus   render 
the  lirst  verse:    'A  hare-brained   man   seeks    to 
'satisfy  his  fancy,  and  inlermixeth  himself  with 
'all  things.'    Lord  Bacon,  quoted  by  Bp.  Patrick. 
And  it  is  explained  of  the  mischief  arising  from  a 
self-conceited,  innovating,    intermeddling   spirit 
in  public  and  private  life;  and  in  affairs  both  civil 
and  religious.     But  I  find  no  instance,  in  which 
tlie  word  (-noj) ,   rendered  separated,   has   this 
meaning:  and' the  contrast  between  the  charac- 
ters described  in  the  two  verses  seems  to  require 
a  different  interpretation.      The  verse   may  be 
thus  translated;— "According  to  desire,  he  that  is 
separated  seeketh:  and  he  cnfrages  in  all  con- 
cerns."    Whatever  a  man  earnestly  desires,  he 
seeks  after,  and  secludes  himself  from  avocations, 
that  he  may  not  be  interrupted  in  the  diligent 
pursuit  of  it.     Thus  it  is  in  all  kinds  of  business 
or  learning;  none  excel,  but  those  wiio  desire  to 
excel,  and  who  separate  themselves,  that  they 
may  have  leisure  to  pursue  their  favorite  object, 
Avhether  more  or  less  valuable:   and  even  mis- 
chievous designs  are  formed,  matured,  and  ren- 
dered successful  in  (he  same  manner.    The  word 
niR] 


(n^tnn)  translated  loisdom,  in  our  version, 
in  'some  places  seems  to  have  that  mean- 
ing. (J^ote,  2:7.)  In  one  place  it  is  trans- 
lated the  thing  as  it  is;  [Job  26:3.)  and  there  it 
signifies  knowledge  of  the  subject  in  debate. 
And  as  knowledge  is  spoken  of  in  the  subsequent 
maxim,  it  seems  to  be  here  intended:  and  the 
meaning  conveyed  by  our  translation  is  prefera- 
ble.—'He  that  loveth  wisdom,  will  separate  him- 
'self  from  all  impediments,  and  give  himself 
'wholly  to  seek  it.'— A  man  has  a  strong  de- 
sire to  be  wise,  and  this  induces  him  to  avoid 
vain  company,  diversions,  trifling  studies,  and 
needless  engagements,  that  he  may  have  leisure 
and  retirement  to  examine  things  to  the  bottom. 
But  trifling  and  vain  men  have  no  delight  m 
knowledge,  except  to  make  ostentation  ot  it 
amon*^  such  as  are  more  ignorant  ai-d  empty  than 
themselves:  a  superficial  smattering  suflices  lor 
this  purpose;  and  the  way,  in  which  they  seek 
and  use  their  scanty  stock,  discovers  the  vanity 
of  their  hearts,  as  well  as  the  poverty  of  their 
minds,  while  they  shew  away,  to  make  every 
body  admire  them  as  wits  or  oracles.  (J\otes,l: 
7.  2-1— 0.  17:16.  Ps.  1:1—3.  Jer.  15:15—18. 
Matt.  13:10—12.  ^c<*8:18— 24,26— 31.  2  Cor.  6: 
14— IC,^.  17.  2P<><.  2:15-19.) 

V  3.  When  profane  and  wicked  men  hnd  ad- 
mission into  places  of  public  trust,  societies,  semi- 
naries of  learning,  or  company;  they  soon  betray 
their  contempt  of  every  thing  good,  and  treat 
others  with  ignominious  reproaches:  and  often  by 
their  ill  behavior  and  rash  measures,  expose 
themselves,  and  those  connected  with  them,  to 
scorn  or  reproach.    (,M,to,  11:2.  22:10.  29:16.) 

V  4.  The  fountain  of  wisdom  in  the  heart  ot 
a  pious,  well-informed,  and  experienced  man,  is 
like  deep  waters,  'which  can  never  be  drawn 
'empty,  but  ever  bring  profit.'  This  supplies  him 
with  inexhaustible  resources,  for  useful  conver- 
sation, prudent  counsels,  and  good  instructions. 
These  flow  from  him,  with  ease,  and  as  it  were 
spontaneously,  (like  the  deep  and  gentle  stream,) 
and  do  abundance  of  good;  and  are  totally  unlike 
the  shallow  current,  whose  scanty  waters,  and 
noisv,  rapid  stream,  is  the  known  emblem  ot^  the 
unm^eaning,  vociferous  loquacity  of  a  fool.  ^.^  oles, 
10:11.  13:14.  16:22.  20:5.  Matt.  [2:32— bi,  V.  3o. 
John  4:  ]  0—  1 5.  7: 37— 39.) 

V.  5.  To  favor  the  wicked  is  always  wrong; 
but  worst  of  all,  when  magistrates,  from  respect 
of  persons,  and  contrary  to  justice,  decide  tor  tne 
wicked  and  against  the  righteous.  (See  on  ./Vote, 
17-15.-JVb<es,  24:23-25.  28:21.  Deut.  1:12--18. 
16:18,19.  2  C/ir.  19:3— II.  Job  34:16—19.  Is.  ^ 
22,23.  .1/«//.  22:1.5— 22,  1*.  16.) 


B.C.  976. 


CHAPTER  XVIII. 


B.  C.  976. 


and  °  his  lips  are  the   snare  of  his  soul. 

8  The  "  words  of  a  *  tale-bearer  are 
t  as  wounds,  and  they  go  down  into  the 
i  innermost  parts  of  the  belly. 

9  He  also  °  that  is  slothful  in  his 
work,  P  is  brother  to  him  that  is  a  great 
waster. 

10  The  1  name  of  the  Lord  is  "■  a 
strong  tower:  ^  the  righteous  runneth  into 
it,  and  is  \  safe. 

1 1  The  *  rich  man's  wealth  is  his  strong 


m  6:2.  Judg.  11:3.5.     1  Sam.  14 

^4,&c.    Mark  6:23—28.     Acts 

23:14,4cc. 
n  12:18.   16:28.   26:20,21.     Lev. 

19:16.     Ps.  62:2.    64:3,4. 
*  Or,  whisperer. 
f   Or,    like   as  w/ien   rneri   are 

loounded. 
J  Heb.  chambers. 
o    10:4.      23:20,21.     24-3ft — 34. 

Matt.    25:26.        Rom.     12:11. 

Heb.  6:12. 
p  Job  30:29.  Luke  15:13,14.    16: 

1,2. 


q  Gen.   17:1.     Ex.  3:13—15 

3.  34:5—7.    Is.  9:6.  57:15.  Jer. 

23:6.     Miitt.  1:23.    Rev.  1:8. 
r  2  Sam.  22:3,51.     Ps.  18:2.  27: 

1.  61:3,4.  91:2.  144:2.  Is.  26:4. 
s  Gen.  32:11,28,29.      1  Sam.  22: 

45—47.    30:6.     Ps.  56:3,4. 
^   Heb.    set  aloft.     Pe.  91:14. 

Hab.  3:19. 
t  10:15.   11:4.    Deut.  32:31.  Job 

31:24,25.  Ps.  49:6—9.  52:5—7. 

62:10,11.    Ec.  7:12.     Luke  12: 

19—21. 


V.  6,  7.  The  proud,  the  passionate,  and  the 
drunken,  with  those  who  give  defiance  and  send 
challenges,  and  many  others,  enter  into  conten- 
tion, as  volunteers;  as  do  all  who  intermeddle  in 
disputes  which  belong  not  to  them.  Men  of  this 
description  foolishly  call  on  others  to  chastise  their 
insolence;  and  they  commonly  meet  with  such  as 
answer  that  call.  Many  are  thus  drawn  into  frays 
and  duels,  which  end  in  wounds,  bruises,  or  death; 
many  incur  lawsuits  and  prosecutions;  and  still 
more  bring  destruction  upon  their  souls.  (JVbies, 
12:16.  14:3.  16:27,28.  17:14.  20:3.  26:17.  Ec.lO: 
11—15.) 

V.  8.  The  word  (d^dhSpd)  is  used  only  in  this 
place,  and  in  another  exactly  the  same:  (26:22.) 
and  the  meaning  is  doubtful;  but  the  old  version 
seems  preferable. — "The  words  of  the  tale-bearer 
are  as  flatterings,  and  thev  go  down  into  the  bow- 
els of  the  belly."  Old  Version.  ( JVb<e,  20: 1 9. ) 
'A  whisperer  of  false  stories  makes  a  great  shew 
*of  harmlessness,  if  not  of  love  and  kindness,  when 
'he  backbites  others;  nay,  seems  perhaps  to  do  it 
'very  unwillingly,  with  great  grief  of  heart,  and 
'not  without  excuses  for  the  persons  from  whom 
'he  detracts;  but  his  words  give  them  the  most 
'deadly  wound,  and  sink  deep  into  the  minds  of 
'those  that  hear  them.'  B'p.  Patnck,  They  in- 
curably wound  the  very  vitals.  They  infuse  sus- 
picion into  those  to  whom  he  speaks,  which  imbit- 
ters  their  minds  against  those  whom  they  ought  to 
love,  and  give  rise  to  contentions  which  ruin  their 
peace  and  comfort:  and  they  wound  the  reputa 
tions  of  those  oj"  ichom  he  speaks;  they  bereave 
them  of  tiieir  friends,  and  lead  them  into  innumer- 
able troubles  and  temptations.  [JVotes,  11:13.  16: 
28.  26:20,21.  Lev.  19:16.) 

V.  9.  The  slothful  in  business,  and  the  profuse 
in  expenditure  are  nearly  related;  the  two  vices 
commonly  accompany  each  other;  but  either  of 
them  is  sufficient  to  bring  any  man  to  ruin 
(Marg.  Ref.—Jfoles,  10:4.  12:24.  23:20— -22.  Job 
30:1—14.  Luke  15:13—16.   16:1— 8,  ijo.  1,3.) 

V.  10,  II.  "The  Name  of  Jehovah"  denotes 
his  perfections,  as  revealed  in  the  sacred  scrip- 
ture, and  as  harmoniously  displayed  through  the 
great  Redeemer. — He,  who  under  a  conscious- 
ness of  guilt,  and  dread  of  misery  or  enemies,  be- 
lieving the  testimony,  and  embracing  the  prom- 
ises of  God,  flees  to  take  refuge  under  the  shadow 
of  his  wings,  by  living  faith,  is  "a  righteous  man:" 
for  "the  just  by  faith  sball  live,"  and  from  that 
time,  whenever  guilt,  or  trouble,  or  danger,  of 
whatever  kind,  oppresses  him,  he  immediately 


city,  and  as  an  high  wall  in  his  own  con- 
ceit. 

12  Before  "  destruction  the  heart  of 
man  is  haughty;  *  and  before  honor  is  hu- 
mility. 

13  He  y  that  li  answereth  a  matter  be- 
fore he  heareth   it,  it  is  folly  and  shame 


unto  him. 


[Practical  Observations.] 


14  The  ^  spirit  of  a  man  will  sustain 
his  infirmity;  ^  but  a  wounded  spirit  who 
can  bear.^ 

15  The  **  heart  of  the  prudent  getteth 


u  11:2.  16:3.  29:23.  Ez.  16:49, 
50.  28:2,9.  Dan.  5:23,24.  Acts 
12:21—23. 

X  15:33.  Job  42:6,&c.  Is.  6:5, 
&c.  Dan.  9:20,23.      1  Pet.  5:5. 

y  Ueut.  13:14.  2  Sam.  l6:4.  19: 
24—30.  Esth.  3:10,&c.  8:5, 
&c.  Job  29:16.  Dan.  6:9,14. 
John  7:51. 

II  Heb.  returneth  a  word. 

z  Job  1:20,21.     2:7—10.     Rom. 


5:3—5.8:35—37.     2  Cor.  1:12. 

12:9,10.    Jam.  1:2.     I  Pet.  1:6. 
a  17:22.     Job  6:4.    7:14,15.     10: 

15—17.      Ps.    30:9,10.    32:3,4. 

38:2—4.    42:10,11.    55:3,5.  77: 

2,3.  88:14—16.   109:22.     Mark 

14:33,34.     2  Cor.  2:7. 
b  1:5.  4:5,7.    9:9.     10:14.   15:14. 

23:23.     1  Kings  3:9.     Ps.  119: 

97—104.  Luke  8:8—10.  10:39. 

2Tim.  3:15— 17.     Jam.  1:5. 


runs  to  the  same  secure  abode;  and  not  only  is 
preserved,  but  exalted.  (J^arg.)  The  unchange- 
able mercy,  power,  wisdom,  righteousness,  and 
faithfulness  of  God,  are  his  security.  His  refuge 
is  ever  near,  and  will  prove  impregnable,  through 
life,  'in  the  hour  of  death,  and  in  the  day  of  judg- 
'ment:'  and  the  righteous  are  "kept  by  the  power 
of  God,  through  faith,  unto  salvation."  [JVotes, 
Gen.  22:21— 30.  Ex.  3:13— 15.  23:21—23.  34:5— 
7.  2  Sam.  22:2,3.  Is.  7:14.  9:6,7.  Jer.  23:5,6.  Matt. 
1:20—23.  1  Pet.  1:3—5.) — But  rich  men  are 
prone  to  confide  in  their  wealth,  and  to  Aeemthat 
their  "strong  city"  and  their  "high  wall,"  to  de- 
fend them  from  dangers  and  calamities.  But  it 
is  so  only  "in  their  own  conceit:"  for  trouble  will 
find  entrance  into  their  castle;  death  will  storm 
and  take  it;  and  judgment  will  sweep  it  and  them 
into  final  perdition,  unless  they  have  previously 
ceased  to  trust  in  it  for  preservation.  (See  on. 
JVote,  10:15.) 

V.  12.  Marg.  Ref.—See  on  Jfotes,  15:33.  16: 
18. 

V.  13.  Eagerness  of  spirit,  united  with  self- 
conceit,  and  the  affectation  of  appearing  more 
penetrating  than  others,  often  betrays  men  into 
the  practice  of  interrupting  those  who  are  speak- 
ing, and  answering  them  before  they  have  finish- 
ed their  discourse;  by  which  they  sometimes  pre- 
sume to  confute  arguments,  and  contradict  con- 
clusions, which  they  have  not  heard.  This  is 
peculiarly  the  case  with  vehement  controversial- 
ists. But  it  is  egregious  folly,  and  will  expose 
the  man  to  deserved  shame;  and  will  at  least,  be 
a  very  great  abatement  from  his  character,  as  a 
man  of  wisdom,  humility,  and  meekness. — 'But  if 
'it  be  a  shame  to  a  private  person  in  ordinary  dis- 
'course,  to  "answer  a  matter  before  he  heareth 
'it;"  much  more  will  it  be  to  a  magistrate,  if,  in 
'matters  of  justice  and  judgment,  he  come  to  a 
'resolution,  before  he  hath  taken  full  cognizance 
'of  them.'  Bp.  Patrick.  {Mdes,  Deut.  \3:\2— IS, 
w.  14.  2.Sa7«,  16:1— 4.  19:24—30.  Esth.3:8—1\. 
Job  20:1— 3.  21:1—6.  29:12—17.  JoAn  7:40— 53, 
WB.  51,52.) 

V.  14.  Even  natural  courage  and  resolution 
will  support  a  man  under  manifold  pains  and  ca- 
lamities, if  his  mind  and  conscience  be  composed: 
and  the  inward  consolations  of  the  Holy  Spirit  will 
enable  the  believer  to  endure  any  tedious  affliction 
or  persecution,  without  fainting.  But  when  the 
conscience  is  tortured  with  remorse  and  terror; 
when  the  heart  is  racked  with  furious  and  disap- 
pointed passions;  when  He,  who  made  the  soul, 
causes  his  sword  to  approach  unto  it,  or  even  per- 

[519 


B.  C.  97G. 


PROVERBS. 


B.  C.  97G. 


knowledge;  and  the  ear  of  the  wise  seek- 
eth  knowledge. 

16  A  man's  •=  gift  maketh  room  for 
biin,  and  bringeth  hmi  before  great  men. 

1 7  He  '^  that  is  first  in  his  own  cause 
seeineth  just;  but  his  neighbor  cometh  and 
searcheth  him. 

18  The  ^  lot  causeth  contentions  to 
cease,  and  parteth  between  the  mighty. 

19  A  "^  brother  offended  is   harder  to 


c   17:8.    19:6.    21:14.     Gen.  32: 

20.   33:10.    43:11.     1  Sam.  25: 

27. 
d  13.     2  Sam.  16:1— 3.    19:24— 

27.     Acts  21:5,6,12,]3. 
e  16:33.  Josh.  14:2.      1  Sam.  10: 

21,&c.  14:42.     1  Chr.  6:63.  24: 


31.  Neh.  11:1. 
f  6:19.  Gen.  4:5—3.  27:41—45. 
32:6—11.  37:3—5,11,18—27.  2 
Sam.  13:22,28.  1  Kings  2:23 
—25.  12:16.  2  Chr.  13:17. 
Acts  15:39. 


mits  Satan  to  pour  in  his  horrid  temptations;  no 
human  fortitude  can  sustain  the  miserj':  even  the 
behever,  Hke  Job,  will  be  almost  driven  to  mad- 
ness and  the  borders  of  desperation.  Nay,  the 
incarnate  Son  of  God,  in  circumstances  as  nearly 
of  this  kind  as  in  his  case  were  possible,  cried 
out,  "My  soul  is  exceedingly  sorrowful  even  unto 
death."  In  circumstances  not  wholly  dissimilar, 
unbelievers  are  often  driven  into  despair,  blas- 
phemy, and  suicide,  or  die  from  mere  vexation  of 
spirit.  (J^Totes,  Job  1:20 — 22.  2:7—10.  6:1 — 4.  7: 
13—16.  16:6—16.  P«.  32:3— 5.  88:14,16,17.  Jfe«. 
26:36— 39.  iiow.  5:3—5.  2Cor.  1:8— 14.  12:7— 
12.) 

V.  15.  (Seeon  JVoie,  1,2.)  The  prudent  man, 
fearing  the  misery  described  in  the  preceding 
verse,  will  seek  that  wisdom  and  knowledge, 
which  alone  is  sufficient  to  preserve  him  from  it. 

V.  16.  A  man's  gift  'getteth  him  liberty  to 
'speak,  and  favor  of  them  that  are  most  in  estima- 
tion.'— 'It  will  produce  his  enlargement,  if  he  be 
'in  prison;  and  ...  bring  him  into  favor  with  great 
'men.'  Bp.  Patrick. — In  some  cases,  it  may  be 
allowable  to. conciliate  with  presents,  when  ap- 
plying for  any  favor;  and  perhaps  may  here  be 
recommended  as  a  prudential  measure:  [J\''ote,  21 : 
14.)  but  too  generally,  the  present  is  given  to 
blind  the  eyes  and  pervert  the  judgment.  [Marg. 
Re/.— See  on  JVb<e,  17:3.) 

V.  17.  Self  love  imperceptibly  leads  men  to 
make  the  best  of  their  own  character  and  conduct. 
Without  design  almost,  they  adduce  and  place  in 
a  clear  light  what  makes  for  them,  and  keep  back 
or  throw  a  shade  over  what  makes  against  them; 
and  they  state  inaccurately  some  circumstances, 
apparently  trivial,  yet  of  consequence:  and  thus 
the  cause  seems  just,  Avhen  one  side  of  it  has  been 
pleaded.  But  when  the  other  part}',  actuated  by 
the  same  propensities,  comes  to  search  out  the 
matter,  and  states  it  in  his  way,  it  will  appear 
very  diiferent.  This  is  sometimes  done  without 
intentional  misrepresentation  on  either  side:  but 
when  that  is  taken  into  the  account,  as  in  most 
cases  it  ought  to  be,  it  appears  evident,  that  no 
judgment  can  be  formed,  or  opinion  passed,  upon 
any  transaction,  till  the  matter  has  been  heard 
impartially  from  both  parties. — This  maxim  is 
peculiarly  important  to  judges  and  juries;  to  cau- 
tion them  against  making  up  their  minds,  or  in 
any  degree  prejudging  the  cause,  till  they  have 
heard  the  whole  evidence  on  both  sides:  other- 
wise he  who  comes  last,  will  be  put  to  a  great 
disadvantage,  even  if  truth  and  justice  be  on  his 
side.    (JVb<e*,13.  Acts 24:1— 21.) 

V.  18.  'If  a  controversy  cannot  otherwise  be 
'decided,  it  is  best  to  cast  lots,  to  know  whose  the 
'thing  shall  be.' — When  causes  could  not  satisfac- 
torily be  determined  by  the  judges;  when  the  par- 
ties could  not  be  induced  to  refer  themselves  to 
520] 


be  won  ^  than  a  strong  city;  and  their  con- 
tentions are  like  the  bars  of  a  castle. 

20  A  ''man's  belly  shall  be  satisfied 
with  the  fruit  of  his  mouth;  and  with  the 
increase  of  his  lips  shall  he  be  filled. 

21  ■  Death  and  life  are  in  the  power  of 
the  tongue;  ^  and  they  that  love  it  shall 
eat  the  fruit  thereof. 

22  Whoso  ^  findeth  a  wife  findeth  a 
good  thing;  ■"  and  obtaineth  favor  of  the 
Lord. 


g  16:32. 

h  12:13,14.     13:2.    22:18,21.    25: 

11,12. 
i4— 7.  10:20,21,31.  11:30.  Matt. 

12:35—37.     Rom.    10:14,15.    2 

Cor.   2:16.    11:15.     Eph.  4:29. 

Co].  4:6.     Tit.  1:10,11.     Jam. 


3:6—9.     2  Pet.  2:18. 
k  10:19.    Ec.  10:12—14. 
1   5:15,&e.     12:4.     19:14.    31:10, 

&c.     Gen.  24:67.    29:20,21,28. 

Ec.  9:9.     Hos.   12:12.     1  Cor. 

7:2. 
m  3:4.  8:35. 


arbiters;  or  when  they  were  too  powerful  to  be 
dealt  with,  it  was  customary  to  refer  the  matter 
to  God,  by  casting  lots  attended  with  solemn 
prayer.  Would  not  this  be,  even  under  the  gos- 
pel, far  preferable  to  the  perpetuating  of  discords 
and  law-suits  between  Christians,  or  to  the  em- 
broiling of  nations  in  bloody  wars.'*  ( Ab<e,  16:33.) 
The  apostle  uses  similar  language  concerning  a 
solemn  oath;  (J\rote,  Heb.  6:16—20,  v.  16.)  which 
shews,  that  the  oath,  and  casting  lots,  are  both 
appeals  to  God,  not  dissimilar  in  their  nature;  and 
that  neither  the  one  nor  the  other  ought  to  be  pro- 
faned by  being  employed  in  worldly  or  frivolous 
matters,  as  in  different  ways  they  generally  ai-e. 
[J^otes.Ex.  20:7,17  ) 

V.  19.  It  is  evident  by  facts,  that  when  bitter 
contentions  are  excited  among  brethren  or  near 
relations,  their  resentment  becomes  more  impla- 
cable, and  the  consequences  more  terrible,  than 
in  quarrels  among  strangers.  It  is  more  difficult 
to  conciliate  their  differences,  than  to  take  a  for- 
tified city;  and  their  stubborn  minds  resist  all  en- 
deavors to  bend  them  to  a  cordial  reconciliation, 
like  the  iron  bars  of  a  castle.  The  same  melan- 
choly observation  holds  equally  true,  in  the  case 
of  civil  wars,  religious  controversies  and  persecu- 
tions, and  dissensions  in  societies.  [^J^otes,  16:32. 
Gen.  4:3— 8.  27:41,42.32:6—8.  37:19,20.  2  Sam. 
13:22—29.  Ez.  35:  Ob.  10—14.) 

V.  20,  21.  As  a  man  should  be  careful  what 
seed  he  sows,  or  what  fruit-trees  he  plants,  be- 
cause such  will  his  increase  be;  so  should  men  be 
much  more  careful  what  words  they  speak,  as 
they  will  at  length  be  inwardly  filled  with  thcs 
fruit  and  increase  of  their  habitual  conversation. 
For  "death  and  life  arc  in  the  power  of  the 
tongue,"  and  the  consequences,  good  or  bad,  of 
men's  words  upon  the  interests,  or  peace,  or 
souls  of  others,  individually,  or  on  nations,  will 
be  recompensed  to  themselves.  Those  who  love 
to  speak  good  things  shall  eat  good  fruit;  those, 
who  love  to  speak  lies,  impiety,  or  iniquity,  shall 
gather  fruit  accordingly;  and  they  who  delight  in 
hearing  themselves  speak,  will  have  cause  to  re- 
pent their  loquacity.  [Mars.  Ref. — J^otes,  4 — 
8.  10:19—21,31.  12:13,14.  13:2,3.  25:11,12.  Ec. 
10:11—15.  Matt.  12:33—37.  Eph.  4:29.  Jam.  2: 
3—12.) 

V.  22.  A  good  wife  must  exclusively  be  meant, 
as  especially  deserving  that  honorable  title. — 'He 
'that  is  joined  with  a  virtuous  woman  in  marriage, 
'is  blessed  of  the  Lord.'  [JVotes,  19:13,14.  31:10— 
31.)— 'He  that  hath  married  a  wife,  who  is  truly 
'a  help-meet  for  him,  hath  met  with  an  excellent 
'blessing;  and  ought  thankfully  to  acknowledge 
'the  singular  favor  of  God,  in  guiding  his  rnind  to 
'make  so  happy  a  choice.'  Bp.  Patrick. — He 
that  has  found  a  prudent  and  suitable  companion 
is  peculiarly  favored.     And  his   success  in  this 


B.  C.  976. 


CHAPTER  XVIII. 


B.  C.  976. 


23  The   °  poor   usetJi   entreaties;  but 
"  the  rich  ansvvereth  roughly. 

n  Ruth  2:7.  1  Sam.  2:36.  a  Kings  I  o  Gen.  4-2:7,30.   Kx.5:2.   ISam. 
4:1,2.  Is.  66:2.  Matt.  5:3.  Jam.       25:10,17.    Jam.  2:3. 
1:9—11. 


most  important  concern,  which  is  so  nearly  con- 
nected with  a  man's  eternal  interests,  and  with 
those  of  posterity,  should  not  be  ascribed  to  his 
own  discernment  or  to  chance,  but  to  the  kind 
providence  of  God.  And  he,  who  desires  so  val- 
uable an  acquisition,  should  observe  the  direc- 
tions of  scripture,  and  earnestly  pray  unto  God 
to  bestow  it  on  him.  [JSTotes,  5:15 — 19.  Gen.  24: 
2— 9,  OT.  3—7,11—14.  Ec.  9:7—9.  Heb.  13:3.) 

V.  23.  The  poor  are  generally  led,  notwith- 
standing the  pride  of  the  human  heart,  to  use  the 
language  of  humble  entreaty,  in  addressing  the 
rich,  even  when  they  meet  with  repeated  refu- 
sals: but  the  rich  are  apt  to  shew  arrogance  and 
harshness,  and  to  answer  the  humble  petitioner 
with  contempt  and  severity.  {JVotes,  Gen.  42:7 
—13,17.  Ex.  5:2,3,15—23.  1  Sa7n.  25:3—11.)  This 
observation  respecting  the  effect  of  men's  cir- 
cumstances on  their  spirit  and  conduct,  serves  to 
illustrate  the  nature  and  value  of  "poverty  of 
spirit:"  it  leads  a  man  to  use  earnest  entreaties 
with  God;  and  "he,  who  is  rich  in  mercy,"  will 
not  continue  to  answer  the  humble  supplicant 
roughly.  {J^otes,  Is.  66:1,2.  Matt.  5:3.  15:21— 
28.) 

V.  24.  He  who  would  obtain  and  preserve  val- 
uable friends,  must  cultivate  a  friendly  disposi- 
tion, and  act  in  a  faithful,  generous,  and  benefi- 
cent manner:  and  the  friends  whom  God  raises 
up  to  a  man,  and  who  are  attached  to  him  for  his 
piety  and  integrity,  will  cleave  closer  to  him  in 
afflictions,  than  his  nearest  relations  who  are  not 
thus  united.  Nay,  this  friendship  shall  not  be 
dissolved  in  death,  but  shall  endure  for  ever. 
[JYotes,  17:17.  27:10.  I  Chr.  12:16—18.  Matt.  25: 
34_40.  Jo/ira  15:12— 16.  1  Pet.  1:22—25.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
V.  1—13. 

The  most  important  difference  in  i-espect  of 
true  wisdom,  originates  rather  from  the  heart 
than  from  inequality  in  the  powers  of  the  mind. 
Ungodly  men,  however  ingenious,  have  no  de- 
light in  the  knowledge  of  heavenly  things;  and 
therefore,  they  can  only  seek  them  as  much,  as 
may  serve  the  purposes  of  ambition  or  interest, 
and  consist  with  the  quiet  enjoyment  of  their  sins: 
and  they  arc  too  fully  occupied  in  other  pleasures 
and  pursuits,  to  "separate  themselves;"  and  to 
"cry  after  knowledge,  and  lift  up  the  voice  for 
understanding;  to  seek  for  her  as  silver,  and 
search  for  her  as  for  hid  treasures."  [JVotes  and 
P.  O.  2:1 — 9.)  But  when  the  heart  loves  wis- 
dom, in  some  measure  according  to  its  worth, 
other  objects  will  be  disregarded  or  subordinated: 
and  did  we  value  it  in  a  degree  adequate  to  its 
inestimable  worth,  we  should  all  disentangle  our- 
selves more  than  we  do  from  various  employ- 
ments, studies,  and  diversions;  and  redeem  time, 
for  reading  the  scriptures,  meditation,  and  prayer: 
nor  should  we  suffer  trifles  and  triflers  to  deprive 
us  of  our  precious  hours,  while  we  are  so  much 
upon  our  guard  against  those  that  would  rob  us  of 
our  money.  When  the  heart  thus  becomes  a 
well-spring  of  wisdom,  it  soon  appears  in  the  con- 
versation: like  the  flowing  brook,  which,  with  a 
copious  and  gentle  current,  fructifies  the  aojacent 
countr}'.  And  while  comfort  and  advantage  ac- 
crue to  others,  from  a  man's  wise  counsels,  pious 
discourse,  or  conciliating  proposals,  his  own  leart 
will  be  refreshed  and  satisfied.  How  different 
this  man's  discourse,  from  tliat  of  those,  who  fool- 

Vol.  in.  66 


24  A  man  p  that  hath  friends  must 
shew  himself  friendly;  and  "J  there  is  a 
friend  that  sticketh  closer  than  a  brother. 

p    17:17.    27:9.      1  Sam.  19i4,5.  I    26:49,50. 
30:26,&c.     2  Sam.  9:l,&c.    16:     q  27:10.     2  Sam.  1:26.  John  IS: 
17.   17:27—29.    19:30—39.    2]:       14,15. 
7.     1    Chr.    12:38—40.     MaU. 


ishly  suffer  their  "lips  to  enter  into  contention; 
and  their  mouths"  to  form  a  rod  for  tlieir  own 
correction,  or  a  snare  for  the  destruction  of  their 
lives  and  souls!  But  we  should  not  only  watch 
against  the  contemptuous  and  reproachful  lan- 
guage of  the  wicked,  and  the  cruel  words  of  de- 
testable tale-bearers;  but  even  against  the  un- 
seemly manner  of  such  as,  for  want  of  a  due  com- 
mand of  themselves,  attempt  to  answer  a  matter 
before  they  have  had  patience  to  hear  it,  and  thus 
expose  themselves  to  shame  for  their  imperti- 
nence. Most  of  these  errors  and  iniquities  spring 
from  pride  and  self-preference.  Aware  therefore 
of  the  odious  nature  and  dreadful  effectsof  this  vice, 
which  God  abhors  above  all  others,  we  should 
repress  its  first  emotions,  and  mortify  it  by  every 
possible  means:  for  we  are  repeatedly  reminded 
that  "before  destruction  the  heart  of  man  is  haugh- 
ty, and  before  honor  is  humility." — Satan  fre- 
quently gains  advantage  against  good  designs, 
through  the  indiscretion  or  partiality,  by  which 
wicked  men  obtain  admission  into  societies  form- 
ed for  pious  purposes,  and  authority  in  conduct- 
ing their  affairs;  "for  when  tlie  wicked  cometli, 
then  Cometh  shame,  and  with  ignominy  reproach." 
And  as  "it  is  not  good"'  for  magistrates  "to  ac- 
cept the  person  of  the  wicked,  and  to  overthrow 
the  righteous  in  judgment;"  so  it  is  equally  abom- 
inable and  subversive  of  all  good,  when  partiality 
intrudes  into  the  concerns  of  religion.  Yet,  alas! 
how  often  is  this  done,  through  the  fascinating  in- 
fluence of  wealth,  which  not  only  seems  to  the 
vain  conceit  of  the  possessor  as  an  impregnable 
fortress;  but  even  to  others,  as  a  most  important 
recommendation! — But  let  us  remember  that  "the 
Name  of  the  Lord  is"  in  reality,  the  Christian's 
"strong  Tower,"  which  will  never  fail  him  that 
betakes  himself  to  it:  while  public  or  private  ca- 
lamities, perhaps  death,  and  judgment  certainly, 
will  expose  the  folly  of  "trusting  in  uncertain 
riches,  and  not  in  the  living  God." — In  the  com- 
mon affairs  of  life,  sloth  ensures  indigence,  nearly 
as  much  as  prodigality:  and  let  us  never  forget, 
that  neglect  of  Christ,  of  the  means  of  grace,  and 
of  the  duties  of  a  man's  station,  will  as  certainly 
plunge  him  into  destruction,  as  open  impiety  and 
vice. 

V.  14—24. 
A  peaceful  conscience  and  a  joyful  hope  ena- 
ble the  true  Christian  to  bear  trials  and  infirmi- 
ties, and  even  to  meet  death,  with  fortitude  and 
comfort:  but  "a  wounded  spirit  who  can  bear.'"' 
And  it  is  remarkable,  that  more  in  proportion  of 
superior  persons,  than  of  the  poor,  become  their 
own  murderers.  But  if  inward  anguish  here  bo 
so  intolerable,  what  will  be  "the  worm  that  never 
dieth,"  "the  unquenchable  fire,"  "the  blacknes.s 
of  darkness  for  ever!" — May  the  Lord  give  us 
"the  heart  of  the  prudent,"  that  we  may  seek  and 
find  the  knowledge  of  salvation,  and  wisely  heark- 
en to  the  instructions  and  invitations  of  the  gra- 
cious Redeemer.  He  is  "indeed  a  Friend  that 
sticketh  closer  than  a  brother,"  he  will  never, 
never  forsake  those,  who  trust  and  love  him:  and 
blessed  be  his  name  for  tiiose  Christian  friends 
whom  he  has  given  us,  and  whose  constant  and 
faithful  love,  /or  kis  sake,  is  our  chief  comfort, 
next  tocommunion  with  him,  in  this  unkindworld, 
where  brethren  are  often  most  strange  to  us  in 
our  distresses.  May  we  be  such  friends  to  others, 
for  his  sake,  and  may  we  shew  our  love  to  him  by 
keeping  his  commandments,  and  promoting  his 

[521 


B.  C.  976. 


PROVERBS. 


B.  C.  976. 


CHAP.  XIX. 

Commendations  of  wisdom,  integrity,  kindness,  meekness:  the 
fatal  effects  of  rashness,  impatience,  wrath,  sloth;  the  punish- 
ments awaiting  false  witnesses,  disobedient  children,  scorners; 
with  pious  and  prudential  maxims  and  remarks  of  a  more  gen- 
eral nature,  1 — 29. 

i  ETTER  is  the  poor  that  vvalketh 
in   his  integrity,   than   he  that  is 
''perverse  in  his  Hps,  and  is  a  fool. 


a  22.  12:26.  15:16.  16:8.  28:6. 
Ps.  37:26.  Matt.  16:26.  Jam. 
2:5,6. 


b     1   Sam.  25:17,25. 
Matt.  12:31—34. 


cause;  and  not  only  by  gratitude  to  our  benefac- 
tors, but  by  kindness   and   compassion   to  the 
poorest  of  Ills  people,  nay,  to  the  worst  of  our  own 
enemies. — How  different  from  this  kind  and  g-en- 
tle  spirit,  is  tliat  rough  and  disdainful  language, 
which  rich  and  eminent  men  frequently  use  to- 
wards their  inferiors  and  dependents!  If  they  were 
"poor  in  spirit,"  and  humble  supplicants  to  the 
Lord  for  his  mercy  and  grace,  they  would  soon 
learn  more  gentleness  and  kindness  to  their  indi- 
gent fellow  sinners,  who  use  entreaties  to  them; 
and  without  poverty  of  spirit,  they  must  perish 
ererlastingly.  From  the  same  proud  and  selfish  dis- 
position, originate  contentions  among'  the  mighty, 
which  often  cannot  be  decided,  but  by  the  blood 
of  ten  thousands  of  better  men  than  themselves: 
and  hence  also  arise  the  implacable  contentions 
in  families  and  among  brethren,  which  cannot  be 
terminated  by  any  mediation.     How  careful  then 
should  every  one  be,   to  shun  all  occasions  of 
quarrels;  and  to  do  every  thing,  that  may  cement 
union  and  cordiality  among  brethren!     How  base 
are  they  who  sow  contention  in  families!     And 
what  fatal   effects  may  be   expected   from   the 
smallest  beginnings  of  domestic  jealousy!     All 
this  equally,  nay,  more  emphatically,  applies  to 
the   occasions  and  first  beginnings   of  intestine 
commotions  in  states.     Sucn  sparks  of  dissension 
should   be  watched  and   quenched,  by   all  who 
love  peace,  as  if  fire  had  fallen  close  to  a  heap  of 
g-un-powder.     But  it  is  most  melancholy  to  ob- 
serve, that  controversies  among  professed  Chris- 
tians have  commonly  been  conducted   with  the 
most  indecent  acrimony;  and  that  frequently  pro- 
portioned to  the  degree  in  which  they  approach  to 
coincidence  in  opinion:  so  that,  while  they,  who 
are  agreed  in  all  the  great  fundamentals  of  reli- 
gion, dispute  with  virulence  about  some  abstruse 
sentiment,  or  external  ceremony;  infidels,  and 
those  whose  doctrines  subvert  Christianity,  are 
often  disregarded.     And  when  the  members  of 
the  same  religious  fraternity  are  betrayed  into 
dispute,  it  commonly  proves  irreconcileable,  and 
terminates  in  another   and  another  division,  al- 
most without  end!     In  all  these  facts,  not  only 
the  pride  and  folly  of  man,  but  the  subtlety  of 
Satan  maybe  discerned:  for  love  and  union  are 
the  strength,  the  ornament,  and  the  very  criterion 
of  Christianity;    and  disunion  gives  its  enemies 
their  most  plausible  arguments  against  it — As  a 
gift  makes  room  for  a  man  into  the  presence  of 
the  great,  and  into  high  offices,  which,  having 
bought,  he  often  thinks  himself  authorized  to  sell 
or  to  render  subservient  to  his  own  ends:  so,  re 
gard  to  a  man's  wealth  often  makes  room  for  him 
into  the  confidence  or  company  of  Christians  and 
ministers,  who  would  not  judge  very  favorably  of 
him  if  he  were  a  poor  man.     Thus  temporal  ad- 
vantages are  catched  at;  and  an  influence  is  ad- 
mitted, which   secretly   undermines  credit  and 
peace,  and  tends  to  disunion  and  scandalous  con- 
tentions.—Indeed  the  self-flattery  of  the  human 
heart  cannot  be  traced  into  all  its  effects.      None 
of  us  are  entirely  free  from  its  influences:  we  can 
scarcely  ever  state  facts,  in  which  our  own  inter- 
est or  reputation  is  concai'ned,  without  partiality; 
522} 


2  Also,  •=  that  the  soul  be  without 
knowledge,  it  is  not  good;  ^  and  he  that 
hasteth  with  his  feet  sinneth. 

3  The  ^  foohshness  of  a  man  pervert- 
eth  his  way;  and  his  heart  ^'fretteth 
against  the  Lord. 


c  10.21.      Ec.  12:9.     Is.  27:11. 

Hos.   4:6.     John   16:3.     Rom. 

10:2.  Phil.  J:9. 
d  1:16.   14:29.  21:5.  25:8.  28:22. 

Job  31:5.  Ec.  7:9.    Is.  28:16. 
e  Gen.  3:6—12.   4:5—14.  Num. 


16:19—41.  17:12,13.  1  Sam. 
13:13.  15:23.  22:13,&;c.  1  Kings 
20:42,43.  2  Kings  3:9,10.  6:33. 
2  Cbr.  16:9,10.  Acts  13:45,46. 
fPs.  37:1,7.  Is.  8:2'1,22.  Rev. 
16:9—11. 


nor  can  we  know  where  truth  and  justice  lie,  in 
contested  matters,  without  great  candor  and  im- 
partiality, and  patient  investigation,  which  are 
peculiarly  requisite  for  magistrates,  umpires,  and 
peace-makers.  It  is  on  this  account  profitable  to 
hear  what  our  enemies  say  of  us,  that  by  balanc- 
ing matters  between  their  prejudice  and  our  own 
partiality,  we  may  form  a  better  judgment  of  our- 
selves. By  reference  to  the  Lord,  however,  even 
without  casting  lots,  we  may  generally  avoid 
quarrels,  or  speedily  extricate  ourselves  out  of 
them.  He  "causeth  contentions  to  cease,  and 
parteth  between  the  mighty:"  and  he  can  take 
the  fortress,  or  bend  the  iron  bars,  of  an  offended 
brother's  resentment.  [JVotes  and  P.  O.  Gen. 
32:  33:) — We  can  never  too  much  attend  to  the 
repeated  admonitions  concerning  the  government 
of  the  tongue,  and  the  improvement  of  that  im- 
portant talent,  the  gift  of  speech.  Life  and  death, 
in  every  sense,  both  to  ourselves  and  others,  are 
in  the  power  of  the  tongue:  the  beneficial  or  fa- 
tal effects  of  the  tongue  are  incalculable. — Indeed 
we  should  regard  the  will  of  God,  and  "acknowl- 
edge him  in  all  our  ways."  As  he  has  sanctified 
marriage,  and  pronounced  it  honorable;  the  be- 
liever, who  deems  it  not  good  to  be  alone,  should 
seek  to  him  for  direction  and  blessing,  that  he 
may  make  such  a  choice  as  may  best  conduce  to 
his  present  comfort  and  his  eternal  salvation;  he 
should  receive  the  wife  whom  he  has  taken,  as 
the  gift  of  God,  and  love  her  for  his  sake;  and  if 
a  man  have  obtained  a  pious  and  prudent  com- 
panion, he  has  exceedingly  great  cause  for  grati- 
tude; especially  if  he  be  conscious,  that  he  did  not 
seek  her  in  the  prescribed  manner.  The  same 
maxim  shews  us,  with  what  view  young  females 
ought  to  be  educated,  and  what  ought  to  be  their 
ambition  and  aim:  namely,  to  be  such  prudent 
and  pious  wives,  that  their  husbands  may  know  by 
experience,  they  have  "found  a  good  thing,  and 
have  obtained  favor  of  the  Lord." 
NOTES. 

Chap.  XIX.  V.  1.  A  poor  man,  who  fears  God 
and  behaves  with  integrity  towards  all  men,  is,  in 
realit)',  more  honorable,  valuable,  and  happy, 
than  one  destitute  of  wisdom  and  grace,  who  gives 
a  loose  to  his  tongue  to  speak  mischievous  things, 
however  high  he  may  be  in  rank  or  affluence. 
{JSTotes,  22.  20:6.  Matt.  16:24—28,  v.  26.  Luke  16: 
22,23.) 

V.  2.  'Ignorance  and  inconsideration  are  equal- 
'ly  mischievous:  for  a  mind  that  knows  not  what 
'it  ought  to  choose,  and  what  to  avoid,  can  never 
'do  well:  and  if  a  man  hastily  and  unadvisedly 
'pursue  an  end,  (which  he  reasonably  propounds 
'to  himself,)  and  will  not  take  time  to  tleliberate; 
'he  must  needs  commit  many  errors.'  Bp.  Pat- 
rick.— This  maxim  is  pecuharly  important  in  re- 
ligious concerns;  ignorance  can  be  the  parent 
only  o;'  superstition  and  enthusiasm,  not  of  true 
piety:  and  rash,  inconsiderate  attempts  to  propa- 
gate :he  true  gospel  of  Christ,  generally  preju- 
dice the  bulk  of  mankind  the  more  against  it. 
(JVbife5,  21:5.  25:8—10.  Ec.  7:9.  Hos.  4:6.  John 
16:1-3.  Acts  17:22—25.) 

V.  3.    Men  frequently  run  themselves  into  dif- 


B    C.  976. 


CHAPTER  XIX. 


B.  C.  976. 


4  Wealth  ^  maketh  many  friends;  but 
''  the  poor  is  separated  from  his  neigh- 
bor. 

5  A  '  false  witness  shall  not  be  *  un- 
punished, and  he  that  speaketh  lies  shall 
not  escape. 

6  Many  ^  will  entreat  the  favor  of  the 
prince;  '  and  every  man  is  a  friend  to 
t  him  that  giveth  gifts. 

7  All  "  the  brethren  of  the  poor  do 
hate  him:  how  much  more  do  his  friends 
go  far  from  him!  "  he  pursueth  them  with 
words,  °  yet  they  are  wanting  to  him. 

8  He  that  getteth  ^  wisdom  ''  loveth 
his  own  soul:  "^  he  that  keepeth  under- 
standing shall  find  good. 

g  6,7.   14:20.  Luke  15:13—15.      |  f  Heb.  a  man  of  gifts. 


ii  10;  15.     Job  6:15—23.  19:13— 

17. 
19.  6:19.  21:28.     Deut.  19:16— 

21.    Ps.  120:3,4.    Dan.  6:24. 
*  Heb.   held  innocent.      Deut. 

5:11.     1  Kings  2:9. 
k  12.   16:15.    29:26.     Gen.  42:6. 

2  Sam.    19:19,&c.      Job  29:24, 

25.    Ps.  45:12.  Matt.  2:11. 
I   17:8.    18:16.  21:14.     Gen.  32: 

20.  43:15.     Rom.  6:23. 


m4,   14:20.      Ps.  38:11.  88:8,18. 

Ec.  9:15,16.  Jam.  2:6. 
n  21:13.  Luke  18:38—40. 
o  18:23.     Jam.  2:15,16.     1  John 

3:17,18. 
+  Heb.  an  heart.  17:16.  Ez.36: 

26. 
p  8:35,36.     John  12:25.     1  Pet. 

3:10. 
q  2:1—9.    3:18,21.    4:4,6,21.22 

15.  Ps.  19:11.  John  14:21. 


ficulties  and  troubles,  by  their  own  folly  and 
wickedness:  and  then  they  murmur  against  the 
appointments  of  God,  and  break  out  into  impa 
tient,  or  even  impious  complaints.  Whereas,  if 
they  had  kept  the  plain  way  of  duty,  and  not  per- 
versely turned  aside  into  crooked  paths,  they 
would  have  escaped  these  trials.  Thus  sinners, 
instead  of  seeking  salvation  by  the  gospel,  com- 
plain of  the  rigor  of  the  law,  and  make  excuses 
for  their  crimes  and  impenitence,  which,  impli- 
citly at  least,  throw  the  blame  of  their  guilt  and 
ruin  upon  God.  'The  folly  of  a  man  maketh  his 
'ways  sorrowful;  and  in  his  heart  he  blameth 
<God.'  Sept.  {Marg.  Ref.—Kotes,  Gen.  3:6, le- 
i's. 4:3—15.  2  Kings  3:10.  6:31—33.) 

V.  4.  J^otes,  6,7.  14:20.  Job  6:15—23. 

V.  5.  Jilarg.  Ref.—Jfotes,  9.  14:25.  Dan.  6: 
24. 

V.  6.  <A  prince  never  wants  suitors  for  his  fa- 
'vor:  ...  and  every  one  loves,  or  pretends  to  love 
'him,  whose  liberality  is  ...  well  known.'  Bp. 
Patrick.     [J^otes,  16:15.  17:8.  18:16.  21:14.) 

V.  7.  'AH  the  kindred  of  a  poor  man  ...  hate 
'his  company  as  a  disgrace  or  a  trouble  to  them; 
'and  therefore  no  wonder  if  his  companions  ... 
'grow  strange  to  him.  'He  urges  them  with  their 
'former  protestations  or  promises  of  kindness,  but 
'finds  they  signified  nothing:  and  if  he  earnestly 
'implore  their,pity,  it  is  to  no  purpose.'  Bp.  Pat- 
rick. {Koles,  4.  14:20.  21:13.  Ec.  9:13—18.  Jam. 
2:5—7,14—18.) 

V.  8.  He  that  makes  the  study  of  heavenly 
wisdom  his  grand  object,  desiring  and  praying  to 
have  "a  heart"  for  it,  best  consults  his  own  true 
good;  and  is  the  only  man,  who  can  be  said  to  love 
his  own  soul,  in  a  rational  and  prudent  manner: 
and  persevering  in  this  pursuit,  he  shall  certainly 
find  happiness.  [J^otes,  2:1—9.8:34—36.17:16. 
18:1,2.  Ps.  19:7—11.) 

V.  9.  'He  that  testifies  to  a  lie,  to  the  pervert- 
ing of  justice;  if  the  judge  do  not  find  him  out, 
'shall  be  punished  by  God:  and  he  who  privately 
♦whispers  slanders  ...  and  kindles  strife  ...  shall 
'perish  by  those  wicked  practices.'  Bp.  Patrick. 
(See  on  JVb<e,  4.— Jl/rtro-.  Ref.—JYotes,  Is.  9:13 
—17.  Jer.  23:25—32.  28:15—17.  29:21—23.) 

V.  10.  Prosperity  and  abundance  do  not  be- 
come foolish  and  wicked  men:  they  behave  thcm- 


9  A  *■  false  witness  shall  not  be  un- 
punished, ^  and  he  that  speaketh  lies  shall 
perish. 

10  *  Delight  is  not  seemly  for  a  fool: 
"  much  less  for  a  servant  to  have  rule 
over  princes. 

1 1  The  }  discretion  of  a  man  ^  defer- 
reth  his  anger;  ^  and  it  is  his  glory  to 
pass  over  a  transgression. 

12  The  ^king's  wrath  is  as  the  roaring 
of  a  lion;  but  ^  his  favor  is  as  dew  upon 
the  grass. 

13  A  ''foolish  son   is  the  calamity  of 


r5. 

s  Is.  9:15—17.    Jer.  23:25—32. 

28:15—17.    29:31,32.      Ez.  13: 

22.     2  Thes.  2:8—10.     1  Tim. 

4:1,2.      2   Pet.    2:1—3.     Rev. 

19:20.  21:8.  22:15. 
1 30:21,22.    1  Sam.  25:36.  Esth. 

3:15.     fs.   5:11,12.     22:12—14. 

Hos.  7:3—5.  9:1.    Am.  6:3—6. 

Luke  16:19,23.  Jam.  4:9. 
u  2  Sam.  3:24,25,39.    Ec.  10:5— 

7.    Is.  3:5. 
5  Or,  prudence. 


X  12:16.   14:29.   15:18.  16:32.    17: 

14.    Col.  3:12,13.  Jam.  1:19. 
y20:3.  25:21,22.  Gen.  50:15—21. 

Matt.  5:44,45.   18:21,22.    Rom. 

12:18—21.  Eph.  4:32.5:1. 
z  16:14,15.    20:2.    28:15.     Esth. 

7:8.     Ec.   8:4.     Dan.   2:12,13. 

3:19—23.    5:19.    6:24.      Luke 

12:4,5. 
a  2  Sam.  23:4.     Ps.  72:6.    Hos. 

14:5. 
b  10:1.   15:20.   17:21,25.    2Sam. 

13:— 18:    Ec.  2:18,19. 


selves  unseemly  in  circumstances  which  increase 
their  insolence  and  presumption:  thus,  what  is 
their  delight  enables  them  to  be  more  extensively 
mischievous,  and  in  the  event  renders  them  still 
more  contemptible  and  miserable.  Much  less  is 
it  fit  for  men  of  low  extraction  and  base  spirits, 
to  have  influence  over  princes,  or  to  domineer 
over  those  to  whom  eminent  places  properly  be- 
long. This  is  not  uncommonly  the  folly  of  a 
weak  prince,  who  makes  some  worthless  minion 
his  favorite,  merely  for  his  external  embellish- 
ments, flattery,  or  willing  subserviency  to  his 
pleasures.  And  thus  he  gives  himself  up  to  be 
ruled  by  his  own  servant,  who  engrosses  all  au- 
thority, and  serves  his  own  selfish  purposes,  at 
the  expense  of  both  king  and  people;  and  treats 
with  insolence  the  most  eminent  and  respectable 
persons,  till  jealousies  are  excited,  parties  formed, 
conspiracies  and  insurrections  resolved  on,  and 
the  state  is  thrown  into  convulsions.  [JVotes,  30: 
21—23.  1  Sam.  25:36—38.  2  Sam.  2:24—26,28,29. 
Esth.  3:10—15.  Ec.  10:5—7.) 

V.  11.  "The  understanding  of  a  man  renders 
him  slow  to  anger,  &c." — Wisdom  induces  a  man 
to  suppress  resentment;  and  to  keep  a  strict 
guard  on  himself  under  provocations.  A  prudent 
man,  even  when  it  is  necessary  to  reprove,  or  ex- 
postulate with  the  offending  party,  will  defer  it  till 
he  can  do  it  with  temper  and  decency:  indeed  it 
is  most  honorable  to  pass  over  a  transgression  un- 
noticed; and  he  attains  the  highest  degree  of  true 
glory,  who  overlooks  or  forgives  the  most  numer- 
ous and  gross  affronts,  and  persists  the  most 
steadily  in  endeavoring  to  overcome  evil  with 
good.  This  establishes  a  far  different  point  of 
honor,  than  that  adopted  in  modern  times. — Let 
it  not  be  overlooked,  that  these  proverbs  exactly 
coincide  with  our  Lord's  instructions  and  those 
of  his  apostles;  though  men  in  general  think,  that 
such  precepts  are  peculiar  to  the  New  Testament. 
{JTotes,  12:16.  14:29.  16:32.  17:14.20:3.  25:21,22. 
Matt.  5:38—42.  18:21,22.  Rom.  12:17—21.  CoZ.3: 
12—15.) 

V.  12.  [Marg.  Ref.—J^ote,  16:14,15.)  'The 
'more  power  any  man  hath,  the  harder  it  is  for 
'him  to  govern  his  passions.  ...  None  find  it  more 
'difficult  than  a  king,  especially  in  the  heat  of  his 
'youth,  to  bridle  his  wrath.'  Bp.  Patrick.  [J^Totes^ 

[523. 


B.  C.  976. 


PROVERBS. 


B.  C.  976. 


bis  father:  and  "  the  contentions  of  a  wife 
are  a  continual  dropping. 

14  House  and  riches  are  ^  the  inherit- 
ance of  fathers:   ®  and  a  prudent  wife  is 

from   the   Lord.  [Practical  Observatio7is.] 

1 5  Slothfuhiess  ^  casteth  into  a  deep 
sleep;  e  and  an  idle  soul  shall  suffer  hun- 
ger. 

16  He  that  •>  keepeth  the  command- 
ment '  keepeth  his  own  soul;  but  ^  he  that 
despiseth  his  ways  shall  die. 

17  He  '  that  hath  pity  upon  the  poor 
■"  lendeth  unto  the  Lord;  and  *  tliat 
which  he  hath  given  will  he  pay  him 
again. 


c  21:9,19.  25:24.  27:15.    Job  14: 

19. 
d  13:22.     Deut.  21:16.  Josh.  11: 

23.     2  Cor.  12:14. 
e  3:6.    18:22.    31:l0,&c.     Gen. 

24:7.  28:1—4.     Jam.  1:17. 
f  24.  6:9,10.    20:13.    23:21.   24: 

33.    Is.  56:10.     Kom.  13:11,12. 

Eph.  5:14. 
g  10:4,5.   2  Thes.  3:10. 
h3:l.    29:18.      Ps.  103:18.     Ec. 

8:5.    12:13.     Jer.   7:23.     Luke 

10:28.  11:28.     John  14:15,21— 


23.    15:10—14.     1  Cor.  7:19.   1 

John  2:3,4.    3:22.    5:3.     Rev. 

22:14. 
i  16:17.  21:23.   22:5.     Ez.  33:5. 

Matt.  16:26. 
k  13:13.    15:32. 

1  14:21.  28:8,27.   2  Sam.  12:6. 
m   11:24,25.    28:27.     Deut.  15:7 

—14.    Is.  58:7— 11.     Matt.  10: 

41,42.    25:40.     2   Cor.    9:6—8. 

Phil.  4:17.     Heb.  6:10. 
*  Or,  his  deed. 


18  °  Chasten  thy  son  while  there  is 
hope,  and  let  not  thy  soul  spare  t  for  his 
crying. 

19  A  "man  of  great  wrath  shall  suffer 
punishment;  for  if  thou  deliver  him,  yet 
thou  must  ^  do  it  again. 

20  Hear  counsel,  and  p  receive  in- 
struction, that  thou  mayest  i  be  wise  in 
thy  latter  end. 

21  There  are  ^  many  devices  in  a 
man's  heart;  ^  nevertheless  the  counsel  of 
the  Lord,  that  shall  stand. 

22  The  *  desire  of  a  man  is  his  kind- 
ness; "  and  a  poor  man  is  better  than  a 
bar. 


n  13:24.  22:15.  23:13,14.    29:15, 

17.     Heb.  12:7—10. 
I   Or,   to  his  destruction,  or,  to 

cause  hiTH  to  die. 
0  22:24,25.  25:28.  29:22.    1  Sam. 

20:30,31.     22:7,&c.     24:17,&c. 

26:21,&c.     2  Sam.  16:5,6. 
t  Heb.  add. 
p  1:8.  2:1—9.   8:34,35. 
q  Num.  23:10.     Deut.  8:16.    32: 

29.   Ps.  37:37.  Luke  16:19—23. 
12:2.     Gen.  37:19,20.     Esth. 

9:25.     Ps.  21:11.    33:10,11.  83: 


4.    Ec.  7:29.     Is.  7:6,7.     Dan. 

11:24,25.     Matt.  26:4,5.  27:63, 

64. 
s  16:9.  21:1.     Gen.  45:4—8.  50: 

20.      Job  23:13.     Is.    14:24,26. 

46:10.     Dan.  4:35.     Acts  4:27, 

28.   5:38,89.   Eph.  1:11.    Heb. 

6:17,18.      1  Pet.  2:8.  Jude  4. 
t  1  Chr.  29:2,3,17.      2  Chr.  6:8. 

Mark    12:41 — 44.      14:6—8.    2 

Cor.  8:2,3,12. 
u  1.   Job  6:15.     17:5.     Ps.  62:9. 

Tit.  1:2. 


20:2.  28:15,16.  2  Sam.  23:4,3.  Ps.  72:4— 7.  Hos. 
14:4—8.) 

V.  13.  'Two  things  make  a  man  exceeding' 
'unhappy;  a  dissolute  son  and  a  scolding  wife. 
'For  the  former  breaks  the  heart  of  his  father,  to 
'see  him  like  to  prove  the  utter  destruction  of  his 
'family:  the  other  drives  a  man  to  undo  his  family 
'himself;  when  he  is  no  more  able  to  live  at  home 
'with  her,  than  to  dwell  in  a  rotten  and  ruinous 
'house,  through  the  roof  of  which  the  rain  drops 
'perpetually.'  Bp.  Patrick.  A  wise  man  would 
take  prudent  measures  to  prevent  such  calamities: 
but  he  would  not  I'uin  himself  and  family,  either 
because  of  the  contentions  of  his  wife,  or  the  un- 
comfortableness  of  his  house;  but  rather  beg 
of  God  to  give  him  meekness  and  patience  to 
bear  what  he  could  not  remed}%  [J^otes,  14.  10:1. 
15:20.  17:21—25.  21:9.27:15,16.) 

V.  14.  (JVo<e5, 12:4.  18:22.  31:10— 31.)  Splen- 
did houses  and  large  inheritances  sometimes  de- 
scend to  men  from  their  parents,  without  their 
own  care  or  prudence;  and  they  are  often  given 
in  Providence  to  very  worthless  characters.  But 
a  prudent  wife  is  the  Lord's  more  immediate  and 
valuable  gift  to  such  as  he  favors;  and  contributes 
more  to  his  passing  through  life  comfortably,  and 
at  a  distance  from  temptation,  than  the  largest 
riches  with  a  contentious  or  wicked  woman. — 'A 
'prudent  and  virtuous  wife  is  a  special  blessing  of 
'God's  immediate  choosing;  and  must  therefore  be 
'obtained  by  our  prayers,  at  the  hand  of  the 
'Giver.'  Bp.  Hall. 

V.  15.  Habits  of  indolence  induce  insensibil- 
ity, as  to  the  consequences,  as  a  deep  sleep  would 
do:  or  if,  to  shun  the  immediate  effect,  the  sloth- 
ful employ  fraud  or  violence;  it  renders  them 
alike  stupid  and  thoughtless,  as  to  the  punishment 
which  is  about  to  follow.  [J^otes,  24.  6:6 — 1 1.10: 
4,5.  15:19.) 

V.  16.  Without  obedience  to  God,  and  to 
men  in  authority,  no  prudent  care  can  be  taken 
either  of  the  immortal  soul,  or  of  temporal  life: 
and  the  careless  or  obstinate  transgressor  must 
suffer  the  penalty  of  the  law.  (JVb<e«,  13:13.  16: 
17.  Ec.  8:3—5.  12:11—14.  i2ei).  22:14,15.) 

V.  17.  Whatever  kindness  a  man  shews  to  the 
poor,  whether  by  giving  them  money,  or  doing 
them  any  service,  out  of  compassion  to  them,  and 
524] 


in  believing  obedience  and  dependence  on  the 
Lord,  will  be  considered  as  lent  unto  him;  and  he 
will  take  care  that  it  shall  be  repaid  with  large  in- 
terest, in  one  way  or  other,  to  him  or  bis  posterity. 
{JSTotes,  11:24,25.  14:21.  22:9.  28:8,27.  Deut.  15:4 
—15.  Ps.  41:1-3.  Ec.  11:1—6.  /*.  58:5— 12. 2  Cor. 
9:8—11.) 

V.  18.  'Chasten  thy  son,  before  he  has  con- 
'tracted  bad  habits,  and  becomes  apparently  in- 
'corrigible:  and  do  not  refrain  because  of  his  cries.' 
Or,  'Do  not  concur  in  his  mischiefs,'  (by  conniv- 
ing at  them,)  'or  in  his  ruin.'  (Jilarg. — JVotes,  13: 
24.22:15.  23:13,14.  29:15,17.  Heb.  12:4—11.) 

V.  19.  {M)tes,  15:17,18.  25:28.  26:20,21.) 
Some  connect  this  verse  with  the  preceding:  if 
he,  (that  is,  the  child,  who  ought  to  have  been 
corrected,)  be  of  great  wrath,  he  must  suffer  pun- 
ishment: for  if  he  be  delivered  at  one  time,  it 
must  be  done  again  and  again.  Thus,  if  the  pa- 
rent spare  the  child  when  young,  he  may  prob- 
ably fall  into  the  hands  of  the  magistrate  when 
grown  up;  perhaps  come  to  an  untimely  end;  or 
it  may  prove  the  ruin  of  his  soul. — A  very  differ- 
ent meaning,  however,  has  been  given  to  the 
maxim.  'He  whose  wrath  exceeds  all  bounds, 
'and  makes  him  severe  beyond  measure,  undoes 
'his  child.'  Bp.  Patrick.  This  is  an  important 
hint;  whether  it  be  the  meaning  of  tlie  verse,  or 
not. 

V.  20.  J\otes,  1:24—31.  5:3—14.  8:30—34. 
JYum.  23:10.  Deut.  32:19,20.  Ps.  37:37,38.  Jer. 
17:11.  Luke  12:15—21.  16:19—23.  Rom.  6:21— 
23. 

V.  21.  'Man's  device  shall  not  have  success, 
'except  God  govern  it,  whose  purpose  is  un- 
'changeable.'  [Marg.  Ref.—JVotes,  16:9.  20:24. 
21:1.  Gen.  37:19,20.  45:8.  50:20.  Is.  46:10,11. 
Luke  22:21—23,  v.  22.  Acts  2:22—24.  1  Pet.  2:7, 
8.) 

V.  21.  If  a  man  desire  to  serve  us,  that  '^de- 
sire is  his  kindness,"  and  should  be  accepted  as 
such,  though  he  have  it  not  in  his  power  to  do  any 
thing  effectual.  Thus,  the  widow's  two  mites 
were  honored,  as  the  expression  of  her  love  to  the 
house  of  God:  Mary  was  commended,  when  "she 
did  what  she  could"  to  honor  Christ:  and  "if  there 
be  a  willing  mind  it  is  accepted  according  to 
what  a  man  hath."  (JVb<es,  Mark  12:41—44.  14: 


B.    C.  976. 


CHAPTER  XIX. 


B.  C.  97 G. 


23  The  ^  Tear  of  the  Lord  tendeih  to 
life;  and  he  tkut  hath  it  ^  shall  abide  sat- 
isfied: ^  he  shall  not  be  visited  with  evil. 

24  A  slothful  man  "  hideth  his  hand  in 
his  bosom,  and  will  not  so  much  as  bring 
it  to  his  mouth  again. 

25  ^  Smite  a  scorner,  and  the  simple 
will  *  beware:  and  '^  reprove  one  that  hath 
understanding,  and  he  will  understand 
knowledge. 

26  He4hat  "^wasteth  his  father,  and 


%  10:27.   14:26,27.     Ps.  19:9.  33: 

18,19.  34:9—11.    85:9.    103:17. 

145:18—20.    Mai.  3:16,17.  4:2. 

Acts  9:31. 
yPs.  90:14.  91:16.   ts.  58:10,11. 

Matt.    5:6.       Phil.    4:11,12.    1 

Tim.  4:8.     6:6—9.     Heb.   13: 

5,6. 
z    12:21.     Rom.  8:28.     2  Tim. 

4:18. 


a  15.    6:9,10.    12:27.    15:19.  24: 

30—34.  26:13—16.   Ps.  74:11. 
b  21:11.    Deut.  13:11.  21:21. 
*  Heb.   be  cunning. 
c  9:9,10.    15:5.    17:10.     Rev.  3: 

19. 
d  10:1.   17:25.  23:22—25.  28:24. 

30:11,17.       Deut.   21:18 — 21. 

Luke  15:12—16,30. 


3_9,  V.  7.  2  Cor.  8:8—15,  v.  12.)  By  the  same 
equitable  rule,  the  poor  man,  who  makes  no 
promises,  is  to  be  preferred  to  those  rich  and 
powerful  persons,  who  amuse  their  dependents 
with  assurances  of  doing'  great  things  for  them, 
which  they  never  intend,  or  take  no  care,  to  per- 
form. This  is  a  very  common  species  of  lying; 
but  not  the  better  for  being  fashionable  in  polite 
circles.  [J\ote,  Ps.  62:8—10,  v.  9.) 

V.  23.  [Marg:  i2f/.—jVb<e5, 14:26.27.  Ps.  34: 
7—10.  85:9. 103:15—18.  Mai.  3:13—18.  4:2,3.  Acts 
9:31.)  Some  render  this  maxim  in  a  far  different 
sense,  "The  fear  of  the  Lord  tends  to  life:  but 
the  full,"  (or  self-sufficient  prosperous  man,)  "shall 
lie  down  in  it;  he  shall  be  visited  with  evil."  'He 
'that  is  swollen  with  pride,  and  forgets  God, 
'when  worldly  goods  flow  in  upon  him,  shall  lie 
'down  at  last  in  sorrow,  and  never  want  something 
'or  other  to  afHiCt  him.'  Quotation  in  Bp.  Pat- 
rick.— The  original  is  certainly  somewhat  ob- 
scure. 

V.  24.  Habits  of  indolence  so  grow  upon  peo- 
ple, t^at  they  have  no  heart  to  do  the  most  need- 
ful things  for  themselves;  as  if  a  man  were  so 
slothful,  that  he  would  not  take  his  hand  out  of 
his  bosom  to  feed  himself,  and  should  prefer  the 
gnawings  of  hunger  to  so  trivial  an  exertion! 
(Seeon  jVb<e,  15.) 

V.  25.  'The  simple  and  ignorant  learn,  when 
'they  see  the  wicked  punished.' — ^— 'Some  are  so 
'bad,  they  must  be  handled  with  great  sharpness, 
'especially  such  profane  men  as  ...  deride  admo- 
'nitions  and  thereby  grow  more  furious.  But 
'there  are  those  who  grow  better,  even  by  the 
'example  of  severity  against  notorious  offenders. 
'...  Then  there  are  a  third  sort,  who, ...  being  ad- 
'monished,  are  obedient  to  those  that  tell  them  of 
'their  faults;  to  such  a  reproof  at  most  is  suffi- 
'cient.'  Melancthon  in  Bp.  Patrick. — In  many 
cases  the  sharp  rebukes,  disgraceful  censures,  or 
severe  punishments,  inflicted  on  the  incorrigible, 
are  very  beneficial  to  such  as  were  in  danger  of 
being  deluded  by  their  mischievous  principles,  or 
seduced  to  imitate  their  bad  examples;  and  are 
the  means  of  rendering  numbers  more  circum- 
spect and  prudent.  (JVbie*,  9:7— 9.  17:10.   21:11.) 

V.  26.  The  profligate  young  man,  who  wastes 
his  father's  substance  by  extravagance,  or  turns 
his  aged  mother  destitute,  that  he  may  have  the 
more  to  spend  on  his  vices;  or  who  drives  her 
from  home  by  his  insolence  and  turbulence,  is  a 
scandal  to  his  family,  a  nuisance  to  society,  and 
will  at  length  come  to  contempt  and  ignominy. 
Such  monsters  are  there  in  human  form,  in  evei-y 
generation.     (See  on  JVbfes,  10:1.  17:25.) 

V.  27.  {Jfotes,  14:7.  Deut.  13:1—5.    1  Kings 


chaseth  away  his  mother,  is  «  a  son  that 
causeth  shame,  and  bringeth  reproach. 

27  *'  Cease,  my  son,  to  hear  the  in- 
struction that  causeth  to  err  from  the 
words  of  knowledge. 

28  t  An  ungodly  witness  ^  scorneth 
judgment;  and  ''  the  mouth  of  the  wick- 
ed devoureth  iniquity. 

29  *  Judgments  are  prepared  for 
scorners,  ^  and  stripes  for  the  back  of 
fools. 


e  10:5.    17:2.  28:7. 

f  14:7.  Deut.  13:1—4.  1  Kings 
22:22—28.  Matt.  7:15.  16:6, 
12.  Mark  4:24.  7:6—14.  John 
10:5.  2  Cor.  11:13— 15.  Eph. 
4:14.  1  Tim.  4:7.  6:3—5.  2 
Pet.  2:1,2.  1  John  4:1.  2John 
10.   Rev.  2:2. 

f  Heb.  .4  -witness  of  Belial. 
1  Kings  21:10,13.    Acts  6:11— 


13. 
S   Ps.    10:5,11.       Is.  28:14—18. 

Luke  18:2—4. 
h   15:14.      Job  15:16.    20:12,13. 

34:7. 
i  3:34.  9:12.    Is.  28:22.    Acts  13: 

40,41.     2Pct.  3:3— 7. 
k  7:22.  10:13.  17:10.  26:3.  Heb. 

12:6. 


22:19—23.  Matt.  7:15—20.  Mark  4:23—25,  v. 
24.  1  Cor.  15:31—34.  2  Cor.  6:14—18.)  "Cease, 
my  son,  from  hearkening  to  instruction,  in  order 
to  wander  from  the  words  of  knowledge."  This 
is  the  literal  rendering,  of  which  different  inter- 
pretations have  been  given. — 'My  son,  hearken 
not  to  instruction,  but  with  the  desire  and  inten- 
tion to  grow  better  by  it.'  But  as  a  man  cannot 
become  wiser  and  better  by  hearkening  to  bad 
counsel,  and  imbibing  corrupt  principles,  the  ob- 
vious meaning  of  our  translation  is  at  least  implied; 
and  it  is  of  so  much  importance,  that  it  should 
not  be  lightly  departed  from.  'In  order  to  profit 
'by  good  instructions,  no  longer  regard  such  as 
'are  of  a  contrary  nature  and  tendency.'  As  num- 
bers "turn  away  their  ears  from  the  truth,  and  are 
turned  unto  fables;"  so  they  that  would  hearken 
to  the  truth  must  turn  away  their  ears  from  lies, 
especially  such  as  are  most  plausible  and  agreea- 
ble, and  set  off  with  the  greatest  shew  of  wit,  ge- 
nius, eloquence,  and  learning. — "Take  heed  wliat 
ye  hear;"  and  "take  heed  how  ye  hear."  {Mark 
4:24.  Luke  8: IS.)  Insinuating  infidels,  skeptics, 
and  ungodly  men  of  various  kinds,  who  endeavor 
to  argue  young  persons  out  of  their  religious  scru- 
ples, and  excite  their  contempt  of  their  pious  pa- 
rents or  teachers,  under  the  pretence  of  enlarging 
their  minds,  and  freeing  them  from  the  shackles  of 
prejudice  and  superstition;  w'ith  all  those  minis- 
ters of  religion,  however  distinguished,  wliose 
instructions  are  antiscriptural,  or  unscriptural; 
answer  the  description  here  given.  They  admin- 
ister poison  instead  of  medicine:  and  their  books, 
sermons,  sarcastical  harangues,  and  corrupt  con- 
versation, should  carefully  be  shunned  more  than 
a  pestilence. — "To  the  law  and  to  the  testimony; 
if  they  speak  not  according  to  this  word,  it  is  be- 
cause there  is  no  light  in  them."  [J^ote,  Is.  8:20.) 

V.  28.  'A  wicked  witness,  ...  mocks  if  )'ou 
'tell  him  of  law  and  justice,  or  of  the  judgment  of 
'God  upon  perjured  persons.'  Bp.  Patrick.  "The 
mouth  of  the  wicked  devoureth  iniquity," — 
'taketh  pleasure  therein'  (namely  in  iniquity)  'as 
'gluttons  and  drunkards  in  delicate  meats  and 
'drinks.'     (JN'b^e,  15:14.) 

V.  29.  This  verse  seems  connected  with  the 
foregoing.  'But  they  shall  not  mock  always;  for 
'terrible  punishments  shall  certainly  be  inflicted 
'upon  those  that  scoff  at  conscience  and  religion: 
'nor  shall  other  wicked  men  escape,  who  are 
such  fools  as  to  slight  these  good  instructions.' 
Bp.  Patrick.  [J^Totcs,  10:13.  26:3.  27:22.  2  Pet. 
2:1—3.  3:1—7.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
V.  1—14. 

The  wisdom  of  this  world  generally  contradicts 

[525 


B.  C.  976. 


PROVERBS. 


B.  C.  976 


that  of  the   holy   Scriptures:  and  we   need   not 
wonder  at  this,  if  we  consider,  who  is  the  god 
and  prince  of  this  world,  and  by  whose  influence 
ungodly  men  are   swayed.      According   to   the 
maxims  of  the  world,  "wealth  procureth   many 
friends."  numbers  of  mercenary  men  pay  court  to 
the  rich  and  prosperous,  and  entreat  the  favor  of 
princes  and  nobles,  vvhatever  be  their  character; 
and  are  their  obedient  servants  for  what  they  can 
get.     Nay,  they  flatter  them,  and  write  panegyr- 
ics on   their  endowments   and  excellences,   and 
dedications  full  of  high  commendations  of  their 
patrons;  when  perhaps  their  folly  and  wicked- 
ness are  conspicuous  to  all  the  world!    This  is 
especially  the  case,  when  liberality,  exercised 
from  any  motive,  or  by  any  or  no  rule,  forms  a 
part  of  the  character;  for  then  it  is  hoped  that 
flattery  will  be  well  rewarded:  and  there  are  but 
few  exceptions  to  the  general  rule,  that  "every 
man  is  a  friend  to  him  that  giveth  gifts,"  and  has 
good  preferments  to  bestow.     Whereas  poverty 
exposes  even  wise  and  good  men  to  contempt. 
"All  the  brethren  of  the  poor  do  hate  him;"  and 
his  relations  are  pained  and  often  very  angry  to 
see  him  enter  their  doors,  or  claim  kindred  to 
them.     How  much  more  then  do  they,  who  pro 
fessed  friendship  to  him  in  his  prosperity,  go  far 
from  him!  Thus  he  is  separated  from  his  neigh- 
bor, and  if  he  harass   his  faithless  and   unkind 
friends  and  relations,  with  entreaties  and  expos- 
tulations, it  proves  to  no  purpose;  for  they  are 
still  wanting  to  him;  and  he  may  sink  under  his 
calamity,  or  seek  refuge  in  an  alms-house  or  a 
work-house.     But  the  maxims  of  divine  wisdom 
declare,  that  "the  poor  man,  that  walketh  in  his 
integrity,  is  better  than  he  who  is  perverse  in  his 
lips  and  is  a  fool;"  yea,  far  better  than  those  dis- 
sembling rich  men,  who  despise  and  desert  them. 
The  Son  of  God  has  shewn  poverty  to  be  most 
honorable,  by  choosing  it  for  his  own  condition: 
(JVb<e,  2  Cor.  8:6—9,  v.  9.)  and  "God  hath  chosen 
the  poor  of  this  world   to  be  rich   in  faith,  and 
heirs  of  the  kingdom  which  he  hath  promised  to 
them  that  love  him."    [JVote,  Jam.  2:5 — 7.)    Let 
us  then  take  care  neither  to  despise  those  whom 
God  honors,  nor  to  envy  or  flatter  those  whom  he 
abhors.    If  Providence  have  allotted  to  us  a  low 
condition,  let  us  learn  to  be  contented:  and  by 
cheerfulness,  honesty,  industry,  frugality,  and  a 
friendly  behavior  to  all  around  us;  by  shewing 
decent  respect  to  superiors,  without  paying  court 
to   them;    by  avoiding  every  improper  way   of 
mending  our  circumstances;  and  by  a  universal 
conscientiousness,  endeavor  to  shew  poverty  to 
be  respectable.     And  it  is  far  more  becoming  the 
poor,  and  more  comfortable,  to  bring  up  their 
families   by   honest  labor,   and  with  mean  fare; 
than  to  place  confidence  in  rich  relations,  or  to 
entreat  the  favor  of  princes',  or  the  friendship  of 
those  who   give  gifts. — Again,  while   the  proud 
and  revengeful  count  it  their  glory  to  resent  eve- 
ry aff"ront;  nay,  would  be  disgraced  among  those 
of  similar  principles,  if  they  would  not,  without 
regard  to  their  most  endeared  connexions,  risk 
their  own  lives  and  souls,  with  the  murder  of  the 
offending  party,  in  seeking  satisfaction   for  the 
most  trivial  injury;  the  word  of  God  teaches  us, 
that  it  is  a  proof  "of  a  man's  discretion  to  defer 
his  anger;  and  his  glory  to  pass  over  a  transgres- 
sion."   And  who  does  not  see  how  much  more  ra- 
tional and  beneficial   this  is?  How  much  better 
does  it  suit  the  present  state  of  mankind,  and  con- 
duce to  a  man's  own  peace  and  happiness. — As 
the  knowledge  of  God,  and  of  his  truth  and  will, 
are  essential  to  our  present  and  everlasting  good; 
time  and  labor  employed  in  searching  the  scrip- 
tures, and  in  meditation  and  prayer,  is  more  con- 
ducive to  our  own  advantage,  than  it  would  be  if 
we  could  thus  gain  some  most  powerful  earthly 
friend.     This  is  the  true  wisdom,  which  "whoso- 
526] 


ever  getteth,  loveth  his  own  soul,  and  he  that 
keepeth  shall  find  good."  Thus,  we  may  avert 
the  wrath  of  our  almighty  King,  and  secure  his 
favor:  and  then  we  need  not  doubt,  that  he  will 
protect  us  and  supply  all  our  wants,  as  our  all- 
sufficient  Friend  and  Father. — But  while  men 
neglect  both  the  salvation  of  God  and  their  own 
evident  duty,  they  run  into  distress;  and  instead 
of  condemning  themselves,  they  charge  God  fool- 
ishly, and  quarrel  with  him,  as  if  he  were  the 
Author  of  their  sin  and  misery.  They  complain 
of  being  unfortunate,  and  of  having  bad  luck  and  a 
hard  lot;  or  they  throw  the  blame  on  relations  and 
friends;  and  thus  in  numberless  ways,  "their  hearts 
fret  against  the  Lord." — They  who  have  inherit- 
ed or  acquired  houses  and  riches,  ought  to  take 
care,  that  they  do  not  trust  in  them,  or  on  the 
flattering  and  fallacious  respect  that  is  paid  them. 
They  should  recollect  from  whom,  and  for  what 
purposes,  they  received  them;  and  consider  how 
much  good  or  harm  they  may  do  by  their  exam- 
ple and  influence,  and  improvement  or  abuse  of 
their  many  talents — A  man's  greatest  troubles 
often  arise,  from  that  quarter  whence  he  expect- 
ed the  greatest  comfort.  For  an  ungodly,  ex- 
travagant, and  disobedient  son,  who  brings  scan- 
dal upon  his  family  and  ruin  on  himself;  or  an  im- 
prudent, unfaithful,  or  contentious  wife,  may  ren- 
der the  most  prosperous  person  extremely  mise- 
rable. When  the  Lord  gives  one  of  his  servants 
a  prudent  wife,  she  will  add  more  to  his  comfort 
than  riches  could.  But  if,  without  his  criminal 
preference  of  wealth  or  external  accomplishments 
to  piety,  he  should  find  himself  mistaken  in  his 
choice;  he  may  confidently  expect  wisdom  to  en- 
able him  to  behave  properly  in  such  difficult  cir- 
cumstances, comfort  adequate  to  the  affliction, 
and  grace  to  extract  good  to  his  soul  from  it. 
But,  though  the  Lord  will  not  forsake  his  offend- 
ing servants;  yet  the  consciousness  of  having 
brought  upon  themselves  the  calamity  by  sin, 
will  add  a  poignancy  to  it.  So  that  the  way  of 
duty  is  in  all  things  the  way  of-  peace  and  safetj'. 
Indeed  every  crooked  path,  every  instance  of 
falsehood  and  dissimulation,  nay,  of  rashness  and 
harshness,  will  certainly  be  awfully  punished 
hereafter,  or  sharply  corrected  in  this  present 
world.  And  the  more  wicked  men  hei'e  live 
sumptuously  and  luxuriously;  the  more  they  lord 
it  over  their  inferiors,  or  equals,  or  even  superiors; 
(for  '■^slaves  have  often  had  rule  over  princes;") 
the  more  dreadful  misery  and  disgrace  await 
them  in  a  future  state. 

V.  15—29. 
No  man  can  warrantably  trust  in  the  Lord, 
who  is  slothful  in  business.  For  "slothfulness 
casteth  a  man  into  a  deep  sleep,"  and  he  is  not 
aware  of  the  event,  till  he  feels  that  hunger  is  the 
portion  of  the  idle,  both  in  respect  of  soul  and 
body.  Yet  numbers  shrink  from  labor  and  self- 
denial,  hiding  their  hands  in  tlieir  bosoms,  and 
not  having  resolution  to  bring  them  to  their 
mouths,  till  they  are  reduced  to  the  most  extreme 
distress:  and  then  they  bitterly  complain,  not 
only  of  the  unkindness  of  their  friends,  but  of 
their  hard  lot,  by  which  they  reflect  on  the  prov- 
idence of  God.  But  they  ought  to  know,  that 
man  is  not  at  all  to  be  depended  upon;  and  that 
God  has  not  engaged  to  maintain  the  lazy  and  ex- 
travagant, even  if  they  seem  to  be  religious.  For 
there  is  little  evidence  that  a  man  is  really  reli- 
gious, who  will  not  work;  or  who  refuses  to  submit 
to  Providence,  as  to  his  condition  in  life.  [JYotes, 
2  Thes.  3:6 — 12.)  How  much  better  then  for  a 
man  to  "labor,  working  with  his  hands  the  thing 
that  is  good,  that  he  may  have  to  give  to  him  that 
needeth!"  For  "he  that  giveth  to  the  poor,  lend- 
eth  unto  the  Lord,  and  that  which  he  hath  given 
will  he  pay  him  again." — But  alas!  how  few  have 
got  real  faith!     And  how  little  faith  have  the  most 


B.  C.  976, 


CHAPTER  XX. 


B.  C.  976. 


CHAP.  XX. 

The  evils  of  intemperance,  dishonesty,  and  many  other  vices  and 
imprudences.  The  power  of  kings,  and  the  good  use  to  be 
made  of  it.  The  benfit  of  deliberation  and  good  counsel.  The 
Ceceitfulness  of  men,  and  the  curse  attending  dishonest  gain. 
The  honor  of  young  and  old  men.  The  advantage  of  correc- 
tion; and  man's  obligation  to  trust  in  God,  1 — 30. 

WINE   is   "  a  mocker,  strong  drink 
is  raging;  and  whosoever  is  de- 
ceived thereby  is  not  wise. 


a23:29— 3,5.  31:4.  Gen.  9:21— 
23.  19:31—36.  1  Sam.  35:36 
—38.  2  Sam.  11:13.  13:23.  1 
Kings   20:16 21.       Is.    28:7. 


Hos.  4:11.  7:5.  Hab.  2:15,16. 
1  Cor.  6:10.  Gal.  3:21.  Kph, 
5:18. 


of  those  few!  Men  in  gfeneral  dare  credit  their 
neighbors  with  more  pounds,  than  they  dare  trust 
the  Lord  with  pence:  else  they  would  deduct 
more  from  what  they  spend  or  hoard,  to  put  out 
on  this  unexceptionable  security,  and  on  this 
hig-hest  interest.  Thus  indeed  "wealth  would 
procure  many  friends,"  whose  prayers  would 
bring  down  blessings,  and  abound  in  every  way 
to  their  good;  and  every  good  man  would  be  a 
friend  to  him,  who  thus  gave  gifts-  But  even  if 
we  have  very  little  in  our  power,  we  may  buy 
into  these  funds,  as  fast  as  the  richest  can  do:  for 
"the  desire  of  a  man  is  his  kindness;"  and  the 
widow's  two  mites,  given  from  proper  motives, 
will  go  as  far  as  the  large  donations  of  the  \yealthy. 
— Indeejl  every  advantage  results  from  true  wis- 
dom. It  teaches  us  to  fear  the  Lord,  which  tend- 
eth  to  life,  to  render  a  man  inwardly  satisfied,  and 
secure  that  he  shall  not  be  "visited  with  evil;" 
and  to  trust  in  God  and  keep  his  commandments, 
and  so  to  keep  our  own  souls:  whereas  he,  who 
"despiseth  his  way,"  and  cares  not  by  what  rule 
he  walks,  shall  die.  Let  Us  then  leave  it  to  those 
ungodly  men,  who  scorn  judgment  and  justice, 
and  make  a  scoff  of  the  vengeance  of  God,  to  de- 
vour in  luxurious  living  the  wages  of  iuiquity, 
and  to  treasure  up  wrath  to  themselves:  "for 
judgments  are  prepared  for  scorners,  and  stripes 
for  the  back  of  fools:"  and  they  are  often  here 
made  examples  of,  that  the  simple  may  beware. 
Let  us  "hear  counsel,  and  receive  instruction, 
that  we  may  be  wise  at  our  latter  end:"  for  we 
have  all  been  "foolish  and  disobedient."  Let  us 
be  glad  of  reproof,  that  we  may  understand 
knowledge:  and  study  with  propriety,  when  occa- 
sion offers,  to  check  the  insolence  of  scorners, 
and  prevent  them  from  doing  mischief;  and  to 
give  seasonable  and  kind  reproof  to  men  of  un- 
derstanding, that  they  may  be  stirred  up  to  do 
more  good.  Above  all,  let  us  cease  to  hear  those 
instructions,  whether  from  the  pulpit,  or  the  press, 
or  on  the  stage,  or  in  witty  and  admired  publica- 
tions, or  in  convivial  meetings,  which  cause  men 
"to  err  from  the  words  of  knowledge."  For  such 
false  witnesses  are  of  all  most  dangerous:  others 
may,  by  their  lies  and  perjuries,  rob  us  of  our 
characters,  property,  or  lives;  but  these  aim  at 
the  ruin  of  our  souls:  other  false  witnesses  perish 
alone;  but  when  "the  blind  lead  the  blind,  they 
both  fall  into  the  ditch  together."  We  need  not 
envy  their  carnal  mirth  or  jollity;  seeing  the 
wrath  of  God  abidetii  upon  them;  and  their  inso- 
lence and  licentiousness  in  prosperity  must  ap- 
pear unseemly  in  the  eyes  of  all  sober  men. 
Should  they  even  be  favorites  of  earthly  princes, 
and  lord  it  over  better  men  than  themselves,  or 
persecute  the  children  of  God;  they  will  only  at 
length  sink  deeper  in  contempt  and  misery.  But 
we  should  still  recollect  our  dependence  on  God 
for  every  thing.  "There  are  many  devices  in  a 
man's  heart,  nevertheless  the  counsel  of  the  Lord 
that  shall  stand."  If  he  then  be  for  us,  who  can 
be  against  us.^  Whom  then  need  we  fear.'  Or 
what  more  can  we  desire,  than  that  all  our  de- 
vices may  be  directed  to  coincide  with  his  holy 


2  The  ^  fear  of  a  king  is  as  the  roar- 
ing of  a  lion:  whoso  provoketh  him  to  an- 
ger, •=  sinneth  against  his  own  soul. 

3  It  is  '^  an  honor  for  a  man  to  cease 
from  strife;  ^  but  every  fool  will  be  med- 
dling. 

4  The  *■  sluggard  will  not  plow  by  rea- 

10:4 


b    16:14,15.      19:12.      Ec 

Hos.  11:10.     Am.  2:8. 
c  8:36.      1  Kings  2:23. 
d    14:29.     16:32.     17:14.     19:11 

25:8—10.     Eph.  1:6—8.    4:32 


5:1. 
e  14:17.     18:6.    21:24.     2  Kings 

14:9,10.    Jam.  3:14—18.  4:1. 
f  10:4.  19:24.  26:13—16. 


will' — When  we  educate  our  children  properly, 
and  chastea  them  when  young,  and  while  there  is 
hope  of  rendering  the  stubborn  will  submissive 
and  patient  of  contradiction;  and  when  in  obedi- 
ence to  God,  we  repress  our  foolish  tenderness, 
and  do  not  spare  for  their  crying;  we  do  our  best 
to  render  them  a  comfort  to  us,  and  happy  in 
themselves,  and  to  preserve  them  from  manifold 
perils  and  miseries  in  future  life. — It  is  peculiarly 
important  to  govern  our  passions:  for  if  men  yield 
to  evil  tempers  and  furious  wrath,  they  may  in- 
deed be  rescued  once  and  again;  but  should  they 
persist  in  their  contentious  conduct,  at  length  it 
will  bring  on  them  destruction,  temporal  and  eter- 
nal. In  short,  God  commands  nothing  but  what 
is  good  for  us;  and  forbids  nothing  but  what  is  in- 
jurious: and  the  instructions  of  wisdom  are,  in 
fact,  so  many  infallible  rules  of  happiness. 

NOTES. 

Chap.  XX.  V.  1.  Strong  drink  of  every  kind, 
when  improperly  used,  throws  down  the  fences 
of  reflection,  fear,  and  shame;  excites  men  to 
profane  mockery  of  things  sacred,  to  revile  the 
most  respectable  characters,  to  ridicule  or  re- 
proach their  best  friends,  to  commit  the  greatest 
outrages,  to  embroil  themselves  in  riots  and  quar- 
rels, to  gratify  the  basest  lusts,  or  to  commit  the 
most  rash  and  ruinous  crimes:  and  the  satisfaction 
expected  from  it  mocks  and  deludes  the  drunk- 
ard.— 'Drunkenness  is  an  enemy  to  wisdom,  even 
'in  common  things;  much  more  in  those  of  ever- 
'lasting  consequence.  ...  Let  him  whose  design  it 
'is  to  be  wise  and  good,  take  heed  of  accustom- 
'ing  himself  to  excess  of  wine.  It  makes  men 
'either  stupid  sots,  or  profane  scoffers  at  religion 
'and  sobriety.'  Bp.  Patrick. — The  last  clause 
may  be  rendered  more  literally:  "He  that  errs 
therein,  will  not  be  wise."  As  habitual  drunken- 
ness is  madness  and  folly;  so  occasional  and  re- 
peated falls  into  that  hateful  vice  indicate,  that  it 
is  highly  improbable  a  man  should  ever  become 
wise  or  eminent.  (Motes,  23:29 — 35.  31:4—7. 
Ge?i.  9:20—23.  19:31—38.  1  Sam.  25:36—38.  Hos. 
1:5—1.  Eph.  5:15—20,  V.  18.  1  Pet.  4:3—5.) 

V.  2.  "The  terror  of  a  king  is  as  the  roaring  of 
a  j'oung  lion;  whosoever  is  angry  with  him  sin- 
neth against  his  own   life." — 'The  word  (naynn) 

'properly  signifies,  not  to  provoke  the  king,  ... 
'but  to  be  angry  at  him,  which  is  a  kind  of  mad- 
'ness;  for  thereby  he  is  provoked  to  such  fury,  as 
'is  in  young  lions,  who  are  fiercest  of  all  others.' 
Bp.  Patrick. — Thus  nothing  so  highly  provokes 
the  King  of  heaven,  as  impiously  and  virulently 
disputing  against  his  commandments,  testimonies, 
decrees,  and  dispensations,  and  reviling  or  re- 
proaching them.  [J^oles,  16:14,15.  19:12.  I  Kings 
2:23—25.  Ec.  10:4.  A7n.  3:4—8.) 

V.  3.  'It  is  below  a  wise  man,  or  one  who  is 
'truty  great,  to  scold  and  brawl:  or  if  a  quarrel  be 
'begun,  it  is  no  disparagement  to  him,  but  the 
'noblest  thing  he  can  do,  to  withdraw  himself 
'from  it,  and  let  it  rest:  but  all  fools  and  lewd  per- 
'sons  love  to  thrust  themselves  into  contention, 

[627 


B.  C.  976. 


PROVERBS. 


B.  C.  970. 


son  of  the  *  cokl;  ^  therefore  shall  he  beg 
in  harvest,  and  have  nothing. 

5  ''  Counsel  in  the  heart  of  man  is  like 
deep  water;  but  a  man  of  understanding 
will  draw  it  out. 

6  Most  men  will  '  proclaim  every  one 
his  own  t  goodness:  ^  but  a  faithful  man 
who  can  find? 

7  The  '  just  man  walketh  in  his  integ- 
rity; ™  his  children  are  blessed  after  him. 


*  Or,  -winter. 

g  6:10,11.   19: 15.    24:34.     Matt. 

25:3—10,24—28.     2  Pet.  1:5— 

11. 
h  18:1.    Ps.  64:6.     1  Cor.  2:11. 
125:14.27:2.     Matt.  6:2.  Luke 

18:11,23.    22:33.     2  Cor.  12:11. 
I  Or,  bounty. 
k  Ps.  12:1.     Ec.  7:28.   Jer.  5:1. 


Mic.  7:2.     Luke  18:8.    John  1: 

47. 
1  14:2.    19:1.     Ps.  15:2.  26:1,11. 

Is.  33:15.     Luke  1:6.      2  Cor. 

1:12.  Tit.  2:11,12.    3  John  3,4. 
m    13:22.     Gen.    17:7.     Ps.  37: 

26.    112:2.     Jer.  32:39.     AcU 

2:39. 


'and  fancy  when  they  are  engaged  in  strife,  they 
'are  bound  in  honor  to  maintain  it.'  Bp.  Patrick. 
{JVoles,  16:32.  17:14.  18:6,7.  19:11.  21:24.  Jam.  3: 
14—18.) 

V.  4. '  If  a  husbandman,  from  sloth  and  unman- 
ly fear  of  the  cold,  should  leave  his  land  unculti- 
vated; he  could  expect  nothing  but  want,  when 
his  neighbors  were  reaping  their  harvest:  and 
should  he  beg  of  them,  they  would  not  be  dispos- 
ed to  pity  and  relieve  him.  Thus  those,  who 
through  sloth,  or  impatience  of  difficulties,  neg- 
lect favorable  opportunities,  either  in  their  tem- 
poral or  eternal  concerns,  must  bear  the  conse- 
quences, perhaps  without  pity  or  redress;  while 
the  diligent  are  rejoicing  in  the  fruit  of  their  la- 
bor and  self-denial.  (JVb^es,  6:6 — 11.  10:4.  19:15, 
24.  26:13—16.) 

V.  5.  Designing  and  politic  men  endeavor  to 
conceal  their  real  purposes  and  intentions,  that  it 
may  be  as  water  in  a  deep  well:  yet  men  of  sa- 
gacity, and  insinuation,  often  find  means  to  draw 
the  secret  from  them,  or  in  some  way  to  find 
them  out.  Many  likewise  who  are  capable  of 
giving  wise  counsel,  are  so  reserved  or  diffident, 
that  there  requires  much  address  to  draw  any 
thing  from  them.  But  it  may  be  done;  as  waters 
may  be  raised  from  the  deep  well  by  skill  and  la- 
bor: and  it  will  fully  recompense  those  who  can 
effect  it.  {JVotes,  18:4.  P«.  64:8.  1  Cor.  2:10— 
13.) 

V.  6.  Men  in  general  love  to  be  thought  very 
upright,  conscientious,  and  generous;  and  they 
are  ready  to  proclaim  to  others,  how  much  they 
have  done,  or  intend  to  do,  for  their  relations, 
friends,  or  dependents:  but  a  truly  honest  man, 
whose  integrity,  veracity,  and  fidelity  may  safely 
bi:  depended  on,  is  as  rare  as  such  boasters  are 
numerous.  {JVotes,  23:14.27:2.  Ps.  12:1 — i.  Mic. 
7:1—7.) 

V.  7.  "lie  that  walketh  in  his  integrity  is  a 
righteous  man:  and  blessed  shall  his  children  be 
after  him."  (JVoto,  13:22.  14:2.  19:1.  Ps.  37:25, 
26.  112:2,3.  Jer.  32:38—41.  .^d*  2:37— 40,  v.  39.) 
— "He  that  doeth  righteousness  is  righteous;"  he 
is  a  genuine  son  of  Abraham,  and  inherits  the 
blessing  of  Abraham.  He  is  justified  by  faith, 
and  shews  his  faith  by  his  works.  [J^otes,  Jam. 
2:14—24.) 

V.  8.'  'When  righteous  judgment  is  executed, 
'there  vice  dares  not  appear.' — When  wise  and 
just  kings  take  pains  to  look  carefully  into  judicial 
transactions,  and  examine  for  themselves,  how 
justice  is  administered  to  the  people  in  general; 
there  fraud  and  oppression  will  be  prevented,  and 
grievances  effectually  redressed,  as  if  by  their 
very  looks.  {Jfoles,  26.  29:14.  2  Sam.  23:3,4. 
Ps.   72:1—7.  101:  Is.  32:1,2.) 

V.  9.  Where  is  the  man  ^vho  has  a  right  to 
528] 


8  "  A  king  that  sitteth  in  the  throne  of 
judgment  scattereth  away  all  evil  with  his 
eyes. 

9  Who  "can  say,  I  have  made  my 
heart  clean,  I  am  pure  from  my  sin.'' 

lot  Divers  weights,  and  divers  meas- 
ures, P  both  of  them  are  alike  i  abomina- 
tion to  the  Lord. 

1 1  Even  "■  a  child  is  known  by  his  do- 
mgs,  whether  his  work  he  pure,  and 
whether  it  he  right. 


16:12.  29:14.  1  Sam.  23: 
3,4.  Ps.  72:4.  92:9.  99:4.  lOl: 
6—8.   Is.  32:1. 

0  1  Kings  8:46.  2  Chr.  6:36. 
Job  14:4.  15:14.  25:4.  Ps.  51: 
5.  Ec.  7:20.  1  Cor.  4:4.  Jam. 
3:2.      1  John  1:8—10. 

t  Heb.    A  stone  and  a  stone^ 


an  epfiah  and  an  ephah. 
p23.   11:1.     16:11.     Lev.  19:35, 

36.     Dent.  25:13— 15.     Am.  3: 

4—7.     Mic.  6:10,11. 
q  Deut.  7:25,26.  Rev.  21:8. 
r  21:8.    22:15.     Ps.  51:5.    58:3. 

Luke  1:15,66.  2:46,47,51,52.  5: 

43,44. 


boast,  either  that  he  was  originally  free  from  sin, 
or  that  he  is  entirely  pure  at  present,  or  that  he 
has  made  his  own  heart  clean.'  If  there  be  such 
a  one,  who  and  where  is  he,  among  the  sons  of 
fallen  Adam.''  Men  form  antiscriptural  systems, 
and  fall  into  self-flattering  delusions;  but  the  om- 
niscience of  God  knows  nothing  of  such  a  man 
among  all  the  inhabitants  of  the  earth.  [JMars^. 
Re/.  o.—J\rotes,Job  15:14—16.  Ec.  7:19,20,  v.  20. 
Jam.  3:1,2,  v.  2.  iJo/m  1:8— 10.)— 'Whocan  say, 
'and  say  truly,  that  he  hath  not  the  least  evil  aif- 
'fection  remaining  within  him,  no  unruly  pas- 
'sion  stirring  in  his  souP  or  that  he  is  so  free  from 
'sin,  that  he  needs  no  further  purifying.?'  Bp. 
Patrick. 

V.  10.  "A  stone  and  a  stone:  an  ephah  and  an 
ephah."  J\Iarg.  That  is,  one  set  of  weights  and 
measures  to  buy  with,  and  another  to  sell  with: 
some  according  to  the  standard,  to  produce  to  the 
officers  appointed  to  inspect  them,  or  to  use  when 
afraid  of  detection;  and  others,  to  be  brought  from 
their  concealment,  when  the  widow,  the  orphan, 
the  destitute,  and  the  dependent,  who  cannot,  or 
dare  not,  seek  redress,  are  to  be  cheated  and  op- 
pressed. (23)  (See  on  JVotes,  11:1.  16:11.)  "Even 
both  are  unclean  before  the  Lord,  and  he  also 
who  makes  them,"  or,  "who  doeth  these  things." 
Sept. 

V.  11.  By  observing  the  first  actions  of  a  child, 
or  the  conduct,  contrivances,  pursuits,  and  even 
diversions,  of  a  youth,  a  judgment  may  often  be 
formed  of  what  his  character  will  be,  when  arriv- 
ed at  maturity:  and  indeed  the  propensities  of 
human  nature  may  be  learned  in  the  same  man- 
ner. If  children  were  generally  observed  to  be 
submissive,  sincere,  docile,  gentle,  and  loving  to 
each  other,  averse  to  all  ill,  and  prepense  to  all 
good;  the  wickedness  of  the  world  might,  with 
some  plausibility,  be  exclusively  ascribed  to  bad 
habits,  examples,  and  tuition.  Yet  even  then,  it 
would  remain  a  mystery,  (which  men  adopting 
that  system  ought  to  explain,)  how  it  comes  to 
pass,  that  bad  habits  should  be  so  universally  con- 
tracted, bad  examples  set,  and  bad  education 
given.  But  if  children  are  observed  to  be  very 
early  susceptible  of  violent  anger,  of  envy,  and  of 
pride,  to  be  humorsome  and  deceitful,  to  quarrel 
and  to  tell  lies,  to  learn  bad  words  and  evil 
things  almost  without  a  teacher,  and  to  be  very 
backward  to  learn  what  is  good,  and  prone  to  re- 
bel with  pertinacity  against  every  exertion  of 
authority;  in  this  case  we  must  conclude,  that  we 
are  born  in  sin  and  "by  nature  the  children  of 
wrath."  So  that,  those  who  would  know  what 
human  nature  is,  previous  to  habits,  examples, 
and  tuition,  should  watch  theri-  children,  and  in- 
quire, "whether  their  work  be  pure,  and  whether 
it  be  right."— The  verse  may  also  mean,  that  God 


B.  C.  976. 


CHAPTER  XX. 


B.  C.  970. 


12  The  ^  hearing  ear,  and  the  seehig 
eye,  the  Lord  hath  made  even  both  of 
them. 

13  *  Love  not  sleep,  lest  thou  come  to 
poverty;  "  open  thine  eyes,  and  thou 
shalt  be  satisfied  with  bread. 

14'  It  is  naught,  *  it  is  naught,  saith  the 
buyer;  but  when  he  is  gone  his  way,  then 
he  boasteth. 

15  There  is  gold,  and  a  multitude  of 
rubies:  J'  but  the  lips  of  knowledge  are  a 
precious  jewel. 

16  ^  Take  his   garment  that  is  surety 


S    Ex.  4:11.       Ps.  94:9.     119:18. 

Matt.  1313-16.      Acts  26:18. 

Epb.  1:17,13. 
1 6:9— 11.     10:4,5.     13:4.     19:15. 

24:30 — 34.       Rom.    12:11.    2 

Thes.  3:10. 
u  Jon.  1:6.  Rom.  13:11.     iCor. 

15:34.     Eph.  5:14. 


X    Ec.    1:10.       Hos.    12:7,8.     1 

Thes.  4:6. 
y3:]5.  8:11.    10:20,21.     15:7,23. 

16:16,21,24.    25:12.     Job  28:12 

—19.     Ec.    12:9—11.      Rom. 

10:14,15.     Eph.  4:29. 
z  11:15.    22:26,27.    27:13.     Ex. 

22:26,27. 


for  a  stranger;  and  take  a  pledge  of  him 
for  "  a  strange  woman. 

[Practical  Olseri>atton».] 

17  Bread  of  *  deceit  ^  is  sweet  to  a 
man;  but  afterwards  '^  his  mouth  shall  be 
filled  with  gravel. 

18  Every  **  purpose  is  established  by 
counsel:  ^  and  with  good  advice  make 
war. 

19  He  *"  that  goeth  about  as  a  tale- 
bearer revealeth  secrets:  therefore  s  med- 
dle not  with  him  that  t  flattereth  with  his 
lips. 

20  Whoso  ''  curseth  his  father  or  his 


notices  the  conduct  even  of  children,  and  will  re- 
quire an  account  of  them,  whether  their  work  be 
right  or  not.  {JIarg.  Ref.  r.—J^otes,  21:8.  22: 
15.  Ps.  51:5,6.  58:3—5.  Is.  7:15.) 

V.  12.  'There  are  ears  which  hear  not,  and 
*'eyes  that  see  not:  but  if  a  man  have  an  hearing 
'ear  and  a  seeing  eye;  he  is  doubly  bound  to  God, 
*both  for  his  sense  and  the  improvement  of  it.' 
Bp.  Hall. — 'As  the  Lord  is  to  be  acknowledged 
'the  Fountain  of  all  good;  particularly  of  those 
'excellent  and  useful  senses,  wherebj'  the  knowl- 
*edge  of  all  things  is  conveyed  to  us:  so  the  to- 
'wardly  disposition,  which  we  observe  to  be  in 
'any  child,  to  listen  to  instruction,  and  a  clear  un- 
'derstanding  to  discern,  and  a  sound  judgment  to 
'resolve  aright,  are  likewise,  above  all  things,  to 
'be  peculiarly  ascribed  to  the  divine  grace.'  Bp. 
Patrick.  [J^otes,  Ex.  4: 11, 1 2.  P*.  1 19: 1 8.  Mail. 
13:13—17.  JIark  8:17—21.  Acts  26:16—18.) 

V.  13.     JIarg.  Ref.— See  on  Mjtes,  4.  6:6— 1 1. 

V.  14.  While  the  seller  often  seeks  to  impose 
on  the  ignorance,  credulity,  or  necessity  of  his 
customers,  by  fraudulently  commending  his  goods, 
or  concealing  their  faults,  or  by  demanding  an 
unfair  price;  the  buyer  seems  to  despise  them  as 
worthless,  far  beneath  his  own  judgment  of  their 
value.  Especially,  if  he  knows  that  the  owner 
must  sell,  he  will  run  him  down  in  the  price,  and 
pretend  many  faults  in  the  commodity:  and  when 
by  these  tricks  of  trade  he  has  got  a  good  bar- 
gain, he  will  go  and  boast  of  it  among  his  neigh- 
bors! But  is  not  this  to  boast  that  he  is  an  artful 
knave,  who  met  with  a  man  simple  enough  to  be 
cheated.?  {JTotes,  Hos.  12:7—9.  1  Cor.  6:7,8.  1 
Thes.  4:6 — 8,  v.  6.) — 'As  fraud  makes  men  dis- 
'praise  that  to  which  they  have  a  mind;  sa  in 
'other  cases,  out  of  ignorance,  or  out  of  partialitt/, 
'or  faction,  nay,  sometimes  from  natural  clispo- 
*sition,  men  both  disparage  that  which  is  praise- 
'worthv,  and  commend  that  which  is  good  for  lit- 
nle.'  Bp.  Patrick: 

V.  15.  Gold  and  rubies,  and  other  precious 
stones,  were  very  common  in  the  days  of  Solomon, 
who  greatly  enriched  his  people;  and  wisdom 
ought  to  have  been  equally  plentiful  under  so 
wise  a  prince:  but  an  understanding  heart,  and 
lips  fitted  to  disperse  knowledge,  remained  still 
precious;  not  only  for  their  cxceUcncy  and  ulility, 
but  also  for  their  scarceness.  (See  on  JVotes,  3:14 
—17.  10:20,21.  15:7,23.) 

V.  16.     'Lend  tliat  man  nothing  without  good 
'security,  who  is  ready  to  be  bound  for  the  debts 
'of  any  new  acquaintance,  whose  company  en- 
Vol.  in.  67 


a  2:16.  5:3.    7:5,10.  23:27. 

*  Heb.    lying,  or  falsehood.  4: 

17. 
b  9:17,13.     Gen.  3:6,7.     Job  20: 

1-'— 20.  Ec.    11:9.  Heb.  11:25. 
c  Lam.  3:15,16. 
d  15:22.  24:6. 
e  25:8.     Judg.  1:1,2.  9:29.  20:7, 

18,-23,26— 2S.     2  Sam.  2:26,27. 


2  Chr.  25:17—23.    Luke  14:31. 
f  11:13.   18:8.  26:20—22.    Lev. 

19  16. 
g  24:21. 
t  Or,  enticetk.  16:20.  Rom.  16: 

18. 
h   30:11,17.     Ex.  20:12.    21:17. 

Lev.  20:9.  Deut.  27.16.    Mutt. 

15:4.     Mark  7:10— 13. 


'tertains  him;  or  for  bad  women  with  whom  he 
'has  formed  connexions:  for  he  will  surely  and 
'speedily  be  ruined.'  (See  on  JVote,  6:1 — 6.) — 
'Teach  him  wit,  that  he  cast  not  himself  rashly 
'into  danger.' 

V.  17.  [Marg.)  Under  the  term,  "Bread  of 
deceit,"  all  things  obtained  or  enjoyed  by  sin  may 
be  comprised.  Fraudulent  gains,  and  licentious 
indulgences,  may  for  the  moment  be  pleasant; 
but  they  will  soon  become  like  gravel  in  the 
mouth,  which  cuts  the  gums,  injures  the  teeth, 
and  disgusts  the  palate.  {jYotes,  9:13 — 18.  23; 
1—3.  Gen.  3:6,7.  £c.  11:9,10.  iiowi.  6:21— 23,  «. 
21.) 

V.  18.  Kings  and  rulers  of  every  description, 
should  be  very  careful  that  they  do  not  rashly  or 
needlesslj'  engage  in  war;  or  any  violent  and 
threatening  measures,  which  may  render  it  un- 
avoidable. They  should  advise  whether  the  ob- 
ject in  contest  be  of  sufficient  importance,  to 
warrant  so  destructive  a  manner  of  decision;  and 
whether  the  power  to  be  opposed  be  not  too  great 
for  them  to  cope  with:  if  they  must  go  to  war, 
what  armies  they  must  raise,  and  wbencs?;  and 
with  what  funds  they  may  pay  them:  what  alli- 
ances they  can  form;  by  what  plan  they  may 
conduct  the  operations  of  the  war,  Lc.  Till  such 
points  are  settled,  it  is  madness  to  involve  a  nation 
in  difficulties,  from  which  no  human  wisdom  may 
be  able  to  extricate  it. — "Establish  thy  thoughts 
by  counsel,  and  bv  counsel  make  war."  Old  Ver- 
sion. { Ab/es,  1 1 :  14.  15:22.  24:3—6.  2  Sam.  2: 
14—16,26—29.  2  Kings  14:9-14.  Luke  14:28— 
33.) 

V.  19.  (See  on  JVb<&s,  11:13.  18:8.)  The  tale- 
bearer is  commonly  a  flatterer.  Thus  he  insin- 
uates himself  into  the  favor,  and  pries  into  the 
secrets,  of  one  person  or  family:  and  then  he 
goes  and  tells  all  he  knows,  with  a  malevolent 
comment,  in  another  family;  accompanying  his 
slanders  of  the  absent  with  flattery  of  those  pres- 
ent, and  in  both  addressing  himself  to  the  cor- 
ruptions of  the  human  heart.  Whoever  ridicules 
or  reviles  the  absent,  and  flatters  those  present, 
may  safely  be  deemed  a  tale-hearer;  anil  in  the 
next  company  he  will  act  the  same  part:  who 
then  would  have  any  thing  to  do  with  so  infamous 
a  charactei?— 'Suspect  a fawrting  fellow,  and  have 
'no  familiarity  with  him:  for  his  drift  is  to  entice 
'thee  to  talk,  what  he  intends  to  carry  about  to 
'others.'  Bp.  Patrick. — 'Frown  upon  him,  and 
'take  heed  not  to  commit  thyself  by  saying  any 
'thing  suited  to  his  purpose.'  (JVb<e,  25:23.) 

[529 


B.  C.  D76. 


PROVERBS. 


B.  C.  916. 


mother,   '  his   *  lamp  shall  be  put  out  in ' 
obscure  darkness. 

21  An  inheritance  may  be  ^  gotten  has- 
tily at  the  beginning;  '  but  the  end  thereof 
shall  not  be  blessed. 

22  Say  not  thou,  "  I  will  recompense 
evil;  but  "  wait  on  the  Lord,  and  he  shall 
save  thee. 

23  Divers  °  weights  are  an  abomina- 
tion unto  the  Lord;  and  t  a  false  balance 
is  not  good. 

24  P  Man's  goings   are   of  the  Lord: 


i   13:9.     21:20.      Job  18:5,6,18. 

Matt.  2C:13.  25:3.    Jude  13. 
♦  Or,  candle.  27. 
!c  23:4.  28:20,22.     1  Tim.  6:9. 
1   13:22.      28:8.      Job   27:16,17. 

Hab.  2:6.     Zech.  5.4.     Mai. 

2:2. 
m  17:13.     24:29.     Deut.  32:35. 

Rom.  12:17—19.     1  Thes.  5: 


15.     1  Pet.  3:9. 
n   Ps.  27:14.    37:34.     Is.  40:31. 
Lam.  3:25,26.     1  Pet.  2:23.  4: 
19. 

0  See  on  10.— Ez.  45:10. 

1  Heb.  balances  of  deceit.  Hos. 
12:7.    Am.  8:5. 

p  Ps.  37:23.  Jer.  10:23.  Dan.  5: 
23.   Acts  17:28. 


V.  20.  [Marg.  Ref.—JSTotes,  30:11—14,17. 
Ex.  21:15—17,  Lev.  20:9.)  'The  pupils  of  his 
'eyes  shall  behold  darkness.'  Sept.  [Jfotes,  2  Fet. 
2:17.  Jude  9—13.) 

V.  21.  Covetous  men  sometimes  grow  rich 
very  rapidly;  and  acquire  estates,  or  what  is  gen- 
erally deemed  well  secured  property:  but  they 
build  on  a  rotten  foundation,  the  fabric  must 
soon  fall,  and  in  the  mean  time  its  tottering  con- 
tinually alarms  them.  For  their  prosperity  is  ac- 
companied by  the  curse  of  God,  instead  of  his 
blessing;  as  both  they  and  their  posterity  will 
learn  at  the  last,  either  in  this  world,  or  in  the 
next.  {JS'otes,  13:22.  23:4,5.  28:8,20— 22.  Jo6  27:13 
—23,  vv.  16—18.  Hah.  2:5—11.  Zech.  5:1—4. 
Luke  12:15—21.) 

V.  22.  Men  are  apt  to  say,  'If  I  should 
'tamely  bear  this  insult,  and  should  not  shew  that 
•I  have  spirit  to  resent  it,  and  defend  or  avenge 
'myself,  I  shall  be  exposed  to  further  and  more  in- 
'tolerable  injuries,  and  become  a  prey  to  ill-design- 
'ing  men.'  But  let  no  pious  man  speak  thus:  let 
him  obey  and  wait  on  the  Lord,  and  he  will  save 
him  from  all  enemies  and  dangers. — How  exactly 
does  this  accord  with  those  precepts  of  Christ  and 
his  apostles,  which  many  erroneously  consider  as 
peculiar  to  the  Christian  dispensation.''  {Marg. 
Ref.—J\roles,  17:14.  24:29.  25:21,22.  Ps.  37:5—8. 
Jlalt.  5:38— 'iQ.  Rom.  12:17—21.  1  Thes.  5:12— 
15,  V.  15.  1  Pet.  3:8—12.) 

V.  23.  (See  on  Jfote,  10.)  'This  is  a  sin  so 
'heinous,  and  yet  so  commonly  practised,  that 
'this  is  lit  to  be  repeated  again;  that  it  is  a  most 
♦wicked  thing  to  cheat  another,  though  it  be  but 
'in  a  little  matter.'  Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  24.  "The  steps  of  a  mighty  man  are  of 
the  Lord:  how  then  can  a  man,"  (Adam,  a  poor 
feeble  man,)  "understand  his  way.'"' — Ungodly 
men,  however  powerful,  can  proceed  no  further 
than  God  is  pleased  to  permit,  and  can  effect 
nothing  which  he  cannot  or  will  not  render  sub- 
servient to  his  grand  designs.  Pious  men  derive 
all  their  good  desires,  counsels,  inclinations,  and 
strength  from  him.  Their  works  are  in  his  hands, 
and   their  designs  will  meet  with  success,   and 

{)roduce  effects,  in  a  degree  unknown  to  them,  but 
cnown  to  him.  How  then  can  a  man  form  plans, 
conduct  operations,  accomplish  designs,  or  fore- 
see the  event,  in  dependent  of  the  Lord.''  In  this 
case  he  must  always  be  in  uncertainty,  as  to  his 
way  and  the  end  of  it;  and  he  will  find  every  thing 
turn  out  contrary  to  his  expectation,  or  beyond 
his  conception:  for  the  Lord  "turneth  the  way  of 
the  wicked  upside  down."  (JVotes,  3:5,6.  16:9.  19: 

530] 


1  how  can  a  man  then  understand  his  own 
way.'* 

25  It  is  "■  a  snare  to  the  man  who  de- 
voureth  that  which  is  holy;  and  ^  after 
vows  to  make  inquiry. 

26  A  ^  wise  king  scattereth  the  wick- 
ed, and  "  bringeth  the  wheel  over 
them. 

27  The  *  spirit  of  man  is  the  t  candle 
of  the  Lord,  ^  searching  all  the  inward 
parts  of  the  belly. 

28  ^  Mercy    and    truth   preserve    the 


q  14:8.    16:9.     Ps.  25:4,12.     Is. 

10:6,7. 
r    13:7.     Lev.  5:15.     22:10—15. 

27:30.     Mai.  3:8—10. 
s   Lev.  27:9,10,31.     Num.  30:2, 

&c.   Ec.  5:4—6.   Matt.  5:33. 
t  8.     2  Sam.  4:9—12.     Ps.  101: 

7,8. 


u  2  Sara.  12:31.  Is.  28:27,28. 

X  Gen.  2:7.  Job  32:3.  Rom. 
2:15.  1  Cor.  2:11.  2  Cor.  43 
—6.     lJohD3:l9— 21. 

J  Or,  lamp.  20. 

y30.     Heb.  4:12,13. 

z  16:6.     See  on  Ps.  61:7.  101:1. 


21.  21:1.  Ps.  25:12,13.  37.5—8,23,24.  Ec.  9:1—3, 
V.  1.  Is.  10:5—7.  Jer.  10:23—25,  v.  23.  Acts  2:22 
—24.) 

V.  25.  Tithes,  firstlings,  first-fruits,  and  other 
things,  were  by  the  law  holy  to  the  Lord:  but 
many  Israelites  would  be  induced  secretly  to  ap- 
propriate a  part  of  them  to  their  own  use;  and 
thus  they  would  be  caught  in  a  snare  and  involv- 
ed in  guilt.  In  like  manner  men  would  often 
vow  inconsiderately;  and  then  be  tempted  to 
make  inquiry  how  to  elude  the  vow,  or  excuse 
the  infringing  of  it.  This  sin  likewise  exposed 
them  to  sharp  rebukes,  from  which  they  might 
have  been  preserved,  if  they  had  previously  in- 
quired whether  they  could  cheerfully  perform 
tTieir  vow:  or  having  vowed,  if  depending  on  God, 
they  had  honestly  submitted  to  the  present  loss. — 
'A  sacrilegious  man  finds  devices  to  rob  God  of 
'things  that  are  consecrated  to  him,  and  then 
'makes  vows,  in  hopes  by  them  to  expiate  his  sac- 
'rilege.  ...  A  corruption'  (saith  Mr.  Cartwright 
himself,)  'which  never  more  infested  the  world, 
'than  in  this  age,  in  which  most  men  not  only  give 
'nothing,  but  do  all  they  can  to  take  away  from 
'that  which  their  ancestors  have  given,  to  the  ser- 
'vice  of  God,  and  the  support  of  his  ministers,  of 
'schools,  or  of  the  poor.  By  which  they  are 
'guilty  not  only  of  their  own  destruction,  but  of 
'the  loss  of  the  souls  of  others.  ...  A  man  vows  in 
'his  distress,  to  give  something  to  God;  but  hav- 
'ing  obtained  his  desires,  studies  how  he  may  be 
'loosed  from  his  obligations.'  Bp.  Patrick.  {JVotes, 
Lev.  5:15—19.  27:2—8,28—34.  JVwm.  30:  Ec.  5:4 
—7.  JIal.  3:7—12.) 

V.  26.  The  wheel.]  As  the  wheel  crushed 
the  sheaves,  in  forcing  out  the  corn;  so  tlie  im- 
partial administration  of  justice  crushes  the  wick- 
ed, and  separates  them  from  among  the  more  vir- 
tuous members  of  society.    (See  on  JVbfe,  8.) 

V.  27.  The  rational  soul  and  conscience  of 
man  are  as  a  lamp  of  God  within  him,  which  he 
may  continually  use,  in  examining  the  disposi- 
tions of  his  own  heart,  and  the  motives  of  his  ac- 
tions; that  he  may  become  acquainted  with  his 
own  character,  form  a  right  judgment  of  his  past 
conduct,  and  learn  to  act  properly  for  the  future. 
This  candle  should  neither  be  obscured  by  igfno- 
rance  and  delusion;  nor  employed  in  conceiving, 
contriving,  or  apologizing  for  iniquity.  Thus  it 
is  indeed  extinguished  or  misemployed  by  ungodly 
men;  but  the  grace  of  God  causes  the  lamp  to 
bum  clearly  and  to  better  purposes.  {Marg.  Ref. 
—JVotct,  30.  Job  32:6—14,  v.  8.  Rom.  2:12—16. 
I  Cor.  2:10— 13,  ■».  11.  Heb.  4:12,13.) 


B.  C.  976. 


CHAPTER  XX. 


B.  C.  976, 


king;    and  ^  his  throne   is   upholden   by 
mercy. 

29  The  ''glory  of  young  men  is  their 
strength;  and  *=  the  beauty  of  old  men  is 
the  grey  head. 

a.  16:12.    29:14.     Ps.  21:7.  26:1.  I  b  Jer.  9:23,24.     1  John  2:14. 
Fs.  16:5.  I  c  See  on  16:31 — Lev.    19:32. 


V.  28.  'The  best  and  strong'est  guards  for  the 
'preservation  of  a  prince's  person,  and  for  the 
'security  of  his  government,  are  bounty  and 
'clemency,  joined  with  justice  and  faithfulness  to 
'his  word.'  Bp.  Patrick. — Let  kings  imitate  the 
King  of  kings,  exercising  justice,  truth,  and 
mercy,  "in  all  wisdom  and  prudence;"  especially 
let  them  delight  in  mercy:  and  this  will  establish 
their  thrones,  (in  the  affections  of  their  people, 
and  by  the  peculiar  blessing  of  God,)  more  fiim- 
ly,  than  either  mercenary  armies,  or  mercenary 
courtiers  can  do,  and  indeed  than  the  wisest  po- 
litical measures.  [Marg.  Rpf. — Jfotes,  16:6,12, 
13.29:14.  Ps.  61:6,7.  101:1,2.  Is.  16:3—5,  v.  5. 
33:5,6.) 

V.  29.  Young  men  are  distinguished  by  vigor 
,  and  courage,  and  are  apt  to  glory  in  them,  even 
when  made  a  bad  use  of:  and  old  men  grow  in- 
firm and  lose  their  comeliness;  so  that  their  grey 
hairs,  an  emblem  of  experience  and  discretion, 
are  their  chief  ornament.  But  when  the  young 
spend  their  vigor  to  good  purpose,  it  is  really  an 
honor  to  them:  and  when  the  old  are  wise,  and 
devise  and  direct  useful  measures  for  the  good 
of  their  families,  the  church,  or  the  community; 
their  grey  hairs  are  really  an  ornament,  and  they 
have  an  amiableness  which  far  exceeds  all  the 
fire  and  activity  of  youth.  (See  on  J^ote,  16:31. — 
J^otes,  Ps.  71:8,9,17,18.  Js.  3:1—9,  v.  5.  Jer.  9:23, 
24.  1  Tim.  5:1— 4.) 

V.  30.  "The  livid  color  of  a  wound  is  a  puri- 
fication for  a  wicked  man:  and  stripes,  for  the 
inward  parts  of  the  belly." — 'Though  stripes 
'chiefly  affect  the  body;  yet  they  have  likewise 
♦an  effect  upon  ...  the  inward  recesses  of  the  mind, 
'restraining  the  offender  by  the  fear^of  punish- 
'ment.  That  this  is  the  meaning  of  the  words,' 
(rendered  "the  inward  parts  of  the  belly")  ...'ap- 
'pears  from  that  elegant  comparison  of  the  con- 
'science  or  spirit  of  a  man  (27)  to  a  light  within 
'him,  searching  out  and  discovering  his  inmost 
'thoughts.'  Grey. — Sharp  punishments,  by  which 
the  offender  is  scourged,  till  livid  tumors  remain, 
are  necessary  in  many  cases,  and  sometimes  effec- 
tual, where  all  other  remedies  fail.  [JSTotes,  19:25. 
22:15.  26:3.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
V.  1—16. 
If  it  were  not  notoriously  evident,  it  could 
scarcely  be  credited,  tliat  men  of  the  most  bril- 
liant capacities  and  accomplishments,  as  well  as 
the  ignorant  and  rude  multitude,  should  be  ca- 
pable of  rendering  themselves  fools  and  madmen, 
merely  for  the  sake  of  the  pleasant  flavor,  or 
transient  exhilaration,  of  wine  and  strong  drink! 
But  fallen  man,  having  lost  his  original  happiness 
in  the  fruition  of  God,  and  not  finding  the  vacan- 
cy filled  by  a  moderate  use  of  the  creatures,  fool- 
ishly seeks  for  satisfaction  in  intemperance,  and 
proceeds  to  an  excess  in  animal  indulgences,  to 
which  none  of  the  brutes  can  habitually  be  in- 
duced. Excess  of  wine,  however,  not  only  de- 
ludes the  expectations  of  its  votaries,  and  yields 
far  more  anguish  than  satisfaction;  but  it  leads  to 
scenes  of  impiety  and  iniquity;  to  outrageous 
passion,  discord,  and  bloodshed;  and  to  various 
most  perilous  and  disastrous  situations.  It  is  not 
only  a  base,  and  worse  than  beastly  vice;  but  it 
runs  a  man  directly  into  the  snare  of  the  devil,  to 
be  for  the  season  blinded  and  employed  at  his 


30  The  blueness  of  a  wound  *  cleans- 
eth  away  evil:  so  do  '^  stripes  the  inward 
parts  of  the  belly. 


*  Heb.   is  a  purging  medicine  |  d  19:25.  22:15.    Is.  27:9.     Heb. 
against  tvH.  I    12:10. 


pleasure.  Whosoever  then  is  once  deceived  by 
this  sin  is,  in  that  instance,  a  fool:  what  then  are 
they,  who  for  many  years  together  experience  its 
painful  and  ruinous  effects,  and  yet  run  them- 
selves continually  into  the  same  fatal  snare.''  (P. 
O.  23:19 — 35.)  In  every  station  of  society  this 
vice  is  pernicious:  but  it  is  most  terrible  in  those 
possessed  of  authority.  How  tremendous  is  it, 
when  a  monarch,  (who  is  the  absolute  arbiter  of 
life  and  death  to  his  subjects,  and  whose  frown 
terrifies  like  the  roaring  of  a  lion,)  inflames  his 
passions  and  clouds  his  judgment  by  inebriation! 
In  such  a  case,  who  can  be  safe.'  Whoever  pro- 
vokes him,  sins  against  his  own  life:  but  who  can 
be  secure  against  provoking  a  tyrant,  intoxicated 
with  pride,  with  exaltation,  and  with  excess?  Yet 
to  such  abuses  is  power  liable,  as  exercised  by 
sinful  men!  We  may  then  heartily  pray,  that 
Jehovah,  whose  infinite  wisdom  and  holiness  se- 
cure the  perfectly  beneficent  use  of  his  authority, 
may  be  the  only  absolute  sovereign;  and  that  all 
subordinate  rulers  may  be  restricted  by  prudent 
limitations:  that  they  maj'  have  power  to  do  good, 
but  not  evil;  to  be  a  terror  to  evil  doers,  to  scat- 
ter and  crush  them,  but  not  to  terrify  or  oppress 
those  who  do  well.  Authority,  directed  by  law, 
and  exercised  in  wisdom,  is  honorable  to  them 
and  beneficial  to  the  communit)-.  Thus  seated 
in  the  throneof  judgment,  and  shewing  a  decided 
abhorrence  of  impiety  and  iniquity;  they  detect 
and  frown  upon  the  wicked,  drive  them  from 
their  presence,  and  exclude  them  from  those  im- 
portant offices,  which  should  be  filled  with  such 
as,  by  their  example,  influence,  and  use  of  their 
authorit)',  promote  piety  and  righteousness. — No 
confidence  can  be  placed  in  ungodly  men:  they 
are  indeed  ready  enough  each  one  "to  proclaim 
his  own  goodness,"  and  to  make  great  professions 
of  zeal,  and  readiness  to  venture  or  expend,  in 
the  cause  of  those  whom  they  favor:  but  a  faith- 
ful man,  who  can  find.'  Numbers  flatter  the  very 
persons,  whom  they  ridicule  and  revile  in  the 
next  company  into  which  they  go!  Especially 
the  divers  weights  and  measures,  and  the  false 
balances,  which  the  Lord  sees  and  abhors;  and 
the  innumerable  falsehoods  and  cheating  tricks 
in  bargains,  which  are  often  even  gloried  in, 
shew  how  deceitful  and  faithless  selfish  man  is. 
But  the  Lord  our  King  beholds  and  is  displeased; 
and  "whoso  provoketh  him  to  anger,  sinnelh 
against  his  own  soul."  He  will  scatter  and  crush 
the  wicked,  and  drive  them  from  his  presence 
into  everlasting  punishment.  And,  though  none 
can  say,  "I  have  made  my  heart  clean,  I  am  pure 
from  my  sin:"  yet  every  believer  is  so  fir  made 
pu^e  by  divine  grace,  that  he  walks  in  Lis  integ- 
rity, rendering  to  God  and  to  every  man  his  due, 
to  the  best  of  his  ability.  And  this  conscientious 
adherence  to  equity  proves  the  best  method  of 
rendering  his  children  blessed  after  him. — Re- 
gard to  the  word  of  God  keeps  a  man  from  vr  ri- 
ous  other  sources  of  mischief.  The  pious  man 
will  count  it  his  honor  to  cease  from  strife,  and 
follow  after  peace:  "but  every  fool  will  be  med- 
dling" to  his  ruin  or  vexation.  The  consistent 
Christian  will  labor  and  endure  hardship  in  his 
seed-time  for  eternity,  and  likewise  be  diligent  in 
proper  measure  about  his  secular  business:  he 
will  watch  against  the  love  of  sleep  ;ind  indtil- 
gence:  he  will  fear  that  poverty  which  comes 
through  negligence:  he  will  keep  r;\r  from  those 

[.5f?l 


B    C.  976. 


PROVERBS. 


B.  C.  976. 


CHAP.  XXI. 

All  liearts  are  in  the  hands  of  the  Lord,  1.  The  evil  of  pride, 
hypocrisy,  injustice,  sloth,  voluptuousness,  falsehood,  and  cru- 
elty to  the  poor:  commendations  of  diligence,  prudence,  equity, 
and  mercy:  and  the  misery  of  domestic  contention,  3—29.  All 
events  are  at  the  Lord's  disposal,  30,  31. 


HE   *  king's  heart  is  in  the  hand  of 
the  Lord,  ^  as  the  rivers  of  water: 
he  turneth  it  whithersoever  he  will. 

8.16:1,9.    Q0:24.     Ezra  7:27,23.  I  b   Ps.  74:15.    93:4.    114:3,5.    Is. 
Neh.    1:11.    2:4.       Ps.  103:23.       43:19.44:27.    Rev.  16:4,12. 
106:46.     Dan.  4:35.  Acts  7:10. 


rwinous  connexions,  which  reduce  the  spendthrift 
to  beggary;  and  improve  the  advantages,  and 
guard  against  the  temptations,  of  his  situation 
and  relations  in  life. — Wherever  we  turn  our 
eyes,  we  discover  conclusive  proofs  of  human 
depravity.  Even  in  accurately  considering  our 
children,  while  we  may  discern  a  striking  differ- 
ence in  their  tempers,  endowments,  and  pursuits; 
we  cannot  but  also  lament  the  tendency  to  evil, 
in  various  directions,  which  every  one  of  them 
manifests.  But  "every  good  ancl  every  perfect 
gift  is  from  above:"  and  as  the  Lord  gave  them 
their  senses  and  faculties,  we  should  pray  with- 
out ceasing,  that  he  would  bestow  on  them  that 
special  grace,  by  which  they  will  be  inclined  and 
enabled  to  use  all  his  other  gifts  in  a  proper  man- 
ner. Our  thankful  praises  also  are  his  due,  if  he 
lias,  either  in  our  own  case  or  theirs,  opened  the 
eve,  the  ear,  the  understanding,  and  the  heart,  to 
the  perception  of  his  glor)^  in  the  person  and  sal- 
vation of  Christ.  We  should  ^esire  for  them,  as 
well  as  for  ourselves,  the  lips  of  knowledge,  far 
more  than  gold  and  a  multitude  of  jewels:  that 
they  may  both  be  enabled  "from  the  good  treas- 
ure in  their  own  hearts  to  bring  forth  good 
things,"  for  the  benefit  of  all  around  them;  and 
also  may  possess  understanding  and  address  to 
draw  forth  from  the  hearts  of  other  men,  that 
useful  instruction,  which  diffidence  and  timidity 
would  have  concealed.  Finally,  he  who  would 
know  mankind,  and  discern  the  characters  and 
purposes  of  those  with  whom  he  has  to  do,  must 
first  study  his  own  heart:  for  self-knowledge,  ex- 
perience, and  acquaintance  with  the  word  of  God, 
confer  the  deepest  discernment  in  this  respect, 
and  that  which  is  the  most  capable  of  improve- 
ment to  valuable  purposes, 

V.  17—30. 
The  real  and  permanent  interest  of  princes  is 
the  same  as  that  of  their  subjects:  for  wisdom, 
justice,  truth,  and  mercy,  securely  uphold  their 
thrones;  while  the  tyrant  continually  feels  that 
his  totters  under  him.    The  regular  and  impartial 
administration  of  justice,  a  strict  adherence  to 
every  engagement,  and  a  delight  in  acts  of  clem- 
ency and  mercy,  as  far  as  can  consist  with  the 
vigor  of  good  government,  procure  a  monarch 
the  love  of  his  people;  which  is  a  surer  protection 
than  ten  thousands  of  mercenary  guards,  who,  by 
hope  of  better  pay,  may  be  induced  to  murder 
those  whom  they  were  hired  to  protect. — The 
evasion  and  equivocation,  which  men  use  with 
their  consciences,  respecting  that  part  of  their 
substance,  which  by  precept,  or  by  vow,  belongs 
to  the  Lord  or  to  the  poor,  but  which  is  other- 
wise consumed;  and  the  great  ingenuity  and  care, 
with  which  they  find  excuses  for  the  neglect  of 
their  evident  duty;  shew  the  deceitfulness  and 
desperate  wickedness  of  the  human  heart.     It  is 
thus,  that  they,  who  will  be  rich,  fall  into  temp- 
tations and  snares,  and  into  divers   foolish   and 
hurtful  lusts,  which  drown  them  in  destruction 
and   perdition.     {J^ote,   1    Tim.  6:6— 10.)— Such 
bread  of  deceit  may  be  sweet  to  man,  and  he  may 
be  greatly  pleased  with  his  unlawful  gain  or  for- 
bidden indulgences:  but   "afterwards  his  mouth 
will  be  filled  with  gravel,"  and  the  anguish  of  his 
punishment  will  far  exceed  his  momentary  satis- 
faction.    Thus  estates  are  often  acquired  in  a 
very  rapid  manner;  and  the  successful  cheat  or 
plunderer  thinks  himself,  and  is  thought  by  the 
foolish,  very  fortunate.      But  a  wise  man  sees 
539] 


that  a  secret  curse  entwines  round  such  prosperi- 
ty, and  will  never  permit  either  the  owner  or  his 
family,  to  enjoy  it  with  durable  comfort. — Scrip- 
tural meekness,  instead  of  exposing  a  man  to  in- 
sults, puts  him  under  the  protection  of  the  Al- 
mighty.     Pride   and  resentment  indeed  dispose 
men  to  say,   "I  will  recompense  evil:"  and  every 
fool  will  engage  in  quarrels  to  his  own  vexation 
or  destruction.    But  the  pious  Christian  conquers 
his  passion,  and  avoids  or  ceases  from  strife,  and 
when   injured  or  endangered,  he  waits  upon  the 
Lord  and  spreads  his  case  before  him,  and  is  pre- 
served.    When  the  conscience,  that  "candle  of 
the  Lord,"  is  enlightened  according  to  the  sacred 
word;  a  man  by  it  daily  searches  the  inward  re- 
cesses of  his  imagination  and  affections,  and  is 
employed   in  regulating  his  whole  temper  and 
conduct  according  to  it.     Thus  he  learns  that  his 
"goings  are  of  the  Lord,"  and  that  his  way  lead- 
eth  to  eternal  hfe.     {JVote,  John  3:19— 21,)    At 
the  same  time  he  is  taught  to  shun  both  flatterers 
and  slanderers;  and  those  who  revile,  insult,  and 
curse  their  parents,  whom  they  are  bound  by  ev- 
ery obligation  to  love,  honor,  and  comfort  to  the 
utmost  of  their  power.     Nothing  but  misery  and 
ruin  can  await  such  monsters  in  human  form: 
and   if  severe   afflictions  and   distresses  do  not 
bring  them  to  deep  repentance,  their  lamp  will 
shortly  be  put  out  in  obscure  and  eternal  dark- 
ness.    {JVote,  Is.  50: 10,1 1.) — But  when  the  active 
vigor  of  youth  is  employed  to  useful  purposes,  it 
is  indeed  beautiful  and  honorable:  and  if  pious 
and  prudent  young  persons  live  to  be  old,  they 
may  hope,  when  no  longer  able  to  endure  bodily 
labor,  to  become  capable  of  advising  and  encour- 
aging others,  in  the  most  important  undertakings; 
and  then  their  grey  hairs  will  be  more  ornament- 
al, than  even  their  youthful  comeliness  and  agili- 
ty ever  were.     For  every  purpose  is  established 
by  counsel,  and  war  itself  is  rendered  successful 
by  good  advice,  even  more  than  by  valor. — But 
it  must  be  said  to  great  numbers,  "Awake  thou 
that  sleepest,  and  arise  from  the  dead,  and  Christ 
shall  give  thee  light."   They  are  still  in  love  with 
the  sleep  of  sin,  and  shut  their  eyes  on  the  brink 
of   ruin:    nay,   they    are    making    war   against 
God,   by    their    impiety,   and    reproaches    and 
persecutions   of  his   people:    and   what  can    be 
expected  in  so  ill-advised  a  contest.''      But  let 
us  declare  war  against  the  world,  sin,  and  Sa- 
tan: let  us  do  it  with  good  advice,  counting  our 
cost,  and  forming  an  alliance  with  the  Lord,  whose 
power  alone  can  render  us  victorious:    let  us  en- 
list under  the  Captain  of  the  Lord's  host,  and  put 
on  his  whole  armor:    let  us  implicitly  obey  his 
orders  and  follow  his  steps:    let  us  neither  make 
peace  nor  truce  with  our  foes,  nor  give  them  any 
quarter:  if  we  be  wounded  or  bafiied  in  any  con- 
flict, let  us  apply  to  the  Lord  for  healing  and  as- 
sistance,  and   renew  the  battle  with  increased 
watchfulness  and  vigor:    and  let  us  still  wait  on 
him,  and  he  will  save  us;  and  will  at  length  make 
us  more  than  conquerors,  and  give  us  the  crown 
of  glory. 

NOTES. 
Chap.  XXL  V.  1.  The  Lord  formed  the 
rivers,  and  regulates  their  courses  as  he  pleases: 
yet  the  water  runs  according  to  its  own  nature, 
without  any  force  put  upon  it.  Thus  he  influen- 
ces the  thoughts  and  determinations  of  the  human 
mind,  to  suit  his  own  wise  and  holy  purposes, 


B.  C.  976. 


CHAPTER  XXI. 


B.  C.  976. 


2  Every  way  of  a  man  is  *^  right  in  his 
own  eyes;  but  ''  the  Lord  pondereth  the 
hearts. 

3  To  ^  do  justice  and  judgment  is 
more  acceptable  to  the  Lord  than  sacri- 
fice. 

4  *  An  •■  high  look,  and  a  proud  heart, 
K  and  the  t  plowing  of  the  wicked,  is  sin. 

5  The  •'  thoughts  of  the  diligent  tend 
only  to  plenteousness;  but  '  of  every  one 
that  is  hasty  only  to  want. 

6  The  ^  getting  of  treasures  by  a  lying 


c  16:2,-25.  20:6.    30:12.     Ps.  36: 

2.     Luke   18:11,12.     Gal.  6:3. 

Jam.  1:22. 
(124:12.     1  Sam.  16:7.    Jer.  17: 

JO.     Luke    16:15.     John  2:24, 

25.     Rev.  2;23. 
e  15:8.      1  Sam.  15:22.   Ps.  50:8. 

Is.    1:11—17.      Jer.    7:21—23. 

Hos.  6:6.     Mic.  6:6—8.   Mark 

12:33. 
*  Heb.  Haughtiness  of  tyes. 


f  6:17.    3:13.    30:13.      Ps.  10:4. 

Is.  2:11,17.   3:16.     Luke  18:14. 

1  Pet.  5:5. 
gJ7.   15:8.     Rom.  14:23. 
f  Or,  light. 
h  10:4.   13:4.    27:23—27.     Eph. 

4:28.     1  Thes.  4:11,12. 
i  14:29.  20:21.  28:22. 
k   10:2.    13:11.     20:14,21.    22:8. 

30:8.     Jer.  17:11.      1  Tim.  6:9, 

10.    Tit.  1:11.     2  Pet.  2:3. 


tongue  is   a   vanity  tossed  to   and  fro  of 
them  that  '  seek  death. 

7  The  ""robbery  of  the  wicked  shall 
^  destroy  them;  "  because  they  refuse  to 
do  judgment. 

8  The  °  way  of  man  is  froward  and 
strange;  p  but  as  for  the  pure,  his  work 
is  right. 

9  It  is  1  better  to  dwell  in  a  corner  of 
the  house-top,  than  with  a  ^  brawling  wo- 
man in  a  wide  house. 

10  The  '  soul  of  the  wicked  desireth 


1  8:36.    Ez.  18:31. 

m  1:18,19.   10:6.    22:22,23.     Ps. 

7:16.  9:16.    Is.  1:23,24.    Jer.  7: 

9— 11,15.  Ez.  22:13,14.     Mic. 

3:9—12. 
J   Heb.     saw   them,  or,  dwell 

with  them.  Zech.  5:3,4. 
n  21.  Ez.  18:18.  Eph.  5:6. 
0  Gen.  6:5,6,12.     Job    15:14— 

16.    Ps.  14:2,3.     Ec.  7:29.  9:3. 

1  Cor.  3:3.     Eph.  2:2,3.     Tit. 

3:3. 


p    15:26.     30:12.       Dan.    12:10. 

Matt.   5:8.     12:33.     Acts   15:9. 

Tit.  1:15.  2:14.  3:5.      1  Pet.  1: 

22,23.     1  John  2:29.  3:3. 
q  19.    12:4.  19:13.    25:24.  27:15, 

16. 

')  Heb.  woman  of  cotitentions 
'  in  an  house  of  society.    15:17. 

17:'l. 
r3:29.   12:12.     Ps.  36:4.    52:2,3. 

Mark   7:21,22.       1   Cor.   10:6. 

Jam.  4:1 — 5.     1  John  2:16. 


without  interfering  with  the  exercise  of  our  nat- 
ural powers,  as  rational  and  accountable  agents: 
and  the  hearts  of  the  mightiest  or  most  absolute 
monarchs  are  as  much  under  his  control,  as  those 
of  the  meanest  persons.  'Their  wills  are  subject 
Ho  the  great  Lord  of  all,  who  diverts  them  as  easily 
'from  what  they  intend,  or  inclines  them  to  that 
*which  they  resolve  against;  as  the  gardner  draws 
'the  streams  of  water  through  the  trenches  he 
'cuts,  unto  what  part  of  the  ground  he  thinks 
'good.'  Bp.  Patrick.  (J^Totes,  16:1,9.  20:24.  Ezra 
1:1—4.  7:27,28.  JVeA.  1:5— 1 1,  v.  7.  P*.  75:10. 
93:3  4.) 

v.  2.  (See  on  Jfote,  16:2.)— 'For  the  weighti- 
'ness,  I  suppose,  of  the  matter,  and  the  proneness 
'of  men  to  flatter  themselves,  and  not  to  judge 
'sincerely  of  their  own  actions;  this  is  here  again 
'repeated.'    Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  3.  M)tes,  15:8,9.  1  Sam.  15:22./*.  1:10—20. 
i/o«.  6:6.  Jlfic.  6:6— 8.  J»/a«.  23:23,24.  JIark  12: 
28—34,  V.  33. 

V.  4.  "A  haughty  look,  and  a  proud  heart, 
■which  ix  the  light  of  the  wicked,"  (that  is  the 
thing  whereby  he  is  guided,)  "is  sin."  Old  Ver- 
sion.— The  word  rendered  plowing  more  frequent- 
ly signifies  a  lamp,  or  light;  {J\Iarg.)  and  it  is 
difficult  to  determine  in  which  sense  it  is  here 
used. — 'A  lofty  look  and  a  proud  heart  go  gener- 
'allj'  together;  that  is,  the  countenance  shews  (he 
'disposition  of  the  mind.  ...  "The  lamp  ...  of  the 
wicked  is  sin."  'The  lamp  signifies  that  which 
'men  make  the  rule  or  guide  of  their  actions.  In 
'this  sense  the  law  of  the  Lord  is  the  lamp  of  the 
'righteous;  but  the  lamp  of  the  wicked  is  sin.' 
Grey. — 'The  sentence  may  be  inverted  in  this 
'manner,  "Sin  is  the  pride,  the  ambition,  the  glo- 
'ry,  and  joy,"  (or  the  business,)  "of  wicked  men:" 
'that  upon  which  they  value  themselves,  and  for 
'which  they  think  themselves  brave  fellows,  &c. 
'is  that  they  dare  do  wickedly.'  Bp.  Patrick. — 
But  our  translation  of  this  clause  admits  of  an  im- 
portant meaning.  The  ungodly  man  does  not 
perform  a  single  action,  hecaxise  it  is  the  will  of 
God,  ofut  of  .luhviission  to  his  avthority,  or  from  a 
desire  to  glorify  him:  and  therefore  even  the 
plowing  of  his  ground,  in  order  to  grow  rich,  and 
to  have  what  he  may  spend  upon  his  lusts,  is  sin- 
ful, as  to  its  motive  and  object,  and  the  spirit  in 
which  he  does  it.  (./Voto,  6:16 — 19.  8:13.  /*.  2: 
10—18.  3:16,17.  iiom.  14:18— 23,  v.  23.) 

V.  5.  Those,  who  are  steadily  diligent,  employ 
foresight  and  contrivance,  as  well  as  labor,  in 
order  to  provide  for  what  they  may  want  hereaf- 


ter; and  generall}"^  they  are  prosperous.  But  if  a 
man  use  some  industry,  yet  do  not  consider  how 
to  conduct  his  affairs;  but  goes  about  his  work 
hastily,  or  engages  in  rash  projects,  or  undertakes 
more  than  he  is  capable  of  managing,  as  unduly 
eager  after  the  world,  and  in  haste  to  be  rich;'  he 
acts,  as  if  his  thoughts  were  employed  in  devising 
how  to  reduce  himself  to  poverty.  [J^Totes,  10:4. 
13:4.  20:21.  27:23—27.  28:20,22.") 

V.  6.  Schemes  of  growing  rich,  speedily  and 
easily,  by  gaming  of  any  kind,  by  fraud  and  im- 
position in  trade,  or  by  lies,  perjuries,  or  flattery, 
are  learned  by  wicked  men  from  each  other,  and 
are  handed  about  as  great  mysteries  and  valuable 
discoveries.  But  they  are  vain  and  foolish  pro- 
jects: wealth  thus  gotten  is  vanity  and  vexation; 
and  those  who  get  it,  act  as  if  intentionallj'  seek- 
ing for  death  and  perdition.  (JVb<e,?,  8:36.  13:11. 
20:14,21.  Jer.  17:11.) 

V.  7.  J^'otes,3.  1:10—19.  22:22,23.  Jer. 7:8— 
II.    22:13—19.    Ez.  l8■.\0—^3.   22:13,14.    Zech. 

5:1—4.     Mai.   3:5,6 Destroy.]      Or,    Terrify. 

[Marg.)  'He  meaneth  this  chiefly  of  judges  and 
'princes,  which  leave  that  vocation  whereunlo 
'God  hath  called  them,  and  powP  (or  exact  from) 
'their  subjects  to  maintain  their  lusts.'  (A'^otes,  1. 
Is.  1:21—24.  Jfr.  5:28— 31.  ./»//c.  3:8— 12.)  - 

V.  8.  The  various  paths  of  ungodliness  and 
iniquity  into  which  men  turn  aside,  are  so  many 
proofs  of  the  frowardness  and  rebellion  of  the  hu- 
man heart;  and  of  the  blindness  and  folly  of  the 
human  understanding,  which  are  strange  and  sur- 
prising. But  the  few,  who  by  divine  grace  are 
true  and  upright  in  heart,  will  shew  it,  by  tlieir 
works  being  right,  i.  e.  according  to  the  straight 
rule  of  God's  word. — 'Besides  that  sense  which  I 
'have  represented,  the  words  are  capable  of  an- 
'other.  ...  As  the  man  is,  so  are  his  works:  a  man 
'of  tricks  will  act  strangely,  (quite  difterent  from 
'all  tlic  rules  whereby  we  ought  to  govern  our- 
'selves:)  but  an  honest  man  you  may  know  where 
'to  have;  for  he  acts  conformable  to  the  laws  of 
'righteousness.'  Bp.  Patrick.  The  honest  ma7i 
in  this  paraphrase,  must  mean  a  truly  piovs  per- 
.lon,  as  distinguished  from  all  ungodly  men:  and 
thus  the  interpretation  comes  nearly  to  the  same 
thing.  [A'oies,  3^):l\—\4.  Gen.  6:5.  Job  \5:U— 
16.  Ps.  125:4,5.  Ec.  7:29.  9:1—3,  v.  3.  Jer.  17:9, 
10.  Dan.  12:10.  J}Ialt.3:B.  Tit.  2:11—14.) 

V.  9.  (SeeonJVbfe,  19:13.)  The  most  solita- 
ry, inconvenient,  and  exposed  dwelling,  is  pre- 
ferable to  a  large  and  commodious  house  and  a 
great  family,  where  the  comforts  of  social  life  are 

[.'S33 


B    C.  970. 


PROVERBS. 


B.  C.  976. 


evil:  his  neighbor  *  findeth  '^  no   favor  in 
his  eyes. 

1 1  When  '  the  scorner  is  punished,  the 
simple  is  made  wise;  and  "  when  the  wise 
is  instructed,  he  receiveth  knowledge. 

12  The  righteous  man  ^  wisely  con- 
sidereth  the  house  of  the  wicked;  but 
God  y  overthroweth  the  wicked  for  their 
wickedness. 

13  Whoso  ^  stoppeth  his  ears  '^  at  the 


*  Heb.  IS  not  favored. 

5  13.     1  Sam.  -25:S—n.  Ps.  112: 

5,9.     Is.  32:6—8.     Mic.  3:2,3. 

Jam.  2:13.    5:4 — 6. 
t  J9:25.  Num.  lb:34.    Deut.  13: 

11.  21:21.     Ps.  64:7—9.    Acts 

5:5,11—14.      1   Cor.    10:6—11. 

Heb.  2:1—3.    10:23,29.     Rev. 

11:13. 
u  1:5.  9:9.   15:14.  18:1,15. 
X  Job  5:3.  8:15.     18:14—21.21: 

23—30.  27:13—23.     Ps.  37.35, 


36.    53:5.    107:43.     Hos.  14:9. 

Hab.  2:9—12. 
y   11:3—5.    13:6.    14:32.     Gen. 

19:29.   Am.  4:11.     1  Cor.  10:5. 

2  Pet.  2:4—9.  3:6,7. 
z  Ps.  53:4.     Zech.  7:11.     Acts 

7:57. 
a  23:27.     Peut.  15:7— 11.  Neh. 

5:1—5,13.     Is.    1:15—17.    53:6 

—9.     Jer.   34:16,17.     Zech.  7: 

9—13.     Matt.  6:14.  7:2.     18:30 

—35.     Jam.  2:13—16. 


imbittered  by  contention;  especially  the  conten- 
tion of  a  passionate  and  clamorous  wife.  [Marg.) 
Such  maxims  are  especially  intended  to  caution 
men,  in  respect  of  the  choice  which  they  make  in 
this  important  matter;  and  not,  for  lucre  of  money 
or  other  worldly  motives,  to  risk  6uch  a  calamity 
as  no  wealth  can  counterbalance.  (25:24.  J^otes, 
19.    12:4.    15:17,18.    17:1.   27:15,16.) 

V.  10.  The  selfish  desires  of  a  wicked  man's 
heart  naturally  lead  to  baseness  in  his  conduct. 
He  is  intent  upon  gratifying  his  avarice,  ambition, 
lust,  or  revenge;  and  the  reputation,  interest, 
peace,  connexions,  nay  the  life  or  soul  of  his  neigh- 
bor, seem  to  him  but  secondary  considerations:  he 
is  therefore  ready  to  seduce,  defraud,  libel,  op- 
press, or  even  rob  and  murder,  when  he  can  do  it 
with  impunity,  and  render  it  subservient  to  his 
purposes.  No  one  can  be  safe  who  stands  in  his 
way:  for  he  loves  his  selfish  gratifications  better 
than  even  friend  or  brother;  so  that  none  must 
expect  to  find  favor  in  his  eyes,  when  they  inter- 
fere with  his  base  pursuits.  (JVbfes,  13.  12:12.  1 
Sam.  25:7— II.  P^.  36:3,4.  52:2—4.  Jaw.  5: 1—6.) 

V.  II.  (JVo<e,  19:25.)  This  verse  may  mean, 
that  tke  simple,  (or,  such  as  are  incautious,  inex- 
perienced, and  liable  to  be  deluded  by  profane 
scoifers,  and  not  avowed  and  hardened  in  vice 
and  impiety,)  will  not  only  be  taught  wisdom  by 
the  punishment  of  the  wicked,  but  also  by  observ- 
ing how  wise  men  profit  by  instruction. — "When 
the  scorner  is  punished,  the  simple  is  made  wise: 
and  when  the  wise  is  instructed,  he"  (the  simple,) 
"receiveth  knowledge.''  He  profits  by  the  ex- 
ample of  the  scorner's  punishment,  and  by  that  of 
the  wise  man's  teachableness;  or  prosperitj/,  for  so 
the  word  may  signify.  [JVofes,  9:7 — 9.  Jfum.  16: 
28—34.  Dent.  13:6— 11,  y.  11.  21:18—21.  P*.  64: 
7—9.  .^acis  5:1—11.  iJom.  16:17— 20.  ]  Tim.  5: 
19,20.) 

V.  12.  Some  explain  this  verse  to  mean,  that 
righteous  magistrates  carefully  search  the  houses 
of  wicked  men,  to  detect  their  crimes,  that  they 
may  punish  them.  As  we  read  it,  the  meaning  is, 
that  the  righteous  make  a  proper  estimate  of  the 
prosperity  of  ungodly  men,  and  observe  the  course 
of  Providence  respecting  them,  expecting  that 
God  will  speedily  overthrow  them  for  their  wick- 
edness. [JVotes,  11:3—6.  14:32.  Job  5:3— 5.  8:11 
—19.  P«.  37:35,36.  107:33— 43,  ij.  43.  flo*.  14:9. 
Hah.  2:9—14.  1  Cor,  10:1—12.  2  Pet.  2:4— 9. 
Jude  5—8.) 

V.  13.  Those  who  oppress  the  poor,  by  beating 
down  their  wages  till  they  cannot  earn  the  neces- 
saries of  life,  and  then  refuse  to  hear  their  com- 
plaints; and  thcv  who  will  not  relieve,  according 

531] 


cry  of  the  poor,  he  also  shall  ''  cry  him- 
self, but  shall  not  be  heard. 

14  A  "  gift  ''in  secret  pacifieth  anger, 
and  a  reward  in  the  bosom  strong  wrath. 

\b  It  is  ^'py  to  the  just  to  do  judg- 
ment; but  ^  destruction  shall  be  to  the 
workers  of  iniquity. 

16  The  man,  that  s  wandereth  out  of 
the  way  of  understanding,  shall  •>  remain 
in  the  congregation  of  the  dead. 

[Practical  Observations.] 

17  He  that  *  loveth  ^pleasure  shall  be 

g  Ps.  125:5.     Zeph 


b  See  071 1:28.    Ps.  18:41.  Luke 

13:25. 
c  17:8,23.  18:16.   19:6.    Gen.  32: 

20.  43:11.      1  Sam.  25:35. 
d  Matt.  6:3,4. 
e  Job  29:1-2— 17.    Ps.  40:8.   112: 

1.   119:16,92.    Ec.  3:12.    Is.  64: 

5.  John  4:34.    Rom.  7:22. 
f  12.    5:20.     MaU.  7:23.    13:41. 

42.    Luke  13:27,28. 


1:6.  John 
3:19:20.  Heb.  '6:4—6.  10:26, 
27,38.  2  Pet.  2:21,22.  1  John 
2:19. 

h  2:18,19.  7:26.27.  9:18.  Eph. 
2:1.     Jude  12. 

120.  5:10,11.  23:21.  Luke  IS: 
13—16.  16:24,25.  1  Tim.  6:6. 
2  Tim.  3:4. 

t  Heb.  sport- 


to  their  ability,  such  as  cry  to  them  in  distress; 
and  magistrates  who  neglect  to  do  the  poor  justice 
against  their  rich  oppressors;  "evidently  stop  their 
ears  at  the  cry  of  the  poor." — The  number  of  beg- 
gars in  our  streets,  or  vagrants  in  our  villages, 
many  of  whom  are  poor  through  idleness  and 
drunkenness,  or  are  mere  imposters  in  their  ap- 
parent distress;  and  who  spend  all  which  they  can 
extort  by  pathetic  cries,  upon  their  vicious  indul- 
gences; render  an  apparent  stopping  of  the  ears 
at  the  cry  of  the  poor  in  some  cases  absolutely 
unavoidable.  Certainly  those  who  are  known  to 
be  honest  and  industrious,  and  in  real  distress, 
have  by  far  a  preferable  claim  to  assistance:  few 
are  able  to  contribute  to  both  classes:  and  doubt- 
less discretion  should  direct  the  exerci.se  of  char- 
ity; for  every  shilling  a  man  can  spare  is  so  much 
committed  to  him,  to  be  made  the  best  use  of 
which  he  can. — But  he,  who  selfishly  and  unfeel- 
ingly disregards  the  sufferings  of  the  poor  in  gen- 
eral, without  contributing  his  portion  to  relieve 
them,  may  now  mock  God  with  hypocritical 
prayers,  but  he  will  not  be  heard;  and  he  may  at 
length  cry  for  a  drop  of  water  to  cool  his  tongue, 
and  not  obtain  even  that  small  alleviation  of  his 
misery.  "For  he  shall  have  judgment  without 
mercy,  who  hath  shewed  no  mercy."  (JIarg. 
Rcf.—jYotes,  1:24— 31, -y.  28.  28:27.  7*.58:8— 1'2. 
Jer.  34:15— 17.  Zec/i.  7:8— 13.  Jlfa«,  18:20— 35.) 

V.  14.  (See  on  Jfotes,  17:8,23.  18:16.  19:6.) 
Presents,  conferred  to  induce  men  to  deviate  from 
impartial  justice  and  sincerity,  must  always  be 
abominable:  but  a  gift  made  to  one,  who  has  taken 
offence  and  is  greatly  exasperated,  may  be  a  prop- 
er and  effectual  means  of  subduing  his  resent- 
ment, and  preventing  discord;  as  it  may  appear  a 
testimony  of  respect,  and  dispose  him  to  conclude 
that  the  offence  was  not  intended,  or  that  the 
giver  is  sensible  of  his  fault.  But  then  it  must 
be  the  gift  of  something  which  is  known  to  be 
acceptable,  and  it  must  be  presented  with  pru- 
dence and  secrecy,  as  conceding  the  superiority, 
and  not  as  making  an  ostentation  of  generosity. 

V.  15.  The  righteous  delight  in  justice  and 
equity;  good  magistrates  take  pleasure  in  the  con- 
scientious discharge  of  tiicir  important  duties;  and 
good  members  of  the  community  rejoice,  when 
justice  is  impartially  executed:  but  the  workers 
of  iniquity  are  alarmed  at  such  proceedings,  as 
tending  to  the  destruction  which  awaits  their  evil 
deeds.  {M)te.i,  Job  29:12—17.  Ps.  40:6—8,  v.  8. 
112:1.  119:92,111.  7*.  64:5.  JIatt.  7:21—23.) 

V.  16.  'He  that  will  not  live  by  those  wise  laws, 
'which  God  hath  prescribed  him,  but  follows  the 
'conduct  of  his  own  foolish  lusts  and  passions. 


B.  C.  976. 


CHAPTER  XXI. 


B.  C.  976. 


a  poor  man:   he  that  loveth  wine  and  oil 
shall  not  be  rich. 

18  The  ^  wicked  shall  be  a  ransom  for 
the  righteous,  and  the  transgressor  for  the 
upright. 

19  It  is  '  better  to  dwell  in  the  *  wil- 
derness, than  with  c  contentious  and  an 
angry  woman. 

20  There  is  "  a  treasure  to  be  desir- 
ed, and  "  oil  in  the  dwelling  of  the  wise; 
°  but  a  foohsh  man  spendeth  it  up. 

21  He  P  that  followeth  after  righteous- 
ness and  mercy,  ^  findeth  hfe,  righteous- 
ness, and  honor. 

22  A  '  wise  man  scaleth  the  city  of  the 


k  11:8.     Is.  43:3,4.  53:4,5.  65:8, 

9.    1  Pet.  3:18. 
1  See  on  9.     Ps.  55:6,7.    120:5,6. 

Jer.  9:2. 
*  Heb.  land  of  the  desert. 
IB  10:22.   15:6.     Ps.  112:3.     Ec. 

5:19.  7:11.  10:19.     Matt.  6:19, 

20. 
n  Ps.  23:5.      Jer.   41:8.     Matt. 

25:3,4. 
o  Matt.  25:3.     Luke  15:14.    16: 


1,19—25. 
p  15:9.  Is.  51:1.  Hos.  6:3.  Matt. 

5:6.    Rom.  14:19.     Phil.  3:12. 

1  Thes.   5:15.     1  Tim.  6:11.  2 

Tim.  2:22.    Heb.  12:14. 
q  22:4.     Rom.  2:7—10.     1  Cor. 

15:58.     2  Tim.   4:7,8.       1  Pet. 

1:7. 
r  2  Sam.  20:16—22.     Ec.  7:19. 

9:13—18. 


'shall  ...  be  seut  down  to  hell;  and  there  confined 
'to  the  company  of  the  old  giants,  who  giving^ 
'themselves  over  to  debauched  courses,  were 
'swept  away  with  a  deluge.'  Bp.  Patrick. — 
{Marg.  Ref.—M)tes,  2:18.  9:13—18,  v.  18.)— 
Apostates  seem  especially  intended.  [Ps.  125:4, 
5.) 

V.  17.  Addictedness  to  worldly  and -jovial 
mirth  and  feasting,  and  sensual  indulgence,  is  in- 
consistent with  a  man's  advantage  and  perma- 
nent comfort,  both  here  and  hereafter.  [jVotes, 
20.  23:20,21,29—35.  Ec.  2:1—3.  Luke  15:13—16. 
P.  O.  11—16.  Mjtes,  16:24—26.  1  Tim.  5:5,6.  1 
Pet.  4:3—5.  Rev.  18:4—8,  v.  7.) 

V.  18.  The  Lord  ransoms  his  people  from  ca- 
lamities, by  punishing  the  wicked.  He  ransomed 
Israel  by  desolating  Egypt;  he  slew  Sennacherib's 
army,  to  ransom  Hezekiah  and  Jerusalem;  in 
short,  he  so  values  the  righteous,  that  when  their 
welfare  requires  it,  he  gives  up  any  number  of 
the  wicked  to  destruction. — 'God  shall  cause  that 
'to  fall  on  their  own  heads,  which  they  intended 
'against  the  just;  by  delivering  the  just,  and  put- 
'ting  tlie  wicked  in  their  places.'  (Ab<e*,  11:8. 
/*.  43:3,4.  53:4—6. ) 

V.  19.  (See  on  JVote,  9.)  'I  had  rather  dwell 
*with  a  lion  or  a  dragon,  than  to  keep  house  with 
'a  wicked  woman.'    Eccledasticus  25:16. 

V.  20.  That  plenty,  which  is  obtained  by  pru- 
dence, industry,  and  frugality,  is  a  desirable 
treasure:  and  it  may  generally  be  found  in  the 
dwellings  of  the  wise  and  righteous,  though  mean 
and  homely.  But  the  extravagant  and  self-indul- 
gent spend  even  their  ample  revenues  in  riot  and 
excess,  and  thus  run  in  debt,  and  involve  them- 
selves in  extreme  difficulties.  (JVbtes,  17.  10:22. 
15:6.  Ps.  112:2,3.  Ec.  5:18—20.  10:16—19.  Luke 
15:13 — 16.) — Oil  was  one  chief  production  of  Ca- 
naan, and  seems  to  be  put  for  all  things  needful 
and  comfortable.  [Marg.  Ref.  n.) 

V.  21.  'He  that  makes  it  his  business  to  be 
'good,  not  contenting  himself  merely  with  doing 
'no  harm,  but  greedily  laying  hold  on  all  occa- 
♦sions  to  exercise  justice  and  mercy,  shall  lead  a 
'most  happy  life;  ...  and  be  highly  esteemed,  hou- 

'ored,  and  praised.'  Bp.  Patrick The  marginal 

references  shew,  that  infinitely  greater  blessings 
arc  implied,  though  these  are  not  excluded. 
[JSTotes,  12:28.  15:8,9,  v.  9.  h.  51:1—3,  v.  1.  7,8. 


mighty,  and  casteth  down  the  strength  of 
the  confidence  thereof. 

23  Whoso  '  keepeth  his  mouth  and 
his  tongue,  keepeth  his  soul  from  trou- 
bles. 

24  Proud  and  ^  haughty  scorner  is  his 
name,  who  dealeth  in  t  proud  wrath. 

25  The  "  desire  of  the  slothful  killeth 
him;  for  his  hands  refuse  to  labor. 

26  He  *  coveteth  greedily  all  the  day 
long:  but  ^  the  righteous  giveth  and  spar- 
eth  not. 

27  The  ^  sacrifice  of  the  wicked  is 
abomination:  how  much  more,  whe^i  he 
bringeth  it  t  with  a  wicked  mind! 

28  *  A    5  false    witness    shall   perish; 


s  10:19.     12:13.     13:3.     17:27,28. 

18:21.  Jam.  1:26.  3:2—13. 
t  6:17.  16:18.  18:12.  19:29.  Esth. 

3:5,6.     Ec.  7:8,9.     Matt.  2:16. 
f  Heb.  Me  -arath  of  pride. 
u  6:6— 11.    12:24,27.13:4.    15:19. 

19:24,  20:4.  22:13.    24:30—34. 

26:13,16.     Malt.  25:26. 
X  Acts  20:33—35.     1  Thes.  2:5 

—9. 
yPs.  37:26.    112:9.    Luke  6:30 


—36.     Acts  20:35.     2  Cor.  8:7 

—9.  9.9—14. 
z    15:3.   28:9.      1  Sam.  13:12,13. 

15:21—23.     Ps.  50:8—13.      Is. 

1:11—16.    66:3.     Jer.  6:20.    7: 

11,12.     Am.  5:21,22. 
\  Heb.   in  -wickedness.     Matt. 

23:14. 
a  6:19.   19:5,9.  25:18.    Ex.  23:1. 

Deut.   19:16—19. 
5  Heb.  witness  of  lies. 


Hos.  6:1—3.  Matt.  5:6.  Rom.  2:7—11.  Heb.  12: 
14.) 

V.  22.  Wisdom  is  more  efficacious  than  force. 
A  wise  man,  by  ingenuity,  prudence,  circumspec- 
tion, and  perseverance,  will  surmount  the  great- 
est difficulties;  even  those  which  resemble  "the 
scaling  of  the  city  of  the  mighty,  and  the  casting 
down  of  the  strength  of  the  confidence  thereof." 
(JVotes,  2  Sam.  20:14—19.  Ec.  9:13—18.) 

V.  23.  J^otes,  10:19.  12:13.  13:3.  17:27,28.  18: 
21.  Jam.  1:26. 

V.  24.  'A  proud  and  haughty  person,  who  may 
'well  be  called  a  scorner,  proceeds  furiously  and 

'unsufferably  in  all  that  he  doeth He  is  puffed 

'up  with  a  great  conceit  of  himself;  ...  he  regards 
'neither  God  nor  man;  ...he  cannot  endure  the 
'least  opposition,  nor  do  any  thing  with  modera- 
'tion;  but  being  easily  enraged,  with  insolent 
'fierceness  and  cruelty,  proceeds  against  those 
'who  cross  his  designs.'  Bp.  Patrick,  (J^otes, 
13:20.  15:17,18.  £6.  7:8,9.) 

V.  25.  The  unsatisfied  desires  of  the  slothful 
wear  him  out:  or,  "refusing  to  labor,"  he  is  tempt- 
ed to  plunder,  and  so  comes  to  an  untimely  end. 
'He  thinketh  to  live  by  wishing  and  desiring  all 
'things;  but  will  take  no  pains  to  get  ought.' 
[J^otes,  6:6—11.  12:24—27.  13:4.  1.5:19.  19:24.) 

V.  26.  'Nor  is  tliere  any  measure  of  his  desires: 
'...  but  he  that  is  diligent  and  honest,  is  so  far 
'from  desiring,  much  less  stealing  his  neighbors 
'goods,  that  he  freely  gives  away  his  own,  and 
'hath  not  the  less  thereby,  but  still  enough  to 
'spare.'  Bp.  Patrick.  Some  make  this  a  distinct 
maxim.  'The  unrighteous  lustcth  all  the  day  af- 
'ter  evil  things:  but  tlie  righteous  pitieth,"and 
'shcAveth  compassion  witliout  sparing.'     [Marg. 

V.  27.  (See  on  JN'b^e,  15:8,9.)  When  the  sacri- 
fice of  the  wicked  man  was  intentionally  brought, 
as  a  cloke  of  his  iniquities,  that  under  profession 
of  sanctity  he  might  pei-petrate  them  without  ex- 
citing suspicion;  or  as  a  proud  attempt  to  pay  his 
own  debts,  or  merit  the  favor  of  God;  or  to  com- 
pensate for  Ihe  neglect  of  judgment  and  mercy, 
and  to  purchase  an  indulgence  or  dispensation  to 
commit  his  favorite  sin;  or  as  a  step  to  worldly 
preferment;  it  would  be  most  emphatically  "aii 
abomination  to  God."  (J^Totes,  Jer.  7:5—11.  Matt. 
23:5—7,14.) 

[535 


B,  C.  976. 


PROVERBS. 


B.  C.  97G, 


but  ^  the  man  that  heareth,  speaketh  con- 
stantly. 

29  A  wicked  man  "^  hardeneth  his  face; 
but  as  for  the  upright,  **  he  *directeth  his 
way. 


30  There  is  ^  no  wisdom,  nor  under- 
standing, nor  counsel  against  the  Lord. 

31  The  ^  horse  is  prepared  against 
the  day  of  battle;  « but  t  safety  is  of  the 
Lord. 


b  lil9.     Actjlil5.     2Cor.  1. 

17—20.    4:13.     Tit  3:8. 
c  28:14.  -29:1.  Jer.  3:2,3.  5:3.  8: 

12.  44:16,17. 


dll;5.     iThes,  3.11.  !;*  19:21.     Is.  7:5— 7.  S:9.10.   14;  j     Ec.  9:11. 

*  Ot,  coruideretk.     Ps.  119:59. 1  ^     -27.46:10,11.     Jon.  1:13.    AcU     g  Ps.  3-.3.  68:20. 
Ez.  13:-28.      Ha?.  1:5,7.    il5,        4.-27,28.5:39.     1  Pet.  -2:8.  t    Or,     victory.      Pi.     144:10. 

13,19.     Late  15:17,18.  I    f  Ps.    20:7.      33:17,13.      147:10.       marg. 


V.  -28.  {.Yotes,  14:-25.  19:9.  Deut.  19:15— '21.}— I 
He  who  testifies  only  to  what  he  himself  has 
heard,  or  is  folly  acquainted  with,  wiU  persevere ; 
in  his  testimony,  and  gain  more  and  more  credit, 
even  if  at  first  neglected.  (.Voto,  12:18,19.  2 
Cor.  1:17—20.  Tit.  3:8.) 

V.  29.  'All  the  endeavors  of  a  man  resolvedly ' 
'wicked,  is  to  grow  so  impudent,  that  he  may  not  j 
•blush  at  what  he  doeth;  nor  be  moved  in  the 
'least  by  any  man's  admonitions  or  reproofs:  but  a 
'man  sincerelv  virtuous  ...examines  and  cen-j 
•sures  his  own  actions,  if  they  be  amiss;  and  makes ' 
'it  all  his  care  so  to  live,  that  he  may  not  be 
•ashamedof  what  he  doeth.'  Bp.  Patrick.  [..Votes, 
11:5,6.  28:14.  29:1.  Jer.  5:3—6.  r.  3.  6:13— 15.  44: ' 
15—18.  Ez.  18:28.  Jam.  1:22—25.)  | 

V.  30.  Whatever  appears  to  be  wisdom,  under- 
standing, or  counsel,  but  is  employed  in  forward-' 
ing  sinful  projects,  will  in  the  end  be  proved  to 
have  been  madness   and  folly:  and  those  plans,  I 
which  have  been  laid  with  the  most  consummate 
policy,  and  are  conducted  with  the  utmost  discre- 
tion, cannot  but  be  frustrated,   when  they  run' 
counter  to  the  purposes  of  God.     'They  aU  signi- 
'fy  nothing,  if  they  oppose  the  counsels  and  de- 
'crees  of  heaven.'    Bp.  Patrick.     [J^'otes,  19:21. 
Gen.  50:-20.  Ps.  76:10.  /*.  8:9,10.  46:10,11.  Acts 4: 
23—28.) 

V.  31.  Warlike  preparations,  however  formida- 
ble, (of  which  the  horse  seems  here  to  be  men- 
tioned as  the  chief.)  are  no  more  effectual  against 
God's  purposes,  than  wisdom  and  counsel.  The 
security  and  salvation  of  those  whom  he  favors, 
are  effected  without  them;  and  the  destruction  of 
bis  enemies  cannot  by  them  be  prevented.  [J^'otes, 
Deut.  17:16.  20:1 — 1.  Josh.  11:4—6.  Ps.  3:6—8. 
20:6—8.  68:19,20.  144:10.  147:10,11.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSEr.VATIONS.  ' 

V.  1—16. 
As  we  are  extremely  prone  to  confide  in  sec- 
ond causes,  or  to  perplex  ourselves  aboutlhem, 
we  need  repealed  admonitions,  that  God  is  our 
great  first  Cause  of  all.  Faith  rests  on  this  truth: 
and  the  believer,  in  proportion  to  the  strength  of 
his  faith,  perceiving  that  the  Lord  rules  every 
heart,  seeks  to  have  his  own  heart  directed  in  his 
fear  and  love;  and  then  relies  on  God  to  restrain, 
incline,  or  change  the  hearts  of  others,  as  may 
best  prevent  their  injuring  him,  or  dispose  them 
to  help  and  favor  him.  Should  then  some  poten-_ 
tate  menace  vengeance  against  him;  instead  of 
seeking  to  appease  his  wrath  by  sinful  complian- 
ces, he  will  make  "the  name  of  the  Lord  his 
strong  tower,"  and  by  fervent  prayer  seek  to  him 
to  dispose  the  prince's  heart  to  lenit}-.  (jVote*, 
Gen.  32:6—12.-24—30.  33:4.)  On  the  other  hand, 
should  he  need  the  countenance  and  assistance  of 
the  king  or  his  nobles,  he  would  make  his  first  ap- 
plication to  Him  who  has  their  hearts  in  his  hand. 
{JVotfi.,  JVe^.  1:5—11,  c.  11.)  And  this  carries  him 
through  the  greatest  dificulties  and  improbabili- 
ties. For  prayer  can  unlock  all  gates,  divide 
rivers  and  sea!s,  and  even  remove  mountains; 
when  it  engages  llie  arm  of  the  Almighty,  to  sup- 
port the  cause,  or  prosper  the  measures,  of  his 
servants.  If  we  then  profess  to  be  of  that  favored 
company,  we  ought  most  of  all  to  fear,  lest  "our 
way  should  be  right  in  our  own  eyes,''  but  wrong 


in  his  sight,  --who  pondereth  the  hearts."  Here 
;  is  the  preciousness  of  true  knowledge:  for  "the 
man,  that  wandereth  out  of  the  way  of  under- 
standing," and  remains  in  ignorance  or  embraces 
error,  because  he  hates  the  truth  and  loves  sin, 
"must  remain  in  the  congregation  of  the  dead." 
Through  ignorance  and  error,  poor  wretched  sin- 
ners are  rendered  arrogant  and  vain-glorious: 
their  high  looks,  and  proud  hearts  are  their  sin 
and  condemnation:  and  while  they  glory  in  the 
management  or  success  of  their  temporal  con- 
cerns; they  seldom  consider,  that  the  covetous, 
ambitious,  or  sensual  motives,  by  which  they  are 
actuated,  render  the  employments,  which  are 
most  lawful  in  themselves,  acts  of  selfishness  and 
disobedience,  as  performed  by  them.  '"To  do  jus- 
tice and  judgment  are  more  acceptable  to  the 
Lord,"  than  any  sacrifices  we  can  offer,  though 
it  does  not  supersede  the  necessity  of  the  Re- 
deemer's sacrifice  of  inestimable  value,  or  of  our 
entire  dependence  on  it — He,  who  is  taught  ac- 
cording to  the  word  of  G^ad,  wiU  escape  many 
ruinous  extremes.  He  will  not  desire  those 
riches  which  are  got  by  lies  or  robbery:  for  how- 
ever ungodly  men  toss  this  vanity  to  and  fro,  and 
please  themselves  with  it;  yet  he  knows  that  in  so 
doing  they  seek  death,  and  that  "destruction  will 
jbe  to  the  workers  of  iniquity,"  who  "refuse  to  do 
[judgment."  He  wisely  considers  the  splendid 
;  houses  of  prosperous  sinners;  and,  foreseeing 
their  overthrow,  he  desires  and  envies  nothing 
they  possess.  He  would  rather  deny  hi^  vanity  a 
useless  ornament,  or  his  appetite  an  injurious  or 
needless  gratification,  or  even  be  censured  for 
not  treating  his  rich  friends  according  to  their 
expectation,  than  be  condemned  for  "stopping  his 
ears  at  the  cry  of  the  poor:"  and  as  he  cries  and 
hopes  for  mercy  from  God,  he  dares  not  embezzle 
or  waste  that,  which  was  intrusted  to  him  for  the 
relief  of  such  as  are  distressed;  lest  he  should 
caU  for  mercy  from  God,  and  not  be  heard. — 
The  judicious  Christian  will  also  avoid  all  those 
hasty  schemes,  by  which  many  ruin  themselves. 
He  will  study,  by  frugality  and  industry,  to  keep 
out  of  temptation  to  mean  dependence  or  shuffling 
'  dishonesty;  and  he  will  be  ready  to  labor,  "that 
he  may  have  to  give  to  him  that  "needeth." — But, 
after  every  warning,  wicked  men  sin  on,  without 
fear  or  shame,  getting  all  they  can  by  their  injus- 
tice, and  spending  it  upon  their  lusts;  and  shew- 
ing no  mercy  or  favor  to  their  neighbors,  because 
of  the  evil  which  their  souls  desire.  So  frowanl 
and  strange  is  the  way  of  man,  as  left  to  himself! 
so  different  from  that  of  "the  pure,  whose  work  is 
:  right!"  Hence  it  is,  that  while  the  righteous  de- 
i  light  in  justice  and  mercy;  the  workers  of  iniqui- 
,  ty  are  not  only  determined  to  go  on  in  the  wav  of 
destruction,  but  shew  scorn  and  enmity  against 
those,  who  '-run  not  with  tliem  to  the  same  ex- 
cess of  riot"  and  impiety!  Nay,  their  anger  and 
hatred  are  often  more  vehement  against  those 
who  "testify  of  them  that  their  works  are  evil," 
than  against  such  as  behave  most  injuriously  and 
deccitftilly  towards  them:  so  that,  while  iu  the 
latter  case,  a  few  well-timed  and  acceptable  gifts 
will  pacify  their  strongest  wrath;  in  the  former 
the  most  persevering,  disinterested,  and  liberal 
kindness  is  insufficient  to  conciliate  them!  When 
'sinners  arrive  at  this  pitch  of  hardened  impiety; 


536] 


B.  C.  976. 


CHAPTER  XXIT. 


B.  C.  976. 


CHAP.   XXII. 

The  worth  of  a  good  name,  and  the  dependence  of  both  rich  and 
poor  on  God,  1,  2.  Commendations  of  prudence,  humility,  pi- 
ety, charity,  and  the  proper  tuition  of  children;  and  cautions 
Bgfaiost  frowardness,  iniquity,  sloth,  intimacy  with  bad  women, 
and  oppression,  3 — 16.  An  address  to  the  reader,  calling  his 
attention  to  wisdom;  again  exhorting  him  to  avoid  oppression, 
friendship  with  angry  men,  suretiship,  and  removing  ancient 
land-marks;  and  shewing  the  advantages  of  diligence,  17 — 29. 


it  seems  almost  desirable,  though  awful  in  itself, 
that  some  punishment  may  overtake  them,  which 
may  make  the  simple  wise  enough  to  shun  their 
destructive  paths,  to  imitate  the  wise,  who  heark- 
en to  instruction,  and  to  escape  the  miseries 
which  scorners  must  undergo.  Thus  they  will 
become  happy  in  themselves,  and  blessings  in  the 
families  to  which  they  belong;  and,  instead  of 
driving  their  nearest  relatives  into  retirement  or 
bad  company  to  escape  contention;  make  num 
bers  ready  to  say,  '  "Happy  are"  even  "thy  ser 
'vants  which  stand  continually  before  thee,  and 
'hear  thy  wisdom,"  share  thy  amiable  society  and 
'kindness,  and  witness  thy  edifying  example.' 
V.  17—31. 
He  who  has  a  well  grounded  assurance  that 
God  is  on  his  side,  needs  not  "fear  what  man  can 
do  to  him;"  for  there  is  "no  wisdom,  nor  under- 
standing, nor  counsel  against  the  Lord;"  nor  can 
any  power  reach  those  whom  he  protects.  And 
though  "the  horse  may  be  prepared  against  the 
day  of  battle,"  and  various  means  may  be  used  to 
..secure  our  persons  and  habitations;  yet  "safety 
is  only  from  the  Lord."  "But  in  vain  do  men  ex- 

fiect  to  please  a  holy  and  omniscient  God  by  such 
ormal  services,  as  the  unconverted,  while  per- 
sisting in  their  evil  courses,  can  present;  even 
when  they  offer  them  in  a  kind  of  ignorant  sin- 
cerity. How  greatly  then  must  he  abhor  the 
most  costly  oblations,  or  abundant  devotions,  of 
those  who  are  consciously  hypocrites;  and  who 
employ  these  methods,  with  a  most  wicked  mind, 
to  mask  their  covetousness,  oppression,  or  secret 
licentiousness,  and  to  blind  the  eyes  of  their  fel- 
low creatures! — True  repentance,  and  reliance 
on  the  mercy  of  God  in  Christ  Jesus,  alwa3rs  in- 
fluence men  to  "follow  after  righteousness  and 
and  mercy"  in  their  own  conduct.  Such  believ- 
ers, and  such  only,  "find  life,  righteousness,  and 
honor."  They  "seek  first  the  kingdom  of  God 
and  his  righteousness;  and  all  other  things  are 
added  to  them." — Thus  they  generally  partake  of 
the  desirable  treasures  found  in  the  dwellings  of 
the  wise;  which  they  obtain  with  credit  and  a 
good  conscience,  enjoy  with  gratitude  and  tem- 
perance, and  use  to  the  best  of  purposes.  To 
this  plenteousness  their  thoughts,  as  well  as  labors, 
tend.  They  desire,  in  submission  to  Providence, 
to  have  things  needful  and  comfortable  for  them- 
selves and  families,  and  to  be  enabled  to  "use 
hospitality  without  grudging."  They  will  not 
therefore  spend  all  on  themselves  as  foolish  men 
do;  being  aware  that  those,  who  love  pleasure 
and  indulge  their  appetites,  will  always,  however 
large  their  incomes,  be  too  poor  to  do  much  good 
to  their  indigent  neighbors.  Though  they  do  not 
account  riches  worthy  of  being  obtained  by  ini- 
quity, or  of  being  idolized:  yet  they  consider 
them  as  too  good  to  be  wasted  in  revellings,  ban- 
quetings,  and  other  extravagant  experises:  [JYote, 
Ec.  10:16 — 19,  T).  19.)  and,  though  not  disposed 
to  look  on  honest  poverty,  as  an  intolerable  evil; 
they  dread  and  shun  the  disgraceful  and  ruinous 
"desires  of  the  slothful,  whose  hands  refuse  to 
labor,"  even  when  "lie  coveteth  greedily  all  the 
day  long."  By  the  due  government  of  their  ap- 
petites and  passions,  3  uJ  by  keeping  their  tongues, 
theypreserve  their  souls  from  numberless  troubles, 
to  which  the  sensual,  the  passionate,  and  the  lo- 
quacious expose  themselves:  and,  learning  wis- 
dom from  its  very  source,  they  are  enabled  to 
Vol.  III.  68 


GOOD  ^  name  is  rather  to  be 
chosen  than  great  riches,  and! 
*  loving  favor  rather  than  silver  and 
gold. 

a  1  Kings  1:47.     Ec.  7:1.  Luke  I  *  Or,  favor  is  belter  than,  ij-c. 
10:20.  Phil.  4:3.    Heb.  11:39.         Acts  7:10. 


accomplish  important  designs,  for  their  own  good 
and  that  of  others,  in  a  quiet  and  unexceptionable 
manner;  while  the  "proud  and  haughty  scorners, 
who  deal  in  proud  wrath,"  render  themselves 
hated  and  dreaded;  and  with  all  their  violence, 
(even  when  possessed  of  sagacity  and  power,) 
seldom  prosper  in  their  enterprises.  For  the 
great  Disposer  of  all  events  so  orders  it,  that 
"the  wicked  is  a  ransom  for  the  righteous;  and 
the  transgressor  for  the  upright." — The  consistent 
Christian  is  always  a  lover  of  peace;  and  ready 
to  give  up  any  thing,  except  his  duty,  for  the 
sake  of  it.  He  will  not  therefore,  either  in  pri- 
vate, or  in  a  court  of  justice,  be  a  false  witness: 
but  if  called  to  bear  his  testimony,  he  must  "speak 
constantly,"  and  declare  what  he  knows;  what- 
ever offence  it  may  give,  or  however  it  may  tend 
to  the  condemnation  of  the  guilty.  Much  more 
then,  must  the  minister  of  the  gospel  "speak  ccu- 
stantly"  the  whole  of  his  message;  whatever  ridi- 
cule, anger,  and  obloquy  he  may  incur  by  hia 
faithfulness,  from  proud  and  haughty  scorners; 
for  in  this  case  especially,  "a  false  witness  shall 
perish;"  and  generally  he  occasions  the  ruin  of 
multitudes  along  with  him. — That  state  of  the 
judgment  and  heart,  which  is  produced  by  Chris- 
tian principles,  will  never  permit  a  man  to  risk 
the  want  or  the  loss  of  domestic  peace,  for  the 
sake  of  acquiring  an  accession  of  wealth:  know- 
ing that  it  is  better  to  dwell  in  a  garret  or  a 
desert,  than  "with  a  brawling  woman  in  a  wide 
house."  But  should  his  patience  be  exercised 
by  such  a  painful  trial,  he  will  shun  imbittercd 
contention,  by  retiring  into  any  corner,  or  into 
the  fields  and  deserts,  that  he  may  pour  out  his 
heart  before  God,  rather  than  run  into  tempta- 
tion, into  vain  company,  excess,  or  the  society  of 
other  women.  Nay,  he  will  not  despair  but  that, 
by  meekness,  prudence,  patience,  firmness,  and 
persevering  kindness;  and  by  constant  prayer  to 
him  who  has  all  hearts  in  his  hand;  the  trial  may 
at  length  be  removed,  or  at  least  its  worst  effects 
prevented.  For  as  every  thing  lawful  may  be 
rendered  a  part  of  a  believer's  dutj',  so  every 
event  may  subserve  his  growth  in  grace:  whilst 
even  the  lawful  and  needf'ul  employments  of  un- 
godly men  become  their  sin;  and  their  best  com- 
forts tend  to  their  increasing  condemnation. 

NOTES. 
Chap.  XXIL  V.  1.  A  reputation  for  wisdom, 
piety,  and  integrity,  is  far  more  valuable  than 
great  riches;  and  the  loving  favor  which  it  pro- 
cures, renders  a  man  more  respected  than  wealtli 
can  do:  and  whilst  affluence  commonly  tempts 
the  possessor  to  give  a  loose  to  his  inclinations; 
an  established  character  is  a  perpetual  restrain!, 
and  renders  a  man  doubly  watchrul  against  every 
kind  of  impropriety.  To  live  also  respected  and 
beloved  in  the  family  and  neighborhood,  where  a 
man  spends  most  of  his  days,  lends  far  more  to 
his  enjoyment  of  life,  than  treasures  of  gold  and 
silver,  with  contempt  and  aversion  can  do. 
Above  all  it  enables  him  to  do  more  goo,!,  than  if 
he  possessed  riches  without  a  good  nanie:  it  gives 
peculiar  inlluence,  and  adds  energy  to  all  his 
counsels,  exhortations,  and  measures;  and  it  ob- 
tains him  access  to  such  opportunities  of  useful- 
ness, and  enables  him  to  compass  such  designs, 
as  otherwise  would  have  been  impracticable. 
[jYoles  Ec.  7:1.  10:1.) 

[.537 


B.  C.  976. 


PROVERBS. 


B.  C.  976. 


2  The  *•  rich  and  poor  meet  together: 
^  the  Lord  is  the  Maker  of  them  all. 

3  A  "^  prudent  man  foreseeth  the  evil 
and  hideth  himself;  but  ®  the  simple  pass 
on,  and  are  punished. 

4  *  By  '  humility,  and  the  fear  of  the 
Lord  are  riches,  and  honor,  and  life. 

5  s  Thorns  and  snares  are  in  the  way 
of  the  frovvard:  ''  he  that  doth  keep  his 
soul  shall  be  far  from  them. 

G  t  Train  up  '  a  child  in  ^  the  way  he 


b  39:13.  1  Sam.  2:7.  Ps.  49:], 
2,  Luke  16:19,20.  1  Cor.  12: 
21.    Jam.  2:2—5. 

C  14:31.     Job  31:15.  34:19. 

d  14:16.  27:12.  Kx.  9:20,21.  Is. 
26:20,21.  Matt.  24:15—18.  1 
Thes.  5:2—6.  Heb.6:18.  11:7. 

e  7:7,-22,23.  9:16—18.  29:1. 

*  Heb.  T/ic  reward  of  humil- 
ity, ij-c. 

/3:16  21:21.  Ps.  34.9,10.  112: 
1—3.     Is.  33:6.    57:15.     Matt. 


6:33.      1  Tim.   4:8.     Jam.  4:6, 

10. 
g    13:15.      15:19.      Josh.   23:13. 

Ps.  11:6.   18:26,27. 
h  13:3.   16:17.    19:16.     Ps.  91:1. 

1  John  5:18.   Jude  20,21. 
f  Or,  Catechize. 
i   Gen.  18:19.      Deut.  4:9.    6:7. 

Ps.  78:3—6.  Eph.  6:4.   2  Tim. 

3:15. 
J  Heb.  his  woy. 


should  go;  and  ^  when  he  is  old,  he  will 
not  depart  from  it. 

7  The  '  rich  ruleth  over  the  poor,  and 
"  the  borrower  is  servant  to  the  ^  lender. 

8  He  "  that  sovveth  iniquity  shall  reap 
vanity;  and  "  the  °  rod  of  his  anger  shall 
fail. 

9  ^  He  that  P  hath  a  bountiful  eye  shall 
be  blessed;  for  he  giveth  of  his  bread  to 
the  poor. 


k  1  Sam.  1:23.  2:26.   12:2,3. 

I  16.22.  14:31.  13:-23.  Am.  2:6. 
4:1.  5:11,12.  8:4,6.  Jam.  2:6. 
5:1,4. 

m  2  Kings  4:1.     Neh.  5:4,5.  Is. 

24:2.    Malt.  18:25. 
5  Heb.  man  that  Undtth. 
u  Job  4:8.  Hos.  8:7.  10:13.  Gal. 

6:7,8. 

II  Or,  -Kith  the  rod  of  his  anger 
he  shall  be  consumed. 

o  14:3.    Ps.  125:3.   Is.  9:4.   10:5. 


14:29.  30:31. 

TT  Heb.  Good  o/ eye.  Deut.  28: 
56.  Matt.  20:15.    Mark  7:22. 

p  11:25.  19:17.  21:13.  Deut.  15: 
7—11.  Job31:16— 20.  P».  41: 
1—3.  112:9.  Ec.  11:1,2.  Is. 
32:8.  58:7—12.  Matt.  25:34 — 
40.  Luke  6:35—38.  Acts  20: 
35.  2  Cor.  8:1,2.  9:6—11.  1 
Tim.  6:18,19.  Heb.  6:10.  13: 
16.     1  Pet.  4:9. 


V.  2.  The  rich  and  poor  live  together  on 
earth,  and  meet  in  many  of  the  same  places  of 
resort,  secular  and  religious,  yet  seldom  without 
envy  and  contempt,  though  they  have  mutually 
need  of  one  another.  They  will  likewise  soon 
meet  in  the  grave;  and  at  the  judgment-seat  they 
will  be  convened  before  their  common  Maker. 
He  has  wise  reasons  for  making  in  his  providence 
this  difference  in  their  outward  station;  but  he 
will  judge  them,  without  respect  of  persons,  con- 
cerning the  manner  in  which  they  have  discharg- 
ed their  respective  duties. — 'The  wisdom  of  God 
'hath  not  thought  fit  to  make  all  men  rich,  or  all 
'poor;  but  hath  intermixed  the  one  with  the  other, 
'that  each  of  them  might  have  use  of  the  other: 
'neither  is  it  for  the  wealthy  to  insult  upon  or  op- 
♦press  the  needy;  since  it  is  God  that  hath  made 
'them  both  such  as  they  are;  and  he  both  can  and 
'will  revenge  any  unjust  measure,  that  is  offered 
'by  the  one  to  the  other.'  Bp.  Hall.  [JVotes,  14: 
31.  .29:13.  1  Sam.  2:4—8,  v.  7.  Job  31:13—15. 
34:16— 19,  V.  19.  Ps.  49:1 — i,  v.  2.  Luke  16:19 
—23.  Jam.  2:1—7.) 

V.  3.  (27:12.)  rrudence  consists  very  much 
in  foreseeing  the  various  evils  to  which  men  are 
«xposed,  and  discerning  the  methods  by  which 
they  may  escape.  In  temporal  affairs,  however, 
they  can  seldom  proceed  beyond  probability,  in 
either  respect:  but  in  the  concerns  of  the  soul, 
faith  foresees  the  evil  coming  upon  sinners  in  the 
■eternal  state,  and  discerns  Jesus  Christ  as  the 
Refuge  from  this  impending  storm;  and  the  be- 
liever flees  thither,  hides  himself,  and  is  safe  as 
Noah  in  the  ark.  But  the  careless  and  unbe- 
lieving go  on  without  concern,  till  they  "lift  up 
their  eyes  in  hell,  being  in  torments."  [JVbies,  T: 
6—23,  w.  7,22,23.  9:13—18.  14:16.  18:10,11.  29: 
1.  Ex.  9:20,21.  Heb.  11:7.) 

V.  4.  [J^Totes,  3:7,8,13—18.  15:33.  21:21.'  Jilic. 
6:6 — 8.  Jam.  4:'l — 10.)  The  connexion  between 
"humility  and  the  fear  of  the  Lord,"  should  be 
noted The  marginal  reading  does  not  seem  ex- 
act.— "The  footstep  of  humility,  &c."  appears 
more  literal. 

V.  5.  (JVbfes,  13:15.  15:19.  16:17.  Josh.  23:11 
— 13,  V.  13.  Ps.  11:6.)— The  man  who  takes 
proper  care  either  of  his  life  or  soul,  will  shun 
the  society  of  designing,  ungodly  men;  that  he 
may  escape  the  thorns  and  snares,  which  are  in 
their  path. 

V.  6.  (J\larg.)  AVhen  children  are  instructed 
from  infancy  in  the  truths  and  ways  of  God;  when 
they  are  inured  to  submission,  industry,  and  the 
government  of  their  passions;  when  they  are  re- 
strained and  corrected,  with  a  due  mixture  of 
538] 


firmness  and  affection;  when  they  are  trained  up, 
as  soldiers  are  disciplined  to  handle  their  arms, 
endure  hardship,  keep  their  ranks,  and  obey  or- 
ders; and  when  all  is  enforced  by  good  examples 
set  before  them,  and  constant  prayers  made  for 
and  with  them;  they  generally  retain  the  early 
impression  even  to  old  age.  If  they  turn  aside 
into  devious  paths,  they  always  have  an  inward 
check,  and  will  frequently  be  brought  back  again: 
and  the  good  effects  will  commonly  be  visible  to 
the  end  of  their  lives. — But  a  way  of  talking  tu 
children  about  religion,  while  they  are  left  to  con- 
tract bad  habits,  and  to  indulge  wayward  tem- 
pers; and  while  they  see  little  or  nothing  of  the 
holy  and  lovely  tendency  of  the  gospel  in  the  con- 
duct of  their  parents  or  teachers,  is  very  different 
from  this  "nurture  and  admonition  of  the  Lord;" 
and  often  leaves  a  rooted  prejudice  in  the  mind 
against  those  truths,  of  which  they  heard  much, 
but  perceived  and  experienced  no  good  effects. 
(See  on  JYote,  13:24.— JVotes,  15.  Gen.  18:18,19. 
Deut.  6:6— 9.  Ps.  78:5—8.  Eph.  6:1 — 4,  «.  4.  2 
Tim.  1:3—5.3:14—17.) 

V.  7.  This  proverb  shews  how  important  it  is 
for  every  man,  who  would  act  according  to  bis 
own  judgment  and  conscience,  or  even  perma- 
nently according  to  his  own  inclinations,  and  as 
independent  master  of  his  own  actions,  to  be 
strictly  frugal  and  industrious;  and  to  keep  as 
much  as  he  can  out  of  debt:  for  the  rich  too  com- 
monly domineer  over  the  poor.  Even  those  who 
are  not  poor,  if  on  any  account  they  lay  them- 
selves under  great  obligations  by  borrowing 
money,  are  frequently  treated  as  servants  to  the 
lenders;  who  in  many  cases  expect  even  sinful 
compliances  from  them,  and  call  them  ungrateful 
if  they  refuse  to  make  them.  [Marg.  Ref. — 
JVotes,  18:23.  2  Kings  A:\.  JVeh.  5:1—5.) 

V.  8.  And  the  rod.  Sic.']  The  power  which 
man)'  possess  and  abuse,  of  making  others  feel 
the  weight  of  their  resentment,  will  soon  fail  them; 
and  then  they  must  reap  the  fruits  of  their  injus- 
tice and  oppression.  [JVotes,  14:3.  Job  4:7 — 11, 
V.  8.  Ps.  126:5,6.  Hos.  8:7,8.  10:12,13.  Gal.  6:6— 
10,  CT.  7,8.) 

V.  9.  'Whoso  is  liberal  of  his  meat  men  shall 
'speak  well  of  him;  and  the  report  of  his  good 
'house-keeping  will  be  believed:  but  against  liim 
'that  is  a  niggard  of  his  meat  the  whole  city  shall 
'murmur,  and  the  testimonies  of  his  niggardliness 
'shall  not  be  doubted  of.'  Ecclesiast.  31:23,24 — 
The  good  of  eye,  (marg,)  is  the  opposite  to  the 
evil  eye,  which  marks  out  those  who  envy  and 
grudge,  and  are  niggardly  and  selfish. — The  boun- 
tiful shall  not  only  be  spoken  well  of  by  men,  but 


B.  C.  976. 


CHAPTER  XXII. 


B.  C.  976. 


10  'I  Cast  out  the  scorner,  and  conten- 
tion shall  go  out;  yea,  strife  and  reproach 
shall  cease. 

1 1  He  ■■  that  loveth  pureness  of  heart, 
*for  the  grace  of  his  lips  *the  king  shall 
he  his  friend. 

12  The  '  eyes  of  the  Lord  preserve 
knowledge,  and  "  he  overthroweth  the 
t  words  of  the  transgressor. 


q   21:24.    26:20,-21.     Gen.  21:9, 

10.     Neh.  4:1— 3.    13:28.     P3. 

101:5.    Matt  18:17.     1  Cor.  5: 

5,6,13. 
r  16:13.  P«.  101:6.  Matt.  5:8. 
*   Or,    and  hath  grace  in  his 

lift.     Ps.  45:2.     Luke  4:22. 
t  Gen.  41:39,&c.    Ezra  7:6,&c. 

Neh.  2:4—6.  Esth.  10:3.  Dan. 


2:46 — 49.    3:30.    6:20—23. 
t    2  Chr.    16:9.      Is.  59:19—21. 

Matt.    16:16—13.      Acts  S:.^ 

12:23,24.      Rev.  11:3—11.    12: 

14—17. 
u  Job   5:12,13.      Acts   8:9—12. 

13:8—12.    2  Thes.  2:8.  2  Tim. 

3:8,9. 
f  Or,  matters. 


13  The  ^  slothful  man  saith,  There 
is  a  lion  without;  I  shall  be  slain  in  the 
streets. 

14  The  y  mouth  of  strange  women  is 
a  deep  pit:  he  that  is  ^  abhorred  of  the 
Lord  shall  fall  therein. 

15  ^  Foohshness  is  bound  in  the  heart 
of  a  child;  ^but  the  rod  of  correction 
shall  drive  it  far  from  him. 

16  He  "^that  oppresseth  the   poor  to 

X  15:19.     26:13—16.     Num.  13:  j    6.   Eph.  2:3. 


32,33. 
y    2:16—19.    5:3,&c.    6:24—29. 

7;5,&c.     Jud^.  16:20,21.  Neh. 

13:26.     Ec.  7:26. 
z  Deut.  32:19.  Ps,  81:12. 
a  Job  14:4.     Ps.  51:5.     John  3: 


b  13:24.  19:13.    23:13,14.  29:15, 

17.     Heb.  12:10,11. 
c  22,23.     14:31.    28:3.     Job  SO; 

19,&c.     Ps.  12:5.      Mic.  2:2,3. 

Zech.  7:9—14.     Jam.  2:13.  5: 

1—5. 


also,  when  their  bounty  springs  from  proper  mo- 
tives, receive  an  abundant  blessing'  and  recom- 
pense from  God.  (JVCarg.  Ref. — See  on  J^otes, 
11:24,25.  19:11.— J^otes,  Ts.32:5—8.  Matt.  23:34— 
40.  2  Cor.  9:8—11.  Heb.  6:9,10.| 

V.  10.  Profane  scoffers  and  contentious  re- 
vilers  disturb  the  peace  of  every  family,  society,  or 
company,  into  which  they  gain  admission,  and 
where  tiiey  are  allowed  to  continue,  or  have  any 
influence;  the  only  method  therefore  of  obtaining 
or  restoring  peace,  is  to  expel  them;  and  this  will 
generally  be  successful.  If  then  it  be  painful, 
and  expose  them  to  imminent  peril;  it  is  only  like 
pulling  down  a  ruinous  house  to  stop  the  progress 
of  a  conflagration.  (JVbies,  21:24.  26:20,21.  Ps. 
101:5.) 

V.  11.  Some  suppose,  that  this  verse  is  defec- 
tive, and  that  the  word  Jehovah  is  wanting  in 
the  first  clause.  Accordingly  they  would  thus 
render  the  verse:  "The  Lord  loveth  purity  of 
heart:  the  king  is  a  friend  to  the  grace  of  the  lips." 
— 'Purity  of  heart ...  alone  ..  gives  favor  in  the 
'sight  of  God:  though  eloquence  of  speech  and 
•gracefulness  of  address  may  be  sufficient  to  rec- 
'ommend  a  man  to  the  favor  of  his  prince.'  Grey. 
— This  the  LXX  seems  to  favor:  but  their  author- 
ity in  this  book  is  small;  and  it  is  not  desirable  to 
alter,  except  on  strong  grounds,  the  received 
reading. — 'He  that  loves  sincerity  above  all 
'things,  and  is  able  to  deliver  his  mind  in  accept- 
'able  language,  is  fit  to  be  a  privy-counsellor  to  a 
'king.'  Bp.  Patrick. — But  "loving  pureness  of 
heart,"  seems  to  imply  far  more  than  loving  sincer- 
ity, in  the  common  use  of  the  terms:  and  "the 
grace  of  the  lips"  may  denote  the  wisdom  and  pi- 
ety, as  well  as  the  eloquence  and  address,  of  a 
man's  discourse.  (P«.  45:2.  Luke  4:22.)  Thus 
Pharaoh  was  won  by  the  wise  and  pious  counsel 
of  Joseph.  Thus  Ezra  and  Nehemiah,  rather  by 
their  eminent  wisdom  and  piety,  than  by  el- 
oquence and  address,  were  greatly  favored  by  Ar- 
taxerxes;  Mordecai,  by  Ahasuerus;  and  Daniel 
both  by  the  Chaldean  and  Persian  princes.  [Marg. 
Ref.  8.)  In  this  view,  the  verse  may  perhaps  be 
rendered,  "He  that  loveth  purity  of  heart!  the 
grace  of  his  lips!  the  king  his  friend!" — "Out  of 
the  abundance  of  the  heart  the  mouth  speaketh." 
He  that  is  eminently  wise,  pious,  and  pure  in 
heart,  is  an  extraordinary  character.  His  wis- 
dom, piety,  and  integrity  will  lead  him  to  give 
Buch  prudent  counsel,  so  simply  and  seasonably, 
that  notwithstanding  the  prejudices  of  men 
against  true  religion,  he  will  not  unfrequently  be 
favored  even  by  kings. — According,  however, 
either  to  the  present  reading,  or  that  proposed 
above,  the  verse  may  be  thus  either  explained  or 
accommodated:  'He  who  loves  pureness  of  heart, 
'and  speaks  in  a  kind  and  edifying  manner,  will 
'be  found  among  the  friends  of  the  King  of  heav- 
'en.' ( JVb^w,  16:12,13.  P#.45:2. 101:<x,7.  Jfutt.  5:8.) 


V.  12.  The  watchful  care  of  the  Lord  pre- 
serves the  knowledge  of  himself,  and  of  his  truth 
and  will,  from  being  lost  in  ignorance,  idolatry, 
infidelity,  or  error;  notwithstanding  all  the  mach- 
inations of  Satan  and  ungodly  men  to  run  it  down. 
The  plausible  schemes,  contained  in  "the  words 
of  transgressors,"  are  overthrown  one  after  an- 
other, and  sink  into  oblivion  or  contempt:  but  the 
truth  of  God's  word  maintains  its  ground  from 
age  to  age.  Thus  it  had  been  observed  during 
many  ages,  in  the  days  of  Solomon.  For  above 
2700  years  this  proverb  has  been  fulfilling  as  a 
prophecy:  and  it  will  be  verified  to  future  gen- 
erations, when  the  words  of  modern  opposers  or 
perverters  of  Revelation,  who  now  vaunt,  as  if 
they  were  about  to  carry  all  before  them,  shall  be 
overthrown  before  the  Bible,  as  Dagon  was  be- 
fore the  ark.  The  marvellous  preservation  of 
the  Scriptures,  in  a  more  correct  state  than  any 
other  book  of  any  thing  like  equal  antiquity; 
though,  through  successive  generations,  it  has 
been  the  evident  interest  of  immense  numbers 
to  corrupt  them,  if  they  would  support  their 
own  systems;  is  a  manifest  proof  how  "the  eyes  of 
the  Lord  preserve  knowledge."  And  indeed 
they  are  so  well  preserved,  that  they  little  need, 
and  are  not  likely  to  receive  much  good  from 
conjectural  criticism,  being  capable  of  a  use- 
ful and  consistent  meaning,  in  almost  every 
part,  as  they  now  stand:  though  doubtless  they 
want  immense  alterations,  to  make  them  consis- 
t'.nt  with  some  creeds;  and  numbers  complain  of 
obscurity  in  the  book,  because  their  own  eyes  are 
so  blinded  through  pride,  love  of  the  world,  and 
various  prejudices,  that  they  cannot  read  it. 
{J^otes,  Job  5:11— 16.  Is.  59:20,21.  Matl.  16:18. 
Acts  5:33— 39,  vv.  38,39.  12:24.  2  Thes.  2:8—12. 
2  Tim.  2:14—19.  3:6—9.  Rev.  11:3—12.  19:19— 
21.) 

V,  13.  'He  derideth  them  that  invent  vain 
'excuses,  because  they  would  not  do  their  duty.' 
Lions  seldom  are  found  in  the  streets  of  cities  or 
villages.  (See  on  JVotes,  5.  13:19.  21:25,'i6.)- 
Some  apply  this  to  cowardly  magistrates,  who 
dare  not  punish  great  and  powerful  oflbndcrs. — 
'A  worthy  magistrate,  would  meet  with  such  a 
'lion  to  choose;  that  he  might  make  God's  ordi- 
'nance  to  be  reverenced.  ...  He  would  no  more 
'fear  to  make  a  worshipful  thief,  or  a  riglit  xnov' 
^shipful  murderer,  (if  such  a  one  should  come  in 
'his  circuit,)  an  example  of  justice,  than  to  twitch 
'up  a  poor  siieep-stealer.'  Bp.  Sanderson,  quoted 
by  Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  14.  'God  punisheth  one  sin  by  another, 
'when  he  sufTereth  the  wicked  to  fall  into  the  ac- 
'quaintance  of  an  harlot.'  {Marg.  Ref. — JVotcs, 
2:16—19.  5.3—14.  7:6—23.  Ps.  81:11,12.  Rom.  1: 
21—27.  2  Thes.  2:8—12.) 

V.  15.  "The  child,"  that  is,  every  child,  is 
naturally  and  powerfully  propense  to  foolishness; 

[530 


B.  C.  976. 


PROVERBS. 


B.  C.  976 


increase  his  riches,  and  ^  he   that  giveth 
to  the  rich,  shall  surely  co7ne  to  want. 

[Practical  Observations.] 

17  IT  ^  Bow  down  thine  ear,  ''  and 
hear  the  words  of  the  wise,  and  ^  apply 
thine  heart  unto  my  knowledge. 

18  For  ''  it  is  a  pleasant  thing  if  thou 
keep  them  *  within  thee;  they  shall  withal 
be  *  fitted  in  thy  lips. 

19  That  ^  thy  trust  may  be  in  the 
Lord,  I  have  made  known  to  thee  this 
day,  t  even  to  thee. 

20  Have  not  '  I  written  to  thee  excel- 
lent things  in  counsels  and  knowledge, 


d    Luke    6:33—35.      14;12— 14. 

16:24. 
e  2:2—5.  5:1,2. 
f  1:3.  3:1.  4:4—3.    8:33,34.    Is. 

55:3.     Matt.  17:5. 
g23  12.     Ps.  90:12.     Ec.  7:25. 

8:9,16. 
h  2:10.  3:17.    24:13,14.     Ps.  19: 

10.     119:103,111,162.     Jer.  15: 

16. 
*  Heh.  in  thy  belly.    Job  32:18, 


19.  John  7:33. 
i  8:6.    J0:13,21.    15.7.   16:21.  25: 

11.     Ps.  119:13,171.     Mai.  2:7. 

Heb.  13:15. 
k  3:5.     Ps.  62:8.    Is.  12:2.  26:4. 

Jer.  17:7.     1  Pet.  1:21. 
f  Or,  trust  thou  also. 
)    8:6.     Ps.    12:6.     Hos.  8:12.  2 

Tim.  3:15— 17.     2  Pet.   1:19— 

21. 


to  imbibe  false  principles,  contract  bad  habits, 
and  take  ungodly  and  ruinous  courses.  But  g-ood 
tuition,  connected  with  early  and  firm  correction, 
and  used  as  a  'means  of  grace,'  in  obedience  to 
God,  in  dependence  on  his  blessing,  and  with  fer- 
vent prayer  for  it;  will  generally  be  prospered  in 
driving  far  away  this  foolishness,  and  preventing 
its  fatal  consequences:  and  in  all  cases  it  is  by  far 
the  most  efficacious  remedy,  that  can  be  pre- 
scribed. (See  on  JSTotes,  13:24.  19:18.| 

V.  16.  Rapacious  oppression  of  tne  poor,  and 
ostentatious  generosity  to  the  rich,  often  go  to- 
gether; since  the  one  gratifies  a  man's  avarice, 
the  other  his  pride.  Nay,  some  fraudulently  or 
violently  rob  the  poor,  and  then  by  large  presents 
bribe  the  rich  to  connive  at  their  iniquity.  But 
these  and  similar  practices,  in  the  course  of  God's 
righteous  providence,  bring  a  secret  curse  on 
men's  affairs,  which  at  length  reduces  them  to 
poverty.  Either  the  expense  of  their  prodigality 
exceeds  the  gain  of  their  rapacity;  or  they  are 
detected  and  punished  for  their  crimes. — Luther 
renders  the  verse;  'He  that  squeezes  the  poor  to 
'increase  his  own  estate,  gives  to  the  rich  only  to 
'impoverish  himself.'  Others  will  exact  from  him, 
what  he  has  exacted  from  the  poor.  The  op- 
pressors shall  be  oppressed  and  ruined.  [J^otes, 
22,23.  14:31.  28:3.  Mic.  7:1—4.  Luke  14:12—14. 
16:19—26.) 

V.  1 7.  From  this  verse  to  the  end  of  the  twen- 
ty-fourth chapter,  the  sacred  writer  adopts  a  more 
connected  method,  and  more  directly  addressed 
to  the  reader;  not  wholly  unlike  the  introductory 
part  of  the  book.  This,  therefore,  may  be  con- 
sidered as  tlic  third  part  of  it.  [J^otes,  2:1 — 9.  4:1 
-13.) 

V.  18.  'It  will  give  thee  most  high  satisfac- 
•tion,  if  thou  dost  so  heartily  entertain  them,  and 
'thoroughly  digest  them,  and  faithfully  preserve 
*them  in  mind;  that  thou  art  able  withal  to  pro- 
'duce  any  of  them,  as  there  is  occasion,  and  aptly 
♦communicate  them  for  other  men's  instruction.' 
Bp.  Patrick.  (JVb<e«,  2:10,11.  3:16,17.  10:13,21. 
15:7.  16:21.  2o:l I, n.)— Within  thee.]  Marg. 
—J^Totes,  Job  32:18—22,  w.  18,19.  John  7:37— 
39. 

V.  19.  The  main  scope  and  design  of  all  the 
foregoing  instruction,  was,  that  the  reader  might 
learn  to  trust  in  the  Lord,  and  expect  all  good  from 
him  alone,  according  to  his  word,  in  the  prescribed 
manner,  and  in  the  use  of  appointed,  or  allowed 
640] 


21  That  "•  I  might  make  thee  know 
the  certainty  of  the  words  of  truth;  that 
thou  mightest  °  answer  the  words  of  truth 
to  them  that  +  send  unto  theei* 

22  °  Rob  not  the  poor,  because  he  is 
poor;  neither  p  oppress  the  afflicted  in  the 
gate: 

23  For  ithe  Lord  will  plead  their 
cause,  and  ""  spoil  the  soul  of  those  that 
spoiled  them. 

24  ^  Make  no  friendship  with  an  angry 
man;  and  with  a  furious  man  thou  shalt 
not  go; 

25  Lest  *  thou  learn  his  ways,  and 
get  a  snare  to  thy  soul. 


m  Luke  1:3,4.     John  20:31.  1 

John  5:13. 
n  1  Pet.  3:15. 
t  Or,  send  thee. 
o  23:10,11.   Ez.  22:29. 
p    16.     Ex.  23:6.     Job   29:12— 

16.    31:21.     Zech.  7:10.    Mai. 

3:5. 


q   23:11.     1  Sam.  24:15.    25:39. 

Ps.  35:1.    ■♦3:1.    68:5.    140:12. 

Jer.  50:34.  51:36.    Mic.  7:9. 
ris.  33:1.  Hab.  2:8. 
s  21:24.    29:22.     2  Cor.  6:14— 

17. 
t  13:20.     Ps.  106:35.     1  Cor.  15: 


and  hallowed  means  exclusively.  This  the  writer 
applies  explicitly  to  each  reader:  as  if  he  said  to 
each,  "Thou  art  the  man;"  look  to  thyself,  and 
not  to  others.  (J^otes,  3:5,6.  14:26,27.  18:10,11. 
Ps.  62:8—10.  142:5,6.  146:3—6.  Jer.  17:5—8.) 

V.  20.  The  word  rendered  excellent,  may  sig- 
nify three  times,  that  is,  many  times.  'Have  I  not 
'inculcated  these  things  many  times?'  But  some 
understand  it  according  to  another  meaning  of 
the  same  word,  to  signify  'words  fit  for  a  prince 
'to  speak,  and  the  best  men  in  the  world  to  hear.' 
(JVb<e«,  1:20— 23.  8:6—8.  Ps.  12:5,6.) 

V.  21.  Send  unto  thee.]  That  is,  to  "ask  a  rea- 
son of  the  hope  that  is  in  thee;"  or  who  otherwise 
request  thy  counsel.  (JiTotes,  Luke  1:1 — 4,  v.  4. 
John  20:30,31.  1  Pet.  3:13—16,  v.  15.  1  John  5: 
13.)  The  clause  may  mean,  'That  thou  mayest 
'be  capable  of  managing  business,  however  diffi- 
'cult,  to  the  satisfaction  of  those  that  employ 
'thee.' — The  prudent  statesman,  the  sagacious 
ambassador,  and  the  faithftil  minister  of  religion, 
are  characters  of  this  description,  each  of  whom 
is  able  to  answer  words,  even  truth,  (that  is,  to 
give  a  true  and  faithful  account  of  his  proceed- 
ings,) to  him  that  commissioned  him. 

V.  22,  23.  The  rich  and  powerful  think  that 
they  may  oppress  the  poor  and  helpless  with  im- 
punity, either  in  the  ordinary  intercourse  of  life, 
or  "in  the  gate,"  that  is,  when  acting  as  magis- 
trates. But  that  very  poverty  which  encourages 
their  oppression,  should  deter  them  from  it:  not 
only  from  motives  of  compassion,  and  on  account 
of  the  extreme  cruelty  of  such  conduct;  but  be- 
cause God  himself  is  the  Patron  of  the  poor,  and 
will  surely  crush  those  who  crush  them,  and  that 
even  to  the  life  or  soul  of  the  oppressor.  (J^Totes, 
18.  23:10,11.  Ex.  22:21— 24.  23:6—9.  Job  29:12 
—17.  31:16—23.  Ez.  22:27—30.  Mai.  3:5,6.) 

V.  24,  25.  'It  highly  concerns  us  ...  for  the 
'preserving  of  the  peace  and  safety  of  our  life, 
'that  we  intermingle  not  our  matters  with  men  of 
'a  choleric  nature,  and  such  as  easily  provoke 
'or  undertake  quarrels  and  debates.  For  such 
'kind  of  friends  will  perpetually  engage  us  in 
'contentions  and  factions:  so  that  we  shall  be  con- 
'strained  either  to  break  off  friendship,  or  to  be 
'wanting  to  our  own  personal  safety.'  Lord  Ba- 
con, quoted  by  Bp.  Patrick. — Law-suits,  duels, 
and  broils  of  every  kind,  destructive  of  comfort, 
dangerous  to  life,  and  wholly  inconsistent  with 
religion,  are  the  snares  to  the  souk  of  those  who 


B.  C.  976. 


CHAPTER  XXII. 


B.  C.  976. 


26  Be  not  thou  "  one  of  them  that 
strike  hands,  or  of  them  that  are  sureties 
for  debts. 

27  If  thou  hast  nothing  to  pay,  ^  why 
should  he  take  away  thy  bed  from  under 
thee? 

U  6:1—5.   11:15.  17:18.  27:13.     s  520:16.  Ex.  22:26,27.  2  Kings  4:1. 


venture  on  such  intimacies:  and  it  seldom  hap- 
pens, that  the  quarrelsome  humor  fails  of  becom- 
ing contagious:  so  that  friends  of  this  character 
often,  in  every  sense,  murder  one  another. 
(JVotes,  13:20.  21:24.) 

V.  26,  27.  (.Votes,  6: 1—5.  11:15.  17:18.)  Sol- 
omon here  adds,  'when  a  man  is  conscious  to 
*himself  that  he  hath  no  estate,  and  doth  but  de- 
'ceive  him  to  whom  he  stands  bound  for  the  debt: 
•and  so,  by  pretending  to  be  more  able  than  he 
♦really  is,  deprives  himself  of  the  benefit  of  that 
♦law,  mentioned  Ex.  22:26,27.  and  repeated  Deut. 
'24:6.'  Bp.  Patrick. — Those  laws,  however,  re- 
late only  to  pledges,  not  to  insolvent  debtors,  and 
least  of  all  to  fraudulent  debtors.  UVotes,  20:16. 
Ex.  22:25—27.  2  Kings  4:1.  Matt.  18:23— 
27.) 

V.  28.  {J>rote,  Deut.  19:14.  Job  M:<2—\%  v. 
2.)  This  verse  is  generally  accommodated,  as  a 
caution  against  'changing  the  laws,  which  anti- 
♦quity  by  grave  authority  hath  delivered,  unless 
'there  be  an  evident  necessity;'  [Melancthon;)  and 
against  innovations  in  general,  which  can  seldom 
be  safely  made,  and  without  urgent  necessity 
ought  never  to  be  ventured  on. — If  the  caution 
be  applied  to  religious  concerns;  it  must  be  re- 
membered, that  the  religion  of  the  Scriptures  is 
of  the  most  venerable  antiquity;  and  all  devia- 
tions from  it,  even  in  the  first  ages  were  innova- 
tions. "To  the  law  and  to  the  testimony."  [J^ote, 
Is.  8:20.)  If  it  had  been  proved,  that  an  Israelite 
had  moved  an  ancient  land-mark,  and  defrauded 
his  neighbor;  the  law  of  God  would  not  have  al- 
lowed any  prescription,  bj'  which  the  new  land- 
mark was  to  continue  to  the  injury  of  the  honest 
man's  posterity,  and  the  advantage  of  the  robbers. 
Much  less  must  prescription  be  admitted  against 
the  doctrines,  precepts,  and  ordinances  of  God. 
For  we  know  who  said,  in  this  case,  "Full  well 
ye  reject  the  commandments  of  God,  that  ye  may 
keep  your  own  traditions."  [Jfotes,  Matt.  15:3 — 
6,12 — 14.  Mark  7:9.)  And  we  know,  that  he  and 
his  apostles  were  considered,  by  those  men,  as  in- 
novators. LN'ote,  Acts  %:9 — 14.) 

V.  29.  Tne  words  rendered  diligent  in  his  busi- 
ness, imply  celerity,  readiness,  and  cheerfulness, 
in  a  man's  proper  employment,  whatever  that 
may  be.  'To  which  is  required  a  quickness  of 
'apprehension,  in  discovering  the  fittest  means, 
'and  a  dexterity  in  the  application  of  them:  so 
'that  the  business  is  not  only  done,  but  done 
'speedily,  and  without  much  noise  and  bustle.  ... 
'Such  a  person,  if  he  can  be  found, ...  is  likely  to 
'come  to  great  preferment —  Mark  a  man  that 
'is  not  rash,  but  yet  quick  and  dexterous  in  the 
'despatch  of  any  business  he  is  charged  withal: 
•and  thou  mayest  foretel  that  he  shall  not  long 
♦continue  obscure,  ...  but  be  taken  notice  of,  and 
'preferred  to  the  service  of  his  prince,  in  some 
'public  ministry.'  Bo.  Patrick.  On  this  text, 
Lord  Bacon  shews,  that  profound  men  are  too 
prying;  popular  men  draw  men's  eyes  too  much 
to  themselves;  men  of  courage  are  apt  to  be  tur- 
bulent; and  honest  men  too  stiff,  to  be  the  most 
successful  courtiers:  but  celerity  in  despatching 
business  has  nothing  in  it  that  does  not  please.- It 
is  however,  after  all,  of  small  value,  without  most 
ofthe  other  qualities.  IJVutes,  12:24.  1  Kin^-s  II 
26—28.  Ec.  8:10.) 


28  y  Remove   not  the  ancient  *  land- 
mark which  thy  fathers  have  set. 

29  Seest  thou  '^  a  man 
business.^  he  shall  stand  before  kings:  he 
shall  not  stand  before  tmean  men 


diligent  in  his 


y  23:10.      Deul.    19:1-1. 
Job  24:2. 
'  Or,  bound. 
:    10:4.     12:24.     1  King 


Ec.  9:10.  Mutt.  25:21,23.  Rom. 
12:11.    2  Tim.  4:2. 
f  Heb.  obscure  men. 


PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
V.  1—16. 
True  wisdom  greatly  consists  in  being  able  to 
judge  accurately  ofthe  comparative  value  of  ob- 
jects, which  stand  in  competition  with  each  oth- 
er: that  we  may  choose  the  more  excellent,  and 
bestow  proportionable  care  and  labor  to  secure 
them;  and  be  willing  to  sacrifice  the  inferior  to 
the  superior  interest.  The  salvation  of  our  souls, 
a  name  in  the  book  of  life,  and  the  "loving  favor" 
ofthe  Lord,  are  the  grand  concerns  of  all:  but  a 
good  name  among  men  is  the  next  most  valuable 
possession.  In  fact,  that  reputation,  which  just 
passes  current  in  the  world,  or  even  in  the  church, 
is  of  small  value.  The  fame,  which  men  obtain 
by  ingenuity,  valor,  learning,  or  illustrious  ac- 
tions, or  oy  whatever  merely  serves  to  render  a 
person  popular,  is  so  often  lavished  on  most  un- 
worthy characters,  and  is  so  ruinous  to  the  vain- 
glorious idol  and  his  besotted  idolaters,  that  a  wise 
man  cannot  desire  it:  nor  can  it  be  expected  that 
the  world  will  generally  honor  those  whom  God 
honors.  But  when  a  Christian,  regardless  of  liis 
own  glory,  but  zealous  for  the  honor  of  the  gos- 
pel, is  enabled  to  live  down  prejudice  and  calum- 
ny, and  to  convince  opposers  by  a  uniform  course 
of  integrity  and  discretion;  when  he  so  lives,  that 
those  who  dislike  his  creed,  hesitate  not  to  rely 
on  his  veracity  and  fidelity,  even  where  their  in- 
terests are  most  deeply  concerned;  when  he  can 
thus  extort  the  concession  from  all  parties,  that 
he  is  an  honest  and  friendly  man,  who  woi^ld  do 
good  to  every  one;  he  then  has  realized  a  treas- 
ure, compared  with  which  gold  and  silver  are 
baubles.  A  long  life,  spent  in  acquiring  such  an 
ascendency  over  the  minds  and  consciences  of 
men,  is  by  it  well  repaid;  and  the  closing  scene 
may  produce  effects  of  the  most  extensive  bene- 
fit. But  this  kind  of  reputation  is  acquired  with 
great  difficulty,  and  it  is  easily  forfeited;  for  the 
higher  it  is  advanced,  the  more  will  be  expected 
from  the  possessor.  {JVote,  Ec.  10:1.)  Nay,  it 
may  possibly  admit  of  great  abuse:  and  such  is 
the  inconsistency  of  man,  that  some  have  by  a 
long  course  of  good  conduct  acquired  a  deserv- 
edly high  reputation,  and  then  have  strangely 
been  induced  to  give  currency  to  error  witli  it! 
We  should  therefore  not  only  be  careful  to  obtain 
and  preserve  a  good  name;  but  we  should  be  very 
circumspect  what  use  we  make  of  the  character 
we  possess. — We  are  continually  reminded  that 
the  rich  and  the  poor  will  meet  together  before 
their  common  Creator,  as  their  impartial  Judge. 
If  then  the  rich  have  authority  over  his  poor 
neighbor,  let  him  use  it  with  gentleness,  and 
without  arrogance  or  contempt:  if  he  lend  or 
give  to  him,  let  him  not  attempt  to  domineer  over 
him  on  that  account,  remembering  that  botli  are 
upon  a  level  before  the  Lord.  Riches  and  power 
are  as  land  to  be  cultivated:  but  "he  wiio  sows 
iniquity,  will  reap  vanity,"  and  be  turned  out  of 
his  stewardship  with  disgrace.  Those  wlio  op- 
press the  poor  to  increase  their  riches;  and  even 
those  who  spend  that  in  presents  and  entertain- 
ments for  the  rich,  which  was  intrusted  to  them 
that  they  might  feed  the  poor;  will  surely  come 
to  want,  either  here  or  hereafter.  But  he,  whose 
eye  is  looking  out  continually  for  necessitous 
persons,  to  whom  he  may  dispense  his  bounty, 

[541 


B    C.  976. 


PROVERBS. 


B.  C.  976. 


CHAP.  XXIII. 

Cautions  against  self-indulgence  before  rulers;  against  avarice; 
visiting  a  churl;  speaking  before  a  fool:  and  oppression,  1 — 11. 
Kxliortations  to  study  wisdom;  and  to  correct  children  for  their 
good,  12 — 14.  The  joy  of  teachers  and  parents  over  wise 
children:  with  cautions  against  envy,  intemperance,  and 
whoredom;  and  exhortations  to  buy  the  truth,  to  honor  pa- 
rents, and  to  give  God  the  heart,  15 — 26.  The  infatuation  of 
drunkards,  -27—35. 

"HEN  thou  *  sittest  to  eat  with  a 
ruler,  consider  diligently  what  is 
before  thee: 

a  Gen.  43:32—34.  Jude  12. 


2  And   ^  put  a  knife  to  thy  throat,  if 
thou  be  a  man  given  to  appetite, 

3  Be  not  ''desirous  of  his  dainties:   for 
they  are  deceitful  meat. 

4  ''  Labor  not  to  be  rich:  ®  cease  from 
thine  own  wisdom. 

5  Wilt  'thou  *set  thine   eyes    upon 

1  Cor.    9:27. 


b    Matt.    18:8,9, 

Phil.  3:19. 
c  6.  Ps.  141:4.  Dan.  1:8.   Luke 

21:34.    Eph.  4:22. 
d  23:20.     John  6:27.     1  Tim.  6: 

8—10. 


e  3:5.  26:12.   Is.  5:21.  Rom.  II: 

25.  12:16. 
f  119:36,37.  Jer.  22:17.     iJohn 

2:16. 
*  Heb.   cause  thine  eyes  to  JJy 

upon,  ($-c. 


and  who  g-ives  liberally  "of  his  bread  to  the  poor," 
shall  abound  in  blessings:  and  the  rich  "have  the 
poor  always  with  them,  that  whensoever  they 
will,  the)'  may  do  them  good,"  and  so  obtain  those 
blessings.  And  let  the  poor  remember,  that  the 
Lord  made  the  difference  between  their  lot,  and 
that  of  the  rich:  let  them  then  submit  to  his  wise 
and  righteous  will,  without  envy  or  murmurings: 
let  them  be  humble,  obliging,  frugal,  and  indus- 
trious, attending  to  the  duties  of  their  station, 
and  expecting  the  great  decisive  day:  for  "by 
humility  and  the  fear  of  the  Lord,  are  true 
riches,  and  honor,  and  life;"  but  proud,  un- 
godly, dishonest,  and  licentious  poverty  is  in- 
deed disgraceful  and  ruinous.  In  short,  "thorns 
and  snares  are  in  the  path  of  the  froward," 
whatever  be  his  rank  in  life:  he  must  be  pierced 
with  sorrows,  and  entangled  in  temptations, 
from  which  "he  that  keepeth  his  soul"  shall  be 
far  removed. — The  scorner,  for  instance,  must 
be  excluded  from  every  orderly  family,  and  all 
instructive  company,  in  order  that  strife  and  con- 
tention may  go  out,  and  peace  may  be  pre- 
served. Thus  he  is  driven  to  associate  with  those, 
who  are  pests  of  society,  and  to  sink  deeper  into 
sin  and  misery  continually.  And  if  he  be  not  fit 
for  those  families,  which  have  some  feeble  resem- 
blance to  the  regions  of  peace  and  love;  he  will 
never  find  admission  into  heaven,  but  must  re- 
main in  outer  darkness  and  despair.  It  is  indeed 
desirable  in  the  highest  degree  to  live,  as  much 
as  may  be,  like  the  blessed  company  above, 
where  strife  and  envy  never  find  admission:  and 
that  our  families  also  may  be  peaceful  and  orderly, 
we  should  very  carefully  train  up  our  children 
"in  the  way  in  which  they  should  go;"  that  as 
they  grow  up,  the}'  may  set  an  example  of  obedi- 
ence, as  well  as  give  a  hopeful  prospect  of  living 
pious  and  useful  lives.  For  every  kind  of  foolish-  ] 
ness  and  vice  is  bound  up  in  the  heart  of  a  child, 
and  will  be  unfolded  by  years,  temptations,  and 
opportunities:  but  the  discreet  use  of  the  rod  of 
correction  has  a  powerful  tendency  to  check  its 
growth;  and,  when  used  in  obedience  to  God  and 
in  dependence  on  him,  is  an  appointed  means  of 
driving  it  away:  so  that  generally  those  who  are 
properly  educated,  when  they  grow  old  do  not 
depart  from  the  way  in  which  they  were  trained 
up.  But  humored  and  neglected  children  soon 
contract  habits  of  sloth:  every  exertion  or  diffi- 
culty dismays  them,  as  if  a  lion  were  in  their  path 
ready  to  devour  them;  and  thus  abject  poverty 
comes  upon  them. — Again,  ill- instructed  youths 
seldom  escape  that  deep  pit,  which  swallows  up 
the  abhorred  of  the  Lord.  They  are  lazy  and 
loitering,  and  come  within  the  flattering  speech 
of  the  strange  woman,  who  decoys  them  into  the 
most  ruinous  courses;  from  which  a  prudent  and 
pious  education  is  the  best  preservative.  The 
prudent  man  foreseeing  these  and  similar  evils,  to 
which  he  or  his  children  are  exposed,  will  take 
proper  precautions  against  them;  "but  the  simple 
pass  on,  and  are  punished." — Let  us  then  be  very 
thankful,  that  the  good  providence  of  God  has 
preserved  to  us  these  wonls  of  knowledge,  during 
542] 


so  long  a  course  of  years;  while  numerous  systems 
of  vain  philosophy  nave  sunk  into  oblivion,  and 
the  words  of  more  atrocious  transgressors  have 
perished:  and  let  us  seek  to  have  our  hearts  puri- 
fied by  faith,  and  our  words  seasoned  by  grace; 
and  then,  whatever  be  our  outward  condition, 
the  King  of  kings  will  be  our  everlasting  Friend. 
V.  17—29. 
How  important  is  it,  that  we  "bow  down  our 
ears,  and  apply  our  hearts  to  knowledge!"  For 
if  we  keep  these  instructions  within  us,  they  will 
be  a  source  of  constant  pleasure  to  us;  and  we 
shall  learn  to  fit  them  to  our  lips,  and  to  speak  of 
them  with  constancy  to  others,  when  we  practise 
them  ourselves.  Indeed  those  are  excellent 
things  in  counsels  and  knowledge,  which  shew  us 
the  certainty  of  divine  truths,  and  how  to  answer 
all,  who  inquire  after  them  or  object  to  them. 
And  we  should,  after  the  example  of  the  wise 
man,  tr)'  every  method  of  gaining  the  attention, 
and  impressing  the  hearts  of  others  with  them. — 
How  often  are  we  warned  against  oppressing  the 
poor  and  needy!  And  after  all  that  Christianity 
has  effected,  and  all  that  equitable  laws  and  im- 
partial judges  can  do,  in  those  few  places  where 
they  are  found,  these  warnings  are  by  no  means 
superfluous.  But  let  it  be  remembered  that 
he  who  robs  the  poor,  especially  under  color 
of  law,  rouses  the  dormant  vengeance  of  the  right- 
eous and  merciful  God,  who  makes  their  cause 
his  own. — A  great  deal  of  the  comfort,  safety,  and 
happiness  of  life,  depends  on  our  choice  of  friends: 
we  should  then  especially  avoid  the  furious  and 
contentious  man,  if  we  vahie  our  lives  and  souls; 
and  such  as  would  draw  us  in  to  engage  for  more 
than  we  are  worth,  to  the  defrauding  of  creditors, 
and  our  own  utter  ruin. — Habits  of  industrj',  and 
expert  activity  in  business,  formed  in  youth,  when 
connected  with  integrity  and  propriety  of  con- 
duct, are  of  great  importance:  for  they  do  more 
towards  a  man's  comfort  and  credit  even  in  this 
world,  than  large  inheritances  or  splendid  talents 
can  do.— But  after  all,  this  world  is  of  little  value. 
All  other  distinctions  will  soon  be  swallowed  up 
in  that  grand  one,  which  subsists  between  tho.?e 
who  trust  in  the  Lord,  and  those  that  do  not.  We 
may  come  short  of  wealth,  or  reputation,  and  the 
friendship  of  great  men;  but  the  King  of  heaven 
will  guard,  and  bless,  and  honor,  all  who  trust  in 
him;  while  he  "reserves  the  wicked  to  the  day  of 
judgment  to  be  punished."  Let  us  then  be  dili- 
gent in  his  work:  and  though  we  live  and  die 
among  mean  men,  we  shall  at  length  be  number- 
ed with  the  princes  of  his  people,  and  stand  with 
acceptance  before  the  King  of  glory. 

NOTES. 
Chap.  XXIII.  V.  1— 3.  At  the  tables  of  prin- 
ces and  rulers,  there  are  abundant  incentives  to 
excess:  but  many  reasons  will  induce  a  wise  man 
to  be  more  abstemious  there  than  elsewhere. 
Persons  of  inferior  rank  are  seldom  admitted  to 
such  tables,  but  upon  particular  occasions:  and 
their  behavior  will  be  narrowly  observed,  es- 
pecially  if  they  profess  religion,   or  are  public 


B.  C.  976. 


CHAPTER  XXIII. 


B.  C.  976. 


8  that  which  is  not?  lor  ''  riches  certainly 
make  themselves  wings:  they  fly  away  as 
an  eagle  towards  heaven. 

6  Eat  thou  not  the  bread  of  him  that 
hath  *  an  evil  eye,  neither  "  desire  thou 
his  dainty  meats. 

7  For  ^  as  he  thinketh  in  his  heart,  so 
is  he:  "  Eat  and  drink,  saith  he  to  theej 
but  his  heart  is  not  with  thee. 

8  The  morsel  which  thou  hast  eaten 
shalt  thou  vomit  up,  and  lose  thy  sweet 
words. 

9  °  Speak  not  in  the  ears  of  a  fool; 
for  °  he  will  despise  the  wisdom  of  thy 
words. 


?  Gen.  42:36.  Ec.  1:2.  12:8.  Is. 

55:2.     1  Cor.  7:29—31. 
k  27:24.    Job  1:14— 17.      Ps.  39: 

6.    Kc.  5:13,14.    Matt.  6:19.   1 

Tim.  6:17.   Jam.  5:1,2. 
i  22:9.  Deut.  16:9.  23:56.  Matt. 

20:15.   Mark  7:22. 
k3.   Ps.  141:4.    Dan.  1:8—10. 
1  l9:-22.  Matt.  9:3,4.  Luke  7:39. 


m  JuJg.  16:15.     2  Sam.  13:26— 

28.    Ps.  12:2.  55:21.     Dan.  11: 

27.   Luke  ll:37,&c. 
n  9:7,8.  26:4,5.    Is.  36:21.  Matt. 

7:6.    Acts  13:45,46.  28:25—23. 
0   Luke  16:14.     John  8:52.  9:30 

—34,40.   10:20.    Acts  17:18,32. 

1  Cor.  1:21-24.  4:10—13. 


teachers.  Indulgence  of  the  appetite  frequently 
betrays  into  impropriety  of  conduct,  which  ex- 
cites resentment,  or  renders  the  superior  less 
friendly.  It  must  lessen  a  man's  character  to  be 
delighted  with  an  opportunity  of  self-indulgence: 
he  appears  to  covet  that  abundance  which  he  does 
not  possess:  he  sanctions  the  excesses  and  luxuri- 
ous indulgences  of  ungodly  men,  against  which 
his  example  at  least  should  protest:  and  it  weak- 
ens his  influence,  and  deprives  him  of  opportuni- 
ties of  usefulness,  which  are  too  valuable  to  be 
sold  at  so  contemptible  a  price.  A  man  should 
therefore  "consider  diligently"  what  and  who  is 
before  him,  and  what  consequences  his  conduct 
may  produce:  and  if  he  knows  himself  liable  to  be 
overcome  by  his  appetite,  he  should  double  his 
guard;  and  ^ct  as  if  a  knife  were  at  his  throat  to 
give  him  a  mortal  wound,  if  he  yielded  to  the 
temptation;  that  is,  he  should  dread  such  unseem- 
ly behavior  worse  than  even  death.  He  should 
learn  to  be  indifferent  about  "deceitful  meat;" 
which  promises  pleasure,  but  produces  painful  ef- 
fects to  the  health,  character,  interests,  and  con- 
science. 'For  oft  times  the  rich,  when  they  bid 
'their  inferiors  to  their  tables,  it  is  not  for  the  love 
'they  bear  them;  but  for  their  own  secret  pur- 
'poses.' — The  words  rendered  given  to  appetite, 
may  mean,  possession  of  thy  soul,  that  is  'If  thou 
'hast  thy  wits  about  thee.'  {Marg.  Ref. — J^Totes, 
6—8.  Ps.  141:3,4.  Jude  11—13,  v.  12.) 

V.  4,  5.  The  wisdom  of  the  world  greatly  con- 
sists in  skilfully  laboring  to  be  rich;  and  iii  con- 
triving every  plan,  without  being  over  scrupu- 
lous, and  in  giving  all  diligence,  to  get  forward  in 
this  grand  concern:  for  prodigality,  and  other 
vices  inconsistent  with  growing  rich,  are  general- 
ly considered  as  a  man's/o/Zy.  Solomon  therefore 
not  only  exhorts  the  reader  to  cease  from  his  own 
folly,  but  from  his  own  wisdom:  and  not  to  loeary 
himself  about  acquiring  wealth;  but  to  subordi- 
nate all  his  worldly  interests  and  pursuits  to  the 
acquisition  of  wisdom  and  piety,  and  thus  to  lay 
up  more  certain  and  valuable  treasures.  For 
why  should  a  man  let  his  eyes  and  heart  eagerly 
pursue  an  empty,  fleeting  shadow.'  especially 
when  substantial  good  is  within  his  reach.  Yet 
riches  are  an  empty,  fleeting  shadow,  of  this  kind, 
which  the  worldly  man  watches  and  broods  over, 
till  at  length  they  form  themselves,  as  it  were, 


10  P  Remove  not  the  old  *land-markj 
and  enter  not  into  the  fields  of  the  i  fa- 
therless: 

1 1  For  "■  their  Redeemer  is  mighty; 
he  shall  plead  their  cause  with  thee. 

12  *  Apply  thine  heart  unto  instruc- 
tion, and  thine  ears  to  the  words  of 
knowledge. 

1 3  Withhold  *  not  correction  from  the 
child;  for  if  thou  beatest  him  with  the 
rod,  he  shall  not  die. 

14  Thou  shalt  "  beat  him  with  the  rod, 
and  shalt  deliver  his  soul  from  hell. 

15  '^  My  son,  ^  if  thine  heart  be  wise, 
my  heart  shall  rejoice,  t  even  mine. 

p  22:28.      Deut.    19:14.    27:17.  |     21—25 


Job  24:2. 
*  Or,  hound. 
o  Job  6:27.    22:9.    24:3,9.  31:21 

—23.     Ps.  94:6.     Jer.  7:5.    22: 

3.  Zech.  7:10.  Mai.  3:5.  Jam. 

1:27. 
r  22:23.    Ex.  22:22—24.    Deut. 

27:19.  Ps.  12:5.    Jer.  50:33,34. 

51:36. 
s  19.  2:2—6.   5:1,2.  22:17.     Ez. 

33:3!.     Matt.    13:52.     Jam.  1: 


t  13:24.   19:18.  29:15,17. 

u  22:15.     1  Cor.  5:5.   11:32. 

X  1:10.  2:1.  4:1.  Matt.  9:2.  John 

21:5.    1  John  2:1. 
y  24,25.     10:1.     15:20.    29:3.    1 

Thes.  2:19,20.    3:8,9.     2  Jojin 

4    3  John  3,4. 
f  Or,  even  I  will  rejoice.     Jer. 

32:41.     Zeph.  3:17.     Luke  15: 

23,24,32.    John  15:11. 


wings,  and  fly  away,  quite  out  of  his  reach,  as  the 
swift  and  soaring  eagle  flies  towards  heaven, 
[J^otes,  26:12.  27:23—27.  Job  1:14—17.  Ps.  39:6. 
Ec.  5:13—17.  Matt.  6:19—21.  1  Tm.  6:6— 10,  vi>. 
8—10.) 

V.  6 — 8.  Many  make  a  shew  of  entertaining 
their  acquaintance,  who  sordidly  grudge  the  ex- 
pense, and  often  betray  symptoms  of  this  ostenta- 
tious penuriousness.  But  a  wise  man  would  not 
be  under  obligations  to  persons  of  so  base  and  in- 
sincere a  character:  for  though  their  words  be 
friendly  and  their  entertainment  good,  there  is  no 
cordial  welcome;  and  in  their  hearts  they  are 
best  pleased  with  those  who  decline  their  invita- 
tions. It  is  enough  to  make  a  man  loathe  every 
morsel  that  he  has  eaten  at  the  expense  of  such 
persons,  and  to  wish  they  had  it  again:  and  he 
cannot  but  be  ashamed  and  grieved  to  reflect, 
that  he  wasted  his  sweet  words  in  complimenting, 
flattering,  or  even  thanking,  those  who  so  little 
deserve  it. — The  word  rendered  lose.,  equally 
means  corrupt;  and  may  intimate  the  temptation 
to  which  the  guest  of  a  churl  is  exposed,  of  devi- 
ating from  sincerity  and  piety  in  his  conversation, 
to  avoid  giving  oifence.  [Marg.  Rtf. — JS'otes,  1 
—3.  22:9.  Deut.  15:9,10.) 

V.  9.  (See  on  JVote,  9:7 — 9.)  This  maxim  im- 
plies speaking  on  important  subjects  to  others,  in 
the  hearing  ^  a  foolish  and  vjicked  man,  who  will 
do  all  he  can  to  expose  it  to  ridicule  and  contempt. 
{Ps.  39:1.) 

V.  10,  11.  (See  on  J^otes,  22:22,23,28.)  The 
redeemer  was  the  next  of  kin,  who  was  authoriz- 
ed, and  required,  and  even  bound  in  interest,  to 
see  that  his  poor  relations  were  not  oppressed  or 
defrauded;  (J^ote,  Lev.  25:25 — 55.)  and  he  was 
the  avenger  of  blood  incase  they  were  murdered. 
The  redeemer  of  orphans  and  widows,  in  this  case, 
might  be  so  poor  and  helpless,  that  a  rich  and 
powerful  oppressor  would  despise  and  defy  him: 
but  let  it  be  well  attended  to,  that  the  almighty 
God  is  the  Redeemer  of  the  fatherless,  and  will 
defend  their  cau=e  against  all  who  injure  them. 
{JIarg.  Ref.-JVotes,  Ps.  12:5,6.  94:1—7.  Is.  47: 
4.  Jer.  50:33,:34.) 

V.  12.    Marg.  Ref.—jVotes,  2:1—10. 
i      V.  13,  14.    (Marg.  Ref.)— 'Do  not  turn  over 
j  'this  business  to  another,  but  do  it  thyself;  which 
I  'may  save  the  publie  officers  the  labor:  nay,  by 

[543 


B.  C.  976. 


PROVERBS. 


B.  C.  976. 


16  Yea,  my  reins  shall  rejoice,  when 
"  thy  lips  speak  right  things. 

17  Let '"  not  thine  heart  envy  sinners; 
but  **  be  thou  in  the  fear  of  the  Lord  all 
the  day  long. 

18  For  *=  surely  there  is  an  *  end,  and 
•*  thine  expectation  shall  not  be  cut  off. 

[Practical  Observations.] 

19  Hear  thou,  my  son,  and  be  wise, 
*  and  guide  thine  heart  in  the  way. 

20  Be  '  not  among  wine-bibbers; 
among  riotous  eaters  of  t  flesh. 

2 1  For  s  the  drunkard  and  the  glutton 
shall  come  to  poverty;  and  ''  drowsiness 
shall  clothe  a  man  with  rags. 

"  ~       ~    ■  "  ■  "  1:20. 

e  12,-26.  4:10,23. 

f29— 35.  20:1.  28:7.  31:6,7.  Is. 
5:11.  22:13.  Matt.  24:49.  Luke 
15:13.  16:19.  21:34.  Rom.  13: 
13.  Epb.  5:13.     1  Pet.  4:3,4. 

t  Heb.    tkeir  Jlesh. 

g  21:17.  Deut.  21:20.  Is.  28:1 
—3.    Joel  1:5.     1  Cor.  5:1J.  6: 


Col.  4: 


z  8:6.     Epb.  4:29.  5:4 

4.   Jam.  3:2. 
a  3:31.  24:1.    Ps.  37:1.  73.3. 
b  15:16.  28:14.    Ps.  111:10.  112: 

1.    Ec.  5:7.   12:13,14.     Acts  9: 

31.     2  Cor.  7:1.     1  Pet.  1:17. 
c  Ps.  37:37.     Jer.  29:11.     Luke 

16:25.     Rom.  6:21,22. 
*  Or,  re-ward.  24:14.     Heb.  10: 

35. 
d   Ps.  9:18.     Jer.  29:11.     Pbil. 


10.    Gal.  5:21.   Phil.  3:19. 
h  6:9—11.  24:30—34. 


22  '  Hearken  unto  thy  father  that  be- 
gat thee,  and  "^  despise  not  thy  mother 
when  she  is  old. 

23  '  Buy  the  truth,  and  ■"  sell  it  not; 
also  wisdom,  and  instruction,  and  under- 
standing. 

24  The  °  father  of  the  righteous  shall 
greatly  rejoice,  and  he  that  begetteth  a 
wise  child  "shall  have  joy  of  him. 

25  Thy  father  and  thy  mother  shall 
be  glad,  p  and  she  that  bare  thee  shall  re- 
joice. 

26  <i  My  son,  ■"  give  me  thine  heart, 
and  ^  let  thine  eyes  observe  my  ways. 


i    1:8.    6:20.     Deut.    21:18—21. 

27:16.   Mark  7:10.    Epb.  6:1,2. 
k   30:11,17.      Lev.  19:3.     Matt. 

15:4—6.    John  19:26,27. 
I  2:2—4.    4:5—7.    16:16.    17:16. 

Job  28:12— 19.   Ps.  119:72,162. 

Is.  55:1.   Matt  13:44,46.    Phil. 

3:7,8.    Rev.  3:18. 
m   Matt.  16:26.     Acts  20:23,24. 

Heb.  11:26.    Rev.  12:11. 
D  15,16.  10:1.  15:20.    1  Kings  1: 


48.  2:1—3,9.     Ec.  2:19. 
0  Pbilemon  19,20. 
p  17:25.     1  Chr.  4:9,10.     Luke 

1:31—33,40—47,58.   11:27,28. 
q  15. 
r  4:23.    Deut.  6:5.    Matt.  10:37, 

38.     Luke  14:26.     2  Cor.  5:14, 

15.  8:5.     Epb.  3:17. 
s  4:25— 27.    Ps.  107:43.  119:9— 

11.   Hos.  14:9.     2  Pet.  1:19. 


'making  his  body  smart  for  his  faults,  both  body 
'and  soul  may  be  delivered  from  utter  destruction.' 
Bp.  Patrick — The  word  is  Sheol,  which  doubt- 
less means  here  more  than  the  grave.  The  verses 
may  also  imply  a  caution  not  to  correct  children 
in  an  improper  manner,  as  well  as  an  admonition 
not  to  withhold  correction  from  them.  Those 
who  strike  children  in  a  passion,  often  use  im- 
proper weapons,  and  risk  material  evil  conse- 
quences: and  this  abuse  has  tended  to  discredit 
wholesome  and  scriptural  correction.  But  the 
use  of  the  rod,  though  it  pains  the  child,  (and  the 
tender  parent  perhaps  still  more,)  will  be  sure  not 
to  kill  him,  and  is  calculated  to  deliver  his  soul 
from  hell.  (JVbte*,  13:24.  19:18.  22:15.29:15,17. 
Heb.  12:9—11.) 

V.  15,  16.  Some  interpret  these  verses  as  the 
language  of  a  wise  and  pious  parent;  who  con- 
scientiously corrects  his  child;  and  at  the  same 
time  affectionately  expostulates  with  him,  and 
shews  him,  that  he  has  nothing  in  view  except  his 
good,  which  would  give  tlie  tender  parent  an  in- 
expi'essible  satisfaction:  especially  if  the  child 
were  not  only  kept  from  evil  ways,  but  enabled 
to  be  useful,  by  pious  conversation,  prudence, 
and  upright  counsel,  to  others  also.  This  is  a 
very  interesting  and  instructive  application  of 
the  passage,  and  well  worthy  the  attention  of 
parents.  {Mirg,  Ref.—JVotes,  24,25.  10:1.  15:20. 
1  Thes.  3:6—10.  PhUem.  17—21.  3  John  1—4.) 

V.  17,  18.  When  we  habitually  act  with  an  aw- 
ful yet  animating  sense  of  God  in  our  minds,  as 
in  his  presence,  and  according  to  his  commands, 
seeking  to  please  him,  and  expecting  help  and 
happiness  from  him:  then  we  are  "in  the  fear  of 
the  Lord  all  the  day  long."  And  such  persons 
have  no  need  to  envy  prosperous  sinners:  for  the 
end  of  their  trials  and  of  the  sinner's  prosperity  is 
at  hand;  and  the  believer's  "expectation  shall  not 
be  cut  off,"  or  perish  in  disappointment.  [Marg. 
Ref.—Jfoles,  15:16.  22:14.  Ps.  37:1—11,37,38. 
Ec.  12:11—14.  Acts  9:31.  Rom.  6:21—23.) 

V.  19.  In  the  way.}  'In  the  observation  of 
'God's  commandments.'  {JVotes,  4:11—13,18,19, 
23.1 

V.  20—22.  {Marg.  Ref.—JVoles,  29—35.  6:6 
— U.  20:1.  21:17.  28:7.  31:4—7.  /*.  5:11—17. 
Luke  15:13—16.  Phil.  3:17—19.  1  Pet.  4:3—5.) 
The  connexion  between  the  verses  leads  our 
thoughts  to  that  law  of  God  by  Moses,  which  en- 
544] 


acted,  that  the  stubborn  and  rebellious  son,  who 
was  a  "glutton  and  a  drunkard,"  should,  when 
convicted  by  the  combined  testimony  of  both  his 
parents,  be  stoned.  (j\ote,  Deut.  21:18 — 21.) — 
The  latter  clause  is  literally,  "Despise  not  thy 
mother,  because  she  is  grown  old:"  that  being  the 
very  reason  why  the  son  ought  to  love,  honor, 
and  be  a  comfort  to  her,  as  far  as  he  possibly  can. 
(JVotes,  1:8.  6:20,21.  30:11—14,  v.  11,17.  Lev.  19: 
3.  Matt.  15:3—6.  John  19:25—27.) 

V.  23.  'Riches  should  be  employed  to  get 
'learning;  and  not  learning  applied  to  gather  up 
'riches.'  Lord  Bacon,  quoted  by  Bp.  Patrick. — 
'Spare  no  costs  for  truth's  sake,  neither  depart 
'from  it  for  any  gaiijs.' — The  knowledge  of  divine 
truth,  with  that  profession  of  it,  and  obedience 
to  God,  which  are  inseparable  from  it,  often  costs 
much;  not  only  great  labor,  but  loss  of  property, 
friends,  character,  liberty,  and  even^life:  yet  it 
cannot  possibly  be  bought  too  dear.  We  should 
determine  to  make  the  truth  our  own,  though  it 
cost  us  our  lives,  and  not  to  sell  it  at  any  price. 
Christ  is  this  Truth.  Many,  like  Herod,  Felix, 
Agrippa,  and  the  rich  young  man,  will  not  go  to 
the  price  of  becoming  his  true  disciples;  and 
many,  after  professing  themselves  his  followers, 
like  Demas,  forsake  him,  and  "sell  the  truth,^ 
"having  loved  this  present  world."  But  true 
Christians  "count  all  but  loss,  for  the  excellency 
of  the  knowledge  of  Christ,"  and  compared  with 
his  righteousness  and  salvation.  (JUarg.  Re/. — 
JSTotes,  2:1—9.  4:5—7.  16:16.  Matt.  13:44—46. 
16:24—28,1;.  26.  Phil.  3:8—11.  Heb.  11:24—26. 
Rev.  2:12,13.  3:18,19.) 

V.  24,  25.  'There  is  no  greater  joy  a  parent 
'can  have,  than  to  see  his  son  take  virtuous 
'courses.  ...  Let  not  thy  father  and  mother  then 
'want  this  singular  pleasure:  but  by  thy  well- 
'doing  fill  the  heart  of  her  that  bare  thee  with  joy 
'and  triumph,  who  for  all  the  pains  and  care  she 
'hath  had  in  thy  birth,  and  about  thy  education, 
'desires  no  other  requital,  but  only  this.'  Bp. 
Patrick.     (See  on  JVotes,  15,20—22,  v.  22.) 

V.  26.  'Give  thyself  wholly  to  wisdom.'— If 
this  verse  be  considered,  merely  as  the  words  of 
Solomon  to  his  son,  or  to  the  reader,  it  means  no 
more  than  an  afl'ectiouate  call  for  earnest  atten- 
tion to  instruction,  and  especially  to  the  subse- 
quent important  cautions.  But  in  these  chapters, 
Wisdom,  (that  is,  Christ,  the  Word  and  Wisdom 


B.  C.  976. 


CHAPTER  XXllI. 


B.  C.  976. 


27  For  a  whore  is  a  deep  ditch;  and 
a  strange  woman  is  a  narrow  pit. 

28  She  also  lieth  in  wait  *as  for  *  a 
prey,  and  "  increaseth  the  transgressors 
among  men. 

29  IT  ''  Who  hath  woe.''  who  hath  sor- 
row.^ who  hath  contentions?  who  hath 
babbling.''  who  hath  wounds  without  cause.'' 
who  hath  ^  redness  of  eyes.'' 

30  They  that  ^  tarry  long  at  the  wine; 
they  that  go  to  seek  ^  mixed  wine. 

31  ^  Look  not  thou  upon  the  wine 
when  it  is  red,  when  it  giveth  his  color  in 
the  cup,  when  it  moveth  itself  aright. 


'  Or,  as  a  robber.    Jer.  3:2. 
t  2:16— )9.    7:22—27.  9:13.  22; 

14.     Jiidg.  16:4,&c.    Ec.  7:26. 
u  Num.  25:1.  Hos.  4:11.    1  Cor. 

10:8.    Rev.  17:1,2. 
X  21.   20:1.     1  Sam.  25:36,37.  2 

Sam.    13:28.      1  Kings  20:16, 

&c.    Is.  5:22.  28:7,8.     Nah.  1: 


10.    Matt.  24:49,50.    Luke  12: 

45,46.     Eph.  5:18. 
y  Gen.  49:12. 

z  Gen.  9:21.    Is.  5:11.    Am.  6:6. 
a  9-2    Ps.  75:3. 
b  6:25.     2  Sam.  11:2.    Job  31:1. 

Ps.    119:37.       Matt.   5:28—30. 

Mark  9:47.     lJobn2:16. 


of  God,)  seems  to  address  the  reader,  as  at  the 
beginning  of  the  book:  {JVutes,  1:20.  8:12.  9:1—6.) 
and  on  that  supposition,  this  verse  is  a  call  of 
C'hrist  to  every  reader,  to  give  liim  his  heart. 
The  law  demands  love  to  God  with  the  whole 
heart  and  soul;  but  sin  and  the  world  have  pos- 
session of  it  in  fallen  creatures:  and  the  express 
design  of  the  gospel  is  to  bring  us,  by  repentance 
and  faith,  to  give  our  hearts  to  the  Savior  and 
to  God  through  him;  that  he  may  there  set  up  his 
•kingdom,  write  his  law,  and  reign  the  undisputed 
Lord  of  all  our  afTeclions.  And  unless  this  call 
be  obeyed,  all  else  will  be  decidedly  rejected. 
(JIarg.  Ref.—JS'oles,  4:23—27.  Deut.  6:5.  Matt. 
10:37—39.  1  Cor.  16:21—24,  v.  22.  2  Cor.  5:13 
—15.  1  JbAra4:19.) 

V.  27,  28.  {J\larg.  Re/.— See  on  J^ote,  22:14.) 
— "A  narrow  pit,"  out  of  which  it  is  extremely 
difficult  to  escape.  (JVbto,  2:18,19.  5:3—14.  7: 
6 — 23.) — 'Such  are  her  arts,  notwithstanding  all 
*the  straits  and  hardships  thou  shalt  suffer  by  her; 
'it  will  be  an  hard  matter,  when  thou  art  once 
'engaged,  to  get  quit  of  her.  ...  She  is  of  no  other 
'use  in  the  world,  which  already  is  too  bad,  but 
'to  make  it  worse,  by  increasing  the  number  of 
'lewd,  disloyal,  and  faithless  men.'  Bp.  Patrick 
{JSTole,  5:14.) 

V.  29.  'Every  wickedness  brings  mischief 
'with  it:  but  who  is  the  man  that  especially  draws 
'on  himself  all  manner  of  sorrows  and  incon- 
'venienccs,  both  in  soul,  body,  and  estate.'  Who 
'is  he  that  raiseth  quarrels  and  contentions  upon 
'every  trifle.'  Who  is  he  that  is  full  of  idle,  ob 
'scene,  and  unsavory  words.''  Who  is  he  that  in 
'distempered  frays  gets  stripes  and  wounds.'  Who 
'is  he  that  afflicts  his  eyes  with  dcfluctions  and 
'inflammations."  Bji.  Hall.  But  no  translation 
<n-  paraphrase  can  do  justice  to  the  concise,  ab- 
rupt, and  energetic  manner  of  the  original. 
[Jlarg.  Rrf.—Hee  on  JVo<e,  20:1.) 

V".  30.  "They  that  are  tlic  last  at  the  wine." 
'  He  that  sits  long  at  the  wine,  that  hunts  about  from 
'one  tavern  to  another,  wiiere  he  may  find  the 
'most  exquisite  wine.'  (JVbto,  Ps.lH-.'S.  Is.  5:11 
— 17, 1'y.  11,12.   .Qm.  6:3—8.) 

V.  31—33.  JIarg.  Ref.—JVhtes,  31:4—7.  Gen. 
19:31_38.  /*.  5:22,23.  28:7,8.  56:9—12.  Dan.  5:1 
—4.  Has.  7:5—7.  Hab.  2:15—17.  Matt.  14:6,7. 
Luke  21:34—36.  Eph.  5:15—20,  v.  ]8.  1  Pet. 
3:3—5. 

V.  34,  35.  The  perils,  to  which  drunken  men 
expose  themselves,  are  as  imminent  as  if  they  lay 
flown  to  sleep  upon  the  unstable  waves  of  the 
sea,  or  upon  the  ioj)  of  the  ship's  mast  in  a  storm. 

Vol.  111.  69 


32  "  At  the  last  it  ^  biteth  hke  a  ser- 
pent, and  stingeth  like  t  an  adder. 

33  Thine  ^  eyes  shall  behold  strange 
women,  ^  and  thine  heart  shall  utter  per- 
verse things. 

34  Yea,  ^thou  shalt  be  as  he  that  heth 
down  in  the  ^  midst  of  the  sea,  or  as  he 
that  heth  upon  the  top  of  a  mast. 

35  They  have  ''  stricken  me,  shalt 
thou  say,  and  I  was  not  sick;  they  have 
beaten  me,  and  5 1  felt  it  not:  when  shall 
I  awake.''  '  I  will  seek  it  yet  again. 

c  5:11.    Is.  28:3,7,8.     Jer.  5:31.  |    20:16,&c.  .Toe)  1:5.     Malt.  24 

Ez.  7:5,6,12.     Luke    16:25,26.       ~~      '    '  ""     "'"'    ' 

Rom.  6:21.  ' 

d  Kc.  10:8.     Jer.  8:17.     Am.  5: 

19.  9:3. 
t  Or,  a  cockatrice.    Is.  59:5. 
e  Gen.  19:32,&c. 
f  31:5.     Ps.   69:12.     Dan.  5:4. 

Hos.  7:5.     Jude  12,13. 
g    1  Sam.    25:36-33.    30:16,17. 

2  Sam.    13:28.      1  Kin?s    16:9. 


38.     Luke  17:27—29.    21:34. 

Thes.  5:2—7. 
t  Heb.   heart.   Ex.  15:8. 
ii  27:22.    Jer.  5:3.  31:18. 
§  Heb.  1  knew  it  not.     Eph.  4: 

19. 
i  26:11.    Deut.  29:19.    Is.  22:13. 

56:12.   J  Cor.  15:32—34.  2  Pet. 

2:22. 


A  drunken  man  may  be  beaten  and  bruised,  and 
not  be  sensible  of  it  at  the  time;  but  he  will  feel 
it  severely  afterwards:  yet  so  inveterate  are  his 
habits,  and  so  great  his  infatuation;  that  as  soon 
as  he  has,  with  difficulty,  shaken  ofT  the  drowsi- 
ness of  the  last  night's  debauch,  he  is  determined 
to  "seek  it  yet  again."  No  loss,  pain,  sickness, 
poverty,  ill-treatment,  imminent  dangers,  and 
merciful  deliverances,  can  prevail  witli  him  so 
much  as,  sincerely  and  constantly,  to  desire  to 
break  his  chain.     {Marg.  and  Marg.  Ref. ) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
V.  1—18. 
How  good  are  all  the  laws  and  counsels  of  the 
Lord!  His  prohibitions  only  say  to  us,  "Do  thy- 
self no  harn^."  He  "givetli  us  all  things  richly 
to  enjoy,"  as  far  as  it  is  good  for  us;  and  then 
enters  his  paternal  caveat  against  oui;  disgrace- 
ing  or  ruining  ourselves  by  excess.  He  requires 
his  rational  creatures  to  be  the  lords,  and  not  the 
slaves,  of  their  animal  appetites:  and  how  mean 
and  senseless  is  it,  to  rush  upon  indulgence,  when 
the  honor  of  God,  the  good  of  our  neighbor,  and 
our  own  advantage,  concur  in  laying  the  appetite 
under  a  temporary  interdict!  Such  is  the  holy 
law  of  God  in  all  its  strictness;  and  its  goodness 
renders  the  transgression  of  it  inexcusable.  But 
the  gospel  alone  encourages  us  with  the  assur- 
ance of  pardon  and  effectual  grace:  and,  through 
the  motives,  encouragements,  and  aids  thus  pro- 
posed to  us,  we  may  cheerfully  hearken  to  the 
instructions  of  wisdom,  and  hope  practically  (•! 
derive  benefit  from  them. — Let  us  then  "apply 
our  hearts  unto  instruction,"  and  "our  ears  unto 
the  words  of  knowledge."  Thus  we  shall  learn 
to  avoid  every  inexpedient  indulgence;  and  to 
be  of  his  mind  who  "would  eat  no  flesh,  while  the 
world  slood,  rather  than  cause  his  weak  brother 
to  offend."  We  shall  consider  times  and  circum- 
stances, where  we  are,  and  "what  is  before  us," 
and  what  impression  our  conduct  may  make,  or 
what  effects  it  may  produce,  upon  others:  we 
shall  place  the  strongest  guard  on  the  weakest 
side:  and  when  we  most  feel  our  weakness;  we 
shall  shun  temptation,  or  be  doubly  earnest  in 
prayer  to  overcome  it:  we  shall  not  allow  a  de- 
sire after  the  delicacies,  which  we  find  to  be  en- 
snaring to  our  souls;  and  shall  endeavor  espe- 
cially to  practise  abstemiousness,  where  incen- 
tives" to  excess  most  abound.  He  who  is  thus  in- 
structed, will  feel  little  inclination  to  come  tc 
the  (able  of  a  selfish  man,  however  well  it 
is     spread,    or    however    prcssinglv    he    is    in- 

[.545 


B.  C.  976. 


PROVERBS. 


CHAP.  XXIV. 


Cautions  against  envy,  discontent,  sinful  thoughts,  neglect  of 
doing  good,  or  deferring  to  do  it;  rejoicing  over  an  enemy's  ca- 
lamity; respect  of  persons,  flattery,  revenge,  and  sloth;  with 
recommendations  of  the  knowledge  and  fear  of  God,  and  obe- 
dience to  the  king;  and  declarations  of  the  safety  of  the  right- 
eous, 1 — 34. 


B 

them. 


E   '^  not  thou   envious 
men,  ^  neither    desire 


B.  C.  976. 

against  evil 
to  be  with 


119.    3:31.23:17.     Ps.  37:1,7.  lb  MI— 15.     13:50.     Gen.  13:10 
73:3.     Gal.  5:1»— 21.    Jam.  4:       — 13.   19:l,&c.     Ps.  26:9. 


vited.  For  what  should  he  do  there.'  Edifying 
conversation  would  be  thrown  awa)';  and  it 
would  be  worse  than  a  waste  of  words,  to  speak 
sweet  language  to  a  man,  whom  he  cannot  but 
regard  with  a  mixture  of  pity  and  contempt. — 
He,  who  hears  the  words  of  Christ,  will  beware 
also  of  covetousness.  In  his  honest  industry  he 
will  aim  to  do  his  duty,  but  will  not  "labor  to  be 
rich;"  he  will  not  set  his  eyes,  or  his  heart,  on 
such  fleeting  treasures,  knowing  how  speedily 
and  certainly  a  separation  must  take  place.  For 
he,  whose  treasures  are  left  on  earth,  and  whose 
soul  is  in  hell,  will  find  that  he  coveted  what  was 
not;  that  his  wealth  was  a  phantom,  but  his  crimes 
a  reality.  Who  then,  that  is  wise,  would  remove 
the  old  land-mark,  or  take  possession  of  the  es- 
tate of  the  fatherless,  or  get  wealth  by  any  kind  or 
degree  of  injustice  or  oppression  of  the  poor.?  For 
"their  Redeemer  is  mighty,"  (though  he  became 
poor,  that  he  might  be  their  Brother  and  Re- 
deemer,) and  he  will  plead  their  cause  with  those 
that  wrong  them.  But  if  any  are  resolved  to 
grow  rich  by  such  means,  we  must  let  them  alone: 
the  covetous  Pharisees  derided  even  Christ,  when 
he  warned  them  to  be  faithful  in  the  unrighteous 
mammon:  and  he  bids  us,  not  to  "speak  in  the 
ears  of  a  fool,  for  he  will  despise  the  wisdom  of 
our  words."  But  surely  we  shall  "not  envy  sin- 
ners;" let  us  but  live  conscientiously  "in  the  fear 
of  God  all  the  day  long,"  and  "wait  for  the  mercy 
of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  unto  eternal  life:"  and 
when  the  end  comes,  and  our  expectations  are 
fully  answered,  we  shall  find  that  true  godli- 
ness is  great  gain.  As  the  Lord  commands  us, 
with  a  solemn  introduction,  not  to  withhold  cor- 
rection from  our  children,  but  "to  beat  them 
with  the  rod  to  save  their  souls''  from  destruction; 
so  we  may  expect,  that  he  will  correct  us  for  our 
good,  if  we  are  the  objects  of  his  special  love. 
Let  us  then  take  affliction  in  good  part,  and  seek 
to  have  it  sanctified,  that  we  "may  be  partakers 
of  his  holiness."  Thus  our  teachers  will  rejoice 
on  our  account;  nay,  the  Lord  himself  will  "re- 
joice over  us  to  do  us  good:"  and,  obeying  his 
commands  and  copying  his  example,  in  educating 
our  children,  we  may  hope  to  enjoy  with  exulting, 
hearts,  the  highest  satisfaction  which  can  be  de- 
rived from  outward  things,  while  we  witness  their 
pious,  wise,  and  useful  conduct,  in  the  situations 
which  Providence  shall  allot  them;  and  may 
cheerfully  leave  the  world,  assured  that  the  best 
part  of  all  we  knew,  spoke,  or  did,  will  survive 
lis,  and  through  them  be  made  useful  to  the  next 
generation. 

V.  19—35. 
The  gracious  Savior,  who  purchased  for  his 
people  pardon  and  peace,  with  all  the  affection  of 
a  kind  preceptor,  yea,  of  a  tender  parent,  coun- 
sels us  to  "hear  and  be  wise,  and  to  guide  our 
hearts  in  his  ways:"  and  at  the  same  time  he  is 
ready  to  assist  us  "in  obeying  every  one  of  his  in- 
lunctions.  "Be  not,"  says  he,  "amongst  wine- 
bibbers,  amongst  riotous  eaters  of  flesh:  for  the 
drunkard  and  the  glutton  shall  come  to  poverty," 
and  the  "drowsiness,"  which  such  excess  occa- 
sions, "will  clothe  a  man  with  ra^s."  Mark,  says 
he,  and  learn  wisdom  by  the  painful  experience 
of  other  men.  Who  has  more  misery  and  sorrow 
than  his  neighbors?  Who  is  always  engaged  in 
riots,  fightings,  duels,  or  law-suits?  Who  renders 
liimseif  despised  or  hated  by  his  babblings?  Who 
is  frequently  covered  with  bruises,  or  laid  up  with 
dangerous  wounds,  when  neither  called  to  defend 
54  6  j 


himself,  nor  his  friends,  nor  his  country?  Who 
carries  the  marks  of  his  distempered  body,  in  the 
redness  of  his  eyes,  and  in  his  bloated  counte- 
nance? Do  you  not  see  that  these  are  the  wretch- 
ed distinctions  of  those,  "that  tarry  long  at  the 
wine,  that  go  to  seek  mixed  wine?"  Do  you  envy 
their  advantages?  or  do  you  wish  to  be  exempted 
from  such  miseries?  If  you  desire  the  latter,  then 
beware  of  contracting  the  habit  of  drinking  be- 
yond the  bounds  of  the  strictest  temperance.  The 
wine  may  sparkle  in  the  glass,  and  appear  beauti- 
ful to  the  eye,  and  drunken  poets  may  write  very 
ingenious  things  in  praise  of  it:  it  may  also  please 
the  palate,  and  exhilarate  the  mind  for  a  moment; 
but  at  "the  last  it  biteth  like  a  serpent,  and  sting- 
eth  like  an  adder."  Whatever  exceeds  exact 
sobriety,  is  poisoned:  it  is  far  worse  than  the  fa- 
bled cup  of  Circe,  which  transformed  men  into 
brutes;  for  it  inflames  the  passions,  and  fits  them 
for  every  hateful  crime:  it  ruins  a  man's  consti- 
tution and  character,  and  tends  to  beggar  bis 
family:  it  is  an  incentive  to  the  basest  lusts,  and 
causes  many  to  fall  into  that  deep  ditch  and  nai- 
row  pit,  from  which  so  few  escape  with  their  lives; 
making  them  an  easy  prey  to  those  bad  women, 
who  lie  in  wait  for  them,  and  whose  constant  em- 
ployment it  is  to  "increase  the  transgressors 
among  men:"  it  lets  loose  the  tongue  to  utter 
every  thing  impious,  polluting,  and  provoking:  it 
leads  a  man,  without  precaution,  to  run  himself 
into  unnumbered  dangers;  and  yet  it  fascinates 
him  into  such  a  love  for  his  cruel  oppressor  and 
his  galling  chains,  that  he  only  sleeps  to  recruit 
himself,  that  when  he  awakes  he  may  return  to 
his  destructive  indulgence!  Who  then,  that  has 
common  sense,  would  contract  such  a  habit,  or 
sell  himself  to  an  iniquity,  which  tends  to  such 
accumulated  guilt  and  misery,  and  exposes  a  man 
everyday  to  the  danger  of  dying  intoxicated,  and 
awaking  in  hell?  Thus  the  Wisdom  and  Won! 
of  God  warns  men  against  this  common  but  fatal 
vice;  and  he  exhorts  young  persons  to  notice  the 
admonitionsof  their  parents  to  this  effect:  "Heark- 
en," says  he,  "unto  thy  father,  that  begat  thee,  and 
despise  not  thy  mother  when  she  is  old."  Their 
counsel  is  salutary,  their  authority  from  God,  the 
child's  obligations  are  great;  and  the  guilt  of  those 
that  despise  their  aged  parents  is  exceedingly 
henious.  And  it  should  be  the  aim,  and  honest 
ambition,  of  every  young  person,  to  be  the  joy, 
comfort,  and  honor  of  his  aged  father  and  mother, 
in  their  declining  years. — But  the  Savior  himself 
addresses  us,  as  children,  and  says,  "My  son  give 
me  thy  heart;  and  let  thine  eyes  observe  my 
ways:"  and  if  we  desire  to  be  wise  and  happy,  we 
should  surrender  them  to  him,  and  he  will  pre- 
pare them  for  himself,  and  make  them  a  treasury 
of  wisdom  and  grace,  that  from  the  abundance  of 
good  in  them  we  may  speak  and  do  what  is  right 
and  good.  Thus  his  salvation  is  freely  bestowed 
upon  us:  yet  we  must  "buy  the  truth,"  we  must 
spare  no  cost  or  pains,  and  sacrifice  every  lust 
and  interest,  that  we  may  purchase  this  inestima- 
ble prize.  On  the  other  hand,  we  must  refuse  to 
give  up  our  religious  profession,  or  to  act  incon- 
sistently with  it,  or  to  relinquish  the  pursuit  of 
wisdom;  even  if  we  could  be  tempted  to  it,  by  tlie 
offer  of  "all  the  kingdoms  of  the  world  and  the 
glory  of  them."  And  what  part  soever  of  our 
conduct  we  may  at  any  time  be  sorry  for;  we 
shall  not,  when  the  end  comes,  repent  of  follow- 
ing this  counsel,  even  though  we  should  lose  our 
lives,  rather  than  deviate  from  it. 


B.  C.  97G. 


CHAPTER  XXIV. 


B.  C.  976. 


2  For  *=  their  heart  studieth  destruc- 
tion, and  their  hps  talk  of  mischief. 

3  Through  "^  wisdom  is  an  house 
builded;  and  by  understanding  ^  it  is  es- 
tablished: 

4  And  ""by  knowledge  shall  the  cham- 
bers be  filled  with  all  precious  and  pleas- 
ant riches. 

5  A  s  wise  man  is  *  strong;  yea,  a  man 
of  knowledge  t  increaseth  strength. 

G  For  *"  by  wise  counsel  thou  shalt 
make  thy  war;  '  and  in  multitude  of 
counsellors  there  is  safety. 

7  Wisdom  is  ^  too  high  for  a  fool:  he 
'  opcneth  not  his  mouth  in  the  gate: 


c  8.  6.14.     1  Sam.  23:9.     Esth. 

3:6,7.      Job   15:35.      Ps.   7:14. 

10:7.  28:3.  3d:4.  64:2—6.    140: 

2.     Is.  59:4.     Mic.  7:3.     Matt. 

26:3.4.     Luke  23:20,2).     Acts 

13:10. 
J  9:1.    14:1.     1  Cor.  3:9,10. 
e  2  Sam.  7:26.   Jer.  10:12.  Col. 

2:7. 
f  15:6.  21:20.  27:23—27.  1  Kings 

4:20—28.    1  Chr.  27:2,'>,&c.  29: 

2,&c.      2Chr.  4:13— 22.     26:4 

—II.      Neh.  10:39.    13:5-13. 

Matt.  13:52. 


S  8:14.   10:29.  21:22.     F.C.  7:19. 

9:14—18. 
*  Heb.   171  strength. 
f    Heb.    slrengtheneik  might. 

Ps.  84:7.  Is.  40:31.  Col.  1:11. 
h   20:18.     Luke   11:31.     1  Cor. 

9:25 — 27.       Eph.   6:10,&c.  1 

Tim.  6:11,12.    2  Tim.  4:7. 
i  11:14.   15:22. 
k  14:6.   15.24.    17:24.     Ps.  10:5. 

92:5,6.     1  Cor.  2:14. 
1   22:22.     31:8,9.      Job  29:7,&c. 

31:21.   Is.  29:21.    Am.  5:10,12, 

15. 


8  He  ""that  deviseth  to  do  evil,  shall 
be  called  a  mischievous  person. 

9  The  "thought  of  foolishness  is  sin: 
and  °  the  scorner  is  an  abomination  to 
men. 

10  JjTPthou  faint  in  the  day  of  adver- 
sity, thy  strength  is  t  small. 

1 1  If  1  thou  forbear  to  deliver  them 
that  are  drawn  unto  death,  and  those  that 
are  ready  to  be  slain; 

12  If  thou  sayest,  Behold,  we  knew  it 
not;  *■  doth  not  he  that  ponderetli  the 
heart  consider  if?  and  he  ^  that  keepeih 
thy  soul,  doth  not  he  know  it'?  'and  shall 
not  he  render  to  every  man  according  to 
his  works.f* 


m  2,9.    6:14,18.     1  Kings  2:44. 

Ps.  21:11.     Is.  10:7-13.    32:7. 

Ez.  33:10,11.  Nail.  1:11.  Rom. 

1:30. 
n  8.  23:7.     Gen.  6:5.  8:21.    Ps. 

119:113.     Is.  55:7.     Jer.  4:14. 

Matt.  9:4.     15:19.     Acts  3:22. 

2  Cor.  10:5. 
o  22:10.  29:8. 
p  1  Sam.  27:1.     Job  4:5.  Is.  40: 

28—31.     Jon.  4:3.     2  Cor.  4:1. 

Eph.  3:13.   Heb.  12:3,4.  Rev. 

2:3,13. 

^  Heb.  narrom. 
q  1  .Sam.  26:8,9.  Job  29:17.  Ps. 


83:4.    Is.  58:7.     Luke  10:31,32. 

23:23—25.     Acts  18:17.   21:31. 

32.  23:10,23,&c.     ]John3:ia, 

17. 
r5:21.  21:2.     1  Sam.  I6;7.    Ps. 

7:9.    17:3.  44:21.  Ec.  5:8.   Jer. 

17:10.  Rom- 2:16.     1  Cor.  4:5. 

Heb.  4:13,13.    Rev.  2:18,23. 
s    1  Sam.  2:6.    25:29.     Ps.  66:9. 

121:3,8.     Dan.  5:23.     Acts  17: 

28.     Rev.  1:18. 
t  Job  34:11.    Ps.  62:12.  Jer.  32: 

19.     Matt.    16:27.     Rom.  2:6. 

2  Cor.  5:10.      Rev.  20:12—15. 

22:12. 


NOTES. 

Chap.  XXIV.  V.  I,  2.  Marg.  Ref.—jYotes, 
1:10—19.  23:17,18.  P*.37:l— 8.  73:2—22. 

V.  3 — 6.  Some  render  the  two  first  of  these 
verses  thus:  'Let  thy  house  be  builded  in  wisdom, 
'and  let  it  be  established  with  understanding;  and 
'the  chambers  will  be  filled  by  knowledge  with  all 
♦precious  and  pleasant  riches.'  The  original  is 
future:  a  counsel  rather  than  an  affirmation. — 
Dishonesty  in  many  cases  seems  the  readiest  road 
lo  wealth;  but  prudence  and  piety  lead  the  surest 
way  to  durable  prosperity.  [Marg.  Ref.  d — i. — 
JVT><e.?,  14:1.  21:20,22.  27:23—27.  £c.  7:19,20.  9: 
13 — 18.)  A  wise,  upright,  and  pious  person  is 
most  likely  to  advance  and  establish  himself  and 
family,  in  a  comfortable  and  respectable  situation; 
and  to  obtain  that  plenty,  which  conduces  to  the 
real  enjoyment  of  life,  and  enables  a  man  to  do 
good:  and  his  sober,  discreet,  and  charitable  use 
of  it  renders  it  precious  and  pleasant.  His  wis- 
dom also  will  prove  a  greater  security  fohim,  and 
give  him  a  greater  ascendency  over  others,  than 
mere  power  and  authority  could  do:  by  knowl- 
edge he  increases  his  strength.  And  when  such 
a  wise  man  is  placed  upon  a  throne,  he  will  so 
conduct  himself,  as  to  avoid  contests  if  he  can  by 
any  allowable  means:  and  if  he  cannot,  he  will 
take  such  good  counsel  in  waging  war,  that  he 
will  provide  well  for  the  safety  of  himself  and  of 
the  state;  even  though  he  have  to  cope  with  an  an- 
tagonist far  more  powerful  than  himself.  [J^oles, 
11:14.   16:22.  20:18.) 

V.  7.  (JVbfe,  14:6.  15:24.)  The  careless,  sen- 
sual, and  selfish  man  is  Ihe  fool  here  spoken  of. 
Wisdom  is  out  of  his  reach;  he  is  of  too  low  and 
grovelling  a  disposition  to  raise  his  thoughts  to  so 
noble  an  object,  or  to  bestow  the  paius  which  are 
requisite  in  order  to  obtain  it.  [M'ote,  Ps.  92:6,7.) 
"He  openeth  not  his  mouth"  in  the  convention  of 
the  elders,  to  consult  about  public  concerns:  not 
because  he  is  too  modest  to  speak  his  thoughts; 
but  because  he  has  nothing  to  say;  and  because 
he  little  cares  how  matters  go  with  others,  or 
even  with  his  own  soul,  provided  he  may  be  un- 
molested in  his  worthless  pursuits  and  gratifica- 
tions; or,  because  he  is  ra.sh  and  headstrong,  he  is 


not  admitted  to  speak  on  such  occasions.  [JVotes, 
31:8,9.  ./o6  29:7—11.) 

V.  8,  9.  'He,  that  deviseth  new  ways  and  arts 
'of  cheating,  or  doing  mischief,  ...shall  be  brand- 
'ed  with  the  odious  name  of  "An  inventor  of  evil 
'things."  Rom.  1:30.'  Bp.  Patrick. — He  who 
devises  mischief,  will  be  adjudged  a  mischievous 
man,  even  though  he  do  not  effect  his  purpose. 
The  thought,  intention,  or  desire,  to  commit  any 
kind  of  vice  or  mischief,  nay,  the  very  harboring 
the  idea  in  the  imagination,  or  admitting  it  with- 
out abhorrence,  is  sin:  but  he  who  not  only  devises 
evil,  but  makes  a  jest  of  it  when  it  is  done,  or 
scoffs  at  the  precepts  and  warnings  of  God's  word, 
ought  to  be  abhorred,  and  will  become  abomina- 
ble to  men,  as  he  is  an  abomination  among  them. 
(jYb<e.9, 22:10.  29:8.  G«i.  6:5.  Is.  55:6,7.  Jer.  4: 
14.  JIatt.  15:\5— 20.  Acts8:l8—24,v.  22.) 

V.  10.  'Man  hath  no  trial  of  his  strength,  till 
'he  be  in  troubles.'  When  afflictions  depress  a 
man's  spirits,  and  unfit  him  for  present  duty,  and 
lead  him  to  neglect  or  decline  it;  it  is  manifest 
that  his  faith  and  grace. are  weak,  and  conse- 
quently he  is  wanting  in  vigor  and  courage;  or, 
that  he  is  a  feeble  man,  not  fit  for  ditficult  and 
trying  services  of  any  kind.     [J^Iarg.  Ref.) 

V.  11,  12.  If  any  man  knows  that  his  neighbor 
is  in  danger  of  losing  his  life,  by  false  accusation, 
or  a  malicious  prosecution,  or  in  any  other  way; 
he  is  bound  to  do  all  in  his  power  to  deliver  him. 
But  if  self-love,  indolence,  cowardice,  or  reluc- 
tance to  incur  expense  or  inconvenience,  induce 
him  to  neglect  his  duty;  he  will  be  deemed  an 
accessary  to  the  crime:  and  it  will  be  in  vain  for 
him  to  say  that  he  was  not  fully  acquainted  with 
the  matter,  or  aware  of  the  danger,  that  it  was 
none  of  his  business,  and  he  knew  not  how  to 
prevent  it;  for  the  Lord  sees  through  such  falla- 
cious excuses,  and  will  expose  them.  'This  chiefly 
'belongs  to  magistrates, ...  who  ought  not  to  be 
'over-awed  by  great  men,  from  undertaking  the 
'protection  and  relief  of  those  who  are  unjustlj' 
'oppressed.'  Bp.  Patrick.  Many  of  the  proverbs, 
no  doubt,  were  particularly  intended  for  the  in- 
struction and  warning  of  rulers;  who  may  be  sup- 
posed likely  to  notice  the  maxims  of  a  great  king, 

[547 


B.  C.  976. 


PROVERBS. 


B.  C.  976. 


13  My  son,  "  eat  ihou  honey,  because 
it  is  good;  and  the  honey-comb,  tvhich  is 
sweet  *  to  thy  taste: 

14  So  '^  shall  the  knowledge  of  wis- 
dom be  unto  thy  soul,  ^  when  thou  hast 
found  it;  then  ^  there  shall  be  a  reward, 
and  thy  expectation  shall  not  be  cut  off. 

15  ^  Lay  not  wait,  O  wicked  man] 
against  the  dwelling  of  the  righteous; 
^  spoil  not  his  resting-place. 

16  For    •=  a  just  man    falleth    seven 

Cant.  5:1.   13.7:15. 


u  25:16,27. 

Matt.  3:4. 
*  Heb.  upon  thy  palate. 
X  22:18.     Ps.  19:10,11.    119:103, 

111.  Jer.  15:16. 
y  2:1—5,10.    3:13—18. 
z  23:13.     Matt.  19:21,29.     Jam. 

1:25. 
a  1:11.     1  Sam.  19:11.  22:18,19. 


23:20—23.     Ps.  10:8,9.    37:32. 

56:6.  59:3.    140:5.     Jer.  11:19. 

Matt.  26:4.     Acts  9:24.    23:16. 

25:3. 
b  22:28.    Is.  32:13. 
c   Job  5:19.      Ps.  34:19.    37:24. 

Mic.  7:8— 10.     2  Cor.  1:3— 10. 

4:8—12.   11:23—27. 


more  than  those  of  inferior  men:  but  there  is  gen- 
erally an  important  meaning,  in  which  each  prov- 
erb is  applicable  to  the  case  of  every  reader. — 
'The  magistrate  ought  to  be  the  guardian  of  inno- 1 
'cent  men's  lives:  and  private  persons,  in  their  I 
'places,  ought  to  oppose,  without  sedition,  unjust! 
'severity,  as  much  as  they  are  able.  There  are 
'many  examples  of  this  in  scripture.  Jonathan 
'opposed  his  father,  and  helped  to  preserve  David. 
' ...  Obadiah  fed  the  prophets  whom  Jezebel  de- 
'signed  to  have  killed.  The  eunuch  pulled  up; 
'Jeremiali  out  of  the  dungeon:  and  the  ...  mid- 
'wives  saved  the  Israelites'  children,  as  Rahab 
'afterwards  did  the  spies.  ...  Examples  to  the  con- 
'trary,  are  such  as  that  of  Doeg,  who,  in  compli- 
'ance  with  Saul's  fury,  slew  the  innocent  priests.' 
Melancthon,  quoted  by  Bp.  Patrick.  He  might 
have  included  all  the  courtiers  and  officers  of  Saul, 
who  allowed  such  an  impious  and  unrighteous 
cruelty  to  be  perpetrated  without  resistance,  or 
even  remonstrance;  except  that  of  the  footmen 
or  guards,  who  bravely  refused  to  obey  the  mur- 
derous orders  of  their  sovereign,  choosing  to  obey 
God  rather  than  man;  and  who  set  a  noble  exam- 
ple worthy  of  imitation  by  persons  in  similar  cir- 
cumstances, to  the  end  of  time.  (Marg.  Rcf. — 
.JVote,  2  Sam.  '22:U—\9.)—Pondereth,  &c.  (12) 
jYotes,  16:2.  Ps.  17:1—3,  v.  3.  44:17—22,  v.  21. 
Uc.  5:8.  Jer.  17:9,10.  Heb.  4:12,13.  Rev.2:2Q— 
23,  ■».  23.) 

V.  13,  14.  Men  eat  the  honey  from  the  comb, 
because  it  is  pleasant  to  the  taste,  at  the  same 
time  that  it  is  wholesome  and  nutrimental.  So  is 
the  knowledge  of  divine  wisdom  to  those  who 
have  begun  to  acquire  it.  Their  relish  for  it  will 
increase  with  their  progress  in  it;  their  present 
pleasure  is  the  earnest  of  their  future  and  certain 
recompense.  Does  a  man  eat  honey,  because  it 
is  pleasant  and  wholes&rae?  Let  him  seek  knowl- 
edge for  the  same  reason,  and  he  will  find  it  far 
more  pleasant  and  profitable.  {J^otes,  22:17,18. 
25:16,27.  Ps.  19:7—11.  119:103,111./.?.  7:15.) 

V.  15, 16.  Let  no  wicked  man  presume,  through 
the  arrogance  of  prosperity,  to  plot  secretly,  or  to 
attack  openly,  the  mean  and  unprotected  resi- 
dence of  the  righteous;  as  this  will  only  end  in 
his  own  ruin.  For  though  the  righteous  may  fall 
into  many  calamities;  yet  he  shall  recover  from 
them  all:  but  the  wicked  will  shortly  fall  into  ab- 
solute misery,  to  rise  no  more.  [Marg.  Ref. — 
JVb<e.9, 22:22,23.  Ps.  34:19—22.  37:12-17,23,24,29 
—31,37,38.  2  Cor.  4:8—12.)  These  words  'are 
'commonly,  not  only  in  sermons,  but  in  books 
'also,  applied  to  falling  into  sin;  and  that  men 
'may  the  more  securely  indulge  themselves  in 
'sin,  and  yet  think  themselves  good  men,  they 
548] 


times,    and    riseth   up   again;    ^  but    the 
wicked  shall  fall  into  mischief. 

\1  ^  Rejoice  not  when  thine  enemy 
falleth,  and  let  not  thine  heart  be  glad 
when  he  stnmbleth: 

18  Lest  the  Lord  see  it,  and  it  ^  dis- 
please him,  ^  and  he  turn  away  his  wrath 
from  him. 

19  t  Fret  not  thyself  because  of  evil 
men,  ^  neither  be  thou  envious  at  the 
wicked; 


d  13:17.  28:14—18.  1  Sam.  26: 
10.  31:4.  Esth.  7:10.  Ps.  7: 
16.  52:5.  Am.  5:2.  8:14.  Acts 
12:23.  1  Thes.  5:3.  Rev.  13: 
20,21. 

e  17:5.  Judg.  16:25.  2  Sam.  16: 
5,&c.  Job  31:29.  Ps.  35:15, 
19.  42:10.  Ob.  12.  1  Cor.  13: 
6,7. 


f  Heb.  he  evil  in  his  eyes. 

{  hum.  4:21,22.     Zech.  1:15,16. 

J:   Or,   Keep  not  company  with 

the  -wicked.     13:20.     Num.  16: 

26.     Ps.  1:1.    26:4,5.     1]9;11,S. 

2  Cor.  6:17.  Kph.  5:11.  2Tim. 

3:2—5.    Rev.  13:4. 
g  1,  23:17.    Ps.  37:1. 


'have  very  cunningly  added  something  to  them. 
'For  they  are  commonl}^  cited  thus,  "A  just  man 
'falleth  seven  times  a  day;"  which  last  words  ... 
'are  not  in  any  translation,  ...  (much  less  in  the 
'original,)  but  only  in  some  corrupt  editions  of 
'the  vulgar  Latin.  ...  And  therefore  we  must 
'make  use  of  other  places,  for  the  confuting 
'the  fancy  of  perfection  in  this  life;  and  for  the 
'comfort  of  those  who  are  cast  down  by  their 
'lapses  into  sin:  and  take  heed  of  reading  the  holy 
''Scripture  so  carelessly,  as  to  turn  our  medicine 
'into  poison;  which  is  the  fault  of  those,  who  from 
'such  mistakes,  give  way  to  their  evil  affections, 
'and  let  them  carry  them  into  sin.'  Bp.  Patrick.  .. 
This  is  an  important  note:  for  nothing  does  more 
mischief,  than  applying  texts  of  scripture,  merely 
by  the  sound  of  the  words,  to  subjects  with  which 
they  have  no  connexion.  There  are  plain  texts 
enough  to  prove  every  scriptural  doctrine,  and  to 
answer  every  scriptural  purpose:  but  pressing 
texts  into  any  particular  service,  contrary  to 
their  plain  meaning,  (as  in  this  case,)  not  only 
serves  to  deceive  the  inconsiderate;  but  likewise 
to  rivet  the  prejudices,  and  strengthen  the  suspi- 
cions of  opposers:  just  as  bringing  forward  a  few 
witnesses  of  bad  or  suspicious  character,  would 
cause  all  those,  however  deserving  of  credit,  who 
should  be  examined  in  the  same  cause,  to  be  sus- 
pected also;  and  create  a  prejudice  against  it  ^n 
the  minds  of  the  court,  and  of  all  present  on  the 
occasion. 

V.  17,  18.  These  verses  are  a  caution,  notonty 
against  outwardly  exulting  over  the  miseries  of 
an  enemy,  (which  is  not  generally  creditable  even 
in  this  evil  world,)  but  also  against  being  secretly 
pleased  at  them.  To  this  our  selfish  nature  is  pe- 
culiarly prone:  but  it  is  totally  contraiy  to  the 
law  of  God,  "Thou  shalt  love  thy  neighbor  as 
thyself;"  as  every  one  feels  when  he  is  the  in- 
sulted sufferer.  Even  the  secret  indulgence  of 
such  a  malignant  joy,  being  known  to  God, 
might  induce  him  to  turn  away  his  wrath  from 
the  afflicted  party,  and  lay  it  on  him  who  rejoiced 
in  the  calamity.  [J^otes,  17:5.  Judg.  16:23-31. 
Jo6  31:29— 32.  Lam.  4:21,22.  I  Cor.  13:4— 7,  v. 
6.) — Such  proverbs  are  perfectly  coincident  with 
the  precepts  of  the  New  Testament:  and  all  the 
passages  in  the  Psalms,  of  elsewhere,  which 
seem  to  breathe  a  contrary  spirit,  must  have  a 
meaning  consistent  with  them:  even  as  the  exul- 
tations of  the  martyrs,  in  Revelation,  over  the  de- 
struction of  their  persecutors,  [Rev.  16:3 — 7.  18: 
20.)  must  be  capable  of  an  interpretation  which 
accords  to  the  precepts  of  our  Savior's  sermon  on 
the  mount.  But  to  rejoice  in  the  triumphs  of  the 
cause  of  God  and  his  church,  of  truth  and  holi- 


B.  C.  976. 


CHAPTER  XXIV 


B.  C.  91 G. 


20  For  ''  there  shall  be  no  reward  to 
the  evil  man;  '  the  *  candle  of  the  wicked 

shall   be    put  out.  [Practical   Observations.] 

21  My  son,  ''  fear  thou  the  Lord  and 
the  king;  and  '  meddle  not  with  them 
that  are  t  given  to  change: 

22  For  •"  their  calamity  shall  rise  sud- 
denly; and  °  who  knoweth  the  ruin  of 
them  both? 

23  These  °  things  also  belong  to  the 
wise.  P  It  is  not  good  to  have  respect  to 
persons  in  judgment. 

24  He  ••  that  saith  unto  the  wicked, 
Thou  art  righteous;  ^  him  shall  the  peo- 
ple curse,  nations  shall  abhor  him. 

25  But  to  '  them  that  rebuke  him  shall 


h  Ps.  9:17.    11:6.    Is.  3:11. 

i  13:9.  20:20.   Job  18:5,6.  21:17. 

Matt.  8:12.  23:8.  Jude  13. 
♦  Or,  lamp. 
k'Ex.  14:31.      1  Sam.  2<J:6.   Ec. 

8:2—5.    Matt.  22:21.  Rom.  13: 

1—7.  Tit.  3:1.     1  Pet.  2:17. 
I    Num.  16:1—3.     1  Sam.  8:5— 

7.    12:12—19.      2  Sam.    15:13, 

&c.     1  King.'!  12:16. 
I  Heb.  changers. 
m  Num.  16:31—35.      1  Sam.  31: 

1—7.     2  Sam.  13:7,8.     2  Chr. 

13:16,17.       Hos.   5:11.     13:10, 

11. 
n  16:14.  20:2.    Ps.  90:11. 


0  Ps.  107:43.   Ec.  8:1—5.    Hos. 

14:9.    Jam.  3:17. 
p  13:5.  28:21.  Lev.  19:15.  Deut. 

1:17.   16:19.     2  Chr.  19:7.    Ps. 

82:2-^.     John  7:24.      1  Tim. 

5:20,21.     Jam.  2:4—6.     1  Pet. 

1:17. 
q  17:15.  Ex.  23:6,7.    Is.  5:20,23. 

Jer.  6:13,14.  8:10,11.     Ez.  13: 

22. 
r  11:26.  28:27.  30:10.   Is.  66:24. 
s    Lev.    19:17.       1  Sam.  3:13.   1 

Kings  21:19,20.     Neh.  5:7—9. 

13:8—11,17,25,28.      Job  29:16 

—18.     Matt.    14:4.     1  Tim.  5: 

20.  2  Tim.  4:2.  Tit.  1:13.2:15. 


ness,  over  the  desperate  enemies  of  all  g'ood,  is 
widely  different  from  the  spirit  of  revenge  for 
personal  injuries. 

V.  19,  20.  (See  on  M}tes,  1,2.  13:9.)  The  word 
(n^iHK),  translated  reward,  is  generally  rendered 

latter  end,  or  end.  (23:18.)  "There  shall  be  none 
end  of  plagues  to  the  evil  man:  the  light  of  the 
wicked  shall  be  put  out."  Old  Version.  (Marg. 
Ref.) 

V.  21,  22.  'Have  nothing  to  do  with  those,  who 
*...  vary  from  all  good  laws  and  orders,  and  are 
'affected  to  innovation  and  change,  both  of  prin- 
'ces  and  government.'  Bp.  Hall. — Kings  and  ru- 
lers must  be  reverenced  and  obeyed,  in  all  things 
lawful,  by  those  who  fear  God,  and  obey  his  com- 
mands. [Marg.Ref.—J^otcs,Rom.  13:1—7.)  The 
late  events,  for  a  series  of  years  in  Europe,  have 
abundantly  shewn,  that  Solomon's  wisdom  was  far 
greater  than  that  of  modern  philosophers,  so  call- 
ed; or  rather,  that  the  wisdom  of  God  is  infinitely 
above  the  wisdom  of  man.  The  ruin  of  those  who 
rebel  against  God,  and  of  those  who  excite  dis- 
turbances in  the  state,  comes  upon  them  in  tlie 
most  unsuspected  manner,  and  is  dreadful  be- 
yond conception.  [J^oles,  17:11.  2  Sam.  15: — 18: 
1  Kings  12:  2  Chr.  13:) 

V.  23.  The  following  things  should  be  peculiar- 
ly considered  by  all,  that  would  act  as  wise  men, 
especially  in  the  capacity  of  rulers  and  magis- 
trates. [Marg.  Ref.—JVotcs,  18:5.  28:21.  Ex.  23: 
1-9.) 

V.  24,  25.  The  magistrate,  who  acquits  a  wick- 
ed man,  or  decides  in  his  favor  because  of  liis 
wealth  or  power,  will  be  generally  and  justly  exe- 
crated: but  those,  who  restrain  and  punish  evil 
doers  of  every  rank,  will  have  the  satistaction  of 
being  generally  favored,  and  the  advantage  of 
having  many  prayers  offered  for  them,  and  bless- 
ings pronounced  on  them.  {Marg.  Ref. — J^otes 
17:15.  1  Kings  21:8— U.  J^eh.  5:6—13.  Job  2%: 
12 — 25.)  Those  authors,  or  orators,  who  com- 
pose panegyrics  on  wicked  men;  those  courtiers 
and  dependents  who  flatter  ungodly  princes  and 
nobles;  and  above  all,  those  ministers  who,  through 
fear,  sloth,  ignorance,  or  love  of  filthy  lucre,  give 


be  delight,    and    +  a   good  blessing  shall 
come  upon  them. 

26  Every  man  '  shall  kiss  his  lips,  that 
5  giveth  a  right  answer. 

27  "  Prepare  thy  work  without,  and 
make  it  fit  for  thyself  in  the  field;  and 
afterwards  build  thine  house. 

28  Be  "  not  a  witness  against  thy 
neighbor  without  cause;  and  ^  deceive 
not  with  thy  lips. 

29  ^  Say  not,  *  I  will  do  so  to  him  as  he 
hath  done  to  me;  I  will  render  to  the  man 
according  to  his  work. 

30  IT  1  ''went  by  the  field  of  the 
slothful,  and  by  the  vineyard  of  the  man 
*=  void  of  understanding: 

31  And,   lo,   ^  it  was  all   grown   over 


J  Heb.  a  blessing  of  good.  23 

•23. 
t  15:23.    16:1.    25:11,12.     Gen. 

4]:38,&c.         Dan.    2:46 48. 

Mark    12:17,28,32—34. 
A  Heb.  answereth  right -words. 

Job  6:25. 
u    1  Kings  5:18.    6:7.     Luke  14: 

28—30. 
X  14:5.    19:5,9.    21:28.     Ex.  20: 

16.    23:1.       1  Sam.  22:9,10.   1 

Kings  21:9— 13.     Job  2:3.    Ps. 

35:f,l].  52:  title.    Matt.  26:59, 

60.  27:23.      John  15:25. 


y  Eph.4:25.  Col.  39.    Rev.  21; 

8.  22:15. 
z  20:22.  25:21,22.    Matt.  5:39— 
-44.  Rom.  12:17—21.     1  Thes. 

5:15. 
a  Judg.  15:11.     2  Sam.  13:22— 

28. 
b  6:6,&c.     Job  4:8.  5:27.   15:17. 

Ps.  37:25.   107:42.    Ec.  4:1—8. 

7:15.  8:9—11. 
c  10:13.  12:11. 
d    Gen.   3:17—19.       Job   31:40. 

Jer.  4:3.     Malt.  13:7,22.   Heb 

6:3. 


that  encouragement  to  wicked  men  which  be- 
longs only  to  the  righteous,  are  by  parity  of  rea- 
son included,  and  will  be  at  length  universally 
execrated:  while  they,  who  act  faithfully,  will 
have  the  comfort  and  benefit  of  it. 

V.  26.  He  who  speaks  honestly,  faithfully,  sea- 
sonably, and  to  the  purpose,  whether  as  a  judge, 
a  witness,  a  senator,  a  counsellor,  a  minister  of 
religion,  or  a  private  person,  will  meet  Avith  gen- 
eral respect  and  affection:  at  least  this  ought  to 
be  the  case.  And  every  one,  who  experiences 
the  benefit  of  the  right  answer,  will  be  attached 
to  him  that  gave  it.  (JVb<e.?,  15:23.  2:5:1 1,12.  Gen. 
41:33—38.  Matt.  22:15—40.  Mark  12:28—34. 
Col.  4:5,6,  i;.  6.) 

V.  27.  The  most  needful  and  profitable  work 
should  be  first  attended  to.  Men  ought  to  em- 
ploy their  labor  and  expense  in  cultivating  tlie 
land,  before  they  proceed  to  build  and  beautify 
their  houses,  or  furnish  them  in  an  elegant  style, 
or  even  in  a  commodious  manner.  For  if  tiie 
house  be  built,  and  the  land  be  neglected,  another 
man  will  be  likely  to  possess  both  of  them. — Or 
the  proverb  may  mean,  that  every  thing  should 
be  done  with  deliberation,  foresight,  and  contri- 
vance. 'Get  all  ready,  as  well  as  count  tiie  cost, 
'before  you  begin  to  build.'  {jYotcs,  1  Kings  5: 
13—18.  6:7.  Luke  14:28—33.) 

V.  28.  "Be  not  thou  a  witness  against  thy 
neighbor  without  cause:  for  wilt  thou  deceive 
with  thy  lips.'"  Old  Version. — The  expression 
without  cause,  seems  to  imply,  not  only  the  case  of 
a  man  who  bears  false  witness;  but  that  of  liim, 
who  from  personal  resentment,  or  any  otlier  cor- 
rupt motive,  testifies  the  truth  against  his  neig-h- 
bor,  when  there  is  no  sulficicnt  reason  why  he 
should  do  it;  that  is,  when  neitlier  tlie  glory  of 
God,  nor  the  benefit  of  man  requires  it.  (Ma7'g. 
Ref. Wotcs,  14:25.  10:9.  Ex.20:U.) 

V.  29.  'Suppose  he  hath  been  injurious,  in  that 
'kind  to  thee  heretofore,  and  thou  hast  now  an  op- 
'portunity  to  be  revenged;  lot  not  that  tempt  thee 
'to  resolve  with  thyself  to  do  to  him  as  he  hatlt 
'done  to  thee.'  Bp.  Patrick.— '■He  sheweth  what 
'is  in  the  nature  of  the  wicked;  to  revenge  wrong 

[549 


B.  C.  976. 


PROVERBS. 


B.  C.  97G. 


with  thorns,  and  nettles  had  covered  the 
face  thereof",  ®  and  the  stone-wall  thereof 
was  hroken  down. 

32  Then  I  saw,  and  *  considered  it 
well:  ^  I  looked  upon  it,  and  received  in- 
struction. 


e  19:23.  20:4.  22:13.  23:21.  Ec. 

10:18. 
*  Heb.  set  my  heart.  Job  7:17. 


Ps.  4:4.    Luke  2:19,51. 
f  Deut.  13:11.    21:21.    32:29. 
Cor.  10:6,11.    Jude  5 — 7. 


'for  wrong.'  {Marg.  Re/.— See  on  JVote,  20:22 

JVote  25:21  22.) 

V.'SO— 34.  Marg.  Rtf.—JYotes,  6:6— II.  20:4. 
Gen.  3:17— 19.— £c.  10:16—19,  v.  18.  Malt.  13: 
22.  Heb.  6:7,8.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
V.  1—20. 
The  strong^  propensity  in  human  nature  to  ma- 
lignant and  selfish  tempers  renders  repeated  cau- 
tions against  them  necessary.  But  it  must  be  as 
foolish  as  it  is  wicked,  to  "be  envious  against  evil 
men,  or  to  desire"  a  share  in  their  unlawful  gains, 
while  "their  heart  studieth  destruction,  and  their 
lips  talk  of  mischief;"  or  to  fret  or  distress  our- 
selves at  their  short-lived  success,  in  "laj'ing  wait 
against  the  dwelling  of  the  righteous,  and  spoiling 
his  resting-place:"  for  unless  they  repent  they  will 
soon  "fall  into  mischieP'  to  rise  no  more;  and 
their  wasting  candle  will  expire  in  "the  blackness 
of  darkness  for  ever."  But  the  righteous  man, 
though  repeatedly  cast  down  into  trouble,  nay, 
should  he  be  again  and  again  overcome  with 
strong  temptations,  shall  rise  superior  to  them  all, 
and  have  an  eternal  dwelling  and  resting  place, 
which  the  wicked  cannot  approach — We  may 
foresee,  but  we  should  not  desire,  the  destruction 
of  sinners:  neither  may  we  "rejoice  when  our  en- 
emy falleth."  Even  when  we  are  greatly  injured, 
and  sharply  persecuted,  we  must  not  allow  any 
emotions  of  revenge:  for  the  Lord  will  "sec  it 
and  be  displeased;"  he  will  even  suffer  the  haughty 
persecutor  to  proceed  a  little  longer  with  impu- 
nity, rather  than  allow  his  people  to  harbor  in  any 
measure  so  malignant  a  spirit;  and  instead  of 
punishing  their  persecutors,  he  will  previously 
and  sharply  chastise  them,  to  prepare  them  to 
meet  deliverance  in  a  more  Christian  manner. 
How  displeasing  then  must  that  revenge  be, 
which  is  generally  excited  b)'  trivial  or  imaginary 
offences,  and  puts  men  upon  evident  crimes,  in 
order  to  retaliate  on  the  offender! — We  are  here 
again  reminded  of  the  value  of  true  wisdom; 
which  alone  can  give  a  man  establishment  in  that 
kind  of  reputation  and  prosperity,  which  is  pre- 
cious and  desirable:  for  it  will  suggest  to  him  the 
most  beneficent  designs,  and  afford  him  the  great- 
est advantages  for  accomplishing  them;  and  it 
will  do  more  than  all  other  things  to  render  him 
safe  and  useful.  But  this  wisdom  is  far  too  high 
and  arduous  a  thing  for  the  giddy  and  heedless, 
who  waste  their  lives  in  low  pursuits  or  childish 
amusements:  and  not  only  for  the  sensual  and  dis- 
sipated,  but  also  for  the  avaricious,  nay  even  tlic 
ambitious  part  of  mankind.  They  alone  obtain 
tliis  invaluable  good,  who  bestow  pains  to  obtain 
it;  who  are  taught  so  to  prize  it  for  the  sake  of 
its  effects,  that  thej'  would  pursue  it,  if  it  were 
with  present  pain  and  uneasiness;  and  they  find 
so  much  sweetness  in  it,  that  they  would  feed 
upon  it,  as  men  do  on  the  purest  honey,  even  if 
there  wore  no  future  advantage  from  it.  But 
the  recompense  is  sure  to  those,  who  thus  seek 
wisdom  from  the  Lord;  and  its  present  usefulness 
is  immense.  While  foolisli  and  wicked  men 
eitlier  do  not  open  their  mouths  in  the  gate;  or, 
intruding  into  offices  for  which  they  are  not  qual- 
ified, only  "darken  counsel  by  words  without 
050] 


33  Yet  8  a  little  sleep,  a  little  slumber, 
a  little  folding  of  the  hands  to  sleep: 

34  So  shall  ''  thy  poverty  come  05  one 
that  travelleth;  and  thy  want  as  t  an  arm- 
ed man. 


-11.    Rom.  13:11. 
1  Thes.  5:6—8. 


Eph. 


h  10:4.   13:4. 

t  Heb.  a  inan  of  shield. 


knowledge;"  wisdom  renders  a  man  fit  for  his  sta- 
tion in  the  community,  whatever  it  be.  So  that 
should  he  even  be  called  to  fill  a  throne,  he  will 
conduct  public  affairs  with  discretion,  and  benefit 
by  the  multitude  of  counsellors;  and  he  will  re- 
press and  be  a  terror  to  evil-doers  alone.  He 
will  count  it  his  highest  honor  to  promote  the 
happiness  of  his  people:  he  will  engage  in  no 
war,  but  for  their  protection  and  true  interest: 
and  his  prudent  conduct  will  do  far  more  to  se- 
cure success,  and  to  strengthen  the  nation,  and 
procure  a  safe  and  lasting  peace,  than  any  of 
those  heroical  achievements,  which  are  so  highly 
celebrated  in  the  world. — We  should  never  forget, 
that  our  heart-searching  God  will  call  us  to  ac- 
count for  the  devices  and  thoughts  of  our  heart. 
Instead  therefore  of  inventing  evil  things  with  the 
mischievous  person,  or  entertaining  our  minds 
with  vain  and  sinful  thoughts;  we  ought  contin- 
ually to  be  looking  around  us,  to  see  what  good 
we  can  do,  or  what  mischief  we  can  prevent:  and 
we  need  not  wait  long  for  opportunities,  if  we  be 
"zealous  of  good  works."  For  when  our  neigh- 
bor, or  even  our  enemy,  is  in  danger  of  being  ru- 
ined, condemned,  or  deeply  injured,  through  mal- 
ice or  mistake,  we  are  bound  to  risk  every  per- 
sonal consequence  in  attempting  his  deliverance, 
if  any  thing  be  in  our  power.  In  such  things, 
however,  the  deceitfulness  of  the  heart  must  be 
peculiarly  guarded  against.  For  self-love  sug- 
gests many  plausible  excuses,  and  the  conscience 
may  be  bribed  to  bring  in  a  favorable  verdict:  but 
the  Lord  will  order  a  re-hearing  of  the  cause;  he 
will  manifest  the  secrets  of  all  hearts,  and  render 
unto  every  man  according  to  his  works:  and  if  he 
find  our  excuses  insufficient,  and  our  conduct  to 
be  the  effect  of  indolence,  cowardice,  self-indul- 
gence, and  unbelief;  we  shall  be  considered  as 
chargeable  with  a  share  of  that  guilt,  which  we 
might  have  successfully  opposed;  and  as  having 
concurred  in  causing  that  misery,  which  we 
ought  to  have  prevented. — But  the  same  feeble- 
ness of  mind,  which  causes  many  to  "faint  in  the 
day  of  adversity,"  induces  numbers  to  shrink 
from  such  services,  as  cannot  be  performed  with- 
out giving  offence  to  powerful  oppressors;  or  to 
those  of  lower  rank,  who  will  not  relieve  the  ur- 
gent necessities  of  the  poor  themselves,  and  then 
take  it  as  a  reflection  upon  them,  if  others  supply 
their  deficiencies.  This  timid,  indolent  spirit  is 
often  mistaken  for  meekness:  but  it  is  in  fact  a 
natural  disposition,  which  as  much  needs  correct- 
ing by  divine  grace,  as  the  impetuous  violence  of 
self-sufficient  boldness  does. '  We  should  there- 
fore pray  continually  for  the  courage  of  faith,  and 
the  meekness  of  humility,  and  the  persevering, 
enduring  activity  of  fervent  love. 
V.  21—34. 
"These  things  belong  unto  the  wise:"  and  "if 
any  man  lack  wisdom  let  him  ask  of  God." — But 
that  wisdom  which  he  bestows  will  never  suffer  a 
man  to  say,  "I  will  do  so  to  him,  as  he  hath  done 
to  me:  I  will  render  unto  him  according  to  his 
work."  [J^Tote,  Jam.  3: 17,18.)  For  in  this  spirit,  the 
most  exact  evidence,  which  could  be  given  even 
in  a  court  of  justice,  would  be  criminal  before 
God.  On  such  occasions  we  should  be  afraid  of  offi- 
ciousness,  or  of  wrong  motives,  in  being  "witness 


B.  C.  976. 


CHAPTER  XXV. 


B.  C.  976. 


CHAP.  XXV. 

Of  kings,  and  those  who  minister  to  them,  1 — 7.  Of  avoiding 
contention,  ami  receiving  reproof,  S — 12.  Of  faithful  messen- 
gers, and  vain  boasters,  13,  14.  Of  forbearance,  temperance, 
and  prudent  conduct  towards  neighbors,  16 — 17.  Of  false  wit- 
nesses, unfaithful  friends,  and  unseasonable  mirth,  18 — 20.  Of 
kindness  to  enemies,  frowning  away  backbiters,  and  domestic 
discord,  21— -M.  Of  the  righteous  falling  before  the  wicked; 
of  vain  glory  and  an  ungoverned  temper,  25 — 28. 

THESE  are  also  ^  proverbs  of  Solo- 
nion,  ^  which  the  men  of  Hezekiah, 
king  of  Judah,  copied  out. 

2  It  is  '  the  glory  of  God  to  conceal  a 


a  1.1.   10:1.     1  Kings  4:32.  Ec. 

12:9. 
b  Is.  1:1.  36:22.  37.2.  Hos.  1:1. 

Mic.  1:1. 


c  Deut.  29:29.  Job  11:7,8.  38: 
4,&c.  39.&.C.  40:2.  42:3.  Rom. 
11:33,34. 


ag^aiust  our  neig-hbor  without  a  cause:"  but  resent- 
ment generally  warps  the  judg-ineiit,  induces  a 
man  to  make  the  worst  of  every  circumstance, 
and  thus  leads  him  to  deceive  with  his  lips,  and  to 
become  a  slanderer  and  false  accuser. — In  like 
manner,  "the  wisdom  which  is  from  above"  will 
effectually  prevent  the  magistrate  from  "respect- 
ing persons  in  judgment;"  and  both  the  magistrate, 
and  the  minister  of  religion,  and  every  person, 
from  saying  "to  the  wicked,  thou  art  righteous." 
—When  this  is  done  by  the  magistrate,  "the  peo- 
jiie  will  curse  him,  nations  will  abhor  him:"  and 
though  the  minister,  who  flatters  and  deceives 
men's  souls,  may  here  be  caressed  and  prospered; 
he  will  hereafter  be  more  deeply  and  universally 
execrated  than  any  other  person  in  the  world. 
But  he  who  rebukes  and  reproves  with  affectionate 
faithfulness;  whatever  return  he  may  have  from 
men,  shall  have  delight  in  the  testimony  of  his 
conscience,  in  the  good  done  by  him,  and  in  the 
favor  of  his  God,  and  "a  good  blessing  will  come 
upon  him." — In  general  even  here,  he  who  studies 
to  adapt  his  discourse  to  every  case,  in  which  he 
.'s  required  to  speak,  will  find  a  measure  of  respect 
and  attention;  for  "every  man  will  kiss  his  lips, 
who  givetha  right  answer,"  and  such  as  he  derives 
good  from. — But  sloth  and  self-indulgence  are 
(he  bane  of  all  good.  While  we  go  past  "the 
field  of  the  slothful,  and  the  vineyard  of  the  man 
void  of  understanding,"  and  view  them  overgrown 
with  thorns  and  nettles,  and  the  fences  all  broken 
down;  we  see  an  emblem  of  the  far  more  deplo- 
rable state  of  many  souls.  Every  evil  and  de- 
praved affection  grows  exceedingly  in  the  hearts 
of  vast  multitudes,  all  their  faculties  are  thrown 
open  to  the  delusions  or  suggestions  of  the  devil 
and  his  agents,  nothing  good  has  any  root  or 
growth  there,  and  everlasting  poverty  is  coming 
upon  them  as  an  armed  man:  yet  they  are  saying, 
"a  little  sleep,  a  little  slumber,  a  little  folding 
of  the  hands  to  slecpl" — A  wise  man  will  con- 
sider and  receive  instruction  from  the  ruin- 
ous misconduct  of  a  fool:  though  the  fool  will 
not  profit  by  the  example  or  counsel  of  a  wise 
man.  Let  us  then  siiew  our  wi.sdom,  by  taking 
tlie  hint  from  the  case  of  the  sluggard,  to  re- 
double our  diligence  in  every  good  thing,  and  to 
watch  and  pray  more  against  tlie  beginnings  of  so 
ruinous  a  vice.  But  many,  who  are  dihgent  in 
worldly  business,  are  slothful  about  their  eternal 
interests.  They  mind  minute  concerns,  but  neg- 
lect the  momentous:  they  establish  the  house,  but 
neglect  the  estate.  Let  us  then  learn  to  begin  at 
the  right  end;  and  to  do  every  thing  in  season, 
and  in  order,  and  with  prudence  as  well  as  dil- 
igence. (.7Vo<e,  Mali.  6:33,34.)  And  let  us  study 
to  be  "quiet,  and  to  mind  our  own  business,"  con- 
scientiously and  in  the  fear  of  God:  let  us  honor 
and  obey  tlie  king,  and  have  nothing  to  do  witli 
those  turbulent  spirils,  who  arc  given  to  change, 
and  always  aiming  to  raise  disturbances  and  in- 


thing;  but  ^  the  honor  of  kings  is  to  search 
out  a  matter. 

3  The  ®  heaven  for  height,  and  the 
earth  for  depth,  and  the  heart  of  kings  *  is 
unsearchable. 

4  Take  ^  away  the  dross  from  the  sil- 
ver, and  there  shall  come  forth  a  vessel 
for  the  finer. 

5  Take  5  away  the  wicked/ro/zi  before 


d    1    Kings  3:9—28.     4:29—34. 

Ezra  4:15,19.    6:17.    6:1.     Job 

29:16. 
e    Ps.   103:11.     Is.   7:11.    55:9. 

Rom.  8:39. 
*   Heb.   there  is  no  searching. 


1  Kings  4:29. 

f  17:3.    Is.  1:25—27.     Ma!.  3:3. 

2  Tim.  2:20,21.      1  Pet.  1:7. 

g  20:3.      1  Kings  2:33,46.   Eslh. 
7:10.  8:ll,&c.     Ps.  101:7,8. 


troduce  innovations:  thus  we  shall  avoid  the  ca- 
lamity and  the  ruin  which  come  suddenly  upon 
those,  who  rebel  against  God  and  the  king;  and 
shall  so  'pass  through  things  temporal,  that  finally 
'we  lose  not  the  things  which  are  eternal.' 

NOTES. 

Chap.  XXV.  V.  1.  The  men  of  Hezekiah.] 
'Whom  Hezekiah  appointed  for  that  purpose.' — 
'The  friends  of  Hezekiah.'  Sept. — It  is  probable, 
that  Solomon  himself,  or  some  others  byiiis  order 
and  under  his  inspection,  had  selected  the  prov- 
erbs contained  in  the  preceding  chapters,  as  most 
suited  to  general  religious  utility:  but  that  all  the 
rest  of  the  "three  thousand"  were  preserved  by 
the  kings  of  Israel,  though  not  published  for  the 
use  of  tlie  people:  [Jfate,  1  Kings  4:30 — 34,  v. 
32.)  and  that  Hezekiah,  with  the  concurrence  and 
under  the  superintendence  of  Isaiah,  and  other 
contemporary  prophets,  employed  some  compe- 
tent persons  among  his  servants  to  collect  from 
the  rest,  the  proverbs  contained  in  this  and  the 
following  chapters. 

V.  2,  3.  It  is  the  glory  of  God,  that  he  knows 
all  things  most  perfectly,  and  that  he  needs  no 
information  or  counsel:  that  he  gives  no  account 
of  his  matters,  and  conceals  his  purposes  from  tlie 
most  penetrating  and  intruding;  except  as  he  has 
unfolded  some  particulars,  of  what  he  intended  to 
do  in  future  ages,  to  confirm  his  revelation  of 
himself,  and  his  truth  and  will,  for  men's  encour- 
agement and  instruction  in  their  duty.  (JVbto, 
Dcut.  29:29.  Job  11:7—12.  33:12,13.  Rom.  11:33 
— 36.)  But  eartldy  princes  arc  in  themselves  as 
ignorant  and  fallible  as  tiieir  subjects:  their  honor 
therefore  consists  in  investigating  every  matter 
witli  tlic  utmost  accuracy  and  attention.  It  be- 
hoves tlicm  to  search  out  the  revealed  will  of  God; 
and  to  procure  intelligence  from  every  quarter, 
and  information  on  every  subject,  connected 
with  their  important  duties;  and  to  avail  them- 
selves of  the  Avisdoin  of  others,  whom  they  advise 
with  as  counsellor.s:  that  tlieir  laws,  decisions, 
and  measures  may  be  the  result  of  knowledge^ 
equity,  sound  policy,  and  mature  deliberation, 
and  conducive  to  the  true  interests  of  their  sub- 
jects; and  not  the  dictates  of  |)ride,  ambition,  re- 
sentment, passion,  or  caprice.  (Devi.  13:14.  17: 
4.  19:18.  J\''otey,  Eslh.  3:9— 1.'3.  Job  29:1'2— 17,  v. 
IG.  Is.  1 1:2 — 5.)  Yet  a  wise  king  will  be  upon  the 
reserve,  as  to  his  determinations,  till  the  event 
discovers  them:  and  it  will  often  be  as  impracti- 
cable for  others,  who  are  not  consulted,  or  in- 
formed of  his  plans,  however  sagacious  or  inquis- 
itive they  may  be,  to  dive  into  his  secret  inten- 
tions, as  to  measure  the  height  of  the  heaven,  or 
the  depth  of  the  earth. — 'It  is  too  hard  for  men  to 
'attain  to  the  reason  of  all  the  secret  doings  of 
'the  king,  even  when  he  is  upright  and  doeth 
'his  duty.'  (J\larif.  Ref.  e — ,lVote,  1  Kinas  3:23— 
28.) 

[551 


B.  C.  976* 


PROVERBS. 


B.  C.  976. 


the  king,  and  ''  his  throne  shall  be  estab- 
lished in  righteousness. 

6  *  Put  not  forth  thyself  •  in  the  pres- 
ence of  the  king,  and  stand  not  in  the 
place  of  great  men: 

7  For  better  it  is  ^  that  it  be  said  unto 
ihee,  '  Come  up  hither;  "  than  that  thou 
shouldest  be  put  lower  in  the  presence  of 
the  prince  whom  thine  eyes  have  seen. 

8  Go  not  forth  "  hastily  to  strive,  lest 
ihoti  know  not  °  what  to  do  in  the  end 
thereof,  when  thy  neighbor  hath  put  thee 
to  shame. 

9  Debate  thy  cause   p  with  thy  neigh- 


h  J6:U.    20:28.    29;14.     Is.  9:7. 

16:5. 
*  Heb.   Set  not  out  thy  glory. 

27.  27:2. 
i  16:19.    Ex.  3:11.     I  Sam.  9:20 

—22.  15:17.  18:13—23.  2Sam. 

7:8.&c.    Ps.  131:1.     Jer.  1:6— 

10.    Am.  7:12— 15. 


k  16:19.     Luke  14:3-10. 

1  Rev.  4:1. 

m  Luke  18:14.     1  Pet.  5:5. 

n  17:14.   18:6.  30:33.     2S-iEn.2: 

14—16,26.     2  Kings    14:3—12. 

Luke  14:31,32. 
o  14:12.  Jer.  5:31.    Matt.  5:25. 
p  Matt.  18:15— 17. 


V.  4,  5.  As  the  artificer  cannot  make  a  beauti- 
ful cup  or  vessel,  without  well  refining  his  metal; 
so  a  king  cannot  establish  his  throne  in  righteous- 
ness, till  he  remove  wicked  men  from  places  of 
public  trust,  and  drive  them  from  his  counsel  and 
from  ubout  his  person. — 'They  should  not  keep  so 
'much  as  one  ill  man  about  them;  who  oft-times 
'corrupts  the  whole  court,  and  disturbs  the  whole 
'kingdom.'  Bp,  Patrick. — The  modern  maxim, 
that  the  private  character  of  a  minister  of  state 
should  not  be  investigated,  flatly  contradicts  the 
wisdom  of  Solomon  and  of  God.  [Jfotes,  16:12, 
13.  17:3.  20:8,28.  29:12.  Ps.  7^:9,10.  101:3—8.  Is. 
32:1—8.  33:5,6.) 

V.  6,  7.  [JVote,  Luke  14:7—11.)  There  can  be 
no  reasonable  doubt,  that  our  Lord  referred  to 
these  verses,  in  his  admonitions  to  the  ambitious 
guests  at  the  Pharisee's  table,  and  was  under- 
stood to  do  so.  While,  tlierefore,  this  gives  his 
sanction  to  the  Book,  of  Proverbs,  it  also  shews, 
that  these  maxims  may  fairly  be  applied  to  simi- 
lar cases,  and  that  we  need  not  confine  the  inter- 
pretation exclusively  to  the  subject  which  gave 
rise  to  the  maxim.  The  ambitious  competition  of 
courtiers,  the  disgrace  of  being  placed  lower  than 
a  man's  self-sufficiency  had  arrogated  to  him,  and 
the  honor  paid  to  modest  worth  by  wise  princes, 
gave  our  Lord  the  occasion  of  counselling  the 
guests;  and  that  admonition  forms  one  of  the 
standard  rules,  by  which  he  deals  with  those,  who 
profess  themselves  his  disciples.  "Before  lionor 
is  humility,  and  a  haughty  spirit  before  a  fall." 
[Marg.  and  Marg.  Ref.—J^otcs,  27.  16:19.  27:2. 
Luke  18:9 — 14.) — The  last  words,  "whom  thine 
eyes  have  seen,"  are  thought  by  some  learned 
men  redundant;  and  some  add  them  to  the  next 
verse:  but  perhaps  they  may  allude  to  the  case  of 
a  per.son  newly  brought  to  court,  getting  a  sigiit 
of  the  prince,  and  flattering  himself  with  the 
hopes  of  high  favor  and  preferment;  but  giving 
disgust  by  a  self-sufficient  conduct,  and  so  finally 
excluded  from  the  king's  presence.  An  apt  em- 
blem of  many  vain -glorious  pi-ofessors  of  Chris- 
tianity! 

V.  8 — 10.  Precipitation  in  commencing  con- 
tention can  arise  only  from  fierce  passions,  pride, 
and  ignorance  or  forgetfulness  of  consequences. 
[J^otes,  13:10.  17:14.  18:6,7.  Luke  14:28— 33,  w. 
21,32.)  This  is  equally  applicable  to  engaging  in 
foreign  wars,  or  in  civil  dissensions;  and  to  enter- 
ing on  law-suits,  controversies,  or  any  other  pri- 
vate contests.  (JVo(6s,  20:18.  24:3— 6.)  Those  who 
552] 


bor  himself;  and  discover  not  t  a  secret  to 
another: 

10  Lest  he  that  heareth  it  put  thee  to 
shame,  and  i  thine  infamy  turn  not  away. 

1 1  A  "■  word  +  fitly  spoken  is  like  apples 
of  gold  in  pictures  of  silver. 

12  As  ^  an  ear-ring  of  gold,  and  an 
ornament  of  fine  gold,  so  is  ^  a  wise  re- 
prover upon  an  obedient  ear. 

13  As  "  the  cold  of  snow  in  the  time 
of  harvest,  so  is  a  faithful  messenger  to 
them  that  send  him:  for  he  refresheth  the 
soul  of  his  masters. 

14  Whoso  ^  boasteth  himself  ^  of  a 
false  gift  is  like  clouds  and  wind  without 
rain. 


t  Or,  the  secret  of  another.  11; 

13.  20:19. 
q  Ps.  119:39. 

r  15:23.  24:26.  Ec.  12:10.  Is.  50:4. 
J  Heb.  spoken  upon  his  wheels. 
s  Job  42:11. 
t9:8.   15:5,31,32.  27:5,6.   1  Sam. 


25:31—34.     Ps.  141:5. 
u  25.   13:17.  26:6.     Phil.  2:25— 

30. 
X  20:6.      1  Kings  22:11.     Luke 

14:11.     2  Cor.  11:13— 18,31.   2 

Pet.  2:15—19.   Jude  12,13,16. 
$  Heb.  i'ji  agift  of  falsehood. 


are  most  eager  to  contend,  are  generally  least 
able  to  maintain  their  ground:  consequently  their 
boastings  and  menaces  frequently  end  in  their 
own  disgrace;  and  they  bring  themselves  into  in- 
extricable difficulties.  To  avoid  this,  men  should 
previously  consider  what  they  are  about  to  do: 
and  if  they  have  been  materially  injured,  they 
should  calmly  expostulate  with  their  offending 
neighbor,  and  state  to  him  their  earnest  desire  of 
agreement  upon  any  reasonable  terms;  and  thus 
endeavor,  by  compromise  or  reference,  to  render 
an  open  contest  unnecessarj%  None  should,  how- 
ever, in  any  case,  divulge  private  transactions  to 
others,  or  traduce  a  man's  character  out  of  re- 
sentment: for  this  will  take  away  tlie  prospect  of 
an  amicable  settlement:  and  if  words  of  this  kind 
be  reported  to  him,  and  he  can  shew  them  to  be 
in  any  measure  false  and  slanderous,  or  over- 
charged, the  disgrace  will  rebound  upon  the 
speaker,  and  perhaps  become  indelible.  This  is 
precisely  the  instruction  of  the  New  Testament. 
{JIarg.  Ref.— Motes,  Matt.  18:15—17.  1  Cor.  6:1 
— 8.) — Solomon,  speaking  by  divine  inspiration, 
gave  the  same  instructions,  which  were  after- 
wards authoritatively  given  by  his  illustrious  An- 
titype. 

V.  ]1,  12.  A  word  of  counsel,  encouragement, 
or  reproof,  when  it  is  spoken  with  propriety,  and 
is  well-timed,  and  suited  to  the  occasion,  is  con- 
spicuously beautiful.  As  when  apples  of  gold  are 
painted,  or  presented  to  our  view,  in  lattice-work 
of  silver;  where  'the  fine  fruit  receives  a  new 
'charm,  by  shewing  itself  through  the  elegant 
'apertures  of  the  basket.'  Hcrvey. — And  when  a 
wise  reprover,  and  one  that  receives  the  re))roof 
in  good  part,  happen  to  meet;  no  jewels  of  gold 
can  be  so  ornamental  as  this  becoming  behavior. 
Uilarg.  and  Marg.  Ref.—J\7>tes,  15:23.  24:26.  1 
Sam.  25:32,33.  Ps.  141:5.  /*.  50:4.) 

V.  13.  Liquor  cooled  with  ice  or  snow,  pre- 
served or  brought  from  the  mountains  for  that 
purpose,  according  to  the  custom  in  hot  countries, 
is  very  grateful  in  the  heat  of  summer,  especially 
to  the  hnsbandman  when  gathering  in  his  harvest. 
Thus  faithful  ambassadors,  or  messengers,  re- 
fresh the  minds  of  those  who  employ  them  in  bu- 
siness of  great  importance,  and  are  anxious  about 
the  event.  (25.  JVotes,  13:17.  26:6.  Phii.  2:24— 
30.) 

V.  14.  'He  that  makes  bountiful  promises  of 
'great  gifts,  which  will  never  be  performed,  is 
'like  a  cloud  which  makes  a  shew  of  that  rain, 


B.  C.  976. 


CHAPTER  XXV. 


B.  C.  07G. 


15  By  ylong  forbearing  is  a  prince 
persuaded,    and  a  soft  tongue  breaketh 

the  bone.  [PracUcal  observations.] 

16  ^Hast  thou  found  honey.?  eat  so 
much  as  is  sufficient  for  thee,  « lest  thou 
be  filled  therewith,  and  vomit  it. 

17  »  Withdraw  thy  foot  from  thy  neigh- 
bor's house;  lest  he  be  t  weary  of  thee, 
and  50  hate  thee. 

18  A  man  ^  that  beareth  false  witness 
against  his  neighbor  is  a  maul,  and  a 
sword,  and  a  sharp  arrow. 

19  'Confidence  in  an  unfaithtul  man 
in  time  of  trouble,  is  like  a  broken  tooth, 
and  a  foot  out  of  joint 

y   15:1.     16:14.     Gen.  32A,&c 


'l  Sam.  25:14,&c.     Kc.  10:4. 
z    24:13.14.       Judg.   14:8,9.     1 

Sam.  14:23—27.     Is.  7:15,22. 
a  27.  23:8.     Luke  21:34.    Eph. 

3:18. 
*  Or,  Let  thyfuot  be  seldom  in, 

fyc.    Gen.  19:2,3.     Judg-  1913 


—01. 
t  Heb.  full.  Rom.  15:24. 
b    12:18.     Ps.  52:2.  55:21.  57:4. 

120:3,4.  140:3.  Jer.  9:3,8.  Jam. 

3:6. 
C  2  Chr.  28:20,21.  Job  6:14—20. 

Is.  30:1—3.  36:6.     Ez.  29:6,7. 

2  Tim.  4:16 


'which  it  wiU  not  and  cannot  yield.     Bp.  Hall. 
IJSTotes,  20:6.  Hos.  6:4,5.  Jude  U— 13,  «.  12.) 

V.  15.  By  submission,  and  patient  endurance 
under  rebukes,  and  humble  entreaties,  even  the 
prince,  who  has  been  greatly  offended,  may  be 
pacified:  whereas  petulancy  and  passion  would 
inflame  his  resentment,  and  prove  of  fatal  conse- 
quence. Nay,  soft,  persuasive  language  is  gene- 
rally the  most  effectual,  to  prevail  over  the  obdu- 
rate mind  and  stubborn  resolution,  and  to  carry 
the  point  in  the  midst  of  great  difficulties.  The 
marrow  cannot  be  obtained,  till  the  bone  be 
broken:  this  is  therefore  an  apt  emblem  of  the 
advanta«-es  of  gentle  means;  which,  contrary  to 
apparen!  probability,  break  the  bone  that  violence 
would  have  rendered  more  obdurate.  [M)tes,  15: 
l.iJc.  8:3— 5.  10:4.) 

V.  16.  Honey  may  be  regarded  as  an  emblem 
of  sensual  pleasure:  though  it  is  wholesome  when 
eaten  in  moderation,  yet  when  taken  to  excess  it 
will  produce  a  surfeit.  [J^otes,  27.  24:13,14.) 
Those  animal  indulgences,  which  are  lawful  in 
themselves,  and  placed  within  our  reach,  (as  if 
we  had  found  honey  and  it  were  all  our  own,) 
should  yet  be  used  with  great  moderation,  or  they 
will  lead  us  into  guilt  and  trouble.  {Marg.  Ref.  a.) 

V.  17.  Our  intercourse  with  neighbors  cannot 
be  conducted  with  comfort  and  cordiality,  with- 
out discretion,  as  well  as  sincerity.  Unseasona- 
ble, tedious,  and  too  frequent  visits,  without  invi- 
tation, or  upon  such  as  is  general  and  slight;  and 
indulging  too  freely  at  the  expense  of  others,  may 
create  disgust.  Such  behavior  leaves  an  unfa- 
vorable opinion  of  a  man's  character  on  the  mind 
of  his  neighbor:  and  it  not  only  appears  selfish, 
but  it  presses  too  hard  upon  the  other's  selfish- 
ness, and  on  both  accounts  may  probably  termi- 
nate in  weariness,  or  even  in  aversion  or  enmity. 
(Marg.  Re/.)— Withdraw,  &c.]  Marg.  "Make  it 
precious."   (-)p_n,  from -)p^)    'Do  not  render 

'thy  company  cheap;  but  keep  up  the  value  that 
'might  otherwise  be  set  upon  it.'  {J^otes,  23:6— 
8.  I  .Saw.  3:1.) 

V.  lf{.  .4  maul.]  Or  a  club,  by  which  a  man  is 
beaten  down  to  the  ground:  a  "dasher  in  pieces." 
[jYah.  2:2.  Heb.  Marg.  Ref.— See  on  JVb<e,  12, 
18.19.) 

V.  19.  (Marg.  Ref-) — 'As  a  broken  tooth,  or  a 
'leg  out  of  joint,  not  only  fails  a  man  when  he 
♦comes  to  use  it,  but  likewise  puts  him  into  pain; 
'30  doth  a  faitliless  person  serve  them  that  depend 
'on  him,  when  they  have  the  greatest  need  of  his 
Vol.  III.  70 


20  As  he  "^  that  taketh  away  a  garment 
in  cold  weather,  and  as  ^  vinegar  upon 
nitre;  '  so  is  he  that  singeth  songs  to  an 
heavy  heart. 

21  If  6  thine  enemy  be  hungry,  give 
him  bread  to  eat;  and  if  he  be  thirsty, 
give  him  water  to  drink. 

22  For  thou  shall  heap  coals  of  fire 
upon  his  head,  and  ^  the  Lokd  shall  re- 
ward thee. 

23  The  '  north  wind  Mriveth  away 
rain:  ^  so  doth  an  angry  countenance  a 
backbiting  tongue. 

24  It  is  ^  better  to  dwell  in  a  corner  of 


d  Deut.  94:12—17.     Job  24:7— 

10.   Is.  58:7.    Jam.  2:15,16. 
e  10:26. 
f  Ps.  137:3,4.    Ec.  3:4.     Dan.  6: 

13.    Rom.  12:15.  Jam.  5:13. 
g  24:17.     Ex.  23:4,5.     MaU.  5: 

44.  Luke  10:33-36.  Rom.  12: 

20,21. 


h  MaU.  10:13.     1  Cor.  15:58. 

i  Job  37:22. 

+    Or,    bringeth  forth  rain;    so 

doth  a  backbiting  tongue  an 

angry  countenance. 
k  26:20.     Ps.  15:3.      Rom.  1:30 

2  Cor.  12:20. 
1  19:13.  21:9.19.    27:15,16. 


'help.  And  such  also  is  the  confidence,  that  a 
'faithless  person  himself  places  in  riches,  ov  craft, 
'or  great  friends,  &c.  which  some  time  or  other 
'will  disappoint  him  to  his  great  grief,  whenhe 
'expects  the  most  from  them.'  Bp.  Patrick, 
(Marg.  Ref.  c.) 

V.  20.  it  would  be  an  inhumanity  peculiarly 
unseasonable,  to  take  away  a  poor  man's  rai- 
ment, or  the  covering  of  his  bed,  in  the  depth  of 
winter;  and  it  is  observed  that  when  vinegar  is 
poured  on  an  alkali,  their  contrariety  produces  a 
violent  effervescence:  so  incongruous  and  disqui- 
eting are  the  common  expressions  of  mirth  and 
joy,  in  company  with  one  who  is  greatly  troubled 
in  his  mind.  (JVole,  Ps.  137:1— 6.)— Nitre,  in  this 
place,  does  not  signify  the  salt  now  commonly  so 
called,  or  salt-petre;  but  a  fixed  alkali  called  tii- 
trwn  by  the  Romans;  or  some  alkaline  composi- 
tion, which  was  used  instead  of  soap  by  the  Jews. 
(J^Tote,  Jer.  2:22—24,  v.  22.) 

V.  21,  22.  The  apostle  has  quoted  these  verses 
from  the  Septuagint,  verbatim,  (except  the  last 
clause,)  in  his  most  beautiful  exhortations  to 
Christians,  enforced  by  the  consideration  of  the 
mercies  of  God  to  them.  (J^ote,  Rom.  12: 1 7—21 , 
V.  20. )  Such  a  quotation  is  the  strongest  testimo- 
ny to  the  divine  authority  of  the  book  whence  it  is 
made:  and  clearly  evinces  that  the  same  rule  of 
duty  is  contained  in  both  testaments;  however  an- 
cient scribes  and  Pharisees,  and  several  modern 
writers,  may  have  overlooked  it.  The  law  of 
love  is  not  expounded  more  spiritually,  in  any 
single  precept  either  of  Christ  or  his  apostles, 
than  in  this  exhortation.  Seize  the  moment  of 
distress  to  shew  kindness  to  him  that  hales  thee. 
This  will  resemble  the  effort  of  the  refiner  with  a 
piece  of  metal,  untractable  by  ordinary  means:  he 
surrounds  it  beneath,  above,  and  on  every  side, 
with  coals  intensely  heated,  and  thus  either  melts 
or  consumes  it:  and,  however  the  plan  may  even- 
tually succeed  with  him  who  thus  labors  to  over- 
come evil  with  good,  "verily  he  shall  in  no  wise 
lose  his  reward."  The  fair  prospect  of  success 
seems  especially  intended,  as  the  motive  and  end 
proposed,  in  attempting  it.    (^Marg.  Ref-) 

V.  23.  The  meaning  of  this  verse  in  our  trans- 
lation is  obvious  and  instructive:  yet  the  original 
seems  to  convey  another  meaning.  "As  the  north 
wind  produces  "rain,"  (which  it  docs  in  some  coun- 
tries,) "so  a  backbiting  tongue  produceth  an  an- 
gry counteiiancei"  Either  interpretation  shews 
how  hateful  backbiters  are,  and  how  they  should 
be  frowned  upon. 

[553 


B.  C.  976. 


PROVERBS. 


B.  C.  976. 


the  house-top,   than  with  a  brawhng  wo- 
man, and  in  a  wide  house. 

25  As  "'  cold  waters  to  a  thirsty  soul, 
"  so  is  good  news  from  a  far  country. 

26  A  °  righteous  man  faUing  down  he- 
rn Gen.  smb—i  9.    Ex.  17:2,3,      Luke  2:10,11.     Rom.  10:15.  1 


6.  Judg.  15:18,19.  2  Sam.  23: 
15.  Ps.  42:1,2.  63:1.  Is.  55:1. 
Jer.  18:14.  John  7:37.  Rev. 
21:6.  22:17. 


Tim.  1:15. 
o  Geii.  4:8.     1  .Sam.  22:14—1 
2  Chr.  24:21,22.      Matt.  23:34 
—37.    26:69—74.      Acts  7:52, 


n  15:30.     Is.  52:7.     Nah.   1:15.  |     1  Thes.  2:15.     Rev.  17:6. 


V.  24.  Marg.  Re/.— See  on  JVbfe,  21:9. 

V.  25.  Marg.  Rcf.—JVotes,  13.  13:30.  Is.  52:7, 
8.  Luke  2:8—14,  vv.  10,11.  Rom.  10:12—17.  1 
Thes.  3:6—10. 

V.  26.  A  troubled  fountain  or  corrupt  spring- 
sends  forth  polluted  streams,  to  the  disappoint- 
ment and  annoyance  of  the  neig-hborhood.  Thus, 
when  a  righteous  man  falls  into  any  evident  sin, 
in  the  presence  of  the  wicked;  or  when  he  pays 
unseemly  homag-e  to  them,  from  fear  or  interest; 
or  when  he  falls  under  their  oppressive  power;  in 
different  ways  tliese  events  tend  to  prejudice  and 
embolden  the  minds  of  sinners,  and  are  a  grief,  a 
snare,  or  a  discourag^ement  to  the  servants  of  God. 
{J\Iarg.  Ref.—JSotes,  2  Sam.  11:14—21.  24:3,4.) 

V.  27.  To  supply  a  negative,  in  order  to  ex- 
plain a  maxim  of  wisdom,  as  in  this  verse,  seems 
indefensible:  and  yet,  of  the  various  interpreta- 
tions which  have  been  proposed,  in  order  to  avoid 
this  difficulty,  none  gives  satisfaction,  at  least  to 
me. — Might  not  the  latter  clause  be  read  inter- 
rogatively: "To  eat  honey  to  excess  is  not  good; 
and  is  it  glory  for  men  to  seek  their  own  glory.?" 
— A  moderate  regard  to  reputation  is  proper; 
[Note,  Ec.  10:1.)  as  it  is  to  eat  honey  moderate- 
ly: but  does  not  the  vain-glorious  man  run  into 
pernicious  excess,  by  rioting  on  what  he  delights 
in;  as  much  as  the  man  who  eats  honey,  till  he  sur- 
feits with  it?  [J^otes,  16.  24:13,14.  27:2.  John  5: 
39—44,  V.  44.  2  Cor.  10:17,18.  12:11—13.) 

V.  28.  The  man,  who  has  no  command  over  his 
passions,  especially  over  his  anger,  lies  open  to 
the  assault  of  every  invader:  any  one  may  exas- 
perate and  torment  him,  and  rob  him  of  his  com- 
fort, his  peace,  and  his  reason  at  pleasure:  every 
temptation  seduces  him  into  sin,  and  the  most 
trifling  concerns  involve  him  in  the  most  serious 
contests.  (JVb<e*,  16:32.  22:24,25.  1  Sam.  20:30. 
Esth.  3:3—6.  5:13.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
V.  1—15. 
We  ought  carefully  to  recollect,  and  readily  to 
communicate,  the  instructive  lessons  which  wise 
and  good  men  have  left  behind  them:  but  selec- 
tion is  in  this  case  of  prime  importance.  The 
whole  of  what  even  Solomon  wrote  was  not 
thought  proper  to  be  published.  And  to  commu- 
nicate to  the  public,  indiscriminately,  all  that  em- 
inent men  have  left  in  manuscript,  is  not  only  an 
injustice  to  their  characters,  but  a  detriment  to 
mankind.  By  these  means  the  effusions  of  an  un- 
guarded hour  are  sent  forth  into  the  world,  under 
the  sanction  of  a  great  name;  and  alas!  men's  fol- 
lies and  mistakes  are  more  likely  to  meet  a  fa- 
vorable reception,  than  the  result  of  their  sober 
judgment  and  mature  deliberation.  This  is  there- 
fore always  an  injudicious,  and  often  an  infamous, 
because  a  mercenarij  practice. — It  is  not  for  us, 
presumptuously  to  search  into  "the  deep  things  of 
God,"  whose  glory  it  is  to  conceal  his  decrees  in 
impenetrable  secrecy:  but  let  us  diligently  learn 
his  revealed  will,  that  vve  may  believe  and  do  it, 
and  humbly  bound  our  inquiries  where  he  bounds 
his  information.  For  how  should  we  be  able  to 
know  any  thing  of  his  unrevealed  purposes;  when 
554] 


fore  the  wicked,  is  as  a  troubled  foun- 
tain, and  a  corrupt  spring. 

27  It  is  P  not  good  to  eat  much  honey: 
1  so  for  men  to  search  their  own  glory  is 
not  glory. 

28  He  ■'  that  hath  no  rule  over  his  own 
spirit,  is  like  a  city  that  is  broken  down, 
and  without  walls. 


p  16. 

q  27:2.  John  5:44.     2  Cor.  12:1, 
11.   Phil.  2:3. 


r    16:33 
25:17. 


22:24.     1  Sam.  20:30. 


we  cannot  discover  the  intentions  of  our  earthly 
governors  with  any  certainty,  unless  they  inform 
us  of  them.? — The  honor  of  kings  does  not  consist 
in  external  magnificence,  numerous  attendants, 
powerful  armies,  or  splendid  achievements:  much 
less  in  domineering  over  their  subjects,  and  in 
indulging  their  own  lusts  and  passions.  But  it 
consists,  in  diligently  learning  and  attending  to 
the  duties  of  their  high  station;  in  rendering  their 
whole  administration  equitable,  salutary,  and  con- 
ducive to  the  peace  and  happiness  of  mankind; 
and  in  copying  his  example,  who  "putteth  away 
the  ungodly  as  dross:"  thus  wiU  "their  thrones  be 
established  in  righteousness."  For,  the  reforma- 
tion of  the  court,  and  the  good  example  of  those, 
who  possess  authority  or  favor  with  the  prince, 
will  produce  a  salutary  effect  through  the  subor- 
dinate ranks  of  the  community.  This  indeed  is 
an  arduous  attempt,  and  requires  both  resolution 
and  address:  a  frowning  countenance,  severe  re- 
proofs, and  decisive  measures  must  be  used;  men's 
characters  must  be  inquired  into,  and  made  trial 
of,  as  the  finer  discriminates  between  the  gold 
and  the  dross.  But  the  advantages  will  abun- 
dantly compensate  the  trouble,  to  those  who  are 
enabled  to  go  through  with  such  a  reform.  The 
vain-glorious  men,  who  boast  themselves  of  those 
talents  and  endowments  which  they  do  not  possess, 
and  excite  expectations  which  they  are  sure  to 
disappoint,  being  like  clouds  and  wind  without 
rain;  and  who  assume  the  chief  places,  and  claim 
the  precedency  wherever  they  go;  are  wholly 
unfit  to  be  employed  in  services  of  this  kind.  In- 
deed, whether  such  persons  are  found  in  palaces  or 
churches,  they  are  to  be  suspected  and  kept  down. 
He,  who  is  a  meet  person  to  stand  in  the  pres- 
ence of  the  king,  does  not  at  first  sight,  or  upon  the 
first  intimations  of  favor,  aspire  to  the  chief  places, 
or  want  to  thrust  out  his  seniors  and  superiors; 
but  is  diffident,  and  reluctant  to  engage  in  such 
arduous  affairs:  and  it  will  be  needful  to  invite 
him  to  "come  up  hither;"  and  not  to  "put  him 
lower  in  the  presence  of  the  prince,"  than  he  has 
placed  himself.  And,  in  like  manner,  he  who  is 
qualified  to  be  the  minister  of  the  Lord  of  hosts, 
and  has  seen  "his  glory  in  the  face  of  Jesus 
Christ,"  will  be  proportionably  sensible  of  his  own 
unworthiness  and  insufficiency.  He  may  be  in- 
duced by  zeal  and  love,  and  a  sense  of  duty,  to 
"desire  this  good  work:"  but  he  will  not  rush 
upon  it  with  inconsiderate  forwardness;  nor  be 
disposed  to  thrust  himself  into  the  most  conspicu- 
ous places,  but  be  satisfied  in  an  obscure  sphere, 
until  he  be  evidently  called  up  higher.  Thus  in 
every  thing,  modesty  and  humility  attend  real  ex- 
cellence and  precede  durable  honor:  but  pride 
and  ostentation  are  evidences  of  a  worthless 
character,  and  lead  to  contempt  and  disgrace. 
The  love  of  peace,  and  that  gentle  and  circum- 
spect behavior  which  best  secures  it,  spring  from 
humility.  He,  who  considers  the  fatal  effects  of 
contention  in  public  and  in  private  life,  will  use 
every  means  to  avoid  all  occasions  of  it.  He  will 
meditate  seriously  upon  the  causes  and  conse- 
quences of  any  contest  in  which  he  may  be  tempt- 
ed to  engage,  before  he  will  venture  upon  it:  he 


B.  C.  976. 


CHAPTER  XXVL 


B.  C.  97G. 


CHAP.  XXVI. 


Div.T3  maxims,  concerning  fools,  sluggards,  internicddlers  with 
strife,  those  who  do  mischief  in  sport,  tale-bearers,  dissemblers, 
liars,  and  flatterers,  1 — 28. 

AS  snow  *  in  summer,  and  as  rain  in 
harvest,  ^  so  honor  is  not  seemly  for 
a  fool. 

a  1  Sam.  12:17,18.  I    8.  1S:4.  52:    tiih.   1—4.     Ec. 

b  3.   28:16.     J udg.  9:7,20,56,57.       10:5—7. 
Esth.  3:l,&c.    4:6—9.     Ps.  12:  I 


will  practise  equity,  sincerity,  candor,  and  long 
forbearance;  and  will  studj'  that  softness  of  speech 
which  "breaketh  the  bone,"  and  disarms  tlie  re- 
sentment of  the  powerful  or  the  haughty,  and 
wins  to  reason  and  justice  those  who  are  infring- 
ing on  the  rights  of  others.  He  will  not  disclose 
to  another  person  the  injuries  that  he  has  receiv- 
ed, till  he  has  debated  the  matter  with  the  injuri- 
ous party:  much  less  will  he  propagate  a  distorted 
and  aggravated  report,  as  is  too  common  in  such 
cases.  Thus  he  will  be  generally  enabled  to  avoid 
litigations;  while  precipitation,  unguarded  lan- 
guage, and  partial  and  public  statements  of  facts, 
to  the  injury  of  men's  reputations,  lead  to  irrecon- 
cileable  discords;  and  often  terminate  in  irretriev- 
able detriment  to  the  circumstances  and  charac- 
ter of  the  offender.  And  let  it  be  observed,  tliat 
the  hasty  entrance  upon  religious  controversy  is 
as  perilous  to  a  man's  spirit,  as  engaging  in  a 
duel  is  to  his  life;  and  is  often  as  fatal  to  the  wel 
fare  of  the  church,  as  needless  wars  are  to  the 
community. — It  is  well  worth  our  while  to  study 
acceptable  words  fitted  to  take  effect;  and  to  know 
how  Dotb  to  give  seasonable  counsel,  and  to  yield 
aU  obedient  ear  to  salutary  reproof;  which  is 
very  becoming  a  man  professing  godliness,  and 
peculiarly  conducive  to  his  advantage  and  use- 
fulness. Indeed  prudence,  modesty,  and  faithful- 
ness will  render  a  person  valuable  in  every  situa- 
tion, frofn  that  of  the  ambassador  of  a  powerful 
monarch,  to  that  of  an  ordinary  messenger  to  a 
man  of  low  condition;  and  will  conduce  greatly  to 
the  comfort  of  those  who  employ  him. 
V.  16—28. 
In  public  as  well  as  in  private  life,  misplaced 
confidence  must  induce  uneasiness,  disappoint- 
ment, and  disasters:  and  if  a  monarch  rely  on  a 
mercenary  and  unfaithful  minister  of  state;  he  can 
have  no  security  that  he  will  not  betray  him  in 
the  critical  conjuncture,  like  "a  broken  tooth, 
and  a  foot  out  of  joint;"  and  thus  involve  him  in 
the  deepest  distress.  And  what  fidelity  to  his 
prince  can  be  expected  from  him,  who  is  a  daring 
rebel  against  God;  and  who  sacrifices  every  rela- 
tive and  domestic  duty,  to  the  indulgence  of  his 
avarice,  or  his  lust'  But  a  minister,  "who  fear- 
eth  God  and  worketh  righteousness,"  and  whose 
integrity  and  prudence  are  approved,  relieves  a 
prince  of  his  cares  and  solicitude,  and  excites  the 
confidence,  that  good  news  will  be  heard,  from 
time  to  time,  out  of  those  distant  countries  with 
which  he  is  connected;  which  will  be  grateful  as 
the  cold  water  to  the  thirsty  traveller.  Hoav 
welcome  then  should  the  faithful  messengers  of 
God  be  to  us,  who  are  approved  by  their  Lord 
for  declaring  "the  truth  as  it  is!"  and  who  bring 
good  news  from  heaven,  that  far  country,  from 
which  we  sinners  had  great  reason  to  expect 
heavy  tidings!  May  he  furnish  very  many  such, 
and  send  them  forth  into  all  the  nations  of  the 
earth! — In  order  to  live  in  peace,  and  to  be  pre- 
pared to  resist  temptation,  nothing  is  more  im- 
portant than  habitual  self-government:  for  "he, 
that  has  no  rule  over  his  own  spirit,  is  like  a  city 
that  is  broken  down,  and  without  walls."  In  this 
case  a  man  lies  open  to  the  incursion  of  every  en- 
emy: and  if  he  listen,  (as  it  is  most  likely  he  will,) 
to  false  witnesses  and  slanderers,  his  life  must  be 
one  continued  scene  of  contention  and  vexation. 


2  As  the  bird  by  wandering,  as  the 
swallow  by  flying,  *  so  the  cm-se  causeless 
shall  not  come. 

3  A  '^  whip  for  the  horse,  a  bridle  for 


;  Norn.  23:8.  Deut.  23:4,5.  1 
Sam.  14:28,29.  J7:43.  2  Sam. 
16:12.   Neh.  13:2.     Ps.  109:28. 


d  10:13.  17:10.  19:25.  27:22. 
.ludg.  8:5—7,16.  Ps.  32:9.  I 
Cor.  4:21.      2.Cor.  10:6.    13:2. 


of  sin  and  misery.  Indeed,  we  ought  not  only  to 
avoid  these  hateful  and  mischievous  vices  our- 
selves; but  to  frown  all  calumniators  from  our 
presence:  and  a  frown  will  generally  suffice;  for 
they  seldom  persevere  in  coming  where  they  are 
not  made  welcome.  But  self-government  must  be 
exercised  over  all  our  passions  and  appetites, 
even  in  respect  of  things  lawful:  that,  while 
many  ruin  themselves  and  others  by  criminal 
gratifications,  and  some  are  useless,  troublesome, 
and  uncomfortable  through  inexpedient  indul- 
gence; we  may  know  how  to  use  the  good  gifts  of 
Providence  with  thankful  moderation,  to  take 
what  is  conducive  to  health  and  comfort,  and  to 
avoid  all  excess.  It  is  also  incumbent  upon  us  to 
conduct  our  social  intercourse  with  our  neighbors 
in  a  prudent  manner,  without  encroaching,  or 
giving  umbrage  to  them:  at  the  same  time  we 
should  be  thankful,  that  we  never  can  come  to 
the  Lord  unseasonably,  or  too  frequently;  and 
that  he  will  never  be  weary  of  us  or  displeased 
with  us,  for  asking  too  much  of  him:  and  we 
should  make  his  love,  and  not  man's  selfishness, 
the  pattern  of  our  conduct  towards  others,  though 
not  of  our  expectations  from  them.  We  should 
also  learn  to  sympathize  with  the  afflicted;  and 
we  ought  no  more  to  wound  their  feelings  by 
impertinent  levity,  than  to  injure  the  poor  by 
cruelty  and  oppression:  and  we  ought  steadily 
and  constantly  to  be  aiming  to  "overcome  evil 
with  good;"  and  to  watch  for  an  opportunity, 
when  an  enemy  is  in  want  or  trouble,  to  shew  our 
good-will  to  him  by  a  seasonable  relief.  This 
may  melt  him  into  kindness:  or  if,  contrary  to  our 
intention,  it  should  only  increase  his  guilt,  yet  it 
will  conduce  to  our  own  good,  and  the  Lord  will 
reward  us.  We  should  moreover  keep  a  peculiar 
watch  over  our  tempers  and  our  words,  whilst  in 
the  company  of  ungodly  men:  and  we  ought  by 
no  means  to  pay  undue  respect  to  them  for  any 
secular  ends;  -lest  our  example  should  produce  a 
prejudicial  effect  on  others,  and  leave  an  unfa- 
vorable impression  concerning  our  religion  on 
their  minds.  If  we  see  the  righteous  cast  down 
by  oppression  before  the  wicked;  we  should  de- 
sire to  possess  our  souls  in  faitn  and  patience,  and 
to  keep  silence  in  so  evil  a  time.  And  though 
we  may  not  seek  our  own  glory,  yet  the  honor  of 
our  profession  should  be  very  near  our  hearts; 
and  we  ought  to  be  willing  rather  to  suffer  death, 
than  to  live  to  the  disgrace  of  the  doctrine  of 
God  our  Savior. 

NOTES. 

Chap.  XXVI.  V.  1.  Snow  in  summer  and 
rain  in  harvest  are  unseasonable,  and  often  preju- 
dicial, in  every  country:  but  in  the  land  of  Ca- 
naan they  were  unusual,  and  denoted  the  divine 
displeasure.  [Mote,  1  Sam.  12:16—19.)  Thus  the 
advancement  of  ignorant  and  wicked  men  to  dig- 
nity and  authority,  especially  in  Israel,  was  om- 
inous, and  foreboding  the  pouring  out  of  divine 
judgment  upon  the  nation. — 'The  blending  of 
'summer  and  winter  would  not  cause  a  greater 
'disorder  in  the  natural  world,  than  the  disposal  of 
'honor  to  bad  men  (and  consequently  throwing 
'contempt  on  the  good)  does  in  the  world  moral.' 
Bp.  Patrick.  {J^otes,  Judg.  9: 1—20,50—57.  E»th. 
3:2.) 

V.  2.  .  The  birds  which  flv  over  our  heads  can- 

[555 


B.  C.  976. 


PROVERBS. 


B.  C.  976. 


the  ass,  and  a  rod   for  the   fool's  back. 

4  Answer  ^  not  a  fool  according  to  his 
folly,  lest  thou  also  be  like  unto  him. 

5  Answer  '^  a  fool  according  to  his  fol- 
ly, slest  he  be  wise  in  his  own  *  conceit. 

6  He  that  ''  sendeth  a  message  by  the 
hand  of  a  fool,  cutteth  off  the  feet,  and 
drinketh  ^  damage. 

7  The    legs    of   the    lame    are    t  not 


e  17:14.  Judg.  12:1—6.    2  Sam. 

19:41_43.     1  Kings    12:14,16. 

2  Kings  14:R— 10.      1  Pet.  2:21 

—23.  3:9.     .lude  9. 
f  1  Kinss  22:24—23.  Jer.  36:17, 

18.     Matt.    15:1—3.      16:1—4. 

21:23—27.     22:15—32.       Luke 

12:13—21.   13:23—30.    John  3: 


Is.  5:21.     Rom. 


7.  9:26—33.  Tit.  1:13. 
g  12.  28:11.  Rom.  11:25. 
*  Heb.   eyes. 

12:16. 
h  10:26.     13:17.    25:13.      Num. 

13.31. 
f  Or,  violence. 
i  Heb.  lifted  up. 


not  hurt  us,  and  they  will  soon  return  to  their  nests 
from  which  thej'  wandered.  In  like  manner,  un- 
merited anathemas,  imprecations,  and  calumnies, 
will  not  eventually  harm  us;  but  will  alight  on 
those  who  uttered  them.  [Marg.  Ref. — JVotes, 
JVum.  22:6.  23:1, S.  1  Sam.  17:42—44.  2  Ki7igs  4: 
23,24.  Matt.  16:19.  2  Cor.  13:7—10.) 

V.  3.  The  whip  and  the  bridle  are  needful  for 
the  proper  management  of  the  horse  or  the  ass; 
and  every  creature  must  be  dealt  with  according 
to  its  nature:  but  the  nature  of  careless  and 
profligate  sinners  is  such,  that  they  will  not  be 
ruled  by  reason  and  persuasion,  and  therefore  se- 
vere treatment  must  be  their  portion.  (Marg. 
Ref.—Kotes,  10:13.  17:10.  19:25.  27:22.  Ps.  32:8 
— ll,v.  9.) 

"V.  4,  5.  'Consent  not  unto  him  in  his  doings. 
'Reprovehimas  the  matter  requiretb.— It  is  highly 
improper  to  answer  a  fool,  in  his  own  foolish  man- 
ner; to  meet  him  on  his  own  ground;  or  to  retort 
on  him  his  scurrilous,  abusive,  impertinent  lan- 
guage. It  is  indeed  often  improper,  to  enter  on 
disputes  with  him,  and  to  answer  his  vain  cavils  or 
objections;  or  to  treat  his  folly  and  impiety,  as  if 
it  were  greatly  worthy  of  notice  or  refutation. 
This  may  be  doing  him  an  honor,  to  which  he  is 
not  entitled:  and  by  thus  descending  to  his  level, 
his  opponent  might  insensibly  get  into  his  trifling, 
contentious,  railing  spirit,  and  become  like  unto 
him.  IJ^otes,  17:14.  Judg.  12:1—6.  2  Sam.  19:40 
— 43.  1  Kings  12:16.  2  Kings  14:8—10.)  But,  on 
the  other  hand,  it  is  highly  unportaftt  to  consider 
the  character  and  intention  of  men;  and  to  level 
an  answer  against  a  foolish  and  impertinent  railer 
and  caviller,  with  such  poignancy,  and  force  of 
argument,  as  may  admit  of  no  reply:  and  so  to 
adapt  the  remarks  to  the  man,  and  address 
them  to  his  conscience,  as  may  best  expose  his 
ignorance  or  malice,  stop  his  mouth,  and  end  the 
debate  at  once.  A  notorious  profligate,  scoffer, 
or  infidel,  has  no  just  claim  to  that  respectful 
treatment,  to  which  a  more  modest  and  decent 
inquirer  is  entitled:  for  this  would  feed  his  vanity 
and  augment  his  self-importance.  But  a  decided 
and  pointed  answer  to  his  captious  queries,  which 
manifest  the  ignorance  and  wickedness  that  dic- 
tated them,  forms  the  proper  method  of  dealing 
with  him.  So  that  we  should  not  answer  a.  foolish 
man,  in  a  foolish  manner:  but  we  should  answer 
him  in  a  way,  suited  to  expose  his  folly,  to  mor- 
tify his  pride,  and  to  prevent  others  from  being 
deluded  by  him.  Of  this  we  have  very  many 
beautiful  examples  in  the  history  of  Jesus  Christ. 
(Marg.  Ref.—J^otes,  12.  Judg.  8:1—3.  1  Kings 
22:24,25.  Jer.  36:17,18.  Matt.  15:1—6,  21:23 
—27.  22:15— 40.  Jofoi  8:3— 11, -«.  7.9:39—41.) 

V.  6.  He  who  employs  an  ignorant  and  worth- 
less man  in  any  important  business,  as  it  were, 
cuts  off  his  own  feet,  puts  himself  to  much  pain, 
disables  himself,  and  obstructs  his  affairs:  and  he 


equal:  '  so   is  a  parable  in  the  mouth  of 
fools. 

8  As  he  that  { bindeth  a  stone  in  a 
shng,  ^  so  is  he  that  giveth  honor  to  a 
fool. 

9  ./?s  •  a  thorn  goeth  up  into  the  hand 
of  a  drunkard,  so  is  a  parable  in  the 
mouth  of  fools. 

10  IJThe  great  God,  that  formed  all 
things,  ""both  rewardeth  the  fool,  and 
rewardeth  transgressors. 


i9.   17:7.     Ps.  50:16— 21.    64.8. 

Matt.  7:4,5.    Luke  4:23. 
§  Heb.  futteth  a  precious  $tone 

in  a  heap  of  stones, 
k  1.   19:10.  30:22. 


I  23:35. 

II  Or,  A  great  man  grieveth  all; 
and  he  hireth  the  fool,  he  hiretk 
also  tjansgressors. 

m  11:31.    Rom.  2:6. 


can  expect  nothing  but  disappointment,  vexation, 
and  damage  in  abundance,  as  the  recompense  of 
his  folly.  The  princes  of  this  world  sometimes 
employ  such  envoys:  but  the  Lord  never  sends 
those,  as  his  messengers,  who  do  not  understand 
their  message,  or  are  not  able  to  deliver  it,  or 
whose  foolish  and  wicked  conduct  is  an  habitual 
disgrace  to  him;  though  many  such  wear  the 
garb,  and  appear  in  the  character,  of  his  messen- 
gers. [J^otes,  10:26.  13:17.) 

V.  7.  (Marg.)  A  lame  man  never  moves  so 
ungracefully,  as  when  he  affects  to  be  nimble:  and 
thus  a  foolish  man  never  appears  to  so  great  a 
disadvantage,  as  when  he  pretends  to  wisdom. 
He  either  shews  his  ignorance  and  folly,  by  speak- 
ing things  false  and  inapplicable  to  the  occasion: 
or  the  wise  remarks,  which  he  has  picked  up,  are 
so  contrary  to  his  own  general  conduct  and  con- 
verse, that  they  render  him  the  more  contempti- 
ble. (JTotes,  9.  17:7.  Ps.  50:16—21.  Matt.  7:3— 
5. /2om.  2:17—24.) 

V.  8.  He,  who  fixes  a  stone  in  a  sling,  prob- 
ably prepares  mischief  for  some  one,  perhaps  for 
himself:  so  does  he,  who  confers  authority  on  a 
foolish  and  wicked  man,  or  helps  to  advance  his 
reputation.  It  is  like  putting  a  sword  or  a  loaded 
pistol  into  a  madman's  hand.  (J^otes,  1.  19:10. 
Esth.  3:1—5.) 

V.  9.  A  drunken  man  will  heedlessly  lay  hold 
on  thorns,  or  other  sharp  things,  which  run  into 
his  hand;  and  perhaps  be  insensible  to  it,  till  he 
become^  sober,  and  the  wound  begins  to  rankle. 
(M)tes,  23:29—35.)  Thus  a  parable,  or  wise  ob- 
servation, is  so  ill  managed  by  a  fool,  that  it 
wounds  himself  by  exposing  his  wickedness,  and 
increasing  his  condemnation:  and  though  he  may 
not  be  sensible  of  it  at  present,  yet  he  will  be, 
when  he  shall  be  condemned  out  of  his  own 
mouth  and  by  his  own  doctrine.  (J^Totes,  7.  Ps.  64: 
7—9.  Ec.  10:11—15.  Luke  19:11—27,  ot.20— 23.) 

V.  10.  This  proverb  may  either  declare  how 
the  Lord,  the  Creator  of  all  men,  will  deal  with 
sinners,  according  to  the  degrees  and  aggrava- 
tions of  their  guilt,  whether  they  be  ignorant, 
careless,  or  presumptuous:  or  how  the  great  and 
powerful  among  men,  who  do  so  much  towards 
forming  the  manners  of  all  others,  ought  to  act. 
Instead  of  honoring  and  employing  worthless  and 
wicked  men,  they  ought  to  disgrace  and  punish 
them  according  to  their  deserts.  The  margin 
reads  it;  "A  great  man  grieveth  all,  and  he  hireth 
the  fool,  he  hireth  also  transgressors."  But  the 
sense  may  thus  be  more  clearly  expressed,  'When 
'he  hireth  the  fool,  and  hireth  transgressors.' 
'The  great  God,  who  made  all  things,  governs 
'them  also  most  wisely  and  equally:  ...  whom  a 
'good  prince  imitates;  but  a  bad  proves  an  uni- 
'versal  grievance,  by  employing  either  fools,  or 
'profane  persons,  ...  who  vex  the  rest  of  his  sub- 
'jects,'  Bp.  Patrick.    (Seeon  JVb<e,  8.) 


B.  C.  97G. 


CHAPTER  XXVI. 


B.  C.  976. 


11  As  "  a  dog  returneth  to  his  vomit, 
so  a  fool  *  returneth  to  his  folly. 

12  *•  Seest  thou  Pa  man  wise  in  his 
own  conceit.''  there  is  more  hope  of  a  fool 
than  of  him. 

13  IF  The  1  slothful  maw  saith,  There 
is  a  lion  in  the  way;  a  lion  is  in  the 
streets. 

14  .^5  'the  door  turneth  upon  his 
hinges,  so  doth  the  slothful  upon  his  bed. 

1 5  The  ^  slothful  hideth  his  hand  in 
his  bosom;  ^  it  grieveth  him  to  bring  it 
again  to  his  mouth. 

16  The  sluggard  is  *  wiser  in  his  own 
conceit,  than  seven  men  that  can  render 

a  reason.  [Practical  Observations.] 

17  If  He  that  "  passeth  by,  mid  t  med- 


n  Ex.  8:15.  Matt.  12:45.    2  Pet. 

2:22. 
•  Heb.  ittrateth. 
o  22:29.  29:20.     Luke  7:44. 
p  5,16.  23:11.  29:20.     Matt.  21: 

31.   Luke  18:11.     Rom.  12:16. 

1  Cor.  3:13,19.  8:1,2.     Rev.  3: 

17. 
q  15:19.    19:15.  22:13.         


r  6:9,10.   12:24,27.  24:33.    Heb. 

6:12. 
s  19:24. 

I  Or,  Ac  15  "rutary. 
t  12.   12:15.     1  Pet.  3:15. 
u  17:11.   18:6,7.  20:3.    Luke  12: 

14.   2  Tim.  2:23,24. 
J  Or,  is  enraged. 


V.  11.  This  greedy  animal,  which  alone  is  ob- 
served to  act  in  the  manner  here  described,  is  the 
loathsome  emblem  of  those  sinners,  who  return 
to  their  vices,  after  they  have  in  various  ways 
smarted  for  them,  and  been  made  conscious  of 
their  folly  in  them:  they  seem  to  be  weary  of  their 
sins,  and  to  repent  of  them;  but  they  soon  shake 
off  the  conviction,  and  return  to  them  with  more 
greediness  than  ever.  {J\'otes,Matt.  12:43 — 45.2 
Pet.  2:20—22.)  Do  any  feel  disgusted  at  the  al- 
lusion.' Let  them  remember,  that  the  emblem  is 
far  less  filthy,  than  the  thing  denoted  by  it:  and 
that  the  whole  race  of  animals  does  not  afford  any 
thing  so  debasing,  as  not  to  be  far  out-done  by 
the  excesses  of  libertines,  and  drunkards,  and 
gluttons.  (JYotes,  23:29—35.  27:22.  JVt/m.  31:8. 
Jude  9—13.) 

V.  12.  It  the  sottish  person  above  described, 
'be  not  altogether  insensible  of  his  folly,  nor  re- 
'fuse  admonition;  there  is  more  hope  of  his 
'amendment,  than  of  his,  who  takes  himself  to 
'be  so  wise  and  virtuous,  that  he  despises  his 
'betters,  and  thinks  he  is  above  instruction.'  Bp. 
Patrick.  (J\Iarg.  Ref.—M)tes,  4,5,13—16,  v.  16.) 

V.  13—16.  {Mdes,  19:24.  22:13.)  'He  who 
'hath  no  mind  to  labor,  never  wants  pretences  for 
'his  idleness.'  Bp.  Patrick. — Two  words  are  used 
here,  both  of  which  are  translated  lion;  but  the 
former  is  generally  supposed  to  signify  a  most 
fierce  and  large  lion.  Lions,  however,  are  sel- 
dom to  be  met  with  in  the  streets;  and  are  gener- 
ally in  their  dens,  when  man  is  required  to  attend 
to  his  work.  {Jfote,  Ps.  104:20—23.)  As  the 
door  moves  on,  but  not  from,  its  hinges;  so  the 
slothful  move  on,  but  not  from,  their  beds;  or,  at 
best,  they  make  no  progress  in  any  employment. 
(J^otes,  6:6—11.  12:24,27.  24:30—34.)  The  most 
needful  exertion  is  grievous  to  them:  ease  is  their 
chief  good;  the  preservation  of  it  for  the  present, 
is  their  chief  wisdom:  and,  whilst  they  sacrifice 
to  this  base  end  the  interests  of  time  and  eternity; 
they  foolishly  deem  themselves  wiser  than  all 
those,  who  render  a  reason  why  they  should  be- 
stir themselves,  and  attend  to  their  business  and 
duty,  [.mtes,  12.  3:7,8.  12:15.  /*.  5:21.  Rom.  11: 
25—32,  V.  25.  12:14—16,  v.  16.) 

V.  17.  [Marg.)  To  take  a  part  in  quarrels, 
in  which  men  have  no  concern;  or  even  zealouslv 
to    interfere  to  settle  disputes  and   litigations, 


dleth  with  strife  belonging  not  to  hira,  is 
like  one  that  taketh  a  dog  by  the  ears. 

18  As  a  mad  man,  who  casteth  ^  fire- 
brands, arrows,  and  death; 

19  So  is  the  man  that  deceiveth  his 
neighbor,  *  and  saith,  Am  not  I  in  sport. 

20  II  Where  no  wood  is,  there  the  fire 
goeth  out:  ^  so  where  there  is  no  ^  tale- 
bearer, the  strife  **  ceaseth. 

21  As  ^  coals  are  to  burning  coals,  and 
wood  to  fire;  so  is  a  contentious  man  to 
kindle  strife. 

22  The  '  words  of  a  tale-bearer  are  as 
wounds,  and  they  go  down  into  the  tt  in- 
nermost parts  of  the  belly. 

23  "  Burning  lips  and  a  wicked  heart 
are  like  a  potsherd  covered  with  silver 
dross. 


5  Heb.Jlames,  or  sparks. 

x  10:23.   14:9.     15:21.     2  Pet.  2: 

13. 
II  Heb.  TVithout  wood, 
y  22.  16:28.  22:10.   Jam.  3:6. 
TT  Or,  ■whisperer. 
**  Heb.  is  silent. 


z  10:12.  15:18.  29:22.  30:33.  2 
Sam.  20:1.  1  Kings  12:2,3,20. 
Ps.  120:4. 

a  18:8.  20:19.    Ez.  22:9. 

■ff  Heb.  chajnhers. 

b  10:18.  2  Sam.  20:9,10.  Ez. 
33:31.  Luke  22:47,48. 


where  neither  party  is  disposed  to  take  a  man's 
advice,  is  a  great  imprudence,  and  is  sure  to  lead 
him  into  many  difficulties.  It  is  as  if  any  one 
should  seize  a  fierce  dog,  as  he  passed  him,  by  the 
ears,  by  which  he  could  expect  no  other  than  to 
be  bitten:  and  it  is  hard  to  say,  whether  it  would 
be  safest  to  try  to  hold  him,  or  to  let  him  go. 
{Jfotes,  18:6,7.  20:3.  Luke  12:13,14.) 

V.  18,  19.  A  madman,  without  intentional 
malice,  may  do  immense  mischief  in  a  very  little 
time,  by  firing  houses,  or  piurdering  those  whom 
he  meets;  and  it  may  be  a  kind  of  amusement 
for  him.  But  he  who,  without  the  excuse  of  mad- 
ness, diverts  himself  with  imposing  upon  his 
neighbor,  and  leading  him  into  errors,  conten- 
tions, and  trouble,  merely  that  he  may  laugh  at 
his  distresses  and  disappointments;  is  a  man  of  a 
most  mischievous  disposition,  and  worthy  of  the 
severest  punishment,  or  the  closest  confinement. 
— The  word  rendered  "madman"  seems  to  mean 
one  who  feigns  himself  mad;  and  then  the  propriety 
of  the  similitude  would  lie,  in  the  false  pretences, 
under  which  each  of  the  persons  did  the  mischief. 
One  pretends  to  bemad,  the  other  to  be  in  jest; 
but  this  makes  no  amends  to  the  injured  party. 
(JVotes,  10:23.  14:9.  2  Pet.  2:12—14.) 

V.  20,  21.  [Marg.)  'Look  upon  him  as  an 
'incendiary,  that  carries  tales,  and  whispers  false 
'stories;  and  expel  him  from  the  family  which  he 
'has  disturbed  by  backbiting:  for  as  the  fire  will 
'go  out,  if  you  take  away  the  wood  that  feeds  it; 
'so  will  quarrels  and  contentions  cease,  when  he 
'is  thrust  out  of  doors  that  blows  up  the  flame.' 
Bp.  Patrick,  (JVb<e«,  22.  15:17,18.  16:28.  22:10. 
Jam.  3:4 — 6.) 

V.  22.     See  on  J^ote,  18:8. 

V.  23.  A  potsherd,  when  lacquered  over  with 
silver  dross  instead  of  lead,  may  appear  valuable 
to  ignorant  people;  but  it  is  as  worthless  as  ever, 
and  more  fitted  for  the  purposes  of  imposition. 
Thus  when  men  gloss  over  their  malicious  and 
selfish  intentions,  with  warm  professions  of  affec- 
tion, they  become  the  more  dangerous  deceivers. 
— Some  indeed  interpret  burning  lips  to  mean 
passionate  and  malicious  language:  but  in  that 
case,  the  potsherd  appears  without  the  dross  of 
silver.  (JVb<e«,  10:18.  2  Sam.  20:8— 10.  £«.  33: 
30—33,1;.  31.  JV/aH.  22:15— 22,  i).  16.  26:47—56, 
V.  49.) 

[557 


B.  C.  976. 


PROVERBS. 


B.  C.  976. 


24  He  that  hateth,  *  dissembleth  with 
his  lips,  and  layeth  up  deceit  within  him: 

25  When  *^  he  ^  speaketh  fair,  *"  beheve 
him  not;  for  there  are  ®  seven  abomina- 
tions in  his  heart. 

26  ^  Whose  hatred   is  covered  by  de- 


*  Or,  is  knomn. 

c  Ps.  12:2.  28:3.  Jer.  9:2—8. 
Mic.  7:5. 

I  Heb.  Tnaketh  his  voice  gra- 
cious- 

d  Jer.  12:6.    Matt.  24;23. 


e  6:16—19. 

t  Or,  Hatred  is  covered  in  se- 
cret. Gen.  4:8.  1  Sara.  18:17, 
21.  2  Sam.  3:27,&c.  13:22— 
28.     Ps.  55:21—23. 


V.  24 — 27.  These  verses  seem  to  be  connected 
together,  and  likewise  with  the  preceding'  verse. 
— 'He  that  harbors  enmity  in  his  heart,  pretends 
'friendship  with  his  lips,  or  shall  be  known  by  his 
'lips.'  [Marg. ) — 'Do  not  credulously  listen  to  his 
'flatteries,  and  professions  of  regard  and  esteem; 
'(in  which  he  will  often  overact  his  part;)  for  he 
'conceals  many  base  designs  within.  But  wait  a 
'while  without  committing  thyself;  and  if  his  ha- 
'tred  be  covered  with  deceit,  his  wickedness  will 
'ere  long  be  publicly  exposed:  he  will  fall  into 
'the  pit  which  he  has  bestowed  pains  to  dig  for 
'thee,  and  be  crushed  by  the  stone  which  he 
'meant  to  roll  upon  thee.'  (Marg.  and  Marg. 
Ref.—Mjtes,  6:16—19.  28:10.  Gen.  4:8.  1  Sam. 
18:17—19.  2  Sam.  13:22— 29.  P*.  7:14— 16.  9:13, 
16.   12:1—4.  Ec.  10:8—10.) 

V.  28.  Calumny  is  the  offspring  of  malice,  and 
an  open  declaration  of  enmity:  and  the  slanderer, 
instead  of  pitying  the  man  whom  he  has  wounded 
by  his  lies,  becomes  more  inveterate  in  his  hatred 
of  him,  through  fear  of  being  exposed,  or  feeling 
the  weight  of  his  vengeance.  Yet  the  flatterer  is 
the  more  dangerous  character:  his  poison  is  more 
insinuating  and  unsuspected;  while  it  tends  to  in- 
crease pride  and  to  inflame  the  passions,  and  to 
prompt  a  man  to  those  undertaking's,  for  which 
he  is  not  qualified,  and  which  prove  ruinous  to 
him.  (M)tes,  23—27.  20:19.  29:5.  Luke  20:19— 
26,  V.  20.  John  8:40—47.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
V.  1—16. 
When  ungodly  and  unqualified  men  are  ad- 
vanced to  authority,  we  are  called  on  to  prepare 
for  correction,  and  to  repent  of  our  sins.  But,  if 
our  ways  please  God,  we  need  not  fear  either  the 
oppressor's  iron  rod,  or  the  persecutor's  impious 
anathema,  or  the  enraged  imprecations  of  those 
who  delight  in  cursing.  In  such  cases,  let  us 
hold  our  peace,  keep  on  our  way,  and  trust  in  the 
Lord;  and  then  we  shall  be  blessed  in  him,  let 
who  will  menace,  curse,  or  revile.  "The  great 
God,  that  formed  all  things,"  will  recompense 
such  men,  in  due  time,  according  to  their  folly 
and  wickedness:  and  if  the  kings  of  the  earth, 
instead  of  copying  his  example,  and  treating  infi- 
dels and  profligates  with  marked  disapprobation, 
caress  and  honor  them,  they  will  be  sure  to  prove 
a  hindrance  and  a  detriment  to  all  their  under- 
takings: and  what  mischief  they  may  do  to  others 
cannot  be  ascertained;  for  "as  he  that  bindeth  a 
stone  in  a  sling,  so  is  he  that  giveth  honor  to  a 
fool." — It  behoves  every  one  to  take  warning,  and 
not  "be  like  unto  the  horse,  or  mule,  that  have  no 
understanding;"  for  then,  severe  discipline  will  be 
requisite,  and  great  and  many  plagues  remain  for 
those  who  are  obstinate  in  impiety.  But  whilst 
we  follow  after  wisdom  ourselves,  we  shall  con- 
stantly need  her  counsels,  how  to  behave  towards 
foolish  and  impious  men. — In  language,  which  the 
superficial  reader  may  perhaps  deem  contradicto- 
ry, the  divine  Instructer  here  marks  out  that  line 
of  conduct  to  us,  which  afterwards  in  human  na- 
ture he  most  perfectly  observed.  The  disciple  of 
Christ,  keeping  his  example  in  view,  will  never 
558] 


ceit,  his  wickedness  shall  be  shewed  be- 
fore the  luhole  congregation. 

27  Whoso  ^  diggeth  a  pit  shall  fall 
therein;  and  he  that  rolleth  a  stone,  it 
will  return  upon  him. 

28  A  6  lying  tongue  hateth  those  that 
are  afflicted  by  it;  and  *'  a  flattering  mouth 
worketh  ruin. 

f  28:10.     Esth.  7:10.     Ps.  7:15,  I    15:22—24. 

16.  9:15.   10:2.  57:6.  Ec.  10:8.     Ii  6:24.  7:5,21—23.  29:5.     Luke 
g  John   8:40,44—49.     10:32,33.  |    20:20,21. 


answer  the  impertinence,  the  boast,  the  scoffs,  or 
the  blasphemies  of  fools,  in  such  a  manner  as  to 
become  like  unto  them:  but,  keeping  at  a  distance 
from  wrath  and  railing,  from  levity  and  ostenta- 
tion, and  from  a  boisterous,  disdainful  style  or 
manner;  he  will  know  how  to  answer  their  folly 
with  brevity  and  decision,  so  as  to  silence  them, 
and  put  them  to  shame,  when  they  expect  to  tri- 
umph and  to  be  applauded;  that  they  may  neither 
be  "wise  in  their  own  conceit,"  nor  deceive  the 
ignorant  by  their  empty  but  confident  pretensions. 
But  he  that  would  attain  to  this  useful  endow- 
ment, must  begin  by  practising  what  he  has  learn- 
ed: otherwise  the  wisest  and  most  pointed  obser- 
vations, will  be  as  the  unequal  legs  of  the  lame, 
or  as  "a  parable  in  the  mouth  of  a  fool."  They 
will  give  those,  against  whom  they  are  directed, 
an  opportunity  to  retort,  "Physician,  heal  thyself;" 
and  to  call  the  attention  of  the  hearers,  to  the  in- 
consistency of  this  or  the  other  part  of  their  con- 
duct, with  their  own  doctrine:  thus  they  will  only 
expose  and  wound  themselves;  nay,  it  will  turn 
to  their  condemnation,  that  they  have  not  profited 
by  their  own  preaching.  Nor  must  this  practice 
be  a  mere  partial  or  external  matter:  for  until  the 
love  of  sinful  pleasures  and  advantages  be  morti- 
fied, and  the  love  of  God  and  holiness  implanted 
in  our  hearts;  we  shall  still  be  numbered  among 
the  foolish:  and,  notwithstanding  convictions  and 
partial  reformations,  shall  be  ready,  when  tempt- 
ed, to  return  to  folly  "as  the  dog  to  his  vomit." 
Pride  also  must  be  peculiarly  guarded  against: 
for  it  is  evidenced  by  facts,  that  no  careless,  profli- 
gate, or  ignorant  unbeliever,  is  so  hopeless,  as  the 
"man  who  is  wise  in  his  own  conceit."  Thus  self- 
sufficient  professors  of  evangelical  doctrines,  phar- 
isaical  formalists,  and  philosophical  infidels  and 
scoff'ers,  are  of  all  descriptions  of  men,  the  least 
likely  to  repent  and  obey  the  gospel:  and  the  in- 
stances of  conversion  are  more  unfrequent  among 
them  than  among  publicans  and  harlots;  because 
they  are  more  wise  in  their  own  conceit;  and, 
thinking  that  they  see,  they  are  at  rest  in  their 
tenfold  darkness.  'UVote,  Matt.  6:22,23.)  Nor  are 
any  persons  more  likely  to  be  taken  in  this  snare, 
than  those  who  are  slothful  in  the  concerns  of  their 
souls.  They  take  the  most  important  matters 
upon  trust,  or  are  satisfied  with  a  superficial  in- 
quiry: their  sloth  retains  them  in  ignorance  and 
error,  and  their  ignorance  fosters  their  self-con- 
ceit. Nay,  they  think  themselves  extremely 
wise,  in  having  hit  upon  a  method  of  quieting 
their  consciences,  without  renouncing  their  ease, 
interest,  or  indulgence;  and  they  ignorantly  flat- 
ter themselves,  that  they  know  how  to  "serve 
God  and  mammon,"  and  to  get  to  heaven  without 
self-denial,  striving,  or  labor.  Some  of  this  stamp 
exclaim,  'AH  this  is  legal,  we  must  be  saved  by 
'grace  alone:  why  do  you  tell  us  of  diligence,  obe- 
'dience,  and  good  works?'  Others  rest  in  a  formal 
profession:  they  deny  not,  that  such  and  such 
things  should  be  done;  but  there  is  always  some 
lion  in  the  way  at  the  present.  They  cannot  be 
quite  at  rest  in  their  negligence;  but  they  can  no 
more  find  in  their  hearts  to  renounce  it,  than  the 
sluggard  can  to  leave  his  bed.     They  have  a 


B.  C.  976. 


CHAPTER  XXVII. 


B.  C.  97(j. 


CHAP.  XXVII. 


Maxims  against  procrastination,  carnal  security,  vain  glory,  wratl), 

■  nvv.  1 — 4:    concerning  reproof,  contentment,  steadiness, 

12:  against  suretiship,  lavish  com- 

ord,  13 — Iti;  concerning  industry. 


friendship,  and  prudence,  -     _       „ 

niendations,  and  domestic  discord,  13—16:  concerning  industry, 
the  conformity  of  one  man's  heart  to  another's,  insatiable  de- 
sires, the  effects  of  praise,  and  the  obstinacy  of  fools,  17 — 22: 
and  recommending  diligence,  good  management,  and  rural 
plenty,  23 — 27. 

a  X3  OAST  not  thyself  of  *  to-morrow; 
_I3    ^  for  thou  knowest  not  what  a  day 
may  bring  forth. 

2  Let  '  another  man  praise  thee,  and 


a  Ps.  95:7.  Is.  56:12.  Luke  12: 
19,20.  2  Cor.  6:2.  Jam.  4:13 
—16. 


■  Heb.  to-inorrow  day* 
b  1  Sam.  28:19, 
c  25:27.    2  Cor.  10:12,18.   12:11. 


scanty  round  of  outward  observances,  in  which 
they  move  as  the  door  on  its  hinges,  but  they  get 
no  further:  they  are  ingenious  at  devising  excuses 
for  neglecting  every  duty  which  would  cost  them 
any  thing:  nay,  they  pride  themselves  in  this  in- 
genuity: they  starve  their  souls,  because  they  will 
not  bestow  pains  to  feed  them,  though  the  Bread 
of  life  is  set  before  them:  and  yet,  though  their 
conduct  is  so  irrational  and  ruinous,  they  will 
deem  themselves  wiser,  than  all  who  would  teach 
them  better;  and  will  be  offended  with  every  one 
who  refuses  to  flatter  them  in  this  fond  conceit  of 
themselves. 

V.  17—28. 
True  wisdom  is  always  attended  with  humility 
and  diligence;  and  it  will  direct  a  man,  in  the 
most  difficult  circumstances.  He  who  truly  seeks 
this  gift  from  God,  by  fervent  prayers,  will  know 
when  to  attempt  the  blessed  work  of  a  peace- 
maker; and  when  to  stand  aloof  from  contentions, 
which  do  not  belong  to  him.  He  will  be  far  from 
deceiving  or  injuring  any  one,  and  then  saying 
"Am  I  not  in  sport.'"'  For  it  is  diabolical  to  de- 
light in  mischief:  it  is  the  part  of  "a  madman  to 
cast  about  fire-brands,  arrows,  and  death:"  and 
those,  who  tell  lies  to  make  themselves  merry, 
will  easily  be  tempted  to  tell  lies  to  make  them 
selves  rich:  so  that  he,  who  regards  the  word  of 
God,  will  abhor  all  falsehood;  but  that  most  which 
is  most  mischievous.  The  lies  of  the  tale-bearer 
will  appear  to  him  peculiarly  aggravated;  for  little 
bickerings,  in  families  and  neighborhoods,  would 
generally  cease  in  a  short  time,  did  not  these  offi- 
cious incendiaries,  from  direct  love  of  contention, 
bring  wood  and  coals,  to  kindle  and  keep  up  the 
fire.  Thus  their  words  are  irreparably  mischiev- 
ous, and  their  characters  completely  odious, — 
The  Christian,  no  doubt,  desires  to  hope  the  best 
of  every  one,  as  far  as  facts  will  admit  of  it;  but 
his  candor  is  not  folly:  he  must  judge  of  men  by 
the  general  tenor  of  their  conduct;  and  if  they  are 
evidently  selfish,  envious,  or  malicious,  he  cannot 
value  their  fulsome  professions  of  affection,  and 
the  crafXy  dissimulation  by  which  they  cover  over 
their  wickedness,  the  deceit  which  is  harbored 
within,  and  their  purposes  of  hatred  and  malice. 
Indeed,  whatever  is  excessive  is  suspicious;  and 
though  Christians  sliould  be  "harmless  as  doves," 
they  need  to  be  "wise  as  serpents;"  that  they  may 
not,  by  believing  fair  words,  sanction,  or  receive 
detriment  from,  such  as  have  seven  abominations 
in  their  hearts.  For,  whilst  the  open  calumnia- 
tor is  a  bitter  and  cruel  enemy;  the  insidious  flat- 
terer is  still  more  to  be  dreaded  and  shunned:  be- 
cause he  will  stab  a  man,  as  Joab  did  Amasa, 
while  he  salutes  him;  and  will  betray  him,  as  Ju- 
das betraj'ed  Jesus,  with  a  kiss.  But  let  such 
men  remember,  that  the  wickedness  of  him  whose 
hatred  is  covered  with  deceit,  will  be  shewed  be- 
fore the  assembled  world:  and  those  who  devise 
mischief  for  others,  will  themselves  be  overwhelm- 
ed by  it,  and  sink  into  it  for  ever. 


not  thine  own,  mouth j  a  stranger,  and  not 
thine  own  hps. 

3  A  stone  is  t  heavy,  and  the  sand 
weighty;  **  but  a  fool's  wrath  is  heavier 
than  them  both. 

4  Wrath  is  ^  cruel,  and  anger  is  out- 
rageous; ^  but  who  is  able  to  stand  before 
5  envy.'* 


f  Heb.  heavintss. 

d    17:12.     Gen.  34:25,26.     49:7. 

1  Sam.  22:18,19.     Esth.  3:5,6. 

Dan.  3:19.     1  John  3:32. 
:f   Heb.    cruelty,  and  anger  an 

ovtrJloTving.    Jam.  1:19 — 21. 


e  14:30.  Gen.  26:14.  37:,11.  Job 
5:2.  Matt.  27:18.  Acts  5:17. 
■marg.  7:9.  17:5.  Rom.  1:29. 
Jam.  3:14—16.    4:5,6. 

5  OTyjealousy.  6:34.  Cant.  8:6. 


NOTES. 

Chap.  XXVII.  V.  1.  'Be  not  so  confident  of 
'thy  present  power,  riches,  or  any  thing  else,  as 
'to  grow  presumptuous,  and  brag  what  thou  wilt 
'do  or  enjoy  hereafter:  for  thou  canst  not  be  se- 
'cure  of  this  very  day,  ...which  may  produce 
'something,  for  any  thing  thou  knowest,  that  shall 
'spoil  all  thy  designs,  and  frustrate  all  thy  expec- 
'tations,  which  thou  hast  for  to-morrow.'  Bp. 
Patrick. — 'Delay  not  the  time,  but  take  occa- 
'sion  when  it  is  offered.'  [Marg.  Ref. — J^otes,  Is. 
56:9— 12,  •«.  12.  Z-w/ce  12:13— -20,  m  19,20.  Heb. 
3:7_13.  Jam.4:\3—n.) 

V.  2.  (See  on  J^ote,  25:27.)  'Be  not  so  blind- 
'ed  by  self-love  as  to  praise  thyself:  ...  but  take 
'care  to  do  praise-worthy  things,  which  will  force 
'commendation  even  from  strangers  and  foreign- 
'ers.'   Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  3.  'What  is  heavier  than  lead.-*  and  what  is 
'the  name  of  it  but  a  fool.-'  Sand  and  salt,  and  a 
'mass  of  iron,  is  easier  to  bear  than  a  man  without 
'understanding.'  Ecclesiasticus  22:15.  The  effects 
of  a  foolish  and  wicked  man's  ungoverned  rage 
are  more  intolerable  than  the  heaviest  burden,  or 
the  hardest  labor.  (Marg.  Ref.—JVotes,  17:12. 
29:9.  Gen.  49:5—7.  1  Sam.  22:14—19.  Esth.  3:6. 
Dan.  2:10—13.) 

V.  4.  [Marg.")  Violent  passion  and  deep  re- 
sentment are  often  very  cruel  and  outrageous, 
and  produce  dreadful  effects;  yet  the  one  is  soon 
over;  and  the  other  may  be  mollified  by  prudent 
concessions  and  repeated  favors.  [J^otes,  Gen. 
32:16 — 20.  33:4.)  But  envy  is  excited,  not  by 
affronts  or  misconduct,  but  by  the  too  conspicu- 
ous talents  or  performances  of  one,  who  is  con- 
sidered as  a  competitor;  by  the  praises  bestowed 
on  him,  and  the  favor  shewn  him:  and  the  more 
wisely  and  well  the  envied  person  behaves,  the 
more  will  envy  increase  in  the  breast  of  his  jeal- 
ous rival.  There  is  therefore  little  to  be  done  to 
abate  its  force,  and  there  is  no  standing  against 
it,  when  the  envious  person  is  in  authority;  and 
it  is  often  best  to  retire  out  of  the  reach  of  its 
effects,  as  David  did  from  the  envy  of  Saul. 
[jYotes,  1  Sam.  18:6—16,23—27.  J9:8— 10.)— The 
original  word  for  envy  is  often  rendered  jealousy: 
and  the  passion  is  the  same,  though  the  object  or 
occasion  be  different.  It  is  a  spirit  of  rivalship, 
or  competition,  either  for  the  favor  of  an  indi- 
vidual, or  for  public  applause,  or  for  some  other 
object;  mingled  with  haughty  indignation,  malig- 
nity, and  enmity,  at  being  supplanted,  under- 
valued, and  eclipsed;  or  with  envenomed  suspi- 
cions that  this  is  the  case,  or  fears  that  it  will 
soon  become  so.  When  the  word  is  used  con- 
cerning God,  it  denotes  his  holy  zeal  for  the 
honor  of  his  own  name,  and  determination  to 
punish  those  who  give  his  glory  to  another.  It  is 
therefore  often  translated  zeal:  and  then  it  is 
either  a  fervent  regard  for  the  glory  of  God, 
shewn  in  a  holy  manner  consistent  witli  love  to 
all  men;  or  a  proud  and  eager  desire  of  a  man's 
own  honor  or  that  of  his  party,  manifested  with 

[659 


B.  C,  97G. 


PROVERBS. 


B.  C.  976. 


6  Open  ^  rebuke  is  better  than  secret 
love. 

6  Faithful  are  s  the  wounds  of  a  friend; 
but  ''  the  kisses  of  an  enemy  are  *  deceit- 
ful. 

7  The  '  full  soul  t  loatheth  an  honey- 
comb; but  ^  to  the  hungry  soul  every  bit- 
ter thing  is  sweet 

8  As  '  a  bird  that  wandereth  from  her 
nest,  so  is  a  "*  man  that  wandereth  from 
his  place. 


t  J3:23.     Lev.  19:17.    Matt.  18: 

13.     Gal.   2:14.      1  Tim.  5:20. 
g  2  Sam.  12:7,&c.     Job  5:17,18. 

Ps.  141:5.     Heb.  12:10.    Rev. 

3:19. 
h  10:18.  26:23—26.     2  Sam.  20: 

9,10.     Matt.  26:4n— 50. 
*  Or,   earnest,  or  frequent. 
i  Num.  11:4—9,18—20.    21:5. 


f  Heb.  treadeth  under  foot. 

k  Job  6:7.  Luke  15:16,17.  John 
6:9. 

I  Job  39:14—16.  Is.  16:2. 

m  21:16.  Gen.  4:16.  16:6—8. 
1  Sam.  22:5.  27:l,&c.  1  Kings 
19:9.  Neh.  6:11— 13.  Jon.  1: 
3,10—17.  J  Cor.  7:20.  Jude 
13. 


bitterness,  adopting-  unhallowed  means  of  secur 
ing^  success,  and  thus  degenerating  into  enyy  of 
the  worst  kind;  even  such  as  instigated  the  cru- 
cifiers  of  Christ,  and  the  antichristian  persecutors 
of  his  church  in  all  subsequent  ages;  and  excites 
fierce  controversies,  base  slanders,  and  deep- 
rooted  malice, between  bigots  and  zealots  of  differ- 
ent descriptions.  (JVb<e5, 6:27—35.  14:30.  Job  5:2. 
Cant.  8:6,7.  Acts  17:5—9.  Jam.  3:13—16.  4:4—6.) 

V.  5.  Plain  and  faithful  rebukes,  prudently 
given,  are  better  effects  of  friendship,  than  that 
excessive  tenderness  and  respect,  which  connives 
at  a  man's  faults,  for  fear  of  paining  or  offending 
him;  so  that  open  rebuke  is  not  only  preferable 
to  secret  enmity;  but  even  to  secret  love,  which 
in  this  respect  is  of  no  real  service  to  the  beloved 
person.  (JVb<e«,  6.  28:23.  Leu.  19:17.  Matt.  18: 
15—17.  Gal.  2:11—16,  v.  14.) 

V.  6.  The  skilful  and  faithful  surgeon  wounds, 
in  order  to  preserve  life,  or  recover  the  patient. 
He  pains  by  cutting;  but  he  never  cuts  wider  or 
deeper,  than  he  judges  necessary.  Such  is  the 
conduct  of  the  faithful,  affectionate,  and  discreet 
reprover:  such  are  the  corrections  of  our  heavenly 
Friend.  {J^otes,5.  2  Sam.  12:7.  Job  5:17—19.  Rev. 
3:18,19.)  But  the  flatterer  and  false  friend,  who 
clokes  his  malice  under  the  language  and  demeanor 
of  excessive  love,  only  aims  to  deceive  and  ruin  us. 
— The  latter  clause  is  variously  rendered.  "The 
kisses  of  him  that  hates  are  frequent.''''  (Marg.) 
'They  "are  to  be  deprecated.''''  We  had  need  to 
^pray  him  to  forbear,  and  pray  God  to  preserve 
'us  from  being  too  credulous.'  Bp.  Patrick. — 
They  "are  pleasant.''''  Old  Version.  Expressions 
of  kindness,  though  excessive,  are  so  agreeable, 
that  most  men  prefer  them  to  plain-dealing:  so 
tliat  the  fulsome  flatterer  is  generally  caressed  as 
a  friend,  and  the  faithful  reprover  shunned  as  an 
enemy;  to  the  unspeakable  detriment  of  mankind. 
(See  on  JSTotes,  26:23—27.) 

V.  7.  Abundance  and  excess  spoil  the  appe- 
tite, and  prevent  tlie  luxurious  from  relishing 
anv  of  their  delicacies.  But  he  who  labors  hard, 
and  fares  meanly,  and  eats  not  till  he  is  hungry, 
relishes  the  most  unsavory  morsel;  which  gives 
poverty  an  advantage  as  to  real  enjoyment,  al- 
most sufficient  to  counterbalance  all  its  disad- 
vantages.— In  like  manner  the  proud  and  self- 
sufficient  disdain  the  provisions  of  the  gospel;  but 
"the  poor  in  spirit,"  and  "they  who  hunger  and 
thirst  after  righteousness,"  can  find  much  comfort 
from  every  part  of  Ihe  word  of  God,  and  from 
the  meanest  book  or  sermon,  which  accords  to  it. 
[jYum.  11:4—9,31—34.  21:4,5.  Job  6:5—7.  Mttt. 
5:6.) 

V.  8.  The  bird,  which  forsakes  its  nest,  leaves 
the  place  where  it  had  found  repose,  warmth,  and 
560] 


9  °  Ointment  and  perfume  rejoice  the 
heart:  °  so  doth  the  sweetness  of  a  man's 
friend  ^  by  hearty  counsel. 

10  Thine  p  own  friend,  and  thy  father's 
friend,  forsake  not;  *•  neither  go  into  thy 
brother's  house  in  the  day  of  thy  calami- 
ty: for  'better  is  a  neighbor  that  is  near, 
than  a  brother  far  off. 

11  My  son,  ^  be  wise,  and  make  ray 


n   7:17,     Judg.  9:9.    Ps.  45:7,8. 

104:15.    133:2.     Cant.  1:3.  3:6. 

4:10.     John  12:3.    2  Cor.  2:15, 

16. 
0  15:23.  16:21,23,24.     Ex.  18:17 

—24.     1  Sam.  23:16,17.    Ezra 

10:2—4.     Acts  23:15. 
J  Heb.  from  the  counsel  of  the 

sjul. 
p  2  Sam.  19:24,28.  21:7.  1  Kings 


12:6—8.     2Chr.  24:22.  Is.  41: 

8—10.     Jer.  2:5. 
q  19:7.  Job  6:21—2?.    Ob.  12— 

14. 
r  17:17.  18:24.    Luke  10:30— 37 

Acts  23:12,23,&c. 
s    10:1.      15:20.     23:15,16,24,25 

Ec.  2:18—21.  Philem.  7,19,20 

2  John  4. 


shelter,  and  thus  is  exposed  to  various  hardships 
and  dangers.  Thus  every  man  has  his  proper 
place  in  society,  in  which  he  may  be  safe  and 
comfortable:  but  when,  out  of  levity,  discontent, 
avarice,  or  ambition,  he  rashly  quits  it,  he  gen- 
erally changes  imaginary  for  real  disquietudes. 
In  like  manner,  those  who  are  never  easy  at 
home,  and  in  their  own  families  and  employments, 
seldom  prosper,  or  are  happy  any  where:  and 
they,  who  affect  to  appear  like  their  superiors, 
generally  bring  themselves  into  difficulties. — 
There  may  be  cases,  in  which  it  is  a  man's  duty 
and  prudence  to  change  his  situation  or  employ- 
ment; but  then  he  will  do  it  upon  good  grounds, 
and  with  deliberation.  [Jfote,  1  Cor.  7:17 — 24.) 
Every  one  has  calls  from  home;  but  a  prudent 
man  will  be  glad  to  return,  when  the  end  of  his 
absence  is  effected.  But  an  unsettled,  roving, 
dissatisfied  spirit;  a  turn  for  scheming,  and  shift- 
ing from  one  place  or  undertaking  to  another; 
and  an  aversion  to  our  own  situation  or  business, 
are  extremely  dangerous  and  sinful.  {JUarg. 
Ref.—J\rotes,21:U.  Gen.  16:7—9.) 

V.  9.  The  affectionate  and  faithful  counsel  of 
a  cordial  friend  is  more  refreshing  to  a  man  in 
trouble,  than  any  ointment  or  perfumes  could  be 
to  his  senses.  "As  ointment  and  perfume  gladden 
the  heart;  so  the  sweetness  of  his  friend,  more 
than  hearty  counsel."  [Marg.)  An  affectionate 
manner,  though  of  less  intrinsic  value,  is  so  gen- 
erally more  acceptable,  than  the  most  prudent 
and  sincere  good  advice,  given  rudely;  that,  in 
order  to  do  good,  the  sweetness  of  the  manner,  as 
well  as  the  integrity  and  faithfulness  of  the  inten- 
tion, and  the  wisdom  of  the  counsel,  should  be 
carefully  attended  to.  {Marg.  Ref. — J^otes,  15: 
23.  16:21—24.    1  Sam.  23:16.) 

V.  10.  It  is  generally  most  advisable  to  culti- 
vate the  friendship  of  those,  who  have  shewn 
themselves  attached  to  a  man  by  inclination  and 
esteem;  and  of  those  who  have  been  the  friends 
of  his  father  and  family.  Such  are  generally 
more  to  be  depended  on  in  trying  circumstances, 
than  the  nearest  relations.  And  indeed,  prudent, 
pious,  and  honest  men  may  expect  to  obtain 
friends  in  the  neighborhood  where  they  live;  who 
are  nearer  at  hand,  and  more  ready  to  assist,  than 
relations,  who  are  perhaps  as  far  off  in  affection 
as  in  their  places  of  abode.  'As  a  man  that  is 
'closely  joined  to  us  in  affection,  is  better  than 
'one  of  our  nearest  kindred,  whose  heart  is  not 
'knit  to  us;  so  a  good  neighbor  near  at  hand,  if? 
'better  than  either  fiiend  or  brother,  who  is  so 
'far  off  that  we  may  perish  before  he  come  to  our 
'assistance.'  Bp.  Patrick.  (JVbfe«,  17:17.  18:24. 
19:7.  I  Kings  12:6,7,8—15,  vv.  8,9.  Liike  10:30 
—37.) — God  is  "a  present  help  in  time  of  trouble:" 


I 


B.  C.  076. 


CHAPTER  XXVII. 


B.  C.  976 


heart  glad,  *  that  I  may  answer  him  that 
reproacheth  me. 

12  A  "  prudent  waw  foreseeth  the  evil, 
o.nd  hideth  himself:  hut  the  simple  pass 
on,  and  are  punished. 

[^Practical  Observations.} 

13  Take  *  his  garment  that  is  surety 
for  a  stranger,  and  take  a  pledge  of  him 
for  a  strange  woman. 

14  He  y  that  blesseth  his  friend  with  a 
loud  voice,  rising  early  in  the  morning,  it 
shall  be  counted  a  curse  to  him. 

15  A  *  continual  dropping  in   a  very 


t  Ps.  119:4=2.   127:4,5. 

1118:10.22:3.  Ex.  9:20,21.  Is. 
26:20,21.  Malt.  3:7.  Heb.  6: 
18.   11:7.     2  Pet.  3:7,10— 14. 

116:1—4.20:16.22:26,27.  Ex. 
32:26. 


y  Sam.  15:2—7.  16:16—19.  17: 
7—13.  1  Kings  22:6,13,14.  Jer. 
28:2—4.    Acts  12:22,23. 

z  19:13.  21:9,19.  25:24.  Job  14; 
19. 


but  saints  and  angels,  to  vrhom  numbers  pray, 
must,  as  to  most  of  them,  be,  at  best,  the  friend 
or  brother  that  is  far  off.     {Ps.  46:1.) 

V.  11.  This  may  be  intended  as  the  address  of 
an  affectionate  parent  to  his  son;  whose  prudent 
conduct  would  both  gladden  his  heart,  and  fur- 
nish him  with  an  answer  to  those,  who  reproached 
him  as  negligent  of  the  duties  of  that  relation. 
But  "Wisdom  also  is  justified  of  her  children," 
(Mail,  11:19.)  from  the  .reproaches  of  her  ene- 
mies: and  the  good  conduct  of  professed  Chris- 
tians supplies  the  most  effectual  answer  to  those, 
who  reproach  the  gospel  as  tending  to  licentious- 
ness. [J^otes,  10:1.  15:20»  23:15,16,24,25.  Ps. 
119:41,42.  Ec.  2:18—23,  v.  19.  Tit.  2:7,8.  1  Pet. 
3:13—16.  3  John  1—4,  v.  4.) 

V.  12.     Marg.  Ref.—See  on  JSTote,  22:3. 

V.  13.    Marg.  Ref.—See  on  Jfole,  20:16. 

V.  14.  Excessive  commendations,  and  profes- 
sions of  gratitude  and  friendship,  are  always  to 
be  suspected  as  insincere  and  selfish.  [Jfotes,  26: 
23 — 27.)  They  are  also  of  bad  consequence: 
they  put  a  man  off  his  guard,  and  tend  to  give 
force  to  his  passions;  and  they  excite  envy,  and 
set  men  to  hunt  after  his  faults,  that  they  may 
blacken  that  character  which  is  enhanced  so 
much  above  their  level.  So  that  he  who  makes 
it  his  great  business,  (as  if  he  rose  early  in  the 
morning  for  that  single  purpose,)  to  lavish  praises 
on  any  one  whom  he  calls  his  friend  and  bene- 
factor; and  who  bestows  pains  to  proclaim  his 
excellences  and  bounty  to  every  body;  will  not 
be  looked  upon  by  a  wise  man,  much  more  favor- 
ably, than  if^  he  had  traduced  or  cursed  him:  nay, 
he  will  think  the  friendship  of  so  injudicious  or 
de.siguing  a  man,  a  disgrace  ratlicr  than  an  honor 
to  him.  'The  intention  of  which  i^  only  to  get 
'still  more  from  them;  which  is  commonly  the  end 
'of  all  those,  that  praise  others  immoderately:  ... 
'hoping  thereby  to  make  them  extraordinary  kind 
'to  them,  above  all  other  men.'  Bp.  Patrick. — 
Some  interpret  the  clause,  "ri.sing  early  in  the 
morning,"  of  too  great  haste  in  lavishl}'  commend- 
ing. 'There  is  nothing  more  dangerous  than  to 
'cry  up  men  too  soon,  ...  before  they  be  sufHcient- 
'ly  tried:  ...  for  this,  instead  of  doing  them  service, 
'proves  many  times  their  ruin.'  Bp.  Patrick. 
[Marg.  Ref.—Jfotcs,  1  Sam.  18:6—9.  2  Sam.  16: 
1.5—19.  Acts  12:20-23,  vv.  22,23.) 

V.  15,16.  Litigious  neighbors  sometimes  ex- 
cite contentions,  which  resemble  a  hasty  shower 
that  is  soon  over:  but  a  contentious  wife  is  as  the 
constant  dropping  through  a  decayed  roof  in  a 
very  rainy  day;  so  that  a  man  can  neither  keep 
himself  dry  out  of  doors  nor  in  the  house.  The 
Vol.  hi.  71 


rainy  day,  and  a  contentious  woman  are 
ahke. 

16  Whosoever  hideth  her,  hideth  the 
wind,  and  *  the  ointment  of  his  right  hand, 
which  bewrayeth  itself. 

17  ''Iron  sharpeneth  iron:  *=  so  a  man 
sharpeneth  the  countenance  of  his  friend. 

18  Whoso  •' keepeth  the  fig-tree  shall 
eat  the  fruit  thereof:  ®  so  he  that  waiteth 
on  his  master  ''  shall  be  honored. 

19  As  s  in  water  face  answereth  to  face; 
^  so  the  heart  of  man  to  man. 


a  John  12:3. 

b  1  Sam.  13:20,21. 

c9.  Josh.  1:13.  2:24.  1  Sam. 
11:9,10.  23:16.  2  Sam.  10:11, 
12.  Job  4:3,4.  Is.  35:3,4.  1 
Thes.  3:3,4.  2Tlm.  1:8,12.  2: 
3,9—13.  Heb.  10:24.  Jam. 
1:2.     1  Pet.  4:12,13. 

d  Cant.  8:12.    1  Cor.  9:7. 


e  17:2.  22:29.  Gen.  24:2,3.  39: 
2—5,22,-23.  Ex.  24:13.  2  Kings 
3:11.5:2,3,25,27.    Acts  10:7. 

f  1  Sam.  2:30.  Ps.  123:2.  Matt 
24:45,46.  25:21,22.  Luke  12; 
37,43,44.    John  12;26. 

g  Jam.  1:22—25. 

h  Gen.  6:5.  Ps.  33;15.  Mark 
7:21. 


utmost  meekness  and  prudence  will  be  found,  in 
such  a  case,  insufficient  to  conceal  her  unseemly 
behavior:  however  a  man  might  be  disposed  to 
hide  or  connive  at  her  faults,  her  own  unruly 
temper  will  betray  them,  and  render  their  dis- 
agreements the  common  topic  of  conversation: 
even  as  it  is  impossible  to  conceal  the  boisterous 
wind;  and  as  the  fragrancy  of  the  ointment  would 
make  him  known,  who  had  anointed  his  hands 
with  it,  whatever  pains  he  took  to  hide  it. — 'The 
'best  way  for  a  man  to  avoid  the  trouble  of  a  bad 
'wife  is,  not  to  choose  one  for  his  consort,  be- 
'cause  she  is  rich,  or  because  she  is  beautiful 
'only;  but  because  she  is  like  him  in  humor,  in- 
'clination,  and  condition,  &c.'  Bj).  Patrick. 
{J\^tes,  19:13.  21:9,19.) 

V.  17.  Iron  is  often  effectually  used  to  sharp- 
en iron:  and  thus  friends  of  correspondent  dispo- 
sitions whet  each  other's  ingenuity;  suggest  to 
each  other  useful  hints  and  good  counsels;  en- 
courage one  another  against  despondency,  and 
excite  such  as  grow  slack:  and  thus  they  help 
one  another  forward  in  every  useful  attempt. 
{JIarg.  Ref.  c— JVb<e.y,  9.  Gen.  2:18.  1  Sam.  13:19 
—21.  23:16.  Ec.  4:9—12.) — The  advantages  of  so- 
ciety and  conversation  are  thus  emphatically 
shewn.  Indeed  it  has  been  observed,  that  the 
most  useful  inventions  have  originated  from  the 
collision  of  men's  thoughts,  when  earnestly  en- 
gaged  in  conversation. 

V.  18.  The  labor  of  planting  and  pruning 
the  fig-tree,  is  recompensed  by  the  pleasant  fruit 
which  it  yields:  thus  even  servants  may  obtain 
solid  reputation  and  advantage,  by  attending  dil- 
igently to  the  duties  of  their  situation,  though  ob- 
scure and  laborious.  'He  that  faithfully  defends 
'Ills  master's  person  or  reputation,  and  takes  care 
'his  estate  be  not  wasted,  shall  in  due  time  be 
'largely  rewarded.'  Bp.  Patrick.  (Marg.  Ref. 
—J\'otes,  17:2.  22:29.  Cant.  (?:  11,12.  Matt.  25:19— 
23.  1  Cor.  9:7—12.  Eph.  6:5— 9.j 

V.  19.  The  reflection  from  the  clear  water, 
or  mirror,  corresponds  to  the  face  of  him  that 
looks  in  it:  thus  do  the  hearts  of  men  to  each 
other.  The  judgments,  dispositions,  desires,  and 
imaginations  of  sinners  are  much  the  same;  or 
only  varied  by  constitution,  habit,  education,  and 
rank  in  life.  Godly  people  are  of  the  same  judg- 
ment and  disposition  as  to  the  main  things,  in  pro- 
portion to  their  degree  of  grace  and  information. 
The  opposition  between  conscience  and  inclina- 
tion is  nearly  the  same,  in  one  wicked  man,  as  in 
another;  except  as  some  arc  more  ignorant  or 
more  hardened  than  others.  The  conflict  between 
corrupt  nature  and  grace  is  similar  in  all  believ- 

[561 


B.  C.  976. 


PROVERBS. 


B.  C.  976. 


20  '  Hell  and  destruction  are  *  never 
full:  ^  so  the  eyes  of  man  are  never  satis- 
fied. 

21  ^«  '  the  fining-pot  for  silver,  and 
the  furnace  for  gold;  "  so  is  a  man  to  his 
praise. 

22  Though  "  thou  shouldest  bray  a  fool 
in  a  mortar  among  wheat  with  a  pestle, 
yet  will  not  his  foolishness  depart  from 
him. 

23  IF  Be  thou   °  diligent  to  know  the 


130:15,16.  Hab.  2:5. 

*  Heb.  not. 

k  23:5.     Ec.  1:8.  2:10,11.  5:10, 

11.    6:7.     Jer.   22:17.      1  John 

2:16. 
1  !7:3.     Ps.  12:6.  66:10.     Zech. 

13:9.    Mai.  3:3.      1  Pet.  1:7.  4: 

12. 
IB    1    Sam.    18:7,8,15,16,30.    2 


Sam.  14:25.   15:G,&c. 
a  23:35.     Kx.  12:30.   14:5.    15:9. 

2  Chr.  28:22,23.     Is.  1:5.    Jer. 

5:3.  44:15,16.    Rev.  16:10,11. 
o  Gen.  31:38-^0.  33:13.  1  Sam. 

17:28.   1  Chr.  27:29— 31.  2  Chr. 

26:10.  Ez.  34:22—24,31.  John 

21:15—17.   1  Pet.  5:2. 


ers;  and  their  varying  joys,  sorrows,  hopes,  fears, 
and  other  experiences  have  a  surprising  coinci- 
dence: so  that  he,  who  well  knows  and  watches  his 
own  heart,  will  not  greatly  be  a  stranger  to  those 
of  other  men;  but  will  often  so  speak  to  their 
secret  thoughts  and  purposes,  that  he  will  appear 
to  have  received  some  special  information  about 
them.  In  order  then  to  know  human  nature,  we 
should  first  study  our  own  hearts,  in  all  the  variety 
of  situations  in  which  we  are  successively  placed. 
— This  proverb,  however,  is  variously  interpreted: 
— 'As  a  man  may  know  what  kind  of  face  he 
'hath,  if  he  will  look  into  the  water;  so  he  may 
'know  what  kind  of  man  he  is,  if  he  will  exam- 
*ine  his  conscience.'  Castalio,  quoted  by  Bp. 
Patrick.  This  is  an  important  instruction:  but  it 
does  not  seem  the  sense  of  the  maxim. — 'A  man 
'may  see  himself,  while  he  looks  upon  other  men, 
'as  well  as  know  other  men  by  considering  his  own 
'inclinations.'  Bp.  Patrick.  Indeed  this  seems 
the  true  interpretation,  provided  another  idea  be 
suggested: — 'There  is  no  difference  betwixt  man 
'and  man  by  nature;  but  only  the  grace  of  God 
'maketh  the  difference.'  [Mites,  Gen.  6:5.  P«.33:13 
—  15.  1  Cor.  14:20—25,  vv.  24,25.  Jam.  1:22—25.) 
V".  20.  The  grave  still  yawns  to  receive  the 
bodies  of  men,  though  it  has  devoured  innumer- 
able millions:  and  the  place  of  separate  spirits  is 
ready  for  their  souls;  nay,  the  pit  "of  destruction 
is  still  open  to  receive  the  wicked.  Thus  insa- 
tiable are  the  senses,  appetites,  and  hearts  of 
men:  curiosity,  thirst  for  novelty,  variety,  and  or- 
nament; covetousness,  ambition,  sensuality,  even 
blood-thirstiness,  are  all  insatiable,  and  grow  more 
craving  by  indulgence:  they  still  devour,  and  de- 
mand more  and  more.  [Motes,  30:15,16.  Ec.  1:4 
— Jl,  V.  8.  2:9—11.  5:9—12.  vv.  10,11.  6:7—9. 
Jiab.  2:5—0,  v.  5.  I  Cor.  15:55—58,  v.  55.) 

V.  21.  The  characters  of  men  may  be  in  some 
measure  known,  by  considering  what  sort  of  per- 
sons most  commend  them;  but  more  decidedly  bj' 
observing  the  effects  which  praise  produces  on 
them.  If  a  man,  when  greatly  applauded,  grow  in- 
.  Solent  and  assuming;  if  he  affect  state,  and  become 
negligent,  or  above  his  work;  if  he  be  disappointed 
and  peevish,  when  not  commended;  and  if  this  be 
habitual  to  him,  it  proves  him  to  be  dross,  which 
will  not  endure  the  furnace.  But  if  applause  ren- 
der a  person  more  circumspect  in  his  walk,  and 
diligent  in  his  duty:  if  he  remain  contented  in  his 
former  situation,  and  easy  in  performing  obscure 
services;  if  he  continue  modest  in  his  deportment, 
and  affable  to  men  of  low  estate;  and  if  this  ap- 
pear unaffected  and  habitual,  it  marks  him  gold: 
and  he  who  can  endure  this  furnace,  and  grow 
562] 


state  of  tliy  flocks,  and  t  look  well  to  thy 
herds. 

24  ^  For  i  riches  are  not  for  ever:  and 
1  doth  the  crown  endure  to  ^  every  gen- 
eration.^ 

25  The  ■■  hay  appeareth,  and  the  ten- 
der grass  sheweth  itself,  and  herbs  of  the 
mountains  are  gathered. 

26  The  ^  lambs  are  for  thy  clothing, 
and  the  goats  are  the  price  of  the  field: 

27  And  thou  shalf  have  goats'  milk 
^  enough  for  thy  food,  for  the  food  of  thy 
household,  and /or  H  maintenance  for  thy 
maidens. 


t    Heb.    $ei  thy  heart.     24:32. 

marg.    Ex.  7:23.  Deut.  32:46. 
p23:5.     Zeph.  1:18.     1  Tim.  6: 

17,18. 
I  Heb.  strength. 
q  2  Sam.  7:16.  Ps.  89:36.  Is.  9:7. 


5  Heb.  generation  and  ge7iera- 

tion. 
r  10:5.  Ps.  104:14. 
s  Job  31:20. 
t  30:8,9.    Matt.  6:33. 
II   Heb.  life. 


purer  in  it,  will  not  be  injured  by  any  other. 
There  are  many  degrees  between  the  two  ex- 
tremes; and  a  man's  character  must  rise  or  fall,  in 
the  judgment  of  wise  men,  according  as  he  ap- 
proaches to  the  one  or  the  other  of  them.  (See 
on  Mote,  17:3. — Motes,  1  Sam.  18:12—16,28—30. 
2  S«OT.  14:18— 20,25— 27.  15:1— 6.) 

V.  22.  The  straw  and  chaff  may  be  separated 
from  the  wheat  by  threshing  and  winnowing.  Nay, 
the  husks  or  bran  may  be  beaten  off,  by  braying 
it  in  a  mortar.  But  no  afflictions  or  punishments, 
however  severe,  will  cure  a  hardened  and  impi- 
ous profligate  of  his  folly  and  wickedness.  His 
heart  and  life  are  all^  of  a  piece,  and  no  human 
power  can  make  any  separation. — Those  who 
argue  that  the  miseries  of  hell  will  mend  the  dis- 
position of  impenitent  sinners,  and  prepare  them 
for  a  release,  should  consider  this  proverb  care- 
fully: and  they  should  remember,  that  the  new 
creating  power  of  God's  grace  is  alone  effectual 
to  produce  this  change;  and  that  the  torments  of 
hell  are  never  in  scripture  mentioned  among  the 
appointed  means  of  grace.  [Marg.  Ref. — Motes, 
23:34,35.  2  Chr.  28:22,23.  Is.  1:5,6,  Jer.  5:3—6,  v. 
3.  Rev.  16:8,9.) 

V.  23 — 27.  These  verses  recommend  the  ad- 
vantages of  private  life;  and  shew  that  diligence 
in  rural  employments,  and  the  plenty  which  is 
obtained  by  it,  are  more  conducive  to  true  hap- 
piness, than  the  unstable  and  uneasy,  though 
splendid  possessions  of  wealth  and  authority. 
Riches  are  very  precarious,  and  kingdoms  are 
often  transferred  from  one  family  to  another. 
But  he  who  has  an  estate  or  farm  in  the  country, 
and  diligently  attends  to  it,  will  see  his  provisions 
springing  out  of  the  earth  to  repay  his  toil,  and 
sensibly  coming  from  the  hand  of  God.  He  will 
have  suitable^and  sufficient  food  and  raiment,  for 
himself,  his  family,  and  domestics:  and  though  it 
be  homely  and  frugal,  it  will  be  wholesome  and 
comfortable;  and  attended  with  little  care,  risk, 
or  temptation.  And  he  who  is  thus  provided  for, 
and  has  a  contented  mind,  needs  not,  and  will 
not,  envy  the  king  on  his  throne,  being  far 
safer  and  happier  than  he.  (Motes,  23:4,5.  30:7 — 
9.  Job  31:16—23.  1  Tim.  6:6—10,  w.  6—8.  17— 
19.) 

The  hay.  Sec.  (25)  Motes,  Ps.  104:14,15.  Am. 
7:1 — 3.  It  is  evident,  that  the  Israelites  mowed 
grass  for  the  cattle:  but  it  is  generally  thought, 
that  they  did  not  make  it  into  hay,  to  preserve  it. 
The  word  here,  however,  means  grass — The 
goats,  &c.  (26)  'With  the  price  of  thy  goats 
'thou  mayest  purchase  a  field,  for  the  sowing  of 
'corn,  to  make  thee  bread.'  Bp.  Patrick. 


B.  C.  976. 


CHAPTER  XXVII. 


B.  C.  97^. 


PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
V.  1--12. 
In  this  uncertain  world  we  "know  not  what  a 
day  may  bring  forth."  We  may  be  deprived  of 
our  limbs,  senses,  faculties,  or  lives,  or  experi- 
ence the  most  distressing  changes  in  our  circum- 
stances and  connexions,  before  another  day  be 
gone.  We  should  never  then  presume  upon  to- 
morrow; or  boast  what  we  will  be  or  do  hereafter; 
or  postpone  any  needful  work  to  a  future  time. 
Numbers  have  perished  and  are  about  to  perish 
through  procrastination;  numbers  with  declining 
faculties,  and  drawing  near  the  close  of  life,  have 
lamented  their  lost  opportunities  of  usefulness. 
While  "the  simple  pass  on,  and  are  punished"  for 
their  neglect  of  the  one  thing  needful;  every  pru- 
dent man  will  foresee  these  and  similar  evils,  and 
take  proper  measures  to  avoid  them.  And,  as  life 
is  so  short  and  fleeting;  and  our  present  con- 
duct has  so  intimate  a  connexion  with  our  eternal 
condition;  it  is  inconsistent  with  true  wisdom,  to 
spend  our  time  and  thoughts  in  devising  needless 
changes  in  our  outward  condition;  or  to  wander 
from  our  proper  place  and  business,  in  pursuit  of 
imaginary  advantages.  Rather  let  us  seek  to 
God  to  give  us  a  contented  mind,  in  the  sit- 
uation which  he  has  assigned  us,  and  a  heart  to 
delight  in  our  present  duty:  that  having  chosen 
him  for  our  Portion,  and  being  humbly  sensible 
how  much  our  comforts  exceed  our  deservings, 
and  applying  ourselves  diligently  to  the  business 
of  our  station,  we  may  be  able  to  exclude  all 
roving  desires.  In  order  to  this,  counsel,  and 
even  rebuke,  is  often  necessary;  even  as  med- 
icines and  surgical  operations,  though  nauseous 
and  painful,  are  for  our  bodies:  and  they  should  be 
considered  as  the  most  disinterested  and  valuable 
friends,  who  venture  our  displeasure,  by  faithfully 
seeking  our  highest  and  most  durable  good.  In- 
deed no  wise  and  cordial  friend  will  "suffer  sin 
upon  us,"»  by  neglecting  this  needful  proof  of 
love:  in  their  better  judgment  they  know  it  to  be 
salutary;  and  though  it  wounds  and  pains,  yet 
"faithful  are  the  wounds  of  a  friend;"  and  after- 
wards at  leasts  all  sound  characters  will  be  better 
pleased  with  it,  than  with  the  reserved  and  less 
cordial  affection  of  those,  who  would  have  left 
them  to  go  on  in  their  errors  and  sins.  They  who 
have  such  friends  as  these,  (and  the  pious  chil- 
dren of  pious  parents  will  generally  be  so  favor- 
ed,) should  be  very  careful  not  to  forsake  or  lose 
them:  and  it  is  much  wiser  to  endeavor  by  good 
behavior  to  attach  those,  who  may  be  ready  to 
help  us  in  trouble  from  genuine  affection;  than  to 
apply  to  rich  relations,  in  whom  the  tie  of  blood 
is  seldom  so  powerful  as  regard  to  interest.  In 
every  case  we  should  endeavor  to  win  upon  the 
esteem  of  all  around  us;  and  to  shun  envy,  as 
much  as  we  can  consistently  with  our  duty.  It 
is  very  easy  to  create  ourselves  enemies,  and  to 
exasperate  them;  but  it  is  more  difficult  to  pacify 
their  wrath,  which  is  often  cruel  and  outrageous 
in  its  effects.  We  ought  not  indeed  to  desire  the 
friendship  of  foolish  and  wicked  men:  j'et  we 
should  be  very  careful  not  to  provoke  them;  for, 
not  being  to  be  won  upon  by  concessions,  or  con- 
vinced by  arguments,  their  wrath  will  be  found 
more  heavy  than  the  sand,  or  the  ponderous  rock, 
and  will  bear  down  all  before  it.  But  envy  is 
still  more  malignant,  being  rendered  more  vclic- 
ment  by  tliat  very  wisdom  and  goodness,  which 
tend  to  disarm  every  other  species  of  resentment. 
We  must  not,  however,  cease  to  act  wisely,  or  to 
do  good,  in  order  to  avoid  even  envy;  but  we  should 
shun  ostentation  and  competition:  and  while  we 
study  to  behave  in  such  a  manner,  that  strangers, 
and  ail  impartial  persons,  may  be  constrained  to 
applaud  our  good  works;  we  should  not  only  not 
praise  ourselves,  but  not  even  needlessly  mention 
our  services,  or  seek  for  commendation.    But 


alas!  high  commendations  and  warm  professions 
of  affection,  though  nothing  is  done  to  prove  thera 
sincere,  are  almost  universally  more  welcome 
than  plain-dealing,  even  when  attended  by  the 
most  indisputable  proofs  of  genuine  and  cordial 
friendship.  The  ointment  and  perfume,  the 
sweetness  of  the  manner,  of  the  pleasant  man,  the 
flatterer,  and  one  not  credited  as  sincere,  out- 
weighs in  the  scales  of  human  intercourse,  the 
solid  bullion  of  cordial  friendship  in  an  uncouth 
garb,  and  of  hearty  counsel  not  gracefully  im- 
parted. In  like  manner,  how  few  are  able  to  rise 
above  the  fascinating  impositions  of  the  world? 
Who  can  help  estimating  men's  happiness  by  their 
wealth  and  prosperity?  Yet  the  single  indisputa- 
ble fact,  that  "the  full  soul  loatheth  the  honey- 
comb, while  to  the  hungry  soul  every  bitter  thing 
is  sweet;"  is  sufficient,  even  as  to  present  enjoy- 
ment, to  subvert  that  whole  system,  and  to  make 
the  sated  epicure  envy  the  neighboring  healthy 
but  indigent  cottager,  and  the  luxury  of  his  home- 
ly meals. 

V.  13—27. 
It  becomes  a  Christian,  to  shun  all  indiscreet 
connexions  and  engagements;  and  especially  to 
stand  aloof  from  those,  who  run  themselves  into 
difficulties  by  extravagant  expenses  and  vicious 
indulgences.  Indeed  few  are  more  lavish  in 
praising  their  imprudent  benefactors,  or  rather 
the  dupes  of  their  artifices,  than  these  unhappy 
men  are,  so  long  as  further  supplies  are  hoped  for; 
but  none  more  severe  in  their  sarcasms  and  cal- 
umnies, when  the  patience  of  their  friends  is  ex- 
hausted, and  they  can  no  longer  be  imposed  on. 
— But  in  all  cases,  we  should  be  very  shy  of  those 
friends,  real  or  pretended,  who  are  very  loud  and 
lavish  in  their  commendations  and  professions;  re- 
membering that  "the  kisses  of  an  enemy  are  de- 
ceitful." And  even  when  they  do  not  mean  ill, 
their  excessive  praise  is  disgraceful  to  us,  if  we 
shew  ourselves  pleased  with  it  and  with  them;  and 
it  exposes  us  to  envy  and  hatred.  But  here  a 
distinction  will  appear,  between  the  man  possess- 
ed of  superficial  endowments,  and  him  who  has 
attained  unto  solid  wisdom  and  piety.  The  for- 
mer, when  commendations  are  bestowed,  will 
grasp  for  more,  and  often  vainly  think  of  extort- 
ing them  by  his  exorbitant  demands:  and  he  will 
aspire  after  the  highest  places,  and  become  over- 
beariag,  in  proportion  to  his  popularity  or  repu- 
tation. But  the  humble  Christian  will  not  crowd 
sail  in  such  a  treacherous  gale  of  favor:  he  will 
fear,  and  provide  against  a  storm:  he  will  be  more 
careful  to  deserve  commendation,  than  to  receive 
it:  he  will  yield  to  those,  who  appear  disposed  to 
vie  with  hi'm,  and  recede  from  every  pretension 
which  may  excite  etivy  or  give  umbrage.  Indeed 
he  will  desire  to  behave  in  such  a  manner,  as  to 
be  a  credit  and  comfort  to,  his  friends  and  family; 
and  to  adorn  the  gospel,  and  "by  well-doing  to 
put  to  silence  the  ignorance  of  foolish  men:"  but 
he  will  not  be  a  zealous  candidate  for  reputation 
of  any  kind.  It  is  enough  to  pass  through  life, 
quietly  and  usefully;  we  should  therefore  watch 
against  those  malignant  passions  in  ourselves,  as 
well  as  against  their  effects  in  others.  We  should 
pray  that  we  may  be,  and  be  very  thankful  if  we 
are,  preserved  from  the  grief  and  disgrace  of  do- 
mestic contests:  and  we  should  seek  for  patience 
to  bear  every  affliction,  which  the  Lord  may  lay 
upon  us,  in  a  proper  manner.  Whatever  our  tri- 
als may  be,  by  waiting  on  our  great  and  gracious 
Master,  we  siiall  find  solace  and  support;  and  in 
due  time  we  shall  be  honored.  In  this  frame  of 
mind,  he  who  diligently  tends  bis  flocks  and  herds; 
or  takes  care  of  the  fig-tree  or  olive-yard;  or  is 
faithful  as  a  servant  or  laborer,  and  abides  in  his 
calling,  because  it  is  the  will  of  God;  will  be  ac- 
cepted in  all  he  does:  he  will  be  a  useful  and  re- 
spectable  member  of  the  community;  his   real 

[563 


B.  C.  976. 


PROVERBS. 


B.  C.  976. 


CHAP.  XXVIII. 

Moxims,  concerning  faith,  piety,  inte^ity,  charity,  humility,  in- 
dustry, and  fidelity;  against  oppression,  usury,  iniquity,  hypoc- 
risy, pride,  violence,  covetousness,  bribery,  flattery,  robbery  of 
parents,  and  self-confidence,  1 — 28. 

THE   "wicked    flee    when   no   man 
pursueth;  but  ''  the  righteous  are  1 
bold  as  a  Hon.  i 

2  For   •=  the   transgression   of  a  land' 
many  are  the  princes  thereof;  ^  but   *  by 


a  Lev.  26:17,36.    Deut^  28:7,25. 

2  Kings  7:6,7,15.    Ps.  53:5.  Is. 

7:2.  Jer.  20:4. 
b  Ex.  11:8.      Ps.  27:1,2.    46:2,3. 

112:7.    Is.  26:3,4.    Dan.  3:16— 

18.    6:10,11.     Acts  4:13.    14:3. 

1  Thes.  2:2. 
c  1  Kings  15:25,28.    16:8—29.  2 


Kings   15:8—31.      2  Chr.  36:1 

—12.  Is.  3:1— 7.     Hos.  13:11. 
d  Gen.  45:5—8.    2  Chr.  32:20— 

26.    Job  22:28—30.     Ec.  9:15. 

Is.  58:12.    Dan.  4:27. 
*  Or,  by  men  of  understandings 

and  -wisdom  shall  they   like- 

•wise  be  prolonged. 


wants  will  be  supplied,  and  incentives  to  pride, 
luxury,  and  excess  will  be  mercifully  withheld; 
and  he  will  escape  manifold  snares  and  tempta- 
tions to  which  his  superiors  are  exposed.  Nor  is 
it  an  empty  boast,  that  such  a  man  has  a  more 
solid  and  stable  enjoyment  of  life,  than  the  king 
upon  his  throne,  or  the  richest  of  his  subjects:  for 
he  has  less  uncertainty  and  anxiety,  and  fewer 
fears,  cares,  and  enemies  and  temptations,  than 
they.  So  very  vain  are  earthly  possessions,  ex- 
cept as  they  are  employed  to  do  good!  The  friend- 
ship and  esteem  also,  which  men  in  private  sta- 
tions obtain  by  good  behavior,  are  far  more  de- 
sirable, than  the  encomiums  and  professions  that 
accompany  wealth  and  power.  Piety,  integrity, 
and  prudence  produce  reciprocal  and  sincere  af- 
fection. Friends,  thus  united,  sharpen  one  anoth- 
er in  every  good  work;  they  are  cordial,  pleas- 
ant, and  experimental  counsellors  to  each  other; 
they  share  each  other's  comforts,  and  soften  each 
other's  sorrows,  by  tender  sympathy.  But  we 
might  as  reasonably  expect  to  fill  hell  and  de- 
struction, till  they  could  hold  no  more,  as  to  sat- 
isfy the  heart  of  man  with  created  good;  when 
nothing  but  the  enjoyment  of  God  himself  for 
ever,  can  fill  the  capacities  and  desires  of  our  ra- 
tional nature.  [JVbte,  Ec.  1:2.) — Happy  then 
are  they,  and  only  they,  who  trust  in  him  and  love 
him!  But  there  always  have  been  numbers,  who 
receive  no  benefit  from  the  greatest  mercies,  or 
from  afflictions,  however  sharp  and  tedious;  and 
who  continue  the  plague  and  scandal  of  allTelat- 
ed  to  them,  till  they  are  driven  awa)'  in  their 
wickedness.  As  our  hearts,  by  nature,  answer 
to  theirs  exactly;  we  have  the  more  cause  to  be 
thankful,  if  the  Lord  has  made  us  to  differ  by  his 
grace;  and  we  should  pity  and  pray  for  those  who 
are  yet  left  to  themselves.  Finally,  let  us  apply 
ourselves  to  the  instructive  study  of  human  nature; 
by  carefully  watching  our  own  hearts,  and  com- 
paring them  with  the  word  of  God,  and  the  state 
of  the  world  and  the  church  around  us.  Thus  we 
shall  learn  how  to  answer  every  one,  and  behave 
to  every  one,  as  their  characters  and  circumstan- 
ces require. 

NOTES. 
Chap.  XXVIII.  V.  1.  Wicked  men  often  ap- 
pear very  courageous:  and  when  they  are  heated 
with  wine,  or  excited  by  resentment,  ambition, 
or  other  vehement  passions,  they  face  danger 
with  great  intrepidity:  nay,  they  may  have  an  ha- 
bitual mechanical  courage,  so  long  as  reflection  is 
excluded,  and  the  conscience  is  stupified  through 
ignorance,  error,  inattention,  or  excess.  Yet 
when  any  thing  arouses  the  consciousness  of 
guilt,  and  the  thoughts  of  a  future  reckoning, 
their  courage  fails,  and  they  become  exceedingly 
timorous:  and  many  of  them  experience  those  ter- 
rors which  they  would  be  asiiamed  to  acknowl- 
edge; especially  when  they  are  sick,  or  in  soli- 
tude. But  the  upright  Christian,  whose  sins  are 
664]  .^ 


a  man  of  understanding  and  knowledge 
the  state  thereof  shall  be  prolonged. 

3  A  ^  poor  man  that  oppresseth  the 
poor  is  like  a  sweeping  rain  ^  which  leav- 
eth  no  food. 

4  They  •"  that  forsake  the  law  praise 
the  wicked;  s  but  such  as  keep  the  law 
contend  with  them. 


e  Matt.  18:23—30. 

t    Heb.   -without food. 

f  1  Sam.   23:19—21.     Ps.  10:3. 

49:18.  Jer.  5:30,31.    Mai.  3:15. 

Acts  12:22.  24:2 — 4.     Rom.  1: 

32.     1  John  4:5. 
g  1  Sam.  15:14—24.  22:14,15.   1 


Kings  18:18.  20:41,42.  )2:I9, 
20.  22:19—28.  2  Kings  3:13, 
14.  Neh.  5:7,&c.  13:8—11,17 
—20,23—26,28.  Matt.  3:7.  14: 
4.  Acts  15:2.  19:9.  Gal.  2:3 
—6.  Eph.  5:11.  1  Thes.  2:2. 
Jude  3. 


pardoned,  and  whose  conscience  is  at  peace,  is 
most  bold  when  most  cool  and  reflecting:  a  sud- 
den alarm  may  discompose  him  exceedingly;  but 
let  him  have  time  for  recollection,  faith,  and 
prayer,  and  his  courage  gathers  strength:  and  the 
feeblest  true  believer  will  not  be  finally  terrified 
from  his  duty,  by  the  frown  of  a  tyrant,  or  the 
menace  of  a  fiery  furnace,  as  the  examples  of  the 
martyrs  abundantly  prove.  [Marg.  Ref. — Motes, 
Deut.  28:25.  Ps.  11:1—3.  27:1—3,  53:5.  Is.  7:2. 
Dan.  3:16—18.  6:10,11.  w^cf*  4:5— 12.  7:54—60.) 
— Are  bold.,  &c.]  "Will  confide:"  The  lion  in 
his  own  strength;  the  righteous,  in  the  Lord,  as 
their  Strength  and  Helper.  »■ 

V.  2.  'The  state  of  the  commonwealth  is  often- 
'times  changed.'  Either  there  are  many  rival 
princes,  whose  discordant  claims  desolate  the 
land  by  civil  wars;  or  they  quickly  succeed  one 
another,  being  cut  off  by  traitors  and  usurpers, 
or  removed  before  any  thing  can  be  brought  to 
an  establishment.  Compare  the  history  of  Is- 
rael, after  the  revolt  of  the  ten  tribes,  with  that 
of  Judah  under  the  princes  of  David'e  line:  and 
read  the  history  of  Asa,  Jehoshaphat,  Jotham, 
Hezekiah,  and  Josiah,  as  the  best  comment  on  the 
latter  part  of  the  verse.  (P.  O.  2  Sam.  24:1 — 9. 
—JS'otes,  1  Kings  16:21,22.  2  Kings  15:  24:  Is.  3: 
1—9.  Ez.  29:2—5.  30:20—26.) 

V.  3.  Extravagant  spendthrifts,  who  have  re- 
duced themselves  to  poverty,  and  involved  them- 
selves in  debts,  often  make  interest  to  get  into 
places  of  trust  and  authority:  and  then  their  op- 
pression, (the  result  of  poverty,  rapacity,  and  pro- 
fusion,) resembles  an  inundation,  which  entirely 
desolates  the  country,  and  leaves  the  wretched 
inhabitants  not  the  least  subsistence.  In  various 
ways  indigent  persons  obtain  opportunities  of  op- 
pressing the  poor;  and  their  extortion  is  more  ab- 
solute and  unfeeling  than  that  of  a  richer  man, 
who  would  not  think  such  petty  gains  worth  his 
notice,  as  the  needy  oppressor  stoops  to.  A  suc- 
cessiop  of  indigent  governors  and  oflicers  in  re- 
mote provinces,  who  know  that  their  time  will  be 
short,  and  are  determined  to  make  the  most  of  it; 
and  who  deem  themselves  secure  from  justice,  by 
the  distance  of  the  place,  and  the  power  of  brib- 
ing high,  which  they  purchase  by  extortion;  often 
give  a  melancholy  comment  on  this  proverb,  and 
a  wretched  demonstration  of  the  impolicy  and 
iniquity  of  preferring  such  men. — 'The  parable 
'comprehends  in  it  a  profitable  instruction,  both 
'to  princes  and  to  people:  to  princes,  that  they 
'commit  not  the  government  of  provinces,  or  offi- 
'ces  of  charge,  to  indigent  and  indebted  persons; 
'and  to  the  people,  that  they  suffer  not  their  kings 
'to  struggle  with  too  much  want.'  Lord  Bacon, 
quoted  by  Bp.  Patrick.  (JVb<e,  Matt.  18:28— 
30.) 

V.  4.  Wicked  men  excuse  one  another's  faults, 
and  extol  one  another's  supposed  virtues,  in  order 
to  keep  themselves  in  countenance,  and  their  own 
consciences  in  peace.    But  upright  men,  who 


B.  C.  976. 


CHAPTER  XXVIII. 


B.  C.  976. 


5  ''  Evil  men  understand  ogf  judgment; 
but  they  that  seek  the  Lord  understand 
all  things. 

6  '  Better  is  the  poor  that  walketh  in 
his  uprightness,  than  he  that  is  perverse 
in  his  ways,  though  he  he  rich. 

7  Whoso  ^  keepeth  the  law  is  a  wise 
son; '  but  he  that  *  is  a  companion  of  riot- 
ous inen  shameth  his  father. 

8  He  ■"  that  by  usury  and  ^  unjust  gain 
increaseth  his  substance,  he  shall  gather 
it  for  him  that  will  °  pity  the  poor. 

9  He  that  °  turneth  away  his  ear  from 
hearing  the  law,  p  even  his  prayer  shall 
be  abomination. 

10  Whoso  1  causeth  the  righteous  to 


h  15:24.  24:7.     Ps.  25:14.    92:6. 

.ler.  4:22.  Mark  4:10—13.  John 

7:17.    1  Cor.  2:14,15.  Jam.  1:5. 

1  John  2:20,27. 
I  18.   16:8.   19:1,22.    Luke  16:19 

—23.  Acts 24:24— 27. 
k2:l,&c.   3:1,&C. 
124.   19:26.  23:19—22.    29:3,15. 

Luke  15:13,30.    1  Pet.  4:3,4. 
*  Or,  feedeth  gluttons. 
m  13:22.     Job  27:16,17.     Ec.  2: 

26. 


^  Heb.  by  increase.  Lev.  25:36, 

37.     Ez.  18:8,13,17. 
n  19:17.    2  Sam.  12:6. 
0   21:13.     Is.  1:15,16.    58:7—11. 

Zech.  7:1 1—13.     2  Tim.  4:3,4. 
p  15:8.    Ps.  66:18.   109:7.    Luke 

13:25—27. 
q  Num.  31:15,16.  1  Sam.  26:19. 

Acts  13:8—10.  Rom.  16:17,18. 

2  Cor.  11:3,4,13—15.  Gal.  1:8, 

9.  2:4.    3:1—4.     2  Pet.  2:18— 

20.     Rev.  2:14. 


want  no  such  apologies,  will  not  make  them  for 
others.  They  would  candidly  allow  of  what  is 
good,  and  make  the  best  of  what  is  dubious:  but 
they  cannot  call  scandalous  vices  by  soft  names, 
or  give  those  men  a  good  character  who  are  evi- 
dently wicked;  nay,  they  deem  themselves  bound 
to  protest  against  iniquity,  and  to  use  all  their 
power  to  check  its  progress.  {J\Iarg.  Ref. — 
J^otes,  1  Sam.  15:26—28.  1  Kings  \8:\1—^Q.  J^eh. 
5:6—13.  13:23—30.  Ps.  10:2—11,??.  3.  49:13,18. 
Is.  5:20.  Jer.  5:30,31.  Luke  6:24—26.  Acts  24:1— 
9,  vv.  2—4,24—27.) 

V.  5.  Men's  unbridled  passions  and  wicked 
actions  pervert  their  judgments  and  cloud  their 
understandings,  till  they  "call  evil  good  and  good 
evil:"  so  that  they  are  not  able  to  know  right 
from  wrong,  when  their  own  conduct  or  interest 
is  concerned.  But  he  who  seeks  the  favor  of  God, 
and  desires  to  do  his  will,  will  be  led  into  the 
knowledge  of  all  useful  truth.  'They  that  are 
'true  hearted  to  God,  and  conscionable  in  their 
'ways,  have  so  much  light  from  God's  Spirit,  that 
' ...  they  know  both  what  they  should  do,  and  how 
'they  should  perform  it.'  Bp.  Hall.  [Mar g.  Ref. 
—Jfotes,  14:6.  15:24,  24:7.  Ps.  25:14.  1  Cor.  2: 
14—16.) 

V.  6.     (See  on  Jfote,  19:1 JYotes,  18.    16:8. 

P*.  37:16,17.  Z,ufce  16:19— 26.  P.  O.)  'A  poor 
'man,  walking  in  truth,  is  better  than  the  rich 
'man  of  a  lie,'  or,  'a  rich  liar.'  Sept.  (JVbie,  19:22.) 

V.  7.  '  The  young  man  who  obeys  God,  by 
obeying  his  parents  in  all  things  lawful,  shews 
his  wisdom:  but  he  that  spends  his  time  and  money 
in  "feeding  gluttons,"  [.Marg.)  or  feasting  epi- 
cures, and  "in  riotous  living,"  does  what  he  can 
to  disgrace  his  father,  as  well  as  to  shew  his  own 
folly,  and  reduce  himself  to  abject  misery.  [Marg. 
Ref.— J^otes,  21.  2:1— 11.  19:26.23:19—22.  29: 
3,15.  Luke  15:13—16.) 

V.  8.  [J^Totes,  13:22,23.  19:17.  Job  27:13—23, 
vv.  16,17.  £c.  2:24 — 26.)  Under  the  terms  Mswry 
and  increase,  or  unjust  gain,  all  ej|fictions  and  op- 
pressions are  meant.     (JVb<e,^,r722:25 — 27.) 

V.  9.  'He  that  refuseth  to  hearjien  unto  God, 
'and  obey  his  law,  deceives  himself,.if  he  thinks  by 
'his  prayers  to  please  him,  and  rriake  an  amends 
♦for  his  crimes;  for  God  will  be  so  far  from  heark- 
•eaing  unto  him,  that  he  will  abominate  such 


go  astray  in  an  evil  way,  '  he  shall  fall 
himself  into  his  own  pit;  ^  but  the  upright 
shall  have  good  things  in  possession. 

1 1  The  '  rich  man  is  wise  in  +  his  own 
conceit;  but  "  the  poor  that  hath  under- 
standing searcheth  him  out. 

12  When  ^  righteous  men  do  rejoice 
there  is  great  glory;  ^  but  when  the  wick- 
ed rise,  a  man  is  Hiidden. 

13  He  ^  that  covereth  his  sins  shall  not 
prosper;  but  "  whoso  confesseth  ^  and  for- 
saketh  thein  shall  have  mercy. 

14  *'  Happy  is  the  man  that  feareth 


r  26:27.  Ps.  7:15,16.  9:15.     Ec. 

10:8. 
s  10:3.  15:6.  21:20.  Deut.  7:12— 

14.    P«.  37:11,25:26.     Matt.  6: 

33. 
t  18:11.  23:4.    Is.  10:13,14.    Ez. 

28:3—5.  Luke  16:13,14.   1  Cor. 

3:13,19.     1  Tim.  6:17. 
I  Heb.  his  eyes.  26:16.  Is.  5:21. 

Rom.  11:25.    12:16. 
u  18:17.   19:1.    Job  32:9.    Ec.  9: 

15—17. 
x28.    11:10.  29:2.     1  Chr.  15:25 

—28.     16:7,&C.     29:20—22.  2 

Chr.    7:10.    30:22—27.     Esth. 

8:15— 17.  Job  29:11-20.  Luke 

19:37,38. 
y    1  Sam.  24:11.     1  Kings  17:3, 


18:13.    19.3.      Ec.  10:16. 
Jer.  36:26.    Heb.  11:37,38. 
§  Heb.  sought  for.  Jer.  5:1. 
z  10:12.   17:9.     Gen.  3:12,13.  4: 

9.  1  Sam.  15:13,24.  Job  31: 
33.  Ps.  32:3—5.  Jer.  2:22,23. 
Matt.  23:25—28. 

a  Lev.  26:40—42.    1  Kings  8:47 
—49.    Job  33:27.    Ps.  51:1— 5, 

10.  Jer.  3:12,13.  Dan.  9.20 
—23.  Luke  15:18—24.  1  John 
1:8—10. 

b    Ex.  10:16,17.     1  Sam.  15:30. 

Matt.  3:6—10.     27:4,5.     Acts 

26:20. 
C  23:17.    Ps.  2:11.  112:1.   Is.  66: 

2.     Jer.   32:40.     Rom.    11:20. 

Heb.  4:1.     1  Pet.  1:17. 


'prayers,  as  tend  to  nothing  but  to  make  God  a 
'partner  with  him  in  his  sins.'  Bp.  Patrick.  Such 
prayer  is  not  of  faith;  for  that  is  grounded  on  God's 
word  or  law,  which  the  wicked  contemn.  [Marg. 
Ref—J^otes,  15:8,9.  21:13.  Ps.  66:18,19.  Is.  1: 
10—15.  58:1—4,8—12.  Matt.  2^:U.) 

V.  1 0.  Ungodly  men  are  often  very  zealous  in 
enticing  such  as  profess  religion  into  sin  and  error. 
Thus  they  aim  to  keep  themselves  in  countenance; 
they  shew  their  enmity  to  the  truth,  and  find  an 
occasion  of  treating  it  with  ridicule  and  contempt; 
and  in  short,  they  are  the  factors  of  Satan,  and  in- 
spired with  his  disposition.  But  their  success  is 
their  misery,  and  will  ensure  their  more  aggra- 
vated condemnation:  while  such  as  are  nprigkt  in 
heart  will  either  withstand  their  temptations,  or 
be  recovered  from  the  snare;  and  so  "inherit 
good,"  even  eternal  good.  [Marg.  Ref. — See  on 
m)te,  26:23—27,  v.  27.) 

V.  11.  Rich  men  are  so  much  complimented 
and  flattered,  and  are  so  much  accustomed  to 
have  every  thing  their  own  way,  that  they  are 
very  apt  to  conceit  themselves  as  much  superior 
to  others  in  understanding  as  in  affluence:  and 
this  is  especially  the  case  with  such  as  have  risen 
from  low  stations  to  great  riches;  who  are  far  most 
prone  to  be  purscrproud.  But  wise  and  pious  men 
readily  discern  their  true  character  through  this 
external  glare:  and  thej"^  will  not  make  them  their 
idols,  oracles,  or  examples;  nor  pay  any  court  to 
them.  [Jfotes,  18:10,ll,n.  23:4,5.  P*.  15:4.  £c. 
9:13—18.  iwfce  16:14,15.  1  Tm.  6:17— 19.  Jam. 
1:9-11.  2:5—7.) 

V.  12.  When  wise  and  righteous  men  are 
countenanced  and  preferred,  it  is  greatly  to  the 
honor  of  the  prince,  and  presages  glorious  times. 
But  when  wicked  fl9en  rise  to  authority,  the  lives, 
estates,  and  lib^ies  of  men  are  endangered;  and 
good  men  especially  seek  safety  in  obscurity  and 
retirement.  [Marg.  Ref. — JVb<e*,  28.  11:10,11. 
29:2.  Esth.  8:15—17.  10:1—3.  Ps.  75:3.  101:6—8. 
/«.  32:1— 8.) 

V.  13.  The  man  who  denies,  justifies,  or  ei- 
cuses  his  crimes,  or  bestows  pains  and  artifice  to 
conceal  them,  through  pride,  impenitence,  or  hy- 
pocrisy, will  continue  under  condemnation,  be 
tempted  to  further  guilt  and  mischief,  and  cannot 
possess  any  durable  prosperity.    [J^oles,  Gen.  3: 

[5G5 


B.  C.  976. 


PROVERBS. 


B.  C.  976. 


alway;  ^  but  he  that  hardeneth  his  heart 
shall  fall  into  mischief. 

15  jIs  ^  a.  roaring  lion,  ^and  a  ranging 
bear;  ^  so  is  a  wicked  ruler  over  the  poor 
people. 

16  The  "^  prince  that  vvanteth  under- 
standing is  also  a  great  oppressor;  but 
'  he  that  hateth  covetousness  shall  pro- 
long his  days. 

17  A  "^  man  that  doeth  violence  to  the 


d  29:1.     Ex.  7:22,23.   14:23,&c. 

Job  9:4.    Rom.  2:4,5. 
e20:2.      Hos.  5:14.      1  Pet.  5:8. 
f  17:12.     2   Kings  2:24.     Hos. 

g  Ex.  1:14—16,22.  1  Sam.  22: 
17—19.  2  Kings  1.5:16.  21:16. 
Esth.  3:6—10.    Matt.  2:16. 

h  1  Kings  12:10,11,14.     Neh.  5: 


15, 

4:1. 
1  Ex.  18:21 

22:15—17, 
k  Gen.  9:6. 

35:14,&c 


En.  4:1.     Is.  3:12.     Am. 


Is.  33:15,16.     Jer. 


Ex.  21:14.     Num. 

1  Kings  21:19,23. 
2  Kings  9:26.  2  Chr.  24:21— 
25.     Matt.  27:4,5.     Acts  28:4. 


8—13.  4:9—12.  37:19—32.  I  S'arre.  15:18— 28. 
^Sam.  11:7—17.  Jo6  31:33,34.  P«.  32:3— 5.)  But 
he  who  condemns  himself,  and  humbly  confesses 
his  sins,  in  true  repentance  and  faith,  and  does 
works  meet  for  repentance,  shall  find  mercy  from 
God,  however  ag^^ravated  his  transgressions  have 
been.  (Marg.  Ref.  a,  h.—J^otes,  Lev.  26:40—42. 
P*.  51:1— 3.  Jer.  3:12— 15.   IJohnhQ—lO.) 

V.  14.  [JVbte,  1.)  Strength  of  faith  and  grace 
gives  the  zealous  Christian  deliverance,  both  from 
the  dread  of  final  misery,  and  from  the  fear  of  his 
fellow-creatures.  But  in  proportion  as  he  rises, 
in  these  respects,  superior  to  enfeebling,  distress- 
ing, and  tormenting  terrors;  he  learns  more  and 
more  to  reverence  the  majesty  and  glory  of  God; 
to  fear  even  his  fatherly  rebukes  and  chastise- 
ments; to  distrust  his  own  heart;  to  watch  against 
sin  and  temptation;  to  fear  the  effects  of  his  own 
sinful  passions;  to  walk  circumspectly,  as  in  a 
perilous  way;  and  to  dread,  as  the  greatest  of  evils, 
whatever  would  dishonor  God,  and  disgrace  the 
gospel. — In  these  things,  "happy  is  the  man  that 
feareth  alwaj's:"  this  will  render  his  dependence 
simple,  his  prayers  fervent,  his  conscience  tender, 
his  peace  stable,  his  hope  lively,  and  his  conduct 
consistent.  But  the  man,  who  is  presumptuous 
and  self-confident,  and  who  hardens  his  heart 
against  fears  of  every  kind,  shall  fall  into  mischief. 
(JVb^e*,  23:17,18.  29:1.  Job  9:4— 13,  v.  4.  Is.  66:1, 
2.  Je?-.£jt39— 41.  i2om.  11:16— 21.  Het.  4:1,2.  1 
Fet.  1:17—21,  V.  17.) 

V.  15,  16.  A  prince,  who  is  intoxicated  with 
power,  and  a  slave  to  rapacity,  resentment,  ambi- 
tion, or  sensual  lusts;  and  who  uses  his  power  to 
oppress  the  poor,  whom  he  ought  especially  to 
protect;  shews  himself  to  be  as  impolitic  and  fool- 
ish as  he  is  wicked.  He  becomes  terrible  to  his 
defenceless  subjects,  as  a  roaring  lion  and  ranging 
bear  to  the  helpless  cattle.  He  uses  his  reason 
merely  to  devise  mischief,  and  his  power  to  effect 
it;  and  in  other  respects  he  degrades  himself  to 
the  level  of  those  ravenous  beasts,  which  act  as 
impelled  by  instinct  or  appetite.  And  he  will 
generally  be  hated  as  a  common  enemy,  and 
slain  without  hesitation  when  opportunity  offers. 
(Jliarir- i2f/.  e—h.—JVbto,  17:12.  20:2.  Ex.  I: 
11—17.  1  Sam.  22:17—19.  Jlatt.  2.16—18.) 
Whereas  an  upright  and  prudent  prince,  who  is 
superior  to  covetousness,  and  Other  selfish  pas- 
sions, may  hope  to  reign  long  and  happil}',  having 
his  throne  erected  in  the  affections  of  his  subjects. 
[J^laro;.  Ref.  i.) — The  original  word  for  ranging 
(Tn'iJ*^)  is  elsewhere  translated  empty,  [Is.  29: 

8.)  and  is  supposed  here  to  mean  hungry;  as  in- 
deed wild  beasts  seldom  range  abroad,  but  when 
hungry:  and  the  Septuagint  translate  the  word, 
566] 


blood  of  aif.y  person,  shall  flee  to  the  pit; 

let   no   man, stay   him.       [Practical  observation..] 

18  Whoso  *  walketh  uprightly  shall  be 
saved;  ™  but  he  thai  is  perverse  in  his 
ways  shall  fall  at  once. 

19  He  °  that  tilleth  his  land  shall  have 
plenty  of  bread;  °  but  he  that  followeih 
after  vain  persons  shall  have  poverty 
enough. 

20  A  P  faithful  man  shall  abound  with 
blessings;  i  but  he  that  maketh  haste  to 
be  rich  shall  not  be  *  innocent. 


I    10:9,25.     11:3—6.     Ps.  25:21. 

26:11.    84:11.     Gal.  2:14. 
m  6.    Num.  22:32.     Ps.  73:18- 

20.  125:5.   1  Thes.  5:3.    2  Pet. 

2:1—3.    Rev.  3:3. 
n  12:11.   14:4.    27:23—27. 
0    13:20.    23:20,21.      Judg.  9:4. 

Luke  15:12—17. 


p  20:6.      1  Sam.   22:14.     Neh. 

7:2.  Ps.  101:6.  112:4—9.  Luke 

12:42.     16:1,10—12.      1  Cor.  4: 

2—5.     Rev.  2:10,13. 
q22.  13:11.  20:21.  23:4.  2  Kings 

5:20—27.      1  Tim.  6:9.10. 
*  Or,  unpunished.  17:5.  marg. 


rendered  understanding  (]T)j^^]n)?   revenues. 

On  these  grounds,  therefore,  some  interpret  the 
latter  verse  of  needy  princes  being  great  oppress- 
ors. But  the  original  cannot  bear  this  construc- 
tion, without  a  needless  conjectural  amendment. 
— 'A  prince  that  wants  understanding,  and  is  a 
'great  oppressor,  shall  shorten  his  days:  but  he 
'that  hates  covetousness  shall  prolong  his  days.' 
Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  17.  He,  who  wilfully  takes  away  the  life 
of  man,  may  flee  whither  he  will,  but  he  cannot 
escape  the  vengeance  of  God,  or  even  the  hor- 
rors of  his  accusing  conscience.  No  one  ought 
to  conceal  him,  or  attempt  to  rescue  him  from 
punishment:  his  life  is  forfeited;  and  if  he  elude 
the  justice  of  man,  he  will  only  the  more  surely 
rush  into  the  pit  of  destruction. — The  original 
word  (or  doeth  violence  {'7)\^V)i  >s  generally  ren- 
dered an  oppressor:  and  this  proverb  may  very 
properly  be  connected  with  the  preceding.  'If  a 
'prince,  in  his  exactions  on  the  poor  people,  pro- 
'ceed  to  shed  innocent  blood,  (as  Ahab  oppressed 
'and  murdered  Naboth,)  though  he  may  seem  out 
'of  the  reach  of  human  laws;  he  shall  perish  miser- 
'ably  by  the  judgment  of  God,  and  none  shall  at- 
'tempt  or  be  able  to  prevent  it.'  (J\larg.  Ref. — 
JVotes,  Gen.  9:5,6.  Jfum.  35:31—34.  2  Sam.  13: 
22— 29,  WW.  28,29.  18:14.  1 /iTmo-s  2:5,6,28— 34. 
21:8—14,  22:19—35.  2  Kings  9:20— 31.) 

V.  18.  [JVote,  Ps.  125:4,5.)  'There  is  no  such 
'way  to  be  safe  as  to  be  honest  and  sincere  in  all 
'a  man's  words  and  actions:  for  he  that  endeavors 
'to  preserve  himself  by  fraud  and  deceit,  though 
'he  can  wind  and  turn,  and  hath  several  shifts  he 
'thinks  to  save  himself  by,  yet  in  one  or  other  of 
'them  he  shall  perish.'  Bp.  Patrick.  {Marg. 
Ref— Jfotes,  e.  10:9,25.  11:3—6.  Ps.  25:21.  73: 
18—22.  1  Thes.  5:1—3.  2  Pet.  2:1—3.) 

V.  19.  (See  on  JVb«e,  12:11.)  "He  that  tilleth 
his  land  shall  be  satisfied  with  bread;  and  he  that 
followeth  after  vain  persons,  shall  be  satisfied  with 
poverty."  The  one  shall  have  bread  enough;  and 
the  other  poverty  enough.  The  word  is  the  same 
in  both  clauses  of  the  verse. 

V.  20.  'He  that  is  true  to  his  word,  and  just  in 
'all  his  dealings,  shall  have  abundance  of  blessings 
'from  God,  and  be  well  spoken  of  by  men:  but  he 
'whose  eager  desires  make  him  heap  up  wealthy 
'bj'  right  or  by  wrong,  brings  such  guilt  on  him- 
'self,  as  makes'*him  execrable  unto  both.'  Bp. 
Patrick.  Faithfulness  may  also  include  the  due 
improvement  of  a  man's  talents:  and  the  good 
wishes  and  fervent  prayers  of  those  whom  he  thus 
benefits,  may  be  numbered  among  his  many  bles- 
sings.    [Marg.  Ref— JYotes,  22.  13:11.  20:6,21.2 


B.  C.  976. 


CHAPTER  XXVIII. 


B.  C.  916, 


21  To  have  «"  respect  of  persons  is  not 
good;  for,  '  for  a  piece  of  bread  that  man 
will  transgress. 

22  He  *  that  *  hasteth  to  be  rich  hath 
"  an  evil  eye,  ^  and  considereth  not  that 
poverty  shall  come  upon  him. 

23  He  y  that  rebuketh  a  man,  after- 
wards shall  find  more  favor,  than  he  that 
flattereth  with  the  tongue. 

24  Whoso  ^  robbeth  his  father  or  his 
mother,  and  saith,  It  is  no  transgression; 


r  18:5.  24:23.    Ex.  23:2,8- 
s   Kz.   13:19.    Hos.  4:18.    Mic. 
3:5.  7:3.     Rom.  16:18.     2  Pet. 


»  Heb.  Kathan  evil  eye,  hasteth 
to  be  rich. 
u23:6.  Matt.  20:15.  Mark  7:22. 


X   Gen.  13:10—13.    19:17.     Job 

20:18—22.27:16,17. 
y  27:5,6.    2  Sam.  12:7.     1  Kings 

1:23,32—40.     Ps.  141:5.  MhU. 

18:15.  Gal.  2:11.     2  Pet.  3:15, 

16. 
z  19:26.     Judg.  17:2.    Matt.  15: 

4—6. 


'^  the  same   is   the  companion  of  t  a  de- 
stroyer. 

25  He  *'  that  is  of  a  proud  heart,  stir- 
reth  up  strife;  but  'he  that  putteth  his 
trust  in  the  Lord  shall  be  ^  made  fat. 

26  He  ^  that  trusteth  in  his  own  heart 
is  a  fool;  ^  but  whoso  walketh  wisely,  he 
shall  be  delivered. 

27  He  s  that  giveth  unto  the  poor  shall 
not  lack;  but  he  that  ^  hideth  his  eyes 
'  shall  have  many  a  curse. 


a  7.   13:20.   18:9. 

f  Heb.  a  ma^Aestroying, 

b  10:12.   13:l<PiSH8.  21:24.22: 

10.  29:22,23.      ' 
c  Ps.  84:12.  Jer.  17:7,8.  1  Tim. 

6:6. 
d  11:25.  13:4.  15:30.  Is.  58:11. 
e   3:5.      2  Kings  8:13.     Jer.  17: 

9.    Mark  7:21— 23.    14:27—31. 


Rom.  8:7. 
f  Job  28:28.   2  Tim.  3:15.  Jam. 

1:5.  3:13—18. 
g  19:17.  22:9.    Deut.  15:10.  Ps. 

41:1—3.    112:5—9.     2  Cor.  9:6 

—11.     Heb.  13:16. 
h  Is.  1:15. 
i  11:26.  24:24. 


Kings  b:^0— 11.  Jo6  29:12— 17,  i;.  13.  P«.  112: 
4—9.  2  Cor.  9:12—15.  1  Tim.  6:6—10,  W.  9,10, 
17 — 19.) — Innocent.]  "Unpunished."  J/ar^.  God 
will  punish  him,  if  man  do  not. 

V.  21.  'All  persons  do  not  give  bribes:  but 
'there  is  hardly  any  cause,  wherein  somewhat 
'may  not  be  found,  that  may  incline  the  mind  of 
'a  judge,  if  respect  of  persons  lead  him.  For  one 
'man  shall  be  respected  as  his  countryman,  an- 
'other  as  an  ill-tongued  man,  another  as  a  rich 
'man,  another  as  a  favorite,  another  as  commend- 
'ed  by  a  friend;  to  conclude,  all  is  full  of  iniquity 
'where  respect  of  persons  bears  sway:  and  for  a 
'very  slight  matter,  as  it  were  for  a  bit  of  bread, 
'judgment  is  perverted.'  Lord  Bacon,  quoted  by 
Bp.  Patrick. — The  same  is  at  least  equally  true 
and  important  in  the  case  of  ministers.  If,  in- 
stead of  the  glory  of  God  and  the  salvation  of 
souls,  they  are  influenced  by  respect  of  persons, 
desire  of  favor  and  popularity,  or  love  to  filthy 
lucre;  they  will  be  drawn  aside  fi'om  the  line  of 
duty  by  numberless  considerations:  and  none  can 
say  to  what  meanness  and  baseness  they  may  at 
length  stoqp.  (J^otes,  18:5.  24:23—25.  Ex.  23: 
i— 9.  Ez.  13:17— 23,  V.  19.  Hos.  4:15— 19,  i;.  18. 
Mic.  3:5—7.  7:1—4.  Rom.  16:17—20,  v.  18.) 

V.  22.  The  avaricious  man  covets  all  he  sees, 
grudges  all  that  goes  beside  him,  and  all  that  he 
and  his  family  expend,  and  envies  every  one  that 
is  more  prosperous  than  himself.  He  is  not 
aware  how  precarious  his  ill-gotten  possessions 
are;  or  how  soon  poverty  ma}'^  come  upon  him, 
and  he  may  need  help  from  others,  though  now 
so  unwilling  to  bestow  it  on  them.  [J\Iarg.  and 
JIarg.  Rejr.—Jfole  20 — See  on  JVotes,  3:7—10.) 
V.  23.  Even  wise  and  pious  men  have  so 
much  remaining  in  them  of  self-love  and  pride, 
that  the  most  prudent  and  needful  rebukes  are 
apt  to  create  a  transient  displeasure  in  their 
minds.  Yet  upon  reflection  most  men  will  have 
a  better  opinion  of  a  faithful  reprover,  than  of  a 
soothing  flatterer,  and  will  shew  him  more  favor. 
Those,  who  have  the  most  frequently  and  faith- 
fully made  the  trial,  will  have  the  fullest  experi- 
mental evidence  of  the  truth  of  this  maxim. 
{J^otes,  27:5,6.  2  Sam.  12:7—12.  I  Kings  4:5,6, 
V.  5.) 

V.  24.  Young  people  often  consider  them- 
selves as,  in  some  sense,  owners  of  their  parents' 
substance,  and  scruple  not  to  appropriate  what- 
ever they  can  lay  hands  on.  Thus  they  "rob 
their  parents,  and  say,  it  is  no  transgression:" 
whereas  it  is  a  robbery  that  adds  ingratitude, 
disrespect,  and  disobedience,  to  injustice;  and 
which,  by  iniquitously  procuring  the  means,  in- 
itiates numbers  into  those  expensive  courses,  by 
which  they  at  length  are  led  to  join  the  more  in- 


famous depredators  and  murderers,  and  so  they 
rush  forward  to  destruction  temporal  and  eternal. 
[J^Totes,  7.  13:20.  18:9.  19:26.  Judg.  17:2—4.  Malt. 
15:3—6.  Luke  15:11—16.) 

V.  25.  The  words,  rendered  "a  proud  heart," 
signify  large  in  mind;  and  the  ambitious,  who  are 
actuated  by  vast  desires  and  expectations  of 
power,  honor,  and  pre-eminence,  and  who  are 
the  great  disturbers  of  mankind  in  public  and 
private  life,  seem  especially  intended. — 'A  man 
'of  a  proud  and  insolent  spirit,  of  ambitious  and 
'vast  desires,  is  never  quiet;  but  as  he  lives  in 
'perpetual  quarrels,  so  hath  no  satisfaction  in 
'what  he  enjoys;  nay,  many  times  wastes  it  all  in 
'suits  and  contentions:  but  he,  who  confiding  in 
'the  good  Providence  of  the  Almighty,  hath  a 
'humble  and  contented  mind,  lives  peaceably  with 
'others,  and  comfortably  within  himself;  nay, 
'thrives  many  times,  and  abounds  in  plenty  of  all 
'good  things.'  Bp.  Patrick.  This  largeness  of 
mind,  differs  widely  from  Solomon's  largeness  of 
heart,  or  very  great  capacity:  even  as  a  humble, 
contented  mind  differs  from  a  weak  capacity,  or 
a  base  and  grovelling  spirit.  {JS'otes,  10:12.  13: 
10.  15:17,18.  17:19.  21:24.  22:10.  Is.  58:8—12, 
v.n.   Jer.  17:5—8.) 

V.  26.  When  a  man  has  such  confidence  in  his 
own  good  understanding,  intentions,  and  disposi- 
tions, that  he  fears  no  deception;  and  is  fully 
satisfied  that  he  shall  act  up  to  the  purposes 
which  he  has  formed  under  conviction,  or  in  sick- 
ness and  danger;  or  trusts  to  his  own  resolutions, 
and  sincerity  or  faithfulness,  for  perseverance  in 
the  ways  of  God;  he  proves  himself  to  be  ignorant 
and  foolish.  He  does  not  consider  bow  different- 
ly he  will  be  affected,  when  in  health  and  safety, 
and  under  temptations,  than  he  was  in  contrary 
circumstances;  he  trusts  the  worst  of  all  deceiv- 
ers, which  has  cheated  him  a  thousand  times; 
{J^ote,  Jer.  17:9,10.)  and  he  might  as  well  expect 
that  the  sea  would  be  always  calm,  or  the  waters 
always  frozen,  because  they  are  sometimes  so. 
But  he  who  walks  wisely,  or  ciicumspectlv,  dis- 
trusts himself,  trusts  in  the  Lord,  shuns  tempta- 
tion, and  prays  contijjually  to  be  upheld  by  the 
grace  of  God;  and  thus  he  will  be  delivered  from 
those  snares,  in  which  <iie  other  is  entangled.  A 
man's  confidence  in  his  own  capacity  and  ability, 
for  success  in  any  undertaking,  is  implied  in  the 
general  interpretation  of  trusting  his  own  heart: 
but  the  inspired  writer's  strong  and  decided  lan- 
guage, no  doubt  was  intended  to  convey  a  more 
general  and  spiritual  instruction.     [Marg.  Ref. 

— J^otes,  3:5,6.    2  Kings  8:12,13.   Jofi  28:23 28 

V.  28.   Malt.  26:30—35,69—75.) 

V.  27.  The  selfish  man  not  only  refuses  to 
look  out  for  objects  of  compassion,  but  he  "hides 

[567 


B.  C.  976. 


PROVERBS. 


B.  C.  976. 


28  When  ''  the  wicked  rise,  men  '  hide 

k  12.    29;Z  1  Job  24:4. 


his  eyes,"  and  turns  away  from  those  that  force 
themselves  on  his  attention.  Yet  he  thus  ex- 
poses himself  to  the  ill  wishes  of  great  numbers, 
and  bring-s  himself  under  the  curse  of  God,  in 
every  thing-  he  does  or  possesses.  [Marg.  Ref. 
—JVo/e«,  11:24— 26.  19:17.  22:9.  Ps.41:l— 3.  112: 
5—9.  2  Cor.  9:6—15.) 

V.  28.  (See  on  jVoie,  12.)  'In  the  places  of 
'tiie  impious,  the  rig-hteous  groan:  but  by  their 
'destruction  the  righteous  are  multiplied.'  Sept. 
'Some  are  imprisoned  and  sent  into  obscurity,  by 
'the  unjust  prosecution  of  the  wicked;  and  others 
'obscure  themselves,  and  groan  undeMthose  op- 
'pressions,  till  there  be  a  turn  of  affaire^"-  by  the 
'fall  of  those  wicked  persons  and  the  preferment 
'of  better,  which  invites  virtuous  men  to  appear 
'again,  and  by  the  countenance  they  then  re- 
'ceive,  to  propagate  piety  among  the  people.  ... 
'There  is  no  blessing  we  should  pray  for  so  ear- 
'nestl}'  as  this,  especially  when  the  days  are  evil.' 
Bp.  Patrick.  {J^otes,  Esth.  8:15—17.  Acts  12: 
20—24.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
V.  1—17. 
Wicked  men  are  often  hypocrites  in  courage, 
and  conceal  an  aching  and  trembling  heart  under 
the  affectation  of  great  composure,  or  noisy  mirth. 
But  if,  at  some  times,  they  are  ready  to  tremble 
at  the  shaking  of  a  leaf,  and  "to  flee  when  no 
man  pursueth;"  how  will  their  hands  be  strong, 
or  their  hearts  endure,  when  the  almighty  Judge 
shall  pursue  them  with  his  dreadful  vengeance? 
This  terror  will  be  unspeakably  more  insupport- 
able, than  the  dread  of  them  has  been  to  their  in- 
feriors and  vassals.  And  yet  some  of  them,  who 
have  risen  to  authority,  have  been  more  cruel 
and  terrible  than  the  most  savage  beasts;  and  to 
their  own  subjects  especially,  as  if  ambitious  to 
let  all  the  world  know  that  they  wanted  under- 
standing, as  much  as  equity!  Many  of  them  have 
been  inhuman  oppressors  and  sanguinary  perse- 
cutors, who  have  cut  ofl"  by  cruel  deaths  numbers 
of  their  people,  and  driven  the  wisest  and  best  of 
tliem  into  exile  or  obscurity;  constraining  them 
to  hide  themselves,  that  the}'  might  escape  with 
their  lives,  and  not  do  violence  to  their  con- 
sciences; and  employing  their  scanty  ingenuity 
to  render  others  miserable,  and  themselves  odious 
and  execrated.  When  nations  provoke  the  Lord 
by  their  transgressions,  he  sends  them  many  such 
tyrants,  as  competitors  or  successors  to  each  oth- 
er; who,  by  their  fierce  contests  and  implacable 
resentments,  their  bloody  executions  and  greedy 
extortions,  are  more  fatal  than  earthquakes,  pes- 
tilences, or  the  beasts  of  the  field;  and  who  them- 
selves seem  to  be  made  only  to  be  taken  and 
destroyed,  as  nuisances  to  society.  But  when 
the  Lord  has  blessings  in  store  for  any  people,  he 
raises  up  "a  man  of  understanding,"  who  loves 
justice  and  hates  covetousness,  to  rule  over  them; 
and  who  thus  both  prolongs  his  own  days,  and 
the  peaceful  estate  of  the  land.  Under  a  ruler  of 
this  character,  the  righteous  rejoice  and  increase, 
and  great  honor  and  prosperity  may  be  expected. 
For  such  rulers  then  we  ought  to  pray;  and  hav- 
ing obtained  our  requests  we  cannot  be  too  thank- 
ful: while  every  one,  according  to  the  duties  of 
his  station,  should  endeavor  to  check  the  progress 
of  impiety,  and  promote  national  reformation, 
'  that  we  may  not  forfeit  these  valuable  blessings. 
But  the  rich  are  not  the  only,  nor  the  most  griev- 
ous oppressors:  in  various  ways  the  poor  are 
more  hateful  and  intolerable.  Necessitous  and 
unprincipled  rnen  often  intrude  into  the  magis- 
tracy, or  into  offices  connected  with  the  collec- 
568] 


themselves;  but  when  *"  they  perish,  the 
righteous  increase. 


m  Esth.  8:17.     Acts  12:23,24. 


tion,  or  the  expenditure,  of  the  pubhc  treasure; 
and  when  it  comes  in  their  way,  squeeze  the 
poor  without  mercy  or  s)iame.  It  is  however 
evident,  that  numbers  are  not  at  all  aware  of 
their  guilt  and  danger;  but  are  either  insensible 
through  ignorance,  or  presumptuous  through  a 
"form  of  godliness."  Though  they  "turn  away 
their  ears  from  hearing  the  law,"  yet  they  con- 
tend for  the  doctrines  of  the  gospel:  they  hope  to 
be  saved  from  hell  by  grace  and  faith,  though 
they  are  not  saved  from  sin,  and  this  present  evil 
world.  They  also  attend  on  ordinances,  and 
make  many  and  long  prayers,  though  they  neg- 
lect justice,  truth,  and  mercy:  but  such  prayers 
are  an  abomination  to  the  Lord;  for  they  never 
heartily  pray  to  be  delivered  from  hardness  and 
blindness  of  heart,  hypocrisy,  covetousness,  and 
the  love  of  the  world,  or  to  have  the  law  of  God 
written  in  their  hearts.  Yet  alas!  there  are  such 
numbers  who  agree  in  forsaking  the  law,  and  in 
excusing  and  commending  each  other;  and  they 
meet  with  so  many  teachers  of  their  own  stamp, 
that  they  keep  themselves  and  one  another  in 
heart  and  countenance:  and  they  verily  conclude, 
that  all  else  in  religion  is  needlessly  strict  and 
scrupulous.  So  that  when-  such  as  regard  the 
whole  word  of  God,  conscientiously  keeping  the 
commandments,  and  walking  uprightly,  as  well  as 
believing  the  promises,  and  trusting  the  mercy  of 
God  through  Christ  for  salvation,  attempt  to  con- 
tend with  them,  and  argue,  that  "without  holi- 
ness no  man  shall  see  the  Lord;"  they  treat  all 
their  warnings  with  supercilious  contempt,  as  the 
result  of  ignorance,  bigotry,  and  a  narrow  mind. 
Especially  those  who  are  rich,  or  grow  rich  in 
this  course,  become  "wise  in  their  own  conceits;" 
so  that  "there  is  more  hope  of  a  fool  than  of 
them."  And  they  despise  the  poor,  especially 
when,  being  men  of  understanding,  they  search 
them  out,  and  detect  their  hypocrisy  and  delusion. 
For  "evil  men  understand  not  judgment:"  their 
lusts  blind  them,  and  God  sends  them  strong  de- 
lusions to  believe  a  lie:  so  that  they  mistake  hard- 
ness of  heart,  vain  confidence,  and  carnal  securi- 
ty, for  gracious  assurance  and  holy  boldness. 
While  the  established  believer,  trusting  in  the 
Lord,  and  walking  in  the  path  of  duty,  fears  no 
enemy  or  danger,  but  dreads  always  lest  he 
should  be  deceived  by  his  own  heart,  to  dishonor 
God  and  commit  iniquity;  these  self-deceivers 
treat  all  tenderness  of  conscience,  and  all  jeal- 
ousy of  themselves,  as  want  or  weakness  of  faith, 
or  remains  of  a  self-righteous  spirit:  and  thus 
they  harden  their  hearts  against  fears  of  every 
kind,  till  they  fall  into  mischief.  But  true  piety 
begins  and  proceeds  in  deep  humility.  "The 
poor  in  spirit"  do  not  palliate  or  cover  their  sins; 
but  they  humbly  confess  and  forsake  them,  hoping 
thus  to  find  mercy.  They  are  not  "wise  in  their 
own  conceits;"  but  seek  to  the  Lord  to  be  tlieir 
Teacher,  and  are  glad  to  be  set  right  by  th^ 
poorest  man,  who  can  point  out  any  mistake,  into 
which  they  have  fallen:  and  this  proves  their  best 
security  against  delusion,  and  the  best  method  of 
obtaining  well-grounded  assurance.  They  neither 
refuse  to  learn  and  obey  the  commands  of  God; 
nor  yet  trust  in  their  imperfect  services.  They 
do  not  live  in  conscious  iniquity,  and  then  cloke 
it  with  "a  form  of  godliness."  They  aim  to  walk 
uprightly;  yet  they  dare  not  trust  in  their  own 
deceitful  hearts,  but  continually  seek  to  the  Lord 
to  uphold  them,  and  to  preserve  them  from  temp- 
tation, or  to  render  them  victorious  over  it.  They 
may  be  seduced  by  plausible  deceivers,  "to  go 
astray  in  an  evil  way;"  and  even  diffidence  of 
themselves,  and  their  unsuspecting  candor  will 


B.  C.  976. 


CHAPTER  XXIX. 


B.  C.  97G. 


CHAP.  XXIX. 

Miscellaneous  maxims,  concerning  a  man  being  hardened  against 
reproof;  and  of  good  government,  wisdom,  and  righteousness; 
against  flattery,  profligacy,  injustice,  scornfulness,  loquacity, 
rashness,  indulging  children,  improperly  treating  servants, 
pride,  and  the  Tear  of  man;  and  of  the  goodness  and  sove- 
reignty of  the  Lord,  1 — 27. 


H"^ 


that    being    often    reproved 
'^  hardeneth  his  neck,  ■=  shall  sud- 
denly   be    destroyed,   and    that    without 
remedy. 


*  Heb.  A  man  of  reproofs. 
a.  1:24—31.  1  Sam.  2:26.  1  Kings 

17:1.   18:18.  20:42.    21:20—23. 

22:20—23,28,34—37.      2    Chr. 

25:16.  33:10.    36:16—17.     Jer. 

25:3—5.     26:3—5.     35:13—16. 

Zech.    1:3—6.     Matt.   26:21— 


25.  John  6:70,71.   13:10,11,13, 

26.  Acts  1:18,25. 

b  2  Chr.  36:13.     Neh.  9:29.    Is. 

48:4.     .ler.  17:23. 
c  6:15.  28:13.  Is.  30:13,14.  Zech. 

7:11—14.     1  Thes.  5:3. 


sometimes  thus  expose  them:  but  on  reflection 
and  examination,  they  recover  themselves  from 
the  snare.  They  learn  to  beware  of  covetous- 
ness,  and  prefer  poverty  with  uprightness,  to 
being  rich  and  perverse:  being  aware  that  those 
who  by  injury  and  unjust  gain,  increase  their 
substance,  have  no  other  advantage  but  the  toil 
and  anxiety  of  gathering  wealth,  for  the  use  of 
those  "that  will  pity  the*poor."  Yet,  by  the  bless- 
ing of  God,  they  know  no  want,  but  are  often 
able  to  assist  their  relatives  and  friends:  while 
such  as  affect  to  despise  them,  are  the  disgrace 
and  ruin  of  those  whom  they  are  most  bound  to  com- 
fort, and  become  themselves,  even  in  this  world, 
abject  and  miserable:  nay,  some  of  this  charac- 
ter, both  in  high  and  low  life,  pursuing  their  am- 
bitious, rapacious,  and  debauched  courses,  are 
led  to  do  violence  to  the  lives  of  their  neighbors, 
and  so  hasten  their  deserved,  ignominious,  and 
almost  unpitied  destruction. 

V.  18—28. 

In  every  rank  and  state  of  life,  upright  con- 
duct is  immensely  the  most  safe  and  advantageous; 
though  the  crafty  and  designing  are  sanguine  in 
promising  themselves  and  each  other  the  most 
brilliant  successes.  But  the  upright  not  onlj^ 
shun  injustice  and  violence:  they  also  learn 
faithfulness;  and  "a  faithful  man  shall  abound 
with  blessings."  They  have  mercy  on  the  poor, 
according  to  the  Lord's  mercy  to  them:  and,  giv- 
ing to  them  without  grudging,  they  shall  not  lack, 
but  shall  have  good  things  in  possession.  For  in- 
stead of  following  after  vain  persons,  and  growing 
poor  by  profuseness;  they  are  frugal,  and  indus- 
trious in  tilling  the  land,  or  in  other  honest  labor; 
and  thus  "have  plenty  of  bread,"  and  are  there- 
with content.  When  young  persons  enter  upon 
such  a  pious  and  prudent  medium,  they  become 
the  credit  and  comfort  of  their  parents.  But 
alasl  many  prefer  being  the  companions  of  vicious 
men,  to  their  shame  and  grief:  their  excesses 
tempt  them  to  rob  their  parents,  and  waste  their 
substance;  then  they  often  associate  witli  robbers 
and  destroyers;  they  spend  their  lives  in  fear  and 
horror,  and  sometimes  end  them  in  ignominy. — 
Nor  should  it  pass  unnoticed,  how  frequently  we 
are  cautioned  against  covetousness.  "He  that 
hasteth  to  be  rich  shall  not  be  innocent."  Some, 
as  magistrates,  having  respect  of  persons,  often 
become  so  mean,  as  to  sell  their  iniquitous  ser- 
vices, and  commit  the  most  atrocious  crimes,  at 
the  lowest  price.  Others,  as  ministers,  for  the 
sake  of  filthy  lucre  betray  their  trust,  shew  "re- 
spect of  persons,"  "forsake  the  law,  praise  the 
wicked,"  flatter  with  their  tongues,  "cause  the 
righteous  lo  go  astray  in  their  evil  way,"  and 
murder  the  souls  of  men.  In  every  situation,  the 
avaricious  is  sure  to  have  "an  evil  eye,"  to  envy 
such  as  are  more  prosperous,  to  grudge  what 
goes  beside  him;  to  use  unjust  or  unmerciful  ways 
of  increasing  his  substance:  and,  instead  of  giv- 
Vol.  III.  72 


2  When  ''  the  righteous  are  t  in 


au- 
but  «  when 
the    people 


thority,  the  people  rejoice 
the  wicked  beareth  rule, 
mourn. 

3  Whoso  ^  loveth  wisdom  rejoiceth  his 
father;  but  ^  he  that  keepeth  company 
with  harlots,  spendeth  his  substance. 

4  The  "  king  by  judgment  estabhsheth 


d  11:10.    28:13,28.     Esth.  8:15. 

Ps.  72:1—7.    Is.    32:1,2.     Jer. 

23:5,6.     Rev.  11:15. 
t  Or,  increased, 
e  Esth.  3:15.  ,Ec.  10:5.     MaU. 

2:3,16. 
f  10:1.     15:^0.    23:15,24,25.    27: 


11.  Luke  1:13—17. 

g  5:3—10.  6:26.    21:17,20.  28:7, 

19.  Luke  15:30. 
h  14.     16:12.    20:8.     1  Sam.  13: 

13.     2  Sam.   8:15.      1  Kings  2: 

12.  Ps.   89:14.    99:4.     Is.  9:7. 


ing  liberally  to  the  poor,  (the  best  security  against 
want,)  to  "hide  his  eyes"  and  harden  his  heart, 
that  their  misery  and  complaints  may  not  prevail 
with  him  to  lessen  his  idolized  hoard.  But  what 
will  be  the  end  of  these  covetous  practices,  and 
of  these  "children  of  a  curse,  who  go  astray  in 
the  way  of  Balaam,  loving  the  wages  of  unright- 
eousness.^" Alas!  they  know  not  what  poverty 
will  come  upon  them  here:  and  eternal  poverty, 
without  one  drop  of  water  to  cool  the  tongue, 
will  be  their  portion,  if  they  die  impenitent:  while 
they  will  have  many  a  curse  for  their  unmerci- 
fulness  and  rapacity. — Others  growing  "proud  in 
heart,"  and  ambitious  of  distinctions  even  in  the 
church,  stir  up  strifes,  and  become  fierce  dis- 
puters  about  forms  and  notions.  Instead  of  walk- 
ing circumspectly,  in  a  path  bestrewed  with 
snares,  and  beset  with  enemies;  they  confide  in 
the  traitor  in  their  own  bosom,  and  walk  on  heed- 
lessly, till  thej^  fall  at  once,  and  there  is  no  rem- 
edy. From  these  snares  may  the  Lord  deliver 
us!  Let  us  watch  and  pray  against  temptation: 
let  us  not  be  high-minded,  but  fear:  let  us  exam- 
ine ourselves,  and  beg  of  God  to  examine  us;  and 
to  teach  us  so  to  seek  him,  that  we  may  "under- 
stand all  things"  pertaining  to  our  hope  and  to  out- 
walk. Let  us  learn  to  value  the  faithful  reprover, 
and  encourage  and  imitate  his  faithfulness;  and 
to  shun  the  fascinating  poison  of  the  flatterer, 
determined  neither  to  listen  to  his  words,  nor  to 
learn  his  ways.  And  may  the  Lord  give  us  and 
ours  a  believing,  upright  heart,  and  a  peaceful 
conscience;  that  we  may  have  confidence  in  him, 
and  be  "bold  as  a  lion"  through  the  trials  of  life, 
at  the  approach  of  death,  and  in  the  prospect  of 
the  day  of  judgment:  and  let  us  never  forget  to 
pray,  that  this  nation,  and  all  nations,  may  be 
governed  by  such  rulers,  as  encourage  every 
honest  attempt  to  increase  the  number  of  the 
righteous. 

NOTES. 

Chap.  XXIX.  V.  1.  "A  man  of  reproofs," 
(marg.)  whom  men  have  often  warned  and  coun- 
selled, and  whom  God  has  repeatedly  corrected, 
but  without  producing  any  abiding  amendment; 
who  still  continues  obstinate  and  rebellious,  as 
the  oxen  that  will  not  submit  to  the  yoke,  but. 
stiffen  their  necks  against  it;  will  unexpected)  v 
be  overtaken  by  divine  judgments,  from  whicli 
there  can  be  no  escape  or  deliverance.  {J\Iarg. 
Ref.—M)tes,  1:24—31.  6:12— 15,  v.  15.  I  Sam. 
2:23—25.  1  Kings  22:28,32—35.  Zech.  7:8—13.  I 
Thes.  5:1— 3.) 

V.  2.  This  is  'a  tacit  admonition  unto  princes 
'to  be  good,  by  describing  the  happiness  which  a: 
'nation  then  enjoys.'  Bp.  Patrick.  {Marg.  and 
JIarg.  Jlef.—8ee   on  JYotes,  11:10,1].  28:12,20.) 

V.  3.  Marg.  Re/.— See  on  J^Toles,  23:24  -28. 
28:7,19. — Keepeth  company,  &c.]  "Feedeth  har- 
lots." Old  Version.— Luke  15:30. 

[569 


B.  C.  976. 


PROVERBS. 


B.  C.  976. 


the    land;    but    *  he  that  receiveth   gifts 
overthrovveth  it. 

5  A  man  '  that  flattereth  his  neighbor, 
^  spreadeth  a  net  for  his  feet. 

6  In  '  the  transgression  of  an  evil  man 
there  is  a  snare;  ™  but  the  righteous  doth 
sing  and  rejoice. 

7  The  righteous  °  considereth  the 
cause  of  the  poor;  °  hut  the  wicked  re- 
gardeth  not  to  know  it 


Heb.  a  inan  of  oblations.  2 
Kings  15:18— 20.  Jer.  22:13— 
17.   Dan.  11:20.    Mic.  7:3. 

i  7:5,21.  20:19.  26:24,25,28.  2 
Sam.  14:17,&c.  Job  17:5.  Ps. 
5:9.  12:2.    1  Thes.  2:5. 

k  1:17.  Lam.  1:13.  Hos.  5:1. 
Luke  20:20,21.    Rom.  16:13. 

1  5:22.  11:5,6.  12:13.  Job  13:7 
—10.     Ps.  11:6.    U.  8:14,15.  2 


Tim.  2:26. 
m    Ps.    97:11.     113:15.     132:16. 

Rom.  5:2,3.    Jam.  1:2.     iPet. 

1:8.     1  John  1:4. 
n  Job  29:16.  31:13,21.    Ps.  31:7. 

41:1.      Gal.  6:1. 
o  21:13.      1  Sam.  25:9—11.  Jer. 

5:28.    22:15—17.      Ez.  22:7,29 

—31.     Mic.  3:1—4. 


V.  4.  [Jlarg.  Ref.  h.—M)tes,  14.  16:12,13. 
20:8,28.)  "A  man  of  oblations."  J\larg.  'The 
'word...  always  signifies,  throughout  the  whole 
'Bible,  the  heave-offerings  which  were  offered  to 
'God;  which  would  make  one  think,  that  ...  a 
'man  of  heave-offerings  signifies  here,  a  prince 
'that  is  sacrilegious.  ...  Or,  if  they  will  not  take  it 
'in  that  strict  sense,  it  denotes  one  that  will  suffer 
'himself  to  be- pacified  by  gifts,  and  bribed  to 
'wink  at  the  most  enormous  crimes:  ...  or,  that  is 
'so  unjust,  as  to  find  fault,  perhaps  with  the  most 
'innocent  persons,  on  purpose  that  they  may  ap- 
'pease  him,  offering  him  a  part  of  their  estate  to 
'save  all  the  rest.'  Bp.  Patrick. — May  not  "the 
man  of  oblations"  be  a  prince,  who  acts  as  if  he 
were  a  deity,  or  had  no  superior,  but  possessed 
power  to  dispense  even  with  the  divine  laws,  and 
to  pardon  the  crimes  which  God  required  him  to 
punish;  provided  the  criminals  would  make  atone- 
ment to  him  by  large  oblations.' 

V.  5.  Flatterers  often  aim  to  inveigle  men,  by 
their  deceitful  commendations,  to  consent  to  some 
proposal  which  entangles  them  in  difficulties,  or 
to  seduce  them  into  sinful  compliances.  But  if 
they  have  no  such  intentions,  their  encomiums 
and  professions  tend  to  put  men  off  their  guard, 
and  to  betray  them  into  some  foolish  and  prejudi- 
cial conduct,  which  brings  them  into  great  trouble 
and  distress,  if  they  be  not  finally  ruined  by  it. 
(Marg.  Ref.—J^otes,  20:19.  26:24—27.  27:14.  2 
Sam.  14:18—20.  15:  Matt.  22:15— 22,  t>u.  15,16. 
Rmn.  16:17— 20,  V.  18.) 

V.  6.  The  designing  villain  is  often  ensnared 
by  his  own  transgression,  and  ruined  by  the  con- 
sequences of  his  own  iniquitous  conduct;  which 
causes  the  righteous  to  rejoice  in  praising  and 
adoring  the  just  judgments  of  God,  as  well  as  in 
giving  thanks  for  their  own  preservation,  and  for 
having  been  led  in  the  paths  of  peace  and  safety. 
{Marg:  Ref.—J\otes,  5:20— 23,  ■».  22.  11:5,6.  12: 
13.  Job  18:5— 21,  vu.  7— 10.  P«.  9:15,16.  11:6.  58: 
10,n.  Rev.  18:20—24.  19:1—6.) 

V.  7.  This  has  a  special  reference  to  the  con- 
duct of  righteous  magistrates,  who  bestow  pains 
to  examine  into  the  causes  of  the  poor,  as  being 
most  exposed  to  oppression,  and  least  able  to  re- 
dress themselves:  while  wicked  and  selfish  magis- 
trates disregard  those  by  whom  nothing  is  to  be 
gained,  and  from  whom  they  fear  nothing.  ( JVb<e, 
Luke  18:1 — 8,  vv.  2 — 4.)  'They  are  obliged  in 
'conscience  to  search  into  the  truth  of  things;  not 
'to  be  sparing  of  their  pains,  ...  to  find  out  the 
'bottom  of  a  business;  which  he  that  refuses  to 
'do,  nay,  perhaps  rejects  the  complaint  of  the 
'poor,  or  beats  tliem  off  with  big  words;  or  out  of 
'the  hardness  of  his  heart,  or  the  love  of  ease,  or 
'fear  of  great  men,  or  any  other  respect,  will  not 
'give  them  audience,  or  not  consider  and  redress 
670] 


8  P  Scornful  men  ^  bring  a  city  into  a 
snare;  but  i  wise  men  turn  away  wrath. 

9  J/*  ■■  a  wise  man  contendeth  with  a 
foolish  man,  whether  he  rage  or  laugh, 
there  is  no  rest. 

10  ^The  ^blood-thirsty  hate  the  up- 
right; *  but  the  just  seek  his  soul. 

HA"  fool  uttereth  all  his  mind;  but 
a  wise  man  keepeth  it  in  till  afterwards. 


p  11:11.     Is.  28:14— 22.      Matt. 

27:39—43.     John   9:40,41.    11: 

47—50.     1  Thes.  2:15,16. 
f  Or,  set  a  city  on  tire.  Jam.  3: 

5,6. 
q    Ex.  32:10— 14.     Num.  16:48. 

25:11.   Deut.  9:18— 20.    2  Sam. 

24:16,17.   Jer.  15:1.   Ez.  22:30. 

Am.  7:2— 6.    Jam.  5:15— 18. 
r26:4.     Ec.    10:13.     Matt.  7:6. 

11:17—19. 


J  Heb.  Men  of  bloods. 

s  Gen.  4:5—8.     1  Sam.  20:31— 

33.    22:ll,&.c.     lKings21:20 

22:8.        Mark    6:18,19,24—27 

John  15:18,19.     1  John  3:12. 
t  1  Sam.  15:11.    Jer.  13:15—17 

18:20.  40:14—16.    Luke  23:34. 

John  5:34.     Acts  7:60.     Rom. 

10:1. 
u  12:16,23.   14:33.     Judg.  16:17. 

Am.  5:13.     Mic.  7:5. 


'their  grievance;  Solomon  pronounces  him  a 
'wicked  ...  person.'  Bp.  Patrick — The  maxim, 
however,  is  equally  applicable  to  the  compassion- 
ate attention  of  pious  men  to  the  distresses  of  the 
poor;  and  the  unfeeling  disregard  to  them,  which 
is  so  generally  shewn  by  the  wicked,  nay,  some- 
times by  such  as  would  be  thought  religious. 
[Marg.  Ref.— Motes,  21:13.  31:8,9.  Jb6  29:12— 
17.  31:16—23.  Ps.  41:1—3.  82:2—4.  Jer.  5:26— 
29.) 

V.  8.  'Men  of  scorn,  (as  it  is  in  the  Hebrew,) 
'signify  such  as  mock  at  religion,  and  at  all  things 
'that  are  serious.'  Bp.  Patrick.  Persons  of  this 
description,  more  than  any  other  kind  of  wicked 
or  foolish  men,  seem  framed  for  the  ruin  of  na- 
tions; especially  when  they  possess  influence  or 
authority:  for  they  lead  the  people  further  and 
further  into  wickedness  and  impiety,  and  ripeu 
communities  for  divine  judgments;  and  then  by 
their  selfish,  rash,  or  infatuated  schemes,  they 
concur  in  bringing  those  judgments  upon  them. 
On  the  contrary,  the  wise  and  pious  avert  the 
wrath  of  God,  by  their  prayers  'and  zealous  en- 
deavors to  promote  religion,  and  to  counter- 
act the  tendency  of  such  pernicious  measures. 
[Marg.  ■a.ni  Marg.  Ref.—J^otes,  11:10,11.14:6. 
19:25,28,29.  21:11,24.  Is.  28:14,15,17—22.  Jer. 
36:20—25.  John  11:47—53.  Jam.  3:3—6.) 

V.  9.  If  a  wise  man  inadvertently  engage  ia 
any  sort  of  contest  or  dispute,  with  a  conceited 
and  empty  wrangler;  he  will  be  sure  to  be  treat- 
ed either  with  furious  anger,  or  with  ridicule,  in 
return  for  his  most  conclusive  arguments,  and 
kind  admonitions.  And  whether  the  fool  rage  or 
deride,  it  will  be  equally  uneasy  to  his  opponent; 
who  will  find  it  very  difficult  to  extricate  himself 
from  the  contest  with  credit  and  comfort.  [JVotes, 
26:4,5,17.  27:3.  Ec.  10:11-15.  Jfa«.  7:6.) 

V.  10.  Men  of  blood  hate  those  upright  rulers 
who  are  a  terror  to  them;  and  they  hate  the  image 
of  God  in  his  servants:  as  Cain  hated,  envied,  and 
slew  his  brother;  and  as  the  Jews  hated  and  cru- 
cified Christ.  But  the  righteous  seek  and  pray 
for  the  salvation,  even  of  those  who  thirst  for  their 
blood.  Or  it  may  mean  that  the  righteous  seek 
to  defend  the  lives  of  their  persecuted  brethren, 
and  of  their  upright  rulers,  against  the  machina- 
tions of  the  blood-thirsty.  [Marg.  Ref. — JVotes, 
Gen.  4:3—8.  I  Sam.  15:11.  1  Kings  2\:20.  22:8. 
Jer.  13:15—17.  Luke  23:32—38,  v.  34.  John5:3l— 
38,  V.  34.) 

V.  11.  The  woj'd  translated  mind,  has  different 
meanings,  according  to  which  different  interpreta- 
tions are  given  of  the  proverb. — 'A  fool  shews 
'all  his  anger  immediately:  but  a  wise  man  keeps 
'it  in,  till  he  hath  a  fitting  opportunity,  to  express 
'it  most  to  the  purpose.  ...  A  fool  blurts  out  every 
'thing  that  comes  into  his  head:    but  a  wise  man 


B.  C.  970. 


CHAPTER  XXIX. 


B.  C.  97G. 


'  the  deceitful  man 
"^  Lord    lighteneth 


.    12  If  "^  a  ruler  hearken  to  lies,  all  his 
servants  art  wicked. 

13  The  poor  and 
y  meet  together:    the 
both  their  eyes. 

14  The  "  king  that  faithfully  judgeth 
the  poor,  ''  his  throne  shall  be  established 

for   ever.  iPracH^al  observations.] 

15  The  'rod  and  reproof  give  wis- 
dom; but  ^  a  child  left  to  himself  bringeth 
his  mother  to  shame. 

16  When  ®  the  wicked  are  multiplied, 


X  00:8.  25:23.  1  Sam.  22:8,&c. 
23:19—23.  2  Sam.  3:7—11.  4: 
S— li.  1  Kings  21:11—13.  2 
KJn?s  10:6,7.  Ps.  52:2—4. 
101:5—7. 

*  Or,  Me  vsrirer, 

y  22:2.  Ex.  22:25,26.  Lev.  25: 
35—37.  Neh.  5:5-7. 

Z  Ps.  13:3.     Malt.  6:45. 

a  4.  16:1-2.    -20:28.    25:5.    28:16. 


Job  29:11—18.   Ps.  72:2—4,12, 

13.  82:2,3.   Is.  1:17.  11:4.  Jer. 

5:28.  -22:16.     Dan.  4:27. 
b  Is.  9:6,7.  Luke  1:32,33.  Heb. 

1:8,9. 
c  17,21.  22:6,15.  23:13,14.  Heb. 

12:10,11. 
d  10:1,5.  17:21,25.    1  Kings  1:6. 
e  2.  marg. 


'speaks  only  as  much  as  is  necessary.  ...  A  fool 
'utters  all  he  knows;  but  a  wise  man  conceals 
'many  things.'  Bp,  Patrick. — The  heat  and  ve- 
hemence of  spirit,  with  which  inconsiderate  and 
rash  men  dispute  and  conduct  affairs;  as  contrast- 
ed with  the  calmness,  discretion,  and  caution  of 
those  who  are  eminently  wise;  seems  especially 
meant.  (Jtfare'.iie/'.—JVbto,  12:16,23.  14:29,33. 
1.5:2.   16:32.  17:27,28.) 

V.  12.  When  flatterers,  slanderers,  and  false 
teachers  are  encouraged  by  the  prince,  good  men 
either  retire,  or  are  driven  from  employment 
under  him;  so  that  all  affairs  come  into  the  man- 
agement of  the  most  unprincipled  and  mercenary 
wretches  in  the  nation,  to  the  irreparable  disgrace 
and  detriment  of  both  prince  and  people.  {Marg. 
Ref.—Jfotes,  20:S.  25:23.  Ps.  52:  title.  1—4.  101: 
5—8.) 

V.  13.  ( JVb<e,  22:2.)  The  debtor  and  the  usurer, 
[marg.)  the  poor  and  those  who  defraud  and  op- 

Eress  them,  live  together  in  the  world,  and  the 
<ord  preserves  the  lives  of  them  both:  he  gives 
them  the  light  of  the  sun,  and  the  blessings  of 
providence:  he  affords  them  the  light  of  his  word; 
and  he  sometimes  calls  a  rich  Zaccheus,  as  well  as 
a  poor  Lazarus,  to  be  enlightened  with  the  light 
of  life.    [Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  14.  The  king  who,  in  truth  and  righteous- 
ness, uses  his  authority  in  defending  the  poor  and 
needy  from  oppression  and  wrong,  takes  the  best 
method  of  establishing  his  throne  during  his  own 
life,  and  of  perpetuating  the  regal  authority  in  his 
family  to  future  generations. — This  is  especially 
selected  as  the  character  of  a  good  king;  because 
in  this  he  most  resembles  and  imitates  the  "King 
of  kings  and  Lord  of  lords."  {Marg.  Ref. — 
J^otes,  16:12,13.  20:28.  25:4,5.  28:15,16.  Ps.  72: 
4—7.  Is.  9:6,7.  32:1,2.) 

V.  15.  His , mother.  Sic.']  The  mother  is  sup- 
posed to  have  the  immediate  care  of  the  child, 
during  those  tender  years  in  which  correction  is 
most  seasonable  and  salutarj'.  But  mothers  are 
apt  to  be  over-indulgent;  and  when  children  are 
left  to  themselves,  to  contract  bad  habits,  and  to 
grow  obstinate  in  vice,  tfiey  become  a  disgrace  to 
them.  (See  on  JVb<c«,  10:1.  13:24.  22:15.23:13, 
14.) 

V.  16.  (See  on  JVote,  2.)  When  wicked  men 
live  together  in  great  numbers,  they  corrupt  and 
embolden  each  other  in  wickedness;  they  whet 
each  other's  ingenuity,  and  grow  more  shameless 
and  artful  in  their  crimes.  Hence  it  is  that  popu- 
lous cities  are  almost  always  more  full  of  daring 
impiefy   and    iniquity,   than   country  villages. — 


transgression  increaseth;  *"  but  the  right- 
eous shall  see  their  fall. 

17  8  Correct  thy  son  and  he  shall  give 
thee  rest;  yea,  he  shall  give  delight  unto 
thy  soul. 

18  Where  "^  there  is  no  vision,  the  peo- 
ple t  perish;  '  but  he  that  keepeth  the  law, 
happy  is  he. 

1 9  A  "^  servant  shall  not  be  corrected 
by  words;  for  •  though  he  understand,  he 
will  not  answer. 

20  ■"  Seest  thou  a  man  that  is  hasty  in 
his  t  words.^  there  is  "  more  hope  of  a 
fool  than  of  him. 


f  Ps.  37:34,36.  58:10.  91:8.    92: 

i  19:16.  Ps.  19:11.    Lnke  11:23 

9,11.   112:8.    Rev.  15:4.    18:-20. 

John  13:17.     14:21—23.     Jnm. 

g  15.    13:24.   19:18.  23:13,14. 

1:25.    Rev.  22:14. 

h  1  Sam.  3:1.     Hos.  4:6.     Am. 

k-26:3.  30:-22. 

8:11,12.  Matt.  9:36.    Rom.  10: 

1  Job  19:16. 

13—15. 

m  11.   Ec.  5:2.   Jam.  1:19. 

f  Or,  is  made  naked.    2  Cbr. 

X  Or,  matters.  14:29.  21:5. 

28:19. 

n  26:12. 

'When  the  wicked  grow  numerous  by  growing 
'great  (2.)  ...  wickedness  increases  by  having  au- 
'thority  on  its  side:  but  let  not  the  righteous  hereby 
'be  discouraged;  for  the  wickeder  men  are,  the 
'shorter  is  their  reign;  and  they  that  preserve  their 
'virtue  shall  have  the  pleasure  to  behold  their 
'downfal.'  Bp.  Patrick.  (JVotes,  Ps.  37:34—36. 
54:7.  58:10,11.  92:11.  Rev.  15:1— 4,  v.  4.  18:20.) 

V.  17.  The  love  of  ease,  and  fear  of  being 
discomposed  or  put  out  of  temper,  induce  many 
to  neglect  the  correction  of  their  children:  but 
this  little  interruption  of  their  rest,  if  submitted 
to  as  a  self-denying  duty,  and  in  dependence  on 
the  aid  and  blessing  of  God,  generally  prevents 
more  durable  and  distressing  disquietude,  even 
that  of  witnessing  or  hearing  of  their  evil  courses 
when  grown  up;  and  makes  way  for  much  peace 
and  comfort,  when  the  correction  is  the  blessed 
means  of  their  becoming  worthy  and  useful  per- 
sons.    [Marg.  Ref. — See  on  J\'ote,  15.) 

V.  18.  Where  the  light  of  Revelation  has  not 
reached,  the  people  live  in  ignorance  and  ungod- 
liness, and  perish  in  their  sins.  The  Bible  and 
faithful  teachers  are  therefore  inestimable  mer- 
cies: yet  men  should  not  deceive  themselves,  by 
being  "hearers  only,  and  not  doers  of  the  word;" 
for  "he  that  keepeth  the  law,  happy  is  he."  At 
the  same  time  this  maxim  points  out  those  who 
have  no  scriptural  instruction,  as  the  objects  of 
deep  compassion;  and  inculcates  the  duty  of  send- 
ing missions,  forwarding  every  design  for  the  in- 
struction of  the  ignorant,  and  praying  for  an  in- 
crease of  faithful  laborers,  in  every  part  of  the 
church  and  of  the  world.  [J^otes,  19:16.  )  Sam. 
3:1.  'HChr.  15:1—7.  17:7—9.  28:19.  Ps.  19:7-11. 
Hos.4:().  .^»i.  8:11  — 14.  Jl/att.  9:36— 38.  Rom. 
10:12—17.  1  7%cs.2:13— 16.  Jam.  1:22—25.) 

V.  19.  'An  obstinate  servant.'  Se/)*.  'He  that 
'is  of  a  servile  and  rebellious  nature.' — The  ser- 
vants were  generally  in  those  days  the  property  of 
their  masters,  who  had,  under  certain  restrictions, 
the  power  of  correcting  them:  and  many  would 
be  found,  who  could  not  be  governed  by  lenient 
measures,  but  would  grow  more  perverse,  negli- 
gent, sullen,  and  refractory,  under  reproofs:  so 
that,  in  some  cases,  the  most  humane  master  might 
be  constrained  to  use  more  rigorous  methods,  and 
be  justified  in  using  tliem,  as  far  as  he  kept  within 
the  limits  of  the  law  of  God.  IJ^otes,  26:3.  Deut. 
25:2,3.) 

V.  20.  [J^ote,  26: 1 2.)  When  a  man  is  so  full  of 
self-conceit  and  presumption,  that  he  will  neither 
take  counsel  nor  warning,  but  will  rashly  speak 
whatever  pride,  vanity,  or  passion  may  suggest; 

[571 


B.  C.  976. 


PROVERBS. 


B.  C.  976. 


21  He  that  delicately  bringeth  up  his 
servant  from  a  child,  shall  have  him  be- 
come his  son  at  the  length. 

22  An  °  angry  man  stirreth  up  strife, 
and  P  a  furious  man  aboundeth  in  trans- 
gression. 

23  A  1  man's  pride  shall  bring  him 
low;  but  "■  honor  shall  uphold  the  humble 
in  spirit. 

24  Whoso  is  ^  partner  with  a  thief 
*  hateth  his  own  soul:  "  he  heareth  curs- 
ing, and  bevvrayeth  it  not. 

o  10:12.   15.13.   17:19.  26:21.  30: 

33. 
p  17:19.  22:24.    Jam.  3:16. 
q  18:12.     2  Chr.  32:25,26.  33:10 

—12,23,24.     Job  40.12.     Is.  2: 

11,12,17.  Dan.  4:30—37.  Luke 

14:11.  18:14.  Acts  12:23.  Jam. 

4:6—10.      1  Pet.  5:5. 


r  15:33.  Dent.  8:2,3,16.  Is.  57: 
15.  66:2.  Matt.  5:3.  18:4.  23: 
12. 

s  1:11—19.  Ps.  50:18—22.  Is. 
1:23.     Mark  11:17. 

t6:32.  8:36.   15:32.  20:2. 

u  Lev.  5:1.     Judar.  17:2. 


25  The  ^  fear  of  man  bringeth  a  snare; 
but  y  whoso  putteth  his  trust  in  the  Lord 
shall  be  *  safe. 

26  Many  ^  seek  the  t  ruler's  favor;  ^  but 
every  man's  judgment  cometh  from  the 
Lord. 

27  An  ^  unjust  man  is  an  abomination 
to  the  just;  and  he  that  is  upright  in  the 
way,  is  abomination  to  the  wicked 


X  Gen.  12:11— 13.  20:2,11.  26: 
7.  Ex.  32:22—24.  1  Sam.  IS: 
24.  27:1,11.  1  Kings  19:3.  Is. 
57:11.  Matt.  10:23.  15:12.  26: 
69—74.  John  3:2.  9:22.  12: 
42,43.  19:12,13.  Gal.  2:11— 
13.    2  Tim.  4:16,17. 

y  16:20.  18:10.  30:5.  1  Chr.  5: 
20.  Ps.  118:8.  125:1.  Dan.  3: 
28.  6:23.     1  Pet.  1:21. 

*  Heb.  set  on  high.    Ps.  69:29. 


91:14. 
z  19:6. 

t  Heb.  face  of  a  ruler. 
a  16:7.    ]9;2I.    21:1.     Gen.  43: 

14.     Ezra  7.27,28.  Neh.  1:11. 

Eslh.  4:16.     Ps.  20:9.     Is.  46: 

9—11.     Dan.  4:35. 
b   24:9.       Ps.    119:115.     139:21. 

Zech.   11:8.     John  7:7.    15:17 

—19,23.     1  John  3:13. 


when  he  is  forward  to  speak  before  his  superiors, 
or  before  he  has  taiien  time  to  consider  the  sub- 
ject; when  he  is  rash  and  dogmatical,  and  dispu- 
tatious, upon  the  most  difficult  subjects,  or  the 
deepest  mysteries,  without  due  reverence  or  re- 
flection; there  is  more  hope  of  the  most  ig-norant 
and  profligate,  than  of  him.  (See  on  J^oie,  11. 
£c.  5:1— 3.) 

V.  21.  When  a  servant,  born  in  a  man's  house, 
was  treated  with  indulgent  fondness,  and  not  in- 
ured to  labor  or  obedience,  because  he  happened 
to  be  a  comely  or  witty  child;  it  would  tend  to 
make  him  unfit  for  his  station,  and  negligent  in 
his  business:  thus  he  would  become  useless  and 
uncomfortable,  insolent  and  ungovernable,  and 
expect  to  be  treated  like  a  child  of  the  family. — 
Good  usage,  as  a  servant,  does  not  by  any  means 
imply  that  indulgence  which  would  ruin  a  child. 

V.  22.     SeeonJVbte*,  1.5:17,18.  17:19. 

V.  23.  JIarg.  Ref. — See  on  J^otes,  15:33.  IS: 
12. 

V.  24.  The  man,  who  is  a  partner  in  any  fraud 
or  theft,  or  receives  stolen  goods,  is  not  only  as 
bad  as  the  thief;  but  being  likely  to  be  called 
upon  as  a  witness,  and  to  be  put  upon  his  oath  to 
declare  all  he  knows,  he  will  probably  perjure 
himself  rather  than  discover  his  accomplices;  and 
so  bring  wrath  upon  his  soul  on  another  account. 
When  the  Israelites  were  put  upon  their  oath,  the 
judge  adjured  them  in  the  name  and  presence  of 
God,  to  declare  the  truth,  as  they  would  escape 
his  awful  curse.  {JVotes,  1:10—19.  8:36.  30:7 — 9, 
V.  9.  Lev.  5:1.  Judg.  17:2—4.  P*.  50:16 — 21.) 

V.  25,  26.  The  fear  of  man,  in  a  variety  of 
ways,  proves  an  ensnaring  temptation.  Numbers, 
fearing  reproach,  are  ashamed  of  Christ  and  his 
cause.  In  persecution  many,  through  fear  of 
man,  apostatize;  and  others  neglect  their  bounden 
duties,  and  forsake  the  ordinances  of  God.  Some, 
having  committed  one  crime,  from  the  fear  of  man 
add  others  and  still  greater,  to  cover  or  conceal  it. 
(JVo^e,  28:13.)  Even  Christians,  from  fear  of  their 
brethren  who  differ  from  them,  are  tempted  to 
dissemble,  and  draw  others  into  dissimulation: 
and  ministers,  from  the  fear  of  censure  or  unpop- 
ularity, too  often  consult  the  inclinations  of  the 
people,  and  of  some  leading  men,  or  powerful 
friend,  more  than  the  sacred  oracles,  or  the  edifi- 
cation of  their  hearers  in  general.  They  "shun 
to  declare  the  whole  counsel  of  God,"  take  to 
themselves  the  merit  of  being  prudent,  and  cen- 
sure their  more  faithful  brethren.  Nay,  masters 
of  families  are  often  so  afraid  even  of  their  ser- 
vants and  children,  that,  having  long  neglected 
family-worship,  they  dare  not  set  about  it,  even 
when  convinced  that  it  is  their  duty.  But  no 
572] 


enumeration  can  reach  the  tenth  of  the  cases,  in 
which  the  fear  of  man,  proving  stronger  than  the 
fear  of  God,  draws  in  persons  of  almost  every 
character,  to  commit  sin,  or  neglect  duty:  yet 
confidence  in  God  preserves  the  established  be- 
liever from  this  temptation,  or  enables  him  to 
overcome  it,  and  secures  him  in  every  situation. 
— But  this  temptation  would  in  many  cases  lose 
much  of  its  force,  were  it  well  considered,  that 
"while  many  seek  the  ruler's  favor,  every  man's 
judgment  is  of  the  Lord."  'What  God  hath  ap- 
'pointed,  that  shall  come  to  him.'  [Marg.  and 
Marg.  Ref.—J^otes,  16:33.  21:30.  Gen.  12:11— 
16.  £a;.  32:21— 24.  1  Sam.  15:24,25.    Matt.  lOAl , 

28.  26:47— 56,  ^;.  56.  69—75.  John  3:1,2.  12:42, 
43.  Gal.  2: 1 1—16,  v.  12,12.)— Shall  be  safe.  (25) 
"Shall  be  set  on  high."     Marg.    J^Totes,  Ps.  69: 

29.  91:14—16.  Hab.  3:\1— 19,  V.  19. 

V.  27.  There  is  not  only  a  contrariety  of  char- 
acter, but  a  mutual  antipathy,  between  the  right- 
eous and  the  wicked,  proportioned  to  the  degree 
of  their  holiness  or  wickedness.  They  are  an 
abomination  to  each  other.  But  v/hile  the  wicked 
hate  the  persons,  as  well  as  the  characters  and 
company  of  the  righteous;  the  righteous  abhor  the 
conduct,  yet  pity  and  pray  for  the  persons  of  the 
wicked.  [J^Totes,  Ps.  139:19—22.  Zech.  11:7—9. 
John  7:3—10,  v.  7.  15:17—25.  1  John  3:11—15.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
V.  1—14. 
It  is  an  unspeakable  advantage  to  any  people, 
when  the  righteous  are  invested  with  authority; 
and  for  this  blessing  we  all  are  bound  to  pray,  ox 
to  bless  the  Lord:  but  the  advancement  of  the 
wicked,  however  eminent  for  genius,  capacitj'^, 
and  splendid  achievements,  should  be  deprecated 
or  deplored,  as  a  public  calamity,  as  one  of  the 
heaviest  judgments  inflicted  on  nations  by  an  of- 
fended God.  The  magistrate,  whether  "the  king 
as  supreme,"  or  one  in  authority  under  him,  if  he 
rule  in  judgment,  establishes  the  land:  but  rulers, 
who  are  influenced  by  bribes,  or  by  lies,  ruin  the 
state,  and  corrupt  the  mass  of  the  people,  by  their 
pestilential  influence,  example,  and  the  fatal  ef- 
fects of  their  own  misconduct. — We  cannot  but 
be  aware,  that  scornful  men,  whose  hearts  are 
hardened  in  profane  mockery  of  God  and  religion, 
will  despise  remarks  of  this  kind:  yet,  let  them 
look  well  to  it;  for  while  they  bring  cities  and  na- 
tions into  a  snare,  "the  devil  takes  them  captive 
at  his  will," — They  will,  no  doubt,  not  only  de- 
spise the  words  of  God's  ministers;  but  secretly 
hate,  and  perhaps  ridicule,  those  princes,  who 
faithfully  judge  and  protect  the  poor.  But  the 
King  of  Zion,  whose  "throne  is  established  for 


B.  C.  976. 


CHAPTER  XXIX. 


B.  C.  97G. 


ever,"  will  preserve  and  bless  those  who  cop)'  his 
example,  and  frown  into  destruction  all  those  who 
are  enemies  to  them  and  to  him.  Indeed  the 
upright  Christian,  in  every  situation,  must  ex- 
pect to  be  hated  by  the  blood-thirsty,  the  fraudu- 
lent, and  such  as  perjure  themselves  for  gain:  but 
they  have  the  affectionate  prayers  of  the  right- 
eous in  their  behalf,  who  seek  the  preservation 
of  their  lives,  and  the  salvation  of  their  souls. 
Whilst  various  means  are  used  to  repress  iniqui- 
ty, and  wicked  men  are  warned  and  corrected 
that  they  may  be  reclaimed;  there  are  still  great 
numbers,  who,  having  been  "often  reproved,"  so 
harden  themselves  in  obstinate  wickedness,  and 
in  contemptuous  or  stubborn  defiance  of  all  au- 
thority, that  they  must  be  cut  off  by  condign  pun- 
ishment, for  an  example  to  others.  The  word  of 
God  likewise  "warns  us  all  to  flee  from  the  wrath 
to  come,"  to  the  hope  set  before  us  in  Jesus 
Christ.  Yet  many,  who  are  thus  repeatedly  re- 
proved and  invited,  sin  against  the  light,  and 
against  their  own  consciences,  and  grow  more 
daring  and  impudent  in  wickedness;  till  they  sud- 
denly perish,  "and  that  without  remedy."  For  "in 
the  transgression  of  the  wicked  there  is  a  snare," 
as  birds  are  caught  in  a  net;  and  when  the  snare 
is  drawn,  they  can  by  no  means  disentangle 
themselves. — The  flatterer  also,  as  Satan's  coad- 
jutor, spreads  his  net  for  our  feet.  The  pride  of 
our  heart  first  disposes  us  to  flatter  ourselves,  and 
to  admire  our  own  fancied  excellences,  and  to 
excuse  our  crimes  as  foibles:  but  being  sometimes 
scarcely  able  to  keep  up  this  good  opinion  of  our- 
selves, when  we  are  conscious  of  so  much  evil, 
we  are  apt  to  look  out  for  other  witnesses  to  con- 
firm us  in  it;  and  we  are  prepared  to  pay  them  in 
kind,  or  in  some  other  way,  for  this  favorable  tes- 
timony. This  disposition  of  the  heart  prepares  us 
for  flattery:  and  some  will  persuade  men  to  con- 
clude their  state  good,  though  they  have  no  scrip- 
tural evidence  of  it.  Some  magnify  tlie  merits  of 
a  man's  generous  virtues  and  nolDle  mind,  and 
I'epresent  heaven  as  his  just  reward;  and  extenu- 
ate the  evil  of  the  grossest  crimes,  as  mere  trifles, 
for  which  none,  but  uncharitable  fanatics,  can 
suppose  that  God  will  condemn  them  to  everlast- 
ing punishment.  Thus  men  are  caught  in  tlie 
net,  and  live  upon  tolerable  terms  with  their  con- 
sciences, and  grow  secure  in  presumptuous  wick- 
edness; till  too  late  they  find  that  there  is  a  hell, 
and  that  there  is  no  getting  out  of  it.  These,  and 
such  like  flatterers,  often  spread  their  nets  from 
pulpits:  they  "speak  smooth  things,  and  prophesy 
deceit;"  and  "the  people  love  to  have  it  so,"  es- 
pecially the  rich  and  great:  the  sermon  is  'very 
"■comfortable,'  tlie  hearers  are  well  pleased  with 
tliemselves  and  with  the  preacher;  tlie)'  flatter 
him  in  return,  spread  a  net  for  his  feet,  and  re- 
ward him  with  more  substantial  emoluments,  till 
Satan  takes  the  whole  company  in  his  snare. 
Even  when  flattery  does  not  proceed  so  far,  it 
feeds  a  man's  vanity,  makes  him  venture  on  em- 
ployments for  which  he  is  unqualified;  leads  him 
into  temptations,  exposes  him  to  reproofs  and  cor- 
rections, and  precludes  his  progress  and  improve- 
ment.— "He  that  loveth  wisdom,  while  he  rejoic- 
eth  his  father,"  if  living,  not  only  shuns  the  com- 
pany and  intimacy  of  profligate  men  and  women, 
ijut  takes  care  not  to  engage  in  any  contest  with 
foolish  and  unprincipled  persons:  knowing,  that 
whatever  means  are  used,  or  however  their  pro- 
fane scorn  or  indignant  rage  may  predominate; 
there  can  be  no  comfort  in  litigations  with  them, 
and  no  credit  in  victory,  though  much  disgrace  if 
baffled  in  them.  "Whilst  the  fool  uttereth  all  his 
mind,"  however  it  may  injure  or  exasperate 
others,  or  expose  himself;  the  wise  man  will  keep 
it  in  till  afterwards,  and  will  be  careful  not  to  be 
rash  and  hasty  in  his  words;  especially  not  to  de- 
cide presumptuouely  concerning  tlie  deep  things 


of  God,  which  is  an  arrogance  of  the  most  pro- 
voking nature.  The  true  believer  also  will  seek 
tlie  salvation  of  those  who  hate  him,  or  even 
thirst  for  his  blood:  and  he  will  not  only  be  kind 
to  the  poor,  but  bear  with  the  deceitful,  as  his 
heavenly  Father  causes  his  sun  to  shine  and  his 
rain  to  descend  upon  them.  Far  from  being  in- 
duced by  avarice  to  associate  with  thieves  and 
cheats;  he  will  be  indifferent  about  worldly  inter- 
ests, and  take  pleasure  in  considering  the  cause 
of  the  poor,  and  in  relieving  their  distress,  which 
the  wicked  disregard  and  increase.  Thus  in  one 
view  we  may  perceive,  that  when  rulers  are 
wicked,  and  hearken  to  flattery  and  lies,  all  their 
servants  are  wicked  also:  then  the  ungodly  are 
multiplied,  and  transgression  increases;  and  the 
righteous  are  had  in  abomination,  while  they 
grieve  over  and  abhor  the  iniquity  which  they 
witness,  but  cannot  prevent.  But  while  scorn- 
ers  thus  bring  the  city  into  a  snare,  the  despis- 
ed remnant  of  the  righteous  often  turn  away  the 
wrath  of  God,  and  ward  off  national  judgments. 
For,  hoAvever  men  maj"^  deceive  themselves,  the 
wise  and  righteous  alone  have  present  satisfac- 
tion, and  are  permanently  useful,  and  they  alone 
shall  have  everlasting  honor  and  felicity. 

V.  15—27. 

Fallen  man  is  so  prone  to  evil,  that  from  the 
earliest  youth  there  will  be  very  many  things  in 
his  conduct  to  be  blamed;  and  as  the  faculties  un- 
fold, his  sinful  propensities  gather  strength,  and 
produce  their  effects  more  and  more.  Our  aim 
therefore  should  be,  by  every  proper  means,  to 
counteract  this  tendency  of  corrupt  nature:  and 
thus  it  may  be  said  with  propriety,  that  "the  rod 
and  the  reproof  give  wisdom."  For  rebukes  and 
corrections,  properly  administered,  check  the  lux- 
uriant growth  of  evil  dispositions,  and  inure-  the 
will  and  passionsto  subjection.  But  when  a  child 
is  left  to  himself,  and  humored  in  his  wayward 
inclinations,  he  daily  grows  more  self-willed  and 
untractable,  and  his  passions  demand  still  further 
gratifications;  till,  in  the  inexperienced  season  of 
youth,  by  keeping  company  with  harlots,  or  run- 
ning into  other  excesses,  he  both  wastes  the  sub- 
stance of  his  parents,  and  brings  a  reproach  upon 
them  for  improperly  educating  him.  If  we  then 
would  have  our  children  yield  satisfaction  to  our 
hearts,  we  must  give  them  proper  correction  and 
instruction.  Indulgence,  as  uell  as  severity,  is 
an  extreme,  which  must  in  general  be  avoided. 
While  servants  and  inferiors  should  be  treated 
with  great  humanity  and  equity;  it  is  a  real  inju- 
ry to  them  to  bring  them  up  delicately,  to  disuse 
them  from  labor,  and  to  habituate  them  to  a  mode 
of  living  unsuitable  to  their  station:  for  this  tends 
to  render  them  wretched,  when  constrained  to  re- 
turn to  their  former  occupations,  or  tempts  them 
sinfully  to  desert  tliem.  So  that  an  over-fondness 
should  not  be  indulged  towards  any  individual;  at 
least  unless  the  person  means  to  provide  for  him, 
according  to  that  way  of  living  to  which  he  is 
thus  accustomed.  Indeed,  this  counteracts  its 
own  end;  and  instead  of  rendering  those,  who  are 
thus  peculiarly  favored,  more  attentive  and  oblig- 
ing, it  naturally  serves  to  make  them  imperious, 
assuming,  and  untractable;  and  thus  uneasy  to 
those  who  have  spoiled  them,  and  unfit  for  every 
other  person.  Indeed,  such  perverseness  is  in 
men,  that  it  is  found  impossible  to  persist  in  that 
gentleness  which  is  in  itself  desirable.  There  are 
too  many,  who  grow  heedless  and  indolent,  when 
only  spoken  to  with  mildness;  and  sullen  and  re- 
fractory, when  reproved  with  sharpness:  so  that 
though  they  understand,  they  will  not  answer,  but 
will  do  every  thing  contrary  to  what  is  desired. 
This  same  perverseness,  carried  to  a  greater  ex- 
cess, renders  prisons  and  other  punishments  ne- 
cessary, because  numbers  cannot  otherwise  be 

[573 


B.  C.  SOO. 


PROVERBS. 


B.  C.  800. 


CHAP.  XXX. 


The  title,  1.  Agnr's  conression  of  sin  aad  ignorance;  his  in- 
quiry after  God,  anJ  his  caution  about  the  word  of  God;  and 
his  prayer  to  be  delivered  from  vanity  and  lies,  and  from  the 
temptations  of  wealth  and  of  poverty,  2 — 9.  A  caution  against 
accusing  servants;  and  concerning  four  sorts  of  wicked  persons, 
10 — 14.  Four  things  insatiable,  15,  16.  The  punishment  of 
those  who  mock  their  parents,  17.  Four  things  wonderful,  and 
not  to  be  traced  out,  18 — 20.  Four  things  exceedingly  trouble- 
some, 21 — 23.  Four  things  small,  but  wise,  24 — 28.  Four 
things  comely  in  going,  29—31.  A  counsel  for  men  to  check 
themselves,  when  conscious  of  being  wrong,  and  to  avoid 
forcing  wrath  and  strife,  32,  33. 

THE  words  of  Agur  the  son  of  Ja- 
keh,  ^even  the  prophecy:  the  man 
spake  unto  Ithiel,  even  unto  Ithiel  and 
Ucal: 

2  Surely   ^l  am  more    *=  brutish   than 


a  31:1.     2  Pet.  1:19—21. 
b  Job  42:3—6.     Ps.  73:22.     Is. 
6:5.  Rom.  11:25.     1  Cor.  3:18. 


8:2.    Jam.  1:5. 
c  5:12.    Ps.  92:6.     Jer.  10:14.  2 
Pet.  2:12—16. 


dealt  with.  Both  masters  and  servants,  however, 
may  be  thankful,  that  the  one  is  delivered  from 
the  trouble  and  the  temptation,  and  the  other 
from  the  oppression,  which  results  from  the  power 
of  punishment  being'  intrusted  to  private  per- 
sons: and  in  our  circumstances,  we  may  so  be- 
have to  our  servants,  that  discharging  them  from 
our  families  may  be  a  sufficient  punishment  for 
ordinary  misdemeanors;  and  in  grosser  offences, 

the  civil  magistrate  may  be  applied  to While 

we  should  be  thankful,  that  we  inhabit  "the  val- 
ley of  vision,"  and  have  abundant  means  of  in- 
struction; and  while  we  pity,  and  pray  for,  and 
try  to  help  as  we  are  able,  such  as  are  not  so 
highly  favored;  let  us  not  forget,  that  if  we  neg- 
lect- the  great  salvation  of  the  gospel,  or  profess 
to  value  it,  when  we  refuse  to  obey  any  of  God's 
commandments,  we  shall  perish  with  deeper  ag- 
gravation, than  even  the  inhabitants  of  Sodom 
and  Gomorrah — We  have,  therefore,  greater  rea- 
son to  watch  against  the  treachery  of  our  hearts; 
and  especially  against  every  kind  of  pride  and 
self-sufficiency.  For  this,  above  all  other  things, 
tends  to  bring  a  man  low:  but  honor,  and  He  who 
is  the  true  Fountain  of  honor,  upholds  the  humble 
in  spirit. — Again,  "as  the  fear  of  man  bringeth  a 
snare;"  we  should  be  instant  in  prayer,  that  we  be 
not  thus  entangled.  This  we  shall  easily  be,  if 
we  forget  that  every  man's  judgment  and  the  de- 
termination of  his  lot,  "cometh  of  the  Lord." 
From  forgetfulness  in  this  respect,  it  arises  that 
"many  seek  the  ruler's  favor,"  and  fear  his  frown; 
instead  of  humbly  trusting  in  God,  vvho  has  all 
hearts  in  his  hand.  Nay,  we  are  prone  to  dread 
the  reproach  or  contempt  of  the  poor  and  mean: 
60  that  many  dare  not  profess  what  they  believe 
to  be  true,  nor  seek  truth  where  they  sometimes 
think  it  might  be  found;  nor  perform  their  known 
duty,  and  relinquish  the  vanities  of  the  world;  nor 
act  up  to  their  own  judgment  and  consciences; 
for  fear  of  being  talked  about,  pointed  at,  derided, 
reviled,  hated,  or  persecuted,  or  of  losing  the 
favor  of  this  or  the  other  friend.  Thus  they  are 
ashamed  to  own  Christ  now;  and  if  they  persist  in 
this  course,  he  will  be  ashamed  of  them  at  the 
day  of  judgment.  But  he  who  trusts  in  the  Lord, 
will  be  saved.  Depending  on  his  mercy,  grace, 
and  providence,  he  will  boldly  keep  his  command- 
ments, and  in  so  doing  find  true  happiness,  and  a 
sure  refuge.  We  must  also  remember,  that  "the 
friendship  of  the  world  is  enmity  with  God;" 
{J^ute,  Jam.  4:4 — 6,  v.  4.)  and  that  the  wicked 
abhor  the  righteous:  we  should  then  lay  our  ac- 
count with  the  enmity  of  the  ungodly,  and  never 
court  their  friendship:  yet,  we  should  do  them  all 
the  good  we  can;  and  while  angry  men  stir  up 
strife  and  abound  in  transgression,  we  slionld 
574]  .    . 


any  man,  and  have  not  the  understanding 
of  a  man. 

3  1''  neither  learned  wisdom,  «  nor 
*  have  the  knowledge  of  *"  the  holy. 

4  sWho  hath  ascended  up  into  heav- 
en, or  descended.?  •■  who  hath  gathered 
the  wind  in  his  fists.'^  who  hath  bound  the 
waters  in  a  garment.?  who  hath  establish- 
ed all  the  ends  of  the  earth?  '  what  is  his 
name,  ^  and  what  is  his  son's  name,  if 
thou  canst  tell.? 


d  Am.  7:14,15.    Matt.  16:17. 
e  Job    11:7—9.       Matt.    11:27. 

John  17:3.  Rom.  11:33.    Eph. 

3:18,19. 
*  Heb,  know. 
I  Is.   6:3.    30:1).     57:15.     Rev. 

3:7.  4:8. 
gDeut.  30:12.  John3:13.  Rom. 

10:6.     Eph.  4:9,10. 


h  Job  38:4,&c.    Ps.    104:2,&c. 

Is.  40:12,&c. 
i   Ex.   3:13—15.    6:3.    34:5—7. 

Deut.  28:58. 
k  Gen.  32:29.    Judg.  13:18.  Ps. 

2:7.      Is.  7:14.    9:6.     Jer.  23:6. 

Matt.  1:21—23.    11:27.     Luke 

10:22. 


persist  in  "following  after  peace  and  holiness, 
without  which  no  man  shall  see  the  Lord." 

NOTES. 

Chap.  XXX.  "V.  1.  (JVote,  31:1.)  These  last  two 
cliapters  form  an  appendix  to  the  book  of  Prov- 
erbs, annexed  to  it  probably  by  the  men  of  Hez- 
ekiah.  It  may  be  supposed  that  the  names  of 
Agur,  and  Jakeh  his  father,  were  well  known  in 
Israel  at  that  time.  The  expression,  "The  proph- 
ecy," or  "the  burden,"  seems  to  imply,  that  these 
instructions  were  communicated  to  the  church, 
as  a  divine  revelation;  and  their  claim  has  been 
very  long  allowed  of.  Agur  "spake  unto  Ithiel, 
and  unto  Ucal."  The  word  Ithiel  signifies  "God 
with  me,"  and  Ucal  "a  mighty  one;"  (literally  / 
shall  be  able;)  and  some  have  thought  that  they 
referred  rather  to  the  subject  of  Agur's  prophecy, 
than  to  the  persons  whom  he  addressed.  But  it 
is  the  more  common  opinion,  that  they  were 
Agur's  disciples  or  pupils;  who  had  proposed  some 
questions  to  him,  which  he  answered  as  follows. 
— The  notion,  that  Solomon  was  meant  under  the 
name  Agur,  though  held  by  some  of  the  fathers, 
is  now  generally  given  up. 

V.  2,  3.  Agur,  though  consulted  by  others  in 
the  great  concerns  of  God,  and  his  truth  and  will, 
was  far  from  deeming  himself  competent  to  in- 
struct them:  nay,  his  acquaintance  with  his  own 
heart,  his  conflict  with  his  evil  propensities,  and 
his  frequent  deep  thoughts  upon  the  mysteries  of 
religion,  which  he  could  not  properly  explore  or 
apprehend,  made  him  ready  to  think,  that  "sure- 
ly he  was  more  brutish  than  any  man,  and  had 
not  the  understanding  of  a  man."  He  had  learn- 
ed a  little  of  his  own  ignorance:  but  he  could 
make  no  pretensions  to  proficiency  in  wisdom,  in 
the  knowledge  of  the  Holy  One,  and  of  those 
holy  things  which  relate  to  him. — The  last  clause 
may  be  rendered  interrogatively,  "Shall  I  know 
the  knowledge  of  holy  things.?'^  Perhaps  he  meant, 
that  neither  his  natural  endowments,  nor  any  ad- 
vantages of  education,  tended  to  qualify  him  for 
a  teacher.  If  then  he  was  enabled  to  communi- 
cate anj'  useful  instruction,  the  whole  honor  of  it 
belonged  to  God  alone.  {Marec-  Ref.—J^''otes, 
Job  42:1— 6.  Ps.  73:18—22.  /s.  6:5.  Jlatt.  1J:25 
—27.    1  Cor.  3:18—23,  v.  18.) 

V.  4.  This  may  refer  to  the  preceding  verses. 
Man's  study  and  investigation  cannot  find  out 
God;  nor  can  he  comprehend  him  in  his  narrow 
mind.  No  one  has  ascended  into  heaven,  to  ob- 
tain information  on  these  mysterious  subjects; 
nor  has  any  descended  from  heaven,  to  bring  in- 
telligence concerning  them.  None  could  enriu- 
late,  or  even  comprehend,  the  works  of  him, 
"who  hath  gathered  the  wind  in  his  fists,  fcc."    If 


13.  C.  800. 


CHAPTER  XXX. 


B.  C.  800. 


5  Every  '  word  of  God  is  *  pure:  he  is 
a  "■  Shield  unto  them  that  put  their  trust 

in   hull.  [Practical  Observations.] 

6  °  Add  thou  not  unto  his  words,  lest 
he  reprove  thee,  °  and  thou  be  found  a 
liar. 

7  IT  Two  things  p  have  1  required  of 
thee;  ^  deny  me  them  not  before  I  die: 

8  ^  Remove  far  from  me  vanity  and 
lies:  give  me  neither  poverty  nor  riches; 


I  Ps.  12:6.   18:30.   19:8.   119:140. 

Rom.  7:12.  Jam.  3:17. 
*  Heb.  purified. 
mGen.  15:1.     Ps.  84:11.    9l:2. 

115:9—11.   144:2. 
'  n  Deut.  4:2.  12:32.  Rev.  22:18, 

19. 
0  Job  13:7—9.     1  Cor.  15:15. 


p  1  Kings  3:5—9.     2  Kings  2:9. 

Ps.  27:4.    Luke  10:42. 
f  Heb.    -withhold  not  from  me. 

Ps.  21:2. 
q  21:6.  22:8.  23:5.     Ps.  62:9,10. 

119:29,37.      Ec.  1:2.     Is.  5:18. 

59:4.   Jon.  2:8.   Acts  14:15. 


there  were,  or  ever  had  been  such  a  person,  who 
was  he.''  and  who  could  claim  his  descent  from 
him.^  Thus  the  inquiry  is  generally  interpreted. 
Yet  it  seems  to  me  a  prophetical  intimation  of 
him,  who  "came  down  from  heaven,"  to  be  our 
Instructer  and  Savior,  and  then  "ascended  into 
heaven"  to  be  our  Advocate;  who,  as  One  with 
the  Father,  created  and  upholds  all  things;  who 
was  known  in  some  measure  to  the  ancient 
church,  as  Jehovah,  I  AM;  and  as  the  only  be- 
gotten Son  of  God;  (JVb<e.  Ps.  2:7—9,  v.  1.)  and 
from  whom  alone  the  knowledge  of  God  can  be 
obtained.  The  name  of  the  great  Creator,  as 
manifested  through  his  Son,  seems  to  be  inquired 
after:  and  who  is  that  wise  and  happy  man  that 
has  obtained  this  knowledge.''  (J\Iarg.  Ref. — 
Jfotes,  Gen.  32:29,30.  Ex.  3:14,15.  Deut.  30:11 
—14.  Job  38:8—11.  Is.  7:14.  9:6,7.  40:12—17. 
Matt.  11:27.  John  1:18.  3:12,13.  Rom.  10:3— 
11.) 

V.  5,  6.  (JVb<e,  Ps.  12:5,6.)  The  understand- 
ing of  divine  truth  is  not  to  be  obtained  by  curi- 
ous speculations,  but  by  regarding  the  word  of 
God,  which  is  "sure,  and  maketh  wise  the  sim- 
ple:" (JVo<e,  Ps.  19:7—11,  V.  7.)  and  nothing 
must  be  added  to  it,  under  pretence  of  infallibili- 
ty, authority  of  fathers  and  councils,  traditions  of 
the  elders,  reasonings  of  philosophers,  or  dreams 
of  enthusiasts.  In  this  manner  heresies,  and  false 
religions  of  various  kinds,  are  introduced  and 
supported.  But  those  who  palm  their  own  in- 
ventions upon  mankind,  as  of  equal  authority 
with  the  word  of  God,  will  be  found  liars  of  the 
wor.it  kind,  both  deceivers  and  deceived;  and 
may  expect  to  be  severely  punished  for  their 
temerity  or  presumption.  This  caution  is  worthy 
of  their  notice,  who  are  continually  wanting  to 
alter,  and  aniend,  ^as  they  call  it,)  the  text  of  the 
scriptures  by  conjectural  criticism;  which  gen- 
erally adds  a  new  clause  to  God's  word,  instead 
of  the  old  one  that  is  expunged,  either  as  unintel- 
ligible, or  as  inconsistent  with  the  critic's  favorite 
system.  Paraphrasts  should  also  be  cautious, 
what  words  they  insert  to  make  out  the  moan- 
ing of  difficult  passages,  and  to  render  them 
consistent  with  their  favorite  schemes.  And 
great  humility  and  modesty  are  requisite,  in 
order  to  explain  and  apply  the  scriptures,  espe- 
cially the  more  mysterious  and  controvert- 
ed passages;  lest  we  should  seem  to  add  any 
thing  to  the  words  of  God,  as  of  equal  au- 
thority with  them:  and  so  be  found  guilty  of 
forging  scripture,  and  counterfeiting  the  name  ol" 
God;  saying,  "Thus  saith  the  Lord;  albeit  he 
hath  not  spoken."  Agur's  counsel,  on  this  sub- 
ject, exactly  coincides  with  the  command  of 
Moses,  and  with  the  caution  of  the  apostle  John, 
that  is,  of  the  whole  scripture  from  the  beginning 


"■  feed  me  with  food    ^  convenient  for  me: 

9  Lest  ^  I  be  full  and  '^  deny  thee,  and 
say,  *  Who  is  the  Lord?  "  or  lest  I  be 
poor,  and  steal,   *  and  take  the  name  of 

my   God   i7l   vain.  [Practical  Observations.] 

10  IF  I'  Accuse  ^  not  a  servant  unto 
his  master,  ^  lest  he  curse  thee,  and  thou 
be  found  guilty. 


r  Gen.  28:20.  48:15,16.    Ex.  16: 

15,18,21,22,29,35.     Matt.  6:11, 

33.     Luke    11:3.      1  Tim.  6:6 

—8. 
t   Heb.   of  my  allowance.    2 

Kings  25:30.     Jer.  37:21.    52: 

34. 
s  Dent.   6:10—12.    8:10—14,17. 

31:20.     32:15.       Neb.   9:25,26. 

Job  31:24—28.  Jer.  2:31.    Ez. 

16:14,15,49,50.     Uao.   4:17,30. 

Hos.  13:6.    Acts  12:22,23. 
^  Heb.  belie  thee. 


t  Ex.  5:2.     2  Clir.  32:15—17. 

u  6:30,31.     Ps.  125:3. 

X  29:24.     Ex.  20:7.    Lev.  5:1. 

Matt.  26:72,74. 
11    Heb.     Hurt    not  Viith   thy 

tongue. 
y  24:23.     Deut.  23:15.     1  Sam. 

22:9,10.  24:9.    26:19.    30:15.  2 

Sam.  16:1—4.  19:26,27.    Dan. 

3:8,&c.  6:13,24.    Rom.  14:4. 
z  11.26.  24:24.  28:27.  Deut.  15. 

9.    2  Chr.  24:22—24. 


to  the  end.    {Jlars;-.  Ref. — JVbfe*,  Deut.  4:2.  Rev. 
22:18—21,  vv.  18,"l9.) 

V.  7 — 9.  Agur's  mind  was  fixed  upon  the 
Lord,  though  he  did  not  immediately  mention 
him.  He  especially  desired,  with  much  earnest- 
ness, two  things  to  be  granted  him  before,  or 
until,  his  death,  as  the  context  seems  to  imply. 
The  one  relates  directly  to  spiritual  blessings: 
"Remove  far  from  me  vanity  and  lies;"  that  is, 
'Deliver  rae  entirely  from  guilt  and  sin;  from 
'idolatry,  error,  delusion,  and  temptation,  "the 
'word  of  a  lie;"  and  from  having  the  vanities  of 
'the  world  for  mv  portion.'  [Marg.  Ref.  q. — 
Jfotes,  1  Kings  3l9— 14.  2  Kings  2:9,10.)— The 
other  relates  to  temporal  things,  yet  in  subser- 
viency to  heavenly.  Agur  prayed  against  both 
poverty  and  riches:  not  so  much  because  of  the 
hardships  of  the  one,  and  the  anxious  encum- 
brances of  the  other;  as  because  of  the  tempta- 
tions to  which  they  would  severally  expose  him. 
If  he  lived  in  great  affluence,  he  feared  lest  he 
should  grow  self-indulgent  and  forgetful  of  God; 
and  so  at  length  be  induced  to  deny  bis  over- 
ruling providence,  his  authority,  or  even  his  ex- 
istence, saying,  like  Pharaoh,  "Who  is  the 
Lord.'"'  On  the  other  hand,  if  he  were  reduced 
to  extreme  poverty,  he  feared  lest  he  should  be 
tempted  to  dishonesty,  and  then  to  perjury,  in 
order  to  prevent  detection  and  punishment; 
(JVbfe,  29:24.)  or,  as  some  interpret  it,  to  murmur 
against  God,  and  through  impatience  to  speak 
impious  words  of  him.  He  therefore  wisely 
prayed  for  a  raediocritj',  that  he  might  be  kept 
at  a  distance  from  these  temptations:  he  asked 
"food  convenient  for  him;"  "daily  bread,"  suited 
to  his  station,  his  family,  and  his  real  good. — 
There  is  a  remarkable  coincidence  between  this 
prayer  and  several  clauses  of  the  Lord's  prayer. 
[Marg.  Ref.  v—M.—Jfotes,  Gen.  28:20-  22.48:15. 
Ex.  5:2.  22:7—15.  Deut.  6:12.  Dan.  5:18—24. 
Jl/a«.  6:11.  P/u/.  4:10— 13.) 

V.  10.  "Hurt  not  a  servant  to  his  master  with 
thy  tongue."  Marg.  'Do  not  abuse  any  poor 
'slave,  whose  condition  is  wretched  enough. 
'...  Rather  excuse  than  aggravate  his  fault  to  his 
'master,  who  perhaps  is  too  rigorous:  and  be  sure 
'never  to  load  him  with  unjust  accusations;  lest 
'being  wronged  by  thee,  and  not  knowing  how  to 
'right  himself,  he  appeal  to  the  Lord,  and  pray 
'him  to  punish  thee;  and  thou,  being  found  guilty, 
'feel  the  heavy  ell'ects  of  his  vengeance.'  Bp. 
Patrick. — By  accusing  a  servant  to  his  mastex", 
(even  without  direct  slander,)  in  an  oflicious  man- 
ner, and  a  trivial  concern,  great  injustice  may  be 
done  to  his  character  and  future  comfort,  and  a 
strong  temptation  thrown  in  his  way  to  commit 
sin,  by  yielding  to  anger,  and  uttering  grievous 
imprecations.    This  is,  no  doubt,  peculiarly  the 

[575 


B.  C.  800, 


PROVERBS. 


B.  ,C.  800. 


1 1  There  is  ^  a  generation  ^  that  curs- 
eth  their  father,  and  '  doth  not  bless  their 
mother. 

12  There  is  a  generation  ^  that  are 
pure  in  their  own  eyes,  and  yet  is  ^  not 
washed  from  their  filthiness. 

13  There  is  a  generation,  *'  oh,  how 
lofty  are  their  eyes!  and  their  eye-hds 
are  lifted  up. 

14  There  is  a  generation,  °  whose 
teeth  are  as  swords,  and  their  jaw  teeth 
as  knives,  ''  to  devour  the  poor  from  off 
the  earth,  and  the  needy  from  among 
men. 


a   13—14.     Matt.  3:7.     1  Pet. 

2:9. 
b  17.  20:20.     Lev.  20:9.     Deut. 

21:20,21.  27:16.   Matt.  15:4—6. 

Mark  7:10—13. 
c  1  Tim.  5:4,8. 
d21:2.     Judg.  17:5,13.      1  Sam. 

15:13,14.     Job  33:9.     Ps.  36:2. 

Is.  65:5.  Jer.  2:22— 24,35.  Luke 

11:39,40.    16:15.   18:11.    2  Tim. 

3:5.     Tat.  1:15,16.     I  John  1:8 

—10. 
e   Ps.  51:2,7.    Is.  1:16.     Jer.  4; 

14.     Ez.   36:25.     Zech.    13:1. 


1  Cor.  6:11.    Tit.  3:5.    1  John 

1:7.     Rev.  1:5. 
f  6:17.    21:4.     Ps.  101:5.   131:1. 

Is.  2:11.    3:16.     Ez.  28:2—5,9. 

Dan.    11:36,37.       Hab.    2:4.    2 

Thes.  2:3,4. 
g  Job  29:17.  Ps.  3:7.  57:4.  58:6. 

Dan.  7:5—7.    Rev.  9:8. 
h   22:16.    28:3.     Ps.  10:3,9.   12: 

5.  14:4.  Ec.  4:1.  Is.  32:7.  Am. 

2:7.  4:1.     8:4.     Mic.  2:1,2.  3:1 

—5.     Hab.  3:14.     Zeph.  3:3. 

Matt.  23:14.     Jam.  5:1—4. 


case  in  respect  of  slaves;  but  not  exclusively: 
and  if  a  man  have  not  a  substantial  reason  for 
speaking  disadvantageously  of  another,  especially 
of  an  inferior  to  his  superior,  he  has  always  a 
good  reason  for  being  silent.  The  lenient  side  is 
generally  best:  and  intermeddling  in  other  men's 
family-concerns,  especially  to  make  mischief,  is 
always  odious  and  contemptible.  (Marg.  Re/.— 
J^otes,  Deut.  23:15,16.   1  Sam.  22:7—10.  26:17— 

19-) 
V.  11—14.     Commentators  generally  suppose 

all  the  several  parts  of  this  chapter,  to  be  the 
answers  of  Agar  to  the  questions  of  Ithiel  and 
Ucal;  and  that  these  verses  especially  point  out 
four  odious,  but  too  common  characters,  whom 
he  cautioned  them  to  stand  aloof  from.  These 
are  called  generations,  because  they  are  found 
through  successive  ages,  as  if  descended  from 
those  predecessors  whom  they  resemble;  or  be- 
cause they  associate  together,  as  if  they  belonged 
to  the  same  family.  (Marg.  Ref.  a.)  They  are 
branded  as  hateful  and  dangerous  persons,  whose 
crimes  must  be  detested,  whose  company  must  be 
shunned,  and  of  whom  all  should  beware.— In 
every  age  tliere  are  monsters  of  ingratitude,  who, 
instead  of  requiting  and  praying  for  their  parents, 
curse  them,  wish  them  dead,  or  otherwise  insult 
and  despise  them;  either  from  resentment  of  re- 
bukes, contempt  of  authority,  impatience  of  re- 
straint, or  avidity  of  their  substance.  [Marg. 
Ref.  b,  c— Abies,  17.  20:20.  Lev.  20:9.  Mall.  15: 
3_6.)— There  are  also  from  age  to  age  a  multi- 
tude of  people,  who,  by  one  pretence  or  another, 
persuade  themselves  that  they  are  holy  persons, 
the  favorites  of  God,  and  the  heirs  of  heaven; 
whose  hearts  are  yet  full  of  the  prevailing  pollu- 
tion of  iniquity,  and  who  practise  much  secret 
wickedness,  and  so  are  filthy  in  the  sight  of  their 
heart-searching  Judge,  [Marg.  Ref.  d,  e.— See 
on  Kote,  14:12.)— Another  company  is  found,  in 
every  age,  who  are  full  of  self-importance:  whose 
haughtiness  and  arrogance  are  conspicuous  in 
their  looks,  who  are  purse-proud,  or  vain  of  their 
birth,  rank,  accomplibhments,  or  decorations;  and 
who,  in  a  stately  manner,  shew  their  supercilious 
contempt  of  alf  around  them.     [Marg.  Ref.  f,— 

./Vbfes,  6:17 19.  21:4.)— There  have  also  been  at 

all  times  a  number  of  rapacious  and  cruel  extor- 
tioners, who  devour  the  poor  and  needy,  to  in- 
576] 


15  The  '  horse-leech  hath  two  daugh- 
ters, crying,  ^  Give,  give.  '  There  are 
three  things  that  are  never  satisfied,  yea, 
four  things  say  not,  *  It  is  enough: 

16  "  The  grave,  and  the  barren  womb; 
the  earth  that  is  not  filled  with  waterj 
and  the  fire  that  saith  not,  It  is  enough. 

17  The  °  eye  that  mocketh  at  his  fa- 
ther, and  despiseth  to  obey  his  mother, 
°  the  ravens  of  the  ^  valley  shall  pick  it 
out,  and  the  young  eagles  shall  eat  it. 

18  There  be  three  things  which  are 
P  too  wonderful  for  me;  yea,  four  which 
I  know  not: 

19  The  1  way  of  an  eagle  in  the  air; 
the  way  of  a  serpent  upon  a  rock;  the 


i    Is.   57:3,4.      Ez.    16:44 46. 

Matt.  23.32.     John  8:39,44. 
k  Is.  56:11,12.    Hos.  4:13.  Mic. 

7:3.     Rom.   16:18.     2  Pet.  2:3, 

13—15.     Jude  11,12. 
1 21,24,29.     6:16.     Am.    1:3,6,9, 

11,13.  2:1,4. 
*  Heb.  (Veallh. 
m  27:20.    Hab.  2:5. 


nil.  20:20.  23:22.  Gen.  9:21— 
27.  Lev.  20:9.  Deut.  21:18— 
21.     2  Sam.  18:9,10,14—17. 

0  1  Sam.  17:44,46.  2  Sam.  21: 
10. 

1  Or,  brook. 

p  Job  42:3.  Ps.  139:6. 
q  Job  39:27.  Is.  40:31. 


crease  their  wealth,  or  to  support  the  expense  of 
their  riotous  living.  These,  being  worse  than 
any  savage  beasts  that  are  known  of,  must  be 
described  as  monsters,  which  may  be  imagined, 
but  never  yet  were  seen;  "whose  teeth  are 
swords,   and  their  jaw-teeth  knives."     (J\Iarg. 

Ref.  g,h J^Totes,  28:3.  Jo6  29:12— 17,  v.  17.  Ps. 

57:4.    58:6 9,   v.  6.) — The  expression,  "washed 

from  their  filthiness,"  (12)  is  peculiarly  emphati- 
cal:  and  strongly  implies,  that  there  is  a  loath- 
some filthiness  in  human  nature;  and  that  none 
are  pure  in  the  sight  of  God,  but  those  who  are 
washed  from  it,  "by  the  washing  of  regenera- 
tion, and  renewing  of  the  Holy  Ghost:"  for  de- 
pravity of  nature  and  heart,  rather  than  crimes 
actually  committed,  seems  intended;  though  both 
may  be  implied.     (JVbfe,  1  Cor.  6:9—11.) 

V.  15,  16.  The  horse-leech,  or  blood-sucker, 
o-orges  blood,  and  having  emptied  itself  craves 
more;  and  sometimes  even  sucks  till  it  bursts. — 
'The  leech  hath  two  forks  in  her  tongue,  which 
'here  he  calleth  her  two  daughters;  whereby  ihe 
'sucketh  the  blood  and  is  never  satiate:  even  so 
'are  the  covetous  extortioners  insatiable.'  (14) — 
The  two  daughters  of  the  horse-leech,  however, 
may  mean,  the  insatiable  love  of  money,  and  the 
insatiable  love  of  those  pleasures  that  money 
purchases:  or  covetoiesness,  whether  to  hoard  or 
spend;  and  blood-thirstiness,  which  powerful  and 
cruel  oppressors  and  rapacious  warriors  exercise, 
who  are  not  satisfied,  but  thirst  for  more,  after  all 
they  have  shed.  Or  they  may  denote  in  general, 
the  insatiable  nature  of  man's  sinful  propensities, 
and  unbridled  appetites,  which  always  grow  more 
craving  by  indulgence.  [Marg.  Ref.)  The  same 
kind  of  expression  is  used  in  several  places; 
[Marg.  Refl.jaud  the  emblems,  though  strik- 
ing, need  no  comment.  [jVotes,  27:20.  Ec.  4:7,8. 
5:9—12.  Is.  56:9—12,  v.  11.  /Tos.  4:16— 19,  v.  18. 
Hah.  2:5— n,  V.  5.) 

V.  !  7,  The  man  who  derides  his  parents,  be- 
cause of  the  infirmities  of  old  age,  and  despises 
their  authoritv,  especially  that  of  his  mother,  will 
expose  himseh*  to  the  severest  judgments  of  God, 
in  this  world  and  in  the  next.  Many  of  this  vile 
character  have  come  to  an  untimely  end;  and 
have  been  gibbeted,  or  left  unburied,  till  the  ra- 
vens or  eagles  have  picked  out  their  eyes,  or  de- 
I  voured  their  flesh:  and  all  of  the  same  descnp- 


B.  C.  800. 


CHAPTER  XXX. 


B.  C.  SOO. 


way  of  a  ship  in  the  *  midst  of  the  sea; 
'  and  the  way  of  a  man  with  a  maid. 

20  Such  is  '  the  way  of  an  adulterous 
woman;  she  eateth,  and  wipeth  her 
mouth,  and  saith,  I  have  done  no  wick- 
edness. 

21  IT  For  three  things  the  earth  is 
disquieted,  and  for  four  which  it  cannot 
bear. 

22  For  '  a  servant  when  he  reigneth; 
and  "  a  fool  when  he  is  filled    with  meat; 

23  For  ^  an  odious  xvoman  when  she 
is  married;  and  ^  an  hand-maid  that  is 
heir  to  her  mistress. 

24  IT  There  be  four  things  which  are 
little  upon  the  earth,   but  they  are  t  ex- 


ceeding wise: 

*  Heb.  heart. 
rEx.  22:16. 

s  7:13— 23.  Num.  5:11— 30. 
t  19:10.  28:3.      Ec.    lO:7.    Is.  3: 
•1,5. 
u   1  Sam.   25:3,10,11,25^6—38. 


30:16. 
X  19:13.  21:9,19.  27:15. 
y  29:21. 
z  Job  12:7. 
f  Heb.  wise  made  wise. 


lion  may  expect  a  similar  or  equally  dreadful 
doom.  (11.  J^Totes,  Ex.  21:15— 11.  Lev.  19:3.  Deut. 
21:18—21.  2  Sam.  18:9—18.) 

V.  18—20.  The  path  of  the  eagle  through 
the  air,  that  of  the  serpent  on  the  rock,  and  that 
of  the  ship  through  the  sea,  cannot  be  traced, 
nor  does  any  one  exactly  follov7  another  in  the 
same  course.  Thus  artful  men  insinuate  them- 
selves into  the  affections  of  young  women,  and 
seduce  them  to  their  ruin,  by  an  almost  infinity 
of  stratagems,  which  can  never  be  all  unravelled: 
the  ways  likewise  b)'  which  the  affections  of  vir- 
gins are  won  by  suitors,  when  honorable  mar- 
riage is  intended,  may  be  included.  Thus  also 
the  adulterous  wife  uses  much  ingenuity  to  im- 
pose on  her  husband,  to  shun  detection,  and  to  es- 
cape shame  and  punishment,  by  schemes  and  de- 
vices which  cannot  all  be  enumerated.  Every 
new  crime,  intended  or  committed,  gives  rise  to 
some  new  artifice;  as  the  ship  in  some  degree  de- 
viates every  time  from  the  course  which  it  steer- 
ed before.  The  object  of  a  seducer  is  to  ^.irevail 
over  his  pre}',  and  that  of  the  adulteress,  lo  con- 
ceal her  guilt:  and  the  whole  extent  of  their 
subtlety  and  ingenuity  is  employed  to  effect  those 
purposes.   [Marf;.  Rcf.) 

V.  21 — 23.  The  following  events  create  much 
disturbance  in  the  world,  and  should  therefore  be 
avoided,  or  prevented  as  much  as  possible.  When 
men  of  low  extraction  and  base  spirit  obtain  au- 
thority, they  are  apt  to  be  imperious,  tyrannical, 
rapacious,  and  cruel;  they  grow  intoxicated  by 
tlieir  sudden  elevation,  jealous  of  every  one  as 
if  harboring  designs  against  them,  impatient  of 
control,  fierce  in  their  resentment,  and  exorbi- 
tant in  tlieir  exactions:  and  thus  nations  are  dis- 
quieted, embroiled  in  wars,  burdened  with  ex- 
cessive taxes,  or  shocked  with  bloody  executions. 
(jyoles,  19:10.  28:3.  Ec.  10:5—7.  /a'.  3: 1— 9,  vv.  4, 
5.)  When  foolish  and  violent  men  eat  and  drink 
to  excess,  their  impertinence,  scurrility,  impiety, 
contentiousness,  or  obscenity,  render  them  a 
vexation  and  an  insupportable  burden,  to  everv 
company  into  which  they  find  admission.  (JSTofcs, 
1  .SiiMi.  25:3.5— 38.30:10— 19.  1  Kings  20:16— \ii. 
Dan.  5:5—9.  Hos.  7:5—7.)  When  a  woman  of  a 
contentious  disposition,  and  prone  to  odious  vices, 
is  married;  her  folly  and  wickedness  will  be  the 
disquietude  of  her  husband  and  his  family;  and  he 
will  probably  repent  of  his  improper  choice,  even 
if  he  had  a  large  dowry  with  her.  {Jfolcx,  19:13. 
Vol.  m.  73 


25  The  ^  ants  are  a  people  not  strong; 
yet  they  prepare  their  meat  in  the  sum- 
mer: 

26  The  ''  conies  are  hut  a  feeble  folk; 
yet  make  they  their  houses  in  the  rocks: 

27  The  •=  locusts  have  no  king;  yet 
go  they  forth  all  of  them  I  by  bands: 

28  The  spider  taketh  hold  with  her 
hands,  and  is  in  kings'  jjalaces. 

29  IT  There  be  three  things  which  go 
well,  yea,  four  are  comely  in  going: 

30  A  lion,  ^  which  is  strongest  among 
beasts,  and  turneth  not  away  for  any; 

31  A  ^greyhound;  an  he-goat  also; 
and  a  king  *  against  whom  there  is  no 
rising  up. 

32  IT  If  *"  thou  hast  done    fooHshly  in 


a  6:6—8. 

b  Lev.  11:5.    Ps.  104:18. 

c  Ex.  10:4—6,13—15.    Ps.  105: 

34.     Joel    1:4,6,7.    2:7—11,25. 

Rev.  9:3—11. 
J  Heb,  gathered  together. 


d  Num.  23:24.  Judg.  14:18. 

$  Or,   horse,     Heb.  girt  in  the 

loins. 
e  16:14.  20:2.    Dan.  3:15— IS. 
f  26:12.    Ec.  8:3. 


21:9,19.27:15,16.)  And  when  a  female  servant 
succeeds  to  the  substance  of  her  mistress,  or 
rather  supplants  her  in  the  affections  of  her  hus- 
band, and  influences  him  to  divorce  his  wife, 
and  then  to  marrj'  her;  when  this  has  been  the 
case,  or  even  if  she  succeeds  a  deceased  mistress, 
as  married  to  her  husband,  she  will  frequently 
disquiet  the  family  by  her  insolence  or  rapacity, 
and  by  appropriating  all  that  she  can  to  herself 
and  her  connexions;  to  the  injury  of  those  to 
whom  it  more  properly  belongs. 

V.  24 — 28.  The  instinctive  wisdom  of  these  four 
animals  is  mentioned  as  an  instruction  to  the 
reader,  who  should  learn  to  estimate  men,  not 
by  their  external  greatness  or  magnificence,  but 
by  their  wisdom.  The  ants  are  wise  in  diligently 
providing  against  the  winter:  {JVbie,  6:6 — 11.) 
the  conies,  (or  mountain-mice,  as  some  think,)  in 
forming  refuges  to  themselves  against  the  weath- 
er, and  from  their  pursuers:  (JVote,  Ps.  104:17, 
18.)  the  locusts  in  their  regular  and  unanimous 
movement.^:,  as  if  they  did  every  thing  by  consent, 
and  for  the  common  good:  (J^Totes,  Joel  2:4,5,7 — 
9,18 — 20.)  and  the  spider,  in  her  ingenuity  and 
assiduity  in  forming  her  webs  against  the  walls,/ 
as  if  she  took  hold  of  them  with  hands;  in  re- 
newing her  work  when  repeatedly  destroyed;  and 
in  seeking  and  waiting  for  her  prey  with  patient 
attention,  wherever  it  is  to  be  found;  for  which 
purpose  she  even  enters  into  kings'  palaces,  whose 
greatness  and  delicacy  cannot  exclude  so  mean 
and  unwelcome  a  guest.  'From  all  these  four, 
'some  have  noted,  that  an  abridgment  may  be 
'made  of  all  that  is  necessary'  for  the  conservation 
'of  a  kingdom  in  good  estate:  wliere  first,  care 
'must  be  taken  for  provision  of  food;  ...  then  for 
'secure  and  commodious  dwelling;  ...  then  that 
'there  be  concord  and  agreement;  ...  and  lastly, 
'that  ...  industry  and  ingenious  arts  be  eiicour- 
'agcd.'  Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  29 — 31.  The  four  here  mentioned  are  re- 
markable for  tlie  comeliness  or  propriety  of  their 
going.  The  lion,  who  conscious  of  his  strength 
and  courage,  marches  on,  and  does  not  alter  his 
pace,  or  quit  his  path,  for  those  who  moot  or  pur- 
sue him.  The  greyhound,  (some  think  the  war- 
horse  was  meant,  marg.)  who  is  ready  for  his 
course,  and  performs  it  with  great  celerity  and 
activity.  The  he-goat,  tliat  goes  before  the  flock, 
as  one  careful  about  Ihcm,  and  attentive  to  their 
safety.     And  tire  king,  who  adverts  to  ihe  dignity 

[577 


H.  C  SOO. 


PROVERBS. 


B.  C.  800 


lilting  up  thyself,  or  if  thou  hast  thought 
evil,  E  lay  thine  hand  upon  thy  mouth. 
33  Surely  the  churning  of  inilk  bring- 

g  J7:28.   Job  21:5.  .iO:4.     Ec.  8:-i.    Mic.  7:16,17.    Rom.  3:19. 


of  his  own  character,  and  represses  with  vigor 
such  as  venture  to  rise  up  against  hitn.  'Espe- 
'cially  when  he  reigns  in  the  heart  of  his  people, 
'and  marches  at  the  head  of  an  unanimous,  viclo- 
'vious  army,  whom  none  dare  rise  up  to  oppose.' 
Bp.  Patrick.     {Marg:Ref.—Jfote,W:2.) 

V.  3:2,33.  The  mention  of  the  "king,  against 
whom  there  is  no  rising  up"  seem  to  have  sug- 
gested this  concluding  caution,  if  any  one  had 
foolishly  taken  too  much  upon  himself  in  the  pres- 
ence oi'  the  king,  or  had  entertained  thoughts  of 
insurrection,  or  had  harbored  resentment,  or  giv- 
en offence;  his  wisest  course  would  be  to  keep 
silence  from  all  rash  or  provoking  words,  and 
even  from  excuses,  and  from  charging  the  blame 
on  others;  and  to  appear  «orry  and  humbled  for 
what  had  passed.  For  as,  in  common  affairs, 
causes  produce  their  known  effects  and  the  churn- 
ing of  the  milk  or  cream  is  observed  to  produce 
butter,  and  the  violent  wringing  of  the  nose  to 
bring  forth  blood;  so,  it  has  always  been  observed, 
that  the  foiling  of  wrath,  by  contemptuous'  or 
virulent  woi'ds  or  actions,  occasions  the  most 
mischievous  and  implacable  contentions.  {Mara;. 
Ref.—J\''otes,  15:17,18.  17:14.  26:20,21.  28:25.  Ec. 
7:8.  8:3— 5.)— h?iy  thine  hand.  (32)  Marg.  Ref. 
g.'-Job  40:3—5,  V.  4.  Rom.  3:19,20. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
V.  1—5. 
.  In  proportion  as  we  become  acquainted  with 
God  and  ourselves,  with  his  perfections  and  com- 1 
raandments  and  our  own  hearts  and  actions,  we 
shall  be  sensible  of  our  sinfulness,  ignorance,  and 
weakness.  And  the  experienced  and  considerate 
believer,  knowing  far  more  of  himself  than  he 
does  of  others,  can  sometimes  scarcely  suppose  it 
possible,  that  there  should  be  such  evils  in  their 
hearts  as  he  finds  in  his  own;  or  that  they  should 
be  as  insensible,  forgetful,  or  unteachable,  as  he 
knows  himself  to  be.  On  these  occasions  he  will 
readily  say,  "Surely  I  am  more  brutish  than  any 
man,  and  have  not  the  understanding  of  a  man." 
The  wisdom  or  knowledge  of  fallen  msn  is  not  his 
own;  he  has  not  learned  it  of  himself,  but  has  re- 
ceived it  from  God;  and  by  increasing  knowledge, 
men  attain  deeper  convictions  of  the  immense 
disproportion  which  there  is  between  the  little 
which  they  do  understand,  and  that  boundless  ex- 
tent of  being  with  which  they  have  no  acquaint- 
ance. They  perceive  also  the  indistinctness  and 
inaccui'acy  of  their  knowledge;  they  are  continu- 
ally deteci;ing  themselves  in  mistakes;  and  even 
the  errors  of  others,  who  were  on  many  accounts 
their  superiors,  convince  them,  that  "here  they 
see  through  a  glass  darkly,"  and  "have  not  learn- 
ed wisdom,  and  have  not  attained  to  the  knowl- 
edge of  the  holy."  The  sublimity  and  immensity 
of  such  subjects,  compared  with  man's  capaci- 
ties, his  pre:3ent  confined  opportunities,  his  short 
space  for  making  observations  and  gaining  expe- 
rience, convince  the  humble  Christian,  "that  such 
knowledge  is  too  wonderful  for  him;  it  is  high,  he 
cannot  attain  unto  it."  So  that  ignorance  and 
want  of  thought  arc  the  true  causes  of  men's  dog- 
matical self-confidence,  and  conceit  of  their  own 
knowledge.  For  who  has  explored  or  compre- 
hended the  works  of  him,  that  "hath  established 
nil  the  ends  of  the  earth.'"  Who  can  fathom  the 
deep  mystei'ies  of  the  divine  nature,  or  find  out 
"the  Almighty  to  perfection.'"  Who  can  "know 
the  Son,  but  the  Father,  or  the  Father  but  the 
Son,  and  he  to  whom  the  Sou  will  reveal  him.'" 
578] 


elli  forth  butter,  and  the  wringing  of  the 
nose  bringeth  forth  blood:  ^  so  the  forcing 
of  wrath  bringeth  forth  strife. 

hJ5:18.   16:23.   17:14.  26:21.28:25.  29:22. 


He  indeed  came  down  from  heaven  to  declare  to 
men  the  name  and  character  of  Jehovah:  and 
now,  ascended  into  heaven,  he  has  opened  the 
way  of  acceptance  and  access  to  all  believers. 
Happy  then  is  he,  who  "counts  all  things  but  loss 
for  the  excellency  of  the  knowledge  of  Christ," 
and  of  the  Father  through  the  Son.  This  knowl- 
edge is  communicated  by  his  word,  which  is  pure 
and  infallible,  in  which  there  is  no  dross,  no 
error,  no  deficiency,  no  redundancy.  May  we 
believe  his  testimony,  embrace  his  invitations, 
plead  his  promises,  observe  his  directions,  and 
keep  his  commandments;  and  then  we  shall  be 
wise  unto  salvation,  and  at  length  "know  even  as 
we  are  known:"  and  in  the  mean  time,  we  shall 
trust  in  him,  and  he  will  be  "a  Shield"  unto  us 
from  all  our  enemies  round  about.  But  let  us 
not  want  to  be  wise  above  what  is  written,  or  to 
add  man's  vain  reasonings  and  presumptuous  in- 
ventions to  the  truths  of  God;  lest  he  reprove  us, 
and  we  be  found  liars  and  deceivers.  For  the 
desire  of  knowledge  is  as  capable  of  exorbitance, 
as  any  other  inclination  of  our  fallen  nature,  and 
is  productive  of  the  most  dreadful  effects;  whilst 
men,  proud  of  their  own  wisdom,  prefer  their  own 
conjectures  to  the  infallible  testimony  of  God,  or 
"speak  perverse  things  to  draw  away  disciples 
after  them,"  who  "will  utterly  perish  in  their  own 
delusions."  Against  such  perils,  faith  in  the 
promises  of  God,  and  fervent  prayer,  form  our 
only  security. 

V.  6—9. 
In  coming  to  his  mercy-seat,  we  should  always 
consider  the  near  approach  of  death,  and  its 
eternal  consequences.  Then  the  time  of  prayer 
will  be  over:  we  should  therefore  be  the  more  ear- 
nest to  obtain  our  requests  before  we  die,  and  to 
be  preserved  from  sin  and  temptation  till  we  die. 
We  should  be  particular,  as  well  as  urgent  in  our 
supplications:  yet  all  the  variety  of  them  may  be 
reduced  to  two  heads;  'Things  needful  for  the  soul, 
'and  things  needful  for  this  present  life.'  But  the 
former  should  have  the  decided  preference;  and 
the  latter  should  be  sought  in  entire  subserviency 
to  them.  If  we  be  "far  removed  from  vanity  and 
lies;"  if  interested  in  the  pardoning  love  of  God, 
we  have  liim  as  our  Portion;  if  we  be  preserved 
from  delusions  and  overwhelming  temptations;  if 
we  walk  with  God,  and  live  in  communion  with 
him,  and  can  commit  our  souls  into  his  hands  at 
death,  and  have  an  entrance  into  "the  everlast- 
ing kingdom  of  our  Lord  and  Savior  Jesus  Christ:" 
then  we  shall  have  "all  that  we  ask  or  think,"  itt 
all  our  varied  prayers  and  supplications,  as  far  as 
they  relate  to  ourselves.  It  does  not  indeed  be- 
hove us  to  be  so  explicit  in  respect  of  temporal 
things:  but  when  we  suppose  one  situation  to  be 
more  exempt  from  temptation  than  another,  we 
maj'  properly  pray  for  it.  Should  the  Lord  please 
to  prove  us  with  deep  poverty,  we  ought  not  to 
murmur,  and  we  may  expect  grace  sufficient  to 
resist  the  powerful  temptations  of  such  a  condi- 
tion. But  if  we  know  the  deceitfulness  of  our 
own  hearts;  and  consider  what  it  would  be  to  suf- 
fer hunger,  cold,  and  the  want  of  all  things;  we 
shall  perceive,  that  temptations  to  impatience, 
coveting,  and  dishonesty,  would  have  a  mighty 
force  in  them;  and  we  cannot  tell,  but  we  might 
be  led  from  smaller  to  greater  transgressions,  till 
we  arrived  at  such  degrees  of  guilt  as  we  now 
shudder  to  think  of.  We  may,  in  this  view,  there- 
fore, in  humble  submission,  pray  to  be  preserved 
from  poverty,  and  to  be  fed  with  food  convenient 


B.   C.  800. 


CHAPTER  XXX. 


B.  C.  800. 


for  us.  On  the  other  hand,  when  we  consider 
liow  affluence  tends  to  pride,  indolence,  self-in- 
dulgence, and  a  worldly  mind;  how  those,  who 
are  fed  to  the  full  and  surrounded  by  abundance, 
are  prone  to  abuse  the  gift  and  forget  the  Giver, 
and  refuse  obedience  to  him:  wc  cannot  pray  to 
be  made  rich  without  contradicting  the  petition, 
which  our  Lord  himself  has  taught  us,  "Lead  us 
not  into  temptation."  [JSlote,  Matt.  6:13.)  We 
are  indeed  commonly  apt  to  think,  that  we  should 
be  able  to  behave  properly,  and  to  do  much  good, 
if  we  were  made  richer:  but  this  only  proves  the 
pride  and  folly  of  our  hearts.  For  it  is  the  hard- 
est thing  in  the  world  to  act  wisely  in  great  pros- 
perity: and  the  greatest  triumph  of  grace  seems 
to  be  in  the  conversion  of  very  rich  people;  and 
in  preserving  them  humble,  spiritual,  dead  to  the 
world,  devoted  to  God,  and  good  stewards  of  the 
unrighteous  Mammon,  in  the  midst  of  all  their  in- 
centives to  the  contrary  vices.  So  that  it  will 
ever  be  found  a  wise  praj^er,  though  but  seldom 
offered:  "Give  me  not  riches,  lest  I  be  full  and 
deny  thee,  and  say,  Who  is  the  Lord?"  The 
more  advanced  Christian  will  sincerely  and  fre- 
quently present  it:  every  true  believer  can  fer- 
vently pray,  'Lord,  let  me  never  have  more  rich- 
es, than  thou  shalt  enable  me  to  use  to  th)' glory.' 
And  we  all  ought  to  be  thankful,  and  doubtless 
many  of  us  are  so,  if  we  enjoy  that  mediocrity, 
which  we  are  here  taught  bj'  the  Holy  Spirit  to 
consider  as  the  safest  and  happiest  condition  in 
life.  But  how  contrary  is  this,  to  the  almost  uni- 
versal eagerness  of  men  after  riches!  In  fact, 
the  wisdom  of  God,  and  the  wisdom  of  the  world, 
are  diametrically  opposite;  and  alas!  there  is  but 
a  scanty  measure  of  divine  wisdom  even  among 
the  majority  of  Christians. 

V.  10—33. 
It  is  no  small  attainment  in  heavenly  wisdom, 
habitually  and  diligently  to  attend  on  the  duties 
of  our  own  station;  and  never  to  intermeddle  with 
other  men's  concerns,  unless  to  do  them  good.  It 
is  base  to  create  any  one  needless  uneasiness:  but 
it  is  peculiarly  cruel  wantonly  to  increase  the  suf- 
ferings of  the  needy,  the  helpless,  or  the  oppress- 
ed; and  thus  also  to  tempt  them  to  sin,  and  to  im- 
precate divine  vengeance  on  their  calumniators. 
We  need  not,  however,  wonder,  that  we  see 
around  us,  numbers  living  in  the  grossest  iniqui- 
ties; as  there  always  have  been  "a  generation"  of 
such,  "the  seed  of  the  serpent"  and  "the  children 
of  the  wicked  one."  But  we  should  mourn  over 
them,  pray  for  them,  and  protest  against  them. 
Doubtless  those  who  curse,  and  deride,  and  de- 
spise their  parents,  will  bring  upon  themselves 
both  temporal  and  eternal  destruction,  except 
they  repent  of  this  their  most  aggravated  wick- 
edness: and  let  it  be  especially  noted,  that  he 
who  "doth  not  bless  his  mother,"  (11)  or  pray  for 
his  parents,  is  joined  with  those  who  curse  them. 
Neither  will  Pharisaical  or  Antinomian  self-de- 
ceivers, "who  are  pure  in  their  own  eyes,  but  are 
not  cleansed  from  their  filthiness;"  or  the  proud 
and  haughty,  who  exalt  themselves,  and  look 
down  with  contempt  on  their  neighbors;  or  cruel 
extortioners  and  oppressors,  escape  the  vengeance 
of  God.  Jjet  the  generation  of  God's  children 
manifest  a  contrary  spirit,  in  every  respect.  Let 
such  as  have  parents  and  superior  relations,  be- 
have with  submission  and  respect  to  them,  con- 
tinually blessing  and  praying  for  them  and  doing 
what  they  can  to  requite  them;  yea,  let  us  "all  be 
subject  one  to  another,"  in  the  several  relations 
of  life,  "and  be  clothed  with  humility." — In  the 
consciousness  of  our  remaining  defilement,  let  us 
seek  daily  to  be  more  and  more  cleansed  from  our 
filthiness;  and  yet  to  be  more  abased  in  our  own 
eyes,  and  more  gentle,  affable,  and  lowly  in  our 
deportment  among  men:  and  instead  of  devouring 
tlie  poor  and  needy,  let  us  study  to  protect,  re- 


lieve, and  comfort  them,  to  the  extent  of  our  abil- 
ity.    In  order  to  this,  we  must  beware  of  cov- 
etonsness  and  profuseness,  which,   like  the  two 
daughters   of  the  horse-leech,   evermore    "cry. 
Give,  give,"  but  never  have  any  thing  to  spare 
or  give  away:    and   we   must  learn   to   habitu- 
ate everyone  of  our  inclinations  to  brook  denial; 
otherwise  no  emblem  in  nature  will  adequately 
illustrate  their  insatiable  cravings. — While   we 
behold,  with  grief  and  wonder,  the  subtlety  and 
wicked  ingenuity  witii  which  the  ungodly  seduce, 
debauch,   deceive,   and    ruin   one  another    and 
themselves;  let  us  guai-d  against  their  snares;  and 
consider  the  capacities  of  our  minds  as  given  us, 
that  we  may  employ  all  our  contrivances  and  sa- 
gacity in  devising  how  to  do  good.     But  let  the 
ingenious  and  successful  workers  of  iniquity,  who 
manage  to  escape  the  detection  of  man,  remem- 
ber that  they  cannot  elude  the  all-seeing  eye  of 
God,  or  escape  his  dreadful  judgment The  mis- 
eries of  the  world  arise  in  great  measure  from  the 
ill  behavior  of  men,  in  those  stations  to  Which  they 
are  called.     This,  however,  is  often  owing  to  the 
wickedness  and  folly  of  those  concerned  who  ad- 
vance mean  and  worthless  upstarts  to  authority, 
and  put  it  in  their  power  to  be  the  plague  of 
whole  nations.     The  erroneous  choice  also  and 
treatment  of  companions,  and  the  wrong  motives 
which  influence  men  in  marrying,  or  in  respect  of 
the  marriage  of  their  children,  or  in  disposing  of 
their  property,  fill  society  and  domestic  life  with 
great  disquietude.      But  let  every  one  mortify  in 
himself  those  odious  dispositions,  and  avoid  that 
evil  conduct,  which  in  many  cases  almost  renders 
life  insupportable:  for  who  would  choose  to  be  a 
curse  to  society,  and  to  all  connected  with  him 
and  even  to  remote  posterity? — Let  us  also  look 
around,  and  avail  ourselves  of  every  hint  suggest- 
ed to  us  even  by  the  animal  tribes.     We  may 
learn  foresight,  industry,  and  perseverance  from 
the   ant;   from   the  conies,   to   provide   security 
against  approaching  dangers;  from  the  locusts,  to 
be  contented  in  our  proper  station,  and  to  do  all 
things  in  harmony  and  peace;  and  from  the  spi- 
der, to  employ  our  ingenuity  and  patient  assiduity 
wherever  we  are,  not  in  "useless  trifles,  but  in 
those  things  which  pertain  to  our  sustenance  and 
well  being.     And  the  sermons  of  these  despica- 
ble insects  will  condemn  numbers  for  their  im- 
providence and  sloth,  their  sin  and  folly.     The 
Christian  may  also  learn  from  the  lion  to  be  bold, 
in  the  path  of  duty,  and  not  to  turn  aside  for  any 
man;  from   the  greyhound  or  horse,  to  be  ever 
ready  and  active,  and  cheerful  in  running  tho 
race  set  before  him;  from  the  he-goat,  to  be  the 
guide,  overseer,  and  example  of  his  family,  and 
to  take  proper  care  of  them;  and  from  the  king-, 
not  to  act  inconsistently  with  the  dignity  of  hts 
character,  nor  to  suffer  any  of  his  passions  to  re- 
bel and  prevail  against  him.— But  alas!  how  often 
have  we  risen  up  against  God  our  King!     VVe 
have  done  foolishly,  in  thus  lifting  up  ourselves 
and  in  thinking  evil  against  him.     Let  us  then 
"lay  our  hands  upon  our  mouths,"  and  abase  our- 
selves before  him;  and  not  fartiier  provoke  bia 
wrath,  by  our  impenitent  and  persevering  wicked- 
ness,    liaving  found  peace  with  him,  let  us  "fol- 
low peace  with  all  men:"  and  let  us  always  re- 
member the  connexion  between  the  means  and 
the  end.     For,  as  in  the  ordinary  concerns  of  life, 
some  means  generally  produce  desirable  effects, 
whihi  others  terminate  in  pain  and  trouble:  so,  no 
spiritual  blessings  can  be  obtained  by  tliose  who 
neglect  tlie  appointed  moans,  nor  are  they  ever 
sincerely  used  in  vain:  and  if  men  will  wasfc  their 
time  on  those   books,   diversions,    and    vanities, 
which  are  the  means  of  soothing  the  conscience 
and  hardening  the  heart,  surely  the  end  will  be 
answered,  and  the  wrath  of  God  will  be  the  dread- 
ful consequence. 

[.579 


B.  C.   TiO. 


PROVERBS. 


B.  C.  720. 


CHAP.  XXXI. 


Kin"-  Lemuel  instructed  by  his  mother  to  avoid  whoreJom  and 
drunkenness;  and  to  use  liis  w^iilth  and  authority  for  tlie  relief 
and  protection  of  th  ■.  poor  and  oppressed,  1—9:  and  concern- 
ing the  character  and  vulue  of  the  virtuous  woman,  10—31. 

ff^HE  words    of  king   Lemuel,  '■"  the 
i      prophecy  that  ^  his  mother  taught 
him. 

2  What,  my  son?  and  what,  ^  the  son 
of  my  womb?  and  what,  '*  the  son  of  my 
vows? 

3  Give  not  ^  thy  strength  unto  women, 
nor  thy  ways  ^  to  that  which  destroyeth 
kings. 

4  It  is  not  s  for  kings,  O  Lemuel,  it  ts 
not  for  kings  to  drink  wine,  nor  for  princes 
strong  drink; 


a  30:1. 

b  1:8.  fi:30.     2  Tim.  1:5.   3:15. 

c  Is.  49:15. 

d  1  Sam.  1:11,28. 

e5;9— n.  7:26,27. 

{  Dcut.  17:17.  Neh.  13:26. 


gLev.  10:9,10.  1  Kings  20: 12, 
16—20.  Esth.  3:15.  Ec.  10 
17.  Is.  23:7,8.  Dan.  5:2—1. 
Hos.  4:11,12.  7:3—5.  Hab. 
2:5.    Mark  6:21—28. 


5  Lest  they  drink,  and  forget  the  law, 
and  *  pervert  the  judgment  of  t  any  of  the 
afflicted. 

6  Give  ''  strong  drink  unto  him  that  is 
ready  to  perish,  and  wine  unto  those  that 
be  J  of  heavy  hearts. 

7  Let  him  '  drink,  and  forget  his  pov- 
erty, and  remember  his  misery  no  more.^ 

''  Open  thy  mouth  for  the  dumb,  in 
the  cause  of  all  ^such  as  are  appointed 
to  destruction. 

9  Open  thy  mouth,  '  judge  righteous- 
ly, and  plead  the  cause  of  the  poor  and 
needy. 

*  Heb.  alter. 

t   Heb.    all  tht  sons  of  afflic 


NOTES. 
Chap.  XXXI.  V.  1.  Some  think  that  Solomon 
was  meant  under  the  name  of  Lemuel,  and  that 
Bathsheba  called  him  by  this  name.  But  others, 
with  greater  probability,  suppose  Lemuel  to  have 
been  some  neighboring  prince,  whose  mother 
perhaps  was  a  pious  Israelite.  [J^Totes,  1 :8.  6:20, 
21.  Ads  16:1—3.  2  Tim.  1:3-5,  v.  5.  3:14—17. 
p.  O.  10—17.)  Indeed  the  use  of  Chaldean  words, 
in  this  chapter,  and  in  no  other  part  of  the  book, 
affords  a  cogent  argument  that  it  was  written  by 
another  hand,  and  probably  at  a  later  period,  than 
the  Proverbs  of  Solomon:  but  it  is  not  certain, 
whether  it  was  added  to  this  book  by  the  men  of 
Hezekiah,  or  after  the  captivity.  However, 
Lemuel  retained  the  early  instructions  of  his 
mother,  and  published  them  for  the  benefit  of  oth- 
ers: and,  as  they  were  allowed  to  be  "a  prophecy," 
or  given  by  inspiration  of  God,  they  were  at  length 
inserted  at  the  close  of  this  book.  [J^Tote,  30:1.) 

V.  2.  Perhaps  Lemuel's  mother  observed  in  his 
conduct  strong  indications  of  a  propensity  to  those 
evils,  against  which  she  warned  him;  and  this  ex- 
cited her  grief  and  anxious  concern,  and  caused 
her  thus  to  expostulate  with  him:  as  if  she  had 
said,  'What,  my  son,  shall  I  have  no  other  recom- 
'pense  for  my  pain  and  sorrow,  and  my  care  of 
'thy  education.'  no  other  answer  to  my  prayers 
'and  vows,  than  to  see  thee  enslaved  to  ruinous 
'lusts,  and  become  a  scourge  to  thy  people.?'  Or 
the  verse  may  be  considered  as  an  animated  call 
to  him  to  attend  to  her  instructions,  which  sprang 
from  the  tenderness  of  maternal  affection:— 'What 
'shall  I  say,  my  son,  the  most  effectually  to  im- 
'press  thy  mind?  Shall  I  plead  with  thee  the  an- 
'guish  I  have  endured  for  thee;  or  my  early  dedi- 
'cation  of  thee  to  the  Lord,  with  vows  and  pray- 
»ers;  or  my  tender  solicitude  about  thy  future  wel- 
'fare.?'  [Marg.  Ref.)  The  Chaldee  word  (ij)  for 
son,  which  is  not  used  elsewhere  in  this  book,  and 
only  once  in  the  Hebrew  scriptures,  [Ps.  2:12. 
Heb.)  induces  some  learned  men  to  think,  that 
Lemuel  was  king,  in  some  region  of  Syria  or 
Chaldea.  , 

v.  3.  The  company  of  licentious  Avomen  tends 
to  enfeeble  both  body"  and  mind,  and  to  unfit  men 
for  the  duties  of  their  station.  If  then  Lemuel 
should  yield  to  this  temptation,  he  would  be  dis- 
qualified for  the  duties  of  a  king.  His  time  and 
ttioughts,  which  ought  to  be  otherwise  employed, 
would  be  thus  engrossed;  and  he  would  gradual- 
&80] 


Hot, 

h  Ps.  104:15.     1  Tim.  5:23. 

};  Heb.  bitter  of  soul.  1  Sam. 
1:10.30:6.  2  Kings  4:27.  mar- 
gins. 

i  Eph.  5:18. 

k  24:7,11,12.  1  Sam.  19:4—7. 
20:32.  22:14,15.  Esth.  4:13— 
16.    Job  29:9—17.     Ps.  82:3,4. 


!:7— 10. 


[Practical  Observations.'] 

Jer.   26:16—19,24. 

John  7:51. 
5  Heb.  the  sons  of  destruction. 

Ps.  79:11.    Marg. 
1  16:12.20:8.  Lev.  19:15.  Deut. 

1:16.   16:18—20.     2  Sam.  8:15. 

Ps.  58:1,2.  72:1,2.    Is.  1:17,23. 

11:4.    32:1,2.     Jer.  5:28.   22:3, 

15,16.  23:5.     Dan.  4:27.    Am. 

5:11,12.     Zech.  7:9.  9:9.   John 

7:24.  Heb.  1:9.  Rev.  19:11. 


ly  be  drawn  aside  into  those  ways  of  indolence, 
indulgence,  and  negligence;  and  led  to  make 
those  sacrifices  of  the  interests  of  his  kingdom  and 
the  affections  of  his  people,  to  please  some  favor- 
ite concubine;  which  have  in  unnumbered  instan- 
ces proved  destructive  to  princes,  who  other- 
wise had  the  prospect  of  reigning  happily.  ( JVb<e#, 
3:3—14,20-23.  7:6—23.  \  Kings  U:\—Q.  12:4.) 
V.  4-— 7.  Kings  and  magistrates  should  be  more 
scrupulously  temperate  than  other  men,  in  pro- 
portion to  the  importance  of  their  oflBces:  for  if 
they  cloud  their  understanding  with  wine,  they 
will  be  apt  to  forget  or  mistake  the  statutes  by 
which  they  should  judge,  or  be  induced  by  design- 
ing men  to  commit  injustice.  This  is  the  more 
aggravated,  because  the  poor  and  afflicted  are 
chiefly  injured:  their  cause  may  be  deemed  wor- 
thy of  little  notice;  nay,  perhaps  decided  against 
them,  and  even  their  lives  sacrificed  to  oblige 
some  powerful  oppressor,  who  is  the  companion  of 
the  ruler  in  his  revels.  On  the  contrary,  strong 
drink  should  be  administered  as  a  cordial  to  those, 
who  are  ready  to  faint  through  weakness  or  wea- 
riness; and  to  cheer  the  spirits  of  the  dejected, 
that  they  may  be  raised  above  the  depressing 
sense  of  their  poverty  and  misery. — Some  think, 
that  "by  him  that  is  ready  to  perish,"  the  con- 
demned criminals  are  meant,  to  whom  it  was  cus- 
tomary to  give  a  draught  of  wine,  or  other  strong 
drink,  when  led  to  execution.  [Marg.  and  Marg. 
Re/.—J^otes,  Lev.  10:8—11.  Esth.  3:8—15.  Ps. 
104:14,15.  Ec.  10:16—19.  /*.  28:7,8.  Dan.  5:1—4. 
Hos.  4:7—11,  V.  11.  7:5—7.  Am.  6:3—8.  Hab.  2: 
15—17.  Matt.  14:5—11.  Eph.  5:15—20,  vv.  18— 

200 

V.  8,  9.  Magistrates  ought  to  be  the  counsel- 
lors and  protectors  of  the  oppressed;  of  the  poor 
and  needy,  who  cannot  fee  advocates;  and  of  all 
who  are  unable  or  afraid  to  plead  their  own  cause. 
They  should  quash  malicious  prosecutions,  de- 
cide in  favor  of  the  injured  party,  and  delect  and 
expose  the  oppressor;  and  thus  deliver  the  poor 
and  needy,  who  were  "appointed  to  destructiot.-;" 
and  judge  righteously  without  respect  of  persons. 
And  if  kings  do  not,  "or  cannot,  personally  admin- 
ister justice  in  this  manner;  they  should  be  the 
more  circumspect,  in  appointing  those  who  act  as 
their  representatives  in  these  important  concerns. 
[Marg.  and  Marg.  Re/.— J^otes,  20:8.  24:11,12. 
Deut.  16:18,19.  I  Sam.  19:4—7.  Esth.  4:13—17. 
Job  29:7—17.  P.1.  72:1—7,12—14.  82:2— 4.)— 'If 
'thou  seest  a  man  in  danger  to  lose  his  right,  be- 


B.  C.  720. 


CHAPTER  XXXI. 


B.  C.  720. 


1 0  IF  Who  "•  can  find  a  virtuous  wo- 
man? for  °  her  price  is  far  above  rubies. 

11  The  "heart  of  her  husband  doth 
'  safely  trust  in  her,   so  that  he  shall  have 

no  need  of  spoil. 

12  She  Pwill  do  him  good,  and  not 
evil  all  the  days  of  her  life. 

13  She  seeketh  wool  and  flax,  and 
1  worketh  willingly  with  her  hands. 

14  She  •■  is  hke  the  merchants'  ships, 
she  bringeth  her  food  from  afar. 

15  She  =  riseth  also  while  it  is  yet 
night,  ^  and  giveth  meat  to  her  household, 
and  a  portion  to  her  maidens. 

16  She  "  considereth  a  field,  and  *buy- 
eth  it:  with  the  fruit  of  her  hands  she 
planteth  a  vineyard. 

17  She  ^  girdeth  her  loins  with 
strength,  and  ^  strengtheneth  her  arms. 

18  She  tperceiveth  that  her  merchan- 
dize is  good:  '^her  candle  goeth  not  out 
by  night. 

19  She  '  layeth  her  hands  to  the  spin- 
dle, and  her  hands  hold  the  distaff. 


m  12:4.  18:22.  19:14.  Ruth  3: 
II.  Ec.  7:28.  Cant.  6:8,9.  Epb. 
5:25—33. 

n3:15.  8:11.  20:15. 

o  2  Kings  4:9,10,22,23.  1  Pet. 
3:1—7. 

p  1  Sam.  25:18—21,26,27. 

q  Gen.  18:6—8.  24:13,14,18— 
20.  29:9,10.  Ex.  2:16.  Riith 
2:2,3,23.  Is.  3:16— 24.  32:9— 
II.  Acts  9:39,40.  1  Thes.  4: 
11.  2  Thes.  3:10— 12.  1  Tim. 
5:10,14.    Tit.  2:5. 

r24.  1  Kings  9:26— 28.  2Chr. 
9:10,21.   Ez.  27:3,&c. 

s  Josh.  3:1.     2  Chr.  36:15.    Ps. 


119:147,148.     Ec.  9:10.    Mark 

1:35.    Rom.  12:11. 
t  Matt.  24:45.    Luke  12:42. 
u  Josh.  15:18.  Cant.  8:12.  Matt. 

13:44. 
*  Heb.  taketk. 
X  1  Kings  18:46.     2  Kings  4:29. 

Job  38:3.     Luke   12:35.     Eph. 

6:10,14.     1  Pet.    1:13. 
y  Gen.  49:24.     Is.  44:12.     Hos. 

7:15. 
t  Heb.  tasteth. 
z  Gen.  31:40.     Ps.  127:2.  Matt. 

25:3—10.    1  Thes.  2:9.  2  Thes. 

3:7—9. 
a  Ex.  35:25,26. 


'cause  he  is  not  able  to  make  it  out;  and  through 
'fear,  or  ig^norance,  or  want  of  elocution,  cannot 
'speak  for  himself:  keep  not  silence,  but  undertake 
'his  defence;  especially  if  it  be  the  cause  of  stran- 
'gers,  who  understand  not  the  laws;  and  perhap'S 
'are  in  dangerto  suffer  some  great  damage  in  their 
'bodies,  credits,  or  estates.'  Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  10.  This  description  of  a  virtuous  woman 
forms  a  kind  of  poem,  containing  twenty-two 
verses,  of  which  each  in  succession  begins  with  a 
different  letter  of  the  Hebrew  alphabet.  It  seems 
to  have  been  composed  by  the  mother  of  Lemuel, 
and  intended  to  direct  him  in  the  choice  of  a  wife: 
but  it  contains  many  important  lessons  to  various 
descriptions  of  persons  in  every  age.  The  inter- 
rogation implies  both  the  scarceness  of  such  vir- 
tuous women,  and  the  happiness  of  him  who  had 
found  one  for  his  wife.  (JVb<e*,  12:4.  18:22.  19: 
14.  Ec.  7:23—28,  v.  28.)  The  word  (S^n),  render- 
ed virtuous,  may  imply  both  health  and  mental 
endowments,  as  well  as  the  good  dispositions  and 
conduct  of  the  person  described.  'The  word  sig- 
'ni6es  both  strength,  (or  rather  courage,)  and 
^riches,  and  virlxK.  ...  And  in  the  description  of 
'fitting  persons  for  the  magistracy,  Jethro  in  gen- 
*eral  saith  they  should  be  anschee  cfiajil,  {Ex.  18: 
♦21.)  which  we  translate  able  men;  and  then  fol- 
*lows  more  particularly  wherein  their  ability 
'.should  consist,  "Such  as  fear  God,  men  of  truth, 
♦hating  covetousness:"  I  take  therefore  the  word 
♦to  include  a  great  fear  of  God  (mentioned  after- 
'wards,  v.  30.)  which  is  so  powerful,  as  to  endue 
♦one  with  courage  to  do  well,  when  piety  is  con- 


20  ^  She  t  stretcheth  out  her  hand  to 
the  poor;  yea,  '^  she  reacheth  forth  her 
hands  to  the  needy. 

21  She  is  not  "^  afraid  of  the  snow  for 
her  household;  for  all  her  household  are 
clothed  with  h  scarlet. 

22  She  maketh  herself  ®  coverings  of 
tapestry;  her  '^  clothing  is  silk  and  purple. 

23  Her  ^  husband  is  known  *"  in  the 
gates,  when  he  sitteth  among  the  elders 
of  the  land. 

24  She  *  maketh  fine  linen,  and  selleth 
it;  and  delivereth  girdles  unto  the  mer- 
chant. 

25  ^  Strength  and  honor  are  her  cloth- 
ing;   '  and    she  shall  rejoice   in  time  to 


™  openeth  her  mouth  with  wis- 
"  in   her  tongue  is  the  law  of 


come. 

26  She 
dom;  and 
kindness. 

27  She  °  looketh  well  to  the  ways  of 
her  household,  and  eateth  not  the  bread 
of  idleness. 


b  1:24.  Rom.  10:21. 
J  Heb.  spreadeth. 
c  19:17.    22:9.     Job    31:16—20. 

Ps.  41:1.      112:9.     Ec.    11:1,2. 

Mark  14:7.     Acts  9:39—41.  20: 

34,35.  Eph.  4:28.    Heb.  13:16. 
d  25:20. 
^  Or,   double  garments.     Gen. 

45:22. 
e  7:16. 
f  Gen.  41:42.  marg.  Esth.  5:1. 

8:15.     Ps.  45:13,14.    Ez.  16:10 

—  13.     1  Pet.  3:3,4. 
S  12:4. 
h   24:7.       Deut.    16:18.     21:19. 

Ruth  4:1,2.     Job  29:7. 
i  13,19.    1  Kings  10:28.    Ez.  27: 

16.    Luke  16:19. 
k  Job  29:14.    40:10.     Ps.  132:9, 


16.     Is.   61:10.       Rom.    ]3:lf 

Eph.  4:24.  1  Tim.  2: 10.   1  Pel. 

5:5,6.  I 

1    Ps.   97:11,12.       Is.   65:13,11. 

Matt.  25:20,21.  ' 

ra  8,9.  Judg.  13:23.      1  Sam.2fc 

24—31.      2  Sam.  20:16— 22.,'2 

Kings  22:15—20.      Esth.  4tf. 

5:8.    7:3—6.    8:3—6.     Lukel: 

38,42—56.     Acts  18:26.     Epll. 

4:29.     Col.  4:5,6. 
n  12:18.    16:24.25:15.    Gen.  34: 

18—20.  Cant.  2:14.  4:11.  Mil. 

2:6.     Acts   16:15.     1  Pet.  3:1, 

4,5,8,9.  I 

0  14:1.     1  Thes.  4:11.    2  This. 

3:6—12.      1   Tiro.   5:10,13,M- 

Tit.  2:4,5. 


'temned,  nay,  laughed  at  and  abused.'    Bp.  Pai- 
j  rick. — The  same  word  is  used  when  Boaz  saj's  to 
I  Ruth,  "All  the  city  of  my  people  do  know  that 
j  thou  art  a  virtuous  woman;"  {Ruth  3:11.)   where 
I  the  context  seems  to  fix  the  meaning:  for  her  un- 
blemished character,   her  piety  and  virtue  must 
be  especially  intended. — The  character  is  drawn 
with  reference  to  the  usages  of  those  days;    but 
the  general  outlines  are  equally  suitable  to  every 
age  and  nation.     Perhaps  it  was  no  more  than  an 
ideal  picture  of  feminine  excellence;  and  living 
characters  were  to  be  estimated  according  to  the 
degree  in  which  they  resembled  it. — Above  ru- 
bies.]   Marg.  Ref.  n. 

V.  11.  The  husband  of  such  a  wife,  would  so 
entirely  confide  in  her  conjugal  fidelity  and  in  her 
prudent  management,  that  he  could  have  no  jeal- 
ousy of  her,  but  would  trust  all  his  domestic  con- 
cerns to  her  without  reserve.  (J^Totes,  2  Kings  4: 
8—10,23.  1  Pet.  3:1-7.)  And  every  thing  being 
conducted  with  economy,  he  would  not  be  tempt- 
ed to  unjust  methods  of  getting  gain;  as  they  often 
are  whose  affairs  are  deranged,  and  whose 
substance  is  wasted,  by  an  extravagant  wo- 
man. 

V.  12.  'She  will  not  only  endeavor  to  answer 
'his  love,  with  an  equal  affection,  but  to  provoke 
'and  excite  it  by  pleasing  him  in  every  thing;  and 
'avoiding  whatsoever  is  ungrateful  to  him;  nay, 
'by  deserving  well  of  him,  and  studying  to  pro- 
'mote  the  interest  of  him  and  his  family,  and  to 
'maintain  his  honor  and  reputation:  and  that  not 
I  ^only  by  fits,  and  in  a  good  humor,  but  all  the 

[581 


B.  C.  720. 


PROVERBS. 


B.  C.  720. 


28  Her  p  children  arise  up,  and  call 
her  blessed;  i  her  husband  also,  and  he 
praiseth  her. 

29  Many  daughters  have  *  done  virtu- 
ously, but  ''thou  excellest  them  all. 

30  ^  Favor  is  deceitful,  and  beauty  is 

"  '"      "     ■  Eph.  5:27, 


p  I.     1  Kings  2:19.     Ps.  116:16, 

2  Tim.  1:5.   3:15—17. 
q    Cant.     7:1—9.       Is.     62:4,5. 

marg. 
*  Or,  gotten  riches. 


r  Cant.  6:8,9. 

6:25,  11:22.  2  Sam.  14:25. 
Esth.  1:11,12.  Ez.  16:15. 
Jam.  1:11.      1  Pet.  1:24. 


'days  of  her  life;  even  after  he  is  dead,  if  she  sur- 
'vive  him.'    Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  13 — 29.  Though  we  are  led  to  conceive  of 
this  "virtuous  woman,"  as  of  one  in  a  superior 
station,  and  such  a  wife  as  Lemuel  would  be  hap- 
py in  finding;  yet  she  is  described  as  peculiarly 
industrious,  and  as  taking  pleasure  even  in  man- 
ual labor;  rising  early  to  superintend  her  house- 
hold, that  all  might  have  their  provisions  in  due 
time,  in  order  to  their  attendance  on  their  several 
employments.  Her  wool,  flax,  spindle,  and  distaff 
are  mentioned  to  her  honor;  while  the  delicacy 
and  ornaments  of  the  daughters  of  Zion,  are  by  the 
prophet  recorded  to  their  shame.  (JVotes,  Is.  3: 
3  6 — 26.)  By  her  diligence  and  good  management, 
this  "virtuous  woman"  is  represented,  as  able  to 
provide  every  thing  in  abundance,  of  the  best 
juality,  and  at  the  best  market;  and  thus,  like 
die  merchants'  "ships,  bringing  her  food  from 
far."  The  gains  of  her  industry  enable  her  to 
jurchase  fields  and  plant  vineyards:  and  in  doing 
Ibis  also  she  manages  her  affairs  with  prUdence 
and  consideration.  She  does  not  shrink  from 
libor;  but  as  exercise  gives  her  strength,  so  she 
readily  exerts  it  in  any  profitable  employment. 
She  takes  care  that  all  she  has  to  dispose  of  be 
completed  in  the  best  manner;  and  that  all  which 
she  buys  be  good  of  the  kind:  and  though  she 
arose  early,  yet  tasting  the  pleasure  and  profit  of 
industry,  she  is  not  inhaste  to  retire  to  rest,  but 
spends  the  evening  after  it  is  dark  in  useful  occu- 
pations; nay,  the  whole,  or  a  great  part  of  the 
night,  when  the  case  requires  it.  Yet  her  dili- 
gence springs  not  from  covetousness:  but  she  de- 
sires to  have  enough,  and  to  spare  for  the  poor; 
while  her  charity  is  maintained  by  her  industry 
and  frugality.  Her  family  are  prepared  for  the 
inclemency  of  the  winter,  by  having  double  gar- 
ments, [marg.)  or  changes  of  raiment;  clothes  in 
plenty,  and  suitable  to  their  stations:  her  own 
clothing  is  good,  and  becoming  her  rank,  but  of  her 
own  manufacturing:  and  her  husband  is  known 
among  the  assembled  elders,  by  his  decent  and 
respectable  appearance,  and  by  his  cheerful  as- 
pect: and  besides  all  this  plenty,  she  disposes  of 
many  valuable  articles  to  the  merchants.  Thus 
her  health  and  vigor  of  mind  are  preserved;  her 
reputation  is  established;  and  her  life  is  spent  in 
so  useful  a  manner,  that  she  will  be  enabled  in 
time  to  come  to  reflect  upon  it  with  comfort.  Her 
conversation  also  is  prud-^nt  and  pious,  cheerful 
and  friendly:  kindness  dictates,  and  wisdom  di- 
rects, all  she  says;  she  speaks-  according  to  the 
divine  law,  which  requires  love  and  gentleness: 
and  she  neither  wastes  her  own  time  in  idleness, 
nor  allows  any  of  her  household  to  do  so;  nor  yet 
to  want  any  thing  which  is  good  for  them.  Her 
children,  well  educated  and  provided  for,  grow 
up  to  be  a  credit  to  her;  and  repay  her  attention 
by  their  commendations  of  her,  and  their  prayers 
for  her:  and  her  husband,  with  heartfelt  satisfac- 
tion, expatiates  in  her  praises,  saying  with  glad- 
ness of  heart,  "Many  daughters"  of  Adam  and 
Abraham  "have  done  virtuously;  but  thou  ex- 
cellest them  all."  [Marg.  and  Marg.  Re/.)— The 
word  rendered  virtuously  is  the  same  as  is  used 
above.  (10)— Shall  rejoice  in  time  to  come.  (25) 
582] 


vain;    but    ^  a    woman    that   feareth    the 
Lord,  "  she  shall  be  praised. 

31  Give  her  ^  of  the  fruit  of  her 
hands;  ^  and  let  her  own  works  praise 
her  in  the  gates. 


L  1:7.  8:13.  Ex.  1:17,21.  Ps. 
147:11.  Luke  1:6,46—50. 1  Pet. 
3:4,5. 

Kom.  2:29.    1  Cor.  4:5.  1  Pet. 
1:7.  3:4. 


X  16.  11:30.  Ps.  128:2.  Rom. 
6:21,22.     Phil.  4:17. 

y  Mark  14:7—9.  Acts  9:39. 
Rom.  16:1 — i,6,12.  1  Tim.  5: 
25.     Heb.  6:10.    Rev.  14:13. 


jinnN  ail'?  :   dies  postremus,  the  last  day,  or  latter 

day.  [Jfote,Joh  19:23—27,  v.  25.)     A  future  state 
and  the  day  of  judgment  seem  to  be  intended. 

V.  30,  31.  The  favor  and  flattering  attention 
shewn  to  young  women,  on  account  of  external 
embellishments,  or  polite  accompUshments,  or  of 
their  wit,  gaiety,  rank,  or  wealth;  with  all  the  lav- 
ish commendations  and  professions  of  love  made  to 
them;  are  deceitful,  and  will  soon  turn  into  neg- 
lect and  disgust,  if  they  do  not  possess  more  solid 
excellences.  And  "beauty,"  though  so  much 
admired  and  extolled,  is  a  mere  fading  vanity:  it 
adds  nothing  to  present  happiness;  it  often  covers 
and  augments  the  deformity  of  a  worthless  mind; 
it  exposes  the  possessor  to  numberless  snares,  and 
proves  a  dangerous  temptation  to  others:  and  it 
soon  fades,  and  leaves  nothing  but  the  pride  and 
folly  which  it  fostered,  without  any  foundation 
for  esteem  and  durable  affection:  and  those,  who 
marry  a  worthless  woman  on  this  account,  will 
surely  experience  how  vain  it  is.  But  a  woman 
who  fears  God,  and  conscientiously  attends  to  the 
duties  of  her  station,  will  grow  into  the  esteem 
and  affection  of  her  husband,  and  acquire  merited 
and  durable  respect  and  commendation.  Every 
one  ought  to  behave  to  her,  according  to  the  good 
effects  of  her  conduct  to  her  relations  and  the 
community:  and  she  is  worthy  to  be  noticed  with 
commendation  even  in  the  public  assemblies  of 
the  state,  as  one  whose  good  works  render  her 
peculiarly  a  .efulmember  of  society:  and  should 
every  tongue  be  silent,  her  own  conduct  will 
sufficiently  manifest  her  worth,  and  establish  her 
reputation  with  all  competent  judges.  'Thus  is 
'shut  up  this  looking-glass  for  ladies,  which  they 
'are  desired  to  open,  and  dress  themselves  by:  and 
'if  they  do  so,  "their  adorning  will  be  found  to 
'praise,  and  honor,  and  glory,  at  the  appearing  of 
'Jesus  Christ." '  Henry.  [Marg.  Ref. — JVotes, 
11:22.  2  Sam.  ]  4:25— 21.  Esth.  1:10—12.  Ps. 
147:10,11.  £0.12:11—14.  lPe<.3:l— 7.  Rev.  14: 
12,13,  V.  13.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
V.  1—9. 
The  affectionate  instructions  and  counsels  of 
prudent  and  pious  mothers  may  be  as  useful  to 
the  minds  of  their  children,  as  their  tender  care 
of  them,  in  their  infancy,  is  to  their  bodies.  And 
when  we  consider,  that  those  who  occupy  the 
most  important  stations  in  the  community,  often 
receive  the  first  impressions  from  their  mothers, 
which  are  generally  most  durable;  we  shall  per- 
ceive how  much  the  interest  of  mankind  is  con- 
nected with  the  due  performance  of  the  maternal 
dut}';  and  of  what  importance  it  is  that  women  be 
so  educated,  as  to  be  qualified  for  such  a  charge. 
— Those  children,  who  are  early  devoted  unto 
God  in  baptism,  and  by  fervent  prayers,  and  who 
have  been  educated  accordingly,  may  be  exhort- 
ed and  persuaded  upon  that  ground,  in  accession 
to  their  obligations  to  the  affection  and  authority 
of  a  tender  parent;  and  it  behoves  them  to  con- 
sider, what  return  they  will  make  to  such  kind 
friends,  and  what  use  of  their  salutary  admoni- 
tions. Those,  who  have  the  prospect  of  succeed- 
ing to  high  authority,  should  be  educated  and 


B.  C.  720. 


CHAPTER  XXXI. 


B.  C.  720. 


cautioned  with  proportionably  tiie  greater  care, 
because  their  conduct  will  have  so  extensive  an 
effect  upon  others;  and  they  should  especially  be 
warned  against  those  vices,  to  which  they  will 
certainly  be  most  tempted.  Such  noble  and  royal 
youths  are  sure  to  liave  abundance  of  flatterers; 
who  will  persuade  them  that  their  rank  authorizes 
tliem  to  indulge  their  passions,  and  that  they  are 
not  to  be  restricted  like  their  inferiors.  It  is 
therefore  well  for  them  when  they  have  affection- 
ate and  prudent  monitors  to  inculcate  oilier  les- 
sons. For  such  princes,  as  have  "given  their 
strength  to  women"  and  wine;  and  have  inflamed 
their  passions,  vitiated  their  judgments,  and  en- 
feebled both  body  and  mind  by  excesses;  have  not 
only  forgotten  the  law,  perverted  judgment,  and 
become  tyrants,  and  oppressors;  but  they  have 
gone  into  those  ways,  which  have  terminated  in 
their  own  ruin:  and  history  abounds  with  instan- 
ces of  this  kind,  which  are  set  up  as  beacons,  to 
warn  others  to  shun  the  rocks  on  which  they  split. 
On  the  other  hand,  those  who  have  studied  the 
welfare  of  their  people,  and  have  used  their  au- 
thority to  protect  the  innocent  and  to  defend  the 
oppressed,  have  best  secured  their  own  interest, 
establishment,  and  reputation.  But  if  exact  tem- 
perance and  impartial  rectitude  become  kings, 
and  judges,  they  are  equal!}'  requisite  for  the  min- 
isters of  religion:  for  if  they  forget  the  law  of  God, 
or  pervert  his  truth,  the  consequences  will  be  still 
more  dreadful  to  themselves  and  others.  The 
many  awful  instances  there  have  been  of  promis- 
ing men,  who  have  been  disgraced  and  ruined  by 
women  and  wine,  should  warn  every  one,  who 
bears  tiie  sacred  character,  to  avoid  all  approach- 
es to  these  evils,  and  all  appearance  of  them. 
Every  creature  of  God  is  good;  and  strong  drink, 
though  wretchedly  abused,  has  its  use:  but  in- 
stead of  wasting  it  in  excess,  those  who  can  afford 
it  should  dispense  it  to  the  diseased  and  the  wretch- 
ed, that  by  the  moderate  use  of  it  they  may  be  re- 
freshed and  relieved:  "let  them  drink  and  forget 
their  poverty,  and  remember  their  misery  no 
more."  By  the  same  rule,  commendation  and 
consolatory  topics  should  be  used  as  cordials  to 
the  dejected  and  tempted.  But  when  they  are 
administered  to  the  confident  and  self-sufficient, 
they  operate  as  wine  on  those  who  are  already  in 
a  nieasure  intoxicated.  And  by  parity  of  reason, 
since  magistrates  should  plead  as  counsellors  for 
such  as  cannot  plead  for  themselves;  we  should 
all  use  the  gifts  we  possess,  for  the  benefit  of 
others,  to  supply  their  deficiencies,  and  to  pre 
serve  them  from  oppression,  deception,  or  destruc 
tiun. 

V.  10—31. 

As  we  have  repeatedly  in  this  book  been  warn- 
ed against  the  seductions  of  bad  women,  there  is 
a  peculiar  propriety,  in  its  concluding  with  the 
character  and  commendations  of  the  virtuous 
woman;  for  the  confutation  of  such  as  indis- 
criminately censure  the  sex,  and  speak  against 
marriage,  though  it  is  God's  own  institution.  In 
the  fallen  state  of  human  nature,  it  is  no  wonder, 
that  but  few,  either  men  or  women,  are  in  any 
good  measure  what  they  ought  to  be;  and  various 
causes  concur  in  rendering  women  what  they 
ought  not  to  be.  But  it  isof  immense  importance, 
that  a  standard  should  be  fixed,  by  which  all,  who 
regard  the  word  of  God,  may  estimate  the  intrin- 
sic value  of  the  female  character.  Some  there 
are  to  be  found,  who  in  a  good  degree  answer  to 
this  description:  yea,  "many  daughters  have  done 
virtuously;"  every  one  of  them  is  far  more  valua- 
ble than' rubies;    and  happy  is  he,  to  whom  the 


Lord  gives  such  a  prize,  in  a  wife.     While  his 
heart  safely  trusts  in  her,  she  will  do  him  good, 
in  every  sense,  as  long  as  she  lives;  and  conduce 
to  his  comfort,  interest,  credit,  and  safety  from 
snares  and  temptations.     But  when  we  carefully 
consider  this  standard  of  feminine  excellency,  in 
which  conjugal  fidelity,  economy,  industry,  cheer- 
ful attention  to  household  affairs,  and  to  the  good 
government  of  servants,  and  education  of  chil- 
dren, with  a  regard  to  the  interests  of  her  hus- 
band, are  united  with  charity,  piety,  wisdom,  and 
the  fear  of  God;  in  which  avarice  and  extrava- 
gance are  equally  avoided,  and  the  due  distance 
is  preserved  between  penuriousness  and  waste, 
between  ostentation  and  slovenly  neglect;  and  in 
which  no  mention  is  made  of  time  spent  in  those 
vain  amusements  and  decorations,  which  seem 
the  only  business  of  multitudes  who  can  in  any 
way  get  time  and  money  for  them;  but  the  whole 
life"  is  employed,  and  the  thoughts  and  conversa- 
tion occupied,  about  the  duties  to  be  performed  to 
God  and  man:  I  say,  when  this  character  is  well 
considered,  and  contrasted  with  the  admired  and 
accomplished  females  around  us;   the  mind  must 
be  impressed  with  surprise,  and  led  to  many  in- 
teresting  inquiries.      Numbers  in  the  different 
ranks  of  life  may  be  found  any  where,  except  in 
their  own  families,  or  in  the  house  of  God:  they 
are  adorned  with  every  thing,  except  wisdom  and 
grace:  they  affect  to  know  manj'  things,  but  would 
not  even  be  thought  to  understand  those,  which 
!  are  the  proper  duties  of  their  station.     Nay,  they 
leave  even  their  own  offspring  to  the  care  of  mer- 
cenaries^ that  they  may  be  totally  disengaged,  and 
at  liberty  for  vanity  and  dissipation!    But  which  of 
the  two  characters  is  most  amiable,  rational,  or 
useful?     Which  is  the  best  fitted  for  the  important 
duties  of  a  wife  and  mother?     Indeed  the  matter 
admits  not  of  a  question.     At  first  glance  we  per- 
ceive how  much  ancient  simplicity  excelled  mod- 
ern refinement;    and  still  more  clearly,  how  far 
the  wisdom  of  God's  word  surpasses  the  devices  of 
men!    We  cannot  but  lament,  that  the  too  general 
modem  education  of  females  is  such,  as  seems  in- 
tended to  form  them  useless  triflers,  fit  only  to  be 
gazed  upon,  or  made  subservient  to  amusement 
and  pleasure.     And  how  can  they,  who  spend  the 
whole  night  in  dissipation,  the  morning  in  sleep, 
and  the  evening  in  dressing,   "rejoice  in  time  to 
come,"  when  they  review  a  life  so  wretchedly 
wasted?     When  they  grow  old,  it  cannot  be  ex- 
pected, that  the  children,  whom  they  neglected  for 
the  sake  of  the  most,  trivial  pursuits,  will  "arise 
up  and  call  them  blessed:"    and  in  general  the 
hearts  of  their  husbands  can  by  no  means  trust  in 
them;    they  arc  a  grief  and  trouble  to  them  all 
their  days;  and  they  are  frequently  the  only  per- 
sons from  whom  they  receive  no  commendation. 
And  what  the  end  of  a  life  thus  spent  will  be,  if 
also  thus  ended,  needs  not  be  told:    then  at  least 
it  will  be  found,  that  "favor  was  deceitful,  and 
beauty  vain."     But  "a  woman  that  feareth  the 
Lord,"  will  then  receive  due  commendation,  and 
according  to  the  fruit  of  her  hands  it  will  be  given 
her;    and  her  own  works  will  praise  her  in  the 
gates.     Of  this  "honor,  which  cometh  from  God," 
every  one  ought  to  be  ambitious:  and  according  to 
this  standard  we  all  ought  to  regulate  our  judg- 
ments.    With   this  before  their  eyes,  let  pious 
parents  educate  their  children,  especially  their 
daughters;  let  godly  men  nrake  choice  of  wives, 
and  value  them  accordingly:  and  this  description 
let  all  women  daily  study,  who  desire  to  be  dura- 
bly beloved  and  respected,  and  to  fill  up  their 
!  station  in  tlie  community  in  a  useful  and  honora- 
ble manner. 

[583 


THE 


BOOK  OF  ECCLESIASTES. 


The  name  of  this  book  is  taken  from  the  Septuagint,  and  is  a  Greek  word  signifymg  a  preacher,  or 
one  who  harangues  a  pubhc  congregation.  The  Hebrew  name  (nSnp)  may  either  mean,  the 
person  who  assembles  the  people,  or  he  who  addresses  them  when  assembled.— The  book  is  gen- 
erallv  ascribed  to  Solomon:  and  it  can  scarcely  be  doubted,  that  the  tradition  of  the  Jews  is  well 
"•rounded;  namely,  that  Solomon  wrote  it,  when  brought  to  deep  repentance  for  the  atrocious 
crimes  "into  which  he  had  been  seduced  by  his  idolatrous  wives  and  concubines.— Certain  it  is, 
cither  that  Solomon  was  the  writer;  or  that  some  other  person  wrote  it,  as  assuming  his  character: 
for  manv  things  ia  it  are  so  peculiarly  appropriate  to  Solomon,  that  no  other  man  who  ever  lived 
could  truly  speak  them.  (1:12,16.  2:4-10.  7:^5-28.  12:9.)  But  it  would  be  very  absurd  to  sup- 
pose, that  any  inspired  writer  would  use  a  feigned  name  and  character. -'Grotius  finds  some 
'wo-ds  in  this  book,  that  are  not  to  be  met  withal,  but  in  Daniel  and  Ezra,  and  the  Chaldee  inter- 
'ureters-  which  makes  it  probable,  he  thinks,  that  it  was  written  after  their  captivity  in  Babylon. 
'But  supposing  Solomon  to  write  here  as  a  penitent,  after  he  had  frequented  the  company  of  many 
'outlandish  women,  (of  whom  we  read,  1  Kings  11:1,2.)  it  need  not  seem  strange  to  us  that  he  had 
'learned  the  use  of  many  of  their  words.  ...  Besides,  in  other  books  of  scripture  there  are  words, 
'for  the  signification  of  which  we  are  fain  to  have  resort  unto  other  languages,  and  par  icularly 
'the  Arabic:  ...  and  yet,  for  all  that,  might  be  pure  Hebrew,  according  to  the  language  which  was 
'then  spoken.'  Bp.  Patrick.— The  nature  of  this  book,  which  is  properly  a  sermon  on  a  special 
occasion,  precludes  the  expectation  of  prophecies  in  it:  nor  is  there  any  express  quotation  from  it 
or  reference  to  it,  in  the  oilier  scriptures,  especially  in  the  New  Testament,  as  far  as  I  can  recol- 
lect or  discover:  yet,  it  is  indisputable,  that  it  formed  a  part  of  the  sacred  Canon  in  the  time  of 
our  Lord;  and  the  instruction  it  contains,  when  well  understood,  appears  entirely  to  coincide  with 
the  writings  both  of  the  prophets  and  apostles.-Detached  passages  indeed,  have  been  considered 
as  conta  nfng  unscriptural  doctrine,  and  even  such  as  leads  to  skepticism  ^I^^^'^^^lf^lZ'l.l^s 
no  doubt  superficial  and  carnally-minded  men  may  "wrest  them,  as  they  do  the  other  Bcnptures 
to  their  own  destruction:"  but  they  all  admit  of  a  sound  and  useful  interpretation,  when  accurately 
invest  gated,  and  when  the  general  scope  of  the  book  is  attended  to.  'The  tendency  of  this  book  is 
'Sfent!  when  rightly  understood:  and  Solomon  speaks  in  it  with  great  clearness  of  the  revealed 
'truths  of  k  future  state,  and  universal  judgment.'  Grefs  Key. -It  is  evidentlv  an  mquiry  after  the 
SK-ooJ,  or  what  can  make  man  happy:  an  inquiry  which  the  m^^t  learned,  sagacious,  a^d.n- 
genloSs  pagan  philosophers  often  made,  but  never  could  solve.  Yet  the  inspired  preacher  has  sat- 
Sorily  and  finally  settled  it,  not  merely  by  authority  or  argument,  but  by  the  result  of  his  own 
expeSnts  A  more  unexceptionable  decision  cannot  be  conceived,  whether  Solomon's  great- 
SSsa^d  prosperity,  his  wisdom^nd  knowledge,  or  his  advantages  for  makmg  these  experiments^ 
and  iSduity  in  hem,  be  considered.-He  had  evidently  two  objects  in  view.  First,  to  shew 
whefhappS  could  not  be  found;  and  secondly,  where  it  might.  'Whatsoever.s  vam  and  perj^Bhing 
'cannot  make  men  happy.  But  all  men's  designs  in  this  world  are  vain  and  perishing;  therefore 
'S^evcan^obrprosecuting  such  designs  make  themselves  happy.  ...  That  which  can  make  a 
'man's  mind  quiet,  still,  and  calm,  both  in  life  and  death;  that  alone  can  make  him  happy  Now 
'Hil  t  he  fear^f  t  le  Lo;d  can  do  for  him,  and  this  alone:  therefore  t  us  and  nothing  else,  will  make 
'1  im  a  happy  man.'  Bp.  Patrick.-The  first  six  chapters  are  principally  employed  on  the  former 
iS  of  the  aru.nent;^n  which  is  shewn  the  vanity  of  knowledge  and  wisdom,  (apart  from  true 
el  lion  of  r^irth  and  pleasure,  of  magnificence,  prosperity,  power,  and  wealth:  yet  some  coun- 
spSe  hereTnterspersed,  tending  to  shew  how  the  vanity,  or  at  least  the  vexation,  of  each  may 
tfablted  and  aTsoP^ntimLtions  are  afforded,  that  wisdom  is  far  preferable  to  all  other  acquisitions 
and  that  a  cheerful  use  of  providential  blessings  is  much  better  than  covetousness.-In  the  second 
and  tliatacneeiiui  u  e       y  o-eneral  object  of  the  writer  is  gradually  unfolded;  and 

part,  from  tbe  end  of  the  ^^^ns  r  JS  on   arf  g^^^^^^  hoV  to  make  the  best  of  things  as  we  find  them, 
many  ''{^PO'-t^^VortaK  and  useft^  and  how  to  derive  benefit  from  the  changing 

^'°""  ''nn^fp  HerSeed  ?1  f  S  PreLhe  '  rometimes  pauses,  to  shew  the  vanity  of  the  several 
S;  i  w-hTcl  he  Ltoccaroit'o  discourse:  yet,  this  pa'rt  is  chiefly  employed  in  teaching  us 
whe?e  and  how  to  seek  present  comfort  and  final  happiness.  In  respect  of  outward  th  ngs  the 
sicred  m-iter°nculcates  a  cheerful,  liberal,  and  charitable  use  of  them;  ^'th°ut  expecting  to  de- 
?-tve  from  them  any  permanent  or  satisfactory  delight.  Yet  he  counsels  us  to  take  the  ti  ansient 
rasure  Siireeable  circumstances  ca^i  afford  as  far  ^^^--^s with  the  fear  of^^^^^^^^ 
•ol^lnn-  tobe  Orient  under  unavoidable  evils;  not  to  aim  at  perilous,  arduou^,  or  impracticaDie 
c£"e^;  tofi/upthestSi^  allotted  u.,  in  a  Peacoable,  equitable,  and  prudent  mannei^^o^^^^ 
cSenl^d    meek%nd  affectionate;  to  do   &ocJ  abundantly,  and  to  persevere  in ^^^^^^^^^  Ue 

by  he  mTscoiductof  men  in  these  particulars  -But  the  7"<^l"-«;j;^«f  ,^^4^,^tabS^  m-epar^ 
"Fear  God  and  keep  his  commandments;  for  this  is  the  whole  of  man:'    thus  habitually  pi  epare 

584] 


CHAPTER  I. 

'for  deatli  and  judgment,  which  will  surely  and  speedily  arrive.'  In  fact,  it  is  evident,  that  Sol- 
omon shews  the  vanity  and  vexation  of  all  those  things,  from  which  idolatrous  and  apostate  men 
men  seek  happiness,  in  order  to  recommend  the  substantial  blessing  of  true  religion:  and  that, 
however  some  parts  of  his  doctrine  militate  against  the  traditions  of  men,  or  the  impositions  of 
Antichrist;  none  of  them,  when  fairly  interpreted,  and  compared  with  the  context,  will  be  found 
inconsistent  with  the  doctrines  and  precepts  of  Christ  and  his  apostles,  but  coincident  with  them, 
in  all  the  grand  outlines  of  truth  and  duty. 


B.  C.  975. 


CHAP.  I. 


The  writer  and  subject  of  the  book,  1,  2.  The  vanity  of  eartlily 
things  illustrated  by  the  shortness  of  life;  the  restless  motions 
of  the  sun,  wind,  and  waters;  the  correspondent  toil  of  man; 
and  the  want  of  satisfaction,  and  of  novelty,  experienced  in 
every  thing,  3 — 11.  The  writer  shews  his  royal  authority,  his 
pursuit  of  wisdom,  and  the  vexation  that  be  found  in  it,  12 — 13. 

THE    words  of  *  the  Preacher,  the 
son  of  David,  ^  king  of  Jerusalem. 

2  Vanity  of  vanities,  saith  the  Preach- 
er, •=  vanity  of  vanities;  all  is  vanity. 

3  What  ^  profit  hath  a  man  of  all  his 
labor,  which  he  taketh  ^  under  the  sun? 

4  One  ^  generation  passe th  away,  and 
another  generation  conieth;  s  but  the 
earth  abideth  for  ever. 

5  The  ''  sun  also  ariseth,  and  the  sun 
goeth  down,  '  and  *  hasteth  to  his  place 
where  he  arose. 


a  12.  7:27.     12:8—10.     Neh.  6: 

7.    Ps.  40:9.   Is.  61:1.  Jon.  3:2. 

2  Pet.  2:5. 
b  12.     1  Kings  11:42,43.  2Chr. 

9:30.   10:17—19. 
C  2:11,15,17,19,21,23,26.      3:19. 

4:4,8,16.    5:10.    6:11.     11:8,10. 

12:8.    Ps.  39:5,6.  62:9,10.   144: 

4.    Rom.  8:20. 
d  2:22.  3:9.  5:16.     Prov.  23:4,5. 

Is.  55:2.     Hab.  2:13,18.   Matt. 

16:26.    Mark  8:36,37.    John  6: 

27. 


e  2:11,19.    4:3,7.    5:13.   6:12.  7: 

11.  8:15—17.  9:3,6,13. 
f  6:12.     Gen.  5:3—31.     11:10— 

32.  36:9,&c.  47.9.     Ex.  1:6,7. 

6:16,&c.    Ps.  89:47,48.  90:9,10. 

Zech.  1:5. 
g  Ps.  102:24—23.  104:5.   119:90, 

91.    Matt.  24:35.     2  Pet.  3:10 

—13. 
h  Gen.  3:22.     Ps.   19:4—6.  89: 

36,37.   104:19—23.    Jer.  33:20. 
i  Josh.  10:13,14.    Hab.  3:11. 
*  Heb.  panteth.   Ps.  42:1. 


NOTES. 
Chap.  I.  V.  1.  The  word,  rendered  "Preach- 
er," has  a  feminine  termination,  though  it  is  used 
both  with  a  masculine  and  a  feminine  verb:  but  the 
connexion,  in  several  places,  confines  the  mean- 
ing of  it  to  the  speaker,  and  not  the  discourse.  In 
its  general  meaning  it  signifies  one  who  gathereth; 
that  is,  one  that  collects  the  people  together  into 
a  congregation,  in  order  to  instruct  them. — As 
Solomon,  in  the  preceding  book,  spake  in  the 
name  of  Wisdom,  (which  is  feminine  in  the  orig- 
inal,] it  seems  most  obvious  to  consider  him,  as 
spealcing  in  the  same  or  a  similar  character;  if 
the  feminine  termination  of  the  original  word  be 
at  all  regarded.  [JVole,  Prov.  1:20.)  The  name 
of  Solomon  indeed  is  not  mentioned  in  the  book: 
but  no  other  son  of  David  reigned  in  Jerusalem 
over  Israel:  (12)  Solomon's  sticccssors  were  call- 
ed kings  of  Judah,  as  distinguished  from  the  kings 
of  Israel,  or  of  the  revolted  ten  tribes;  and  many 
things  in  the  book  can  suit  none  but  Solomon. — 
'These  are  the  words  of  him,  who  thought  the 
'name  of  a  preacher,  or  public  instructer  of  God's 
^people,  ...  no  less  honorable  than  that  of  the  son 
'of  king  David,  whom  he  succeeded  in  his  throne.' 
Bp.  PaLrlck. — 'Solomon  is  here  called  a  preach- 
'er,  or  one  that  assembleth  the  people,  because  of 
'his  teaching  the  true  Icnowledge  of  God;  and 
'how  men  ought  to  pass  their  life  in  this  transitory 
'world.' 
V.  2.  Tliis  abrupt  proposal  of  his  subject 
Vol.  UI.  •  74 


B.  C.  975. 

C  The  ^  wind  goeth  toward  the  south, 

and  turneth  about  unto  the  north:  it  whirl- 

eth  about  continually;   and   the  wind  re- 

turneth  again  according  to  his  circuits. 

7  All  '  the  rivers  run  into  the  sea;  yet 
the  sea  is  not  full:  unto  the  place  from 
whence  the  rivers  come,  thither  they 
t  return  again. 

8  All  things  are  ™  full  of  labor;  °  man 
cannot  utter  it:  °  the  eye  is  not  satisfied 
with  seeing,  nor  the  ear  filled  with  hear- 
ing. 

9  The  thing  p  that  hath  been,  it  is  that 
which  shall  be;  and  that  which  is  done, 
is  that  which  shall  be  done:  i  and  there  is 
no  new  thing  under  the  sun. 

10  Is  there  any  thing  whereof  it  may 
be  said,  See,  this  is  new.''  ""  it  hath  been 
already  of  old  time,  which  was  before  us. 


k  Job   37:9,17.     Ps.   107:25,29. 

Jon.  1:4.  Matt.  7:24— 27.  John 

3:8.    Acts  27:13— 15. 
1  Job  38:10,11.   Ps.  104:6—9. 
f  Heb.  7-eturn  to  go. 
m  2:11,26.     Matt.  11:28.    Rom. 

8:22,23. 
n  4:1—4.  7:24—26. 
o4:8.  5:10,11.  Ps.  63:5.     Prov. 


30:15,16.     Matt.  5:6.     Rev.  7: 

16,17. 
p3:15.     2  Pet.  2:1. 
q  Is.  43:19.    Jer.  31:22.     Rev. 

21:1,5. 
r  Matt.  5:12.    23:30—32.     Luke 

17:26 — 30.      Acts   7:51,52.     1 

Thes.  2:14—16.     2  Tim.  3:8. 


shews  how  full  Solomon's  heart  was,  and  how  de- 
sirous to  impress  the  reader  forcibly  with  it.  He 
does  not  say.  All  things  are  vain:  but  that  they 
are  vanity  in  the  abstract;  j^ea,  vanity  of  vanities, 
one  complex  vanity,  constituted  of  numberless 
vanities:  and  this  he  repeats,  to  shew  the  cer- 
tainty of  it,  and  his  assurance  that  the  whole  is 
unmixed  vanity,  and  nothing  else.  All  created 
good,  abstracted  from  its  connexion  with  the  love 
and  service  of  God,  is  unsuitable  and  insufficient 
to  make  us  happy,  or  to  do  any  thing  effectual  to- 
wards it:  every  enjoyment  is  unsatisfactorj',  un- 
certain, and  transient;  and  there  is  nothing  per- 
manent or  stable  to  be  found.  As  God  created 
them,  all  things  were  good,  and  suitable  for  the 
end  which  he  intended:  but  as  apostate  man  per- 
verts and  idolizes  them,  puts  them  out  of  their 
place,  and  expects  that  from  them  which  is  not  in 
them,  they  prove  empty,  and  vanish  in  disappoint- 
ment and  vexation. — 'Me  condemneth  the  opin- 
'ions  of  all  men,  who  set  felicity  in  any  thing  but 
■God  alone;  seeing  that  in  this  world  all  things 
'areas  vanity  and  nothing.'  [Marg.  Ref. — J^otes, 
12:8—14.  Ps.  39:5,6.  62:8—10.  89:46—48.  90:3— 
L).  144:3,4.  JRo?n.  8:18—23.) 

V.  3.  "In  all  labor  there  is  profit,''  whilst 
earthly  things  are  subordinated  to  heavenly:  but 
when  a  man  disturbs  that  order,  no  solid  good  ac- 
crues to  him  from  all  his  care  and  toil.  The  am- 
bitious, tlie  covetous,  the  sensual,  nay  ihe studious, 
labor  for  a  bubble,  a  shadow,  a  chimera,  which 

[585 


B.  C.  975. 


ECCLESIASTES. 


B.  C.  975 


1 1  There  ^  is  no  remembrance  of  for- 
mer things;  neither  shall  there  be  any 
remembrance  of  things  that  are  to  come, 
with  those  that  shall  come  after. 

[Practical  Ohservations.] 

12  II  I  Uhe  Preacher  was  king  over 
Israel  in  Jerusalem: 

13  And  "  I  gave  my  heart  to  seek  and 
search  out  by  wisdom  concerning  all 
things  that  are  done  under  heaven:  ^  this 
sore  travail  hath  God  given  to  the  sons 
of  man,  *  to  be  exercised  therewith. 

14  1  have  y  seen  all  the  works  that  are 
done  under  the  sun;  and,  behold,  all  is 
vanity  and  vexation  of  spirit. 

15  That  which  is  ^  crooked  cannot  be 

Ps.  9:6.     Is.  41:22— 26, 


s  3:16, 

42:9. 
t  See  on  1. — 1  Kings  4:1. 
U  17.  7:25.  8:9,16,17.  Ps.  111:2. 

Prov.  2:2—4.  4:7.  18:1,15.  23: 

26.    1  Tim.  4:15. 
x3:10.  4:4.   12:12.  Gen.  3:19. 


*  Or,  to  afflict  them. 

y  17,13.  2:11,17,26.     1  Kings  4: 

30—33.  Ps.  39:5,6. 
z   3:14.    7:13.      Job  34:29.     Is. 

40:4.     Lam.  3:37.     Dan.  4:35. 

Matt.  6:27. 


soon  vanishes  and  leaves  them  in  darkness  and  de- 
spair. [Marg.  Ref.—JS'otes,  2:18—23.  5:13—17. 
Prm.  23:4,5.  Is.  55:1— 3.  Matt.  16:24—28,  v.  26.) 
— Under  the  sun.]    Marg,  Ref.  e. 

V.  4 — n.  The  earth  indeed,  and  its  produc- 
tions and  affairs,  ahide  nearly  the  same  through 
successive  ages;  but  it  is  continually  shifting  its 
inhabitants:  and  what  are  they  the  better  for  all 
they  possessed  on  earth,  when  swept  away  to  make 
room  for  another  generation.'  [Marg.  Ref.  f,  g — 
JVbto, 6: 11,12. P.  O.Gen.5:JVote,Ps.  102:25—28.) 
The  swift  approach  of  death  is  alone  sufficient  to 
prove  the  vanity  of  a  portion  in  this  world.  But 
the  incessant  motion  of  the  sun,  which  notwith 
standing  is  but  where  he  was  yesterday,  or  last 
year,  at  this  time;  the  shifting  of  the  wind  from 
one  point  to  anotlier,  and  then  back  again;  and 
the  speedy  current  of  the  rivers  to  join  the  ocean, 
which  yet  is  not  filled  with  them,  but  returns 
them  in  various  ways  to  water  the  earth,  to  feed 
the  springs,  and  to  supply  the  rivers;  are  so  many 
emblems  of  man's  restless  state  in  this  world,  and 
lessons  to  him  to  spend  his  span  of  life  in  doing 
the  will  of  his  Creator,  and  in  serving  his  genera- 
tion. (Marg.Ref.h—l.—J\'otes,  Gen.  1:9.  Ps. 
104:6—12.  John  3:7,0.)  All  things  here  are 
full  of  toil  and  labor,  which  man  cannot  describe, 
explain,  or  account  for:  and  after  all  his  labors, 
he  is  no  nearer  finding  rest  than  the  sun,  the 
wind,  or  the  current  of  the  river;  but  is  hastening 
to  the  dust  whence  he  set  out:  and  tlien  his  soul 
will  find  no  rest,  if  he  have  not  sought  it  in  and 
from  God.  Nay,  the  eye,  though  wearied  and 
worn  out  with  seeing,  and  the  ear  with  hearing, 
are  not  satisfied:  every  thing  satiates  the  senses 
and  appetites,  and  palls  them  with  sameness  and 
tedious  repetition;  and  yet  leaves  them  dissatis- 
fied and  craving.  {Marg.  Ref.  m — o. — J^Totes, 
4:7,8.5:9—12.  Prov.  30:15,16.)  Thus  men  go 
on  from  age  to  age:  we  find  the  world  the  same 
as  our  ancestors  did,  and  shall  leave  it  the  same 
to  our  posterity;  and  all  the  new  inventions  and 
discoveries,  that  men  boast  of,  are  unreal  or  im- 
material. Many  things  are  deemed  new  through 
ignorance;  men  not  beirg  aware,  that  the  same 
truths  were  known,  the  same  errors  contended 
for,  the  same  objects  pursued,  and  the  same  plans 
adopted,  in  former  ages,  as  at  present.  The 
learned  often  know  this  to  be  the  case:  and  prob- 
ably it  would  be  found  to  be  so  in  still  more 
things,  if  the  records  of  antiquity  had  not  been 
lost  or  mutilated.     In  particular,  he  who  is  but 


586] 


made  straight:  and  that  which  is  t  wanting 
cannot  be  numbered. 

16  1^  communed  with  mine  own  heart, 
saying,  ^  Lo,  I  am  come  to  great  estate, 
and  have  gotten  more  wisdom  than  alj 
they  that  have  been  before  me  in  Jerusa- 
lem: yea,  my  heart  had  H  great  experi- 
ence of  wisdom  and  knowledge. 

1 7  And  *=  I  gave  my  heart  to  know 
wisdom,  and  to  know  madness  and  folly: 
*^  I  perceived  that  this  also  is  vexation  of 
spirit. 

18  For  ®in  much  wisdom  is  much 
grief;  and  he  that  increaseth  knowledge 
increaseth  sorrow. 


f  Heb.  defect. 

a  2  Kings  5:20.     Ps.  4:4.    81:6. 

Is.  10:7—14.     Jer.  22:14.    Ez. 

38:10,11.    Dan.  4:30. 
b   2:9.     1  Kings   3:12,13.    4:30. 

10:7,23,24.      2  Chr.    1:10—12. 

2:12.  9:22,23. 


J  Heb.  seeyi  much.  Heb.  5:14. 
c   See  on  13.-2:3,12.    7:23—26. 

1  Thes.  5:21. 
d  2:10,11. 
e2:15.  7:16.    12:12,13.     Job  28: 

28.     1  Cor.  3:18—20.    Jam.  3; 

13—17. 


moderately  acquainted  with  ecclesiastical  history, 
will  scarcely  find  one  modification  of  religious 
opinion,  amidst  the  endless  variety  of  modern 
days,  which  may  not  be  matched  with  something 
of  the  same  kind  in  ancient  times.  Upon  the 
whole,  it  is  the  same  scene  over  and  over  again: 
so  that  there  is  scarcely  any  thing,  of  which  it 
may  be  said,  "See,  this  is  new:"  but  "it  hath 
been  already"  in  old  times,  though  there  may  be 
no  remembrance  of  former  things:  and  thus  in 
like  manner,  many  modern  inventions  and  con- 
clusions will  hereafter  be  exploded  and  forgotten. 
It  is,  however,  certain  that  nothing  new  has  been 
discovered,  which  can  prevent  the  world  from 
being  that  same  vain,  vexatious  place,  that  it  was 
in  former  ages.     (Marg.  Ref.  q — v. ) 

V.  12 — 18.  After  this  exordium,  the  preacher 
proceeds  to  a  more  particular  account  of  himselr 
and  his  subject.  Being  "king  over  Israel  in  Je- 
rusalem," (JVbie,  1.)  he  desired  wisdom  and 
knowledge,  in  order  to  a  proper  discharge  of  his 
high  and  important  trust:  (Jfote,  1  Kings  3:8 — 
14.)  and  he  applied  himself  heartily,  and  with  all 
the  powers  of  his  capacious  understanding,  to 
learn  every  thing  which  had  "been  done  undei 
heaven,"  as  far  as  it  was  discoverable  by  him. 
For  God  has  so  ordered  it,  that  even  knowledge 
must  be  acquired  with  painful  and  wearisome  la- 
bor, by  the  sons  of  men;  which,  however,  tends  to 
exercise  and  emploj-  their  minds  in  a  salutary 
manner,  and  serves  to  humble  them,  as  some  ren- 
der the  words.  (13.  marg.)  Or  the  clause  may 
mean,  that  Solomon  searched  out  the  nature 
and  causes  of  that  "sore  labor  and  travail,"  with 
which  God  exercises  the  children  of  men.  The  re- 
sult of  this  inquiry  however  was,  that  when  he  had 
considered  "ail  the  works  done  under  the  sun," 
he  found  them  to  be,  not  only  "vanity,"  but 
"vexation  of  spirit:"  anxious  cares  and  insipid 
pleasures  ending  in  bitter  disappointments.  For 
no  human  power,  sagacity,  or  industiy,  can  rec- 
tify the  crookedness  of  men's  dispositions  and  be- 
havior, or  even  his  own;  or  exempt  worldly  en- 
joyments from  vanity;  or  supply,  or  even  number 
up,  those  things  which  are  wanting  to  felicit)'. 
[Marg.  Ref.  t — z.)  Concerning  these  subjects 
Solomon  "spake  with  his  own  heart."  [Jfote,  Ps. 
4:3 — 5,  V.  4.)  He  pondered  them  in  his  mind  with 
serious  attention:  and,  considering  that  he  had 
both  riches,  authority,  capacity,  and  leisure,  he 
was  determined  to  examine  critically  the  differ- 
ent pursuits,  from  which  men  expected  happiness. 


I 


B.  C.  975. 


CHAPTER  II. 


B.  C.  975. 


CHAP.  n. 

Solomon  shews,  from  his  own  experiments  and  reflections,  the 
vanity  and  vexation  of  mirth,  pleasure,  riches,  and  magnifi- 


[jYotes,  1  Kings  4:29—34.  10:24—27.)  In  the 
first  place  he  purposed  to  examine  the  difference 
between  the  enjoj^ments  of  such  as  sought  knowl- 
edge, and  studied  the  rules  of  prudence  and  nat- 
ural wisdom;  and  the  pleasures  of  those  who  lived 
at  their  ease,  and  minded  nothing  but  sensual 
mirth  and  indulgence;  which  was  generally 
deemed  to  be  "madness  and  folly,"  and  yet  had 
many  advocates.  But  he  found  the  very  investi- 
gation of  the  subject  to  be  vexatious;  and  he  was 
convinced,  that  there  was  no  solid  satisfaction  on 
either  side.  For  even  the  pursuit  of  knowledge 
and  wisdom  only  made  distressing  discoveries  to 
him  of  man's  wickedness  and  misery:  so  that  the 
more  he  knew,  the  more  he  saw  cause  to  lament 
and  mourn  over;  and  at  the  same  time  the  in- 
crease of  knowledge  rendered  the  mind  more 
susceptible  of  painful  feelings,  and  aggravated 
the  guilt  of  him  who  continued  impenitent. 
(Jfarg.Ref.  z—e.—jVote,  2:12— 11.)— We  must 
remember,  that  the  wisdom  which  comes  from 
God,  and  leads  to  him,  and  which  is  "the  whole 
of  man,"  is  excepted  from  the  general  charge  of 
vanity.  And  all  other  wisdom  and  knowledge, 
abstracted  from  their  connexion  with  it,  and  sub- 
serviency to  it,  are  indeed  vain  and  vexatious. 
(JVote,  ]2:ll— 14.)— JI/ucA  grief,  &c.  (18)  'A 
*sharp  anger  mingled  with  scorn,  to  find  either 
'our  persons  and  counsels  contemned,  or  our 
'projects  and  well  laid  designs  defeated.  Such 
*as  was  in  Ahithophel,  whose  penetrating  wit 
'made  his  rage  the  greater,  to  see  his  judicious 
'advice  rejected,  and  the  whole  conspiracy  utter- 
'ly  disappointed.'  Bp,  Patrick.  [JYotes,  2  Sam. 
17:7_14,23.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
V.  I— 11. 
None  are  more  capable  of  shewing  the  evil  and 
misery  of  sin,  than  those  who  have  been  very 
guilty,  and  then  become  deeply  penitent:  and 
they  generally  are  very  desirous  to  warn  their 
fellow  sinners,  and  to  call  them  also  to  repentance. 
In  like  manner,  none  are   so  well  qualified  to 

f)reach  the  vanity  of  worldly  things,  as  those  who 
lave  had  an  opportunity  of  giving  them  a  full 
trial,  and  then  renounce  them  all  for  the  com- 
forts of  true  religion:  and  if  kings,  whose  exam- 
ples prove  them  to  be  in  earnest  in  religion, 
would  discourse  on  this  topic  to  their  subjects, 
they  would  be  the  most  unexceptionable  of  all 
preachers:  nor  would  it  be  any  degradation  to 
their  characters;  nay,  in  the  judgment  of  angels, 
who  "rejoice  over  one  sinner  that  repenteth," 
they  would  then  appear  more  truly  honorable, 
than  wiieo  heading  victorious  armies,  haranguing 
assembled  senates  or  nobles,  or  seated  on  the 
throne  of  judgment.  For  to  the  calm  reflection 
of  a  believer,  who  has  run  the  circuit  of  earthly 
good,  and  is  brought  back  from  his  wanderings; 
and  then  from  the  verge  of  the  eternal  world 
looks  round  upon  the  crowds,  which  throng  the 
court,  the  city,  the  change,  the  tlieatre;  what 
does  it  all  appear  but  vanity?  imperial  sceptres, 
high  sounding  titles,  flattering  panegyrics,  re- 
nowned achievements,  are  as  mere  a  vanity,  as 
the  rest  of  the  shadowy  possessions  and  enjoy- 
ments of  life.  The  whole  is  "vanity  of  vanities," 
the  vainest  of  vanities,  and  nothing  more.  If  this 
world,  in  its  present  state,  were  all,  it  would  be  of 
little  value:  but  vviiat  shall  we  say,  when  for  tlie 
sake  of  such  shadows,  eternal  happiness  is  forfeit- 
ed, and  eternal  misery  ensured!  "What  profit 
then  have"  ungodly  "men  of  all  their  labor,  which 
they  take  under  the  sun?"  As  far  as  this  world  is 


cence,  1 — 11;  of  wisdom  and  knowledge,  though  far  preferable 
to  folly,  12 — 17;  of  the  most  successful  labors  of  man;  except 
as  the  things  of  the  world  are  used  in  a  proper  manner,  accord- 
ing to  the  will  of  God,  and  by  his  special  gift,  18 — 26. 


concerned,  we  are  sensible,  that  all  former  gene- 
rations have  labored  only  for  a  grave.  The  pres- 
ent race  of  men  are  treading  in  their  steps;  sooa 
the  same  observations  will  be  made  over  us:  and 
if  we  have  our  good  things  on  earth,  it  had  been 
"good  for  us  that  we  had  never  been  born."  If 
indeed,  like  the  sun,  we  rejoice  to  run  our 
course  of  duty,  and  make  haste  to  fill  up  our 
measure  of  services  to  our  generation,  according 
to  the  will  of  God,  and  then  seek  our  rest  in  him; 
the  shortness  of  human  life  and  the  vanity  of  the 
world  will  be  no  loss  to  us.  But  if  we  seek  our 
happiness,  and  attempt  to  take  up  our  rest  on 
earth,  where  "all  things  are  full  of  labor;"  we  shall 
at  last  be  but  where  we  set  out:  all  our  toil 
and  inquietude  will  be  in  vain,  and  we  must  then 
go  and  give  an  account  of  ourselves  to  God  our 
Creator  and  Judge.  We  cannot  alter  this  state  of 
things,  which  is  the  effect  of  man's  apostacy,  and 
of  the  wrath  of  God  against  his  sins:  our  wisdom 
therefore  consists  in  accommodating  ourselves  to 
it;  and  in  ceasing  to  expect  satisfaction  here, 
where  every  short-lived  enjoyment  either  palls 
and  nauseates  through  excess,  or  grows  insipid 
through  repetition.  For  no  discovery  has  yet 
been  made  of  any  new  source  of  pleasure  or  hap- 
piness, which  is  exempt  from  vanity  and  vexation: 
after  all  our  boasted  improvements,  the  world  is 
the  same  discontented,  disappointed  place,  that 
men  complained  of  in  former  ages;  and  it  will  be 
the  same  when  we  are  gone,  and  forgotten,  like 
those  "former  things  of  which  there  is  no  remem- 
brance." 

V.  12—18. 
It  behoves  all  men,  as  well  as  kings  and 
preachers,  to  apply  their  hearts,  and  the  abilities 
which  God  has  given  them,  to  find  out  that  wis- 
dom and  knowledge,  which  is  connected  with 
their  duties  in  the  community.  Yet,  in  the  pres- 
ent state  of  things,  even  this  is  "a  sore  labor  and 
travail:"  and  the  more  we  read,  hear,  or  observe, 
of  all  the  works  that  are  done  under  the  sun,  the 
more  evil  and  misery  we  become  acquainted 
with.  We  discover  calamities  which  we  cannot 
relieve,  errors  which  we  cannot  rectify,  and  vices 
which  we  cannot  reform:  besides  those  crooks  in 
our  own  lot  which  we  cannot  straighten,  and 
those  obliquities  in  our  dispositions,  and  manifold 
defects  in  our  own  characters,  whicli  we  feel 
ourselves  unable  fully  to  remove.  "Communing 
with  our  own  hearts"  on  these  subjects  will  serve 
the  more  deeply  to  convince  us,  that  neither 
wealth,  nor  authority,  nor  wisdom,  even  if  they 
exceeded  those  of  Solomon,  could  alter  these 
things.  And  it  is  madness  and  folly  to  expect 
that  satisfaction  from  "madness  and  foil}',"  whicli 
wisdom  and  learning  fail  to  confer  on  their  disci- 
ples. Yet,  that  libertines  and  epicures  might 
have  no  plea  left  them;  and  that  no  man  might 
be  enticed  by  them  to  make  the  perilous  experi- 
ment, in  order  to  a  decision  of  the  question;  we 
have  it  here  made  by  Solomon,  and  to  the  great- 
est advantage;  and,  as  might  have  been  expected, 
he  found  it  "vexation  of  spirit."  At  the  same 
time  he  excludes  the  wise  and  learned  from  their 
boastings  also:  seeing,  with  all  his  unparalleled 
wisdom  and  knowledge,  he  assures  us,  "that  in 
much  wisdom  is  much  grief,  and  that  he  that  in- 
creaseth  knowledge  increaseth  sorrow."  Let  us 
then  learn  to  hate  and  fear  sin,  the  cause  of  all 
this  vanitj'  and  misery;  to  value  Jesus  Christ,  by 
whom  we  may  return  to  God  and  happiness;  to 
despise  and  renounce  this  vain  world;  and  to  seek 
our  rest  in  the  knowledge,  love,  and  service  of 
God  our  Savior. 

[587 


B.  C.  975. 


ECCLESIASTES. 


B.  C.  975. 


1^  SAID  in  mine  heart,  '»  Go  to  now, 
^  I  will  prove  ihee  with  mirth;  there- 
fore enjoy  pleasure:  and,  behold,  this  also 
is  vanity. 

2  I  said  of  laughter,  ^  It  is  mad;  and 
of  mirth.  What  doeth  it? 

3  1^  sought  in  mine  heart  to  *  give 
myself  unto  wine,  {'  yet  acquainting  my 
heart  whh  wisdom,)  s  and  to  lay  hold  on 
folly,  ''  till  I  might  see  what  w^as  that  good 
for  the  sons  of  men,  which  they  should 
do  under  the  heaven  t  all  the  days  of 
their  Hfe. 

4  I  '  made  me  great  works;  ^  I  builded 
me  houses;  ^  I  planted  me  vineyards; 

5  I  made  ■"  me  gardens  and  orchards, 
and  "  I  planted  tre.es  in  them  of  all  kind 
of  fruits; 

6  I    made  me  "  pools  of  water,  p  to 


a  15.   1:16,17.    3:17,18.     Ps.  10: 

6.  14:1.  27:8.  30:6,7.    LukeJ2: 

19. 
b  Gen.    11:3,4,7.      2  Kings  5:5. 

fs.  5:5.     Jam.  4:13.  5:1. 
c  11:9.    Is.  50:5.  Luke  16:19,23. 

Jam.  5:5.     Rev.  18:7,8. 
a  7:2— 6.     Pro V.  14:13.     13.22: 

12,13.    Am.  6:3—6.     1  Pet.  4: 

2—4. 
e  1:17.    1  Sam.  25:36. 
*   Heb.     draw  my  Jlesh  -with 

•aine. 
{  Prov.  31:4,5.     Epb.  5:18. 
g  7:18.     Prov.  20:1.   23:29—35. 

Matt.  6:24.     2  Cor.  6:15—17. 
b6:12.    12:13. 


f  Heb.   the  numher  of  the  days 

of  their  life.    Gen.  47:9.     Job 

14:14.    Ps.  90:9—12. 
i  Gen.  11:4.  2  Sam.  18:18.  Dan. 

4:30. 
b  Deut.  8:12-14.      1  Kings  7:1, 

2,8-12.    9:1,15—19.     10:19,20. 

2Chr.  8:1—6,11.    Ps.  49:11. 
1    1  Chr.  27:27.      2  Chr.  26:10. 

Cant.    1:14.    7:12.  8:11,12.    Is. 

5:1. 
m  Cant.  4:12—16.  5:1.  6:2.  Jer. 

39:4. 

n  Geii.  2:8,9.    Luke  17:27—29. 
0  Neb.  2:14.    Cint.  7:4. 
p  Ps.  1:3.   Jer.  17:8. 


NOTES. 

Chap.  II.  V.  1,  2.  Solomon,  having  found 
knowledge,  and  learning  with  all  its  discoveries, 
and  the  wisdom  of  this  world  with  the  reputation 
derived  from  it,  to  be  labor,  sorrow,  and  disap- 
pointment; deliberately  proceeded  to  make  trial 
of  mirth  and  pleasure,  in  order  to  find  out  the 
happiest  course  of  life.  We  may  now,  therefore, 
imagine  him  surrounded  with  the  most  witty,  gay, 
and  dissipated  of  his  courtiers  and  subjects;  and 
endeavoring  to  relax  his  mind,  and  dissipate  his 
cares,  hy  feasting,  and  mirth,  and  jollity.  But  he 
soon  found  this  also  to  be  vanity.  Upon  reflec- 
tion, he  "said  of  laughter.  It  is  mad."  For  a  ra- 
tional creature  to  indulge  in  excessive  and  dissi- 
pated mirth  was  a  voluntary  insanity,  which  ren- 
dered him  for  the  time  devoid  of  reason,  and  the 
object  of  pity  or  contempt;  which  betrayed  him 
into  many  foolish  actions,  and  entailed  on  him 
most  painful  consequences.  And  what  at  last 
could  this  noisy,  flashy  joy  do  towards  making  a 
man  happy.''  For  on  trial  it  was  found  to  be  little 
more  than  the  affectation,  or  hypocrisy,  of  pleas- 
ure: a  forced  appearance  of  gladness  concealing 
an  aching  heart,  and  increasing  its  anguish  and 
remorse  when  it  subsided.  {Marg.  Ref. — JVbfes, 
3.  7:2—6.  11:9,10.  Prov.  14:13.  Luke  16:19—23.) 
— I  said  in  my  heart,  Go  to  now.  (1)  Marg. 
Ref.  a,  b. 

V.  3.  The  royal  preacher  next  devised  to 
make  a  critical  experiment  of  the  pleasures  of 
wine,  which  have  been  so  much  celebrated  by 
licentious  poets.  He  therefore  determined  to  in- 
dulge himself  in  that  respect,  and  to  see  what 
this  animal  gratification  could  do  for  him.  Yet 
he  acquainted  himself  with  "wisdom:"  either  he 
devoted  the  former  part  of  the  day  to  study  and 
business,  and  then  indulged  himself  in  the  even- 
ing; or  he  conducted  the  experiment  with  wis- 
dom, and  did  not  disorder  himself  by  running 
588] 


water  therewith   the  wood   that  bringeth 
forth  trees; 

7  I  got  me  ^  servants  and  maidens, 
"■  and  had  t  servants  born  in  my  house; 
^  also  I  had  great  possessions  of  great  and 
small  cattle,  above  all  that  were  in  Jeru- 
salem before  me. 

8  I  gathered  me  also  '  silver  and  gold, 
and  the  peculiar  treasure  of  kings  and  of 
the  provinces;  I  gat  me  "  men-singers  and 
women-singers,  and  the  delights  of  the 
sons  of  men,  as  { musical  instruments, 
and  that  of  all  sorts. 

9  So  ^  I  was  great  and  increased  more 
than  all  that  were  before  me  in  Jerusa- 
lem: also  my  wisdom  remained  with 
me. 

10  And  y  whatsoever  mine  eyes  desir- 
ed I  kept  not  from  them:  I  withheld  not 
my  heart  from  any  joy;  for  ^  my  heart  re- 
joiced in  all  my  labor,  and  this  was  my 
portion  of  all  my  labor. 


q  1  Kings  9:20—22.    Ezra  2:58. 

Neb.  7:57. 
r  Gen.  17:12,13. 
J  Heb.  sons  of  my  house. 
s  Gen.  13:2.  2  Kings  3:4.  1  Chr. 

27:29—31.   2Cbr.  26:10.  32:27 

—29.    Job  1:3.  42:12. 
t   1  Kings   9:14,28.     10:10,14,21, 

22,27.     2  Cbr.  9:15-21. 
u  2  Sam.  19:35.    Ezra  2:65. 
§    Heb.     inusical  instrument, 


and  instruments.      1  Chr.  25: 

1,6.     Job  21:11,12.      Ps.  150:3 

—5.     Dan.  3:5,7,15.    Am.  6:5. 
X    1:16.     1  Kings  3:12.    10:7,23 

1  Chr.  29:25.    2  Chr.  1:1.  9:22, 

23. 
y  6:9.  11:9.  Gen.  3:6.  6:2.  Juilg. 

14:2.     Job   31:1.      Ps.    119:37. 

Prov.  23:5.     1  John  2:16. 
z  -22.  5:18.  9:9.    Ps.  128:2. 


into  great  excesses;  or  he  endeavored  to  take 
his  knowledge  and  wisdom  along  with  him,  (so  to 
speak,)  that  he  might  estimate  the  degree  of  satis- 
faction to  be  found  in  drinking:  thus  attempting 
to  lay  hold  on  folly  in  a  wise  manner,  and  for  a 
wise  end;  namely,  that  he  might  discover,  which 
of  the  pursuits  of  men  was  worthy  of  the  decided 
preference,  and  ought  for  that  reason  to  be  ad- 
hered to  all  the  days  of  man's  life  on  earth. 
{Marg.  ani  Marg.  Ref.— jyotes,3:Wj— 21.  Prov. 
20:1.  23:29,35.  31:4—7.  Luke  21:34—36,  t).  34. 
Rom.  13:11—14,  v.  13.  Eph.  5:15—20,  v.  18.  1 
Pet.  4:3—5.) 

V.  4—6.  {Marg.  Ref.—JVotes,  I  Kings  7:2— 
12.  Ca?rL  7:4.  8:11,12.)  These  great  works  con- 
stituted his  next  experiment  in  pursuit  of  happi- 
ness; or  in  seeking  after  the  chief  good,  about 
which  the  different  sects,  or  individuals,  of  heathen 
philosophers  maintained  almost  three  hundred 
different  opinions. 

The  wood,  kc.  (6)  Or,  To  water  the  nurseries 
and  plantations,  in  which  all  sorts  of  trees  were 
raised.  These  Solomon,  doubtless  at  very  great 
expense,  contrived  to  water  in  dry  seasons,  from 
pools,  which  at  the  same  time  seem  to  have  been 
replenished  with  fish,  and  to  have  greatly  added 
to  the  magnificence  of  the  scene. 

V.  7,  8.  {Marg.  and  Marg.  Ref.—J^Totes,  1 
Kings  4:22—28.  10:5- 9,12,24— 27.)— JV/w«ca/, 
&c.]  The  original  words  thus  translated  are  used 
in  no  other  part  of  scripture;  and  the  meaning  of 
them  is  much  doubted.  Some  derive  them  from 
the  verb,  which  signifies  to  take  captiiie.  "The 
delights  of  the  sons  of  men,  as  a  woman  taken 
captive,  and  women  taken  captives."  Old  Ver- 
sion. Though  Solomon  had  no  wars  in  the  former 
part  of  his  reign;  yet,  the  number  of  women  of 
different  countries,  which  he  had  collected  for 
wives  and  concubines,  as  conquerors  generally 
selected  tlie  most  beautiful  captives  for  them- 


B.  C.  975. 


CHAPTER  11. 


B.  C.  975. 


1 1  Then  ^  1  looked  on  all  the  works 
that  my  hands  had  wrought,  and  on  the 
labor  that  I  had  labored  to  do,  and,  ^  be- 
hold, all  was  vanity  and  vexation  of  spirit, 
and  there  was  no  profit  under  the  sun. 

12  IT  And  *=  I  turned  myself  to  behold 
wisdom,  and  madness,  and  folly:  for  what 
can  the  man  do  that  cometh  after  the 
king?  *  even  that  which  hath  been  already 
done. 

13  Then  "^  I  saw  tthat  wisdom  excel- 
leth  folly,  as  far  as  ^  light  excelleth  dark- 
ness. 

14  The  ''wise  man's  eyes  ore  in  his 
head;  but  the  fool  walketh  in  darkness: 
and  I  myself  perceived  also  that  ^  one 
event  happeneth  to  them  all. 

15  Then  said  I  in  my  heart,  As  it  hap- 
peneth to  the  fool,  so  it  happeneth  i  even 
to  me;  ^  and  why  was  1  then  more  wise.'' 
'  Then  I  said  in  my  heart,  that  this  also 
■is  vanity. 

IG  For  ^  there  is  no  remembrance  of 
the  wise  more  than  of  the  fool  for  ever; 
seeing  that  which  now  is,  in  the  days  to 

"  -    -      --    -  4:13,19.     Matt.  6:23.  Luke  11: 


ft  1:14.   Gen.  1:31.  Ex.  39:43 
b  17—23.   1:3,11.  Hab.2:13. 
c  1:17.  7:25. 
*   Or,    in   those  things  which 

have  been  already  done.  25. 
d   7:11,12.    9:16.     Prov.  4:5— 7. 

16:16. 
f  Heb.  that  there  is  an  excel- 

Uncy  in  wisdom  more  than  in 
folly. 

e  11:7.    Ps.  119:105,130.     Prov. 


34,35.    Eph.  5:3. 
f  8:1.    10:2,3.  Prov.  14:3.   17:24. 

lJohn2:lI. 
S  9:1—3,16.    Ps.  49:10. 
J  Heb.  to  me,  even  to  me. 
h  1:16,13.      1  Kings  3:12. 
i  1.   1:2,14. 
k  1:11.  Ps.  88:12.   103:16.   Mai. 

3:16. 


selves,  may  perhaps  be  intended:  for  certainly 
that  seems  to  have  been  one  of  his  experiments; 
and  as  it  was  in  itself  tlie  most  dangerous  and  sin- 
ful, so  it  proved  the  most  pernicious,  of  them  all. 

V.  9 — 11.  Solomon  made  trial  of  all  these 
pleasures  and  pursuits,  v/ithout  stupifying-  his 
faculties  by  excess,  or  rendering  himself  unfit  for 
business  or  serious  studies.  Though  he  dread- 
fully forsook  tlie  service  of  God,  yet  he  did  not 
neglect  the  affairs  of  his  kingdom;  nor  was  he 
bereaved  of  his  wisdom,  as  Samson  had  been  of 
his  strength.  [J^ote,  Judg.  16:17—21.)  Yet  he 
freely  mdulged  himself  in  every  pleasure,  and 
possessed  himself  of  every  object,  that  his  eye 
looked  at  as  worth  his  notice,  or  his  heart  de- 
sired; having  it  in  his  power  to  compass  all  his 
wishes,  and  being  determined  to  give  every  thing 
a  fair  trial.  Whilst  he  was  pursuing  his  schemes, 
he  had  indeed  a  momentary  pleasure  in  beholding 
them  advancing  to  their  completion:  but  this  was 
all!  When  they  were  finished  the  novelty  was 
over,  the  sameness  made  them  vain,  his  cares  and 
disappointments  rendered  them  vexatious,  and  all 
bis  improvements  entirely  failed  of  affording  him 
satisfaction.  {JIarg.Ref,—J\''otes,l8—23.  1:2,3. 
12:11—14.) 

All  that  were  before  me  in  Jerusalem.']  There 
had  been  no  king  of  Israel  in  .lerusalcm,  except 
David,  before  Solomon:  but  first  Absalom,  and 
then  Adonijah,  had  affected  a  splendor  and  mag- 
nificence far  beyond  David;  yet  immensely  infe- 
rior to  those  of  Solomon.  [Js^tes,  2  Sam.  15: 1 — G, 
r.  1.  1  Kings  1:5,6.) 

V.  12 — 17.  In  search  of  his  grand  object, 
Solomon  next  recurred  to  his  design  of  compar- 
ing wisdom  and  knowledge  with  madness  and 
folly,  in  order  to  discover  which  could  do  the  most 


come  shall  all   be  forgotten.     And  '  how 
dieth  the  wise  maii^  as  the  fool. 

17  Therefore  "'I  hated  life  because 
the  "  work  that  is  wrought  under  the  sun 
is  grievous  unto  ine:  °  for  all  is  vanity 
and  vexation  of  spirit. 

[Practicut  Obsei-vatio7is.] 

18  IT  Yea,  p  I  hated  all  my  labor 
which  I  had  5  taken  under  the  sun;  be- 
cause 'J  I  should  leave  it  unto  the  man 
that  shall  be  after  me. 

19  And  "^  who  knoweth  whether  he 
shall  be  a  wise  man  or  a  fool.''  yet  shall 
he  have  rule  over  all  my  labor  wherein  I 
have  labored,  and  wherein  1  have  shewed 
myself'  wise  under  the  sun.  This  is  also 
vanity. 

20  Therefore  I  went  about  'to  cause 
my  heart  to  despair  of  all  the  labor, 
which  I  took  under  the  sun. 

21  For  there  is  a  man,  "  whose  labor 
is  in  wisdom,  and  in  knowledge,  and  in 

[equity;  yet  to  a  man  that  hath  not  labor- 
!  ed  therein  shall  he  "  leave  it  for  his  por- 


I  6:8.  2  Sam.  3:33.  Ps.  49:10. 

29,30.     1  Cor 

3:10. 

m   Num.  11:15.        1  Kings  19:4. 

r3:22.     1  King 

s  12:14,&c.  14:25 

Job   3:20—22.    7:15,16.     14:13. 

—28.     2  Chr. 

10:33—10.    12:?, 

Jer.    20:11 — 18.      Jon.   4:3,8. 

10. 

Phil.  1:23—25. 

s  9:13.     Luke 

6.8.     Jam.  1:17. 

n  1:14.  3:16.     Ez.  3:14.     Hab. 

3:17. 

1:3. 

t   Gen.  43:14. 

Job   17:11—15. 

0  11,22,23.  6:9.  Ps.  89:47. 

Ps.  39:6,7. 

1    Cor.    15:19.    2 

p4— 9.   1:13.  4:3.  5:18.    9:9. 

Cor.  1:8—10. 

1  Thcs.  3:3,4. 

§  Heb.  labored. 

u  17,13.    9:18. 

2Chr.  31:20.21. 

q  26.    5:13,14.     1  Kings  11:11— 

33:2—9.  34:2. 

35:18.    36:5,&;c. 

13.     Ps.    17:14.     39:6.     49:10. 

Jer.  22:15,17. 

Lnke  12:20.    16:27,28.   Acts  20: 

II  Heb.  give. 

towards  rendering  man  happ}'.  [j\ole,  1:12 — IS, 
V.  17.)  He  was  sure  that  no  one  could  repeat 
the  experiment  to  better  advantage  than  he  had 
made  it:  whether  learning,  viisdom,  mirth,  pleas- 
ure, magnificence,  riches,  or  any  otlier  object 
were  proposed;  none  could  do  more  than  repeat 
what  the  most  renowned  and  prosperous  king  of 
Israel  had  done  before  him.  Upon  this  deliberate 
surve)',  he  found  indeed  that  knowledge  and  pru- 
dence in  affairs  were  preferable  to  ignorance  and 
foil}',  even  "as  light  excelleth  darkness.'"  [J)I(trg.) 
For  the  wise  man  goes  about  his  work,  as  one 
whose  eyes  are  open  and  fitted  for  their  use,  and 
who  can  distinguish  the  surrounding  objects,  and 
those  at  a  distance:  but  the  fool  blunders  on,  as 
if  he  were  blind  or  in  the  dark,  and  is  continually 
doing  mischief,  and  running  into  trouble.  Yet 
"one  event  happeneth  to  them  all."  The  wise 
cannot  find  solid  happiness  any  more  thnn  t!ie 
fool.  As  to  the  troubles  and  anxieties  of  life,  and 
pain,  sickness,  and  death,  no  wisdom  or  learning 
can  ward  them  off:  so  that  Solomon  himself,  iu 
respect  of  the  most  important  temporal  concerns, 
was  upon  a  level  with  his  meanest  subject;  his 
wisdom  and  knowledge  were  in  this  view  a  mere 
vanity,  and  his  labor  in  pursuing  them  seemed 
altogether  lost.  lie  observed  also  that  when  a 
wise  man  died,  lie  was  commonly  forgotten  or 
neglected,  with  his  maxims,  devices,  and  per- 
formances. So  that  if  it  were  asked,  '-How  dieth 
the  wise  man.'"  it  may  be  answered,  "As  (he 
fool."  These  reflections  rendered  him  weary  of 
life  and  of  all  its  employments;  as  lie  found  every 
thing  to  be  "vanity  and  vexation." — We  suppose 
this  to  have  been  Solomon's  exjierience,  while  he 
was  seeking  satisfaction  in  the  world,  and  before 
lie  began  to  return  back  to  God  and  liis  service. 

[589 


B.  C.  975. 


ECCLESIASTES. 


B.  C.  975. 


tion.  This  also  is  vanity  and  a  gieat  evil. 

22  For  what  "  hath  man  of  all  his  la- 
bor, ^  and  of  the  vexation  of  his  heart, 
wherein  he  hath  labored  under  the  sun? 

23  For  ^  all  his  days  are  sorrows,  and 
his  travail  grief;  yea,  ^  his  heart  taketh 
not  rest  in  the  night.    This  is  also  vanity. 

24  There  is  ^  nothing  better  for  a  man, 
than  that  he  should  eat  and  drink,  and  that 
he  should  *  make  his  soul  enjoy  good  in 


X  1:3.    3:9.    5:10,11,17.  6:7,8.  8; 

15.     Prov.  16:26.     1  Tim.  6:8. 
y4:6,8.     Ps.  127:2.     Matt.6:n, 

25,34.     Luke   12:22,29.     Phil. 

4:6.      1  Pet.  5:7. 
z  Gen.  47:9.  Job  5:7.  14:1.   Ps. 

90:7—10,15. 


a  5:12.    Esth.  6:1.   Job  7:13,14. 

Ps.  6:6,7.  32:4.  77:2—4.   Dan. 

6:13. 
b  3:12,22.    5:18.    8:15.    9:7—9. 

11:9,10.  Deut.  12:12,18.  Neh.8: 

10.    Acts  14:17.     1  Tim.  6:17. 
*  Or,  delight  his  senses. 


his  labor.     This  also  I  saw,  =  that  it  ivas 
from  the  hand  of  God. 

25  For  ^  who  can  eat,  or  who  else  can 
hasten  hereunto,  more  than  I? 

26  For  God  giveth  to  a  man,  that  is 
good  Un  his  sight,  ^wisdom,  and  knowl- 
edge, and  joy;  but  ^  to  the  sinner  he  giv- 
eth travail,  to  gather  and  to  heap  up,  that 
he  may  give  to  him  that  is  good  before 
God.  This  also  is  vanity  and  vexation 
of  spirit. 


c  3:13.     5:19.     6:2.      Mai.  2:2. 

Luke  12:19,20. 
d  1—12.     1  Kings  4:21— 34. 
f  Heb.    before  him.     Gen.  7:1. 

Luke  1:6. 
e  2  Chr.  31:20,21.   Prov.  3:13— 


18.  Is.  3:10,11.  John  16:24. 
"cm.  14:17,18.  1  Cor.  1:30,31. 
Gal.  5:22,23.  Col.  1:9-12.  3: 
16,17.  Jam.  3:17. 
f  Job  27:16,17.  Prov.  13:22. 
28:8. 


[Marg.  Ref.—JVotes,   18—23.   3:18—21.    2  Sam. 
17:23.  P*.49:10.  89:46— 48.   146:3—3.) 

V.  18 — 23.  Solomon  next  considered  what  would 
become  of  his  wealth,  buildings,  and  other  works 
and  improvements,  after  his  decease.  He  had 
indeed  a  son  to  succeed  him  in  his  kingdom;  but 
who  knew  whether  he  would  prove  a  wise  man  or 
a  fool.^  He  seems  to  have  perceived,  that  Reho- 
boam  was  not  likely  to  inherit  his  wisdom,  or  to 
preserve  that  prosperity  in  which  he  left  his  king- 
dom. Yet  having  rule  over  all  his  labor,  in  which 
he  had  shewed  his  diligence  and  wisdom;  his  suc- 
cessor would  have  it  in  his  power  to  overturn  the 
whole.  This  reflection  so  disquieted  his  mind, 
that  he  desired  to  bring  himself  to  despair  of  de- 
riving good  from  all  his  labors  about  those  things, 
"which  are  under  the  sun:"  seeing,  that  having 
bestowed  great  pains,  to  establisli  the  affairs  of 
his  kingdom  in  wisdom,  knowledge,  and  equity; 
his  successor,  who  entered  upon  it  without  any 
labor  of  his  own,  might  destroy  all  by  his  neglect 
or  imprudence.  This,  Solomon  saw  to  be  a  great 
evil  in  the  affairs  of  men,  which  could  not  be  rec- 
tified; by  means  of  which,  the  incessant  labor  and 
care  of  man,  by  day  and  night,  only  produce  pro- 
portionable sorrow  and  vexation. — 'And  yet,  such 
'is  our  folly,  there  is  no  end  of  our  cares:  for  we 
'see  many  "a  man  whose  life  is  nothing  but  a  mere 
'drudgery;  who  never  is  at  leisure  to  enjoy  any 
'thing  that  he  hath,  but  still  engaged  in  one  trou- 
'blesome  employment  or  other  to  get  more:  which 
'he  follows  so  eagerly,  as  if  it  v/ere  his  business  to 
'disquiet  and  vex  himself.  ...  Being  not  content 
'with  his  daily  toils,  unless  he  rack  his  mind  also 

'vvitli  cares  in  the  night.'    Bp.  Patrick. '  "I 

'went  about  to  make  mine  heart  abhor  all  the  la- 
'bor,  wherein  I  had  travailed  under  the  siin;"  that 
'1  might  seek  the  true  felicity  which  is  in  God.' 
IMarff.  Rrf.—Arolcs,  4:7,8.  5:13—17.  1  Kings  12: 
Ps.  39:6.  Luke  12:15-21,  v.  20.  16:27—31.) 

V.  24 26.    The  result  of  these  experiments  of 

the  preacher  was  this,  that  instead  of  ceaseless 
cares  about  getting  and  hoarding;  nothing  could 
be  found  under  the  sun,  which  deserved  to  be 
preferred  to  a  cheerful  and  liberal  use  of  the 
fruits  of  a  man's  labors.  {JIarg.  and  Marg.  Rcf. 
h—i.—MAes,  3:12—15,22.  5:18—20.  9:7—9.  11:9, 
10.)  Yet  even  this  was  the  gift  of  God;  and  with- 
out dependence  on  him,  a  man  must  be  disap- 
pointed even  here:  for  who  could  bestow  more 
attention  to  it  than  he  had  done,  or  have  more 
advantages  for  it,  than  he  had  possessed.?  and  yet 
he  missed  of  the  comfort  of  his  prosperity,  when 
he  was  wandering  from  God  and  his  duty.  But 
when  a  man  is  "good  before  God,"  and  does  that 
which  he  approves,  he  gives  him  true  wisdom, 
knowledge,  and  joy;  a  peaceful  conscience,  a 
contented  and  thankful  mind,  a  joyful  hope,  and 
solid  satisfaction  in  the  knowlcilgie  and  love  of 

590] 


him:  and  by  teaching  him  to  conduct  his  labors, 
and  to  use  his  good  things,  in  a  pious,  charitable, 
temperate,  and  sober  mannery  he  enables  him  to 
rejoice  in  all  the  works  of  his  hands,  and  in  the 
abundance  of  good  conferred  on  him.  But  to  the 
sinner  God  allots  labor  and  sorrow,  vanity  and 
vexation,  in  seeking  a  worldly  portion,  which  yet 
afterwards  comes  into  better  hands,  {jlarg.  Ref. 
ej.— Motes,  Esth.  8:1,2.  Job  27:13— 23,  ot.  16, 
17.  Prov.  13:22.  28:8.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
V.  1—17. 
The  manifold  devices  of  men  in  order  to  derive 
satisfaction  from  the  world,  and  their  incessant 
changing  from  one  thing  to  another,  resemble  the 
restlessness  of  a  man  in  a  fever;  who  supposes  his 
uneasiness  to  arise  from  his  situation,  though  in 
fact  it  is  the  effect  of  his  disease.     If  we  could 
make  full  trial  of  every  thing  "under  the  sun," 
and  should  determine  to  prove  our  hearts  with 
mirth,  and  bid    them  enjoy    pleasure  in    all    its 
seducing  forms;  we  should  soon  be  constrained  to 
say,  "Behold,  this  also  is  vanity!"      The  devotees 
of  a  gay  and  festive  life  are  themselves  sensible  of 
its  emptiness.     They  cannot  but  feel,  that  immod- 
erate laughter  is  a  "kind  of  madness;  and  "as  to 
mirth,  what  doeth  it.?"  they  know,  that  frequently 
in  the  midst  of  their  tumultuous  joys  their  hearts 
are  uneasy:  and  that  their  laughter  is  commonly 
succeeded  by  proportionable  languor  and  dejec- 
tion, and  ends  in  disappointment,  and  often  occa- 
sions them  painful  reflections  in  their  short  inter- 
vals of  solitude.     Nor  can  the  pleasures  of  wine 
in  the  least  prevent  these  evils;  nay,  they  will  in- 
fallibly aggravate  them.     Not  to  repeat  what  has 
been  said  of  excessive  drinking;    {J^otes  and  P. 
O.  Prov.  23:29—35.)  even  those  who  conduct 
their  pleasures  with  more  prudence  and  modera- 
tion, and  pay  some  regard  to  health,  reputation, 
and  interest,  while  they  "lay  hold  of  folly,"  will 
be  miserably  disappointed,  if  they  expect  to  find 
in   this  indulgence,   "that  good  for  the  sons  of 
men,  which  they  should  do  under  heaven,  all  the 
days  of  their   life."     And   if  men  have  wealth, 
taste,  and  inclination;  and  can  make  trial  of  more 
expensive  pursuits,  without  injuring  their  circum- 
stances and  families,  or  defrauding  their  work- 
men and  creditors   as  many  do,  they  will  find 
them  also  vanity  and  vexation.    [Jfote  and  P.  O. 
Jer.  22:13—19,  vv.  13,14.)    When  the  lower  or- 
ders in  society  behold  the  rich  and  noble  making 
great  works,  building  magnificent  houses,  laying 
out  gardens,  parks,  and  plantations,  forming  ca- 
nals and  fish-ponds,  and  whatever  can  be  devised 
for  luxury  and  embellishment;    when  they  see 
them  surrounded  with  a  number  of  servants,  pos- 
sessed of  large  estates,  and  abundance  of  gold 


B.  C.  976. 


CHAPTER  II. 


B.  C.  975. 


and  silver,  and  collecting  from  every  province  its 
peculiar  treasure;  even  all  that  is  most  curious, 
beautiful,  and  valuable,  of  statues,  pictures,  fur- 
niture, jewels,  and  whatever  the  eye  can  lust  af- 
ter, with  musical  instruments,  (those  delights  of 
the  sons  of  men,)  to  soothe  the  ear  and  charm  the 
mind;  and  when  they  see  all  this  confluence  of 
eartldy  good  in  the  possession  of  one,  who  neither 
runs  into  ruinous  excess,  nor  yet  withliolds  his 
heart  from  any  joy,  and  who  amidst  all  retains  a 
reputation  for  wisdom,  and  manages  his  concerns 
with  discretion:  I  say,  when  the  poor  witness  such 
scenes,  they  can  scarcely  help  mistaking  this 
glare  of  prosperity  for  solid  happiness;  and  they 
will  be  apt  to  covet,  envy,  and  complain.  But 
could  they  feel  exactly  as  the  possessor  does, 
probably  their  envy  might  be  turned  into  com- 
passion. Thus  when  strangers  take  a  transient 
survey  of  such  scenes  of  magnificence,  where 
every  object  excites  admiration,  they  are  apt  to 
associate  the  idea  of  happiness  with  that  of  the 
possessor:  when  perhaps  he  is  filled  with  vexa- 
tion and  disappointment,  and  receives  not,  during 
a  course  of  years,  half  that  pleasure  from  his 
magnificence  which  they  enjoy  in  one  hour.  In- 
deed while  the  plans  are  forming,  or  the  idea  of 
increasing  and  supereminent  greatness  and  re- 
nown floats  before  the  mind;  and  while  improve- 
ments are  making,  and  something  new  every  day 
excites  the  attention;  there  is  a  degree  of  joy  in 
a  man's  labor  and  success,  which  he  has  for  his 
fading  portion.  But  when  his  designs  are  finish- 
ed, and  he  vainly  hopes  to  be  repaid  for  all  his 
trouble,  care,  and  expense;  he  "looks  on  all  that 
his  hands  have  wrought,  and  behold  all  is  vanity 
and  vexation  of  spirit;  so  that  there  is  no  profit 
under  the  sun."  And  if  tlie  richest,  wisest,  and 
most  prosperous  of  kings  could  find  nothing  but 
"vanity  and  vexation,"  in  all  his  possessions  and 
enjoyments;  what  can  any  man  do,  "that  cometh 
after"  him,  and  determines  to  repeat  the  same  ex- 
periment? We  must  not  indeed  place  mad  mirth, 
intemperance,  and  folly,  upon  a  level  witli  the 
liberal  arts,  useful  learning,  and  economical  or 
political  wisdom.  The  former  are  evil  in  them- 
selves; the  others  are  good,  except  when  misplac- 
ed, idolized,  and  abused.  So  that  even  this  "wis- 
dom excelleth  folly,  as  far  as  light  excelleth  dark- 
ness." A  man's  knowledge  and  prudence,  like 
the  eyes  in  his  head,  preserve  him  from  many 
temporal  evils,  into  which  he  will  fall,  who  "walk- 
eth  in  darkness"  and  ignorance:  and  they  enable 
him  to  be  respectable  and  useful  in  the  commu- 
nity. Yet  in  tlie  grand  concerns,  "one  event 
happeneth  to  them"  both;  the  advantages  of  wis- 
dom are  precarious  and  transient;  and  the  most 
sagacious  of  men,  v,'ho  dies  a  stranger  to  Jesus 
Christ,  will  perish  cipially  with  the  most  igno- 
rant, and  often  with  peculiar  aggravations;  so  that 
this  is  vanity,  and  worse  than  vanity.  And  the 
imaginary  advantage,  of  being  honored  after 
death,  is  as  uncertain  as  it  is  vain.  Probably, 
even  Solomon  with  all  his  glory,  would  have  long 
since  been  forgotten,  or  his  history  distorted  by 
fable;  if  he  had  not  been  made  partaker  of  divine 
wisdom,  and  placed  as  king  over  the  people,  and 
honored  as  a  writer  of  the  sacred  Scriptures.  And 
vfr^hat  is  this  bubble,  whicli  so  many  covet  and  so 
few  obtain?  What  good  can  commendations  on 
earth  do  the  body  in  the  grave,  or  the  soul  in  hell? 
And  can  "the  spirits  of  just  men  made  perfect" 
at  all  need  them?  It  would  indeed  be  as  well,  if 
there  were  in  no  case  any  remembrance  of  the 
wise  man,  more  than  of  tlie  fool,  except  as  survi- 
vors are  the  better  for  his  wisdom.  So  that,  if 
this  were  all,  we  might  be  tempted  to  hate  our 
life,  with  all  the  fruitless  toil  and  work  that  is 
done  under  tlie  sun;  as  "it  is  all  vanity,  and  vexa- 
tion of  spirit."— But  there  is  "a  good  part,"  which 
will  neither  disappoint  our  hopes,  nor  "be  taken 


from  us."  May  we  choose  it  decidedly,  and 
cleave  to  it  with  all  our  hearts.  (JVbte,  Luke  10: 
38—42.) 

V.  18—26. 
One  main  pretence  of  worldly  men,  in  excuse 
for  their  eager  pursuits  of  vanity,  is,  that  they  are 
providing  for  their  children:  but  this  can  afford  a 
reflecting  man  no  solid  satisfaction;  nay,  indeed  it 
must  generally  add  to  the  vanity  and  vexation 
derived  from  other  sources.  For  the  uncertain- 
ty, which  there  must  be,  as  to  what  use  their 
children  will  make  of  their  riches,  and  whether 
they  will  behave  wisely  or  foolishly,  when  they 
come  to  have  much  in  their  power;  and  the  fears 
lest  their  possessions  should  do  harm  and  not 
good,  to  them  and  to  multitudes  by  their  means; 
may  make  a  worldly  man  "hate  all  his  labor  un- 
der the  sun."  Soon  it  must  all  pass  into  other 
hands;  who  perhaps  will  subvert  all  his  schemes, 
waste  all  his  treasures,  and  destroy  all  those 
works  in  which  he  fancied  that  he  had  shewn  him- 
self wise:  nay,  supposing  he  has  labored  in  wis- 
dom, knowledge,  and  equity,  to  establish  benefi- 
cial regulations;  the  man,  to  whom  he  leaves  it 
for  a  portion,  perhaps  overturns  all  by  his  vice 
and  folly,  when  he  is  but  just  laid  in  his  grave. 
"This  is  also  vanity  and  a  sore  evil;"  enough  to 
make  a  man  "cause  his  heart  to  despair  of  all  his 
labor"  about  worldly  things.  For  what  has  he  ol 
all  his  labor  and  the  vexation  of  his  heart,  for  all 
his  toilsome  days  and  anxious  nights,  but  sorrow 
and  grief?  Indeed  worldly  things  were  never  in- 
tended for  any  thing  more  or  better,  than  to  sup- 
ply our  bodily  wants;  and  our  expectation  of 
more  from  them  is  the  chief  cause  of  this  vanity. 
To  eat  and  drink  to  the  moderate  satisfaction  ot 
our  appetites  is  so  far  good;  and  there  is  nothing 
better  for  man  of  earthly  enjoyment.  These  the 
animals  share  to  greater  advantage;  but  the  ra- 
tional soul  of  man  requires  some  better  portion 
No  wonder  then,  that  when  he  mistakes  this  for 
his  intended  good,  he  is  restless  and  dissatisfied, 
and  prone  to  excess:  so  that  he  cannot  attain  to 
the  comfortable  use  of  the  creatures,  without  the 
special  gift  of  God;  even  though  he  had  Solomon's 
wisdom  and  wealth,  and  hasted  to  it  as  much  as 
he  did.  In  oi-der  to  attain  this,  and  every  other 
good,  we  must  first  seek  and  labor  for  those 
things  which  are  ahove,  and  not  for  those  '■'■under 
the  sun:"  and  having  found  acceptance  with  God, 
and  being  "good  in  his  sight,"  we  shall  receive 
from  him  wisdom  and  knowledge,  productive  of 
solid  joy.  Then  we  shall  not  have  any  cause  to 
hate  our  life,  or  our  labor,  nor  to  sit  down  in 
despondency:  but,  leaving  our  children  and  all 
our  concerns  with  the  Lord,  we  may  cheerfully 
attend  to  the  duties  of  our  station,  pass  through 
life  without  anxious  cares;  avoid  much  of  its  vani- 
ty and  vexation,  by  the  exercise  of  faith,  patience, 
and  joyful  hope;  and  "be  always  abounding  in  the 
work  of  the  Lord,  as  knowing  that  our  labor  shall 
not  be  in  vain  in  the  Lord."  We  shall  not  need 
to  covet  wealth  or  honor;  but  "having  food  and 
raiment  shall  learn  to  be  therewith  content,"  and 
to  use  what  God  gives  to  his  glory,  with  thankful 
hearts:  and  at  length  shall  leave  the  world  in  a 
very  different  manner,  both  from  tlie  fool,  a;id 
the  worldly-wise  man.  (P.  O.  Luke  12:13—21.) 
So  that  the  vanity  and  vexation  spoken  of  be- 
longs only  to  men  as  sinners,  and  continues  with 
them  as  unbelievers;  to  the  most  prudent  and 
prosperous  of  whom  God  gives  travail,  as  his 
portion;  so  that  a  man  toils  and  labors  to  "gather 
and  to  heap  up;"  and  the  real  benefit  of  all  his 
care  and  pains,  and  the  sum  total  of  all  the  en- 
joyment, even  of  his  life,  devolves  on  "him  that  is 
good  before  God."  To  all  others  there  is  "vanity 
and  vexation;"  but  "to  him  that  soweth  righteous- 
ness shall  be  a  sure  reward." 

[591 


B.  C.   975. 


ECCLESIASTES. 


B.  C.  975. 


CHAP.  III. 


The  mutability  of  human  affairs,  as  resulting  from  the  unsearch- 
able, wise,  and  everlasting  purposes  of  God,  and  connected 
with  man's  duty  and  interest,  1—15.  The  abuse  commonly 
made  of  ]>ower;  the  future  account  to  be  rendered;  and  the 
way  in  which  men  live  and  die  like  beasts,  without  properly 
considering  their  immortal  souls,  16— -^1.  Men  should  rejoice 
in  their  piesent  duties  apd  comforts,  being  unable  to  know  things 
future,  22. 

TO   ^  every   thing   there  is  a  season, 
and  a  time  to  every  purpose   ^  un- 
der the  heaven: 

2  A  *=  time  to  *  be  born,  "^  and  a  time 
to  die;  *  a  time  to  plant,  and  a  time  to 
pluck  up  that  which  is  planted; 

3  A  ''time  to  kill,  and  s  a  time  to  heal; 
*■  a  time  to  break  down,  and  a  time  to 
build  up; 

4  A  '  time  to  weep,  and  ^  a  time  to 
laugh;  a  time  to  mourn,  and  a  time  ^  to 
dance; 

5  A  time  ^  to  cast  away  stones,  and  a 
time  to  gather  stones  together;  "  a  time 
to  embrace,  and  a  time  to  t  refrain  from 
embracing; 


17.    ^J■.^4.    8:5,6.     2  Kings  5: 

26.    2  Chr.  33:12.  Prov.  15:23. 

Matt.  16:3. 
b  1:13.  2:3,17. 
c  Gen.  17:21.    21:1,2.     1  Kings 

13:2.    2  Kings  4:16.    Acts  7:17, 

20.    Gal.  4:4. 
*  Heb.  bear.    J  Sam.  2:5.     Ps. 

113:9.    Is.  54:1.     Luke  1:13,20, 

36.   John  16:21. 
d  Gen.  47:29.    Num.  20:24—23. 

27:12—14.   Deut.  3:23—26.  34: 

5.  Job  7:L   14:5.14.  Is'.  33:1,5. 

John  7:30.    Heb.  9:27. 
e  Ps.  52:5.     Is.  5:2—5.     Jer.  1: 

10.   18:7—10.  45:4.     Matt.  13: 

28:29,41.   15:13. 
f  Deut.  32:39.     1  Sam.   2:6,25. 

Hos.  6:1,2. 


g  Num.  21:6—9.     Is.  38:5,&c. 

Jer.   33:6.       Luke   9:54 — 56. 

Acts  5:15,16. 
h   Is.  5:5,6.    44:26.     Jer.  31:23. 

45:4.     Ez.  13:14.    Dan.  9:25— 

27.    Zech.  1:12—17. 
i  Neh.  8:9—12.  9:I,&c.  Ps.  30: 

5.     126:1,2,5,6.      Is.   22:12,13. 

Matt.  9:15.    11:17.    John  16:20 

—22.    2  Cor.  7:10.    Jam.  4:9. 
k   Gen.  21:6.     Luke  1:13,14,58. 

6:21—25. 
1  Ex.  16:20.     2  Sam.  6:16. 
m  Josh.  4:3—9.    10:27.     2  Sam. 

18:17,18.     2  Kings  3:25. 
n    Ex.   19:15.       1   Sam.    21:4,5. 

Cant.  2:6,7.  Joel  2:16.     1  Cor. 

7:5. 
f  Heb.  be  far  from. 


NOTES. 

Chap.  III.  V.  1 — 11.  Solomon,  having- stated 
at  the  close  of  the  preceding  chapter,  that  a  man 
should  use  cheerfully  and  piously  the  gifts  of 
Providence;  [.IVote,  2:24 — 26.)  here  proceeds  to 
shew  that  he  oug-ht  not  to  expect  too  much  from 
them,  seeing  they  are  so  fluctuating  and  uncer- 
tain. There  is  a  season,  and  a  time,  for  every 
one  of  God's  purposes  to  take  place  in  this  lower 
world;  and  for  us  to  perform  the  several  parts  of 
our  duty,  and  prepare  for  the  future:  and  we  can- 
not anticipate,  or  retard,  those  appointed  seasons 
by  any  of  our  contrivances  or  labors.  Thus, 
there  was  a  time,  in  the  purposes  of  God,  for  our 
birth;  and  there  is  another  for  our  death,  known 
to  him  but  unknown  to  us.  There  are  times,  in 
whicli  nations  and  families  are  planted  and  take 
root;  and  then  tliere  are  mean  s  to  be  used,  duties 
to  be  performed,  and  comforts  to  be  shared:  but 
there  are  also  times,  in  which  God  "plucks  up 
that  which  was  planted,"  and  no  human  wisdom 
can  prevent  it;  and  then  we  are  called  to  submis- 
sion, and  the  duties  of  an  afflicted  state.  [Mars:- 
Ref.  z—e.— Motes,  2  Kins;s  5:26,27.  Is.  22:8—14, 
vv.  12—14.  Jer.  16:8,9.  45:4,5.  1  Cor.  7:29—31.) 
in  like  manner  he  cuts  off  our  dear  friends  or 
relatives,  or  heals  us  and  them,  in  his  own  time: 
he  breaks  down  our  established  prosperity,  or 
builds  it  up  like  a  city  recovered  from  its  ashes: 
he  calls  us  to  weep  and  mourn,  or  to  rejoice  and 
dance  for  gladness;  to  raise  trophies  of  victory,  or 
to  destroy  the  monuments  of  success  under  se- 
vere calamities.  He  also  causes  at  some  times 
friends  and  relatives  to  meet  in  comfort,  and  with 
mutual  endearments:  at  others,  thev  are  either 
592] 


6  A  °  time  to  ^  get,  p  and  a  time  to 
lose;  a  time  to  keep,  ^  and  a  time  to  cast 
away; 

7  A  '  time  to  rend,  and  a  time  to  sew; 
a  ^  time  to  keep  silence,  *  and  a  time  to 
speak; 

8  A  "  time  to  love,  and  ^  a  time  to 
hate;  ^  a  time  of  war,  and  a  time  of 
peace. 

9  What  '^  profit  hath  he  that  worketh 
in  that  wherein  he  laboreth.^' 

10  I  have  ^  seen  the  travail,  which 
God  hath  given  to  the  sons  of  men,  to 
be  exercised  in  it. 

1 1  He  ^  hath  made  every  thing  beau- 
tiful in  his  time:  *=  also  he  hath  set  the 
world  in  their  heart,  ^  so  that  no  man 
can  find  out  the  work  that  God  maketh, 
from  the  beginning  to  the  end. 

[Practical  Observations.] 

12  I  know  that  there   is  no  good  in 


0  Gen.  30:30,&c.  31:18.  Ex. 
12:35,36.  Deut.  8:17,18.  2 
Kings  5:26.  8:9. 

t  Or,  seek. 

p  Matt.  16:25,26.   19:29.     Mark 

8:35—37.  10:23—30.      Luke  9: 

24,25. 
q  11:1.     2  Kings  7:15.    Ps.  112: 

9.    Is.  2:20.    Jon.  1:5.  Acts  27: 

19,33.     Phil.  3:7,8.     Heb.  10: 

34  35. 
r  Gen.  37.29,34.      2  Sam.  1:11. 

3:31.     1  Kings  21:27.    2  Kings 

5:7.  6:30.     Jer.  36:24.    Joel  2: 

13.   Acts  9:39. 
s  Job  2:13.     Ps.  39:2.    Is.  36:2). 

Jer.  8:14.     Lam.  3:28".   Am.  5: 

13.  8:3.     Mic.  7:5. 

1  Gen.  44:18—34.  1  Sam.  19: 
4,5.    25:24,&c.     Esth.  4:13,14. 


7:4.      Prov.  24:11,12.     31:8,9. 

Luke  19:37—40.  Acts  4:20. 
u  Ez.  16:8.    Eph.  3:19.   6:25,23, 

29.    Tit.  2:4. 
X  2  Chr.  19:2.    Luke  14:26. 
y   Gen.   14:14—17.     Josh.   8:1, 

&c.    11:23.      2  Sam.    I0:6,&c. 

1  Kings  5:4.     2  Chr.  20:I,&c. 

30. 
z  1:3.    2:11,22,23.    5:16.     Prov. 

14:23.    Matt.  16:26. 
a  1:13,14.     2:26.     Gen.  3:19.   1 

Thes.  2:9.    2  Thes.  3:8. 
b  7:29.     Gen.  1:31.    Deut.  32:4. 

Mark  7:37. 
c  Matt.  13:22.   Rom.  1:19,20,28. 
d    8:17.     Job  11:7.    37:23.     Ps. 

104-.24.      Matt.   11:27.      Kom. 

11:33. 


separated,  or  sorrow  makes  it  seasonable  for 
them  to  refrain  from  embracing,  or  circumstances 
call  them  to  other  duties.  [Marg.  Ref.  f— n — 
Motes,  Ex.  19:10—15,  v.  15.  1  Cor.  7:1— -5,25— 
28.)  There  are  also  times,  when  men  get  wealth 
with  ease,  and  keep  it  without  diiliculty:  at  other 
times,  no  prudence  can  preserve  them  from  the 
most  ruinous  losses,  nay,  they  will  be  glad  to  cast 
away  all  their  wealth  to  save  their  lives.  At  some 
times  men  are  called  to  rend  their  clothes  in  sor- 
row; at  others,  to  prepare  the  garments  worn  on 
joyful  occasions:  at  some  seasons  awful  afflictions 
stop  their  mouths;  at  others,  unexpected  deliver- 
ances, open  them,  to  speak  the  praises  of  God,  and 
to  express  the  gladness  of  their  hearts.  At  one 
time  they  meet  with  kindness  which  excites  their 
love;  at  another  with  injuries,  which  tempt  them 
to  resentment  and  hatred.  Thus  nations  experi- 
ence seasons,  when  they  must  wage  war,  as  well 
as  opportunities  for  the  renewal  of  peace;  nor  can 
individuals  on  all  occasions  shun  dispute  and  con- 
tention. [Marg.  Ref.  o— y.)  To  expect  stable 
happiness  in  such  an  unstable  -world,  must  en- 
sure disappointment.  But  to  imitate  the  sailors, 
who  keep  the  port  in  view  during  all  their  voy- 
age, and  avail  themselves  of  fine  weather  and  fair 
winds;  yet  expect  and  prepare  for  storms  and  va- 
rious hindrances  and  hardships,  and  accommo- 
date their  conduct  to  their  circumstances;  this 
forms  man's  duty  "and  wisdom  in  such  a  changing 
world.  Otherwise  all  his  toil  and  labor  will  be 
vain  and  vexatious:  and  this  God  has  appointed  to 
the  fallen  sous  of  men,  for  their  discipline,  cor- 
rection, and  humiliation.  But,  however  this  state 
of  things  may  appear  to  us,  every  one  of  these  dis- 


B.  C.  975. 


CHAPTER  III. 


B.  C.  975. 


them,  °  but  for  a  man  to  rejoice,  and  to 
do  good  in  his  hfe. 

13  And  also  ^  that  every  man  should 
eat  and  drink,  and  enjoy  the  good  of  all 
his  labor,  it  is  the  gift  of  God. 

14  1  know  that  ^  whatsoever  .  God 
doeth,  it  shall  be  for  ever:  ''  nothing  can 
be  put  to  it,  nor  any  thing  taken  from  it: 
and  '  God  doeth  it,  that  7nen  should  fear 
before  him. 

1 5  That  ^  which  hath  been  is  now; 
and  that  which  is  to  be  hath  already 
been;  and  God  requireth  that  which  is 
*  past. 

1 6  IF  And    moreover,  '  I   saw   under 


e  22.   9:7—9.     Deut.  23:63.    Is. 

64:5.    Luke  11:41.  Acts  20:35. 

Phil.  4:4—9.    1  Thes.  5:15,16. 

1  Tim.  6:18. 
<  2:24.  5:13— 20.  6:2.  9:7.  Deut. 

28:30,31,47,48.     Judg.    6:3—6. 

Ps.  123:2.    Is.  65:21—23. 
g  Ps.  33:11.     119:90,91.     Is.  46: 

10.     Dan.  4:34,35.     Acts  2:23. 

4:28.    Rom.  11:36.   Eph.  3:11. 

Tit.  1:2. 
h  Ps.  76:10.  ProT.  19:21.  21:30. 


Is.  10:12—15.     Dan.  8:8.    11:2 

—4.      John    19:10,11,28 — 37. 

Acts  5:39. 
i  Ps.  64:9.     Is.  59:18,19.     Rev. 

15:4. 
k  1:9,10. 

*  Heb.  driven  axcay, 
1  4:1.    5:8.      1  Kings  21:9—21. 

Ps.  58:1,2.    82:2—5.    94:21,22. 

Is.  59:14.  Mic.  2:2.  7:3.    Zeph. 

3:3.     Matt.   26:59.     Acts  23:3. 

Jam.  2:6, 


pensations  is  "beautiful  in  its  season:"  and  when 
the  whole  plan  of  God  shall  be  finished,  it  will  ap- 
pear to  have  been  altogether  wise,  just,  and  good. 
Yet  by  reason  of  our  situation  in  this  world,  about 
which  our  time  and  thoughts  are  so  much  taken 
up;  no  man  can  find  out  all  "the  work  that  God 
maketh  from  the  beginning  to  the  end:"  so  that  to 
us  it  will  often  appear  disjointed  and  confused. 
{Marg.  Ref.  z— d.— JVb<e,  2:9— 1 1.)—' Solomon 
'proceeds  ...  to  illustrate  ...  the  imperfection  of 
'human  wisdom,  which  is  confined  to  a  certain  ... 
'season,  for  ail  things  that  it  would  effect;  which 
'if  we  neglect  or  let  slip,  all  our  contrivance  sig- 
'nifies  notliing.  ...  The  utmost  perfection  at  which 
'our  wisdom  can  arrive  in  this  world,  consists,  ... 
'First,  in  being  contented  in  this  order  wherein 
'God  hath  placed  all  things;  and  not  disquieting 
'ourselves  about  that  which  it  is  not  in  our  power 
'to  remedy  or  alter. ...  Secondly,  in  observing 
'and  taking  the  fittest  opportu  aity  of  doing  every 
'thing,  as  tiie  most  certain  means  to  tranquillity. 
'...  Thirdly,  in  taking  the  comfort  of  what  we 
'liave  at  present,  and  making  a  seasonable  and  le- 
'gitimate  use  of  it.  And,  lastly,  in  bearing  the  vi- 
'cissitudes,  that  we  find  in  all  human  things,  with 
'an  equal  mind.'  Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  12 — 15.,  'Wherefore  long  consideration  and 
'experience  assure  me,  that,  leaving  these  fruit- 
'less  inquiries  and  vexatious  cares  about  tlie  fu- 
'ture;  the  only  happiness  that  is  in  our  power,  is 
'to  make  the  best  we  can  of  our  present  condition; 
'rejoicing  that  things  are  so  well  wi!h  us,  and  be- 
'ing  solicitous  for  nothing  in  this  world,  but  to  ob- 
'tain  a  good  hope  in  God,  by  living  piously  and 
'virtuously,  and  doing  good  to  others  with  what 
'we  have:  and  tliis  not  remissly  and  by  fits,  but 
'seriously  and  constantly,  as  long  as  we  live.' 
Up.  Patrick. — Indeed  tlie  chief  advantage  of 
worldly  possessions  consists  in  the  pleasure  whicli 
arises  from  doing  good  with  them,  and  in  using 
moderately  and  cheerfully  the  fruit  of  our  labor; 
wkich  is  the  gift  of  God.  It  would  be  madness 
to  think  of  altering  the  decrees  of  God:  his  ap- 
pointments cannot  be  frustrated  or  disconcerted: 
nothing  can  be  added  to  or  taken  from  them;  but 
they  remain  for  ever  as  he  has  purposed  them: 
and  he  orders  all  things  in  that  manner,  wliich  is  [ 
best  suited  to  bring  men  to  stand  in  awe  of  his 
power  and  wrath,  and  to  reverence  his  glorious 

Vol.  III.  75 


the  sun  the  place  of  judgment,  ^Aa^  wick- 
edness was  there;  and  the  place  of  right- 
eousness, that  iniquity  was  there. 

17  1™  said  in  mine  heart,  °  God  shall 
judge  the  righteous  and  the  wicked:  °  for 
there  is  a  time  there  for  every  purpose  and 
for  every  work. 

18  1  said  in  mine  heart  p  concerning 
the  estate  of  the  sons  of  men,  t  that  God 
might  manifest  them,  *J  and  that  they 
might  see  that  they  themselves  are 
beasts. 

19  For  "■  that  which  befalleth  the  sons 
of  men  befalleth  beasts;  even  one  thing 
befalleth    them:  ^  as   the   one    dieth,  so 


m  1:16.  2:1. 

n  12:14.     Gen.  18:25.    Ps.  98:9. 

Matt.  16:27.  25:31 — 46.     John 

5:22,26—29.   Acts  17:31.  Rom. 

2:5—9.     1  Cor.  4:5.     2  Cor.  5: 

10.     2  Thes.   1:6—10.      Rev. 

20:11—15. 
o    1.    Jer.   29:10,11.     Dan.  11: 

40.     12:4,9,11—13.      Acts   1:7. 

1    Thes.  5:1.       2   Pet.   3:7,8. 

Rev.  11:2,3,18.    17:12—17.  20: 

2,7—9. 


p   Gen.  3:17— 19.    Job  14:1— 4. 

15:16.      Ps.  49:14,19,20.    73:18, 

19.    90:6—12.      Heb.    9:27.    1 

Pet.  1:24. 
t   Or,    that  they  anight    clear 

God,  and  see,   ($-c.     Job  40:8. 

Ps.  51:4.     Rom.  3:4.  9:23. 
q  Ps.  73:22.    2  Pet.  2:12. 
r2:16.  Ps.  49:12,20.  92:6,7. 
s  2  Sam.  14:14.     Job  14:10—12, 

Ps.  104:29. 


Majesty. — There  is  also  a  uniformity  in  the  vast 
variety  of  his  dispensations:  the  same  scenes  are 
exhibited  over  again  to  successive  generations: 
and  God,  as  it  were,  recals  those  judgments  and 
mercies,  which  had  been  emplo}-ed  on  former  oc- 
casions. So  that  his  dealings  with  individuals, 
and  with  collective  bodies,  from  age  to  age,  make 
the  same  displays  of  his  divine  perfections. — 'It  is 
'...  a  great  plague  to  be  discontented  that  things 
'go  otherwise  than  we  desire:  for  certain  it  is,  that 
'God  hath  settled  them  by  such  an  eternal  and 
'immutable  law,  ...  that  it  is  not  irfthe  power  of 
'man  to  make  tlie  least  alteration.  ...  Therefore, 
'we  must  alter  ourselves,  and  not  murmur  tiiat 
'we  cannot  change  the  course  of  things.  ...  For 
'we  in  this  present  age  are  subject  to  no  other 
'laws,  than  those  by  which  God  hath  governed 
'the  world  from  the  beginning.'  Bp.  Patrick. 
[Marg.  Rpf.—See  on  JVote,  2:'24— '26.— JVb<e*,  1; 
I'2— 18.  Jo6  33:12,13.  34:16—19.  J^rm.  4:34— 37. 
Rom.  11:33—36.) 

V.  16,17.  Solomon  licre  more  directly  reverts 
to  his  subject,  namely,  the  vanity  of  earthly  dis- 
tinctions or  possessions.  Men  are  very  ambi- 
tious of  power  and  authority,  and  these  are  deem- 
ed important  acquisitions:  yet  those  who  obtain 
them  commonly,  more  or  less,  abuse  them;  and 
instead  of  administering  justice,  are  guilty  of  op- 
pression and  iniquit}'.  And  as  God  will  surely 
call  both  the  righteous  and  the  wicked  to  an  ac- 
count for  their  works;  so  their  exaltation  fre- 
quently proves  the  occasion  of  their  own  more 
aggravated  condemnation:  for  as  this  is  a  time  of 
tlie  Lord's  patience,  speedily  the  time  of  his  ven- 
geance will  arrive;  seeing  there  is  "a  time  for 
every  purpose  and  every  work." — In  the  mean 
while,  however,  the  iniquity,  perpetrated  under 
the  color  of  la%v  and  justice,  exceedingly  enhances 
the  vanity  and  vexation  of  the  world,  b}'  turning 
the  principal  outward  remedy  against  misery,  into 
an  engine  of  torture.  And  Solomon  seems  to 
have  felt,  that  even  a  wise  and  righteous  prince 
could  not  always  prevent  this;  as  he  must  leave 
so  much  to  be  done  by  othei's,  and  cannot  secure, 
in  genera],  the  impartial  execution  of  justice, 
hov.'evcr  ardently  he  may  desire  it.  [Marg.  Ref. — 
JSToies,  3:'ii.  12:11—14.  IZom.  2:4— 6.  2  Pc?,  2:4— 
9. )  'Greatness,  power,  and  honor, ...  if  a  man  be 
'bad,  make  him  so  much  the  worse,  and   the 

[593 


B.  C.  975. 


ECCLESIASTES. 


B.  C.  975. 


dieth  the  other:  yea,  they  have  all  one 
breath:  so  that  a  man  hath  no  pre-emi- 
nence above  a  beast;  *  for  all  is  vanity. 

20  All  "  go  unto   one   place:   ^  all  are 
of  the  dust,  and  all  turn  to  dust  again. 

21  Who  y  knovveth  the  spirit  '  of  man 


t  2:20—23.      Ps.  39;  5,6.    89:47, 

48. 
u21.   6:6.    9:10.     Gen.  25:8,17. 

Num.  27:13.      Job  7;9.    17:13. 

30:24.     Ps.  49:14. 
S  Geu.  3:19.  Job  10:9,10.  34:15. 


Ps.  101:29.     Dan.  12:2. 
y   12:7.     Luke    16:22,23.     John 

14:3.    Acts  1:25.     2  Cor.  5:1,8. 

Phil.  1:23. 
*  Heb.  of  Ike  sons  of  man  that 

is  ascending. 


\  that  goeth  upward,  and  the  spirit  of  the 
I  beast  that  goeth  downward  to  the  earthi* 
!  22  Wherefore  I  perceive  that  there  is 
j  ^  nothing  better  than  that  a  man  should 
I  rejoice  in  his  own  works;  for  that  is  his 
}  portion:  for  ''  who  shall  bring  him  to  see 
i  what  shall  be  after  him.'' 


z  11,12.  2:10,11,24.  5:18—20.8: 
15.  9:7—9.  Deut.  12:7,18.  26: 
10,11.  28:47.  Rom.  12:11,12. 
Phil.  4:4,5. 


a  fi:12.  8:7.  9:12.  J0:M.  Job 
14:21.  Dan.  12:9,10,13.  Mali. 
6:34. 


'\7orld  by  his  means:  and  if  he  be  good,  will 
♦trouble  him  very  much,  to  find  there  are  many 
'abuses,  which  by  all  his  power  he  cannot  rem- 
'edy.'  Bp.  Patrick, 

V.  18—21.  Some  think  that  these  verses  con- 
tain the  objectioni  of  certain  infidels,  to  Solomon's 
doctrine  of  the  rig-hteous  judgment  of  God.  But 
the  construction  requisite  to  make  out  this  mean- 
ing appears  greatly  perplexed,  and  the  interpre- 
tation wholly  unsatisfactory.  Indeed  Solomon 
seems  to  have  expressed  the  wish  of  his  heart, 
"concerning  the  estate  of  the  sons  of  men,"  espe- 
cially that  of  powerful  oppressors;  (16)  tliat  God 
would  manifest  it  unto  them,  and  cause  them  duly 
to  consider  it;  and  that  they  might  perceive,  that 
by  choosing  this  world  as  their  portion,  they  re- 
duced themselves  to  a  level  not  only  with  the 
poorest  and  oppressed  slave,  but  even  with  the 
beasts,  without  being  like  them  exempted  from 
present  vexation  and  a  future  account.  For 
"that  which  befalleth  the  sons  of  men,"  respecting 
merely  aiiivial pleasures  or  pctins,  "befalieth  also 
beasts."  Both  live,  and  breathe,  and  die  alike, 
and  go  to  the  same  place,  and  return  to  the  dust 
whence  they  were  taken.  So  that,  in  these  things, 
"man  hath  no  pre-eminence  above  a  beast;  for  all 
is  vanity."  As  none  can  fully  comprehend,  so  few 
consider  properly,  the  difference  between  the  ra- 
tional soul  of  man,  which  after  the  death  of  the  ] 
body,  returns  to  God,  and  enters  upon  an  eternal  j 
state  of  happiness  or  misery;  and  "the  spirit," 
or  life,  of  the  beast,  which  is  extinct  with  the 
body  when  it  returns  to  the  earth.  And  for  want 
of  attending  to  this,  men  forfeit  their  real  and  im- 
mensely great  pre-eminence,  and  expose  them- 
selves to  final  and  eternal  misery.  {Jlrirg:  and 
Jlarg.  Ref.—J^''otes,(,:6.  9:10.  12:-2— 7,  v.  7.  Gen, 
3:17—19.  Ps.  49:10—15,20.  2  Cor.  5:1—8.  Phil. 
1:21— 26,  1J.  23.) 

V.  22.  (See  on  JVbte,  2:24—26.)  In  the  midst 
of  all  this  disappointment  and  vexation,  tiie  best 
thing  that  a  man  can  do,  is,  to  use  cheerfully  the 
fruits  of  his  industry,  and  the  bounty  of  Prov- 
idence: but  at  the  same  time,  to  "exercise  him- 
self to  have  a  conscience  void  of  offence,  towards 
God  and  man;"  returning  to  God  through  Jesus 
Christ,  relying  on  his  mercy,  and  rejoicing  to  do 
Lis  duty.  This  will  give  him  a  humble  confidence 
and  joyful  hope,  which  is  his  present  portion,  and 
the  earnest  of  his  future  happiness.  And  he  will 
not  want  to  know  the  things  which  are  coming 
upon  him,  in  the  intervening  years  or  days  of  his 
life:  and  it  would,  in  fact,  be  vain  to  inquire  con- 
cerning them.  {Jlars;.  Rcf.—J^oles,  12—15.  Is. 
64:5.  2  Cor.  1:12—14^) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
V.  1— u. 
In  this  changing  world  our  proper  comfort  lies 
in  the  expectation  of  unchangeable  happiness  in 
heaven.  How  wretched  then  are  those,  who  have 
nothing  to  hope,  and  every  thing  to  fear,  b6yond 
the  grave!  In  that  world,  to  which  the  believer  is 
hastening,  there  will  be  no  more  death  or  sick- 
ness, no  more  plucking  up  or  breaking  down,  no 
weeping  and  mourning,  no  losing  or  scattering, 
.'i94'J 


no  hatred,  en vj%  or  war;  but  eternal  peace,  and 
love,  and  joy,  complete,  yet  still  receiving  contin- 
ual accessions.  While  we  continue  on  this  stormy 
ocean,  let  us  cast  "anchor  within  the  veil;"  and 
let  us  seize  the  favorable  opportunity  for  every 
good  purpose  and  work.  As  the  time  for  our 
being  born  is  past,  so  the  time  for  us  to  die  is 
speedily  approaching:  in  the  interval  there  is  a 
season  allotted  to  us  to  "work  out  our  own  salva- 
tion," and  to  do  good  to  our  brethren.  If  it  had 
not  been  for  sin,  there  would  not  have  been  a  time 
for  death;  if  it  had  not  been  for  Christ,  we  must 
have  died  without  hope.  Our  sins  bring  upon  us 
all  our  personal,  domestic,  and  public  calamities; 
to  Christ  we  owe  all  our  comforts.  Let  us  then 
learn  to  acknowledge  the  hand  of  God  in  all  the 
varying  scenes  of  life;  to  submit  to  his  justice 
witiiout  murmuring,  to  humble  ourselves  for  sin, 
to  seek  the  supports  of  his  grace,  and  to  hope  for 
returning  comforts;  even  if  he  please  to  overturn 
our  prosperity,  and  to  wither  our  gourds;  if  be  call 
us  to  mourning  and  weeping,  to  rending  our  gar- 
ments and  girding  ourselves  with  sackcloth;  if  he 
mar  our  enjoyments,  bereave  us  of  our  substance, 
or  expose  us  to  imbittered  enemies.  And  on  the 
other  hand,  if  the  Lord  be  pleased  to  plant,  to 
build  up,  and  to  heal  our  wounds,  to  give  us  peace, 
j  and  cause  us  to  rejoice;  if  he  send  accessions  of 
|!  property  or  of  kind  friends,  or  render  relative  en- 
ii  dearments  comfortable  to  us;  let  us  beware  that  we 
I  do  not  trust  the  transient  calm:  on  the  contrary,  in 
M  the  day  of  prosperity  let  us  prepare  for  adversit}-, 
j  in  the  time  of  love  for  enmity,  in  the  time  of  peace 
;  for  war,  in  the  time  of  health  for  sickness,  and  in 
ij  the  time  of  life  for  death.  In  the  mean  while  let 
I  U.S  receive  the  present  comfort  with  gratitude,  and 
bear  the  transient  affliction  with  patience:  let  us 
diligently  attend  to  the  duty,  and  accommodate 
ourselves  to  the  circumstances,  of  the  present 
time;  and  expect  our  happiness,  not  from  this 
changing  world,  but  from  an  unchangeable  God. 
But  if  we  reverse  this  order,  it  will  still  recur  to 
be  inquired,  "What  profit  hath  he  that  worketli 
in  that  wherein  he  laboreth.^"  Nay,  the  more  men 
see  of  the  world  around  u  em,  the  more  they  will 
"witness  the  travail,  whicn  God  hath  given  to  tlie 
sons  of  men  to  be  exercised  in  it."  Yet  let  us 
not  rashly  censure  the  appointments  of  God: 
every  thing  which  he  has  planned  and  executed  is 
perfectly  fitted  to  its  time,  place,  and  occasion, 
and  "is  beautiful  in  its  season."  But  in  such  a 
world  as  this,  where  our  needful  employments  are 
so  many,  and  with  such  hearts  as  ours,  wiiich  are 
so  needlessly  set  upon  earthly  things,  and  anxious 
about  them,  no  wonder  that  we  are  not  able  to 
find  out  all  the  works  of  God,  and  to  see  the  rea- 
sons and  the  glory  of  them.  To  believe,  obey, 
and  submit  is  our  part  on  earth;  and  not  to  com- 
prehend the  deep  things  of  God. 
V.  12—22. 
It  is  both  our  duty  and  our  privilege  to  be  daily 
occupied  in  doing  good  to  all  around  us,  as  we 
have  ability  and  opportunity:  and  this  would  ren- 
der our  own  temporal  comforts  doubly  sweet  to 
us;  for  indeed  it  is  the  only  good  in  them.  We 
should  also  avoid  the  extremes  of  avarice  and  ex- 


B.  C.  975. 


CHAPTER  IV. 


B.  C.  975. 


CHAP.  IV. 

The  miseries  arising  from  oppression;  and  the  vanity  resulting 
from  envy,  idleness,  and    avarice,  1 — 8.     Tlie   advantages  of 

,'  friendship  and  social  atTeclions,  9 — 12.  The  vanity  of  royal 
dignity,  through  the  folly  of  princes,  and  the  fickleness  of  their 
euujects,  13 — 16. 

SO  "  I  returned,  ^  and  considered  all 
the  oppressions  that  are  done  under 
the  sun:  and,  behold,  "^  the  tears  of  such 
as  were  oppressed,  and  '^  they  had  no 
comforter;  and  on  the  *  side  of  their  op- 
pressors there  was  power;  but  they  had  no 
comforter. 

2  Wherefore  ®  I  praised  the  dead 
which  are  already  dead,  more  than  the 
living  which  are  yet  alive 


Job  b.itf.  Mai.  3;18. 
b  S.16.  J8.  7:7.  K«.  1:13,14, 
16,22.  2:-23,24.  S:6— 19.  Deut. 
28:33,48.  Judg.  4:3.  10:7,3. 
Neh.  5:1—5.  Job  -24:7—12. 
Ps.  10:9,10.  Prov.  23:3,15,16. 
Is.  5.7.  51:23.  59:7,13—15. 
Mai   .3:5. 


c  Ps.  42:3,9.  80:5.  102:8,9.  Mftl. 

2:13.    Jam.  5:4. 
d  Job  16:4.   19:21,22.    Ps.  69:20. 

142:4.      Prov.    19:7.     Lam.    1: 

2,9.     Matt.   26:56.      2  Tim.  4: 

lti,17. 
*  Heb.  hand, 
e2:17.  9:4—6.    .lob  3:17— 21. 


3  Yea,  '  better  is  he  than  both  they, 
which  hath  not  yet  been,  ^  who  hath  not 
seen  the  evil  work  that  is  done  under  the 
sun. 

4  IF  Again,  I  considered  all  travail, 
and  ^  every  right  work,  that  for  this  a  man 
is  envied  of  his  neighbor.  ''  This  is  also 
vanity  and  vexation  of  spirit. 

5  The  '  fool  foldeth  his  hands  togeth- 
er, and  ^  eateth  his  own  flesh. 

G  Better  is  '  an  handful  ivith  quietness, 
than  both  the  hands  full  with  travail  and 
vexation  of  spirit. 

f  6:3— 5.     Job  3:10— 16.    10:18, 
19.      Jer.  20:17,18.     Matt.  24: 


19.    Luke  23:29. 

g  1:14.  2:17.  Ps.  55:6—11.  Jer. 
9:2,3. 

f  Heb.  all  the  rightness  of 
wirk,  that  this  is  the  envy  of  a 
man  from  his  neighbor.  Gen. 
4:4—3.  37:2—11.  1  Sam.  18: 
8,9,14— 16,  .'9,30.     Prov.    27:4. 


Jam. 


Matt.  27:18.     Acts7;9. 

4:5.     1  John  3:12, 
h  16.   1:14.  2:21,26.    6:9,11. 
i  Prov.  6:10,11.   12:27.   13:4.  20: 

4.  24:33,34. 
k   Job  13:14.     Prov.  11:17.    Is. 

9:20. 
1  Ps.  37:16.    Prov.  15:16,17.  16: 

3.   17:1. 


travagance,  in  the  use  of  our  substance;  and 
should  continually  seek  wisdom  and  grace  from 
God,  that  we  may  properly  "eat  and  drink,  and 
enjoy  the  ^ood  of  all  our  labor,"  without  disquiet- 
ing ourselves  about  the  everlasting  and  most  per- 
fect appointments  of  God.  Rather  let  us  fear  be- 
fore him,  and  reverence  his  wisdom,  justice,  and 
power;  being  assured  that  he  deals  with  all  his 
creatures,  in  every  age,  by  the  same  unerring 
rules.  Leaving  these  matters  therefore  to  the 
Lord,  we  should  take  the  place,  and  do  the  work, 
assigned  us.  Nor  need  we  desire  eminent  sta- 
tions, which  so  often  tempt  men  to  atrocious  wick- 
edness, and  expose  them  to  severe  judgments. 
And  should  we  not  onl}'  witness  the  "iniquity 
found  in  the  place  of  judgment,"  but  even  suffer 
grievous  things,  we  need  not  faint;  for  the  time 
of  deliverance  for  the  oppressed,  and  for  ven- 
geance on  the  oppressor,  will  soon  arrive.  Rather 
let  us  pray  for  our  poor  besotted  fellow  sinners 
around  us,  that  the  Lord  would  shew  them  their 
real  condition,  and  not  leave  them  to  their  wick- 
edness, "as  brute  beasts  that  have  no  understand- 
ing." Surely  the  case  of  those  who  are  so  de- 
sirous of  living  like  beasts,  that  the  height  of  their 
hopes  and  wishes  is  to  die  like  them,  is  most  de- 
plorable. And  yet  must  they  be  disappointed 
in  this  their  grovelling  expectation.  Indeed,  as 
to  the  body  there  is  no  great  difference  at  present: 
both  must  return  to  the  dust.  But  who  can  de- 
scribe the  difference,  when  the  soul  of  man 
leaves  the  body,  and  enters  upon  an  eternal 
state  of  unmixed  joy  or  sorrow;  while  the  beast 
dies  to  live  no  morel  Though  we  cannot  fully  ex- 
plain this  matter,  yet,  believing  the  word  of  God, 
we  may  know  enough  to  convince  us,  that  our 
business  on  earth  is  to  seek  future  happiness;  and 
embracing  the  salvation  of  the  gospel,  to  be  zeal- 
ous of  all  those  good  works  which  are  the  ev- 
idences of  faith  and  love,  and  rejoice  in  doing 
them.  If  we  choose  this  as  our  portion,  we  slall 
be  safe  for  eternity:  though  no  one  can  tell  us 
what  shall  befal  us  hereafter  during  life;  or  what 
will  come  upoa  our  family  or  country  after  we  are 
gone. 

NOTES. 
Chap.  IV.  V.  I — 3.  Solomon  reiwm^d  from 
his  survey  of  the  general  condition  of  mankind, 
as  in  many  things  resembling  that  of  the  beasts 
that  perish;  to  consider  more  fully  the  case  of  the 
oppressed,  who  are  rendered  more  wretched  than 
the  beasts,  by  the  cruelty  of  their  oppressors. 
He  had  doubtless  often  had  occasion  to  behold  and 
redress    the  oppressions  committed  io  his  own 


kingdom,  by  the  rich  and  powerful,  on  the  poor 
servant  and  laborer,  on  the  widow  and  the  orphan. 
{J\''ote,  3: 16,17.)  This  led  him  to  reflect  on  those 
who  were  crushed  by  more  potent  tyrants,  ex- 
cited by  malignant  or  mercenary  false  accusers; 
{(7VK0(pavTavTiJi>v.  Sept.)  and  who  were  destitute  of 
any  "codiforter"  or  helper;  as  none  would  dare  to 
appear  for  them,  lest  they  should  share  their  in- 
juries, from  that  power  which  was  employed  to 
commit  and  maintain  injustice.  This  view  of  hu- 
man misery  made  him  ready  to  conclude,  that  it 
was  better  to  die,  than  to  live  in  such  a  wretched 
world;  nay,  that  it  would  have  been  better  never 
to  have  been  born,  to  witness  and  experience 
the  afflictions  and  miseries,  which  arise  from 
man's  wickedness,  all  over  the  earth.  (Jl/ar^.  and 
Mars:.  Ref. — N'otes,  2: 1 2— 17.  6:3—5.  Ex.  h22. 3: 
7.  Job  24.-2— 12.  Prov.  28:16.)  And  so  doubtless 
it  would,  if  it  were  not  for  the  comforts  of  religion 
and  the  hope  of  abetter  world;  which  the  preach- 
er all  along  meant  to  except  from  his  general 
charge  of  vanity.  (JVb^e,  12:1!  — 14.) 

V.  4 — 6.  Turning  his  thoughts  another  way, 
Solomon  next  considered  the  labor  and  pains, 
which  men  take  in  useful  undertakings,  and  in 
rendering  important  services  to  mankind.  Thus 
they  often  become  renowned,  eminent,  and  pros- 
perous: but  then  this  excites  envy  and  opposition, 
the  effects  of  which  more  than  counterbalance  all 
the  temporal  advantages  of  their  right  work. 
{Mar^.  and  Jlarg.  Re/.— See  on  JVb^e,  Prov.  27: 
4.)  Others,  seeing  the  vexation  which  such  per- 
sons meet  with  in  an  active  course,  foolishly  ex- 
pect to  find  more  satisfaction  in  sloth  artd  inac- 
tivity. Thus  their  strength  and  faculties  lie  dor- 
mant, and  they  often  reduce  themselves  to  pining 
distress:  and  yet  some  of  them  will  assume  an  air 
of  wisdom,  and  urge,  that  "better  is  an  handful 
with  quietnpss,  than  both  hands  full  with  travail 
and  vexation  of  spirit;"  which,  though  true  of  him 
who  prefers  quietness  in  doing  his  duty  with  a 
narrower  ^ncome,  to  greater  abundance  with 
contention;  yet  applies  not  to  the  case  of  the 
sluggard.  (Marg.  Ref.  i — 1 — J^ote,  Prov.  26: 
13 — 16.)  His  quietness  is  a  mortal  disease 
both  of  body  and  soul;  his  handful  is  wretch- 
ed and  wilful  poverty;  and  any  honest  labor,  or 
cumbersome  plenty,  is  better  than  hisguietness 
and  starving.— 'Pride,  ambition,  emulation,  envy, 
'and  hatred  reign  so  uncontrollably  every  where, 
'among  all  orders  and  ranks,  all  trades  and  pro- 
'fessions;  that  when  a  man  hath  taken  a  deal  of 
'honest  pains,  in  some  useful  work,  and"  brought 
'it  to  perfection;  instead  of  gaining  credit  by  it, 

[595 


B.  C.  975. 


ECCLESIASTES. 


B.  C.  975. 


7  ^  Then  "  I  returned,  nnd  I  saw 
vanity  under  the  sun. 

8  There  is  "  one  alone,  and  there  is 
not  a  second:  yea,  °  he  hath  neither  child 
nor  brother;  yet  is  there  p  no  end  of  all 
his  labor;  neither  '^  is  his  eye  satisfied 
with  riches;  neither  saith  he,  ^  For  whom 
do  I  labor,  and  bereave  my  soul  of  good? 
This  is  also   vanity,  yea,  "  it   is  a   sore 

travail.  [Practical  Observations.] 

9  IF  Two  *  are  better  than  one;  because 
they  have  "  a  good  reward  for  their  labor. 

10  For  ^  if  they  fall,  the  one  will  lift 
up  his  fellow:   ^  but  woe    to   him   that  is 

>|ilone  when  he  falleth;  for  he  hath  not  an- 
other to  help  him  up. 

1 1  Again,  ^  if  two  lie  together,  then  they 


m  1.  Ps.  78;33.    Zech.  1:6. 

n  9—12.  Gen.  2:18.  Is.  56:3—5. 

o  Gen.  15:2,3. 

p  Is.  5:8. 

q  1:8.  5:10.    ProT.  27:20.   Hab. 

2:5—9.      lJohn2:16. 
r  Ps.  39:6.    Is.  44;19,20.     Luke 

12:20. 
S  1:13.  2:23.    Is.  55:2.  Matt.  11: 

28. 
t   Gen.   2:18.       Ex.   4:14 — 16. 

Num.  11:14.  Prov.  27:17.  Hag. 


1:14.  Mark  6:7.  Acts  13:2.  15 
39,40.    1  Cor.  12:18—21. 

u  Ruth  2:12.  John  4:36.  2  John 
8. 

X  Ex.  32:2—4,21.  Deut.  9:19, 
20,  1  Sam.  23:16.  2  Sam.  11: 
27.  12:7,&c.  Job  4:3,4.  Is.  35: 
3,4.  Luke  22:31,32.  Gal.  2:11 
—  14.  6:1.     1  Thes.  4:13.   5:11. 

y  Gen.  4:8.   2  Sam.  14:6. 

z  1  Kings  1:1,2. 


*...  his  neighbors  look  awry  upon  him;  nay,  he  is 
*...  disparaged  and  traduced  by  those  who  either 

'cannot  or  will  not  imitate  (but  only  carp  at)  his 
'ingenious  labors.  ...  Some  ...  are  so  absurdly 
'foolish,  as...  to  sit  down  in  perfect  idleness.  ...  A 
'wise  resolution  this!  to  do  nothing  because  others 
'do  ill!'  Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  7,  8.  Solomon  next  considered  the  case  of 
one  that  went  into  the  opposite  extreme.  It  is 
that  of  a  single  man,  without  any  associate,  for 
fear  of  the  expenses  of  a  family;  one  who  not  only 
has  no  children,  but  is  without  any  near  relation, 
and  who  )'et  toils  and  labors  incessantly  all  his 
days;  who  is  full  of  care  about  scraping  together 
and  hoarding  riches;  who  grows  griping  and  pe- 
nurious as  he  becomes  wealthy  and  old;  who 
lives  in  the  meanest  manner,  and  yet  grudges 
himself  every  morsel,  bereaving  his  soul  of  good; 
and  who  has  not  sense  to  ask  himself,  for  whom 
he  thus  labors  and  starves;  to  whom  it  does  not 
occur  to  inquire,  'Whose  slave  am  I,  seeing  I 
'work  and  fare  so  hard.''  and  who  is  to  reap  the 
'fruit  of  all  my  toil  and  penuriousness.'"  The  dis- 
tant relations,  or  strangers,  which  inherit  such  a 
man's  wealth,  never  thank  him  for  it;  for  they 
know  that  he  would  not  leave  it  to  them,  if  he 
could  keep  it  any  longer.  [Marg.  Ref. — J^otes, 
9—12.5:9—12.6:2.  Gen.  2:18.  15:2,3.  P*.  39:6. 
Prov.  27:20,  Lvke  12:15—21,  v.  20.) 

V.  9 — 12.  From  the  folly  and  misery  of  the 
solitary  miser,  the  wise  man  takes  occasion  to 
point  out  the  advantages  of  friendship,  or  of  mar- 
riage, and  a  social  life.  Two  may  live  more 
comfortably  together,  if  suitably  paired,  than  one 
can  alone;  and  their  satisfaction  in  eafch  other's 
company  will  be  a  good  reward  for  the  additional 
labor  that  it  may  occasion:  for  surely  he  has 
more  satisfaction  in  life,  who  labors  hard  to  main- 
tain a  wife  and  children  whom  he  loves,  than  the 
miser  has  in  his  absurd  care  and  toil!  and  every 
kind  of  honest  and  faithful  friendship  is  produc- 
tive of  some  solace,  amidst  the  evils  of  life.  This 
f  reposition  is  illustrated  by  some  familiar  cases, 
f  a  man  travel  alone,  and  any  accident  befal 
him,  he  ma}''  be  lost  for  want  of  help;  but  when 
two  journey  together,  the  one  is  at  hand  to  help 
and  take  care  of  the  other.  When  two  lie  to- 
596] 


have  heat;  but  how  can  one  be  warm  alone? 

12  And  if  one  prevail  against  him,  two 
shall  withstand  hiin;  ^  and  a  three-fold 
cord  is  not  quickly  broken. 

13  IT  Better  ^  is  a  poor  and  a  wise 
child,  than  an  old  and  foolish  king,  who 
*  will  no  more  be  admonished. 

14  For  *^out  of  prison  he  cometh  to 
reign:  whereas  ^  also  he  that  is  born  in 
his  kingdom  becometh  poor. 

15  I  considered  all  the  living  which 
walk  under  the  sun,  with  the  second 
®  child  that  shall  stand  up  in  his  stead. 

16  There  is  ^  no  end  of  all  the  people, 
even  of  all  that  have  been  before  them: 
s  they  also  that  come  after  shall  not  re- 
joice in  him.  Surely  •"  this  also  is  vanity 
and  vexation  of  spirit. 


a2Sam.  23:9,l6,18,19,-23.  Dan. 

3:16,17.   Eph.  4:3. 
b   9:15,16.     Gen.    37:2.     Prov. 

19:1.  28:6,15,16. 
*   Heb.   knoweth  not  to  be.    1 

Kings   22:8.       2  Chr.    16:9,10. 

24:20—22.  25:16. 
c  Gen.  41:14,33—44.     Job  5:11. 

Ps.  113:7,8. 


d  iKings  14:26,27.  2  Kings  23- 
31—34.  24:1,2,6,12.  25:7,57— 
30.  Lam.  4:20.  Dan.  4:31. 

e  2  Sam.  15:6. 

f  2  Sam.  15:12,13.  1  Kings  1:5 
—7,40.   12:10—16. 

g  Judg.  9:19,20.  2  Sam.  18:7,8. 
19:9. 

h  1:14.  2:11,17,26. 


gether,  they  communicate  heat  to  each  other; 
but  either  of  them  alone,  might  have  been  incom- 
moded by  the  cold.  And  two,  or  more,  united 
together,  may  withstand  an  assailant,  who  would 
have  prevailed  against  either  of  them  separately; 
even  as  a  three-fold  or  twisted  cord  is  not  readily 
broken,  except  by  untwisting  it.  This  is  appli- 
cable both  to  the  benefits  of  common  friendship, 
and  the  communion  of  the  saints. — 'Lamentable 
'is  his  condition,  who  hath  no  friend,  no  com- 
'panion,  to  reach  out  his  charitable  hand  to  him, 
'when  he  falls,  suppose  into  a  pit;  none  to  com- 
'fort  him  when  he  is  sick;  none  to  testify  his  inno- 
'cence  when  he  is  defamed;  or,  which  is  worse, 
'to  restore  him,  when  by  his  own  imprudence  or 
'negligence,  he  falls  into  sin.'  Bp.  Patrick. 
[Marg.  Ref.—JS'otes,  7,  8.  Gen.  2:18,24.  Ex.  4:14. 
i  Kmgsl:\,2.) 

V.  13,  14.  The  preacher,  though  himself  a 
king,  next  proceeded  to  shew  the  vanity  of  royal 
dignity.  Frequently  those,  who  should  be  most 
revered  for  authority  and  seniority,  are  very  ig- 
norant and  imprudent;  yet  are  too  proud  to  be 
admonished  or  counselled,  or  even  too  old  to 
learn:  and  thus  the)'^  involve  themselves  and  their 
people  in  great  calamities.  But  a  nation  had 
better  be  governed  by  one  of  mean  extraction, 
and  in  his  youth,  who  is  wise  enough  to  take  ad- 
vice and  prefer  good  counsel,  than  by  such 
an  old  and  foolish  king.  Or  rather,  a  poor 
youth,  who  behaves  prudently,  is  more  respecta- 
ble and  happy  than  he.  Wisdom  indeed  may 
bring  a  man  even  from  prison  to  the  greatest 
dignity,  as  it  did  Joseph;  and  then  his  former  ob- 
scurity is  no  reproach  to  him:  but  one,  bom  to 
inherit  a  throne,  may  become  poor  and  distressed 
by  his  misconduct. — 'Folly  makes  the  other  im- 
'patient  of  all  advice; ...  and  the  older  he  is,  the 
'more  obstinate:  because  as  his  kingly  dignity,  he 
'fancies,  authorizes  him  to  do  what  he  lists;  so 
'his  age  gives  him  a  privilege  of  knowing-  better 
'than  any  body  can  tell  him.'  Bp.  Patrick — 
Probably  Solomon  foreboded,  that  this  might  be 
the  case  with  Rehoboam,  as  it  afterwards  in  some 
measure  proved.  {Marg.  and  Marg.  Ref.  b — d. 
-^JVofes,  Gen.  41:   1  Kings  12:) 

V.  15,  16.    These  verses  state,  that  Solomon 


B.  C.  975. 


CHAPTER  IV. 


B.  C.  975. 


observed  the  general  propensity  of  men  to  prefer 
the  heir-apparent  as  we  say,  to  the  reig-ning- 
prince,  however  wise  and  excellent.  This  he 
remarked  to  be  the  way  of  "all  the  livings,  who 
walk  under  the  sun:"  they  are  fond  of  changes, 
and  pay  coui't  to  the  king's  son,  though  compara- 
tively a  child,  in  preference  to  the  king;  as  he  is 
■♦■•'the  second"  or  next  to  him,  and  is  shortly  to 
stand  up  in  his  stead.  Probably  Solomon  observ- 
ed this,  in  the  case  of  Rehoboam,  with  considerable 
uneasiness.  But  he  remembered  also  that  the 
people  were  continuing  the  conduct  of  all  that 
had  been  before  them;  of  those  for  instance,  who 
raised  a  rebellion  against  David,  in  favor  of  Ab- 
salom: and,  however  sanguine  their  attachment 
and  expectations  might  now  be,  as  to  his  suc- 
cessor, they  that  should  come  after  would  not  re- 
joice in  him,  but  choose  another  favorite  instead 
of  him,  still  worshipping  the  rising  and  neglecting 
the  setting  sun:  and  this  alone  sufficed  to  render 
royalty,  however  well  supported,  "vanity  and 
vexation  of  spirit." — 'So  tliis  young  prince,  who 
'is  now  followed  with  such  applause,  must  not 
'think  that  it  will  last  alway:  but  they  that  come 
'after  will  take  as  little  delight  in  him,  as  the 
'present  generation  doth  in  his  father;  and  when 
'he  grows  old,  court  his  son,  after  tlie  same 
'fashion,  as  they  now  do  him,  being  young.'  Bp. 
Patrick.  [Jlarg.  Rpf.—J^otes,  2  Sam.  13:— 18: 
1  Kings  12:) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
V.  1—8. 
Wherever  we  turn  our  eyes  or  our  thoughts, 
we  see  melancholy  proofs  of  the  wickedness  and 
misery  of  mankind;  who,  as  if  the  evils  of  life  and 
death  were  insufficient,  seem  to  employ  all  their 
ingenuity  and  industry,  in  creating  trouble  to 
themselves  and  each  other!  So  that  every  where 
under  the  sun,  (except  as  good  government  allays 
the  evil,)  the  earth  is  full  of  the  oppressions  of  the 
powerful,  and  the  groans  and  tears  of  the  oppress- 
ed, who  often  are  without  redress  or  comfort:  for 
so  selfish  are  men,  that  when  not  directly  con- 
cerned in  oppression,  they  are  more  disposed  to 
pay  court  to  the  affluent  oppressor,  than  to  com- 
passionate or  alleviate  the  miseries  of  the  unhappy 
sufferers.  In  this  view  there  is  little  reason  to 
desire  the  continuance  of  life:  and  if  this  were 
all,  we  might  be  ready  to  congratulate  those, 
who  had  done  with  its  few  pleasures  and  many 
pains;  and  even  to  conclude  it  best,  never  to 
have  entered  into  such  a  wicked  and  wretched 
world.  And  when  we  take  into  the  account  the 
future  state  of  righteous  retribution,  we  may 
well  say  of  ungodly  men,  that  "it  had  been  good 
for  them,  had  they  never  been  born."  But  we 
should  not  for  a  moment  forget,  that  all  these 
miseries  are  the  effects  of  God's  displeasure 
against  the  iniquities  of  men,  and  of  their  injuri- 
ous conduct  to  each  other:  so  that  we  have  no 
reason  to  murmur,  though  we  may  well  despair 
of  happiness  in  such  an  afflicted  scene. — Nay, 
even  they,  who  do  works  eminently  right  and 
good,  will  reap  vanity  and  vexation  from  them, 
in  proportion  as  they  expect  a  reward  from  men: 
for  the  pride  and  malignity  of  the  human  heart 
will  single  them  out  as  the  objects  of  imbittered 
envy;  and  calumny,  ingratitude,  and  opposition 
as  certainly  pursue  eminent  characters,  as  the 
shadow  the  substance.  Yet  none  but  the  fool 
will  fold  his  hands  in  indolence,  and  suffer  his 
abilities  to  rust  away  for  want  of  exercising  them: 
for  the  effects  of  sloth,  inducing  poverty  and 
unpitied  distress,  are  more  vexatious,  than  any 
labor  and  disappointment.  Indeed  these  vexa- 
tions may  be  somewhat  alleviated  by  being  dili- 
gent in  every  right  work,  from  a  believing  regard 
to  the  gracious  acceptance  of  God  our  Savior 
and  love  to  his  name,  and  then  modestly  shunning 


ostentation  and  competition;  by  being  quiet  and 
minding  our  own  business,  avoiding  contention, 
and  seeking  a  comfortable  provision  for  ourselves; 
and  by  being  useful  to  others.      In  this  sense, 
"better  is  an  handful  with  quietness,  than  both 
hands  full  with  travail  and  vexation  of  spirit." 
Yet  the  miser's  folly  is  more  egregious,  than  even 
that   of  the   sluggard.      Men  commonly   devise 
some  plausible  pretext  for  their  avarice;    they 
have  families  to  provide  for,  or  poor  I'elations 
that  have  expectations  from  them;  or  they  labor 
and  hoard  now,  that  they  may  hereafter  enjo)^ 
ease  and  plenty.  But  the  disease  gathers  strength 
by  time  and  habit;  and  is  capable  of  such  excess, 
as  could  never  have  been  credited,  if  it  had  not 
been  proved  by  indisputable  facts.     Men,  who 
have  neither  child  nor  brother,  infirm  through 
age,  and  tottering  on  the  brink  of  the  grave,  still 
scrape  and   toil  without  measure  or  cessation! 
They  continually  grow  more  grasping  and  penu- 
rious: they  bereave  themselves,  as  well  as  oth- 
ers, of  all  enjoyment  and  comfort:  they  are  the 
wretched,  yet  the  willing  slaves  of  the  most  cruel 
masters,  who  give  them  no  rest  or  respite;  till 
death  remove  them,  and  they  leave  their  idol  be- 
hind them;  and  their  heirs  rejoice,  and  commonly 
dissipate  their  treasure!    Surely  this  is  also  "a 
vanity,  jea,  it  is  a  sore  travail."    Let  us  then 
beware  of  covetousness,  and  guard  against  its 
first  beginnings,  if  we  would  avoid  these  despica- 
ble and  destructive  extremes. 
V.  9—16. 
Though  we  cannot  escape  the  vanity  of  life, 
yet  we  may  mitigate  it,  by  a  prudent  use  of  tlie 
comforts   of  society  and   endeared  connexions: 
this  will  solace  and  recompense  our  labors;  we 
shall  have  kind  friends  to  sympathize  with  us  in 
our  sorrows,  to  comfort  us  when  dejected,  to  ani- 
mate us  in  our  difficulties,  to  defend  us  from  in- 
jury, or  to  assist  us  to  repair  our  losses:  and  we 
may  reciprocally  render  them  the  same  services. 
In  all  things  union  gives  stability,  and  tends  to 
success  and  safety;  for  a  three-fold  cord  cannot 
easily  be  broken.     But  above  all,  the  union  of 
Christians,  and  the  communion  thence  resulting, 
produce  manifold  advantages.     [JS'otes,  Eph.  4:1 
—6.  Pkil.  1:27—30,  v.  27.  2:1—4.)    Whilst  with 
united  hearts,  endeavors,  and  prayers,  they  are 
occupied  in  "the  work  of  faith  and  labor  of  love," 
they  enjo}"^  a  good  reward.     They  assist  each  oth- 
er, when  they  fall  into  any  sin,  temptation,  or 
trouble,  by   encouragement  or  friendly  reproof: 
but  "woe  to  him  that  is  alone  when  he  falleth; 
for  he  hath  not  another  to  help  him  up."    They 
warm  each  other's   hearts,  while  they  converse 
together  of  the  joys  of  heaven,  or  the  love  of 
Christ,  or  unite  in   singing  his   praises:    but    a 
solitary    Christian  will    scarcely   ever   be   very 
lively,   or   fervent    in    spirit.       And   no   enemy 
can  withstand  the  combined  efforts  and  fervent 
prayers  of  associated  Christians;  nor  can  Satan 
prevail  against  them,  except  by  dividing  them. 
"Let  brotherly  love"  then  "continue,"  and  diffuse 
its  divine  influence  through  all  the   church   of 
Christ:  and  let  us  endeavor  to  improve  our  oppor- 
tunities of  Christian  fellowship,  and  to  turn  them 
to  good  account.     In  these  things,  all  is  not  vani- 
ty; though  there  will  be   imperfection  and  alloy, 
as  long  as  we  are  "under  the  sun."     The  poorest 
Christian,  however,  may  find  a  more  solid  satis- 
faction, in  communion  with  God,  and  the  hope  of 
heaven,  and  in  his  proper  work,  and  the  society 
of  his  brethren,  than  any  ungodly  prince  can  find 
upon  his  throne:  nay,  the  most"  ignorant  and  in- 
experienced believer  is  wiser  and  happier,  than 
those  who  are  old  and  great,  but  will   not  take 
good  counsel.     For  rank  and  old  age  do  not  al- 
ways give  wisdom,  but  rather  increase  pride  and 
obstinacy,  which  are  the  most  ruinous  kinds  of 
foUv.    (JVb<e,Jo6  32:6— 14.)     And  if  he  who  from 

'■  ...  [•^^'^ 


B.  C.  975. 


ECCLESIASTES. 


B.  C.  975. 


CHAP.  V. 

Cautions  against  those  things  which  render  men's  devotions  and 
vows  vain  and  sinful,  ] — 7;  and  against  being  stumbled  by  be- 
holding oppression,  3.  The  vanity  of  riches,  in  the  getting, 
keeping,  or  loss  of  them,  9 — 17.  The  proper  use  of  them,  in 
the  fear  of  God,  is  the  only  remedy  against  this  vanity,  18 — 21. 

KEEP  ^  thy  foot  when  thou  goest  to 
the  house  of  God,  and  be  more 
•^  ready  to  hear,  than  to  *=  give  the  sacri- 
fice of  fools:  for  they  consider  not  that 
they  do  evil. 

2  Be  "^  not  rash  with  thy  mouth,  and 
let  not  thine  heart  be  hasty  to  utter  any 
*  thing  before  God:  ^  for  God  is  in  heav- 
en, and  thou  upon  earth:  therefore  ''  let 
thy  words  be  few. 

3  For  a  dream  cometh  through  the 
multitude  of  business;  and  *='  a  fool's  voice 
is  known  by  multitude  of  words. 

■  "     '  --    ■    i:]0,n.    Heb.  10:26. 


aGen.  28:l»5,n.   Ki.  3;5.  Le 
10.3.     Josh.  5:15.     Ps.  89:7.   1 
Cor.  11:2-2.    Heb.  12:28,29. 

b  Acts  10:33.  l7:ll.  Jam.  1:19. 
1  Pet.  2:1,2. 

c  Gen.  4:3—5.  1  Sam.  13:12,13. 
15:21,22.  Ps.  50:8—18.  Prov. 
15:8.  21:27.  Is.  1.12—15.  66: 
3.    Jer.  7.21—23.      Hos   6:6,7. 


Mai 
d  Gen.    18:27,30,32.  28:20—22. 

Num.  30:2—5.  Judg.  11:,W— 36 

1  Sam.  14:24—45.  Mark  6:23. 
*  Or,  xvord, 

e  Ps.  115:3.    Is.  55:9.  Matt.  6:9. 
f  3,7.      Prov.  10:19.     Matt.  6:7. 

Jam.  3:2. 
g  10:13—14.    Prov.  15:2. 


a  dung-eon  should,  through  his  wisdom,  be  ad- 
vanced to  a  tlirone,  be  preferable  to  him,  who 
born  in  his  kingdom  is  reduced  to  poverty  by  his 
folly;  how  honorable  and  happy  will  they  be,  who 
by  faith  in  the  Son  of  God,  are  advanced  from  the 
bondage  of  sin  and  Satan,  to  the  glorious  "king- 
dom that  cannot  be  moved!"  And  how  miserable 
and  contemptible  they,  however  rich  and  great, 
who  have  "their  good  things"  in  this  life;  and 
then  for  their  sins  are  condemned  to  ever- 
lasting punishment  in  hell! — ^^Indeed,  the  most 
politic  and  successful  princes  find  little  comfort 
in  their  dignity  and  reputation.  The  inconsisten- 
cy of  the  people  who  soon  forget  their  services; 
the  domestic  disquietudes,  to  which  they  are  far 
more  exposed  than  their  inferiors;  and  the  parties 
and  rivalship,  which  are  thus  excited  and  foment- 
ed, commonly  Cll  their  closing  scene  with  vexa- 
tion and  bitterness,  as  every  reflecting  reader  of 
historjr  must  have  often  remarked.  This  has 
been  the  case  in  every  age;  and  men  must  lay 
their  account  with  it,  however  at  first  they  may 
be  caressed  and  extolled:  ".surely  this  also  is 
vanity  and  vexation  of  spiriti"  But  the  willing 
subjects  of  Jesus,  our  King,  from  age  to  age  re- 
joice in  him  and  in  him  alone,  and  will  love  him 
more  and  more,  to  all  eternity.  JMay  all  the  liv- 
ing, that  walk  under  the  sun,  hear  of  him,  trust 
in  him,  and  obey  him,  henceforth  to  the  end  of  the 
world.  In  this  alone  there  is  no  vanity  nor  vex- 
ation. 

NOTES. 
Chap.  V.  V.  1 — 3.  Solomon  meant  by  his 
whole  argument  to  shew,  that  every  thing  was 
vanity  except  true  religion:  but  here  he  cautions 
his  readers  against  those  mistakes,  which  render 
even  religious  duties  vain  and  worthless. — 'Reli- 
'gion  ...  is  the  only  remedy  indeed,  the  only  com- 
'fort  we  have  against  all  the  troubles  to  which  we 
'are  subject  in  tliis  world:  but  such  is  the  vanity 
'of  mankind,  they  spoil  their  very  remedy,  and 
'take  away  all  the  virtue  of  that  which  should  be 
'their  support,  turning  it  into  mere  ceremony, 
'whilst  their  minds  remain  impure,  and  without 

'any  true  sense  of  Go  1.'     Bp.  Patrick Every 

one  indeed  ought  to  attend  the  house  and  ordi- 
nances of  God;  but  it  should  be  done  with  holy 
awe  and  reverence,  shewn  by  the  customary  ex- 
ternal expressions:  as  Moses  was  commanded  to 
uncover  his  feet,  when  on  holv  ground.  (JV/arff. 
598] 


4  When  thou  ''  vowest  a  vow  unto 
God,  defer  not  to  pay  it;  ^  for  he  hath  no 
pleasure  in  fools:  ^  pay  that  which  thou 
hast  vowed. 

5  '  Better  is  it  that  thou  shouldest  not 
vow,  than  that  thou  shouldest  vow  and  not 
pay.    . 

6  Suffer  not  "  thy  mouth  to  cause  thy 
flesh  to  sin;  neither  say  thou  "  before  the 
Angel,  that  °  it  was  an  error:  wherefore 
should  God  be  angry  at  thy  voice,  and 
P  destroy  the  work  of  thine  hands.^ 

7  For  1  in  the  multitude  of  dreams 
and  many  words  there  are  also  divers 
vanities:  ^  but  fear  thou  God. 

[Practical  Observations.] 


h  Gen.  28:20.  35:1,3.    Num.30: 

2.    Deut.  23:21_-23.   Ps.  50:14. 

76:11.  119:106.  Is.  19:21.  Matt. 

5:33. 
i  Ps.  147:10,11.  Mai.  1:10.  Heb. 

10:6. 
k    Ps.  66:13,14.     116:14,16—18. 

Jon.  2:9. 
1  Deut.  23:22.  Prov.  20:25.  Acts 

5:4. 


m  1,2.    Jam.  1:26.  3:2. 

n  Gen.  48:16.  Hos.  12:4,5.  MaJ. 

2:7   3:1.   Acts  7:30— 35.   1  Cor. 

11:10.    iTim.  5:21. 
o  Lev.  5:4—6.  27:9,10. 
p   Hag.    1:9—11.      2:14—17.    1 

Cor.  3:13— 15.     2  John  8. 
q  3.    Matt.  12:36. 
r  7:18.    8:12.    12:13.     Prov.  23: 

17.    Is.  60:10,11. 


Ref.  a — JVotes,  Ex.  3:4,5.  Josh.  5:13—15.) 
The  first  care  of  all,  who  would  acceptably 
worship  God,  should  be  to  hear,  and  learn  how 
he  would  be  worshipped;  that  they  may  not, 
in  a  precipitate  manner,  affront  him  with  a 
hypocritical  or  superstitious  service;  or  with 
sacrifices,  oblations,  or  ceremonies,  without  a 
correspondent  frame  of  mind.  These  are  "the 
sacrifices  of  fools;"  who.  through  ignorance  and 
carelessness,  do  evil  and  are  not  aware  of  it; 
but  suppose  they  recommend  themselves  to 
God,  when  in  fact  they  greatly  provoke  him. 
Men  should  therefore  avoid  rashness  in  {heir 
professions,  petitions,  or  vows;  they  should  not 
hastily  speak  before  God  every  thing  which  oc- 
curs to  their  thoughts.  They  should  remember 
his  greatness  and  purity  who  dwells  in  heaven, 
that  "high  and  holy  place,"  and  their  own  indi- 
ence  and  sinfulness.  They  ought  to  avoid  need- 
less loquacity  and  vain  repetitions;  and  express 
themselves  in  plain  language  and  with  perspicu- 
ous brevity,  such  as  springs  from  the  heart,  and 
not  such  as  is  affected  and  studied.  All  kinds  of 
copious  prayers  cannot  be  condemned,  but  only 
those  which  are  unmeaning;  such  as  the  vain 
repetitions  of  the  heathen  who  expected  to  be 
heard  for  their  much  speaking;  the  pater-nosters, 
and  other  forms  used  by  the  Papists;  and  the  long 
prayers  of  the  Pharisees.  (^Yotes,  1  Kings  18:26 
— 29.  Matt.  6:7,8.)  These  verbose  supplications 
shew  indisputable  traces  of  a  man's  ignorance 
and  folly,  and  that  he  has  confused,  false,  and  dis- 
honorable thoughts  of  God  and  religion:  even  as 
the  incoherencies  of  a  dream  often  shew  the  mul- 
titude of  schemes,  anxieties,  and  employments 
which  occupy  men's  waking  hours,  and  the  prev- 
alent dispositions  of  their  minds  and  hearts. 
(Jlarg.  Ref.—J\rotes.\0:\\—15.  Gm.  28:16,17. 
Ps.  89:6— 12, -u.  l.Prov.  15:8,9.  /*.  57:15, 16.  Matt. 
6:6,9.  Heb.  12:26—29.  Jam.  1:19—21.) 

V.  4 — 7.  Great  caution  is  requisite  to  avoid 
sin  and  vexation  in  religious  vows.  In  general 
a  man  should  pay  his  vows,  if  lawful,  however  in- 
convenient it  may  be;  and  that  without  delay: 
for  the  contrary  is  extremely  foolish  and  dis- 
pleasing to  God,  who  is  mocked  and  trifled  with; 
and  it  is  much  better  to  avoid  all  vows,  than  thus 
to  infringe  them.  If  a  man  had  vowed  any  thing 
rashly,  his  mouth  had  given  occasion  to  his  flesh , 
or  his  corrupt  nature,   to  commit  siji;  and  be 


B.  C.  975. 


CHAPTER  V 


B.  C.  975. 


3  IT  If  ^  thou  seest  the  oppression  of 
the  poor,  and  violent  perverting  of  judg- 
ment and  justice  in  a  province,  ^  marvel 
not  at  the  *  matter:  "  for  he  that  is  higher 
than  the  highest  ^  regardeth;  and  there  be 
>  higher  than  they. 

9  IT  Moreover,  ^  the  profit  of  the  earth 
is  for  all:  *  the  king  himself  is  served  by 
the  field. 

10  He  ^that  loveth  silver  shall  not  be 
satisfied  with  silver;  nor  he  that  loveth 
abundance  with  increase:  *=  this  is  also 
vanity. 

11  When  goods  increase,  ''they  are 
increased  that  eat  them:  and  ^  what  good 
is  there  to  the  owners  thereof,  saving  the 
beholding  of  them  with  their  eyes? 

12  The  '  sleep  of  a  laboring  man  is 


S3:16.  4:1.   Ps.  55:9.  58:2.    K 

8:17.    Hab.  1:2,3,13. 
tZech.  8:6.     1  John  3: 13.   Rev. 

17:6,7. 
*  Heb.  mill,  or  purpose.  Is.  10; 

5—7,12    4o-.l0,ll.      Hnb.  1:12. 

Acts  4:27,-28.     Rom.  11:33. 
u  Is.  57:15.     Luke  l:32,35,7fi. 
X    I  Kings  21:1H,20.     Job  20.19 

—29.    27:8— «.      Ps.  10:17,18. 

12:5.  58:10,11.  82:1.  83:18.  HO 

11,12.  Is.  3:15    57.  59:13—11). 

Jer.  22:17— 19.      Kz.  2.!.b— 14 

Am.   5:12.    6.2- ii,12     !!:  i— 7. 

Mic.2:I — },':*.  3.1  — 1,9— 12,  H: 

li)_13.     /fch.  7  y— 13.    Mai 

3.5.     Jatri.  2:1).  5:2-7. 
y    1    Chr.    .'l:I5.1'i.     Is.  37:3H. 

Matt.  13  41,42.  Acts  12; 7-10,  J3. 


Gen.  1:29,30.    3:17—19.     Ps 

104:14,15.     115:16.       Prov.  13: 

'23.  27:23—27.  28:19.    Jer.  40: 

10—12. 
a  1  Sam.  8:12-17.     1  Kings  4: 

7—23.      1  Chr.  27:26— 31. 
b4:8.    6:7.      Ps.  52:1,7.     62:10. 

Prov.  30:15,16.      Hab.  2:5—7. 

Luke  12:15.     1  Tim.  6:10. 
c  1:17.    2.11,17,13,26.  3:19.  4:4, 

8,16.  , 

dGen.  12:l6.  13:2,5-7.  1  Kings 

4:22,23.  5:13—16.     Neh.5:17, 

IS.    Ps    119;3ti,37. 
e   ti:9.      11:9.      Josh.    7:21—25. 

Piov.  23.5.     Jer.  17:11.    Hab. 

2:13.     1  John  2:16. 
f  Ps.  4:8.     127:2.      Prov.  3:24. 

Jer.  31  26. 


would  have  to  plead,  eillier  before  "the  great 
Angel  of  the  Covenant,"  (whom  some  think  to  be 
meant,)  or  before  the  priest,  the  messenger  of 
Go. I,  or  those  angels  which  witness  our  conduct, 
that  his  vow  was  made  throug-h  a  mistake,  or  was 
rash  and  foolish.  This  would  provoke  the  Lord 
to  frown  upon  him,  and  prevent  the  success  of 
liis  undertaking's:  and  why  should  a  man  expose 
himself  to  such  severe  rebukes,  by  needlessly 
vowing,  or  by  distrustfully  refusing-  to  pay  his 
vows."*  Men  should  therefore  be  watchful  over 
their  tongues:  for  as  diverse  vanities  are  found 
in  the  multitude  of  dreams;  so  assuredly  will 
much  sin  and  folly  intermingle  with  the  words  of 
him,  who  speaks  a  great  deal,  and  without  due 
deliberation  and  reflection.  But  the  proper  rem- 
edy of  these  evils  consists  in  the  habitual  rever- 
ential fear  of  God,  as  present  at  all  times,  and 
searching  the  hearts  of  all  men. — 'Cause  not  thy- 
'self  to  sin  by  vowing  rashly;  as  they  do  which 
'make  a  vow  to  live  unmarried,  and  such  like.' 
(Mxrg.  Rrf.—J^'oles,  1  —  3.  Gen.  28:20—22.  35:1. 
Leu.  5:4— 6.  27:1—29.  J^utn.  30:  Judg.  11:30 
—40.  Ps.  15:4.  56:12.  66:13,14.  Prov.  20:25.  Jer. 
34:)'.— 19.  ^7n«.  5:33— 37.) 

V.  ft.  It  is  a  great  discouragement  to  those 
who  fear  God,  to  behold  the  successful  villany 
that  is  done  on  earth:  especially  by  the  violent 
perversion  of  law  and  justice,  which  the  govern- 
ors of  kingdoms  and  provinces  commit,  in  defi- 
ance of  God  and  man.  But  they  should  consider, 
that  though  the  Lord  regards  it,  and  "is  higher 
than  the  highest"  of  the  oppressors;  yet  he  doubt- 
less has  wise  reasons  for  permitting  these  things, 
and  knows  how  to  educe  good  from  them,  and  in 
due  season  will  execute  judgment  upon  the  most 
haughty  and  prosperous  sinners.  Nor  ought 
such  transactions  to  excite  great  amazement,  as 
they  are  the  effects  of  man's  depravity  and  Satan's 
power:  and  it  is  a  part  of  the  Lord's  present  sys- 


sweet,  whether  he  eat  httle  or  much;  but 
the  abundance  of  the  rich  will  not  suffer 
him  to  sleep. 

13  There  is  ^  a  sore  evil  ivhich  I  have 
seen  under  the  sun,  namely,  ''  riches  kept 
for  the  owners  thereof  to  their  hurt. 

14  But  'those  riches  perish  by  evil 
travail:  ^  and  he  begetteth  a  son,  and 
there  is  nothing  in  his  hand. 

15  As  '  he  came  forth  of  his  mother's 
womb,  naked  shall  he  return  to  go  as  he 
came,  and  shall  take  nothing  of  his  labor, 
which  he  may  carry  away  in  his  hand. 

16  And  this  also  is  ""a  sore  evil,  that 
in  all  points  as  he  came,  so  shall  he  go: 
and  "  what  profit  hath  he  that  hath  labor- 
ed "  for  the  wind.'' 

17  All  his  days  also  p  he  eateth  in 
darkness,  and  he  hath  "i  much  sorrow  and 
wrath  with  his  sickness. 


8.  6:1,2. 

9.  Gen.  13:5— U.  14:16.  19: 
,26,31,&c.  Prov.  1:11—13, 
,32.  11:4,24,25.  Is.  2:20.  32: 
-8.  Zeph.  1:18.  Luke  12: 
—21.  16:1—13,19,22,23.  18: 
;23.  19:8.  1  Tim.  6:9,10. 
m.  2:5—7.  5:3,4. 

.'6.  Job  5:5.  20:15—29.  27: 
,17.  Ps.  39:'.  Prov.  23:5. 
ig.  1:9.  2:16,17.   Matt.  6:19, 

Sam.  2:6—8,36.  1  Kings  14: 
,  Ps.  109:9—12. 


1  Job  1:21.    Ps.  49:17.   Luke  12: 

20.     1  Tim.  6:7. 
m  13.  2:22,23. 
n  1  Sam.  12:21.   Jer.  2:8.  Mark 

8:36. 
o    1:3.     Prov.  11:29.     Is.  26:13. 

Hos.  8:7.     John  6:27. 
p  Gen.  3:17.  1  Kings  17:12.  Job 

21:25.     Ps.  73:33.  102:9.     Ez. 

4:16,17. 
q   2  Kings  1:2,6.    5:27.    2  Chr. 

16:10—12.    24:24,25.    1>s.  90:7 

—11.     Acts  12:23.     1  Cor.  U; 

30—32. 


tem,  to  permit  them  to  take  place,  for  the  fuller 
display  of  his  own  glory;  though  he  confines  them 
by  certain  limitations,  which  they  cannot  exceed. 
— The  last  clause  seems  to  mean  the  holy  angels, 
the  ministers  of  Providence;  who  are  far  higher 
and  mightier  than  the  most  powerful  tyrant.s, 
whom  they  are  often  employed  to  crush  and  de- 
stroy, though  they  are  as  nothing  before  the  King 
of  kings.  \j\Iarg.  and  Marg.  Ref.—Mdes,  3:16, 
17.  4:1—3.  Ps.  70:  iO.  Is.  10:5—19.  Hah.  1:12— 
17,  V.  12.) 

V.  9 — 12.  The  productions  of  the  earth  are 
intended  for  all  men,  and,  in  some  degree,  enjoy- 
ed by  them:  and  the  king  depends  as  much  on 
them  as  his  poorest  subject,  and  must  peri.sh  if 
they  were  withheld;  so  that  agriculture  should 
above  all  things  be  encouraged.  Thus  our  nat- 
ural wants  may  be  supplied  and  satisfied;  but 
covetousness  is  an  insatiable  lust.  If  a  man  have 
ever  so  much,  he  grasps  after  more;  or  if  he 
should  at  length  give  over  his  pursuit,  he  finds 
himself  no  more  satisfied  and  happy  than  he  was. 
Unless  he  be  in  a  measure  like  the  miser  above 
described,  [JVole,  4:7,8.)  his  family,  servant:,  and 
dependents  arc  increased  in  proportion  to  his 
estate:  and  he  has  no  other  advantage,  except 
that  he  can  look  over  all  of  it,  and  say,  'This  is 
'mine!'  'But  this  very  thing,  if  he  be  covetous, 
'is  his  torment,  that  he  beholds  so  many  mouths 
'which  eat  at  his  cost.'  Bp.  Patrick. — Yet  at  last 
the  poor  laborer  sleeps  more  soundly,  whether  he 
have  a  plentiful  or  a  scantj'  meal,  than  the  rich 
man  can  do;  whose  cares,  fears,  suspicions,  in- 
temperance, or  want  of  exercise,  often  spoil  his 
rest,  and  render  his  nights  as  uneasy  as  his  days 
are  insipid.  [JSIarg.  Ref. — J^otes,  \  Kings  4:1 — 
19,22,23.  1  C/fr.  27:25— 31.  2  Chr.  26:10.  JVeA. 
.5:14—18.  Prov.  27:23— 27.  30:15,16.  /s.  55:1— 3. 
Hah.  2:5— S,  v.  5.  Matt.  5:6.) 

y.  13 — 17.     It  might  also  be  observed  in  every 

[599 


B.  C.  975. 


ECCLESIASTES. 


B.  C.  975. 


18  Behold,  that  which  I  have  seen: 
*  it  is  "■  good  and  comely  for  one  to  eat 
and  to  drink,  and  to  enjoy  the  good  of 
all  his  labor  that  he  taketh  under  the  sun 
all  t  the  days  of  his  hfe,  which  God  giv- 
eth  him:  for  ^  it  is  his  portion. 

19  Every  man    also   'to   whom   God 


*  Heb.   there  is  o  good  which 

is  comely,  iS-c. 
r2-24.  3:12,13.    8:15.  9:7.   11:9. 

1  Tim.  6:17. 


f  Heb.  the  number  of  the  days, 
sQ:10.  3:22.  Jer.  52:31. 
t  3:13.  6:2.  Deut.  8:13.    1  Kings 
3:13. 


hath  given  riches  and  wealth,  and  hath 
given  him  power  to  eat  thereof,  and  to 
take  his  portion,  and  to  rejoice  in  his  la- 
bor, "  this  is  the  gift  of  God. 

20  i  For  he  shall  not  much  remember 
the  days  of  his  life;  ^  because  God  an- 
swereth  him  in  the  joy  of  his  heart. 


u  2:24—26. 

I  Or,  Though  he  give  not  much, 

yebhe  reTtiembereth,  SfC.     Ps. 

37:16. 


X  Dent.  28:8—12,47.  Ps.  4:6,7. 
Is.  64:5.  65:13,14,21—24.  Rom. 
5:1—5,11. 


part  of  the  world,  that  men  bestowed  great  pains 
to  hoard  up  riches  to  their  own  hurt.  Thus  men's 
wealth  often  invites  robbers,  who  alarm  or  per- 
haps murder  them:  or  it  exposes  them  to  malicious 
prosecutions.  Thus  many  have  been  excepted 
from  acts  of  indemnity,  merelj'  because  the  pre- 
vailing party  desired  to  seize  their  large  posses- 
sions. And,  in  various  waj's,  riches  are  often 
torn  from  a  man  with  as  much  anguish,  as  they 
were  gotten  with  labor  and  care:  or  his  children 
waste  them  by  their  extravagance;  and  he  has 
the  vexation  to  see,  that  they  will  be  poor  not- 
withstanding all  his  labor  to  make  them  rich.  But 
whether  this  be  the  case  or  not,  when  a  man  dies, 
lie  can  take  nothing  away  with  him,  and  he  leaves 
the  world  as  naked  as  he  came  into  it:  so  that  he 
spends  his  life  in  laboring  for  that,  which  he  can 
no  more  appropriate  than  "the  wind;"  he  wears 
away  his  days  in  labor,  anxiety,  and  uneasiness, 
without  any  comfort  even  in  his  natural  enjoy- 
ments; he  ends  his  days  in  sorrow  and  fretfulness; 
and  the  sickness  of  his  body  is  attended  by  the 
sense  of  God's  wrath  in  his  soul,  and  the  dread  of 
a  future  reckoning.  What  a  sore  evil  is  a  life 
thus  spent  and  ended,  and  such  an  entrance  into 
tlie  eternal  state!  [Marg.  Ref.— Notes,  8:8—10. 
Jo6  1:20— 22.  5:3—5.  27:13—23.  P.9.  39:6.  49: 
16,17.  Prov.  23:4,5.  Jer.  17:11.  Jl/rt«.  6:19— 21. 
Acts  12:20—23,  v.  23.  1  Tim.  6:6—10.) 

V.  18— 20.  (JVofes,  2:24— 26.  3:22.)  'Whoso- 
*ever  he  be  whom  God  bath  blessed,  not  only  with 
'plenty  ...  of  worldly  goods,  but  also  with  such  a 
'noble  and  generous  mind,  that  he  is  not  their 
'slave,  but  truly  master  of  them;  being  able  to 
'enjoy  them  innocently, ...  with  cheerfulness,  and 
'delight  in  doing  good  to  others:  Let  him  be  very 
'thankful  to  almighty  God  for  so  great  an  happi- 
'ness.  ...  He  that  is  thus  highly  favored  of  God,  will 
'not  think  life  tedious  or  irksome:  but  (forgetting 
'all  past  toils,  and  taking  no  care  for  the  future,) 
'spend  his  time  most  pleasantly:  because  God  hath 
'given  him  his  very  heart's  desire, ...  in  inward 
'tranquillity  of  mind,  or  rather  joy  and  gladness 
'of  heart.'  Bp.  Patrick.  [Mars;,  and  Marg. 
Ref.—jrotes,d:l4,l5.  9:7—9.  11:9,10.  1  Tim.  6: 
17—19.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
V.  1—7. 
It  is  no  wonder  that  our  outward  possessions 
and  enjoyments  should  be  vain  and  vexatious; 
when  our  depraved  hearts  so  generally  render 
even  our  religious  worship  useless  to  ourselves, 
and  dishonorable  to  God.  [J^ote,  Matt.  15:7—9.) 
And  if  this  only  source  of  solid  comfort  be  per- 
verted to  vanit)',  how  great  must  be  that  vanity! 
Yet  alas!  not  only  hypocrites  or  ostentatious  Phar- 
isees provoke  God  by  their  vain  shew  of  piety;  but 
we  have  all  cause  to  be  humbled  and  ashamed 
on  this  account.  How  often  do  our  wandering 
imaginations;  our  want  of  reverence,  faith,  love, 
gratitude,  and  spirituality,  and  the  incursions  of 
pride  and  vanity,  render  our  attendance  on  divine 
ordinances  little  better,  than  a  mere  lip-labor,  or 
"the  sacrifice  of  fools!"  This  should  teach  us  to 
prepare  diligently  for  the  service  of  God,  and  to 
600] 


go  with  cheerful  yet  with  solemn  steps,  into  his 
more  immediate  presence;  to  be  of  a  teachable 
spirit,  and  studious  so  to  learn  his  will,  that  we 
may  not  inconsiderately  do  evil  in  his  sacred  wor- 
ship; to  recollect  who  and  where  we  sinful  crea- 
tures are,  and  who  that  God  is,  unto  whom  we 
speak:  that  the  filial  boldness,  with  which  we 
come  to  his  throne  of  grace,  may  not  degenerate 
into  an  irreverent  familiarity.  We  should  also 
remember,  that  we  do  not  confess  our  sins  or  our 
obligations,  or  make  known  our  requests  before 
the  Lord  for  his  information;  but  in  order  to  bring 
our  minds  into  a  humble,  dependent  frame,  and  to 
render  him  that  honor  which  belongs  to  him.  We 
should  therefore  watch  against  rashness  and  pre- 
sumption: we  should  think,  before  we  speak  to  the 
Lord;  that  our  words  may  correspond  to  our  de- 
sires, and  accord  with  bis  promises:  we  should  be 
very  watchful  against  ostentation  in  public  ser- 
vices, as  if,  by  copiousness  and  eloquence  of  words 
we  meant  to  attract  the  attention  or  admiration  of 
men,  or  thought  we  should  prevail  with  God.  No 
unmeaning  repetitions,  that  were  ever  used  in 
formal  worship,  can  be  more  offensive  to  God, 
than  such  pompous  declamations,  even  in  the  use 
of  extemporaneous  prayer:  the  confusion  of  a 
dream  is  not  more  impertinent;  the  vain  babbling 
of  a  fool  is  not  more  disgusting  to  judicious  and 
pious  minds,  than  such  an  aifected  multiplicity  of 
words  in  religious  worship.  A  fe\m  broken  sen- 
tences from  a  humble  heart,  spoken  in  reverence, 
and  with  pious  affections,  while  the  speaker  is 
ashamed  of  his  own  poor  performance,  are  more 
honorable  and  acceptable  to  God,  than  those  af- 
fected services  which  are  often  greatly  admired 
by  men,  but  in  reality  are  a  compound  of  arro- 
gance, ignorance,  and  hypocrisy.  Our  words 
should  then  be  few,  except  as  the  heart  is  fraught 
with  large  and  manifold  desires,  which  struggle 
for  utterance,  and  which  no  words  can  fully  ex- 
press. [JSToie,  Rom.  8:24 — 27.)  We  have  also 
great  cause  to  guard  against  rashness  in  religious 
vows:  and,  in  those  things  which  are  not  previ- 
ously our  bounden  duty,  we  should  never  vow 
without  much  consideration,  counsel,  and  prayer: 
and  we  should  be  satisfied  that  the  thing  engaged 
for  is  lawful,  in  our  own  power,  no  injury  to  oth- 
ers, and  fit  for  us  to  perform,  however  circumstan- 
ces may  vary.  Otherwise  we  shall  be  tempted  to 
delays  and  evasions,  which  will  manifest  our  own 
folly,  and  provoke  the  Lord  to  anger;  we  shall 
fall  into  temptations  and  snares;  and  when  we 
should  be  performing  our  vows,  we  shall  be  seek- 
ing excuses,  before  God  or  man,  or  in  our  own 
consciences,  why  we  should  violate  them.  But, 
however  this  may  escape  human  observation,  the 
Lord  will  not  be  trifled  with:  and  manifold  disap- 
pointments and  losses  in  every  undertaking  may 
at  length  make  us  sensible,  that  it  would  have 
been  better  for  us  to  pay  what  we  vowed.  Let 
us  then  remember,  that  we  must  give  an  account 
of  every  unprofitable  word  at  the  day  of  judgment; 
and  that,  when  we  give  an  unbounded  license  to 
our  tongues,  we  might  as  well  expect  a  multitude 
of  dreams  without  any  incoherency,  as  that  our 
discourse  should  be  without  wickedness  and  mis- 


B,  C.  975. 


CHAPTER  VI. 


B.  C.  975. 


CHAP.  VI. 


The  vanity  of  riches,  without  power  to  enjoy  them;  and  of  large 
families  and  long  life,  1—6.  The  little  advantage  that  a  wise 
man  has  above  a  fool,  or  one  man  above  another,  7,  8.  The 
vanity  of  restless  desires;  the  frailty  of  man;  and  the  empti- 
ness and  uncertainty  of  all  his  enjoyments,  9 — 12. 


T 


HERE  is   *  an   evil  which  I  have 
seen  under  the  sun,  and  it  is  com- 
mon among  men: 

2  A  **  man  to  whom  God  hath  given 
riches,  wealth,  and  honor,   '^  so   that  he 


a  5:13. 

b  S:19.     1  Kings  3.13. 

29.25,28.     2Chr.   1:11. 

5:18. 


1  Chr. 
Dan. 


c  2:4—10.  Deut.  8:7—10.  Judg. 
18:10.  Job  21:9—13.  Ps.  17: 
14.    73:7.     Luke  12:19,20. 


chief:  and  especially  let  us  seek  to  have  our  hearts 
possessed  with  the  fear  of  God,  and  delivered  both 
from  the  fear  of  man,  and  from  desire  of  his  ap- 
plause. 

V.  8—20. 

In  this  present  world  we  must  expect  to  behold, 
arid  perhaps  to  suffer,  the  oppression  of  the  wick- 
ed, and  their  violence  and  perversion  of  law  and 
equity.  But  the  Lord  will  carry  his  people 
through  their  troubles,  and  execute  vengeance 
on  their  adversaries.  "For  he  that  is  higher  than 
the  highest  regardeth,  and  there  be  higher  than 
they."  Let  us  then  pity  and  help  the  oppressed, 
as  we  have  power;  but  neither  envy  nor  fear  suc- 
cessful oppressors:  nay,  we  should  pity  and  pray 
for  them  also,  as  long  as  there  are  any  hopes  of 
their  "escaping  the  damnation  of  hell."  The 
rich  and  great,  indeed,  are  apt  to  think  them- 
selves entitled  to  every  thing,  and  independent  of 
every  one:  yet  they  are  not  only  equally  de- 
pendent on  the  Lord  for  daily  bread,  with  the 
poorest  beggar;  but  they  are  more  dependent  on 
the  labor  of  the  plowman,  than  he  is  on  their 
wealth.  The  goodness  of  providence  is  more 
equally  distributed,  than  appears  to  a  superficial 
observer.  The  most  plentiful  productions  of  the 
earth  are  in  reality  most  valuable:  the  king  needs 
them,  and  the  poor  share  them;  and  these  relish 
their  mean  morsel,  better  than  he  does  his  lux- 
uries. Thus  far  the  profit  of  the  field  is  satisfying, 
as  the  proper  provision  for  our  bodies:  but  no 
riches  or  abundance  can  supply  the  wants,  or  sat- 
isfy the  desires,  of  our  souls;  the  attempt  must  be 
for  ever  vain  and  vexatious:  nay,  the  increase  of 
riches  increases  cumber  and  care  more  than  en- 
joyment; except  a  man's  mind  can  be  filled  by  his 
eyes  poring  upon  his  securities,  surveying  his 
acres,  or  viewing  his  hoarded  gold.  And  it  is  ev- 
ident in  fact,  that  the  poor  laborer  sleeps  sweetly 
without  fear  or  disturbance,  whilst  "the  abun- 
dance of  the  rich  will  not  suffer  him  to  sleep." 
For  the  more  men  covet  and  idolize  wealth,  the 
greater  anxiety  must  tliey  feel,  when  they  con- 
sider its  uncertaint)^  The  riches,  which  have 
been  gathered  and  hoarded  by  the  toil  and  pen- 
ury of  many  years,  are  often  swept  away  by 
some  unforeseen  calamity:  or  a  covetous  man,  by 
grasping  at  some  still  larger  advantage,  loses  all 
in  some  ruinous  project:  nay,  while  his  riches 
perish  by  such  evil  travail,  he  often  loses  his  life  in 
attempting  to  preserve  them,  or  breaks  his  heart 
for  very  vexation  at  his  disappointment;  or  his 
childreu  spend  all,  and  become  as  poor,  as  if  he 
had  neither  labored  nor  saved.  And  whether  the 
rich  man  do,  or  do  not,  survive  his  wealth;  a  cof- 
fin, a  shroud,  and  a  grave,  all  given  him  at  the  op- 
lion  of  the  survivors,  will  shortly  be  his  whole  in- 
ventory; and  in  other  respects,  as  he  came,  so 
shall  he  go,  except  that  he  must  give  an  account 
for  all  his  conduct  at  the  tribunal  of  God.  What 
a  sore  evil  tlien  is  this,  for  a  rational  creature  to 
spend  his  life  in  incessant  toil,  care,  and  uneasi- 
ness; and  to  live  in  dejection  and  fretfulness  all 

Vol.  III.  76 


wanteth  nothing  for  his  soul  of  all  that  he 
desireth;  yet  God  giveth  him  not  power 
to  eat  thereof,  ^  but  a  stranger  eateth  it: 
this  is  ®  vanity,  and  it  is  an  evil  disease, 

3  If  ^  a  man  beget  an  hundred  chil^ 
dren,  and  Hve  many  years,  ^  so  that  the 
days  of  his  years  be  many,  and  his  soul 
be  not  filled  with  good,  ^  and  also  that  he 


d  4:8.  Deut.  28:33,43.  Ps.  39:6. 
Lam.  5:2.    Hos.  7:9. 

e  4:4,8.  5:16. 

f  Gen.  33:5.  1  Sam.  2:20,21. 
2  Kings  10:1.  1  Chr.  28:5.  2 
thr.  11:21.     Esth.    6:11.     Ps. 


127:4,5.  Prov.  17:6. 
g  5:17—19.  Gen.  47:9. 
h  2  Kings  9:35.     Esth.  7:10.  9: 

14,15.    Is.  14:19,20.   Jer.  22:19. 

36:30. 


his  life;  and  then  to  end  his  days  in  "sorrow  and 
wrath,"  as  well  as  with  sickness  and  dying  pains! 
"Having  therefore  food  and  raiment,  let  us  be 
therewith  content:"  and  let  us  cheerfully  use 
what  God  gives  us,  as  the  fruit  of  our  labor,  for 
the  ends  for  which  he  bestows  it.  If  he  pleases 
that  we  should  be  poor,  let  us  be  patient  and  sat- 
isfied; we  may  be  safer  and  happier  in  that  sit- 
uation than  if  we  were  richer:  and  if  God  gives  a 
man  riches,  let  him  remember  to  receive  them 
from  his  hand,  and  to  use  them  to  his  glory,  and 
to  rejoice  in  doing  the  duties  of  his  station.  It  is 
a  singular  mercy,  when  God  gives  a  man  wealth, 
and  enables  him  to  use  it  in  a  becoming  and  use- 
ful manner;  taking  his  portion  with  moderation 
and  thankfulness;  avoiding  avarice  and  extrav- 
agance, and  doing  good  according  to  his  ability. 
This  wisdom  comes  from  above;  those  who  desire 
it  must  ask  it  of  God,  and  such  as  have  it  will 
praise  him  for  it.  And  if  God  answer  a  man's 
prayers  and  expectations  in  those  better  things, 
which  are,  and  ought  to  be,  "the  joy  of  his  heart;" 
whether  he  have  much  or  little,  he  will  not  make 
great  account  of  the  shortness  and  vanity,  or  of 
the  pleasures  or  pains,  of  this  life;  or  perplex 
himself  about  the  past,  or  the  future:  seeing  his 
heart  and  treasure  are  out  of  the  reach  of  the 
changes  of  this  lower  world,  in  a  "kingdom  which 
cannot  be  moved."  [JSTotes,  2  Cor.  4:13 — 10,  r. 
18.  Col.  3:1—4.  Heb.  12:26—29,  v.  28.) 

NOTES. 

Chap.  VI.  V.  1.  The  former  part  of  this 
chapter  is  a  continuation  of  the  subject,  with 
which  the  preceding  chapter  concludes;  namely, 
the  vanity  of  riches,  without  a  heart  or  power  to 
make  a  proper  use  of  them;  which  was  then,  and 
is  still,  a  very  "common  evil  among  men.'*  {JVlda, 
5:13—20.) 

V.  2.  'He  sheweth  that  it  is  the  plague  of 
'God,  when  the  rich  man  hath  not  a  liberal  heart 
'to  use  his  riches.' — The  expressions  by  which  the 
rich  man's  prosperity  is  described,  are  veiy  em- 
phatical.  'To  those  two  words,  riches  and  wealth, 
'(5:19.)  ...  he  here  adds  a  third,  ...  viz.  glory; 
'which  is  more  comprehensive  than  the  other,  in- 
'cluding  all  those  goodly  things,  which  may  do  a 
'man  credit,  and  raise  him  to  a  splendid  condition 
'in  this  world.  ...  [Gen.  31:1.)  ...  It  denotes  any 
•thing  that  hath  weight  in  it,  and  makes  a  man  to 
'be  valued.  ...  Yet  so  great  is  his  ingratitude  to 
'God,  and  his  uncharitableness  to  men;  that  for 
'these  and  other  sins,  God  denies  him  the  power 
'to  enjoy  these  gifts  of  his  bounty.'  Bp.  Palrick. 
— The  passage  indeed  may  be  explained  of  sick- 
ness and  bodily  infirmities,  by  means  of  which  a 
man  is  deprived  of  all  comfort  from  his  weaUh  and 
dignity;  and  his  attendants  and  physicians  reap 
more  advantage  from  his  estate  than  he  does.  Yet 
it  rather  seems  to  refer  to  the  miser's  penurious- 
ness,  and  to  the  suspicions  and  distastes  which  he 
imbibes,  respecting  his  children  and  relations; 

[601 


B.  C.  975. 


ECCLESIASTES. 


B.  C.  975. 


have  no  burial;  1  say,    '  that  an   untimely- 
birth  is  better  than  he. 

4  For  he  cometh  in  with  vanity,  and 
departeth  in  darkness,  and  '^  his  name 
shall  be  covered  with  darkness. 

5  Moreover  he  hath  not  seen  the  sun, 
nor  known  any  thing:  '  this  hath  more 
rest  than  the  other. 

6  Yea,  ^  though  he  live  a  thousand 
years  twice  told,  °  yet  hath  he  seen  no 
good:  °  do  not  all  go  to  one  place? 

7  All  P  the  labor  of  man  is  for  his 
mouth,  and  yet  the  *  appetite  is  not 
filled. 


i  4:3.  Job  3:16.  Ps.  58:3.  Matt. 

26:2-1. 

k  Ps.  109:13. 
1  Job  3:10— 13.    14:1.     Ps.  90:7 

—9. 
m  Geo.  5:5,23,24.27.   Is.  65:22. 
n  3.    Job  7:7.    Ps.  4.-6,7.  34:12. 

Is.  65:20.  Jcr.  17:6. 


0  3:20.     12:7.     Job  1:21.    30:23. 

Heb.  9:27. 
p   Gen.  3:17—19.     Prov.  16:26. 

Matt.  6:25.  John  6:27.    1  Tim. 

6:6—8. 
*  Heb.  soul.  3.  5:10.    Luke  12: 

19. 


through  which  he  attaches  himself  to  strangers, 
who  devour  his  substance,  either  during  his  life  or 
after  his  death,  to  the  injurj^  of  his  children  and 
family.  This  is  a  diseased  state  of  the  mind,  and 
renders  a  man  very  miserable.  [Marg.  Ref. — 
JSTotes,  2: 18—23.  4:7,8.  Estli.  8: 1,2.  Ps.  39:6.  Prov. 
13:22.  Dan.  3:25— 28,  v.  28.) 

V.  3 — 5.  The  most  flourishing  family,  and  the 
longest  life  with  increasing  prospe^itJ^  cannot 
make  him  happy,  "whose  soul  is  not  filled  with 
good;"  'if  he  can  never  have  enough:  as  we  see 
'often  times  that  the  covetous  man  either  falleth 
'into  crimes  that  deserve  death,  oris  murdered,  or 
'drowned,  or  hangeth  himself,  or  such  like,  and  so 
'lacketh  the  honor  of  burial.' — Nay,  if  a  man 
have  no  heart  to  use  his  abundance,  and  thus  lives 
uncomfortably;  and  if  he  be  treated  with  disrespect 
at  his  death,  and  not  buried  decently  accord- 
ing to  his  rank,  either  through  the  avarice  of  his 
heirs,  or  their  contempt  of  his  character;  he  may 
justly  be  deemed  more  unhappy  and  dishonored, 
than  even  an  untimely  birth;  which  seems  indeed 
to  come  into  the  world  in  vain,  and  leaves  it  in 
obscurity  and  disgrace,  and  has  no  name  to  be  re- 
membered on  earth;  which  has  not  seen  the  sun, 
or  enjoyed  any  pleasure,  or  known  any  thing:  yet 
has  this  embryo  more  rest  than  the  character 
above  mentioaed.  It  had  rest  in  the  womb,  and 
now  rests  in  the  grave;  its  pain  was  transient,  its 
unhappiness  a  mere  negation  of  pleasure;  and  it 
lived  not  to  contract  guilt.  Whereas  the  other 
had  little  pleasure  in  life,  and  endured  much  vex- 
ation, contracted  much  guilt,  and  departed  with 
disgrace  to  give  an  account  of  it  at  God's  tribu- 
nal. {JIarg.Ref.—M)tes,Gen.  41:9.' 2  Kings  9: 
30—37.10:1—10.  1  Chr.  29:26— 2Q.  Esth.  5A\ 
—13.  7:10.  9:6— 10.  Jo6  3:11—19.  Jer.  22:13— 
19.) 

V.  6.  Should  the  joyless,  useless,  and  vex- 
atious life  of  such  a  man  be  lengthened  out,  to 
above  twice  the  age  of  Methuselah,  it  would  only 
prolong  his  miseries  and  accumulate  guilt;  and  he 
must  go  down  at  last  to  the  dust,  like  the  child 
that  died  in  the  womb.  {Marg.  Ref.—J^ote,  3: 18— 
2\,v.  20.— P.  O.  Gen.  5:—JVotes,  Job  7:7—11. 
Ps.  4:6—8.  Is.  65:20.  Rom.  2:4— 6.)— The  grave 
is  exclusively  meant:  for  in  the  eternal  world 
there  are  distinct  places  for  the  righteous  and 
the  wicked;  as  Solomon  evidently  believed,  or  he 
Avould  not  have  said,  that  "the  righteous  hath 
hope  in  his  death."  {J\'b«e.  Prov.  14:32.) 

V.  7,  8.  Though  the  labor  of  man,  as  to  this 
present  world,  is  chiefly  bestowed  about  the  supply 
of  his  bodily  wants,  and  the  satisfaction  of  bis  an- 
602] 


8  For  "^  what  hath  the  wise  more  than 
the  fool.''  what  hath  ■"  the  poor,  that  know- 
eth  to  walk  before  the  living.'' 

9  ^  Better  is  the  sight  of  the  eyes  than 
the  t  wandering  of  the  desire:  ^  this  is  also 
vanity  and  vexation  of  spirit. 

10  That  "  which  hath  been  is  named 
already,  '^  and  it  is  known  that  it  is  man: 
>'  neither  may  he  contend  with  him  that  is 
mightier  than  he. 

1 1  IT  Seeing  there  be  ^  many  things 
that  increase  vanity,  what  is  man  the 
better.? 

U  1:9—11.    3:15. 
X  Gen.  3:9,17—19.  Job  14:1—4. 
Ps.  39:6.  82:6,7.   103:15. 
6:17.  y  Job  9:3,4.  33:13.  40:2.    Is.  45: 

s  2:24.  3:12,13.  5:18.  9,10.    Jer.  49:J9.     Rom.  9:19. 

f   Heb.    Vfalking  of  the  soul.       20. 
Job  31:7.    Prov.  30:15,16.  Jer.     z    !:*>— 9,17,18.    2:3—11.    3:19. 
2-20.  4:1—4,8,16.  5:7.     Hos.  12,1. 

t2.   1:2,14.   2:11,22,33.  4:4. 


q  2:14—16. 

5:11. 

rGen.  17:1, 

Ps.  101:2. 

116:9 

Prov.  19:1. 

Luke  1:6. 

iTim 

imal  desires;  yet  the  very  appetite  for  food  cannot 
be  durably  satisfied,  but  still  craves  more  and 
more  with  each  returning  day;  whilst  the  relish 
of  it  continually  grows  more  languid:  much  less 
can  the  capacities  and  wants  of  the  soul  (7.  marg.) 
be  thus  filled  with  suitable  and  satisfying  good. 
[JVote,  1:2.)  In  this  respect,  the  most  learned,  in- 
genious, or  sagacious  man  has  no  advantage  above 
the  very  idiot;  who  by  one  means  or  other  gets 
food,  and  relishes  it  as  well  as  the  other,  Na)', 
the  poor  man,  who  knows  how  to  suit  himself  to 
his  station,  and  to  act  prudently  while  he  contin- 
ues among  the  living,  has  as  much  comfort  as  the 
richest;  and  in  what  then  is  he  under  any  real 
disadvantage.'' — "What  bath  the  poor  that  know- 
eth  to  walk  before  the  living.^"  'Even  the  same  as 
the  rich:  namely,  a  supply  of  food,  and  other 
necessaries,  to  satisfy  his  natural  wants  and  ap- 
petites, which  is  all  that  the  rich  can  have,  not- 
withstanding their  abundance.'  [Marg.  Ref. 
—M)tes,  Gen.  3:17—19.  15:1.  Prov.  16:26.  19: 
I.  Luke  12:15—21,  vv.  17—19.  1  Tim.  6:6—10, 
vv.  6 — 8.) 

V.  9.  "The  sight  of  the  eyes"  seems  to  mean 
present  enjoyment;  for  it  is  a  pleasant  thing  for 
the  eyes  to  behold  the  light.  This  is  preferable 
to  the  restless  desires,  imaginations,  and  schemes, 
which  engross  men's  minds,  spoil  their  present 
comfort,  and  create  them  abundance  of  vexation. 
—'To  be  content  with  that  which  God  hath  given, 
'is  better  than  to  follow  the  desires  which  can 
'never  be  satisfied.  ...  It  is  far  better  for  a  man  to 
'enjoy  the  present  good,  which  is  before  his  eyes, 
'than  to  discruciate  and  rack  his  thoughts,  with 
'an  insatiable  desire  of  what  he  hath  not,  and 
'perhaps  cannot  have.'  Bp.  Hall.  [Marg.  and 
J\larg.  Ref.—J^otes,  3:12—15.  5:18—20.  Job  31: 
5—8,  V.  7.  Prov.  30:15,16.) 

V.  10.  The  whole  of  what  man  can  obtain  of 
wisdom,  power,  renown,  wealth,  or  prosperity, 
had  already  been  declared:  but  the  word  7;ja?j,  or 
^9dam,  implies  his  condition  in  his  best  estate; 
as  taken  from  the  dust  of  the  earth  and  returning 
to  it  again;  and  condemned  to  spend  his  days  and 
eat  his  bread  in  sorrow,  and  in  the  sweat  of  his 
brow,  till  that  sentence  be  executed.  {JS'ote,  Gen. 
2:7.  3:17—19.  5:1,2.)  And  it  is  in  vain  to  con- 
tend with  the  almighty  Judge,  who  has  passed  this 
sentence  upon  him,  or  to  endeavor  to  get  it  re- 
versed.— 'Although  a  man  grow  famous,  yet  it  is 
'known  that  he  is  but  a  man:  aoA  he  cannot  con- 
'tend  with  that  which  is  stronger  than  himself.' 
Jlelancthon,  quoted  by  Bp.  Patrick.  {Marg. 
Ref.—JYotes,  1:4—11.3:12—15.  Job  14:1—6.  33: 


B.  C.  975. 


CHAPTER  VII. 


B.  C.  975. 


12  For  "who  knovvetli  what  is  good 
for  man  in  this  life,  all  *  the  days  of  "  his 
vain  life  which  he  spendeth  as  a  shadow? 
«for  who  can  tell  a  man  what  shall  be 
after  him  under  the  sun.^ 

CHAP.  vn. 

The  benefit  of  a  good  name;  of  death  above  life;  and  of  sorrow 
and  rebuke  above  vain  mirth,  1—6.     Observalions  concerning 

b8:13.  9:6.     1  Chr.  29:15.    Job 


a  2:3.  12:13.  Ps.  4:6.  16:5.  17: 
15.   Lara.  3:24—27.     Mic.  f>:8. 

*  Heb.  the  number  of  the  days 
of  the  life  of  his  vaniti/.  Ps. 
■80:10—12. 


8:9.     14:2.     Ps.   39:5,6.    89:47 
102:11.     109:23.     144:4.     Jam 
4:14. 
c  3:22.  8:7.   Job  14:91. 


J2,13.  Ps.  39:5,6.  82:6,7.  90:3—10.  103:15—18,  Is. 
45:9,10.  Rom.  5:\2—\9.  9:19—23.) 

V.  11,  12.  Seeing  the  many  things,  which  man 
pursues  on  earth,  only  form  an  increase  of  van- 
ities; what  is  he  the  better  for  all  his  worldly  de- 
vices and  acquisitions.''  Who  indeed  can  so  much 
as  tell  what  is  good  for  man,  "all  the  days  of  his 
vain  life,  which  he  spendeth  as  a  shadow?"  Or 
who  can  inform  him  of  what  will  hereafter  befal 
him,  or  of  what  will  take  place  after  his  death;  or 
what  will  become  of  his  family.'' — 'Those  four 
'things,  wherein  men  place  their  happiness,  ... 
♦wisdom,  pleasure,  honor,  and  wealth,  ...  draw  so 
'many,  and  so  great ...  inconveniences  after  them; 
♦as  sufficiently  demonstrate,  a  man  is  still  to  seek 
•for  the  satisfaction  of  his  desires,  if  he  look  no 
'further.'  Bp.  Patrick.  [Marg.  and  JIarg.  Ref. 
— .Seeon  JVb<e,  10.— ./Vb/e,9,  4:1— 16.  8:15,16.  9:4 
—6.  12:11— 14,  t>.  13.  Ps.  6:6—8.  17:13—15,  v.  15. 
73:23—28.  JtfVc.  6:6—8.  Jam.  4:13—17.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

There  are  not  only  many  and  sore  evils  and 
miseries  "under  the  sun,"  but  they  are  "common 
among  men;"  as  every  careful  observer  of  man-: 
kind  must  know.  For  it  is  seen  often,  thatProv-  \ 
idencc  confers  on  a  man  a  confluence  of  earthly  j 
pos.sessions;  so  that  he  wants  nothing  for  cut- 
ward  enjoA'ment,  and  has  no  desire  after  more| 
.substantial  good:  and  yet  the  Lord  leaves  him  so ' 
to  his  avarice,  or  his  malignant  dispositions,  that ! 
he  has  no  heart  to  make  a  comfortable  use  of 
them;  and,  by  one  means  or  other,  they  all  come  j 
into  the  hands  of  strangers;  and  "this  is  vanity  and  j 
a  sore  disease."  Nay,  put  the  case,  that  anyone 
have  a  numerous  family,  and  a  good  constitution,] 
■and  live  in  health  and  affluence  to  old  age:  yet  if 
liis  soul  be  not  enriched  v/ith  wisdom  and  grace, 
and  80  he  lives  unbeloved,  and  dies  unlatnented 
and  despised;  it  were  wiser  to  envy  the  felicity  of 
a  still-born  child,  than  tliat  of  such  a  person,  who 
has  only  staid  on  earth  to  contract  guilt  and  ex- 
perience vexation.  Sooner  or  later,  the  rich  and 
the  poor,  the  wise  and  the  foolish,  must  be  laid  in 
the  grave:  and  it  is  of  small  consequence  whether 
this  be  in  infancy,  or  after  double  the  years  of 
the  oldest  man  who  ever  lived;  seeing  the  cares 
of  life  so  much  overbalance  its  pleasures;  except 
as  we  live  to  prepare  for  heaven,  to  glorify  God, ' 
and  to  do  good.  For,  setting  these  things  aside, 
liow  vain  are  all  man's  labors!  how  empty  are  all 
his  enjoyments!  They  are  merely  around  of  tii- j 
fling  pursuits  and  unsatisfying  gratifications,  j 
the  pleasure  of  which  is  more  than  counterl)al- 1 
anced  by  tlie  uneasy  cravings  of  tlie  appetite,  I 
which  arc  continually  returning.  And  wliat  in] 
this  view  can  the  wise  do  toward  acquiring  hap-  i 
piness,  above  tlie  fool;  or  the  rich,  above  the  poor| 
and  industrious.'*  Nay,  the  poorest  man,  who 
knows  how  to  walk  before  itie  living  God,  is  far  I 
happier  here  than  the  most  prosperous  ungodly  i 
man.  Yet  the  pleasures  of  present  enjoyments  is ' 
far  better,  than  tlie  empty  reveries  of  visionary  I 
good,  on  which  many  feed  as  upon  the  mnd;  and  i 


oppression,  britjpry,  pride,  anger,  and  discontent,  7 — 10.  The 
advantages  of  wisdom;  of  accommodating  to  circumatanccs; 
and  of  avoiding  extremes,  and  occasions  of  oflence,  11^22. 
The  dangers  to  the  wisest  arising  from  bad  women,  with  Solo- 
mon's own  experience  in  that  respect,  23 — 28.  Man  was  cre- 
ated upright,  but  ruined  by  his  own  devices,  29. 

GOOD  *  name  is  better  than  '^pre- 
cious   ointment;  and  *^  the    day  of 
death  than  the  day  of  one's  birth. 

2  It  is  '^  better  to  go  to  the  house  of 


a  ProF.  22:1.     Is.   56:5.     Luke 

10:20.      Heb.   11:2,39. 
b  10:1.     Ps.  133:2.     Prov.  27:9. 

Cant.  1:3.  4:10.    John  12:3. 
c  4:2.     Job  3:17.     Is.  57:1,2.    2 

Cor.    5:1,8.      Phil.    1:22 ^23. 


Rev.  14:13. 
d    Gen.  48:1, &c.     49:2,&c.    50: 
15—17.    Job  1:4,5.   Is.  5:11,12. 
22:12—14.  Am.  6:3—6.    Malt. 
5:4.   14:6,&c.     1  Pet.  4:3,4. 


start  out  of  these  waking  dreams  and  find  them- 
selves empty,  or  rather  filled  with  vexation  at 
their  disappointment,  and  tortured  with  the  gnaw- 
ing of  their  exorbitant  and  roving  desires.  (JVb/«, 
Is.  29:7,8.)  But  indeed  every  endeavor  of  sinful, 
mortal  man,  to  find  rest  and  happiness  in  earthly 
things,  is  a  vain  struggle  against  the  sentence 
passed  upon  him  for  his  rebellion,  or  rather 
aj-ainst  the  effects  of  his  apostacy.  And  it  is 
equally  vain,  and  still  more  impious,  to  cavil  at 
the  justice  of  the  sentence,  and  to  "contend  with 
Him  that  is  mightier  than  he." — If  the  earth,  with 
aU  its  inventions  and  possessions,  be  only  an  ac- 
cumulated vanity;  "what  is  man  the  better"  for 
all  his  speculations  and  devices.^  For  where  is 
he,  who  can  shew  unto  man  any  substantial  good, 
in  created  things,  with  which  lie  may  solace  hi:s 
mind,  while  he  passes  as  a  shadow  through  this 
vain  life.''  Everj'  attempt  of  this  kind  would  be 
as  futile,  as  tite  pretences  of  fortune-tellers,  to  in- 
form us  of  those  future  events  which  God  has 
kept  secret  from  all  living;  and  should  be  treated 
as  a  presumption  of  the  same  nature.  But  in  re- 
turning to  God,  trusting  in  his  mercy  through 
Jesus  Christ,  submitting  to  his  will,  and  prepar- 
ing for  death,  by  a  conscientious  obedience  to  his 
commands,  we  may  "find  rest  to  our  souls,"  anil 
enjoy  sweet  earnests  of  heavenly  consolations:  and 
soon  shall  we  glide  through  this  vexatious  world, 
and  find  ourselves  in  that  happy  place,  where  "is 
fulness  of  joy,  and  pleasures  at  God's  right  hand 
for  evermore." 

NOTES. 
Chap.  VII.  V.  1.  Solomon  'now  seems  to  pro- 
'ceed  to  prescribe  the  best  remedies  that  can  be 
'found,  against  that  vanity  to  which  we  are  sub- 
'ject:  by  setting  down  many  wise  precepts  for 
'our  direction  and  conduct,  support  and  comfort, 
'in  a  troublesome  world.  .^  And  if  we  examine 
'the  following  particulars,  we  shall  find  thej'  are 
'comprehended  in  this  general  direction;  the 
'■change  of  our  mind,  thoughts,  and  opinions.  ... 
'The  doctrines  that  begin  this  chapter,  are  quite 
'o))posite  to  the  common  opinions  of  the  world: 
'That  "a  good  name  is  to  be  preferred  to  precious 
'ointment;"  and  the  day  of  one's  death  before  ones 
'birth-day:  mourning  before  feasting:  sadness  be- 
'fore  laughter;  rebukes  before  commendations; 
'the  end  of  a  thing  before  the  beginning  of  it;  a 
'patient  suffering  spirit,  before  -a  stout  haughty 
'mind;  wisdom  before  riches,  k.c.  These,  and 
'such  like,  are  the  maxims  of  true  wisdom  and 
'pictj%  which  must  be  learnt,  in  order  to  the  set- 
'tlement  of  our  minds  in  |)eacc  and  Irannuillity, 
'notwithstanding  the  vanity  that  is  in  sll  things.' 
Bp.  Patrick. — The  Beatitudes,  with  wliich  our 
Lord  began  his  sermon  on  the  mount,  are  a  col- 
lection of  paradoxes,  not  wholly  dissimilar  from 
those  of  Solomon,  but  more  complete  and  compre- 
hensive; on  the  due  understanding  and  reception 
of  which,  the  Christian's  wisdom,  comfort,  and 
usefulness  peculiarly  depend.  {JN'otes  and  P.  O. 
Malt.  5:  \ — 12.)— A  reputation  for  piety  and  in. 

[6oa 


B.  C.  975. 


ECCLESIASTES. 


B.  C.  970. 


mourning,  than  to  go  to  the  house  of 
feasting:  for  ®  that  is  the  end  of  all  men; 
and  the  ^  hving  will  lay  it  to  his  heart. 

3  *  Sorrow  °  is  better  than  laughter; 
for  *■  by  the  sadness  of  the  countenance 
the  heart  is  made  better. 

4  The  '  heart  of  the  wise  is  in  the 
house  of  mourning;  but  ^  the  heart  of 
fools  is  in  the  house  of  mirth. 

5  It  is  ^  better  to  hear  the  rebuke  of 
the  wise,  than  for  a  man  to  hear  "'  the 
song  of  fools. 


Dent.   32:29. 
Phil.    3:19. 


H=ig. 


e  Num.  23:10. 
P-om.  6:21,22, 
Heb.  9:27. 

f  Deut.  32:46.     Is.  47:7. 
1:5.  inaig.    Mai.  2:2. 

*  Or,  Anger. 

g  Ps.  119:67,71.  126:5,6.  Jer. 
31:3,9,15—20.  50:4,5.  Dan.  9: 
3,&c.  10:2,3,19.  Zech.  12:10 
—14.  Luke  6:21,25.  John  16: 
20—22.  2  Cor.  7:9—11.  Jam. 
4:8—10. 

b  Rom.  5:3,4.  2  Cor.  4:17.  Heb. 


12:10,11.    Jam.  1:2—4. 
i  Neh.  2:2—5.    Is.  53:3.4.  Matt. 

8:14—16.  Mark  5:38,&c.  Luke 

7:12,13.  John  11:31—35. 
k  I  Sam.  25:36.    30:16.     2  Sam. 

13:28.    1  Kmgs20:l6.    Is.  21:4. 

Jer.  51:39,57.    Dan.  5:)^1,30. 

Hos.  7:5.     Nah.  1:10.  Mark  6: 

21,&c. 
1   Ps.  141:5.     Prov.  9:8.    13:13. 

15:31,32.    17:10.    27:6.      Rev. 

3:19. 
m  Ps.  69:12. 


teg'rity  will  do  far  more  to  render  a  man  agreea- 
ble, useful,  and  comfortable,  than  the  most  cost- 
ly perfumes.  [Marg.  Ref.  a,  b. — Jfotes,  10:1. 
Prov.  22.1.  Is.  56:3—7,  v.  3.  Luke  10:17—20,  v. 
20.  Heh.  11:1,2,39,40.  Rev.  2:17.  3:12,13,  v.  12.)— 
And  to  a  wise  and  godly  man,  the  day,  when  he 
leaves  this  vain  world,  is  happier  than  that  on 
which  he  came  into  it:  for  the  one  was  the  be- 
ginning of  his  sorrows  and  conflicts;  and  the  other 
terminates  them,  and  begins  his  endless  felicity. 
{Marg.  Ref.  c.—J^otes,-2--6.  Is.  57:1,2.  2  Cor. 
5:1_8,  Phil.  1:21—26.  2  Tim.  4:6—8.  Rev.  14: 
12,13,  V.  13.) 

V.  2—6.  The  day  of  death  is  sometimes  more 
useful  to  a  man's  survivors,  than  any  day  of  his 
life  was;  as  it  is  more  profitable  to  go  to  those 
houses  where  there  is  mourning  for  the  dead,  than 
to  those  where  feasting  and  mirth  prevail:  for  as 
death  is  the  end  of  all  men,  every  one  is  con- 
cerned to  consider  and  prepare  for  it,  and  such 
scenes  are  calculated  to  give  a  serious  turn  to  the 
mind.  [Mnrg.  Ref.  d— f.— JVb«e,  Gen.  40:1.  P. 
O.  1—8.  Jfotes,  J\*um.  23:10.  Deut.  32:29.)  So 
that  "sorrow"  may  be  preferred  to  "laughter:" 
and  the  drooping  countenance,  which  excites 
thoughtfulness,  though  occasioned  by  sharp  trials, 
and  attended  by  painful  conflicts,  is  a  proper  med- 
icine for  the  diseases  of  the  human  heart,  and  of- 
ten productive  of  a  happy  change.  It  is  therefore 
a  mark  of  wisdom  for  a  man  to  go,  willingly  and 
by  deliberate  choice,  to  "the  house  of  mourning," 
at  the  call  of  duty,  and  often  to  reflect  on  death 
and  another  world;  and  it  is  a  proof  of  folly,  when 
nothing  is  delighted  in  but  mirth  and  levity.  Even 
.sharp  rebukes,  when  wisely  given,  are  far  better 
for  the  soul  than  the  diversions  of  ungodly  men: 
for  their  laughter  is  a  mere  transient  noise  and 
bustle,  which  soon  expires,  like  the  crackling  of 
thorns  in  the  fire,  and  produces  no  abiding  pleas- 
ure or  good,  but  is  indeed  a  mere  vanity.  [Marg. 
and  Marg.  Ref.  g—o.—M>tes,  2:1,2.  Ps.  119:67, 
71.  126:5,6.  Prov.  14:13.  Dan.  5:1—4.  Rom.  5:3 
—5.  2  Cor.  4:13—18,  v.  17.  Jam.  1:2—5.  1  Pet, 
1:6,7.  4:3—5.) 

V.  7.  'A  man  that  is  esteemed  wise,  when  he 
'falleth  to  oppression,  becometh  like  a  beast.' — 
And  the  latter  clause  may  be  considered  as  shew- 
ing what  leads  a  man,  in  other  respects  wise,  to 
oppress  his  neighbors:  namely,  a  gift  or  bribe, 
which  powerfully  corrupts  the  heart.  Yet  the 
former  clause  is  generally  understood  of  the  ef- 
fect produced  on  the  oppressed.  It  is  the  more 
604] 


G  For  "  as  the  t  crackhng  of  thorns 
under  a  pot,  so  is  °  the  laughter  of  the 
fool:   this  also  is  vanity. 

7  IF  Surely  p  oppression  maketh  a 
wise  man  mad;  and  ^  a  gift  destroyeth 
the  heart. 

8  ■■  Better  is  the  end  of  a  thing  than 
the  beginning  thereof;  and  ^  the  patient 
in  spirit  is  better  than  the  proud  in  spirit. 

9  Be  not  '  hasty  in  thy  spirit  to  be  an- 
gry; for  "  anger  resteth  in  the  bosom  of 
fools. 


n  2:2.  Ps.  58:9.  118:12.  Is.  65: 
13—15.  Am.  8:10.  Luke  6: 
25.  16:25.  ^2  Pet.  2:13—17. 
Jude  12,13. 

f  Heb.  sound. 

o  Prov.  29:9. 

p  Deut.  28:33,34,65. 

q  Ex.  23:8.  Deut.  16:19.  1 
Sam.  8:3.  12:3.  Prov.  17:23. 
Is.  1:23.  33:15. 

r  Ps.  126:5,6.  Is.  10:24,25,28— 
34.     Luke    16:25.     Jam.  5:11. 


1  Pet.  1:13. 
s  Prov.  13:10.   14:29.   15:18.   16: 

32.  2.3:25.     Luke  21:19.   Rom. 

2:7,8.     Heb.  10:36.     Jam.  5:3. 

1  Pet.  2:20,21.  5:5,6. 
t  1  Sam.  25:21,22.      2  Sam.  19: 

43.    Esth.  3:5,6.     Prov.  14:17. 

16:32.  Jon.  4:9.    Eph.  4:26,27. 

Jam.  1:19. 
u  Gen.  4:5,6,8.    34:7,8,25,26,30, 

31 .    2  Sam.  13:22,28,32.  Prov. 

26:23—26.   Mark  6:19,24. 


necessary  to  settle  the  judgment  on  right  princi- 
ples; because  various  events,  which  must  be  ex- 
pected, tend  to  disturb  the  mind,  and  raise  tem- 
pests in  the  soul.  Thus  violent  oppression  may 
drive  even  a  man,  wise  in  other  respects,  to  act 
in  the  most  outrageous  manner,  as  if  bereft  of 
understanding.  Many  have  been  thus  excited  to 
insurrections,  and  have  in  consequence  been 
slain  in  war,  or  executed  as  rebels:  and  no  human 
wisdom  is  sufficient,  at  all  times,  to  preserve  a 
man  in  such  trying  circumstances.  Nay,  even 
pious  men  have,  for  a  time,  been  thus  betrayed 
into  very  unwarrantable  measures.  {J\'otes,  Deut. 
28:32,34,65—67.)  On  the  otlier  hand,  the  offer  of 
a  large  gift  or  bribe,  unless  the  heart  be  estab- 
lished by  grace  on  sound  principles,  may  pro- 
duce the  most  fatal  effects  on  those,  who  before 
seemed  well  disposed.  {Marg.  Ref — JSToles,  Ex. 
23:6—9,  v.  8.  Deut.  16:18,19.  See  on  M>te, 
Prov.  17:8.) 

V.  8.  'He  noteth  their  lightness  which  enter- 
'prise  a  thing,  and  suddenly  leave  it  off  again.' 

'The  conclusion  of  all  things  is  to  be  expect- 

'ed,  before  we  judge  of  them:  for  whilst  they  are 
'growing  and  coming  on,  they  appear  with  a 
'quite  different  face,  from  what  they  have  when 
'they  are  gone.'  Bp.  Patrick. — This  may  be  un- 
derstood either  of  good  undertakings,  which  at 
first  appear  unpromising,  but  in  the  event  suc- 
ceed beyond  expectation;  or  of  trials,  which  are 
grievous  for  the  time,  but  end  well.  {Marg.  Ref 
T.—J^otes,  Ps.  126:5,6.  Is.  10:24—26.  Lain.  3:26 
—30,  V.  26.  Luke  16:24—26.  18:1—8.  Jam.  5:9— 
11.) — "And  better  is  the  long  in  spirit,  than  the 
high  in  spirit." — 'A  meek  and  patient  spirited 
'man,  that  can  quietly  wait  for  the  end  and  event 
'of  things,  is  better  than  he,  that  is  proud  and  im- 
'petuous,  who  violently  rushes  on  all  enterprises, 
'and  will  needs  force  his  own  terms.'  Bp.  Hall. 
The  hastiness  of  giving  up  good  designs,  because 
of  difficulties,  as  opposed  to  a  steady,  courageous 
perseverance,  seems  also  esp  ,cially  intended. 
{Marg.  Ref.  s.—J^otes,  9.  Prov.  13:10.  14:29.  15: 
17,18.  16:32.  Luke  2\:l2—\9,  v.  19.  Rom.  8:24— 
27,  vv.  24,2.5.  2  Thes.  3:1—5,  v.  5.) 

V.  9.  'Anger  is  an  enemy  to  counsel  and 
'advice,  and  is  indeed  the  property  of  fools;  who 
'out  of  weakness  of  mind  ...  are  familiarly  trans- 
'ported  with  it  upon  the  slightest  causes;  and  not 
'easily  appeased  again,  as  wise  men  are  when 
'they  chance  to  be  incensed.'  Bp.  Patrick. — The 
same  word  is  sometimes  rendered  anger,  at  others 


B.  C.  975. 


CHAPTER  VII. 


B.  C.  975. 


10  Say  not  thou,  *  What  is  the  cause 
that  the  former  days  were  better  than 
these?  for  thou  dost  not  inquire  *  wisely 
concerning  this. 

[Practical  Observations.'] 

1 1  If  Wisdom  is  t  good  with  an  inher- 
itance: and  by  it  there  is  profit  to  ^  them 
that  see  the  sun. 

12  For  ^  wisdom  is  ^  a  defence,  and 
money  is  a  defence:  but  ^  the  excellency 
of  knowledge  is,  that  wisdom  giveth  hfe 
to  them  that  have  it. 

13  *»  Consider  the  work  of  God:  for 
<=  who  can  make  that  straiglrt,  which  he 
hath  made  crooked.'' 

14  In  ''the  day  of  prosperity  be  joy- 


s  JuAg.  6.13.   Jer.  44:17—19. 
*   Heb.    out  of  wisdom.    Gen. 

6:11,12.      Ps.  14:2,3.     Is.  50:1. 

Rom.  1:22—32.  3:9—19. 
f  Or,  as  good  as  an  inheritance, 

yea,   better   too.     9:15—18.     1 

Kings  3:6—9.     Luke  16:8,9.    1 

Tim.  6:17—19. 
y  11:7. 
z  Job  1:10.   22:21—25.    Pro  v.  2: 

7,11.   14:20.   18:10,11.    Is.  33:6. 
t  Heb.  a  shadow.     Judg.  9:15. 

Ps.  57:1.  Is.  30:2.  32:2. 


I  a  Deut.  30:19,20.  32:47.     Prov. 

3:18.    9:11.    11:4.     Joho  12:60. 

17:3.      Phil.  3:8. 
b   Job  37:14.      Ps.  8:3.    107:43. 

Is.  6:12. 
c  1:15.     Job  9:12.   11:10.   12:14. 

34:29.     Is.  14:27.  43:13.  46:10, 

11.  Dan.  4:35.     Rom.  9:15,19. 
Eph.  1:11. 

d  3:4.     Deut.  23:47.    Ps.  30:11, 

12.  40:3.      Matt.  9:13.     John 
16:22.    Jam.  5:13. 


grief:  and  the  excess  of  grief,  as  fixing  its  resi- 
dence in  the  heart,  and  unfitting  a  man  for  every 
great  and  good  undertaking,  should  be  guarded 
against,  as  well  as  anger;  and  with  the  more 
care,  as  it  is  more  plausible  and  creditable  than 
anger  and  revenge.  A  few  say,  'I  do  well  to  in- 
'dulge  anger;'  but  many  say,  'I  do  well  to  indulge 
'grief:'  and  indeed  those  are  often  censured,  who 
will  not  suffer  it  to  settle  in  their  bosoms.  (^Marg. 
Ref.  t,  u.— Gen.  4:6—8.  49:5—7.  1  Sam.  25-13, 
32,33.  2  Sam.  13:22—29.  £s<A.  3:3— 6.  Prov.  14: 
17.  Jon.  4:5—11.  1  Thes.  4:13—17.) 

V.  10.  We  know  the  evil  of  former  times  only 
by  report,  but  we  feel  present  inconveniences 
and  distresses:  and  therefore  are  prone  to  think 
former  times  were  better  to  live  in  than  the  pres- 
ent. But  though  corrupt  nature  has  shewn  its 
malignity  in  various  ways,  and  has  been  coun- 
teracted by  the  interposition  of  God  in  different 
degrees,  and  calamities  have  been  dispensed  in 
greater  or  less  proportion;  yet  the  earth  has  al- 
ways been  replete  with  iniquity  and  misery:  and 
it  is  no  proof  of  wisdom  to  inquire  after  the  reason 
of  that,  which  probably  exists  only  in  men's  dis- 
tempered  imaginations. The   dotage   of  some 

speculators  concerning  a  golden  age,  and  the 
happiness  of  men  in  the  simple  state  of  nature, 
are  specimens  of  this  unwise  method  of  speaking 
concerning  former  times:  as  is  the  proneness  of 
almost  all  old  men  to  speak  with  decided  prefer- 
ence on  the  state  of  things  when  they  were  young. 
[JSIarg.  and  Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  11,  12.  "Wisdom  is  good  with  an  inherit- 
ance," as  it  enables  a  man  to  do  the  more  good 
with  it,  during  his  continuance  on  earth:  or  "wis- 
dom is  a.i  good  as  an  inheritance,  and  more  profit- 
able to  them  that  see  the  sun."  Money  may  in- 
deed purchase  exemptions  from  many  trials  and 
dangers;  but  true  wisdom  and  knowledge  alone 
can  deliver  a  man  from  destruction,  and  make 
him  acquainted  with  the  way  of  hfe  and  salvation. 
(Marg.  and  Marg.  Ref.—J/otes,  9:13—18.  Prov. 
10:15.  11:4.  18:10,11.  Phil.  3:8—11.  2  rim.  3:14 
—17,  V.  15.) 

V.  13,  14.  Man's  wisdom  consists  in  observing 
God's  unalterable  appointments,  and  in  suiting 
himself  to  them.  [Marg.  Ref.  h,c.--JYoteit,  1:12— 


ful,  «  but  in  the  day  of  adversity  consider: 
God  also  hath  { set  the  one  over  against 
the  other,  *"  to  the  end  that  man  should 
find  nothing  after  him. 

1 5  All  things  8  have  I  seen  in  the  days 
of  my  vanity:  ^  there  is  a  just  man  that 
perisheth  in  his  righteousness,  and  '  there 
is  a  wicked  man  that  prolongeth  his  life 
in  his  wickedness. 

16  Be  ^  not  righteous^  over-much; 
'  neither  make  thyself  over-wise:  why 
shouldest  thou  II  destroy  thyself? 

17  Be  ™  not  over-much  wicked,  nei- 
ther be  thou  foohsh:  "  why  shouldest  thou 
die  ^  before  thy  time 

15:2,&c 


e  Deut.  8:3.     1  Kings  8:47.     IT 

17.18.  2Chr.  33:12,13.  Job 
10:1,2.  Ps.  94:12,13.  119:71. 
Is.  22:12—14.  26:1 1.  42:25.  Jer. 
23:20.  Mic.  6:9.  Hag.  1:5—7. 
Luke  15:17,18. 

$  Heb.  made. 

(  12:8,13.    Hos.  2:6,7. 

g2:23.  5:16,17.  6:12.     Gen.  47: 

9.  Ps.  39:6. 
h  3:16.  8:14.  9:1,2.     1  Sam.  22: 

13.19.  1  Kings  21:13.  2  Chr. 
24:21,22.  Job  9:22,23.  Matt. 
23:34,35.    Acts  7:52. 

18:12,13.    .lob  21:7— 15.  Ps.  73: 
3—13.    Jer.  12:1,2. 


k  Matt.  6:1—7.    9:14. 
23:5,23,24,29.         Luke      18:12. 
Phil.  3:6.     1  Tim.  4:3. 

I  Gen.  3:6.  Job  11:12.  28:28. 
Prov.  23:4.  Rom.  11:25.  12:3. 
I  Cor.  3:18,20.  Col.  2:18,23. 
Jam.  3:13— 17. 

II  Heb.  be  desolate.  Matt.  23:38. 
Rev.  18:19. 

m  Jer.  2:33,34.  Ez.  8:17.  16:20. 

Jam.  1:21. 
n  Gen.  33:7—10.    1  Sam.  25:33. 

Job  15:32,33.  Ps.  55:23.   Prov. 

10:27.    Acts  5:5,10.   12:23. 
IT  Heb.  not  in  thy  time. 


18,  V.  15.  Job  11:7—12,  v.  10.34:20—30,  v.  29.  Is. 
42:13—17,  V.  16.  Dan.  4:34—37.)  In  prosperity 
i  he  should  be  joyful,  and  thankful,  and  do  good: 
I  in  adversity  he  should  consider,  that  the  righteous 
I  Lord  is  the  Author  of  afilictions,  whoever  be  the 
j  instrument,  and  that  sin  is  the  cause  of  sufferings: 
I  he  shculd  examine  what  sins  he  has  committed, 
which  have  brought  the  correction  upon  him: 
and  how  he  may  obtain  support  under  them,  ben- 
efit by  them,  and  deliverance  from  them.  He 
should  consider  the  vanity  of  the  world,  and  seek 
a  better  portion;  the  evil  of  sin,  and  exercise  re- 
pentance; and  the  approach  of  death,  and  prepare 
for  it.  For  indeed  God  has  thus  intermingled 
prosperitj'  and  adversity  in  the  lot  of  man  on 
earth,  that  he  might  still  feel  his  dependence  on 
him,  and  seek  all  his  happiness  from  him;  without 
either  being  lifted  up  in  prosperity,  or  sinking 
into  despair  in  adversity.  (Jilatg.  Ref.  d,  e,  f. — 
J\otes,  2:24—26.  3:1—11.  Detd.  8:3.  J\Iic.  6:9. 
Jam.  5:13.) 

V.  15.  By  the  "days  of  his  vanity,"  Solomon 
may  either  mean  his  life  in  this  vain  world,  or 
that  part  of  it  when  he  was  seeking  happiness  in 
vanity.  He  had  sometimes  observed  a  ver}-  up- 
right, conscientious  man  ruined,  as  to  his  tem- 
poral interests,  and  even  bereft  of  his  life,  on 
account  of  his  righteousness;  meaning  that  cruel 
tyrants  put  the  godly  to  death,  and  let  the  wicked 
go  free:  and  also  a  wicked  man  prolonging  his 
life  in  his  wickedness.  Hence  he  seems  to  infer, 
that  this  vain  world  could  not  be  all,  but  that  a 
future  state  of  retributions  might  be  expected. 
(Marg.  Ref.  g,  h,  i. — ^otes,  3:16,17.  8:11—15.  9: 
1—3.  Job  9:22—24.21:7—16.  Ps.  73:1—14.  Ja-. 
22:1,2.  Rom.  2:4—6.) 

V.  16,  17.  Some  think  that  the  former  of  these 
verses  contains  the  words  of  an  ungodly  man; 
who,  hearing  that  sometimes  a  righteous  man  is 
ruined  by  his  righteousness,  gravely  exhorts  men 
not  to  be  too  diligent,  exact,  and  scrupulous, 
about  either  the  practice  or  study  of  religion;  as 
it  would  probably  be  prejudicial  to  their  interests, 
and  eventually  ruin  them.  And  the  latter  verse 
they  suppose  to  be  Solomon's  answer  to  the  ob- 
jector, in  which  he  warns  him  not  to  be  so  pre- 
sumptuous and  foolish  in  his  wickedness,  lest  God 


B.  C.  975. 


ECCLESIASTES. 


B.  C.  975. 


IS  It  is  *>  good  that  thou  shouldest  take 
hold  of  this;  yea,  also  from  this  withdraw 
not  thine  hand:  p  for  he  that  feareth  God 
shall  come  forth  of  them  all. 

19  Wisdom  i  strengtheneth  the  wise, 
more  than  ten  mighty  men  which  are  in 
the  city. 

20  For  ■■  there  is  not  a  just  man  upon 
earth,  that  ^  ^Joeth  good,  and  siniieth  not. 

21  Also  *  take  no  heed  '  unto  all  words 
that  are  spoken;  lest  thou  hear  thy  ser- 
vant curse  thee: 

22  For  oftentimes  "  also  thine  own 
heart  knoweth,  that  thou  thyself  hke- 
wise  hast  cursed  others. 

[Practical   Observations.] 

23  IF  All  this  have  I  proved  by  wis- 
dom: *  I  said,  I  will  be  wise;  but  it  was 
far  from  me. 


o   11:6.     Prov.  4:25—27.    8:20. 

Luke  11:42. 
p  8:12.     12:13.     Ps.  25:12—14. 

145:19,20.    Jer.  32:40.     Luke 

1:50. 
q  9:15—17.     2  Sam.  20:16— 22. 

Prov.  21:22.  24:5.     Col.  1:9— 

II. 
r   I  Kings  8:46.      2  Chr.  6:36. 

Job  15:14—16.    Ps.  130:3.    143: 

2.  Prov.  20:9.    Is.  53:6.    Rom. 


3:23.     Jam.  3:2.     1  John  1:8— 

10. 
s  Is.  64:6. 
*  Heb.   give  not  thine  heart.  2 

Sam.  19:19. 
t  2  Sara.  16:10.     1  Cor.  13:5—7. 
u    1  Kings   2:44.      Matt.    15:19. 

18:32—35.    John  8:7—9.  Jam. 

3:9. 
X   Gen.  3:5.     1   Kings   3:11,12. 

11:1—3.      Rom.  1:22. 


■     24  That  y  which  is  far  off,   and   ex- 
ceeding deep,  who  can  find  it  out? 

25  1 1  applied  mine  heart  to  know,  and 
to  search,  and  to  seek  out  wisdom,  and 
^  the  reason  of  things,  and  to  ^  know  the 
wickedness  of  folly,  even  of  foolishness 
and  madness: 

26  And  ''  I  find  more  bitter  than  death 
the  woman,  whose  heart  is  snares  and 
nets,  and  her  hands  as  bands:  ^  whoso 
pleaselh  God  shall  escape  from  her;  but 
the  sinner  shall  be  taken  by  her. 

27  Behold,  this  have  I  found,  *=  saidi 
the  Preacher,  5  counting  one  by  one,  to 
find  out  the  account; 

28  Which  ^  yet  my  soul  seeketh,  but 
I  find  not:   ^  one  man  among  a  thousand 


jr  Deut.  30:11— 14.     Job  11:7,8. 

28:12—23,23.     Ps.  36:6.   139:6. 

Is.  55:3,9.   Rom.  11:33.   iTim. 

6:16. 
f  Heb.  land  my  heart  com- 
passed.    1:13—17.     2:1—3,12, 

20. 
z  27.    Marg.  2:15.  3:16,17.  9:1, 

2.    Jer.  12:1,2.     2  Pet.  2:3—9. 

3:3—9. 
a  9:3.   10:13.     Gen.  34:7.    Josh. 

7:13.     2  Sara.  13:12.    Prov.  17: 


12.  26:11. 
b  Judg.  16:18—21.     Prov.  2:13, 

19.  5:3—5.  7:21—27.  9:18.  22: 

14.  23:27,28. 
J   Heb.    he  that  is  good  befgrt 

God.  2:26. 
c  1:1,2.   12:8—10. 
$  Or,   weighing  one  thing  after 

another,  to  find  out  the  reason. 

25. 
d  23,24.  Is.  26:9. 
e  Job  33:23.  Ps.  12:1. 


should  be  provoked  to  cut  him  off  prematurely, 
and  in  his  sins. — But  there  are  many  parts  or  ap- 
pearances of  religion,  which  may  be  carried  to  a 
pernicious  extreme.  A  man  may  be  too  tena- 
cious of  insignificant  forms,  or  human  inventions: 
he  may  pretend  to  kinds  and  degrees  of  righteous- 
ness, which  the  scriptures  do  not  require,  laying 
much  stress  on  celibacy,  fastings,  and  other  aus- 
terities: his  boldness  and  zeal  may  verge  towards 
rashness  and  rage;  his  conscientiousness  may  de- 
generate into  superstition  and  scrupulousness;  his 
benevolence  into  indiscretion  and  indiscriminate 
profusion;  and  his  candor  and  good  nature  into 
lolly:  and  in  affecting  to  be  acquainted  with  the 
whole  of  divine  truth,  he  may  become  presump- 
tuously curious,  and  intrude  into  unrevealed 
things.  Thus  many  run  into  extremes,  and  ex- 
pose" themselves  to  needless  persecution,  or  to  the 
anger  of  God. — 'Be  not  too  rigorous  in  exacting 
'the  extremity  of  justice  upon  every  occasion: 
'neither  do  thou  affect  too  much  semblance  and 
'ostentation  of  more  justice  than  thou  hast.  Nei- 
'ther  do  thou  arrogate  more  wisdom  to  thyself 
'than  is  in  thee.'  Bp.  Hall.— Some  expound  the 
verses  of  the  public  administration  of  justice, 
which  should  neither  be  too  severe  nor  too  lenient: 
but  though  these  extremes  may  be  included  among 
others,  yet  there  is  no  reason  to  think  they  were 
specially  intended.— That  the  affectation  or  os- 
tentation of  extraordinary  righteousness,  or  an 
over-doing  in  outward  observances,  while  more 
essential  matters  were  proportionably  neglected, 
was  intended;  and  not  humble  purity  and  zeal, 
seems  evident  from  the  caution  to  the  reader  not 
to  make  himself  over-wise;  that  is,  "Be  not  wise 
in  thine  own  conceit;"  or  do  not  intrude  into  se- 
cret things  which  belong  to  God.  Here  affecta- 
tation  or  excess,  in  some  particulars,  must  be 
meant;  and  so  doubtless  it  is  in  the  other  clause. 
(Jlfnrn-.  Ref.  k,  1.— JVbfes,  Gen.  3:6.  Joh  28:23— 
28,  D.'28.    Matt.  6:1—4.  15:1,2.  23:2.3,24.    Col.  2: 

OQ 23. ) It  is,  however,  certain  that  we  cannot 

love  and  serve  God  too  much,  or  be  over-righteous 
in  any  thing  for  which  we  can  produce  the  war- 
rant of  his  word:  and  the  other  extreme,  of  pre- 
006] 


sumptuous  and  over-much  wickedness,  is  far  more 
common,  and  ruinous  to  far  greater  numbers. 
[Marg.  and  Marg.  Ref.  m,  n — Jfotes,  Gen.  38:7 

—  10.  2  Sam.  17:23.  18:9—14.  Ps.  55:23.  Mail. 
27:3—5.) 

V.  18.  It  is  profitable  to  lay  hold  and  keep 
hold  of  both  these  counsels,  and  to  avoid  all  ex- 
tremes; and  he  who  fears  God  will  be  preserved 
from  these  dangers  and  snares,  or  extricated  out 
of  them.  [Mai'g.Ref.o,]).— Mites,  8:\\—V3.  1.2:11 

—  14.  Ps.  25:12—14.  145:19,20.  Prov.  4:24—27.) 
V.  19,  20.  The  prudent,  precautions  and  con- 
trivances of  one  wise  man,  may  do  more  towards 
the  preservation  of  a  city,  than  the  power  of  ten 
mighty  men.  Or  rather,  true  wisdom  gives  a 
strength  and  fortitude  to  the  soul,  which  far  sur- 
passes all  natural  courage,  by  leading  a  man  to 
trust  in  God  for  protection.  And  this  confidence 
is  warranted,  even  though  there  be  no  righteous 
person  on  earth,  who  never  falls  into  sin,  nay, 
whose  good  actions  are  perfectly  free  from  sin; 
seeing  God  deals  with  all  who  trust  in  him  ac- 
cording to  his  covenant  of  mercy  and  grace  in 
Jesus  Christ.     (Marg.  Ref.  q,  r,  s — JVotes,  9:13 

18.  Job  15:14—16.  Ps.  130:3,4.  Prov.  20:9.  21: 
22.  24:3—6.  Is.  53:4—6,  v.  6.  64:6—8,  v.  6.  Jam. 
3:1,2.  1  Joh7i  1:8—10.  3:4—6,  v.  5.) 

V.  21,  22.  'The  consideration  of  which  frailty 
'of  mankind  is  useful  many  ways, ...  to  teach  us 
'gentleness  towards  those  who  do  us  ...  injuries.* 
Bp.  Patrick.  {Motes,  Tit.  3: 1—3.)— These  verses 
are  also  a  most  important  counsel,  how  to  avoid 
the  vexation  of  this  vain  world.  When  men  are 
in  a  passion,  or  actuated  by  envy  or  resentment, 
they  speak  very  provoking  things;  and  those  who 
notice  every  expression  will  be  continually  em- 
broiled; nay,  their  very  servants  will  be  a  per- 
petual vexation  to  them.  On  one  occasion  or 
other,  they  may  speak  disrespectfully,  utter  slan- 
ders, or  wish  evil  to  some  one;  and  this  may  be 
overheard  and  reported,  and  create  much  con- 
fusion, when  perhaps  it  was  only  a  hasty  word, 
without  much  meaning.  For  if  a  man  watches 
his  own  heart,  when  he  is  vexed  and  fretful,  he 
will  find  in  numerous  instances  a  projxsnsity  to 


B.  C.  975. 


CHAPTER  VIL 


B.  C.  975. 


have  I  found;  ^  but  a   woman  among  all 
those  have  I  not  found. 

29  Lo,  this  only  have  I  found,  that 

f  1  Kings  11:1—3. 


speak  such  words,  or  vent  such  wishes,  respect- 
ing others,  not  excepting'  even  his  friends  and 
superiors.     {JIarg.  and  Marg.  Ref.  t,  u.) 

V.  23 — 28.  These  practical  matters  Solomon 
had  "proved  by  wisdom;"  but  he  humbly  owned, 
that  he  had  greatly  failed  of  his  determined  purpose 
of  being  wise.  Many  things  he  found  himself  in- 
capable of  investigating  or  comprehending;  and 
in  his  earnest  search  into  the  nature  and  reason 
of  things,  and  to  discover  the  wickedness  of  men's 
ignorance,  carelessness,  and  impiety,  and  of  their 
vain  mirth  and  mad  intemperance,  he  had  found 
himself  betrayed  into  very  much  folly;  especially 
he  had  been  miserably  deluded  by  unprincipled 
women,  to  the  unspeakable  anguish  of  his  heart. 
All  imaginable  stratagems  and  artifices  were  em- 
ployed by  them,  to  ensnare  men  in  wickedness, 
and  all  efforts  to  hold  them  in  bondage.  [M'otes 
and  P.  O.  1  Kings  11:)  Solomon  here  speaks 
very  contritely  of  his  own  misconduct;  and  doubt- 
less he  was  delivered  out  of  this  snare  of  Satan. 
Yet  he,  and  he  alone,  who  habitually  aimed  to 
please  God,  and  thus  was  accepted  of  him,  could 
expect  to  escape  this  danger,  into  which  the 
careless  sinner  would  fall,  probably  to  rise  no 
more.  Again,  Solomon  observed  with  surprise, 
that  when  he  looked  over  his  courtiers,  and  his 
subjects,  one  by  one,  as  far  as  their  conduct  fell 
under  his  inspection,  in  order  to  make  out  the 
number  of  truly  pious  and  honest  persons  among 
them;  he  could  find  a  few  men  of  this  stamp,  at 
least  one  of  a  thousand:  but  a  woman  among  all 
those,  (that  is,  among  his  thousand  wives  and  con- 
cubines,) had  he  not  found;  not  one  who  was 
thoroughly  faithful,  upright,  and  pious.  We  are 
not  hence  to  infer,  that  Solomon  thought  there 
were  fewer  good  women  than  men:  but  that  he 
knew,  that  he  had  not  gone  the  right  way  to  find 
the  virtuous  woman,  when  he  deviated  so  widely 
from  the  original  law  of  marriage;  and,  instead  of 
seeking  one  rational  companion,  the  sole  object  of 
his  endeared  affections,  he  had  collected  an  im- 
mense multitude  for  magnificence  and  indul- 
gence. The  more  valuable  part  of  the  sex  would 
not  willingly  form  one  in  such  a  group:  and  if 
any  of  them  were  previoush'  well  disposed;  the 
jealousies,  partj'-interests,  contests,  and  artifices, 
which  take  place  in  such  situations,  would  tend 
exceedingly  to  corrupt  them,  and  render  tliem  all 
nearltj  of  the  same  character.  Solomon  there- 
fo)'3  here  speaks  the  language  of  a  penitent, 
warning  others  against  the  sins  into  which  he  had 
been  betrayed;  and  not  that  of  a  waspish  satirist, 
lashing  indiscriminately  one  half  of  the  human 
species.  {Marg.  and  'Marg.  Ref. — J^oles^  1:12 
—18.  2:3,12—17.  9:7—9.  judg.  16:5—21.  Prov. 
2:16—19.  5:3-19.  7:6—23.  18:22.  19:14.  23:27, 
28.  31:10-31.) 

V.  29.  The  royal  preacher  sums  up  tlie  whole 
of  his  observations  on  the  state  and  conduct  of 
man,  in  this  verdict.  God  indeed  created  man 
upright,  and  very  good;  but,  Adam  having  apos- 
tatized from  him,  his  posterity  have  sought  out  an 
immense  number  of  "inventions,"  in  order  to  find 
happiness  in  the  world,  and  without  God,  which 
have  only  proved  so  many  variations  of  impiety 
and  iniquity;  so  that  very  few  pious  persons  are 
to  be  found  any  where  on  earth.  A  most  decisive 
testimony  concerning  original  sin,  and  the 
wretched  state  of  man  bv  nature!  (  Mar'^.  Ref. — 
Xotes,  Gen.  1:26— 31.  3:4—7.  5:1— 3.''6:.5.  /s. 
53:4—6,1;.  6.  Jcr.  2:13.  17:9,10.  Rom.  1:18—32. 
3:9—18.  2  2  m.  3:1— 5.) 


'  God  hath  made  man  upright;  but  *"  they 
have  sought  out  many  inventions. 


gGen.  1:26,27.5:1. 

h  Gen.  3:6,7.    6:5,fi,ll,t2.    11:4 

—6.     Ps.  99:8.   106:29.39.  Jer. 

2:12,13.    4:22.       Ez.  22:6— 13. 


Mark  7:8,9.  Acts  7:40—43. 
Rom.  1:21—32.  3:9—19.  Eph. 
2:2,3.   Tit.  3:3. 


PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
V.  1  —  10. 
That  is  most  valuable  which  is  most  useful,  and 
enables  a  man  to  do  the  greatest  good:  a  charac- 
ter, therefore,  for  probity  and  discretion  is  far 
more  desirable,  than  worldly  possessions  or  pleas- 
ures; nay,  than  the  renown  of  shining  talents  and 
splendid  performances.  But  "a  name  in  the 
book  of  life"  is  the  only  distinction,  which  will 
prove  finally  advantageous.  If  this  be  our  felici- 
ty, and  our  experience  and  conduct  prove  it;  we 
may  rejoice  in  the  thoughts  of  death,  as  a  removal 
from  sorrow  and  fear,  and  an  entrance  upon  the 
full  enjoyment  of  all,  which  we  have  here  loved 
and  thirsted  after.  Others  may  be  weary  of  the 
sufferings  of  life,  and  be  driven  out  of  the  world, 
with  a  vain  hope  of  terminating  their  anguish: 
but  the  established  believer  alone  is  willing  to 
live  though  in  pain;  and  willing  to  die,  that  he 
may  go  to  be  with  him  "whom  his  soul  loveth." 
He  finds  it  profitable  to  frequent  the  house  of 
mourning,  as  it  keeps  him  serious,  and  recollect- 
ed in  the  thoughts  of  his  latter  end:  and  he  per- 
ceives and  experiences,  that  the  house  of  feasting  _ 
tends  to  render  the  mind  dissipated,  and  the  con- 
science either  unfeeling  or  uneasy.  Nay,  he 
learns  to  take  more  solid  pleasure,  in  sympathiz- 
ing with  the  afHicted  and  endeavoring  to  relieve 
and  comfort  them,  than  in  scenes  of  festivity  and 
vain  mirth.  To  be  frequently  the  spectators^  of 
affliction,  tends  also  to  abate  our  pride  and  love 
of  worldly  things,  and  to  endear  the  eternal  sal- 
vation of  the  gospel.  Indeed  sorrow  is  more 
suited  than  carnal  joy  to  our  state  in  this  sinful, 
suffering  world:  the  Redeemer  wept,  but  it  is  not 
recorded  that  he  ever  laughed,  though  he  "re- 
joiced in  spirit."  A  serious  mind  is  the  proper 
soil  for  wisdom;  consideration  is  the  beginning  of 
repentance  and  conversion;  and  that  "sadness  of 
countenance,"  which  attends  consideration,  is  a 
suitable  medicine  to  cure  the  diseases  of  the  heart. 
By  despising  these  maxims,  men  detect  their  own 
character:  for  "the  heart  of  the  wise  is  in  the 
house  of  mourning;  but  the  heart  of  fools  is  in 
the  house  of  mirth."  He  who  runs  from  those 
scenes,  in  which  men  may  both  do  and  get  good; 
and  hurries  to  places  where  every  thing  tends  to 
dissipate  reflection,  and  to  keep  him  from  think- 
ing of  death  till  it  comes;  is  likely  to  live  and  die, 
without  wisdom  or  hope.  And  though  such  re- 
bukes, as  this  of  the  wise  man,  sound  harsh,  and 
give  pain,  they  are  far  better  than  the  songs,  and 
music,  and  empty  laughter,  with  which  so  many 
waste  their  lives,  as  if  they  were  sent  into  the 
world  to  play  the  fool,  to  die,  and  perish.  For 
the  whole  is  "like  the  crackling  of  thorns  under 
the  pot,"  a  mere  shadow  of  joy,  which  soon  ex- 
pires, and  leaves  the  soul  to  darkness  and  de- 
spair. This  also  is  veiy  vanity,  and  yet  the  world 
is  full  of  it! — To  support  the  expenses  of  dissipat- 
ed and  licentious  pleasures,  wicked  men  oppress 
those,  who  arc  far  wiser  and  better  than  them- 
selves; and  not  only  injure  them  in  temporal 
things,  but  tempt  them  to  many  sins,  for  which 
they  will  in  some  measure  be  answerable.  For 
many  have  by  persecution  been  induced  to  re- 
nounce the  service  of  God;  and  even  wise  and 
pious  meii  have,  for  a  time,  been  driven  into  mad 
and  foolish  measures,  by  the  veliemence  of  temp- 
tation to  which  oppressors  c.vposed  them.  Con- 
sidering the  sharp  trials  which  may  await  us,  and 
conscious  of  our  own  frailty,  we  should  earnestly 
pray  that  "the  grace  of  our  Lord  may  be  suffi- 

[G07 


B.  C.  975. 


ECCLESIASTES. 


B.  C.  97o. 


csent  for  us."  We  should  avoid  all  occasions  of 
sin;  such  as  covetousness,  which  among  numerous 
other  evils  leads  to  bribery;  and  a  bribe  corrupts 
the  heart,  and  overpowers  the  good  purposes  of 
those  who  intend  to  do  justice.  Contention  also 
runs  a  man  into  innumerable  snares,  and  is  far 
more  easily  begun,  than  ended;  yet  "the  end"  of 
it  is  indeed  "better  than  the  beginning."  But 
we  shall  have  continual  need  of  patience;  that  we 
may  wait,  in  the  way  of  faith  and  obedience,  the 
event  of  those  trials  which  now  distress  us,  but 
may  hereafter  comfort  us;  and  of  every  good  un- 
dertaking, which  will  surely  at  first  have  diflScul- 
ties  to  encounter;  and  that  we  may  with  quietness 
bear  the  injuries  of  our  fellow-creatures,  which 
is  far  happier,  than  to  be  "proud  in  spirit"  and 
"swift  to  wrath."  For  if  we  be  "hasty  in  spirit  to 
be  angrj',"  we  may  next  be  tempted  to  harbor  re- 
venge; and  experience  will  then  surely  convince 
us,  that  he  is  very  foolish  who  suffers  anger  to 
rest  in  his  heart.  We  should  likewise  watch 
against  discontent:  the  wickedness  of  the  world 
around  us  should  excite  our  sorrow,  and  our  en- 
deavors for  personal  and  public  reformation;  but 
we  must  be  careful  not  to  reflect  on  Providence,  or 
to  undervalue  our  mercies,  as  if  our  lot  were  cast 
in  the  most  unhappy  times.  For  such  complaints 
originate  from  ignorance,  inconsideration,  pride, 
and  impatience.  All  times  and  places  hitherto 
have  abounded  in  sin  and  in  trouble:  we  should 
therefore  seek  our  rest  in  God,  and  he  will  ena- 
ble us  to  live  comfortably  in  any  situation. 

V.  11—22. 

Without  true  wisdom,  the  largest  estate  will 
little  profit  the  owner,  even  for  the  short  space, 
that  he  will  see  the  "lun  in  the  land  of  the  living;" 
but  with  it  his  riches  may  be  useful  to  himself  and 
others:  and  if  the  wise  man  have  no  estate  on 
earth,  he  has  that  which  is  unspeakably  better; 
he  has  "the  excellency  of  the  knowledge  of  Je- 
sus Christ,"  which  will  secure  him  from  all  evil, 
and  bring  him  to  endless  felicity.  We  ought  also 
to  "consider  the  work  of  God,"  even  in  those 
things,  which  come  on  us  through  men's  wicked- 
ness; that  we  may  submit  to  his  wise  and  right- 
eous appointments,  which  cannot  be  altered,  and 
could  not  possibly  be  mended.  We  should  ex- 
pect and  prepare  for  changes:  the  day  of  pros- 
perity, while  it  enables  us  to  rejoice,  calls  upon 
us  to  exercise  gratitude,  and  to  do  good:  the  day 
of  adversity  calls  us  to  consideration,  repentance, 
and  prayer:  and  the  interchanges  of  joy  and  sor- 
row continually  instruct  us,  that  God  himself  is  the 
only  unchangeable  Good  of  his  people,  and  that  all 
else  is  vanity  and  uncertainty.  Even  piety  will 
not  exempt  us  from  calamities  here:  we  should 
therefore  count  our  cost;  for  in  our  days  of  vanity 
here  below,  the  righteous  often  suffers  for  his  right- 
eousness, and  the  wicked  prospers  by  his  wicked- 
ness: if,  however,  we  suffer  according  to  the  will  of 
God,  we  are  and  shall  be  happy;  but  we  should 
be  careful  not  to  provoke  opposition,  b}'  unscrip- 
tural  rigidness,  by  fiery  zeal,  by  severe  censures, 
or  dogmatical  decisions  concerning  those  who 
differ  from  us;  and  we  may  leave  it  to  the  follow- 
ers of  Antichrist,  to  be  zealous  for  uncommanded 
austerities  and  observances.  Those  who  are  thus 
righteous  over-much,  and  provoke  opposition,  do 
not  "suffer  for  righteousness'  sake,"  but  "destroy 
themselves."  Let  us  then  be  zealous  and  dili- 
gent in  the  substantial  parts  of  true  religion,  on 
which  the  scriptures  principally  insist;  and  then 
wc  shall  be  in  no  danger  of  exceeding:  and  when 
we  hear  men,  with  profane  solemnity,  cautioning 
olhers  against  being  too  bold  and  active  in  the 
feervice  of  God;  let  us  caution  them,  not  to  bring 
themselves  into  swift  destruction  by  their  pre- 
sumptuous crimes.  Alas!  how  many  die  before 
their  time,  by  the  hand  of  the  executioner,  and 
608] 


by  loathsome  diseases,  through  their  own  over- 
much wickedness!  The  path  of  truth  and  duty, 
however,  commonly  lies  in  the  middle,  at  a  dis- 
tance from  extremes;  and  it  is  good  to  take  hold 
of  both  these  cautions:  but  if  we  truly  fear  God, 
he  will  conduct  us  safely  on  this  perilous  way, 
and  bring  us  forth  from  every  snare,  and  the 
power  of  every  enemy.  The  wisdom  which  he 
gives  is  the  strength  and  support  of  the  soul,  as  it 
leads  the  possessors  to  make  "his  name  their 
strong  Tower:"  and  though  we  are  such  polluted 
sinners,  and  "there  is  not  a  just  man  on  earth, 
that  doeth  good,  and  sinneth  not;"  yet  our  God 
will  mercifully  accept  and  preserve  those,  who 
trust  in  him  and  desire  to  do  his  will.  If  then  he 
so  bear  with  us,  we  ought  to  bear  with  each  other: 
but  they,  who  take  fire  at  every  afi'ront,  will  be 
always  quarrelling  and  sinning:  and  the  modern 
point  of  honor,  tenaciously  observed,  would  be 
the  rule  of  being  always  mischievous  and  always 
miserable.  He  that  has  most  self-knowledge, 
and  is  most  watchful  over  his  own  heart,  in  differ- 
ent circumstances,  will  make  most  allowance  for 
others;  being  conscious  that  he  needs  it  from 
them.  In  proportion  as  men  are  careful  to  ap- 
prove themselves  to  God,  they  will  be  less  anxious 
to  obtain  man's  approbation:  and  those  who  are 
very  desirous  of  knowing  what  others  say  of  them 
perhaps  expecting  to  hear  their  own  commenda- 
tions, will  generally  be  disappointed,  and  hear 
such  things  from  every  quarter,  as  are  vexatious 
and  mortifying:  for  few  think  so  favorably  of 
others,  as  men  do  of  themselves. 

V.  23—29. 

Various  important  lessons  may  be  learned  in 
wisdom's  school,  and  they  will  be  confirmed  by 
experience:  but  when  we  resolve,  and  even  be- 
stow pains,  "to  be  wise,"  we  shall  often  find  it  far 
from  us.  Many  things  are  too  deep  for  us  to  fath- 
om, and  too  distant  for  us  to  explore.  [J^otes,  8: 
16,17.  Job  11:7—12.  Rom.  11:33—36.)  And 
whilst  we  "apply  our  hearts  to  seaich  out  wis- 
dom, and  the  reason  of  things;"  our  principal 
study,  "as  sinners,"  relates  to  the  nature,  evil, 
foolishness,  and  madness  of  sin,  with  its  causes, 
effects,  and  remedies.  But  alas!  those  who  should 
teach  wisdom  to  others,  are  often  themselves  led 
to  act  very  foolishly;  and  by  nothing  more  than  by 
bad  women.  Happy  is  he,  whom  God  preserves 
from  this  most  fatal  snare,  and  all  its  bitter  effects. 
Would  we  be  so  happy;  let  us  seek  to  "walk  be- 
fore God"  and  in  his  sight,  trusting  in  his  grace, 
and  observing  all  his  precepts:  for  many  are  left 
to  fall  into  dreadful  evils,  to  punish  them  for  their 
pride,  hypocrisy,  or  wickedness  in  other  respects. 
If  any  such  captives  of  Satan  have  been  delivered 
by  a  miracle  of  mercy,  they  have  more  abundant 
cause  for  gratitude  and  watchfulness;  and  they 
should  be  doubly  earnest  to  warn  others  of  their 
danger Many  a  godly  man  can  with  thankful- 
ness acknowledge,  that  he  has  found  one  prudent 
and  virtuous  woman  in  the  wife  of  his  bosom,  and 
aver  that  he  desires  no  more:  but  those  who  have 
gone,  as  far  as  they  could,  in  Solomon's,  track, 
have  seldom  found  one  of  this  character  in  aU  the 
multitude.  This  militates  against  polygamy,  as 
well  as  every  other  species  of  licentiousness:  and 
it  is  a  general  rule,  that  they,  who  declaim  most 
severely  against  women,  have  their  chief  ac- 
quaintance with  the  most  worthless  of  the  sex. 
In  short,  the  law  of  God  is  the  rule  of  our  happi- 
ness; and  the  world  is  miserable,  principally  be- 
cause this  rule  is  so  universally  disregarded  and 
violated.— It  is  most  lamentable,  that  so  few, 
either  men  or  women,  can  be  found,  who  are 
really  the  upright  servants  of  God;  and  that  man, 
whom  "God  made  upright"  and  happy,  has 
found  out  so  many  inventions  to  render  himself 
wicked  and  miserable.     But  let  us  bless  God 


B.  C.  975. 


CHAPTER  VIII. 


B.  C.  970. 


CHAP.  VIII. 

A  commendation  of  wisdom,  1.  The  king  must  be  obeyed,  from 
prudence,  and  for  conscience-sake,  2 — a.  The  misery  of  men 
for  want  of  foresight,  neglect  of  opportunities,  and  the  una- 
voidable stroke  of  death,  6 — 8.  Men  abuse  power,  and  the 
patience  of  God,  to  the  increase  of  wickedness  ^nd  misery,  9 
—11.  The  righteous  happy,  and  the  wicked  ii^«rable,  not- 
withstanding contrary  appearances,  12 — 13.  The  UDsearcba- 
bleness  of  God's  counsels  and  works,  16,  17. 

WHO  is  ^  as  the  wise  man9  and 
**  who  knoweth  the  interpretation 
of  a  thing.^  "^  a  nian's  wisdom  maketh  his 
face  to  shine,  "^  and  the  *  boldness  of  his 
face  shall  be  changed. 

2  IT  ^  I  counsel  thee  to  keep  the  king's 
commandment,  and  that  ^  in  regard  of  the 
oath  of  God. 

3  Be  8  not  hasty  to  go  out  of  his  sight: 
^  stand  not  in  an  evil  thing;  '  for  he  doeth 
whatsoever  pleaseth  him. 


a  2.13,14.     I  Cor.  2:13—16. 
bGen.  40:8.  41:15,16,38,39.  Job 

33:23.   Prov.  1:6.    Dan.  2:28— 

30,47.  4:18,19.    2  Pet.  1:20. 
C  Ex.  34:29,30.  Prov.  4:8,9.  17- 

24.  24:5.     Matt.  17:2.   Acts  6: 

15. 
d   Deut.  28:50.      Acts  4:13,29. 

Eph.  6:19. 
*  Heb.  strength.  2  Tim.  4:17. 


e    Prov.  24:21.      Rom.  13:1— 4. 

Tit.  3:1.     iPet.  2:13— 17. 
f  1  Kings  2:43.       1  Chr.  29:24. 

Ez.  17:13—20. 
g  10:4.     Prov.  14:29. 
h    1  Kings   1:50—52.     2:21—24. 

Is.  48:4.     Jer.  44:16,17.     Acts 

5:8,9. 
i  Prov.  16:14,15.  30:31.  Dan.  4: 

35.  5:19. 


for  Jesus  Christ,  and  seek  for  his  mercy  and 
grace,  that  we  may  be  numbered  with  his  chosen 
remnant  in  glory  everlasting. 

NOTES. 

Chap.  VIII.  V.  1.  Solomon  had  shewn  that 
wisdom  is  acquired  with  great  difficulty;  that  the 
%visest  are  in  many  things  mistaken;  and  that  even 
wisdom  is  often  attended  with  vexation:  yet  he 
here  inquires,  who  is  worthy  to  be  compared 
with  the  wise  man;  with  the  man,  who  knows 
how  to  interpret  the  word  of  God,  and  to  explain 
the  nature  and  uses  of  surrounding  objects;  and 
to  avail  himself  of  his  acquaintance  with  men  and 
things,  that  he  may  be  able  properly  to  direct  his 
conduct,  as  circumstances  may  require.  (Mar"- 
Ref.  a,  b.—J^otes,  2:12—17.  Gen.  40:8.  41:25— 
38.  I  Kings  3:5—14,23—28.  10:1—3.  Dan.  2:17 
—30.)  He  observes  that  wisdom  confers  a  pe- 
culiar dignity  and  comeliness  on  the  possessor, 
and  gives  him  an  ascendency  over  the  minds  of 
men:  yea,  "the  boldness  of  his  countenance  is 
doubled,"  by  the  consciousness  that  he  under- 
stands the  subject  or  the  work,  in  which  he  is  en- 
gaged. Some  interpret  the  last  clause  to  mean, 
that  by  wisdom,  the  severity  and  overbearing 
confidence  of  a  man's  looks  are  changed  into 
mildness  and  modesty.  'The  more  we  know,  the 
*more  humble  we  ought  to  be;  and  by  the  very 
'cheerfulness  and  pleasantness  of  our  countenance 
<to  invite  others  to  us;  and  not  by  our  frowning 
'forbid  them,  or  make  them  afraid  to  approach 
'us.'  Bjx.  Patrick.— 'Whereas  before  he  was 
'proud  and  arrogant,  he  shall  become'  (by  wis- 
dom,) 'humble  and  meek.'  [Jfarg.  and  Jf/a?-"- 
Ref.  c,  d — J\rotes,  Acts  4:13—22.  6:15.  2  Cor  3- 
12-18.  4:1,2.  Jam.  3:13—18.)  '     ' 

V.  2.  It  has  in  most  ages  and  countries  been 
common  for  subjects,  when  required,  to  confirm 
their  engagements  of  loyalty  and  submission  to ' 
the  king,  with  a  solemn  oath;  which  should  be ! 
conscientiously  observed.  (Jlarg.  Rp.f.—JVotes 
Prov.  17:11.  24:21,22.  Ez.  17:15-  21.  21-'>3  Rom' t 
I3;I-8m  3:1-3  1  Pet.  2:13-17.)  But  some  | 
think,  that  the  words  may  relate  to  the  limits  of  I 
a  man's  obedience:  he  must  obey  the  king,  as  far 
as  he  can  consistently  with  performing  his  vows  j 
and  duties  to  the  King  of  kings.    (JSTotes,  Dan.  3: 1 

Vol.  UI.  77 


4  Where  ''  the  word  of  a  king  is,  there 
is  power:  and  who  may  say  unto  him, 
'  What  doest  thou.'* 

5  Whoso  ■"  keepeth  the  commandment 
shall  t  feel  no  evil  thing:  and  "  a  wise 
man's  heart  discerneth  both  time  and 
judgment. 

6  IT  Because  °  to  every  purpose  there 
is  time  and  judgment,  p  therefore  the  mis- 
ery of  man  is  great  upon  him. 

7  For  1  he  knoweth  not  that  which 
shall  be:  for  who  can  tell  him  ^  when  it 
shall  be.'* 

8  There  '  is  no  man  that  hath  power 
over  the  spirit,  to  retain  the  spirit;  neither 


k  1  Kings  2:25,29—34,46.  Prov. 

19:12.  20:2.     Dan.  3:15.  Luke 

12:4,5.    Rom.  13: 1— 4. 
IJob  33:12,13.  34:18,19.    Rom. 

9:20. 
m   2.     Ex.  1:17,20,21.     Hos.  5: 

11.     Luke  20:25.    Acts  4: 19.  5: 

29.     Rom.  13:5—7.      1  Pet.  3: 

13,14. 
t  Heb.  know. 
n   2:14.      10:2.       1    Chr.    12:32. 

Prov.    17:24.     Luke    12:56,57. 

1  Cor.    2:14,15.     Phil.    1:9,10. 


Col.  1:9.     Heb.  5:14. 
0  3:1,11,17.  7:13,14. 
p    11:9.10.     12:1.     Is.  3:11—14. 

22:12—14.     Luke  13:25.    17:26 

—30.     19:42—44.      Heb.  3:7— 

11. 
q  6:12.    9:12.    10:14.     Prov.  24: 

22.    29:1.     Matt.  24:44,50.  25: 

6—13.     1  Thes.  5:1—3. 
J  Or,  how  it  ihall  be. 
r  3:21.     2  Sam.  14:14.     Job  X4: 

5.34:14.     Ps.  49:7— 9.     09:48. 

Heb.  9:27. 


16—18.  6:10,11.  Matt.  22:15—22.  ^d*  4:13— 22, 
w.  19,20.)  "Take  heed  to  the  mouth  of  the 
king,  and  to  the  word  of  the  oath  of  God."  Old 
Version. 

V.  3 — 5.  The  royal  and  sacred  Teacher  here 
counsels  his  readers,  not  to  leave  the  presence  of 
the  king,  under  the  impulse  of  anger  and  pas- 
sion; or  hastily  to  withdraw  from  his  service: 
[J^otes,  10:4.  2  Sam.  20: 1 ,2,20— 22.  \  Kings  \2: 
16.  Prov.  25:15.)  nor  yet  obstinately  to  persist  in 
or  justify  any  criminal  practices:  for  a  king,  who 
has  absolute  power,  needs  only  give  the  word, 
and  his  mandates  and  menaces  will  at  once  be  ex- 
ecuted; and  none  is  able,  or  indeed  authorized, 
to  call  him  to  an  account,  or  to  "say  to  him,  What 

doest  thou.'"  {Marg.  Ref.  g— 1 JVb<e*,  9 : 1  — 3,  v.  3. 

1  Kings  1:49—53.  2:15—25.  Esth.  7:9,10.  Job  33: 
12,13.34:16—19.   Prov.  16:14,15.  19:12.  Dan.2: 
19—23.  4:34—37.  Rom.  9:20,21.)     A  quiet  obedi- 
ence in  all  things  lawful  would  best  ensure  ex- 
emption from  punishment:  and  the  self-knowledge 
and  experience  of  a  wise  man  would  enable  him 
to  discern  the  proper  times  and  opportunities  of 
remedying  abuses,  obtaining  redress  of  grievan- 
ces, and  carrying  any  useful  point,  by  judicious, 
lenient,  and  submissive  measures;  which  could 
not  be  done,  by  force  and  violent  means,  against 
a  superior  power.     [Marg.  Ref.  m,  n.—Jfotes,  3: 
1—11.  10:2,3.  Matt.5:1E>,''l%.  2  Cor.  6:1,2.) 
!     V.  6,  7.    To  accomplish  any  wise  and  good  de- 
sign, times  must  be  observed  and  judgment  exer- 
cised.   But  as  men,  through  ignorance  or  negli- 
gence, commonly  let  opportunities  slip,  and  at- 
tempt things  unseasonably  and  injudiciously;  they 
involve   themselves  in  manifold  troubles,  which 
might  have  been  avoided:  and  when  the  eternal 
world  is  taken  into  the  account,  it  may  be  said 
that  this  is  one  grand  cause  of  the  final  misery  of 
mankind.     Many  things  relating   to  the  future 
cannot  be  foreknown;  nor  can  one  disco\-er  them 
to  us:  and  about  those,  in  which  foresight  might 
be  of  use,  men  in  general  are  heedless  and  inat- 
tentive.    Thus  all  things  seem  involved  in  un- 
certainty, and  no  suitable  preparation  is  made  ibr 
those  events  which  are  coming  upon  them. — The 
^•sure  testimony  of  God"  received  in  humble,  real- 
izing, obedient  faith,  is  the  only  remedy  of  this 
evil.     [Marg.  Ref. ~JYotes,2:i6~\8.  6:11,12.  9: 

[609 


U.  C.  975. 


ECCLESIASTES. 


B.  C.  975. 


hath  he  ^  power  in  the  day  of  death:  and 
there  is  no  *  discharge  in  that  war;  *  nei- 
ther shall  wickedness  deliver  those  that  are 

given   to   Jt.  [Practical  observations.] 

9  All  "  this  have  I  seen,  and  applied 
my  heart  unto  every  work  that  is  done 
under  the  sun:  *  there  is  a  time  wherein 
one  man  ruleth  over  another  to  his  own 
hurt. 

10  And  >'  so  I  saw  the  wicked  buried, 
who  had  come  and  gone  from  '^  the  place 
of  the  holy;  and  ^  they  were  forgotten  in 
the  city  where  they  had  so  done:  this 
is  also  vanity. 

11  Because  '^  sentence  ao-ainst  an  evil 


s  1  Cor.  15:43.  2  Cor.  13:4. 

*    Or,    casting    off    weapons. 

Deut.  20:1— 3.     :!  Kings  7:15. 
t  Ps.  9:17.    5::5— 7.     Prov.  14: 

32.    Is.  28:15,13. 
u  1:14.  3:10.  4:7,8.  7:25. 
X  5:8,13.   Ex.  14:5— 9,28.   Deut. 

2:30.    2  Kings  14:10— 12.  25:7. 
y  2  Kings   9:34,35.     Job  21:13, 


32,33.    Luke  16:22. 
z  Ps.  122:1—5.  Acts  6:13. 
a  2:16.    9:5.     Ps.  31:12.     Prov. 

10:7. 
b   Ex.  8:15,32.      Job  21:11—15. 

Ps.  10:6.  50:21,22.    Is.  5:18,19. 

26:10.  57:11.  Jer.  43:11.  Matt. 

24:49,50.     Roin.  2:4,5.     2  Pet. 

3:3—10. 


11,12.   12:1.  Matt.  25:1—13.  Luke  13:2i— 30,ot. 
24,25.  1  Thes.  5:1—3.  Heb.  3:7—13.) 

V.  8.  The  preceding'  observations  are  peculiar- 
ly applicable  to  death,  and  its  infinitely  impor- 
tant consequences.  No  foresight  can  discern  the 
time  of  a  man's  departure:  men  know,  however, 
that  they  must  die,  and  yet  they  seldom  prepare 
for  that  solemn  season!  No  man  "hath  power 
over  the  spirit,"  "to  retain  the  spirit,"  or  breath, 
or  rational  soul,  when  God  is  pleased  to  take  it 
away;  no  authority  or  bodily  strength  can  stand 
any  man  in  stead  at  that  hour;  no  one  can  decline 
the  conflict  with  that  tremendous  enemy,  or  find 
any  weapon  with  which  he  may  successfully  re- 
sist him:  and  the  wickedness,  by  which  men  set 
God  at  defiance,  will  not  by  any  means  defend 
them  from  the  power  of  this  his  messenger  and 
executioner. — Some,  understand  the  verse  in 
another  sense.  'Let  no  prince  ...  abuse  his  power 
'to  tyranny,  because  he  hath  no  superior  to  con- 
Hrolhim;  but  remember,  ...  First,  That ...  he  hath 
'no  dominion  over  men's  ...  spirits. ...  Next,  that 
'he  cannot  command  them  long;  for  death  will  ... 
'irresistibly  seize  on  him,  as  well  as  on  the  mean- 
'est  man.  Nay,  he  cannot  rule  the  chances  of 
♦war:  ...  neither  his  policy  nor  his  power  shall  be 
'able  always  to  defend  him  from  the  vengeance, 
'that  will  be  taken  of  the  injustice,  cruelty,  and 
'impiety,  which  he  exercises  in  his  government.' 
Bp.  Patrick.  This  is,  indeed,  one  way  in  which 
the  text  may  be  applied;  but  the  preceding  in- 
terpretation appears  far  more  exact,  comprehen- 
sive, and  important.  {Murg.  and  Marg.  Ref.  r 
— t.— JVbies,  3:18—21.  9:4—6.  Job  14:1—6,  vv.  5, 
6.  Ps.  49:7—10.  Prov.  14:32.  Luke  12:15—21,  v. 
20.  Heb.  9:27,28.) 

V.  9,  10.  To  abate  the  ambition  of  some  men 
for  power,  and  the  envy  of  others  at  their  success, 
the  wise  man  here  observes,  that,  in  the  course 
of  his  careful  and  accurate  observations,  he  had 
remarked  instances,  in  which  one  man  had  exer- 
cised authority  over  others,  not  only  to  their  hurt, 
but  especially  to  his  own.  So  that,  while  he  was 
proceeding  inliis  course  of  successful  tyranny,  he 
came  to  an  untimely  end;  and  all  his  pomp  and 
magnificence  ended  ia  a  premature  burial:  he  was 
soon  forgotten,  or,  had  made  himself  to  be  for- 
gotten; or  lie  was  only  remembered  with  contempt 
and  abhorrence. — '>The  place  of  the  holy,"  may 
mean  the  courts  of  justice,  to  wliich  the  wicked 
ruler  came,  and  from  which  he  returned,  with 
great  state,  and  surrounded  with  admiring  multi- 
610] 


work  is  not  executed  speedily;  therefore 
the  heart  of  the  sons  of  men  is  *  fully  set 
in  them  to  do  evil. 

12  Though  ''  a  sinner  do  evil  an  hun- 
dred tifies,  and  his  days  be  prolonged, 
yet  ^  surely  1  know  that  it  shall  be  well 
with  them  that  fear  God,  which  ^  fear  be- 
fore him: 

13  But  2  it  shall  not  be  well  with  the 
wicked,  ''neither  shall  he  prolong  his 
days  which  arc  '  as  a  shadow;  because  he 
feareth  not  before  God. 

14  IT  There  is  "^  a  vanity  which  is 
done  upon  the  earth;  that  '  there  be  just 


c  Jer  42:15. 

d  5:16.    7:15.     1  Kings  2:5—9. 

21:25.     22:34,35.     Prov.  13:21. 

Is.  65:20.     Rom.  9:22.     2  Pet. 

2:9. 
e7:18.   Ps.  37:11,18.  112:1.  115: 

13.    Prov.  1:32,33.    Is.  3:10,11. 

65:13,14,20—24.      Matt. -25:34, 

41—46.     Liike  1:50. 
f  3:14.    1  Cbr.  16:30.   Ps.  96:9. 
g  Job  18:5.  20:5.  21:30.    Ps.  11: 


Is.  57:21.    Mai.  3:18.   Matt. 

13:49,50.     John  5:29. 
h  Ps.  55:23.     Is.  30:13.     2  Pet. 

2:3. 
i6:12.    Job  7:6,7.  14;2.    Ps.  39: 

5.  144:4.  Jam.  4:14. 
k  4:4,8.  9:3.   10:5. 
12:14.7:15.    9:1,2.     Job  9:22— 

24.    24:21—25.      Ps.   73:13,14. 

Mai.  3:15. 


tudes;  while  he  professed  to  administer  justice,  as 
the  vicegerent  of  the  holy  God.  But  some  inter- 
pret the  clause  of  the  sanctuary,  that  holy  place, 
where  sacrifices  were  offered  to  God,  and  where 
the  wicked  ruler  cloked  his  oppression  with  the 
appearance  of  piety. — Some  understand  the  lat- 
ter verse  to  mean,  that  wicked  rulers  often  died  in 
peace  and  had  a  splendid  funeral;  that  their  wick- 
edness yas  soon  forgotten,  even  in  the  place 
where  it  had  been  committed;  and  that  it  was  in- 
deed a  vanity,  that  an  oppressor  and  tyrant  should 
fare  as  well  as  a  just  and  clement  prince,  in  re- 
spect of  this  present  world.  (Marg.  Ref.— Notes, 
5:8,13—17.9:4—6.  2  CAr.  24:17—27.  25:17—24. 
Prov.  10:7.  Luke  16:22,23.) 

V.  11 — 13.  The  denunciations  of  divine  wrath 
against  sinners,  or  any  particular  heinous  sin,  not 
being  in  general  executed  immediately  when  the 
crime  is  committed;  those  who  perhaps  trembled 
at  first,  when  they  committed  murder,  perjury, 
robbery,  or  other  crimes,  finding  no  harm  come 
upon  them,  conclude  that  they  shall  escape  with 
impunity,  and  so  grow  more  daring  in  iniquity. 
The  wickedness  of  men  abuses  "the  long  suffer- 
ing of  God"  into  an  occasion  of  more  desperate 
crimes,  and  their  hearts  are  wholly  bent  to  com- 
mit evil  of  every  kind.  Whereas,  if  God  should 
cut  off  every  criminal  by  some  tremendous  judg- 
ment, as  soon  as  ever  he  had  violated  his  com- 
mandments, men  would  be  afraid  to  run  into  such 
excesses,  as  they  now  do  without  fear  or  shame. 
[Marg.  Ref.  b,  c.—J^otes,  Job  21:7-16.  Ps.  10: 
2—11.  Is.  5:18,19.  28:14,15.  Mutt.  <MAo—^\. 
Rom.  2:4— b.  2  Pet.  3:1—4,8,9,14—16.)  But 
though  the  ungodly  should  perpetrate  multiplied 
and  aggravated  crimes,  and  their  lives  be  contin- 
ued in  outward  prosperity:  yet  Solomon  assuredly 
knew,  that  it  would  be  "well  with  those  who  fear- 
ed God,"  and  walked  before  him  in  his  ordinances 
and  commandments,  from  a  reverential  awe  of 
his  authority,  justice,  and  heart-searching  pres- 
ence: but  that  it  would  not  be  well  with  the  wick- 
ed; for  they  must  needs  be  disquieted  with  their 
own  passions,  and  rendered  uneasy  by  remorse 
and  terror:  and  their  most  durable  prosperity 
would  flee  away  like  a  shadow,  and  expire  as  a 
short  reprieve;  and  then  just  vengeance  would 
come  upon  them  for  their  contempt  of  God. 
(Marg.  Ref.  d-g.—jyotes,  6:3-5.  7:18.  12:11— 
14.  Job  20:4—9.  Ps.  37:34—38.  73:18—28.  Is.  3:' 
10,11.  57:20,21.  65:20.  Mat.  3:13—18.  4:2,3.)— 
Shadow.  (13)  Jlfar^.  Be/",  h,  i.— ^o<es,  Ps.  39:5,6.' 


B.  C.  975. 


CHAPTER  VIII. 


B.  C.  975. 


men,  unto  whom  it  happeneth  according 
to  the  work  of  the  wicked;  again,  there 
be  wicked  men,  to  whom  it  happeneth  ac- 
cording to  the  work  of  the  righteous:  I 
said,  that  this  also  is  vanity. 

15  Then  "I  commended  mirth,  be- 
cause a  man  hath  no  better  thing  under 
the  sun,  than  to  eat,  and  to  drink,  and  to 
be  merry:  for  that  shall  abide  with  him 
of  his  labor,  the  days  of  his  life,  which 
G6d  giveth  him  under  the  sun. 

16  When    "I  appHed  mine  heart  to 

maw.     3:12,13,22.    5:18.    9:7—9.  n  9.  7:26. 


V.  14,  15.  In  the  course  of  liuman  affairs,  godly 
men  are  often  involved  in  those  troubles,  which 
are  the  general  effect  of  vice:  being  visited  with 
pain,  disease,  or  poverty;  or  despised,  reviled,  and 
hated:  while  wicked  men  prosper  and  are  caress- 
ed, as  if  thev  were  the  peculiar  favorites  of  God 
and  man.  (Marg.  Ref.  k,  \.—J^otes,  2:12—17. 
7:15.  9:1—3.  Job  9:22—24.  Ps.  73:12—14.  Jer. 
12:1 — 4.)  This  observation  caused  Solomon  again 
to  recommend  a  moderate  use  of  worldly  things, 
with  a  cheerful  and  contented  mind:  this  he  re- 
garded as  the  greatest  advantage,  which  can  be 
made  of  all  below  the  sun.  Amidst  all  changes, 
such  a  frame  of  mind,  if  the  result  of  right  princi- 
ples, might  be  preserved;  and  be  the  recompense 
and  solace  of  all  his  labors  in  this  evil  world. — 
Some  indeed,  think  that  Solomon  records  this,  as 
the  corrupt  inference  which  he  drew  from  the  af- 
flictions of  the  righteous,  and  the  prosperity  of 
the  wicked,  whilst  he  was  a  wanderer  from  God 
and  his  service.  'If  this  be  the  case,'  says  he, 
'let  us  indulge  ourselves;  let  us  eat,  drink,  and  be 
'merry;  for  wisdom  and  righteousness  have  little 
'advantage  of  folly  and  madness;  and  the  pleasure, 
'that  a  man  has  enjoyed,  is  the  only  thing  of  which 
'he  may  not  be  robbed.'  {J^otes,  2:24—26.  3:12— 
15.9:7—9.  11:9,10.) 

V.  16,  17.  Solomon  here  records  the  result  of 
his  perplexing  researches  into  the  affairs  of  men, 
and  the  purposes  and  works  of  God.  Examining 
with  great  attention  into  the  employments  of 
mankind,  he  found  that  many  of  them  scarcely 
allowed  themselves  rest  or  sleep,  day  or  night; 
and  yet  their  anxiety  seemed  very  unprofitable 
and  vain.  And  when  he  inquired  with  similar 
diligence  into  the  works  of  God,  he  found  he 
could  not  comprehend  or  explain  them  all.  He 
was  persuaded,  that  no  application  or  capacit}' 
would  enable  a  man  to  fathom  the  depths  of  the 
divine  dispensations,  in  the  government  of  this 
lower  world.  Some  think  that  Solomon  meant 
himself,  as  an  anxious  inquirer  into  these  subjects, 
when  he  mentioned  him  who  "neither  day  nor 
night  saw  sleep  with  his  eyes,"  because  he  was 
restless  and  unwearied  in  his  fruitless  investiga- 
tion. [Marg.  Ref.— Joules,  2: 18—23,  v.  23.  4:7,3. 
5:9—12.  1 1:3—6.  Deut.  29:29.  Job  1 1 :7— 12.  Rom. 
11:33—36.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
V.  1—8. 
None  of  the  rich,  the  powerful,  the  honorable, 
or  the  accomplished  of  the  sons  of  men,  are  equal- 
ly excellent,  useful,  or  happy,  with  "the  wise 
man."  For  who  else  can  inihrpret  the  words  of 
God,  or  deduce  the  proper  instructions  from  his 
truths  and  dispensations.'  Wisdom,  that  is  heav- 
enly wisdom,  confers  the  most  permanent  amia- 
bleness,  and  engages  the  most  durable  esteem;  it 
softens  the  manners  of  the  severe,  and  it  gives 
boldness  to  the  timid  in  the  path  of  duly.  IJVote, 
Jam.   3:17,18.)    May   we  choose  and   seels  lliis 


know  wisdom,  and  to  see  the  business 
that  is  done  upon  the  earth:  (for  also 
°  there  is  that  neither  day  nor  night  seeth 
sleep  with  his  eyes:) 

17  Then  I  beheld  all  the  work  of  God, 
P  that  a  man  cannot  find  out  the  work 
that  is  done  under  the  sun:  because 
though  a  man  labor  to  seek  it  out,  yet  he 
shall  not  find  it:  yea,  farther;  though  a 
wise  man  think  to  know  it,  yet  shall  he 
not  be  able  to  find  it. 


o2:23.    4:8.    5:12.     Gen.  31:40. 
I    Ps.  127:2. 
p3:ll.  7:23,24.    11:5.     Job  5:9. 


11:7—9.  Ps.  73:16.  104:94. 
Prov.  30:3,4.  Is.  40:'.;8.  Rom. 
11:33. 


wisdom,  whatever  we  lose  or  come  short  of;  and 
"with  all  our  getting,"  get  a  'good  understanding- 
'in  the  way  of  godliness!'  The  wise  man  will 
obey  the  king  and  those  in  authority  in  all  things 
lawful,  and  charge  others  to  do  the  same:  he  will 
be  conscientious  in  his  subjection,  as  a  part  of  his 
obedience  to  God;  and  not  trifle  with  oaths  or 
solemn  engagements.  Common  prudence  in- 
deed will  teach  a  man  to  avoid  unequal  contests 
with  those  who  are  too  powerful  for  him;  and  to 
shun  exasperating  language  concerning  such  as 
"give  no  account"  of  their  conduct.  But  the 
wise  man  will  be  submissive  from  higher  princi- 
ples: from  regard  to  the  honor  of  God  and  the 
credit  of  his  profession,  he  will  repress  all  railing, 
and  indecent  censures  of  such  as  administer  pub- 
lic affairs;  {JTotes,  2  Pet.  2:10,11.  Jiide  5— 10.) 
he  will  engage  in  no  virulent  opposition  or  hasty 
measures;  he  will  continue  in  his  place  and  sta- 
tion; he  will  not  enter  upon  any  turbulent  at- 
tempts, much  less  persist  in  evil  designs;  nor 
needlessly  expose  himself  to  the  anger  of  the  ru- 
ler. But  if  this  be  wisdom,  and  the  reverse  folly, 
in  human  affairs;  what  madness  must  it  be  for  us 
weak  and  dependent  creatures,  to  persist  in  re- 
bellion against  the  Almighty,  who  "doeth  what 
he  pleaseth,"  who  speaks  witli  power,  and  "giveth 
no  account  of  his  matters!"  Here  especially  un- 
reserved subjection  is  our  only  wisdom:  he  that 
"keepeth  his  commandment,"  to  "repent,  and  to 
bring  forth  fruits  meet  for  repentance,"  and  "to 
believe  in  the  Son  of  God,"  "shall  feel  no  evil 
thing:"  the  wise  man's  heart  will  discern,  that 
now  is  the  time  to  seek  pardon  and  peace,  and  to 
prepare  for  the  day  of  final  retribution.  But  alas! 
what  numbers  slip  this  opportunity;  form  an  er- 
roneous judgment  of  things  present  and  future; 
and  bring  misery  upon  themselves  both  in  this  lifie 
and  that  which  is  to  come!  As  they  cannot  fore- 
see, and  none  can  certainly  inform  them  of  fu- 
ture events,  they  think  themselves  justified,  in  ut- 
terl}'  neglecting  the  preparation  for  death  and 
judgment:  and  so  these  overtake  them  unawares, 
and  sink  them  into  irreversible  miser}-.  "Oh, 
that  men  were  wise,  that  they  understood  these 
things,  that  they  would  consider  their  latter  end!" 
For  death  will  come  shortly,  and  perhaps  sudden- 
ly: and  no  power,  prosperity,  courage,  or  pin- 
(iencc,  can  avail  a  man  in  that  day,  when  "God 
shall  require  his  soul."  The  believer  alone  i.s 
prepared  to  meet  the  solemn  summons  witliout 
dismay.  To  him,  "the  king  of  terrors"  will  ap- 
pear disarmed  of  his  sting,  and  his  grim  counte- 
nance be  softened  into  a  smile:  when  he  pbciilly 
yields  to  the  stroke  of  death,  he  resigns  his  soul 
into  his  Redeemer's  hands,  and  confidently  ex- 
pects the  period,  when  that  conqueror  of  fallen 
man  shall  be  "swallowed  up  in  victory."  But 
with  what  horror  will  the  wicked  discover,  that 
neither  their  daring  presumption,  nor  their  artful 
schemes  of  villany,  can  retard  the  approach  of 
this  dreadful  foe!     Nay,  frequently  their  crimes 

[Gil 


n.  C.  975. 


ECCLESIASTES. 


B.  C.  975. 


CHAP.  IX. 

I^ike  things  happen  to  good  and  bad  men  till  death,  1 — 3.  The 
rear  approach  of  death  should  induce  men  to  use  cheerfully 
the  comforts  of  life,  and  diligently  to  perform  its  duties,  4 — 10. 
In  all  human  affairs,  probabilities  are  often  strangely  crossed, 
and  great  calamities  befal  men  unawares,  11,  li.  A  fact  re- 
corded shewing  that  wisdom,  and  usefulness  procure  little  re- 
spect or  gratitude,  notwithstanding  the  excellency  and  efficacy 
of  wisdom,  13—18. 

OOR  all  this  I  *  considered  in  my 
'  heart  even  to  declare  all  this,  that 
"  the  righteous,  and  the  wise,  and  their 
works,  are  in  the  hand  of  God:  "^no  man 
knoweth  either  love  or  hatred  by  all  that 
is  before  them. 

2  All  things  come  '^  alike  to  all:  there 

*   Heb.     gave,   or,   set  to  my 

heart.    1;17.  7:25.  8:16. 
a    Deut.  33:3.      1  Sam.   2:9.    2 

Sam.  15:25,26.     Job  5:8.     Ps. 

10:14.  31:5.  37:5,6.     Prov.  l6: 

3.    Is.  26:12.    49:1—4.     Jer.  1: 


18,19.  John  10:27- 

-30. 

1  Cor 

3:5—15. 

2  Tim. 

.:12. 

1  Pet. 

1:5. 

b7:15.     Ps 

.73:3,11 

—13. 

Mai. 

3:15—18. 

c  2:14—16. 

Job  21 

7,&c 

accelerate  this  distressing  season,  as  well  as  add 
anguish  to  it;  and  tlms,  "the  wicked  is  driven 
away  in  his  wickedness,  but  the  righteous  hath 
hope  in  his  death."  {^JVote,  Prov.  14:32.)  If  this  is 
the  end  of  all  men,  as  to  this  present  scene,  and 
an  eternity  of  happiness  or  misery  is  to  succeed, 
our  grand  concern  is  to  know,  that  when  our 
"earthly  tabernacle  shall  be  dissolved,  we  have  a 
building  of  God,  an  house  not  made  with  hands, 
eternal  in  the  heavens."  {Jfotes  and  P.  0. 2  Cor. 
5:1—8.) 

V.  9—17. 
Careful  observers  of  mankind  will  find,  that 
those  abuses  of  power,  which  injure  others,  are 
still  more  hurtful  to  the  tyrant  himself:  and  if,  af- 
ter a  vexatious  and  mischievous  life,  a  man  must 
have  nothing  on  earth  but  a  grave  for  his  body, 
and  infamy  on  his  character;  all  must  needs  be 
vanity.  Nay ,  should  any  man  live  in  ungodly 
prosperity  to  extreme  old  age;  and  then  die  in 
outward  peace,  and  have  his  crimes  concealed  or 
varnished  over  by  a  pompous  funeral,  a  panegyr- 
ical oration,  a  splendid  monument,  and  a  lying  in- 
scription; all  would  still  be  vanity.  (JVb<e,  Luke 
16:22,23.)  Wicked  men  may  indeed  misconstrue 
and  pervert  the  long-suffering  "of  God,  because 
sentence  against  an  evil  work  is  not  executed 
speedily;"  and  they  may  be  emboldened  in  iniqui- 
ty by  impunity:  but  they  will  find  that,  in  his  own 
season,  and  according  to  his  own  infinite  wisdom 
and  justice,  he  will  certainly  execute  on  them  his 
most  tremendous  threatenings.  (P.  O.  2  Pet.  3: 
1 — 13.)  And  faith  will  assure  us,  that  it  will  cer- 
tainly be  well,  in  time  and  to  eternit3%  with  the 
conscientious  worshipper  and  servant  of  God: 
and  that  they  must  be  miserable,  who  "have  no 
fear  of  God  before  their  eyes."  Let  us  then  pray 
for  an  increase  of  faith;  that  we  may  view  eter- 
nal things  as  near,  real,  and  infinitely  important. 
This  alone  can  establish  the  heart  during  this 
mixed  and  changing  scene,  in  which  the  right- 
eous often  suffer,  and  the  wicked  prosper.  But 
instead  of  saying  with  the  epicure,  "Let  us  eat, 
drink,  aud  be  merry,  for  to-morrow  we  die;"  or 
on  the  other  hand,  murmuring  against  the  ap- 
pointments of  God,  and  indulging  vain  objections; 
let  us  seek  for  a  lively  hope,  a  submissive  will, 
and  a  contented  mind.  Then  leaving  the  Lord 
to  clear  up  all  difficulties  in  his  own  time,  we 
may  cheerfully  enjoy  the  comforts,  and  bear  up 
amidst  tlie  trials  of  life,  for  the  few  dajs  which  we 
are  to  pass  "under  the  sun:"  whilst  peace  of  con- 
science and  "joj'  in  the  Holy  Ghost"  will  abide 
witliin  us,  through  all  outward  changes,  and  even 
"when  flesh  and  heart  shall  fail."  And,  trusting 
in  the  mercy  and  truth  of  God  in  Christ,  we 
should  rest  assured  of  his  wisdom,  justice,  and 
012] 


is  one  event  to  the  righteous,  and  to  the 
wicked;  to  the  good  and  to  the  clean,  and 
to  the  unclean;  to  him  that  sacrificeth, 
and  to  him  that  sacrificeth  not:  ''  as  is  the 
good,  so  is  the  sinner;  and  he  that  swear- 
eth,  as  he  that  ®  feareth  an  oath. 

3  This  is  an  evil  among  all  things  that 
are  done  under  the  sun,  that  there  is  one 
event  unto  all:  yea,  ^  also  the  heart  of  the 
sons  of  men  is  full  of  evil,  «  and  madness 
is  in  their  heart  while  they  live,  and  *"  af- 
ter that  they  go  to  the  dead. 


d  2:26.  7:18.  8:12—14. 

e  Gen.  24:3,8,9.  Josh.  2:17— 
20.  1  Sam.  14:26.  Ez.  17:18, 
19.      Zech.   5:3,4.    Mai.  3:5. 

f  8:11.  Gen.  6:5.  8:21.  Job  15: 
16.   Ps.  51:5.  Jer.  17:9.    Matt. 


15:19,20.  Mark  7:21— 23.  Rom. 

1:29—31.  Tit.  3:3. 
g  1:17.  7:25.    Luke  6:11.   15:17. 

Acts  26:11,24.    2  Pet.  2:16. 
h  12:7.     Prov.  14:32.     Acts  12: 

23. 


j  goodness,  where  we  cannot  discern  them.  Thus 
I  we  shall  escape  the  perplexity  and  presumption, 
I  which  must  unite  with  all  attempts  to  unravel  the 
j  intricacies  of  his  providential  government.  For 
the  most  acute  and  penetrating  minds,  using  the 
most  unwearied  diligence,  must  fail  of  compre- 
!  bending  all  his  works  and  ways.  Secret  things 
I  belong  to  him,  and  revealed  things  alone  to  us. 
j  Our  endeavors  therefore,  "to  be  wise  above  what 
I  is  written,"  must  involve  us  in  sin  and  perplexi- 
!  ty,  and  can  never  lead  to  any  satisfactory  conclu- 
I  sions.  But  to  believe  and  obey  here,  will  be  a 
preparation  for  that  world  hereafter,  where  "we 
shall  know,  even  as  also  we  are  known." 

NOTES. 
Chap.  IX.  V.  1—3.  Though  Solomon  could 
not  "find  out  the  whole  work  of  God;"  yet  his  in- 
quiries led  him  to  many  useful  conclusions,  which 
he  "declared"  for  the  benefit  of  others.  For  he 
was  assured,  that  "the  righteous  and  the  wise, 
and  their  works,"  were  under  the  special  care  of 
God;  and  that  they  would  be  favored  with  that 
measure  of  success  and  usefulness  which  he  saw 
best.  {Marg.  and  Marg.  Ref.  a. — 8:11 — 13. 
Deut.  33:3.  1  Sam.  2:9.  Ps.  1:1—3.  37:5—8.  90:13 
—  17,  V.  17.  Prov.  3:5,6.  Is.  49:3,4.  2  Tim.  2:19.) 
Yet  the  events  of  human  life  were  so  intricately 
and  mysteriously  arranged,  that  no  one  could  de- 
cide concerning  himself,  or  another  man,  whether 
he  were  accepted  and  beloved  of  God,  or  under  his 
wrath,  by  anj'  outward  occurrences. — The  Lord 
in  his  manifold  wisdom  sometimes  afflicts,  and 
sometimes  prospers,  both  the  righteous  and  the 
wicked,  without  any  exact  discrimination.  No 
kind,  degree,  variet}',  or  continuance  of  outward 
affliction  can  be  mentioned,  from  which  a  godly 
man  is  certainly  exempted;  or  of  worldly  pros- 
perity, which  wicked  men  have  not  enjoyed.  And 
yet  prosperity  is  by  no  means  the  uniform  lot  of 
the  wicked,  or  adversity  of  the  righteous.  But 
matters  are  so  varied  and  blended  together,  that 
"all  things"  may  be  said  to  "come  alike  to  all:" 
and  one  event  to  befal  the  most  unjust,  selfish, 
sensual,  and  impious;  and  the  most  upright,  kind, 
pure,  and  pious,  who  "walk  in  all  the  command- 
ments and  the  ordinances  of  God,"  and  reverence 
his  holy  name,  as  well  as  act  honestly  and  blame- 
lessly among  men.  The  difference  between 
them,  as  to  present  happiness,  arises  not  from  out- 
ward causes,  but  from  the  inward  supports  and 
consolations  which  the  righteous  enjoy,  and  the 
benefit  they  derive  from  these  varied  trials  and 
mercies;  and  from  the  inward  remorse  and  terror 
which  wicked  men  experience,  and  their  growing 
more  daring  in  impiety  under  the  several  dispen- 
sations of  Providence.     For  as  this  state  of  things 


B.  C.  975. 


CHAPTER  IX. 


B.  C.  975 


4  For  •  to  him  that  is  joined  to  all  the 
living,  there  is  hope:  for  a  living  dog  is 
better  than  a  dead  lion. 

5  For  ^  the  living  know  that  they  shall 
die;  but  '  the  dead  know  not  any  thing, 
neither  have  they  any  more  a  reward; 
"•  for  the  memory  of  them  is  forgotten. 

6  Also  "  their  love,  and  their  hatred, 
and  their  envy,  is  now  perished;  neither 
**  have  they  any  more  a  portion  for  ever, 
in  any  thing  that  is  done  under  the  sun. 

[Practical  Observations.] 

7  P  Go  thy  way,  "^  eat  thy  bread  with 
joy,  and  drink  thy  wine  with  a  merry 
heart;  ^  for  God  now  accepteth  thy 
works. 


i  Job  14:7—12.  27:8.    Is.  38:18. 

Lam.  3:21,22.  Luke  16:26—29. 
k  7:2.  Job  30.23.   Heb.  9:27. 
)  Job  14:21.     Ps.  6:5.    88:10,11. 

Is.  63:16. 
ro2:l6.   8:10.    Job  7:3— 10.   Ps. 

109:15.    Is.  26:14. 
n    Job   3:17,18.       Ps.    146:3,4. 

Prov.  10:28. 
o2:18— 23.  6:12. 


p  Gen.  12:19.  Mark  7:29.  John 

4:50. 
q  2:24—26.    3:12,13,-22.  5:18.  8: 

15.    Deut.  12:7,12.   16:14,15.   1 

Kings   8:66.       1  Chr.    16:1—3. 

29:21—23.     2  Chr.    30:23—27. 

Neh.  8:10—12. 
r   Gen.   4:4,5.      Ex.   24:8—11. 

Luke  11:41.     Acts  10:35. 


appears  grievous,  and  often  proves  a  temptation  to 
the  righteous,  it  exceedingly  conduces  to  the  de- 
struction of  the  wicked.  {Marg.  Ref.  b — e.— 
JVb<e.«,  7:15.  8:14,15.  Jo6  12:6—10.  15:17—35.  21: 
7 — 22.  Ps.  73:1 — 4.)  As  far  as  the  sons  of  men 
are  left  to  themselves,  their  hearts  are  full  of  evil; 
and  prosperity  in  sin  causes  their  lusts  to  rage 
even  to  "madness:"  thus  they  are  led  to  set  God 
himself  at  defiance  by  their  impieties  and  daring 
crimes;  and  they  proceed  in  this  course,  till  death 
closes  their  career,  their  hope  expires  with  their 
breath,  and  they  join  the  company  of  those  who 
before  have  perished  in  their  sins.  {Marg.  Ref. 
— h.— JVo<e«,  0:11—13.  Gen.  6:5.  Jo6  15:14,16. 
Jer.  17:9,10.  Rom.  1:28 — 32.\—Feareth  an  oath. 
f2)  Marg.  Ref.  e.—Go  to  the  dead.  (3)  J^ote, 
Prov.  14:32. 

V.  4 — 6.  Whilst  life  is  prolonged,  an  afflicted 
man  may  expect  better  days,  and  the  conversion 
of  the  vilest  sinner  may  be  hoped  for;  since  he 
continues  in  the  land  of" hope.  In  this  view  life 
is  very  valuable;  and  the  proverb  is  applicable, 
that  "a  living  dog  is  better  than  a  dead  lion."  The 
condition  of  the  meanest  or  most  despicable  living 
man,  is  preferable  to  that  of  the  most  noble  and 
renowned  of  those  wlio  have  died  impenitent. 
For  "the  living  know  that  they  shall  die,"  and  so 
may  perhaps  prepare  for  that  solemn  event:  but 
the  dead  have  no  further  knowledge  of  any  thing 
here  on  earth.  They  have  no  further  recom- 
pense of  their  worldly  labors;  they  are  soon  for- 
gotten; and  the  love,  hatred,  or  envy,  which 
they  bear  to  others,  and  others  to  them,  with 
all  the  pleasant  or  painful  effects,  are  done 
with  for  ever,  as  far  as  this  world  is  concerned: 
and,  however  rich  and  great  they  were,  "they 
have  no  longer"  a  portion  for  ever,  in  any  thing 
that  is  done  "under  the  sun."  With  reference  to 
this,  Solomon  doubtless  is  to  be  understood  in  the 
whole  argument:  his  scope  is  to  shew  the  vanity 
of  earthly  things,  and  the  madness  and  folly  of  a 
wicked  life,  of  which  all  the  benefits  must  speedily 
be  relinquished  for  ever.  Nor  would  citlier  the 
righteous  be  perplexed  at  the  transient  afflictions 
wi*h  which  they  meet,  or  the  wicked  hardened  by 
their  fading  prosperity;  if  they  recollected  how 
soon  all  this  will  end,  and  that  a  state  of  eternal 
retribution  will  succeed.  {Marg.  Ref. — J\''ote.i, 
4:1— 3.  7:1,2.  8:9— 13.  Jo?;  14:7—12.  Ps.   146:3,4. 


8  Let  '  thy  garments  be  always  white; 
and  *  let  thy  head  lack  no  ointment. 

9  *  Live  joyfully  "  with  the  wife  wborA 
thou  lovest,  ^  all  the  days  of  the  life  of 
thy  vanity,  which  he  hath  given  thee  un- 
der the  sun,  all  the  days  of  thy  vanity; 
y  for  that  is  thy  portion  in  this  life,  and 
in  thy  labor  which  thou  takest  under  the 
sun. 

10  Whatsoever  ^  thy  hand  findeth  to 
do,  do  it  with  thy  might;  "  for  there  is  no 
work,  nor  device,  nor  knowledge,  nor 
wisdom,  in  the  grave,  whither  thou  goest. 

[Practical  Observations.] 

1 1  IF  I  '^  returned,  and  saw  under  the 


s   2  Sam.    19:24.       Esth.    8:15. 

Rev.  3:4,5.  7:9,13,14.    19:3,14. 
t  Ruth  3:3.     2  Sam.  14:2.   Dan. 

10:3.     Am.    6:6.       Matt.   6:17. 

Luke  7:46. 
*  Heb.   See,  or,  Enjoy  life. 
a  Prov.  5:13,19.    18:22.    19:14. 

Mai.  2:15. 
X  6:12.     Ps.  39:5.   144:4. 
y  2:10,24.  3:13,22.  5:13. 
z    Num.    13:30.      1  Chr.   22:19.  j  b  2:12.  4:1,4.  Mai.  3:18. 

28:20.29:2,3.    2  Chr.  31:20,21. 


Ezra  6:14,15.  Neh.  2:12— 20. 
3:1,&C.  4:2,6,9—13,17—23.  13: 
8—31.  Ps.  71:15—13.  Jer. 
29:13.  Matt.  6:33.  John  4:34. 
Rom.  12:11.  15:18— 20.  1  Cor. 
15:10.  16:10.  Eph.  5:16.  Col. 
3:23.  2  Pet.  1:12—15. 
l5,6.  Ps.6:5.  88:10—12.  Is. 
38:18,19.  John  9:4.  Acts  20: 
2.5—31. 


Prov.  10:28.  7*.  38:17—20.  55:6,7.  Luke  13:22— 
30,  vv.  24—26.  Rom.  2:4—6.  2  Cor.  6:1,2.  Heb.  3: 
7—13.) 

V.  7 — 9.  Solomon,  having  spoken  to  the  case 
of  the  wicked,  here  returns  to  "the  righteous  and 
wise,"  whom  he  had  before  mentioned:  (1)  and  he 
exhorts  them  to  a  cheerful  confidence  in  God, 
who  will  assuredly  do  well  to  all  whose  works 
he  accepts.  They  should  therefore  seek  to  pos- 
sess a  peaceful  conscience,  a  lively  hope,  and  a 
contented  mind:  and  in  Ih.is  case  they  might  en- 
joy, with  comfort  and  gratitude,  the  bounty  of 
Providence,  whether  rich  or  poor.  {.Marg.  Ref. 
p— r.— See  on  J^ole,  2:24— 26.— JVb<es,  Gen.  4:3 
—5.  J^eh.  8:10—12.  Rom.  5:1—5.)  They  needed 
not  go  as  mourners  all  their  days;  but  might  he 
clothed  in  white  garments,  and  use  fragrant  oint- 
ments, as  was  customary  on  festive  occasions:  for 
they  alone  had  cause  for  gladness  of  heart.  {J\Iarg. 
Ref.  s,  t.—Jfoies,  Esth.  8:15.  Dan.  !0:2,3.  Matt. 
6:16—18.  Rev.  3:4—6.  19:7,8.)  They  were  not 
required  to  refrain  from  a  liberal  use  of  their 
possessions,  (so  that  it  were  done  with  temperance 
and  charity;)  either  out  of  penuriousness,  or  dis- 
trust, or  from  a  superstitious  notion  tliat  religion 
consisted  in  a  painful  austerity.  Let  them  use 
the  comforts  of  the  day,  and  bear  its  burdens,  and 
not  be  solicitous  about  the  morrow — It  would  also 
lessen  the  uneasiness  of  life,  to  have  a  partaker 
i  of  its  comforts,  and  a  solace  of  its  griefs,  in  a  be- 
j  loved  wife.  Tliough  Solomon  himself  had  so  mul- 
'^iplied  wives;  yet  he  here  uses  the  singular  num- 
,  ber,  and  says  "</;e  w//e  whom  thou  lovest;"  as  one 
sensible  of  his  folly  in  that  matter.  {Ma7'g.  Ref'. 
ju. — JVb/e,  Prov.  5:15—19.)  He  recommends'it 
to  a  man  to  live  with  this  one  beloved  wife  with 
I  cheerfulness,  making  the  best  of  present  things, 
■  avoiding  impatience  and  gloomy  despondencv,  as 
I  dishonorable  to  God,  and  tormenting  to  himself. 
A  few  days  of  life  are  given  to  man  on  earth; 
and  sin  has  made  them  vanity.  {JVote,  Gen.  47:9.) 
I  But  he  may  yet  find  many  comforts,  as  his  present 
portion,  and  the  recompense  of  his  labors:  and 
It  would  be  both  foolish  and  ungrateful  to  lose 
the  benefit  of  them,  by  fretting  over  his  troubles, 
or  anticipating  future  calamities.  {Marg.  Ref. 
X,  .y-) 

V.  10.     Man's  wisdom  in  this  dying  world  con- 
sists, in  cheerfully  using  present  comforts,  and 

[013 


B.  C.  975. 


ECCLESIASTES. 


B.  C.  975. 


sun,  *=that  the  race  is  not  to  the  swift,  nor 
the  battle  to  the  strong,  neither  yet  bread 
to  the  wise,  nor  yet  riches  to  men  of  un- 
derstanding, nor  yet  favor  to  men  of 
skill;  ''but  time  and  chance  happeneth  to 
them  all. 

12  For  ^  man  also  knoweth  not  his 
time:  ''  as  the  fishes  that  are  taken  in  an 
evil  net,  and  as  the  birds  that  are  caught 
in  the  snare;  so  are  s  the  sons  of  men 
snared  in  an  evil  time,  when  it  falleth  sud- 
denly upon  them. 

13  IT  This  ''wisdom  have  I  seen  also 
under  the  sun,  and  it  seemed  great  unto 
me: 

14  There  '  was  a  Httle  city,  and  few 


C  1  Sam.  17:50.      2  Sam.  2:18— 

23.  17:14,23.  Ps.  33:16,17.  147: 

10,11.    Jer.  9:23.  46:6.  Am.  2: 

14—16. 
d  2:14,15.  3:14,17.  7:13.   1  Sam. 

2:3—10.     Job  5:11— 14.  34:29. 

Prov.  21:30,31.     Lam.  3:37,38. 

Dan.  4:35.     Eph.  1:11. 
e  8:5,6.11.     Luke  19:42—44.  2 

Cor.  6:2.      1  Pet.  2:12. 


f  Prov.  7:22,23.   Hab.  1:14—1 
2  Tim.  2:26. 

g  Job  13:8—10.  Ps.  11:6.  73:18 
—20.  Prov.  6:15.  29:6.  Is.  30: 
13.  Luke  17:26—31.  21:34— 
36.     iThes.  5:3.     2  Pet.  2:12. 

h  II.  6:1.  7:15.   8:16. 

i  2  Sam.  20: 15—22.  2  Kings  6: 
24—33.  7:1,&C. 


diligently  attending  to  present  duties.  "What- 
ever a  man's  hand  finds  to  do;"  whatever  he  re- 
gards as  his  duty,  or  incumbent  on  him,  for  the 
benefit  of  himself,  his  family,  the  church,  or  the 
world,  according  to  his  rank,  station,  talents,  and 
opportunities;  he  ought  to  set  about  it  without 
delay,  and  pursue  it  without  remissness,  and  to 
the  utmost  of  his  abilities.  He  ought  not  in  any 
measure,  to  yield  to  weariness  or  discouragement, 
because  of  opposition,  difficulties,  or  hardships: 
and  he  should  redeem  his  time  for  such  purposes, 
remembering  that  he  is  hastening  to  the  grave; 
and  then  all  opportunities  of  this  kind  will  be 
over,  seeing,  "no  work,  nor  contrivance,  nor 
knowledge,  nor  wisdom"  is  there.  Even  in  the 
eternal  world  no  opportunity  will  be  given  of 
glorifying  God  by  doing  good  to  man,  as  there  is 
now  on  earth.  (J\larg.  Ref. — JYotes,  4 — 6.  1  Ckr. 
29:3— 9.  P«.  71:17,18.  88:10—12.  Is.  38:17—20. 
55:  f),!.  John  9:4—7.  flei.  3:7— 13.  2  Pet.  1:12— 
15.1 — The  original  is  Sheol,  the  Septuagint  Hades, 
which  may  as  well  be  understood  of  the  invisible 
world,  as  of  the  grave.  [J'/'ote,  Ps.  16:8 — 11,«.  10.) 
V.  11,  12.  The  wise  man  next  observed  an- 
other cause  of  vanity  in  worldly  things;  namely, 
that  men's  success  seldom  correspond  even  to 
their  more  reasonable  expectations.  The  swiftest 
do  not  always  win  the  race;  for  they  may  fall,  or 
be  impeded  in  their  course:  battles  are  not  uni- 
formly determined,  according  to  the  number, 
valor,  or  conduct  of  the  contending  parties: 
knowledge  and  prudence  are  so  far  from  ensuring 
riches  to  the  possessor,  that  they  often  fail  of  pro- 
curing him  a  subsistence:  and  the  most  skilful, 
in  any  trade,  science,  or  profession,  are  far  from 
sure  of  being  most  favored  or  employed.  But 
there  are  favorable  or  unfavorable  times,  into 
which  men  are  cast:  the  former  often  procure 
success  to  far  inferior  talents  and  exertions;  un- 
der the  latter,  no  abilities  or  efforts  can  prevent 
disappointment.  There  are  also  various  events, 
which  cannot  be  foreseen,  which  determine  a 
man's  success  in  any  enterprise,  and  have  a  de- 
cisive effect  upon  his  lot  in  life.  These  seem  to 
come  by  "chance;"  yet  they  are  the  appointment 
of  God:  but  they,  who  do  not  regard  him,  charge 
them  on  fortune,  and  exclaim  against  this  im- 
aginary being,  as  blind,  capricious,  or  partial. 
These  things  however,  are  thus  ordered  on  purpose, 
that  ungodly  men  might  be  left  wholly  in  uncer- 
614] 


men  within  it:  and  there  came  a  great 
king  against  it,  and  besieged  it,  and  built 
great  buhvarks  against  it: 

15  Now  there  was  found  in  it  a  poor 
wise  man,  and  he  by  his  wisdom  deliver- 
ed the  city;  ''  yet  no  man  remembered 
the  same  poor  man. 

1 6  Then  said  I,  '  Wisdom  is  better 
than  strength:  nevertheless  ""  the  poor 
man's  wisdom  is  despised,  and  his  words 
are  not  heard. 

17  The  words  °  of  wise  men  are  heard 
in  quiet,  more  than  the  cry  of  him  that 
ruleth  among  fools. 

18  Wisdom  is  °  better  than  weapons 
of  war;  but  p  one  sinner  destroyeth  much 
good. 


k  Gen.  40:23.     Estb.  6:2,3. 
1  18.  7:19.    Prov.  21:22.  24:5. 
m    Prov.    10:15.       Mark   6:2,3. 

John7:47— 49.  9:24— 34.  1  Cor. 

1:26—29.  Jam.  2:2—6. 
n  Gen.  41:33 — 40.     1  Sam.  7:3 

—6.    Is.  42:2,4.     Jam.  1:20.  3: 


17,18. 
o  16. 
p  Josh.  7:5,11,12.  22:20.   1  Sam. 

14:28,29,36—46.      2  Sam.  20:1, 

2.     2Tbes.  2:8—12.     2  Tim. 

2:16—18.  38.  4:3,4.    Tit.  1:10, 

11.  Heb.  12:15,16. 


tainty.  {J<Iarg.  Ref.  b— d.— JVb<e«,  1 — 3.  2:12— 
17.  \Sam.  11:42— 53.  2  Ckr.  13:13— 22.  P*.  147:10, 
n.Prov.  21:30,31.)  There  is  a  time  allotted  to  all, 
in  which  to  seek  and  obtain  the  most  important 
advantages:  but  in  general  they  know  not,  or  ob- 
serve not,  that  time,  but  suffer  it  to  slip  past  tliem 
unimproved;  and  then  they  are  involved  in  un- 
foreseen calamities,  as  fishes  and  birds  are  in  the 
net  or  snare,  and  tlie  time  of  trouble  and  of  death 
comes  upon  them  suddenly,  so  that  they  cannot 
escape.  [Marg.  Ref.  e — g — JSToles,  3:1 — 11.8:6, 
7.  Hah.  1:12 — 17.)  This  is  the  case,  especially 
with  those,  who  postpone  the  great  concerns  of 
their  souls  to  some  future  opportunity:  they  are 
often  given  up  to  a  "strong  delusion;"  and  are 
caught  in  Satan's  net,  which  he  baits  with  some 
worldly  object,  for  the  sake  of  which  they  reject 
or  pervert  the  gospel,  and  go  on  in  sin,  till  they 
suddenly  fall  into  everlasting  destruction.  [J^otes, 
1  Thes.  5:1—3.  2  Thes.  2:8—12.) 

V.  13 — 18.  Solomon  illustrated  his  remarks 
from  an  incident  that  had  fallen  under  his  obser- 
vation; in  which  great  wisdom,  with  eminent  suc- 
cess, had  been  shewn  for  the  good  of  others, 
without  any  advantage  to  the  person  himself. 
(JVhte,  11,12.)  A  mighty  king  came,  with  every 
warlike  preparation,  to  besiege  a  small  city  which 
was  very  feebly  garrisoned,  and  yet  he  failed  of 
success:  for  a  certain  "poor  man,"  by  his  sagacity, 
contrivance,  and  prudent  management,  delivered 
the  city.  But  when  the  danger  was  over,  and 
the  poor  man's  assistance  was  no  more  wanted; 
he  was  totally  neglected  and  forgotten,  through 
the  ingratitude  of  his  citizens,  and  their  contempt 
of  his  poverty.  This  event  was  a  proof  that  wis- 
dom is  decidedly  preferable  to  strength;  [JSTote,  7: 
19,20.)  and  also  that  it  would  be  a  vain  possession, 
if  its  recompense  were  from  men:  for  when  the 
emergency  was  over,  "the  poor  man's  wisdom 
was  despised,  and  his  words  were  not  heard." 
[Marg.  Ref.  i—m.— J^otes,  2  Kings  3:10— 20.  6: 
8—12,31.7:  Pro?;.  10:15.  21:22.  24:3— 6.)  One 
reason  of  this  is  assigned:  wise  men  speak  with 
modesty  and  gentleness:  and  though  their  words 
are  more  attended  to  by  a  few,  who  derive  great 
good  from  them;  yet  the  vociferation  and  plausi- 
ble speeches  of  the  ostentatious  go  farther  with 
the  ignorant  and  thoughtless  multitude:  such  Is 
man's  folly,  that  the  empty  and  conceited  declaim- 
er  will  commonly  be  most  popular.     "Wisdom  is" 


B.  C.  975. 


CHAPTER  IX. 


B.  C.  975. 


indeed  "better  than  weapons  of  war:"  yet  it  is  so 
much  more  easy  to  do  harm  than  good,  that  one 
ungodly  man,  with  a  moderate  degree  of  plausi- 
bihty,  subtlety,  address,  and  fluency  of  speech, 
will  often  prevail  against  those  of  the  most  con- 
summate wisdom,  prevent  the  success  of  the  best 
concerted  plans,  overturn  the  most  prudent  regu- 
lations, and  speedily  destroy  the  good  that  has 
long  been  devising  and  accomplishing.  {J\Iarg. 
Ref.  u—n.—JVotes,  2:18—23.  Josh.  7:1,10—12. 
P.O.  10—18.  JVotes,  1  Kings  12:  /s.  42:1— 4. 
Jam.  3:17,18.)— 'The  best  and  safest  counsels, 
'cannot  so  much  as  be  neard  or  regarded,  till 
'people's  straits  have  made  them  humble,  sad,  and 
'serious.'  Bp.  Pa<^JC^•.— 'Whatever  declaimer 
'thou  seest  in  the  church,  by  enticement  and  ele- 
'gance  of  words,  exciting  applauses,  moving  laugh- 
'ter,  and  stirring  up  the  people  to  affections  of  joy; 
'know,  that  it  is  a  sign  of  folly,  both  in  them  that 
'speak,  and  in  them  that  hear  him.  For  the  words 
'of  the  wise  are  heard  in  quiet  and  moderate  si- 
'lence.'   Jerome,  quoted  by  Bp.  Patrick. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
V.  1—6. 
We  ought  not  to  think,  that  our  inquiries  into 
the  word  or  works  of  God  are  useless,  because  we 
cannot  comprehend  all  mysteries,  or  explain  all 
difficulties:  for  if  we  proceed  with  modesty  and 
seriousness,  we  shall  come  to  many  satisfactory 
determinations;  and  shall  continually  be  learning 
such  things,  as  may  be  useful  to  others  also. 
When  we  have  had  adequate  proof  of  any  impor- 
tant doctrine,  we  should  not  waver  or  hesitate  on 
account  of  objections:  for  in  every  thing,  which 
relates  to  the  mcomprehensible  God,  we  must  ex- 
pect difficulties  that  we  cannot  solve — In  the 
midst  of  the  varied  and  intricate  dispensations  in 
the  affairs  of  men,  it  is  of  the  greatest  consequence 
to  be  established  in  the  belief,  that  "the  righteous 
and  the  wise,  and  their  works,"  are  under  the 
especial  care  of  the  Almighty.  If  therefore  we 
Jirst  seek  his  favor,  and  then  regulate  all  our  un- 
dertakings according  to  his  revealed  will,  and  put 
our  concerns  into  his  hands;  we  may  rest  satisfied, 
that  our  great  end  will  be  answered,  whether  we 
meet  with  the  expected  success  or  not.  But  we 
shall  either  perplex  or  deceive  ourselves,  if  we 
attempt  to  judge  of  our  acceptance  with  God  by 
external  events:  for  this  is  not  the  rule  which  his 
word  has  appointed.  Forgetful  of  this,  some  be- 
lievers increase  their  load  of  trouble,  by  constru- 
ing their  disappointments  and  aiHictions  into  evi- 
dences of  his  displeasure,  and  by  concluding  that 
they  are  not  his  children,  or  he  would  not  thus 
deal  with  them:  and  a  far  greater  number  of  un- 
believers mistake  outward  success,  for  the  token 
and  proof  c/fbis  love  to  them.  But,  in  this  sense, 
"all  things  come  alike  to  all,  and  there  is  one 
event  to  the  righteous,  and  to  the  wicked."  Not 
tiiat  the  Lord  does  not  give  a  decided  preference 
to  the  good,  and  holy,  and  reverential  worship- 
per, above  the  profane  and  unrighteous:  but  be- 
cause the  complex  reasons  of  his  conduct,  in  dis- 
pensing adversity  or  prosperity  to  individuals,  do 
not  lie  level  with  our  capacities  and  information. 
He  acts  by  perfectlj'  wise  rules,  and  according  to 
one  consistent  plan:  but  its  parts  are  so  various 
and  complicated,  that  to  us  they  must  needs  ap- 
pear perplexed.  We  are  called  ''to  walk  by  faith:" 
those  who  have  no  faith  infer,  that  the  righteous 
will  never  obtain  any  decisive  advantage  above 
the  wicked;  and  this  occasions  much  of  the  evil 
that  is  done  under  the  sun.  Yet  it  would  not  be 
so,  if  -'the  hearts  of  the  sons  of  men  were  nut  full 
of  evil;  and  if  madness  were  not  in  tlieiri;"  so 
that  they  are  glad  of  a  pretence  for  indulging  their 
lusts,  and  neglecting  their  duty.  Thus  tlicy  live 
and  die  befooled  and  infatuated,  and  arc  not 
aware  of  their  madness  in  rebelling  against  God, 


till  the  scenes,  which  open  to  their  view  in  the 
eternal  world,  awfully  convince  them  of  it. — Let 
us  bless  God,  that  we  are  yet  "joined  to  all  the 
living,"  where  there  is  hope;  and  let  us  consider 
this  as  a  counterbalance  to  all  our  troubles:  and 
as  we  know  that  we  must  die,  and  that  "after 
death  is  the  judgment,"  let  us  deem  preparation 
for  these  solemn  events  the  great  business  of 
our  lives.  Thus,  when  we  leave  this  world, 
though  we  shall  have  no  "knowledge  of  any  thing 
that  is  done  under  the  sun;"  nor  any  portion  in  it; 
and  though  we  should  be  forgotten  by  those  who 
loved,  and  those  who  hated  and  envied  us,  and  all 
our  competitions  and  pursuits  on  earth  vanish  as 
a  dream;  we  shall  possess  a  better  and  a  far  more 
enduring  substance. 

V.  7—10. 
We  should  in  every  case  seek  acceptance  with 
God  for  ourselves  and  our  works,  before  we  think 
of  finding  satisfaction  in  outward  things:  but  when 
we  have  attained  a  good  hope  in  this  respect,  we 
may  go  our  ways,  and  "eat  our  bread  with  joy, 
and  drink  our  wine,"  or  even  our  water,  "witha 
merry  heart;"  for  the  meanest  morsel  coming 
from  our  Father's  love,  and  in  answer  to  our 
prayers,  will  have  a  peculiar  relish.  (JVb<e,  Ps. 
37:16,17.)  The  believer,  who  is  assured  of  his 
acceptance,  has  of  all  men  the  best  right  to  be 
cheerful;  peace  and  joy  are  his  duty,  as  well  as 
his  privilege:  nor  does  his  religion  debar  him  from 
any  rational  or  desirable  earthly  enjoyment.  It 
requires  not  celibacy,  or  solitude,  or  affected  aus- 
terities; which  are  the  inventions  of  Satan  and  of 
Antichrist,  in  order  to  affright  men  from  "the 
yoke  of  Christ,"  as  if  it  were  intolerably  galling. 
But  whilst  we  cultivate  the  social  affections,  and 
endeavor  to  be  agreeable  to  our  friends  and  rela- 
tives; and  take  the  portion  assigned  us  to  defray 
the  charges  of  our  pilgrimage,  and  so  to  bear  our 
labors  with  resignation:  let  us  not  forget,  that  our 
life  here  is  vanity,  and  only  a  few  days  of  vanity; 
(JVbfe,  Gen.  47:9.)  that  all  our  enjoyments  and 
possessions  are  passing  away;  and  that  we  must 
seek  nobler  acquisition^,  as  the  portion  of  our 
souls  in  the  eternal  world.  We  should  then  use 
all  these  things  according  to  the  rules  of  the  word 
of  God,  and  in  subserviency  to  his  glory:  (JVote, 
1  Cor.  10:29—31,  v.  3J.)  and,  whatever  our  out- 
ward adorning  or  indulgence  be,  we  should  be 
careful,  that  our  spiritual  garments  be  always 
white,  and  free  from  spot  or  blemish;  and  that 
we  be  continually  anointed,  adorned,  and  refi'esh- 
cd,  by  tire  influences  of  the  Holy  Spirit.  Nor 
may  we  permit  either  the  comforts  or  the  trials  of 
life  to  render  us  inattentive  to  our  various  duties. 
We  have  each  a  work  to  do.  Sinners  have  the 
salvation  of  tlieir  souls  to  seek,  and  the  assurance 
of  that  salvation:  believers  have  a  great  Avork  to 
do,  in  order  to  evidence  their  faith,  adorn  the 
gospel,  glorify  God,  and  serve  their  generation. 
Magistrates,  ministers,  the  rich  and  the  poor,  the 
learned  and  the  unlearned,  in  their  various  situa- 
tions, may  all  find  some  work  to  do,  nay,  they 
have  that,  which  is  their  appropriate  duty  and  the 
required  improvement  of  talents;  and  they  are 
called  to  "do  it  with  their  might,"  and  to  the  ut- 
termost of  their  abilities.  "{JK'otes  and  P.  O. 
Malt.  25:14—30.  Luke  16:1—12.)  The  speedy 
approach  of  death  should  cause  us  to  quicken  our 
pace,  and  double  our  diligence  in  our  proper  em- 
ployment: seeing  "tlicre  is  no  work,  nor  device, 
nor  knowledge,  nor  wisdom  in  the  grave  whither 
we  are  going,"  and  to  whicli  we  approach  every 
inomenl.  Alas!  how  wretriicd  are  (hey,  whose 
bodies  are  conveyed  to  the  tomb,  and  their  souls 
into  an  eternal  state,  before  tJiey  have  properlv 
begun  the  great  work  of  life!  And  if  sorrow  could 
enter  heaven,  methinks,  believers  would  there 
mourn  over  their  lost  opportunities  of  doin<>-  good 

"[615 


B.  C.  97, 


ECCLESIASTES. 


B.  C.  975. 


CHAP.  X. 

The  care  requisite  to  preserve  a  reputation  for  wisdom,  and  the 
different  conduct  of  a  wise  man  and  a  fool,  1 — 3.  Observa- 
tions on  the  duties  and  errors  of  rulers  and  subjects,  with  various 
maxims  for  tbe  prudent  conduct  of  affairs,  4—20. 

,EAD  flies  cause  ''the  ointment  of 
the    apothecary  to    send   forth  a 
stinking  savor:  50  doth  ^  a  httle  folly  him 


*  Hcb.  Flics  of  death. 

a  Ex.  30:3^,35. 

b  2  Chr.  19:2.     ]Veh.  6:13. 


26.  Matt.  5:13— 16.    Gal.  2:12 


to  their  felloW-sinners,  and  so  glorifying  their 
God  and  Savior,  while  thev  lived  here  on  earth. 
V.  11—18. 
Whilst  we  guard  against  supineness  and  pro- 
crastination; we  sliould  also  beware  of  self-de- 
pendence in  our  undertakings;  otherwise  we  shall 
meet  with  disappointment  and  vexation:  for  ev- 
ery one  may  observe,  in  all  places  "under  the 
sun,"  that  no  abilities  or  external  advantages  can 
ensure  success.  Happy  then  are  they,  whose 
"works  are  in  the  hands  of  God!"  he  will  give 
success  to  them  if  that  be  best;  or  he  will  recom- 
pense the  intention  when  unsuccessful.  He  ap- 
jjoinls  that  "time  and  chance,  which  happen  to 
all  men:"  he  enables  them  to  run  the  race,  and 
then  confers  the  prize:  he  gives  strength  and  vic- 
tory, wisdom  and  favor,  opportunitj',  and  under- 
standing to  embrace  it;  "grace  and  glory,"  and 
every  other  "good  thing  to  them  that  walk  up- 
rightlj."  But  they  who  know  not  his  accepted 
time,  and  "the  day  of  their  visitation;"  [J^otes^ 
Luke  19:41—44.  2  Cor.  6:1,2.)  who  do  not  "seek 
him  whilst  he  may  be  found,"  and  so  waste  their 
lives  in  the  pursuit  of  earthly  vanities;  will  be 
inextricably  entangled  in  the  snare  of  Satan,  and 
perish  suddenly  without  remedy.  Whatever  op- 
portunities we  may  slip,  whatever  advantages 
we  miss,  and  whatever  calamities  befal  us, 
through  unforeseen  and  apparent  casual  events, 
or  our  own  impolicy;  if  we  do  not  neglect  the  sal- 
vation of  our  souls,  a  few  days  will  set  all  right. 
But  superior  talents,  and  even  great  success,  will 
be  a  mere  vanity  to  him,  who  does  not  mind  "the 
one  thing  needful."  Even  the  good  works  of  wise 
and  pious  men  often  expose  them  to  present  vex- 
ations. If  we  would  not  be  rendered  uneasy 
by  perpetual  disappointments,  we  must  not  ex- 
pect much  gratitude  from  men,  for  the  most  dis- 
interested and  beneficial  services:  but  learn  to 
do  good  from  simple  "good-will  to  men,"  and  re- 
gard to  the  honor  of  God;  and  in  hopes  of  his 
gracious  acceptance.  In  this  way  we  shall  "not 
be  weary  of  well  doing,  assured  that  in  due  sea- 
son we  shall  reap,  if  we  faint  not."  [J^ote,  Gal. 
6:0 — 10.) — Wisdom  and  grace  are  indeed  far 
more  valuable,  than  wealth,  power,  "weapons  of 
war,"  or  any  external  accomplishments:  yet  they 
are  seldom  much  respected  in  the  poor  and  ob- 
scure. Under  urgent  distresses  indeed,  men  will 
sometimes  regard  the  counsels  of  "a  poor  wise 
man;"  and  be  willing  to  use  his  superior  skill,  to 
serve  a  present  turn,  or  promote  their  own  inter- 
est. But  when  such  needy  friends  are  no  more 
wanted,  they  will  rarel}'^  be  remembered:  nay, 
tliey  may  assure  themselves,  that  their  wisdom 
will  by  numbers  be  despised,  and  their  words  dis- 
regarded. For  men  are  so  attracted  by  glare 
and  noise,  that  the  magnificent,  the  forward,  and 
the  loquacious,  will  ever  be  the  favorites  of  the 
Ignorant,  unthinking  multitudes,  with  which  the 
world  abounds,  and  "bear  rule  among  them:"  and 
the  wise  must  be  contented  to  speak  in  quiet, 
and  v/ith  effect,  to  the  few,  who  ar.'^  more  desirous 
to  profit,  than  to  be  flattered  and  amused.  And 
this  is  not  only  the  common  case  in  popular  as- 
616] 


in    reputation    for    wisdom    and 


that  is 
honor. 

2  A  *=  wise  man's  heart  is  at  his  right 
hand;  <*  but  a  fool's  heart  is  at  his  left. 

3  Yea  also,  when  he  that  is  a  fool 
walketh  by  the  way,  his  +  wisdom  faileth 
him,  ®  and  he  saith  to  every  one  that  he 
is  a  fool. 


c  9:10.  Prov.  14:8.    Luke  14:28 

—32. 
d  10,14.  Prov.  17:16.    Luke  12: 

18—20. 


t  Heb.  heart. 

e  5:3.  Prov.  13:16.  18:2,6.  1  Pet. 


semblies;  but  even  in  those  places,  where  men 
meet  together  to  hear  the  word  of  God:  for  num- 
bers prefer  a  smoother  doctrine,  and  are  more  at- 
tentive to  the  embellishments  and  eloquence  of 
the  preacher,  than  to  his  important  message. 
Thus  ministers  are  tempted  to  accommodate  their 
discourses  to  the  corrupt  taste  of  the  audience; 
and  in  this  way  especially  "one  sinner  destroy eth 
much  good,"  and  disseminates  false  doctrines,  to 
the  deception  of  many  souls,  and  the  great  scan- 
dal of  the  gospel;  whilst  "many  follow  his  perni- 
cious ways,  by  means  of  whom  the  way  of  truth 
is  evil  spoken  of." — But  whilst  we  lament  these 
ruinous  follies  and  mistakes  of  mankind;  let  us 
watch  against  ingratitude  to  our  benefactors, 
especially  to  any  poor  man  who  has  been  useful 
to  us.  Let  us  recollect  and  consider  carefull}', 
whether  some  benefactor  of  this  description,  has 
not  been  left  unrewarded  and  forgotten  by  us; 
that  if  it  has  been  so,  we  may,  though  late,  repay 
our  obligations.  (JVo<e*,  Esth.  6:)  Let  us  learn 
to  judge  of  men  by  their  wisdom  and  piety,  and 
not  by  their  wealth  or  splendor;  let  us  submit  to 
the  will,  and  depend  on  the  power  and  mercy,  of 
our  God;  and  then  none  of  our  labors  will  be  in 
vain,  however  now  neglected.  And  seeing  that 
the  great  "Deliverer"  of  sinners  "from  the  wrath 
to  come,"  and  from  the  power  of  Satan,  when  he 
became  poor  for  our  sakes,  was  so  despised  and 
hated,  nay,  even  now  is  treated  with  so  much  in- 
gratitude and  contempt;  and  seeing  we  ourselves 
are  so  often  forgetful  of  our  immense  obligations, 
and  inattentive  to  his  wise  and  gracious  words: 
we  have  the  less  reason  to  complain,  if  we  meet 
with  similar  treatment  in  this  evil  world. 
NOTES. 

Chap.  X.  V.  1.  When  the  perfumer  has 
compounded  any  precious  ointment,  with  great 
skill  and  attention;  if  he  do  not  cover  it  carefully, 
the  flies,  attracted  by  the  fragrancy,  will  be  en- 
tangled in  it,  and  there  die  and  putrefy:  and  this 
will  spoil  the  perfume,  and  render  the  ointment 
noisome.  Thus,  when  a  man  has  acquired,  with 
great  care  and  pains,  a  high  reputation  for  wis- 
dom, or  any  other  honorable  qualification;  if  he 
remit  his  watchfulness,  and  be  heedless,  self-in- 
dulgent, or  imprudent,  only  in  a  few  instances, 
and  those  by  no  means  heinous,  they  will  tarnish 
his  character,  and  sink  him  into  neglect.  For  in 
proportion  as  a  person  becomes  conspicuous,  he  is 
the  more  strictly  watched;  greater  things  are  ex- 
pected from  him,  and  less  allowance  made  for  his 
infirmities:  nay,  envy  and  malevolence  become 
more  busy  in  reducing  his  character  to  the  ordi- 
nary level;  and  in  impeding  those  useful  designs 
which  his  credit,  if  it  had  not  been  impaired, 
might  have  rendered  successful.  So  that  those 
mistakes  which  would  scarcely  have  been  counted 
blemishes  in  another  man,  will  by  many  be  deem- 
ed almost  inexcusable  crimes  in  him:  and  they 
will  be  gratified  by  detecting  and  exposing  them. 
[Marg.  mAMars;.  Ref.—Jfotes,  Ex.  8:21,24.30: 
22—38.  2  Chr.  19:2.  Mh.  6:10—14,  v.  11.  J\Iait. 
5:14—16.  Gal.  2:11—16.) 

V.  2,  3.    A  wise  man's  understanding  is  em- 


B.  C.  975. 


CHAPTER  X. 


B.  C.  975. 


4  If  If  the  spirit  of  tiie  ruler  rise  up 
against  thee,  ^  leave  not  thy  place;  s  for 
yielding  pacifieth  great  offences. 

5  IF  There  is  **  an  evil  which  I  have 
seen  under  the  sun,  '  as  an  error  ivhich 
proceed eth  *  from  the  ruler: 

6  "  Folly  is  set  in  great  ^  dignity,  and 
'  the  rich  sit  in  low  place. 

7  1""  have  seen  servants  upon  horses, 
and  princes  walking  as  servants  upon  the 
earth. 

8  He  "  that  diggeth  a  pit  shall  fall  into 
it;  and  whoso  breaketh  an  hedge,  °  a  ser- 
pent shall  bite  him. 

9  Whoso  removeth  stones  shall  be  hurt 
therewith;  and  he  that  cleaveth  wood 
shall  be  endangered  thereby. 


(  8:3. 

g   1  Sam.  25:2-J,&c.     Prov,  25: 

15. 
h-l:7,  5:13.  &!.  9.3. 
i  3:16.  4:1. 
*  Heb.  from  before. 
k  Judg.  9:14—20.     1  Kings  12: 

13,14.     Esth.    3:1.       Ps.    12:8. 


Prov.  28:12,28. 

t  Heb.  heights. 

1  Jam.  2:3—5. 

m  Prov.  19:10.  30:22. 

n  Judg.  9:5,53—57.  2  Sam.  17: 
25.  18:15.  Ksth.  7:10.  Ps.  7: 
15,16.  9:15,16.     Prov.  26:27. 

o  Am.  5:19.  9:3. 


ployed  about  the  duties  of  his  station,  and  his 
heart  is  ia  bis  work:  it  is  his  deUght;  he  does  it 
earnestly;  and  he  therefore  learns  to  do  it  skil- 
fully, as  a  man  who  uses  his  right  hand.  But  a 
fool  employs  no  contrivance,  because  he  is  heart- 
less as  to  every  good  thing;  he  understands  any 
subject  better  than  his  own  profession,  and  any 
one's  duty  better  than  his  own.  Thus  he  goes 
about  his  work,  so  to  speak,  in  a  left-handed  man- 
ner, and  makes  nothing  of  it.  'A  wise  man 
*always  takes  honest  courses,  but  a  fool  turns  into 
*by-ways.'  Bp.  Patrick.  Indeed  men  of  this  in- 
termeddling and  conceited  disposition  discover 
their  ignorance  and  folly  on  every  occasion:  they 
cannot  take  a  journey,  or  walk  abroad,  or  enter 
into  conversation,  but  they  run  into  such  gross 
and  evident  errors,  or  engage  in  such  disputes 
and  projects,  as  expose  them  to  every  body;  for 
they  have  not  wisdom  enough  to  conceal  their  own 
emptiness  and  mischievous  dispositions.  [Marg. 
AuA  Marg.  Ref. — J^otes.,  11 — 13.  5:J — 3,  v,  3. 
/•rou.  12:15,16.  18:1,2,6,7.) 

V.  4.  [J^ole,  8:3 — 3.j  If  the  prince  have 
taken  offence  at  the  conauct  of  any  of  his  sub- 
jects or  officers,  the  wisdom  of  the  person  con- 
cerned consists  iu  keeping  his  place,  and  quietly 
attending  to  his  duties;  not  being  influenced, 
either  by  resentment  or  fear,  to  recede,  or  to  ex- 
cite any  commotions  in  the  state.  For  a  submis- 
sive and  yielding  conduct  wins  upon  and  pacifies 
those  princes,  who  have  been  greatly  and  even 
justly  displeased;  whereas  rashness  and  violence 
generally  end  in  the  ruin  of  the  offending  party. 
(See  on  J<fote,  Prov.  23: 13.)  j 

V.  5 — 7.  Solomon  allowed,  that  princes  often  oc- 
casioned many  evils  by  their  misconduct  and  neg- 
lect, which  could  not  be  vindicated,  though  they  j 
did  not  justify  the  disaffected.  One  abuse  espe- 
cially he  had  remarked,  by  which  rulers  became] 
accessary  to  the  crimes  of  others,  and  all  the 
mischiefs  which  tliey  perpetrated.  This  was,  j 
when,  from  any  selfish  motive,  or  from  partiality  j 
or  caprice,  they  preferred  inexperienced  and  im- 1 
prudent  men,  from  low  stations,  to  the  highest  dig- 
nities; which  they  disgraced  by  their  imperious,  j 
mercenary,  and  rash  behavior:  whilst  the  nobles,  j 
whose  rank,  education,  and  knowledge  of  affairs,  1 
entitled  them  to  consideration,  qualified  them  fori 
such  eminent  places,  and  rendered  them  superior 
Vol.  UI.  78 


10  If  the  iron  be  blunt,  and  he  do  not 
whet  the  edge,  then  must  he  put  to  more 
strength:  but  p  wisdom  is  profitable  to  di- 
rect. [Practical  Observation.'.] 

11  IT  Surely  ^  the  serpent  will  bite 
without  enchantment;  and  ^  a  babbler  is 
no  better. 

12  The  ''  words  of  a  wise  man's  mouth 
are  ^  2;racious;  ^  but  the  lips  of  a  fool  will 
swallow  up  himself. 

13  The  *  beginning  of  the  words  of  his 
mouth  is  foolishness;  and  the  end  of  his 
I'  talk  is  mischievous  madness. 

Col.  4:6. 


p  15.     9:15—17.     Gen.  41:33— 

39.     Ex.  18:19—23.      1  Kings 

3:9.     2  Chr.  23:4—11.     Matt. 

10:16.     Acts  6:1— 9.     15:2,&c. 

Rom.    16:19.       1   Cor.    14:20. 

Eph.  5:15 — 17.  Col.  4:5.  Jam. 

1:5. 
qPs.  58:4,5.  Jer.  8:17. 
+  Heb.  the  master  of  a  tongue. 

Ps.  52:2.     64:3.     Prov.    18:21. 

Jam.  3:6. 
r  Job  4:3,4.   16:5.  Ps.  37:30.  40: 

9,10.    71:15—18.      Prov.  10:13, 

20,21,31,32.    12:14.13.   15:2,23. 

16:21-24.  22:17,18.    25:11,12. 

31:26.     Matt.   12:35.     Luke  4: 


2-.'.    Kpii.  4:29. 

$  Heb.  grace. 

s  2  Sam.  1:16.  1  Kings  20:40— 
42.  Ps.  64:3.  140:9.  Prov.  10: 
8,10,14.  18:6—8.  19:5.  26:9. 
Luke  19:22. 

t  Judg  14:15.  1  Sara.  20:26— 
33.  22:7,3,16—18.  25:10,11.  2 
Sam.  19:41—43.  20:1.  2  Kings 
6:27,31.  Prov.  29;9.  Matt.  2: 
7,8,16.  Luke  6:2,11.  11:38,53. 
54.  John  12:10.  Acts  5:28— 
33.  6:9—11.  7:54—59.  19:24— 
23. 
Heb.  mouth. 


to  the  mean  oppressions  practised  by  indigent  up- 
starts, were  degraded,  and  placed  under  the  com- 
mand of  their  inferiors;  which  is  as  if  slaves  rode 
in  state,  and  princes  were  required  to  walk  afoot 
by  their  sides  to  do  them  honor. — Indeed  it  nat- 
urally gives  umbrage,  when  men  of  inferior  rank, 
though  eminent  for  abilities,  wisdom,  and  probity, 
are  advanced  above  the  nobles;  but  much  more 
so,  when  the  talents  and  dispositions  of  the  favor- 
ites are  as  mean  as  their  extraction.  {J\Jarg.  and 
Marg.  Ref.—JTotes,  Prov.  19:10.  28:3.  30:21—23, 
V.  22.) 

V.  8 — 10.  The  sacred  writer  appears,  in  these 
verses,  to  continue  his  discourse;  and  to  caution 
subjects,  when  aggrieved  by  evils  "which  pro- 
ceed from  the  ruler,"  not  to  seek  redress  in  a  pre- 
cipitate manner,  or  to  yield  to  the  suggestions  of 
resentment  and  pride.  This  advice  he  enforces 
by  apt  illustrations.  As  he  who  digs  a  pit  for  an- 
other, may  probably  fall  into  it  himself;  so  he  who 
violently  seeks  the  ruin  of  an  obnoxious  compet- 
itor, will  probably  compass  his  own  destruction. 
{JIarg.  Ref.  n.— JVo<e*,  Esth.  7:9,10.  Ps.  7:14— 
16,  V.  13.  Prow.  26:24— 27,  t). 26.)  Hewho  breaks 
a  hedge,  which  divides  between  one  man's  field 
and  another's,  may  expect  to  be  bitten  by  a  ser- 
pent that  lies  concealed  in  it:  and  thus  the  man, 
who  attempts  to  break  down  the  fences  of  law  and 
authority,  on  account  of  some  personal  offence, 
may  expect  a  fatal  end.  He  who  should  attempt 
to  remove  the  stones,  which  served  for  land- 
marks, or  that  were  too  heavy  for  him,  would 
probably  be  crushed  by  them:  and  so  will  he 
who  attempts  to  subvert  an  established  govern- 
ment. And  if  a  man  intends  to  cleave  a  knotty 
block  of  wood;  he  must  first  procure  proper  tools, 
and  duly  sharpen  them,  and  then  proceed  cau- 
tiously and  skilfully;  otherwise  he  will  endanger 
and  weary  himself  to  little  purpose.  Thus  those, 
who  would  compass  practicable  and  desirable  al- 
terations, should  proceed  with  caution,  and  pro- 
cure proper  helpers,  and  use  cool  deliberation  and 
steady  perseverance;  and  not  expect  to  carry 
matters  by  force  and  violence,  which  are  not  suf- 
fiiient  even  to  cleave  a  block  of  wood,  lu  alt 
these  matters  wisdom  is  profitable  to  direct  lu 
proper  iTr;ans  and  occasions,  and  to  prevent  mis- 
chief, and  a  man's  wearying  himself  in  vain. — 
•Without  wisdom,  whatsoever  a  man  taketh  in 

[617 


B.  C.  975. 

14  A  "  fool  also  *  is  full  of -words:  '  a 
man  cannot  tell  what  shall  be;  and  what 
shall  be  after  him  who  can  tell  him? 

15  The  y  labor  of  the  foohsh  wearieth 
every  one  of  them;  ^  because  he  knoweth 
not  how  to  go  to  the  city. 

16  IT  Woe  to  thee,  O  land,  *  when  thy 
king  is  a  child,  ^  and  thy  princes  eat  "=  in 
the  morning! 

17  Blessed  a;-f  thou,  O  land,  ''when 
thy  king  is  the  son  of  nobles,  «  and  thy 
princes  eat  in  due  season,  for  strength 
and  not  for  drunkenness! 


ECCLESIASTES. 


B.  C.  975. 


18  By  much  ^  slothfulness  the  building 
decayeth;  and  through  idleness  of  the 
hands  the  house  droppeth  through. 

19  A  6  feast  is  made  for  laughter,  *"  and 
wine   t  maketh   merry;  *  but  money  an- 


swereth  all  things 


u  5:3,7.     Prov.  10:19.  15:2. 

*  Heb.  multiplieth  loords.  Job 

34:37.  35:16. 
X3:22.  6:12.  8:7.    Jam.  4:13,14. 
V3  10.     13.44:12—17.  47:12,13. 

55-2.  57:1.  Hab.  2:6,13.   Matt. 

11:28—30. 
Z  Ps.  107:4,7.  Is.  35:8—10.  Jer. 


50:4,5. 
a  2  Chr.  13:7.  33;l,&c.  36:2,5,9, 

11.  Is.  3:4,5,12. 
b  Prov.  20:1,2.     Is.  5:11,12.  23; 

7,8.  Hos.  7:5—7. 
c  Jer.  21:12. 

d  6,7.  Prov.  28:2,3.    Jer.  30:21 
e  Prov.  31:4,5. 


20  "  Curse  not  the  kmg,  no,  not  m  thy 
+  thought;  and  curse  not  the  rich  '  in  thy 
bed-chamber:  for  a  bird  of  the  air  shall 
carry  the  voice,  and  that  which  hath  wings 
shall  tell  the  matter. 


f  Prov.  12:24.   14:1.  20:4.  21:25. 

23  21.24:30,31.    Hcb.  6:11,12. 

2  Pet.  1:5—10. 
g   2:1,2.     7::- — 6.     CJen.    43:34. 

Dan.  5:l,&c.      1  Pet.  4:3. 
h  9:7.     Ps.  104:15.     Is.  24:11.   1 

Sam.    25:36.       2   Sam.    13:28. 

Luke  12:19.  Eph.  5:18,19. 
♦  Heb.  maketh  glad  the  life. 
1   7:11,12.     1  Chr.  21:24.     29:2, 


&c.    2Chr.  24:11— 14.     Ezra 

1:6.  7:15—18.     Neh.  5:8.    Ps. 

112:9.    Is.  23:18.     Matt.  17:27. 

19:21.     Luke  8:3.    16:9.     Acts 

2:45.      11:29.       Phil.  4:15—19. 

iTim.  6:17—19. 
k   Ex.  22:28.     Is.  8:21.     Acts 

23:5. 

t  Or,  conscience.  7:21,22. 
1  Luke  12:2,3. 


*hand,  turneth  to  his  own  hurt.'  {J\Iarg.  Ref.  o,p. 
^J^otes,  11  -15,  V.  15.  9:13—18,  w.  16-18. 
JIatt.   10:16.)  - 

V    11—15.     The  serpent  was  supposed  capa- 
ble of  being  charmed  by  certain  incantations, 
which  would  prevent  its  biting;   {mte,Ps.  58:.  — 
6.^  but  otherwise  it  could  not  safely  be  meddled 
with:  and  those  babblers,  who  by  flattery,  plausi- 
bility, and  slander,  insinuate  themselves  into  the 
favor  of  weak  princes,  are  no  better  than  the  ser- 
pent.   In  themselves,  they  may  indeed  be  as  des- 
picable as  they  are  poisonous:  but  they  have  it 
iQ  their  power  to  do  immense  mischief,  and  must 
be  opposed  with  great  caution.     They  may  be 
outwitted  and  supplanted:  but  it  is  dangerous  to 
attempt  overpowering  them;  for  they  do  not  care 
whom  they  destroy,  if  exasperated.     In  general 
the  wise  man  will  gain  his  advantage,  by  speaking 
with  gentleness,  candor,  and  discretion,  and  in  a 
manner  suited  to  procure  him  favor.    But  the 
lips  of  the  foolish  man,  as  it  were,  dig  a  pit  in 
which  to  swallow  up  himself.    When  he  first  be- 
gins to  speak,  he  betrays  his  ignorance  and  im- 
pertinence: and  if  he  meet  with  the  least  check, 
he  is  put  off  his  guard,  and  becomes  like  a  mad- 
man, in  rage  and  abuse.    It  is  in  vain,  therefore, 
to  enter  into  any  contest  with  him:  for  he  is  lull 
of  words;  and  will  speak  last,  though  his  discourse 
be  so  perplexed,  that  no  one  can  tell  what  he  in- 
tends to  do,  or  what  he  will  say  next,  or  how  his 
impertinent  discourse  will  end.     And,  m  like 
manner,  when  he  undertakes  the  management  of 
affairs,  he  is  sure  to  weary  himself  to  no  purpose: 
for  he  is  so  inconsiderate  and  headstrong,  that  if 
he  undertook  a  journey  to  some  city;  he  would 
neither  be  able  to  find  the  way,  nor  be  wilhng  to 
follow  another's  directions.     So  that  nothing  can 
hinder  a  wise   man's  prevailing  against  such  a 
competitor;  except  his  own  indignation  and  in- 
discretion give   the   foolish   man   an   advantage 
against  him,  to  crush  him  by  violence.  {JIarg. 
and  Marg.  Re/.— Motes,   5—10.  5:1—3,  v.  3,4— 
7,  V.  7.  Ps.  37:29-31.  Prov.  10:8-10,14,19—21. 
12:18,19.  15:20,24.   16:23.    18:6—8.   25:11,12.  29: 
9.) 

A  babbler.    (11)    "The  master  of  a  tongue. 
{Marg.  and  Marg.Ref.)—A^  flatterer  and  slan- 
derer seems  principally  intended. 

V.  16 — 19.  A  prince,  who  is  a  child  in  years,  or 
in  ignorance,  fickleness,  and  caprice,  is  a  heavy 
judgment  from  God  to  any  nation:  especially, 
when  the  nobles,  who  ought  to  be  able  and  active 
statesmen  and  counsellors,  begin  and  spend  their 
days  in  sensual  indulgence.  [Marg.  Ref.  a— c. 
618] 


—J^otes,  1  Kings  12:8—15.  2  Chr.  13:4—12,  v.  7. 
Prov.  20:1.  /s.3:l— 9,  vv.  4,5.  5:11-17,1)?;.  11,12, 
22,23.  28:7,8.  Hos.  7:5 — 7.j    But  the  land  is  es- 
pecially favored,  and  is  likely  to  prosper,  where 
the  king  is  descended  from   noble  progenitors, 
and  inherits  their  capacity  for  government:  or,  as 
some  explain  the  word,  when  he  is  a  man  of  ma- 
ture years  and  experience;  and  when  his  princes 
are  temperate,  and  apply  themselves  to  business. 
(mtes,  2  Kings  20:1,2.  22:1,2.  24:17,18.)     For  as 
the  sluggard  lets  his  house  go  to  decay  for  want  of 
repairs,  till  the  roof  "droppeth  through,"  and  the 
whole  moulders  into  ruins;  so  the  kingdom,  which 
is  governed  by   careless   and  profligate  rulers, 
must  come  to  destruction.      For  while  they  are 
making  feasts  and  indulging  themselves  in  wine, 
as  if  they  had  nothing  to  do,  but  to  laugh  and  be 
merry;  the  public  treasure  is  wasted,  the  national 
defence  is  neglected,  heavy  taxes  must  be  impos- 
ed, the  people  grow  discontented,  the  enemies 
are   emboldened,    and   every  thing  concurs    to 
bring  dire  calamities  on  the  state.     The  money 
which  such  rulers  waste  in  their  luxury,  and  lav- 
ish on  the  companions  of  their  revels  and  de- 
baucheries, would  have  answered  all  the  purposes 
of  good  government,  and  provided  for  every  emer- 
gency: but,  being  thrown  away,  manifold  oppres- 
sions, disturbances,  and  miseries  must  needs  en- 
sue,  which  a  few  drunken  feasts  will  very  ill 
compensate.      (Marg.  and.  Marg.  Ref.  d— i — 
J^otes,  5—7.  2:1-3.  9:7—9.  Prov.  24:30—34.  31: 
4—7.  Dan.  5:1—9.  Eph.  5:15—20,  ».  18.  1  Tim. 
6:17— 19.  1  Pei.  4:3-5,9— II.)  .       . 

V.  20.  Government,  and  the  distinctions  of 
rank  in  society,  are  the  appointments  of  God,  and 
productive  of  much  good  to  mankind.  Kings, 
magistrates,  and  great  men,  therefore,  with  all 
their  defects  and  faults,  are  entitled  to  respect 
and  honor:  and  as  none  ought  openly  to  revile  and 
wish  evil  to  them;  so  malice  against  them  should 
not  be  indulged  in  the  heart,  or  ill  wishes  allowed 
even  in  thought,  or  vented  in  the  most  private 
manner.  And  men  should  remember,  that  secret 
discourses  and  combinations  of  this  kind,  are  of- 
ten detected  by  means  almost  as  unlikely,  as  if  a 
bird  of  the  air  should  convey  the  intelligence  to 
the  parties  concerned — Kings  have  their  friends 
and  emissaries,  where  they  are  not  supposed  to 
be  present.  'Their  ears  are  as  long  as  their  arms;' 
and  God  himself  often  wonderfully  brings  treason 
to  light.  [Mai-g.  and  Marg.  Ref.—JVotes,  7:21, 
22.  8:2.  Is.  8:21,22.  Acts  23:1— 5,  vv.  3—5.  Rom. 
13:1—7.  1  Pel.  2:13—17.  2  Pet.  2:10,11.  Jude  9, 
10.) 


B.  C.  975. 


CHAPTER  X. 


B.  C.  97'). 


PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
V.  1—10. 
A  reputation  for  wisdom  and  honor,  is  not  only 
more  valuable  than  "precious  ointment,"  but 
,more  difficult  to  be  preserved  from  losing  its  good 
savor,  and  becoming  offensive.  (7:1.) — Seeing  we 
are  never  entirely  secure  against  tarnishing  our 
characters  by  one  folly  or  another,  as  long  as  we 
live,  this  may  be  considered  as  an  additional  rea- 
son, why  the  day  of  a  wise  man's  "death  is  better 
than  that  of  his  birth:"  for  when  he  dies,  his  rep- 
utation is  established,  and  a  sanction  given  to  all 
he  has  done  for  the  good  of  mankind;  whereas 
the  indiscretion  of  an  unguarded  hour,  or  an  inci- 
dental transgression,  may  at  any  time  bring  all 
his  endeavors  and  devices  into  disrepute — Every 
professed  Christian,  in  proportion  as  he  is  zeal- 
ous for  religion,  may  be  considered  as  "in  repu- 
tation for  wisdom  and  honor,"  and  a  little  folly 
will  be  more  offensive  in  him  than  in  another. 
The  world  will  watch  him  more  narrowly,  and 
censure  him  more  severely:  his  profession  con- 
demns their  principles  and  conduct,  and  excites 
their  enmity;  and  therefore  they  will  make  no  al- 
lowances for  him.  Every  minister  of  the  gospel 
is,  in  a  higher  sense,  "in  reputation  for  wisdom 
and  honor:"  he  is  "a  city  set  upon  a  hill,  that 
cannot  be  hid;"  his  faithful  preaching  will  con- 
demn numbers,  and  they  will  watch  for  matter  of 
accusation  against  him,  that  he  may  appear  no 
better  than  they.  (P.O.  Matt.  5:13—16.)  How 
careful  then  should  we  be  to  "abstain  from  all 
appearance  of  evil!"  and  how  ready  to  make  any 
sacrifice,  rather  than  give  a  handle  to  those,  who 
seek  to  hinder  our  usefulness,  by  blasting  our 
characters!  In  general,  retirement  is  most  eligi- 
ble: for  few  are  much  in  the  way  of  temptation 
and  observation,  without  in  some  degree  weak- 
ening their  own  influence.  As  men  arrive  at 
greater  eminence  in  these  respects,  they  are 
more  noticed,  will  be  more  severely  judged, 
and  their  mistakes  will  be  of  more  extensive 
bad  consequence.  Alas!  how  many  have  we 
heard  of,  whose  examples  have  illustrated  these 
observations!  Men  of  eminent  reputation  for 
abilities,  for  zeal,  piety,  and  usefulness;  who 
have  sunk  into  neglect,  or  even  become  a  dis- 
grace to  the  cause  of  truth,  by  being  overcome 
by  temptation,  or  perhaps  unjustly  suspected  of 
some  crime,  for  want  of  a  proper  attention  to  ap- 
pearances! It  is,  in  such  cases,  vain  to  exclaim 
at  the  censoriousness  of  mankind:  we  all  ought  to 
know  that  the  world  is  censorious,  especially  to- 
wards religious  characters;  and  for  that  reason 
should  "provide  for  things  honest,  not  only  in  the 
sight  of  God,  but  also  before  men;"  and  "by  well 
doing,  to  put  to  silence  the  ignorance  of  foolish 
men;"  and  pray  without  ceasing  for  grace  to  ena- 
ble us  "to  walk  in  wisdom  towards  them  that  are 
without." — A  man's  wisdom  is  evinced  by  his 
heart  being  engaged,  and  his  ingenuity  exerted, 
in  his  proper  work;  that  he  may  be  skilful  and 
successful  in  it.  How  necessary  then  is  it,  that 
ministers  should  give  themselves  wholly  to  their 
proper  work;  in  order  to  become  "approved  unto 
God  workmen,  that  need  not  be  ashamed,"  and 
that  "their  profiting  may  appear  unto  all  men!" 
Indeed  every  man,  who  does  not  delight  in  God's 
commandments,  will  at  length  be  proved  em- 
phatically a  fool.  But  we  meet  with  great  num- 
bers, among  every  class  in  society,  who  prove 
themselves  ignorant  and  foolish  upon  every  emer- 
gency: all  their  wisdom  consists  in  plausible  pro- 
fessions and  artifices,  which  continually  fail  them; 
and  their  words  and  works  betray  their  real  ciiar- 
acters  to  all  around. — It  is  generally  our  wisdom 
peaceably  to  abide  in  our  places  in  the  communi- 
ty; to  avoid  giving  needless  offence,  especially  to 
our  superiors;  and,  if  we  have  inadvertently  of- 
fended, to  disarm  resentmenl  by  submissions:  for 


those  who  rashly  engage  in  opposition  to  authori- 
ty, seldom  escape  without  some  grievous  calami- 
ty. In  this  evil  world,  we  must  expect  that  ru- 
lers, as  well  as  others,  will  mistake  and  do  wrong; 
and  we  should  be  prepared  to  make  many  and 
great  allowances.  But  they  should  be  warned  of 
their  duties,  and  apprized  of  the  imprudence  and 
bad  consequences  of  "setting  folly  in  great  digni- 
ty, and  causing  the  rich  to  sit  in  low  place."  Yet 
when  such  grievances  are  experienced,  without 
great  caution  men  will  incur  far  worse  consequen- 
ces in  attempting  to  redress  them.  In  every  case, 
resentment  and  pride  are  dangerous  counsellors; 
and  hasty  and  violent  measures  are  scarcely  ever 
either  equitable  or  expedient.  Those  who  seek 
the  dowfal  of  others,  will  themselves  often  fall 
into  mischief:  in  attempting  to  break  through  cus- 
tomary rules  and  limits,  immense  dangers  are  in- 
curred: and  "wisdom  is"  not  only  "profitable  to 
direct"  us  what  ought  to  be  done,  but  in  what 
manner  it  may  safely  be  attempted.  Times  and 
occasions  must  be  waited  for;  prudent  contri- 
vance will  go  much  further  than  brutal  force; 
and  those  who  attempt  even  salutary  alterations, 
without  having  previously  adopted  suitable  plans, 
and  engaged  proper  coadjutors,  will  seldom  suc- 
ceed, and  will  often  render  matters  worse  than 
before. 

V.  11—30. 
Those  who  would  do  good  must  not  despise  their 
opposers,  though  they  be  superficial  and  worth- 
less. Men  may  do  much  mischief  with  such  a 
mean  capacity,  as  could  never  have  attained  to 
any  thing  useful.  A  vain  babbler  wants  neither 
power  nor  inclination  to  bite  like  a  serpent.  Gen- 
tle means  are  commonly  most  prevalent;  and  they 
whose  words  are  soft  and  insinuating,  the  lan- 
guage of  truth,  piety,  and  goodness,  will  have 
most  influence:  whilst  the  vehement  and  endless 
vociferation,  the  furious  passion,  the  boastings, 
railings,  menaces,  and  "mischievous  madness," 
which  many  employ,  only  prove  their  own  folly, 
prevent  the  success  of  their  own  purposes,  and 
give  their  opponents  the  advantage  against  them. 
Such  as  are  most  "full  of  words,"  scarcely  ever  most 
abound  in  sense  or  prudence:  and  those,  who  will 
have  the  last  word  in  dispute,  have  seldom  truth 
on  their  side:  great  talkers  are  frequently  very 
defective,  indecisive,  or  rash,  when  they  proceeii 
to  action;  so  that  they  lose  themselves  in  the  plain- 
est matters:  and  alas!  how  many  foolish  men  wea- 
ry themselves  with  vain  labor  about  religion,  and 
will  not  know  the  only  waj"^  to  Zion,  the  city  of 
our  God! — When  the  government  of  kingdoms 
devolves  on  those  who  are  weak  and  wicked,  we 
should  remember  that  the  Lord  is  displeased,  and 
so  use  proper  means  of  averting  his  indignation: 
and  it  becomes  us  to  be  very  thankful,  when  af- 
fairs of  state  are  prudently  and  successfully  man- 
aged.— How  many  indulge  sloth,  and  spend  their 
time  in  feasting,  intemperance,  and  vain  mirth, 
to  the  ruin  of  their  families  and  of  their  souls! 
And  we  need  not  wonder  that  the  affairs  of  na- 
tions are  often  ruined  in  the  same  way:  for  though 
money  is  not  worthy  of  being  idolized,  or  even 
hoarded;  yet  it  is  too  valuable  to  be  wasted  in 
vanity  and  luxury.  It  cannot  indeed  purchase 
pardon  of  sin,  or  spiritual  grace  and  peace;  but, 
in  respect  of  outward  concerns,  it  may  be  said  to 
"answer  all  things."  Besides  providing  what  Is 
needful  and  convenient  for  ourselves  and  fami- 
lies, it  will  subserve  a  thousand  purposes  of  be- 
nevolence, and  even  of  piety.  It  may  endow 
alms-houses,  hospitals,  schools,  and  seminaries  of 
religious  instruction;  it  may  educate  and  support 
ministers  and  missionaries;  it  may  build  places  of 
worship,  and  enable  those  who  love  the  word  of 
God,  to  circulate  it,  at  home  and  abron<l,  in  eve- 
ry land  and  language:  indeed  no  good  work  can 
well  be  accomplishe<l  without  it.     Verv  few  men, 

[619 


B.  C.   975. 


ECCLESIASTES. 


B.  C.  975. 


CHAP.  XI. 

An  exhortation  to  be  liberal  and  nnweariecl  in  doing  good,  1 — 6. 
The  prosperous  should  expect  affliction  and  death,  and  beware 
of  future  misery,  7,  8:  nnd  young  persons  should  remember 
judgment  in  their  most  cheerful  hours,  9,  10. 

I  AST  ''tliy  bread  upon  the  *  waters; 
•^for  thou  shah  find   it   after   many 
days. 

2  Give  *  a  portion  to  ''seven,  and  also 
to  eight;  ^  for  thou  knovvest  not  what  evil 
shall  be  upon  the  earth. 

3  If  •■  the  clouds  be  full  of  rain,  they 
empty  themselves  upon  the  earth:  and  ^if 
the  tree  fall  toward  the  south,  or  toward 


a  Deut.  15: 7— II.     Prov.  11:24, 

25.  -22:9.   Is.  32:8. 
*  Heb.  face  of  the-waters.   Is. 

32:20. 
b  6.     Ps.  12fi:.';.6.     Prov.  11:18. 

19:17.        Matt.    10:13.      25:40. 

Luke  14:14.     2  Cor.  9:6.    Gal. 

6:8—10.      Heb.  6.1G. 
c  Neh.  8:10.    Esth.  919,22.  Ps. 

112:9.    Luke  6:30— 35.    1  Tim. 


6:12,19. 
d  Job  5:19.     Prov.  6:16.     Mic. 

5:5.     Matt.  18:22.      Luke  17:4. 
e   Dan.    4:27.     Acts   11:28—30. 

Gal.   6:1.     Eph.    5:16.     Heb. 

13:3. 
f  1  Kings  18.45.     Ps.  65:9—13. 

Is.  55:10,11.      lJobn3:17. 
g  Matt.  3:10.     Luke  13:7.   16:22 

—26. 


however,  hit  the  true  medium  in  this  respect:  and 
many  well-meaning  persons  deprive  themselves 
of  (he  ability  of  doing  good  to  numbers,  by  an  in- 
considerate profusion;  and  whilst  they  shun  the 
vice  of  covetousness,  run  headlong  into  the  oppo- 
site extreme.  But  wisdom  teaches  us  to  estimate 
every  thing  according  to  the  benefit  which  may 
be  derived  from  it,  and  to  apply  it  to  its  proper 
use;  to  attend  on  the  duties  of  our  station,  and  not 
to  intermeddle  with  matters  that  belong  not  to  us; 
to  avoid  doing  or  speaking  those  things  in  secret, 
which,  being  detected,  might  tend  to  our  injury 
and  disgrace;  to  curb  every  rising  of  malevo- 
lence, and  to  "fear  God,  honor  the  king,"  and 
render  unto  every  man  his  due.  {JVotes  and  P. 
O.  Matt.  22:15—22.  Mote,  Luke  12:1—7,  vv.  1— 
3.) 

NOTES. 
Chap.  XI.  V.  1,  2.  Solomon  had  repeatedly 
recommended  a  cheerful  use  of  worldly  things 
as  a  remedj'  against  their  vanity:  and  here  he 
adds  an  exhortation  to  the  liberal  use  of  them  in 
acts  of  beneficence.  The  expression,  "('ast  thy 
bread  upon  the  waters,"  may  perhaps  allude  to 
the  husbandman's  casting  his  bread-corn,  which 
he  eould  ill  spare,  upon  a  marshy  soil,  or  even  on 
the  waters  that  covered  it,  where  apparently  he 
had  little  prospect  of  a  crop.  Men  should  allot  a 
considerable  proportion  from  their  gains,  earn- 
ings, or  estates,  according  "as  God  hath  prosper- 
ed them,"  to  supply  the  wants  of  the  needy,  and 
even  of  the  unworthy  and  ungrateful.  This  may 
seem  like  throwing  their  provisions  into  the  wa- 
ters: but  it  will  certainly  not  be  lost,  an.d  long  af- 
terwards they  will  reap  the  benefit  of  it.  They 
are  therefore  exhorted  to  give  a  portion  of  their 
substance,  not  merely  to  one  or  two,  but  to  seven 
or  eight,  to  as  many  as  occasion  requires;  and  not 
to  object,  that  they  have  already  given  to  this  or 
the  other  person.  And  this  they  should  do,  under 
a  conviction  of  the  instahihty  of  human  affairs; 
and  as  sensible  that  all  their  other  possessions 
may  be  soon  torn  from  them,  but  that  this  will  be 
safe,  and  reserved  for  them,  in  all  possible  emer- 
gencies. 'Here  again  Solomon  contradicts  the 
'vulgar  princiole,  upon  which  covetous  wretches 
'move;  and  directs  tlie  quite  contrary.  They 
'think  air  is  lost,  that  is  given  away  in  charity:  no 
'suci?  matter,  saith  th.3  preacher,  (I)  the  fruit  of 
'it  will  be  found  hereafter,  beyond  what  can  be 
'imagined!  Oh,  saith  the  covetous  man  again,  I 
'know  not  what  will  be  hereafter;  now  I  have 
'enough,  but  in  the  latter  end  of  my  life  I  may 
620] 


the  north,   in  the   place  where  the  tree 
falleth,  there  it  shall  be. 

4  He  '■  that  observeth  the  wind  shall 
not  sow;  and  he  that  regardeth  the  clouds 
shall  not  reap. 

5  As  '  thou  knovvest  not  what  is  the 
way  of  the  spirit,  ^  nor  how  the  bones  do 
grow  in  the  womb  of  her  that  is  with 
child;  '  even  so  thou  knowest  not  the 
works  of  God  who  maketh  all. 

G  In  the  morning  ™  sow  thy  seed,  and 
in  the  evening  withhold  not  thine  hand; 
for  °  thou  knowest  not  whether  shall 
t  prosper,  either  this  or  that,  or  whether 
they  both  shall  he  alike  good. 


h  Prov.  3:27,28.  "20:4.  22:13. 

i  .John  3:8. 

k  Pi.  139:14,15. 

1  7:24.  8:17.  Job  5:9.  26:5—14. 
36:24—33.  37:23.  38:4,&c.  39: 
40:  41:  Ps.  40:5.  92  5.  104:24. 
Is.  40-.28.    Rom.  11:33. 


m  9:10.     Is.  55:10.     Hos.  10:12. 

Mark   4:26—29.      John  4:36— 

38.     2  Cor.  9:6.    2  Tim.  4:2. 
n9:l.     Hag.  1:6— 11.   2:17— 19. 

Zech.  8:11,12.     Acts  11:20,21. 

1  Cor.  3:5—7.     2  Cor.  9:10,11. 
t  Heb.  be  right. 


'want;  and  therefore  it  is  best  to  save  whilst  I 
'may.  No,  saith  the  preacher,  for  that  very  rea- 
'son  give.  ...  For  thou  knowest  not  how  calami- 
'tous  the  times  may  shortly  be,  and  then  the  good 
'thou  hast  done  will  stand  thee  in  greater  stead, 
'than  all  the  goods  thou  enjoyest:  ...  which  per- 
'haps  may  be  taken  from  thee,  and  leave  thee 
'nothing  to  do  good  withal;  but  make  thee  an  ob- 
'ject  of  other  men's  charity;  which  no  person  hath 
'greater  reason  to  expect,  than  he,  who  when  he 
'had  wherewithal,  hath  been  kind  to  otliers  in  that 
'condition.  ...  When  thou  tliinkest  not  of  it,  God 
'will  requite  thee,  either  in  this  world,  or  in  the 
'next.'  Bp.  Patrick.  [Marg.  and  J\Inrg.  Ref.  a, 
b.— JVbtes,  3—6,  V.  6.  Ps.  126:5,6.  Prov.  19:17. 
22:9.  Is.  32:6—8.  Luke  6:37,38.  Acts  11:27—30.  1 
Cor.  16:1,2.  2  Cor.  9:6—15.  See  on  JVb/e,  Prov 
11:24,25. — A  -portion  to  seven.  (2)  Marg.  Ref,  c, 
d.— JVotes,  JVch.  n:]0—\2.) 

V.  3 — 6.  The  clouds  exhale  the  water,  and  il 
is  treasured  up  in  them,  on  purpose  that  they  may 
empty  themselves  in  watering  the  earth,  and  in 
diffusing  plenty.  Thus  God  enables  men  to  get 
wealth,  or  knowledge,  or  influence,  that  they 
may  do  good  with  them:  nor  can  these  distinc- 
tions profit  them,  if  they  do  not  benefit  others. 
{JIarg.  Ref.— JVotes,  Ps.  65:9—13.  Prov.  25:14. 
75.  55:10,11.  Hos.  6:1—5,  vv.  3—5.  Jufle  11  —  13.) 
Speedily  they  will  be  cut  down  as  trees:  and  as 
the  tree  continues  where  it  fell;  so  will  men  abide 
in  that  state  in  which  death  leaves  them,  and  this 
will  be  according  as  they  have,  or  have  not, 
brought  forth  good  fruit.  [Marg.  Ref.  g. — JVotes, 
Jfatt.  3:7—10.  Gal.  6:6—10.)  Selfish  men  object 
to  this  duty,  from  their  circumstances,  families, 
or  necessary  expenses;  and  especially  from  the 
vices  and  ingratitude  of  the  poor.  But  the  hus- 
bandman, who  should  thus  object  to  the  plowing 
or  sowing  of  his  ground,  or  reaping  his  crop,  be- 
cause the  wind  was  cold  or  rough,  or  the  clouds 
threatened  rain,  would  miss  his  seed-time,  and 
lose  his  harvest:  and  so  will  they,  who  have  al- 
ways an  excuse  ready  when  a  good  work  is  pro- 
posed. {JIarg.  Ref.  h.— JVotes,  Prov.  3:27,28. 
20:4.) — Men  are  ready  to  say,  wc  cannot  con- 
ceive in  what  manner  we  shall  ever  be  repaid, 
for  the  trouble  and  expense  of  our  charity.  But 
can  they  understand,  how  the  spirit  or  soul  is 
united  to  the  bodj';  or  how  the  body  is  fashioned 
in  the  vvomb.'  And  if  a  man  be  unable  to  under- 
stand these  things,  how  can  it  be  expected,  that 
he  should  know  the  other  manifold  "works  of  God 
who  maketh  all.="'    [Marg.  Ref.  i — \.— JVotes,  8: 


B.   C.  975. 


CHAPTER  XI. 


B.  C.  97.5. 


7  IT  Truly  "  the  light  is  sweet,  and  p  a 
pleasant  thing  it  is  for  the  eyes  to  behold 
the  sun: 

8  But  "^  if  a  man  live  many  years  and 
7  rejoice  in  them  all;  ^yet  let  him  remem- 
ber the  days  of  darkness;  for  they  shall 
be  many.  '  All  that  cometh  is  vanity. 

9  "  Rejoice,  O  young  man,  "  in  thy 
youth;  and  let  thy    heart  cheer  thee  in 


o  Job  33:28,30.  Ps.  56:13.  Prov. 

15:30.  -29:13. 
p  7:11.     Ps.  34:11.     Matl.  5:45. 
q  6:6.  8:12. 

r  3:12.13.  5:18—20.  8:15. 
s   7:14.    12:1—5.      Deut.  32:29. 

.rob  10:22.    15:23.    13:18.     Jer. 

13:16.     Joel  2:2.     Matt.  22:13. 


Jude  18. 
12:1—11,15,17,19,21—23,26.     4: 

8,16.  5:1.5,16.  6:11. 
u   1  Kiogs  18:27.    22:15.     Luke 

15:12,13. 
X    12:1.     1  Kings   18:12.     Lam. 

3:27. 


16,17.  Job  5:8—10.  26:14.  Ps.  139:14—16.  JoAnS: 
7,8,12,13.)  Every  good  action  therefore,  which 
springs  from  a  right  principle,  ought  to  be  con- 
sidered, as  sowing  the  seed  of  a  future  harvest: 
true  wisdom  consists  in  doing  this  daily,  and  in 
every  p&rt  of  the  day,  without  sparing  trouble  or 
expense,  from  )'outh,  to  extreme  old  age:  and  if 
many  endeavors  to  be  useful  seem  to  terminate  in 
disappointment,  this  should  not  be  a  discourage- 
ment; for  none  can  know  which  of  all  their  at- 
tempts will  be  most  successful,  or  be  certain  that 
they  will  not  all  succeed,  though  they  do  not 
know  it,  or  live  to  see  it.  [Marg.  Ref.  m,  n. ) 

V.  7,  8.  Ungodly  men  expect  the  comfort  of 
life  from  health  and  prosperity,  which  are  as 
pleasant  to  the  mind  as  light  is  to  the  eyes,  and 
as  tfie  sun  cheers  us  after  a  gloomy  season.  But 
should  a  man  live  many  years,  and  enjoy  every 
pleasure  of  life  through  them  all:  let  him  remem- 
ber that  this  season  will  speedily  pass  away;  te- 
dious da3^s  of  sickness  and  pain  may  precede 
death;  and  if  these  be  his  "good  things,"  an  eter- 
nity of  darkness  and  despair  will  follow.  All  tliis 
outward  prosperity  then  is  a  mere  vanity.  {JSIarg. 
Ref.—JVotes,  2:24—26.  3:12—15.  8:11—15.  12:1— 
7.  Ps.  39:.5— 8.  90:7—11.) 

V.  9,  10.  This  address  to  youngs  persons  is  pe- 
culiarly animated  and  affecting.  Solomon  sup- 
poses 'hat  in  general  they  would  not  be  convinc- 
ed that  "air was  vanity,"  until  they  had  made  the 
trial;  that  they  would  desire  liberty  and  opportu- 
nity to  pursue  evei-y  pleasure,  and  to  gratify  eve- 
ry inclination,  and  regale  every  sense,  during  the 
vigor  of  youth;  and  that  they  were  sanguine  in 
their  expectations  of  happiness.  'Well,'  says  he, 
'follow  the  bent  of  your  desires,  wherever  they 
'lead  you:  do  as  I  have  done;  repeat  the  same  ex- 
'periments,  as  far  as  it  is  in  your  power:  but  be 
'assured  at  the  same  time,  that  for  all  these  things 
'God  will  call  3'ou  into  judgment.'  He  then  ex- 
horts them  seriouslj,  to  behave  so  in  their  youth, 
as  may  best  remove  or  prevent  sorrow  and  dis- 
ease in  future  years,  and  the  wrath  of  God  in  a 
future  state;  or,  to  guard  againstboth  the  vehement 
passions  of  the  mind,  and  the  ungovernable  appe- 
tites of  the  body:  "for  childhood  and  youth  are 
vanity."  Even  in  that  early  period  sickness  and 
death  may  come,  youthful  pleasures  are  vain  and 
empty,  and  even  in  childhood  and  youth  the  lieart 
is  exceedingly  prone  to  sin  and  foil}'.  {JIarg. 
and  JIarg.  Ref.— See  on  JVote,  7,8. — N'otes,  2: 1 
—17.3:16,17.  12:1,11  —  14.  Gen.  .3:6.  6:5.  Prov. 
22:15.  Jer.  17:9,10.  Rom.  2:4—11.  2  Cor.  5:9— 
12.  1  Pet.  4:3—5.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

Nothing  tends  more  to  give  us  a  sanctified  and 
comfortable  u:^e  of  outward  things,  than  liberal 
and  well  directed  beneficence.  Every  "work 
and  labor  of  love"  to  others,  for  the  Lord's  sake, 


the  days  of  thy  youth,  ahd  ^  walk  in  the 
ways  of  thine  heart,  and  *  in  the  sight  of 
thine  eyes:  but  "  know  thou,  that  for  all 
these  things  God  will  bring  thee  into 
judgment. 

10  Therefore  '' remove  *  sorrow  from 
thy  heart,  "^  and  put  away  evil  from  thy 
flesh;  <■  for  childhood  and  youth  are  van- 
ity- 

y  Num.  15:39.  22:32.  Deut.  29: 

19.  Jobyi:7.     Ps.  81.12.   Jer. 

7:24.  23:17.  44:16,17.   Acts  14: 

16.      Eph.  2:2,3.      I  Pet.  4.-3,4. 
z  2:10.     Gen.  3:6.     6:2.     Josh. 

7:21.     2  Sam.  11:2 — i.     Matt. 

5:28.      1  John  2:15,16. 
a  3:17.  12:14.  Ps.  50:4—6.  Acts 

17:30,31.    24.25.       Rom.  2:5— 


11.   14:10.    1  Cor.  4:5.     2  Cor. 
5:10.     2  Pet.  3:7.     Rev.  20:12 

—  15. 
b    12:1.     Job    13:26.     Ps.   25:7. 

2  Pet.  3:11— 14. 
*Ot,  anger.   Ps.  90:7— 11. 
c  Job  20:11.     2  Tim.  2:22. 
d  1:2,14.  Ps.  39:5.    Prov.  23:10. 


will  prove  advantageous  to  ourselves:  the  more 
abundantly  we  bring  forth  these  fruits  of  faith  and 
and  grace,  the  better  we  shall  be  prepared  for  ev- 
ery evil  that  can  befal  us  on  earth:  and  that  which 
is  thus  expended,  is  more  effectually  secured,  and 
bears  higher  interest,  than  any  other  part  of  our 
property.  Unbelievers  indeed  think  it  all  thrown 
away,  as  "bread  cast  upon  the  waters:"  but  faith 
knows  it  to  be  "seed  sown"  in  well  watered 
land,  which,  after  a  time  of  patient  waiting,  will 
yield  a  plenteous  increase.  Unbelief  therefore 
hoards  against  the  evil  day:  faith  "lends  to  the 
Lord,"  to  be  repaid  when  he  sees  it  is  wanted. 
Unbelief,  as  the  parent  of  avarice,  resembles  the 
clouds  exhaling  and  retaining  the  waters;  but 
faith,  working  by  love,  resembles  the  clouds  dis- 
pensing their  stores,  and  emptying  themselves  on 
the  parched  earth.  The  covetous  man,  however, 
will  not  part  with  his  idolized  treasures  till  death 
tears  him  from  them.  Then,  as  he  lived  to  himself, 
he  is  cut  down  like  a  barren  tree,  and  cast  into 
the  fire,  there  to  remain  for  ever:  but  the  believ- 
er, who  has  lived  to  God,  and  brought  forth  fruit 
as  "a  tree  of  righteousness,"  will  flourish  in  the 
paradise  of  God  for  ever.  Yet  selfishness  will 
continue  to  make  excuses  and  objections;  and  the 
dread  of  present  loss,  self-denial,  or  inconveni- 
ence, renders  iiyen  reluctant  to  every  proposed 
method  of  doing  good:  thus  they  lose  their  seed- 
time and  harvest,  and  their  hoarded  abundance 
will  rise  up  against  them  for  their  condemnation 
at  the  last  day.  But  let  us  rely  on  the  faithful 
word  of  God,  and  leave  him  to  make  it  good  in 
his  own  lime  and  manner.  Jjct  the  rich  be  lib- 
eral in  these  profitable  services,  and  others  ac- 
cording to  their  ability.  Let  not  ministers  be 
slack,  or  discouraged  in  their  work,  because  (hey 
do  not  see  their  prayers  answei-ed,  and  their  la- 
bors blessed.  Let  them  sow  the  good  seed  plen- 
tifully, and  with  perseverance,  and  they  will  "find 
it  after  many  days:"  the  Lord  works  by  them,  at 
those  times,  and  in  those  ways,  of  which  they  are 
not  aware;  they  cannot  tell  which  sermon  or  ex- 
hortation he  may  please  to  bless,  or  whether  they 
may  not  all  be  useful.  Let  it  suffice,  that  God 
will  accept  and  recompense  every  well-meant 
endeavor;  and  the  whole  will  subserve  the  pur- 
poses of  his  glory,  and  the  salvation  of  souls. 
And  let  no  Christian  be  weary  of  well-doing, 
in  every  way.  This  will  do  more  to  render  life 
comfortable,  than  carnal  prosperity  and  pleasure. 
-The  light  of  the  Sun  of  Righteousness  and 
his  healing  beams  are  far  more  pleasing  to  (he 
believer's  soul,  tlian  the  light  of  the  sun  to 
his  eyes:  and  though  he  must  expect  pain,  sick- 
ness, and  death,  yet  his  Redeemer  will  not  leave 
him  comfortless:  his  Sun  may  be  clouded  and 
eclipsed;  but  it  shall  never  go  down  to  leave  him 
in  darkness  and  despair.  Soon  will  the  longest 
life  of  earthly  pleasure  and  prosperity  expire: 

\cy2i 


B.  C.  975. 


ECCLESIASTES. 


B.  C.  975. 


chap:  XII. 


An  exhortation  to  early  piety,  1 .  A  descnpUon  of  the  infirmities 
of  old  age,  and  the  approach  and  consequences  of  death,  2 — 7. 
A  repeated  declaration  that  "all  is  vanity;"  the  preacher's 
purpose  and  care  in  his  Instructions;  and  the  solemn  conclusion 
of  his  subject,  in  a  charge  to  fear  and  obey  God,  as  the  whole 
of  man,  and  thus  to  prepare  for  judgment,  8 — 14. 

a  "O  EMEMBER  now  thy  Creator  in 
JjL  the  days  of  thy  youth,  **  while  the 
evil  days  come  not,  nor  the  years  draw 
nigh,  •=  when  thou  shalt  say,  I  have  no 
pleasure  ia  them; 

2  While  '^  the  sun,  or  the  light,  or  the 
moon,  or  the  stars,  be  not  darkened,  ^  nor 
the  clouds  return  after  the  rain: 

3  In  the  day  when  the  keepers  of  the 
liouse  shall  tremble,  and  the  ^  strong  men 
shall  bow  themselves,  and  the  grinders 
*  cease  because  they  are  few,  ^  and  those 
that  look  out   at  the   windows  be   dark- 


ened, 

a  11:10.  Gen.  39:=2,8,9,23.  1 
Snm.  1:23.  2:18,26.  3:19—21. 
}r.:7,UM3.  17:38,37.  1  Kings 
3:d— 12.  14:13.  18:12.  2  Chr. 
34.2,3.  Ps.  22:9.10.  34:11.  71: 
17,18.  Prov.  3:17.  22:6.  Lam. 
3:27.  Dan.  1:8,9,17.  Luike  1: 
15.  2:40—52.  18:10.  Eph.  6:1. 
2  Tim.  3:15. 

b    11:8.     Job    30:2.     Ps.  90:10. 


Hos.  7:9. 
c  2  Sam.  19:35. 
d    11:7,3.     Gen.  27:1.    43:10.   1 

Sam.  3:2.  4:15,18. 
e  Ps.  42:7.  71:20.  77:16—20. 
f  2  Sam.  21:15—17.  Ps.  90.9,10. 

102:23.     Zech.  8:4. 
*   Or,  fail  because  they  grind 

little. 
S2. 


4  And  the  doors  shall  be  shut  in  the 
streets,  when  the  sound  of  the  grinding  is 
low,  and  he  shall  rise  up  at  the  voice  of 
the  bird,  and  ''  all  the  daughters  of  music 
shall  be  brought  low: 

5  Also  when  they  shall  be  afraid  of 
that  which  is  high,  and  fears  shall  be  in 
the  way,  '  and  the  ^  almond-tree  shall 
flourish,  and  the  grass-hopper  shall  be  a 
burden,  and  desire  shall  fail:  ^  because 
man  goeth  to  his  long  home,  ^  and  the 
mourners  go  about  the  streets: 

C  Or  ever  the  silver  cord  be  loosed, 
or  the  golden  bowl  be  broken,  or  the 
pitcher  be  broken  at  the  fountain,  or  the 
wheel  broken  at  the  cistern. 

7  Then  shall  the  "  dust  return  to  the 
earth  as  it  was;  and  °  the  spirit  shall  re- 
turn unto  P  God  who  gave  it. 

[Practical  Observationa,] 

20.     Mark  5:38,39. 
n  3:20.     Gen.  3:19.   18:27.     Job 

4:19,20.  7:21.    20:11.  34:14,15. 

Ps.  90:3.    Dan.  12:2. 
o  3;21. 
p  Gen.  2:7.    Num.  16:22.  27:16. 

Is.  57:16.     Jer.  38:16.     Zech. 


and  how  numerous  and  dreary  will  be  the  days, 
the  years,  the  countless,  endless  ages  of  darkness, 
which  await  those  who  "die  in  their  sins!"  Let 
the  careless  and  the  carnal  remember  this,  and 
prepare  for  their  closing  scene.  Nor  can  young 
persons  begin  this  needful  work  too  soon.  While 
their  spirits  are  lively,  and  their  hearts  cheerful, 
let  them  so  temper  their  joy,  as  to  recollect  con- 
tinually the  account  they  niust  give  of  their  whole 
conduct.  And  let  those',  (alas,  how  numerous  are 
they!)  vpho  determine  to  give  a  loose  to  every  ap- 
petite, and  rush  into  every  scene  of  dissipation 
and  vicious  pleasure,  to  which  they  can  have  ac- 
cess, take  this  along  with  them,  'That  God  regis- 
Hers  every  one  of  their  sinful  thoughts  and  de- 
Sires,  their  idle  words,  and  wicked  works;  and 
'will  at  last  produce  the  account  of  numberless 
'crimes,  which  they  committed  with  their  jovial 
'comrades,  and  speedily  forgot.'  If  they  would 
then  avoid  remorse,  terror,  and  anguish  in  future 
years;  if  they  would  have  hope  and  comfort  on  a 
dying  bed;  if  they  would  escape  temporal  and 
eternal  misery;  let  them  learn  to  bridle  their 
y)assions,  in  the  fear  of  God,  and  in  the  view  of 
this  great  season  of  retribution;  let  them  remem- 
,  ber  tiie  vanity  of  youthful  pleasures,  and  the  un- 
certainty of  human  life;  and  let  them  anticipate 
those  re'flections,  which,  neglecting  this  advice, 
they  may  hereafter  make  on  their  own  conduct, 
when  oppressed  with  pain  and  terror  in  sickness, 
old  age,  or  the  approach  of  death;  or  when  con- 
demned at  the  tribunal  of  the  righteous  Judge. 

NOTES. 
Chap.  XII.    V.  1.    The  word,  rendered  ''Cre- 
ator,''^ is  plural,  and  may  refer  to  the  expression 
used  at  the  creation  of  Adam  and  Eve:  "Let  us 
make  man."  [J^Totes,  Oen.  1:26,27,  v.  26.  Job  35: 

9 13,  V.    10.)— This   exhortation    is   connected 

with  the  close  of  the  preceding  chapter.  {J\''ote, 
11:9,10.)  Instead  of  that  vain  and  vicious  con- 
duct, which  tends  to  so  many  future  evils,  Solo- 
mon recommends  an  early  attention  to  religion. 
In  allusior  to  man's  natural  forgetfvlness  of  God, 
lie  calls  upon  young  persons  to  '■'■remcmher  their 
Creator."  (./t/ar^.  Rff.  a.  JVo^'.v.  Gen.  39:1—10. 
622] 


h  2  Sam.  19:35. 

i    Gen.  42:38.    44:29,31.      Lev. 

19:32.     Job  15:10.      Ps.  71:18. 

Prov.  16:31.  20:29.    Is.  46:4. 
k  Jer.  1:11. 
1   9:10.     Job  17:13.    30:23.     Ps. 

49:10—14.     Hcb.  9:27. 
m   Gen.  50:3—10.     Jer.  9:17— 


12:1.     Heb.  12:9,23. 


1  Sam.  12:?— 7.    2  Chr.  34:3—7.    Ps.  71:17,18. 
Prov.  8:17.  22:6.    Luke  1:11—17,  v.  15.    2  Tim. 
1:3—5.  P.  O.  1—9.   J^ote,  2  Tim.  3:14— 1 1'  P. 
O.  10—17.)    They  should  remember  his  glorious 
perfections,  as  displayed  in  the  work  of  creation; 
their  own  relations  and  obligations  to  him,  and 
dependence  on  him,  as  their  Creator  and  Lord; 
the   duties    thence   resulting,    and    the   account 
which  they  must  render;  the  value  of  his  favor, 
and  "the  power  of  his  wrath,"  in  whom  they  live, 
move,  and   are.     They  should   remember   their 
sins  against  their  Crea'tor,  and  repent  and  seek 
forgiveness  of  them;    and  their  duties,  and   set 
about  performing  them,  in   dependence   on   his 
mercy  and  grace,  and  a  desire  to  live  to  his  glory. 
This  "^should  be  done,  as  early  as  may  be,  whilst 
the  body  is  vigorous  and  the  spirits  active:  and 
before  those  "evil  days"  or  "years"  approach  in 
which  no  pleasure  can  be  found,  except  in  com- 
munion with  God  and  in  the  hope  of  heaven.    At 
that  trying  season  there  will  be  no  occasion  for 
the    additional   anguish  of  reviewing  a  mispent 
life:  repentance  and  conversion  will  be  attended 
with  peculiar  and  mighty  difficulties:  and  the  cir- 
cumstance of  not  having  renounced  sin  and  world- 
ly vanities,  till  a  man  is  forced  to  say,  "I  have  no 
pleasure  in  them,"  will  render  his  sincerity  very 
questionable  to  his  own  conscience. — The  word 
rendered    youth,   seems   to   mean   the    best  and 
choicest  seujion  of  life.     [Marg.  Ref. — J^otes,  2 — 
7.   11:7,8.  2  Saw.  19:31— 39.  P*.  90:7— 10,  t).  10.) 
V.  2 — 7.    This  figurative  description  of  old  age 
and  its  infirmities,  has  furnished  the  critics  with 
much  employment,  and  a  field  for  the  display  of 
their  ingenuity:  but  such  matters  must  here  be 
handled   Avith   great   brevity.— In   old    age,   the 
relish  for  all  pleasures  is  lost,  and  men  grow  in- 
different even  to  those  objects  which  once  occa- 
sioned the  most  agreeable  sensations:  so  that  the 
sun,  with   its   pleasant  light,  and    the   beautiful 
moon  and  stars,  are,  as  it  were,  obscured  to  them: 
or  the  understanding,  imagination,  memory,  and 
judgment,  the  lights  of  the  mind,  are  so  impaired 
that  they  seem  darkened.— One  affliction  or  pain 
succeeds  another,  as  clouds  return  after  heavy 
showers  in  a  rainy  season.     {.Marg.  Ref.  d,  e. — 


B.  C.  975. 


CHAPTER  XII. 


B.  C.  975 


8  IT  Vanity  **  of  vanities,  saith  the 
Pi-eacher;  all  is  vanity. 

9  And  *  moreover,  because  the  Preach- 
er was  wise,  '  he  still  taught  the  people 
knowledge;  yea,  ^  he  gave  good  heed, 
and  sought  out  and  set  in  order  many 
proverbs. 

10  The  ^  Preacher  sought  to  find  out 
t  acceptable  words:  and  that  which  was 
"  written  was  upright,  even  words  of 
truth. 

1 1  The  words  of  the  wise  are  *  as 
goads,  and  as  nails  fastened  by  the  ^  mas- 

4:4.  6:12.  8:8. 


q  1:^14.  2:17, 

Ps.  6'2:9. 
*  Or,  the  more  -aise  the  preach-- 

er  TOOj,  (S-c. 
rl  Kings8:l-2,&c.   10:8. 
«  1  Kings  4:32.    Prov.  1:1.  10:1. 

515:1. 
t  1:1,12. 
■f  Heb.  viords  of  delight.  Prov. 


15:23,26.    16:21—24.    25:11,12. 

1  Tim.  1:15. 
uProv.  1:1— 6.    8:6—10.    22:17 

—21.     Luke    1:1—4.     John  3: 

11.     Col.  1:5. 
X  Jer.  23:29.     Matt.  3:7.      Acts 

2:37.     2  Cor.  10:4.    Heb.  4:12. 
y  John  3:10. 


JVbto,  11:7,8.  Ps.  42:6—8,  v.  7.)  The  hands  and 
arms,  with  which  a  man  defends  himself  from  as- 
saults or  accidents,  as  watchmen  keep  the  house, 
grow  feeble,  and  tremble  when  their  help  is 
requisite.  The  legs  and  thig^hs,  which,  as  strong' 
men,  support  the  body,  seem  in  old  age  to  bend 
under  its  weight.  The  teeth,  which  used  to  grind 
the  food,  are  most  of  them  gone;  and  the  few  that 
remain  are  become  nearly  useless.  [Marg.  and 
Marg.  Ref.  f.—J^otes,  Gen.  47:31.  Josh.  23:1. 
2  Sam.  21:15—22.  1  Kings  1:1,2.  Ps.  71:8,9,17, 
18.  Zech.  8:4,5.) — The  eyes,  by  which  the  soul 
looked,  as  it  were,  out  of  the  windows,  grow  dim. 
Men  become  disinclined  or  incapacitated  to  opeo 
their  mouths  in  public  debates,  having  lost  the 
distinctness  of  their  voice  with  their  teeth:  or 
they  have  little  inclination  to  eat,  as  they  cannot 
grind  or  chew  their  food,  without  pain  and  diffi- 
culty: or,  as  some  understand  it,  they  keep  at 
home  and  retired,  their  doors  being  shut  towards 
the  street,  because  their  health  suffers  from  their 
not  being  able  to  digest  their  food  as  former- 
ly. Their  rest  is  so  easilj^  disturbed,  that  they 
awake  and  rise  up,  uneasy  and  alarmed,  at  the 
least  noise,  as  the  singing  of  a  bird,  or  the  crow- 
ing of  a  cock:  and  even  when  deafness  is  one 
part  of  their  in6rmities,  their  alarm  is  the  greater, 
at  hearing  any  unexpected  noise.  The  voice  and 
the  ear,  those  daughters  of  music,  are  no  longer 
capable  of  performing  their  functions;  or  the 
spirits  are  too  dull  to  let  them  attend  to  singing 
men  and  singing  women  with  satisfaction.  (2  Sam. 
19:35.)  Every  ascent  in  the  way  terrifies  them, 
on  account  of  the  labor  of  climbing;  they  shun 
every  high  place  through  fear  of  falling  from  it; 
nay,  they  feel  themselves  so  feeble  and  clumsy, 
that  they  dread  being  thrown  down,  or  run  over, 
whenever  they  walk  out.  Their  heads,  covered 
with  white  hair,  seem  to  blossom  like  the  almond 
tree:  every  little  inconvenience,  like  the  weight 
or  the  chirping  of  a  grasshopper,  is  a  burden 
to  them,  and  renders  them  fretful;  or  the}'  are 
bowed  down,  so  that  their  backbone  projects  like 
that  of  a  locust,  and  they  have  no  longer  any  de- 
sire after  those  pleasures  which  once  allured 
Ihem,  nor  any  relish  for  them.  (Marg.  Ref.  i.) 
Thus  man  draws  nigh  to  the  end  of  his  journey, 
and  will  shortly  be  at  his  "long  home,"  or  his 
home  of  ages.  The  grave  may  in  some  sense  be 
thus  called:  but  the  eternal  state  of  happiness  or 
misery,  to  which  the  soul  removes  at  death,  and 
to  which  the  body  will  follow  at  tiie  resurrection, 
is  far  more  emphatically  so  called.    [Marg.  Ref. 


ters  of  assemblies,  which  are  '  given  from 
one  Shepherd. 

12  And  further,  *by  these,  my  son, 
be  admonished:  of  making  many  books 
there  is  no  end;  and  much  t  study  is  **  a 
weariness  of  the  flesh. 

13  5  Let  us  hear  the  conclusion  of  the 
whole  matter:  •=  Fear  God,  and  keep  his 
commandments;  ''for  this  is  the  whole 
duty  of  man. 

14  For  ^God  shall  bring  every  work 
into  judgment,  with  every  secret  thing, 
whether  it  be  good,  or  whether  it  be  evil. 


z   Gen.  49:24.     Ps.  23:1.    80:1. 

Is..  40:11.     Ez.   34:23.     John 

10:14.  Heb.  13:20.    1  Pet.  5:4. 
a   Luke  16:29—31.     John  5:39. 

20:31.  21:25.     2  Pet.  1:19—21. 
X  Or,  reading, 
h  1:18. 
5   Or,    The  end  of  the  matter, 

even  ail  that  hath  been  heard 

is. 
c  5:7.  8:12.    Gen.  22:12.    Deut. 


6:2.   10:12.     Ps.  111:10.    112:J. 

145:19.   147:11.      Prov.  1:7.23: 

17.    1  Pet.  2:17.  Rev.  19:5. 
d  2:3.     6:12.     Job   28:28.     Ps. 

115:13—15.  Prov.  19:23.  Luke 

1:50. 
e  11:8.     Ps.  96:13.     Matt.  25:31 

—46.     Luke    12:1,2.     John   5: 

29.     Acts   17:31.     Rom.  2:16. 

14:10—12.     1  Cor.  4:5.    2  Cor. 

5:10.     Rev.  20:11— IS. 


1,  m.—M)tes,  9:10.  Job  17:13—16.  Ps.  49:14—20. 
Heb.  9:27,28.)  When  this  takes  place,  others 
will,  either  sincerely  or  insincerely,  mourn  for 
him,  as  he  formerly  did  for  others.  [Marg.  Ref. 
m.—J^otes,  Gen.  50:1—14.  Jer.  9:17—21.  Matt. 
9: 18—26,  V.  23.  Mark  5:35—43,  vv.  38,  39.)  Then 
the  "silver  cord  will  be  loosed:"  which  may  mean, 
the  inexplicable  bond  of  union  between  body  and 
soul;  or  the  spinal  marrow,  which,  by  the  nerves, 
continues  sensation  from  the  brain  to  every  part 
of  the  body.  Or  the  whole  verse  may  be  a  de- 
scription of  the  functions  of  life,  taken  from  a 
well;  where  is  a  cord  to  the  boivl  or  bucket,  with 
which  the  water  is  drawn,  a  wheel  by  which  the 
more  easily  to  raise  it,  a  cistern  into  which  it  may 
be  poured,  and  a  pitcher,  or  vessel,  to  carry  it 
a»vay  with;  but  now  all  are  broken  or  loosened, 
and  become  useless.  Thus  at  death,  the  lungs 
cease  to  play,  the  heart  ceases  to  beat,  the  blood 
to  circulate;  every  vessel  becomes  useless;  the 
whole  surprising  contrivance  for  forming  and 
communicating  the  blood,  which  is  the  life,  from 
the  fountain  of  the  heart  to  every  extremity  of 
the  body,  is  now  entirely  deranged;  "the  silver 
cord  is  loosed,  the  golden  bowl  is  broken,"  the 
pitcher  and  the  wheel  are  marred  at  once.  Then 
the  body  returns  to  its  dust,  and  the  soul  to  God 
the  Creator,  to  be  fixed  in  a  state  of  happiness  or 
misery,  according  to  the  things  done  in  this  pres- 
ent life.     [Marg.  Ref.  n—p J^otes,  3:18—21. 

Gen.  2:1.  3:17—19.  Job  4:17—21.  Ps.  90:3—6. 
Dan.  12:1,2.  2  Cor.  5:1—8.  Phil.  1:21—26.) 

V.  8 — 10.  In  the  view  of  this  near  approach  of 
death,  Solomon,  (who  probably  wrote  the  above 
description  in  part  from  his  own  experience,) 
again  declares,  that  "all  is  vanity,  and  vanity  of 
vanities;"  (JVb/e,  1:2.)  and  then  he  proceeds  to 
close  his  subject  in  the  most  solemn  manner.  He 
had  been  renowned  and  eminent  in  all  kinds  of 
wisdom:  but'  the  best  use  he  could  make  of  it, 
was  by  continuing  to  "teacii  the  people  knowl- 
edge." With  great  care  and  labor,  he  had  sought 
out,  arranged,  and  published  many  proverbs,  for 
their  instruction:  he  had  bestowed  pains  to  find 
out  Avords  suited  to  convey  his  meaning,  in  the 
plainest,  most  convincing,  and  agreeable  manner 
to  their  minds;  and  what  he  had  written  was  up- 
right and  true,  and  worthy  of  their  full  credence 
and  strictest  observance.  {Mars:,  and  Marg. 
Rif.—JVblcs,  I  Kings  3:5—14.  4:^29—34.  10:3,6 
—9.  Prov.  1:1 — 6.2:1—9.  15:26.  16:22—24.) 

V.  11 — 14.  The  words  which  prophets  and 
wise  men  employed  in  instructing  the  people, 

[623 


B.  C.  975. 


ECCLESUSTES. 


B.  C.  975. 


were  intended  to  be  "as  goads,"  which  cause  the 
sluggish  ox  to  mend  his  pace  when  drawing  in  the 
yoke:  they  would  therefore  occasion  pain,  whilst 
they  alarmed  the  conscience,  and  shewed  men 
their  guilt  and  danger;  but  they  were  suited  to 
quicken  them,  in  "fleeing  from  the  wrath  to 
come,"  and  in  walking  in  the  way  to  heaven. 
"The  masters  of  assemblies,"  the  priests  or  proph- 
ets who  taught  the  people,  when  assembled  at  the 
temple  or  in  other  places,  and  who  received  their 
instructions  from  the  one  great  Shepherd  of  Israel, 
intended  them  to  be  "as  nails,"  fastened  in  their 
memories,  consciences,  and  judgments,  so  as  not 
easily  to  be  removed;  that  they  might  there  re- 
main, for  their  establishment  in  the  truths  and 
ways  of  God.  {Marg.  Ref.  x — z. — JVotes,  Gen. 
49:22— 26,  t'.  24.  /*.  22:20— 25,  w.  23— 25.  Jer. 
23:28,29.  i/e6. 4:12,13.  13:20,21.  lPe<.5:l— 4.) 
Solomon  therefore,  with  the  authority  and  affec- 
tion of  a  father,  exhorts  every  reader  to  be  ad- 
monished by  the  instructions  which  he  has  here 
given.  To  write  a  great  many  books  was  an  al- 
most endless  work,  not  suited  to  the  shortness  of 
human  life;  and  the  study  of  the  writer,  and  even 
of  the  reader,  would  in  that  case  be  a  great  "wea- 
riness to  the  flesh."  Nor  was  it  at  all  necessary:  for 
whatever  books  were  written,  or  studies  pursued, 
they  would  all  be  vanity  and  vexation;  except 
they  led  to  this,  as  the  conclusion  of  the  whole 
matter,  that  "to  fear  God,  and  keep  his  command- 
ments, is  the  whole  of  man."  The  word,  duly^  is 
very  improperly  added  in  the  translation;  for  it  is 
the  whole  interest,  privilege,  honor,  and  happi- 
ness, as  well  as  duty  of  man,  to  fear  the  wrath 
and  seek  the  favor  of  God;  to  reverence  his  per- 
fections, and  to  become  his  spiritual  worshippers 
and  servants,  "walking  in  all  his  commandments 
and  ordinances,  blameless."  For  after  this  vain 
life  is  over,  another  scene  will  succeed,  and  men 
shall  be  judged,  and  recompensed  according  to 
their  conduct,  secret  as  well  as  open,  and  whether 

good  or  evil.     [Marg.  and  Marg.  Ref.  a — e 

J<'otes,  8:8—10.  11:9,10.  Ps.  111:9,10.  112:1. 
Prov.\:l.  ./Jd*  17:30,31.  Rom.tA—U.  {  Cor. 
4:3—5.  2Cor.  5:9— 12.  I  Pet.  A:'2~5.  Rev.  20: 
11—15.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1—7. 
All  the  wickedness  and  misery  of  man  spring 
from  his  forgetfulness  of  God,  to  which  he  is  ex- 
ceedingly prone  even  from  his  youth.  Though 
every  object  around  us,  and  our  own  reason  and 
conscience,  and  even  existence,  proclaim  his 
power  and  Godhead;  yet  is  he  scarcely  ever  in 
our  thoughts,  while  left  to  ourselves:  and  men  in 
general  remain  ignorant  or  careless  about  their 
Creator  and  daily  Benefactor;  and  neither  fear, 
love,  serve,  trust,  nor  thank  him;  as  his  glorious 
perfections  and  their  infinite  obligations  to  him 
demand  of  them.  We  need,  therefore,  to  be  called 
upon  to  "remember  our  Creator,"  that  we  may 
perceive  our  need  of  a  Redeemer  and  a  Sanctifier; 
and  may  be  excited  to  return  to  the  Lord,  by  the 
way  which  he  has  opened,  that,  being  reconciled 
to  him,  we  may  walk  with  him  through  this  evil 
world.  We  should  also  call  upon  our  children, 
tmd  the  thoughtless  and  inexperienced  young  per- 
sons around  us,  to  attend  to  those  neglected  truths 
and  duties;  and  remind  them  of  the  advantages  of 
beginning  this  needful  work  in  the  dawn  of  life, 
and  of  the  folly  and  hazard  of  neglecting  it.  It  is 
a  great  happiness  to  be  prevented  from  contract- 
ing those  bad  habits  and  connexions,  which  ren- 
der a  change  in  after  years,  like  "cutting  off"  a 
right  hand  or  foot:"  to  avoid  that  injustice  and 
mischief  to  others,  which  often  distress  the  con- 
science to  the  end  of  life;  to  be  secure  from  the 
danger  of  dying  in  sin,  or  of  living  to  be  hardened 
by  its  deceitfulness;  or  of  having  the  great  work 
624] 


I  of  life  to  begin,  when  "the  evil  days  come,"  in 
I  which  pains  and  infirmities  destroy  the  comfort  of 
I  every  possession,  and  are  a  heavy  load  to  bear; 
I  without  the  accumulation  of  so  many  sorrows, 
anxieties,  and  terrors,  as  must  needs  accompany 
a  late  repentance,  in  those  few  instances  in  which 
it  takes  place.  Happy  then  are  they,  who  serve 
God  from  their  early  youth,  and  are  useful  through 
their  whole  lives;  who  have  divine  consolations  to 
refresh  them,  when  other  comforts  are  withdrawn 
or  become  insipid;  who  have  "the  rejoicing  in  the 
testimony  of  their  consciences,  that  in  simplicity, 
and  godly  sincerity,  not  with  fleshly  wisdom,  but 
by  the  grace  of  God  they  have  had  their  conver- 
sation in  the  world;"  (JVbie,  2  Cor.  1:12—14,  v.  12.) 
and  who  know,  that  "when  flesh  and  heart  shall 
fail,  God  will  be  the  Strength  of  their  heart,  and 
their  Portion  for  ever!"  If  we  are  not  previously 
cut  off,  a  few  years  will  terminate  all  that  vigor, 
activity,  or  comeliness,  about  which  we  are  so 
careful,  and  in  which  we  are  so  apt  to  glory.  The 
decay  of  our  bodies  will  even  obstruct  the  opera- 
tions of  our  mental  faculties:  our  dear  friends  and 
relatives  will,  one  after  another,  be  torn  from  our 
side;  one  pain  and  disease  will  succeed  another; 
we  shall  become  feeble  and  helpless  as  children; 
our  limbs  will  totter  under  the  weight  of  our  bod- 
ies; every  sense  and  organ  will  lose  its  power  of 
giving  pleasure;  we  shall  not  derive  satisfaction 
from  beautiful  objects  or  prospects,  from  music, 
from  food,  or  from  any  of  "the  delights  of  the  sons 
of  men:"  every  undertaking  will  then  excite  ter- 
ror, weariness,  or  disquietude;  our  sleep  will  be 
broken,  and  motion  uneasy;  and  the  trials  of  our 
patience  may  probably  render  us  a  trial  to  the 
patience  of  those  around  us.  Every  circumstance 
will  then  remind  us,  that  we  are  speedily  to  re- 
move to  our  long  home,  and  that  when  the  mourn- 
ers have  paid  their  customary  tribute  to  us,  we 
shall  be  little  more  thought  of;  whilst  our  bodies 
are  mouldering  in  the  grave,  and  our  souls  are 
fixed  in  an  unchangeable  state.  Let  us  then  seek 
the  Lord  and  his  salvation,  before  the  vital  pow- 
ers fail,  and  "the  dust  return  to  the  earth  as  it 
was,  and  the  soul  to  God  who  gave  it." 
V.  8—14. 
What  a  complicated  vanity  is  life  and  all  its 
pursuits,  to  that  man  whose  treasure  is  on  earth, 
and  who  has  every  thing  to  dread  in  a  future 
world!  But  as  it  is  a  season  to  prepare  for  eter- 
nity, and  to  do  good  on  earth,  life  is  no  vanity; 
and  death  to  him  who  thus  employs  his  days  ought 
to  have  no  terrors:  here  only  can  we  find  sub- 
stantial good.  To  teach  this  knowledge  is  the 
work  of  every  preacher:  he  who  carefully  attends 
to  this,  according  to  the  Scripture,  is  wise,  though 
his  station  be  obscure  and  his  abilities  mean:  and 
the  man,  who  possesses  superior  rank  and  talents, 
cannot  more  honorably  employ  them,  than  in  copy- 
ing the  example  of  this  wise  and  royal  preacher; 
in  devising  proper  means,  and  in  seeking  out  ac- 
ceptable words,  even  those  of  uprightness  and 
truth,  set  forth  in  the  most  convincing  and  per- 
suasive manner,  in  order  to  bring  men  to  seek 
and  serve  God.  But  indeed  the  pure  word  of 
God,  however  set  forth  in  acceptable  language, 
must  disquiet  the  negligent  and  disobedient;  for 
it  is  "quick  and  powerful,  and  sharper  than  a 
two-edged  sword,  and  it  pierces"  the  sinner's 
conscience,  and  fills  it  with  terror  and  remorse. 
These  are,  however,  faithful  wounds,  and  intend- 
ed to  urge  men  forward  in  the  wajr  of  salvation: 
and  when  they  have  produced  their  effect,  peace 
and  consolation  will  follow. — All,  who  are  accept- 
ably employed  as  "masters  of  assemblies,"  or 
teachers  of  congregations,  derive  their  authorit}', 
abilities,  and  instructions,  from  the  one  "good 
Shepherd,  who  laid  down  his  life  for  the  sheep." 
Their  endeavor  should  be  to  fasten  divine  truths, 
as  nails,  in  the  minds  of  their  hearers,  that  they 


B.  C.  975. 


CHAPTER  XIL 


B.  C.  915. 


ma}'  abide  with  tliem,  and  make  a  durable  impres- 
siou:  and  tlie  autliority  of  him  who  sent  them,  ought 
to  be  recognised  in  them  and  their  message.  They 
should,  however,  keep  close  to  their  instructions; 
for  if  the  plain  truths  of  scripture  do  not  produce 
the  desired  effect,  nothing  will.  There  is  indeed 
no  end  of  the  volumes,  which  are  written  and 
read  with  immense  labor  and  fatigue:  {./Vote,  John 
21:24,25.)  and  instead  of  rendering  men  wiser, 
holier,  or  happier,  they  often  increase  their  pride, 
and  contempt  of  God's  word.  But  whether  we 
consider  honor,  riches,  pleasures,  learning,  or 
abilities;  the  man,  who  had  them  all  in  the  great- 
est abundance,  and  tried  them  at  the  utmost 
advantage,  pronounces  them  all  to  be  vanity. 
Let  us  then  be  admonished  by  his  words,  and 
profit  by  his  experience:    let  us  learn  from  him 


I  the  conclusion  of  the  whole  matter,  that  to  "fear 
I  God,  and  keep  his  commandments,  is  the  whole 
{of  man:"  let  us  then  cease  "being  careful,  and 
j  troubled  about  many  things,"  and  attend  to  this 
"one  thing  needful,  and  choose  this  good  part  that 
1  shall  never  be  taken  from  us:"  (JVo<e  and  P.  O. 
yLuke  10:38 — 42.)  let  us  now  come  to  him  as  a 
j  merciful  Savior,  who  will  soon  appear  as  an  om- 
nipotent and  omniscient  Judge;  when  "be  will 
bring  to  light  the  hidden  things  of  darkness,  and 
manifest  the  counsels  of  all  hearts,"  and  "judge 
the  secrets  of  men:"  then  shall  we  all  appear  be- 
fore his  tribunal,  "and  receive  according  to  the 
things  done  in  the  body,  whether  they  be  good 
or  evil."  "Let  us  therefore  give  diligence,  that 
we  may  be  found  of  him  in  peace,  without  spot, 
and  blameless." 


THE 


SOP^G  OF  SOLOMON. 


TuERK  can  be  no  reasonable  doubt,  that  Solomon  was  the  writer  of  this  book,  as  well  as  of  the  two 
which  precede  it:  'and  that  it  was  always  looked  upon  as  a  holy  book,  treating  of  some  spiritual 
'and  divine  matter,  appears  from  its  being  placed  among  the  rest  of  that  kind.'  Bp.  Patrick, — It  is 
evident,  that  it  was  received  among  the  canonical  books  of  the  Jews,  (probably  b}'  Ezra,  an  in- 
spired writer,)  soon  after  the  Babylonish  captivity;  and  that  it  formed  a  part  of  that  sacred  volume, 
which,  in  the  time  of  Christ,  was  called  "the  Scriptures,"  and  "the  oracles  of  God." — It  does  not, 
indeed,  appear  that  it  was  expressly  quoted  by  any  writer  of  the  New  Testament:  yet  the  coinci- 
dence of  its  general  argument,  and  of  particular  sentiments,  with  many  passages  in  both  the  Old  and 
New  Testament,  is  well  worthy  of  consideration.  (Ps.  45:  Is.  54:5.  61:10.  62:4,5. //o*.  2:1  G — 20- 
Matt.  9:15.  22:2.  25:1  — 13.  Jo/m  3:29.  2  Cor.  11:2.  Eph.  5:23—27.  Rev.    19:7—9.  21:2,9.   22:17.— 

Compare  also  1:4.  with  John  6:44 4:7.  with  Eph.  5:27.-5:2.  with  Rev.   3:20.-7:1.  with  Is.  52:7. 

Eph.  6:15.— 8: 11,12. with  Is.5:\—1.  Matt.  21:33—43.-8:14.  with  Rev.  22:20. )--This  coincidence, 
joined  with  the  general  testimony  both  of  the  Jewish  and  Christian  church,  through  along  succes- 
sion of  ages,  (with  few  exceptions,  and  those  not  peculiarl}^  decided  in  respect  of  evangelical  truth 
and  piety,)  gives  the  book  a  very  liigh  sanction,  not  onlj'  as  genuine,  but  also  as  divinely  inspired. 
— [t  may  perhaps  also  appear  to  the  attentive  and  serious  reader,  that  the  allegory  itself  is  a  kind 
of  prophecy;  and  that  particular  passages,  soberly  explained,  according  to  the  known  rules  of  inter- 
preting allegories  are  prophetical  of  the  coming  of  Christ  in  our  nature,  the  abolition  of  the  Mo- 
saic dispensation,  the  calling  of  the  Gentiles,  and  the  enlargement  of  the  church;  (JV'btt*,  2:8,9,16, 
17.  8:1,2,8,9.)  and  more  than  this  cannot  be  expected  from  the  natiu'e  of  the  composition. — We 
learn  from  the  sacred  historian,  that  Solomon  wrote  above  a  thousand  songs:  [JVoie,  1  Kings  4:30 
— 34,  V.  32.  Ps.  127,  title:)  very  few,  however,  of  these  have  been  preserved;  of  which  this  one  is 
called,  "The  song  of  songs,"  the  most  excellent  of  songs.  As  a  poetical  composition,  it  is  allowed 
by  the  best  judges  to  be  finished  in  the  highest  style  of  elegance  and  beauty;  yet  the  pious  reader 
will  probably  think,  that  it  was  thus  distinguished  on  another  and  superior  account;  namely,  the 
excellency  of  the  subject,  and  the  admirable  way  in  which  it  is  treated. — Learned  men  have  be- 
stowed much  pains  in  shewing  the  occasion  on  which  Solomon  wrote  this  sacred  poem;  and  moct 
of  them  imagine,  that  it  was  composed  on  his  marriage  with  Pharaoh's  daug'.iter:  but  this  is  very 
doubtful:  (JVo/e,  1:2.)  nor  is  it  certain  that  it  was  written  so  early  in  his  reign;  for  some  think  that 
(he  tower  of  Lebanon  was  not  built  till  a  considerable  time  after  that  event.  (7:4.) — In  short,  this 
Hong  is  a  divine  allegory  in  the  form  of  a  pastoral,  whicli  represents  the  recipi'ocal  love  between 
Christ  and  his  church,  under  figures  taken  from  the  relation  and  afiection,  which  subsist  between 
a  bridegroom  and  his  espoused  bride;  an  emblem  continually  employed  in  scripture.  It  has  some 
reference  to  the  stateof  the  Jewish  church,  as  waiting  for  the  coming  of  the  promised  Messiah;  but 
it  likewise  accords  to  the  reciprocal  love  between  Christ  and  true  believers  in  every  age,  and  the 
communion  which  arises  from  it.  In  order  properly  to  understand  it,  we  must  consider  the  Re- 
deemer as  loving  and  beloved  of  his  church.  The  marriage  contract  is  already  ratified,  but  the 
completion  of  this  blessed  union  is  reserved  for  the  heavenly  state.  Here  on  earth  the  believer 
loves  and  rejoices  in  an  unseen  Savior,  and  seeks  his  happiness  from  his  spiritual  presence;  Christ 
"manifests  himself  to  him  as  he  doth  not  unto  the  world;"  and  these  visits  are  earnests  and  foretastes 
of  heavenly  joy.  But  they  are  interrupted,  suspended,  or  varied,  on  many  accounts;  the}'  are  often 
lost  by  negligence  or  sin,  and  can  only  be  recovered  by  humble  repentance  and  renewed  diligence; 
yet  the  love  on  both  sides  remains  unchanged,  as  to  its  principle,  though  varied  in  the  expression  of 
Vol.  III.  79  [625 


SOLOMON'S  SONG. 

it  These  things  are  represented  in  a  sort  of  dialogue;  in  which  the  church  speaks  of  Christ,  or  iu 
him-  and  he  infwers,  and  addresses  the  church:  and  the  daughters  of  Jerusalem,  (who  may  repre- 
sent such  as  a?e  inquiring  after  this  salvation,)  are  frequently  addressed,  and  reply:  thus  the  varying 
Experiences  and  col-respondent  duties  of  the  believer  are  delineated  ma  very  animatmg  and  edily- 
fncr^ra"  nner.-But  the  book  should  be  read  with  great  abstraction  of  mind  from  outward  things,  and 
wfth  r^Sch  prayer:  lest  the  carnal  passions  should  be  kindled,  instead  of  the  spiritual  affec  .ons  m- 
vigorated  ^lld,  as  it  is  impossible  for  any  one  to  enter  profitably  mto  the  full  meaning  of  the  in- 
SwriterTwhohas  no  spiritual  experience  of  the  subject;  so  an  ungodly  man  will  seldom  read 
k  wkh  Idvantage,  or  indeed  without  detriment:  nor  is  it  any  objection  to  the  excellency  and  use- 
fulness of  this  sacred  poem,  to  allow  that  it  is  peculiarly  capable  of  becoming  -a  savor  of  death 
unto  death,"  to  "those  who  wrest  the  other  Scriptures  also  to  their  own  destruction."  The  spirit- 
ual meaning,  that  is,  the  instruction  intended  to  be  given  by  the  Holy  fepint,  speaking  by  Solomon, 
shouUthen  be  principally  inquired  after:  and  too  minute  mvest.gation  of  the  external  images. 
?nder  whi?h  it  is^couchedf  or  of  the  circumstances  and  arrangement  of  the  poem  (according  to 
the  rules  of  modern  criticism,)  will,  I  apprehend,  be  found  rather  unfavorable  to  edification,  than 
conduce  o^t-NodSrAlny  things  in  it  ar^  very  difficult  to  us,  both  as  to  the  literal  meaning 
and  rspiruial  instruction  inten^ded  by  them,  if  such  were  intended:  and  «°f ^^^f .^^"f^- ^^^ 
not  be  judged  by  modern  notions  of  delicacy,  which,  in  a  very  vicious  age  is  apt  to  be  fastidious 
but  the  grLd  oitlines  soberly  interpreted,  in  the  obvious  meaning  of  he  allegory  so  accord  to  the 
affections  and  inward  experience  of  the  lively  Christian;  that  he  will  hardly  ever  read  and  med- 
itat  ipon  them,  in  a  spir^  of  humble  devotion,  without  feeling  a  conviction,  that  no  other  poem  of 
•'he  same  kind  extant  in  the  world,  could,  without  most  manifest  violence,  or  even  at  all,  be  so  ex- 
ptiSas  to  desliSl  the  state  of  his  heart,  at  different  times,  and  to  excite  admiring,  adormg, 
grateful  love  to  God  our  Savior,  in  the  same  manner  as  this  does. 


B.  C.  1014. 


CHAP.  I. 


The  title,  1.  The  ciiurch,  or  the  believ*,'  desires  of  Christ  the 
tokens  of  his  love,  praises  him,  and  expresses  her  delight  in 
communion  with  liim;  confesses  that  her  comeliness  is  very 
defective;  complains  that  she  had  met  with  ill  treatment,  and 
prays  to  be  directed  to  the  resting  place  of  his  people,  i — 7. 
He  instructs  her  to  follow  the  footsteps  of  his  flock,  and  com- 
forts her  with  commendations  and  promises,  3 — 11.  Mutual 
gratulations,  and  professions  of  love  between  Christ  and  the 
church,  12—17. 


NOTES. 

Chap.  I.  V.  1.  Solomon  wrote  many  songs, 
all  of  which  were  doubtless  finished  in  the  most 
poetical  manner;  but  this  sacred  allegory  has 
been  preserved,  and  inserted  in  holy  writ;  while 
most  of  the  others  have  been  lost,  {.^''otes,  1 
Kings  4:30—34,  v.  32.  Ps.  127;  title.)  The  prep- 
osition, which  here  assigns  this  Song  to  Solomon, 
is  the  same  used  in  the  Psalm  referred  to,  and  in 
many  others,  as  shewing  who  composed  them.  It 
is  also  called  "The  Song  of  songs;"  not  only  more 
excellent  than  all  the  rest  of  tlie  songs  of  Sol- 
omon, but  than  any  of  those  which  had  been  com- 
posed by  other  writers:  as  it  is  wholly  taken  up 
with  describing  the  glories  and  excellences  of  the 
divine  Savior,  and  the  love  which  subsists  between 
him  and  his  redeemed  people;  which  form  the  in- 
terior, most  sublime,  and  heavenly  part  of  true  re- 
ligion. (J\rotes,  Ex.  15:1—21.  Juds;.  5:  I  Sam.  2:2 
—10.  2  Sam.  1:19—27.  22:  Ps.  45:  title.  Is.  5:1.) 
'AH  the  songs  that  had  been  formerly  made  by  any 
'prophetical  person,  ...  celebrated  only  some  par- 
'ticular  benefits;  this  the  immense  love  of  God, 
*not  only  towards  that  nation,'  (Israel)  'but  to- 
' wards  all  mankind.'  Bp.  Patrick — Probably, 
the  superior  excellency  of  this  Song,  over  all  po- 
ems extant  in  the  world,  except  those  contained 
in  scripture,  %vas  intended;  rather  than  a  prefer- 
ence of  one  inspired  Song  above  all  others. 

V.  2.  In  commenting  on  this  book,  I  pur- 
posely omit  most  of  that  which  many  expositors 
have,  with  great  labor  and  ingenuity,  adduced, 
concerning  the  marriage  of  Solomon  with  Pha- 
raoh's daughter;  a  marriage-feast  of  seven,  or 
more,  days'  continuance;  and  various  dramatical 
arrangements,  adapted  to  these  views  of  the  sub- 
ject: because  it  does  not  appear  to  me,  that  sat- 
(526] 


B.  C.  1014. 

THE  *  Song  of  songs,  which  is  ^  Sol- 
omon's. 
2  Let  *=  him  kiss  me  with  the  kisses  of 
his  mouth;  for  '^  thy  *  love  is  better  than 
wine. 


a  Ps.  14:   Title.  Is.  5:1. 

b  1  Kings  4:32. 

c  5:16.  8:1.     Gen.  27:26,27.  29: 

11.  45:J5.     Luke  15:20.    Acts 

21:7.      1  Pet.  5:14. 


d  4.  2:4.  4:10.  7:6,9.  8:2.  Ps- 
36:7.  63:3— 5.  Is.  25:6.  55:1.?- 
Matt.  26:29. 

*  Heb.  loves.  7:12. 


isfactory  proof  has  been  given  of  any  such  inten- 
tion in  the  writer. — Solomon  indeed  married 
Pharaoh's  daughter,  soon  after  his  accession  to  the 
throne;  [JsTotes,  1  Kings  3:1.  2  Chr.  8:11.)  but 
very  little  is  said  in  the  history  concerning  this 
transaction:  so  that  the  most  ofthat  which  is  con- 
fidently advanced  about  it,  is  mere  conjecture,  the 
fruit  of  a  lively  invention.  The  book  itself  does 
not  give  the  smallest  intimation  about  "Pharaoh'.s 
daughter:"  for  the  mention  of  the  horses  in  Pha- 
raoh's chariot,  and  the  spouse's  coming  up  out  oi 
the  wildeniess,  (a  wilderness  lying  between  Egypt 
and  Canaan,)  will  hardly  be  considered  as  argu- 
ments, by  impartial  reasoners.  We  might  as  well 
insist  on  it  that  she  came  from  Syria,  or  Moab, 
because  the  Bridegroom  calls  her  to  come  from 
Lebanon  and  from  Hermon.  {^Vote,  4:8.)  No 
doubt  many  allusions  are  made  to  the  customs 
then  in  use  at  marriages;  and  so  there  are  in  sev- 
eral places  of  the  New  Testament:  [jYute,  Matt. 
25:1 — 4.)  but  it  has  not  yet  been  fully  proved, 
that  Solomon's  marriage  so  much  as  gave  occasion 
to  this  song,  any  more  than  that  the  marriage  at 
Cana  gave  occasion  to  the  parable  of  the  ten  vir- 
gins.— But,  supposing  it  should  be  conceded  that 
Solomon's  marriage  did  give  the  occasion:  the  fol- 
lowing questions  would  arise  from  the  concession. 
Are  we  to  consider  his  marriage  as  the  primxiry 
subject,  and  the  spiritual  meaning  as  an  accom- 
modation? Or  was  the  spiritual  meaning  em- 
inently intended,  and  allusions  made  to  the  mar- 
riage, only  in  order  to  convey  the  spiritual  in- 
struction to  greater  advantage?  On  the  former 
supposition,  I  should  be  apt  to  think,  that  the;7ri- 
mary  meaning  alone  was  intended;  and  .should 
liave  little  inclination  to  dilate,  in  accommodating 
the  circumstances  of  a  mere  epithalamium   to 


B.  C.  1014. 


CHAPTER  I. 


13.  C.  101 1. 


3  Because  of  "  the  savor  of  thy  goodji 
ointments,    ^  thy    name    is    as    ointment  |j 
poured  forth,  therefore  do  s  the  virgins 
love  thee. 

4  ''  Draw  me,  *  we  will  run  after  thee: 

e3:6.    4.10.    5  5,13.     Ex.  30:23  I     Malt.  1:21— 23.  Phil.  2:9,10. 
g4.  6:8.     Ps.  45:14.     Matt.  25 


-38.  Ps.  45:7,8.  133:2.  Prov. 
27:9.  Kc.  7:1.  Is.  61:3.  John 
12:3.  2  Cor.  2:14—16.  Pliil. 
4:18. 
f  Ex.  33:12,19.  34:5—7.  Ps. 
89:15,16.   fs.  9  fi.7.  .ler.  23:5,fi. 


2  Cor.  11:2.     Bev.  14:4. 
h  Jer.  31:3.     Hos.  11:4.     John 
6:44.   12:32.    Phil.  2:12,13. 
i  Ps.  119:32,60.     Heb.  12:1,2. 


spiritual  purposes.     On  the  Is-tter,  the  instruction 
conveyed   by  the  alleg'ory,  or  parable,  demands 
the  expositor's  chief  attention;  and  the  circum- 
stances, just  so  far  as  thej'  lead  to  the  lig-ht  inter- 
pretation, and  no  further.     If  it  be  a  sacred  poem, 
the  meaning  of  the  Holy  Spirit  is  primarily  to  be 
inqtiired  after;  and  nothing  should  be  introduced, 
wliich  carries  away  the  attention  from  that  prin- 
cipal subject;  much  less  any  thing,  which  indis- 
poses the  mind  and  heart  for  it:  and,  as  far  as  I 
have  examined,  the  glowing  language,  even  of 
tho.se,  who  would  be  considered  as  most  cautious 
in  this  kind  of  interpretation,  is  much  more  cal- 
culated to  excite  wrong  ideas   and  carnal  pas- 
sions, than  Solomon's  own  words  are — Firmly  be- 
lieving it  to  be  a  sacred  allegory,  I  shall  endeavor 
to  explain  it  as  such;  and  only  mention  the  allu- 
sions to  ancient  customs,  when  the}'  tend  to  illus- 
trate the  subject:  and,  it  will  appear  as  we  pro- 
ceed, that  many  particulars  cannot,  without  much 
violence,  be   properly  interpreted  of  those   ex- 
ternal circumstances,  which  are  supposed  to  have 
g'iven  occasion  to  the  book. — It  is  also  requisite 
here  to  observe,  that  many  learned  and  pious  ex- 
positors confine  the  interpretation  to  the  church 
as  a  collective  body;  in  a  way  which   seems   to 
disallow   the  application  of  it  to  the  affections 
'and   experiences   of   individual   believers.     Yet  j 
the  church  is  nothing  else   but  a  company  of; 
individual  believers;  fbr  hypocrites  and   formal- 1 
ists,  whether    in    Israel,   or   among   Christians,  | 
could  never  sincerely  join  in  the  fervent,  and  even  j 
rapturous  expressions  of  holy  love  here  used:  so  j 
that  the  language  of  the  church  is  in  fact  nothing 
more  than  the  language  of  those  individuals  who 
compose  the  church,  according  to  their  several  ] 
stations  and  circumstances,  duties,  trials,  and  va- 
ried  affections;  and   the   distinction,  exclusively  | 
adhered  to,  seems  only  to  embarrass  the  subject.  { 
— Some  think   that,  in  this  verse,  the  ancient  i 
church  expresses   her  earnest  longings  for  the 
coming  of  the  promised  Messiah:  but  tiie  fervent  j 
desires  of  believers   after   "fellowship  with   the  | 
Father,  and  with  his  Son  Jesus  Christ,"  are  at  I 
least  equally  intended.    The  church  of  establisli- 1 
ed   believers   may  therefore  be  considered,   as  j 
speaking  in  the  allegorical  character  of  the  bride  j 
or  spouse  of  Christ;  and  'in  the  most  passionate  j 
'strain  wishing  for  some  token  of  love,  wliich  is 
'expressed  under  the  metaphor  of  a  ki.ts.    But 
'there  is  no  mention  at  all  made  of  the  name,  con- 
'dition,  or  beauty  of  the  person,  whose  love  is  de- 
'sired;  nor  any  account  of  the  beginning  or  pro- 
'gresaof  this  desire:  but  he' (Solomon)  'makes  her 
'burst  out  on  a  sudden,  and  abruptly,  into  these 
'words,  "Let  him  kiss  me  with  the'  kisses  of  his 
•mouth;"  that  he  might  the  more  artificially  de- 
'scribethe  nature  and  force  of  divine  love;  which, 
'when  it  possesses  the  mind,  snatches  it  so  from 
'itself,  that  it  is  wholly  in  him  that   it  loves.     It 
'thinks  of  nothing  else, ...  wishes  nothing,  speaks 
'of  nothing,  but  tliis  alone;  and  imagines  that  ev- 
*ery  body  else  thinks  of  the  same,  and  knows  of 

'whom  it  speaks.'      Bp.    Patrick [./Vote,  John 

20:11—17,  V.  15.)  "The  kisses  of  his  mouth" 
evidently  mean  those  clieering  assurances  of  rec- 
onciliation and   endeared  love,  with  which    be- 


^  the  King  hath  brought  me  into  his  cham- 
bers: '  we  will  be  glad  and  rejoice  in  thee, 
we  will  ""  remember  thy  love  more  than 
wine:  *  the  upright  love  thee. 


k   2:3—5.     3:4.       Ps.   45:14,15. 

Matt.    25:10.        John    14:2,3. 

Eph.  2:6. 
I  Ps.  98:4—9.     149:2.       Is.  25:8, 

9.  45:25.     61:3,10.     Zepb.  3: 
14—17.     Zecb.  9:9.     Luke  2: 

10.  Phil.  3:3.  4:4.     1  Pet.  1:3. 


m  2.  Ps.  42:4.  48:9.  63:5.6.  103: 
1,2.  111:4.  Is.  63.7.  I.uke  2.': 
19.  1  Cor.  11:23—26.  Rev. 
1:5. 

*  Or,  they  love  thee  vprightly. 
3.  John  21:15— 17.  Eph.  6.24 


lievers  are  from  time  to  time  favored,  especially 
when  deeply  humbled  for  their  sins.  In  the  midst 
of  their  fears  and  distresses,  they  obtain  such  dis- 
coveries of  the  Redeemer's  glory  and  grace,  and 
of  his  power  and  willingness  to  save,  as  dispel 
their  sorrows,  and  fill  them  "with  peace,  and  joy 
in  believing,"  and  cause  them  "to  abound  in  hope 
by  the  power  of  the  Holy  Ghost."  Of  these  sweet 
consolations  the  spouse  here  speaks,  and  longs  for 
their  renewal,  increase,  and  continuance.  And 
then,  addressing  herself  to  him,  as  if  present,  of 
whom  she  before  spake  as  absent,  slie  adds,  "For 
thy  love  is  better  than  wine."  The  assurance, 
the  pledges,  the  consolations,  of  the  love  of  Christ, 
producing  reciprocal  love  to  him,  give  higher  and 
more  exquisite  pleasures,  than  can  flow  from  the 
exhilaration  of  wine,  or  from  any  animal  indul- 
gence. (Marg.  Ref.  c,d.—J^otes,  4.  2:4,5.  4:10. 
7..6— 9.    8:1,2.  P*.  63:1— 8.  Matt.  26:29.) 

V.  3.  Th.-5  glorious  excellences  of  the  Re- 
deemer's person  and  character;  the  unction  of 
the  Holy  Spirit  wthout  measure;  the  condescen- 
sion and  love  of  his  undertaking  in  behalf  of  sin- 
ners; the  suitableness  and  preciousness  of  his 
righteousness,  atonement,  and  mediation,  and  of 
all  the  offices  which  he  sustains  for  our  benefit; 
render  his  name  more  pleasant  to  the  believer's 
heart,  than  the  most  co-iitly  unguent  or  perfume 
could  be  to  his  senses.  The  more  the  truths  con- 
cerning Christ  are  examined  or  explained,  by 
the  preaching  of  the  gospel,  or  by  reading  and 
meditation,  the  higher  delight  in  his  excellences 
and  more  fervent  love  of  him  are  excited;  even  as 
the  fragrancy  of  the  ointment  is  most  perceived, 
when  by  pouring  it  forth  "the  house  is  filled 
with  its  odor."  On  these  accounts,  "the  vir- 
gins," meaning  all  uncorrupl  and  vpnght  souls, 
love  the  Lord  Jesus,  in  proportion  to  the  degree 
of  their  purity,  simplicity,  and  entire  devotedness 
to  the  worship  and  service  of  God.  {Marg.  Ref. 
—JK'otes,  4.  3:6.  Ps.  45:6—8.  Is.  7:14.  9:6,7. 
Jer.  23:5,6.  Matt.  1:20—23.  John  12:1—8,  i'.  3. 
2  Cor.  2:15— 17.  11:1— 6,  w.  2,3.  P/u/.  3:8— 11. 
Rev.  14:1 — 5,  vv.  4,5.) 

V.  4.  The  thoughts  of  the  excellency  of  Christ, 
may  be  supposed  here  to  remind  the  spouse  of 
her  want  of  conformity  to  him;  and  she  longs  to 
follow  him  more  nearly,  and  be  more  like  him, 
and  more  drawn  off  from  all  other  objects.  But 
she  feels  also  her  inability  to  attain  this,  without 
his  special  grace;  and  therefore  entreats  him  to 
"draw  her"  by  the  quickening  influences  of  his 
Spirit;  and  then  she  will  "run  after  him,"  in  the 
ways  of  holy  obedience.  Nay,  she  says,  "we  will 
ruii  after  thee;"  intimating  perhaps,  that  she  should 
then  be  enabled  to  keep  up  with  those  believers, 
who  now  were  far  before  her  in  love  and  holiness; 
or  that  she  should  be  enabled  to  induce  and  en- 
courage others  to  run  in  the  same  blessed  course. 
Such  expressions  seem  not  to  have  any  distinct  or 
appropriate  meaning,  when  literally  interpreted. 
— 'The  whole  verse  may  be  understood  after  this 
'manner;  that  the  first  words  "Draw  me,"  aro 
'the  voice  of  the  spouse;  the  next  "We  will  run 
'after  thee,"  the  words  of  the  chorus  of  virgins. 
'And  then  she  speaks  again,  "The  King  hath 
'brouHit  me  into  his  chambers;"  and  then  they 

[r.27 


n.  c.  1014. 


SOLOMON'S  SONG. 


B.  C.  1014. 


5  I  am  "  black,  but  °  comely,  p  O  ye 
daughters  of  Jerusalem,  ^  as  the  tents  of 
Kedar,  as  the  curtams  of  Solomon. 

6  ■■  Look  not  upon  me,  ^  because  I  am 
black,  because  the  sun  hath  looked  upon 
me:  '  my  mother's  children   were  angry 


n  6.     Is.  53:2.      Matt.  10:25.     1 

Cor.  4:10— 13.     iJohnS:]. 
o3— 10.   2:10,14.  6:4—10.     Ps. 
.    90:17.  149:4.  Is.  61:10.    Kz.  16: 

14.    Matt.  22:11.     Luke  15:22. 

Rom.  13:14.  2  Cor.  5:21.  Eph. 

5:26,27.     Rev.  19:7,8. 
p   2:7.    3:5,10,11.     5:8,16.    8:4. 

Ps.  45.9.     Luke   13:34.     Gal. 


4:26. 
q  Ps.  120:5. 
rRuth  1:19—21. 
s  Job  30:30.     .Ter.   8:21.     Lam. 

4:3.  5.10.     Mark4:fi,l7.    Acts 

14:22. 
t  Ps.  69:8.     Jer.  12:6.  Mic.  7:6. 

Matt.  10:35,36.     Luke  12:51  — 

53.     Gal.  4:29. 


with  me;  they  made  me  "  keeper  of  the 
vineyards;  but   mine  own  vineyard  have 

I   not   kept.  [Practical  Observations.] 

7  IT  Tell  me,  *  O  thou  whom  my  soul 
loveth,  where  ^  thou  feedest,  where  thou 
make  St  thy  flock  to  rest  at  noon;  ^  for  why 
should  I  be  as  one  that  *turneth  aside  by 
the  flocks  of  thy  companions.^ 


u  3:11,12. 

x2:3.  3:1— 4.    5:8—10,16.     Ps. 

18:1.      116:1.       Is.   5:1.      26:9. 

Matt.    10:37.      John  21:17.    1 

Pet.  1:8.  2:7. 
y  Gen.  37:16.     Ps.  23:1,2.  80:1. 


Is.  40:11.    Mic.  5:4.     John  10: 

11,23,29.     Rev.  7:17. 
z    1   Sam.  12:20,21.       Ps.   28:1. 

John  6:67—69.     1  John  2:19, 

20. 
*  Or,  is  veiled.  2  Cor.  3:14—13. 


'again  express  their  joy  at  it  in  the  following' 
'words,  "We  will  be  glad  and  rejoice  in  thee."  ' 
Bp.  Patrick.  (Jllar"-.  Bef.  h,  i.—JTotes,  Ps.  119: 
32.  Jer.  31:3—5,  v.  3.  Has.  11:3,4.  John  6:41  — 
46,  V.  44.  12:27—33,  v.  32.  Phil.  2:12,13.  Heh. 
12:1.) — Some  here  consider  the  spouse  as  the  an- 
cient church  of  Israel,  praying  for  the  Savior's 
coming;  and  the  virgins,  (3)  as  converts  from 
among  the  gentiles,  who  would  then  join  them- 
selves in  vast  numbers  to  the  believers  of  the 
Jews,  and  with  great  alacrity  follow  him  as  his 
zealous  disciples. — We  learn  from  the  other  part 
of  the  verse,  that  the  person  before  spoken  of  was 
the  King,  even  that  "King  of  Israel,"  whom 
Solomon  in  all  his  glory  feebly  represented. 
The  spouse  had  experienced  the  comforts  of  his 
condescending  love,  and  gracious  presence;  and 
expected  still  more  endeared  and  intimate  com- 
munion with  him;  and,  with  all  her  attendants, 
resolved  to  rejoice  in  him,  "remembering  his 
love"  (or  loves,  the  tokens  and  expressions  of  his 
love,)  "more  than  wine."  'Yea,  not  only  we,  but 
'all  "they  who  uprightly  love  thee,"  will  thus  re- 
'joice  in  thee.'  {Marg.  and  Marg.  Ref.  k — m. 
—jVbfes,  2,3,12— 14.  2:3 — 3.  P*.  45:1,9— 11.  Is. 
61:10,11.  J\Iatt.  25: 10—13,  v.  10,34 — iO,  v.  34. 
Jo/i.n  21:15—17.  1  Pet.  1:8,9.) 

We  will  remember.'\     ni''3u  .     "We  will  cause 

thy  loves  to  be  remembered  more  than  wine;" 
by  attending  on  the  memorials  of  thy  love;  [J^ote, 
Matt.  26:26 — 28.)  by  our  profession,  worship,  and 
instructing  our  children;  we  will  do  what  we  can 
to  cause  thy  love  to  be  remembered  by  others, 
both  while  we  live  and  after  our  decease.  [■N'ote, 
2  Pet.  1:12-15.) 

V.  5,  6.  "The  daughters  of  Jerusalem"  may 
here  mean  such  persons  as  associate  with  believ- 
ers, and  favor  the  cause  of  the  gospel,  but  are  not 
yet  established  or  experienced  in  the  faith: 
though  some  consider  them  as  part  of  the  profess- 
ed church  of  Israel;  and  others  as  'foreign  con- 
'gregations,'  which  is  not  at  all  probable.  [Marg. 
Ref.  p.) — The  spouse,  however,  aims  to  prevent 
them  from  being  stumbled  by  what  they  witness- 
ed of  her  circumstances  or  appearance.  In  some 
respects,  slje  was  blackish,  as  the  weather-beaten 
tents  of  the  Arabian  shepherds:  but  in  others,  she 
was  comely  as  the  magnificent  curtains  in  the 
palaces  of  Solomon.  The  original  word  for 
"black"  signifies  dark  as  the  early  dawn.  The 
believer  is  indeed  black  by  nature;  but  he  is 
comely,  as  renewed  in  part  by  grace,  to  the  holy 
image  of  God:  still,  however,  he  is  deformed  with 
great  remains  of  sin;  but  comely,  as  "accepted  in 
tlie  Beloved,"  "and  made  the  righteousness  of 
God  in  him."  He  is  contemptible  and  base  in 
the  esteem  of  men,  but  honorable  and  excellent 
in  the  judgment  of  God.  He  is  often  poor,  un- 
learned, of  mean  abilities,  and  employed  in  low 
occupations,  for  which  men  despise  him:  but  he 
IS  "a  king  and  a  priest  unto  God,"  walks  with 
him  and  is  his  child  and  the  heir  of  his  eternal 
glorv. — The  visible  church  also  is  deformed  by  a 
628J 


large  intermixture  of  hypocrites;  and  by  mani- 
fold scandals,  heresies,  divisions,  and  controver- 
sies, which  prevail  in  almost  every  part  of  it:  yet 
the  invisible  church,  which  consists  of  the  rem- 
nant of  true  believers,  forms  "a  holy  nation,  a  pe- 
culiar "people,"  "zealous  of  good  works."  {JVotes, 
Tit.  2:14.  1  Pet.  2:8,9.)— These  things  may  here 
be  implied:  but  it  is  more  immediately  meant, 
that  the  afflictions  of  believers,  and  the  persecu- 
tions of  the  church,  render  them  base  in  man's 
esteem,  but  comely  in  the  eyes  of  the  Lord. 
[Jlarg.  Ref.  n,  o.  q — 6:4—10.  Ps.  45:9—11.  Is. 
53:2,3.  Luke  15:22—24.  1  Cor.  4:9—13.)  The 
spouse  therefore  advises  the  daughters  of  Jerusa- 
lem, not  to  look  at  her,  either  to  disdain  her  on 
account  of  her  infirmities  or  external  meanness 
and  distresses,  or  to  take  any  prejudice  against 
religion  on  that  account.  If  they  saw  her  black, 
it  was  because  "the  sun  had  looked  upon  her;" 
that  is,  she  had  endured  temptation  and  perse- 
cution for  her  relation  to  Christ.  [Marg.  Rtf.  r, 
s.  Matt.  13:3—8,  v.  6,20,21.  Rev.  7:13—17,  v.  16.) 
Men,  brethren  to  her  by  nature,  or  hypocritical 
professors,  brethren  in  name,  were  enraged  at 
her,  because  of  the  favor  shewn  her,  and  her  at- 
tachment to  her  Beloved;  and  they  had  compelled 
her  to  endure  the  greatest  hardships,  and  do  tlie 
most  unsuitable  drudgeiy;  and  this,  among  other 
painful  effects,  had  proved  a  temptation  to  her, 
to  neglect,  in  some  measure,  her  own  dut5%  and 
the  care  of  her  soul,  and  thus  had  conduced  in 
every  way  to  mar  her  comeliness.  [Marg.  Ref. 
t. — jYotes,  Mic.  7:5 — 7,  v.  6.  Matt.  10:34 — 36. 
Luke  12:49—53.  2  Cor.  4:8—12.  Gal.  4:21—31, 
V.  29.) — It  would  have  been  very  strange,  for  king 
Solomon  to  introduce  his  favorite  queen,  speak- 
ing in  this  manner  to  her  attendants.  It  has  in- 
deed been  imagined,  that  Pharaoh's  daughter, 
having  early  embraced  the  true  religion,  was  per- 
secuted by  her  brothers,  and  driven  to  the  south 
of  Egypt;  where,  by  keeping  the  vineyards,  she 
acquired  a  tawny  color,  so  that  she  neglected 
her  own  vineyard,  that  is,  her  beauty  or  her  for- 
tune: and  that  Solomon,  hearing  of  her  piety  and 
sufl'erings,  sent  for  her  and  married  her.  A  live- 
ly invention  may  easily  thus  make  history,  or 
write  novels:  but  the  scripture  is  silent.  The 
whole  is  highly  improbable.  "Solomon  made  af- 
finity with  Pharaoh,  and  took  Pharaoh's  daugh- 
ter." 1  Kings  3: 1 .  This  looks  more  like  a  po- 
litical transaction  between  Pharaoh  and  Solomon, 
than  such  a  marriage  of  vehement  and  disin- 
terested affection,  as  the  supposition  implies. 
[J^ole,  2.) 

V.  7.  The  spouse  next  addresses  herself  to 
Christ,  as  desirous  of  distinguishing  between  his 
holy  rest  and  consolations,  and  the  false  peace 
and  confidence  of  hj'pocrites.  She  requests  to 
be  instructed,  in  what  places  he  used  to  feed  his 
flock,  and  to  shelter  them  from  the  noon-day  sun 
of  persecution  or  temptation,  that  she  might  seek 
the  same  holy  refuge;  and  not  be  tempted,  or  even 
appear  inclined,  to  join  those  companies  who  fol- 


B.  C.  1014. 


CHAPTER  1. 


B.  C.  1014. 


8  If'  thou  know  not,  *  O  thou  fairest 
among  women,  ^  go  thy  way  forth  by  the 
footsteps  of  the  flock,  and  "^  feed  thy  kids 
beside  the  shepherds'  tents. 

9  IT  I  have  compared  thee,  "^  O  my 
love,  ^  to  a  company  of  horses  in  Phara- 
oh's chariots. 

10  Thy  ''  cheeks  are  comely  with  rows 
of  jewels,  s  thy  neck  with  chains  of 
gold. 


a  15.  2:10.  4:1,7,10.  5:9.  6:4— 
10.  7:l,&c.  Ps.  16:3.  45:11,13. 
Kph.  5:27.  Rev.  19:7,8. 

b  Prov.  8:34.  Jer.  6:16.  1  Cor. 
11:1.  Heb.  6:12.  ll:4,&c.  13: 
7.  Jam.  2:21,25.  5:10.  1  Pet. 
3:6. 

c  John  21:15. 


d  2:2,10,13.  4:1,7.  5:2.  6:4.  John 

15:14,15. 
e  1  Kings  10:23.  2  Chr.  1:14— 

17.  Is.  31:1. 
1"  Gen.  24:22,47.  Is.  30:18—21. 

Ez.  16:11—13. 
g  4:9.  Gen.  41:42.  Num.  31: 

50.  Prov.  1:U.  1  Pet.  3:4. 


11''  We  will  make  thee  borders  of 
gold,  with  studs  of  silver. 

12  IT  While  '  the  King  ^  sitteth  at  his 
table,  ^my  spikenard  sendeth  forth  the 
smell  thereof. 

ISA™  bundle  of  myrrh  is  my  well 
beloved  unto  me;  "  he  shall  lie  all  night 
betwixt  my  breasts. 

14  My  "Beloved  is  unto  me  as  a  clus- 
ter of  *  camphire  in  the  vineyards  of  p  En- 
gedi. 


h   8:9.     Gen.    1:26.     P.s.   149:4. 

Eph.  5:25—27.    Phil.  3:2. 
i   7:5.     Ps.    45:1.     Matt.  22:11. 

25:34. 
k4:l6.     Matt.  22:4.    26:26—28. 

Luke  24:30—32.    Rev.  3:20. 
1  4:13—16.      John    12:3.     Phil. 

4:18.     Rev.  8:3,4. 


m  4:6,14.  5:l,.i,13.     Gen.  43:1!. 

Ps.  45:8.  Joljn  19:39. 
n2:7.  3:5.  8:3,4.    Eph.  3:17. 
o  See  on  13.  2:3. 
*  Or,  Cypress.  4:13,14. 
p   Josh.    15:62.       1  Sam.  23:-V. 

24:1. 


lowed  corrupt  teachers  and  held  erroneous  tenets; 
who  indeed  professed  to  be  the  "companions,"  or 
friends  of  Christ,  but  vrere  rather  his  rivals,  and 
set  up  an  interest  in  opposition  to  him:  'Weary 
'of  wandering  uncertainly  after  those  who  pre- 
'tend  to  thy  Spirit,  but  mislead  such  as  are  guided 
'by  them.'  Bp.  Patrick. — 'Whom  thou  hast 
'called  to  the  dignity  of  thy  pastors,  and  they  sot 
'forth  their  own  dreams  instead  of  thy  doctrine.' 
Uilarg.  and  Mars.  Ref.  y,  z.—Jfotes,  Ps.  23: 1— 
5.  Is.  40:9—11.  J\Iic.  5:3,4.  Zcck.  13:7.  John  10: 
1— 5,10— 18,26— 31.)— fTAom  my  soul  lovdh.] 
Marg.  Ref.  x.— See  on  JVbfe,  3.— JNIito,  2:3.  3: 1 
—5.  5:10—16.  Is.  5:1.  John  14:15—17,18—24. 
21:15—17.  1  Cor.  16:21—24,  v,  24.  2  Cor.  5:13 
—15.  Eph.  6:21—24,  v.  24.   1  John  4:19. 

V.  8.  It  is  evidently  absurd,  to  suppose  this 
verse  to  be  the  language  of  the  attendant  virgins, 
or  unestablished  converts;  for  how  should  they  be 
able  to  instruct  the  spouse  in  her  perplexity,  and 
even  to  answer  the  request  which  she  had  address- 
ed to  her  Beloved.  No  doubt  the  Bridegroom  is 
here  introduced,  as  counselling  his  faithful  spouse, 
with  an  encouraging  commendation  of  her  spirit- 
ual beauty,  as  compared  with  the  rest  of  Adam's 
fallen  race.  [Marg.  Ref.  a. — J^otes,  15.  4:1 — 7, 
10.  6:4—10.  Ps.  45:9—15.  Eph.  5:22—27,  vv.  26, 
27.)  If  she  were  at  a  loss,  and  feared  lest  she 
should  mistake  some  company  of  hypocrites  or 
heretics  for  his  chosen  people;  she  could  not  do 
better,  than  to  consider  the  examples  of  the  most 
approved  believers  in  the  successive  ages  of  the 
church,  as  recorded  in  the  word  of  God,  with  the 
doctrines  which  they  maintained;  to  follow  their 
steps,  without  regarding  those  who  pretended  to 
new  discoveries,  and  taught  opinions,  either  un- 
known in  other  ages,  or  condemned  as  hei'esy;  to 
mark  such  pastors,  as  simply  kept  the  beaten 
track,  the  good  old  way;  to  attend  on  their  min- 
istry, with  her  children,  or  young  converts;  and 
to  instruct  such  as  were  put  under  her  care  ac- 
cording to  their  example.  [Marg.  Ref.  b,  c — 
J\''otes,  Prov.  8:34.  Jer.  6:16,17,  v.  16.  Hcb.  11: 
12:1.  13:7,8.)  The  literal  meaning  of  this,  as  ap- 
plied to  Pliaraoh's  daughter,  ie  not  especially 
stated  by  those  who  adhere  to  that  mode  of  inter- 
pretation. 

V.  9.  Egypt  was  noted  for  beautiful  and  swift 
horses:  those  of  Pharaoh's  chariots  would  doubt- 
less be  the  most  e^fcellent  of  the  kind;  and  in  their 
magnificent  trappings  would  appear  to  tlie  great- 
est advantage.  This  allusion  therefore  may  mean, 
that,  in  the  judgment  of  Christ,  believers  are  the 
excellent  of  the  earth;  and  that  the  harmony, 
which  subsists  among  them,  renders  them  pecu- 
liarly pleasant  to  him,  and  fitted  to  be  the  instru- 
ments of  promoting  his  glory.  (Marg.  Ref.  — See 
on  JYofe,  8.) — The  simile,  as  applied  to  a  beauti- 


ful female,  though  an  instance  or  two  not  wholly 
unlike  it  may  be  found  in  ancient  writers,  seems 
not  very  apposite. — Company  of  horses.']  Tn  m-K('> 
lit:.  [My  mare.)  Sept. — Equitatvi,  [cavalry.) 
Robertson.  This  seems  to  be  the  proper  mean- 
ing of  the  word. 

V.  10.  The  spiritual  gifts  and  graces,  which 
Christ  bestows  upon  his  church  and  every  true 
believer,  and  which  render  their  professed  faith, 
and  their  conversation  among  men,  ornamental 
and  becoming,  seem  to  be  here  described  by  the 
external  ornaments  then  in  use:  and  not  without 
reference  to  the  ornaments  used  in  the  harnesses 
of  horses,  especially  in  the  roval  chariots,  (./l/ori;-- 
Ref.—jYotcs,9.  4:9.  Ps.  45:13— 15.  Proa-.  1:9.^  1 
7'im.  2:8—10.  1  Pet.  3:1—4.) 

V.  11.     [Marg.  Ref.—Jfotes,  Ps.   149:4.     Ez. 
16:9—14.    Eph.  5:22—27,  vv.  26,27.  Rev.  19:7,8. 
21:1 — 4.)     This  verse  is  generally  supposed  to  be 
the  reply  of  the  attendant  virgins.  Mho  thus  en- 
gaged to  prepare  for  the  spouse  the  ornaments, 
j  with  which  she  was  about  to  be  decorated:  but, 
I  as  the  increase  and  perfection  of  the  cliurch'.s 
!  spiritual  adorning  is  the  gift  and  work  of  God;  it 
':  may  be  doubted,  whether  this  language  should  not 
i  be  considered,  in  respect  of  the  new  creation,  as 
i  in  some  respects  similar  to  thayemarkabie  words 
of  the  Creator,  when  about  to  form  our  first  pa- 
rents.    {JVotes,Gcn.  1:26,27.  Ec.  12:1.) 

V.  12 — 14.  The  spouse  here  again  speaks. 
"Whilst  the  King  sitleth  at  his  table,"  (or  meets 
his  people  in  those  ordinances,  in  which  they  feast 
with  him,)  her  spikenard,  or  precious  ointmo'it, 
sendeth  forth  its  smell;  that  is,  the  grace,  received 
from  his  fulness,  springs  forth  into  lively  exercises 
of  faith,  love,  gratitude,  and  adoration,  which  are 
pleasant,  and  honorable  to  him.  [Marg.  Ref.  k. — 
J\'b<e*,4:l6.  J)fa«.26:26 — 29.  Jo//m13:— 17:  Rev. 
3:20—22,  V.  20.)  Yet  Christ  himself,  and  not  his 
gifts,  are  most  precious  to  her;  and  she  resolves 
to  lodge  him  near.,  or  in,  her  heart,  (as  a  bundle 
of  myrrh  or  other  fragrant  gums  are  laid  in  the 
bosom,)  "all  the  night,"  or  during  the  darkness 
and  troubles  of  life.  For  Clirist  was  to  her  far 
more  precious  and  delightful,  than  the  most  valued 
productions  of  the  field,  or  vineyard. — 'Tlic  most 
'precious  nard  comefh  from  the  spikes  of  a  very 
'small  contemptible  shrub;  which  may  be  consid- 
'ered  as  an  emblem  of  the  sweet  odor  of  the  gos- 
'pcl,  which  with  sucli  mean  and  despicable  per- 
'sons,  as  the  apostles  were  in  themselves,  filled  the 

'whole  world.'    Bp.  Patrick.    [Marg.  Ref.  1 

Matt.  26:6—13.  Mark  14:3—9,  v.  3.  John  12:1-8. 
Phil.  4:14 — 20,  v.  18.) — It  is  not  certainly  known 
what  the  word  rendered  camphire  signifies:  but  it 
seems  to  have  been  some  very  costly  perfume;  and 
perfumes  have  always  been  immensely  more  in 
request  in  those  eastern  regions,  than  thev  are  at 

r(>20 


B.  C.  1014. 


SOLOMON'S  SONG. 


B.  C.   1014. 


15  Behold,  "i  thou  art  fah',  *  my  love; 
behold,  thou  art  fair;  "■  thou  hast  doves' 
eyes. 

16  Behold,  Mhou  art  fair,  my  Belov- 

r^Stton^ — I:1,7,1U.  7;6.  (     M7,I8. 

*  Or,  my  companion.     Mai.  2:     s  2.3.  5:10 — 16.   Ps.  45:2.  Zech. 
H.  9:17.     Phil.  3:3,9.     Rer.  5:11 

r4:I.  5:12.    2  Cor.  11:2,3.   Eph.  |    —13. 


present  in  this  countrj".  [Marg.  and  J\Iarg.  Ref. 
m — p.) — The  original  word,  however,  signifies 
also  an  atonement;  and  some  Jewish  writers  have 
rendered  the  clause,  'the  man  who  propitiates  all 
'things,'  with  apparent  reference  to  the  Messiah. 
—The  King.  (12)  Marg.  Ref.  \.— See  on  jYole,  A. 

Y.  1,5.  Here  Christ  again  speaks,  commend- 
ing his  beloved,  as  fair;  especially,  as  having  eyes 
like  the  dove,  wliich  are  gentle,  loving,  and  pure. 
This  may  imply  her  spiritual  discernment  and 
watchfulness,  the  purity  and  simplicity  of  her  af- 
fection for  him,  and  her  mild  and  harmless  con- 
duct in  the  world.  [Marg.  and  Mnrg.  Ref. — See 
on  Mote,  8. — Kote.,  4:1 — 5,  v.  ].) — My  love.^  "My 
companion."    Marg. — T^(jte,  Jlnl.  2: 13— 16,  v.  14. 

V.  16,  17.  Here  the  spouse  answers,  professing 
iier  admiring  love  and  gratitude  to  the  Savior,  and 
her  delight  in  her  union  with  him.  By  their  bed, 
or  carpet,  being  "green,"  may  be  meant  the  effi- 
cacy of  his  ordinances,  to  render  believers  flour- 
ishing in  holiness,  and  to  convert  sinners:  and  the 
beams  of  cedar  and  rafters  of  fir,  ma)'  mean  the 
stability  of  the  new  covenant,  and  the  incorrupti- 
ble nature  of  those  mansions,  in  which  believers 
will  dwell  with  their  Beloved  for  ever. — The  east- 
ern nations  generally  sleep  on  carpets,  and  re- 
cline at  meals  on  couclies  covered  with  them. 
{Marg.  and  Marg.  Ref. — See  on  JVo<e,  7. — J^otes, 
iJ:8,9.  P*.  45:2.  ^110:3.  John  14:2,3.  17:20—24. 
Eph.  2:19—22.  I  Pet.  2:4—6.  Rev.  3:20—22, 
V.  20.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

y.  1— G. 

Those  things,  which  are  most  intimately  con- 
nected with  the  person  and  love  of  the  divine  Sa- 
vior, have  supereminent  excellency;  for  commun- 
ion with  him  in  faith  and  love,  is  as  the  marrow 
of  religion.  Those  who  have  "tasted  that  he  is 
g-racious,"  long  fod renewed  pledges  of  his  kind- 
ness; and  the  more  they  experience  of  his  peace 
and  jo}',  the  more  fervent  will  be  their  desires. 
This  sweet  experience  of  his  grace  gradually 
weans  them  from  other  objects,  and  disposes  them 
to  renounce  all  for  his  sake,  and  at  his  command. 
— The  pleasures,  which  arise  from  the  most  ex- 
quisite gratifications  of  every  sense,  convey  to  tlie 
mind  a  very  faint  and  inadequate  idea  of  that  de- 
light, with  which  the  believer,  in  some  favored 
moments,  contemplates  the  Redeemer's  excellen- 
ces, and  his  "love  which,  passeth  knowledge." 
This  renders  the  preaching  of  t!ie  gospel,  the 
written  word,  prayer,  praise,  meditation,  and 
Christian  conversation,  so  agreeable  to  him:  then 
the  name  of  Christ  becomes  "as  ointment  poured 
forth;"  and  the  more  the  subject  is  discussed,  the 
more  glorious  and  lovely  he  appears.  These  are 
"joys  with  which  a  stranger  intermeddlcth  not;" 
but  every  holy  creature  in  heaven  and  earth  loves 
the  incarnate  Savior,  in  proportion  to  his  love  of 
the  Father,  and  of  his  righteous  law  and  holy  ser- 
vice: and  the  further  we  are  removed  from  all 
inordinate  love  of  created  objects,  the  more  pre- 
cious will  Christ  be  to  our  hearts.  [J\rote,  I  Pet. 
2:7,8.)  But  the  more  clearly  we  discern  his  glory, 
the  more  deeply  sensible  shall  we  be  of  our  inabil- 
ity to  love  and  follow  him  in  a  suitable  manner; 
and  at  the  same  time  we  shall  become  the  more 
desirous  of  doing  it:  thus  experiencing  "that  we 
cannot  do  the  things  that  we  would,"  our  prayers 
for  the  effectual  drawings  and  aids  of  his  grrace 


ed,  yea,  pleasant:  '^  also  our  bed  is  green. 
17  The  "  beams  of  our  house  are  ce- 
dar, and  our  +  rafters  of  fir. 

t3:7.     Ps.  110:3.  I     1  Pet.  2:4,5. 

u8;9.     2Chr.  2:8,9.     Ps.  92:12.     f  Or,  joHenej.  7:5.    Ez.  41:15. 
1  Tim.    3:15,16.     Heb.    11:10.  \     42:3. 


;>o] 


will  become  more  fervent  and  frequent;  and  we 
shall  not  only  desire  to  run  after  him  ourselves, 
but  to  animate  others  to  do  the  same.  Every 
sweet  season  of  near  communion  with  Christ  will 
endear  him  more  to  our  souls,  and  increase  our 
joy  and  gladness  in  his  favor  and  worship:  we 
shall  recollect  with  regret  the  comforts,  which 
we  do  not  at  present  possess,  and  long  and  wait 
for  their  renewal,  far  more  than  sensualists  do  for 
the  return  of  their  unsati.sfving  joys.  Our  honor- 
able thoughts  of  Christ  will  always  be  productive 
of  lowly  thoughts  of  ourselves,  so  that  nothing  will 
appear  estimable  or  amiable  in  us,  except  as  in- 
terested in  his  righteousness,  and  partakers  of  bis 
holiness:  and  these  we  shall  deem  a  comeiincss 
preferable  to  all  the  external  glory  which  sur- 
rounded king  Solomon. — It  is  indeed  lamentable 
that  so  many  things  should  be  visibly  defective  in 
the  church;  as  they  harden  some  in  prejudices, 
and  are  stumbling-blocks  to  others.  Yet  "it  must 
needs  be  that  ofienccs  come;  but  woe  be  to  them 
by  who.m  they  come!"  {M)te,  Matt.  18:7—9.) 
We  should  therefore  endeavor  so  to  explain  the.se 
subjects,  as  to  prevent  the  effects  of  undeniable 
blemishes;  and  caution  inquirers  not  to  look  07i  t/.?, 
to  form  their  judgment  of  Christianity,  but  on  the 
example,  precepts,  and  truths  of  Jesus,  where 
they  may  view  it  uncorrupted.  All  that  supposed 
deformity  of  the  church,  however,  which  results 
from  want  of  wealth,  learning,  or  secular  power, 
or  from  her  afflicted  and  persecuted  condition,  is 
in  fact  her  "glory  and  beauty:"  nay,  the  Savior 
him.self  has  "no  form  or  comeliness"  to  the  carnal 
mind,  that  it  "should  desire  him." — But  it  seldom 
happens,  that  we  are  much  tempted  or  persecut- 
ed, without  in  some  measure  deviating  from  our 
dut}',  and  intermeddling  with  disputes  or  employ- 
ments not  properly  belonging  to  us:  thus  Satan 
prevails  with  us  to  keep  other  men's  vineyards, 
and  to  neglect  our  own.  And  how  dreadful  is  it, 
when  those,  who  should  be  laborers  in  the  Lord's 
vineyard,  are  so  taken  up  with  worldly  employ- 
ments, as  to  neglect  the  care  of  their  own  souls, 
as  well  as  the  souls  of  those  committed  to  them! 
Indeed  even  such  ministers,  as  are  busy  in  their 
proper  work,  should  be  very  watchful  over  them- 
selves; or  their  own  vineyard  will  perhaps  be 
worse  tended  than  those  of  their  congregations. 
(JVofe.9,  1  Tim.  4:U— 16.  6:11,12.  2  Tim.  2:20— 
22.    Tit.  2:7,8.) 

V.  7—17. 
If  the  Lord  Jesus  be  indeed  "our  Beloved,"  we 
hall  be  greatly  afraid  of  being  drawn  aside  and 
imposed  upon;  and  have  constant  need  to  beseech 
him,  as  "the  great"  and  "good  Shepherd,"  to 
guide  us  into  his  fruitful  pastures  and  pleasant 
resting-places:  nay,  we  shall  fear  even  seeming 
to  belong  to  those  false  teachers,  who  beguile  un- 
stable souls,  and  draw  away  disciples  after  them; 
who  pretend  to  be  the  friends,  but  in  truth  are 
the  rivals  of  the  Bridegroom.  (J^ote,  John  3:27 
— 36,  V.  29.)  If  we  seek  his  direction  in  order  to 
follow  (it,  he  will  express  his  approbation,  and 
preserve  us  from  delusion;  he  will  guide  us  in 
the  path,  which  is  beaten  with  the  footsteps  of  his 
flock  in  every  age;  and  satisfy  us,  that  we  are 
"followers  of  them,  who  through  faith  and  pa- 
tience inherit  the  promises:"  {J\'ote,  Heb.  6:11, 
12.)  he  will  shew  such  as  humoly  ask  him,  who 
are  those  pastors,  that  he  employs  to  feed  his 
sheep  and  lambs:  and  he  will  leach  them  to  at- 


B.  C.  1014. 


CHAPTEll  n. 


B.  C.  1014. 


CHAP.  II. 

The  glory  of  Christ,  the  excellency  of  the  church,  and  the  mu- 
tual actings  of  love  between  them.  1 — 7.  The  church  hears 
the  voice  of  her  Beloved,  and  has  discoveries  of  his  glory,  8,  9. 
His  gracious  invitations  and  encouragements;  and  his  command 
to  guard  against  subtle  and  mischievous  enemies,  10 — 15.  The 
church  glories  in  her  relation  to  him,  and  longs  for  the  comple- 
tion of  the  sacred  uttion,  16,  17. 

AM  ^  the  rose   of  Sharon,   and  the 
^  lily  of  the  valleys. 

2  As  the  *=  lily  among  thorns,  so  is  my 
love  among  the  daughters. 

3  As  ''  the  apple-tree  among  the  trees 


aP«.  85:11.    Is.  35:1,2. 

b  16.  6:3.  Is.  57:15. 

C   Is.  55:13.     Malt.  6:28,29.    10: 


I  16.  Phil.  2:15,16.  1  Pet.  2:12. 
d  8:5.  Is.  4:2.  Ez.  17:23,24. 
John  15:1—8. 


tend  on  their  instruction,  and  to  bring'  their  fami- 
lies to  partake  of  it  also;  and  to  assist  their 
weaker  brethren  in  forming  their  judgment  in 
these  important  matters. — The  more  humble  and 
diffident  of  ourselves  we  are,  the  better  will  the 
Lord  approve  of  us:  he  delig-hts  in  the  g-races 
which  he  confers,  and  applauds  the  good  which 
he  enables  us  to  do:  he  will  perfect  his  own 
good  work  where  it  is  truly  begun;  and  con- 
tinually add  to  the  spiritual  adorning  of  those, 
whom  he  is  "beautifying  with  salvation."  Com- 
munion with  Christ  transforms  us  into  his  image; 
the  lively  exercise  of  spiritual  affections  has  a 
fragancy  of  the  same  kind,  with  "the  savor  of  his 
good  ointments  poured  forth."  But  he  himself  is 
every  tiling  to  zealous  and  fruitful  Christians: 
they  desire,  that  "Christ  may  dwell  in  their 
hearts  by  faith"  and  love,  and  prepare  them  for 
himself  by  renewing  them  fully  to  his  own  like- 
nciss.  The  increase  of  this  disposition  renders 
them  more  and  more  the  objects  of  his  delight: 
and  he  especially  approves  of  the  meekness,  pu- 
rity, and  holy  love,  which  they  derive  from  the 
dove-like  Spirit  of  God.  Tiius  the  sacred  flame 
is  fanned  and  fed;  and  the  soul  having  daily  "fel- 
lowship with  the  Father  and  the  Son,"  by  the 
Spirit,  grows  in  holiness,  and  enjoys  "a  lively 
hope  of  an  incorruptible,  undefiled,  and  unfading 
inheritance"  i;\  the  blessed  world  above.  O 
Lord,  visit  our  souls  more  and  more  with  this 
salvation! 

NOTES. 
Chap.  II.  V.  1,  2.  It  is  most  obvious  to  sup- 
pose that  the  Bridegroom  here  speaks,  and  de- 
clares his  own  preciousness  and  condescending 
love.  The  rose  is  considered  as  the  chief  of 
flowers;  and  it  is  probable  that  Sharon  was  emi- 
nent for  roses  of  beautiful  hue,  and  peculiar  fra- 
grancy.  Thus  Christ,  in  his  person,  character, 
and  mediation,  combines  every  excellency  in  the 
liighest  degree;  and  is  most  delightsome  and  re- 
freshing to  the  souls  of  his  people. — The  lily, 
which  adorns  the  lowly  valleys,  is  an  apt  emblem 
of  his  humiliation  in  assuming  our  nature,  and  his 
lowliness  of  heart;  of  his  dwelling  and  communing 
with  the  "poor  of  this  world,"  and  "the  poor  in 
spirit,"  in  this  vale  of  sin  and  sorrow;  and  like- 
wise of  his  spotless  purity.  His  church  too  is 
"as  the  lily  among' the  thorns."  'They  that  be- 
'lieve  in  Christ  partake  of  his  excellencies.'  Bp. 
Patrick, — They  cannot  resemble  him  in  his 
majesty  or  mediatorial  excellency;  but  they  do, 
in  a  measure,  as  to  his  lo'vliness  and  purity.  Yet 
in  this  world  they  arc  like  a  lily  surrounded, 
crowded,  and  wounded,  by  worthless  thorns;  an 
emblem  of  the  character  of  the  wicked,  of  the  in- 
juries which  they  do  to  believers,  and  of  their  fit- 
ness for  the  fire  of  destruction. — Christ  describes 
Ids  church  under  the  emblem  of  a  beautiful  wo- 
man, whom  he  has  espoused,  and  she  describes 
him  as  one  of  the  Sons  of  men:  and  the  rest  of 
mankind  are  called  "the  daughters"  and   "the 


of  the  wood,  so  is  ^  my  Beloved  among 
the  sons.  *  I  ^  sat  down  under  his  shadow 
with  great  delight,  and  ^  his  fruit  was 
sweet  to  my  ^  taste. 

4  He  ''  brought  me  to  the  +  banquet- 
ing house,  and  '  his  banner  over  me  tvas 
love. 


e  5:9,10,16.  Ps.  45:2.  89:6.  John 
1:14—18.  3:29—31.  Heb.  1:1 
—6.  3:1—0.  7:23—26.   12:2. 

*  Heb.  I  delighted  and  sat 
down,  (S'C. 

f  Judg.  9:15,19,20.  Ps.  57:1.  91: 
1.1s.  4:6.  25:4.  32:2.  1  John 
1:3,4. 

gS.  Gen.  3:22— 24.    Ez.  47:12. 


Rev.  22:2. 
t  Heb,  palate, 
b  1:4.  5:1.     Ps.  63:3—5.    84:IC. 

John  14:21—23.     Rev.  3:20. 
t    Heb.    house  of  teine.     1:1,4. 

Esth.  7:7. 
i   6:4.     Job  1:10.     Ps.  60:4.    Is. 

11:10.     Rom.  5:8—10.    8:28— 

39. 


sons;"  being  indeed  originally  of  the  same  family; 
but  bearing  a  very  different  character,  and  hav- 
ing formed  a  contrary  alliance.  [J\Iarg.  Ref. — 
JTotes,  Ps.  85:10—13.  Is.  35:1,2.  55:12,13.  57:15, 
16.  Zech.  9:17.  Matt.  10:16—18.  Rom.  8:28—31. 
—P.  O.  Rev.  5:1—7.) 

V.  3.  The  Spouse  here  speaks.  The  apple- 
tree  (or  citron-tree,  as  some  suppose,)  is  not  so 
stately  as  the  cedar  or  the  fir-tree,  but  its  fruit  is 
peculiarly  valuable. — Christ  appeared  on  earth 
in  exterior  meanness,  but  that  covered  over  the 
most  tran.scendent  preciousness  and  glory;  and 
the  fruits  of  his  abasement  and  sufferings  endear 
him  to  every  believer,  immensely  above  all  the 
most  admired  characters  in  the  world. — A  travel- 
ler, scorched  by  the  noon-day  sun,  would  gladly 
shelter  himself  under  the  branches  of  a  spreading 
apple-tree,  or  citron-tree,  and  refresh  himself 
with  its  fruit.  Thus  the  believer  remembers 
many  seasons,  when  remorse  of  conscience,  and 
fear  of  deserved  wrath,  with  the  temptations  of 
Satan,  and  the  injuries  of  the  world,  dismayed  or 
distressed  him,  and  left  him  without  any  conceiv- 
able refuge,  except  that  revealed  in  Christ  Jesus. 
To  this  he  fled  with  earnest  desires,  and  under  it 
he  sat  down,  or  sheltered  himself;  while  the  par- 
don and  peace,  which  it  afforded  him,  were  de- 
lightful to  his  heart;  and  the  consolations  of  the 
Spirit  of  adoption,  as  fruits  from  this  Tree  of  life» 
were  "sweet  to  liis  taste,"  in  proportion  to  his 
former  terror,  humiliation,  and  affliction,  and  to 
the  degree  in  which  he  was  weaned  from  earthly 
objects.  [Marg.  and  Marg.  Rcf. — JVotes,  5.  5r 
10—16.  8:5.  Ps.  87:4—9.  P.  O.  j\'b<e*,  /j.4:2.  32: 
1,2.53:2.  John  1:10—14.  i2et).  22:2— 5.)— Some 
explain  this  of  the  true  God,  as  pre-eminent  above 
all  the  idols  of  the  heathen;  and  of  the  comforts 
of  true  religion:  but  it  is  only  in  Christ  that  the 
true  God  is  the  Refuge  and  Comforter  of  sinners; 
and  the  simile  is  far  more  apposite,  if  applied  to 
the  Lord  Jesus,  in  whom  the  carnal  eye  "sees  no 
form  or  comeliness,"  but  faith  discerns  every 
thing  glorious  and  precious. 

V.  4.  The  image  is  here  varied.  Christ  is 
"the  Author  and  Finisher  of  our  faith,"  as  well  as 
the  Ransom  for  our  sins.  He  brings  the  soul  to 
seek  and  enjoy  the  comforts,  that  are  communi- 
cated through  his  ordinances,  which  are  as  a 
"banqueting  house"  where  his  saints  feast  witli 
him.  (Marg.  and  Marg.  Ref.  h. — See  on  J^Tole, 
1:4.) — When  the  standard  is  erected,  and  the  ban- 
ner displayed,  the  soldiers  resort  to  it,  and  by 
keeping  near  it  perform  their  duty  to  their  leader, 
and  best  consult  their  own  safety.  "The  love  of 
Christ,"  manifested  in  his  humiliation  unto  death, 
is  the  banner  which  he  displays  by  his  word.  To 
this  the  believer  resorts,  and  by  it  is  directed  and 
encouraged;  and  thus  he  obtains  the  benefits  of 
salvation,  is  animated  to  resist  every  enemy,  and 
finds  effectual  protection.  [Marg.  Ref.  i. — 
JVbto,  6:4.  Ps.  60:4.  /a.  11:10.  jRom.  5:6— -10.  8: 
28—39.  2  Cor.  5:13—15.   1  John  4:19.) 

[631 


B.  C.  1014. 


SOLOMON'S   SONG. 


B.  C.  lOH. 


5  ^  Stay  me  with  '  flagons,  *  comfort 
me  with  apples;  "  for  I  am  sick  of  love. 

6  His  °  left  hand  is  mider  my  head, 
and  his  right  hand  doth  embrace  me. 

7  I  t  charge  you,  °  O  ye  daughters  of 
Jerusalem,  p  by  the  roes,  and  by  the 
hinds  of  the  field,  that  ^  ye  stir  not  up, 
nor  awake  my  love,  till  he  please. 

[Practical  Observations.] 

8  ^  The  "■  voice  of  my  beloved!  be- 1 
hold,  he  Cometh  ^  leaping  upon  '  the  j 
mountains,  skipping  upon  the  hills. 

9  My  beloved  is  "  like  a  roe,  or  a| 
young  hart:  behold,  ^  he  standeth  behind  j 


k  Ps.  4:6,7.  42:1,2.  63:1—3,3.  Is. 

26:8,9.     Luke  24:32.     Phil.  1: 

23. 
12  Sam.  6:19.     Hos.  3:1. 
♦  Heb.  straw  me. 
m  5:8.     2  Sam.  13:1,2.   Ps.  119: 

n  3:3.   Is.  54:5—10.  62:4,5.  Jer. 

32:41.   Zeph.  3:17.    John  3:29. 

Eph.  5:25—29. 
t  Heb.   adjure.    Matt.  26:63. 
o  1:5.  5:3,16. 
p  3:5.     Prov.  5:19. 


q  8:4.    Eph.  5:22—33. 

r5:2.  John  3:29.  10:4,5,27.  Rev. 

3:20. 
s  2  Sam.  6:16.  Is.  35:6.  Jer.  4S: 

27.     Luke  6:23.     Acts  3:8.   14: 

10. 
t  Is.   40:3,4.    44:23.    49:11—13. 

55:12,13.    Luke  3:4— 6. 
u  17.  8:14. 
X    1  Cor.  13:12.      2  Cor.  3:13— 

18.     Eph.  2:14,15.     Col.  2:17. 

Heb.  9:3,9.   10:1,19,20. 


our  wall,  he  looketh  forth  at  the  win- 
dows, t  shewing  himself  through  the  lat- 
tice. 

.10  IT  My  Beloved  y  spake,  and  said 
unto  me,  ^  Rise  up,  my  love,  my  fair 
one,  and  come  away. 

1 1  For,  lo,  ^  the  winter  is  past,  the 
rain  is  over  aiid  gone; 

12  The  ^  flowers  appear  on  the  earth; 
the  ^  time  of  the  singing  of  birds  is  come, 
and  the  voice  ''of  the  turtle  is  heard  in 
our  land; 

13  The  *  fig-tree  putteth  forth  lier 
green  figs,  and  the  vines  with  the  tender 


J  Heb.  Jlourishing.  John  5:39, 

46.     12.41.      1  Pet.    1:10—12. 

Rev.  19:10. 
V  8.  2  Sam.  23:3.  Ps.  85:8.  Jer. 
'31:3. 
z  13.  4:7,8.  5:2.    Gen.  12:1—3. 

Ps.  45:10,11.     Matt.  4:19— 22. 

9:9.  2  Cor.  6:17,18.  11:2.  Rev. 

19:7—9.  22:17. 
a    Ec.  3:4,11.      Is.  12:1,2.  40:2. 

54:6—8.      60:1,2.      Matt.    5:4. 


Rev.  11:14,15. 
b  6:2,11.    Is.  35:1,2.     Hos.  14:5 

—7. 
c   Ps.  40:1-3.    89:15.     148:7— 

13.    Is.  42:10— 12.  55:12.  Eph. 

5:13-20.   Col.  3:16. 
d  Rom.  15:9—13.     Eph.   M3. 

14. 
e  6:11.  7:8,11—13.    Is.  1S:5.  55: 

10,11.  61:11.   Hos.  11:6.  Haj. 

2:19.     Luke  13:6,7. 


V.  5.  The  spouse,  being'  overcome  with  Idve, 
cries  out  for  refreshments  and  supports;  for  cor- 
dials, perfumes,  or  cooling  fruits.  "Stay  me  with 
those  flagons,  comfort  me  with  those  apples,"  or 
citrons;  namely,  the  flagons  in  the  banqueting- 
liouse,  and  the  fruit  of  the  tree  before  mentioned. 
— The  love  of  believers  for  the  unseen  Savior 
can  never  be  satisfied  by  any  thing  short  of  the 
fruition  of  him  in  heaven:  this  renders  the  world 
an  uneasy  place  to  them;  and  when  grace  is  in 
lively  exercise,  they  become  even  faint  and  sick 
through  love  to  him;  "desiring  to  depart,  and  to 
be  with  Christ,  which  is  far  better."  But  their 
hunger  and  thirst  are  "stayed"  with  foretastes  of 
that  felicity,  in  the  fulfilment  of  the  promises, 
which  are  as  flagons  full  of  rich  wine,  as  apples 
or  citrons  from  "the  Tree  of  life:"  and  nothing 
but  these  cordials  and  provisions  can  allay  their 
spiritual  appetite;  for  these  therefore  they  most 
earnestly  seek  and  pray.  [Jlarg.  and  J\Targ. 
Mef.—Mtes,  5:8.  Ps.  4:6—8.  63:1—4.  84:1, 
2.  119:81—83,131.  Phil.  1:21— 26.)— F/ag-ons.] 
J-|<1JJ?>{^"J«{-.  2  Sam.  6:19.  1  Chr.  16:3.  Ho*.  3:1. 
Heb.       ■  -= 

V.  6.  'This  is  a  representation  of  the  tenderest 
'affection  of  a  husband  for  his  wife,  when  he  sees 
'her  in  danger  to  faint;  and,  being  applied  to 
'Christ  and  his  church,  sets  forth  his  readiness  to 
'succor  us  in  all  our  needs,  by  tlie  power  of  his 
'Spirit.'  Bp.  Patrick. — Christ,  though  absent  as 
to  sight  and  full  fruition,  is  present  to  the  faith  of 
his  people;  and  the  spouse  here  thankfully  ac- 
knowledges, that  he  graciously  comforted  her, 
when  ready  to  faint  with  earnest  longings  after 
him,  or  when  under  troubles  and  temptations. 
(Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  7.  According  to  our  translation,  these  are 
the  words  of  the  spouse,  concerning  her  Beloved, 
who  "rested  in  his  love"  as  one  asleep,  while  em- 
ployed in  supporting  and  comforting  her.  In  this 
sense,  the  verse  implies,  that  she,  afraid  of  termi- 
nating his  gracious  visit  by  any  disturbance, 
charges  the  daughters  of  Jerusalem  not  to  awake 
him. — We  grieve  the  Spirit  of  God  by  wrong 
tempers;  and  others  may  ruffle  and  discompose 
us  by  their  unseasonable  intervention.  The  com- 
forts of  communion  with  God  are  but  short-lived 
on  earth;  but  care  is  required  not  to  terminate 
thern  prematurely:  and  every  thing  should  be 
632J 


avoided,  which  molests  devotion,  or  damps  the 
exercise  of  faith  and  love. — But  many  suppose 
that  the  verse  is  the  language  of  Christ  con- 
cerning the  spouse:  and  the  original  certainly  fa- 
vors this  interpretation. — 'Christ  chargeth  them, 
'which  have  to  do  in  the  church,  as  it  were  by  a 
'solemn  oath,  that  they  trouble  not  the  quietness 
'thereof.' — The  roes  and  hinds  of  the  field  are 
gentle  and  pleasant  creatures,  but  exceedingly 
timorous;  and  so  are  introduced  as  witnesses  to 
the  charge  here  given;  which  is  indeed  a  solemn 
adjuration,  not  by  them,  but  as  in  their  presence. 
(Gen.  21:30,31 — Marg.  and  J^Jarg.  Ref.—JVble, 
8,9.) 

V.  8,  9.  The  Spouse  here  again  speaks. — Her 
Beloved  had  withdrawn;  but  with  rapture  she 
again  hears  his  voice,  and  perceires  the  token  of 
his  return,  "leaping  tipon,^^  or  over  "the  moun- 
tains, skipping  upon  the  hills."  This  may  apply 
to  the  ancient  believers'  expectation  of  the  prom- 
ised Savior  coming  in  the  flesh:  they  heard  his 
voice  by  the  prophets,  and  every  age  gave  fuller 
intimations  of  his  approach.  Though  he  seemed 
to  delay,  yet  he  was  coming  with  speed  and 
alacrity:  nor  could  any  obstructions  prevent  or 
retard  his  approach;  but  he  would  surmount  ' 
them,  as  the  hart  does  the  mountains  and  hills. 
In  this  sense,  "the  wall"  behind  which  he  stood, • 
"the  windows"  through  which  "he  looked,"  and 
"the  lattice"  through  which  he  shewed  some 
glimpses  of  his  glory,  represent  the  t3'pes  and 
ceremonies  of  the  law,  and  the  prophecies  espe- 
cially relating  to  that  event:  these  in  part  re- 
vealed him,  }  et  so  that  he  was  concealed  from 
unbelievers;  and  but  dimly  seen  by  believers;  yet 
his  eyes  were  upon  them,  and  they  became  in 
some  degree  acquainted  with  him.  {JJarg.  and 
JIarg.  Ref.  x.—J\'otes,  8:13,14.  jyJatl.  13M6,17. 
2  Cor.  3:12— 16.  Heb.  11:39,40.  1  Pet.  1:10—12.) 
— It  is  equally  applicable  to  his  coming  at  death  to 
receive  the  believer's  soul  to  glorj%  and  at  judg- 
ment to  complete  our  salvation:  and  in  this  sense, 
the  same  expressions  represent  our  communion 
with  him  by  faith,  and  through  his  word  and  ordi- 
nances; and  the  partial  and  transient  views,  which 
we  have  of  his  glory,  compared  with  those  of  the 
saints  in  light.  It  may  also  be  explained  of  his 
spiritual  visits  to  his  people,  who  are  mourning 
for  his  absence,  and  for  their  sins  which  occa- 
sioned it;    and   in   tliis  sense,   the  latter  verse 


B.  c.  roi4. 


CHAPTER  II. 


B.  C.   1014. 


grape  give   a  good  smell.     ^  Arise,  my 
love,  my  fair  one,  and  come  away. 

14  IT  O  smy  dove,  ^  that  art  in  the 
•  clefts  of  the  rock,  in  the  secret  places 
of  the  stairs,  let  me  see  thy  countenance, 

2  Cor.  5:20 


f  10.  Luke  19:42. 

6:1,2. 
g  5:2.  6:9.  Ps.  68:13.  74:19.  Is, 

60:8.     Ez.   7  16.     Matt.   3:16. 

10:16. 


h  Ex.  3:6.  4:11—13.  Ezra  9: 
6,6.  Job  9:16.  Is.  6:5.  Dan.  9: 
7.    Luke  8:47,-13. 

i  Ex.  33:22,23.  Is.  2:21.  Jer.49: 
16.   Ob.  3. 


means,  that  Christ  is  near  to  watch  over  his  peo- 
ple, and  to  give  them  some  tokens  of  his  favor, 
when  they  have  not  the  full  "joy  of  his  salvation." 
(JVbie*,  16,17.  John  14:21—24.) 

V.  10—13.  This  most  poetical  description  of 
the  approach  of  spring,  in  which  the  spouse  speaks 
of  Christ,  as  inviting  her  to  walk  abroad  with  him, 
may  be  variously  applied.  It  may  have  some  ref- 
erence to  the  abrogation  of  the  more  dark  and 
discouraging  dispensation  of  Moses,  for  that  of 
Christ:  but  it  seems  also  to  mean  the  sinner's  con- 
version. Christ  invites  the  new  convert,  by  the 
discoveries  of  his  love,  to  arise  from  .sloth  and  de- 
spondency, and  to  leave  sin  and  worldly  vanities, 
for  the  sake  of  holy  and  joyful  communion  with 
him. — The  winter,  that  is  now  past,  may  either 
mean  the  years  spent  in  ignorance  and  sin, 
unfruitful  and  uncomfortable;  or  the  gloomy 
season,  attended  with  storms  and  tempests,  which 
followed  his  conviction  of  guilt  and  danger,  and 
preceded  his  peace  and  joy  in  believing.  "The 
flowers"  may  denote  the  opening  blossoms  of  holy 
affections  and  desires;  "the  time  of  the  singing  of 
birds"  may  mean  his  first  grateful  songs  of  praise; 
"the  voice  of  the  turtle,"  then  first  heard  in  the 
land,  may  signify,  the  first  comforts  of  the  wit- 
nessing, sealing  Spirit  of  God;  "the  green  figs, 
and  tender  grapes,"  or  buds,  which  are  pleasant 
to  the  smell,  represent  the  first  immature  fruits 
of  righteousness,  which  promise  a  future  valuable 
increase;  and  all  these  encouraging  tokens  and 
evidences  of  divine  favor,  are  employed  as  mo- 
tives to  the  soul,  to  follow  Christ  more  entirely. 
The  passage  may  also  be  accommodated  to  the 
-believer's  renewed  comforts,  after  a  season  of 
temptation  and  discouragement;  to  the  renewed 
peace  of  the  church,  after  sore  persecutions;  and 
to  the  completion  of  the  happiness  of  all  true  be- 
lievers in  heaven.  [Marg.  Ref. — J^otet,  8,9.  4: 
7,8.  6:2.  7:10—13.  Gen.  12:1—3.  P*.  43:9— 11. /«. 
£5:1—3,6,7.  2  Cor.  5:18—21.  6:1,2,14—18,  vv.  17, 
J 8.  Rev.  22:16,17.) 

V.  14.  Christ  is  still  the  Speaker.  The  spouse 
conscious  of  her  unworthiness,  and  ashamed  of 
her  former  sins,  her  remaining  depravity,  and  the 
imperfection  of  her  present  services,  had  hidden 
herself  "in  the  clefts  of  the  rock,"  or  in  some  re- 
tired place,  as  declining  his  gracious  invitation. 
'Thou  that  art  ashamed  of  thy  sins,  come  and 
*shew  thyself  unto  me.'  In  this  is  represented  a 
mixture  of  humility  and  unbelief,  common  in  the 
experience  of  true  but  unestablished  believers. 
Yet  Christ  speaks  to  her  as  his  dove,  gentle, 
harmless,  loving,  and  faithful;  and  urgently  in- 
vites her  to  come  forth:  for  he  took  great  delight 
in  her,  as  a  tnie  penitent;  he  deemed  her  coun- 
tenance comely,  and  was  well  pleased  to  behold 
it;  and  her  voice  sweet,  and  delighted  to  hear  it, 
when  employed  in  confession,  prayer,  and  grate- 
ful praise. — Some,  however,  understand  the  verse, 
of  the  church,  or  believers,  fleeing  from  persecu- 
tion, into  the  most  retired  places;  (as  the  dove 
flees  into  the  recesses  of  tlie  rock  from  the  birds 
of  prey;)  yet  there  encouraged  to  present  her 
worsliip,  as  assured  of  the  tender  affection  and 
gracious  acceptance  of  her  Beloved,  though  de- 
spised and  hated  by  the  world — The  faithful  and 

Vol.  III.  80 


^  let  me  hear  thy  voice;  '  for  sweet  is 
thy  voice,  and  •"  thy  countenance  is 
comely. 

15  Take  us  "  the  foxes,  the  little  foxes, 
that  spoil  the  vines;  for  our  vines  have 
°  tender  grapes. 


k  8:13.    Ps.  50:14,15.    Prov.  15; 

8.    Heb.  4:16.   I0i22, 
1  Ps.  22:3.  50:23.   Is.  51:3.  Rev. 

4:3—10.  7:9,10. 
m  1:5,8.   6:10.    Ps.  45:11.   110:3. 


Ei>h.  5:27.     Col.  1:22.      1  Pet. 

3:4.     Judc  24. 
n   Ps.    80:13.     Ez.    13:4—16.  2 

Pet.  2:1— 3.     Rev.  2:2. 
o  13.  7:12. 


loving  dove  is  an  apt  emblem  of  the  true  church, 
as  espoused  to  Christ;  and  by  her  conformity  to 
him,  through  the  sanctification  of  the  Spirit,  she 
is  well-pleasing  in  his  sight.  {Mar^.  Ref.— See 
on  M)te,  hii.—J^otcs,  5:2.  6:8,9.  Er.  33:20—23. 
Prov.  15:8,9.  Dan.  9:18—23.  Acts  9:10— U,  v.  U- 
1 1  Pet.  3:8-12.) 

V.  15.  The  new  convert  had  before  been  rep- 
resented as  a  vine  with  tender  grapes:  (13)  and 
j  the  foxes,  it  seems,  used  to  injure  the  vines,  and 
i  destroy  the  grapes  by  trampling  on  them.  'Foxes 
I'...  are  observed  by  abundance  of  authors,  to 
I  'love  grapes,  and  to  make  great  devastations  in 
'vineyards.  Insomuch  that  Aristophanes  ...  com- 
'pares  soldiers  to  foxes,  spoiling  whole  countries, 
'as  they  do  vineyards.  ...  I  require  all  those,  that 
'act  by  authority  from  me,  and  to  whom  I  have 
'committed  the  care  of  my  church,  to  use  their 
'early  diligence  to  discover  and  confute  the  soph- 
!  'istry  of  deceivers,  who  craftily  insinuate  their 
j  'false  doctrines  into  weak  and  incautious  souls, 
j  'and  thereby  seduce  those  who  are  newly  con- 
'verted,  and  but  infirm  in  the  faith.'  Bp.  Patrick. 
I  — False  prophets  are,  by  Ezekiel,  compared  to 
foxes;  and  in  many  particulars,  false  teachers 
land  heretics  resemble  this  artful  creature.  [Jfote, 
\Ez.  13:1 — 4,  V.  4.)  Yet  the  inroads  which  they 
1  make  on  the  church,  and  the  destruction  which 
j  they  occasion,  seem  too  formidable,  to  be  describ- 
ed by  young  foxes:  and  those,  who  consider  the 
verse,  as  exclusively  a  command  of  Christ  to  his 
servants,  to  oppose  heretics,  appear  reduced  to 
some  difficulty  to  exclude  the  idea  of  persecution. 
— Perhaps,  in  general,  it  is  a  caution  against  eve- 
ry thing,  however  plausible,  or  considered  as  a 
small  matter,  which  tends  to  hinder  the  prosperity 
jof  the  church  and  the  fruilfulness  of  believers, 
I  and  against  heresy  in  particular.  Whatever 
wastes  time,  squanders  mone)',  or  engrosses  a 
large  share  of  attention,  and  tends  to 'the  neglect 
of  the  means  of  grace,  is  of  this  kind:  and  even 
when  the  pursuit,  or  study,  (such  as  of  music, 
painting,  and  various  other  things  of  the  same  na- 
ture,) is  not  directly  criminal  in  itself;  it  spoils  the 
vine,  and  mars  its  tender  grapes,  with  tlie  unsus- 
pected subtlety  of  the  fox.  The  first  rising  of 
sinful  thoughts  and  desires,  and  the  beginnings  of 
those  trifling  pursuits,  are  like  "the  little  foxes," 
which,  if  not  taken,  will  spoil  the  vines.  Trifling 
visits,  which  waste  much  time,  incur  expense,  put 
the  mind  out  of  frame  for  devotion,  and  intrude  on 
the  hours  that  should  be  employed  in  meditation, 
self-examination,  searching  the  scripture,  and  se- 
cret prayer,  are  peculiarly  injurious  in  this  re- 
spect: and  no  good  can  arise,  from  such  unneces- 
sary intercourse  with  worldl)'  people;  or  with  su- 
perficial professors  of  the  gospel,  whose  company 
is  still  more  prejudicial.  Specious  deviations 
from  the  truth,  which  make  u  Utile  allowance  for 
the  pride,  avarice,  vanity,  or  indolence  of  our 
hearts,  and  admit  of  some  measure  of  conformity 
to  the  world,  and  to  the  discourse  of  those,  who 
are  ever  asking.  What  harm  is  there  in  this,  or  in 
tliat.''  or.  What  need  of  this  or  that  measure  of 
diligence.'  are  little  foxes,  which  spoil  the  vines; 
and  which  must  be  taken,  and  removed  out  of  the 
way,  by  private  Christians  and  public  teachers, 

[633 


B.  C.  1014. 


SOLOMON'S   SONG. 


B.  C.  1014. 


16  IT  My  P  Beloved  is  mine,  and  I  am 
his:  1  he  feedeth  among  the  hhes. 

17  Until    ■■  the  day  break,    and    Mhe 


p6:3.  7:13.  Ps.  48:14.  Jer.  31: 
33.  1  Cor.  3:21—23.  Gal.  2 
20.   Rev.  21:2,3. 

q  1.   1:7.  6:3. 


'r4:6.     Luke  1:78.    Rora.  13:12. 
2  Pet.  1:19. 
sHeb.  8:5.   10:1. 


shadows  flee  away,  turn,  my  *  Beloved; 
and  be  thou  like  a  roe,  or  a  young,  hart, 
upon  the  mountains  of  *  Bether. 


•  Or,  division. 


who  desire  to  be,  or  to  see  their  people,  fruitful 
branches  of  the  living-  Vine.  Even  lawful  and 
needful  pursuits  and  recreations,  when  attended 
with  excess  or  inexpediency,  "choke  the  word, 
and  it  becometh  unfruitful;"  "for  our  vines  have 
tender  grapes."  {JVotes,  Rom.  16:17—20.  2  T/ies. 
3:10—15.  2  Tim.  2:14—18.  2  Pet.  2:1— 3.)— This 
caution,  (whether  of  the  Bridegroom,  or  the  at- 
tendants,) must  be  allowed  to  come  in  very  ab- 
ruptly if  our  attention  be  fixed  on  the  external 
arrangement  of  a  dramatic  dialogue. 

V.  16,  17.  The  Spouse  here  again  speaks,  as 
one  assured  that  Christ  and  all  his  blessings,  are 
become  her's  by  faith;  of  which  her  love  to  him, 
and  her  unreserved  surrender  of  herself  to  be  his, 
devoted  to  his  service,  in  body  and  soul,  formed 
the  sure  evidence:  and  she  rejoices,  in  experienc- 
ing that  he  takes  pleasure  in  visiting  and  com- 
muning with  his  people,  who  resemble  him  in  low- 
liness and  purity,  and  in  feeding  them  in  the 
green  pastures  of  his  ordinances;  and  she  prays 
that  he  will  continue  to  favor  her  with  those  visits, 
"till  the  day  break,  and  the  shadows  flee  away." 
This  may  refer  to  the  shadows  of  the  Mosaic  dis- 
pensation, whicli  were  dispelled  by  the  breaking 
of  the  gospel-day,  and  the  rising  of  "the  Sun  of 
Righteousness;"  or  to  the  darkness  and  shadows 
of  our  state  on  earth,  which  will  shortly  be  chang- 
ed for  heavenly  light  and  substantial  felicity.  The 
word  Bether  signifies  Division;  [mar^.)  and  may 
intimate  the  removal  of  every  thing,  which  now 
divides  our  soul  from  Christ,  or  excludes  us  from 
the  beatific  division.  [Marg.  Ref. — JVotes,  8,9.  1: 
7.  4:6.  6:3.  8:13,14.  Ps.  48:14.  73:23—28,  vv.  25, 
26.  1  Pet.  1:8,9.  2  Pet.  1:19.  1  John  4:19.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
V.  1—7. 
The  most  distinct  and  apparently  opposite  excel- 
lences, centre  in  our  divine  Redeemer;  and  he 
appears  as  glorious  in  his  deepest  abasement  and 
sufferings  for  us,  and  in  his  condescending  com- 
munion with  us,  as  in  his  essential  majesty  and 
holiness.  His  people  also  are  excellent,  in  pro- 
portion as  they  are  conformed  to  him:  and  the 
small  degree,  in  which  the  meanest  believer  on 
earth  resembles  Christ,  renders  him  more  honor- 
able and  amiable,  than  the  most  accomplished 
unbeliever;  even  as  the  lily  is  preferable  to  the 
prickly  thorn.  We  should,  however,  remember 
among  whom  we  dwell,  expect  to  be  injured  by 
tliem,  and  endeavor  to  suffer  with  meekness. — 
The  believer,  as  his  judgment  matures,  will  ad- 
mire the  whole  and  every  part  of  the  Redeemer's 
character:  but  he  is  commonly  first  attracted,  by 
perceiving  the  suitableness  and  preciousness  of 
the  fruits  of  his  mediation.  None  of  those  emi- 
nent persons,  whose  characters  and  exploits  are 
celebrated  by  historians,  orators,  and  poets,  can 
pretend  to  heal  a  wounded  conscience,  or  a  bro- 
ken heart;  or  to  deliver  a  trembling  sinner  from 
the  wrath  of  God  and  the  power  of  Satan.  They 
may  be  stately,  as  the  cedars  of  Lebanon;  but  tlie 
lowly  Jesus,  whose  merits  and  grace  bring  relief 
in  tlie  hour  of  deep  distress,  is  unspeakably  more 
lovely  in  the  eyes,  and  precious  to  the  heart,  of 
the  true  Christian.  Every  time  that  he  finds  de- 
liverance from  guilt,  fear,  temptation,  and  dis- 
tress, by  faitli  in  his  name;  and  every  experience 
of  the  sweetness  of  "peace  and  joy  in  believing,'- 
and  of  the  hope  and  comfort,  which  the  Spii'it  of 
adoption  communicates,  increases  his  love  to  the 
634] 


Author  of  his  eternal  salvation. — Let  us  then 
come,  and  "sit  down  under  his  shadow,"  and 
abide  there:  we  shall  find  great  delight  in  so  do- 
ing, and  "his  fruit  will  be  sweet  to  our  taste;" 
for  none  despise  these  joys,  but  those  who  never 
experienced  them,  and  who  have  no  desire  after 
them,  through  their  eager  pursuit  of  the  vanities 
of  the  world.  The  Lord  Jesus  has  prepared  the 
feast,  by  the  sacrifice  of  his  death  upon  the  cross; 
[JVote,  Is,  25:6 — 8.)  and  his  ordinances  are  ap- 
pointed, that  we  may  in  them  partake  of  it:  and 
the  same  love,  which  allures  us  to  him,  and  pro- 
tects us  in  communing  with  him,  animates  us  to 
venture  and  suffer  for  his  sake;  and  with  that  ban- 
ner before  our  eyes,  or  over  our  heads,  we  shall 
valiantly  encounter  and  surely  overcome  all  our 
enemies.  In  proportion  as  we  relish  heavenly 
consolations,  our  longings  after  them  will  in- 
crease; and  earth  would  become  intolerable  to  us, 
were  we  not  stayed  with  those  cordials  and  first- 
fruits  of  glory,  until  our  course  be  finished.  These 
we  should  earnestly  seek  for  ourselves  and  for 
each  other,  that  we  may  not  faint  through  the 
troubles  of  our  way.  Even  when  our  consola- 
tions do  not  abound,  we  have  cause  to  acknowl- 
edge, that  we  have  many  gracious  supports  and 
unmerited  mercies  from  the  Lord's  presence  with 
us.  Nor  should  we  expect  uninterrupted  com- 
fort on  earth;  for  the  Lord  will,  when  he  pleases, 
leave  us  to  feel  how  miserable  and  helpless  we 
should  be  without  him:  but  it  becomes  us  to  be 
careful  not  to  bring  this  trial  on  ourselves,  by 
sins  and  negligences,  or  to  occasion  it  to  others; 
for,  as  a  small  noise  will  drive  away  the  timorous 
hart,  so  a  little  misconduct  will  "grieve  the  holy 
Spirit  of  God,"  and  interrupt  our  spiritual  conso- 
lations. We  may  therefore  rather  wonder,  that 
we  have  so  many  precious  pledges  of  divine  love, 
than  that  we  so  often  mourn  and  are  disconsolate, 
when  we  reflect  on  our  own  want  of  watchful- 
ness and  circumspection. 

V.  8—17. 
If  the  Christian  so  longs  for  the  Lord's  man- 
ifested presence  and  love,  and  receives  every  inti- 
mation of  it  with  such  exultation;  and  if  ancient 
believers  so  rejoiced  in  the  prospect  of  his  appear- 
ance on  earth  in  our  nature;  how  should  we  an- 
ticipate the  complete  salvation,  which  will  come 
to  our  souls  at  the  hour  of  death,  and  to  our  bodies 
also  at  the  glorious  resurrection!  For  these  pur- 
poses our  Redeemer  will  come  quickly,  and  we 
shall  soon  be  with  him,  and  "see  him  as  he  is,  and 
be  like  him,"  and  share  his  glory.  In  the  mean 
time  our  mortal  flesh,  as  a  wall,  intercepts  our  view 
of  him:  but  his  eye  is  upon  us;  and  every  glimpse, 
which  we  have  of  him  by  faith,  is  intended  to 
render  us  willing  "to  be  absent  from  Ihe  body, 
that  we  may  be  present  with  the  Lord."  If  we 
have  experienced  the  blessed  change  which  takes 
place  in  conversion;  if  we  have  obeyed  the  call 
of  Christ,  to  arise  and  follow  him,  and  to  leave 
the  world  and  sin  behind,  that  we  may  enjoy  his 
love;  if  we  have  thus  found  peace  of  conscience, 
and  joy  in  the  Holy  Ghost;  and  if  the  blossoms 
and  fruits,  (though  but  tender  and  green,)  of  true 
holiness  appear  in  our  lives:  we  need  not  fear  to 
follow  him,  through  any  trials  and  temptations; 
nor  have  we  any  cause  to  dread  his  last  call  by 
death,  to  arise,  and  come  away  to  the  full  fruition 
of  his  love.  Even  the  unripe  fruits  of  holiness 
are  pleasant  unto  him,  whose  grace  has  produced 
them:  and  when  we  are  humble,  and  ashamed  of 


B.  C.  1014. 


CHAPTER  III. 


B.  C.  1014. 


CHAP.  m. 


.The  Spouse  rt-lates  the  pains  she  took  to  recover  the  company  of 
her  Beloved;  her  success,  and  care  not  to  lose  his  gracious  pres- 
ence, 1 — 5.  Her  compauions  admire  her  zeal  and  heavenly 
affections,  6.  All  the  company  unite  in  admiring  the  glory  of 
the  Beloved,  7— n. 

BY  ^  night  on  my  bed  I  sought  ''  him 
whom    my  soul  loveth:  •=  1    sought 
him,  but  I  found  him  not. 

2  1''  will  rise  now,  and  go  about  the 
city  in  *  the  streets,  and  in  the  broad 
ways  I  will  seek  him  whom  my  soul  lov- 
eth: •■  I  sought  him,  but  I  found  him  not. 


a  Ps.  4:4.  6:6.  22:2.  62:6—3.  77: 

3—4.   Is.  26:9. 
b  1:7.  5:8.     John  21:17.    1  Pet. 

1:3. 
c   5:6.      Ps.    130:1,2.     Is.  55:6. 

Luke  13:24. 
d  5:5.    Is.  64:7.  Jon.  1:6.    Matt. 


26:40,41.   Rom.  13:11.     1  Cor. 

15:34.     Eph.  5:14. 
e  Prov.  1:20,21.  3:2,3,34.    Luke 

14:21—23. 
fPs.  22:1,2.    42:7—9.    43:2—5. 

77:7—10. 


our  services,  he  will  approve  and  commend  them. 
But  we  should  not  allow  unbelieftto  tarnish  our 
self-abasement:  our  Lord  accounts  that  coun- 
tenance comely  which  is  furrowed  with  tears  of 
^odly  sorrow,  and  those  prayers  sweet  which  are 
the  languag'e  of  a  broken  heart:  and  the  contrite 
and  penitent  are  always  welcome  guests  at  his 
table,  and  supplicants  at  his  throne  of  grace,  and 
should  not  decline  his  gracious  invitations.  Whilst 
we  live  here,  our  desire  should  be  to  bring  forth 
plenteously  the  fruits  of  righteousness:  and  care- 
ful observers  will  perceive,  that  the  little  despised 
foxes  do  more  harm  to  the  branches  of  the  living 
vine,  than  the  dreaded  wild-boars.  Plausible  er- 
rors, trivial  omissions,  compliances,  and  indul- 
gences, are  more  general  hindrances  to  our  prog- 
ress and  usefulness,  than  gross  transgressions,  or 
distressing  temptations:  and  Satan  and  his  emis- 
saries do  us  more  harm,  as  subtle  unsuspected  de- 
ceivers, than  as  furious  persecutors.  [.ISTotes,  Acts 
20:29— 31.  2  Cor.  11:13—15.)  We  .should  then 
watch  against  the  first  occasions  and  feeble  be- 
ginnings of  evil,  and  suppress  the  first  risings  of 
sinful  inclinations;  destroying  "the  little  foxes," 
before  they  become  capable  of  important  mischief. 
This  circumspect  conduct  conduces  greatly  to 
our  full  assurance  of  hope:  and  when  it  becomes 
evident,  that  we  love  Christ  and  are  his  willing 
pe6ple,  we  may  be  sure  that  he  is  our  loving  Sa- 
vior. (JVb/e,  5:9 — 16.)  He  will  also  delight  in  us, 
as  the  lilies  that  he  has  planted;  and  we  shall  be 
solaced  with  his  gracious  visits,  and  wait  in  hum- 
ble patient  hope,  till  these  earthly  shadows  flee 
away,  and  he  come  swiftly  over  everj^  separating 
mountain  to  take  us  home  unto  himself. 

NOTES. 
Chap.  III.  V.  1 — 5.  The  circumstances  of 
this  narration,  (and  of  one  in  some  respects  sim- 
ilar in  the  fifth  chapter,)  are  so  improbable,  if  ap- 
plied, in  the  literal  meaning,  to  the  newly  espous- 
ed queen  of  king  Solomon;  that,  to  avoid  the  dif- 
ficulty, and  to  maintain  the  consistency  of  a  dra- 
matic poem  on  occasion  of  Solomon's  marriage,  it 
has  been  considered  merely  as  a  dream  of  the 
spouse.  But  the  narrative  gives  not  the  least  in- 
timation of  this. — Some  interpreters  suppose,  that 
the  spouse^  seeking  her  Beloved,  "by  night,  on 
her  bed,"  denotes  a  season  of  darkness  and  drow- 
siness, of  dim  apprehensions,  languid  affec lions, 
and  heartless  services.  Others  accommodate  it 
to  a  season  of  affliction.  'The  church,  by  night, 
'that  is,  in  troubles,  seeketh  to  Christ,  but  is  not 
'incontinently'  (immediately)  'heard.'  But  per- 
haps solitude  and  retired  meditation  are  princi- 
pally intended;  as  David  "remembered  God  on 
his  bed,  and  meditated  on  him  in  the  night-watch- 


3  The  6  watchmen  that  go  about  the 
city  found  me;  ^o  whom  I  said,  •"  Saw  ye 
him  whom  my  soul  loveth.'* 

4  It  was  but  a  little  that  I  passed  from 
them,  ■  but  I  found  him  whom  my  soul 
loveth:  ''  I  held  him,  and  would  not  let 
him  go,  until  '  I  had  brought  him  into  my 
mother's  house,  and  into  the  chamber  of 
her  that  conceived  me. 

5  1™  charge  you,  O  ye  daughters  of 
Jerusalem,  by  the  roes,  and  by  the  hinds 
of  the  field,  that  ye  stir  not  up,  nor  awake 

my  love  till  he   please.    [PractUal  observations.] 
k  7:5.    Gen.  32:26.     Prov.  4:13. 


g  5:7.     Is.  21:6—8,11,12.  56:10. 

62:6.  Ez.  3:17.  33:2—9.  Heb. 

13:17. 
h  John  20:15. 
i  Prov.  8:17.   Is.  55:6,7.  Jer.29 

13,    Lam.  3:25.    Matt.  7:7. 


Hos.  12:3,4.  Malt.  28:9. 

20:16,17. 
1  Is.  49:14—18.    54:1—3. 

4:26. 
m2:7.  3:4. 


es,"  which  shewed  the  fervency  of  his  love. 
{J\larg.  Ref.  a.—J^Totes,  Ps.  4:3—5,  v.  4.  42:6—8. 
63:5—7.  /*.  26:8,9.)  Yet  the  circumstance  of  the 
spouse  not  finding  her  Beloved,  till  she  sought  him 
in  another  manner,  gives  some  ground  to  the 
opinion,  that  a  degree  of  slackness  and  self-in- 
dulgence was  also  intended. — Being,  however, 
alarmed,  and  grieved  at  her  ill  success,  she  was 
excited  to  more  decided  endeavors  to  recover  the 
comforts  of  communion  with  him.  "The  streets, 
and  broad  ways  of  the  city,"  seem  rather  to  imply 
earnestness  in  all  the  means  of  grace,  in  which 
sweet  communion  with  the  Lord  should  be  sought; 
than  to  mark  the  distinction  between  public,  so- 
cial, and  private  duties. — Thus  the  spouse  is  rep- 
resented as  seeking  her  Beloved  in  every  part  of 
the  city.  But  still  she  did  not  succeed  for  a  time; 
since  it  was  proper  that  she  should  be  further 
humbled,  proved,  and  quickened. — She  therefore 
next  applied  to  the  watchmen,  that  went  about 
the  city,  who  in  this  place  denote  the  prophets 
and  faithful  ministers  of  religion,  who  could  give 
proper  directions  to  distressed  souls,  and  earnest 
inquirers  after  the  Savior.  But  upon  opening  her 
case  to  them,  and  inquiring  whether  they  had  seen, 
and  could  direct  her  to  her  Beloved,  she  did  not 
receive  immediate  satisfaction.  This  may  inti- 
mate, that  we  must  not  rest  in  any  means,  but  ap- 
ply immediately  to  Christ,  by  faith  and  prayer,  if 
we  would  succeed.  At  length,  however,  perhaps 
through  their  direction  and  counsel,  she  found  her 
Beloved,  and  then  she  "held  him,  and  would  not 
let  him  go,"  being  afraid  of  losing  the  comfort  of 
his  presence;  "until  she  had  brought  him  into  her 
mother's  house,  &c."  The  church  at  large  may 
be  called  the  mother  of  believers;  the  public  or- 
dinances are  the  chambers,  in  which  they  are 
born  of  God:  and  the  Spouse,  bringing  her  Be- 
loved into  this  house  and  these  chambers,  may 
signify  the  believer's  open  profession  of  his  faith, 
and  joining  himself  to  the  Lord  and  his  people; 
with  a  declaration,  expressed  or  implied,  of  his 
intention  to  walk  with  them  in  love  and  holy  obe- 
dience. Those  of  old,  who  were  bom  Israelites, 
and  circumcised  fn  infancy,  did  this  by  a  con- 
stant attention  to  all  their  sacrifices  and  sacred 
solemnities:  and  the  Lord's  supper  especially  an- 
swers this  purpose  to  Christians. — The  Spouse, 
being  now  happy  in  communion  with  Christ,  re- 
news the  charge  before  given  to  the  daughters  of 
Jerusalem.  [J^ote,  2:7.) 

'I  charge  you  all,  ye  earthly  toys, 
'Appro.Tch  not  to  disturb  my  joys; 
'Nor  sin  nor  hell  come  near  my  heart, 
'Nor  cause  my  Savior  to  depart. 


•Nor  let  a  motion,  nor  a  word, 

•Nor  thought  arise  to  grieve  my  Lord.' 


fValls. 

[635 


B.  C.   lOl-L 


SOLOMON'S   SONG. 


B.  C.  1014. 


0  IT  Who  is  "  this  that  cometh  out  of 
the  wilderness  "  hke  pillars  of  smoke, 
I"  perfumed  with  myrrh  and  frankincense, 
with  all  powders  of  the  merchant? 

7  Behold  "^  his  bed,  which  is  Solo- 
mon's: ■■  threescore  valiant  men  are  about 
it,  of  the  valiant  of  Israel. 

8  They  ^  all  hold  swords,  being  expert 
in  war:  every  man  hath  his  sword  upon 
his  thi2;h,  ^  because  of  fear  in  the  nisi;ht. 

9  King  Solomon  made  himself  '  a 
chariot  of  the  wood  of  Lebanon. 

Rev.  12 


n  8;5.   Jer.  2:2.  31:2. 

ti,14. 
0   Kx.  13:91,22.     Joel  2:29—31 

Acts  2:18— 21.    Col.  3:1,2. 
p    1:3,1.'!.    4:12—14.     5:5,13.    : 

Cor.  2:14— Ifi.   Phil.  4:13. 
q  9.    Marg.  I:]6. 


r  1  Sam.  8:16.  14:52.  23:2.  1 
Kings  9:22. 14:27,28.  Heb.  1:14, 

s  Ps.  45:3.  149:5—9.  Eph.  6: 
16—13. 

t  Neh.  4:21,22.    1  Thes.  5:6—8. 

*  Or,  a  bed.  7.  2  Sam.  23:5. 
Rev.  14:6. 


[Mars;.  Re/.— Mites,  5:2—8.  Gen.  32:26.  Prov. 
1:20—23.  /*.  55:6,7.  Jer.  29:11  —  14.  Hos.  12:3—6, 
vv.  3,4- Rom.  13:11—14.  Eph.  4:30—32.  5:8— 14, 
V.  14.  Heb.  13:7,8.) 

V.  6.  These  seem  to  be  the  words  of  "the 
daug-hters  of  Jerusalem,"  expressing  their  ad- 
miration at  the  zeal  and  fervent  love  of  the 
Spouse.  They  inquire  "who  this  is,  that  cometh 
out  of  the  wilderness;"  perhaps  alluding  to  the 
wilderness  through  which  Israel  passed,  and  from 
which  they  went  up  to  possess  the  promised  land. 
But  a  wilderness  is  a  known  emblem  of  this  vain 
Trorld:  the  believer  comes  out  of  it,  when  he  re- 
nounces its  friendship,  and  is  delivered  from  the 
love  of  it;  and  when  he  leaves  its  sinful  pleasures 
and  pursuits,  and  refuses  compliance  with  its  cus- 
toms and  fashions,  that  he  may  seek  happiness  in 
communion  with  God  through  Jesus  Christ. 
{Marg.  Ref.  n.—jyoles,  4:8.  8:5.  Ps.  63:1—4. 
107:1—7.  Jer.  2:2—6.  31:2.  Rev.  12:3— 6.)— "Pil- 
lars of  smoke"  ascended  towards  heaven,  whilst 
the  sacrifices  were  consumed  on  tlie  altar  of 
burnt-ofiering;  and  sweet  gums  and  spices  of  the 
merchant  were  burnt  upon  the  golden  altar  of  in- 
cense. This  may  represent  the  lively  aifections, 
and  fervent  prayers  and  praises,  and  other  spirit- 
ual sacrifices  of  believers,  ascending  to  heaven 
before  God,  through  the  atonement  and  interces- 
sion of  Christ.  [Jlarg.  Ref.  o,  p. — Motes,  1:12 — 
14.  4:12—14.  5:5,6.  Ex.  13:21,22.  30:34—38.  2 
Cor.  2:14—17.  Phil.  4:14—20,  v.  18.  Heb.  13:15, 
16.  1  Pet.  2:4 — 6.) — The  last  clause  ma3'  be  ren- 
dered, '■hnore  precious  than  all  the  powders  of  the 
merchant."  Gold  dust  might  be  one  of  these 
powders. 

V.  7,  8.  The  Spouse  seems  to  call  on  her 
companions,  not  to  admire  her  feeble  graces  and 
imperfect  services;  but  to  behold  her  Beloved. 
As  the  bed  and  bedchamber  of  Solomon  was 
guarded  by  a  number  of  well  armed  soldiers,  lest 
Jie  should  be  disturbed  or  assaulted  in  the  night: 
£0  a  guard  of  angels  continually  protects  the 
church  from  the  assaults  and  terrors  of  her  en- 
emies, in  the  darkest  hours,  whilst  she  maintains 
communion  with  her  Beloved;  yea,  the  I^rd  him- 
self is  her  l^eeper  by  day  and  night.  'Behold  the 
'love,  which  the  great  King  hath  to  her,  having 
'prepared  all  things  for  her  reception  into  society 
'with  himself;  of  whose  royal  person  and  happi- 
'ness,  Solomon  himself,  in  all  his  glory,  is  but 
'a  figure.  ...  Valiant  persons  ...  encompass  him 
'night  and  day;  ...  but  are  not  comparable  to  the 
'power  and  force  and  multitude  of  that  heavenly 
'host,  which  secure  the  church  in  her  enjoyments, 
'and  take  care  of  her  continual  safety.'  Bp.  Pat- 
rick.— This  supposes  the  verse  to  be  a  continu- 
ation of  the  admiring  language  used  by  the 
63G] 


10  He  made  "the  pillars  thereof  o/* 
silver,  the  botton^  thereof  of  gold,  the 
covering  of  it  of  purple;  *  the  midst 
thereof  being  paved  with  love  for  the 
daughters  of  Jerusalem. 

11  >'Go  forth,  O  ^ye  daughters  of 
Zion,  and  '^  behold  king  Solomon  with  the 
crown  wherewith  ''  his  mother  crowned 
him  *=  in  the  day  of  his  espousals,  and  **  in 
the  day  of  the  gladness  of  his  heart. 


u  Ps.  87:3.  1  Tim.  3:15,16.  Rev. 

3:1:2. 
X  Rom.  5:3.  Eph.  3:18,19.  Rev. 

1:5. 
y  7:11.    Heb.  13:13. 
z  1:5.  2:7.    Ps.  9:14.  48:11. 
a  Is.  9:6.     Matt.  12:42.   Phi!.  2: 


9—12.   Heb.  2:9.    Rev.  19:12. 
b  8:5.    Col.  1:18.   Rev.  6:9,10. 
c  Is.  62:5.     Jer.  2:2.   Hos.  2:19, 

20.     Rev.  19:7. 
d  Is.  53:11.     .;er.32:41.     Zeph. 

3:17.       Luke     15:6,7^3,24,32. 

John  15:11. 


daughters  of  Jerusalem,  concerning  the  zeal  and 
happiness  of  the  spouse.  [Marg.  Ref. — Motes, 
1:17,18.  Meh.  4-19—22.  Ps.  45:3—5.  91:1—13. 
121:3—8.  Rom.  8:32—39.  Eph.  6:10—13.  Heb.  1: 
13,14.) 

V.  9,  10.  Here  Solomon  is  the  type  of  Christ, 
the  King  of  Israel,  and  our  Prince  of  Peace. 
The  c/ia»-/o<  of  cedar,  or  carriage,  which  Solomon 
had  made,  for  himself  and  his  royal  spouse  to  ap- 
pear in  publicly,  may  mean  the  gospel  of  Christ; 
or  the  everlasting  covenant,  which  he  has  medi-. 
ated  in  our  behalf,  in  which  his  glory  and  our 
felicity  are  united:  the  "pillars  of  silver"  may 
denote  the  precious  promises  and  engagements, 
which  are  the  support  and  ornament  of  this  cove- 
nant, and  the  security  of  all  believers:  "the  bot- 
tom of  gold,"  and  "the  covering  of  purple,"  may 
mean  the  rich  blessings  and  royal  privilege  con- 
ferred on  every  believer:  and  "the  midst  thereof 
being  paved  with  love,"  shews  that  all  these  bless- 
ings spring  from  the  love  of  God  in  Christ  Jesus 
to  fallen  sinners,  "according  to  the  eternal  pur- 
pose, which  he  hath  purposed  in  himself;"  and 
centre  in  it.  'What  is  this  to  the  wonderful  love 
'of  God,  and  to  the  riches  of  his  grace,  in  his 
'great  and  precious  promises,  ...  which  the  gos- 
'pel  calls  us  not  only  to  behold,  but  to  enjoy.''^ 
Bp.  Patrick.  {'Ma7-g.  and  Marg.  Ref. — Motes, 
2  Sam.  23:5.  Ps.  45:3—5.  87:3.  Is.  55:1—3.  Rom. 
5:6—10.8:32—39.  Eph.3:]4—19.  I  Tim.  hl2 
—16.  1  John  3:1—3.  4:9—12.  Rev.  1:4—6.) 
The  clause  rendered  ^for  the  daughters  of  Jeru- 
salem," may  mean  "6y,  or  from,  the  daughters  of 
Jerusalem."  Solomon's  chariot  was  adorned  by 
their  needle  work,  and  the  figures,  whatever  they 
were,  wrought  by  them,  are  no  unapt  emblem  of 
Christians  "adorning  the  doctrine  of  God  their 
Savior  in  all  things."     (Mote,  Tit.  2:9,10.) 

V.  11.  This  verse  contains  the  most  express 
allusion  to  the  marriage  of  Solomon,  of  any  in  the 
whole  book;  but  it  is  not  said  whether  to  Nai- 
amah  the  Ammonitess,  his  first  wife  as  far  as  we 
know,  or  to  Pharaoh's  daughter,  or  to  some  other 
of  his  wives.  [Preface. — Motes,  1:2.  1  Kings 
3:1.  14:21.)  It  seems,  that  it  was  customary  in 
ancient  times,  for  the  bridegroom,  or  bride,  or 
both,  to  wear  a  nuptial  crown;  and  it  may  be 
supposed  that  Solomon's,  on  such  a  joyful  occa- 
sion, would  be  very  magnificent.  It  was  put  on 
his  head  by  his  mother  Bathsheba. — 'O  j^e  daugh- 
'ters  of  Zion,  ...  look  upon  king  Solomon,  as  he 
'sits  solemnly  crowned  in  the  day  of  his  greatest 
'royalty  and  triumph;  and  compare  his  highest 
'pomp  with  the  divine  magnificence  of  my  Sa- 
'vior,  in  that  day  when  his  blessed  marriage  shall 
'be  fully  perfected  above,  to  the  eternal  rejoicing 
'of  himself  and  his  church;  and  see  whetlier  there 


I 


B.  C.  1014. 


CHAPTER  IV. 


B.  C.  1014. 


CHAP.  IV. 


Christ  commetids  the  comeliness  of  the  spouse  by  various  similes, 
I      invites  her  to  accompany  him,  and  shews  the   warmth  of  his 
Siflection,  1—15.     The  Spouse  desires  supplies  of  divine  influ- 
ences, to  invigorate  her  holy  affections,  16. 


'be  any  proportion  between  them.'  Bp.  Hall. — 
When  the  sinner  finds  "peace  and  joy  in  believ- 
ing-," and  makes  an  open  profession  of  his  faith 
and  love;  especially  when  large  multitudes  thus 
join  themselves  to  the  Lord,  (as  was  the  case  on 
the  day  of  Pentecost;)  the  happy  season  may  be 
called  the  day  of  the  heavenly  Bridegroom's  es- 
pousals, and  "the  day  of  the  gladness  of  his 
heart:"  for  espousals  are  not  a  secret  transaction; 
but  the  recognition,  before  proper  witnesses,  or 
publicly,  of  the  mutual  consent  of  the  two  con- 
tracting parties  to  be  united  in  marriage.  [Jlarg. 
Ref.  c—J^otes,  Is.  61:10,11.  Jer.  2:2,3.  Hos.  2: 
18—20.  2  Co7:  11:1—6,  v.  2,3.  Rev.  19:1—8.  21: 
1 — 4.)  The  church  is  the  mother  of  Christ,  as 
to  his  human  nature,  that  is,  he  was  born  within 
the  church;  and  she  crowns  him,  when,  through 
ordinances  administered  in  her,  sinners  are  con- 
verted, and  believers  thus  espoused  to  him.  Then 
his  power  and  grace  are  displayed;  he  "sees  of 
the  travail  of  his  soul,"  and  the  purchase  of  his 
blood,  "and  is  satisfied;"  and  these  are  the  tro- 
phies and  monuments  of  his  glorious  victories, 
over  the  world,  sin,  Satan,  and  death.  Angels  in 
heaven  rejoice  over  one  penitent  sinner;  saints 
on  earth  rejoice  and  celebrate  the  Redeemer's 
praises,  when  this  event  is  made  known  to  them: 
he  himself  rejoices  over  the  redeemed  sinner,  as 
"in  the  day  of  the  gladness  of  his  heart:"  and  the 
daughters  of  Zion,  (every  one  who  is  disposed  to 
seek  this  salvation,)  should  go  forth  to  behold 
these  things;  that  they  may  be  encouraged  to  be- 
lieve and  to  make  profession  of  their  faith,  by  ob- 
serving how  glorious  our  King  appears  in  saving 
sinners,  [Mars;.  Ref.  y — b.  d. — JVotes,  8:5.  Is. 
53:11,12.  62:1— 5,  t).  5.  Zeph.  3:U—ll.  Luke 
15:3—10.  P.  O.  1  —  10.  J>rotes,  Phil.  2:9—11. 
Heb.  12:2,3.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1—5. 
Remaining  sinfulness,  the  snares  of  Satan, 
and  the  fascinations  of  the  world,  may  lull  even 
true  believers  into  comparative  negligence:  yet, 
if  indeed  Christ  be  our  Beloved,  we  shall  not  ut- 
terly intermit  our  search  of  him.  If,  however,  at 
any  time  our  affections  become  cold,  and  our  at- 
tendance on  ordinances  remiss  and  infrequent,  it 
is  salutary  for  us  to  lose  our  assurance,  and  to  be 
distressed  with  fears  and  doubts.  This  gentle 
rebuke  of  our  foUj'  and  ingratitude,  which  merit 
far  severer  punishment,  is  intended  to  excite  us 
to  seek  him  more  earnestly:  nor  can  a  true  be- 
liever deliberately  rest  in  any  thing  short  of  the 
enjoyment  of  the  love  of  Christ.  When  we  are 
Gtirred  up  to  use  diligence,  in  attending  on  all  the 
means  of  grace,  yet  do  not  immediately  succeed, 
the  delay  should  not  discourage,  but  humble  us; 
and  lead  us  to  closer  self-examination,  and  more 
frequent  and  earnest  prayer:  nor  can  either  new 
converts,  or  returning  backsliders,  expect  to  find 
peace  and  comfort  in  any  other  way. — Those  who 
are  troubled  in  mind, should  open  their  case  to  the 
faithful  and  experienced  watchmen  of  the  holj' 
city,  and  desire  their  assistance  in  seeking  Christ 
and  the  joy  of  his  salvation:  but  such  as  are  not 
experimentally  acquainted  with  him  themselves, 
cannot  point  him  out  to  others. — We  should  use, 
but  not  depend  on,  instruments  and  means:  and 
though  the  Lord  will  prove  our  faith  and  love; 
yet  he  will  be  found  of  all,  who  seek  him  with 
humble  and  persevering  diligence.  Days,  weeks, 
months,  nay  years,  of  sorrowful  waiting,  will 
soon  be  compensated  by  the  joy  of  b.aving  found 


BEHOLD,  » thou  art  iaiv,  my  love; 
behold  thou   art  fair;    ^'thou   hast 


a  9,10.   1:15.  2:10,14.  Ps.  45:11. 
2  Cor.  3:13. 


lb  5:12.     Matt.  11:29.     Phil.  2:3 
—5. 


him  whom  our  souls  love:  and  not  only  will  that 
joy  be  proportioned  to  our  desire  after  his  favor, 
arid  our  regret  for  having  forfeited  the  comfort  of 
it;  but  our  future  watchfulness  will  be  increased 
in  the  same  measure.— We  should  inform  all, 
who  fear  God,  "what  he  hath  done  for  our  souls;" 
that  they  may  praise  him  on  our  account,  and  be 
encouraged  by  our  example:  and  we  should  aim, 
by  every  means,  to  bring  others  to  partake  of 
our  privileges  and  comforts.  Our  faith  ought  to 
be  declared  by  an  open  confession:  and  when  we 
find  our  hearts  enlarged  in  joy  and  gratitude,  we 
should  not  delay  joining  ourselves  to  the  Lord 
and  his  people,  at  his  table;  that  we  may  have 
the  benefit  of  Christian  communion,  and  of  the 
prayers  and  counsels  of  our  brethren.  And  we 
should  still  call  upon  ourselves  and  each  other,  to 
beware  of  grieving  our  holy  Comforter,  and  pro- 
voking the  departure  of  our  Beloved. 
V.  6—11. 
Lively  Christians,  leaving  the  world  and  sia 
behind  them,  and  setting  their  affections  on  things 
above;  offering  the  spiritual  sacrifices  of  prayer 
and  praise,  with  fervent  love,  joy,  and  gratitude, 
through  the  influences  of  the  Holy  Spirit;  and 
presenting  every  service  through  the  mediation 
of  Christ,  form  a  lovely  and  edifying  sight.  Such 
persons  adorn  the  gospel,  and  often  convince  in- 
quirers and  undecided  persons,  that  there  is  an 
excellency  and  happiness  in  religion,  which  can- 
not be  attained  without  great  diligence.  But  the 
believer  will  never  think  highly  of  himself;  and 
will  always  direct  those  who  notice  him,  to  "look 
unto  Jesus"  and  bis  glory  and  grace:  and  the 
more  we  rejoice  in  his  "unsearchable  riches,"  the 
greater  earnestness  shall  we  express  in  recom- 
mending them  to  others.  In  this  respect  our  love 
is  without  selfishness;  as  we  know  that  there  is 
sufficient  to  enrich  and  felicitate  all  who  come, 
be  they  ever  so  numerous. — The  protection  and 
security,  arising  from  armed  and  valiant  guards, 
are  a  feeble  shadow  of  the  peace  and  safety  of 
those  who  trust  in  the  Lord:  and  if  our  minds 
were  always  "stayed  upon  him,"  and  communing 
with  him,  we  should  not  fear  in  the  darkest  night 
of  temptation,  or  even  in  the  gloomy  hour  of 
death.  [JVotcs,  Ps.  23.4.  84:11,12.  /*.  26:3,4, 
.50:10,11.)  Blessed  be  God  for  the  everlasting 
gospel  of  our  King  of  righteousness  and  peace; 
for  the  precious  promises  and  inviolabte security  of 
the  new  covenant;  for  the  rich  and  royal  privi- 
leges to  which  believers  are  now  admitted,  and 
are  taught  hereafter  to  expect;  and  especially  for 
that  unfathomable  love,  from  which  they  proceed. 
May  that  "love  constrain  us  to  live  to  bim,  who 
died  for  ns  and  rose  again,"  and  "to  love  one  an- 
other with  a  pure  heart  fervently."  And  blessed 
be  God  that,  whilst  believers  may  know,  that  he 
has  "loved  them  with  an  everlasting  love,"  and 
will  never  leave  them  nor  forsake  them:  sinners 
may  be  assured,  "that  every  one  that  seeketh 
findeth."  No  affectionate  bridegroom  so  rejoices 
over  his  bride,  on  the  day  of  his  espousals,  as  tlie 
Lord  Jesus  rejoices  over  the  poor  sinner,  who 
comes  to  trust  in  his  mercy  and  salvation.  Nor 
did  ever  Solomon  appear  so  glorious,  when  array- 
ed in  royal  majesty,  with  a  crown  of  pure  gold 
upon  his  head;  as  our  Redeemer  docs,  when  con- 
verted sinners  acknowledge  their  obligations  to 
him,  and  join  themselves  unto  his  people.  This 
is  the  crown  which  he  most  values!  Poor,  deject- 
ed, trembling  sinner,  go  forth,  and  behold  him, 
how  he  is  glorified,  and  how  he  rejoices  in  saving 
the  meanest  and  the  vilest;  and  be  encouraged  Id 


B.  C.  1014. 


SOLOMON'S  SONG. 


B.  C.  1014. 


doves'  eyes  within  thy  locks:  *=  thy  hair  is 
as  a  flock  of  goats  that  *  appear  from 
•*  mount  Gilead. 

2  Thy  "^  teeth  are  like  a  flock  of  sheep 
that  are  even  shorn,  which  came  up  from 
the  washing;  whereof  every  one  bear 
twins,  and  ^  none  is  barren  among  them. 

3  Thy  s  lips  are  like  a  thread  of  ''  scar- 
let, and  thy  speech  is  comely:  '  thy  tem- 
ples are  like  a  piece  of  a  pomegranate 
within  thy  locks. 


c5:ll.  6:5,7.  7:5. 

»  Or,  eat  of,  ($-c. 

d  Num.  32:1,40. 

e  6:6.     Jer.    15:16.     John  15:7. 

Col.  1:4—6.     1  Thes.  2:13.    2 

Pet.  1:5—8. 
f  Ex.  23:26.  Deut.  7:13,14. 
g  11.    5:13,16.    7:9.     Ps.  37:30. 

45:2.    119:13.     Prov.   10:13,20, 


21.    16:21—24.      Matt.    12:35. 

Luke  4:22.     2  Cor.   5:18—21. 

Eph.  4:29.    Col.  3:16,17.  4:6. 
h  Lev.  14:4,6,49—52.     Num.  4; 

8.  19:6.     Josh,  2:18.     Heb.  9: 

19. 
i6:7.      Gen.  32:10.      Ezra  9:6. 

Ez.  16:63. 


hope,  that  he  will  be  glorious  in  saving'  thee  also, 
as  drawn  and  taught  to  seek  and  long  for  his  sal- 
vation. 

NOTES. 

Chap.  IV.  V.  1 — 5.  By  the  spouse,  as  here  ad- 
dressed by  her  Beloved,  with  most  tender  affec- 
tion and  high  commendations,  we  may  under- 
stand either  individual  believers,  or  the  church 
collectively:  and  the  induction  of  several  particu- 
lars, may  shew  in  general,  that  the  church  and 
the  believer  partake  of  every  kind  of  spiritual  ex- 
cellency; though  we  may  not  be  able  satisfacto- 
rily to  apply  the  several  allusions.  The  "doves' 
eyes  within  her  locks,"  may  denote  the  modesty 
with  which  believers  conceal  their  good  works, 
which  spring  from  holy  and  gentle  love:  or  the 
•chaste  eyes  shaded  by  locks  of  hair,  may  mean  an 
indisposition  to  gaze  abroad,  and  an  unwilling- 
ness to  be  gazed  on.  The  "hair  like  a  flock  of 
goats  that  appear  from  mount  Gilead,"  which  are 
noted  for  their  orderly  following  the  he-goat,  may 
signify  the  believer's  intelligent  profession  of  faith, 
and  his  regular  conversation,  the  result  of  sound 
knowledge  and  judgment.  [Marg.  and  Marg. 
Ref.  2i—d.—M)tes,  1:9,10.  5:10—16,  v.  11.  6:5—7, 
V.  5.  7:5.  Phil.  2:1—4,5—8,  v.  5.)  "The  teeth," 
which  prepare  the  food  for  digestion,  being  com- 
pared to  "a  flock  of  ewes,  newly  washed,"  or  after 
they  are  shorn,  each  accompanied  by  two  lambs, 
&c.  may  denote  the  believer's  teachable  disposi- 
tion, his  regular  attendance  on  instruction,  and 
its  beneficial  effect  upon  his  conduct,  rendering 
him  very  fruitful  in  good  works.  But  some  ap- 
plj  this  to  the  ministers,  who  prepare  the  spiritual 
food  for  the  nourishment  of  the  church;  and  to  the 
harmony  and  purity  of  their  doctrine,  and  its  effi- 
cacy in  the  conversion  of  sinners,  and  the  sancti- 
fication  of  believers.  [Marg.  Ref.  e,  f. — JVotts, 
6:5—7,  V.  6.)  The  "lips  like  a  thread  of  scarlet, 
and  the  pleasant  voice,"  evidently  mean  the  prof- 
itable improvement  of  the  gift  of  speech,  in  edify- 
ing conversation,  in  preaching  the  gospel,  and  in 
worshipping  God.  [Marg.  Ref.  g,  h. — M)tes.  5: 
10— 16,OT.  13,16.  Ps.  37:29— 31.  45:2.  Prov.  15:4. 
25:11,12.  Is.  50:4.  Eph.  4:29.  Ja»i.  3:3— 12.)— The 
"temples,  like  a  piece  of  pomegranate,  witnin  the 
locks,"  may  be  interpreted  of  humiliation  beib-re 
God,  for  defects  or  sins  that  he  alone  sees;  or,  of 
the  modesty,  as  well  as  prudence,  with  which 
ministers  should  attend  their  work;  or  of  those 
excellences  in  the  church  and  the  believer,  which 
Jesus  Christ  peculiarly  approves,  but  which  are 
concealed  from  the  view  of  the  world.  (Marg. 
Ref.  i.—M)tes,  6:5—7.  Ps.  45:13—15.  1  Pet.  3:1 
— 4.) — "The  neck,"  which  unites  the  head  and 
the  body,  is  commonly  explained  to  mean  faith, 
638] 


4  Thy  ^  neck  is  like  the  tower  of  Da- 
vid, builded  for  '  an  armory,  whereon 
there  ""hang  a  thousand  bucklers,  all 
shields  of  mighty  men. 

5  Thy  "  two  breasts  are  like  two  young 
roes  that  are  twins,  which  "  feed  among 
the  Hlies. 

6  Until  the  p  day  t  break,  and  the 
shadows  flee  away,  I  will  get  me  i  to  the 
mountain  of  myrrh,  and  to  the  hill  of 
frankincense. 


k  1:10.  7:4.  2  Sam.  22:51.   Eph. 

4:15,16.  Col.  2:19.     1  Pet.  1:5. 
I  Neh.  3:19. 

m  2  Chr.  9:15,16.   12:9—11. 
n  1:13.   7:3,7.    8:1,10.     Prov.  5: 

19.     Is.  66:10—12.     1  Pet.  2:2. 
0  2:16.  6:3. 
p  2:17.     Mai.   4:2.     Luke  1:78. 


2  Pet.  1: 19.     1  John  2:8.  Rev. 

22:16. 

t  Heb.  breathe. 
q  Ex.  20:24.  30:8,23—26.  37:29. 

Deut.  12:5,6.    Ps.  66:15.    Is.  2: 

2.     Mai.   1:11.      Luke   1:9,10. 

Rev.  5:8. 


by  which  the  union  of  believers  with  Christ  our 
Head  is  formed;  and  which  is  a  shield,  to  ward  off 
and  quench  the  fiery  darts  of  the  wicked  one;  and 
which  puts  the  soul  under  the  Lord's  protection, 
as  in  a  well  fortified  and  defended  tower.  [Marg. 
Ref.  k—m.—JYotes,  7:4.  1  Kings  10:15,16.  Eph. 
4:14—16.  6:14—17,  v.  16.  Col.  2:18,19.)— "The 
two  breasts,  like  two  young  roes,  &c."  if  we  ac- 
commodate them  to  the  believer,  may  denote  sim- 
phcity  of  affection  for  Christ,  and  the  delight, 
which  Christ  reciprocally  takes  in  him;  as  the  hus- 
band in  the  affections  of  the  wife  of  his  bosom:  or 
the  connexion  that  there  is  in  the  distinct  exer- 
cises of  spiritual  graces,  which  are  as  twins:  and 
the  idea  of  young  roes,  which  feed  among  the  lil- 
ies, may  denote  conformity  to  Christ,  who  is  thus 
described.  (2:16.)  ,  The  believer  delights  in  com- 
munion with  Christ  and  his  people,  as  he  delights 
in  them.  But  the  two  breasts,  applied'to  the  body 
of  the  church,  may  also  denote  the  two  Testa- 
ments, or  tlie  writings  of  the  prophets  and  apos- 
tles, those  "breasts  of  consolation,"  which  are 
pleasant  as  the  young  rocs,  and  twins  in  doctrine; 
whence  ministers  deduce  all  their  instructions: 
whence  converts,  as  new-born  babes,  draw  the 
"sincere  milk  of  the  word  that  they  may  grow 
thereby;"  and  established  Christians  not  only 
deduce  continual  improvement,  but  learn  those 
things,  which  they  usefully  communicate  to  oth- 
ers. [Marg.  Ref.  n,  o.—jyotes,  7:6—8.  8:1,2,8,9. 
Prov.  5:15—19.  Is.  66:10—14.  1  Pet.  2:1—3.) 
Some  of  these  expressions  do  not  seem  aptly  de- 
scriptive of  feminine  beautj^:  and  I  take  it  for 
granted,  that  they  have  a  spiritual  meaning, 
though  far  from  being  confident,  that  the  exact 
import  of  each  allusion  is  pointed  out.  But  these 
seem  the  more  probable  opinions  which  have  been 
formed  on  the  subject. 

V.  6.  "The  mountain  of  myrrh,  and  the  hill  of 
frankincense,"  ma}^  mean  the  mountain  on  which 
the  temple  was  built,  and  where  the  incense  was 
burnt,  and  where  the  people  at  the  same  time 
worshipped  the  Lord.  This  was  his  peculiar  res- 
idence, where  he  would  "wait  to  be  gracious"  till 
the  shadows  of  the  legal  dispensation  were  dis- 
persed, by  the  breaking  of  the  gospel-day,  and 
the  rising  of  "the  Sun  of  Righteousness;"  and 
thither  believers  resorted  to  meet  him  in  his  or- 
dinances. [Marg.  and  Marg.  Ref.  p,  q. — JVotes, 
2:16,17.  Hos.  5:15.  ^lal.  1:9—11,  v.  11.  4:2—6. 
John  4:21 — 24.)  At  present  he  dwells  in  human 
nature,  and  is  gone  into  tlie  true  holy  place,  to 
present  the  worship  of  his  people  before  the  throne, 
with  the  incense  of  his  intercession:  and  though 
Christ,  in  respect  of  his  human  nature,  is  absent 
from  his  church  on  earth,  and  will  continue  to  be 
so,  till  the  heavenly  day  break,  and  these  earthly 


B.  C.  1014. 


CHAPTER  IV. 


B.  C.  1014. 


7  Thou  art  ^  all  fair,  my  love;  there  is 

no   spot   in   thee,  [Practical  Observations.] 

8  IT  Come  ^  with  me  from  Lebanon, 
my  spouse,  with  me  *  from  Lebanon:  look 
from  the  top  of  Amana,  from  the  top  of 
"  Shenir  and  Hermon,  *  from  the  lions' 
dens,  from  the  mountains  of  the  leop- 
ards. 

9  Thou  hast  *  ravished  my  heart,  y  my 
sister,  ^  my  spouse;  "  thou  hast  ravished 
my  heart,  ^  with  one  of  thine  eyes,  with 
•^  one  chain  of  thy  neck. 

10  How  fair  is  thy  t  love,  my  sister, 
my  spouse!  ''  how  much  better  is  thy  love 


r  I.  5:16.     Num.  24:5.     Ps.  45: 

11,13.      Eph.  5:25—27.     Col. 

1:22.      2  Pet.  3:14.     Jude  24. 

Kev.  21:2. 
s2:13.  7:11.     Ps.  45:10.     Prov. 

9:6.     John    12:26.     Col.  3:1,2. 
t  Deiit.  3:25. 
u  Deut.  3:9.  Josh.  12:1. 
X  Ps.  76:1,4. 
*  Or,  taken  a-way. 
J   10:12.     5:1,2.       Gen.   20:12. 

Matt.  12:50.    1  Cor.  9:5.  Heb. 


2:11—14. 
z3:ll.    Ps.  45:9.  Is.  54:5.  62:5. 

Ez.  16:8.     Hos.  2:19,20.  John 

3:29.     2  Cor.   11:2.     Rev.   19: 

7,8.  21:2,9,10. 
a  6:12.  7:5,6,10.     ProT.  5:19,20. 

Zeph.  3:17. 
b  1:15.  6:5. 
c  1:10. 

f  Heb.  loves.  1:2.  marg. 
d  1;2,4. 


shadows  flee  away;  yet  in  heaven,  he  is  maintain- 
ing our  cause,  and  he  is  spiritually  present  in  his 
ordinances,  and  with  his  people;  as  he  said,  when 
he  ascended,  "Lo,  I  am  with  you  always,  even 
unto  the  end  of  the  world.  Amen."  [J^otes,  JUatt. 
18:19,20.  28:19,20.  Heb.  9:24—28.) 

V.  7.  'Thou  art  exceeding  beautiful,  O  my 
'church,  in  all  parts  of  thee:  for  all  thy  sins  are 
*done  away,  and  thine  iniquity  is  covered;  and  lo, 
'I  present  thee  to  my  Father,  without  spot,  or 
'wrinkle,  or  any  such  deformity.  Eph.  5:21.'  Bp. 
Hall. — The  apostle,  however,  in  the  passage  al- 
luded to,  evidently  intended  the  perfect  sanctifi- 
cation  of  the  church,  when  admitted  into  the 
heavenly  state,  which  is  the  completion  of  her 
sacred  union  with  her  Beloved. 


•Defiled  and  loathsome  as  we  are, 
'He  makes  us  white,  and  calls  us  fair; 
'Adorns  us  with  that  heavenly  dress, 
'His  "Traces,  and  his  righteousness.' 


Watts. 


[Marg.  Ref.—Jfotes,  1—5.  1:8.  Ps.  45:9—11. 
Eph.  5:22—27,  vv.  26,27.  Col.  1:21—23.  Jude  22 
—25,  V.  24.] 

V.  8.  'Cnrist  promiseth  his  church,  to  call  his 
'faithful  from  all  corners  of  the  world.' — 'Here  now 
'begins  a  new  representation;  as  appears  by  this, 
'that  th.T  style  wherein  the  Bridegroom  speaks  is 
'altered;  she  who  hitherto  hath  been  called  his 
*love  or  friend,  being  now  called  his  "spouse," 
'and  never  before,  though  very  frequently  in  the 
'following  part  of  the  song.  ...  We  may  look  upon 
'this  as  a  description  of  the  church,  coming  out 
'of  the  state  of  persecution,  and  receiving  greater 
'testimonies  of  her  Savior's  love  thun  ever.  For, 
'coming  from  the  top  of  high  mountains,  where 
'there  were  lions'  dens,  and  where  leopards  in- 
'habited,  cannot  well  signify  any  thing  else,  than 
'coming  from  places  where  they  were  in  danger 
'to  be  devoured  by  their  persecutors.  ...  As  Senir 
•ancJi  Hermon  were  parts  of  the  same  mountain; 
'so  Amana  wa.s  a  part  of  Libanus:  ...  and  though 
'the  lower  parts  of  this  mountain,  Libanus,  were 
'very  pleasant;  yet  the  top  of  it,  which  is  here 
'spoken  of,  was  horrid,  and  inliabited  by  wild 
'beasts.'  Bp.  Patrick. — The  original  is  future,  not 
imperative;  and  implies,  not  merely  an  invitation, 
but  also  a  promise,  that  the  true  chu. ch  shall  be 
brought  out  of  every  scene  of  danger  and  suffer- 
ing, to  the  enjoyment  of  consummate  felicity  in 
the  presence  and  full  favor  of  her  Beloved.  [J\Iarg. 


than  wine!  and  *  the  smell  of  thine  oint- 
ments than  all  spices! 

11  Thy  "^  hps,  O  my  spouse,  drop  as 
the  honey-comb:  s  honey  and  milk  are 
under  thy  tongue;  and  ''  the  smell  of  thy 
garments  is  like  the  smell  of  Lebanon. 

12  A  '  garden  ^  enclosed  is  my  sister, 
my  spouse;  a  spring  shut  up,  a  fountain 
^  sealed. 

13  Thy  plants  •  are  an  orchard  of  pom- 
egranates, with  "  pleasant  fruits;  5  cam- 
phire,  with  "  spikenard, 

14  Spikenard  and  saffron;  "calamus 
and  P  cinnamon,  with  all  i  trees  of  frank- 


e  1:3,12.  3:6.    5:5.     2  Cor.  1:21, 

22.     Gal.  5:22,23.     Phil.  4:18. 

Rev.  5:8. 
f  3.5:13.  7:9.     Ps.  71:14,15,23, 

24.     Prov.   16:24.     Hos.   14:2. 

Heb.  13:15. 
g5:l.     Prov.  24:13,14.   Is.  7:15. 
h  10.  Gen.  27:27.  Ps.  45:8.  Hos. 

14:7. 
i  6:2,11.     Prov.  5:15—18.     Is. 

58:11.     61:10,11.      Jer.    3M2. 

Hos.  6:3.      1  Cor.   6:13,19,20. 

7:34.     Rev.  21:27. 


J  Heb.  barred. 

k  2  Cor.  1:22.     Eph.  1:13.  4:3a 

Rev.  7:3. 
I  6:11.  7:12.  8:2.  Ps.  92:14.  Ec. 

2:5.    Is.  60:21.  61:11.   John  15: 

1—3.    Phil.  1:11. 
ra  6:2. 

5  Or,  cypress.  14. 
n  1:12.     Mark  14:3.    John  12:3 
o  Ex.  30:23.    Ez. -i7:19. 
p  Prov.  7:17.    Rev.  18:13. 
q  6.  Num.  24:6. 


Ref.—J\rotes,  2:10— 14.  Ps.  45:9—11.  76:4.  Is.  35: 
8—10.  2  Cor.  6:14—18.)  In  what  sense  could 
Pharaoh's  daughter  be  called  to  come  to  Solo- 
mon, after  their  espousals,  from  the  horrid  tops  of 
these  mountains.'  And  what  had  she,  even  be- 
fore her  marriage,  to  do,  eitlier  on  the  savage 
wilds  of  Lebanon,  the  northern  boundary  of  Ca- 
naan; or  on  the  top  of  Hermon,  to  the  east  of  Jor- 
dan.'— Egypt  lies  south-west  of  Canaan. 

V.  9.  Christ  here  expresses  the  vehemency  of 
his  love  to  his  church.  He  calls  her  his  "sister," 
as  well  as  his  "spouse:"  (10,12.)  he  bears  our  na- 
ture as  the  Son  of  man,  and  he  makes  us  parta- 
kers of  the  divine  nature,  as  the  children  of  God. 
His  spouse  had  "ravished,"  or  taken  away,  "his 
heart,  with  one  of  her  eyes:"  tliat  is,  by  looking  to 
him,  in  the  simplicity  of  faith  and  love;  and  "with 
one  chain  of  her  neck,"  or  by  every  exercise  of 
those  harmonious  graces,  and  practice  of  those 
holy  duties,  which  are  the  ornament  of  the  be- 
liever and  of  his  profession.  {Jilarg.  and  Marg. 
Ref.—JVotes,  1:10,15.  5:1,2.  6:5—7,  v.  5.  Jlatt. 
12:46-50,  V.  50.  1  Cor.  9:4,5.  Heb.  2:10—13.  2 
Pet.  1:5-7.) 

V.  10.  The  believer's  holy  love  to  Christ  and 
to  his  people,  is  highly  valued  by  him:  he  greatly 
delights  in  it,  as  the  fruit  of  his  own  Spirit,  and  the 
reflection  of  his  own  image.  As  believers  prefer 
the  love  of  Christ  to  all  earthly  joys;  so  Christ 
prefers  their  iove  and  grace,  to  all  the  sacrifices 
and  incense  of  the  temple,  to  the  choicest  produc- 
tions of  the  whole  earth,  and  to  the  most  admired 
characters  which  have  inhabited  it.  [Marg.  and 
Marg.  Ref.—Jfotes,  1:2,4.  3:6.  1  Cor.  13:1—7.  2 
Cor.  5:13—15.  Gal.  5:1—6,  v.  6. 22— 26,  i)i;.  22,23. 
1  Jo/m  4:7,8,13—17.) 

V.  11.  The  prayers,  praises,  thanksgivings, 
open  profession  of  the  truth,  and  pious  conversa- 
tion of  believers,  with  the  faithful  and  zealous 
preaching  of  ministers,  are  pleasant  to  the  gra- 
cious Redeemer,  as  the  pure  honey  that  drops 
from  the  honey-comb:  every  expression  is  to  him, 
as  if  "honey  and  milk  were  under  their  tongue," 
while  they  speak  from  the  abundance  of  their 
hearts:  and  their  whole  conduct,  wliilst  they  rely 
on  his  merits  and  copy  his  example,  is  fragrant 
unto  him  above  the  most  delightful  spots  on  earth. 
[Marg.  Ref.—JVotes,  7:9.  Ps.  45:8.  71:22—24. 
Prov.  16:24.  Hos.  14:1—3,  v.  2.  4—8.  Heb.  12:15, 


16. 


[639 


B.  C.  1014. 


SOLOMON'S   SOJ\G. 


B.  C.  1014.- 


incense;  myrrh  and  aloes,  with  all  ""  the 
chief  spices: 

15  A  '  Fountain  of  gardens,  '  a  Well 
of  Uving  waters,  and  "  streams  from  Leb- 
anon. 


r6:2.    Gen.  43:11.      1  Kings  10: 

10.    2  Chr.  9:9.     Mark  1B:1. 
s  12.     Kc.  2:6. 
t  Ps.  36:8,9.     46:4.     Jer.   2:13. 


17;1S.    John  4:14.  7:33,     Rev 
22:1. 
u  Jer,  18:13,14. 


V.  12 — 14.  The  world  is  a  wilderness:  but  the 
church  is  "a  j^arden,"  enclosed  by  divine  grace, 
and  stored  with  every  valuable  plant,  which  is 
well  cultured  and  flourishing.  It  has  within  it- 
self a  spring,  or  fountain,  whence  every  part  of  it 
is  abundantly  watered;  i.  e.  the  fertilizing  influ- 
ences of  the  Holy  Spirit.  But  this  "spring  is 
sbut  up,"  this  "fountain  is  sealed."  The  world 
knoweth  not  these  "wells  of  salvation:"  nor  can 
any  opposer  stop  up  or  corrupt  this  fountain,  or 
prevent  the  course  of  its  healing  streams.  The 
effects  men  may  perceive,  the  cause  they  cannot 
discover:  for  the  believer's  "life  is  hid  with  Christ 
in  God."  Some  by  the  plants  suppose  young 
converts  to  be  intended,  and  by  the  enclosing  of 
the  garden  and  spring,  the  exclusion  of  the  wick- 
ed from  the  sacred  ordinances  of  the  Church. 
The  single  attachment  and  fidelity  of  the  true 
church  to  him  who  has  espoused  him  to  himself, 
seems  also  to  be  intended.  {Marg.  and  Marg. 
Ref.—Kotes,  1:12—14.  5:1.  7:10—13.  P*.  46:4. 
Prm.  5:13—19.  Is.  12:1— 3,  ij.  3.  41:17—20.  61:10, 
11.  John  4:10—13.  Col.  3:1—4.) 

V.  15.  These  words  seem  to  be  spoken  by  the 
spouse,  rendering  to  Christ  the  praise  of  all  the 
good  which  he  had  commended  in  her.  He  is 
"the  Fountain,"  which  makes  these  gardens 
fruitful;  even  "a  Well  of  living  waters,"  from 
whom  all  heavenly  graces  flow,  (as  streams  from 
the  declivities  of  Lebanon,)  to  water  every  part 
of  his  church. — 'The  church  confesseth  that  all 
''her  glor}'  and  beauty  cometh  of  Christ,  who  is 
'the  true  "Fountain  of  all  grace.'    (JVbie*,  Ps.  36:3 

9.  Jer.   2:13,) — Many,    however,   suppose  the 

verse  to  be  a  continuation  of  the  preceding  com- 
mendation; and  to  imply,  that  the  church  is  not 
only  pure  and  pleasant  in  herself,  but  so  abun- 
dantly replenished  with  gifts  and  graces,  as  to  be 
capable  of  communicating  blessings  to  all  around. 
[Marg.  Ref.~^''otes,  John  4:l(>— 15.  7:37—39. 
/Jet).  22:1.) 

V.  16.  The  spouse,  considering  herself  as  the 
garden,  well  watered,  planted,  and  tended,  ear- 
nestly desires  that  her  graces  may  be  rendered 
more  lively,  her  spices  more  fragrant,  and  her 
fruits  more  rich  and  abundant:  and  she  calls  upon 
tlie  icind,  (another  emblem  of  the  Holy  Spirit  in 
Ids  diversified  opercticns,)  to  blow  upon  her  gar- 
den for  this  purpose.  iMarg.  Ref.  x — J^otes, 
Ez.  37:1—10,  V.  9.  ,/o/t?i  3:7,8.  Acts  2:2,3.)  The 
north  wind  may  be  interpreted  of  the  convincing 
and  humbling  effects  of  the  Spirit,  which  are 
sharp  and  unpleasant,  but  very  useful:  the  south 
wind. is  supposed  to  denote  his  enlivening  and 
comforting  influences,  which  cause  hope,  love, 
•■-ratitude,  and  zeal  to  abound  in  the  heart.  (JVbies, 
Jy/wi  15:6—8.  16:8—11,14,13.  Rom.  7:14—17. 
r.:10— 13.  PAi/.  1:9— 11.  4:14—20,1;.  18.  Heb.  13: 
13,16.) 

•Awake,  O  heavenly  wind,  and  ccme 
'Blow  on  this  girden  of  peri'jiae; 
•Spirit  divine!   descend  and  breathe 
•A  gracious  gale  on  plants  beneath. 

•Make  our  best  spices  flow  abroad 

•To  entertain  our  Savior  God; 

•And  faith,  and  love,  and  joy  appear, 

•And  every  grace  be  active  here.'  '^  f-^'s- 

This  she  calls  for,  that  her  services  might  be  more 
pleasant  and  honorable  to  her  Beloved,  and  ensure 
640] 


16  ^  Awake,  O  north  wind,  and  come, 
thou  south  J  blow  upon  my  garden,  that 
y  the  spices  thereof  may  flow  out.  ^  Let 
ray  Beloved  come  into  his  garden,  and 
eat  his  pleasant  fruits. 

Heb. 


Kc.    1:6.     Is.  51:9 
64:1.      Kz.   37.9.      John   3:8. 
Acts  2:1,2.  4:31. 
y  13,14.  7:13,13.     2  Cor.  9:10— 
15.    Phil.  1:9—11.     Col.  1:9— 


12.  1  Thes.  2:12,13. 
13:20,21.  2  Pet.  3:18. 
:  h:\.  8:12.  MaU.  26:10,12. 
John  15:8.  Rom.  15:16,28.  1 
Pet.  2:5,9,10. 


to  her  his  constant  presence.  [Marg.  Ref.  y,  z. — 
M)tes,  12—14.  5:1.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
V.  1—7. 
The  church  of  Christ,  and  every  true  believer, 
are  not  only  greatly  beloved  by  him,  and  regard- 
ed with  a  condescension  which  cannot  be  express- 
ed or  conceived;  but  they  actually  possess  great 
excellency  and  spiritual  beauty,  derived  from  his 
grace,  and  forming  the  reflection  of  his  holiness. 
The  illuminated  understanding,  the  spiritual  judg- 
ment, the  submissive  will,  the  holy  affections  of 
love  and  gratitude,  the  regulated  passions,  the 
blameless  conversation,  and  the  unostentatious 
usefulness  of  real  Christians  are  very  valuable. 
Their  daily  exercise  of  repentance,  with  genuine 
sorrow  and  self-abasement  before  God,  on  account 
of  such  failures  and  defects  as  others  think  nothing 
of,  and  with  which  he  alone  is  acquainted;  their 
continued  dependence  on  the  blood  of  Christ,  and 
on  the  promised  assistance  of  the  Holy  Spirit; 
their  constant  opposition  to  sin;  their  delight  in 
the  word  and  ordinances  of  God,  and  in  speaking- 
of  his  love  and  grace;  and  their  habitual  endeav- 
ors to  lead  others  to  an  acquaintance  with  their 
beloved  Savior:  these,  and  other  parts  of  the 
Christian  temper,  are  very  good  in  themselves, 
and  pleasing  to  the  Lord:  and  he  would  have  them 
know  how  much  he  approves  of  them,  that  they 
may  be  encouraged  amidst  difficulties  and  tempta- 
tions, and  excited  to  greater  watchfulness,  dili- 
gence, and  gratitude.  He  would  also  have  the 
distinction  strongly  marked  between  real  and 
pretended  disciples;  and  the  mistake,  of  those  who 
imagine  that  the  doctrine  of  his  free  salvation 
tends  to  laxity  in  morals,  effectually  confuted. 
And  when  the  whole  church  is  considered,  and 
contrasted  with  the  rest  of  mankind;  when  tlie 
regular  administration  of  divine  ordinances,  and 
profession  of  the  sacred  truths  of  God's  word;  the 
diligence,  faithfulness,  holy  lives,  patient  suffer- 
ings, and  usefulness  of  true  ministers;  their  con- 
tinual instruction  of  the  people  from  the  sacred 
Scriptures  of  the  Old  and  New  Testament,  in 
every  thing  relating  to  doctrine  and  practice;  the 
spiritual  worship  of  numerous  individuals  and  as- 
sembled congregations,  throughout  the  earth,  all 
ascending  before  the  throne  of  God,  through  his 
intercession,  who  is  gone  before  to  be  our  Advo- 
cate: 1  say,  when  these  things  are  candidly  con- 
sidered, we  shall  perceive  the  propriety  of  the  ex- 
pression, "Thou  art  all  fair,  my  love,  there  is  no 
spot  in  thee."  But  we  must  by  no  means  think, 
that  mere  professors  of  any  description  form  a 
part  of  this  "chosen  generation,  this  peculiar  peo- 
ple." The  church,  of  which  we  speak,  consists 
of  those  persons,  who  are  "washed,  and  sanctified, 
and  justified,  in  the  name  of  the  Lord  Jesus,*and 
by  the  Spirit  of  our  God:"  in  whom  there  is  "no 
spot;"  no  sin  unrepented  of,  unpardoned,  or  un- 
subdued; no  part  which  is  not  beautified  with 
salvation,  in  a  measure  which  continually  tends 
to  perfection.  (JVbte,  Ps.  149:4.  P.  O.) 
V.  8—16. 
The  Rcrieeiner  calls  us  to  forsake  earthly  ob- 
jects, and  to  set  our  affections  on  things  above, 
whither  he  is  gone  before,  and  "where  he  sitleth 
on  the  right  hand  of  God."    For  every  scene  here 


B.  C.  1U14, 


CHAPTER  V. 


B.  C.  1014. 


CHAP.  V. 

Christ  visits  his  garden,  expresses  his  delight  in  it,  and  invites 
his  friends  to  feast  with  him,  1.  The  spouse  relates  her  drow- 
siness and  vain  excuses,  when  visited  by  her  Beloved;  and  that 
be  was  withdrawn  when  she  arose  to  open  to  him,  2 — 6.  The 
hard  usag;e  she  met  with  from  the  watchmen,  7.  She  charges 
her  companions  to  inform  her  Beloved  that  she  was  sick  of 
iovc,  8.  They  inquire  after  her  Beloved;  and  she  describes 
his  manifold  excellences,  9 — Iti. 

AM  ^  come  into  my  garden,  ^  my  sis- 
ter, my  spouse:  ■=  1  have  gathered  my 
myrrh  with  my  spice;  I  have  eaten  my 
honey-comb  with  my  honey;  I  have  drunk 
my  wine  with  my  milk:  ^  eat,  O  ^  friends; 


a4:lii.  6:2,11.  8;13.  Is.  51.  51 
3.  58:11.61:11.  6u;14.  John  14; 
21—23. 

b  4:9— 12.  8:1.  Heb.  2:12— 14. 

c  4:13,14.  Ps.  147:11.    Is.  53:11. 

d  Deut.  16:13—17.  26:10—14.  2 


Chr.  31:6— 10.  Ps.  16:3.  Is.  2.5: 
13.  02:8,9.  65:13.66:14.  Malt. 
25:40.  Acts  11:29.  2Cor.9:ll 
—15.  Eph.  5:18.  1  Thcs.  3:8.9. 
e  Luke  12:4.  15:6,9.  John  3:29. 
15:14,15. 


drink,  *yea  drink  abundantly,  O  belov- 
ed. 

2  IT  I  ^  sleep,  but  my  heart  waketh:  it 
is  =  the  voice  of  my  Beloved  that  ''  knock- 
eth,  saying,  '  Open  to  me,  my  sister,  my 
love,  ^  my  dove,  my  undefiled:  for  '  my 
head  is  filled  with  dew,  and  my  locks  with 
the  drops  of  the  night. 

SI*"  have   put  off  my  coat;     how 


*  Or,  and  be  drunlcen  with 
loves.     Zech.  9:15—17. 

f  3:1.  7:9.  Dan.  8:18.  Zech.  4: 
1.  Matt.  25:4,3.  26:40,41.  Luke 
9:32.    Epli.  5:14. 

g  2:8,10.  John  10:4. 

h  Rev.  3:20. 

i  Ps.  24:7— 10.  81:10.  Prov.23:26. 

k2:14.   6:9.      Ps.  119:1.   Rev    3 


14:4. 
I  3:7.    Gen.  29:20.  31:40,41    Is. 

50.6.    62:14.    53:3—5,       Matt. 

S:17.     25:36—45.     Mark  I  35. 

Luke  6:12.  22:44.     2  Cor.  5:14, 

15.  Gal.  2:20. 
mProv.3:-8.  13:4.22:13.  Matt. 

25:5.    2t);S8 — 43.       Luke  11:7. 

Kom.  7:2 '.23. 


below  is  full  of  trouble  and  dang-er;  Satan  and  his 
emissaries,  go  about  as  lions  and  leopards,  "seek- 
ing-whom  they  may  devour:"  {JVote,  1  Pe<.  5:8,9.) 
•and  a  proper  sense  of  our  situation  will  not  only 
load  us  to  a  willingness  to  count  all  but  loss,  that 
we  may  win  Christ;    but  will  reconcile  us  to  his 
call  to  depart  hence,  that  we  may  go  to  be  with 
him  ia  heaven,  where  there  are  neither  sins  nor 
temptations.     (J^^ote,   Phil.    1:21—26.)     All  our 
salvation  springs  from  the  Lord's  com))assionate 
love  to  us  as  sinners;    but  he  beholds,  with  com- 
placency and  delight,  our  faith,  and  love,  and  en- 
deavors to  walk  in  his  ordinances  and  command- 
ments;   he  glories  in  his  relation  to  us,  as  our 
Brother  and  iKost  endeared  Friend;    and  surely 
toe  shall  never  be  ashamed  of  itI  And  if  he  speak, 
in  such  encouraging  terms,  of  our  scanty  measure 
of  fruitfulness;    how  should  we  admire  and  extol 
his  excellences,  and  the  "savor  of  his  sweet  oint- 1 
ments,"  in  his  righteousness,  his  mediation,  and 
his  sacred  werdi     As  Christians,  we  are  his  gar-  j 
den,  which  he  has  enclosed  from  the  wilderness  of  1 
fallen  man,  and  stored  with  precious  plants  from ' 
the  paradise  above;  and  which  he  waters  from  the 
Fountain  of  life,  that  "springeth  forth  from  the 
throne  of  God,  and  of  the  Lamb;"  that  we  should 
be   "filled   with  all  the  fruits  of  righteousness, 
•which  are  through  Jesus  Christ  to  his  praise  and 
glory."    This  garden  is  indeed  enclosed,  this  foun- 
tain'is  shut  up  and  sealed;    so  that  the  world  can 
neither  become  acquainted  with  their  value,  nor 
do  it  any  real  injury:    but,  though  ungodly  men 
cannot  understand  our  principles,  or  comprehend 
(he  way  in  which  our  hearts  are  directed,  influ- 
enced, and  renewed  from  above;  they  can  form  a 
judgment  of  our  conduct:  and  we  should  endeavor 
to  convince  them,  that  the  holiness  of  our  lives  is 
far  superior  to  the  general  practice  of  the  world; 
since  we  profess  to  maintain  communion  with  God, 
and  to  receive  communications  from  him,  to  which 
they  are  strangers.  We  should  keep  separate  from 
them  as  "a  garden  enclosed,"  and  avoid  conform- 
ity to  them:  and  whilst  we  render  all  the  glory  to 
hiin,  who  alone   "hath  made  us  to  differ;"    we 
should  earnestly  pray  that  this  difference  may  be 
every  day  rendered  more  evident  and  decided. 
These  commendations  of  true  believers  may  well 
I'.umble  each  of  us,  in  a  consciousness  how  little 
we  are  entitled  to  them;  and  stir  us  up  to  be  more 
fervent  in  seeking  for  the  convincing  and  sancti- 
fying Spirit  of  Christ,  to  bring  every  holy  affec- 
lion  into  more  vigorous  exercise;  that  our  worship 
and  obedience  may  be  more  consistent  with  our 
character,   privileges,  and  relation  to  the  holy 
Jesus:  that  he  may  take  more  delight  in  manifest- 
ing his  presence  to  our  souls,  and  may  be  more 
glorified  in  our  whole  conduct.     Nor  should  we 
confine  our  prayers  to  our  own  cases  and  wants; 
but  pray  without  ceasing,  that  the  same  Spirit  of 
life,  nolincss,  and  comfort  may  breathe  on  all  the 

Vor.  in.  81 


assemblies  of  the  saints,  and  render  their  worship 
more  spiritual,  their  love  and  joy  more  lively,  and 
their  fruits  of  righteousness  more  abundant,  to  the 
Redeemer's  glory,  and  the  honor  and  spread  of 
his  gospel  in  the  world. 

NOTES. 
Chap.  V.  V.  1.  This  verse,  which  should 
have  been  joined  to  the  former  chapter,  is  the 
gracious  answer  of  Christ  to  the  petition  of  the 
spouse.  (JVbie,  4:16.)  He  had  so  prepared  his 
garden  that  he  could  come  into  it  with  satisfac- 
tion. The  worship  presented  in  his  church  was 
pleasant  to  him,  as  fragrant  gums  and  spices.  He 
delighted  in  the  spiritual  services  of  believers,  as 
honey  and  the  honey-comb.  He  also  "drank  the 
wine" and  the  milk;"  the  most  minute  as  well  as 
the  more  costly  oblation  being  acceptable  to  him, 
as  coming  from  an  upright  heart.  'O  my  sister, 
'my  spouse,  I  have  received  those  fruits  of  thine 
'obedience,  which  thou  offerest  unto  me.  I  have 
'accepted  not  only  of  thy  good  works,  but  thy  en- 
'deavors  and  purposes  of  holiness,  which  are  pleas- 
'ant  to  me  as  honey  and  the  honey-comb.'  Bp. 
Hall.  [Marg.  Ref.  a,  b.  d.—mies,  4:10—1.5.  6:2. 
P.  O.Ex.  35:  jyotes,Ps.  1 19:103.  7«.  .5:1.  55:1— 3. 
\JIark  12:41—44.  14:3—9,  v.  8.  2  Cor.  8:10—15, 
I V.  12.)  He  then  added  an  invitation  to  his  friends 
j  and  beloved  people,  to  eat  and  drink  abundantly. 
[  The  acts  of  worship,  in  which  they  honor  him,  are 
1  means  of  communicating  grace  to  them.  The 
j  good  works,  which  they  perform  to  adorn  his  g03- 
I  pel,  evidence  the  reality  of  their  grace,  and  make 
I  way  for  their  consolation:  it  is  his  will,  that  they 
should  rejoice  in  the  provisions  of  his  grace,  whilst 
[they  live  to  his  glory:  those  who  would  entertain 
Christ,  must  also  entertain  his  poor  disciples:  and 
though  their  goodness  cannot  profit  him,  it  may 
be  useful  to  his  beloved  people;  as  a  man  has  an 
orchard  or  garden,  which  he  delights  to  see  stored 
with  every  valuable  production,  ano  yet  he  does 
not  use  them  himself,  but  disperses  them  amon^ 
his  friends.  (Marg.  and  Marg.  Ref.  d,  e.— 
Deut.  12:5— 1.  Ps.  16:2,3.  Prov.  9:\—6.  /?.  25: 
0—8.  Jl/aW.  2G.26— 29.  2  Co?-.  9:12— 15.  Rev. 
3.^0—22;  V.  20.  22:16,17.)— The  word  render- 
ed "drink  abundantly,"  signifies,  be  inebriated. 
{Marg.— J^otcs,Gen. 43:34.  Zec/i. 9:13—17.  John 
2:6-11.  £;)/i.  5:15— 20,  r.  18.)  "Be  not  drunk 
with  wine,  wherein  is  excess,  but  be  filled  with 
the  Spirit." — Some  think  that  the  martyrs,  who 
laid  down  their  lives  from  love  to  Christ,  are 
meant  by  "the  myrrh  and  spice,"  as  peculiarly 
pleasing  and  honorable  to  him:  and  that  the  joy 
of  angels  and  saints  in  heaven  over  the  conver- 
sion of  sinners  on  earth,  is  intended  by  the  con- 
cluding invitation "Rejoice  with  me;  for  I  have 

found  my  sheep  that  was  lost."    {J^Toieg  and  P.  O. 
Luke  15:) 
V.  2.    A  new  scene  here  opens;  and  the  spouRc 

[641 


B.  C.  1014. 


SOLOMON'S  SONG. 


B.  C.  1014. 


shall  I  put  it  on?  I  have  washed  my  feet; 
how  shall  I  defile  them? 

4  My  Beloved  "  put  in  his  hand  by  the 
hole  of  the  door,  and  °  my  bowels  were 
moved  *  for  him. 

5  I  P  rose  up  to  open  to  my  Beloved; 
and  ^  my  hands  dropped  with  myrrh,  and 


n  1:4.     Ps.  n0:3.     Acts  16:14. 
-2  Cor.  8:1,2,16.     Phil.  2:13. 
o  Gen.  43:30.    1  Kings  3:26.  Is. 

26:3,9.     iJohn  3:16,17. 
*  Or,  (as  some  read,)  in  Trie, 


p   2.     Luke   12:36.     Epb.  3:17. 

Rev.  3:'20. 
q  13.  3:6.  4:13,14.     2  Cor.  7:7,9 

—11. 


my  fingers  with  f  sweet-smelling   myrrli, 
upon  the  handles  of  the  lock. 

6  I  opened  to  my  Beloved:  ■"  but  my 
Beloved  had  withdrawn  himself,  and  was 
gone:  °  my  soul  failed  when  he  spake;  '  I 
sought  him,  but  I  could  not  find  him;  I 
called  him,  but  he  gave  me  no  answer. 


I   Heb.    passing,   or,   running 

about. 
T  Ps.  30:7.     Is.  8:17.   12:1.  50:2. 

54:6—8.     Hos.  5:6,15.     Matt. 

15:22—28.     Rev.  3:19. 
s  2,4.     Gen.  42:28.     2  Sam.  16: 

10.     Ps.  69:3.  77:3.     Is.  57:16. 


Matt.  26:75.  Mark  14:72.  Luke 
22:61,62. 

t  3:1,2.  1  Sam.  28:6.  Ps.  22: 
1,2.  28:1.  80:4.  88:9—14.  Is. 
58:2—4,7—9.  Lam.  3:8.  Zecb. 
7:13. 


relates  her  conduct  on  a  particular  occasion,  when 
she  evidently  acted  improperly  and  was  rebuked 
for  it.  To  cover  over  all  the  improprieties  of  a 
literal  interpretation,  concerning  Solomon  and 
Pharaoh's  daughters,  immediately  after  their 
espousals;  the  whole  has  been  confidently  stated 
to  have  been  a  dream;  because  it  is  said  "I  sleep, 
but  my  heart  waketh."  This  expression,  howev- 
er, admits  of  a  very  different  and  instructive  in- 
terpretation, if  the  spiritual  meaning-  of  the  alle- 
gory be  attended  to:  and  there  is  no  other  intima- 
tion that  it  was  a  dream;  or  reason  why  it  should 
be  considered  as  such,  except  to  keep  up  the 
imaginary  consistency  of  a  dramatic  poem  on  the 
marriage  of  Solomon  with  Pharaoh's  daughter, 
which  has  little  or  no  foundation  in  scripture,  and 
cannot  be  clearly  made  out  by  internal  evidence. 
(Preface.— J^otes,  -i:2.  3:1—5.)  Waving  there- 
fore the  consideration  of  the  passage,  in  respect 
of  these  external  circumstances;  we  here  learn 
that  the  spouse,  subsequent  to  the  commendations 
which  had  been  bestowed  on  her,  fell  into  a 
drowsy  and  heartless  frame  of  mind. — "I  deep, 
but  my  heart  waketh."  She  is  very  dull,  yet  not 
utterly  inattentive  to  her  spiritual  concerns.  Her 
judgment  and  choice  are  the  same;  but  her  affec- 
tions are  cold,  and  her  services  formal:  a  case, 
which  alas!  often  occurs  in  the  believer's  experi- 
ence. (JVb<es,  Matt.  25:5—9,  v.  5.  Rev.  2:2—5.) 
'I  take  it  to  be  a  description  of  the  dulness,  which 
'is  sometimes  apt  to  creep  upon  the  most  excel- 
*lent  minds.'  Bp.  Patrick. — In  this  situation  she 
recognises  the  voice  of  her  Beloved,  and  hears 
him  knock  and  request  admission.  Tliis  repre- 
sents the  warnings,  reproofs,  and  invitations  given 
to  a  Christian,  when  in  this  drowsy  frame;  the 
convictions  excited  by  the  Holy  Spirit;  and  the 
ineffectual  desires  felt,  and  the  half  purposes 
formed,  on  such  occasions.  He  perceives  that 
he  is  faulty  and  ought  to  be  more  earnest;  he  is 
gently  admonished  of  his  folly  and  ingratitude; 
yet  he  yields  to  inactivity,  despondency,  or  luke- 
warmness.  (JYote,  Rev.  3:20—22,  t'.  "20.)  The 
words  of  Christ,  as  here  stated,  are  replete  with 
tender  affection,  and  introduced  by  the  most  en- 
dearing compellations,  without  the  least  anger  or 
reproach:  yet  he  complains,  that  "his  head  is  filled 
with  dew,  and  bis  lacks  with  the  drops  of  the 
n'gbt;"  implying  the  hardships  and  sufferings, 
^vhich  he  had  endured  in  coming  for  the  salvation 
of  his  people;  and  that  it  is  very  unkind  and  un- 
grateful if  they  are  not  ready  to  admit  and  enter- 
tain iiim.  As  if  a  tender  husband,  having  gone  a 
long  and  wearisome  journey,  solely  for  the  benefit 
and  comfort  of  his  wife;  and  having  travelled  very 
late  in  the  night,  through  the  cold  or  rain,  out  of 
love  to  her  company,  should  at  length  be  shut  out 
of  doors,  and  obliged  to  continue  all  night  in  the 
street! — The  night-dew  in  those  countries  is  very 
heavy  and  chilling.  {J\la7'g.  Re.f. — J^fotes,  2:8 — 
13.  7:9.  8:6,7.  Gen.  31:40.  JMait.  26:40,41.  John 
15:3—5,  V.  4.  Rom.  13:1 1—14.  2  Cor.  5:13—15. 
Eph.  4:30—32,  v.  30.) 

V.  3.    The  vain  and  frivolous  excuses,  urged 
642] 


by  the  spouse,  denote  the  unprepared  state  of  the 
believer's  heart,  when  he  has  remitted  his  watch, 
grown  negligent  of  his  work,  fond  of  ease  and 
indulgence,  and  averse  to  exertion  or  incon- 
venience. In  such  a  frame,  every  thing  forms  a 
mighty  difficulty;  and  delays  and  omissions  of 
duty  are  admitted  on  the  most  frivolous  pretences. 
— Backwardness  to  shew  our  love  to  Christ,  by 
self-denying  and  expensive  kindness  to  his  afilicl- 
ed  and  suffering  people,  may  also  be  intended. — 
'Let  us  learn  from  hence  what  mischief  sloth  and 
'laziness  doeth,  and  in  what  troubles  and  pains  it 
'engages  us.  For  the  spouse  here  excusing  her- 
'self,  and  not  being  willing  presently  to  rise  to 
'the  Bridegroom,  is  compelled  a  little  while  after, 
'not  only  to  rise  and  to  run  down  to  the  door,  but 
'to  run  through  the  city,  and  wander  about  the 
'streets,  and  fall  among  the  watchmen,  and  by 
'them  to  be  wounded;  and  after  all  could  scarce- 
'ly  find  her  Beloved;  to  whom  if  she  had  presently 
'hearkened,  and  obeyed  his  heavenly  call,  she 
'had  avoided  all  these  inconveniences.*  Theodo- 
ret,  quoted  by  Bp.  Patrick.  {Jlar^.  Ref. — 
JVotes,  Prov.  3:27,20.  13:4.  Malt.  26:42—46. 
Luke  11:5—13,  v.  7.  14:15—24,  vv.  18—20.  Rom, 
7:18—25.) 

V.  4.  This  verse  leads  us  to  imagine  some 
private  aperture  in  the  door,  through  which  the 
person  without,  (being  acquainted  with  it)  might 
put  in  his  hand  and  unbolt  it;  or,  as  some  think, 
make  signs  of  his  displeasure.  This  seems,  how- 
ever, to  represent  the  effectual  influence  of  the 
Spirit  of  Christ  upon  the  heart,  exciting  sharp 
convictions  and  vigorous  exercises  of  faith  and 
grace;  which  caused  the  spouse's  "bowels  to  be 
moved  for  him;"  that  is,  it  excited  fervent  desires 
after  Christ  and  communion  with  him,  attended 
with  poignant  sorrow,  and  shame,  and  great  in- 
ward perturbation  and  alarm,  for  having  behaved 
so  ungratefully  towards  him.  {J\Iarsc.  and  Marg. 
Ref.—jyotes,  1:4.4:16.  Ps.  110:3.  John  16:8—11. 
Ads  16:13—15,  v.  14.  Heb.  4:1,2.  Rsv.  2:14—16, 
V.  16.  3:18,19.) 

V.  5,  6.  The  spouse,  rising  up  to  open  to  her 
Beloved,  represents  the  renewed  exercise  of  re- 
pentance and  faith  of  those  believers,  who  have 
become  negligent:  by  which  they  rise  from  drow- 
siness and  self-induigence,  applying  by  fervent 
prayer  for  the  consolations  ol  the  love  of  Christ, 
and  diligently  removing  every  hindrance  to  com- 
munion with  him.  These  actings  of  the  soul  are 
represented  by  "the  hands  and  fingers  dropping 
with  sweet-smelling  myrrh  upon  the  handles  of 
the  lock;"  as  being  in  themselves  gracious,  suited 
to  the  circumstances,  and  acceptable  to  the  Lord. 
(JVbie,  2  Cor.  7:9— 1 1.)  But  notwithstanding  thi.s, 
the  spouse  perceived  that  "her  Beloved  had  with- 
drawn himself,  and  was  gone;"  for  the  comforts  of 
communion  with  God  are  easily  forfeited,  but  not 
so  readily  recovered.  [Marg.  and  Mars;.  Ref. 
p,  q— JVoZes,  3:6.  4:12— 15.  P*.  30:6— 8.  51:11— 
13.  130:1,2.)— "Her  soul  failed  her  when  he 
spake:"  either  she  now  recollected  bis  former 
most  tender  and  affectionate  call,  ^vhich  she  had 


B.  C.  1014. 


CHAPTER  V 


B.  C.   1014. 


7  The  "  watchmen  that  went  about 
the  city  found  me,  ^  they  smote  me,  they 
wounded  me:  ^  the  keepers  of  the  walls 
"  took  away  my  veil  from  me. 

8  1"  charge  you,  O  daughters  of  Jeru- 
salem, ''if  ye  find  my  Beloved,  *  that  ye 
tell  him,  that  "^  I  ain  sick  of  love. 

[Practical   Observations.] 

9  IT  What  ''  is  thy  Beloved,  more  than 
another  beloved,  ^  O  thou  fairest  among 
women.''  what  is  thy  Beloved,  more  than 
another  beloved,  that  thou  dost  so  charge 
us.'' 

10  My  ^  Beloved  is  white  and  ruddy, 
Uhe  s  Chiefest  among  ten  thousand. 

11  His  ''  head  is  as  the  most  fine  gold, 
•his  locks  are  i bushy,  and  black  as  a 
raven. 

u3:3.    Is.  56:10,11.     Hos.  9:7,8. 

Acts  20r29,30.      2  Cor.  11:13. 
X  John  16;2.  Acts  26:9,10.  PUil. 

3:6.     Rev.  17:.'i,6. 
y8:n.    Is.  62:6.     Matt.  21:33— 

41.  23:2,29—36. 
z  Luke  6:22.     Acts  5:40,41.   1 

Cor.  4:10— 13.     Heb.  11:36,37. 

12:2.     1  Pet.  4:14— 16. 
a  See  on  2:7.-8:4. 
b  Rom.  15:30.  Gal.  6:1,2.  Jam. 

5:16. 
*   Heb,  rehat. 
c  Pa.  42-.]— 3.  63:1—3.  77:1—3. 


119:61—83. 
d  Is.  53:2.  Matt.  16:13—17.  21: 

10.    John  1:14.    2  Cor.  4:3— 6. 
e  1:8.  6:1.9,10.   Ps.  87:3. 
f  2:1.     Ueut.  32:31.     Ps.  45:17. 

Is.  66:19.     Heb.  7:26. 
f  Heb.  a  standard  bearer.    Is. 

10:18.   59:19. 
S  Rom.  9:5.  Phil.  2:9— 11.  Col. 

1:18.     Heb.  2:10. 
h   Dan.  2:37,38.     Eph.  1:21,22. 
i  7:5.  Dan.  7:9.    Rev.  1:14. 
{  Or,  curled. 


resisted;  or  he  spake  a  reproving  word  as  he  with- 
drew, which  filled  her  with  extreme  distress. 
{J\larg.  Ref.  r,  s.— JVbie*,  2.  Ps.  77:3,4.  Is.  57: 
15 — 18.)  She,  however,  set  herself,  without  fur- 
ther delay  and  with  ail  earnestness,  to  seek  him: 
but  she  "could  not  find  him:  she  called  him,  but 
he  g'ave  her  no  answer."  That  is,  the  believer  in 
this  case  must  expect  to  use  every  means  of 
grace,  ^vith  the  utmost  dilig-ence,  without  experi- 
encing the  comfort  in  them, which  he  formerly  did; 
until  he  be  sufficiently  rebuked  and  humbled  for 
his  offence.  [Marg.  Ref.  t. — See  on  JVb<e,  3: 1 — 5.) 

V.  7.  "The  watchmen,"  and  "keepers  of  the 
walls,"  in  this  place,  seem  to  represent  those 
nominal  ministeis,  who  may  indeed  guard  the 
outworks  of  religion,  but  are  destitute  of  the  ex- 
perimental knowledge  of  its  power.  Such  persons 
generally  treat  those  with  harshness  and  con- 
tempt, who  speak  of  their  inward  distresses  and 
conflicts;  and  call  them  hypocrites,  enthusiasts, 
or  even  lunatics.  The  most  violent  persecutions 
have  in  every  age  been  excited  by  characters  of 
this  description,  who,  under  pretence  of  guard- 
ing the  walls  of  Zion,  have  treated  the  most  hum- 
ble and  spiritual  believers  as  the  vilest  of  the  hu- 
man species;  and  have  accompanied  other  injuries 
by  the  trial  of  cruel  mockings  and  reproaches: 
"smiting,  and  wounding  them,  and  taking  away 
their  veil,"  that  they  might  be  considered  as  in- 
famous and  shameless.  [Marg.  Ref.  u — z. — 
J^oles,  3:3—5,  V.  3.  Is.  56:9—12.  62:6,7.  Ez.  3: 
17—19.  Jb/m  16:1— 3.  .^d*  4:23— 28.)— It  may, 
however,  also  intimate  that  even  pious  ministers 
are  apt  sometimes  to  mistake  the  case  of  tempted 
and  distressed  souls;  and  to  treat  them  with 
harshness  as  hypocrites,  instead  of  that  tender- 
ness which  their  case  requires.  (JVb/es,  2  Cor.  2: 
5— H.  Gal.  6:1—5,  vv.  1,2.) 

V.  8.  This  charge  of  the  spouse  to  "the  daugh- 
ters of  Jerusalem"  seems  to  mean  the  distressed 
believer's  desire  of  the  prayers  of  the  feeblest 
Christian,  or  the  new  convert  who  has  just  form- 
ed an  acquaintance  with  the  Savior.  If  they  saw 
ber  Beloved,  they  were  to  be  sure  to  inform  him, 


12  His  ''  eyes  are  as  the  eyes  of  doves 
by  the  rivers  of  waters,  washed  with  milk, 
and  5  fitly  set. 

13  His  'cheeks  are  ""  as  a  bed  of 
spices,  as  II  sweet  flowers:  "  his  lips  like 
lilies,  "  dropping  sweet-smelling  myrrh. 

14  His  ''hands  are  as  gold-rings  set 
with  the  beryl:  i  his  belly  is  as  bright 
ivory  overlaid  with  sapphires. 

15  His  ■■  legs  are  as  pillars  of  marble, 
set  upon  ^  sockets  of  fine  gold:  '  his  coun- 
tenance is  "  as  Lebanon,  excellent  as  the 
cedars: 

16  His  ^  mouth  is  ''most  sweet:  yea, 
he  is  altogether  lovely.  This  is  >'  my  Be- 
loved, and  this  is  my  '^  Friend,  O  daugh- 
ters of  Jerusalem. 


k  1:15.  4:1.     Heb.  4:13. 

^   Heb.    sitting  injulness,  that 

is,  fitly  placed,  and  set  as  a 

precious  stone  in  the  foil  of  a 

ring. 
1  1:10.    Is.  50:6. 
m  Ps.  4:6,7.  27:4.  89:15.     Rev. 

21:23. 
{I  Or,  towers  of  perfumes.  3:6. 
n4:ll.  P3.4S:2.  Is.  50:4.  Luke 

4:22. 
0  5. 
p    Ex.  15:9.     Ps.  45:4—7.  99:4. 

Is.  9:7.  52:13. 
q7:2.  Ex.  24:10.   Is.  54:11.  Ez. 


1 :26— 28. 
rRev.  1:15. 
s  Ex.  26:19. 
t2:14.     Judg:.  13:6.    Matt.  17:2. 

28:3.  Acts  2:23.  Rev.  1:16. 
u  4:11.     Ps.  92:12.     Hos.  14:7, 

Zech.  9:17.      1  Tim.  3:16. 
ir  Heb.  palate.  1:2.    Ps.  19:10. 

119:103.  Jer.  15:16. 
X    1:16.    2:1,3.     Ps.  45:2.    89:6. 

148:13.  Is.  9.6,7.     Phil.  3:8.   1 

Pet.  2:6,7. 
y  2:16.  6:3.     Gal.  2:20. 
z  Jer.  3:20.     Marg.    Hos.  3:1. 

Jam.  2:23.  4:4. 


that  her  love  was  so  vehement,  that  it  even  caus- 
ed her  to  sicken,  from  a  longing  desire  of  recon- 
ciliation, and  from  sorrow  that  she  had  behaved 
so  foolishly  and  ungratefully:  and  that,  as  a  sick 
person,  she  could  not  relish  any  other  comfort; 
but  must  continue  to  mourn  and  pine  after  his 
presence,  till  he  forgave  her  and  renewed  his 
gracious  visits.  [Marg.  and  Marg.  Ref. — See 
on  Jfotes,  2:5,7.) 

V.  9.  "The  daughters  of  Jerusalem,"  who  are 
supposed  to  regard  the  spouse  as  one  of  matchless 
beautjs  perceiving  her  great  earnestness  in  seek- 
ing her  Beloved,  desire  to  know  more  of  his  dis- 
tinguished excellences,  above  all  those  whom 
others  loved.  Some  think  that  they  propose  this 
question,  as  deriding  the  vehemency  of  her  affec- 
tion and  sorrow;  and  others,  that  they  mean  to 
alleviate  her  distress,  by  leading  her  to  expatiate 
on  so  pleasing  a  subject:  but  these  things  seem 
out  of  character  for  inquirers  in  religion,  as  we 
suppose  the  daughters  of  Jerusalem  to  be.  They 
are  rather  to  be  considered,  as  impressed  with  a 
conviction  that  there  must  be  far  more  procious- 
ness  in  Christ,  and  comfort  in  communion  with 
him,  than  they  had  hitherto  supposed  or  con- 
ceived of.  [Marg.  Ref—Mdes,  1:3.  Is.  53:2,3. 
John  1:14.  2  Cor.  4:3—6.) 

V.  10 — 16.  In  this  description  some  reference 
is  supposed  to  be  had  by  the  sacred  writer  to  hi.; 
father  David,  who  was  "ruddy  and  of  a  fair  coun- 
tenance;" and  who  was  celebrated,  as  having- 
"slain  his  ten  thousands;"  for  the  word  rendered 
"chief  among,"  (10)  may  signify,  lifting  up  a 
standard  over  ten  thousand.  [Marg.  and  Marg. 
Rpf.  f,  ^.—J^otes,  2:1,2.  1  Sam.  18:6—9.  Rom.  9: 
4,.5.  PAi/.  3:8— 11.  Col.  1:15— 20.)— His  "head, 
as  fine"  or  wrought  "gold,"  is  explained  of  the 
crown  of  gold  worn  by  him,  from  under  which  hi* 
jetty  and  bushy  hair  hung  down  on  bis  brow  and. 
neck.  His  eyes  sparkled,  yet  with  mildness,  like 
those  of  doves,  when  highly  delighted,  at  the 
river's  side,  as  some  think  the  original  means.  The 
words  "washed  with  milk,"  are  supposed  to  relate 
to  the  doves,  which  were   so  while,  that  they  ap 


B.  C.   1014. 


SOLOMON'S  SONG. 


B.  C.  1014. 


peared  as  if  w^ashed  in  milk.    {JIarg,  and  Marg. 
Ref.  h— k.— JVbie^,   1:13.4:1—5,  v.  1.   7:5.  Dan. 
7:y— 12,  V.  9.  Rei\  1:12—20,  v.  14.)— 'The  lovely 
'doivn  upon  his  cheeks,  is  no  less  grateful,  risinj^ 
'there  like  spices  when  they  first  appear  out  of 
'their  beds;  or  like  the  young  buds  of  aromatic 
'fljivers,  ...  where  the  purple  lilies  are  not  more 
'bjautiful  than  his  lips,  from  whence  flow  words 
'more  precious  and  tnore  pleasant  than  the  rich- 
'est  and  most  fragrant  myrrh.'   Bp.  Patrick. — 
Purple  lilies  are   found  in  those  countries,  and 
hig-hly  esteemed. — [Marg.  and  Marg.  Ref.  1 — n. 
— .VoVes,  1:10.  3:6.  4:11.  6:2.    Ps.  45:2.    Is.  50:4. 
Luke  4: 1 6—19,  v.  1 8.)— Some  think  that  by  "hands 
as  gold-ring-s  set  with  the  beryl,"  the  ornaments 
of  his  fingers  and  wrists  are  meant;   that  "his 
belly"  or  body,  as  bright  ivory  overlaid  with  sap- 
phires, refers  to  the  color  of  the  robe  which  he 
wore.     Others  imagine  a  reference  to  the  rich 
garments  of  the  high  priest,  and  the  jewels  in  his 
breast-plate  and  on  his  shoulders,  as  an  emblem 
of  the  high  priesthood  of  Christ.     [J^otes,  F.x.  28: 
2^6 — 14,29.)      These  things,  however,  are  very 
doubtful:    and  the  richness  and  beauty  of  gar- 
ments can   hardly  be  considered  as  necessarily 
conveying  an  idea  of  pre-eminent  personal  come- 
liness and  beauty.     It  must  not  indeed  be  sup- 
posed, that  a  naked  body  is  described:  yet,  if  rai- 
ment were  exclusively  intended,  the  most  uncome- 
ly form,  as  well  as  the  most  comeZy,  might  be  thus 
distinguished.     But  personal  beauty  may  be  per- 
ceived, though  covered  with  garments.     Similar 
allusions  are  supposed  to  be  made  to  the  covering 
of  the  legs,  thighs,  and   feet,  in  the  clause,  "His 
legs  are  as  pillars  of  marble  upon  sockets  of  fine 
gold."     [Marg.  and  Marg.  Ref.  r,  s.—Jfotes,  2: 
14.7:1—4.  P*.  45:3— 5.  /*.  9:6,7.  52:13— 15.  Hos. 
14:4—8,  V.  7.  Rev.  1:12—20,  v.  16.)— 'His  aspect 
'...  is  no  less  stately  and  great  than  the  forest  of 
'Lebanon,  whose  goodly  cedars  do  not  more  excel 
'all  other  trees,  than  ha  doth  all  other  men.'   Bp. 
Patrick. — In  short,  "he  is  altogether  lovely,''''  or 
desirable. — But  what  instruction  is  conveyed  un- 
der this  description  of  the  comeliness  and  majest3r 
of  the  Beloved?    No  doubt  the  spiritual  excellen- 
cy and  glory  of  Christ,  in  his  person,  mediation, 
and  kingdom,  are  intended:  but,  while  in   some 
things  the  meaning  is  evident,  others  must  be  al- 
lowed to  be  more  doubtful. — "He  is  white  and 
ruddy;"  this  naturally  suggests  to  the  mind,  his 
spotless  purity  and  his  atoning  blood:  and  it  may 
also  denote  his  mercy  to  believers,  and  his  terri- 
ble vengeance  upon   his  enemies.      "He  is  the 
chiefest  among  ten  thousand."     "By  him  kings 
reign."     He  is  the  king  of  saints,  and  of  angels; 
and  among  ten  thousand  rivals,  he  alone  is  worthy 
of  our  whole  heart  and  affections,  and  capable  of 
doing  us  effectual  and  eternal  good.     "His  head, 
as  the  most  fine  gold,"  may  denote  the  perfect 
righteousness  and  inestimable  benefits  of  his  glo- 
rious kingdom,  "as  Head  over  all  things  to  his 
church:"    "his   locks,    bushy,   and    black     as   a 
raven,"  may  denote  the  vigor  of  his  administra- 
tion;   full  and  black  hair  being  an  emblem  of 
youth,  as  white  hair  is  of  old  age  and  wisdom. 
[Rev.  1:14.)     "His  eyes,  as  the  eyes  of  doves,  by 
the  rivers  of  waters,  washed  with  milk,  and  fitly 
set,"  may  denote  his  infinite  knowledge,  connect- 
ed with  purity  and   love,  pleasant  to  his  people, 
whom  he  watches  over  continually,  and  for  whom 
he  orders  every  thing  in  perfect  wisdom  and  kind- 
ness.— "His  cheeks,"  that  is,  those  glimpses  of 
his  glory  which  we  have  by  faith,  and  when  he 
lifts  ur>  the  light  of  his  countenance  upon  us,  are 
refreshing  as  the  most  fragrant  spices  or  flowers. 
His  gracious  words  from  his  lips,  are  pure  and 
pler..sant  like  the  li!}',  and  distil  upon  the  soul  like 
the  sweet-smelling  myrrh.     His  hands,  whether 
etretched  forth  to  communicate  blessings  to  us, 
or  to  uphold  and  def&ad  us,  or  in  any  of  the  ope- 
644]  ■ 


rations  of  his  power,  are  "as  gold-rings,  set  with 
the  beryl,"  all  well  timed  and  placed,  very 
precious,  beneficial,  and  regulated  in  perfect 
wisdom  and  love.  His  belly,  or  boxoels,  (the 
known  description  of  compassion  and  tenderness,) 
being  "as  bright  ivory,  overlaid  with  sapphires," 
may  denote  the  glory  of  "his  mere)',  which  en- 
dureth  for  ever;"  and  the  unsearchable  riches 
and  invaluable  privileges,  which  are  conferred 
with  it  on  all  true  believers.  "His  legs  as  pillars 
of  marble  set  upon  sockets  of  fine  gold,"  such  as 
might  form  the  support  and  ornament  of  some 
magnificent  temple,  may  denote  the  firmness, 
power,  and  majesty,  with  which  he  supports  his 
church,  and  maintains  his  cause  in  the  world, 
against  all  the  opposition  of  earth  and  hell.  "His 
countenance  as  Lebanon,  excellent  as  the  ce- 
dars," denotes  the  unspeakable  glory  of  his  per- 
son and  work,  as  fully  displayed  to  the  blessed 
inhabitants  of  heaven,  of  which,  whilst  on  earth, 
we  only  obtain  a  fow  glimpses  by  faith.  "His 
mouth  being  most  sweet,"  seems  to  mean  the  e±- 
pressions  and  pledges  of  his  love,  with  which  his 
people  are  favored.  (JVbie,  1:2.)  But  indeed, 
concludes  the  spouse,  "He  is  altogether  lovely." 
— All  created  and  uncreated  excellences  are 
found  in  Emmanuel's  person;  no  defect  or  ex- 
cess; no  holy  disposition  intrenching  on  any  other; 
every  thing  in  perfect  harmony  and  exact  pro- 
portion; and  every  thing,  in  his  mediatorial  char- 
acter and  work,  which  suits  the  case  of  the  sin- 
ner in  the  most  absolute  manner.  (P.  O.  Rev.  5: 
1 — 7.)  This  glorious  and  gracious  Redeemer  is 
the  Beloved  of  every  believer,  who  is  favored 
with  reciprocal  affection,  and  may  be  assured  of 
his  inviolable  fi'iendship  and  glory.  (JVbfe,  Jolui 
15:12—16.)      . 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
V.  1—8. 
The  Lord  is  ever  ready  to  hea/  the  prayers  of 
his  people;  and  he  graciously  accepts  that  worship 
or  obedience,  which  they  present  in  humble  faith, 
through  the  influences  of  his  Holy  Spirit,  notwith- 
standing its  imperfection.  When  he  is  lionored 
by  our  fruits  of  hoUness,  we  shall  find  them  com- 
fortable and  profitable  to  ourselves;  and  they  will 
do  much  good  to  others,  especially  to  the  house- 
hold of  faith:  and  if  we  do  not  abundantly  feast 
on  the  provisions  of  his  grace,  the  fault  lies  in 
ourselves;  for  his  invitations  are  as  liberal  and 
pressing,  as  the  feast  is  plenteous  and  magnificent 
— But  alas!  very  often,  when  he  stands  at  the 
door,  and  knocks  for  admission,  that  he  may  enter 
in  and  feast  with  us,  we  are  half  asleep:  and  even 
the  riches  of  his  condescending  love  and  gracious 
consolations  prove  occasions,  through  our  remain- 
ing depravity,  to  supineness:  so  that  he  is  not  only 
treated  with  ungrateful  neglect  by  his  enemies, 
but  even  by  his  friends!  They  are  not  indeed  quite 
asleep;  their  "heart  is  awake"  they  hear,  and 
know  his  voice,  in  his  word  and  providence,  and 
acknowledge  him  as  their  Beloved:  yet  they  treat 
his  most  endearing  compellations  with  inexcusa- 
ble disregard;  and  notwithstanding  his  gracious 
invitations,  and  admonitions,  and  gentle  reproofs, 
they  still  gave  way  to  sloth;  nay,  they  "quench 
his  Holy  Spirit,"  and  refuse  to  comply  with  his 
suggestions  when  he  shews  them  their  duty,  and 
their  obligations  to  attend  on  it.  Alas!  what  friv- 
olous excuses  do  we  often  make  for  neglecting 
prayer  and  meditation,  for  absenting  ourselves 
from  public  worship,  the  preaching  of  the  word, 
and  the  Lord's  Supper!  How  we  shrink  from  anv 
duty,  which  is  attended  with  fatigue,  self-denial, 
expense,  or  reproach!  How  unprepared  are  we 
often  for  attending  to  the  Lord's  commands,  and 
for  performing  the  work  of  our  station  in  his 
church!  These  are  the  shameful  effects  of  former 
negligence,  and  yet  wp  urge  them  as  reasons  for 


B.    C.   1014. 


CHAPTEH  VI. 


B.  C.   lOIl, 


CHAP.  VI. 


Tlie  (laughters  of  Jeriisaliirn  purpose  to  seek  Chr!»t:  the  spouse 
answers  them,  and  proTesses  her  faith  in  him,  1 — 3.  Christ  re- 
peats his  commendations,  declares  his  fervent  love,  sheWs  his 
conduct,  and  describes  her  character,  A — 13. 

^HITHER  is  thy  Beloved  gone, 
"  O  thou  fairest  among  women.^ 
whither    is    thy   Beloved   turned   aside.^  l 

a  4.9,10.  -  -    -  -  ' 


j*"  that    we    may   seek    liiui    wiih     thee. 

2  My  Beloved  is  "^  gone  down  into  his 

[garden,  to  ''  the  beds  of  spices,  to  ^  feed 

in  the  gardens,  "■  and  to  gather  lilies 


b  1:4.  Huth  I:l6,l7.  2:12.  Is.  2:5. 

Zech.  8:21—23.  Acts  5:11—14. 
c  11.     4:!2— 16.    6:1.      Kc.  2:5. 

Is.  58:11.    l>l:n.     Matt.  l.i:2U. 

2S:20. 
d  5  13. 


1.1.  40:11.  Kz.  34:23. 
Zeph.  S.n.  John  4:34,U5. 
Rev.  7:17. 
f  2.-2.  Is.  57:1.  .lohn  14:3.  17: 
24.  Phil.  i.-:i— 2y.  llhes. 
4:13,14. 


our  preseut  omissions:  and  if  we  were  left  to  our- 
selves, we  should  gradually  grow  more  secure  and 
carnal,  till  we  entirely  returned  back  to  sin  and 
to  the  world.  Yet  the  gracious  Savior  will  not 
forsake  his  people,  but  will  rebuke  and  chasten 
them.  When  he  powerfully  touches  the  heart, 
our  drooping  graces  revive  and  our  spiritual  af- 
fections are  rekindled:  then  we  have  done  with 
delays  and  excuses,  and  set  ourselves  in  good 
earnest  to  use  the  means  of  grace,  and  to  remove 
all  obstacles  to  communion  with  him.  But  though 
these  renewed  exercises  of  repentance,  faith,  and 
love  are  accepted;  yet  he  sometimes  sees  good  to 
prevent  our  comfort  in  them:  and  they,  who  wil- 
fully "quench  the  Holy  Spirit,"  will  often  be  left 
for  a  time  to  use  every  means  of  recovering 
his  gracious  consolations,  without  any  apparent 
success,  and  even  to  pray  without  any  tokens  of 
being  heard  and  answered.  But  if  they  truly  love 
him,  they  will  seek  until  they  find:  and  the  more 
diligently  they  persevere  under  discouragement, 
the  sooner  they  will  in  general  succeed.  They 
should  be  reminded,  however,  that  they  will  often 
fail  of  finding  help  from  man:  they  need  not  won- 
der, if  many,  who  appear  as  the  watchmen  of 
Zion,  persecute,  ridicule,  or  revile  those  who  are 
earnest  in  "seeking  Jesus  that  was  crucified:"  nay, 
should  any  disconsolate  soul,  who  is  waiting  for 
some  token  of  his  love  to  him,  meet  with  rebukes 
and  sharpness  even  from  a  pious  minister;  let  him 
remember  that  Jesus  is  far  more  compassionate 
than  .any  of  his  servants,  and  "will  not  quench 
the  smoking  flax,  or  break  the  bruised  reed." — In 
all  our  distresses,  we  should  seek  an  interest  in 
the  prayers  of  God's  people,  without  excepting 
those  of  the  weakest  beliover;  we  should  ever  be 
ready  to  pray  for  those  who  are  troubled  in  mind: 
and  they,  whose  earnest  desires  after  communion 
with  Christ  spoil  this  relish  of  all  other  pleasures, 
will  find  this  sj'cJfcnes*  a  considerable  step  towards 
the  true  health  of  the  soul. 

V.  9—16. 
There  are  many  who  deem  pious  Christians 
"the  excellent  of  the  earth;"  yet  know  not  how 
to  account  for  the  energy  of  their  language,  when 
they  speak  of  their  love  to  Christ  and  fervent  de- 
sires after  him,  not  being  duly  aware  how  im- 
mensely their  Beloved  excels  all  those,  whom  the 
world  admires  and  idolizes.  But  did  they  know 
the  whole  of  his  personal  and  mediatorial  excel- 
lency, they  would  only  wonder,  that  the  love  and 
gratitude  of  his  most  zealous  disciples  are  so  cold, 
and  their  desires  so  languid.  Words  indeed  can 
never  do  justice  to  such  a  subject,  or  convey  suit- 
able ideas  of  it  to  the  carnal  mind:  and,  at  our 
highest  attainments  in  knowledge  and  experience, 
we  only  "see  through  aglass  darkly."  We  should, 
however,  endeavor,  as  we  can,  to  shew  forth  his 
praises;  in  hopes  that  the  Ijord  will  stir  up  others 
to  inquire  after  him  and  trust  in  him.  For  this 
end  we  may  enlarge  on  the  perfection  of  his 
righteousness,  and  the  preciousness  of  his  blood;  his 
pre-eminence  in  wisdom,  truth,  and  goodness,  to 
all  in  heaven  and  earth;  the  glory  of  his  kingdom, 
his  power  to  save  and  to  destroy;  the  vigor  of  his 
rule;  the  perfection  of  his  knowledge  and  holi- 
ness; his  compassion  for  sinners,  and  his  tender 
«are  of  his  people.  We  may  speak  of  the  com- 
ibrts  of  hi'5  manifested  presence,  his  exhilarnting 


promises,  his  instructive  words;  of  the  bounty  of 
his  donations,  and  the  exact  regularity  of  all  his 
operations  and  dispensations,  for  the  good  of  Lis 
people;  of  his  glorious  and  everlasting  merry, 
and  all  the  blessings,  which  we  derive  from  his 
tender  compassion;  of  his  power,  as  exercised  in 
perfect  truth  and  faithfulness;  of  his  majesty  and 
glory,  as  far  excelling  all  the  sons  of  the  mighty; 
and  only  equalled  by  his  condescension,  and  the 
sweet  tokens  of  his  love  with  which  he  favors  the 
meanest  believer.  But  after  all  we  must  confess, 
that  we  cannot  describe  his  glorious  excellency; 
though  we  are  assured,  that  he  is  "altogether 
lovely."  [J^ote,  Zech.  0:17.)  Surely  then  we 
ought  (o  love  him  far  more  than  we  do;  as  he  i~, 
not  only  most  entirely  worthy  of  it,  for  his  own 
excellency,  but  for  his  love  to  us  and  all  its  as- 
tonishing effects;  and  as  he  is  the  unchangeable 
Friend  of  all  his  people,  and  died  for  tiiem  when 
enemies,  that  he  might  reconcile  them  to  God  by 
his  blood.  But  let  us  not  be  satisfied  in  expres.s- 
ing  our  love  by  words,  and  glorying  in  him  as  out- 
Beloved  and  our  Friend:  may  "his  love  constrain 
us  to  live  to  his  glory:"  this  will  best  recommend 
his  salvation  to  all  around  us,  and  lead  them  to  in- 
quire after  him  and  trust  in  him,  when  they  see 
what  a  holy  and  happy  people  we  are  made  by  his 
saving  grace. 

NOTES. 
CiiAP.  VI.  V.  1.  (J^otes,  .5:9—16.)  Tlie 
description,  which  the  spouse  had  given  of  her 
Beloved,  is  represented,  as  having  excited  her 
companions  to  a  determination  of  seeking  him 
with  her;  and  to  an  inquiry  whither  he  was  with- 
drawn, seeing  she  mourned  his  absence This 

may  be  pointed  out,  as  one  among  many  passages, 
which  seems  to  have  little  propriety  in  a  literal 
meaning:  for  conjugal  love  is  jealous,  and  does 
not  readily  allow  of  rivals;  but  those  who  love 
Christ  would  have  all  the  world  love  him  too. 

'When  strangers  stand  and  hear  me  tcU 
'What  beauties  in  my  Savior  dnell; 
'Where  he  is  guae  they  fain  would  know, 
'That  they  may  seek  and  love  him  too.'     Jf'alis. 

[Mrtn:.  Rcf.—Xoles,  1:4.  Is.  2:3—5.  Zech.  Z:2Q 
— 23.1  John  1:3,4.) 

V.  2,  The  spouse,  on  this  inquiry,  immediatelv 
recollected  where  Christ  was  to  be  found;  though 
she  h(!rself  had  been  seeking  him  in  vain.  {JS'ote, 
5:1.)  Doubtless  he  is  present  with  his  church 
and  assembled  saints,  which  are  as  "beds  of 
spices,"  whence  their  spiritual  worship  ascends 
with  acceptance.  Here  he  feeds  with  delight;  or, 
as  a  Shepherd  he  feeds  their  souls  by  the  supply 
of  his  Spirit.  He  also  adds  true  converts  to  tiiem, 
and  continually  gathers  one  and  another  into  his 
heavenly  kingdom.  Christ  goes  down  to  this 
garden;  which  notes  both  his  condescension,  and 
the  lowliness  and  low  estate  of  his  people.  'He. 
'was  still  in  his  church  and  in  every  part  of  it, 
'though  sometimes  they  were  not  sensible  of  it. 
'For  so  Theodoret  well  observes,  here  is  distinct 
'mention  of  a  garden  and  of  gardens;  i.  e.  of  the 
'catholic  church  which  is  but  one,  and  of  the 
'several  parts  thereof.  For  sometimes  St.  Paul 
'mentions  only  the  church  in  the  singular  number, 
'and  sometimes  the  se\'eral  churches  even  in  thi-. 

fr>i.-> 


13.  C.   1014. 


SOLOMON'S  SONG. 


B.  C.  1014. 


3  I  om  s  iny  Beloved's  and  my  Be- 
loved is  mine:  ''  he  feedeth  among  the 
lilies. 

4  IT  Thou  art  '  beautiful,  O  my  love, 
^  as  Tirzah,  '  comely  as  Jerusalem,  "  ter- 
rible as  an  army  with  banners. 

5  Turn  "  away  thine  eyes  from  me, 
for  they  have  *  overcome  me:  °  thy  hair 
is  as  a  flock  of  goats  that  appear  from 
Gilead. 

6  Thy  P  teeth  are  as  a  flock  of  sheep 
which  go  up  from  the  washing,  whereof 
every  one  beareth  twins,  and  there  is  not 
one  barren  amon?  thera. 


g  2:16.  7:10.     Heb.  8:10.  Rev. 

2I:-2— 4.  / 
h  2:16.  ^ 
;  10.  2:]-l.  4:7.  5:2.     F.z.  16:13, 

14.  Eph.  5:27. 
k  1  Kin^s  14:17.   15:21,33. 
i   Ps.  43:2.     Lam.  2:15.     Rev. 

21:2. 


m  10.  Num.  21:5—9.  Ps.  144: 
4—8.  Zech.  12:3.  2  Cor.  10: 
4.    Rev.  19:14—16. 

n  Gen.  32:26—28.  Ex.  32:10. 
Jer.  15:1.    Matt.  15:27,28. 

*  Or,  puffed  me  up. 

o4:l. 

p4:2. 


'same  nation,  (i  Cor.  14:34.  Gal.  1:2.)  ...  The 
*ivhole  denotes,  that  communion  with  Christ  is 
'onlj'  to  be  sought  in  the  churcii.'  Bp.  Patrick. 
{Marg.  Ref.— Motes,  10,11.  4:12—16.  Jlatt. 
18:19,20,  I'.  20.  28:19,20,  v.  20.  John  14:2,3.  Acts 
7:54— 60,  r.  60.) 

V.  3.  'Now  she  seems  to  have  so  perfectly 
'recovered  out  of  the  slumber,  ...  as  to  have  re- 
'gained  her  former  sense  of  him  and  of  her  inter- 
'est  in  him,  repeating  those  words  which  we  met 
*withal  before,  2:16.  ...  He  (Christ)  is  said  to  feed 
'among  the  lihes,  as  in  the  Revelation,  to  walk 
'in  the  midst  of  the  seven  golden  candlesticks; 
'that  is,  there  to  liave  his  convocation,  to  take  up 
'his  abode  with  them,  &c.  as  he  ...  sa^'s  (John 
'14:23.)  ...  he  would  with  those  who  "love  him 
"and  keep  his  commandments."  '  Bp.  Patrick. 
{Mars;.  Rtf.—JVofes,  2:16,17.  7:10—13.  John  14: 
21—24.  Phil.  4:8,9.) 

V.  4.  The  spouse  having  been  suitablj'  hum- 
bled, and  persevering  in  tlie  exercise  of  faith  and 
holy  love,  Clirist  again  manifests  himself  to  her, 
an(l  renews  his  commendations  of  her. — Tirzah 
was  afterwards  the  palace  of  the  kings  of  Israel, 
and  was  no  doubt  situated  very  pleasantly;  for  its 
name  signifies  pleasant,  or  amiable:  [Jtlarg.  Ref. 
k:)  and  Jerusalem  was  the  holy  city,  the  capital 
«if  Canaan.  Tiiis  therefore  implies,  that  all  the 
real  excellence  and  holiness  on  earth  centres  in 
the  church.  She  is  also  said  to  be  "terrible  as 
an  army  with  banners:"  a  very  singular  com- 
mendation of  feminine  beauty!  But  the  church 
of  God,  when  beautified  in  holiness  and  united  in 
love,  is  very  terrible  to  her  enemies.  Each  be- 
liever, in  his  proper  place,  is  the  soldier  of  Christ, 
enlisted  under  his  banner  and  a  part  of  his  army; 
by  which  he  goes  Ibrth  subduing  his  enemies, 
and  rendering  his  truth  triumphant  over  error 
and  iniquity:  whilst  every  one  of  them  gains  dai- 
ly victories  over  the  world,  tlie  flesli,  and  the 
devil.  'Every  part  of  this  verse  seems  to  me  to 
'be  a  new  proof,  that  Solomon  speaks  not  in  this 
'book  of  one  single  person,  (whom  some  fancy 
'the  Shulamite,  others  Pharaoh's  daughter,  whom 
'others  take  for  one  and  the  same,)  under  the 
'name  of  the  spouse;  but  of  a  body  or  society  of 
'men:  for  none  else  can  be  fitly  compared  to 
'cities,  nay,  to  great  armies  drawn  up  under  their 
'banners.'"  Bp.  Patrick.  {Marg.  Ref. — JS'otes, 
10.  Ps.    4!<:2,3.    87:   P.  O.) 

V.  5 — 7.     When  tho  spouse  looked  on  her  Be- 


7  As  '^  a  piece  of  a  pomegranate  are 
thy  temples  within  thy  locks. 

[Practical  Observations.'^ 

8  There  are  ■■  threescore  queens,  and 
fourscore  concubines,  and  virgins  with- 
out number. 

9  ^  My  dove,  my  undefiled  is  hut  ^  one; 
she  is  the  only  one  of  her  mother,  she  is 
the  choice  one  of  her  that  bare  her.  "  The 
daughters  saw  her,  and  blessed  her;  yea, 
the  queens  and  the  concubines,  and  they 
praised  her. 

10  ^  Who  is  she  that  ^  looketh  forth  as 
the  morning,  ^  fair  as  the  nnoon,  *  clear  as 
the  sun,  and  ^  terrible  as  an  army  with 
banners.'' 


q  4:3. 

r  1  Kings  11:1.    2  Chr.  11:21. 

s2:14.  5:2. 

t  Num.  23:9.    Ps.  45:9.    Gal.  4: 

26.    Eph.  4:3— 6. 
u  Deul.  4:6,7.  33;29.  Ps.  126:2. 

Prov.  31:28,29.     2  Thes.  1:10. 

Rev.  21:9,10. 


x3:6.  8:5.   Is.  63:1. 

y  2  Sam.  23:4.  Job  11:17.  Prov. 

4:18.   Is.  58:8.  Hos.  6:5.  Rev. 

22:16. 
z  Job  31:26.     Eph.  5:27. 
a  Mai.  4:2.      Malt  13:43.   17:2. 

Rev.  10:1.    12:1.    21.23.  22:5. 
b  4.   Rom.  8  37. 


loved,  his  affection  was  so  strong,  that  he  was 
wholly  overcome  by  it,  and  could  no  longer  re- 
tain any  resentment  for  her  late  unkindness. 
When  the  Lord  said  to  Moses,  ''Let  me  alone, 
that  I  may  destroy  this  people,"  it  was  the  great- 
est conceivable  encouragement  to  continue  plead- 
ing for  them:  and  this  expression  is  equally  ani- 
mating to  the  desponding  believer,  to  persevere 
in  "looking  unto  Jesus"  seeing  he  is  sure  of  thus 
prevailing.  To  intimate  an  entire  reconciliation, 
I  Christ  uses  the  same  expressions  for  substance, 
in  commejiding  the  spouse,  as  he  had  before  done. 
[Marg.  and  Marg.  Ref. — JVotes,  4:1 — 5,  w.  1 — 
3.  Gm.  32:25,26.  Ex.  32:7—10.) 

V.  8,  9.  Some  think  that  Solomon  here  alludes 
to  the  wives  and  concubines,  and  virgins  attend- 
ing them,  which  he  had  at  this  time  in  his  court: 
but  he  seems  rather  to  refer  to  the  general  cus- 
tom of  the  eastern  monarchs,  which  afterwards 
he  himself  imitated,  nay,  in  which  he  exceeded 
them  all.  The  language,  however,  implies,  that 
though  the  earth  abounds  with  such  as  are  deem- 
ed honorable,  and  amiable;  yet  true  believers 
alone  possess  the  beauty  of  holiness,  with  which 
noother  can  compare.  Being  united  unto  Christ, 
and  born  of  God  as  the  children  of  the  church; 
being  justified,  sanctified,  and  approved  as  holy 
persons;  the  whole  company  forms  one  body,  anJl 
possesses  Thie  excellence,  being  of  "one  heart  and 
judgment"  in  the  grand  concerns  of  religion:  and 
when  their  real  character  is  discovered,  it  must 
be  admired  and  commended,  even  by  those,  who 
seem  the  most  to  rival  them,  or  to  be  eclipsed  by 
them.  [Marg.  Ref.—JS'otes,  2:14.  JVwm.  23:9. 
Deut.  4:6—8.  Ps.  45:9—15.  Jcr.  32:39—41. 
John  17:20,21.  Acts  4:32—35,  v.  32.  Eph.  4:1— 
6.  5:22—27.   Rev.  19:7,8.) 

V.  10.  Either  Christ  here  continues  his  dis- 
course, as  in  admiration  of  the  spouse;  or  this  is 
the  commendation  of  the  queens,  concubines,  and 
virgins,  mentioned  in  the  preceding  verse.  As 
applied  to  the  church,  it  maj'  be  descriptive  of 
the  gradual  dawning  of  the  gospel-day,  from  the 
first  promise  to  fallen  Adam,  till  the  rising  of  "the 
Sun  of  Righteousness"  and  the  calling  of  the  gen- 
tiles, or  till  "the  fulness  of  the  gentiles  shall  come 
jin."  On  earth,  the  church,  reflecting  the  light  of 
I  Christ,  is  fair  as  the  moon:  in  heaven,  the  fuller 
i  view  of  him  and  conformity  to  him  will  render 
her  clear  as  the  sun:  and  both  in  her  militant  and 
!  triumphant  state,  she  is  "terrible  as  an  army  with 


B    C.  1014. 


CHAPTER  VI. 


B.  C.  1014. 


Ill  went  down  into  '^  the  garden  of 
nuts  *•  to  see  the  fruits  of  the  valley;  and 
to  see  whether  the  vine  flourished,  and 
the  pomegranates  budded. 

12  *  Or  ever  I  was  aware,  ^  my  soul 
t  made  me  like  the  chariots  of  Ammina- 
dib. 


c  2.    4:12—15.    5:1.      Gen.  2:9. 

Ps.  9i:li— 15. 
(]  7:12.  Is.  5:2—1.    Mark  11:13. 

Luke  13:7.    Acts  15.30. 
*  Heb.    I  knew  not. 


e  Jer.  31:18—20.     Hos.  11:8,9. 

Luke   15:20. 
I  Or,  set  ine  on  Me  chariots  of 

■my  -willing people. 


13  Return,  ^  return,  O  Shulamite;  re- 
turn, return,  that  we  may  look  upon  thee. 
s  What  will  ye  see  in  the  ^  Shulamltei* 
'  As  it  were  the  company  of  t  two  armies. 


f2:14.    Jer.  3:12— 14,22.     Hos. 

14:1—4. 
g  1:6.  Luke  7:44.  1S:10.  2Thes. 

1:10. 
h  Gen.  49:10.  Ps.  76:2.   Is.  8:6. 

John  9:7.    Heb.  7:2. 


i  John  10:16.    Rom.  3:29.  Kph. 

2:14—17. 
t  Or,  Makanaim.     Gen.  32:2. 

Kom.  7:23.     Gal.  5:17.     Eph. 

6:10—19. 


banners."  The  believer,  also,  from  bis  first  con- 
version to  his  complete  victory  and  salvation, 
may  be  represented  by  the  same  illustrations. 
[Marg.  Ref.--J\rotes,  4.  2  Sam.  23:3,4.  Prov.  4: 
18,19.  /*.  30:26.  60:1—3,15—22.  Zech.  14:6—9, 
vv.  6,7.  Mai.  4:2,3.  JIatt.  13:36—43,  v.  43.  Rev. 
12:1,2,  «.  1.  21:22 — 27.  22:2— 3,  v.  5.) 

V.  11,  12.  Christ  here  seems  to  confer  with 
the  spouse  concerning'  his  departure  and  return. 
(JVbte,  5:1 — 6.)  Being  grieved  at  her  neglect,  he 
had  left  her:  but  he  went  down  into  his  "garden 
of  nuts;"  he  was  still  present  in  his  church,  and 
taking  care  of  his  people;  especially  he  was 
present  to  note  and  accept  "the  fruits  of  the  val- 
ley;" the  good  works  of  the  humble  and  discour- 
aged; and  to  observe  the  flourishing  of  established 
Christians,  and  the  first  buddings  of  new  con- 
verts. But  his  eye  was  on  his  spouse,  on  the 
offending  mourner,  whom  he  had  rebuked  by  his 
frown  and  absence:  and,  beholding  her  inconsola- 
b]e  and  prepared  for  renewed  comfort,  he  could 
no  longer  refrain;  but  was  suddenly',  as  by  strong 
and  fervent  affection  led  to  return  to  her,  "like 
the  chariots  of  Amminadib,"  who  probably  was  a 
chieftain  noted  for  driving  with  great  rapidity. — 
The  original  may  signify  my  loilling  or  noble  peo- 
ple. {Marg.  and  Jflarg.  Ref.—J^Totes,  2.  4:12— 
15.  7:10—13,^.12.  iP*.  92:12— 15.  /*.  5:2— 4. 
Luke  lii:b—9.  John  lb:l—8.) 

V.  13.  The  spouse,  asliamed  of  her  miscon- 
duct, and  conscious  of  her  uuworthiness,  is  repre- 
sented as  reluctant  to  believe  that  her  Beloved  is 
fully  reconciled;  or  as  not  venturing'  to  approach 
him  with  her  former  confidence,  and  as  retiring 
from  the  company:  but  tlie  daughters  of  Jerusa- 
lem, with  great  earnestness  c.iU  on  her  to  return, 
that  they  might  behold  her.  The  term,  "the 
Shulamite,"  may  be  derived  from  Solomon  the 
peaceable  king,  or  rather  from  Salem,  the  city  of 
peace;  and  it  seem=!  to  mean  fJie  peaceable,  or  the  \ 
reconciled  one.  (JVo/es,  Goi.  14:18—20.  Heb.  7:1 
— 3.) — The  spouse  then  inquires,  what  Christ,  or 
the  companions,  can  see  in  her  worthy  of  atten- 
tion: to  which  it  is  answered,  "As  it  were  the 
company  of  two  armies."  This  may  denote  the 
Old  and"  New  Testament  churches;  or  the  church 
militant  and  the  church  triumphant,  as  two  ar- 
mies: or  it  may  refer  to  the  believer's  constant 
internal  conflict  between  inbred  depravity  and 
implanted  holiness,  which  by  turns  prevail  in  his 
expeiience;  and  be  supposed  to  refer  to  the 
spou';e's  late  misconduct  and  repentance.  {Marg. 
and  Marg.  Ref.—Jfotes,  1:5,6.  Gen.  32:1,2.  49: 
10.  ivo/H.  7:22— 25.  Ga/.5:16— 18,  v.  17.  Eph.  2: 
14—18.  6:10 — 17.)  But  the  word  rendered 
company,  signifies  a  band  or  chorus  of  dancers,  or 
such  as  exult  for  joy;  and  some  think  the  hosts  of 
angels  are  meant,  (with  reference  to  Jacob's 
vision,  who  rejoiced  and  sang  praises  at  the  Sar 
vior's  birth,  and  rejoice  over  one  sinner  that  re- 
penteth.     (JVotes,  Luke  2:Vj— 14.   15:3—10.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.   1—7. 
The  Lord  commonly  blesses  the  cordial  praises 
of  his  people,  to  c^uickeu  others  to  desire  his  sal- 


vation, and  to  inquire  how  and  where  they  may 
seek  him  with  them. — The  experienced  believer, 
even  when  uncomfortable  in  his  own  soul,  is  both 
able  and  willing  to  direct  inquirers  to  find  the 
Savior.  By  faith  he  apprehends  his  gracious 
presence  in  his  church,  and  in  all  places  where 
liis  ordinances  are  spiritually  administered:  these 
he  knoAvs  to  be  the  valued  plantations  of  his 
grace,  which  he  delights  to  tend,  and  where  he 
raises  those  precious  productions,  which  will  con- 
tinue in  heaven  for  ever,  to  the  glory  of  his  name. 
Nor  is  the  death  of  a  believer  any  thing  more, 
than  the  owner  of  the  garden  plucking  a  favorite 
lily,  which  his  immortal  hand  will  preserve  from 
withering,  yea,  cause  to  flourish  for  ever  witlj 
increasing  beauty. — The  discouraged  believer 
frequently  recovers  his  assurance  of  faith  and 
hope,  by  expatiating  on  the  preciousness  of 
Christ,  in  recommending  him  to  others.  The 
recollection  of  his  mercy  and  grace,  thus  excited, 
encourage  our  souls  to  rely  on  them;  and  the 
consciousness  that  we  speak  from  our  heart, 
when  we  express  a  high  valuation  of  him,  tends 
to  satisfy  us,  that  he  is  "our  Beloved,"  that  we 
are  his  people,  and  that  he  is  "our  Friend"  and 
Portion. — The  Lord  will  also  honor  those  who 
thus  honor  him;  he  will  not  contend  with  his  peo- 
ple any  longer,  when  they  are  sulBciently  hum- 
bled; and  with  the  pardon  of  their  sins,  he  will 
shew  his  approbation  of  their  general  conduct 
and  character.  (JVote, /*.  57:15,16.) — The  mag- 
nificeut  palace,  the  holy  temple,  and  "the  army 
terrible  with  banners,"  are  faint  emblems  of  the 
comeliness  and  honor  of  the  church,  and  of  true 
believers.  They  are  all  enlisted  under  one  com- 
mander, and  arranged  under  his  banners:  they 
are  well  disciplined  and  armed,  and  courageous 
in  faith  and  hope;  and  they  fight  assured  of  victo« 
ry:  yet  this  consists  with  the  greatest  lowliness, 
meekness,  and  love;  and  their  victories  are  chief- 
ly gamed  by  faith  and  prayer,  by  patience  and 
integrity,  by  holy  lives  and  the  faithful  preaching* 
of  the  word:  and  if  these  do  not  change  their  ene- 
mies into  friends,  they  will  be  more  awfully  de- 
structive to  them,  than  the  most  teriible  weapons 
of  war. — When  the  penitent  believer  lifts  the 
weeping  e}es  of  humble  faith  and  fervent  love  to 
the  Lord  Jesus,  he  is  sure  to  prevail:  and  if  the 
Savior  seem  to  frown,  it  is  only  an  introduction  to 
his  manifested  love;  and  his  most  forbidding- 
words,  rightly  interpreted,  encourage  us  "to  praj' 
always  and  not  faint."  {jVofcs  and  P.  O.  Malt. 
15:21— 28.)— The  Loi-d  will  not  upbraid  us  with 
any  of  those  sins  of  which  we  truly  repent;  and 
therefore  we  should  not  upbraid  each  other.  The 
tokens  of  his  approbation  and  acceptance  should 
encourage  us  with  renewed  diligence  to  follow 
after  holiness,  and  to  attend  on  his  ordinances, 
that  we  may  be  more  fruitful  and  useful. 

V,  8—13. 
Whatever  is  most  admired  in  the  world  is  mean, 
compared  with  "the  beauty  of  holiness:"  some 
true  Christians  are  more  adorned  with  it,  than 
others;  but  this  singular  glory  and  excellency 
belongs,  in  a  measure,  to  every  member  of  that 

[647 


B.  C.   1014. 


SOLOMON'S  SONG. 


B.  C.  1014. 


CHAP.  VII. 

The  church  commended  under  various  similitudes,  1 — S-  Christ 
expresses  his  love  lo  her.  aod  delight  in  her  company,  6—9. 
The  church  expresses  her  delight  in  him,  and  seeks  more  inti- 
mate communion  with  him,  10 — 13. 

HOW    beautiful  are  «  thy  feet  with 
shoes,  ^  O  Prince's  daughter!  '^  the 
joints  of  thy  thighs  are  like  jewels,  •*  the 

a  Luke  ]5:2.\  Eph.  6:15.  Phil.  ]  c  Dan.  2.32.  Eph.  4:15,16.  Col. 

1.27.  2:19. 

b  Ps.  45:13.    2  Cor.  6:18.  d  Ez.  28:15.  35:35. 


one  body,  of  which  Christ  is  tho  living  Head. 
Washed  in  bis  blood,  and  sanctified  by  his  Spirit, 
they  are  "undefiled,"  "the  children  of  God,"  and 
of  his  church,  "without  rebuke,  in  the  midst  of  a 
crooked  and  perverse"  world,  in  which  they  shine 
as  heavenly  lights;  and  they  will  extort  commen- 
dation even  from  prejudiced  spectators  on  some 
occasions,  and  at  length  all  nations  shall  call  them 
blessed. — Praised  be  God,  the  coming  of  Christ, 
and  the  conversion  of  the  Gentiles,  have  brought 
forward  this  day  of  heaven  upon  earth:  may  the 
universal  success  of  the  gospel  extend  the  bless- 
ings of  it  to  those  nations  that  yet  sit  in  darknessi 
— But  what  is  the  fairest  light  of  the  moon,  to  the 
brightness  of  the  sun.''  and  what  is  the  most  glo- 
rious time  of  the  church,  or  the  happiest  hour  of 
a  believer  on  earth,  to  the  glory  and  felicity  of 
the  heavenl}'  world.''  Then  death  will  be  swallow- 
ed up  in  victory;  and  every  soldier  of  our  Cap- 
tain's host  will  triumph  in  the  final  perdition  of  all 
his  foes.  In  the  mean  time,  though  we  often 
mourn  the  Redeemer's  absence  from  our  souls, 
he  will  never  withdraw  from  his  church:  he  tends 
the  fruits  of  his  grace  which  spring  in  the  low- 
liest valleys,  and  marks  the  first  buddings  in  the 
new  convert,  or  the  feeble  believer.  He  will 
never  be  so  employed  about  some  of  his  people, 
as  to  neglect  others;  and  he  will  return  with  un- 
speakable tenderness  to  those,  who  mourn  for  the 
sins  which  urged  his  departure  from  them.  But 
such  humble  and  tender  spirits  can  hardly  be  per- 
suaded of  their  own  happiness;  and  as  they  see  so 
much  evil  in  themselves,  they  can  hardly  think, 
that  the  Lord  delights  in  them.  But  he  is  pecu- 
liarly pleased  even  with  this  their  humility:  he 
marks  their  constant  opposition  to  their  evil  pro- 
pensities: he  compassionates  them  when  struggling 
with  strong  temptations;  and  even  when  foiled  and 
wounded  by  them,  yet  arising  and  resuming  the 
conflict.  He  distinguishes  between  a  saint  mil- 
itant, and  a  saint  triumphant:  and  notwithstanding 
all  defects  and  failures,  he  as  much  loves  those 
who  are  strenuously  fighting  the  good  fight  of 
faith,  as  those  who  through  his  grace  have  already 
obtained  the  victory. 

NOTES. 
Chap.  VII,  V.  1.  This  verse,  and  those 
w  hich  follow,  seem  to  be  the  language  of  the 
daughters  of  Jerusalem  to  the  spouse,  who  was 
now  returned  to  them.  They  call  her  "the 
Prince's  daughter;"  as  the  church  is  called  the 
"King's  daughter,"  by  the  Psalmist:  {Marg.  Ref. 
b. — ji'ote,  Ps.  43:13 — 15.)  for  believers  are  the 
children  of  God,  by  regeneration,  adoption,  and 
\miou  with  the  Only  Begotten  of  the  Father. 
The  word  rendered  "feet"  more  generally  signi- 
fies goings,  (as  it  is  translated  in  the  old  version.) 
or  footsteps,  implying  the  spouse's  becoming  walk 
or  motion.  The  shoes  or  sandals,  in  which  she 
moved  so  gracefully,  are  explained  by  the  apos- 
tle to  mean  "the  preparation  of  the  gospel  of 
peace,"  by  which  believers  are  enabled  to  walk 
with  becoming  alacrity  in  the  ways  of  holy  obe- 
dience. (Jl/arg-.  Ref.i3^—jyotes,Lukel5:'22—24. 
Eph.  6:14 — 11,  V.  13.) — Some  render  the  next 
clause,  "the  cincture,"  or  girdle,  "of  thy  loins  is 
like  jewels,  &c."  as  rather  denoting  the  beautiful 
garments  or  girdle  worn  by  the  spouse,  than  her 
648] 


work  of  the  hands  of  a  cunning  work- 
man. 

2  Thy  ®  navel  is  like  a  round  goblet 
which  wanteth  not  *  hquor:  '  thy  belly  is 
like  an  heap  of  wheat  set  about  with 
lilies. 


e  Prov.  3:8. 

*  Heb.  mixture. 


I  f  5:1-1.  Ps.  45:16.    Is.  46:3.  Jcr. 
1:5.     Kom.  7:4. 


graceful  proportion  and  form  of  body:  and,  if  we 
dwell  on  the  external  meaning,  this  may  perhaps 
be  requisite:  (JSTotes,  2.  5:10 — 16.)  and  the  be- 
liever "having  his  loins  girt  about  with  truth," 
may  refer  to  this  interpretation.  [Eph.  6;14.) 
But  the  language  of  the  apostle,  seems  to  point 
out  the  true  meaning  of  the  sacred  allegory. 
"The  whole  body,  fitly  joined  together,  and  com- 
pacted by  that  which  every  joint  supplieth,  ac- 
cording to  the  effectual  working  in  the  measure 
of  every  part,  maketh  increase  of  the  body  unto 
the  edifying  of  itself  in  love."  {Marz.  Ref.  c. — 
JVotes,  Eph.  4:14—16,  Col.  2:18,19,  v.  19.)  How 
greatly  the  due  formation  and  proportion  of  "the 
joints  of  the  thighs,"  (namely,  the  knees  and  the 
hip-joints,)  tend  to  the  firmness  and  gracefulness 
of  motion,  every  one  knows.  Thus  every  part  of 
the  church,  even  the  meanest,  is  beautiful  and 
useful,  well-proportioned,  and  compacted,  and 
fitted  to  glorify  God.  And  every  believer,  in 
proportion  to  his  faith  and  grace,  is  prepared  to 
fill  up  his  station  in  a  becoming  manner,  and  to 
walk  in  the  ways  of  God  with  firmness  and  vigor. 
For  "we  are  the  body  of  Christ,  and  members  in 
particular."  (1  Cor.  12:14—27.) 

V.  2.  Here  again  the  decorations,  rather  than 
the  person,  of  the  spouse,  are  by  some  thought  to 
be  intended:  and  curious  ornaments  of  embossed 
work,  in  the  figure  of  a  round  goblet  with  liquor, 
or  a  heap  or  sheaves  of  wheat,  surrounded  v.ith 
lilies,  carved  on  them,  have  been  imagined  and 
described.  But  the  original  words,  in  other  pla- 
ces, as  much  mean  the  "navel,"  and  the  "belly" 
or  the  rvomb,  as  the  next  words  do  "the  two 
breasts."  (..'Vote,  3.)  C^ertainly  comeliness  of  per- 
son, not  richness  of  aitire  or  ornament,  is  intend- 
ed: otherwise  the  commendations  would  be  equally 
appropriate  to  the  most  deformed,  if  splendidly 
attired,  as  to  the  most  beautiful:  nor  is  there  any 
need  to  remove  the  garments,  in  order  to  distin- 
guish a  very  well  proportioned  and  comely  per- 
son from  others,  in  the  most  ordinary  intercourse 
of  life.  Either  men  or  women  may  disgiiise  them- 
selves by  decoration:  but  becoming  raiment  sets 
oft'  the  iorm  of  those  who  wear  it.  In  fact,  the 
allusion  to  that  part  of  the  female  body,  in  which 
the  infant  is  marvellously  fashioijed  by  the  power 
of  God,  {J^'otes,  Ps.  130:13 — 16.)  seems  intended 
as  an  allegorical  representation  of  a  sinner,  by 
regeneration  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  through  the  word 
of  "truth,"  being  brought  to  believe  in  Christ;  and 
then  advancing  gradually  in  the  divine  life,  to 
sen'e  God  "in  newness  of  Spirit,"  [J\''oles,  1  Pel. 
1:23 — 25.  2:1 — 3,  r.  3.)  or,  in  general,  in  Vjoiy 
dispositions  and  affections,  and  thus  into  hoiy 
practice:  and  also  the  provision,  in  the  ordinances 
of  the  church,  for  the  regeneration  and  conver- 
sion of  sinners,  and  ripening  them  into  established 
believers,  the  children  of  God  our  Savior,  and  of 
his  espoused  church.  The  "belly,"  or  bovccls. 
may  likewise  be  explained  of  the  merciful  and 
compassionate  disposition  of  believers,  which  ren- 
ders them  useful  in  relieving  the  distresses  of  the 
needy,  "like  an  heap  of  wheat;"  and  is  ornamental 
to  their  profession,  as  if  the  heap  "was  set  about 
with  lilies." — We  cannot,  however,  be  confident, 
as  to  minute  circumstances,  in  expounding  these 
allegories;  though  the  general  meaning  is  plain. 


B.  C.  1014. 


CHAPTER  Vir. 


3  Thy  6  two  breasts  are  like  two  young 
roes  that  are  twins: 

4  Thy  •>  neck  is  as  a  tower  of  '  ivory; 
''  thine  eyes  like  the  fish-pools  in  '  Hesh- 
bon,  by  the  gate  of  Bath-rabbim:  •"  thy 
nose  is  as  "  the  tower  of  Lebanon,  which 
looketh  toward  °  Damascus: 

5  Thine  p  head  upon  thee  is  like  *  Car- 1 
mel,  and  i  the  hair  of  thine  head  like  i 
purple:  '  the  King  is  theld  in  the  galle-l 
ries.  I 

6  IT  How  s  fair  and  how  pleasant  art' 
thou,  O  love,  for  delights!  I 


5  4:5.  6:6. 

h  I;  10.  4:4. 

i5:I4.     1  Kings  10:18,22. -32:39. 

Ps.  45:8.    144:12. 
k  4:1,9.    6:5.     Enh.  1:17,13.  3: 

18,19. 
1  Num.  21:25.  Is.  15:4. 
m  Phil.  1:9,10.   Heb.  5:14. 
n  4:3.  5: 15. 

2  Chr.  8:6 


0  Gen.  15:2.     2  Sam.  8:6. 

pis.  35:2.      Kph.  1:22.    4:15,16. 
Col.  1:13.  2:19. 

*  Or,  crimson. 

q  4:1.  5:11.  Kev.  1:M. 

r  1:17.  marg.  Gen.  32:26.    Ps. 
87:2.     Matt.  13:20.    28:20. 

t    Heb.  bound, 
1  Kings  7:2.    9:19.     s  10.    1:15,16.  2:14.  4  7,10      Ps 
I     45:11.    Is.  62:4,5.     Zeph.  3:17.' 


B.  C.    1014. 

7  Thi.s  '  thy  stature  is  like  to  a  palm- 
tree,  and  "  thy  breasts  to  clusters  of 
grapes. 

8  I  said,  "<■  I  will  go  up  to  the  palm- 
tree,  I  will  take  hold  of  the  boughs  there- 
of; now  also  thy  breasts  shall  be  as  clus- 

Itersofthe  vine,   and   y  the  smell  of  thy 
nose  like  apples; 

9  And  Mheroofofihy  mouth  like  "the 
best  wine  for  my  beloved,  that  goeth  down 
'  sweetly,  causing  the  lips  of  ^  those  that 
are  ''  asleep  to  speak. 


It   Ps.  92:12.     Jer.    10:5. 

I    4:13. 

|u3,3.   1:13.  4:5.  8:8.     Is. 

11.     Eph.  3:17—19. 
I  X  4:16.    5:1.     Jer.  32:41. 

14:21—23. 
y  1:3.  2:3.     2  Cor.  2:14. 
z2:]4.  5:16.  Prov.  16:24.    ..,.., 
4:29.     Col.  3:16,17.  4:6.  Heb 


But  we  should  not  forget,  that  many  other  things 
in  scripture,  as  well  as  this  description,  do  not  ac- 
cord to  the  refined  and  perhaps  fastidious  delicacy 
of  modern  times:  yet  we  have  every  reason  to 
beheve  that  gross  vice  was  much  less  general  in 
lliose  ages,  among  the  Israelites  at  least,  than  it 
IS  among  nominal  Christians  at  present.  Nor 
does  It  become  us  to  explain  awav  the  words  of 
the  sacred  oracles.  {J\farg:  and  Jlaro-.  Ref.— 
J^otes,  5:]0— 16,  v.  14.  Ps.  45:16,  Pror.  3-7  8  ) 

V.  3.  [JSTole,  4:1—.,  v.  .5.)  'The  two 'testa- 
'ments  which  are  thy  two  full  and  comely  breasts, ' 
^by  whose  wholesome  milk  thou  nourisliest  all 
'thy  faithful  children,  once  born  into  the  light  ) 
'are  for  their  excellent  and  perfect  agreement 
'and  their  amiable  proportion,  like  two  vouno^ 
'j-oes.'  Bp.  Hall.  "^       ° 

V.  4.  The  word  "ivory,"  added  to  the  simil- 
itude of  "a  tower"  for  defence,  may  allude  to  the  i 
manifold  preciousness  of  faith,  in  its  various  ex- 1 
ercises.  (Marg.  Ref.  h,  \.~JVote,  4:1— .5,  v.  4.)' 
"Eyes  like  the  fish-pools  in  Heshbon,"  which: 
probably  were  remarkable  for  clear  and  bright ! 
water,  may  denote  distinct  knowledge  and  pen- 
etration, and  heavenly  wisdom,  especially  in  the 
teachers  of  the  church.  [Marg.  Ref.  k,  \.~J^otes 
Eph.  1:15— 23,tju.  17—19.  Phil.  1:9— 11,  v.  9.  Col.\ 

1:9— 14, w.  9.  3:16,17,  w.  16.  Jrt»n.3:I3— 18.) "The 

nose  as  the  tower  of  Lebanon"  may  denote  spiritual  I 
sagacity,  the  result  of  a  holy  relish  for  divine  things,  I 
and  an   experimental   acquaintance  with  them.'  i 
The  sense  of  smelling  is,  as  it  were,  the  guardian  ' 
of  the  stomach,  and  decides  that  this  and  the  other 
viand  is  in  a  state  unfit  for  food:  so  they,  who  have  ' 
their  spiritual  "senses  exercised  by  use  to  discern  '' 
good  and  evil,"  will  distinguish  between  truth  and 
specious  error,  between  duty  and  specious  trans- 
gression.    (JVbic, //eft.  5:11  —  14.)     And  thus  the 
believer,  or  the  teachers  of  the  church,  will  per- 
ceive at  a  distance   the   approaching  danger  of 
false   doctrine   or  seducing   temptation;    as   the 
watchmen  from  the  tower  of  Lebanon,  would  see 
at  a  distance  the  enemies,  who  should  march  that 
way  from  Damascus  or  its  environs,  where  the 
Syrians,  the  formidable  enemies  of  Israel,  dwelt. 
(Jlarg.  Ref.  m— o.) 

V.  5.  "Thine  head  upon  thee,"  is  supposed  by 
some  to  mean,  the  covering  or  ornameut  of  (he 
head:  and  the  word,  rendered  "hair,"  to  signify  «, 
Jillet  or  riband,  by  which  the  hair  was  coFlected 
together.  The  word  (,1*71)  is  not  used  in  any 
other  place.— Carmel  was  a  very  high,  pleasant, 
and  fruitful  mountain — Some  understand  "thine 
Vol.  III.  S2 


Eph. 
66:10, 
John 

Eph. 


13:15. 
a   Is.    62:8,9.      7,ech.   9:15— )7. 

Acts   2:11—13,46,47.     4:31,32. 

16:30—34. 
i  Heb.  straightly. 
5  Or,  the  ancient. 
b  5:2.     Rom.  13:11.     1  Thes.  4: 

13,14.     Kev.  14:13. 


head  ujmn  thee,""  as  that  heavenly  hope,  which 
springs  from  faith,  and  towers  above  earthly  ob- 
jects, and  excites  increasing  vigor  in  followin"- 
after  holiness:  and  "the  hair-riband  hke  purnlc," 
(the  color  of  kings  and  rulers,)  may  mean  tlie  dig- 
nity of  every  action,  which  is  influenced  bv  (!iis 
high  and  purifying  hope.  But  Christ  himseff,  the 
Head  of  the  church,  and  the  honor  conferred  on 
the  meanest  believers  by  their  union  witli  Ir^h, 
may  perhaps  be  intended.  (Jlarg.  and  Jlar<>: 
Ref.  p,  q — JVotes,  4:1—5,  v.  1.  5:f0— 16,  v.  1  L) 
—In  short,  so  pleasant  is  the  church,  and  every 
true  member  of  it,  that  "the  King,"  the  Lord  of 
Hosts,  IS  "held  in  the  galleries,"  or  has  suchdelight 
in  the  ordinances  and  assemblies  of  his  saints, 
that  he  is  not  able  as  it  were  to  withdraw  from 
them.  'When  he  walks  in  his  palace  royal,  and 
beholds  her  beauty,  he  stands  still,  and  cannot 
'take  his  eyes  off  from  her,  being  captivated  v/ilh 
'it.'  Bp.  Patrick.  [Jlarg.  and  JIars:  Ref.— 
JVotes,  1:16,17.  i2fii..  2:1.)  "         y 

V.  6—8.  The  Bridegroom  is  here  supposed  to 
enter;  and  to  speak  to  the  spouse,  in  the  lan- 
guage of  admiration  and  strong  affection. 'How 

'beautiful,  and  pleasant  art  thou,  O  Love,  for  me 
'to  delight  in!'  [Jlarg.  Ref.  s.—Jfotes,  2:14.  Ps 
45:9—11.  /*.  62:1—5,  vv.  4,5.  Jer.  32:39—41,  v'. 
41.  Zeph.  3:14— il.  John  15:9—11,?).  li.)_Hft 
then  proceeds  to  compare  the  stature,  or  person, 
of  the  spouse,  to  the  lofty  and  spreading  palm- 
tree;  whilst  her  breasts,  (her  entire  love  to  Chrisf , 
and  the  obedience  resulting  from  it,  and  the  doc- 
trine of  the  scriptures,  the  prophets  and  apostles 
professed  and  maintained  by  her,)  are  like  "clus- 
ters of  grapes,"  the  precious  fruit  of  the  vine. 
So  that  when,  according  to  his  purpose,  he  went 
up  to  take  hold  of  the  branches  of  the  palm-tree, 
he  found  them  loaded  with  the  most  preciou.s 
fruits,  every  way  delightful  to  him;  or,  he  en- 
gaged by  his  presence  and  grace  to  render  bT 
still  more  fruitful  and  useful,  that  he  might  stiU 
more  "rejoice  over  her  to  do  her  good."  [Jlarg. 
R^f-  i—y.—JTotes,  2,3.  1:3.  2:3.  4:1—5,  v.  5.  8: 
8,9.  /*.  66:10—14,  vv.  10,11.  2  Cor.  2:14-16.) 

V.  9.  "The  roof  of  the  moutli"  is  einploved 
both  in  distinguishing  tastes,  and  in  articnlafing 
words:  and  the  verse  may  mean,  thot  the  hcliev" 
er,  having  a  relish  for  spiritual  things,  discour,=<'s 
upon  them  experimentally  and  pathetically.  Tins 
IS  pleasant  and  refreshing,  as  "the  best  wine,"  to 
those  who  are  beloved  by  Christ;  and  he  also  de- 
lights in  it,  because  they  are  comforted  and  edi- 
fied by  it:  nay,  such  conversation  tends  to  enliven 

[649 


B.  C.  1014. 


SOLOMOiN'S  SOiNG. 


B.  C.  1014. 


10  IT  I  am '^  my  Beloved's,  and  ''his 
desire  is  toward  me. 

1 1  Come,  my  Beloved,  ^  let  us  go 
forth  into  the  field;  let  us  lodge  in  the 
villages. 

13  Let  us  '^get  up  early  to  the  vine- 
yardsj  f  let  us   see  if  the  vine  flourish, 

c  5:16.  6:3.     Acts  27:23.   1  Cor.  I  f  Prov.  8:17.     Ec.  9:10. 


whether  ^  the  tender  grape  *  appear,  and 
the  pomegranates ibud  forth:  there  '  will  I 
give  thee  my  loves. 

13  The  ''mandrakes  give  a  smell,  and 
'  at  our  gates  are  all  manner  of  pleasant 
fruits,  "  new  and  old,  which  °  1  have  laid 
up  for  thee,  O  my  Beloved. 


6:19,20.     Gal.  2:20. 
i   j,6.     .lob  14:15.     Ps.  147:11. 

John  17:24. 
e  1:4.  2:10—13.  4:8. 


g  6:11.  Prov.  24:30,31.  Acts 
15:36.  2  Cor.  13:5.  1  Thes. 
3:5,6.  Heb.  12:15. 


aged  and  infirm  believers;  and  even  to  awaken  j 
sleeping'  sinners,  to  inquire  after  Christ  and  to  i 
shew  forth  his  praise. — 'The  delivery  of  my  word. ' 
'by  the  mouths  of  my  ministers,  is  like  to  the 
'most  excellent  and  pleasant  wine;  being  both  i 
'well  accepted  of  that  God  in  whose  name  it  is ' 
'taught,  and  most  sweetly  relished  by  the  receiv-  i 
'ers;  which  is  of  such  wonderful  power,  that  it  is 
'able  to  put  words,  both  of  repentance  and  praise, 
'into  the  lips  of  him  that  lies  asleep  in  his  sins.' 
Bp.  Hall. — It  is  thought  by  some,  that  the  word 
rendered  asleep,  may  mean  old  men.  'The  most 
'generous  wine,  of  which  when  we  have  tasted, 
'we  say,  let  it  be  sent  to  the  best  of  my  friends, 
'is  not  more  comfortable  to  the  bodily  spirits, 
'though  it  be  so  powerful  as  to  make  old  men 
'brisk,  nay,  to  enliven  those  that  are  at  the  point 
♦of  death,  than  thy  words  are  to  raise  and  restore 
'the  souls  of  those,  who  imbibe  the  sense  of  them 
'into  their  minds.'  Bp.  Patrick.  [Marg,  and 
Marg.  Re/.—JVotes,  ±\A.  Zs.  62:8,9.  Jen  31:23 
—26,  V.  26.  Zech.  9:13—17,  v.  15,17.  Rom.  13: 
11—14,  V.  11.  Eph.  4:29.  5:8—14,  v.  14.  15—20, 
V.  19.  Heh.  13:15,16.) 

V.  10.  Here  the  spouse  answers,  as  one  as- 
sured of  her  relation  to  her  Beloved,  and  of  his 
endeared  love  to  her — 'Seeing  such  is  the  de- 
'sire  of  my  Beloved  towards  me,  that  he  first 
*loved  me  when  averse  to  him;  he  recalled  me 
'when  1  wandered;  he  pardoned  me  when  I  of- 
'fended;  he  studiously  conferred  benefits  on  me, 
'and  finally  he  gave  himself  to  me.' — 'There 
'seems  to  be  an  allusion  here  to  Ps.  45:11.  ...  unto 
'which,  Solomon,  as  I  take  it,  hath  a  respect  all 
'along  in  this  poem.'  Bp.  Patrick.  [J\Iarg.  Ref. 
—J^oles,  6—8.  2:16,17,  v.  16.  Ez.  16:3—14.  John 
17:24.  Acts  27:20—26,  v.  23.  Ro7n.  14:7—9.  Epk. 
2:4—10.   Tit.  3:4— 1.) 

V.  1 1 — 13.  The  Spouse  desires  to  go  forth  with 
her  Beloved  into  the  fields,  and  to  lodge  in  the 
villages;  by  which  some  suppose  places  newly  en- 
lightened by  the  gospel  to  be  intended.  Assured 
liope  and  fervent  love  influence  true  believers  to 
be  weaiy  of  the  noise  and  bustle  of  a  vain  world; 
and  to  value  leisure,  and  opportunity  for  retire- 
ment, communion  with  Christ,  and  an  undisturb- 
ed attendance  on  his  ordinances.  They  would  be, 
as  mucli  as  they  can,  employed  in  examining  the 
growth  of  grace  and  fruitfulness  in  themselves; 
and  the  interests  of  religion,  the  conversion  of 
sinners,  and  the  sanctity  of  their  brethren  are 
dear  to  tlieir  heart.  They  want  to  know  if  the 
vine  flourishes;  and  whether  awakened  sinners 
give  hopeful  proof  of  becoming  "fruitful  in  good 
works."  There,  with  the  church  of  Christ,  in  his 
house,  at  his  table,  and  at  the  throne  of  grace, 
they  would  profess  and  manifest  their  love  to 
Christ,  and  give  themselves  up  without  reserve 
to  that  holy,  reasonable,  and  pleasant  affection. 
Among  such  Christians,  living  retired  from  the 
world,  and  in  communion  witli  their  Lord  and 
each  other,  all  kinds  of  ornamental,  pleasant,  and 
useful  fruits  are  produced,  from  faith  and  love, 
lor  his  glorv  and  the  benefit  of  his  church:  and 
G50J 


h  2:13,15.     Is.  18:5. 

*  Heb.  open. 

i  6.    4:16.      Ps.  43:4.     63:3—8. 

73:25.      Ez.   20:40,41.     Rom. 

5:11.     2  Cor.   5:14,15.     Epb. 

6:24. 
k  Gen. -30:14. 


14:16.     5:1.     John  15:S.     Gal. 

5:22,23.  Eph.  5:9.    Phil.  1:11. 
m  Matt.  13:52. 
n  Is.  23:18.  60:6,7.  Matt.  25:10. 

Rom.  15:25—27.      1  Cor.  16:2. 

2  Cor.  8:8,9.  Col.  3:17.     1  Pet. 

4:11. 


these  are  not  only  the  first-fruits,  immediatel}' 
after  conversion,  which  may  afterwards  be  called 
"old;"  but  also  "new"  services  are  performed, 
and  new  degTees  of  grace  are  exercised,  more  and 
more  even  to  tlie  end.  [Marg.  and  Marg.  Ref. 
—Mites,  6—8.  2:10—13.  4:8.  Ec.  9:10.  Matt.  1.1: 
51,52.  25:34— 40.  JoAft  15:1—8.  Phil.  1:9—11,  v. 
11.  Col.  3:16,17,  V.  17.  Heb.  13:15,16.  1  Pet.2A 
— 6.  4:9 — 11.) — It  is  not  certainly  known  what</te 
mandrakes  were:  perhaps  they  were  melons. 
{JVote,  Gen.  30:14.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
The  Lord  Jesus  is  the  true  Fountain  of  hon- 
or; and  his  favor  confers  nobility,  yea,  royal  dig- 
nity: for  what  are  all  the  pompous  titles  of  tlie 
world  compared  with  this  distinction,  "The  sons 
and  daughters  of  the  Lord  almighty.-"'  "Such 
honor  have  all  his  saints;"  and,  having  "put 
[on  Christ,"  ihey  are  equally  distinguished  by 
their  beautiful  and  glorious  apparel.  When 
their  "feet  are  shod  with  the  preparation  of  the 
gospel  of  peace;"  and  when,  supplied  with  renew- 
ed strength  from  their  great  Head,  through  the 
intervention  of  ministers  and  Christians,  each 
stationed  in  this  mystical  body  with  divine  skill, 
they  walk  with  increasing  vigor  and  alacrity  iu 
the  ways  of  holiness ;  every  motion  is  graceful, 
and  they  "adorn  the  doctrine  of  God  our  Savior 
in  all  things."  (JVote,  Tit.  2:9,10.)  The  holy  de- 
sires of  their  hearts  are  brought  to  good  effect, 
"by  the  supply  of  the  Spirit  of  Christ;"  and  their 
compassion  and  liberality  relieve  the  wants  of  the 
indigent,  and  "abound  in  many  thanksgivings 
unto  God."  (JVbie,  2  Cor.  9:12— 15.)  Faith 
workethby  love  of 'God  and  of  man,'  which  (like 
"two  young  roes  that  are  twins,")  produce  a  tenor 
of  conduct,  that  accords  to  the  example  of  their 
"Beloved  and  their  Friend."  This  precious  faitli 
and  love,  "abounding  in  knowledge  and  all  judg- 
ment." and  regulated  by  sagacity,  the  result  of 
experience  and  a  spiritual  mind,  tend  to  the 
assurance  of  hope,  the  increase  of  holiness,  and 
"patient  continuance  in  well  doing."  And  the 
edifying  discourse  of  such  consistent  believers 
honors  Christ,  recommends  the  gospel,  silences 
gainsayers,  animates  other  Christians,  and  tends  to 
convince  and  awaken  sinners;  and  it  will  surely 
meet  with  the  gracious  commendation  of  the  Lord. 
Wherever  they  meet  togetlier  to  worship,  and  to 
commemorate  his  love,  Christ  will  be,  as  it  were, 
"held  in  the  galleries,"  by  his  delight  in  them  and 
their  services:  and  to  mark  the  difference  between 
them  and  formalists,  he  even  expresses  his  admi- 
ration of  the  fruits  of  his  own  grace  in  them.  They 
may  also  assure  themselves,  that  he  will  be  with 
them  in  their  afflictions;  and  their  resignation  and 
patient  hope,  under  sharp  sufferings,  is  peculiarh 
pleasant  and  honorable  to  him.  But  when  pro- 
fessors of  the  gospel  do  no  credit  to  it  in  their 
Uves,  they  drive  him  from  their  assemblies,  and 
often  deceive  their  own  souls. — In  proportion  as 
we  are  sure  that  Christ  is  "our  Beloved,"  and  that 
we  aim  and  desire  to  be  devoted  to  him;  we  mav 


B.  C.  1014. 


CHAPTER  VIII. 


B.  C.   1014. 


CHAP.  VIII. 

The  spouse  desires  to  be  instructed  by  her  Beloved,  and  to  have 
near  cominunioo  with  him;  and  chtirges  the  virgins  not  to  dis- 
turb him,  1 — 4.  She  is  beheld  with  admiration,  as  "coming  up 
from  the  wilderness  leaning  on  her  Beloved,"  5.  She  owns 
her  obligations,  desires  to  continue  in  his  love;  and  shews  the 
strength  and  vehemency  of  love  and  jealousy,  6,  1.  The  call- 
ing of  the  Gentiles  requested,  and  foretold,  S — 10.  Solomon's 
vineyard  and  its  fruits,  II,  12.  The  concluding  words  of 
Chriit,  and  of  the  spouse,  13,  14. 

H,  *  that  thou  wert  as  my  Brother, 
that  ^  sucked  the  breasts  of  my 
mother;  when  I  should  "^  find  thee  without 
•'  I  would  kiss  thee;  "  yea,  *  I  should  not 
he  despised. 

2  I  would  lead  thee,  and  ^  bring  thee 
into  my  mother's  house,  ^  who  W'ould  in- 


ah.  7:14.  9:6.  Hag.  2:7.  Zech. 

9:9.  Mai.  3:1.     Matt.  13:16.17. 

Luke  2:2t>— 32,38.     10:23,24.   1 

Tim.  3:16. 
b  Is.  66:11,12.  Gal.  4:26. 
c  John  1:14.    3:13.    8:42.    l.S:3. 

16:28.     Heb.  2:9—14.    9:26— 

28. 
d  1:2.  Ps.  2:12.  45:10,11.    Luke 

7:45 — 48     9:26.   12:8.     John  7: 

46—52.    9:25—38.     Gal.  6:14. 


Phil.  3:3,7,8. 
e   Ps.  51:17.     102:16,17.     Mark 

12:42 — 14.   14:6—9. 
*  Heb.   they  should  not  despist 

me.     Is.  60:14.      Luke    10:16 

18:9.      1  Cor   1:23. 
f  3:4.     Gal.  4:26. 
g  Luke  16:29—31.     John  5:39, 

46,47.    Acts  17:11,12.     2  Tim. 

3:15.      !  Pet.  1:10-12.    2  Pet. 

1:19.     Rev.  19:10. 


also  be  sure  that  he  is  our  Salvation,  and  that  "his 
desire  is  towards  us."  And  again,  when  this  as- 
surance is  genuine,  it  will  cause  us  more  and 
more  to  count  all  but  loss  for  him;  and  as  far  as 
it  consists  with  our  duty  in- the  communit)',  to  go 
forth  with  him  to  some  sequestered  humble  re- 
treat, where  we  may  commune  with  him  and  his 
people,  and  "with  our  own  hearts."  If  then  we 
have  tasted  his  grace,  let  us  seek  his  assistance 
in  examining  ourselves,  to  see  how  the  vine  flour- 
ishes, and  to  take  heed  that  no  subtle  foxes  spoil 
the  tender  grapes:  let  us  shew  our  love  to  Christ 
by  love  to  his  cause;  and  whilst  we  add  new  fruits 
of  holiness  to  all  those  which  we  have  already 
produced,  let  us  not  much  regard  whether  men 
approve  our  conduct  or  not,  provided  our  Beloved 
accept  us  and  be  honored  by  us.  Let  us  improve 
our  talents  and  employ  our  influence,  in  observing 
how  believers  grow  in  grace,  and  young  begin- 
ners put  forth  their  tender  buds;  that  we  may 
exhort,  encourage,  warn,  and  pray  for  them,  as 
time  and  occasion  may  require:  and  let  us  employ 
our  time,  talent,  and  influence,  in  every  state  and 
relation  of  life,  to  win  over  those  without  to  seek 
the  same  blessings.  And  if  we  are  favored  to  see 
that  part  of  the  church,  where  we  live,  producing 
abundantly  all  the  fruits  of  the  Spirit,  our  joy  will 
be  more  excited,  than  by  any  increase  of  riches; 
and  our  thanksgivings  will  accompany  our  suppli- 
cations to  the  great  Author  of  all  our  hopes  and 
comforts.  A  life  of  this  kind  more  resembles 
heaven,  than  any  other  which  we  can  pass  on 
earth. 

NOTES. 
Chap.  VIII.  V.  1,2.  These  verses  are  gen- 
erally considered,  as  a  continuation  of  the 
Spouse's  words  in  the  preceding  chapter;  (JVb'e, 
11 — 13.)  expressing  a  longing  desire,  that  she 
might  shew  her  fervent  affection  for  her  Beloved, 
with  as  little  reserve,  as  if  he  were  an  infant 
brother,  at  her  mother's  breasts.  But  they  may 
be  understood,  as  the  fervent  prayer  presented 
by  ancient  believers,  for  the  promised  incarna- 
tion of  the  divine  Savior.  In  taat  mysterious  dis- 
pensation, the  Lord  of  glory,  the  Husband  of  the 
church,  "  became  as  her  Brother:"  and  when  the 
Man  Jesus  grew  in  wisdom,  in  attending  on  the 
ordinances  of  the  church  of  Israel,  he,  as  it  were, 
"sucked  the  breasts  of  her  mother."  The  spouse, 
(representing    ancient   believers,)  declares   her 


Struct  me:  *'  I  would  cause  thee  to  drink 
of  '  spiced  wine  of  the  juice  of  my  pome- 
granate. 

3  His  ^  left  hand  should  be  under  my 
head,  and  his  right  hand  should  embrace 
me. 

4  I  '  charge  you,  O  daughters  of  Jeru- 
salem, t  that  ye  stir  not  up,  nor  awake  7ny 
Love,  until  he  please. 

5  IT  ■"  Who  is  this  that  cometh  up 
"  from  the  wilderness,  "  leaning  upon  her 
Beloved.^  p  I  raised  thee  up  under  the 
apple-tree:  there  thy  mother  brought  thee 
forth;  1  there  she  brought  thee  forth  that 
bare  thee. 


h  4:10—16.  5:1.  7:9,12. 

i  Prov.  9:2. 

k  2:6.     Deut.  33:27.    Is.  62:4,5. 

2  Cor.  12:9. 
I  2:7.  3:5. 
f   Heb.    viJiy  should  ye  stir  up, 

or,  Tchy  aicakt,  tS-c. 
m3:6.  6:10. 
n   4:8.     Ps.  45:10,11.    107:2—8. 


12:6. 
o  2  Chr.  32:8.  Marg.    Ps.  63:8. 

Is.  26:3,4.     36:6.      Mic.   3:11. 

,Iohn    13:23.     Acts   27:23—25. 

2  Cor.   12:9,10.     Eph.  1:12,13. 

1  Pet.  1:21. 
p  2:3.    Hos.  12:4.     John  1:48— 

51. 
q  1.3:4,11.  13.49:20—23.  Rom. 


Is.  40:3.  43:19.  Jer.  2:2.   Rev.  |    7:4.     Gal.  4:19. 


determination,  when  she  found  him,  of  whom 
Moses  and  the  prophets  had  spoken,  '■'■withouV^ 
(that  is,  come  down  from  heaven,  and  appearing 
in  these  outer  courts  of  the  temple,)  she  would 
with  the  utmost  confidence  express  her  affection 
to  him  and  delight  in  him,  without  fear  of  bei^g- 
rejected,  or  of  being  despised  by  men  for  so  doing. 
She  determines  also  to  avow  her  faith  in  him,  and 
seek  for  his  presence  in  his  ordinances,  that  she 
might  be  further  instructed  in  the  truth:  assured 
that  her  holy  love,  spiritual  worship,  and  cheerful 
obedience,  would  be  more  acceptable  to  him, 
than  the  richest  and  most  highly  flavored  cordials. 
[Marg.  and  Marg.  Ref.—J^otes,  1:2.  3:1—5,  v. 
4.  4:10—16.  5:1.  /*.  7:14.  9:6,7.  G«/.  4:4— 7.  Heb. 
2:14,15.) — JVTw  would  instruct  me.  (2)  Jfote,  1 
Tim.  3: 14,15.  Or,  "Thou  wouldest  instruct  me." 
(J\rote,  Matt.  11:28—30.) 

V.  3,  4.  Marg.  and  Marg.  Re/.— 'See  on  JVotes, 
2:6,7. 

V.  5.  The  daughters  of  Jerusalem  seem  here 
to  speak  concerning  the  spouse;  or  the  company 
of  established  believers,  when  in  the  most  vigor- 
ous exercise  of  grace.  By  faith,  hope,  and  love 
of  Christ,  they  come  up  from  this  present  evil 
world;  which  once,  through  the  enchantments  of 
sin  and  Satan,  appeared  to  them  a  paradise:  but 
now  that  the  charm  is  broken,  they  know  it  to  be 
a  waste  howling  wilderness.  They  therefore 
leave  earthly  for  heavenly  things,  and  still  mount 
upwards  in  holy  desires,  affections,  and  conver- 
sation: leaning  upon  the  power,  truth,  and  love  of 
Christ;  and  in  his  strength  surmounting  difficul- 
ties, resisting  temptations,  bearing  afliictions,  and 
walking,  without  yielding  to  weariness  or  faint- 
ing, in  the  ways  of  holy  obedience.  In  this  heav- 
enly course,  the  established  believer  appears  ?«(;«- 
derftil  to  the  inexperienced  inquirer,  or  feeble 
Christian,  who  can  scarcely  think  it  possible,  that 
he  can  be  enabled  to  follow  an  example  so  inucli 
above  his  present  attainments.  [Marg.  Ref.  la 
— o.— jVbto,  3:6.4:8.  6:10.  P*.  63:1— 4.  Ga/.  2: 
17— 2],  OT.  20,21.) 

Leaning,  Sucl  jlpSinD;  used  in  this placo 

alone.  It  seems  to  imply,  dependence  and  confi- 
dence with  love  and  satisfaction. — /  raised,  ire] 
As  the  punctuation  of  the  original  makes  the  pro- 
nouns masculine;  all  who  unreservedly  adhere  to 
it,  suppose  the  spouse  to  speak  in  this  sentence. 

[6.0 1 


B.  C.    1014. 


SOLOMON'S  SONG. 


B.  C.  1014. 


6  IF  Set  me  ■■  as  a  seal  upon  thine  heart, 
as  a  seal  upon  thine  arm:  for  ^  love  is 
strong  as  death;  'jealousy  is  *  cruel  as  the 
grave:  "  the  coals  thereof  are  coals  of  lire, 
which  hath  a  most  vehement  flame. 

7  Many  *  waters  cannot  (juench  love,  1 
neitlier   can   the  floods   drown  it:  ^  if  a 
man  would  give  all  the  substance  of  his 
house  for  love,  it  would  utterly  be   con- 


temned. 


[Practical  Obserztations.] 


8  IF  We  have  ^  a  little  sister,  and  ^  she 


r  Ex.  28:9—12,21,29,30.    Is.  49: 

It).     .Tor.   -22:24.       Hag.  2:23. 

Zech.  3:9.     2X101.2:19. 
s   5:S.       Ps.  42:1,2.    63:1.    84:2. 

John   21:15 — 19.     Acts  20:24. 

21:13.     2  Cor.    5:14,15.     Phil. 

1:20—23.     Rev.  12:11. 
tXiim.  5:14.    25:11.      Deut.  32: 

21.   Prov.  6:34.    2  Cor.  11:2. 
*  Heb.  hard. 
II  Ps.  120:4.   Prov.  25:22.    Rom. 


12:20. 
X  Is.  43:2.    Matt  7:24,25.  Rom. 

8:28—39. 
y  Prov.  6:31.    Rom.  13:8—10. 
z  Rz.  16:46.55,56,61.     John  10: 

16.  Acts  15:14—17.    Rom.  15: 

9—12. 
a   10.    4:5.   7:3.     Ps.  147:19,20. 

Acts  7:38.     Rom.  3:1,2.    Epb. 

2:12. 


But  it  is  much  more  natural  to  consider  it  as  the 
languajare  of  Christ.  He  raises  up  new  converts, 
and  matures  his  people,  throug-h  his  mediation 
and  by  his  Spirit,  giving-  efficacy  to  his  word  and 
ordinances.  Thus  they  receive  their  spiritual 
birth,  nourishment,  and  comfort,  in  the  church, 
"the  mother  of  us  all.'' — The  word  rendered 
brought  theeforth,  may  mean  pledged  thee:  for  the 
church,  especially  in  the  Sacraments,  solemnly 
dedicates  all  her  children  to  Christ.  {JIarg.  Ref. 
p,  Q.—M)f.es,  2:3.  3:1—3,  v.  4.  John  1:47—31. 
Gar.  4:21—31,  V.  29.) 

V.  6,  7.  These  verses  seem  to  be  the  words  of 
the  spouse  to  Christ,  entreating  him  to  give  her 
an  assured  confidence  and  an  abiding  place  in 
his  love,  and  protection  by  his  power;  setting  her 
name,  as  with  the  deep  impression  of  a  seal,  on 
his  heart  and  on  his  arm;  that  she  might  neither 
lose  her  interest  in  his  love,  nor  the  comfort  of  it. 
In  enforcing  this  request  she  represents  the  ener- 
gy of  holy  love:  if  that  were  preserved  in  vigorous 
exercise,  it  would  prove  strong  as  death,  and  en- 
able her  to  sufler  every  extremity,  rather  than  re- 
nounce or  dishonor  him.  But  the  ver}'  suspicion 
of  not  being-  the  object  of  his  love  would  be  "cruel 
to  her  as  the  grave,"  or  more  dreadful  than  death 
in  his  most  tremendous  forms.  For  love  resem- 
bles fire  kindled  among  coals,  or  charcoal,  made 
of  those  kinds  of  wood,  which  emit  the  strongest 
heat  and  most  vehement  flame:  and  it  is  "a  fire 
which  no  floods  of  water  can  quench;"  that  is,  no 
temptations  or  sufferings  can  prevail  against  it: 
nay,  if  a  man  possess  this  love,  no  wealth  can  hire 
him  to  renounce  it;  nor  can  any  thing  purchase 
it,  or  compensate  for  the  want  of  it.  [Marg.  and 
JSIarg.  Ref.—J^otes,  3:8.  Ex.  28:6—30.  Ps.  84:1, 
2.  Prov.  6:27—35,  vv.  32—33.  Rom.  8:32—39.  1 
Cor.  13:4—13.  2  Cor.  5:13—15.  11:1—6,  vv.  1,2. 
1  John  4:9 — 12.) — The  word  rendered  jealousy 
may  signify  zeal.  [JVofe,  Jam.  3:13 — 16.) — 'The 
'jealous  zeal  which  I  have  for  thee,  and  for  thy 
'glory,  consumes  me,  even  like  the  grave,  and 
'burns  me  up  like  the  coals  of  some  most  vehe- 
'ment  and  extreme  fire.'  Bp.  Hall. — 'It  should 
'be  thus  translated,  "which  are  the  flames  of  the 
'fire  of  the  Lord."  So  the  Hebrew  word  seems 
'to  signify,  being  compounded  of  three  words, _/ire, 
iflnme,  and  the  Lord.  Some  translate  it,  "Such 
'da  nes  are  kindled  only  by  the  Lord;"  and  then, 
'if  there  be  an  allusion  to  the  breast-plate  of  the 
'high  priest  in  the  beginning  of  the  verse,  I  fancy 
'the  conclusion  may  allude  to  "the  fire  that  went 
'out  from  before  the  Lord,"  [Lei'.  9:24.)  and  de- 
'voured  the  sacrifices,  as  love  doth  all  manner  of 
'dijUcultics.  Thi.s  fire  was  to  burn  perpetually 
652] 


hath  no  breasts:  ''what  shall  we  do  for 
our  sister,  <=  in  the  day  when  she  shall  be 
spoken  for.'' 

9  If  she  6e  <^  a  wall,  «we  will  build 
upon  her  a  palace  of  silver;  and  if  she 
be  *"  a  door,  we  will  enclose  her  witli  boards 
of  cedar. 

10  I  a?n  s  a  wall,  and  ^  my  breasts  Hke 
towers:  '  then  was  I  in  his  eyes  as  one 
that  found  ^  favor. 


bPs.  2:8.    72:17—19.     Is.  49:6. 

60:1—5,10,11.        Acts    10:    11:1 

—18.      16:9.     22:21.    26:17.18. 

Rom.    10:12—15.      Eph.    2:13 

—15,19—22. 
c  Luke  19:44.     1  Pet.  2:12. 
d  2:9.     Rev.  21:12—19. 
e  Is.  58:12.  60:17.   61:4.     Zech. 

6:12—15.    Matt.  16:18.    Acts 


15:16.      1  Cor.  3:10— 12.    Eph. 

2:20—22. 
f  Acts  14:27. 
g9- 

h  4:5.  7:3,4,7,8.     Ez.  16:7. 
i  Geo.  6:8.      Deut.  7:7,8.   Prov. 

3:4.  Is.  60:10.  Luke  1:30.  Eph. 

1:6—8.      1  Tim.  1:16. 
t   Heb.  peace.  Rom.  5:1—10. 


'upon  the  altar,  and  never  be  suffered  to  go  out; 
'{Lev.  6:12,13.)  and  therefore  the  best  emblem  of 
'love  that  could  be  found.'  Bp.  Patrick.  'Wild 
'beasts  are  not  terrible  to  it,  nor  fire,  nor  preci- 
'pices,  nor  the  sea,  nor  the  sword,  nor  the  halter, 
'...  but  even  the  most  impassable  difficulties  are 
'got  over  by  it;  the  hardest  things  are  presently 
'mastered;  the  most  frightful  easily  surmounted; 
'it  is  every  where  confident,  overlooks  all  things, 
'overpowers  all  things.'.  J/aarmw*  Tyrius,  quoted 
by  Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  8, 9.  The  spouse,  (or  the  church  which  tlien 
was,)  seems  here  to  intercede  for  the  Gentiles, 
from  among  whom  God  intended  to  take  a  peo- 
ple for  his  name.  The  spouse  therefore  calls  that 
future  church,  "a  little  sister,  which  hath  no 
breasts."  Though  a  few  believers  were  even  then 
found  among  the  Gentiles;  yet  they  had  not  the 
word  of  God,  or  the  means  of  grace,  and  spiritual 
union  with  the  promised  Savior.  But  in  due  time 
they  would  "be  spoken  for"  by  him:  and  what 
was  the  church  of  Israel  to  do  for  them  at  that 
time,  as  instruments  of  effecting  the  gracious  pur- 
pose of  God.?  To  this  question  Christ  answers, 
"If  she  be  a  wall,  we  will  build  upon  her  a  pal- 
ffce  of  silver."  If  the  commencement  of  this 
work,  even  the  conversion  of  the  Gentiles  by  the 
Spirit  of  Chri.st,  through  the  preaching  of  apostles 
and  evangelists,  raised  up  from  the  nation  of  Is- 
rael, were  likened  to  a  wall  built  upon  Him  "the 
precious  Foundation  and  Corner-stone,"  to  be- 
come a  part  of  a  spiritual  temple;  they  would  be 
so  multiplied,  and  enriched  in  process  of  time, 
that  the  Gentile  church  would  become  as  a  pal- 
ace for  the  great  King,  builded  of  solid  silver,  and 
far  more  splendid  than  Solomon's  temple.  If  the 
first  preaching  of  the  gospel  to  them  was  compar- 
ed to  the  making  of  a  door,  through  the  wall  of 
partition;  that  door  should  be  preserved  most  ef- 
fectually, as  if  cased  with  boards  of  durable  ce- 
dar. [Marg.  Ref.—JVotes,  10.  4:1—5,  v.  3.  7:3. 
Ps.  147:19,20.  Ez.  16:52—63.  John  10:14—18,  v. 

16.  Jds  11:1-18.  26:16—18.  Rom.  2:1,2.  10:12— 

17.  1   Cor.  3:10—13.  Eph.  2:14—22.  Rev.   21:9 
-21.) 

V.  10.  The  ancient  church  seems  here  thank- 
fully to  reflect  on  her  privileges:  she  was,  before 
the  coming  of  the  Messiah,  as  a  wall  built  on  the 
precious  Foundation,  a  part  of  the  glorious  tem- 
ple which  was  to  be  erected;  and  the  lively  ora- 
cles and  ordinances,  which  she  enjoyed,  were  her 
security,  as  well  as  the  susten^ance  and  comfort 
of  her  children:  and  she  was  thus  distinguished, 
because  "tlien,"  (even  when  this  difference  origi- 
nated,) "she  was  in  his  eyes  as  one  that  found  fa- 


B.  C.  1014. 


CHAPTER  Vlll. 


B.  C.  1014. 


11  IF  Solomon  ^  had  a  vineyard  at 
Baal-hamon;  '  he  let  out  the  vineyard 
unto  keepers;  every  one  for  the  fruit 
thereof  was  to  bring  P  a  thousand  pieces 
of  silver. 

12  My  "vineyard,  which  is  mine,  is 
before  me:  °  thou,  O  Solomon,  must  have 


k  7:12.     Ec.   2:4,5.     Is.  5:1—7. 

Matt.  21:33—43.     Mark   12:1, 

&c. 
1  Luke  20:9,&c. 
in  Gen.  20:16.     Is.  7.23. 


n  1:6.     Prov.  4:23.     Acts  20:28. 

1  Tim.    4:15,16. 
0  Ps.  72:17— 19.    Rom.  14:7—9. 

1  Cor.  6:20.     2  Cor.  5:15. 


vor,"  or  peace,  with  him.  {Marg.  Rif.—See  on 
JYote,  8,9.—Jfotes,  7:6—8.  Dent.  7:6—8.  Is.  3: 1—4. 
41 :8,9.  Jer.  31:3—5,  v.  3.  Ez.  16:6—8.  Eph.  1:3— 
«.  2:4—10.  2  rAe*.2:l3,14.  1  Tim.  1:12—16.  Tit. 
3:4—7.) 

v.  11,12.  Solomon,  probably,  had  a  large  vine- 
yard, which  he  did  not  superintend  himself,  but 
let  it  out  to  keepers,  each  of  whom  paid  him  a 
thousand  pieces  of  silver,  or  shekels,  for  the  fruit, 
and  they  were  supposed  to  clear  two  hundred. 
With  allusion  to  this,  the  advantag'es  or  privileges 
of  the  ancient  church  are  considered,  according 
to  frequent  parables  in  Scripture,  as  a  vineyard, 
intrusted  by  its  owner,  to  the  rulers,  teachers,  and 
congregation  of  Israel:  and  the  spouse,  or  church, 
determines  to  keep  this  vineyard  under  her  own 
immediate  care;  that  it  may  "abound  in  fruits  of 
righteousness,"  to  the  honor  of  her  Beloved,  and 
the  rich  benefit  of  all  employed  in  the  care  of  it. 
{J^otes,Ps.  80:8—13.  Is.  5:1—7.  Matt.  21:33—44. 
Luke  [3:b— 9.  John  15:1—8.  Phil.  1:9— U,  V.  11.) 
True  believers  in  Israel  understood  these  obliga- 
tions, and  had  the  vineyard  "before  them,"  as 
their  grand  concern;  and  it  was  their  endeavor 
that  much  fruit  might  be  produced.  Thus  the 
Lord  received  his  revenue  of  praise:  and  the 
priests,  Levites,  prophets,  and  others,  whose  la- 
bors, prayers,  and  examples  conduced  to  this  end, 
were  graciously  recompensed.  And  when,  (at 
the  coming  of  Christ,)  the  stated  teachers  and  ru- 
lers neglected  their  duty;  apostles  and  evangelists 
were  raised  from  the  sound  part  of  the  ancient 
church,  by  whom  the  vineyard  was  successfully 
cultivated:  and  so  the  corrupt  part  of  that  church 
being  excluded,  the  converted  gentiles  were  made 
the  principal  part  of  the  vineyard,  admitted  to 
share  all  its  privileges,  and  even  still  more  abun- 
dant blessings.  {JIa7-g.  Ref.—JSTotes,  1:5,6.  7:10 
—13.  Prov.  4:23.  Is.  7:21—25,  v.  23.  Ads  20:28.  1 
Tim.  4:11—16.) 

V.  13,  14.  These  verses  close  th?  conference 
between  Christ  and  the  spouse,  and  imply  his  per- 
sonal absence  from  his  people,  during  their  con- 
tinuance on  earth.  Christ  first  addresses  the 
spouse,  as  "dwelling  in  the  gardens,"  or  vine- 
yard, (JVo/e,  11,12.)  the  assemblies  and  ordinances 
of  his  saints. — The  word  rendered  "companions" 
being  masculine,  cannot  mean  the  attendants  on 
the  spouse,  so  frequently  mentioned,  but  rather 
those  who  were  "the  friends"  and  companions  "of 
the  Bridegroom;"  the  spirits  of  just  men  made 
perfect;  "an  innumerable  company  of  angels;" 
and  such  men  as  John  the  Baptist,  the  apostles, 
and  the  most  eminent  instruments  of  Christ,  in 
establishing  liis  church.  [Marg.  Ref.  r. — JVoles, 
1:7,8.  John  3:27—36,  v.  29.  15: 12— 16.  20:19—23. 
Eph.  2:19—22,  V.  ?0.  Heb.  12:22—25.  Rev.  21:9 
— 21,  V.  14.  W' Ask  what  thou  wilt  of  me,  and 
'I  tell  thee  before  all  thy  companions,  ...  I  will 
'do  it  for  thee.'  Bp.  Patrick. — While  the  church 
professes  her  faith  and  love,  and  renders  her  wor- 
ship, as  in  the  presence  of  all  the  friends  of  her 
Beloved;  the  more  she  abounds  in   prayers  and 


a  thousand,  and  ^  those  that  keep  the  fruit 
thereof  two  hundred. 

13  Thou  that  i  dwellest  in  the  gardens, 
"■  the  companions  hearken  to  thy  voice: 
^  cause  me  to  hear  it. 

14  *  Make  '  haste,  my  Beloved,  and  be 
thou  like  to  a  roe,  or  to  a  young  hart  upon 
the  mountains  of  spices. 

p  1  Tbe.s.  2:19,20.    1  Tim.  5:17,  ]     11:38.   14:11.    Ps.  45:14. 

18.  s2;14.     Ps.  50:15.     John  14:13. 

q  2:13.     4:16.     6:2,11.    7:11,12.       14.   15:7.   16:24. 

Matt.    18:20.    28:20.     John  14:  |  ♦  Heb.  Flee  auay. 

21—23.  12:17.     Luke  19:12.  Phil.  1:23. 

r  1:7.  3:7— 11.    5:9—16.     Jadg.  I     Rev.  22:20. 


supplications,  with  thanksgivings,  the  greater 
measure  of  true  prosperity  and  consolation  she 
enjoys.  Thus  our  Lord,  just  before  his  crucifix- 
ion, again  and  again  exhorted  his  disconsolate 
disciples  to  "ask  and  receive,  that  their  joy  might 
be  full."  [Marg.  Ref.—J^otes,  2:14.  John  14: 
7_14,  OT.  13,14.  15:9— 11,1;.  11.  16:23,24.]  To 
this  the  spouse  replies  by  craving  his  speedy  re- 
turn, not  for  a  transient  visit,  but  to  take  her  to 
be  wholly  with  him. — "The  mountains  of  spices" 
seem  to  mean  heaven  and  its  exalted  worship,  of 
which  all  the  incense  and  worship  at  the  temple 
were  a  faint  shadow.  (JVb<cs,  2:17.  4:6.) — 'Solo- 
'mon  here  seems  to  long  for  the  first  coming  of 
'the  Messiah,  as  St.  John  doth  for  his  last,  who 
'concludes  his  book  of  Revelation  in  the  same 
'manner  as  Solomon  doth  this,  saying,  "Come, 
'Lord  Jesus."  '  Bp.  Patrick.  [JVote,  Rev.  22:18 
—21,  V.  20.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
V.  1—7. 
The  Incarnation  of  the  Son  of  God  was  the 
grand  object  of  the  believing  prayers  of  the  an- 
cient church;  and  it  should  be  the  theme  of  our 
grateful  joyful  praises.  Blessed  be  God,  he  halh 
"sent  forth  his  Son,  made  of  a  woman  and  made 
under  the  law."  [J^ote,  Gal.  4:4 — 7.)  "The  sec- 
ond Man  is  the  Lord  from  heaven:"  (jVb<e,  1  Cor. 
15:45 — 49.)  he  dwells  in  our  nature,  and  is  not 
ashamed  to  call  us  brethren;  and  all  the  perfec- 
tions of  Deity  conjoin  with  the  tenderness  of  the 
most  endeared  relations  in  his  humanity,  to  render 
him  in  all  respects  the  meet  object  of  our  confi- 
dence and  love,  and  to  shew  to  us  the  divine  char- 
acter, in  a  manner  most  suited  to  our  apprehen^ 
sion  and  imitation.  Having  finished  his  work 
icidiout,  he  is  now  ascended  "into  heaven,  to  a]t- 
pear  in  the  presence  of  God  for  us:"  [JVotes,  Reh. 
9:11 — 14.)  but  we  may  find  him  present  to  our 
faith  in  his  holy  ordinances;  and  there  we  may 
express  our  love,  reverence,  and  submission,  raid 
rendel-  him  our  grateful  worship,  with  the  utmost 
freedom  and  assurance.  He  will  not  despise  us 
for  so  doing,  or  even  for  our  meanness  and  un- 
worthiness:  and  we  need  not  regard  theconteriipt 
of  those,  who  "blaspheme  that  wortliy  name  by 
which  we  are  called."  Let  us  then  seek  his  gra- 
cious presence  in  his  church,  that  his  ordinances 
and  instructions  may  be  abundantly  useful  to  our 
souls,  and  that  our  worship  and  holy  obedience 
may  be  accepted  by  him.  Then  he'will  renew 
the  pledges  of  his  love,  and  we  shall  find  it  "good 
to  be  there;"  and  shall  fear  whatever  may  inter- 
rupt the  pleasant  rest  of  our  souls  in  him.  Thus 
faith  and  hope  will  grow  into  full  assurance;  and 
"leaning  on"  his  power,  truth,  and  love,  and 
cleaving  to  him  as  "our  Beloved,"  we  shall  rise 
superior  to  this  vain  world,  and  have  our  heart 
and  conversation  with  him  in  heaven;  and  others 
shall  see  and  admire  our  indifference  about  earthly 
things,  compared  with  "those  above,  where  Jesus 

[f>53 


B.  C.   1014, 


SOLOMON'S  SONG. 


B.  C.  1014. 


sitteth  at  the  rig'ht  hand  of  God."  [J^otes,  Phil. 
3:20,21.  Col.  3:1 — 4.)  Nor  should  we  consider 
such  attainments  as  out  of  our  reach:  let  us  but 
improve  our  privilege  of  access  to  the  Mercy-seat; 
and  when  we  have  obtained  some  liberty  in  pour- 
ing out  our  hearts  before  him,  let  us  strive  to  drtiw 
nearer  and  nearer  in  fervency  and  importunity, 
wrestling  for  more  and  larger  blessings;  and  we 
shaU  certainly  obtain  his  effectual  help. — His  love 
to  us  sinners  was  "stronger  than  death;"  nor  could 
all  "the  floods  of  ungodly  men"  or  evil  spirits,  or 
inexpressible  sufferings,  quench  that  vehement 
flame;  and  all  the  kingdoms  of  the  world  were  ut- 
terly contemned,  when  offered  as  a  bribe  to  induce 
him  to  desist  from  his  gracious  purpose.  Thus 
should  our  love  to  him  be  vigorous  and  victorious, 
that  we  may  be  ready  to  renounce  or  suffer  any 
thing  for  his  sake,  and  that  we  may  be  armed 
against  the  terrors  and  the  friendship  of  the  world. 
Indeed  love  is  the  most  powerful  principle  of  ac- 
tivity: and  where  that  prevails,  all  dangers  and 
difficulties  will  be  disregarded,  and  every  contra- 
ry interest  utterly  contemned.  If  then  we  have 
true  faith,  it  will  "work  by  love"  of  Christ,  and 
the  effects  will  soon  become  manifest  in  our  whole 
conduct.  Sometimes  indeed,  the  fear  of  coming 
short  of  his  love,  or  the  temptation  to  forsake  him, 
may  be  very  painful  to  us:  but  we  shall  earnestly 

Eray  to  be  fixed  "as  a  seal  on  his  heart  and  on 
is  arm,"  that  being  kept  in  his  mercy  and  by  his 
power,  nothing  in  life  or  death  may  separate  us 
from  him. 

V.  8—14. 
The  more  our  hearts  glow  with  love  to  Christ, 
the  greater  will  be  our  pity  for  those  "who  sit  in 
darkness,  and  in  the  shadow  of  death."  We  are 
assured  that  he  has  a  numerous  people  to  gather 
into  his  fold,  from  among  the  Pagans,  Jews,  and 
every  description  of  Anti-christians.  These  have 
not  at  present  "the  oracles  of  God,"  or  'the  means 
'of  grace; 'or  they  find  them  as  dry  breasts,  through 
ignorance,  negligence,  and  unbelief.  As  the 
Lord  then  heard  the  prayers  of  his  ancient 
church,  as  well  as  the  intercession  of  his  Son, 
for  us  sinners  of  the  Gentiles,  and  has  begun  to 
build  us  upon  "the  foundation  of  his  apostles  and 
prophets,  Jesus  Christ  being  the  chief  Corner- 
stone," that  we  may  be  "an  habitation  of  God 
through  the  Spirit;"  and  as  the  gospel,  having 
once  been  preached  in  our  land,  has  wonderfully 
been  continued  among  us  to  this  present  day;  so 
654] 


let  us  lift  up  our  prayers  for  its  spread  all  over 
the  earth.  Let  us  not  imitate  the  unbelieving 
Jews  who  spake  against  the  poor  Gentiles,  when 
the  gospel  was  sent  among  them:  but  let  us  con- 
tinue to  pray  in  behalf  of  that  distinguished  na- 
tion, that  they  may  be  again  grafted  into  their 
own  olive-tree. — Seeing  we  are  "in  the  eyes  of 
the  Lord,  as  those  that  have  found  favor,"  and 
have  his  holy  word,  as  our  security  and  consola- 
tion, let  us  learn  to  give  the  praise  to  his  distin- 
guishing grace.  Let  us  also  remember,  that  all 
our  external  privileges  are  talents  committed  to 
our  trust:  and  woe  be  to  all  such  in  our  congre- 
gations, as  do  not  honor  him  in  their  lives,  in  some 
measure  answerable  to  their  obligations. — The 
Lord  has  heretofore  taken  his  vineyard  from  those 
that  rendered  not  the  fruits  in  their  season;  and 
he  will  not  continue  it  long  to  any  who  imitate 
their  corrupt  example.  Let  each  of  us  then  place 
our  vineyard  before  us,  and  earnestly  seek  grace, 
that  we  may  profit  by  every  ordinance  and  ad- 
vantage. (P.  O.  Is.  5:1—7.  Jlatt.  21:33—46.) 
Let  every  Christian  endeavor  suitably  to  perform 
the  duty  of  his  station,  that  "men  may  see  his 
good  works,  and  glorify  his  heavenly  Father:" 
and  let  him  not  forget  that  the  watchful  and  faith- 
ful ministers,  under  whom  his  soul  thrives,  are  en- 
titled to  a  share  of  his  affection  and  regard.  Let 
ministers  also  watch  over  their  parts  of  the  vine- 
yard, as  "those  who  must  give  account,"  and 
who  seek  their  recompense  from  their  gracious 
Lord  alone.  All  this  becomes  those,  "who  dwell 
in  the  gardens;"  and  the  fruit,  that  we  produce  to 
his  glor)^,  will  certainly  redound  to  our  own  ad- 
vantage. If  we  are  enabled  to  act  in  this  manner, 
new  inquirers  will  hearken  to  our  voice,  and  be 
instructed  and  admonished  by  our  prudent  coun- 
sel; while  angels  and  saints  in  heaven  rejoice  over 
the  success  of  our  zealous  endeavors,  and  our 
most  condescending  Lord  will  delight  to  hear  our 
requests:  and  whilst  we  continue  in  prayer  for 
whatever  we  want,  our  thanksgivings  also  will 
abound,  and  our  joy  be  full;  our  souls  wiU  be  more 
and  more  enriched,  and  we  shall  be  enabled  to 
look  forward  to  death  and  judgment  with  satis- 
faction, saying,  "Make  haste  my  Beloved,  and  be 
thou  like  to  a  roe,  or  to  a  young  hart,  upon  the 
mountains  of  spices."  May  the  Lord^thus  prepare 
the  writer  and  every  reader,  for  his  service  on 
earth,  and  for  the  felicity  of  his  heavenly  king'- 
dom! 


END  OF  VOL.  III. 


t: 


1B4G2YH1083J 

07-10-03  32180      MC    W 


Princeton 


Theological  SeminaiwUbr^ 


1    1012  01276   1831 


